WILTON, Conn. (BRAIN) — Guru has promoted Jane Pearson to director of education and business development. She will be responsible for running Guru's training program at the Guru Academy in Bethel, Conn., and will expand global distribution of the Guru Fit System.

"Jane has played an integral role in developing the Guru Academy and will continue to enhance our training program," said Morten Kristiansen, general manager of Guru. "She has built outstanding relationships with our retailers and business partners, and we are looking forward to expanding her role."

Pearson joined Guru in 2013 as training and education manager, developing Guru's training curriculum for classes at the Guru Academy and Guru's online training.

She also has hosted regional training seminars at Guru retailers in North America and Europe. Guru is part of Dorel Industries' portfolio of cycling brands, which also include Cannondale, GT, Mongoose, Schwinn, Sugoi, Caloi and IronHorse.

WATKINSVILLE, Ga. (BRAIN) — Tifosi Optics has made two additions to its national sales management team and hired a new creative director.

Brad Abbott joins the company as national sales manager for Tifosi's optical and sunglass specialty business. Adam Brim is the new national sales manager for the golf and tactical/shooting sports markets.

The brand's new creative director is Jorge Verdin.

"The optical, sunglass specialty, and tactical markets are relatively young for Tifosi, and we require expert sales management to focus on these key growth areas for the company," said Tifosi co-founder and CEO, Joe Earley.

"In addition to sales, we have a much greater need for creative support to meet the needs of these and other markets."

Abbott is a sunglass industry veteran with more than 20 years of sales management experience working with brands including Rudy Project and Costa del Mar.

Brim is returning to Tifosi, where he originally held sales management positions in the early growth years of the company. After years as an independent sales representative and a sales agency partner specializing in golf, Brim will now head sales management for Tifosi's golf and fledgling tactical/shooting sports divisions.

Verdin's background in the optics industry includes the position of senior marketing director for Eye King, covering eyewear brands such as Under Armour, Crocs, and Hobie Polarized.

"Tifosi Optics is positioned perfectly for multiple channels in the sunglass industry. They offer quality sunglasses that tell a performance story with multiple options and a value driven retail price point. An Rx component is also offered that will make Tifosi an undeniable force in the optical, cycling, running, golf, outdoor and sporting goods channels. I am excited to be joining this emerging brand and such a great team," Verdin said.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. (BRAIN) — Rotating Mass Media, the publisher of Dirt Rag and Bicycle Times magazines, has announced a new presenting sponsor for its Dirt Fest mountain bike event. It also announced a new road bike event, the Bicycle Times Adventure Fest, planned for October this year in Pennsylvania.

Pivot Cycles is the new presenting sponsor for the Dirt Fest, being held May 15-17 at Raystown Lake in Central Pennsylvania. The festival features rides on the Allegrippis Trail System, which has 36 miles of fast, fun, sustainable, new-school singletrack.

Dirt Rag's publisher, Maurice Tierney said, "We go way back with (Pivot Cycles CEO) Chris Cocalis and are super excited to have him and the Pivot team stepping up to support Dirt Fest. I look forward to riding Pivot's awesome bikes on our fine Allegrippis Trails."

Registration for the event is now open at bikereg.com/dirt-rag-dirt-fest.

The Bicycle Times Adventure Fest will be held at Lake Raystown Resort in Entriken, Pa., the weekend of October 9-11.

"All my cycling life I've been a believer in 'The Tribe'," said Tierney. "When I started mountain biking, the first thing I did was find people to go ride with, hang out with and sit around all day and talk about bikes with. Bicycle Times Adventure Fest is just a continuation of that."

Riders attending the new event can choose their own adventure and ride their own pace. They can bring their own bikes or choose from the many demo fleets on hand. All routes will be signed and mapped, and organizers will provide aid station and sag support.

Registration is now open at Bikereg.com/btaf.

For information on sponsorship of either event, contact Trina Haynes at trina@rotatingmassmedia.com

NEWTON, Mass. (BRAIN) – Landry's Bicycles has purchased the assets of longtime Boston-area retailer International Bicycle Centers following the closure of IBC's two stores in early January.

In a message on IBC's website, owner Harold Knochin said that after 45 years in business, he was ready to retire. Landry's announced that it has signed a long-term lease for IBC's 9,500-square-foot Newton store and is planning to reopen it as Landry's sixth location. IBC's Brighton store and property has been sold to a private developer.

"I'll surely miss my customers," said Knochin. "Thanks to all of our customers for their support during the past 45 years."

Knochin began working at IBC while he was still in high school, after his brother Joe opened the store in 1969. Joe retired from the business in 2013. IBC was known for its long tradition of selling European racing frames, and was one of the first Boston retailers to sign on with Trek in the early 1980s.

Knochin said he was looking forward to a healthy retirement and more time with his family, and is confident that Landry's will take care of his customers and carry on the IBC legacy.

Landry's general manager Tom Henry has hired a number of former IBC employees to join the Landry's team.

"We look forward to providing Landry's high-quality customer service to the local cycling community around Brighton, Newton and surrounding towns," Henry said. "We are planning for a smooth transition, and Landry's staff are committed to welcoming and serving all customers in our local stores."

Longtime Landry's employee Patrick Flaherty will manage the Newton store, which will feature bikes from Trek, Electra, Seven, Pinarello, Parlee and others. "The Newton area is such a vibrant hub of cycling activity, and our new store really provides a wonderful space for a bike shop," Henry said. "We're looking forward to remodeling the store later this season after we settle in."

BRUSSELS (BRAIN) — A board of directors was recently elected for the CONEBI, the Confederation of the European Bicycle Industry, a new group that formed last fall following the merger of the Association of the European Two-Wheeler Parts' and Accessories' Industry (COLIPED) and the Association of the European Bicycle Industry (COLIBI).

Board members include René Takens of the Accell Group NV as president, Erhard Buechel of Buchel & Co Fahrzeugteilefabrik KG as vice president, Massimo Panzeri of Atala Spa as vice president and Sacha Boedijn of RAI Association as treasurer. While the two European bike groups merged Nov. 19, registration of the new CONEBI association became official at the beginning of January.

In a statement announcing the merger, CONEBI said the group will "combine the efforts that have been efficiently put by COLIPED and COLIBI all over the past decades in order to have maximum strength in representing its members' interests at the European level." This includes regular contact with European policy makers, other associations with common objectives, the European standardization body CEN, industry and mobility experts, as well as international media.

CONEBI's mission is to grow the bike and P&A industries and cycling culture in Europe, the group said. It will continue to publish the European Bicycle Industry & Market Profile, previously issued by COLIPED and COLIBI. COLIPED was established in 1960 and COLIBI in 1973.

CONEBI anticipates its new website to be live soon at www.conebi.eu.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (BRAIN) —  The USA Triathlon Foundation's first-ever grant program will offer up to a total of $50,000 in funding for individuals, clubs, teams and organizations to support and promote the sport of triathlon in 2015.

Grants will be awarded based on applications to establish or develop programming and support related to at least one of the Foundation's three focus areas: providing support to youth, paratriathletes and/or U.S. Olympic hopefuls. Consideration will be given to applicants that open pathways to athletes who may not otherwise have the opportunity to participate.

Grant applications must be submitted by Feb. 28; funds will be distributed in March. Each grant proposal is eligible to receive up to $5,000, and funds must be used in 2015. A pdf application is available at usatriathlonfoundation.org.

"We are excited with the lightning-quick progress the Foundation has made in its first few months, and look forward to awarding funds to support programs that will help promote triathlon for youth, paratriathlon and Olympic hopefuls," said Jacqueline McCook, USA Triathlon Foundation President. "We want to thank our early donors for their support, and are eager to expand both fundraising and our grant awards in the years to come."

AURORA, Ontario (BRAIN) — BionX products are now being distributed in the U.S. by American Cycling, a 25-year-old distributor based in Diamond Springs, Calif. BionX had been selling dealer direct in the U.S. previously.

“We have been searching for a company that would allow us to be flexible and nimble when it comes to delivery and service,” said Tom Heinemann, production manager for BionX.  The companies did a soft rollout of the new distribution plan late last year.

BionX said American Cycling seemed like the right fit due to its experience and location in California, one of the largest e-bike markets in the U.S.

American Cycling's founder and CEO, Terry Youmans, said, “Supporting the bicycle dealer is at the heart of what we do. We are excited about partnering with BionX to improve customer service by providing dealers with 1 to 2 day delivery to most West Coast locations.”

More information at ridebionx.com.

EUGENE, Ore. (BRAIN) — John Rezell, former editor of VeloNews and current special projects manager for Bike Friday, will release three ebooks on Monday.

Two of the books chronicle Rezell's years covering bicycle racing in the U.S. from 1989-2000.

"A More Simple Time: How Cycling Saved My Soul" focuses on the quest of U.S.-based racers from 1989-1996 as they prepared for the Atlanta Olympic Games.

"Taken for a Ride: Chasing a Young Lance Armstrong" chronicles Rezell's relationship with Armstrong from 1992-2000. Rezell worked as a freelancer for The Austin American-Statesman during that time and was one of just three journalists who interviewed Armstrong during his chemotherapy treatments in 1996.

"Those two books are a celebration of the individuals who made cycling what it was in America back in the '90s, a time I look upon as the golden age," Rezell said. "So many of the established riders from the Los Angeles Olympics were handing the torch to the new generation who would take Europe by storm. The books are as much about journalism and covering a sport like cycling as they are about the unique individuals who make the sport special."

A third book is about his family's adventure in 2005, when they spent 85 days living in a popup tent camper exploring the American West in search of their next home. They ended up in Eugene, Oregon. 

All three books are available for pre-orders at Amazon.com, iTunes, and BarnesandNoble.com. You can learn more on Rezell's website, ConquerMountains.com

LOUISVILLE, Colo. (BRAIN) — Pearl Izumi has hired Verde Brand Communications as its public relations and brand communications agency of record.

"Verde's integrated brand communications, creative storytelling, and authentic passion for cycling and endurance sports is the perfect fit for strategizing and executing our exciting brand direction," said Geoff Shaffer, Pearl Izumi's vice president of global brand marketing. 

MARINA, Calif. (BRAIN) — Light & Motion has launched its first action camera companion light line, the Sidekick, on Kickstarter. The company has already exceeded its $50,000 goal with the crowd-funding campaign, with nearly $85,000 pledged as of Thursday morning, with 22 days to go.

The Sidekick line includes two models that deliver a wide 600-lumen beam to enhance action shots.

"Action cameras are very limited by rapidly changing light conditions, especially low light. The Sidekick is a long overdue extension of the GoPro, and will enable people to take amazing POV video and photos, day or night," said professional photographer and videographer Kip Evans in a Light & Motion press release.

The Sidekick is small, low profile and at 123 grams weighs less than a GoPro camera. It's factory sealed design and integrates with any GoPro set-up. It's rated for use as deep as 200 feet underwater and has an adjustable spot and flood modes, regulated output, external USB recharging, battery status indicator and a spot light function for navigation.

The Sidekick line will include two models: the $149 Sidekick Duo, with a spot and flood light, and the single-beam $129 Sidekick Flood. Light & Motion will also offer an accessory mount kit that allows positioning the light over the camera.

Kickstarter backers will have exclusive access to the first run of the special aluminum hand-machined Sidekicks and product production updates, among other rewards.

"We want to keep manufacturing in the United States, and successful crowd funding campaigns on Kickstarter may be one way that small entrepreneurial businesses like ours can keep inventing," said Daniel Emerson, the CEO of Light & Motion.

More information: Kickstarter.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (BRAIN) — CTS is working with Ridley Bicycles on a variety of promotions this year, including a dealer program that will provide Ridley bike purchasers with a free month of CTS training and opportunities for Ridley dealers to participate in CTS camps. CTS-coached athletes will also have the opportunity to purchase Ridley bicycles through a special program with CTS.

CTS coaches will ride Ridley bikes — road, cyclocross and mountain bike models — during all training and coaching activities. Ridley and CTS also will be promoting a "Belgian Race Experience" trip in April that will include riding the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix citizens rides and watching both spring classics in person with VIP access. The trip also includes training around Kortrijk, Belgium, a tour of the Ridley factory and dinner with Ridley's CEO, Jochim Aerts.

"Ridley Bicycles are renowned for quality, craftsmanship, and performance," said CTS' CEO and founder, Chris Carmichael. "Those are the same principles that have guided CTS through the past 15 years and we are happy to be working with a motivated and engaged partner in Ridley."

Richard Wittenberg, Ridley's VP of international operations, said, "Like Ridley, CTS is and has been at the forefront of cycling performance for more than 15 years. ... We're excited to have CTS coaches promoting Ridley Bicycles and we're looking forward to working with CTS and Ridley dealers to get more athletes on our bikes."

BEVERLY, Mass. (BRAIN) — Craft Sportswear North America has promoted Ming Tan to manager of custom sales as the brand experiences an explosion in custom orders. Craft's custom division grew 96 percent last year, the company said.

CEO Eric Schenker said he expects more of the same in the year ahead. "We expect that pace to continue under Ming's leadership, as Craft offers even more custom product offerings for cycling, cross-country ski and triathlon."

Craft launched its custom program in 2013. 

In addition to his new role, Ming will continue to serve as Craft's independent sales rep for Northern California.

In addition to Ming's promotion, Donald Snoop will be moving from custom customer service into a full-time dedicated custom sales role to focus on Craft North America's home market in the Northeast.

More information: craftsports.us.

WATERTOWN, Mass. (BRAIN) — Industry veteran and Independent Fabrication co-founder Mike Flanigan — who spent the past 12 years running his own fabrication shop, Alternative Needs Transportation — has joined custom bike maker Seven Cycles as a welder and bike builder.

"After working in the bicycle industry for the last 32 years, Seven is, by far, the best bicycle manufacturer I have ever worked for," Flanigan said. "Seven has a very organized, clean and friendly work atmosphere that only helps maintain the high level of quality that I have always desired. I am more than happy to be a part of Seven and contribute to the next chapter in Seven history."

Seven Cycles CEO Rob Vandermark said: "I was honored when I learned that Mike was interested in working with Seven. I've known Mike for years, and it's exciting to finally be working side by side."

BOULDER, Colo. (BRAIN) — David Abeles has left Competitor Group Inc., where he had been president and CEO since last March. San Diego-based CGI owns Velo and Triathlete magazines and other endurance sports media properties and events. It has not announced plans to replace Abeles.

"David Abeles is no longer the CEO of Competitor Group, Inc.," said CGI spokesman Dan Cruz.  "Paul Walsh remains the executive chairman, a position which he has held since joining the company’s board of directors in 2013."

CGI also recently lost Dan Vaughan, who stepped down as vice president of digital and creative services earlier this month. Vaughan has moved to Wyoming-based Teton Gravity Research, where he will be vice president of digital media and services.  

Meanwhile, at Velo, Neal Rogers is stepping down as editor in chief but is remaining a writer for the magazine and its website, VeloNews.com. Rogers has taken a position with U.K.-based Global Cycling Network as its North American commentator. Rogers will officially change his role March 1 and said he expects to work about 75 percent of his time for GCN and 25 percent for Velo. With fewer management chores, Rogers expects that Velo readers will see his byline more frequently than they have in recent years.

"GCN has a very strong audience in the U.K., but they are aware that it can have a British feel at times and they see the U.S. as a big market. So I consider myself their employee #1 in the U.S. and I was really honored when they reached out to me about this position," Rogers told BRAIN this week.

The magazine is seeking a replacement for Rogers.

Velo is also looking to replace its tech editor, Caley Fretz, who is changing roles this year. Fretz is moving from writing almost exclusively about products and technical issues to more coverage of the sport of cycling. 

Besides Velo and Triathlete, CGI owns VeloPress, VeloSwap, Women's Running and Competitor magazines, and their related websites, as well as the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series, the Muddy Buddy race series and Raceit.com, an online event registration service. 

SAN DIEGO (BRAIN) — The BMC SLR01 Ultegra features the same frameset raced by the BMC Racing ProTour team.

The frame was developed with BMC's Advanced Composites Evolution Technology, which evaluated 34,000 different virtual iterations of the ideal frame. The company said the SLR01 delivers dramatic core stiffness through an extra-wide BB86 bottom bracket junction, while the Tuned Compliance Concept seatstays provide a resilient yet comfortable ride.

All six sixes use specific tube cross-sections and carbon layups to maintain the same balance of low weight, stiffness and agility, whether a rider is on a 48cm or a 61cm frame.

The SLR01 Ultegra retails for $5,499 and comes with a complete Shimano Ultegra 11 speed group with a 52x36 crank and 11x28 cassette, along with DT Swiss R23 wheelset with Continental GP4000S II tires.

More information at bmc-switzerland.com or infousa@bmc-switzerland.com

BOULDER, Colo. (BRAIN) — The Bicycle Product Suppliers Association has launched an ambitious initiative to pass model electric bicycle legislation in California and New York.

The BPSA's e-bike committee, chaired by Currie Technology president and CEO Larry Pizzi, is seeking $300,000 from component suppliers, bike brands and retailers to underwrite the campaign. Pizzi said Thursday that the BPSA has already received $250,000 in pledges. He expects to meet the goal as a "few key industry players" commit to the campaign, and others increase their pledges.

In a letter to the industry, Pizzi noted that outdated, inconsistent state vehicle codes could hamper the emergence of the e-bike category.

"An antiquated and patchwork regulatory environment threatens consumer confidence, retailer acceptance, and could cause market disruption just as significant use begins to take off," Pizzi wrote.

The BPSA is organizing an e-bike advocacy summit in February where cycling advocates and industry representatives can fine-tune proposed legislation and work out disagreements before facing lawmakers.

Details on the date and location of the summit will be published here when they become available.

The BPSA has contracted with the California Bicycle Coalition and New York Bicycle Coalition, along with two lobbying firms, to push the model legislation in those states.

The funds will also pay for a part-time campaign coordinator to oversee the initiative.

The model legislation would create three classifications of e-bikes: pedal-assist bikes, like European pedelecs, where the motor provides power only while a cyclist is pedaling; throttle-assist bikes, which allow a rider to twist a motorcycle-type throttle for power even when not pedaling; and a new classification known as a speed pedelec.

The first two types of e-bikes would be restricted to a top motor-assisted speed of 20 miles an hour, while a speed pedelec could reach 28 miles an hour with motor assist.

The model legislation also would apply different restrictions on where each type of e-bike could be ridden. A standard pedal-assist bike, for example, could be ridden anywhere a regular bicycle can be ridden, while a speed pedelec would be restricted to streets or roadways, and to bike lanes that are adjacent to a roadway.

The proposal has drawn opposition for at least one e-bike brand. Don DiCostanzo, co-founder and CEO of Pedego Electric Bikes, said three classifications would be confusing to consumers and difficult for retailers to explain.

See Bicycle Retailer's Feb. 1 print issue for a full report on the BPSA e-bike initiative.

SALT LAKE CITY (BRAIN) — The Outdoor Industry Women's Coalition (OIWC) received a $1.5 million grant Friday from REI to help boost the role of women in the outdoor and bicycle industry.

Jerry Stritzke, REI's president and CEO, announced the grant at Outdoor Retailer's Winter Market at an early morning breakfast for the OIWC to honor women leaders in the outdoor market. He also named 12 CEOs who have pledged to help mentor women as future industry leaders. Pat Cunnane, president of Advanced Sports International and its various brands — Fuji, Breezer, Kestrel and others — is the first bicycle company to join REI's push to bring more women into the active sports industry.

The audience also included a number of representatives from the bicycle industry including Elysa Walk, Giant USA's general manager, IMBA's Rich Cook, ASI's Karen Bliss, Catalyst Communication's Lynn Guissinger, Leisure Trend's Greg Shoenfeld and others.

Stritzke, who took the reins at REI in October 2013, said the companies that have signed on have pledged to accelerate women's leadership in their companies. "Change starts at the top, and coming together like this is a testament to the strength of our shared values," he said addressing an overflow crowd at a Marriott Hotel ballroom.

"This work will change the nature of innovation and leadership in our industry, which is a big part of the U.S. economy supporting 6.1 million jobs," he said.

The grant was made by the REI Foundation to honor REI's founders Mary and Lloyd Anderson. The couple co-founded the cooperative in 1938 that now has more than five million members nationwide with more than $2 billion in annual sales. The co-op has 138 stores in 38 states.

Part of the grant — $500,000 — will be used as a match for new companies who join OIWC's network. "This initiative goes hand-in-hand with a robust mentoring program," Stritzke added, noting a disconnect between the make-up of senior leadership in the industry and opportunities in the marketplace.

"We aren't accessing the full potential talent pool, which is limiting our access to sources of innovation," he warned. The industry, including the bicycle industry, sometimes perpetuates well-worn stereotypes that men are more naturally suited for these activities because women lack so-called "street cred," Stritzke said.

KENT, Wash. (BRAIN) — Seattle Bike Supply is holding its Armchair Open House Feb. 6-8. The virtual open house allows dealers to place orders by phone or through Accell's B2B website for savings of up to 75 percent on XLC, Pryme and other parts and accessory brands.

Phone lines will be open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST on Feb. 6 and Feb. 7, and from 7 a.m. to noon PST on Feb. 8. Orders also can be submitted 24 hours a day online at Accellconnect.com.

In conjunction with the Armchair Open House, dealers should begin receiving their 2015 Big Bike Book catalog this week, the company said. SBS will offer special pricing on hundreds of items in the dealer catalog throughout the Armchair Open House period.

SAN DIEGO, Calif. (BRAIN) — U.S.-made leather saddle brand Selle Anatomica is now distributing to U.S. dealers via QBP; the company is also continuing dealer direct sales. Selle Anatomica also has updated its minimum advertised price policy and its online sales policy.

The new policies, effective Feb. 1, prohibit sales through third-party online retailers such as Amazon and eBay. The brand aims to keep its products sold either consumer direct via its own site, or via independent retailers. IBDs who have brick and mortar locations will be allowed to sell on their own websites. 

The updated MAP policy will prohibit advertising below MSRP.

"We believe that our end-users deserve the best experience and support possible when purchasing our saddles. We think IBD's and our own retail channel are the best ways to provide that experience," said Ryan Hosmer, the company's global director of retail distribution.

Fred Gonzales, the brand's global director of wholesale distribution, said, "IBD's are at the core of our business. When you invest in one of our products, you deserve the best support possible just as we want to support dealers who invest in us. You can't get that through a third party discount website." 

FORT COLLINS, Colo. (BRAIN) — Selle San Marco North America has retained ORIS Intel to track Internet violators of its minimum advertised price policy.

Selle San Marco's 2015 saddles are sold exclusively by authorized dealers who must follow its MAP. 

"It's pointless to have a MAP policy if you don't enforce it," said Tom Petrie, the operating manager of Selle San Marco NA. "ORIS Intel uses proprietary software to monitor advertised prices on the Internet so we can stop sales to dealers who violate our policy."

Selle San Marco SA also recently announced that retailers can use an online form to apply to become authorized dealers. Authorized dealers are shown on the store locator on San Marco’s website. Selle San Marco saddles are distributed in North America by BTI, J&B, Cycles Lambert (Canada), and by Selle San Marco NA.

More information: contact Petrie at  (888) 434-4846.