Will all bikes eventually be sold consumer-direct?

Specialized rocked the industry last week with the announcement of its Rider Direct program, which allows buyers in select markets to have complete bikes delivered right to their door — either by a participating dealer or in a cardboard box. Dedicated consumer-direct brands like Canyon and YT bike brands already do this, of course, but Specialized is the first major traditional brand to go that route. Without question, the world has gotten used to buying anything and everything online, so this is clearly where things are going. But is it a good thing or a bad thing for consumers and bike shops? And when might other brands follow suit? We discuss this — and more — in this week’s episode.