COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (BRAIN) — Steve Johnson, president and CEO of USA Cycling, announced Tuesday that he will step down from his post next October following the 2015 UCI Road World Championships, which will be held in Richmond, Virginia. Johnson has been with USAC for more than 15 years.  

"Steve has taken USA Cycling from a nearly bankrupt and dysfunctional assemblage to a financially sound organization that serves its members and develops winning athletes. USA Cycling is well positioned for the future," said Bob Stapleton, the chair of the organization's board. "We will begin a search for Steve's replacement in January and are planning enough overlap for an effective transition and to make significant progress on key initiatives."

"This will be an exciting and progressive time for our members, partners and employees. We intend to deeply engage with our members across all disciplines, and we will intensify our support of event organizers," Stapleton added. "The organization is on a firm financial footing, and we plan to further grow the company while continuing to develop Team USA Cycling to produce winning young athletes and Olympians."

SAN DIEGO (BRAIN) — Zoic Clothing has added three independent reps.

In the Mid-Atlantic states (Maryland, DC, Virginia and North Carolina), Nora Goldman of Momentum Sales will rep for Zoic. Goldman has a background in store management with Supergo and sales management with Craft and Rocky Mountain Bicycles. Other brands in the Momentum stable include Bern, KoKi, and Pure Fix.

In the San Francisco area, Brent Childress has re-enlisted with Zoic after a 10-year hiatus. Childress also serves as a territory manager for KHS and represents Ortlieb, Sock Guy and Vaude among other brands.

Covering Central California for Zoic is Jon Sacks, who serves shops from the San Fernando Valley north to San Luis Obispo and east to the edges of the Mojave Desert. Sacks has shop management and brand sales experience. He also reps KHS, Kali, and KoKi.

"It's wonderful to have three new reps eager to educate dealers in these regions about the product benefits and sales potential of Zoic Clothing," said Zoic sales manager Abbie Newell. "I encourage dealers to welcome Nora, Brent and Jon in to learn about your stores and work with you to identify strong assortments of Zoic product for your markets."

HAVERHILL, Mass. (BRAIN) — Mavic Inc., the U.S. office for the French brand, is moving its headquarters from Massachusetts to Utah next year. The brand will join the other Utah-based operations of its parent company, Amer Sports. In particular, Mavic will join Amer Sports Winter & Outdoor Company, described as Amer's "go-to-market organization in the U.S." Amer's Salomon Sports U.S. operations are based in Ogden.

"This collaboration is enabling Mavic Inc. to benefit through stronger go-to-market capabilities, improved operations and back office synergies, translating to better service for our dealers and, ultimately, the consumer," the company announced in a press release Wednesday.

The move will begin in July and be completed by the end of 2015. 

Mavic has been headquartered in Massachusetts north of Boston for several years — first in Georgetown and later in Haverhill.

"(Mavic's New England employees') commitment to the brand and passion for 'Le Sang Jaune' has been an important part of the company's history," said Phillip Sporidis, general manager of Mavic Inc. "This spirit will continue to define the brand's future in our ongoing pursuit to provide better value and improved service to our customers and their consumers as their trusted partner in cycling."

Chad Moore, Mavic Inc.'s marketing director, said, "As we move forward into a new phase for the brand in the U.S. we will be more streamlined and better able to serve our dealers both pre- and post-sale. This will allow us to put more effort into what has made Mavic an iconic and trusted brand — dealer support, product development, consumer events and, ultimately, getting out there with our fans. We celebrated 125 years this year and we are looking forward to some excitement in 2015 and beyond."

Mavic has restructured its North American operations in the last two years, building a new facility in California as a showroom and base for its neutral race support crew, opening a dealer-direct subsidiary in Canada and hiring Moore, who is based in Boulder, Colorado.

Mavic will join a growing list of bike and outdoor brands that have relocated to Ogden, which has aggressively marketed itself as an affordable and desirable location for outdoor sports brands. Other bike brands with operations in Ogden include TRP, Volagi, QBP and ASI.  

INDIANAPOLIS (BRAIN) — Silca is now offering a version of its SuperPista Ultimate floor pump, tailored for low pressure applications, including cyclocross, mountain bike and gravel bike use.

The pump's gauge reads from 0-60 psi with a claimed accuracy to within 1 percent. The company said the pump is capable of 0.5 psi repeatability at pressures down to 4psi.

"No single factor affects grip, traction or comfort over rough surfaces as much as tire pressure, and at the top levels of sport, no factor receives as much attention during race preparation as the optimization of tire pressures. The Silca Ultimate LP allows athletes and mechanics alike to tune and optimize at levels never before possible," the company said.

The SuperPista Ultimate LP retails for $450, same as the regular SuperPista Ultimate. 

More information: Silca.cc.

AMSTERDAM (BRAIN) — Reed Business BV, owner of Bike Europe, plans to sell off the European trade magazine along with 16 other business-to-business magazines and brands to Dutch publishing house B+B Vakmedianet. The move will allow Reed to focus on data and information solutions, the company said in a press release.

“Our parent company, Reed Elsevier, has successfully managed the transition from print to online publishing, and is now increasingly moving from digital content to decision-making tools,” said Rob Kolkman, CEO of Reed Business BV. “In line with this strategy, Reed Business Information Netherlands plans to focus on delivering data and information solutions to professionals across many industries.”

In addition to Bike Europe, the sale includes websites and magazines covering a variety of industries. These include Distrifood, Foodmagazine, Distrifood Dynamics, Food Data Services, Misset Horeca, Misset Catering, Snackkoerier, Vleesmagazine, Bakkerswereld, Bouwmachines, AMT, Logistiek, Tweewieler, Controllers Magazine, Bouwplannen.nl and Overheidsplannen.nl.

“These 17 brands belong with a publishing or media company dealing primarily with the Dutch business-to-business market,” said Kolkman. “We are convinced that in Vakmedianet we have found a suitable new owner with a proven, excellent track record.”

Some 93 employees will be affected. Upon completion of the sale, these employees will transfer and become employees of Vakmedianet.

More information: Press Release

PETALUMA, Calif. (BRAIN) – Mountain bike apparel brand Kitsbow is getting into urban bike apparel with the Drifter Jean, a classic denim pant tailored to cyclists. 

"In September, Kitsbow launched the limited edition Icon Shirt, a throwback to mountain biking’s beginning of flannel shirts and jeans,” said Charlie Cronk, Kitsbow designer and co-founder. “Similar to the Icon, the Drifter Jean echoes the heritage of the sport with modern style updates.”

The slim-fit Drifter Jean is based on traditional, five-pocket classic denim. Select interior seams are finished with a binding to create a clean look, while the interior gusset, modeled after vintage tailored suit pants, makes for a comfortable seat. The denim is made of cotton blended with Cordura and Lycra for additional durability and a subtle stretch. The Drifter Jean is built with extra room around the thighs and articulated leg shape for the cycling position.

Extra room around the thighs, curved, anatomic shaping in the waist, and a crescent-shaped seam around the knee create articulation for riding. A reflective print on the inside of the back left leg enhances visibility.

More information: www.kitsbow.com

SEATTLE (BRAIN) — Former retailer and longtime framebuilder Bill Davidson has announced his partnership with Maxwell Kullaway of 333fab to open Davidson-Kullaway Custom Bicycles early next spring. Davidson and his partner Bob Freeman recently shuttered their store, Elliot Bay Bicycles, which they opened in 1983 on Seattle’s waterfront.

Davidson-Kullaway Custom Bicycles will build and sell complete custom bicycles. The shop will also house a service area, showroom and fabrication workshop. “What really motivates me is creating the perfect bicycles for my customers,” said Davidson. “With the new shop, things will be simplified and we’ll be focused on just that: creating great bikes.”  

Davidson began building bikes under the Davidson Bicycles moniker in the early 1970s. Known for his TIG welding skills, Kullaway has crafted more than 3,000 titanium and steel custom frames since 1993 while working for Merlin, Seven Cycles, Hampsten and Davidson. He started the 333fab brand in 2008.

“Max is a great metal fabricator and an expert TIG welder,” said Davidson. “I’ve been impressed with his craftsmanship and he’s just a great guy to be around. I knew I wanted him to be a part of my next new venture.”

Kullaway said that he is honored to partner with Davidson. “Bill is a legend. There is so much I can learn from him and we already know that we work really well together,” Kullaway said. “This partnership just makes sense.”

Davidson-Kullaway Custom Bicycles will be located in Seattle’s Fremont neighborhood close to the Burke-Gilman Trail. Former Elliot Bay Bicycles mechanic Mark Villegas will also join the team to run the store’s repair department.

GOLDEN, Colo. (BRAIN) — Feedback Sports has added three new employees at its headquarters here.

The company, in business since 2004, provides bicycle maintenance, measurement and storage products.

Katie Macarelli joined the team in October in the newly created position of marketing coordinator. Her most recent experience in the cycling industry was with 303Cycling.com and Bicycle Colorado.

In November, Feedback Sports hired Mike Guinta as its second product engineer. Guinta spent 15 years as a shop mechanic before, during and after getting a degree in mechanical engineering. His most recent position in the industry was as service manager for Big Ring Cycles in Golden.

Eric Hockman started in early December as Feedback's technical support specialist. He has worked as a service manager for a Trek concept shop in Seattle, and was most recently a professional race mechanic and event specialist for Shimano.

Doug Hudson, the owner and founder of Feedback Sports, said he is enthusiastic about having more internal resources.

"We have quite a few new ideas we want to develop, and expanding our team will get us there faster. Our three new hires have extensive cycling backgrounds, making them all great additions to our company of cyclists."

LAGUNA HILLS, Calif. (BRAIN) – Bicycle Retailer and Industry News is launching a project designed to illustrate the power of retail design and merchandising through the makeover of a bike shop. Similar to popular home renovation and restaurant remodel TV shows, the Retail Remodel Project will document a hands-on redesign of a bicycle retailer.

"Retailers are seeking to better understand store design and visual merchandising techniques to enhance the retail experience and improve sales. We want to showcase best practices to elevate retail and inspire other bike store owners to do more with their own store environment," said Megan Tompkins, the magazine's publisher.

Leveraging Web, social media and print media channels, Bicycle Retailer and Industry News editors will cover the store transformation from start to finish. The redesigned store will be revealed in the May 15 issue of the magazine, along with merchandising tips.

BRAIN has partnered with 3 Dots Design, a leading retail design firm, to execute the store remodel.

"When Megan first approached us with this idea, we were thrilled to partner up with BRAIN to help bring it to life. What a fantastic opportunity to show other bicycle retailers the great impact visual merchandising can have on their sales and store environment," said Holly Wiese, owner of 3 Dots Design. "Visual merchandising is intimidating to so many retailers, and once they learn a few basics they are always surprised at how simple it can be to maintain and how much of a difference it can make on sales."

Retailers can apply online to be considered as the redesign location. The store will be selected based on editorial and design criteria including willingness to share sales figures, ability to supply blueprints and retail square footage. Bicycle Retailer will cover basic redesign costs, but the selected retailer must buy in to the process. 

Retailers can apply via an online form.

The Retail Remodel Project is presented by CamelBak, Club Ride, Finish Line, Giro and Rudy Rack. For information on becoming a sponsor, please contact Megan Tompkins at mtompkins@bicycleretailer.com.

PHOENIX (BRAIN) — Pivot has updated its Mach 429 SL Carbon bike, with a frame that is 226 grams lighter than previously and with integration for Shimano's XTR Di2 system.

The company said it shaved weight off the 29er frame by using leading-edge carbon fiber materials and a proprietary hollow-core, internal-molding proces.

The Pivot Cable Port System allows easy internal routing with large, easy to access ports and interchangeable covers for clean installation of wires, batteries and cables. The frame features a dw-link suspension design with a Fox Float Kashima Factory shock providing 100 mm of travel. It is also internal dropper post compatible.

The Mach 429SL Carbon frame will retail for $2,999, or $8,849 complete with XTR 2x and Reynolds carbon wheels, or $10,400 with XTR Di2 and Reynolds carbon wheels.

The frame is also available in a wide range of builds with complete bike prices starting at $4,599.

More information: pivotcycles.com/bike/mach-429sl-carbon. 

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (BRAIN) — Kristin Bachochin Klein, the senior vice president of AEG Sports and executive director of the Amgen Tour of California, was elected to the USA Cycling Board of Directors this week as an At-Large Representative.

"We are extremely excited to have Kristin join the USA Cycling Board," said USA Cycling's CEO and president, Steve Johnson. "As Executive Director of the Amgen Tour of California, Kristin brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the organization."

The USA Cycling Board of Directors is composed of the CEO, four Athlete, four Development Foundation, seven Sport Committee and four At-Large Representatives. 

"It is an honor to be selected to serve on this prestigious board," said Bachochin Klein. "As a member of the board of directors, I look forward to further collaborations with USA Cycling to continue to promote this great sport while raising the awareness from the grassroots level to the professional men's and women's ranks."

Recently honored as a "Woman of Inspiration" by the Los Angeles Chapter of WISE (Women in Sports and Events), Bachochin Klein was named the executive director of the Amgen Tour in 2010. 

WASHINGTON (BRAIN) — The German helmet brand UVEX is recalling nearly 47,000 helmets sold in the U.S. from 2009 through June 2014 because the helmets' chinstraps can fail.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, a broken chinstrap can cause the helmets to slide off the head, posing a head injury hazard. The helmets also do not comply with the impact requirements of the CPSC's safety standards for bicycle helmets. According to the CPSC, there have been no reports of injuries or incidents because of the problem.

The recall involves seven models of UVEX helmets. The helmets come in a variety of colors with different-colored chin straps. The helmets have a model number inside the helmet under the fitting pad on the top right side. The affected helmet model numbers are XB017, XB022, XB025, XB027, XB032, XB036 and XB038.

Consumers are being told to stop using the helmets and contact UVEX for a free compliant helmet or a refund of the purchase price.

The helmets were made in Germany.

UVEX Sports Inc. can be called toll-free at (844) 767-0656 from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.

More information: CPSC recall notice.

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. (BRAIN) — QBP's East Coast distribution center will be moving over the upcoming holidays.

The location will shut down at day's end Dec. 26 and reopen Jan. 5 in its new permanent home near Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The company said the temporary closure will extend shipping times slightly for East Coast dealers' orders.

"(The new warehouse) will greatly expand our ability to serve independent specialty retailers on the eastern seaboard," said Dave Smith, Q-East site manager. "This warehouse means more products, more variety, and fast ground shipping." He said the building could eventually expand to 200,000 square feet with capacity for over 30,000 SKUs, and Smith anticipates more hiring as the new facility ramps up over the next few years. "In addition to more shipping staff, we're exploring adding a regional customer service call center and an accounts receivable department," he said.

The new building was built using energy efficient LEED and Energy Star methods, using recovered materials and energy saving technologies such as water efficient toilets, Digital Lumens' LED smart lighting, and SolaTubes to supplement electric light with natural sunlight. Like QBP's other buildings, it is equipped with locker rooms, showers, and bicycle day storage aimed at encouraging employees to ride to work.

QBP is now focusing on a second West Coast distribution center, set to open in Reno, Nevada, in late 2015. That warehouse will complement the company's Ogden, Utah, facility and offer all West Coast dealers fast ground shipping on a wide selection of QBP products.

EUGENE, Ore. (BRAIN) — Rolf Prima has released its fifth-anniversary Special Edition Vigor FX track wheelset in polished silver and all-back colors.

Available in limited quantities, the wheels feature rims made in Rolf Prima's Eugene, Ore., facility paired with U.S.-made hubs. As with all Rolf Prima wheels, they are hand-built in Eugene.

"The Vigor FX has been really popular — not just for the velodrome, but also for town bikes. We thought it was a great chance to highlight what we can do right here at home as a nimble hand builder," Rolf Prima's Brooke Stehley said.

Suggested retail: $899 (black); $949 (polished silver).

More info: rolfprima.com.

BOULDER, Colo. (BRAIN) — BikeRadar has donated more than $10,000 to World Bicycle Relief with editorial test products auctioned through The Pro's Closet, a Boulder-based eBay reseller.

"We are big fans of the work World Bicycle Relief does, and passing used gear on to The Pro's Closet is an easy way for us to support them," said Ben Delaney, BikeRadar's U.S. editor in chief.

BikeRadar has editorial staff in three hubs: Bristol, England; Sydney, Australia and Boulder/Fort Collins, Colorado.

"World Bicycle Relief is fortunate to have the support of BikeRadar," said World Bicycle Relief development director Katie Bolling. "Through this milestone benchmark of reaching $10,000, the organization will have helped mobilize 74 students with robust, locally-assembled bicycles in our education program in rural Africa. BikeRadar is using their tools, community and expertise to change the lives of many through the power of bicycles. Furthermore, they are inspiring others to do the same and for this, we are very grateful."

The Pro's Closet works with other companies besides BikeRadar as well as individuals to support World Bicycle Relief with donated gear for online auction.

"The bicycle is the most powerful tool in our toolbox. The Pro's Closet is excited to work with BikeRadar and others to help WBR succeed in mobilizing communities through the power of the bicycle by helping turn used bicycle gear into cash," said Nick Martin, founder of The Pro's Closet. "It is as simple as cleaning your garage. Use your old bicycle gear for good and in turn help change the world one pedal stroke at a time."

BikeRadar returns test bikes and larger items to the providing company after the test period, but clothing and some other products often are not requested back. It is these products that the site turned into WBR funding with the companies' blessing.

BikeRadar has also donated to charities like El Grupo, Mountain2Mountain and various community workshop operations.

FAIRFAX, Calif. (BRAIN) — Osmo Nutrition has a new CEO, Will Garratt.

Garratt permanently joins Osmo after 6 months of interim leadership. Garratt has worked as an advisor and/or as part of senior management for leading brands in the sport, fitness, and nutrition markets including GU Energy, TriggerPoint Performance, Perfect Fitness, Nuun, Nike, and No Fear.

"I am honored to join such a dynamic and successful brand, and thrilled to work with (Osmo founder) Dr. Sims who is literally rewriting the sports nutrition playbook with her game changing research," says Garratt.

Dr. Sims said, "Will and I have known each for many years and we share the same fundamental philosophy for sports performance as well as scaling a start-up business. He brings incredible experience, and being a fellow multi-time Hawaii Ironman finisher, Will is a perfect complement to Osmo's endurance sport-obsessed culture and team."

FORT MYERS, Fla. (BRAIN) — After three years with the Light Electric Vehicle Association, including the past year as executive director, Heather Marshman announced she is resigning effective Friday.

"I have greatly appreciated the opportunity to work with our esteemed members and sponsors in this blossoming industry, and I plan to do whatever I can in the future to continue my support of light electric vehicles," Marshman said in a statement.

LEVA Chairman Ed Benjamin and the board have begun a search for a replacement. Benjamin said he would assume many of Marshman's duties in the interim.
Marshman has been a part of the e-bike industry since 1998, when she began working for Total EV, an early distributor of e-bikes and other electric vehicles. She also worked for WaveCrest Labs, another pioneering e-bike company.

She took over the top position in August 2013 after the death of former executive director Sid Kuropchak.

"Heather has done an outstanding job, during the difficult time of helping LEVA through the loss of co-founder Sid Kuropchak, and later building membership and expanding programs for LEVA," Benjamin said.

Editor’s note: This blog post was written by Fred Clements, executive director of the National Bicycle Dealers Association. Clements’ previous blog posts can be read on bikedealerblog.wordpress.com.

While independent bike dealers face many challenges today, there are also clear opportunities for those who pursue them, according to a group of 15 experienced bike shop owners and managers who sat together in November to conduct a SWOT analysis of the bicycle dealer channel from their perspective.

For those unfamiliar with SWOT, it is a planning technique that can be applied to businesses, industries, projects and even people. It is designed to evaluate both internal factors (Strengths and Weaknesses) as well as external factors (Opportunities and Threats). With a SWOT analysis in place, a business can take a clearer look at their overall situation and build an informed strategy going forward.

The dealer SWOT session led to a wide variety of ideas and concepts, some repetition, but surprising consensus on the issues of the day. Ideas flowed with animation and passion as the participants focused on all aspects of bicycle retailing. Here's the SWOT list they came up with:

Strengths: (characteristics of the business that give it an advantage relative to others.)

• Personal contact and relationships ("We are in the relationship business.")
• Passion for cycling
• History of doing a good job
• Hard work and long hours for little return
• Longevity (the average bike shop has been in business for 30 years)
• Valuable as infrastructure ("cyclists need local shops near where they ride.")
• Professionalism
• Part of the local community
• Offering immediate gratification (even free shipping is slow versus taking it off the shelf now.)
• Offering desirable jobs
• Touch and feel / tactile experience (test rides, trying things on)
• Advocacy
• Owner involvement

Weaknesses: (characteristics that place the business at a disadvantage relative to others.)

• Poor retailers among us
• Stubborn owners
• Channel conflict and competition
• Undervaluing ourselves
• High costs to operate the business
• Inconsistent customer service
• Burnout
• Low barriers to entry
• Low pay and profit
• Small buying power as individual stores
• Over-dependence on brands
• Independence makes unified action difficult
• Perception that this is a hobby
• Perception that prices are high
• In-season new model year transitions devalue current year product
• Small thinking / unwillingness to adapt / not progressive
• Shortage of skilled workers

Opportunities: (elements that the business could exploit to its advantage.)

• Under-served demographic groups (age, ethnicity, gender).
• Reaching out specifically to women
• Urbanization and increase in bike commuting
• Improved vendor relations
• Changing peoples' lives in a proactive way
• Can engage with people physically, in real time
• Product complexity (an opportunity to teach and add value)
• To be the hub of the cycling community
• Personal contact
• High gas prices and urbanization
• The wizardry that happens in the service department
• Marketing on value, not just price
• Making the store the local hero

Threats: (elements in the environment that could cause trouble for the business.)

• Commoditization (the race to the bottom, price is the focus, products not differentiated)
• Online distribution
• Weather
• Price competition
• The shrinking middle class
• Global changes
• Young peoples' devotion to electronics
• Low barriers to entry
• Burnout
• Wholesale pricing available to the public
• Direct selling by brands to consumers
• Changing generational mores
• Abandonment by major brands
• Climate change
• Lack of qualified employees
• Rising costs
• Anti-bike political culture
• Distracted driving
• Lack of safe places to ride
• Unethical suppliers

While this list is certainly not exhaustive, it does hit on many of the themes and concerns at work as the industry positions itself for the future. While some of the biggest threats are societal, and therefore out of the individual dealer's control, the list does point to many things that can be done at the micro level, within the store, very much within our control.

Seek the opportunities, minimize the threats, and create a future where new cyclists receive the goods and services they deserve rather than being tragically left to fend for themselves, smartphones in hand, uncomfortable on ill-fitting bikes that squeak and rattle, lost, raging in frustration as they try to figure out, once again, how to install the left pedal on a stripped crankarm using a crescent wrench and a hammer. They deserve better. Good bike shops can make it so.

SAN DIEGO (BRAIN) — Assos has announced new sales rep and dealer support positions across the West Coast.

Aaron Brougher joins Assos North America representing the brand across Southern California. Brougher's territory spans from San Diego to San Luis Obispo and also includes Arizona. He joins Assos North America after a tenure at Bonk Breakers as the vice president of national sales. Previously he was an outside sales rep for Scott, Louis Garneau and Reynolds.

In Northern California and North Nevada, Prologue LLC is now representing Assos. Prologue's Ernesto Calderin and Ryan Condrashoff also represent SRAM, Scott and Silca in the region. Prior to founding Prologue, Calderin managed global product education and was the liaison to international professionals at Zipp. Conrashoff has a background in cycling retail and has competed at the highest level of downhill mountain bike racing.

Assos has added industry veteran Greg Kelman as events manager. He will lead training, rides and events along the West Coast in conjunction with Assos dealers and ambassadors. Kelman joins Assos after a career managing the purchasing at Nytro Multisport.

"This is just the beginning," said Hans Bergman, Assos North America sales & marketing director. "When I moved to California I committed to all of our dealers the level of service from Assos would be unprecedented. Now that we have our best ever team in place we can begin to execute on our bigger plans for the brand up and down the coast."