Tariff Rulings, Import Declines, and the E-Moto Reckoning

NBDA Executive Director Heather Mason returns with Steve Frothingham, Editor in Chief of Bicycle Retailer and Industry News, for the second installment of the BRAIN Quarterly News Hour — breaking down the biggest stories shaping specialty bike retail in March 2026.

Steve and Heather dig into the Supreme Court's tariff ruling and why most of the industry shouldn't expect immediate relief, which brands have filed suit to recover tariff payments, and the surprising political firestorm that followed. They also unpack a sobering new data point: the customs value of U.S. bike imports fell below $1 billion for the first time since 2006 — and what tariffs, inventory overhang, and e-bike data may or may not change about that picture.

Then the conversation turns to what Steve calls the biggest story facing the industry right now: e-motos and e-bike legislation. From New Jersey's sweeping new law already rattling retailers before it takes effect, to retailer insurance liability for Class 3 and beyond, to how NBDA, People for Bikes, and the Bike League are building a proactive legislative toolkit — this is a must-listen for every shop owner.

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Join Strider Bikes’ Jennifer Crawford, Customer Experience Manager, and Kent Jacobs, Product Manager, as they discuss how Strider supports dealers, grows youth cycling, and advocates for fun-first riding experiences.

From the Strider Rider Fund to strategies for expanding your kids bike department, discover practical tips to engage families and develop the next generation of cyclists.

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The NBDA News Hour focuses on the news and articles contained within The Micromobility Reporter, getting a more in-depth view from a firsthand seat with the experts on the Human Powered Solutions team.

The team at Human Powered Solutions has over 245 years of experience and are considered data wizards. Their monthly newsletter The Micromobility Reporter is a dynamic resource for the industry, featuring timely news and in-depth analysis about the latest in human-powered transportation, including bicycles, e-bicycles, e-scooters, and ride share. Included is a focus on supply chain issues, technology, and both business and consumer trends that drive the marketplace.

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In this episode, we chat with Peter Arlein, Founder and CEO of mountainFLOW, about his plant-based ski and bike products, including waxes, lubes, and water bottles that deliver high performance without harmful petrochemicals.

Peter shares the journey of building a Certified B Corp, lessons learned from both ski and bike retail, and how mountainFLOW is helping retailers integrate sustainable, eco-friendly products. We discuss the company’s mission, product innovation, and strategies for shops to engage riders who care about performance and preserving the environment they love to ride in.

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Want a gut check on what's happening outside of the industry? It's here.

Our Retailer Design Flex episode of Bicycle Retail Radio features Brian from Fixture Lab and NBDA President, Heather Mason as they tackle retailer flow and design issues.

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In this episode of Bicycle Retail Radio, SRAM Midwest Regional Field Guide Manager Dan Jennings and Technical Field Guide Sean Owen guide retailers through four key areas to focus on this spring: assessing service profitability, building a smarter service inventory, refining service menu pricing and value, and optimizing physical service space and workflow.

Packed with practical tips and actionable insights, the conversation gives shops the tools they need to strengthen their service operations and drive profitability.

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NBDA Executive Director Heather Mason and Programs Developer Megan Schmidt dive into the 2026 Retailer Summit series. From agenda design and industry partnerships to what makes each location unique, learn why these collaborative events are more important than ever for bike shops navigating growth, uncertainty, and opportunity.

NBDA Retailer Summit West: March 16 – 17, Plaza Hotel, Las Vegas
NBDA Retailer Summit Central: June 9 – 11, Bentonville, Arkansas
NBDA Retailer Summit Canada: July 29 – 30, Whistler

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Today on Bicycle Retail Radio we’re joined by the team from woom bikes to discuss the the brand’s origin story, core values, and thoughtfully designed superlight bikes built specifically for kids.

Plus, the team shares insights on growing the youth bike category, supporting retailers, advocacy initiatives, and what’s next for families and shops in this fun and rewarding segment.

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