MADISON, Wis. (BRAIN) — Planet Bike has revised its sales and pricing policies to prohibit sales of its current model year products on auction sites.

Effective April 1, the brand wil requires dealers to get authorization before selling its products on third party sites.

"We've invested countless hours analyzing the online market and believe our revisions will further strengthen our brand integrity and our commitment to independent bike dealers," said Planet Bikes' MAP policy manager, Mark LaLonde.

For more information on the revised sales and pricing policies and to obtain an authorized third party reseller application, retailers can contact map@planetbike.com.

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. (BRAIN) — The meetings kept rolling along and rides went out under sunny SoCal skies Thursday at PressCamp Winter's closing day. Here's who we saw:

Haibike

The German e-MTB brand unveiled its full 2016 line during show season — 51 models in the U.S., up from 15 the year before — but Haibike USA has a fresh plan to help American retailers move all those bikes out of their front door.

In February, Haibike reps will begin visiting shops with a new tablet-based SalesCenter tool to educate shop owners and staff on sales techniques, e-bike technology and other information to help them become expert e-MTB sellers. Haibike will also have the tool available at Sea Otter in April.

Eventually, Haibike hopes to put SalesCenter into retailers' hands on their own devices. “This is something we want to offer our retailers as Haibike dealers,” said Ken Miner, director of sales for Haibike USA.

Meanwhile, the company's U.S. territory managers are reaching out to land managers in their regions to determine where e-mountain bikes can legally be ridden — information that will be passed along to Haibike dealers who may not know, for instance, that you can ride an e-MTB on Moab's Slickrock Trail, Miner noted.

Ellsworth Handcrafted Bicycles

Under new ownership— and also marking its 25^th anniversary — Ellsworth came to PressCamp with its fully redesigned 2016 line of Instant Center Tracking (ICT) full-suspension carbon and aluminum mountain bikes with numerous updates and eye-catching finishes.

The brand's Epiphany platform now extends over six models — aluminum and carbon, each in 29er, 27.5-inch and 27.5-plus wheel sizes. The 27.5-plus models are compatible with 29-inch wheels, but the 29er versions are not plus-compatible. Rear travel ranges from 120 to 140 millimeters, depending on model.

To improve rear-end stiffness, the Epiphany now has Boost hub spacing and Ellsworth's new monocoque Carbon Torsion Arch bridging the seatstays. The new Hex Taper Axle has a hexagonal shape on both ends to lock into the dropouts and enhance stiffness, and redesigned rocker arms — half the length of previous Epiphany rockers — pivot on two sets of custom-made Torque Tube bearings. Also new is the Rock Locker shock pivot pin, which effectively locks the rockers together for additional stiffness.

The full-suspension line also includes the new G-series carbon frame, with a three-position shock shuttle to fit different-length shocks to deliver 160, 180 or 200 millimeters of travel. The 160-millimeter iteration will be dubbed Moment, Ellsworth's longtime trail/all-mountain model, while the 180- and 200-millimeter bikes will carry Ellsworth's DH model name, Dare. All G-series bikes are 1-by only.

For 2016, the carbon suspension frames will be available in candy finishes — red, blue and black — inspired by hot rods. Founder Tony Ellsworth said he experimented with the finish extensively before coming up with a four-stage process that delivers a deep hue but still lets the frame's carbon weave come through.

Ridley

Belgium's Ridley is looking to make it more affordable for road cyclists and triathletes to slice through the wind this year with new lower-priced versions of its aero and TT platforms — the Noah and Dean, respectively.

The new Noah comes from the same mold as Ridley's higher-priced Noah SL model, but gets a different carbon layup and a traditional bladed aero fork rather than the SL's heavier split fork. With that weight savings, the full Noah frameset weights in on par with the SL, plus the rider gets a more compliant ride, said Cristobal Viveros, sales and operations manager for Ridley USA. Total weight for the Noah is about 15 pounds with an Ultegra mechanical build (MSRP: $3,750).

The Noah is also available outfitted with a 105 mix build ($3,000) and in Ultegra Di2 ($4,620).

The new Dean carries over some of the technology from Ridley's top-end Dean Fast tri/TT platform, such as a zero-offset aero seatpost with the same range of adjustability as the Fast. The frame shapes are almost identical except for the headtube, as the Fast model accommodates an integrated front brake and the Noah uses a conventional front caliper. The change in shape also allows the Noah to utilize mechanical shifting — the Noah Fast frame works only with electronic drivetrains due to the extreme bends cables would have to take inside the frame, Viveros said.

Like with the Noah models, the lower-priced Dean does not get the Fast's split fork. And the Dean's aero fork comes with a generous amount of steerer for all levels of athletes to dial in their desired riding position.

While the Dean models come spec'd with 25c tires, riders preferring 23s can move the rear wheel closer to the seat tube with the frame's exchangeable dropouts. All models come with Profile Design cockpits for easy parts swaps and availability at a broad range of bike shops. Wheels intended for training are spec'd, based on the assumption that triathletes and time trialists will have their own preferred sets of race wheels, Viveros said.

The new Dean comes in three builds: Shimano 105 with alloy Profile cockpit (MSRP: $3,000); Shimano Ultegra with carbon Profile cockpit ($3,750); and Ultegra Di2 with carbon Profile cockpit ($5,500).

BRAIN editors, event sponsors and guests will tour Asheville, N.C. on bike. We will visit local bike shops to learn about the market and bike scene in the area.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (BRAIN) — SRM Training System USA and Pioneer's Cycle Sports Division each announced price reductions of about 30 percent on Monday.

SRM's price reduction will apply to all SRM PowerMeter models in the U.S. and Canadian markets and will reflect an average 30 percent decrease from previous years.

The new pricing structure will see SRM's lowest-price units start at $1,399 for spiders using Specialized, Cannondale, SRAM and Rotor crankarms. SRM's most popular power meter, the Shimano 11-speed model, is reduced from $2,970 to $2,199, including crankarms and chainrings. The company's SRAM-compatible model will now sell for $1,599, including cranks and rings.

"This pricing change has been months in the making," SRM founder and CEO Ulrich Schoberer said. "We have listened to customer and retailer feedback, and after intensive analysis SRM is proud to be in a position to respond to those demands."

Along with the price reduction, SRM is backing its PowerMeter and PowerControl models with a limited lifetime warranty. "SRM is widely regarded as the pinnacle of accuracy and reliability for power measurement. Providing a lifetime warranty to our customers will offer peace of mind knowing their investment is protected," Schoberer said. 

Pioneer has reduced pricing on its Single Leg and Dual Leg power meters, available with Shimano Dura-Ace 9000 and Ultegra 6800 cranks.

“When Pioneer entered the power meter category in 2013, we were the first company to offer dual-leg feedback and the first to collect force direction. We innovated and disrupted the category, creating a new class of power meter, HD Power Meters.  Every move we have made has generated strong reactions from peers and subsequent changes in the industry,” said Russ Johnston, executive vice president of marketing and corporate communications for Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc.  “After two years we continue to innovate in the marketplace with our HD Power Meters, and today’s market adjustment is a steppingstone in the evolution of the category. We’re excited to bring this technology and training tool to more riders who appreciate power.”

Pioneer reduced the retail price of its Dura-Ace Single Leg power meter from $900 down to $629. The Ultegra 6800 series Single Leg drops from $800 to $560, and the right-side upgrade price is lowered from $750 to $580. Pioneer's Dual Leg models drop by similar percentages. The Dura-Ace Dual Leg crankset is now $1,500, down from the old suggested retail for $1,850. Ultegra Dual Leg is now $1,300, down from $1,550. The Dual Leg upgrade kit remains at $1,000.

ZOLDER, Belgium (BRAIN) — The CEO of the Italian bike brand Wilier Triestina says the company will sue Belgian cyclocross racer Femke Van den Driessche, who is accused of using a hidden motor at the Cyclocross World Championships on Saturday.

Andrea Gastaldello posted a statement on the company website that said in part, "Our Company will take legal action against the athlete and against any responsible for this very serious matter, in order to safeguard the good name and image of the company, marked by professionalism and seriousness in 110 years of history."

Full Wilier Triestina statement.

Van den Driessche was competing in the U23 women's race when one of her pit bikes was examined by UCI officials and then confiscated. Van den Driessche, who was one of the race favorites, later dropped out of the race with mechanical problems. She races for the Belgium-based Kleur Op Maat-Nodrugs team, which is sponsored by Wilier Triestina. 

Van den Driessche and her father have told the press that the bike did not belong to her.

While so-called "motorized doping" has been rumored for a few years, this marks the first time a rider has been charged with attempting it. The UCI has been conducting random bike checks at some events for several years. 

UCI's president, Brian Cookson, held a news conference in Zolder to discuss the alleged offense. In a tweet, Cookson wrote, "Technological fraud is unacceptable. We want the minority who may consider cheating to know that, increasingly there is no place to hide, and sooner or later they will pay for the damage they're causing to our sport."

LAGUNA HILLS, Calif. (BRAIN) — Pricey niche bikes — everything from plus-sized mountain bikes to gravel road bikes — helped power increases in dollars and units at bike shops last year, according to stats from the Bicycle Product Suppliers Association.

The average cost of bikes shipped was up 5 percent last year, while the number of bikes shipped was up just a hair, by about 1,500 units over the prior year, to 2.58 million bikes.

BRAIN's Matt Wiebe takes a close look at the numbers in a cover story in the Feb. 1 issue of Bicycle Retailer & Industry News. Digital subscribers are receiving their issue Monday, and hard-copy subscribers are receiving their copy in the mail this week.

Wiebe reports that while sales were up in 2015, supplier inventory was still bulging a bit as the year drew to a close, which may foretell some closeouts in some product categories in the first quarter.

Besides the 2015 sales and inventory data, the new issue of BRAIN features our Electric Bike Report, with 10 pages of coverage of this growing category. The section includes articles on the latest e-bike training opportunities available for U.S. retailers, product trends, e-bike ridership research and more.

The issue also includes coverage of last month's IBD Summit in Arizona, including a look at Landry's Bicycles online sales program. BRAIN editor Lynette Carpiet reports on why the well-respected Massachusetts retail chain, which now has seven locations, is finding an online presence is critical to its success even if online sales still account for only about 1 percent of revenue.

This is in addition to regular departments like Life Cycle, State of Retail, Global Briefs, Mad Dog Unleashed, Trade Watch, Tech Briefs and Through the Grapevine that are only published in the magazine.

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.

PASO ROBLES, Calif. (BRAIN) — Dennis Christopher, the star of the 1979 film Breaking Away, will attend April's Eroica California, a vintage bike ride. Christopher will attend a VIP reception preceding a showing of the movie, and will participate in a Q&A following the showing. The next day, he will ride a section of the ride on a vintage Masi bike similar to the one his character Dave Stoller rode in the movie. The movie presentation is sponsored by Masi. 

VIP tickets are available to participants of Eroica California, their friends and family, and include entry into the movie. Tickets for the movie viewing and Q&A will be available to the public. A portion of ticket proceeds will benefit the Hospice SLO County.

Eroica California will take place April 8-10, based in Paso Robles' Downtown City Park. The event includes a bicycle Concours d'Elegance, vintage swap, cycling expo and live entertainment.

More information at eroicacalifornia.com.

ATLANTA (BRAIN) — Wahoo Fitness is introducing a desk that can be used while riding a stationary trainer or as a stand-up desk.

The desk is designed for use with popular smart trainer apps like Zwift, Trainer Road and the Wahoo Fitness app. It features built-in tablet and smartphone stands and an integrated cable management system that lets users keep their devices charged and cables out of the way. A slip-resistant surface makes sure everything stays in place.

"As a cyclist who sometimes struggles to find the time to get out for a ride and as a religious KICKR user, the Wahoo Cycling desk was a natural solution," said Wahoo Fitness CEO Chip Hawkins. "Whether it's the ability to answer a few emails while I get in an easy spin at the office or a place to stash all of the necessities for an hours-long sufferfest in the basement, the Cycling Desk really elevates the entire indoor cycling experience."

The Cycling Desk retails for $229.99.

WOODS CROSS, Utah (BRAIN) — Online seller Bikewagon of North Salt Lake, Utah, has been acquired by winter sports retailer L9 Sports. 

L9 Sports sells skis, snowboards and winter sports gear through its online store and multiple brick-and-mortar stores along Utah’s Wasatch Front. During the next month, Bikewagon will move its warehouse, showroom and operations from North Salt Lake to L9 Sports’ nearby Woods Cross building. Bikewagon will begin selling bikes and cycling gear in L9’s brick and mortars this spring.

The management team of Bikewagon, led by co-founder and CEO Dale Majors, will continue indefinitely with L9 Sports and will be responsible for all bike operations. It is anticipated that L9 will maintain both entities’ websites —bikewagon.com and levelninesports.com — simultaneously and fulfill all orders from L9’s distribution center in Woods Cross.

“L9’s fantastic customer service reputation, paired with their executive team and strong financial backing, made this deal very attractive,” Majors said. “The union will enable Bikewagon to offer a wider range of products, and our customers will benefit from the added resources through more product deals and categories.”

L9 Sports CEO Mitch Lamb said: “We’ve been looking for an opportunity to expand our product offering, but we weren’t willing to compromise on service standards and overall commitment to our customers. That is why this acquisition was so appealing to us. The Bikewagon team has done a great job of offering a product mix that provides tremendous value to their customers while maintaining great service levels. They will be a great fit with our team.”

Bikewagon was established in Salt Lake City in 2004 when Majors and his father, George, began selling overstock bike parts in their garage. Over the following decade, Bikewagon grew to employ 25 people and ship more than 15,000 orders each month, according to a release.

CARLSBAD, Calif. (BRAIN) — Campagnolo North America is mechanical mechanics technical training tour. The company is suggeting that all mechanics who service Campagnolo parts to attend. On completion, attendees will receive a Campagnolo certification.

The company said the training is "a very important step" toward a retailer's Pro Shop status, which will allow the store to be listed on the Campagnolo website in the Pro Shop search engine, among other perks.

Topics covered in the clinics will include frame preparation, frame geometry and frame compatibility with Campagnolo parts, as well as the tuning of Campy groups, both mechanical and EPS. The clinics will go over Campagnolo bearing systems and service, Ultra Torque Crank system service, proper measurement, installation, and service of Campagnolo 11s-peed chains and service of Campagnolo wheels.

The clinics also will go over the My Campy App, including its features for the end users and those that allow mechanics to troubleshoot Version 3 Campagnolo EPS Record and Super Record.

Daniel Large, based out of San Diego, will be presenting the western regional clinics.

Buddy Spafford, ased out of Ashville, North Carolina, will be running the clinics in the East.

For the following western clinics, please email Large at Large@campagnolona.com for details and to reserve a spot:

• San Diego Feb. 9
• Anaheim, Calif.,  Feb. 10
• Marina Del Rey, Calif., Feb. 11
• Thousand Oaks, Calif., Feb. 12
• San Francisco, March date TBD
• San Jose, Calif., March date TBD.
• Portland, Ore., March date TBD.
• Seattle, Wash., March date TBD.
• Vancouver, BC., March date TBD
• Salt Lake City, March date TBD
• Albuquerque, N.M., March date TBD
• Denver, March date TBD
• Boulder, Colo., March date TBD
• Phoenix, March date TBD
• Tucson, Ariz., March date TBD

For the following East Coast events, contact Spafford at Spafford@campagnolona.com for details and to reserve a spot:

• Washington DC, Feb. 9
• Philadelphia, Feb. 11
• New York, Feb. 16
• New York, Feb. 18
• Frostbike Feb 26, 27,28. (2016 product, V3 EPS, and My Campy App)
• Boston, March date TBD
• Montreal, March date TBD
• Toronto, March date TBD
• Chicago, March date TBD
• Miami, March date TBD
• Atlanta, March date TBD
• Charlotte, March date TBD
• Dallas, March date TBD
• Austin, March date TBD

IRVINE, Calif. (BRAIN) — Felt Bicycles hits the most accessible price point yet for its carbon triathlon line with the new IA 16 model, priced at $2,999.

The IA 16 features Felt's proprietary UHC Performance carbon fiber with MMC and InsideOut construction methods as well as the brand's Bayonet 3 base bar with f-bend three-position extensions, Tri155 stem and vibration-reducing Aero Tri UHC Advanced carbon fiber seatpost with 3T DiffLock Comfort Module internals.

The Shimano 105 drivetrain includes an FSA Omega BB30 50/34T crankset and 11-speed Shimano 11-28T cassette. Other highlights include internal cable routing that's compatible with both mechanical and electronic groups, adjustable carbon horizontal dropouts, aerodynamic direct-mount rear brake, a Prologo Zero Tri PAS T2.0 saddle and Felt TTR4 wheels.

"The sub-$3,000 IA 16 features the same frame shapes that we created for the four-time World Championship-winning IA FRD," said Dave Koesel, Felt's road brand manager. "By utilizing our extensive experience in aerodynamic frame development and material technology, we were able to marry the CFD-developed, wind tunnel-refined shapes of the IA FRD with our UHC Performance carbon fiber layup.

"There is nothing similarly priced on the market that can boast the performance of the IA 16. To find a similar product, you'll need to evaluate other 'halo' bikes from our competitors, and these flagship frame designs are often three to four times the price of the IA 16," he added.

The Felt IA 16 is available now in five frame sizes: 48, 51, 54, 56 and 58cm. For more information, visit feltbicycles.com.

DENVER (BRAIN) — DirtTri.com, a site devoted to off-road multisport events, is entering its second year this month, and its founder and editor says he is planning expanded content for Year Two.

"Our goal for 2015 was to make it to 2016. I'm pleased to say DirtTri has been enthusiastically received and we've seen rapid and encouraging growth in our first year. We're not where we want to be yet, but it is exciting to see a startup property consistently get five-figure monthly unique visitors within a year," Jimmy Archer said.

Off-road or 'cross triathlon, commonly known as XTERRA (the sport's largest brand), represents 30 to 45 percent of the triathlon demographic, Archer said. Off-road triathlon has also been the fastest-growing segment of triathlon for more than a decade. 

"DirtTri.com was an overdue concept. Millions of off-road multisport athletes globally have been all but ignored for 20 years. I've been a freelance writer, editor and pro triathlete for more than 15 of those years. During that time I can't tell you how often I've heard 'Why isn't there an off-road mag? Someone should really do that.' Finally I realized if it was going to happen I was the one to do it, thus DirtTri.com was born".

For 2016, DirtTri.com has launched a "lifestyle" category to embrace everything that sets the off-road athlete apart. The site also is expanding its product reviews to include short- and long-term reviews with both written and video content as well as expanded original content within the training and race categories.

"I'm excited for 2016. The off-road triathlete is a different breed. They're more social, more laid back, one might say more fun than the average triathlete. They compete for the adventure and excitement, and they need specific content geared toward their interests. We want to embrace all those factors that make off-road multisport so much more than a subcategory of triathlon and continue to grow and advocate for what we believe is indeed the future of triathlon."

LEXINGTON, S.C. (BRAIN) — Hawley and Lambert launched new business-to-business websites on Tuesday. The company said the new sites, at Hawleyusa.com and Cycleslambert.com, feature modern design, many new features, and a better user experience for IBDs across the U.S. and Canada.

"Our new website features a more powerful search and online catalog engine with capabilities to enable users to search by category, brand and keyword, as well as filter search results using specific attributes," said Derrick Boatwright, the director of e-commerce and digital strategy for Hawley-Lambert. "In addition to the new catalog platform, there are many more features that will enable a retailer to manage their orders like never before. Putting this control in the hands of our customers allows them to make the best buying decisions possible with each order they place. As a result, they can better control their costs and ultimately operate more profitable and efficient businesses."

Sylvain Caya, the president of Hawley-Lambert, added: "As part of this website transition, we are also moving to a new ERP (enterprise resource planning) platform to build a solid foundation and ensure better support for our future growth. This will merge all of our North American operations, inventory and finance onto one common platform for Hawley and Lambert. These initiatives are a testament to our long-term commitment to our retailers."

FORT COLLINS, Colo. (BRAIN) — Mike Gann has been promoted to president of Niner Bikes, as company founder Chris Sugai, who previously held the president title, steps away from day-to-day operations to focus more on bike advocacy. 

Gann joined Niner in 2011 as operations manager and was later promoted to VP of operations and COO. In 2013 he was appointed managing director and oversaw the consolidation of the company's warehousing and operations in Fort Collins, which opened earlier this year. The new facility houses R&D, marketing, product management, and a warehouse.

"I'm honored to have the backing of Chris, Niner's board, and fellow staff. During the last five years with Niner I have had the privilege of getting to know our global customers while helping build our internal team. I have learned as much as contributed and it is humbling to be part of a company that embodies so much passion and riding culture," said Gann. "Niner is going to show its riders and customers massive product and operational improvements this year. I am fortunate to lead our extremely passionate and capable Niner family. Look for exciting launches this season and for Niner to really step up its service to riders and dealers worldwide," said Gann.

Sugai said, "I'm confident in this role change and the brand's future success. Mike is more than capable of taking the helm and steering us into the next chapter. For me, I'm happy to spend more time growing the sport of mountain biking and ensuring we have places to ride the awesome products we make for generations to come."

MIAMI (BRAIN) — J&B Importers has concluded its third annual sales summit, a meeting between its sales staff and representatives from 23 different J&B vendors. The J&B sales force spent four days learning new strategies, gaining new product knowledge and networking with the vendor representatives, who came from brands including SRAM, Prologo, WTB and Odyssey.

"Our annual sales meeting is a great opportunity to learn what works and what doesn't in different territories. I always make it a point to spend some time with other team members based in coastal states to see if I can apply the techniques those individuals have developed with my own accounts in an effort to help increase shop profitability," said Marc Levine, a J&B account manager. "I also make it a point to establish a relationship with brand representatives because I know I'll always be able to reach out to them in the future in the event one of my shops need their assistance."

Account managers were provided product samples and informational flyers from affiliate vendors such as Sigma, Orange Seal, Fouriers and Light & Motion to show local bike shops while on the road.

Founded in 1971, J&B now has 11 U.S. distribution centers. 

NOVATO, Calif. (BRAIN) — Marin Mountain Bikes Inc. has announced that Jeff Winnick is now representing the brand in New England.

Winnick has spent 30 years in the cycling industry and represents both winter and summer lines, including Rolf Prima, Dainese, Seasucker, One Way Sports and Orage.

"I am excited to represent Marin here in New England," Winnick said. "The brand has a long and storied history, and their 2016 line has so many knockout models that are a great fit for dealers and riders up here."

"Jeff's background and personality are a great fit for the Marin sales team," said Thad Fabish, Marin's regional sales manager. "I'm excited to see what we can accomplish in a great territory like New England, with someone who understands the Marin heritage and who can convey who we are now, and where we are going to dealers."

When not out on the trails or roads of New England, Winnick can be found officiating USAC races — mountain, road, cyclocross and time trial. He is also an avid skier, runner, kayaker and soccer player. He will be reaching out to the dealer base in the coming weeks, and can be reached at jeff@tcsales.com or (860) 985-7433. 

SEATTLE (BRAIN) — Nuun has updated the formula of its sports hydration products, Nuun Active and Nuun Energy. The new formulas are certified vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and soy-free and they are tested by a third party to be certified as "Informed-Choice Trusted By Sport," which ensures they do not contain substances that are banned by athletic organizations.

The recipe for Nuun Active and Nuun Energy is built on the current base formulas' electrolyte blend and has been upgraded with the addition of new plant-based sweeteners and ingredients, including monk fruit extract, beet juice powder and avocado oil. The primary sweetener in Nuun is now monk fruit extract, a low glycemic, zero-calorie sweetener. Avocado oil is used in the production and manufacturing of Nuun tablets. The caffeine source for the Nuun Energy product is derived from organic green tea extract. Another new ingrediant is non-GMO sourced dextrose, a fast releasing carbohydrate.

Nuun claims to be the best selling sports drink product in bike, run, outdoor specialty, and outdoor chain stores, and is now available at every Whole Foods in the country, along with other natural foods retailers including Sprouts and the Vitamin Shoppe.

"I am very proud of what the Nuun team has achieved together improving on what was already a marketplace leader," said Kevin Rutherford, Nuun's president and CEO. "We challenged ourselves two years ago to leverage all of our collective resources to deliver the best Nuun possible. We have exceeded our expectations and are very thankful of the support we have received from our customers."

Nuun also is making an effort to support athletes who promote clean sport, including runner Kara Goucher, cyclocross star Jeremy Powers and runner Lanni Marchant.

"At Nuun, we're on a mission to inspire a healthier, happier, more active lifestyle so that everyone can achieve life's next personal best," said Rutherford. "This is only achieved through bringing awareness to these important issues rewarding those that choose to do the right thing and providing opportunity to those that are less advantaged."

Nuun products continue to be sold in a recyclable tube of 10 tablets, retailing for $6.99. The new formulas are available now.

More information: nuun.com.

HELSINKI (BRAIN) — Mavic's owner, Amer Sports Corp., is reporting net sales of 783.7 milion euros ($870 million) in the fourth quarter of 2015, up 6 percent in local currencies from its sales in the same period in 2014. Gross margins increased to 43.8 percent from 43 percent in the prior year.

Amer reported that cycling sales through the Mavic brand were down 2 percent for the year in local currencies; due to fluctuating exchange rates, Mavic's net revenue was unchanged from 2014, at 138.5 million euros. In an investor call, president and CEO Heikki Takala said Amer's fitness and cycling business was "slightly down" in the quarter due to restructuring. He said the divisions are preparing "a solid pipeline of building blocks for 2016 and beyond" that will become apparent in the second quarter this year.

For the full year 2015, Amer recorded sales of 2.5 billion euros, up from 2.2 billion euros in 2014. Excluding sales from the brands that Amer acquired in the year, its net sales increased by 5 percent in local currencies. Full-year gross margins also was up, from 43.9 percent in 2014 to 45.2 percent last year. 

"We closed 2015 with a solid fourth quarter, and more importantly we completed our sixth consecutive year of profitable growth in line with our Sustainable Growth Model," Takala said. " The 2015 growth was broad-based and driven by our strategic acceleration priorities, as well as continuous improvement in our core business, most notably Ball Sports and Winter Sports Equipment. In Fitness and Cycling we focused on business model renewal and restructuring, and prepared a solid pipeline of building blocks for 2016 and beyond."

Besides Mavic, Amer owns Arc'teryx, Salomon, Wilson, Atomic, Suunto, Precor and Louisville Slugger.

DUARTE, Calif. (BRAIN) — Folding bike maker Dahon has signed an agreement with Columbus, Ohio-based ORIS Intel to use the company's PROWL software to support its North American dealers in MAP compliance.

PROWL helps manufacturers identify who is selling their products online, monitor these retailers for price changes and enforce minimum advertised price (MAP) policies.

"ORIS Intel has a strong track record of finding price violations with its PROWL monitoring the Web 24 hours a day, seven days a week," said Monte Smetherman, operations manager of Dahon North America. "Many price changes come when retailers know our offices are closed. After hours and weekends are now in play, so those who make price changes during those times will go on record. PROWL provides us with a report that features a time-stamped PDF of the date, time and retailer who is out of compliance. We will also have visibility into who moved first."

Justin Meats, chief product officer for ORIS Intel, said: "We are honored to work with Dahon and excited to help them be proactive in enforcing their brand online. By enforcing MAP via PROWL, it demonstrates that they are clearly committed to supporting their dealers and giving consumers a consistent experience with their brand."

ORIS Intel's clients for MAP enforcement include Selle San Marco and 2XU.

BEND, Ore. (BRAIN) — Knight Composites has joined Carmichael Training Systems' CTS Athlete Perks program, offering discounts on the carbon wheel brand's products to CTS-coached athletes. CTS and Knight will roll out the program next week.

"We're proud to incorporate Knight Wheels into the CTS Athlete Perks Program, which provides CTS-coached athletes valuable incentives on select products from our partners," CTS founder and CEO Chris Carmichael said. "An important aspect I like about Knight Composites is that they are a worldwide company that understands modern, international commerce. CTS coaches athletes all over the world, and to me an important aspect of this partnership is that we can get Knight Composites wheels into the hands of CTS athletes anywhere in the world."

Beverly Lucas, Knight co-founder and CEO, said: "I've followed CTS for years but have been a particularly keen disciple since Chris published The Time-Crunched Cyclist back in 2009, simply because that is exactly what I and most of our mutual customers are. I'm a full-time mum, running a thriving business and I still want to win the Tour de France at (age) 44, so if CTS can help us all train smarter, and Knight can help us all ride faster, it's a sure win-win for everyone. I reckon we'll see a few more CTS athletes on the podium this year."

Other brands currently participating in the CTS Athlete Perks program include Ridley Bikes, Wahoo Fitness, Bonk Breaker, Wheelbuilder.com, Enve Composites, Ritchey Design, Ergon, Panache Cyclewear and PowerTap.

For more information, visit trainright.com/athlete-perks or knightcomposites.com.