Riese and Muller coming to USA

[Berry78]

I emailed Riese and Muller about their bikes and they have confirmed that they are in negotiations with several US stores, and we can expect to start seeing them in early 2017!

I also inquired about weight limits. Their bikes have approximately a 250lb. weight limit, except the Charger GH nuvinci which is approx. 300lbs. Weight limit includes rider and luggage.

 

[Chris Nolte]

We are very excited about their bikes and working with their team! We have samples arriving in our shop next month and we'll be placing individual custom orders for customers. All bikes are built to order using their just in time inventory system.

 

[Deleted member 803]

Nice bikes..unfortunately their limited distribution strategy means that the products will see limited sales. We continue to be confounded by vendors who limit distribution at a time when the IBD network is continuing to contract and the market dynamics of where and how consumers purchase ebikes is evolving rapidly.

 

[Chris Nolte]

I do think they could probably sell more bikes in a short period if they had a more open distribution model, but through my conversations with their team I have learned that it's more important that they grow their dealer network slowly ensuring that the dealers are representing their products in line with their vision. Frankly I respect their strategy and we're very excited to be working with them.

Keep in mind their bikes are not mass produced in Asia. They use a just in time production model in their production facility in Germany and although they are one of the largest producer of electric bikes in Germany they still want to grow slowly and sustainably. I had the privilege of visiting them while in Germany and I am thoroughly impressed with the way in which they work. I think most other ebike companies could learn a bit from them, but maybe that just comes with time.

 

[Deleted member 803]

We saw them at Interbike and were impressed with their bikes. We could do really well selling these to Silicon Valley corporate employees but they chose just one dealer in all of the SF Bay area. I understand and appreciate your comments but my business judgement tells me that they will see very limited sales. It is probably good for you though. Happy selling!

 

[Berry78]

We are very excited about their bikes and working with their team! We have samples arriving in our shop next month and we'll be placing individual custom orders for customers. All bikes are built to order using their just in time inventory system.

It has been a little while, just checking back in to see if your samples have arrived. Also, once a customer places an order with you, how long should the customer expect to wait before receipt of his/her bike?

 

[Chris Nolte]

It has been a little while, just checking back in to see if your samples have arrived. Also, once a customer places an order with you, how long should the customer expect to wait before receipt of his/her bike?

Our samples are on the water in route to us now. We are hoping to see them by the end of the month. Regarding ordering, there are a couple of options, but it should be about 4-6 weeks for the standard method and slightly shorter if you opt for air freight. We're still working on the air freight option since our plan is to ship the bikes without batteries and we'll have to source batteries from Magura. I can update you once the samples arrive if you'd like. Feel free to reach out with any questions in the meanwhile.

 

[Chris Nolte]

For the sake of continuity I should note that our samples have arrived along with the first shipment of customers bikes. We have several demo's at the shop which I have listed below.

Riese & Müller Delite GX Rohloff HS
Riese & Müller Charger Touring HS
Riese & Müller Nevo Nuvinci
Riese & Müller Tinker Nuvinci
Riese & Müller Load Touring HS
Riese & Müller Packster 60 Nuvinci
Riese & Müller Birdy Speed

I figured it would be helpful to share this list in case someone has questions about a specific bike. We should be getting more in the spring and I think Court will be taking a trip to review the bikes as well. He was supposed to review them when he was here in November but the shipment was delayed a bit.