New TE?

[Crankin]

I was thinking the same thing, Shooting Star. Not only have I spent time riding with other local TEers, but I have met a lot of you while traveling or when you traveled to Boston.
And, in conversation I often find myself saying something like, "Oh, yes, I have a friend who (fill in the blank)," when it is really someone from TE, whom I have never met.

[emily_in_nc]

Wow, this is a big change. I will miss the "old" TE but totally understand Susan needing to do what she can to stay in business and keep it fun and real. The new jerseys are GORGEOUS but a bit out of my price range. I suspect they'll do well, though, as they are certainly unique, artistic, and very special.

Thanks, NY Biker, for bringing this to our attention. I haven't shopped for bike gear for awhile (and the last time I did, it was for several pairs of shorts from TE, a couple of years ago!) so who knows when I would have noticed this otherwise?

[ny biker]

And, in conversation I often find myself saying something like, "Oh, yes, I have a friend who (fill in the blank)," when it is really someone from TE, whom I have never met.

This is me ALL THE TIME.

Thank you for letting us know what's been going on, Susan. I suspected that there were some market forces at work. I will say that I used to work in direct marketing and I studied it in grad school, and I ended up with what some people tell me are ridiculously high expectations when it comes to customer service. And TE is far and away the best company I have ever had the pleasure of interacting with. I am truly impressed by the things you have been able to accomplish.

And despite the fact that I really don't need any more short-sleeved jerseys, I notice that you have one that's blue and orange -- and I want it. I think I know what I'll be giving myself for my birthday...

[azfiddle]

Susan,

I truly appreciate that you were willing to share so much here with us about the tough decision you had to make. I hope that you can continue you to make the business end of TE work for you. The forum is a special place and you and your staff have been amazing when I have made purchases (probably too few....)

[lauraelmore1033]

Oh my! put me down for a Gaia Plus jersey when they are available! I appreciate the plus size focus. I will be in the market for a new pair of the shebeest capris soon.

[Geonz]

What they said! Thanks for being up front ... ...

[Pax]

As a "just in case" measure, if Susan decides to stop paying for this lovely TE forum, I created an FB group so we'd have a place to touch base. I sincerely hope we get to keep the forum, but I understand the fact that it isn't free.

If anyone wants in at any time, I made it a closed group and called it "After TE". Hope it never gets used, but you just never know.

[ZoneFive]

Thanks, Pax. I'm pretty new to the forum, but I really appreciate a place I can ask questions and not feel foolish, and know I'm with my own people. It's good to know that there will still be a place to find this.

[Trek420]

As a "just in case" measure, if Susan decides to stop paying for this lovely TE forum, I created an FB group so we'd have a place to touch base. I sincerely hope we get to keep the forum, but I understand the fact that it isn't free.

If anyone wants in at any time, I made it a closed group and called it "After TE". Hope it never gets used, but you just never know.

Long live TE! I occasionally try to recruit to TE, mostly from Reddit. Hope we get new folks here to talk and of course shop!

Other options include meeting on TE's FB itself to keep discussion and shopping going. We'd be nice, Susan.