Recently I met with Robert Priest, Director of OEM and Aftermarket sales for Europe and Gary Mullaney, UK Marketing from SRAM HQ in the Netherlands, a global bicycle component manufacturer second only in size to Shimano. The team were questioning market trends and customer perception of their products thats come equipped on Specialized bikes. It was interesting to talk with the team about product development and how pro athletes are involved to help make products the best, whilst understanding how these can be accessible on a consumer level.
SRAM operates within a group of companies including Rock Shox, Avid, Zipp and SRAM branded products. I found it fascinating to find out more about the way these brands work together to produce market leading products in their own respect, that feature cross platform compatibility amongst their ranges. Particular points were discussed regarding Lance Armstrong's input into the continuing development of SRAM Red components and how this can take place even after the product has been in the market place for a couple of years. His particular input relates to personal ergonomic and anthropometric constraints with the product since no variant is offered for larger hand to hold brake levers.
