Quality Bicycle Products
.jpg){kind=small} | |
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Bicycle parts and accessories distribution |
| Founded | 1981 |
| Headquarters | Bloomington, MN, USA |
Key people | Steve Flagg, Founder |
| Products | Surly Bikes |
| Revenue |  $150 million USD (2008) |
Number of employees | 450 [1] (2008) |
| Website | www.qbp.com |
Quality Bicycle Products is the largest distributor of bicycle parts and accessories in the bicycle industry,[1] with revenues of $150 million in 2008.[2] In addition to wholesaling bicycles and components from other manufacturers, QBP owns and manufactures several brands of its own. QBP also works to make a positive contribution to its community through cycling advocacy and green building.
Where/what is the encyclopaedic value of this QBP self-congratulatory article?
History
QBP was founded by Steve Flagg in 1981 in St. Paul, MN,[1] and orders were initially filled by just him and his wife Mary. QBP saw significant growth when it began supplying mountain bike replacement parts, hitting $1 million by 1985.[2] QBP now supplies about 5000 bike dealers[2] and has recently branched out into supplying equipment for other sports such as Nordic skiing and running. QBP has also begun focusing on the freeride market by developing freeride frames and by offering specialized components, accessories, and apparel.[3]
Where/what is the encyclopaedic value of this QBP self-congratulatory article?
Brands
QBP distributes bicycles and components from over 400 brands. Examples include Brooks, Campagnolo, Cinelli, Easton, LOOK, Marzocchi, Mavic, Shimano, SRAM, Sturmey-Archer, Xtracycle, and Zipp.[4] Besides being the exclusive US distributor for Ridley Bicycles,[1] and the western hemisphere distributor for BMC, QBP owns and distributes its own brands of bicycles: Surly and Salsa.
Advocacy
QBP is active in cycling advocacy with programs such as bike path and trail projects and bike-to-work programs. QBP promotes cycling by its own employees with a commuter reimbursement program and by providing bike racks, showers, lockers and escort services[clarification needed].
Facility
QBP has a 135,000 square feet (13,000 m2), energy efficient, warehouse in Bloomington, MN,[2] with a 40-kilowatt solar panel array, that traps and filters 90 percent of its storm-water runoff,[1] and that employs water efficient technology such as waterless urinals. The building has received gold LEED certification.[5]
Events
QBP hosts an annual conference, called Frostbike, in February for its dealers at its facility. In 2008, 349 bike shops and 155 vendors from around the world attended the three-day event,[6] which includes seminars intended to help dealers improve their own business. Topics include employee retention, cash flow management, community involvement, supply chain management, and merchandising.[7]
References
- ^ a b c d Zinn, Lennard (May 2009). "Putting the Quality in Your Bicycles" (PDF). VeloNews. Competitor Group Inc. pp. 91–92. Retrieved 2009-12-28.
- ^ a b c d St. Anthony, Neal (September 20, 2008). "Parts come together". Star Tribune. Minneapolis, MN: Star Tribune. Retrieved 2009-12-28.
- ^ "QBP Launches Freeride Initiative". Bicycle Retailer & Industry New. Costa Mesa, CA: National Bicycle Dealers Association. December 15, 2009. Retrieved 2009-12-28.
- ^ "Our Company - Brands". Retrieved 2009-12-28.
- ^ "QBP Receives Gold LEED Certification for Distribution Center" (PDF). Retrieved 2009-12-28.
- ^ "Frostbike '08 Defies Wind Chills as Bike Industry Heats Up" (PDF). Retrieved 2009-12-28.
- ^ "Frostbike Schedule". Retrieved 2009-12-28.