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There are changes a-brewin’ in the Dirt Works family of brands.
Fox Racing Shox will no longer be distributed by Dirt Works as of July 1st 2008. :eek: From that date, Netti will be the new distributor and service centre.
You can contact them on: Phone: 02 9550 1655, Email: netti@netti.com.au
We are working closely with Netti to ensure that Fox customers have as smooth and seamless a transition as possible. In the meantime, Dirt Works will continue to handle Fox warranty work up until the last few days prior to this date. We will continue to offer our industry leading turnaround times on all Fox products until then.
Many of you will no doubt be asking “why?” …
Fox’ new ownership required that we sign an exclusive suspension agreement with Fox. This agreement would have conflicted with some of our other long term suppliers’ products.
We decided that it was not in the best interests of Dirt Works, our suppliers and our employees to sign the agreement. It’s a shame as we still like the Fox brand but, in the end, that’s business.
We have enjoyed being able to be involved with Fox for the last 8 years and have seen them grow from an OEM rear shock company into a full suspension supplier. We wish Netti well with Fox for the future.
(keep an eye out at your local dealer for some mind blowing specials as we clear current 2008 stocks)
Elvis.
chuckrockswell
10-04-2008, 11:52 AM
oh dear god it actually happened...
kizza01
10-04-2008, 12:01 PM
The take over by Compass Diversified Holdings can mean one of two things. First being that with a powerful and wealthy parent company, more money and resources can be invested in R&D to consolidate FOX as the number one Suspension manufacturer in the world. OR in the interests of maximising profit, open up the target market and start targeting the low end product market.
The brand can only go two ways from here, lets hope its the first.
Pixsoul
10-04-2008, 12:26 PM
Wow, that sucks. But I guess at the end of the day business is business. It would have been nice to see Fox be a little more lenient on their new policy and Dirtworks remain as the distributor in Australia.
Dirtworks handled Fox extremely well. Netti have a tall task living up to the service and support provided.
Good luck to DW and Netti in all respects.
Cheers,
Ken
Exclusive agreements suck.
Toxic
10-04-2008, 02:24 PM
So when are you going to announce that Manitou are entering the house since they are now owned by Hayes and Sun-Ringle, both of which you distribute?
Mmmmmm.......stirring. :p
So when are you going to announce that Manitou are entering the house since they are now owned by Hayes and Sun-Ringle, both of which you distribute?
Mmmmmm.......stirring. :p
I imagine DT (they make air shocks remember) are a bigger profit-turner than Fox in general, and so DW have chosen to keep them on instead of Fox... yeah just more speculation :)
Pixsoul
10-04-2008, 05:45 PM
I imagine DT (they make air shocks remember) are a bigger profit-turner than Fox in general, and so DW have chosen to keep them on instead of Fox... yeah just more speculation :)
DT also bought Pace, so they now make forks too ;)
Not to mention DT's other products, which I am sure account for more numbers than their suspension....hubs, spokes, rims and complete wheels.
morto1980
10-04-2008, 06:10 PM
I wonder what will happen if/when Scott bikes (distributed by Netti) decide not to use Fox forks on some of their models? It gets very complicated very quickly. I suppose whole bikes are different to componentry.
This week has been a list of disappointments: Fox leaving DW, Ebay mandating PayPal payments, me not winning lotto (AGAIN... I guess I'll have to start buying tickets to increase my chances). :D
Pixsoul
10-04-2008, 06:18 PM
I wonder what will happen if/when Scott bikes (distributed by Netti) decide not to use Fox forks on some of their models?
The Scott brand should have no impact on whether Netti do Fox. Scott don't use much Fox through their range, no more than RockShox etc. Scott also use their own rear shocks and not Fox, so as far as Fox is concerned Scott is probably one of their smaller clients.
Plus Netti sell Scott bikes as completes, and Fox as after market products, completely separate and isolated product lines for Netti.
indica
10-04-2008, 07:37 PM
Compass Equity (http://www.compassequity.com/about_us/our_team/)
Based on the photos alone ... no more Fox for me ...Fark 'em.
'Alex
10-04-2008, 07:47 PM
"As founder of Fox, and the sole owner for over 30 years, I am now very excited about this transition of ownership to Compass. The financial strength and resources Compass provides will enable Fox to continue its strong growth and leadership in all its markets. It will also enable us to aggressively pursue new projects and opportunities. I will continue as President and CEO and will maintain a significant financial interest. On a personal note, I am excited about the opportunity this provides me to focus more of my time and energy doing the design and engineering work, the part of the business I love the most. As a successful, healthy company, Fox had the luxury of looking for and selecting the best partner for this transaction, we chose Compass."
Bob Fox, President and CEO
Fox Racing Shox
So by the sounds of it.. just a "friendly" inverster to assist in the growth of fox factory.. couldn't be too bad.
But the scary part is Compass' line
We believe that this high level of attention assists our managers in their efforts to improve the performance of their companies, ultimately maximizing returns to our shareholders and management investors.
indica
10-04-2008, 07:54 PM
No, it's not good Alex ... anyone want a Fox helmet and DHX 4.0?
BOYCOTT ... did you see those photos and read the blurbs?
'Alex
10-04-2008, 07:58 PM
No, it's not good Alex ... anyone want a Fox helmet and DHX 4.0?
BOYCOTT ... did you see those photos and read the blurbs?
ben fox factory dont make helmets.. :p
Fox is a designer, manufacturer and marketer of high end suspension products for mountain bikes, all terrain vehicles, snowmobiles and other off-road vehicles. Your thinking of Fox Racing.... Total different to Fox Racing Shox:D
indica
10-04-2008, 08:00 PM
Told ... cheers, didn't know that (me... dork)
So ... want my DHX 4.0 .... corporate shite
Matt H
10-04-2008, 08:02 PM
Keep your pants on guys, the compass board looks completely normal... 'specially this guy!
http://www.compassequity.com/images/team.terry.jpg
I just found a new MSN avatar. :D
On topic:
DW did a great job with Fox, working in a LBS they were great to deal with.
In saying that I've had no problems with Netti before so we'll see how things go...
To whoever mentioned DW getting manitou... Didn't steve cramer products drop answer from their line a few weeks/months ago? *strokes chin* :D
Pixsoul
11-04-2008, 06:56 AM
Total different to Fox Racing Shox:D
Completely seperate companies yes, but I wouldn't say too different. From what I know, Fox Racing (the clothing, armour, etc) and Fox Racing Shox are owned by 2 brothers. Their last name is Fox and they started their companies around the same time I believe and couldn't decide who could use a fox for their logo. So they split the difference. Fox Racing Shox got the tail and Fox Racing got the Head....I wonder if some coins were involved?
I am pretty sure this is true...but not too sure, maybe when I was younger I heard some old MTBer drunkenly slurring it and then took it as fact? :rolleyes:
On an earlier point, I don't think having Fox as a publicly listed company should be damaging to the product. While it is possible they might cut corners to improve profits, cutting corners on product quality will only lead to problems in the future and reduced sales...share holders don't like that.
It is more likely that a new manager will come in fire a whole bunch of people and make production more automated or efficient with less people.
Also don't forget, one of the biggest (maybe the biggest?) companies in cycling, Shimano, has been publicly listed for quite some time. While they have brought out some utter crap and forced it down our throats for a while, they have brought it back on track...namely because they would have lost sales to SRAM, especially doing their wacky reverse sprung derrailleurs, STI shifters etc. Shareholders and managers don't like lost sales, so we have seen them come back with a vengeance in the past couple of years with vastly improved products and better pricing which has seen them gain alot of head way in the market again.
So while having a company public listed is a bit scary, ultimately we the end consumer should benefit.
Cheers,
Ken
John U
11-04-2008, 09:44 AM
So while having a company public listed is a bit scary, ultimately we the end consumer should benefit.
Hope you are right. Hope also that the Fox employees are looked after properly too. Maximising profit quite often means shafting employees. Which in the end doesn't always mean maximising profits. Offshoring anyone?
MrCove
11-04-2008, 04:44 PM
http://www.compassequity.com/images/team.ryan.jpg
i would
http://www.compassequity.com/images/team.ryan.jpg
i would
Jeeze, if I ever need a wingman, I'm calling MrCove:D
tu plang
11-04-2008, 04:54 PM
Compass Equity (http://www.compassequity.com/about_us/our_team/)
Based on the photos alone ... no more Fox for me ...Fark 'em.
...Because they wear suits? ...Remind you too much of the fact that you aren't the boss?
MrCove
11-04-2008, 05:10 PM
as long as you're buying........
ovadahill
11-04-2008, 07:03 PM
Will DW transfer some of their service guys to Netti as well?? Can someone give me an idea if the new Netti shock service will be up to scratch when they start up -- or will it be better if I delay my shock service for a few months???
Will DW transfer some of their service guys to Netti as well?? Can someone give me an idea if the new Netti shock service will be up to scratch when they start up -- or will it be better if I delay my shock service for a few months???
All our tech/service guys are staying at DW. We have plenty of exciting new and current projects for them to sink their teeth into. (but I can't tell you more just yet...)
Netti are supposed to be up and running on July 1st. However, we will be continuing to do 48 hour turnarounds on all Fox product until the last few days.
You could always send your shocks/forks in to DW prior to July 1st.
Hope that helps.
Elvis.
(keep an eye out at your local dealer for some mind blowing specials as we clear current 2008 stocks)And here I was planning to defer my new fork purchase until Christmas :mad: Time to knock the card about again :mad: Damn you!
indica
12-04-2008, 05:49 AM
...Because they wear suits? ...Remind you too much of the fact that you aren't the boss?
No. Because they look like a bunch of corporate freaks.
Like buying suspension from Maccas or a superannuation company. Its not something I am into.
Nothing to do with not being the boss, I wouldn't want to be a money focused number cruncher. I bet they have prayer sessions at work.
akashra
12-04-2008, 01:57 PM
I don't understand, what's stopping DirtWorks continuing to offer servicing on Fox forks? If this remains a profitable service offered, why can that in addition to sales?
Maybe Compass liked how Netti price fixed :p
top_dog
13-04-2008, 12:40 PM
All our tech/service guys are staying at DW.
You'll need as many as you can get when you start fixing Manitou...
Matt H
14-04-2008, 09:15 AM
You'll need as many as you can get when you start fixing Manitou...
below the belt... lol.
Gripper
14-04-2008, 04:39 PM
You'll need as many as you can get when you start fixing Manitou...
below the belt... lol.
Not a product ^ you'd carry by choice though..........
Let's hope Niffty can carry the torch
Fat_Ride
15-04-2008, 01:40 PM
Netti has done a good job in recent years in raising the profile of Scott bikes in Australia.
It will be interesting to see how well they handle such an established brand as Fox...
I doubt that Fox would have handed them the agency if they didn't believe they had the resources and experience to further grow the brand.
Sutek
17-04-2008, 10:46 PM
Maybe Compass liked how Netti price fixed :p
Ouch! gave me a chuckle, I must admit.
I'm keeping my opinions to myself to avoid an ass-whipping, but I'd like to say that anyone handling Fox will be up against it when it comes to getting close to Dirt Work's service levels.
Onward and upward. no doubt.;)
Fat_Ride
14-05-2008, 02:19 PM
I don't understand, what's stopping DirtWorks continuing to offer servicing on Fox forks? If this remains a profitable service offered, why can that in addition to sales?
Dirt works would have had to decide between DT and Fox. Fox were asking them to sign an exclusivity agreement which meant that if they wanted to continue distributing the Fox brand to the Aussie market it would have to be their one and only shock brand. Obviously they've decided that the DT swiss brand, carrying a much wider product range, is more profitable!
In regards to Dirt Work's service levels, was this warranty issues, etc or did Dirt Works do all Fox fork and shock related services?
I'm just interested to understand why the supplier is responsible for such maintenance and not the LBS?? It is a warranty issue that Fox has where only the distributor can touch the fork??
The main reason for interest is that either myself or my LBS usually do any required work to my Fox fork... Is this wrong??? I am certain we get the seals, oil, etc from Dirtworks.
akashra
14-05-2008, 03:04 PM
I'm just interested to understand why the supplier is responsible for such maintenance and not the LBS?? It is a warranty issue that Fox has where only the distributor can touch the fork??
The main reason for interest is that either myself or my LBS usually do any required work to my Fox fork... Is this wrong??? I am certain we get the seals, oil, etc from Dirtworks.
The discussion I had with someone from SRAM recently was that the basic reason is that stores and mechanics don't want to learn how to deal with forks to service them. [I've been told] They're damn easy to do and take almost no time, it's just that you need to know what you're doing.
indica
14-05-2008, 03:10 PM
The main reason for interest is that either myself or my LBS usually do any required work to my Fox fork... Is this wrong??? I am certain we get the seals, oil, etc from Dirtworks.
A friend of mine who owns and runs the shop in my sig does the lot ... rear shocks, all brands and all styles.I was actually surprised when I discovered hardly anyone does a rear shock and some shops don't do forks.
Fat_Ride
14-05-2008, 03:23 PM
The discussion I had with someone from SRAM recently was that the basic reason is that stores and mechanics don't want to learn how to deal with forks to service them. [I've been told] They're damn easy to do and take almost no time, it's just that you need to know what you're doing.
For any LBS though doesn't the cream of their profit come from services, etc? Obviously charging for labour is where the greatest margin is!
I notice that, from the Fox website, in the US there are hundreds of 'Fox Authorised Service Centres' and when you go to Australia it comes up with Dirtworks' details.
Well trained, knowledgable and 'authorised' service centres sound like good places to take a fork or shock for any work...
[QUOTE=Fat_Ride;1383638]I notice that, from the Fox website, in the US there are hundreds of 'Fox Authorised Service Centres' and when you go to Australia it comes up with Dirtworks' details.
QUOTE]
Kinda true.
Except that the 'Fox Authorised Service Centres' all over the USA, are still not able to do internal shock work. Nothing different to dealers over here actually.
We've been training dealers for the last few years to do specialist fork (and some basic rear shock) work.
Elvis.
indica
14-05-2008, 07:13 PM
We've been training dealers for the last few years to do specialist fork (and some basic rear shock) work.
Elvis.
Is it that hard to do Elvis?
I know Peter Haig can do everything ...
shmity
14-05-2008, 07:28 PM
A friend of mine who owns and runs the shop in my sig does the lot ... rear shocks, all brands and all styles.I was actually surprised when I discovered hardly anyone does a rear shock and some shops don't do forks.
I would put the rear shock servicing down to the fact in past years majority of shocks have been nitro charged (5th, fox and manitou all included) which makes it very hard to service in the shop. I would say part of this mentality has carried over, along with the fact that its easier for a shop to put the shock in a satchel and send it off, especially when DW could get it back in the punters hands in the same time or less than a busy shop could have.
indica
14-05-2008, 07:34 PM
I would put the rear shock servicing down to the fact in past years majority of shocks have been nitro charged (5th, fox and manitou all included) which makes it very hard to service in the shop. I would say part of this mentality has carried over, along with the fact that its easier for a shop to put the shock in a satchel and send it off, especially when DW could get it back in the punters hands in the same time or less than a busy shop could have.
Yes, but IMO you miss out on criticising their work based on the carpark bounce test.
shmity
14-05-2008, 07:37 PM
Probably a good thing! :p
Yowie
14-05-2008, 10:04 PM
I would put the rear shock servicing down to the fact in past years majority of shocks have been nitro charged (5th, fox and manitou all included) which makes it very hard to service in the shop. I would say part of this mentality has carried over, along with the fact that its easier for a shop to put the shock in a satchel and send it off, especially when DW could get it back in the punters hands in the same time or less than a busy shop could have.
A nitrogen charging kit is an easy find your friendly local ac/refrigeration trade supply centre or industrial diesel equiptment supplier can sort you out with no problem. Specialist tooling and equiptment however......easy if your lathe stil works:(
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