QBP acquires BBI training school from NBDA

US-based distributor QBP has bought the Barnett Bicycle Institute from the National Bicycle Dealers Association.

Bought by the NBDA in September of 2016, the training school is one of the leading channels in the U.S. for the education of mechanics.

According to Bicycle Retailer, QBP will revamp the Colorado Springs facility and will retain staff, including Jeff Donaldson, the current general manager.

In recent times QBP has taken a pro-active approach to improving both the hand of those on the fringes of the industry, most notably via its Women’s mechanic scholarship program, as well as assisting its dealerbase in growing grassroots cycling through community grants.

“We are excited about the opportunity to bring BBI and its professional staff into the QBP family,” said Rich Tauer, the president of QBP. “Education is central to what QBP offers our retailer and supplier partners. The purchase of BBI will complement and expand our comprehensive education platform in ways that will benefit our company and the bicycle industry.”

As an aside to the physical training, QBP already offers online training modules, as well as putting on schools at its Frostbike and Service Summit events.

The Barnett Bicycle Institute is accessible easily via direct flights from most areas of the US and has a temperate climate that makes the nearby Captain Jack’s Trail a tempting hook for anyone looking to mix riding with education.