MARINA DEL REY, Calif. (BRAIN) — Around 185 retailers, event organizers, suppliers and media gathered for Triathlon Business International's annual conference, held in Los Angeles this week.

At Sunday's opening keynote address TBI announced it would move the conference out of California for the first time next year. The 7th annual conference is on the calendar for Jan. 22-24, 2017, in Dallas, where presenting sponsor Active Network is headquartered.

Panelist discussions and keynote speakers, including USA Triathlon Barry Siff, Ironman CEO Andrew Messick and Strava vice president David Lorsch, tackled everything from the sustainability of the triathlon industry and the emerging interest in triathlon and running events in China to technology's impact on athletic performance.

At the final session on Tuesday, Multipsort Research's Gary Roethenbaugh presented findings from the TBI U.S. market survey conducted last year. He also shared preliminary results from the second survey. (Take the survey until January 31 here).

Breakout sessions for event directors and race organizers addressed liability and legal concerns, while Slowtwitch.com's Dan Empfield moderated a panel for retailers and suppliers focused on omnichannel retail strategy with 2XU's Richard Verney (look for more about omnichannel sales in the March 1 issue of Bicycle Retailer).

TBI also held an awards dinner Monday evening, where it presented the inaugural Steve Hed Award for Innovation. Zwift took home the Steve Hed award for its software program that turns indoor cycling into a virtual reality where riders can ride and race together.

The best events, videos, articles and photos of the year were recognized, and TBI announced the top 10 multisport retailers of 2015. The list was compiled by Slowtwitch.com publisher Dan Empfield through a voting process weighted 50 percent on supplier and 50 percent on consumer votes.

The top 10 of the list of 50 U.S. brick-and-mortar retailers are:

Speedy Reedy, Seattle, WA
Nytro Multisport, Encinitas, CA
Moment Cycle Sport, San Diego, CA
Austin Tri Cyclist, Austin, TX
Athletes Lounge, Portland, OR
Inside Out Sports, Cary, NC
Trisports.com, Tucson, AZ
Gear West Bike and Triathlon, Long Lake, MN
All3Sports, Atlanta, GA
Tribe Multisport, Scottsdale, AZ

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (BRAIN) — Project Bike Trip has hired Mercedes Ross to lead and expand the California program nationwide.

PBT's "Bike Tech" is a high school-based career tech program that teaches students bicycle assembly and repair, providing them with the skills and enthusiasm to adopt a bicycling lifestyle and perhaps gain employment in the cycling industry.

"The program has been running successfully since 2006 in California, and now we're looking to Mercedes to bring her industry knowledge and enthusiasm to grow the program across the country," said Berri Michel, founder of PBT.

The Bike Tech class was developed by Project Bike Trip in partnership with the Santa Cruz Regional Occupational Program. It provides career development education while simultaneously using the bicycle as 
a platform to teach common CORE and STEM curricula. Students who successfully complete the class receive a certificate, sponsored and endorsed by members of the bicycle industry.

"I can't think of a better way to encourage young minds than to give them the opportunity to learn about our industry, and provide them with a possible future" said Ross.

"I've been visiting bicycle retailers for many years and the one thing they are always looking for is excited new minds to join their teams," said Ross. "Having a vehicle for a bicycle retailer to re-invest in their community and be a sponsor shop for one of these high school programs benefits both the retailer and the students."

"My goal is for every bicycle retailer and vendor to have a 'Member of Project Bike Trip' sticker in their windows," said Ross. 

Ross is the founder of Merchandising Werx LLC, a consulting firm for the bicycle, ski, outdoor, running and motorcycle industries. She will continue work with other clients including Giant Bicycle and BRAIN.

BERKELEY, Calif. (BRAIN) — REI is working with the National Interscholastic Cycling Association and the International Mountain Bike Association to promote the Teen Trail Corps initiative, which will teach young mountain bikers to demonstrate respect, empathy and compassion toward fellow trail users and the environment.

The Teen Trail Corps framework is built around IMBA's key tenets of "speak, build, respect, ride." NICA student-athletes will earn badges in each of those respective areas before gaining the status of "Trail Captain." Trail Captains will then be eligible for recognition at the NICA Awards Banquet and other season-long events.

Austin McInerny, NICA's executive director, said, "With the exploding number of young mountain bikers entering the sport through NICA's growing interscholastic cycling programs — over 7,500 students participating this past year in 15 leagues across 14 states — it is critical that we educate them on how to responsibly ride while also empowering them to be effective advocates and stewards; it's necessary to ensure the growth of the sport, the bike industry, and to help ensure improved relations amongst all trail users. REI takes outdoor stewardship seriously and is making our collaboration with IMBA on this important initiative possible."

To learn more about the Teen Trail Corp visit teentrailcorps.org.

VENTURA, Calif. (BRAIN) — Zeitbike is now offering the option for shops and teams to print customized Ass Saver fenders. 

Private label options are available in two versions: basic black fenders and white print and standard fenders in color with up to four print colors. The basic black fender option has a minimum order quantity of 100 pieces; the colored options require 250 pieces. Lead times vary between 4-6 weeks for final delivery to the U.S. or Canada.

Prices start as low as $2.59 each with high-volume purchases. For smaller quantities dealer pricing begins at $5.49. The combination of colors, fender choices, and print volume can increase or lower the pricing. All prices are visible online at Zeitbike.com.

Ass Savers, based in Gothenburg, Sweden, continues to print and manufacture in Sweden as it expands its product offerings.

More information at zeitbike.com/brands/ass-savers.

NEVERS, France (BRAIN) — Look Cycle announced Wednesday that it had bought a controlling interest in another French cycling stalwart, the wheel maker Corima. Look said the companies will remain independent but the alliance will create the opportunities to offer complimentary products as the brands cooperate on manufacturing, sales and R&D. Look already is planning to offer its French retailers wheels designed and made by Corima.

Corima was founded in 1973 by Pierre Martin and Jean-Marie Riffard in Loriol-sur-Drôme. Initially focused on the design and manufacture of high performance composite parts, it has focused on wheels since 1988. Currently, Corima has 20 employees and annual sales of 4 million euros ($4.4 million), with 85 percent of sales made outside France.

Both brands have a history of innovation and involvement with top-level competition. Both brands currently sponsor the Astana pro road team, for example.

The companies will retain their head offices and factories — in the Nièvre region for Look Cycle, and in the Drôme region for Corima.

Pierre-Jean Martin, president of Corima, said, "The bringing together of Corima and Look has been done in a very fluid way in so far as we share the same values in our businesses: performance, innovation, quality and team spirit. This combination, which we have desired, will allow both companies, Look and Corima, to grow in an ever more competitive and globalized market. Our common strengths and synergies will also allow an ever increasing number of enthusiasts for the 'Petite Reine' (the Little Queen: The Bicycle) to benefit from the best products for their favorite sports."

Dominique Bergin, the president of Look, said, "Corima is a very great company, well managed, high growth, exporting, with unique know-how in wheels and carbon. We share the same passion and the same requirement for high value added technical products for the consumer. The merger with Corima will allow both companies to accelerate their growth and I rejoice at the return of Corima wheels to French retailers."

CHIUDUNO, Italy (BRAIN) — Kask's Rex mountain bike helmet features an In-Moulding design, extended head coverage and advanced ventilation system.

The Rex has 20 vents designed for maximum air ow at slower speeds and in warmer climates. The air flow is complemented by frontal pads with new technologies which encourage efficient sweat evaporation. The the helmet covers the lower occipital bone in the rear and has added temporal coverage in front for additional safety. It weighs 290 grams.

The Rex has a removable multi-position ratcheting visor and integrated goggle retention clip at the rear. There is a Lux Leather chinstrap and integrated camera mount. The visor and goggle clip are made from plastic polymer, and the visor screws are aluminum. Kask is an Italian company launched in 2004. It designs and manufactures helmets for cycling, skiing, mountaineering, climbing, equestrian, rescue teams and work safety.

It is available in four colors: lime green, blue, red and white. It retails for $199.95.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (BRAIN) — Nox Composites has released its S36R carbon clincher road rim, which is 36mm deep and 28mm wide externally.

The S36R is designed for rim brakes. It offers a tapered parabolic wind profile. Impregnated friction and extreme heat tolerant resins are used on the brake track for improved braking performance in all conditions. It weighs about 410 grams. MSRP is $479. 

Nox was originally focused on mountain rims and wheels; this is the brand's second road product release and the first aimed squarely at competitive road racing.

It is available now in  20, 24 and 28 hole configurations with white or black decals. Custom color-matched decals are available as special order. Nox Composites also runs a custom wheel shop out of their Knoxville location, offering high quality handbuilt wheels in as little as 1-2 weeks.

For more information, visit noxcomposites.com/s36r or contact sales@noxcomposites.com or (888) 545-1282.

St. LAURENT, Quebec — Guru Cycles will not be continuing under its current ownership; its remaining assets, including its trademarks and manufacturing equipment, will be auctioned next month.

The company told its dealers in December that it was hoping to reorganize after incurring unmanageable debts stemming from a factory move early last year. The company made an initial bankruptcy filing with a Montreal court just before Christmas, listing debts of CA$1.1 million ($789,000).

Owner Ted Matthews told BRAIN this week that attempts to line up an invester were unsuccessful.

"We're going to be closing for good and the assets are going to be up for sale"— Ted Matthews

"We're going to be closing for good and the assets are going to be up for sale at auction the week of February 8th," Matthews said on Tuesday. "It's very sad but I guess you've got to move on."

Guru's remaining staff was let go this week. The company has sold off most of its remaining inventory to dealers and consumers, he said. Assets that will be auctioned include Guru model name trademarks (but not the Guru name, which is owned by Dorel), and factory and office equipment including a paint booth and various fixtures and furniture. Guru was leasing its factory, so that is not being auctioned.

Matthews said moving to the new factory last year cost about double what was planned and took about 90 days — two or three times longer than planned.

"That probably cost us $300-400,000 in sales," he said. He said despite a strong product line introduced in the fall, the company was cash strapped and unable to buy products from its vendors.

Guru, traditionally a custom frame maker, had planned to hit lower price points with complete stock bikes for the first time, thanks in part to having some models made in Asia. "The product was very strong, very well priced," he said.

"This is a tough business. We had a great product, it's a shame we could not survive."

Tony Giannascoli, then an engineering student at Montreal's McGill University, co-founded Guru in 1993 with Robert Pinazza. The brand quickly built up a reputation with regional road racers and triathletes, and offered custom bikes made with all the popular frame materials, carbon, titanium, aluminum and steel, out of its Montreal-area factory.

However, Guru was in receivership in 2009 when Matthews — who has a background in consumer electronics distribution — bought its assets and formed a new company. Giannascoli and Pinazza remained with the new company as shareholders until recently.

In 2012, the company sold the Guru trademark and its bike fitting technology, including its motorized fitting bike, to Dorel; it has been licensing the Guru brand back from Dorel for a nominal fee for use on bicycles, while Dorel's Cycling Sports Group is using the Guru brand for its bike fit business.

Court filings show Guru's major creditors include TD Bank ($370,000), Topkey China ($129,823), Matthews ($88,854), Shimano Canada ($69,717), Cycling Sports Group ($32,247), and Fibertek Composite ($23,093). Other smaller creditors come from across the industry, including Rodale Publishing, Enve, Cycles Lambert, Full Speed Ahead, Hutchinson and Outdoor Gear Canada.

Montreal's Litwin Boyadjian Inc. is the trustee.

TAIPEI, Taiwan (BRAIN) — Some bicycle brands well-known in the U.S., as well as some lesser known brands, were among those recognized in the most recent Taiwan Excellence Awards. The awards are bestowed by Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs and have been since 1992. Winners are judged on their excellence in R&D, design, quality, marketing and Taiwanese manufacturing and are allowed to use the TEA symbol, shown at right, in their marketing.

Tern Bicycles received three awards — two for bikes and one for its Perch bike storage shelf.

"Taiwan is foundational to the success and identity of our company," said Josh Hon, the founder and team captain of Tern. "It's great that the humble bicycle can stand next to high tech electronics that Taiwan considers important for the future."

The bike related award winners were:

• Tern Bicycles: Verge Tour and Verge X20 bicycles, Perch storage shelf
• Giant Bicycle: SLR wheels, TCR Advanced SL road bike
• Joy Industries: Wide Carbon Straight Pull road wheels
• Pacific: New Birdy folding bike, New Reach folding bike
• Kenda: Saber Pro XC mountain bike tire
• King Root: Aeroforce bike rack attachment, Trunk bike carriers
• Roxim: Roxim e-bike lights
• Merida: Ninety Six mountain bike, Scutura Superlite road bikes series
• Sliding Bike: Sliding Bike
• O-Ta Precision Industry: 29er DS bike, Cyclocross bike and VCT-Tour road bike.

More information: taiwanexcellence.org.

PORTLAND, Ore. (BRAIN) — Helmet maker Nutcase has tapped industry veteran Scott Montgomery as its new CEO. He will manage daily operations and focus on sales, marketing and finance. Most recently, Montgomery was CEO of Club Ride cycling apparel, but he’s also held leadership roles at Cannondale and Scott. 

Michael Morrow, former creative director at Nike and the founder of Nutcase, has been the CEO since the brand’s inception in January 2006. 

“This 10-year nutty ride has been incredibly awesome,” said Morrow. “Miriam (Mrs. Nutcase) and I have loved every minute of it. We have looked long and hard for a fantastic CEO to come in and take our brand to the next level, allowing us to focus our creative energies on the overall company culture of Nutcase, design and development of our products, and the expansion of the Nutcase brand into lifestyle products. 

“Scott brings 30 years of experience in growing businesses in the bicycle and outdoor markets,” he added. 

“The strong culture the Nutcase team has built around their products is really inspiring,” said Montgomery. “They’re clearly a leader in the category and I look forward to working with such a creative bunch to expand the product collection and global reach.”

Nutcase also promoted Tom Rousculp to marketing manager. He was previously social media manager. 

TOULOUSE, France (BRAIN) — BOS Suspension has named Quality Bicycle Products as its distributor and service center for the U.S.

QBP will be set up for sales and service needs for BOS by early March. Canadian dealers may also purchase BOS suspension products through QBP.

"QBP now provides the North American market with unparalleled access to the BOS family of suspension forks and shocks including the new Deville FCV and Kirk 2. Just as importantly, we needed a partner with an in-house team of experts to service the highly-technical BOS products," said BOS' global sales and marketing director, Luke Musselman.

"QBP's operational excellence has positioned them as the industry leader when it comes to customer service. That fact when coupled with their unbridled support of the IBD channel makes QBP the obvious choice as we continue to improve access to our products."

In addition, QBP will oversee yearly and bi-annual service intervals (which can only be completed by a BOS-approved service center.) QBP will also handle all U.S.-based warranty claims while SuspensionWerx will continue managing service needs for Canadian dealers and consumers.

"As engineers with a deep heritage in racing, as well as a young, up-and-coming brand, BOS is pushing the limits of what suspension can do for the riders looking for that high level of performance," said QBP's Tyler Denniston. "We're very excited to add such a prestigious brand to QBP's offerings." 

LONG BEACH, Calif. (BRAIN) — Zwift and the Amgen Tour of California are teaming up on some promotional online group rides involving past and present competitors in the race. 

The first group ride was scheduled for 5 p.m. PST Wednesday led by Laurens Ten Dam from Team Giant­Alpecin.

This ride will be hosted at Zwift's headquarters in Long Beach, not far from past finishes of the Amgen Tour of California; it will be emceed by longtime Amgen Tour of California commentator Dave Towle. Towle will be discussing professional cycling with Ten Dam as he rides as well as conveying questions submitted by users via the Twitter hashtag # ASKLTD.

This event will also see the debut of the 2016 Amgen Tour of California virtual cycling kit. Zwift will announce the promo code on the day of the ride, which will allow users to unlock this kit for their in-­game avatars. Participating cyclist avatars must wear the kit during the ride.

"The Amgen Tour of California represents the best of American cycling," said Charlie Issendorf, VP of events at Zwift. "However, not everyone can be on roadside in California when the race happens. Zwift allows them the chance to take part in the U.S.'s biggest contribution to the sport of professional cycling."

"We are delighted to once again partner with Zwift to share and promote their groundbreaking technology and programs with our fans," said Kristin Klein, the president of the Amgen Tour of California. "There is nothing more exciting than participating as a rider or fan in the Amgen Tour of California and, no matter where you are, or what the weather is, Zwift will deliver that excitement to fans all around the world." 

More information: facebook.com/gozwift/events.

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. (BRAIN) — The third edition of PressCamp Winter got underway Wednesday as editors and other representatives from 14 endemic and non-endemic media outlets met with eight companies representing 10 brands spanning a range of categories from commuter accessories to high-end road bikes and performance e-MTBs.

Media and exhibitors took a break early in the day for group road and mountain rides (big shout-out to dirt guide Samuel Kelly Brehm of Newbury Park Bike Shop, who soldiered on after an alarming face plant in the early going) before returning to the Westlake Village Inn in Southern California for the day's final series of 45-minute sit-downs to talk new product.

A sampling of what we saw on Day 1: 

Lazer

Lazer debuted its Revolution mountain helmet at last year's Interbike show, and the versatile, accessory-friendly enduro lid is now set to reach retailers March 1 through distributor QBP. Retailing for $160, the Revolution comes in three sizes and features the SMS Safety Mounting System — designed for the helmet to pass CPSC safety standards with accessories like an action camera or headlight attached — plus Lazer's advanced Turnfit adjustment system for extra-secure fit, 23 vents, and optional pop-on ear pads for added protection.

Around Sea Otter time, Lazer will also offer the Revolution in a MIPS version as well as an aftermarket chin bar for full-face protection. The chin bar will eventually come packaged as an option with the Revolution helmet as well, said Lazer “PR helmeteer” Christopher T. Smith.

Lazer is also showing the second generation of its LifeBeam integrated heart-rate sensor and transmitter, which debuted last year on the Belgian brand's Genesis road helmet. At 45 grams, the new iteration is less than half the weight of its predecessor, thanks largely to advancements in battery technology, Smith said. A sensor at the forehead connects to a transmitter mounted in the back of Lazer's Z1 road helmet that communicates with Bluetooth and ANT+ devices.

Benefits of the LifeBeam system include eliminating the need for a chest strap and, Lazer says, improved accuracy of data and a quicker refresh rate. Available starting next week, the USB-rechargeable LifeBeam DIY aftermarket kit will retail for $130. It will also come packaged with the Z1 helmet for $350. 

Abus

The German bike security brand updates its best-selling Bordo 6000 folding lock with the stainless-steel Bordo Centium, set to reach U.S. retailers in April. The lock's bars are covered in a leather-like textured coating, rather than silicone, for a classic look that is enhanced by a leather tab on the strap securing the lock holder.

While many folding locks load vertically into their mounts, making them difficult to use in frames with tight front triangles, the Centium's mount loads from the side for easy use in a wide variety of frame sizes and shapes, said Joan Hanscom, PR and marketing manager for Abus USA.

The Centium features Abus' Plus cylinder for high security and keying to any other Abus lock with the same cylinder. It comes packaged in a wooden box, and retailers who order four locks receive a wooden tool box for merchandising made by a nonprofit near Abus' headquarters in Wetter, Germany, that provides vocational training for those with special needs. The Bordo Centium will retail for $149.

The locks gets a companion helmet in the Hyban Centium, with features including a removable leather brim, brushed gray finish, rear light with three modes, leather chin tab and pinch-proof Fidlock magnetic fastener. Set to arrive at retailers in late spring, the helmet will retail for $99.99.

Alpinestars

Italy's Alpinestars, with U.S. offices in Southern California, came to PressCamp Winter with the first samples from its fall 2016 cycling collection, based on a layering concept for cold conditions.

The foundation of the collection is a long-sleeve base layer to absorb sweat and keep the rider dry, said Giulo Neri, media services for Alpinestars. This is complemented by Alpinestars' Mid Layer insulating jacket or sleeker Hurricane XC-style jacket.

The layering is topped off with the second-generation All Mountain 2 WP hardshell jacket, with improved breathability over the previous version while preserving the same waterproofing, a new venting system to promote airflow through the front and out of the back of the jacket, a sleeve pocket for waterproof storage of a cell phone or other items, an adjustable hem, and a helmet-compatible hood with draw cord for snug fit over the rider's lid.

The fall 2016 collection also includes the lightweight Descender 2 jacket, made from rip-stop fabric and coming in at half the weight of Alpinestars' previous iteration of the garment. Its packable design, with Velcro tabs and integrated bag, means the jacket can be balled up and stored under the saddle, making it suitable for commuters as well as mountain bikers, Neri said.

LIVINGSTON, Scotland (BRAIN) — Endura has released its new FS260-Pro Thermal Windproof Jacket.

Inspired by the windproof jacket Endura made for the Movistar Team, the FS260-Pro SL Thermal Windproof Jacket is made with a 4-way stretch windproof fabric with a thermal grid lining on front and sleeves.

High-stretch thermal rear panels are extremely breathable and quickly wick sweat away. It has a sculpted, high cut, double-layer collar and seamless, extended cuffs for improved glove integration to keep the cold air out.

The jacket is cut in an athletic fit with a full-length front zip and deep rear silicone printed elastic gripper to hold it in place. Three generous rear pockets with an additional zipped security pocket provide storage.

It's available in sizes S-XXL, in black, red, or high-vis green.

MSRP is $224.99.

More information: endurasport.com/products/?ProductID=755

SANTA FE, N.M. (BRAIN) — Friends and family of Dave Wilson, a former long-time Specialized regional sales manager in the Southwest, and former sales manager for Bicycle Retailer, are planning a tribute bike ride in his honor. Wilson died at home in Santa Fe on Jan. 20 at age 60.

Wilson was a friend and riding buddy to many BRAIN staffers and other cyclists and retailers across the Southwest. The friendships continued after BRAIN moved its offices from Santa Fe and Wilson left the bike industry. He was always a friendly face with trusted insight into the bike industry and retailing, and was an always-ready companion and organizer of lunch-time or early-morning rides, especially if they involved exploring new trails.

Wilson was born in Illinois and raised in Denver. He attended Colorado State University in Fort Collins, and later was a manager and co-owner of a Fort Collins shop, Cycle Transport. He worked for Specialized from 1987 to 1998 when he joined BRAIN as advertising sales manager. In 2000 he joined Christie's Great Estates, where he eventually was named vice president of global advertising and production.

He is survived by daughter Jessica Loren Cronin; father, George; sister, Jane; brother, Dan; and son-in-law, Chris.

Details of a memorial service and tribute ride will be announced soon. Bernadelli Funeral Home has set up a tribute page. 

TAMPA, Fla. (BRAIN) — Atomik Carbon has released two new fat and plus-sized rims, the PHATTY 85 and CHUBBY 43.

Both feature single-wall construction wrapped around an aerospace foam core. The combination is said to create a stiff, strong and lightweight rim with superior damping characteristics and a low profile.

"When we decided to engineer a fat and plus rim, we really wanted to do something different," said Kevin Lineberger, Atomik's vice president. "In trying to keep weights reasonable, traditional fat rim designs are thin, have tall profiles and don't survive impacts very well. If profiles and weights are reduced, stiffness and strength suffer. That's fine for some applications, but we wanted a light, low-profile wheel that could be ridden hard. We looked at other sports and applications of carbon fiber. We consulted with aeronautical engineers, F1 engineers and sporting goods designers that use carbon fiber in high-stress, high-impact environments before deciding to incorporate a foam core and stronger single-wall design."

The company said the ultra-low profile (16 millimeters on the PHATTY, 15 millimeters on the CHUBBY), damage from trail debris is minimized. It said more than 75 percent of impacts on standard rims studied occurred above the 15-millimeter mark. Another benefit is that thanks to a reduced, smooth surface area, mud and snow is less likely to stick, reducing unwanted weight and mess.

The single-wall construction results in a thicker sidewall, which adds strength. The CHUBBY 43 also receives 12K weave, which Lineberger said is stronger.

"All carbon is not created equal," said Lineberger. "There is a vast difference between a proprietary high-end product like Atomik and the generic overseas knock-offs proliferating on the Internet. The devil's in the details you can't see, and those are the details we lose sleep over."

The PHATTY 85 fits most fatbikes and tires up to 4.8 inches, while the CHUBBY 43 will fit up to a 3.25-inch tire on a 27.5+ bike, with the added bonus of fitting most existing 27.5 and 29er frames as well.

"Our favorite part of the CHUBBY 43 plus wheels is that you don't need a special bike or conditions to make the most of them," said Lineberger. "They offer up the traction and trail-muting qualities of an oversized tire while maintaining the nimble and familiar ride of an all-mountain or trail bike, whether you're looking to make the most of the white stuff or just experience the trails in a new way."

Both wheels will be shown at the 2016 CABDA Expo Feb. 3 and 4, via Atomik's local distributor Aventuron.

The PHATTY 85 and CHUBBY 43 are available now as complete builds or rim-only options. Specifications and prices are shown in the image below. More information at AtomikCarbon.com.

LIVINGSTON, Scotland (BRAIN) — David Pritchard has joined the Scottish cycle clothing supplier Endura Ltd as sales director. The company said the new position was created to provide greater experience and support to its global sales team.

Pritchard comes to Endura from TaylorMade Golf, a subsidiary of Adidas. He has a long history working in the sports sector and specifically within Adidas's golf businesses, having held senior sales roles at Adams Golf and with TaylorMade.

The company said Pritchard will be spending a significant amount of time working in Endura territories around the world. He is an avid runner who has completed two marathons in the last three years is now looking forward to taking up cycling as part of his planned triathlon debut in 2016.

"We are delighted to have David join us in such a key position. He has found his feet incredibly quickly and the culture at Endura has suited him perfectly. David's broad international background working in multiple sales channels will be a great asset in refining our sales process and applying a globally consistent approach and we are very excited about what can be achieved with David in this role," said Jim McFarlane, Endura's managing director. 

Pritchard said, "I was drawn to the opportunity at Endura by two things. The first was the way in which the brand commits to retail partners with mutual success in mind. The second attraction was the incredible vision of the team, which has not only created a world class operation with global presence but which is also already driving meaningful innovation into some very high technology spaces."

PHOENIX (BRAIN) — Randy and Sally Pittaluga, owners of six shops in the Phoenix market, have rebranded their Bikes Direct store in Mesa as BikeMasters Mesa. The Pittalugas have also opened a second BikeMasters location in Mesa in the former DNA Cycles store site on North Power Road.

"Our BikeMasters brand is now the most recognizable cycling business name in the entire region," said Randy Pittaluga. "The opportunity for us to expand on that, and re-brand these locations gives us incredible visibility, and the opportunity to cement our label with more cyclists."

"We're blessed with year-round biking weather here," added Sally Pittaluga. "We host weekly mountain and road rides from all our stores, so having one brand identification, rather than two or three, makes life a lot simpler for us and our clients."

The 1545 South Power Road store sports a new look that is consistent with established BikeMasters locations in Ahwatukee and Gilbert.

The Pittalugas collaborated with the Giant retail services team in the design of their newest location.

"Randy and Sally are skilled bicycle retailers, continually improving their operations and facilities to grow their business in the Phoenix area," said Timothy Johnson, Giant retail services executive. "It has been my pleasure to provide support to their efforts and achievements through the Giant Partner Store program."

WILTON, Conn. (BRAIN) — Cycling Sports Group has hired Hannah Parish as its director of marketing for North America. She will work closely with the sales and brand teams to develop comprehensive marketing strategies to drive business across the region, while focusing on the needs of the dealers, including trade marketing, the consumer experience and the in-store experience, CSG stated.

Parish is an award-winning marketer with 15 years of experience leading programs at global companies including Specialized, General Mills and Smuckers. She is also a top master expert cross-country mountain bike racer in Ontario, Canada, and sits on the board of directors for Cycling Canada.

 “I’m delighted to welcome Hannah to the CSG North America management team. Hannah has a fantastic blend of bike industry experience and skills learned in other industries that will greatly benefit our dealers,” said Russell Merry, senior vice president and general manager for CSG North America and U.K. “Hannah’s appointment completes our North America leadership, as she joins Joe Morealle leading finance and Nick Hage heading up sales. We head into 2016 with a greater focus than ever before on growing the home market of our portfolio of brands.”

SEATTLE (BRAIN) — Cascade Bicycle Studio has announced its partnership with custom Czech framebuilder Festka. Cascade Bicycle Studio is now the exclusive online U.S. retailer for Festka and the exclusive in-store retailer for the western U.S.

"We have been watching Festka progress over the last few years and are thoroughly impressed with the complete Festka line," said Zac Daab, Cascade Bicycle Studio's founder. "Festka offers a variety of frame materials, a high level of personalization options, and an arresting visual aesthetic."

Cascade Bicycle Studio will offer stock models and full-custom Festka geometries at no additional cost. CBS has also created competitively priced build kit offerings to complement the Festka frame line-up.

Festka builds frames with carbon (One Series) stainless steel (XCr Series) titanium (Asphalt) and titanium/carbon (Doppler). The lead-time on Festka frames is currently 12-14 weeks.

"Up until now, Festka has been a highly desired brand with extremely limited distribution in the US," Daab said. "We look forward to working with customers all across the U.S. on Festka bicycles.