Specialized Fires Back

If you keep up on bike industry news, you know that recently Easton-Bell sports (Easton, Bell, Giro, Blackburn) sued Specialized for allegedly preventing their accounts for selling Easton-Bell products (Helmets and Shoes probably the biggest items).

In what was a surprising move, instead of tiptoeing around the allegations and responding in typical lawyer speak, Specialized issued a response that makes a lot of sense. Here's the letter sent to retailers addressed October 19th, 2011.

In particular, Specialized makes a good case as to why they've taken the stance they've taken. In their letter, The big red "S" mention Easton-Bell's association with big-box retailers such as Walmart asking whether it makes "sense to support brands that do not wholly support you? Does it make sense to sell products that are available elsewhere for less?"

Kudo's to Specialized for standing up for their retailers, and while they may need to re-phrase their request to their dealers in the near future, they're thinking along the right path.