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Former Specialized exec crowdfunding new vitamin company

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SAN FRANCISCO (BRAIN) — Chris Matthews, Specialized Bicycle's former international marketing director, is using Indiegogo to crowdfund a new vitamin company, Vitalete.

Vitalete will offer vitamins on a subscription sale basis, in three varieties tailored for active adults and athletes. The varying formulas are designed for people who exercise three, six, or nine hours a week. The company will also offer a nighttime pill to aid sleep and overnight recovery.

Matthews said the vitamins differ from what is currently available because they are tailored for recreational or competitive athletes and because the pills are produced in a certified lab.

"The multivitamins out there now make one of two big promises: either get ripped, or lose fat. But if I am a cyclist who rides eight or nine hours a week, I don't want to look like the guy on the cover of a muscle magazine, and I don't need to lose weight. I just want to make sure my levels are topped off," Matthews told BRAIN this week. "We tried to approach this in a smart and transparent way. A lot of the multivitamins have proprietary, secret blends. So you don't know what's in there, and if it doesn't come from a certified lab, there's no guarantee that what they say is in there really is in there."

The vitamins are being manufactured in New York by a company that Matthews said has the "highest levels of certification."

"That's the only way to guarantee that what it says on the label is in it. The vitamin industry is not very well trusted. There are a lot of lies and deceit. That doesn't make vitamins bad, but if you take vitamins at random, they aren't going to help. So we are being very specific about what goes in and why, and what quantity," he said.

Matthews worked at Specialized from 2004 to 2013. After leaving the company he helped launch GeneSolv, a premium health care brand, where he was the chief marketing officer.

He launched Vitalete this spring. The company is currently trying to raise $90,000 through its Indiegogo campaign

With 20 days left in the campaign, the goal is just 5 percent complete. But Matthews said Vitalete won't live or die based on the campaign.

"We want the crowdfunding to validate the business. Then based on how that goes, we'll make a decision about whether we need to raise more money and how," he said.

He said some upcoming media exposure will boost the campaign, as will support from pro bike racer Freddie Rodriguez, who has been promoting the campaign on social media.

While Vitalete will initially sell direct to consumers on a subscription basis, Matthews said the company may eventually explore other distribution options, including the use of speciality retailers.


Park Tool launches 8 new tools for summer

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The PTD-5 is pre-set to 5Nm of torque.

ST. PAUL, Minn. (BRAIN) — Park Tool has announced eight new products and product updates for a summer release. The new tools include compact adjustable and pre-set torque drivers, a new inflator head for air compressors and updates to its long-standing DAG deraaileur hanger alignment tool.

All the new tools are available now, the company said.

Adjustable torque drivers

The ATD-1 Adjustable Torque Driver adjusts to 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5 or 6 Newton Meters and includes 3mm, 4mm, 5mm and T25 bits inside the handle. The magnetic socket retains the bits. MSRP is $72.95.

Pre-set torque drivers

The PTD- 4, PTD-5, PTD-6 Preset Torque Drivers (each sold separately) applies 4, 5 or 6 Newton Meters (Nm) of torque respectively. Each includes 3mm, 4mm, 5mm and T25 bits inside the handle.

The driver handles are color coded for easy identification: 4Nm is black, 5Nm is green and 6Nm is red.

They retail for $44.95 each.

 

Shop inflator

The INF-2 Inflator has a redesigned, more durable, dual-sided, 360-degree rotatable Presta and Schrader head. The INF-2 also sports a new, lighter weight body and a redesigned trigger to facilitate multiple hanging options. It features a built in pressure gauge (0-160 psi/0-11 bars) with a protective gauge boot. The body accepts any ⅜-inch NPT male threaded fitting. The company said the tool is 100 percent rebuildable. It retails for $140.95.

46mm bottom bracket tool

The BBT-79 46mm Bottom Bracket Tool is designed for the installation and removal of external bearing bottom bracket cups. Anodized for easy identification and featuring a ratchet/torque wrench-compatible 3/8" drive. The 46mm/12-notch tool fits Race Face CinchT, Rotor BSA30, Zipp Vuma, Hawk Racing TBB3086 and others. MSRP is $29.95.

Derailleur hanger alignment gauge

The DAG-2.2 can be used to measure and straighten misaligned derailleur hangers. It is updated over the DAG-2 with a larger inner shaft for added strength, tighter tolerances for improved accuracy, and improved clearance and reach to fit more frame/hanger combinations, including low-clearance thru axle derailleur hangers.

The BBT-10.2

MSRP is $74.95.

Adjusting cap tool

The BBT-10.2 Adjusting Cap Tool removes and installs the adjusting caps on Shimano Hollowtech II crank/bottom bracket systems, plus it has a hook to lift the left crank's safety plate.

The investment cast steel body also includes an option to use with an 8mm hex wrench for removing seized caps. MSRP is $10.95.

More information: ParkTool.com





Roth leaves ASI to head the Framed Bike division of Active Gear Corp.

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ST. PAUL, Minn. (BRAIN) — Tom Roth, former vice president of Advanced Sports International, begins his new job as president of the Framed Bike division for Active Gear Corp. this week.

Roth has worked in the industry for more than 31 years. He started in retail and then moved to Trek, where he spent the next 10 years. He left Trek to start his own bike rental business. In 2001, Roth was hired by ASI, where he held various positions from territory rep to vice president of sales. ASI owns several brands including Fuji, SE, Breezer, Kestrel, Oval and Phat Cycles.

Roth will focus on growing Framed Bikes' business in the bike dealer distribution channel in the U.S. and overseas. Dealers will be offered exclusive models not available to online purchasers.

Active Gear, based in St. Paul, Minn., is the manufacturer of the Framed brand of bikes, which includes BMX, singlespeed/fixies and fat bikes.

"We are more than excited about the addition of Tom to our team," said Steve Poindexter, president of Active Gear. "He brings not only a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, but he is also well-known and respected throughout the bike industry. Great things will be happening in the very near future with Tom on board. Tom is one of the best for the job, and his knowledge of the industry and dealer network is unmatched."

Roth can be reached at tomr@framedbikes.com.

Argon 18 gets financial infusion as it prepares for growth

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MONTRÉAL (BRAIN) — Argon 18 has received a capital infusion from Business Development Bank of Canada Capital and the Fonds régionaux de Solidarité FTQ, the Quebec company announced. Gervais Rioux, founding president of Argon 18, declined to comment on the exact loan amount, only saying it was "many hundred thousands of dollars" that will be used to fund future growth.

"We export to more than 60 countries. Our company is growing fast so we needed capital," Rioux told BRAIN, adding that he and his brother remain sole owners in the company. "The investment will go toward business development, R&D, and used across all departments to bring more stability as we grow."

Argon 18 took over U.S. distribution of its bikes last fall from Sinclair Imports. The company also hired additional R&D and sales staff at its Montreal headquarters, which have grown from 14,000 square feet to 20,000 square feet in the past two years. The company also recently bought a new ERP system and updated its website, both of which required a huge investment.

"We expect to grow between 20 to 30 percent and have received a lot of orders for 2016," Rioux added. "Every market at the moment is growing. Especially now we have a team, which will be in the Tour de France. That was a big step for us and brings a lot of confidence to the market with dealers and distributors. Now we have worldwide visibility with the biggest event in the world."

The bike brand is co-title sponsor of the German Bora-Argon 18 team. This year marks the first time Argon 18 has had a team in the Tour de France. The team is also racing in the Grands Prix Cyclists de Quebec et de Montréal, and has participated in the Tour du Qatar, Giro Del Trentino and Bayern-Rundfahrt.

Argon 18 has 35 employees in Quebec; most work at its Montréal headquarters.

New BRAIN issue features in-depth look at the e-bike market

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LAGUNA HILLS, Calif. (BRAIN) — The latest issue of Bicycle Retailer & Industry News, which is arriving in subscriber mailboxes this week, features a special report on the e-bike.

The full 11-page report in the June 15 issue features in-depth look at e-cargo bikes, the latest drive systems, profiles of successful e-bike retailers and more.

Also in this issue, BRAIN takes a look at the League of American Bicyclists recent study on how bike shops can better serve women bike riders. The LAB concluded that shops that do a good job serving women are often successful at welcoming a diverse group of riders and potential riders, who are critical to the future success of specialty bike retailing.

In another feature, BRAIN’s tech writer Matt Wiebe looks at the trend of long and low geometry on mountain bikes. Wiebe finds that many brands are emulating a geometry first pioneered on downhill bikes, adding inches to the bikes’ front center and opting for very short stems.

The June 1 BRAIN issue also contains regular features like LifeCycle, State of Retail, Global Briefs, Mad Dog Unleashed, Trade Watch, Product Picks and Through the Grapevine.

Bicycle Retailer & Industry News is published 18 times a year and is available in print or digital format. Visit our subscription page for more information.

Pearl Izumi puts the spotlight on visibility in fall clothing line

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The women's Elite Thermal LTD jersey.

SUPERIOR, Colo. (BRAIN) — Pearl Izumi's "screaming yellow" wind jackets, and similar items from other makers, have been a staple for many shops for about 20 years.

Now the Shimano-owned brand is taking a more thorough approach to developing and marketing high-visibility road cycling clothing, starting with its Fall 2015 collection, which will be arriving in stores in about two months.

Road cyclists, especially new riders and women, are increasingly concerned about road safety, and being more visible during the day and at night makes them feel safer, said Andrew Hammond, Pearl Izumi's global brand manager for its cycling products.

Starting with the new line, Pearl is promoting its BioViz feature, which relies on fluorescent colors, carefully placed reflective material and contrasting color blocks to optimize visibility.

The company is putting the BioViz feature label on items across its line, including gloves, shoe covers, tights, shorts, jerseys and jackets. The company said BioViz will be expanded and refined in coming seasons.

The BioViz program began with a question from the company's designers: since reflective material is relatively expensive, how can we get the best bang for the buck in positioning it on clothing?

The question led to some fairly simple experiments, with a quiet road near Pearl Izumi's Colorado headquarters serving as laboratory. The company decided that at a minimum, a cyclist should be visible in car headlights from 100 meters. That would give a car traveling 100 kph (62 mpg) adequate stopping distance if approaching a cyclist traveling 25 kph (15 mph). This internal standard was used to develop the BioViz items, Hammond said.

Testing soon showed that reflective material up high on a jersey, on the front or back, is not an optimum use of the material. It is better used near the lower back and the feet.

Pearl Izumi also looked at research showing how certain combinations of moving lights help the brain identify a pedestrian, runner or rider as a human being, not just a ghostly reflective presence on the road. Putting reflective material on the shoulders, knees and ankles, can create this effect, as implied by the video below this article.

Reflective material is useless in daylight, however. So BioViz items feature "true fluorescent" colors — green, yellow and pink this season. True fluorescents are more than just bright colors, Hammond said. They convert invisible UV light into a shimmery visible light that increases perception distance.

As with the reflective material, fluorescents are often best used strategically: a jacket with fluorescent forearms and rear pocket area, combined with dark colors elsewhere, is more visible to drivers than a solid-color fluorescent jacket. It's also, stylistically, more palatable to riders who aren't interested screaming yellow (or pink or green) at the top of their lungs.

Rumbleship now offering Industry Nine products

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SAN FRANCISCO (BRAIN) — The online distribution platform Rumbleship is now offering its dealer Industry Nine products. Rumbleships is providing 60-day terms on I9's most popular products.

"We're excited to partner with Rumbleship to offer our unique products to an even boarder dealer base. As a company, Industry Nine is committed to distinguishing ourselves from the rest, so we applaud Rumbleship's innovative business model. Rumbleship offers a new avenue for putting our Torch wheelsets and hubs in more IBD's and ultimately under more cyclists," said David Thomas, the sales and marketing director for Industry Nine.

More information: rumbleship.com.

Bianchi offers Countervail technology in lightweight road racing bike

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TREVIGLIO, Italy (BRAIN) — Bianchi is expanding use of its Countervail vibration-canceling technology by bringing it to its new ultralight road racing bike, the Specialissima. The company presented the new bike to the media late last week at an event in Northern Italy.

The Specialissima frame weighs 780 grams in a size 55. The company said the Countervail ultralight carbon layup on the Specialissima was specifically tuned to smooth out the inherent nervousness of ultralight frames.

The company said the frame has excellent traction and stability at high speeds, making it ideal for tackling different types of surfaces during fast accelerations and super high-speed corners when maximum power and control are essential.

Bianchi CEO Bob Ippolito said, "Bianchi revolutionized the cycling world introducing Countervail technology two years ago and continues to study and develop this material for different kinds of riding. 'Specialissima"'is the next evolution of Bianchi CV system specifically tuned for ultralight frames."

Four members of the Lotto.NL-Jumbo team tested the new bikes in the last three months to develop the prototype. The team expects to use it in the second half of this season, especially on climbing stages. 

Countervail is also used on Bianchi's high-performance Infinito CV and Aquila CV models.

 


Velo Orange adds Rustines line of rubber products

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ANNAPOLIS, Md. (BRAIN) — Velo Orange, an online retailer and wholesaler, is now carrying the French-made Rustines line of rubber products. The complete line includes Rustines' vintage-style traditional patch kits in a variety of sizes; brake hoods for Campagnolo and Mafac levers in gum, white, and black; Constructeur–style rubber City Bike Grips; and rubber bar-end plugs in a variety of colors.

"These hard to find items fill a niche in the market, and allow those wishing to restore and refurbish vintage bikes, as well as those looking for a traditional look for their city bikes, an alternative to trying to locate original vintage replacements, which can be expensive and may have dried out and become fragile," the company said.

Rustines has been making rubber goods for the cycling industry in France for over 100 years; its founder Louis Rustin is credited with developing the modern patch kit.

More information: velo-orange.com, or contact info@velo-orange.com or (443) 949-8115.

Interbike plans extensive indoor test track for e-bikes, fat bikes and more at this year's show

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SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, Calif. (BRAIN) — Interbike is partnering with Extra Energy Services North America to create a purpose-built indoor test track at this fall's show. Shimano is the presenting sponsor of the track, which is being designed to test a variety of motor systems and bicycle designs, including e-bikes, fat bikes, and urban/lifestyle bikes.

"The Circuit, presented by Shimano" will be designed and produced by EESNA and will feature a 15-foot wide loop that travels more than 1,000 feet through a dog-leg left turn, s-curves, and a hairpin turn. In addition to the standard loop, the track will include an 8-foot wide E-bike Power Ramp that provides a 34-foot incline rising up 4 feet to an 8-foot long platform and a matching 34 foot down ramp. This ramp is specifically designed to allow riders to test the power assist provided by e-bike drives.

A dedicated Terrain Lane featuring a number of ramps and obstacles will be provided for riders wanting to test fat bikes. A non-woven floor covering will eliminate the challenge of the polished concrete exhibition floor.

"The addition of the new hall and space at Mandalay Bay is allowing us to create a legitimate, professional test track facility on the show floor in a cool, comfortable environment," said Pat Hus, the vice president of Interbike. "We're investing a lot here and we're confident that the track is going to be a game changer and a new feature of the show that will be very important for years to come."

Shimano has introduced its STEPS e-bike system to North America and is looking to this test track as a way to support the growing market.

"This track will provide the perfect setting for Shimano to showcase its STEPS E-bike groupset," said Dustin Brady, Shimano American's marketing manager. "We're looking forward to engaging with retailers through this new and innovative feature of Interbike."

The partnership between Interbike and EESNA came about as part of the launch of a planned promotional tour for e-bikes to be produced by EESNA, called The Electric Bike Expo. Following the launch at Interbike, the six-city tour will kick-off in January 2016 at The IBD Summit in Tempe, Ariz., and will focus on introducing consumers to e-bike technology. Additional tour stops are still being finalized and sponsorship opportunities are now available.

"There's no better place to launch our six-city tour across North America than the ultimate gathering for the bicycle industry – Interbike," said Ray Verhelst, CEO of EESNA. "Interbike attendees have never seen such an elaborate track and we're confident that retail attendees who want to test the latest and greatest electric bikes, urban bikes or fat bikes will not be disappointed with their experience."

For more information on Extra Energy Services North America or The Electric Bike Expo, go to www.electricbike-expo.com. Brands interested in demo'ing at The Circuit can contact their Interbike sales executive or Andria Klinger at andria.klinger@emeraldexpo.com or 949-226-5745.

 

Online sales tax legislation introduced in the House

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House version would exempt larger businesses than the Senate bill, at least at first.

WASHINGTON (BRAIN) — A bipartisan group of legislators in the U.S. House introduced a bill Monday that would create a system for states to collect sales tax from Internet sales by sellers outside their state.

The House legislation, called the Remote Transactions Parity Act, is modeled on the Senate's Marketplace Fairness Act that was introduced in March. It differs in the size of businesses it makes exempt from having to deal with online sales taxes, but the exemption loophole is tightened over time in the House bill.

The bill authorizes states to enforce their own tax laws on sales made in their own jurisdictions and streamlines the process from state to state. The five states that currently do not collect sales tax would not be required to do so under the House bill.

Under RPTA, tax collection software would be provided by the state. The software must work in all qualified states, according to Rich Harper, a policy advisor to the Outdoor Industry Association.

The OIA supports the House legislation and has supported the Senate's version. The National Bicycle Dealers Association also supports the House legislation, NBDA executive director Fred Clements said. Clements said the association supports the bill but would prefer there was no exemption for small online businesses.

"There isn’t an exemption for bricks-and-mortar retailers so there shouldn’t be one for Internet retailers either. There is nothing about them that makes them deserve special treatment. In fact, the opposite is true. But, moving closer to fairness is better than what we have now," Clements said.

OIA's Harper said brick-and-mortar, specialty outdoor retailers are at a competitive disadvantage against remote sellers who do not always collect sales tax.

"Outdoor Industry Association supports the RTPA legislation because it will help level the playing field for all retailers in the industry, regardless of sales channel,"Harper said in an email to OIA members and others on Tuesday.

"The bill does not create any new taxes nor does it increase existing taxes, but authorizes states to enforce their own tax laws on sales made in their own jurisdictions and streamlines the process from state to state."

Harper said the House bill differs from the Senate because the House bill includes a small business exemption of $10 million in the first year, down to $5 million in the second year and finally $1 million in the third year.

The Senate bill exempts small businesses with $1 million or less in nationwide remote sales.

The House bill also provides for a more streamlined auditing process, allowing software providers to handle audits rather than each state, as outlined in the Senate bill.

The legislation was sponsored by Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-UT). Co-sponsors include Reps Steve Womack (R-AR), John Conyers (D-MI), Jackie Spier (D-CA), Kristi Noem (R-SD), Steve Stivers (R-OH), Peter Welch (D-VT) and Suzan Delbene (D-WA).

Canfield Brothers offer second generation Yelli Screamy 29er frame

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BELLINGHAM, Wash. (BRAIN) — Canfield Brothers is offering the second generation of the Yelli Screamy, a hardtail 29er with long and laid-back geometry that the company said has influenced many larger bike makers.

The company said the Yelli Screamy was the first production 29er to feature sub-17-inch chainstays. The result was a playful and nimble bike with big wheels, the company said. The chainstays remain at 16.7 inches and the headtube is a relaxed 67 degrees with a 140-millimeter fork.

The second generation Yelli Screamy features all-new tubing crafted from 6061 series aluminum, stealth dropper post routing, a 142x12 rear thru-axle, and ISCG mounts. It is compatible with single-chainring drivetrains.

"The original Yelli was the 29er that we wanted to ride," said Lance Canfield, owner and designer. "It didn't exist, so we built it. It's fun up, down, in the air, pretty much anywhere you want to take it. Just because it's a hardtail 29er doesn't mean you should ride it like one.

"This bike is all about fun, and people ride it just as hard as they do their 6-inch bikes," said Lance. "We wanted to make it just as easy to build it up to match."

A new chainstay yoke provides greater clearance and the ability to run modern drivetrain configurations, specifically 1x setups with a chainguide. It also allow high-volume tires.

Available in five anodized colors and two limited edition colors in S, M, L and XL, the Yelli Screamy frame retails for $650 at CanfieldBrothers.com.

Kona adds new staff in product, sales and communications

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BELLINGHAM, Wash. (BRAIN) — Kona Bicycle has announced the addition of new staff in its product, sales and communications departments.

In the product group, Eddy Marcelet, who's been with Kona for nearly 20 years, has been re-assigned to director of integration to keep product development and marketing working closely together.

Additions include James Westerfield, Justin Clements and a re-assignment of longtime Kona Canada sales rep, Trevor Porter.

Westerfield has extensive engineering experience with carbon production and bicycles, having previously worked at G. Loomis and Answer products.

Clements joined Kona in October, with years of experience working at Nidecker Snowboards; his new role is co-ordinating the Kona product development team.

A former World Masters DH champion and Canadian sales rep for many years, Porter is added his experience in product testing to Kona's mountain bike product team.

Mackay is taking on Porter's former Canadian Prairie Province territory.

The company said it plans to add two more team members to its product group before the end of the year. 

 

 

 

Mat Hoffman launches distribution company

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The Lady Luck chromoly model retails for $450.

OKLAHOMA CITY (BRAIN) — National BMX Hall of Famer Mat Hoffman has founded Hoffman Distribution, which will begin shipping Hoffman Bikes products to dealers by Friday, June 19.

The new Hoffman Bikes line includes complete bikes ranging from a $200 18-inch complete bike and a $270 20-inch complete to full chromoly bikes spec'd with higher-end components at $450. Supporting parts and accessories, including frames, forks and bars, will also be available.

Hoffman Distribution is also offering U.S. dealers the following incentives:

  • Free shipping on complete bikes — no minimums.
  • Free shipping on all P&A of $100 or more.
  • Territories for stocking dealers.
  • No minimum buy-ins.

Interested retailers can sign up using the online dealer application form at HoffmanBikes.com.

More information: Mark Owen, (844) 300-7411, markowen@hoffmandistro.com.

 

Donnelly looks to rebuild Clement tire brand in Europe, hires Michael Johnston

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DENVER (BRAIN) — Donnelly Sports — a Denver-based company that develops and markets Clement tires, licensing the trademark from Pirelli — is looking to rebuild the historic brand in its original home, Europe.

Donnelly has hired Michael Johnston, a former Mavic executive, as Clement's European manager. Johnston started June 1 and is based in Talloires  Rhone-Alpes, just outside of Annecy, France.

Donnelly Sports plans to offer the full Clement product line in Europe, including cyclocross, gravel/adventure, mountain biking, and road clincher and tubular models.

"We took our time to find the right person to communicate the new Clement story and brand strategy moving forward, specifically for the European market," said Donnelly Sports general manager Donn Kellogg, who acquired the licence in 2010. "With Michael's serious experience in global communications for top cycling brands along with his product management and sales rep days, we know he is the right person for the brand Clement in Europe."

Clement tires were off the market in Europe for at least 10 years before becoming available again about four years ago through distributors in Germany (Cosmic Sport) and the U.K. (2Pure).  Johnston is now in conversations with a other distributors across Europe outside of those two markets.

Johnston said, "Donn has executed a well thought-out strategy. He's positioned the brand for growth by building image through cyclocross and gravel riding, which relates very much to adventure riding and commuting in Europe and the current trend of wider road tires."

While the European market is potentially twice the size of the U.S. market, it is diverse and segmented, Johnston noted.

Germany, France and Italy each possess iconic tire makers, with favorites in each country.

"Additionally, certain brands are stronger in road than mountain biking, and other brands are stronger in cyclocross," said Johnston. "This gives us a matrix in Europe which is rather complex."

He said Clement still has a strong brand in Europe, especially among mature riders who remember the brand's heyday in pro cycling.

"We have a great story to tell and great products to back it up," he said.

Clement's North American distributors now include Accell North America/Seattle Bike Supply, BTI, Hans Johnsen Company, Live to Play Sports, Security Bicycle Accessories, Qarv Imports, QBP, and Wilson Bicycle Sales. OE clients include Raleigh, Norco, Kona, Novara, Jamis, Masi, Foundry, GT, Genesis, All-City, and Brodie.


Intel acquires smart sunglass maker Recon

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SANTA CLARA, Calif. (BRAIN) — Intel Corp. has acquired Recon Instruments, the maker of the Recon Jet smart sport sunglass. California-based Intel had previously invested at least $4 million in Recon, which began shipping the glasses in April. The company said the acquisition gives it a leg up in the hot fitness wearables market and helps it expand into the other head-mounted display products and technologies.

The Silicon Valley giant announced the purchase Wednesday morning in a blog post written by Josh Walden, a senior vice president and general manager of Intel's New Technology Group. It did not reveal the purchase price but said the deal was completed Tuesday.

"This acquisition gives Intel a talented, experienced wearable computing team that will help us expand the market for head mounted display products and technologies," Walden said in the blog.

Intel is looking beyond the sports market for the Recon technology. It said the Recon team will work with Intel's New Devices Group "to develop smart device platforms for a broader set of customers and market segments."

Recon began accepting preorders for its glasses in the summer of 2013. In September that year, Intel announced it had invested $4 million in the Vancouver, British Columbia-based company. Motorola Solutions, an investment wing of the Motorola brand, also invested a reported $7 million in Recon in 2014, and venture capitalists invested $10 million in Series A funding in the company in 2012.

Recon CEO Dan Eisenhardt said the acquisition will "lead to amazing things," and called Intel "an ideal partner."

He said Intel's resources will allow Recon to grow and to establish a strong app market for the glasses.

"This acquisition has placed Recon in a uniquely advantageous position," Eisenhardt said in a blog post Wednesday. "Going forward, we’ll continue leading the smart eyewear category for sports, and we’ll be able to bring our technology and innovation to completely new markets and use cases where activity-specific information, delivered instantly, can change the game. The team and I couldn’t be more enthusiastic."

Intel has made several recent moves as it positions itself for the wearables and heads-up display market. It has announced plans for the Intel Curie module1, a tiny system-on-chip for wearable devices; unveiled a multiyear R&D collaboration with Luxottica Group S.p.A  and its Oakley brand to bring smart technology to premium, luxury and sports eyewear; and announced a partnership with Tag Heuer and Google to launch a Swiss smartwatch powered by Intel technology and Android Wear.

Fred Clements takes new role at NBDA; search for new executive director underway

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COSTA MESA, Calif. (BRAIN) — The National Bicycle Dealers Association's longtime executive director Fred Clements will be stepping down in the next few months to take a project director's role within the organization. The organization announced it has begun a search for a new executive director.

"This has been an epic run for me personally and I am grateful for the opportunity," Clements said. "The board of directors is making a serious commitment to increase staffing. This is a critical time for bicycle dealers on many levels, and we'll be looking for someone to take the NBDA to the next level. I'll be here to help."

The search is being conducted by T. Malouf and Company Executive Search of Boulder, Colo. 

Retailer James Moore, the NBDA's president and owner of Moore's Bicycle Shop in Hattiesburg, Miss., said, "In the eight short years I've served on the NBDA board I've seen the organization increase dramatically the number and intensity of initiatives created to lead the independent bicycle retailer to excellence. What has not always increased is the manpower needed to turn strategic plans into programs that engage and empower our membership to become better retailers. Fred Clements, having served the NBDA for over two decades, is like the farmer who lifted the newborn calf over the fence every day so the calf could graze on the grass in the adjoining pasture. Not realizing that every day the calf added only a little more weight, when the cow was full grown, the farmer continued to lift her over the fence.

"Fred has been doing more than his share of lifting as the NBDA has matured and now we look forward to allowing him to focus on the successful programs he has helped create and nurture. Seldom does an organization get the privilege of seeking new leadership while also keeping the talents of the leader who has brought to this point. I personally, and I know I speak for the NBDA board, am truly grateful to know that Fred will continue to be a vital contributor to the NBDA."

Pedro's launches new tools and bike-care products

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Pedro's new public Tool Station.

BOSTON (BRAIN) — Pedro's North America is releasing several new tools and bike care products for summer, including a new degreaser designed to be friendly to modern chains, and a concentrated version of its Green Fizz bike cleaner.

The company also has just released a new public tool station, a wall- or post-mounted tool wrap that contains 13 bike tools with permanent tethering cords.

A look at some of the new products:

New degreasers and chain cleaner

Pedro's new Degreaser 13 was in development for two years. It relies on surfactants, instead of solvents, to remove grease from drivetrains without harming parts' heat treatment or the low-friction treatments on some newer 11-speed chains.

Degreaser 13 is also water soluble, safe to use on any material, fully biodegradable, solvent-free, plant-derived, and zero-VOC. MSRP is $9.50 for 4 ounces, $14 for 16 ounces or $65 for 1 gallon.

Green Fizz is now available in a 16x concentrate.

Pedro's also continues to offer its Oranj Peelz citrus-based degreaser.

Pig Juice is a new chain cleaner and degreaser liquid with a formula derived from Degreaser 13, specifically made for use in Pedro's Chain Pig chain cleaner device. It retails for $8 for 4 ounces or $11 for 16 ounces. The Chain Pig, which was introduced last year, retails for $28.

Improved foaming cleaner, now available in concentrate

Pedro's said it has improved its Green Fizz bike cleaner liquid, which is safe for all bike parts and is phosphate- and solvent free. MSRP is $10 for 16 ounces or $15 for 32 ounces.

The big Green Fizz news is that the cleaner is now also available in a concentrated form that can be mixed with 15 parts water to one part concentrate. That reduces shipping costs and storage space for shops and teams. The concentrate retails for $12 for 4 ounces or $18.50 for 16 ounces. Sixteen ounces of concentrate can make more than 8 liters of cleaner.

Quick Link Pliers

New tools

New tools include a driver for the crank adjusting cap on Shimano Hollowtech II cranks. The driver uses a Pedro's yellow screwdriver type handle. Pedro's is also offering new bottom bracket wrenches for Shimano 16x41mm and 16x39mm and new Quick Link pliers to open master links.

And for those who want to have a color-matched workbench, the company also is offering a new utility knife, diagonal cut pliers and needle nose clients.

Pedro's new public bike repair station is a wall-mounted tool wrap with 13 bike tools attached by stainless steel cables. Three spare cable sets are included for dealers who want to add additional tools or a floor pump. It retails for $350.

 

 

 

 

 

Pro mechanics: Is it important for your bike tools to match colors?

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NAHBS signs with SMAK for PR as show returns to Sacramento

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BOULDER, Colo (BRAIN) — Next year's edition of the North American Handmade Bicycle Show will return to Sacramento, Calif., where the show was last held in 2012.

The show's 12th edition will be Feb. 26-28 at the Sacramento Convention Center.

"Sacramento is a world-class convention destination with the location and resources to help the 2016 show be the biggest, most well attended yet," said Don Walker, the founder and president of NAHBS.

NAHBS also announced Wednesday that is had hired SMAK Strategies as its public relations agency of record.

Walker said by marketing the event earlier this year, NAHBS is aiming to have 10,000-plus attendees at the 2016 show.

SMAK will begin working with NAHBS immediately and will handle all aspects of show promotion, including media communications, exhibitor outreach, newsletter creation, social media outreach, and several new on-site initiatives for the 2016 show.

SMAK's other fitness and active lifestyle clients includes Sweet Protection, Kari Traa, Harbinger, HumanX, Potable Aqua, and EvoFit. 

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