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Zeitbike adds Andrew York as New York rep

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VENTURA, Calif. (BRAIN) — Zeitbike has hired Andrew York as sales representative for the New York area.

Based in Brooklyn, York will represent the entire line of Zeitbike, including VDO cycle computers, ASS Savers, TWO magazine, Green Oil, and Pedal Pushers t-shirts, as well as more brands to be announced soon.

York said, "To say the least I am thrilled to be apart of the Zeitbike team. Zeitbike's product line is a perfect fit for the urban NYC and surrounding market. I will be reaching out to dealers in the coming weeks, but in the meantime, I can be reached by email: andrewyork@me.com. RIDE ON!"

Fritz Bohl, the founder of Zeitbike, said, "Andrew is a guy that lives the city on a bike, he speaks NY, and he understands exactly where we are coming from and where are going. He has a great attitude and brings excitement to the job, along with a solid background in the bike industry. I am confident that he will succeed tackling this truly big challenge and have fun with it. He will definitely have our full support." 


Nico Zimmerman joins Dorel Sports as general counsel

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WILTON, Conn. (BRAIN) — Dorel Sports has hired Nico Zimmerman as its general counsel. He will be responsible for overseeing all legal affairs of the global business and its range of brands, including Cannondale, Schwinn, GT, Mongoose, Caloi, Fabric and SUGOI. Prior to joining Dorel Sports, Zimmerman practiced corporate law for several leading global firms in their U.S. and international offices.

"Dorel Sports significantly strengthens our legal capabilities with the addition of Nico to our senior management team," said Peter Woods, the president & CEO of Dorel Sports. "Nico's deep global expertise in business law will help Dorel Sports better navigate the continually evolving global bike market and position us to be an even better partner to our customers."

Zimmerman said, "I am thrilled to join the Dorel Sports team as it continues to gain momentum around the world. As a life long outdoor enthusiast, I am particularly excited to be a part of a team that is so passionate about its brands and committed to creating the perfect riding experience for its consumers."

Zimmerman received his law degree from the University of California, Los Angeles, and is admitted to the state bars of California, New York and Connecticut.

Malakye plans career fair event at Interbike

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MANHATTAN BEACH, Calif. (BRAIN) — Malakye.com is once again planning an industry recruiting and networking event at Interbike, called The Shmooz. 

The fourth annual event is being held Thursday, Sept. 17 at the show, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

"We had companies lining up to get in this year!" said Kelly Bader, business development manager for the bike category at Malakye.com. "The Shmooz has gained a ton of momentum since we first brought it to Interbike four years ago, and the fact that some of the industry's top employers were so quick to come on board is a true testament to its effectiveness."

Brands already on board and ready to recruit include: Specialized, Garmin, Jenson USA, Canari Cyclewear, Shebeest, Pivot Cycles, We Make Things and Velofix. Participating companies will be recruiting talented individuals for a wide range of positions across all departments and experience levels including design, engineering, development, sales, marketing, and more.

A full list of participating companies and open job opportunities can be found on the Malakye website.

Malakye also has added a community component to The Shmooz that creates opportunity for industry organizations and associations to build awareness and participation in their causes.

The Shmooz at Interbike will be held in the Islander I room at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center. The event is free and open to the public. Attendees can register for the Shmooz on EventBrite.

Employers interested in participating can contact Kelly Bader at kelly@malakye.com for details.

Voxwomen Cycling Show added to Bloomberg TV and Cycling TV

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LONDON (BRAIN) — The Voxwomen Cycling Show, which first aired on British Eurosport television, will soon be viewable in more countries via Bloomberg Television and the digital television platform, Cycling TV.

The women's cycling lifestyle show will air on Bloomberg's European, Middle East and Asian network for the remainder of 2015. Cycling.TV will show the program monthly.

The Voxwomen Cycling Show aims to give viewers a behind the scenes insight into the women's professional peloton.

The first half-hour program covered the women's AMGEN Tour of California, Aviva Women's Tour, and included features with some of the world's most celebrated female riders.

A second show launch date will be announced soon. More information at voxwomen.com.

Ben Woodbury (re) joins Champion System

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BROOKLYN, N.Y. (BRAIN) — Ben Woodbury has joined Champion System to further develop the company's growing sales team of regional and national accounts. Woodbury spent the last three years at Paceline Products where he was instrumental in managing large sponsorship relationships with pro teams. He also has worked with industry and consumer events such as Bicycle Leadership Conference, Interbike, IBD Summit, Cross Vegas, Tulsa Tough, Jingle Cross, Sea Otter and Bike Expo New York. He also previously worked for Chamion from 2009- 2012.

Woodbury said, "Champion System is the leader in custom technical apparel and a close knit team – I couldn't be happier to be coming home."

Scott Kaylin, the co-founder of Champion System, said, "We are very happy to be welcoming Ben back to the Champion System team. He was an intricate part of our initial and growth and am looking forward to his increased knowledge and experiences adding to our growing team."

Electric bike with 10-inch-wide tire headed for crowdfunding campaign

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MIAMI (BRAIN) — A Florida company is introducing an electric bike with a 10-inch-wide front ATV tire, made for use on soft beach sand or deep snow. 

The XTERRAIN500 Electric Bicycle has a 500-watt electric motor and uses a 4.6-inch-wide rear tire. The front wheel can be swapped out for a regular wheel with a 4-inch-wide tire if desired.

The company is planning on launching an Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign later this month. 

More information: sandsnowbikes.com.

LeMond's new book focuses on the Science of Fitness

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RICHMOND, Va. (BRAIN) — Greg LeMond is the co-author of "The Science of Fitness: Power, Performance, and Endurance," a new book that condenses the current state of exercise physiology into an easy-to-read paperback, loaded with practical advice and backed by 240 scientific literature references.

LeMond's co-author is Dr. Mark Hom, a biologist and MD. It is published by Elsevier, which claims to be the largest textbook publisher in the world.

Their book explains how all the organ systems of the human body work in concert every time you hop on your bike. A large part of the book focuses on mitochondria, which produce the energy that powers your muscles, heart, brain, and every healthy process in your body.

"Greg had superior mitochondria to power his epic wins, but later developed mitochondrial myopathy from lead poisoning, making him the world's best case study in mitochondria, both the highs and the lows," the publisher said.

"This book explains exercise at the subcellular level like no other fitness book so athletes can learn the science behind proper training, genetic gift, sports nutrition and hydration, how exercise improves the mind, the latest theory of aging (and how to slow the process), and the many health benefits of lifelong exercise. Both authors explain how youth exercise transformed their childhoods.

For wholesale sales, contact Mark E. Morin at Elsevier, at m.morin@elsevier.com.

More information at onlinebooksconnect.elsevier.com.

Wren Sports opens Southeast service center with MTB Tandems

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VALLEJO, Calif. (BRAIN) — Wren Sports now has as second regional service center in the U.S. as the company begins work with Alex Nutt and MTB Tandems to provide warranty and service work on all Wren suspension products.

"We started working with Alex when he began to use and sell our Fat Bike Suspension Fork," said company founder Kevin Wren. "MTB Tandem customers put our forks through extreme loads and Alex is very selective about the products he chooses. We are delighted to have MTB Tandem as a customer, brand advocate and now partner in our growing network of service centers."

MTB Tandems is located in Woodstock, Ga., and specializes in retailing tandem mountain bikes, parts and accessories. Alex Nutt, the owner at MTB Tandems said, "We've built and sold a few tandems now with the Wren fork and it's doing great. We are excited to become the authorized service center for Wren Suspension products, but I honestly think we won't see much repair or warranty work."

MTB Tandems is at 221 Rope Hill Parkway Ste 2, in Woodstock. They can be reached at (678) 445-0711.


Thule Group sells its snow chain business, focuses on outdoor and bags businesses

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STOCKHOLM (BRAIN) — Thule Group has agreed to sell its snow chain business to Schneketten AG – an Austrian company in the snow chain industry, for 10 million euros ($11.2 million) in cash and up to another 10 million euros based on sales in the coming seasons. Thule said the sale will allow it to focus more on growth in its Outdoor and Bags segments.

"Our strategic focus is to continue to build on our market leading position in developing products that make it easy for active consumers around the world to bring the things they care for, when pursuing their interests. In this context, the Snow Chain business was no longer a core business for us," said Magnus Welander, the CEO of Thule Group.

Thule's Snow Chain division has 145 employees, with the majority employed at a production site and head office in Molteno, Italy.

The Thule Board of Directors has also initiated a strategic review for the Thule Group's remaining business within its Specialty Segment, its Work Gear business in the U.S.

Magura USA to distribute Lightweight wheels in North America

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Lightweight Meilenstein carbon wheel

OLNEY, Ill. (BRAIN) — Magura USA has reached a deal with Lightweight to distribute the German brand's high-end carbon wheels throughout North America starting Oct. 1.

"We at Magura USA have lofty goals for the success of Lightweight wheels in the U.S. The incredible quality and craftsmanship of the wheels will make our job a bit easier," said Jeff Enlow, Magura USA's president. Magura USA will handle sales, marketing, warranty service and distribution of the brand and will carry the entire range of Lightweight products.

Dave Powers, Lightweight's former U.S. distributor based in Saratoga, N.Y., will remain with Lightweight as a consultant to Magura USA.

"I'm thrilled that Magura has joined the Lightweight team," Powers said. "Magura USA's strong distribution, service and warranty expertise with the Magura, Bosch and Vredestein brands will offer a new and stronger synergy to Lightweight's U.S. customers."

Magura USA will have Lightweight wheels on display this month at Interbike, Booth 13178. Dealers are invited to visit the booth to enter to win a free Lightweight wheelset. For more information, dealers can contact Magura USA at (800) 448-3876 or magura@magurausa.com.

Tacx introduces direct drive smart trainer, the NEO Smart

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LEXINGTON, S.C. (BRAIN) — Tacx new NEO Smart, a Eurobike 2015 Award Winner, is a direct drive smart trainer that the company said offers the truest road feel, from long flat roads to steep descents, without the complication of calibrations and maintenance.

The NEO features a permanent motor with 32 Neodymium magnets that rotate around 30 coils. The magnets are positioned on a steel plate which is directly connected to the bike's cassette. The higher the current through the coils, the larger the magnetic force and the higher the braking power. Tacx said the trainer ensures minimal power loss when training. It is capable of generating 2000 watts that in turn provides enough torque so that even at low speeds, it can deliver high resistance, enabling accurate hill climb simulations.

The NEO Smart is part of the Tacx Smart series. NEO communicates wirelessly over ANT+ and Bluetooth Smart and sends out the standard speed, cadence and power profiles. Performance data can be read on several devices simultaneously and the resistance is controlled by a smartphone, tablet or computer (via an upgrade). It uses the ANT+ FE-C protocol, so it can be controlled by third party software and it can also be used without connecting it to a device. The NEO features Plug-in/Plug-out technology so that it can be used with or without main power.

The compact motor fits snugly between the rear forks, and the foldable "wing-like" legs provide great stability and allow for easy transportation and storage.

The Tacx NEO Smart retails for $1,599.99.

More information: tacx.com/en/products/trainers/neo-smart.

Pro racer Stetson-Lee promotes Reno 'cross race

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RENO, Nev. (BRAIN) — Pro racer Teal Stetson-Lee is donning a race promotor's hat to help produce the first CrossReno event, planned for Sept. 19. The event will offer racers a preview of the 2018 USA Cycling Cyclo-cross National Championships, which will be held at the same venue. The event will also serve as a nearby follow-up for racers in Nevada to attend CrossVegas, being held Sept. 16.

CrossReno will include an all-day, all-ages party. Stetson-Lee said the course will include some novel features.

"We're excited to offer traditional cyclocross features as well as new, creative features that have never been done before," Stetson-Lee said. "We recognize racers enjoy familiar features, but having something like a straw pit with A lines and B lines will provide a new element to the course and hopefully something memorable."

Course builder Kevin Joel will use the park's hills to force riders off their bikes and gravel paths allowing for passing areas where riders can gain higher speed. "We want to create a course that is safe for the competitors, yet still provides something unique and challenging," Joell said, noting that includes working on a series of elevated wood planks to traverse various types of pits. "If [racers] can ride on the plank they can cross the sandpit and save time. If they lose their balance, they'll have to get off and run through it," Joell said. "It's an option for the more skilled riders to make up some time."

The festival is presented by Peppermill Resort and supported by Scott Sports USA. It will include food trucks, live music, activities for kids and the goal of attracting top international and national cyclocross racers. 

More information: cxreno.com.

Zwift works with Richmond World Championships to offer virtual worlds road course

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LONDON (BRAIN) — Zwift has launched a virtual UCI Road World Championships course, allowing top riders and anybody else to simulate riding on the course to be used for the World Championships being held in Richmond, Va., later this month.

The 3D representation of the 16.2km (10 mile) road race circuit, is now open. Zwift is available as a free beta download and works with many stationary trainers and on desktop or mobile devices.

“What’s not to like about this? For the first time ever, anyone, anywhere, with some pretty basic equipment and an Internet connection will be able to test themselves on a 3D version of the course that will be used for the UCI Road World Championships. As we approach one year in beta, this project is the perfect tribute to our global user base. They’ve helped us to create an awesome product and now they can come together in their thousands on the world championship course”, said Zwift's co-founder and CEO Eric Min.

The course features more than two-dozen corners, a handful of punchy climbs and cobbled sections worthy of Belgium. The course will be live on Zwift on the following dates: Sept. 1-8, Sept. 13-15, Sept. 20-27. In the real world, the junior men's and elite women's road races are Sept. 26 and the men's elite race is Sept. 27.

 

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Uvex electric-powered cycling glasses adapt to light in a fraction of a second

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FRIEDRICHSHAFEN, Germany (BRAIN) — Uvex' new Variotronic glasses adapt their tint to the light situation in less than 0.1 seconds, automatically or at the press of a button. 

This is made possible by a laminate of liquid crystals with electrochromatic activation by a photocell light sensor. The Uvex Variotronic is available as the Sports Shield for cyclists, and as the full frame version optimized for mountain bikers.

The light setting has a light transmission of 64 percent, while the tinted glass only allows 16 percent of light to pass through. The glasses are powered by a rechargeable, integrated accumulator with a claimed 50-hour operating duration. The glass technology is part of an exclusive cooperation between Uvex and the U.S. comapny AlphaMicron. Uvex has previously shown ski goggles with similar technology.

The new sunglasses were shown at Eurobike and have a recommended retail price of 299.95 euros. U.S. pricing was unavailable. 

3T launching dealer-direct sales in North America, hires Karim Pine

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Company will continue sales through VINA and QBP.

BREMBATE, Italy (BRAIN) — 3T has appointed Karim Pine to spearhead a new dealer-direct sales initiative in North America. The Italian component and wheel brand said it will continue to sell through its existing North American distributors, VINA and QBP, alongside its dealer-direct effort.

3T also is selling dealer direct in Italy with its wheel program.

Pine has held management posts with BMC, Cervélo and Cadence Cycling.

“I’m delighted to announce Karim will join us to augment our strength in this key market,” said 3T’s president and CEO, Rene Wiertz.

Wiertz said the dealer direct effort centers around 3T’s expanded wheel offerings, which includes the Discus clincher wheels, designed for disc brakes and for use on pavement and gravel roads.

“One of the objectives for 2016 is to bring a higher and more consistent level of technical support for whom a set of wheels of this quality remains a big investment. Karim will show retailers how 3T has designed and produced Discus to exactly meet changing rider needs.”


Amer Sports expands in indoor cycling with Spinner line

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HELSINKI (BRAIN) — Amer Sports, the owner of Mavic, is expanding in the indoor cycling market with a line of Spinner bikes being offered by Amer's Precor brand.

Precor has reached an exclusive multi-year licensing agreement with Mad Dogg Athletics, Inc., the creator of the Spinning indoor cycling program and Spinner line of bikes, to launch a new line of Spinner indoor cycling equipment in 2016. The two companies will co-develop a new range of indoor cycling equipment, and Precor will assume the manufacturing and distribution of the new range of products, including future marketing and education programs.

"Partnering with Mad Dogg Athletics allows us to enter the growing indoor cycling category and take a leading position in this dynamic segment," said Rob Barker, the president of Precor. "This partnership showcases our commitment to accelerating the growth of our global fitness business as part of the overall Amer Sports growth strategy."

Amer Sports also recently expanded into the functional training category by acquiring the Queenax brand.

Dealer awarded $3.1 million in dispute with Giant

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California supplier vows to appeal jury verdict.

TAMPA, Fla. (BRAIN) — A former Giant dealer, in a dispute that centered on Giant Bicycle Inc. opening up a nearby competitor, has won a multimillion-dollar jury award after a two-year-long lawsuit. But Giant’s attorney, Sheldon Warren, said Wednesday that the company plans to appeal the decision.

And Elysa Walk, Giant’s general manager, also said Wednesday that “while we appreciate the efforts of the jury, we disagree strongly with the result they reached. We fully intend to exercise all of our legal options to correct what we believe to be a decision that was unsupported by the evidence, so this matter is not concluded.”

In a unanimous verdict, the nine-person jury concluded that Giant had induced Fran Kane, owner of Flying Fish Bikes, to order $120,000 worth of bicycles to be sold in the spring of 2013 while — at the same time — planning to terminate their relationship and open up a Giant concept store two miles from Kane’s operation.

As a result, the jury awarded Kane $250,000 in compensatory damages and $3 million in punitive damages after ending deliberations late Tuesday afternoon.

However, U.S. District Court Judge Steven D. Merryday, in a separate ruling, agreed with Giant that Flying Fish Bikes had breached its contract with the California supplier for failing to pay for the $120,000 worth of bicycles ordered from Giant. Kane also had signed a personal guarantee. The judge ordered Kane to pay Giant $109,000 plus interest, costs and Giant’s attorney fees.

Merryday made his decision about Flying Fish’s breach of contract during the six-day trial and informed the jury of his ruling before jurors began deliberations.  Kane was unavailable for comment at press time.

Warren said he plans to file motions by the end of the month seeking a new trial and he will also ask the court to vacate the jury verdict before filing an appeal. “We don’t believe the verdict was supported by the evidence, and we believe there were and are very good grounds for pursuing an appeal,” said Warren, whose offices are in Long Beach, Calif.

Kane filed his original lawsuit Oct. 25, 2013, in a Florida state court, but Giant later moved to have the case transferred to U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida.

The lawsuit claimed that during the years his store had been selling Giant bicycles, Kane had developed a relationship of trust with the supplier, sharing inventory, sales, profit margins and other data with the company. Kane and Giant also worked on strategies to continue the market perception that Flying Fish Bikes was the dominant Giant dealer in the Tampa area, the lawsuit said.

“Giant was well aware of and participated in the strategy of promoting (Flying Fish) Bikes as a dominate Giant dealer and the importance of maintaining that image and position in the marketplace,” Kane alleged in his complaint.

In September 2012 Giant’s representative Geoff Godsey and Kane completed an order for $120,000 worth of inventory. Godsey was well aware that Giant, his employer, was also making plans to design and assist in the purchase of a storefront to be owned by a Giant affiliate or close ally. That store would serve as a Giant dealer located two miles from Kane’s store, the lawsuit claimed.

Giant also intended to terminate its relationship with Kane and that if Kane found out, he would have killed the order, Kane alleged. “Godsey intentionally concealed said information from Kane in order to induce (Flying Fish) Bikes to place the order,” the lawsuit added.

Kane said in the lawsuit that he should have been able to sell the bikes during the spring season. But the location of the competing store and a “precipitous” decline in the service and assistance Giant had once provided Flying Fish during the spring season led to lost sales. Most of the inventory Kane had purchased was unsold when the lawsuit was filed in October 2013, Kane claimed in the lawsuit.

However, evidence introduced at trial established that more than 50 percent of the inventory had been sold when Flying Fish was terminated as a Giant dealer in early January 2013.

Kane, named a BRAIN Top 100 Dealer in 2009, owns two stores in the Tampa area. He currently sells Felt, Raleigh, Electra and Cannondale bicycles.

Pioneer Cycle Sports hires Lift Creative Studios as creative agency

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CARLSBAD, Calif. (BRAIN) — Lift Creative Studios has added Pioneer Cycle Sports to its expanding list of cycling industry clients. Pioneer Cycle Sports is a division of Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. and entered the bike market in 2013 when it introduced its first power meter.

Russ Johnston, the executive vice president of marketing and communications for Pioneer Americas, said, "Pioneer is beginning to offer a more extensive mix of cycle sports products that reach a broader audience and it's important for us to work with a creative agency that fully understands cyclists, athletes, and independent retailers. LiFTcs is the perfect partner to help us communicate our growing commitment to the industry, as well as our brand message. We're excited to have LiFTcs join the Pioneer Cycle Sports team."

Pioneer power meters and Cycle-Computers are sold exclusively through the IBD channel and are currently used by WorldTour teams Giant-Alpecin, and Lotto-NL-Jumbo, as well as U.S.-based teams UnitedHealthcare and Alto Velo/ SeaSucker.

LiFTcs founder Steve Driscoll said, "Pioneer Cycle Sport has shown that they are the experts in the power meter market, which itself continues to grow, so we're very proud to be a part of helping them succeed."

BRAIN opens applications for Retail Remodel, Round Two

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ST. PAUL, Minn. (BRAIN) — Retailer Bob Sumada was proud to report that not only had he not hung any more bikes from his store’s ceiling, he had also taken most of the empty hooks down. By the end of winter, he said, the rest of the “ceiling bikes” would be gone.

Sumada was the recipient of Bicycle Retailer’s inaugural Retail Remodel Project, and his store, Now Bikes and Fitness, received a face-lift in late April. Retail design gurus Holly Wiese and Andy Davis of 3 Dots Design and merchandising consultant Mercedes Ross of Merchandising Werx helped Sumada “un-cave” Now Bikes by adding more bike displays and getting bikes off the ceiling and onto racks on the floor.

The team also used paint and new wall treatments to modernize the front of the store, and brought in new fixtures and repurposed existing ones to better display Now’s plethora of apparel and accessories. A new wall was constructed 4 feet off of an existing wall to provide much-needed storage and an attractive way to merchandise shoes and helmets. Signage was placed throughout the store to guide customers, and traffic flow was improved by creative fixture placement.

3 Dots and Ross worked with Now Bikes’ staff and manager Rich Sherman to provide merchandising tips and tricks they could continue to use once the design was complete. They also shared ideas for future remodel projects throughout the store, along with ways to streamline inventory management.

As part of the project, retail consultant Gregg Frederick of G3 Development Group is helping Sumada and Sherman track how the improvements are impacting sales.

Four months later, Now’s sales have not only increased, but both staff and customers are energized by the changes. “Everything is brighter and more accessible. It just opened up the store and it makes more sense now,” said Sumada, who has co-owned Now Bikes and Fitness since 1978. “I think we’re up because of our staff and what we’re up to, and because of what you guys did, too.”

Sumada will join 3 Dots Design and Merchandising Werx to cover the Retail Remodel in depth as part of the NBDA Super Seminars series at Interbike on Wednesday, Sept. 16, at 4 p.m.

Bicycle Retailer is now accepting applications for round two of the Retail Remodel Project, slated to be completed in late winter. The deadline to apply is Sept. 25. To apply, visit goo.gl/forms/IgC7r3zc1S.

 

Wren Sports to offer handbuilt Billato frames

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VALLEJO, Calif. (BRAIN) —Italy Cycles Billato and Wren Sports, LLC. have entered into an exclusive sales and distribution agreement for North America.

"The Billato name has been synonymous with top-level bicycle manufacturing since 1954, having produced frames with an Italian flair for several highly-regarded brands," said Kevin Wren, the founder of Wren Sports.

Roberto Billato, the son of the company founder, continues the family tradition building Billato frames.

"We recently celebrated our 60th anniversary of Billato," said Roberto. "I'm delighted to partner with Wren Sports to handle our sales and distribution to a very small group of independent bicycle retail shops."

Wren said the company is looking for dealers interested in exclusive regional sales agreements. Roberto Billato will be on hand in the Wren Sports booth at Interbike this month.

 

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