Introducing Phorm: saddles and grips engineered for optimum comfort. Developed by Ergon, the experts in bike ergonomics.
Distributed exclusively in the U.S. by QBP.
Civia bicycles get you around your neighborhood in comfort and style. They're beautifully designed with thoughtful touches, such as color-matched fenders, chainguards and integrated rear racks. Visit us online at www.civiacycles.com
Civia is available to dealers exclusively through QBP.
Life is beautiful. Ride a Civia.
Get one-touch, frictionless shifting with the ACROS A-GE hydraulic system. Lightweight, powerful and durable, changing gears was never easier.
Now available to dealers on QBP.com
Foundry's fleet of tough, fast, hard-riding bikes brings high-performance carbon to a new class of riders.
Experience the 2012 lineup of cross, dirt and road bikes at foundrycycles.com. Foundry bikes are available to retailers exclusively through QBP.
"The idea that values and business can combine to give us outstanding yearly results and a great work environment filled with wonderful people is almost too good to be true. I love the fact we have created a company that makes a positive difference in the world. And we are happy to share what we know with anyone."
Steve Flagg, Founder and President of QBP
Our Business
Serving more than 5,000 independent bike dealers, QBP is widely regarded as the best wholesale distributor to the cycling industry. We believe that's because our focus on serving customers serves their own businesses so well. By staying focused, we fulfill our purpose of transforming the world through business. Can business really save the world? We think so—when it's done right. That's why we share profits with employees, and give back to the community, and lead the way as an environmentally progressive company.
It also doesn't hurt that we're in one of the most people and planet-friendly industries in the world—the bike business.
We believe bicycles make people's lives better by improving their health, saving them money, and helping them do their part to create a more sustainable environment.
Bike Business Builds Communities and Economies
As a company, we harness the power of our business to spur economic development in communities large and small; promote social change that supports bike riding as a way of life; and ultimately improve the health and economic vitality of our nation.
Every Butt on a Bike
By getting every butt on a bike, we can create meaningful benefits for individuals, businesses, communities and nations that can truly change the world.
Businesses Building a Better World
Of course, we don't have a monopoly on doing business right. We partner with other like-minded companies that share our values and are committed to making a positive difference in their communities. We provide living proof that a business can be profitable while making the world a better place.
Weaving a Better Bike Basket—And Way of Life—in Ghana
At QBP we believe the power of business can make a positive difference in the world. So does Kate Herzog, a native of Ghana who runs House of Talents, a St. Paul-based business that imports hand-made baskets and other artisan-crafted products from her homeland. When Kate approached QBP with a proposal to create traditionally woven baskets for bicycles, President Steve Flagg eagerly accepted the small vendor's proposal.
"We saw this as more than an ordinary business opportunity," said Flagg. "It was a chance to align with a company that is making a genuine difference in the lives of people in communities throughout Ghana."
Intensely proud of their efforts, the weavers call their baskets Asungtaba, which means "helping each other succeed" in Frafra, the language of northeastern Ghana. The colorful, durable baskets were an instant hit with bike dealers and their customers. Product quickly sold out.
Demand for the baskets is so high that Kate hired more than 200 Ghanaian women, and plans to enlist more in the near future. In a nation plagued by poverty and unemployment, the new source of income has made a profound impact on hundreds of families.
"Our partnership with QBP has made a tremendous impact for our business and the community," said Herzog. "When I asked the community about the impact, the answer was "we have no words to describe how you have changed our lives." House of Talents Website
QBP Events
Always innovating ways to create value for our community of dealers and vendors, QBP hosts two major industry events each year. By combining education, expo and meaningful experiences, we provide our partners the opportunity to learn, make personal connections, and expand their business potential.
Frostbike: Education & Expo
Sharpen business and technical skills and kickoff the coming sales season at our open house Frostbike Website
SaddleDrive: Ride & Write
Ride our latest bikes and plan purchases for the next model year SaddleDrive Website
"We're using the power of the bike business to make the world a better place. It's about advocating to get more people riding more often. It's about involving employees, community members and businesses in a bike-centered movement to improve personal health, advance social justice and create a more environmentally sustainable planet."
We give six percent of our annual after-tax profits to a range of national and local charities. Through our Advocacy, Community Service and Environment (ACE) program, we empower employees to do volunteer work; develop and participate in environmental initiatives; and advocate for expanding the presence of bicycles on the streets and within American culture.
It's about involving employees, community members and businesses to use bike advocacy as a tool to get more people riding more often, promote social justice and build a more sustainable, bike-friendly planet.
Our vision is to inspire others to make their communities more livable, healthier, bike-friendly places, and work toward the creation of a globally sustainable civilization.
To learn more about the ACE program contact Seth Nesselhuf, ACE director at snesselh@qbp.com or call
952.941.9778 ext. 1125.
Advocacy
"We believe in this transformative power of the bicycle—that communities can get healthier; that kids can get healthier; that schools and businesses can use cycling as an economic driver so that the community itself gets fiscally or financially healthier."
Creating new places to ride is one of the most important things we do. After all, our products are used and enjoyed on bike lanes, bike paths, and mountain bike trails. We lobby for federal funds in Washington, D.C. and work with state departments of transportation and local advocacy groups to implement programs like:
Safe Routes to School
Non-Motorized Pilot Program for Minneapolis cycling network
Mountain bike trail, BMX track and bike path projects
Bike-to-work programs and bike rack donations for area businesses
Bike-mechanic training and apprenticeship programs
QBP and the Advocacy team support the following bicycle advocacy organizations:
QBP Advocacy contact:
Alice Erickson aerickso@qbp.com
952.941.9391 ext. 1541
Community
"Community service is about sharing with each other an intended purpose to do good. When we do good for others, we feel good about who we are. . . . That's a part of us we all need just to be productive and happy within our day and within our lives."
Pam Hile, QBP ACE Committee
The QBP Community Service Program helps employees volunteer time, make QBP-matched donations, and collects goods for charitable organizations. Collectively, our staff gives thousands of hours and dollars for the betterment of our community—locally and around the world. QBP matches each hour with a financial contribution to the organization.
QBP supports many community service organizations including:
Full Cycle Bike Shop and Community Outreach
Sibley Bike Depot and the Ogden Bike Collective*
Trips for Kids
Red Cross Youth Bikes
World Bicycle Relief
Bike parts for U.S. Troops in Middle East
Check out our video about these community-based bike shops.
QBP helps finance Full Cycle, a Minneapolis-based outreach program that helps homeless and at-risk youth build better lives through paid, six-month bike-mechanic internships. Participants are also connected with vitally needed social services. Not only does this benefit the community, it provides local bike shops with a steady supply of well-trained mechanics.
Additionally, funding from QBP lets Full Cycle employ a fulltime bike mechanic, offer bicycle mechanic courses, and run a small retail business that repairs and sells used bikes.
Each holiday season, the employees of QBP raise enough funds to purchase bikes for a select group of deserving families. In 2011, we worked with Erik’s Bike Shop and Full Cycle in the Twin Cities, and Saturday Cycles in Ogden, UT, to help four families get on the road to good health and better living through biking.
In 2011, our annual Doce de Mayo fundraiser focused on the Sibley Bike Depot, a St. Paul-based community bike shop that promotes self-sufficiency and environmental sustainability by encouraging people to ride bikes.
QBP Community Service Contact:
Pam Hile phile@qbp.com
952.941.9391 ext. 1200
Learn more about QBP Advocacy programs by contacting ace@qbp.com
Environment
"Regardless of how many degrees of separation we're dealing with, every decision we make has an effect on the environment. Therefore, we need to consider the environment in every decision."
Chuck Sween, QBP Environmental Coordinator
Partnering for Lasting Change
Sustainable business practices are deeply connected with the health of our planet. We constantly work to reduce waste, lower energy consumption, and find more efficient ways to get and distribute goods. As a wholesale distributor, we develop green supply chain initiatives—upstream and downstream. We reach out to other businesses and organizations, helping them incorporate sustainable practices. Working together, we can achieve lasting change that benefits our world for generations to come.
Environmental Sense and Business Cents
Shipping orders by air is costly to your budget and hurts the environment. With QBP's Ground Incentive Program, qualified dealers* who choose ground shipping instead of air receive freight credits and a discount on their invoices.
*Dealers must be eligible for air-shipping incentive.
Supply Side Sustainability
Because we strive to use only sustainable products and materials, we examine everything that comes into QBP—from cleaning supplies to pens and paper.
Green Acres
From rooftop solar panels to worm-based composting, we cover a lot of ground to reduce environmental impact. Both our Utah and Minnesota facilities feature 40-kilowatt solar arrays and LEED-designed offices and distribution centers*. At all our locations—including Pennsylvania—we:
Practice company-wide recycling and waste reduction
Use biodegradable utensils and reusable ceramic ware in food areas
Help dealers develop environmentally sustainable practices
Additionally, our Utah facility uses worms to turn food waste into rich compost.
*Gold-certified in Minnesota. Platinum certification is pending in Utah.
Shrinking Our Footprint and Growing Our Bottom Line with LEED
QBP operates two environmentally sustainable distribution centers in Bloomington, MN and Ogden, UT. Built according to the LEED* standards established by the U.S. Green Council, the buildings are designed to save energy and resources, and minimally impact the environment.
*Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
Saving Energy and Reducing Waste
Combining advanced technology with sustainable construction practices, the facilities sip energy with high-efficiency lighting and appliances; and reduce rivers of wastewater to a trickle with innovative plumbing. A 40-kilowatt solar panel array crowns each building, turning abundant prairie and mountain sunshine into clean, sustainable electricity.
Softening Our Footprints
Treading lightly on the surrounding terrain, the structures rise up instead of out. That leaves more trees to drink up carbon and exhale fresh air. Any soil disturbed during construction was used to create new green space or utilized in the foundation.
Building Our Bottom Line
Not only are these buildings environmentally friendly, they're kind to the bottom line, too. Square foot for square foot, the energy-frugal facilities generate bigger long-term return on investment than conventionally built structures.
Cleaning the Rain in Minnesota
Our graded parking lot channels storm runoff into porous pavers and rain gardens where water is cleansed, and chemical pollutants broken into harmless elements. Much of the grounds are planted with drought-resistant native prairie grasses that don't need watering or maintenance. Plus, green plantings in the parking lot minimize heat island effect.
95% of rainwater stays on our property—keeps surface waste out of local streams
Replenishes local ground water
We get money back from the city for storm-water runoff
Tour the Green Side of QBP in Minnesota and Utah
Learn more about the environmental features of our business by taking an eco-tour of QBP's LEED Gold Certified distribution center and office complex in Bloomington, Minnesota.
Eco-tours take place the first Wednesday of every month and are free and open to the public. To schedule a tour for your group, please contact green@qbp.com or call 952.941.9778.
"QBP advocates that lifestyle of replacing your car with two wheels."
Dustin Eskelson - Q-West
Working Out to Work: The QBP Bike Commuting Program
The benefits of commuting by bike are far greater than saving money on gas and taking in some pleasant scenery. People who regularly bike to work enjoy better health, experience less stress, and are happier and more productive—at work and beyond. They are also doing their part to create a more sustainable environment. And what better way to experience the pure joy and freedom of cycling than gliding past traffic jams on your way to work?
That's why QBP does much more than encourage employees to bike to work. We actively support cycling as a way of life by providing:
Indoor and outdoor parking for hundreds of bikes
Lockers, showers and a towel service
Commuter credits for purchasing bike parts, accessories and apparel
Pro deals on bike products from select vendors
Maps and route information for novice commuters
Free breakfast on Bike to Work Days
Free lunch for bike commuters on Mondays
By rewarding employees who bike to work or use other earth-friendly modes of transport, we're taking a small—but bold—step toward
an environmentally sustainable future.
Commuting Pays Off for Company, Community and Employees
More than a feel-good initiative, the QBP Bike Commuting Program produces tangible benefits our company and the entire community by:
Improving health and morale
Lowering healthcare costs – in fact it's lowered our company healthcare costs 4.4% over the last three years
Reducing need for parking spaces
Producing less pollution and roadway congestion
QBP awards credits to employees who travel to work via human power—biking, walking, running, skating, skiing, etc—or use alternative transportation options like buses, car pools or motorcycles. The more trips they log, the more credits they get. Our commuters cash in their credits for products like bikes, parts, accessories and apparel.
Launch Your Own Commuter Program
Bike commuters enjoy better health, an increased sense of community and pride about the work place that supports them. With a little planning and effort, you can create a thriving commuter program in your organization. We focus on bicycle commuting for obvious reasons, but you can take our program and apply it to any mode you wish. The key is supporting and recognizing the achievements of your commuters. Gift cards, prizes and cash incentives are popular options that could work for you.
We're happy to share our knowledge and experience. Hopefully, it will help you create a leaner, greener future for your organization.
Help Your Commuters Rack Miles, Credits and Glory with Greenlightride.com
Our free Greenlightride.com bike-commuting app makes it easy for anyone to track mileage, build credits, and participate on competitive teams similar to QBP's Commuter Bike League.
For more information about incorporating commuting incentives at your workplace, contact Alice Erickson, Commuter Advocacy Coordinator at QBP: aerickso@qbp.com.
Trouble viewing the video. Downloads available: .mp4, .webm, .ogv
"Our consumer brands make wildly unique products that no one else makes. That's because we've got the vision to see a new category's potential, and the resources to make it a reality. We did that with fatbikes and now there are more people riding them than ever before. That's creating whole new revenue streams for dealers. It's core to our mission—find the opportunities that grow our industry."
Rich Tauer, managing director of Q Bike Brands
QBP Brands
QBP distributes the very best brands that the bicycle industry has to offer. Our longstanding philosophy is that if we wouldn't ride it, we won't carry it. With over 400 leading brands and 36,000 SKU's, we provide independent bicycle dealers everything needed to serve their customers and grow their business. Our brands include:
All-City
Badass Urban Bikes
We express our love of the city by producing modern, bad-ass, functional and classic bikes and parts that empower riders to create their own ideal machines and lifestyles. allcitycycles.com
Civia
We believe bikes make a positive difference in people's lives. We're devoted to creating smart bicycle designs for everyday living. We design bikes, parts and accessories to make riding more stylish, convenient and fun. civiacycles.com
Foundry
It's a Tool – Not a Trophy
We make hard working, modern performance bikes—purpose built—bikes people ride hard. We believe in having the right tool for the job; modern precision tools that enhance the experience and provide uncompromising performance. foundrycycles.com
Salsa
Adventure by Bike
We are dedicated to keeping the spirit of adventure alive in bicycling. We make bikes to help you get there. salsacycles.com
Surly
Bikes. Parts. Chaos.
We make interesting and unusual steel bikes. We make durable and reliable parts. We offer well-designed products at a fair price. And we take to heart that Surly isn't just a name, it's a state of mind. Just because we both ride bikes doesn't mean we're friends. surlybikes.com
It's no secret: we think QBP is a great place to work and grow. But we're not the only ones. Outside Magazine ranked QBP among the top 50 places to work in America for two years in a row. And the Minneapolis Star Tribune included QBP in its top workplaces list.
We invest in our employees, empowering them to spur innovations, and develop their potential as leaders. We're always looking for fresh talent, new ideas and people who have a passion for cycling and the outdoors.
Whether you work for QBP in the mountains of Utah, the prairies of Minnesota, or the wooded hills of Pennsylvania, we offer a generous mix of comprehensive benefits and great perks.
Benefits
Competitive medical and dental insurance plans
Short and long-term disability insurance
401K plan and employer match
Profit-sharing and high performance bonuses
Generous Paid Time Off plan
Life insurance and AD&D insurance
Up to nine paid holidays per year
Perks
Deep discounts on bike and outdoor products
Bike benefit discount purchase program
Merchandise credits for commuting by bike
Pro deals from select vendors
Lockers, showers and towel service for bike commuters
Heck of an Employee Deal on Bikes
QBP's special Bike Benefit program lets employees get a deep discount on a frameset or complete bike from one of QBP's participating consumer bike brands.
Fix Your Ride Up at Our Employee Bike Shop
Need a tune-up or want to build up that sweet cross frame you just bought? Make yourself at home in our fully equipped employee bike shop. Or, if DIY projects don't fit your schedule, bring your bike in to our resident pros at Bike Builder. They'll make your machine road or trail worthy and leave you enough change to celebrate with the beverage of your choice.
Dog of the Day Program
Many people at QBP feel that dogs contribute in a positive way to our work environment. In fact, dogs are a part of our company—they've been "employees" at Q longer than most of us have been here.
People are comforted by the presence of dogs. They remind us to take a moment, slow down, and pet them. Dogs are a "humanizing" part of our work environment for many of our employees, and they reduce stress.
The QBP Dog of the Day Program lets employees sign up for a chance to bring their well-mannered canines into our offices. Some dogs become regulars, sharing good vibes and wagging tails with people for many years.
"There is a lot of cultural synergy between Freewheel and QBP. Almost everyone you talk to at QBP is a cyclist. Like us, they're passionate about cycling and committed to the lifestyle. They're not just in this to make a buck. They know we're in this together and work hard to build our mutual success."
Kevin Ishaug, Owner, Freewheel Bike, Minneapolis, MN
Partners
QBP is dedicated to helping independent bike dealers and other specialty bike businesses thrive with a toolbox of programs and services that save money, boost profits and enhance relationships with their own customers. Carrying more than 35,000 SKUs from more than 450 vendors, QBP is your first choice for the best products from today's top brands. Always exploring new opportunities to keep your business and our industry growing, QBP is:
Developing a family of bike brands that excite current cyclists and bring more new riders into the shops and out on the roads and trails
Supporting national and local advocacy efforts to build more trails, paths, lanes and safe places to ride
"QBP is always reaching out to see how they can help us out as a shop. They want to see us succeed. They want to see everyone succeed."
Bruce Marshall, owner of A Road Bike 4 U Irvine, California
Who We Serve
Independent Bicycle Dealers
Frame Builders (manufacturers)
Repair-only Shops
Bicycle Rental Businesses
Online Retailers with physical retail locations
Triathlon Shops
Through Q-Outdoor—a division of QBP—we serve snow sports shops and outdoor retailers.
We believe partnering with other companies is about much more than buying and selling stuff. It's about sharing a common vision and values. That's why we work with best-in-class vendors who are committed to achieving outstanding results. We team with partners who share our passion for making the world a better place through the power of bikes and business. Not only does this serve independent retailers and their customers, it serves the communities of which they are a part.
Domestic Accounts
Because it is our mission to serve you—the independent bike or outdoor retailer—we go the extra mile to safeguard the integrity of your business. That's why we carefully scrutinize new accounts.
To establish your new account, we ask that you provide us:
A completed and signed QBP New Dealer Application
Pictures of your commercial/retail location including: storefront with signage, retail bicycle department and a shop/service area or warehouse for manufacturing
Certificate of Liability Insurance with QBP listed as the holder
A current phone bill or yellow page ad with your company name (verifiable by directory assistance)
A copy of your reseller's permit or resale tax paperwork (this varies state to state)
Account candidates must demonstrate the ability to conduct themselves professionally and courteously throughout the application process
Web/Mail order/Mobile repair accounts must have a physical retail location that allows the business to serve its customers face-to-face during regular retail hours
Note: if you are still in the planning stages for your store, or if you have any questions we would love to help. We have insurance resources, ideas about what you'll need to get started, and loads of information to make life easier as you begin your new business venture!
Please call the Account Service Team: 800.346.0004.
To establish a Wholesale Dealer Account in the United States, contact the appropriate agent below:
Zip codes 1—3
Please contact one of the below agents for the time being
Zip codes 4—6
Mac Casey
Ph: 800.346.0004 ext. 1155
E-mail: mcasey@qbp.com
Zip codes 7—8
Lacey Morgan
Phone: 800.346.0004 ext. 1559
E-mail: lmorgan@qbp.com
Zip codes 9 & 0
Pete Erenberg
Phone: 800.346.0004 ext. 1170
E-mail: perenber@qbp.com
Department Supervisor
Lisa Anderson
Phone: 800.346.0004 ext. 1327
E-mail: landerso@qbp.com
International Accounts
Because it is our mission to serve you—the independent bicycle retailer— we go the extra mile to ensure the integrity of your business. That's why we carefully examine each new account's application.
To establish your new account, we ask that you provide us:
A completed and signed QBP New Dealer Application
Pictures of your commercial/retail location including: storefront with signage, retail bicycle sales floor, and a shop/service area or warehouse for manufacturing
A current phone bill or utility bill with your company name
Any additional documents you wish to provide showing the registration of the business
We ask that all account candidates conduct themselves professionally and courteously during the application process.
Note: if you are still in the planning stages for your store, or if you have any questions, please call the International Team: 952.941.9391 x2025
Our Company
Our Values in Action
Brands
Careers
New Dealers
