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Arundel enacts MAP policy

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FORT WORTH, Texas (BRAIN) — Arundel Bicycle Co. has announced a new MAP policy that prohibits Arundel retailers from selling through third-party websites. The accessory brand is working with Oris International web tracking software to enforce the policy; it has launched a new B2B platform where the MAP policy can be viewed by retailers.

Arundel's founding partner David Bradfield said, "It's a good thing Arundel is in demand. But it becomes a bad thing when our brand is damaged through aggressive discounting which results in the proverbial 'Race to the Bottom.' This is a race that retailers and manufacturers can't win. It's up to us to set the boundaries so that all retailers can have a quality product with a healthy profit margin in their stores. This is a model that can sustain itself in the long run."

The new B2B platform is at arundelbike.com/orders; it's designed to assist retailers in ordering, complementing the existing consumer site www.arundelbike.com. To sign up, retailers can contact Arundel directly at info@arundelbike.com or call 817-924-8200.


Lambert now distributing Enduro Bearings

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LEVIS, Quebec (BRAIN) — Lambert is now distributing Enduro Bearings products in Canada. Enduro products, including bike bearings, seals, bottom brackets and tools, are already available for ordering.

"We have a strong history with Enduro in the U.S., and I'm excited to expand our partnership into Canada. Our dealers will find a wide selection of high-quality bearings, bottom brackets, tools and fork seals." said Matt Wheeler, product manager at Hawley-Lambert.

Enduro owner Matt Harvey added, "Enduro Bearings is excited to team up with Hawley-Lambert in Canada for faster delivery of critical parts when shops need them for repairs or upgrades. Enduro Bearings is one of the few bearing companies that actually manufactures bearings in the U.S. and has the most complete bearing inventory covering any hub, pivot, bottom bracket and even headset bearing you can name. Fast processing and order delivery from Hawley-Lambert with Enduro Bearings' deep and complete inventory will quicken the turnaround and profit for dealers."

 

Dirk Shaw joins Dispatch as partner and chief strategist

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HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. (BRAIN) — Dispatch, a marketing agency that represents several major bike brands, is broadening its approach with a new focus on data-driven marketing. Dirk Shaw is joining as a partner and chief strategist, and Dispatch is also partnering with a digital marketing software company, Wayin, founded by technology pundit Scott McNealy.

The company's founder and CEO, Eric Doyne, said the moves combine Dispatch's knowledge of active consumer behaviors with real-time data.

"This new approach will help brands attract the active lifestyle consumer, build deeper relationships with that consumer via their shared interests, and drive purchase consideration," the company said.

Dispatch clients include Michelin, Giant Bicycle, Bell Helmets, Shimano, Honda, AGV Helmets, Dainese, Traeger Grills and the eight Ski Lake Tahoe resorts.

"For the last decade, we've been helping the world's leading active lifestyle brands engage with and reach more active people through a traditional marketing approach. With Shaw joining Dispatch and facilitating our alliance with Wayin, we've employed a unique data-driven approach that allows marketers to better understand the complete behaviors and interests of active people," Doyne said.

Shaw said, "There are more active people than ever, and we need to leverage big data to understand the nuances in behaviors across Gen Z, millennials, Gen X and boomers simultaneously to help our clients grow participation and create authentic stories."

Dispatch just published an analysis of social media conversations around the brands, sponsors and riders involved in the 2016 Tour de France, showcasing Wayin's real-time data visualization and Dispatch's prowess in experiential and social marketing. The analysis can be seen at dispatchco.com/tour.

Gates targets urban bike market with new product line

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Gates' new composite sprocket.
At Eurobike, the company will show products to fit cargo bikes, cruisers and Pinion gearboxes.

DENVER (BRAIN) — Gates is targeting the high-volume European urban bike and e-bike market with an expanded product line it will introduce at Eurobike at the end of this month. The company also will show new products for use with Pinion gearboxes and Rohloff hubs.

The line includes a new S150 crankset assembly designed to work with Thun Zumba bottom brackets, which are designed to optimize belt lines for all the leading internally geared hubs from Shimano, NuVinci, Rohloff, SRAM and Sturmey-Archer.

"The S150 is a plug-in solution for high-volume bike manufacturers. It shows our commitment to providing complete Carbon Drive systems that simplify drivetrain installation and maximize OEM factory efficiency," said Gates Carbon Drive director Todd Sellden. The S150 cranks are available in black or silver and ship installed with a 46-, 50- or 55-tooth CDN sprocket.

The company will also introduce longer CDX belts (158- and 168-tooth) designed for use on cargo bikes and cruisers with longer stays.

It will launch a new lower-cost CDN rear sprocket, made with an engineered composite body combined with a stainless steel core with Gates' Surefit interface. The company said the new sprocket will allow product managers to specify its belt drivetrains on bikes retailing for less than 500 euros. 

Gates also will offer rear sprockets with sizes designed for Pinion's new C-Line gearboxes. Called CDX:SL, these nine-spline alloy sprockets are designed for light trekking, urban use and mountain bikes. Most popular sizes will be available in late 2016.

"We expect the C-Line to be very popular, so Gates worked with Pinion to ensure that product managers have more modestly priced sprocket options designed specifically for Pinion," Sellden said. "CDX:SL has a more attractive price than our CDX stainless steel sprockets and it is designed to take the loads of a Pinion gearbox, with a nine-spline interface for durability."

Gates redesigned its premium line of CDX front sprockets to improve their performance and aesthetics. The new CDX design is lighter, has more material in high-wear areas and features a sleeker, modern look, the company said.

For high-mileage Rohloff cyclists, Gates is introducing new CDX:EXP rear sprockets with a splined interface. This new interface, designed in partnership with Rohloff, makes it easier to remove and service the sprockets on Rohloff hubs.

"Gates expects to see Rohloff continue to grow in not only trekking and mountain bikes, but also e-bikes," Sellden said.

More information at gatescarbondrive.com.

Blackburn introduces MTB-specific floor pump, with camo paintjob

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SCOTTS VALLEY, Calif. (BRAIN) — Blackburn's new Chamber HV floor pump is purpose-built for mountain bike use, with an oversized barrel for high volume, a 4-inch-diameter gauge that reads to 50 psi, a camoflauge paint job and an integrated bottle opener.

The pump has a maximum pressure of 50 psi (3.4 Bar). It has a 47-inch-long hose, a pump head with an alloy cap and lever, and an integrated hose keeper. The gauge has a vibrant color background for improved visibility. The  Anyvalve Pump Head works on Presta, Schrader and Dunlop valves.

MSRP is $79.95. More information: blackburndesign.com/pumps/chamber-hv-floor-pump.

Wahoo updates ELEMNT computer with live Strava segments

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ATLANTA, Ga. (BRAIN) — Wahoo Fitness has released a software update for its ELEMNT GPS bike computer that includes a live Strava segment feature. Several other GPS computer makers have similar features and Wahoo has promised the update for a while. ELEMNT owners can update their software wirelessly with the ELEMNT mobile app.

When a Strava/ELEMNT user reaches a segment that he or she had previously starred, the computer will bring up a new page that displays segment progress, distance remaining and the segment's elevation profile. The Strava Live Segment page can be customized to display other metrics at the same time.

"We're very proud of how we were able to implement Strava Live Segments on the ELEMNT," said Chip Hawkins, the CEO of Wahoo Fitness. "Taking full advantage of the ELEMNT's unique user interface, we were able to offer an incredible amount of functionality and an enhanced user experience using the Strava Live Segments feature."

During the segment, the ELEMNT's LED lights on the side and front of the unit will indicate progress and show whether riders are ahead of or behind their target. A 'Final Push' page takes over the display to alert and motivate the rider in the final seconds. The feature works when segments overlap and works if the rider is following a route with the ELEMNT.

Once the segment is completed, a segment history page allows riders to review all Strava Live Segments ridden up to that point in the ride. A Premium Strava account is required.

Interbike announces IB Award nominees in athlete, advocacy and supplier categories

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Cannondale, Accell, QBP, and the U.S. Secretary of Transportation are among the nominees.

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, Calif. (BRAIN) — Interbike has announced the final round of nominees for the 2016 Interbike Awards, including nominees in the athlete, advocacy and supplier categories.

The award winners will be announced at the IB Awards Gala at Interbike next month.

The complete list of nominees is at interbike.com/events/ib-awards-night.

VeloNews selected the nominees for excellence in the following categories for the race year 2016: Domestic Road Cyclist of the Year (female), Domestic Road Cyclist of the Year (male), Domestic Cyclocross Rider of the Year (female), Domestic Cyclocross Rider of the Year (male) and Domestic Mountain Bike Race of the Year. Nominated athletes include Kristin Armstrong, Neilson Powless, Jeremy Powers, and Katie Compton.

PeopleForBikes chose the advocacy award nominations within the Next Generation Award and Leadership Award categories. Nominees include the Youth Bike Summit, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx, Seleta Reynolds, GM, the City of Los Angeles Dept. of Transportation, Bike to School Challenge (Northeast Ohio Schools) and more.

The National Bicycle Dealers Association chose the supplier/distributor awards under several categories, including The Profitability Award – Bike, The Service Award, Brand of the Year and many more. Nominees include Cannondale, QBP, Specialized, J&B, Accell and Serfas. Finalists were chosen based on key performance indicators provided by NPD and derived from its bicycle retailer panel. A dealer survey was then conducted to allow dealers to choose the best performers from the list of companies.

New for 2016, the National Interscholastic Cycling Association will hand out an award for Next Generation Rider of the Year, and the Bicycle Product Suppliers Association will present the Interbike Lifetime Achievement Award to Steve Flagg, the co-founder of QBP.

The gala is set to take place at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 22 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas.

Tickets can be purchased during the Interbike registration process. The 2015 IB Awards sold-out in advance of the event, but should tickets still be available on-site, prices will be $125 at the door. Those interested in attending are encouraged to secure their tickets early.

A limited number of private tables and sponsorship opportunities are available and can be purchased directly through Interbike. Contact Andria Klinger at 949-226-5745 or andria.klinger@interbike.com for more information.

Fox Factory raises guidance after strong second quarter

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SCOTTS VALLEY, Calif. (BRAIN) —  Fox Factory Holding Corp. saw sales increase 5.3 percent to $102.3 million in its second quarter, compared to $97.2 million in the same period last fiscal year. Gross margin increased 90 basis points to 31.6 percent over last year.

Fox operates the Fox Factory suspension brand, as well as Easton Cycling, RaceFace and Marzocchi mountain bike suspension.

"Our second quarter results were above our expectations and reflect the strength of our diversified product portfolio," said Larry L. Enterline, Fox's Chief Executive Officer. "Continued execution of our operational efficiency initiatives resulted in a gross margin improvement of 90 basis points which contributed to our profitability increase for the quarter. As a result of our year-to-date performance and our team's ability to deliver on key strategic objectives, we are able to raise our annual outlook for fiscal 2016."

The quarterly sales increase includes a 10.3 percent increase in sales of powered vehicle products and a 2.4 percent increase in sales of bike products. 

The improvement in gross margin was primarily due to manufacturing efficiencies and to a lesser degree favorable product and customer mix, the company said. Additionally, gross margin improved due to the non-recurrence of costs associated with the 2015 ramp up, reconfiguration and logistics of bike rear shock production in Taiwan and the subsequent reconfiguration of other facilities. 

Fox forecast third quarter sales in the range of $106 million to $112 million and non-GAAP adjusted earnings per diluted share in the range of $0.37 to $0.41.

For the full fiscal year 2016, the company raised its previous guidance and now expects sales in the range of $387 million to $402 million.


Outdoor Industries Women's Coalition rebrands as Camber Outdoors

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BOULDER, Colo. (BRAIN) — The Outdoor Industries Women's Coalition, celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, has rebranded itself as Camber Outdoors. The organization said the new name  better reflects its approach to its work in the outdoor industry while encouraging both women and men to advocate gender equality in the workplace and in the outdoors.

"We decided on the name Camber Outdoors because 'camber' is an upward curve that creates a deviation in a straight path. Without camber, the direction is linear or status quo," said Deanne Buck, the executive director of Camber Outdoors. "The name 'Camber Outdoors' reflects the collective efforts and upward momentum of our organization, corporate partners, and industries in attracting, retaining, and advancing talent for greater industry sustainability and relevance.

"Camber Outdoors elevates and promotes the active-outdoors industries as great places to work for women. We recognize that when employers become the companies of choice for talented individuals, they become the brands of choice for participants and consumers."

The organization has more than 3,500 members and 170 corporate partners, as well as 59 CEOS who have made a commitment to supporting its current vision of respect, inclusion and gender equality at every level in the workplace.

The organization said its new name also reflects its renewed mission, which is to achieve equality for all women in the outdoors, from backcountry to boardroom.

In tandem with the rebranding, Camber Outdoors also launched a new advertising campaign, "Everyone's Outdoors," that showcases opportunities for women in the active-outdoor industries through membership campaigns and highlighting companies committed to diversity and inclusion.  Camber Outdoors will continue its existing programs including the CEO Pledge, Pitchfest, Camber Outdoors Exchange and the Camber Outdoors Job Board, as well as its mentoring program and industry leadership awards.

"We're thrilled with our organization's rebrand and expanded focus of Camber Outdoors to help promote gender diversity, inclusion and entrepreneurship in the active-outdoor industries and we're looking forward to the next 20 years to help women grow and thrive," said Buck.

More information at camberoutdoors.org.

Burley works with QBP to grow in Canada

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EUGENE, Ore. (BRAIN) — Burley Design has worked with Quality Bicycle Products for more than eight years as its distribution partner. Now both companies are working to expand Burley's sales in Canada.

"We are excited to support Burley's North American expansion by offering its products to our dealers in Canada," said Aaron James, QBP's Canadian sales manager. "We're offering special Canadian dealer pricing beginning in July. QBP's year-round high-fill rate, broad product range and quick shipping options will collectively support independent bike dealers in Canada."

Burley was selected as one of 39 companies that are part of QBP's Dealer's Choice Program.

"We're excited to expand our partnership by opening up Canada as a new distribution territory," said Allison Coughlin, Burley sales and marketing manager. "We look forward to expanding with QBP and their network of dealers to support and grow our independent bike dealer base in Canada."

Burley's bike trailers, kids' bikes and cargo trailers are available for Canadian dealers to order.

Abus trims US distributor count, doubles down with QBP and H2

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CHICAGO (BRAIN) — Abus has reduced its U.S. distributor list from four to two, saying it is expanding its relationship with QBP and Highway Two while ending business with J&B and Hawley at year's end.

The company said the decision was driven by continued growth in the U.S. and will allow its staff to focus its energies on a smaller list of distributors.

"We enjoyed big increases in brand awareness and business in the U.S. due in part to the strong support of Highway Two and QBP. We are very excited to focus our efforts into working with these very professional and retailer oriented distributors in order to grow our market share in the U.S. Highway Two and QBP have the distribution channels and team's in place to make this a reality," said Axel Roesler, the sales and marketing director for Abus' international mobile security business.

QBP and Highway Two will be stocking a full line of Abus locks, the company said.

Rich Tauer, the president of QBP, said, "QBP is excited to expand our partnership with Abus while featuring their innovative, category leading locks in our Dealer's Choice strategy. Abus provides sustainable profitability for dealers in bike security and QBP stocks Abus product at all four of our distribution centers."

Highway Two will also be distributing Abus' line of commuter helmets.

George Eubanks of Highway Two said, "Highway Two is excited to strengthen our partnership and focus with Abus. They are the premium lock brand in the world and nestle in beautifully with our other category leading products. Fortunately for all retailers, bicycle security and rider safety are areas with substantial growth opportunity. Every customer that walks in a retail store should have a lock and helmet — no matter where you live — so why not sell them the best."

Regarding J&B and Hawley, Abus said, "Abus is very grateful for the efforts of their former partners that helped grow the brand in the U.S. market, and wish them the best of luck in the future."

Hawley's sister company, Lambert, will continue to distribute Abus in Canada.

Canfield Brothers offers its largest flat pedal, the Crampon Mountain

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BELLINGHAM, Wash. (BRAIN) — Canfield Brothers is now offering  its largest flat pedal to date, the Crampon Mountain.

The Crampon Mountain shares many of the features of Canfield Brothers' Crampon Ultimate, including the convex shape, ultra-thin 6-millimeter leading edges and double-sided pins. The Mountain model has a larger 112 millimeter by 106 millimeter platform. The internals include a bushing at the axle side and stacked bearings at the end internally.

"The Mountain is the culmination of years spent designing and testing flat pedals, and incorporates the best features of the Crampon line," said Chris Canfield, Canfield Brothers co-owner and designer. "Whether you're trail riding or downhill racing, there really isn't a better combination of traction, support and on-the-bike feel—especially in something this thin, durable and low maintenance."

The company has a design patent on the pedals' convex shape, which it says "contours naturally to the foot, aiding in grip and placing your foot as close to the spindle as possible for maximum pedal stroke efficiency, eliminating 'dead spots.'"

The Crampon Mountain is available in 10 anodized colors. It retails for $149.

Dorel announces layoffs as CSG revenue declines

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Company points to lower IBD sales in North America and reduced margins from discounting for revenue losses.

MONTRÉAL (BRAIN) — Dorel Industries announced Thursday it is trimming the payroll at its Dorel Sports division — which includes its mass market and IBD bicycle businesses. The company said it would reduce its global workforce in the division by about 4 percent. Officials declined to comment any further on the number of people laid off or what areas of the company are affected. 

Dorel also said it would "exit" its three Cannondale Sports retail outlets. Two of the stores are in the Boston area and one is on Long Island.

"We've exited retail and other areas that were distractions. We're a bike company first and let's be really good at that before we start getting into other areas like retail," Dorel's Jeffrey Schwartz told investors during a conference call Thursday. "We're really just focusing."

Dorel Sports' second quarter revenue decreased by 5.8 percent to $236.5 million, compared to $251.1 million last year. After removing the impact of foreign exchange rates, organic revenue declined by approximately 4.8 percent.

Schwartz noted during the call that declines during the period are explained by decreases in sales in North America and reduced margins from discounting. "We experienced lower IBD sales in North America. Consumers shifted toward opening price point bikes and and there was a decline in Caloi sales as economic challenges in Brazil hurt us and raised prices there significantly. We protected margins, but that's coming at the cost of declining sales. That was partially offset by increased sales in Europe to our IBD accounts as that business is picking up," he said. 

Dorel Sports' IBD division, Cycling Sports Group, saw global revenue decline in the quarter and in the first half. The company said the North American market was "soft and competitive," with continued high inventory at the wholesale and retail levels. However, the company said Cannondale market share increased in the first half.

"Even though we increased our market share in North America, according to industry statistics, we've been affected by industrywide discounting due to significant inventories at the supplier level and that's caused us to have a serious impact on our margin," Schwartz said. 

The company said it has begun restructuring activities including the layoffs and store closings. The restructuring also includes switching GT's China market distribution to a third-party distributor and relocating Pacific Cycle's mass market and distribution operations from Illinois to Savannah, Georgia. The mass bicycle business will take over Dorel's former home furnishing facility there and home furnishing will move into a larger facility, officials said. 

The company said the moves would save it $5 million a year, starting next year.

"The goal of these activities is to refocus the business to deliver enhanced profitability during all business conditions," the company said.

The IBD segment reported an adjusted operating profit during the second quarter of $5.2 million, down from $10.7 million the year before. Through the first six months of the year, adjusted operating profit was down $11.5 million to $10.54 million from $22 million a year ago. 

"Dorel Sports is taking the necessary steps to maintain its strong position in the face of a continuing tough market," said Martin Schwartz, Dorel's president and CEO.

 

Sombrio introduces lifetime guarantee on clothing

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NORTH VANCOUVER, British Columbia (BRAIN) — Mountain bike apparel brand Sombrio has introduced a lifetime guarantee on its clothing. The guarantee covers apparel items against manufacturer's defects including tears or rips at seams and faulty stitching, zippers, Velcro or snaps.

If a consumer experiences a manufacturer's defect with their Sombrio garment, whether it's a week after purchase or two years down the road, it can be returned to the original place of purchase, and Sombrio will replace it with a garment of equal value, the Dorel Industries-owned brand stated.

The guarantee covers apparel from Sombrio's 2016 collection or later, but does not cover its accessories (gloves, socks and hats) or clothing from 2015 or earlier.

More information is available on Sombrio's website

Guest Opinion: Add-on sales are key to profitability

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By Gregg Frederick

Editor's note: Gregg Frederick, CSE, MBA, is the principal of G3 Development Group, Inc., a consulting service that focuses on engagement through business development, retail development and human capital development. Follow Gregg on Twitter @g3leadership and on Linkedin www.linkedin.com/in/greggfrederick

A key to growing your profitability is to perfect the art of the add-on sale. Whether in wholesale or retail sales, the most successful salespeople are those who add value to the customer experience by providing the customer with the product they need to enjoy the ride from day one.

As a retailer, providing a superior customer experience (CX) allows you to meet the expectations of today and tomorrow's consumer. The Retail Remodel projects that we've done with Bicycle Retailer, 3 Dots Design and Merchandising Werx have allowed us to create a visual environment that is conducive to creating a superior CX, but at G3 Development Group, we work with the retailer to maximize the CX by training the retailer on ways to engage them in-store and online.

To start on your CX journey, you must define the emotional outcome you want your customer to have when they leave your store. Everything you do and every product you have should have a purpose leading to that outcome. When your products complement the CX outcome that you've defined, you are on your way to maximizing the CX through the add-on sale.

To maximize the add-on sale, the Units-per-Transaction (UPT) calculation should be tracked. You should incentivize your sales staff on UPT goals. For one of our clients, we were able to get UPT from 1.75 to 3.75 in three months with a goal UPT of 4 (for every bike sold, there should be a helmet, lock, bag, cage, pump, lights, shoes, gloves, etc., suggested to go with it). Along with the growth in UPT, we saw an increase in P&A margin of 7 percent!

UPT is so important to us at G3DG, that we've influenced one of our brand clients to create a hang tag with a checklist of aftermarket products listed on them as a reminder to the retail sales person and the retail customer to not forget those high margin necessities that enhance the riding experience, i.e. the customer experience.

Like it or not, Amazon has mastered the art of a comprehensive shopping experience and you can take advantage of some of their best practices to increase add-on sales. The easiest to take advantage of is their ability to provide great recommendations on related products, also known as "affinity sales."

A well-merchandised store takes advantage of these affinity sales by grouping like items together. For example, create a well-merchandised area for inflation so that during the sales process your trained sales people can walk the customer through the necessities that will make their riding experience seamless, like floor pumps and CO2's. You can also do the same for apparel, helmets, locks, lights, shoes and socks.

We've seen tremendous success at retail using accessory sales packages as a way to create sales velocity around add-on sales. With a three-tier package, you can sell the cycling essentials together (helmet, lock, bottle and cage) at a discount over buying them individually, driving up UPT and gross margins.

Finally, up selling should not just be for the sales staff. The importance of using the service department to drive add-on sales should be a main part of your CX strategy. According to Joseph Michelli, the author of Driven to Delight, the lifetime value of the Mercedes Benz customer is linked to the customer's willingness to maintain a relationship with its service department. For many IBDs, the service department is often an afterthought, but has a huge potential to drive add-on sales through service packages.

According to Forrester Research, 90 percent of sales still come from physical retail locations, but the gap between meeting today's customer expectations at the IBD and what the customer receives online, is widening. With a focus on the customer experience, a highly trained sales staff, focused sales goals that include UPT tracking, and creating sales velocity around service and accessory packages, you will be able to drive your profitability through increased add-on sales.

Get more tips on how to use fixtures and merchandising to boost add-on sales in the fourth video in Bicycle Retailer's Minute Makeover series. A new video will debut each Friday through August 12 on youtube.com/bicycleretailer.

 


Scott Sports wraps up dealer event in Utah

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DEER VALLEY, Utah (BRAIN) — Scott Sports hosted nearly 200 of its top U.S. dealers at an event here last week, showing off its 2017 model bikes and accessories. 

For the first time at the annual event, members of the motocross media joined to attend a global unveiling of Scott's new Prospect goggle.

"We put a lot of time and effort into this event," said Scott executive vice president John Quinn. "Scott Week is our chance to present our new products and to engage on a more personal level with our retail partners. We appreciate the hospitality from Deer Valley, because we can interact with our dealers in a beautiful location, in a relaxed environment, and with world-class, lift-accessed trails readily available," he continued.

Product highlights included a redesigned Spark full-suspension mountain bike series, a new Scale hardtail mountain bike series, and several new helmets, including the MIPS-equipped Cadence, Centric, and Fuga models. In marketing presentations, Scott announced new in-store and retail support initiatives.

The event concluded with awarding two dealers with new 2017 bikes by way of "golden tickets" hidden in custom packaged bars from Ritual Chocolate, plus an evening showing of the 1986 Kevin Bacon film "Quicksilver" on an outdoor screen.

"We all had an excellent time this past week," said Chris Ives, from Berkshire Bike and Board in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. "This dealer event is one of the best we go to all year, and according to most of us, the best period," he concluded.

The company will hold a cycling media event next week in Crested Butte, Colorado. And it announced that next year's Scott Week will take place July 25-28 at the Canyons Resort in Utah.

UK nutrition brand Science in Sport enters US market with USAC, Team Sky agreements

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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (BRAIN) — Science in Sport, a nearly 25-year-old British sports nutrition brand, is making a push into the U.S. market this season. The brand is endorsed by the Tour de France-winning Team Sky and recently became the official sports nutrition supplier to USA Cycling.

The company offers an isotonic energy gel, drink tablets, recovery mixes and other products.

The brand's products are currently being sold consumer direct in the U.S. via the SiS website. The company is in the process of developing relationships with U.S. online and brick-and-mortar retailers, a spokesman for the brand told BRAIN. The SiS focus is on the cycling market, including road, mountain bike and triathlon.

The agreement with USA Cycling goes through the end of 2017. SiS will supply bag drops and stock neutral feed stations for all USAC national championship events. In addition, USAC members and its promoters, clubs, and sponsors will receive a discount of 20 percent off select SiS products.

"We're delighted to be making our truly innovative and competition-tested sports nutrition products available to American cyclists," said Ashley Read, Science in Sport's marketing director. "We have built a strong following among European endurance athletes and we look forward to bringing our passion and expertise to endurance athletes in the United States."

SiS products are manufactured in the U.K. at the company's facility in Lancashire. All SiS products are Informed Choice-tested and accredited to minimize the risk of product contamination.

 

Mat Brown joins Kali Protectives sales team

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MORGAN HILL, Calif. (BRAIN) — Mat Brown, the former North American sales manager for Marzocchi USA, has joined Kali Protectives as territory manager for California.

Brown will be responsible for improving and developing the California market, working with Kali's outside sales reps.

"I was introduced to Kali by a co­worker at Marzocchi when I was looking for a full-face helmet. I was blown away by the technology that Kali was putting into their helmets. With Composite Fusion technology, I couldn't understand why Kali was not a more prominent player in the helmet game," said Brown.

Brown can be contacted at matbrown@kaliprotectives.com.

FSA discontinues use of Gravity brand for adjustable-height seatposts

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Component maker says it wants to avoid market confusion with Gravity Dropper brand.

MUKILTEO, Wash. (BRAIN) — FSA announced it will stop using its Gravity mountain bike brand for its adjustable-height seatposts to prevent confusion with rival brand Gravity Dropper.

"FSA has become aware that its Gravity brand adjustable-height ('dropper'-style) seatpost could potentially cause confusion in the USA market with respect to the established Gravity Dropper brand of adjustable-height seatposts offered by Kimir Seatpost (Polson, Montana)," the company stated.

"FSA has agreed to discontinue its use of the Gravity brand for its adjustable-height seatposts and expects to complete this transition in the next few months."

FSA managing director Lance Bohlen noted that "dropper" has become the common nomenclature for adjustable-height seatposts – "It's like Kleenex," he told BRAIN – and that removing the Gravity name and replacing it with a parallel model under the FSA brand was a "gentleman's agreement" between FSA and Gravity Dropper. The Montana company took no legal action against FSA, he added.

Gravity Dropper has sold its adjustable-height seatposts since 2003.

Dealers with questions can contact FSA at 425-488-8653.

North America Cycles hires 7 more staffers

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NAC's new RICOH printer is 22 feet long.

AMES, Iowa (BRAIN) — North America Cycles has added seven new employees, in its sales, art, and marketing departments, the company announced Friday.

The new sales employees are Tyler Beery and Casey Gries; a new marketing staffer is Ashley Scuffham; Matt Boley, Kerstie Larsen, Braden Lauterbach and Max Schmidt join the art department.

Beery and Gries will give support to the near 20 sales representatives NAC has on the road. They have been hired as inside IBD-specific sales staff. Both have bicycle sales and purchasing backgrounds and can be reached at: sales@nacycles

Scuffham will assist with custom branded sales. "We offer so many custom items and it is a growing part of our business as dealers are now looking to create their own custom branded items," said Matt Nims, the president of North America Cycles. NAC offers custom water bottles, bicycles, cycling jerseys and apparel, and more. To reach NAC's custom promotional department, dealers can email: customs@nacycles.com or visit www.nacustoms.com

Boley and Larsen are to help with the increased work load of these custom orders. Both recent graduates of Iowa State University. "Our goal is to manage all of our catalogs in-house now," said Nims.

Lauterbach has been hired to manage NAC's print room. The company has invested in a 22-foot long RICOH Pro C7100sx printer. It can print full color and black and white on a variety of paper types and sizes. The company said the printer will give it the flexibility to efficiently create programs for their reps and dealers. The printer also will be used to create custom mailers depending on region. NAC has also invested in two new pad printing machines that allow them to print on products such as bells, locks, and lights.

Schmidt will be spearheading NAC's social media efforts. He will also be working as the in-house photographer and videographer. 

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