AUSTIN, Texas (BRAIN) — Strava will host a panel on bike commuting and its Strava Metro service at the SXSW Interactive conference here on Saturday. The panel discusion will be led by Strava's co-founder and CTO, Mark Shaw. The panel will also include pro racer Tim Johnson, Rapha ambassador and SXSW head of publicity Kelly Krause, and journalist and Strava cycling brand manager Andrew Vontz.

The event is at 5 p.m. at the Austin Convention Center. 

"Many of the same athletes who use Strava as a social network and training tool also commute to work by bike or foot," said Shaw. "With a service called Strava Metro, we anonymize, aggregate and package that data for urban planners. This helps to optimize decisions about infrastructure like green lanes, crosswalks and separated bikeways. Planners can then measure the actual impact these changes have, too, in a way that's never been possible before."

Strava bills its Metro service as a modern alternative to traffic counting methods like clickers.

More information on the pane is at schedule.sxsw.com/2016/events/event_PP55741. More information on Strava Metro at metro.strava.com.

MONTREAL (BRAIN) — Dorel Industries reported that its bike business, Dorel Sports, saw revenues drop by $6.4 million or 2.5 percent to $253 million in the fourth quarter of 2015. Removing the impact of foreign exchange rates, organic revenue was up about 3 percent, the company said.

Dorel Sports brands include Cannondale, Schwinn, GT, Mongoose, Caloi, IronHorse and Sugoi.

For the full year, bike revenue dropped $53 million or 5 percent to $1 billion last year, compared to $1.05 billion a year ago. Organic revenue was up 3 percent as well for the year.

Growth in organic revenue was primarily in the IBD channel, driven by demand of new model year 2016 bikes and in the U.S. mass channel where sales of "battery powered ride-on" products also showed growth.

Dorel noted that all its major divisions were negatively affected by the strong U.S. dollar, and net negative impact on the bike division's operating profit was about $5 million for the quarter and $29 million for the year. Operating profit dropped $1.2 million for the quarter or 12.2 percent compared to a year ago. For the year operating profit was down $10.9 million.

Dorel expected to exceed prior year's numbers in both revenue and operating profit.

The company said a number of factors affected the fourth quarter results. One of its largest customers unexpectedly reduced purchases late in the year. Also, while sales to IBD customers were up double digits in the second half, the company expected to do even better during the fourth quarter, so results were well below expectations.

Companywide, accounting for its home furnishing and juvenile divisions, Dorel Industries posted $668.9 million in revenue in the fourth quarter, down 4.6 percent from a year ago. Organic revenue, adjusted for foreign exchange rates and acquisitions, was up about 4 percent. Adjusted net income was $14.1 million, up from $11 million the previous year, despite a net negative after-tax impact of $9 million due to the appreciating dollar.

Revenue for the full year remained flat at $2.68 billion, with an organic revenue increase of about 4 percent. Adjusted net income for the year was $58 million, compared to adjusted net income of $84 million in 2014.

The net negative after-tax impact year-over-year of the strong U.S. dollar versus the prior year was about $35 million, companywide.

"2015 was characterized by good performances in many of our markets overshadowed by challenging currency rates. Overall for the year, these adverse exchange rates impacted our earnings by approximately $43 million pre-tax. Excluding this impact we would have exceeded prior year earnings for the year. Each of our foreign-based divisions responded to these currency challenges over the course of the year, as reflected in our fourth quarter results, which exceeded last year," said Martin Schwartz, Dorel president and CEO.

Schwartz added about the bike business, "We expect to expand our market share in the IBD sales channel by leveraging the early sell-in success of the model year 2016 bikes and the expansive and exciting upgrade of our product line in model year 2017. This should help fuel sales in the second half. In an attempt to clear excessive inventory, some of Dorel's key IBD competitors have initiated early season discounting. We are taking the appropriate pricing measures within this environment. An early spring could also help mitigate the situation. Business is good in our mass and sporting goods channels and we anticipate surpassing last year's results in these channels."

SAN FRANCISCO (BRAIN) — Küat Racks has hired True Communications as its media relations agency. True Communications will assist Küat Racks with media relations and outreach. Based in Springfield, Missouri, Küat has been in business since 2005.

"As Küat continues to expand its offerings, we understand the need to reach a broader audience" said co-founder Luke Kuschmeader. "By partnering with a proven outfit like True Communications we'll be able to do just that. Their track record of growing awareness while allowing authentic brands to stay true to their core values speaks for itself, and I know they can help establish the Küat brand among key new audiences that will allow us to grow."

True Communications' founder, Mark Riedy, said, "The passionate team at Küat Racks has been hugely successful in pairing a solid product line with a robust brand identity,. True's strengths are perfectly positioned to introduce a much wider audience with Küat's unique design philosophy and the innovative products that result from it."

True Communications will split Küat account duties between its New York and San Francisco Bay Area offices.

TAIPEI, Taiwan (BRAIN) — Praxis Works introduced its new Lyft carbon mountain bike crank at the Taipei International Cycle Expo last week. The company will show the new crank to the public at next month's Sea Otter Classic and plans to begin delivering it on June 1.

The Lyft crank uses Direct Mount rings via a three-bolt interface. It will come with rings optimized for standard 49mm chainlines or 52mm Boost chainline and will be avialable in 170mm or 175mm arm lengths.

The company said it expects the weight to be competitive with some of the lightest cranks on the market, such as Race Face Next SL and SRAM's XX1 cranks. A second HD model will be introduced at the same time with a heavier carbon layup and a thicker spindle for larger riders or those who feel they need a stronger crank. The HD model will be available only in 170mm.

The Lyft and Lyft HD will use Praxis' new M30 THRU’ bottom brackets to install in BSA, BB90/92, BB30 and PF30.  These use a preload ring instead of Praxis' M30 Wave Washer. Pricing is TBA.

ODGEN, Utah (BRAIN) — Mavic has named Lyman Public Relations as its agency of record for the U.S.

LPR will support Mavic’s new and existing road, mountain bike, cyclocross and all-road product lines including wheels, shoes, helmets, technical apparel and accessories. Responsibilities will also include Mavic’s communications about sponsorships, partnerships and support of the company’s Special Service Course at professional and amateur events.

“Mavic ambassador Tim Johnson first introduced us to LPR about supporting a client event, and then paths crossed again with our sponsorship of the Holowesko/Citadel Racing Team,” said Mike Wilson, Mavic’s brand manager for the Americas. “After a thorough RFP process, we felt their experience, approach and candor were the right fit for us. Plus, they love to ride bikes, just like we do.”

Based in Northern California, LPR works with numerous outdoor and consumer lifestyle clients, including cycling clients Hincapie Sportswear, Cycliq, Mammoth Mountain and Bike Park, Big Bear Mountain Resorts and Snow Summit Mountain Bike Park.

BOULDER, Colo. (BRAIN) — BMC Switzerland and VeloNews are running a sweepstakes that will award a Taylor Phinney hand-painted BMC Teammachine SLR01 frame, to raise awareness of the Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinson's. The one-of-a-kind frame will be featured on the cover of the VeloNews 2016 Buyer's Guide issue, out this month.

"When we became aware of Taylor's growing passion for art, we immediately saw a unique opportunity to showcase his talents and work to benefit his father's nonprofit, the Davis Phinney Foundation," said Chris McLaren, the managing director of BMC North America. "With VeloNews' dedicated and engaged fan base of riders, this sweepstakes promises to raise awareness of Parkinson's disease and the important work done by the Davis Phinney Foundation to help people live well today."

John Bradley, the editor-in-chief of VeloNews, said, "Taylor is one of the most exciting riders around. "Buyer's Guide issues, while they're full of great gear, don't always offer a lot of personality. We viewed this as an opportunity to put him on the cover, with a frame that he hand-painted, creating something very unique. We're proud to be using that to help raise awareness of Parkinson's disease."

The sweepstakes launched Thursday at VeloNews.com/winthisbike. All entries must be received by May 18 to be eligible to win. A winner will be chosen on May 30.

REDLANDS, Calif. (BRAIN) — Footwear brand Five Ten is now accepting payment from its Canadian retailers in Canadian dollars.

Five Ten's North American sales manager, Rick Reed, said accepting the new method of payment required "significant time and capital." But he said Canadian dealers were finding it expensive to pay in U.S. dollars and sell in Canadian dollars. 

"Accepting payments in local currencies is not yet a North American industry standard, but for us it is best practice.," he said.

"Billing in a local currency is ultimately a huge win for our loyal customers who put on our footwear daily and charge on the local trails or rock. They can find stability in the price of our products throughout the season at their local retailer and our dealers are able to commit to stocking our brand with confidence."

Five Ten also recently implemented a minimum advertised pricing policy in North America.

"This policy affects both advertised prices and the use of coupon codes that discount our products. It helps to even the playing field for all of our retail partners. Five Ten greatly values the efforts of our resellers who distribute Five Ten products and support our customers and this policy is adopted for the benefit everyone," Reed said.

Five Ten products are available to Canadian dealers directly from the company's U.S. distribution center in California; select Five Ten bike products are also available to Canadian dealers from QBP, Five Ten's North American bike product distributor.

For more information, contact Five Ten Communications at nancy.bouchard@fiveten.com.

SMETHWICK, England, UK (BRAIN) — Brooks England is offering a new LED headlight designed to be easily attached to a bike's frame, handlebars or seatpost, and small enough to be stowed in a pocket to prevent theft from a parked bike. The light was designed in collaboration with Lezyne.

The copper-colored Femto Front Light uses a rubber strap for attachment to  prevent damaging a bike's paint. It offers constant illumination or four different flashing modes.

MSRP: $20.00

LOS ANGELES (BRAIN) — Triathlon Business International has released findings from its 2016 Confidence Survey launched during its annual conference in January and conducted by MultiSport Research Ltd. Participants included TBI members including multisport retailers, manufacturers, event producers, service providers and triathletes. Findings show a mixed mood about the future of the sport.

According to TBI, the industry’s mood is positive around the topics of customer demand, staffing, household finances and prices. But compared to the 2015 confidence survey, the industry remained negative about annual profits, participation in the sport of triathlon, business conditions, competition and U.S. economic conditions.

The first Confidence Survey was completed in January 2015 and provided a baseline for the data gathered in January 2016.

“As the world’s most advanced triathlon market, the United States multisport industry is at a crossroads,” said Gary Roethenbaugh, founder of MultiSport Research and the principal analyst on the TBI Industry Confidence survey. “In the U.S., the industry has witnessed high levels of sales in recent years — from bikes, to apparel, accessories, coaching and event entries. Yet, the biggest concern amongst industry players appears to be a pressing need to drive participation rates upward.”

Survey participants responded to 13 online questions about customer demand, staffing levels, personal/household finances, product/service pricing, profits, growth/business of the sport, business competition, and U.S. economic conditions.

Survey responses were aggregated to create a picture of the 2016 multisport business landscape and then compared to the 2015 data collected for the same questions.

“We believe an influx of new athletes is necessary to energize the entry-level of the market and ensure a healthy marketplace as those new athletes continue a path towards more premium products,” said Richard Adler, interim president of Triathlon Business International after reviewing the survey. “It is hoped that increased exposure for the sport around Rio 2016 and initiatives like WomenForTri will build a fresh influx of new triathletes, and re-engage lapsed triathletes.”

The full 2016 TBI Confidence Index Study, with year-over-year analysis, is available for $500.

To get access to the report, email feedback@triathlonbusinessintl.com.

BOULDER, Colo. (BRAIN) — Registration has opened for the Better Bike Share Conference in Philadelphia, which will bring together city leaders, businesses, advocates, neighborhood leaders and social justice groups to discuss making bike share more accessible to underserved communities.

The June 22-24 event is a collaborative effort of the city of Philadelphia, the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia, the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) and PeopleForBikes.

The four organizations formed the Better Bike Share Partnership in 2014 to build equitable and replicable bike share systems. To date, the BBSP has awarded nearly $375,000 in grants to cities and organizations across the country working to make bike share more accessible to underserved communities in select U.S. cities.

The conference will help stakeholders understand how transportation in general and bike share in particular fits in the context of broader community needs such as access to jobs, better health and reducing violence, organizers stated.

“Bike share is a new and exciting tool. It’s a good option for short trips. It connects well with transit and gets people moving,” said Martha Roskowski, vice president of local innovation at PeopleForBikes. “We look forward to convening a wide range of partners at the conference as we work together to make bike share more useful to more people.”

PeopleForBikes encourages anyone working in the fields of bike share, city building, transportation, equity or social justice to attend. Early bird registration is available through May 4.

More information: bikeshareconference.org. 

MORGAN HILL, Calif. (BRAIN) — Specialized Bicycle Components has hired Vanessa Christie as its new women’s brand manager.

Christie worked most recently as Timbuk2’s marketing manager and has more than 10 years of marketing and communications experience domestically and abroad. She serves on the board of directors for the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition and races for the San Francisco-based ‘cross team, Vive La Tarte.

Christie grew up riding bikes on the roads and trails of Montreal, Ottawa, Calgary and Toronto, Canada. She also worked and lived in Amsterdam in 2007.

She will provide direction and guidance for Specialized women’s brand managers globally.

“Having Vanessa aboard is a great step for us continuing to lead the way with women riders,” said Slate Olson, Specialized chief marketing officer. “We are excited for what she brings in passion, experience and believe she will help innovate and drive our approach in how we connect with and inspire more riders.”

“For me this position represents a much larger opportunity to help lean in, and lead within the industry to increase access, inclusivity and appeal of how bicycles and the community around biking can be a positive catalyst for change, on an individual, local and global level for women,” Christie said. 

FAIRFAX, Calif. (BRAIN) — The Mountain Bike Hall of Fame is accepting nominations for the 2016 class of inductees. The deadline for submissions is April 15. Each year between three and five individuals are inducted. The only exception was in 1988 when 10 people were inducted.

The industry is encouraged to submit nominations for any individual whose activities in mountain biking have made a significant contribution to the sport or someone who’s had a lasting influence on a national or international level.

Inductee candidates are selected for the ballot by the MBOF’s nomination committee from the nominations received. Anyone can submit a nomination for someone who they feel is worthy of induction. The MBOF will no longer use categories to allow more flexibility. The nomination committee fact checks and vets all the nominations. The approved nominees for the ballot are announced in the spring and put up on the website to be introduced to the membership.

Shortly afterwards, voting begins and all members of the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame are eligible to vote. The members cast their votes, the Hall of Fame staff counts the votes and publishes the results. The MBOF will announce the new Inductee-elects on its website, social media and through email blasts, and will christen the new inductees at an induction ceremony at the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame in Fairfax, Calif., Sept. 30 to Oct. 2, 2016.

The MBHOF especially encourages riders and fans from outside of the U.S. to submit nominations for international candidates.

The nominating form is available online. All nominations and any questions can be sent to nominees@mmbhof.org.

PENTICTON, British Columbia (BRAIN) — Swagman’s new Chinook hitch-mount rack was designed for durability, light weight (35 pounds) and ease of use at an attractive price point.

The Chinook is targeted at both new cyclists and seasoned riders who are going to use a rack often but want it to be uncomplicated to take off or put on their vehicle, according to Swagman sales director Dave Michael.

A tilt-down feature allows access to the rear of the vehicle even when bikes are loaded, and the adjustable locking ratcheting hook secures bikes by the frame. The Chinook is finished with a powder coat formulated exclusively for Swagman to stand up to all weather conditions, and it comes with a limited lifetime warranty.

Compatible with 1¼- and 2-inch receivers, the two-bike rack retails for $270.

SEYMOUR, Ct. (BRAIN) — Thule announced that Subaru of America will now offer a selection of its carriers and racks to their customers through the Subaru Genuine Accessories program.

Select Thule-branded roof-mounted crossbars, cargo boxes, bike, watersport and snowsport carriers, as well as hitch-mounted bike carriers, will all be available for purchase at all of Subaru’s dealerships throughout the U.S. The carmaker has a network of more than 620 retailers across the country.

“We are excited to have the opportunity to work with Subaru,” said Tom Chimenti, Thule’s director of OE sales and service. “By offering Thule-branded products through Subaru’s retailer network, customers will have the ability to personalize their vehicles at the time of purchase to complement their active lifestyle.”

The company said Subaru owners often participate in outdoor activities that require the use of roof- and hitch-mounted carriers, making the availability of Thule products at dealerships an incentive to stay active.

In addition to Subaru owners, consumers will also be able to purchase select Thule products directly from their local Subaru dealership.  

RAPID CITY, S.D. (BRAIN) —FedEx has signed on as the title sponsor for the 2016 Strider Cup World Championship for the third year. The sixth annual event is set to be held July 29-30 at Pier 35 in San Francisco.

The Strider Cup World Championship is the culmination of a series of qualifying races held in North America, Asia, Europe and South America. More than 300 riders between two and five years old are expected to compete, as well as several racers with special needs. Strider is expecting toddler racers from over 12 countries to be represented in the balance bike racing competition.

“We are excited that FedEx is partnering with us again this year. We are expecting record-breaking racer numbers and spectator numbers at Pier 35 and are thrilled to have the support of a global brand like FedEx,” said Ryan McFarland, Strider Sports’ founder and CEO. “As our Strider Cup events have grown worldwide, we have sought to align ourselves with international organizations. FedEx is a perfect partner for our company and our Strider Cup events.”

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BRAIN) — Tennessee is considering new legislation that would restrict the use of state gas tax revenues from being used on pedestrian and bike facilities, including pedestrian and bicycle trails, lanes, paths, sidewalks, parks and greenways. 

The bills, HB1650 sponsored by Rep. M. Mike Carter (R-Ooltewah) and SB1716 sponsored by Sen. Todd Gardenhire (R-Chattanooga), would restrict the use of gas tax revenues to the highway fund, counties, and cities for the construction, improvement and maintenance of highways and bridges for vehicular travel.

It would prohibit such revenue from being used to provide the required match for the federal funds or to otherwise ensure the state’s use of the federal funds for infrastructure.

The house bill was set for a hearing in the transportation committee Tuesday, March. 15. It was introduced in January and has gained five co-sponsors since then.

The matching senate bill was introduced in January as well and has since been referred to the Senate finance, ways and means committee.

PeopleforBikes recently sent an alert to its members located in the state, asking them to send a letter to their lawmakers to voice their opposition to the bill.

“The Tennessee gas tax is the biggest source of state funding for bike and pedestrian projects in the Volunteer State,” PFB said in the alert. “You can help stop this from happening.”

Tennessee motorists pay 21.4 cents of state gas tax and 18.4 cents of federal gas tax per gallon of gas. Funds are directed to the state’s transportation system.

According to local paper the Times Free Press, about 1 percent of the state transportation department’s $1.8 billion annual budget is spent on bike and pedestrian facilities. And the newspaper also reported that the state generates about 44 percent of its total transportation revenue in-state and that less than half is generated by the gas tax. 

LAKE OSWEGO, Ore. (BRAIN) — Yakima has promoted Jason McGibbon to vice president of sales and Chris Sautter to Product Development Center director, a new role at the rack and cargo product maker.

As VP of sales, McGibbon is responsible for driving the execution and implementation of the sales strategy for the company’s three-brand portfolio of Yakima, Whispbar and Prorack in the U.S., Canada and Latin America. He also manages the overall relationship with outside sales agencies, regional sales and marketing representatives and the company’s customer service department.

“Jason has led the sales team through many transformational changes over his three years with Yakima. Today, our sales organization is stronger than ever and well-equipped to deliver our aggressive goals,” Yakima CEO Ryan Martin said. “Jason’s contributions to Yakima have been key and extend well beyond the sales organization. I am thrilled to have his continued sales leadership as our VP of sales.”

McGibbon is an outdoor and sporting goods industry veteran with more than 15 years of experience. He joined Yakima in 2013 as senior director of sales, and most recently was global senior director of sales.

As Product Development Center director, Sautter leads the development, design, production and launch of all new and refined products for the Yakima’s three brands.

 “Cutting-edge product development is at heart of our company, and so it’s natural that its director should be on Yakima’s executive team,” Martin said. “Chris has been unofficially serving in this capacity for some time, and has done a tremendous job leading the product development team through an exciting period of transformation and the historic product launches slated for Q1 of this year.”

Sautter has been with Yakima since 2005 and most recently was director of new product design.

DETROIT (BRAIN) — Detroit Bikes has hired Scott Montgomery as national sales director. Montgomery brings more than 30 years of experience in the industry including a long tenure with Cannondale, he helped re-establish Scott Sports in North America, and more recently joined Nutcase. He also served as CEO of Club Ride cycling apparel.

Montgomery will split his time between Nutcase helmets as CEO and Detroit Bikes. In his role at Detroit Bikes, Montgomery will guide national retailer sales and marketing.

“Detroit Bikes has made a lot of progress within the bike industry in a short time," Montgomery said. “They’re appealing to a broad audience of urban, commuter, hybrid and casual cyclists with a high-quality, American-made bicycle.”

Detroit Bikes is continuing to expand its retailer initiatives. The manufacturer builds its bikes in a 50,000-square-foot factory on the west side of Detroit.

“Scott’s expertise is a very welcome addition,” said Detroit Bikes founder and president, Zak Pashak. “We’re growing quickly and his experience working with companies like ours will be a big advantage.”

SEATTLE (BRAIN) — REI posted record revenues last year. The outdoor specialty retailer reported $2.4 billion in annual revenues in 2015, a 9.31 percent increase from $2.2 billion in 2014. Comparable store sales, which include direct to consumer sales, were up 7 percent, and online sales grew by nearly 23 percent, the company said Tuesday.

REI stocks and sells a variety of bike brands such as Accell North America’s Ghost and Diamondback, CSG’s Cannondale and Charge, Trek’s Electra, Yuba, as well as its house brand of Novara bikes, and a wide selection of P&A and softgoods from Giro, Bell, Bern, Nutcase, Pearl Izumi, Club Ride, Shimano, CamelBak, CatEye, and many others.

The co-op, which employs more than 12,000, also said more than 1 million new members joined its ranks last year. As a co-op, more than 72 percent of REI’s profits from 2015 will go back to members, employees and nonprofit partners. A record $185.3 million will be shared with more than 6 million REI members through annual dividends and credit card rebates.

Jerry Stritzke, REI president and CEO, said, “The health of the co-op is closely linked with the health of the outdoors. We have made good progress this year, but there is much more to do. Stewardship is a mindset that helps us to imagine the positive, lasting impact we can have together. It helps us look to the future and to think about our legacy.”

In 2015, REI invested more than $8.5 million into nonprofits, including large grants for the National Parks’ centennial and to increase women’s leadership in the outdoor industry, both of which are priorities for the co-op.

In its 2015 Stewardship Report, REI noted that it has bicycle service centers staffed with 196 master technicians in 142 of its 143 stores. “In our bike shops last year, over 180,000 cyclists got their bikes tuned up, repaired or overhauled, and ready for the road or trail,” the report said.

To download the full report, go here.