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Zeitbike hires Anderson as Eastern Colorado sales rep

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VENTURA, Calif. (BRAIN) — Distributor Zeitbike hired Scott Anderson as sales representative for Eastern Colorado.

Zeitbike distributes brands including De Marchi clothing, Ass Savers fenders, Green Oil cleaners and lubricants and Knog locks.

“I am happy to become part of the great team that Zeitbike is putting together,” Anderson said. “They have a well-thought-out plan in place to bring in high-quality products that will support the IBD channel, and I am all for that.”

Anderson will begin visiting shops this month throughout Eastern Colorado, including Denver, Boulder, Fort Collins and Colorado.


Kinetic launches video streaming subscription with The Sufferfest

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MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (BRAIN) — Trainer brand Kinetic, which recently launched its Kinetic Fit power-based training application, is introducing a video streaming subscription package with The Sufferfest.

The $10 monthly subscription gets users access to The Sufferfest’s cycing training videos with licensed footage from pro races including the Tour de France. Kinetic has created each corresponding workout in the app with power and cadence targets.

“This really raises the bar for indoor cycle training, especially for people who are short on time or money,” said David Simpson, Kinetic’s marketing manager. “The videos are effective and motivating on their own, but streaming them in Kinetic Fit has the added benefit of displaying real-time targets and wattage output.”

The Sufferfest streaming subscription provides unlimited access to 28 expert training videos that target key objectives such as speed, climbing and time trialing. By streaming the videos instead of downloading them, users save device storage space and pay a fraction of the cost of purchase.

Kinetic is the only brand partner of The Sufferfest to offer this type of service. The videos can be viewed via Kinetic Fit on an iOS device, a second screen using an Apple TV, or by direct HDMI input with an adapter. Android subscribers will need Google Chromecast and a television while the Android version of the app is in beta.

s can be viewed via Kinetic Fit on an iOS device, a second screen using an Apple TV, or by direct HDMI input with an adapter. Android subscribers will need Google Chromecast and a television while the Android version of the app is in beta.

For more information, visit the Kinetic website.

Stromer opens new US headquarters separate from BMC

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SAN DIEGO (BRAIN) — Swiss e-bike brand Stromer, which shared U.S. sales and marketing resources under the same roof with owner BMC since 2012, has opened a new U.S. headquarters in San Diego separate from BMC and brought aboard a new general manager and sales director.

“We are still within BMC Holding, but one year ago we started with the process of separating all the sales, marketing and finance between BMC and Stromer, and USA was the last puzzle piece in the whole organization to be separated,” said Tomi Viiala, vice president sales and marketing at Stromer. “So each has their own identity globally for Stromer and BMC, but it’s still the same ownership on the legal side.”

The move comes as Stromer sees strong potential for growth in the U.S. e-bike market.

“Recent U.S. Census reports that the rate of bike commuting has a larger percentage increase of any other commuting mode,” said Tomi Viiala, vice president sales and marketing at Stromer. “As more and more cities introduce bike-share systems and networks, the need for innovative bicycles beyond merely pleasure will continue to grow, and that’s why we are 100 percent committed to strengthening our operation in the U.S.”

In February, Stromer promoted company veteran Markus Eggimann to general manager in the San Diego office. Eggimann previously was Stromer’s head of product management for three years and was a BMC product manager for 12 years. Before that, he worked for Scott Sport.

“Markus has worked with BMC and Stromer for more than 15 years and understands not only the U.S. bike industry but the Stromer philosophy,” Viiala said.   

One of Eggimann’s first duties was hiring Jim Holleman as U.S. sales director. He joined the company March 1.

Holleman has more than 30 years of sales and management experience in the ski and bike industries with such companies as Salomon, Time Sport, Look Cycle and Raleigh. In those years he has cultivated strong dealer relations, which will be important in his new role, Stromer stated.

The new San Diego office is located just north of downtown San Diego near the regional technology center of Sorrento Valley. Staffed by 12 employees, it houses Stromer’s U.S. warehouse, showroom, customer service, internal sales, marketing, and operations and logistics.

 

BTI mails 2016 catalog, adds more than 30 new brands

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SANTA FE, N.M. (BRAIN) — Bicycle Technologies International is now shipping its 2016 parts and accessories catalog, containing 1,304 pages representing more than 300 brands.

BTI has added more than 30 new brands for 2016, including Anvl Components, Apidura, B-Labs, Bonk Breaker, Bunnyhop Tribe, Clean Motion, Cobra Low Profile Ties, Deity, DVO Suspension, Doc's Skin Care, Ethnotek, Fox Service Parts, Gevenalle, Herrmans, Iomounts, Kogel Bearings, Lindarets, Picky Bars, Push Industries, Restrap, Rivet Saddles, Shutter Precision, SKF, Speedfil, Squirt Lube, Sta-Tru Wheels, Strider, Taos Mountain Bars, Turnagain, Uvex and VeloToze.

“Coinciding with the catalog release, our new volume pricing program launches in March,” BTI president Preston Martin said. “Bti-usa.com will feature discounts on many of our most popular items when buying in multiples.”

In February, BTI announced new faster delivery incentives including its Free Fast Shipping at $450 program, in which shops west of the Mississippi River will receive orders above $450 in one to two business days for free, while those east of the Mississippi River will receive orders over $450 in two to three business days at no charge. 

Eurobike releases details of consumer Festival Days, sets 2017 trade show dates

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FRIEDRICHSHAFEN, Germany (BRAIN) — In expanding its consumer component from one day to two, Eurobike will offer cycling fans 10 different areas for test rides, repair tips, skills demonstrations, music and more during the inaugural Festival Days on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 3 and 4.

Visitors will have access to about 3,000 bikes in the Demo Area between and behind the B halls on a track network measuring about 10 kilometers (6.2 miles). Available models will cover every genre of bicycle, from racing bikes and pedelecs to fat bikes, Eurobike stated.

Also, Halls A2 through A7 and B1 through B5 will be open to visitors, along with both open-air grounds between the halls.

“The program that will be offered to our Eurobike Festival Days visitors is worth more than just a one-day visit. It invites cycling fans to make full use of both days, and to really experience Eurobike like a festival,” said Eurobike project director Dirk Heidrich.

Located in a large atrium between the exhibition halls, the Music Area will feature artists from labels including Sony Music, Universal Music and WEA Deutschland, and DJs will entertain visitors between performances.

The Performance Area will highlight cycling tricks and action. In addition to pro riders, visitors will also have a chance to take part in the show.

The Kids Area at the riding track, meanwhile, will let young riders explore their biking talents and skills.

Festival Days will also provide visitors with informational and educational opportunities in the Academy Area, which will offer a variety of bike industry expertise aimed at both newcomers and experienced enthusiasts.

In the Women Area, the world of bikes, cycling equipment and clothing will be presented from the female perspective. Visitors will also be able to register for group lectures and events.

In the Bike Kitchen Area, experts will offer tips on bicycle repair and installing new parts, while the Innovation Area will showcase the winners of this year’s Eurobike Awards.

The Travel Area will feature representatives of popular bike-touring destinations presenting their regions and top cycling routes to visit.

And at the Show Area in the East Foyer, biking fashions from the industry’s leading manufacturers will share the spotlight.

Festival Days will follow Eurobike’s Business Days, which take place from Wednesday, Aug. 31, to Friday, Sept. 3.

Eurobike has also set dates for next year’s edition of the show: Aug. 30-Sept. 3, 2017.

 

Catlike launches Cloud 352 aero tri/TT helmet

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YECLA, Spain (BRAIN) — The Cloud 352 triathlon helmet from Spain’s Catlike incorporates a new Dual AEROSystem shell design that allows it to adapt to riding conditions thanks to the interchangeable shells.

The Cloud 352’s Breathable Reticulated Shell contains a whopping 352 holes to deliver constant airflow and exceptional reticular aerodynamics, Catlike says. Through a simple system, the breathable shell is replaced with the VeloDrom shell for a smooth surface that enhances aerodynamics  and protects cyclists from rain.

With the VeloDrom shell installed, Catlike’s Dual Flow technology allows airflow through the channels that are created between the holes placed in the front and rear of the helmet. This allows for continuous cooling of the head, Catlike says.

The Cloud 352 also has a new strap divider system that allows adjustment in just one movement, and reflective stickers help make riders visible to motorists, other cyclists and pedestrians.

The helmet comes in three sizes and five color schemes: black; white-fluorescent yellow; white-gray; white-black-fluorescent  yellow; black-white-red; and black-red-white.

U.S. MSRP was not immediately available, but European pricing is 179.95 euros.

Joy Ride ambassadors meet, tour Bell, set to launch MTB riding groups

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A group of Bell's Joy Ride ambassadors during a Friday ride in Santa Cruz

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (BRAIN) — Six U.S. women and two Canadians spent this past weekend in this beachside community, riding bikes, getting to know one another and the Bell helmet brand, and learning about Bell’s new Joy Ride ambassador program. These women were selected to start and run mountain bike riding groups in their communities, and Bell flew them in to coach them on how to start and run a successful ride program.

As part of the Thursday-through-Sunday launch, the eight ambassadors toured the Bell offices and R&D facility in Scotts Valley; met the women behind Girls Rock, a Santa Cruz ride that was the inspiration for the new program; rode epic trails in Santa Cruz; and were provided with a toolkit to replicate the multi-level, social mountain bike women’s rides in their respective communities.

“We opted for quality over quantity,” said Jessica Klodnicki, executive vice president and general manager of Bell, Blackburn and C-Preme. “We’re starting small with our program to make sure it’s successful. The pros are representing Bell on the podium, but you’re representing us on the home front,” she told the ambassadors. “You’re just as important as the athletes that represent us at the races.”

Klodnicki also said she wanted to make sure the women came from cities that were unexpected — that didn’t have an established mountain biking community.

Bell received more than 200 applicants to its callout for female ambassadors last year. From these, it winnowed down the list to eight, ranging in ages and backgrounds from early 20s to late 40s. The ambassadors are: Karina Magrath of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; Veronique Pardee of Tucson, Arizona; Samantha Jones of Kansas City, Missouri; Amber Krueger of Madison, Wisconsin; Missy Petty of Knoxville, Tennessee; Kendell Ryan of Richmond, Virginia; Isabel Jacques of North Vancouver, British Columbia; and Nina Karpoff of Edmonton, Alberta.

The women have varied personal and career backgrounds, from a worker’s comp lawyer to a nurse, endangered species biologist, park ranger, map creator for the federal government, social media expert for Canadian tourism, a photographer and cytogenetics technologist, and a buyer at a bike shop. Some of them have MTB skills coaching certifications and experience, while others are taking a first run at leading women’s rides. 

These women will be leading rides once a month in their communities as volunteers. Bell has provided them with Joy Ride jerseys and helmets, Blackburn accessories, Giro shoes and gloves and CamelBak hydration packs. It also set them up with social media and Eventbrite accounts to organize rides and invite women, and to promote the rides online.

“They’ve done such an awesome job, I want them to feel they made a good choice. I want to meet their expectations,” said Ryan, who flew in from Richmond, Virginia, and is a former member of the local Luna Chix team. “I’m really impressed that they’re so organized and are giving us enough information to set us up to be successful. I’m excited, but nervous.”

Klodnicki started the Girls Rock ride and mountain bike group when looking for other women to ride on dirt. The group has ballooned from four women to 400 in 18 months. On average 80 women show up to ride once a month. “Late 30s to early 50s is the sweet spot for people showing up,” she said about their ages. “And women look at Facebook photos before showing up to see who’s going. Seeing diversity is important.”

Klodnicki works with local bike shops, industry brands, and other businesses to host and offer clinics and product raffles. The ride always starts with coffee and ends with beer or wine.

“Our goal is to create a comprehensive map of fun and social women’s mountain bike riding programs, where any group can be part of it,” Klodnicki said. “It doesn’t have to be Joy Ride. We love to see women progress from beginner to racing events such as Sea Otter. We believe there are more barriers for women to start mountain biking. 

“We would love for more of this to happen,” Klodnicki said, adding that Bell is sharing its Ambassador Toolkit with others interested in starting similar programs.

The Joy Ride program encourages rides to be social and fun. Leaders are encouraged to divvy up the group into smaller riding groups by skill level — up to seven levels are assigned from basic beginner to intermediate and advanced. Ambassadors often work with their local bike shops.

The Joy Ride Ambassador launch was set to end with a Girls Rock ride Saturday, but due to strong winds and rain, it was canceled. Instead, Ibis Cycles opened up its warehouse and hosted more than 80 women who showed up to learn about First Aid preparedness, bike fitting, how to get started in enduro racing, tour the Ibis museum of bikes, and learn about CamelBak and Blackburn products.

Among the women who showed was Kamille, 36, who has been coming out for the Girls Rock ride for about one year after finding out about it through Facebook events. Originally from Jamaica, she has been living in Santa Cruz for three years and works in analytics for PayPal.  

“The energy when you ride with women — it’s a lot of fun,” she said, adding that she’s a beginner-plus rider. “You can see the group progressing in their skills as a whole. Some girls come from as far as Sacramento for these rides.” 

Mike McMahon joins Bianchi as brand rep for San Diego/Orange County

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HAYWARD, Calif. (BRAIN) — Mike McMahon began as a brand representative for Bianchi in San Diego and Orange Counties effective March 1.

McMahon was formerly an independent sales rep for Bianchi as part of the MJM Group, but will now join Bianchi directly. "I look forward to working more closely with Mike to support our dealers," said Jim Stevenson, Bianchi's vice president of sales and marketing. "He understands that the role of the representative has evolved over the years and knows that the sale is not complete until a happy customer walks out the door of their local bike shop with a Bianchi."

McMahon added, "I am so happy to be back with Bianchi. The brand's history, their ability to stay at the forefront of technology, and the ownership of its defining color, Celeste, commands interaction. On every ride, my bike creates discussions of admiration. Bianchi holds a magical place in the industry wherein it inspires with technical design and beauty and at the same time recalls wonderfully fond memories from nearly all cyclists. I am looking forward to continuing my ride with Bianchi and sharing my passion and experience."


Nova works with Columbus on Pro Purchase program for frame materials

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ROCKLIN, Calif. (BRAIN) — Nova Cycles Supply is now working with Columbus/Gruppo SpA to offer a "Pro Builder" program for professional framebuilders. 

The program will give professional framebuilders special pricing and fast delivery times.

"We're extremely excited to better serve pro builders through our new partnership with Columbus," said Lon Kennedy, the vice president of Nova Cycles Supply Inc. "These elite customers have very specific needs and we are committed to offering them the best experience possible. This includes giving them access to the industry's finest materials at the best price possible, offering fast turn around time on orders, and delivering first rate customer service."

Nova Cycles is increasing its stock of Columbus materials and said it will be collaborating closely with professional builders to ensure a seamless ordering and fulfillment process.

"We are looking forward to actively supporting Nova's Pro Builder program," said Federico Stanzani, Columbus' brand manager. ""At Columbus, we are fully committed to North American framebuilders experiencing the unmatched quality and innovation of Columbus products. Nova has been a great partner over the years, and their new Pro Program is a win-win for both companies"

In order to be eligible for Nova's Pro Purchase program with Columbus, builders must meet certain qualifications and requirements. Interested builders can contact Kennedy at lon@novacycles.com or call (800) 274-6682.

Hammer Nutrition offers chocolate-flavored Perpetuem, its endurance drink

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WHITEFISH, Mont. (BRAIN) — Hammer Nutrition has released a chocolate flavor for Perpetuem, its long-distance fuel mix.

Perpetuem is designed for longer duration workoutsand competition by providing consistent energy, maximizing stored fat utilization, and buffering lactic acid to prevent muscle fatigue. Chocolate is among the top-selling flavors for Hammer's Recoverite and Hammer Whey, and it is expected to be a top-selling Perpetuem flavor. It joins existing Perpetuem flavors Caffé Latte, Strawberry-Vanilla, and Orange-Vanilla.

To inquire about ordering Chocolate Perpetuem contact dealerservices@hammernutrition.com. More information at hammernutrition.com

NASCAR's Jimmie Johnson to join PeopleForBikes' Ride on Atlanta

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Johnson will join the group on the first day of its 400-mile jaunt.

BOULDER, Colo. (BRAIN) — PeopleForBikes' annual awareness and fundraising bicycle tour — which in the past has ridden from Boston to Washington, D.C. and from Kansas City to Chicago — this year will go from Asheville, North Carolina, to Atlanta. The 400-mile ride is March 30-April 2.

This year, NASCAR hero Jimmie Johnson will join the group on its first day, a challenging 130-mile route between Asheville and Charlotte. Johnson, an enthusiastic road and mountain bike rider, is a proponent of cooperation and respect among all road users. A PeopleForBikes spokeswoman said Johnson plans top complete the full 130 miles.

The full ride will be started by about 25 riders. The group will make stops in Charlotte, North Carolina; Greenville, South Carolina; and Athens, Georgia, before arriving in Atlanta.

Created in 2011 by six-time national cyclocross champion Tim Johnson, the series began with three Rides on Washington followed by two Rides on Chicago. These events have raised nearly $400,000 for PeopleForBikes' non-profit foundation that supports the development of more safe, fun, convenient and appealing PlacesForBikes. The Rides are intended to showcase how bike riders and motorists can share the road, safely and easily. Tim Johnson (no relation to Jimmie, as far as anyone knows) also plans to do the ride this year.

"The Carolinas and Georgia are up-and-coming states for bicycling," said Tim Blumenthal, president of PeopleForBikes. "The Ride on Atlanta will help build momentum for the great efforts of government leaders and local advocates to improve their communities through bike riding."

The Ride will finish in Atlanta on Saturday, April 2, and the public is invited to pedal the final miles with the group. Contact mitch@peopleforbikes.org if interested.

Amer completes purchase of Enve Composites

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HELSINKI (BRAIN) — As expected, Amer Sports Corporation has completed its purchase of Enve Composites for $50 million, the company announced Tuesday. The purchase plans were announced Feb. 22

"The acquisition accelerates Amer Sports Cycling business especially in the United States and provides further expansion opportunities internationally. Enve brings capabilities in carbon technology, and it offers operational scale and synergy benefits complementing Amer Sports' cycling category," the company said.

Amer's other brand in the cycling market is Mavic. The company has said Mavic and Enve will operate independently for the most part. 

Microshift shows 'concept' electronic drivetrain

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TAIPEI, Taiwan (BRAIN) — Taiwan's Microshift is getting into the electric-shifting game, at least conceptually. Microshift said its design is intended for the mid-priced market, not the upper-end market where other brands have introduced their electronic offerings.

The company showed off a prototype mountain bike rear derailleur and shifter at the Taipei Cycle Show last week.

The 11-speed eXCD system has a single wire connecting the shifter to the rear derailleur: there's no junction box or separate battery pack needed because the batteries are contained in the shifter body. The company said the drivetrain could be installed very easily on a standard frame.

The shifter uses two standard AA batteries, which Microshift's Jerry Lai said will last for about 1000 kilometers of riding, or 6,000 shifts. While that's a shorter battery life than other electric drivetrains, Lai said the upside is that the batteries are non-proprietary. A rider could bring a few spares along on a ride, or pick some up at a convenience store on the route if necessary.

The shifter has two thumb buttons, one for upshifts and one for down. It also has an LED to show the battery level and two small indexing adjustment buttons.

Lai said he feels mid-level or "general" riders, rather than more committed riders, are interested in an electric shift system because it's easy to use. For those riders, he said, affordability, simplicity and standard batteries are priorities.

The company said it has no specific time frame for bringing the drivetrain to the market. The system was set up for passersby to test during the show, and seemed to work consistently. But Lai emphasized that it was merely a concept, not even a prototype. He said Microshift is working to increase the shifting speed and reduce the size of the rear derailleur. It also is developing a front derailleur.

New company aims to help mountain bike events respond to emergencies

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CRESTED BUTTE, Colo. (BRAIN) — The mountain bike community was stunned last summer when Will Olson, a well-known Expert class racer, died after a crash in an enduro race in Crested Butte. 

Now a new company has been founded by three enduro racers — all of whom were racing in Crested Butte the day of Olson's death — and Olson's fiancee, Bonnie McDonald. Backcountry Lifeline plans to provide racers, riders, and event organizers with the training, tools, and technology necessary to respond to emergency situations effectively. That includes event-specific first responder training, emergency GPS/satellite location and event Incident Command systems.   

"One thing that we heard repeatedly following Will's crash, was how important riders thought it was for everyone [who rides] to be CPR certified," said Matt Hightower, one of the company's founders. Hightower is an EMT based in Steamboat Springs, Colorado.

"Knowing it's not always easy to find the time, money, or resources to get this done, especially in our mountain communities, we designed a program that brings the training to the riders."

For the 2016 season, Backcountry Lifeline will be partnering with event promotor Big Mountain Enduro to launch three introductory products and services.

CPR and Basic First Aid training will be offered at three Big Mountain Enduro events: in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on Friday, May 20; in Aspen, Colorado, on Thursday, July 28; and in Crested Butte on Wednesday, August 31.

The classes will be held at the end of a practice day prior to the races.

Participants who successfully complete the training will receive Adult First Aid/CPR certification through the American Red Cross, valid for two years.

As a second product offering, BCLL will be hosting a four-day advanced training course May 5-8 at the Buffalo Creek trails in Pine, Colorado. Presented in conjunction with the SOLO School of Wilderness Medicine, the course will provide extensive Wilderness First Aid training and CPR instruction. The camp will offer mock ride scenarios, recreational group rides, meals, and lodging.

As incentivization for its racer athletes, BCLL's partner, Big Mountain Enduro, is offering 30 percent off one 2016 BME race entry to any registered racer who successfully completes the course.

"What happened in the Stage 3 race at Crested Butte was unprecedented, and rocked the whole community," commented Big Mountain Enduro's owner, Brandon Ontiveros. "It is in everyone's best interest to have as many CPR and First Aid-trained riders as possible on the trails and on the courses. We're willing to do whatever we can to help make this happen."

The third component of BCLL's offerings for its inaugural year are a compilation of Incident Command System (ICS) tools and technology for racers and event organizers. The organization's ICS offering includes Incident Action Plans and training for race directors, as well as on-course satellite communication and tracking devices for athletes.

"Although there were highly trained and competent medics on-course at the Crested Butte race, communication and location-tracking proved to be very difficult in the remote area," commented Heidi Dohse, a Google program manager with experience implementing emergency response systems. Dohse, another of the company co-founders, also is an enduro racer.

"Part of the goal of BCLL is to provide racers, event directors, and emergency responders with the technology and tracking devices they need to call for help, contact Flight for Life, and locate injured riders as quickly as possible. In some of these situations, every second counts," Dohse said.

Plans for the organization include training sessions and camps on a national scale, in conjunction with other events and organizations, as well as the development of BCLL-branded technology, products and services for retail sale.

Additional information and course registration is available at backcountrylifeline.com.

"Nothing will bring Will back," said McDonald. "But if we can make a difference in even one other rider's life, or improve the outcome of just one emergency response, this [effort] will all be worth it."

Those wishing to support Backcountry Lifeline can make a tax-deductible donation to The 139 Fund, a 501c3 organization founded in memory of Will Olson, which supports BCLL. Visit backcountrylifeline.com/139-fund for more information.

Polar offers product bundle with Strava

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KEMPELE, Finland (BRAIN) — Polar is announcing a new Strava Bundle promotion for customers who purchase its Polar V650 GPS cycling computer between Wednesday March 9 and April 30.

Customers who purchase the bundle during that time period receive a two-month Strava Premium membership. The complementary membership will begin after users register their V650 in Polar Flow. Customers can choose between two bundle options:

  • Polar V650 HR Strava bundle ($269.95), which includes an H6 heart rate sensor
  • Polar V650 HR Combo Strava ($319.95), which includes an H6 heart rate sensor, a Polar Speed Sensor and a Polar Cadence Sensor.

The recently released route guidance feature allows Polar Flow users to download their favorite routes to the V650. The GPS bike computer will use the maps downloaded to guide the cyclist during their training and provides the remaining distance (kilometers or miles) until they reach the finish point.

Strava is fully integrated with Polar Flow. When combined, Polar Flow and Strava's Premium membership allow V650 cyclists to receive personalized guidance and input from the coaching services McMillan Running and Carmichael Training Systems. Additionally, V650 users will receive advanced training analysis such as race and Suffer Score analysis along with live feedback, including speed, distance, time and data in real time to their mobile device.

 


Raleigh USA to launch online sales in mid-April

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Consumers can pick up at qualified dealers, who are now allowed to sell bikes over $1,000 on their own websites.

KENT, Wash. (BRAIN) — Raleigh USA told its dealers Tuesday that it would begin selling bicycles online to consumers who would then pick them up at a participating Raleigh dealer. Raleigh dealers will also be able to sell bikes valued at more than $1,000 at retail on their own websites.

The move mimics in some ways the current programs announced last year by Trek and in February by Giant.

Qualified Raleigh dealers will receive normal margin when their point-of-sale system has been integrated with Raleigh’s and if they have the model in stock and available to sell.

For bikes not held in stock, or if the dealer’s POS system is not integrated with Raleigh’s, the dealer will receive a commission on the sale based on the dealer’s current program with Raleigh minus the costs of sales incurred. Those costs would include marketing, processing of orders and shipping.

Dealers would then be paid monthly through a credit to their account, which would be applied to the balance. A specific digital dealer agreement will be available by the end of the month.

“We expect this e-commerce program to be fully deployed to all Raleigh retailers as we sign up 2017 programs later this year,” Larry Pizzi, Raleigh USA’s senior vice president, said in three documents emailed to Raleigh dealers.

“We want to find new customers, break down the barriers of entry and invite them into the cycling world,” Pizzi said.

Pizzi said the program, which also encompasses Canada, would begin in mid-April. “We will launch a click-to-brick website that will offer order fulfillment through authorized Raleigh retail partners,” he said.

In addition Pizzi said that effective March 1, qualified Raleigh dealers can sell Raleigh bikes with an MSRP of more than a $1,000 on their own company websites.

In a separate document included in the email, Pizzi noted that 80 percent of consumers shop online before or during a trip to a store. In addition, 71 percent expect to view in-store inventory availability online and 39 percent are unlikely to visit a store if its inventory is invisible online. More importantly, 50 percent say they expect to buy online and pick up products at the store.

“Many shops are losing consumers without even knowing it; customers today want to make purchases through all channels without an issue, at any time,” Pizzi said.

For more about the Raleigh program, see the April 1 print edition of Bicycle Retailer & Industry News.

 

Seattle shop damaged in early morning blast

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G&O Family Cyclery is the building on the right.

SEATTLE (BRAIN) — G&O Family Cyclery, a three-year-old retailer that specializes in cargo and family transportation bikes, was damaged by an early morning blast Wednesday that destroyed three adjacent businesses in Seattle's Greenwood neighborhood. The initial blast was behind a coffee shop next door to the bike shop and was apparently the result of a gas main leak.

Store co-owner David Giugliano (better known in the neighborhood as Davey Oil) told BRAIN on Wednesday morning that he had not yet been allowed to get near the shop, but that the structure appeared to be damaged and perhaps will have to be leveled.

"There is a good chance we won't be able to continue to use this space," he said. 

"From what I can see, it looks like an advertisement for kickstands because there is rubble everywhere (in the store) but the bikes are all still standing," Giugliano said. Giugliano lives a few blocks away and heard the explosion at around 2 a.m. The explosion caused a fire that wasn't extinguished until midmorning. According to local news reports, nine firefighters were treated for injuries from the fire.

The shop was in the process of expanding and was using a storage space across an alley behind the building to store customer bikes. The storage building was undamaged. "So there is some good news: No customer bikes were damaged. And everything in the store was replaceable or insured," he said. 

G&O sells cargo bikes and family transportation bikes, what Giugliano calls "car-replacement bikes." It also is expanding into e-bikes and works with bike fleet operators including restaurant delivery and messenger fleets. The store has two full-time employeees in addition to the two owner-operators, Giugliano and Tyler Gillies.

"We are pretty deep into our customers' lives; we help them get their kids to school every day. So we are going to need to get operating again, maybe in a temporary space, and we are going to probably have to ask for help from the community."

He said the blast happened at a "terrible time of year for us. Cash-flow-wise it's going to be hard to recover."

Seattle Mayor Ed Murray pledged to help the neighborhood's businesses get back on their feet. In a statement Wednesday, Murray said, "Greenwood is a close-knit neighborhood and an incident like this is felt by the entire community. I know neighbors will do everything they can to support these businesses as they begin the long and challenging task to recover and repair from this incident. The City will also be there to do what we can to help those affected with the cleanup and help local business owners as they work to get back on their feet and reopen their doors." 

SRAM's Apex 1 offers affordable 1x group for pavement

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The group has drop bar and flat bar options.

CHICAGO (BRAIN) — SRAM"S new Apex 1 group is an affordable single-chainring road group with drop bar and flat bar shifter options. The group also features hydraulic disc brakes.

"Drop bar or flat bar, dirt or pavement, Apex 1 is ready to answer the call of the road with hydraulic disc brakes and the simplest, quietest, easiest to use, and most secure drivetrain option available—SRAM 1x. Apex 1 achieves each of these superlatives while delivering artful design at an unrivaled value," the company said.

The group includes a rear derailleur with SRAM's X-Horizon geometry and a roller bearing clutch. It's compatible with 10- or 11-speed road drivetrains. It retails for $74.

The group's S350 1x crankset is forged aluminum with an integrated spider. It features a chainring with SRAM's X-Sync chain retention tooth profile. The ring is available in 28, 40, 42 and 44-tooth options. The crankset is compatible with frames with rear spacing of 130mm, 135mm or 142mm, and comes in GXP and BB30 variants. It retails for $116 (GXP) or $151 (BB30).

Apex 1 has an 11-speed flat bar shifter option for $27 or a drop bar shift-brake lever. The drop bar lever has SRAM's 11-speed Doubletap shifting with a hydraulic brake lever. The Hydror two-piston brake calipers are available in 74mm and Flat Mount versions and convert between 160mm and 140mm rotors with adaptor brackets.

The drop bar left lever, hose and caliper retails for $199. The right lever, hose and caliper retails for $249.

The group also includes the PG-1130 Powerglide cassette in 11-42, for use on standard (non-XD) 10- or 11-speed cassette bodies. The cassette has steel cogs with an aluminum spider and retails for $79.

Finally, the group uses the PC-1110 chain, an 11-speed chain optimized for single-ring drivetrains and X-Sync rings.

More information: sram.com/stories/answer-call-road-0.

Trek's service school now open

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WATERLOO, Wis. (BRAIN) — Trek's Certified Service Center, a retailer service school the company announced last August, is now officially open. The center occupies 2,200 square feet at the company's Wisconsin headquarters and will offer more than 40 weeks of training this year.

The center can accomodate 12-20 students per course depending on subject matter. The five courses currently being offered include Service Operations Manager, Service Advisor and three levels of technician training.

"Trek's curriculum is designed to develop each student's skills beyond the wrench, with an emphasis placed on maximizing employee retention, offering a clear career path, the importance and benefits of professionalism, and the customer experience—all while increasing the efficiency and critical thinking skills of Trek retailers' most valuable staff," the company said.

The school will offer technical training related to Trek products and some advanced courses will include guest lectures by representatives from suppliers including Fox, Shimano, SRAM, RockShox and Bosch.

Trek retailers interested in sending employees to the service center should contact their sales rep or Trek's online retailer portal.

VeloNews is VeloNews again

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BOULDER, Colo. (BRAIN) — Five years after changing its magazine's name from VeloNews to Velo Magazine, the magazine's publisher has changed the name back. The first issue with the restored name, the April issue, hit newsstands Tuesday. Besides the new, old, name, the magazine features an extensive redesign.

The VeloNews name dates back about 44 years, and editor in chief John Bradley said many folks continued to call it VeloNews even after the 2011 name change. The magazine's associated website had retained the name VeloNews.com.

"It's correcting a mistake," said Bradley, who joined the title last June. "If we were launching a new title from scratch, Velo might be better. But there was years of heritage there with the old name and everyone kept calling it that, anyway."

The magazine dates to 1972, when it was launched in Vermont as Northeast Cycling News. It later became Cycling News and then Velo-news. New owner Inside Communications moved it to Colorado in 1988 and dubbed it VeloNews. Competitor Group bought Inside Communications in 2008.

While the magazine's title now again contains the word "news," its content is less newsy than ever. Once the paper of record for domestic and international race reports and results, VeloNews is increasingly focused on forward-looking and "evergreen" articles, Bradley said. For example, the first issue with the new name features a profile of Taylor Phinney, written by Bradley, that includes the racer's thoughts on cosmology, metaphysics and art. The issue also looks forward with previews of the Spring Classics and a humorous feature on "vans" in cycling, from Tejay van Garderen to Van Halen. 

"We have a lot of very funny staffers," Bradley explained. "One part of my job is figuring out how to polish up the conversations we have in the office and get them into print." The website continues to evolve, too. While it still contains race reports and results, it increasingly features analysis and opinion columns. The company is planning a website redesign, as well, Bradley said.

Bradley said the magazine's circulation had dipped in recent years, in part because Competitor Group's previous owner did not invest in circulation and marketing. He said the current owner, Calera Capital, has invested more and circulation numbers are on the way back up. He said buzz over the April issue has already increased calls to the magazine's subscription line from about two a day to 22 a day. 

The magazine's 2016 media kit lists circulation as 30,000. 

 

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