Originally Posted by
mstateglfr
An '02 US tariff on steel led to global bicycle manufacturers moving to aluminum and carbon wven though both had been in heavy use for over a decade?
Like I said, not the only factor, one of the factors. In 2002, most major bicycle makes had at least a few steel bikes in their stable. We know from recent history that U.S. tariffs have a global effect and tend to set trends in the market. In 2002, the global price of steel increases, but especially for American imports, combined with the increased availability and decreasing cost of other materials like aluminum and composite/carbon. You don't need a degree in economics to understand that this will create less supply of goods made from steel (like bikes) and more supply of goods made from other materials.
I don't mean to discount the other sport-specific factors. All factors are valid. Bike companies, however, are also players in a global economy are are affected when the world's largest economy makes a change.