Quality Bicycle Products
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Bicycle components and accessories distribution |
| Founded | January 1, 1981 in St. Paul, Minnesota, United States |
| Founder | Steve Flagg, Mary Henrickson |
| Headquarters | Bloomington, Minnesota , United States |
Area served | United States |
Key people | Rich Tauer (CEO), Steve Flagg (Chairman) |
| Products | Bicycles, bicycle parts, outdoor equipment |
Number of employees | 690 (2015) |
| Website | www |
Quality Bicycle Products (QBP) stands as a leading distributor of bicycle components and accessories in the United States, reporting revenues of $150 million in 2008. Established by Steve Flagg and based in Bloomington, Minnesota, QBP specializes in wholesale distribution within the cycling sector, representing multiple manufacturers. The firm also develops and markets several in-house brands, strengthening its product range and market position. Committed to cycling advocacy and eco-friendly business operations, QBP actively participates in community initiatives and sustainable building projects.
History
QBP was founded in 1981 by Steve Flagg and Mary Henrickson in St. Paul, Minnesota. During its inaugural year, the company achieved sales of $100,000, which expanded to $500,000 by 1983. Initially concentrating on mountain bikes and importing niche components from Japan, QBP employed its first staff member in 1984 and surpassed $1 million in parts sales shortly thereafter. In 1996, the company secured a 67,000-square-foot warehouse located in West Bloomington, forming a central logistics hub.
Growth continued through strategic acquisitions and brand creation; in 1997, QBP acquired Salsa Cycles, a California-based mountain bike manufacturer. The following year saw the introduction of Surly Bikes, featuring innovative products such as the Singleton chain tensioner and the Rat Ride frame (which evolved into the 1X1 model). The company further broadened its offerings with specialty items under Problem Solvers, value-oriented accessories via Dimension, and premium components through Winwood. Additionally, QBP obtained exclusive U.S. distribution rights for Jagwire’s brake and derailleur lines from Taiwan.
In response to increasing bicycle commuting trends, QBP launched the Civia brand in 2007 and rebranded Wheelhouse as Handspun, focusing on custom wheelsets for consumers. That same year marked the creation of All-City, catering to urban riders with single-speed and fixed-gear bicycles. Industry accolades include receiving the Carbon Buster Award from U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar and being named among America’s Top Workplaces by Outside Magazine in 2011.
The company expanded its distribution capabilities with new centers established in Ogden, Utah (2010), Middletown, Pennsylvania (2011), and a larger facility in Lancaster, Pennsylvania (2015), with a notable emphasis on sustainability demonstrated by LEED Gold certification at the Utah center. In 2015, Steve Flagg stepped down as CEO, succeeded by Rich Tauer while remaining chairman. That year also witnessed QBP opening offices in Taiwan and growing its workforce to 690 employees. A fourth distribution center commenced operations in Reno, Nevada in 2016.
In April 2020, due to impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic, QBP implemented workforce reductions affecting 12% of its employees.
Brands
QBP owns nineteen distinct brands including Salsa, Surly, All-City, 45North, Handspun, Foundry, Civia, Whisky, MSW, Problem Solvers, Dimension, Mechanical Threads, R12, Q-Tubes, Buzzy's, and iSSi. Its Q-Active division supplies products to independent retailers specializing in skiing, running, and outdoor activities. In 2011, QBP formalized a distribution partnership with Fyxation. The company’s portfolio encompasses bicycles, bicycle parts, and outdoor equipment. It was announced in August 2023 that the All-City brand will be phased out following the conclusion of the 2024 season.