SAN FRANCISCO (BRAIN) — California retailer Mike's Bikes has secured a "multi-million dollar" credit facility through Business Capital, a commercial finance and debt restructuring firm. According to a press release issued by Business Capital, the retailer plans to use the credit line to finance growth over the next three years. 

Mike's Bikes, based in Marin County, California, currently has 11 locations, with most clustered around the San Francisco Bay Area.

"It was a real pleasure to work with the team at BizCap," Ken Martin, CEO of Mike's Bikes, said in the release. "They took the time to understand our unique set of business needs and delivered customized financing to assist us with our short and long term growth capital needs."

Business Capital, based in Connecticut,  specializes in securing customized debt-based solutions for rapidly growing as well as challenged small and middle market companies nationwide.

Newest innovative pedal manufacturer Nikola Innovation is looking for smart working, results oriented, caring sales professionals. Hiring for most regions across US. Please email your credentials to alex@nikolainnovation.com.

Exercise and Medical Equipment Reps also welcome.

BOSTON (BRAIN) — Race announcer, event promoter and journalist Richard Fries is set to become the new executive director of the Massachusetts Bicycle Coalition, also known as MassBike.

"I've never been so excited about a professional opportunity before. From its compact urban centers and world-class transit system to its beautiful countryside, Massachusetts has all the ingredients we need to build a truly first-rate bicycle culture," said Fries. "Whether you're starting a new bike business, riding for the first time, or logging your thousandth mile, we can all work together to build a state where everyone has access to a safe, smooth ride."

For the past eight years Fries has served as the marketing director and later the cycling experience director for Best Buddies International, where he helped promote as many as four charity cycling events per year. He has also served as a development advisor for PeopleForBikes, where he helped launch Tim Johnson's Ride on Washington, and he spent two years as the director of the Bicycle Leadership Conference.

Fries is also co-founder of the Providence Cyclo-cross Festival (now known as the KMC Cyclo-cross Festival). He will remain director of that event. 

"Richard comes to MassBike with the perfect blend of advocacy, leadership, and industry experience that, combined with his passion for cycling, will help us continue to make bicycling better in every corner of the state," said Jim Bradley, the president of MassBike's Board of Directors.

Fries will join MassBike on Jan. 15 and succeeds David Watson who held the post for eight years. "I am honored to be joining MassBike at such a critical time, and that excitement only grew when I dug into the details of how well David Watson ran this organization," said Fries. "I could not have received a better lead-out. This board, this staff, this membership, and many of our strategic partners have set Massachusetts up to become the gold standard for bicycling in the United States. "

BEVERLY, Mass. (BRAIN) — Craft Sportswear North America has named Eric Schenker as its new CEO. Schenker takes over the role after 10 years with the company. He previously was director of sales and marketing.

The company said that under Schenker, Craft will implement an aggressive five-year strategic plan with major investments in inventory, marketing and sales leadership. In addition, Craft will be launching into the corporate apparel category with a new athletic collection of products specific to the North American marketplace.

Both Craft's outgoing CEO and its Swedish parent company, New Wave Group, expressed confidence in Schenker's appointment.

"Eric's leadership and in-depth knowledge of the brand and industry will be of great value in taking Craft to the next level and growing our market position," said Torsten Jansson, managing director and CEO of the New Wave Group.

Huub Valkenburg, who established Craft distribution in North America, will relinquish all executive responsibilities and join the management board of Craft North America.

"I've had the distinct pleasure of working closely with Eric for 10 years, and I know that he's the right person to lead Craft in the years ahead," Valkenburg said.

LAGUNA HILLS, Calif. (BRAIN) — As many longtime veterans across all sectors of the industry retire or prepare for succession or retirement, a new class of influencers is coming to the fore. These young men and women are taking steps to help shape the industry's future — today.

Bicycle Retailer & Industry News wants to recognize these up-and-comers in its March 15 issue. The magazine is accepting nominations for its inaugural list of industry influencers age 35 and under, and is seeking a wide range of candidates from product design and development, retail, media, events, advocacy, sales, marketing, racing, and many other industry related jobs and careers, both domestically and internationally.

Nominees should be age 35 and under and stand out among their peers and mentors for their creative thinking, leadership potential or inspired designs and products. They're making waves, but barely getting started.

"Our list of influential women last year was very well read and received, with many readers asking if we planned to publish the list again this year," said Lynette Carpiet, the magazine's editor. "But as the old guard continues to change in our industry, we thought about focusing the list on the next generation. We hope to uncover new faces and young talent who will continue to forge the way for years to come."

The magazine's staff will produce a section detailing what each industry influencer is doing now, and what makes him or her a potential future leader.

To be considered, nominations should include the person's full name, title and company, age, and a brief explanation of why the nominee should be included on the list, providing details on the specific project(s) or idea(s) that the nominee has worked on or helped develop.

All submissions must include contact information for the candidate and the person nominating him or her, and should be sent to lcarpiet@bicycleretailer.com.

The deadline for submissions is Friday, Jan. 23.

CHICAGO (BRAIN) — SRAM is reuniting with the French UCI WorldTour team AG2R La Mondiale. The team will use SRAM components, Zipp wheels and Quarq power meters.

SRAM previously sponsored the squad from 2010 to 2012. Currently, AG2R La Mondiale is the only WorldTour team sponsored by SRAM for 2015. Last year the company sponsored three WorldTour teams. This year SRAM is supporting Velocio-SRAM, a top women's road squad, as well.

AG2R is continuing to ride on Focus bicycles, as it has since 2013. The team used Campagnolo components last year.

"AG2R La Mondiale is the perfect partner for SRAM at the UCI WorldTour level. The team is one of the most experienced and respected in the pro peloton. They share our culture of collaboration, innovation and performance," SRAM's president, Stan Day, said. "Our sponsorship of AG2R La Mondiale positions SRAM to be highly involved with team staff and riders throughout the season so they are best prepared for races. It also allows us to more effectively advance product development and testing."

MONTREAL (BRAIN) — Dorel Industries is opening an office in Chile, the Canadian company announced Wednesday. Dorel Sports Chile S.A. will be based in Santiago de Chile and will lead all sales, marketing, distribution and customer service of Dorel Sport's brands, including Cannondale, GT, Schwinn, Mongoose, Sugoi and Caloi, in Chile and Peru.

Dorel said it has acquired the assets of Intercycles, a Santiago-based bicycle retailer. A long-time distribution partner of Dorel, Intercycles will be an integral part of Dorel Sports Chile, with the new division operating Intercycles' retail location.

The company said Dorel Sports Chile will combine the marketing, logistical and distribution expertise of Dorel's existing juvenile operations in Chile with Intercycles' market-specific bicycle knowledge and Dorel Sport's global brand expertise.

In addition to selling direct to mass retailers, sporting goods and independent bicycle dealers (IBDs), Dorel Sports Chile will grow the Intercycles retail concept to various locations across the region.

"The launch of Dorel Sports Chile provides an excellent opportunity to build on our presence in these areas where there is significant growth potential for the bicycle industry. We are already well-established in Brazil with Caloi. In addition, we are associating with our existing juvenile partners in Chile. The relationship established with them in 2011 has been most beneficial and with their strong marketing expertise and local connections, we are well positioned for further growth in South America," said Martin Schwartz, Dorel's president and CEO.

PORTLAND, Ore. (BRAIN) — Designed with the style-conscious commuter in mind, the Showers Pass Metro Jacket is made to withstand the rigors of year-round cycling in all weather conditions.

Features include an Artex Hardshell 2.5-layer fabric for waterproof-breathable performance without the bulk; seam-taped construction for maximum windproofing and waterproofing; reinforced panels across the shoulders to protect the fabric from backpack and messenger bag straps; asymmetrical front zipper to reduce chafing under the chin; two-way YKK wide-tooth front zipper with interior storm flap; dual core vents and upper-back "exhaust pipe" vent for airflow without billowing; and Reflective accents on back hem and left sleeve for signaling turns.

Suggested retail: $199.

More information: showerspass.com.

WATERLOO, Iowa (BRAIN) — GravelGrinderNews.com, a calendar of events for gravel racing and riding founded in 2008 by Mark "Guitar Ted" Stevenson, is merging with RidingGravel.com, a news site and forum for gravel riders founded by Ben Welnak in 2013.

"Ben and I have known each other for years; he promotes gravel events around Colorado and I run the Trans Iowa. By combining our two sites we want to be the premier gravel news site online," Stevenson said.

To give the new site the attention it needs, Stevenson left Twentynineinches.com, a site dedicated to 29er mountain bikes he has run for the past nine years. Twentynineinches continues under the guidance of Christian "c_g" Artmann, from Germany, and Michael "Grannygear" Troy, from California — each longtime contributors to the site.

"I felt that I have done all I could on the 29er side. These days 29ers are the dominant mountain bike, not the little niche they were when I started," Stevenson noted. "My commitment to gravel is where my passion lies now, and I think gravel is still relatively new to the industry and has great potential."

The merged GravelRider site continues the Gravel Grinder News event calendar, reviews of gear and bicycles, a forum, a newsletter as well as a monthly podcast, Riding Gravel Radio Ranch. So far the podcasts have focused on big gravel races and their promoters, but coverage will diversify as the merger settles down with more race and product coverage and rider interviews.

"Gary Mendenhall, the promoter of 4Gs — Great Gator Gravel Grinder, in Florida — who we just interviewed in our podcast, sums it up. Even outside Miami there are hundreds of miles of gravel and service roads. To mountain bike he needs to drive two hours and pay a park fee. Gravel riding is more accessible and has the potential to touch more riders and I'm excited to see how we can grow the site now," Stevenson said.

The partners can be contacted at ben@ridinggravel.com or guitarted@ridinggravel.com.

TAIPEI, Taiwan (BRAIN) — Folding bike brand Tern has added distributors in Japan, Greece and Turkey, expanding its distribution to 65 countries worldwide.  

Tern has joined with longstanding Japanese distributor Akibo, which also imports Colnago and Fuji and handles exports for Shimano. 

In Greece, Tern has signed with Gatsoulis Imports, which supplies 500 retail stores in Greece and Cyprus and operates 11 retail stores in the Athens area. 

Kron Bisiklet is distributing Tern bikes in Turkey through a network of more than 350 dealers.

“In more and more parts of the world we’re seeing people shifting from biking for recreation to biking for everything,” said Tern’s Josh Hon. “Part of this is ever improving infrastructure that makes cycling safer and more convenient. Part of it is a cultural shift that is bringing bikes into active lifestyles.

“Our goal is to work with organizations of the caliber of Akibo, Gatsoulis and Kron,” Hon said. “Each of these partners brings best-of-class dealer networks, marketing expertise and outstanding service. They share our vision to transform urban transportation by getting people out of their cars for more of the trips they take.”

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (BRAIN) — USA Cycling has hired six new staff members in three departments. Most notably, the hires include Andy Sparks as director of track programs and Mark Guthart as technical director. 

"Each new staff member brings a unique set of skills that I expect will profoundly and positively affect their respective areas of responsibility," said Steve Johnson, the organization's CEO and president. Johnson announced last month that he will retire in October this year. 

Sparks is the organization's former head coach for track endurance events, and the former para-cycling track head coach for the USOC. He is a former director of the United Cycling Center in Mallorca, Spain as well as the track cycling program at the UCI's World Cycling Center in Switzerland.

Guthart is a former race promoter, president of the Iowa Bicycle Racing Association Board, and owner of G4 Sports Marketing. As technical director, Guthart will oversee referee development and education, direct national event officiating and manage technical advancement. The position was held for many years by Shawn Farrell, who left the organization in October.  

Other new hires at USAC:

• Laura Ryan was hired as national events manager. A three-time Olympian in team handball, Ryan spent 10 years with U.S. Paralympics where she served as an associate events director. Most recently, Ryan held the role of senior program director for the Navy Wounded Warrior – Safe Harbor Adaptive Athletics Program.
• Cynthia Weisinger was hired as race director certification manager. Weisinger is a former race director and spent 20 years as the director of training and certification for the Texas Juvenile Probation Commission. Weisinger will administer the educational content and oversee the certification process for race directors in the U.S.
• Steve Bitter joins as USAC's new digital and social media manager. He brings communications and marketing experience from both in-house and agency capacities, including time spent with two professional sports teams. He most recently came from the content marketing agency, Vertical Measures, in Phoenix. 
• Daniel Gillespie was hired as sponsorship and member benefits manager. Gillespie spent the last 10 years with SRM PowerMeters, splitting time between the U.S. and Europe, providing sponsorship and technical support for SRM-sponsored teams. Prior to his work with SRM, he spent four years with Carmichael Training Systems as an events and marketing manager. The former professional mountain biker will work with USAC's communications and marketing staff to develop new and current corporate partnerships.

FRIEDRICHSHAFEN, Germany (BRAIN) — Lightweight, best known for its carbon wheels, is expanding its carbon fiber smart phone case line with models to fit the iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus and Samsung Galaxy S5. 

The cases are made in Germany and weigh only 7 grams. They are CNC machined and use the same logo printing process that Lightweight uses on its wheels. The company said the case offers full antenna capacity as well as a textured carbon surface. The owners manual in English and German. 

The iPhone 6 case and Galaxy S5 cases retail for 77 euros ($91); the iPhone 6 Plus case retails for 92 euros ($108).

More information: lightweight.info.

CHICAGO (BRAIN) — SRAM's top level single-chainring offroad group, XX1, is now coming with a black finish, and includes several new options, including a carbon crank protector boot and a cover for unused front derailleur mounts.

The complete group includes an XX1 crankset with a 32-tooth X-Sync direct mount chainring, the X-Horizon rear derailleur, trigger shifter, X-Dome cassette, XD driver body, and a PC-XX1 chain. The crank is available for BB30 or GXP bottom brackets.

The new 1X Badge fits direct high-mount front derailleur mounts on frames. It's CNC-machined out of aluminum. MSRP is $15.

The Carbon Crank Boot is made of black injection molded plastic and protects the crankarm end from scratches and dents from inevitable pedal strikes and debris. MSRP is $10.

MADRID (BRAIN) — Rotor Bike Components is rolling out an expanded global program offering consumers a 30-day trial of any of the Spanish company's Q-Ring oval chainrings for road, triathlon, mountain and cyclocross. The "TryQ" program — which builds upon a previous Rotor trial initiative with a multimedia campaign that includes videos, testimonials, a microsite and a white paper — is valid for all Q-Ring models except special editions.

The trial is offered through Rotor's brick-and-mortar retailers and will not be available from online sellers.

"The reason why we opted to offer the TryQ program only through shops is for the ability to adjust each customer's optimum chainring position to the precise point when the rider delivers the maximum power during a single pedal rotation," said Ignacio Estellés, Rotor president and co-founder. "We want the user to experience the full benefits of Q-Rings, which includes fine-tuning the angle between the centerline of the cranks and the largest diameter of the chainring according to the rider's unique pedal stroke."

If at the end of 30 days the customer decides to return the Q-Rings, he or she is entitled to a full refund, the terms of which the customer should negotiate with the retailer at the time of purchase. More details are available on the Rotor website. 

MANCHESTER, N.H. (BRAIN) — The Bike Cooperative has released a list of stores that joined the retailer-owned co-op in the second half of 2014.

The new Bike Co-op member locations are:

• Alex's Bicycle Pro Shop, Davie, Fla. & Coral Springs, Fla.
• Bike Attack, Santa Monica, Calif.
• Circle City Bicycles, Indianapolis, Ind.
• Flanders Bicycle, San Luis Obispo, Calif.
• Footloose Sports, Mammoth Lakes, Calif.
• G&O Family Cyclery, Seattle, Wash.
• GPP Cycling & Multisport, Rogers, Ark.
• Marty's Reliable Cycle, Hackettstown, N.J., Randolph, N.J., & Morristown, N.J.
• Moment Bicycles, San Diego, Calif.
• Montclair Bikery, Montclair, N.J.
• NYCeWheels. New York, N.Y.
• Rainbow Cycles Incorporated, Southern Pines, Calif.
• Santa Monica Bike Center, Santa Monica, Calif.
• Spokes Etc., Inc,. Alexandria, Va., Ashburn, Va., Fairfax, Va., & Vienna, Va.
• The eBike Store, Portland, Ore.

PHOENIX (BRAIN) — Carla Hukee has joined Pivot Cycles, where she will be handling Pivot's brand and communications, the company announced Friday.

"Pivot Cycles' incredible growth means that we have to add talented individuals to our already strong roster. Carla's experience with the needs of growing companies and her lifelong passion for riding and the outdoors makes her a great fit for Pivot's marketing team," said Pivot Cycles' president, Chris Cocalis.

"Carla is a great addition to the Pivot family and we look forward to utilizing her talents to further increase our ability to communicate all of the advantages of Pivot Cycles products to a growing audience."

Hukee said, "I am really excited about this opportunity, I've always had so much respect for Chris and his team ... The collective legacy of technology and innovation here is incredible and I am thrilled to be a part of what the Pivot Cycles family accomplishes next."

Hukee was named one of BRAIN's 2014 50 Most Influential Women in the Industry and most recently was global marketing manager for Niner Bikes. At Pivot, she will be responsible for a wide range of product marketing, brand management and communications strategies in conjunction with Pivot's marketing manager, Lisa Cramton.

Cramton said, "Pivot is growing not only in the U.S. but also internationally. I feel the future is unlimited and I'm looking forward to working with Carla to take Pivot to the next level." 

BLUFFDALE, Utah (BRAIN) — TOGS are lightweight accessories that offer a new hand position for mountain bikers using flat or riser bars. TOGS stands for Thumb Over Grip System.

TOGS are made of Zytel nylon and attach in board of handlebar grips. The company says they offer a comfortable hand position comparable to riding on the brake hoods on a road bike; unlike bar ends, they allow the user to reach brake and shift levers and they can't snag trail-side foliage. At 18 grams per pair, they are also lighter than bar ends. 

TOGS are available in eight colors. They retail for $24.95.

U.S. wholesale information is available at togs.com/pages/wholesale-usa. Currently, wholesale accounts are available only to U.S. retailers. International consumer orders are being fulfilled directly through TOGS.com.

More information: togs.com.

VALENCIA, Calif. (BRAIN) — DVO Suspension products are available this month to U.S. retailers via distributors QBP and BTI, the brand announced Friday. The young suspension brand, previously sold dealer direct in the U.S., also announced it is adding new products for the downhill and enduro markets. DVO was launched by several industry veterans in 2012.

"We made sure we selected the most reliable and respected distributors in North America to ensure that all dealers can have fast and easy access to all our suspension products and spare parts," said DVO's global sales manager, John Pelino.

Currently available is the Emerald inverted downhill fork in 26-inch and 27.5-inch options. Later in the first quarter the distributors will have DVO's Jade coil rear shock for both downhill and enduro and the Diamond enduro fork in 27.5-inch and 29-inch versions.

DVO Suspension also announced that they are working with two suspension service centers in Canada: SuspensionWerx on the West Coast and S4 Suspension for the East Coast. DVO will continue to provide suspension service for U.S. customers from its headquarters in Valencia, California.

More information: dvosuspension.com.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (BRAIN) — Chris Chance, who has taken a multi-year hiatus from the bike industry, is returning in March, when he will show a new line of Yo Eddy Team Fat Chance frames at the 2015 North American Handmade Bicycle Show here.

Chance let it be known at the 2014 Interbike show that he would be resurrecting his bike company, which was founded in 1982 and shut down in the late 1990s after several ownership changes and relocations. Chance, known as a leader of the East Coast style of mountain bike design, relocated to Marin County, California, after the company shut down. He's been making a living as a Shiatsu practitioner.

Each of the new Fat Chance bicycles will be made by hand in Marin County. The first round of Yo Eddy Team frames will be a limited offering, available for pre-sale via a Kickstarter campaign this month. Dealer availability will follow, Chance said.

"I have been out of the bike scene for what seems like a long time," Chance said. "So much has changed during my hiatus, but most of what I love about bikes is still alive and well ... My excitement is growing every day as the resurrection of Fat Chance Bicycles progresses and NAHBS will be the perfect venue to relaunch the brand."

More information at www.fatchancebicycles.com.