July 16, 2013 (Irvine, California) – Effective on January 1, 2014, Shimano recently announced that distribution of the company’s components and pedals to North American retailers will be streamlined.

Besides Shimano American the distributors that will continue selling Shimano components in the U.S.A. include Giant Bicycle, KHS, Quality Bicycle Products, Raleigh America, Seattle Bike Supply, and Trek Bicycle – down from close to 20 companies previously. For Canada, only Cycles Lambert along with Shimano Canada will continue to distribute the Japanese giant’s products. Previously several companies including Live to Play Sports (Norco), Damco, Babac and few others carried Shimano products.

Shimano American and Shimano Canada will continue to be the sole distributors of Shimano wheels, cycling footwear, eyewear, apparel, bags, and PRO in North America and Shimano bicycle pedals will now be distributed exclusively by Shimano in each country.

Shimano says the move is to better support their dealer network but some see the transition as a way to better control the marketplace and increase market share.

The official release reads,  “Today’s move follows years of investment by Shimano to understand and support cyclists and independent bicycle dealers more completely. Shimano’s investments in the IBD channel have included technical dealer education, marketing and business solutions, dedicated technical personnel, and special events.

“We believe that this change is required by the rapidly changing market. Independent bicycle dealers have been and will continue to be our key customer base and by having a direct business relationship with them, we will be more aligned with their businesses, have closer relationships with cyclists, and offer more support and effective solutions to dealers’ challenges in the market, ” said Yutaka Taniyama, Vice President, Bicycle Division of Shimano American Corp. “While we are ending our business relationship with many of our great distributors, we greatly appreciate all of the support that they have provided to Shimano and to dealers. I would like to express our sincere appreciation to them.”

Read the complete release here.