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Park Tool Tech Summit

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Start:February 10, 2013
End:February 11, 2013
Location: Sheraton Portland Airport, Portland, OR

The Park Tool Tech Summit is a hands-on training event for professional bike shop mechanics. The teachers are the service experts from the top component brands in the world. Classes are designed to keep shop mechanics up to speed on servicing the latest technologies in the bicycle industry. Classrooms are fully equipped with the latest Park Tool products as well as new products from each manufacturer.

 

 

The Bike and Triathlon Show

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Start:February 16, 2013
End:February 17, 2013
Location: Manchester Central, United Kingdom

This expo celebrates everything bike and tri--whether it's BMX, road or mountain--and offers seminars, riding shows and demonstrations, the latest products from tri, run and swim, and bargains from on-site retailers.

IceBike

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Start:March 5, 2013
End:March 7, 2013
Location: Madison, Milton Keynes, United Kingdom

IceBike returns for its seventh year with a fresh new look and even more on offer from the Madison brand portfolio. Held at Madison's premises in Milton Keynes, IceBike is an opportunity to see new  new products and brands.

Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2013 Expo

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Start:July 31, 2013
End:August 3, 2013
Location: Salt Palace Convention Center, Salt Lake City, UT

From small shops and regional chains to the largest national and international retailers, Outdoor Retailer attracts thousands of buyers and senior-level decision makers who are looking for outdoor-specific products, services, brands, fresh ideas, apparel launches, and outdoor innovation.

Colorado Freeride Festival

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Start:July 25, 2013
End:July 28, 2013
Location: Winter Park Resort’s Trestle Bike Park, CO

The Colorado Freeride Festival will feature the best mountain bikers from around the world battling it out for more than $45,000 in prize money. The four-day festival will showcase athletes in slopestyle, enduro racing, air downhill, cross-country and pond-crossing events while providing excitement for competitors and spectators of all ages. The Festivillage will play host to the biggest brands in mountain biking and action sports, as well as providing an opportunity to demo some of the best downhill bikes in the world.

Crankworx Les 2 Alpes

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Start:July 6, 2013
End:July 14, 2013
Location: Les 2 Alpes, France

In its second year as a major freeride mountain bike festival across the Atlantic, Crankworx Les 2 Alpes will be host to one of the season’s biggest, most critical events for the Freeride Mountain Bike World Tour (FMB), one stage of the new Enduro World Series and the annual Free Raid Classic.

Kokanee Crankworx Whistler

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Start:August 10, 2013
End:August 19, 2013
Location: Whistler, British Columbia

The granddaddy of all freeride festivals returns with a full expo and events including the Canadian Open Enduro, Garbanzo DH, Official Whip-Off World Championships, Air DH, Teva Best Trick, Ultimate Pump Track Challenge, Red Bull Joyride and Jeep Canadian Open DH.

Strava adds power analysis tools

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SAN FRANCISCO, CA (BRAIN) — Strava has added more advanced power and heart rate analysis features to its premium subscription service.

While Strava offers a free version of its ride tracking app, it also offers a premium version that sells for $59 annually. The premium version now includes more sophisticated graphs of power meter data. The power meter data also can be shared and compared with friends or coaches.

Additionally, premium members can now set custom heart rate zones to quantify the intensity levels of their workouts, download GPX files from Strava.com and load them onto their Garmin, plus set time and distance goals and track their progress week over week.

More information: www.strava.com/premium


Shipping negotiators agree to 30-day contract extension

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WASHINGTON, D.C. (BRAIN) — A shipping strike on the East Coast has been averted just hours before a deadline, according to federal mediators. 

A strike had been set to begin Saturday, when a contract would have expired between International Longshoremen's Association and the U.S. Maritime Alliance, which represents shipping lines, terminal operators and port associations. The strike would have directly affected 15 ports from Texas to Massachusetts, and likely would have caused delays and cost increases across all North American ports. The contract had already been extended 90 days.

On Friday, federal mediator George H. Cohen announced that there had been progress in negotiations and that both sides had agreed to an additional extension of 30 days, until midnight, January 28, 2013.

Cohen said the agreement was "a major positive step toward achieving an overall collective bargaining agreement. While some significant issues remain in contention, I am cautiously optimistic that they can be resolved in the upcoming 30-day extension period.” 

The ports affected directly handle about 40 percent of all shipments in and out of the U.S. While most bicycles and bike accessories arrive in the U.S. via West Coast ports, carriers across the country have announced they would impose a "Congestion Surcharge" of as much as $1,000 per 40-foot container if there is a strike.

Seatsleev minimalist seat pack

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LANCASTER, PA (BRAIN) — Seatsleev is a minimalist way for riders to carry essentials on the bike. The saddle pack is made of heavy gauge elastic bands and a grippy fabric to hold a tube, CO2 cartridges, tire levers and a multi-tool. It will not contact the seatpost and will fit any style saddle and any style post.

The road version is available now with two more models — the medium size and large version that will carry MTB size tube and tools — being added for 2013.

MSRP: $30.

Dealer inquires welcome; contact Speedsleev Products at 717-715-9660 or www.speedsleev.com

Top industry stories in 2012

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The Specialized-Volagi suit was a huge story last winter.

A look back at some of the headlines from 2012:

January

• Road drivetrains move to 11-speed as Shimano joins Campagnolo to close the cog gap. Shimano’s 11-speed Dura-Ace cable-activated and electronically shifted groups are set to ship in the fall. SRAM stays the course with mechanical shifting and 10-speed cassettes.

• Interbike launches dealer conference in April as it undergoes restructuring that puts managing director Pat Hus at the show’s helm. Longtime Nielsen executive and former show director Andy Tompkins is let go.

Acquisition activity heightens at the end of 2011 and early 2012. Among the buyouts: Shebeest by Canari parent Leemarc Industries; e-bike company Currie Technologies by Accell Group; Cervélo by Pon Holdings, which earlier acquired Gazelle and Derby; and Syncros by Scott Sports.

• Specialized’s longtime national sales manager John “JT” Thompson jumps ship, joining Giant USA as executive director of sales.

Poll: Your vote for the biggest industry story of 2012

February

• Specialized and Volagi duke it out in court over intellectual property and breach of contract. Jury finds Volagi co-founder Robert Choi, a former Specialized employee, liable of breach of contract for starting his new company while still employed at the Morgan Hill company, and awards Specialized $1 in damages.

Maverick shutters due to lack of resources. Co-founder Paul Turner reclaims the brand and intellectual property from its previous owners with plans to keep it alive.

Tire and suspension makers were proud of their 650B offerings.

650b gains momentum as fork, tire and wheel makers grow their lines and bike makers including KHS and Norco either expand 650b bike offerings or announce plans to enter the category.

March

• European private investment group Minestone Ltd. acquires Marin Bikes. The buyout is said to bring the resources needed to staff up and invest in product development, branding and advertising. Longtime FSA managing director Matt VanEnkevort later joins the company as CEO.

• Trek announces plan to forgo Eurobike as it focuses on its own Trek World dealer events in both Europe and the U.S., raising the question about the long-term relevancy of trade shows.

• BPSA members report a $50 million sales gain for 29ers in 2011. But the larger wheel category replaces sales in the 26-inch mountain bike category rather than growing the overall market for off-road bikes.

Shimano’s patent activity suggests it’s making inroads into off-road suspension, hydraulic rim brakes, dropper seatposts and electric integration of drivetrain and suspension components. It later announces a partnership with Fox on its electronically controlled shocks and forks.

• Bikes Belong, the League of American Bicyclists and the Alliance for Biking & Walking begin talks on merging the three nonprofits into a unified group by early 2013. But months later they call off the merger, citing too many differences.

 

April

• The removal of import duties between China and Taiwan and growing market for bikes are a boon for Taiwanese exports, but slow down delivery of certain parts to North America and Europe.

Colnago's disc brake road bike at the Taipei bike show.

Road disc brakes inch forwardwith Shimano, SRAM, Formula and TRP promising to deliver options this year. But questions remain about how best to integrate them into frame design and debates continue on rotor size and rear axle width standards.

 • UCI’s frame and fork approval program proves frustrating for small wheel and frame manufacturers, who say the cost is a strain to their businesses and creates an anti-competitive environment at retail.

Accell Group acquires Raleigh Cycle Ltd. for about $80 million. Raleigh joins the Dutch company’s growing stable of U.S. brands, which include Seattle Bike Supply and Currie Technologies.

• Predicting that China’s emerging enthusiast market will take off, U.S. and European bike brands invest in concept stores and open sales and marketing offices there. But return on investment will take time as wages and the country’s cycling culture evolve.

Shimano Europe acquires Bike Fitting, making the Dutch company’s measuring instruments and software available to Shimano dealers worldwide and allowing Shimano to develop more customized products to suit riders.

• An unusually warm winter and recovering economy spell good news for U.S. retailers and suppliers in the first quarter. Overall sales at IBDs were up 12 percent in February with average retail prices and units sold up 3 and 8 percent, respectively. Dorel, Shimano, Garmin, Mavic, Fox, CamelBak and Easton-Bell all report gains in first-quarter revenues.

 

May

• Domestic framebuilders see rise in demand for U.S.-made products—mostly from new startups and retailers making a run of bikes.

• Developers of social fitness apps shore up funding as consumer interest and usage skyrocket. Their rapid ascent triggers a lawsuit by fitness giant Icon Health & Fitness, which claims the apps infringe on two of its patents.

Action camera sales take off in bike shops, propelled in part by the social media craze as well as lower price points and plug-and-play technology.

• Quality Bicycle Products’ Steve Flagg and Mary Henrickson acquire a majority stake in SmartEtailing. The deal provides the financial resources to accelerate SmartEtailing’s Buy Local Now program, which allows consumers to shop for products via a supplier’s website but buy through their local shop.

 

June

BRAIN featured the industry's military veterans

• BRAIN salutes the industry’s military veterans in a 24-page special issue.

 • Suppliers predict earlier-than-usual product shortages as demand during the warm winter puts a squeeze on available inventory and accelerates delivery of 2013 lines.

Longtime employees leave Marzocchi USA after acquisition talks end between Marzocchi’s parent company, Tenneco, and SR Suntour, its Taiwanese assembler. SR Suntour no longer will assemble Marzocchi products, focusing on fulfilling demand for its own line, which continues to grab market share.

• American Bicycle Group transitions from framebuilder to complete bike seller as CEO Peter Hurley becomes majority stakeholder.

• An investor group acquires multisport magazine Lava from the World Triathlon Corp. While no longer owned by WTC, the publication remains Ironman’s official magazine.

• The United States Anti-Doping Agency opens an investigation surrounding doping allegations during Lance Armstrong’s racing career. Armstrong doesn’t contest the charges and is slapped with a lifetime ban from competition and stripped of his wins from 1998 to 2010.

• Congress passes a two-year transportation spending bill that slashes funding for bike projects by a third, possibly more, and shifts spending authority to state and local governments.

 

July

Interbike announced plans to move to Mandalay Bay Convention Center for 2013.

•Interbike organizers move the show to Mandalay Bay for 2013 and just a few months later announce the addition of a restricted consumer day. Both are moves to reinvigorate the trade show and help it retain its relevance in a changing marketplace.

Black Diamond acquires POC for $43.5 million. The Swedish helmet brand, which saw 35 percent growth in its most recent fiscal year, gains the operational infrastructure and financial backing of a global company through the deal.

• Industry makes inroads to stem the sale of counterfeit product as federal authorities nab four Colorado residents for allegedly selling $285,000 of counterfeit equipment.

 

August

A lawsuit against Strava by the family of a rider who dies following a bike accident while using the app ignites debate on the impact popular social fitness apps have on rider behavior.

• New rule amending how existing singletrack is designated throughout the National Park Service will boost access to park trails. Advocates hail the decision as a game changer.

• SRAM finally goes 11-speed—but in mountain—with the launch of its XX1 group, a 1x11 drivetrain targeted toward enduro and cross-country riders.

• Campagnolo trickles down electronic shifting to Athena, a lower-cost, higher-weight version of its Record and Super Record groups, in an effort to grow its OE business.

• The industry mourns the loss of longtime bike advocate and Catalyst Communication CEO Leslie Bohm, who succumbs to cancer. In his close to 40 years in the bike business, Bohm started a touring gear brand, a direct marketing company and was a founding member of Bikes Belong.

 

September

Specialized Turbo e-bike - too fast for U.S.

• Faster e-bikes with a kick of up to 500 watts and speeds up to 27 miles (45 kph) per hour emerge in the European market.

• A sluggish economy, poor weather and depreciated euro temper the end-of-year outlook for European brands. Companies predict they will increase prices to offset currency losses and down-spec bikes to hit price points.

• Fat bikes expand beyond their Alaskan roots with retailers reporting brisk sales during summer, at beachside communities and to all kinds of riders. Proponents see the wide-tired bikes as the next hot category.

• Quality Bicycle Products files a lawsuit against Sinclair Imports accusing the Nevada distributor of unfair competition. QBP alleges Sinclair sells product to consumers through two websites and uses QBP’s copyrighted images and branding.

 

October

• USADA releases a 200-page report supporting its decision to ban Armstrong and strip him of his results. The findings eventually lead all of Armstrong’s sponsors to sever their ties, including Trek. Despite the sales boom Armstrong brought during the height of his career, retailers expect no fallout from the scandal.

• BRAIN launches a redesigned website that works on a wider variety of devices and offers improved navigation and search functions.

 

November

Dorel buys Guru Cycles with an eye toward the Canadian company’s automated fit system. The custom frame manufacturing portion of Guru remains unchanged, with the same management at the helm.

New York's Bicycle Habitat operated without power after Sandy.

Hoist Fitness Co. acquires LeMond Fitness, a move that would enable it to expand its product offerings into cardio training equipment.

• Consumer electronics giants JVC, Sony and Pioneer make foray into bike market with Wi-Fi-enabled cameras and a crank-based power meter.

• Interbike announces plans to allow consumers into its Las Vegas trade show in 2013. A limited number of consumers will be allowed in as guests of attending retailers.  

December

• BPSA members see increases in overall revenue and unit sales through the end of the third quarter. Suppliers report robust shipments of hybrids, 29ers and juvenile bikes and average wholesale price sees a 3.2 percent gain.

Hurricane Sandy proves devastating to some retailers in the Mid-Atlantic region. The storm forced closures of subways and a shortage of gasoline, boosting bike use in Manhattan and Brooklyn.

Biggest industry story of 2013?

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Biggest stories of 2012?

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Specialized won a lawsuit and 100 pennies ...
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http://www.bicycleretailer.com/industry-news/2012/12/31/bike-industry-stories-made-headlines-2012#.UOIRRInjnqI

Biggest stories of 2012?

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Sandy soaked some shops, but boosted bike use in New York ...
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http://www.bicycleretailer.com/industry-news/2012/12/31/bike-industry-stories-made-headlines-2012#.UOIRRInjnqI

Biggest stories of 2012?

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Road bikes got discs. Maybe ...
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http://www.bicycleretailer.com/industry-news/2012/12/31/bike-industry-stories-made-headlines-2012#.UOIRRInjnqI

Biggest stories of 2012?

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Wheels got bigger ...
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http://www.bicycleretailer.com/industry-news/2012/12/31/bike-industry-stories-made-headlines-2012#.UOITyYnjnqI

Biggest stories in 2012?

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Strava created water-cooler conversation — and debate ...
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http://www.bicycleretailer.com/industry-news/2012/12/31/bike-industry-stories-made-headlines-2012#.UOIWC4njnqI

Video driver story most viewed BRAIN web story of 2012

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BOULDER, CO (BRAIN) — An article about a pair of Colorado cyclists who video recorded a driver allegedly harassing them was the most viewed story on bicycleretailer.com in 2012. 

One of the riders was an industry insider — former pro racer Dirk Friel co-founded Peaksware, the maker of the TrainingPeaks training software. BRAIN ran into Friel at Interbike when the story broke.

But the story likely received much of its viewership from curious cyclists, not necessarily those who make their living in the bike industry (A few links from our friends in the consumer media gave it a modest viral boost).

But not all of the most viewed stories were of interest to civilians. Several were related to distribution challenges, lawsuits and the growth of online retailing. You have to be a bit of a bike industry nerd to be interested in some of this stuff, and that's the way we like it.

By the way, at last count Friel's video had received 475,000 views on YouTube. In November the driver pleaded not guilty to charges related to the incident; a trial is pending.

Here's a list of the year's top 10 most viewed stories:

  1. TrainingPeaks founder's video nabs driver
  2. Specialized calls on dealers to drop other brands
  3. Fitness giant sues app developers
  4. Choi found liable, Specialized awarded $1
  5. Cannondale shuts distributor over Costco sales
  6. Weagle sues Trek in patent dispute
  7. BRAIN names Top 100 dealers
  8. QBP wages web war at Frostbike
  9. The 650b freight train
  10. Garmin revenues up but power meter delayed

Shimano Latin America signs new UCI continental team

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BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (BRAIN) — Shimano Latin America announced a new UCI Continental team on Wednesday to be based on Buenos Aires and led by Walter Perez, gold medalist in the 2008 Beijing Olympics and a prolific Argentine athlete.

The roster of Ba La Provincia, also known as Cascos Naranjas, or Orange Helmets, also includes Argentine time trial champion Ignacio Pereyra and up-and-comers Santiago Espindola, Julian Becaglia, Lucas Gaday and Sebastián Tolosa. Federico Pagani, Claudio Arone and Julian Gaday round out the squad. 

The team will ride Colner bikes from Argentina outfitted with Shimano Dura-Ace groupsets and PRO components. Significant races on the calendar include the Tour de San Luis in January, the classic Double Bragado in February as well as races in Trinidad and Tobago, the U.S., Italy and the world championships in Glasgow. 

Ba La Provincia is also supported by the government of the province of Buenos Aires.

Giant bikes roll in Rose Parade

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NEWBURY PARK, CA (BRAIN) — Sharp-eyed TV viewers might be able to spot a few Giant bikes in the Rose Parade in Pasadena, California, on New Year's Day.

Giant is supplying ten bikes and riders to complement the China Airlines "Cycling Through Paradise" float in the parade. The float depicts the Tzu En pagoda, which stands alongside Sun Moon Lake in central Taiwan. The area is a favorite for cyclists. On the float, the pagoda is made from cranberry seeds, white rice, and Golden clover. It's surrounded by lush tropical foliage, including palm trees that tower 30 feet high crafted with Buckwheat and Cattleya orchids.

"A few years ago, Giant founder King Liu revealed how Taiwan is fast becoming a major cycling destination by riding around the entire island nation," said Brad Klipping, Giant USA marketing manager. "So it's only natural that the country's biggest airline would ask the world's leading bicycle brand to help demonstrate what a cycling paradise Taiwan truly is – and there's no better place to show all this than the world's most famous parade on New Year's Day!"

Giant USA employee Mike Colbert and his wife are among the riders who planned to pedal in the parade and so is southern California Giant retailer Benson Lam, owner of Jones Bicycles II in San Marino. He planned to ride his own Trance X 29er 1. "Being a part of the world's biggest parade, riding a bike I love, and representing a great company like Giant? How cool is that?" asked Benson. "I am thrilled beyond belief!"

The 124th Rose Parade presented by Honda takes place Tuesday, January 1, 2013 at 8:00 a.m. (PST). Eight television networks, including ABC, NBC, Univision, and Sky Link TV, will broadcast the parade.

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