PHILADELPHIA (BRAIN) — The standards organization ASTM is holding a meeting of its F08 Committee on Sports Equipment, Playing Surfaces and Facilities from May 9-11. The committee's bike-related groups will meet May 10.
Specific topics for the bicycle technical committee this May focus on cycling accessories, frames, wheels and advanced materials and methods.
More information on the meeting at astm.org/MEETINGS.
SCOTTS VALLEY, Calif. (BRAIN) — Fox Factory Holdings is reporting a 32.6 percent increase in sales in its first fiscal quarter and has raised its guidance for the second quarter and the full fiscal year, for both sales and earnings.
The company said bicycle-related sales were up 15.9 percent in the quarter, while powered vehicle product sales were up 54 percent. As is its usual practice, Fox did not break out dollar amounts for the bike vs. powered products.
“The increase in sales of bike products primarily reflects new product introductions and favorable model year spec placements with OEMs,” the company said.
Besides its Fox-branded suspension products, Fox Factory Holdings sells Marzocchi bicycle suspension products as well as Race Face and Easton cycling components.
Total sales were $106.3 million in the quarter, compared to $80.2 million in the same period last fiscal year. Gross margin increased 40 basis points to 31.7 percent compared to 31.3 percent.
“We achieved sales and profitability above our expectations in the first quarter of fiscal 2017, driven by solid momentum across both our bike and powered vehicle product offerings,” said Larry L. Enterline, Fox’s Chief Executive Officer.
“As a result of our strong start to the year, we are raising our guidance for fiscal 2017. We believe the diversification of our product offerings and end markets continue to set us apart in the industry and position us well for future growth.”
Total operating expenses were $21.3 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2017 compared to $19.4 million in the first quarter of the prior fiscal year.
Fox said the increase in operating expenses is primarily a result of investments to support growth in the business. The expenses also include $900,000 associated with its ongoing patent lawsuits with SRAM.
SOLON, Ohio (BRAIN) — Bike PressCamp organizer ECRM said Thursday that it saw a surge in exhibitor signups last month coming out of the Sea Otter Classic, and now has 21 brands set to attend the June 19-23 event.
The new signups include Canyon Bicycles, the German consumer-direct brand set to enter the U.S. market in the third quarter of the year.
“Canyon selected PressCamp as one of its many media activation events globally because of the opportunity it allows to tell our stories to a variety of journalists in one location. In Park City, our stories can come to life on great terrain and validate the unique technologies behind the Canyon brand of ‘pure cycling’ experiences,” said Blair Clark, president of Canyon USA.
In addition to Canyon, the current exhibitor list covers a mix of first-time and returning brands at PressCamp: 3T, Alpinestars, Bag Balm, Black Inc. Wheels, Boyd Cycling, CamelBak, Cinelli, Everysight, Exposure Lights, Factor Bikes, Five Ten, Full Speed Ahead, G-Form, Kali Protectives, Kenda Tires, Ridley Bikes, Selle San Marco, Thule, THM Carbon and Vision Wheels. ECRM said room remains for “a handful more” exhibitors.
Organizers will also bring together Bike PressCamp and Outdoor PressCamp, held concurrently at Deer Valley Resort, for a pair of cross-industry networking events, starting with an opening reception Monday, June 19, presented by Boa Systems. And on Wednesday, June 21, the two PressCamps will gather for a lunchtime Q&A with Utah Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox and Tom Adams, director of the state’s Office of Outdoor Recreation, to discuss the controversy over use of federal lands in Utah. PressCamp's Kenji Haroutunian will moderate the discussion.
“We are very excited that our two industries will have the opportunity to better understand this hot-button issue,” ECRM stated.
For more information, visit PressCamp’s website.
MOUNT PROSPECT, Ill. (BRAIN) — Cycling participation ticked up a mild 0.5 percent to 36.2 million riders in 2016, according to new figures from the National Sporting Goods Association.
The NSGA defines participants as those who have ridden a bike six or more days per year, and tracks this for Americans ages 7 and up. The association has tracked bicycle riding since 1984. Participation peaked in 1989 at 56.9 million riders.
Youth participation last year dipped 0.7 percent to 10.5 million riders ages 7 to 17, while adult participation rose 1 percent to 25.7 million riders 18 or older. But fewer female adults rode last year, down 2.6 percent to 15.2 million. Male adult participation rose 2.8 percent to 21 million.
"Since the year 2000, adult participation has basically remained flat at about 25.5 million, whereas youth has seen a significant decline," said Dustin Dobrin, the NSGA's director of research.
In the previous year's research, the NSGA investigated the reasons why people did not ride, and found that the primary obstacle to participation varied by age group. Youth ages 7 to 17 lacked the desire or interest to ride, while the 18 to 34 cohort cited lack of access to a bike/not owning a bike. Adults 35 to 54 said they didn't have the free time to ride, and adults 55-plus cited physical and health obstacles as the reason for not participating.
Mountain biking, which the NSGA has tracked separately since 1993, rose 2.1 percent last year to 5.7 million participants, but that figure is well below the all-time high of about 10.2 million in 2008.
The NSGA's Sports Participation in the U.S. report tracks 55 sports and activities. After seeing across-the-board growth in 2015 participation, this year's 50/50 split between growth and contraction among activities continues "a pattern of inconsistency and lack of growth that has been experienced for many years," the association stated.
Segments experiencing growth last year included open water sports (+3.6 percent), shooting sports (+0.8 percent), fitness activities (+0.7 percent), team sports (+0.3 percent), and outdoor activities (+0.3 percent). Segments declining included wheel sports (-0.5 percent), individual sports (-0.8 percent), indoor games (-2.8 percent), personal contact sports (-2.9 percent) and snow sports (-5 percent).
"Cycling isn't alone. The majority of the segments in the industry have struggled to grow participation," Dobrin said. "Looking back on our historical data, since the 1990s only the fitness activity segment has been able to consistently grow participation."
"Fitness activities" include aerobic exercise, yoga, running, jogging, exercise running, exercising with equipment and other activities.
The full report is available for purchase at the NSGA website. It includes quick-view snapshots by sport/activity, allowing users to easily see a 10-year participation trend (when available) as well as details regarding age, income and U.S. region.
As an additional bonus, purchasers of the report will also be invited to an exclusive webinar providing greater details about participation trends since the 1990s.
HOOD RIVER, Ore. (BRAIN) — Dakine has appointed Gabe Schroder to the role of mountain bike marketing manager.
Schroder managed the ski and bike marketing programs at Smith for 10 years.
"Gabe brings a tremendous wealth of experience and energy to our team, and we're excited for him to join our efforts in growing Dakine's presence in the MTB community," said Shawn La Rowe, Dakine's vice president of product and marketing.
Schroder will report directly to La Rowe remotely from Ketchum, Idaho. He can be reached at gabes@dakine.com.
BOULDER, Colo. (BRAIN) — Giant Bicycles has become a premier partner of Project Bike Tech, a project that uses bicycle education as a conduit to teach core academics, enhance lives, create career opportunities and inspire new generations to be passionate about bikes.
Giant will supply bicycles to high school PBT programs that have a Giant retailer as a sponsor.
Giant will also support the PBT career video library by producing three videos to educate students and the community about the opportunities offered through Project Bike Tech. "Giant has supported PBT from its inception," said Mercedes Ross, national director of Project Bike Tech. "As a Premier Partner, Giant will help ensure that the program grows across the country."
The first video will provide an overview of Project Bike Tech's "Bike Tech in School" program, a credited high school elective that teaches students bicycle mechanics and introduces them to careers in the bicycle industry.
The second video, geared toward Bike Tech students, will showcase bike industry careers, highlighting the technicians, engineers, designers, marketers and others who compose a thriving bicycle company.
The third video, targeted toward female students, will focus on women in the bike industry. The production will feature women who work for the Giant and Liv brands; it will also follow Liv Event Specialists who travel the nation presenting bike clinics and demos to retailers and consumers.
"Bicycle career-based videos create an open door for students," said Brad Klipping, Giant USA's senior marketing manager. "It's a great way to introduce Project Bike Tech participants to the myriad opportunities in our industry — from working the sales and shop floor at a local retailer, to designing game-changing bikes and technologies for a major brand."
LONGMONT, Colo. (BRAIN) — Wilier Triestina is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Giro d'Italia with a special custom painted edition of the Cento10AIR road bike. The special edition features the brand's famous cromovelato ramato (chrome plated copper) finish. The bike is being ridden by Filippo Pozzato in the first stages of the Giro.
Wilier pioneered the chrome-plated painting procedure in 1947. The brand said the use of a galvanizing process was a first for the bike industry, and also required the first use of a clear coat on a bicycle to protect the finish. The original bikes were finished with gold decals painted by hand using a fine horsehair brush. The special finish was seen again in 2016 with the release of the retro inspired Superleggera lugged steel bike.
The Cento10AIR launched in early 2017 as an aero bike designed for all-around riding. The company said it uses aero-shaped tubes to cut air drag by 8 percent compared to its first aero bike, the Cento1AIR. The frame also is 200 grams lighter than its predecessor and can accept 28mm tires.
"Maintaining famed Wilier handling characteristics was a priority in the development of the bike, with road trials always balancing the computational design. The result is a bike that can navigate the demands of a group sprint, while also feeling responsive and stable on the best descents in the Dolomites," the company said.
PORTLAND, Ore. (BRAIN) — The National Bicycle Dealers Association is sponsoring the Filmed by Bike festival, which begins Friday in Portland and includes a regional road tour following the three-day event.
Organizers this year decided to put together several short video mashups about local bike shops, tied to the NBDA's #buywhereyouride campaign.
Festival director Ayleen Crotty said organizers want to use the festival gatherings to send a message that bike shops are an important part of bike culture.
NBDA members can contact the festival organizers if they are interested in hosting a film showing in their community. Information is at filmedbybike.org/watch/rescreening-policys.
The traveling show offers a choice between two collections of bike films, each totaling less than an hour. One collection includes general bike-related films, called Bike Love. The other collection is of bike adventure films, featuring mountain biking, off road touring and other adventures.
The NBDA also announced this week that it has a new address. It is:
NBDA
806 South Public Road #201
Lafayette, CO 80026
WATERLOO, Wis. (BRAIN) — Trek Bicycle said Friday that it has reached an agreement to acquire 16-store Philadelphia-area bike shop chain Bike Line. The company announced the new partnership at a Bike Line staff meeting Friday morning. Trek is purchasing 12 of the 16 locations Bike Line currently operates throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania and Delaware.
Bike Line has sold Trek bikes for more than 30 years. Trek said it became interested in acquiring the chain after learning that owner John Graves was looking to pursue opportunities outside of the cycling industry. "Trek has been a longtime partner and has played a big role in the success of Bike Line," Graves said. "They've been invested in our success and I wanted to find a partner for the next step in the shops' future who understands what it takes to continue what we've started and shares our values and passion for cycling."
Trek's VP of retail, Joe Vadeboncoeur, said, "Bike Line has built an incredible business over the years through a commitment to great products and great service. They have been a great partner and a committed retailer, and when we learned that ownership was looking for an exit solution, we were open to the idea of ownership.
"We are very much looking forward to enhancing the cycling experience in the communities they have served so well," he added.
In February, Trek announced it was buying Revolution Cycles, a four-store chain in the Washington, D.C., area.
FLETCHER, N.C. (BRAIN) — Cane Creek Cycling Components will sell five specially painted HELM suspension forks that were made for demo use at last month's Sea Otter Classic. The company is selling the forks for $900 each and donating $500 from each sale to the International Mountain Bicycling Association.
Regular MSRP on the forks is $1,100. The forks were painted a chartreuse yellow for the demo, matching the shirts that Cane Creek employees wore at the event.
Brent Graves, the president and CEO of Cane Creek, said the color succeeded in attracting attention.
"People kept coming up and asking how they could get one (of the custom painted forks). We knew we weren't going to do a full production run of these forks but, based on the reaction at Sea Otter, there were obviously a lot of fans out there. We even had one guy come up and try and buy one for cash right there in the booth," said Graves. "So when we got back to North Carolina we started talking about it and thought 'why don't we sell five forks and donate the proceeds?' That way five riders out there will get to have this ultra-rare fork and IMBA gets some support at the same time. It's just a fun way to give back to the mountain bike community."
The forks being sold were installed and ridden during the three-day event, though only "just enough to break them in," according to Graves.
The forks will be available beginning at noon EST on Tuesday, May 9, through the Cane Creek factory direct store. Customers can get more information at canecreek.com/helmyeah or place an order by calling 828-684-3551. The forks will go to the first five riders to place an order.
MONTREAL (BRAIN) — Dorel Inc.’s bike division on Friday reported a drop in first-quarter revenue but said operating profit almost doubled to $10.1 million as margins improved and the division’s restructuring, including a 4 percent workforce reduction, reaped benefits.
“Dorel Sports has been working to develop a clearer strategic focus, and the benefits were evident in Q1,” Dorel Inc. president and CEO Martin Schwartz said during an earnings call.
Dorel Sports brands include Cannondale, Schwinn, GT, Mongoose, Caloi, IronHorse, Sugoi, Fabric and Charge.
CFO Jeffrey Schwartz said the improved margins were driven by price increases at Caloi, coupled with the strengthening of the Brazilian real against the U.S. dollar, as well as Pacific Cycles’ favorable product mix at mass and less discounting in the marketplace for the Cycling Sports Group IBD brands, which include Cannondale and GT.
Dorel Sports’ first-quarter revenue dipped 1.1 percent to $214 million, but Jeffrey Schwartz said organic revenue was down almost 10 percent when removing foreign currency fluctuations and the impact of the transition of the division’s international business from a licensing model to a distribution platform.
“Part of the revenue shortfall was due to lower consumer demand in the mass channel due to poor weather and a shift in the Easter holiday moving sales from the end of the quarter and into April,” he said. “In the (IBD) area, lower sales volumes were caused by retailers holding lower inventories and poor weather in North America, as well as less discounted sales. We’re not clearing items, and although that’s good for margin, it’s not necessarily good for the top line.”
CEO Martin Schwartz said the division has positioned itself for a difficult sales environment this year. “The bicycle industry is currently facing short-term challenges, therefore sales growth opportunities in 2017 could be limited. Dorel Sports has restructured to improve earnings this year, with better margins and lower operating expenses, and we expect this to more than offset the sales challenges,” he said.
While manufacturing inventories have normalized, the CEO noted, the inventory issue has shifted to retailers, who continue to deplete their inventories and hold off on further ordering. “Dealers are working down inventory and delaying replenishment orders until the season really takes off, hopefully this month,” he said.
Last month, Dorel Sports began selling its full Mongoose mass BMX and mountain line on Amazon, but CFO Jeffrey Schwartz said during the earnings call that the company has no current plans to begin selling its IBD brands direct to consumers.
“The retailers themselves add a lot of value to the shopping experience that I don’t think you can get from opening a box and putting your bike together,” he said.
DÜSSELDORF, Germany (BRAIN) — On the heels of launching the second model in its Turbo pedal-assist line, the urban-focused Vado, Specialized has opened a pop-up store here. The store opened Friday evening local time near the Königsallee, an area in the city's downtown that attracts more than 10,000 visitors each day.
In just under two months, the Tour de France will start here and pass by the new store.
The 4,000 square-foot pop-up location showcases Specialized's Turbo e-bikes, including the new Vado. The entire bottom floor of the store is dedicated to the Turbo Vado, with all five models on display, along with a small selection of urban apparel and accessories for men and women. On the second floor, the brand's e-MTB, the Levo, is showcased with a few pieces of off-road apparel. There is also a spacious lounge with a large screen for events and coffee, tea and other drinks.
For the first six weeks, Specialized will feature the Turbo models. It will then close the store for about a week to turn the focus to road bikes and re-open in time for the start of the Tour de France, which hasn't started in Germany since 1987. Specialized plans to operate the store for about four months.
Donny Perry, senior manager of retail development at Specialized, said the energy behind cycling right now in Düsseldorf, spurred in part by the Tour, along with continued growth in Germany's e-bike market, created an ideal atmosphere in which to open a pop-up. The timing of European launch of the Turbo Vado was also a factor.
"Düsseldorf was a key city for us in terms of e-bike growth, as well as e-bike growth in Germany overall, the Tour starting here, and the luck of finding a space near the Königsallee, which is one of the leading streets for fashion and brands in Europe — that perfect storm of events just came together and we saw an opportunity," said Perry, who started his career in bike retail in the Midwest and has worked in retail development for Specialized for nine years.
"We needed to take advantage of the opportunities for us and our retailers. We can do our part to raise awareness of e-bikes, cycling and Specialized, and launch the Turbo Vado in an exciting way and be present at the Tour in an exciting way," he added.
Specialized does not anticipate it will sell bikes out of its pop-up location, and there is no service department. Perry said the goal was to use the store as a way to promote Turbo and the new Vado — but that communicating its intentions to Specialized retailers in Germany was also a priority.
"Key to doing this pop-up was that we have a really great relationship with our retailers. It was important to us that they saw this as not an 'us versus them'," he said. "It's more about making an investment into our marketing and strategic investments into a market that will benefit everyone — a tide that lifts all boats."
On Tuesday, Specialized invited area retailers to tour the store. They were the first to see the store, as Specialized staff who work in the brand's German office put the final touches on the space. Perry said the goal was to hear the retailers' thoughts on the store and be open about Specialized's plans for the pop-up.
"We wanted to know if they were worried, if they were supportive — what were their thoughts. So we addressed all their concerns, and what we left with was a group of retailers who are in support of the idea, who understand the direction," he said.
"I think we're taking all the right small steps. You can walk into the store and tell right away that the story is around the Turbo family. We are selling some apparel but we don't have a service area to assemble bikes. Because of its location, there will be high traffic and we want this to be a way for people who are interested to get closer to the sport and brand," Perry added.
The store also sells T-shirts, sweatshirts, water bottles, notebooks and other accessories branded 'Ride Düsseldorf.' A map of the city's bike paths, which was made using Strava heat maps, is printed on the items. These will be available only at the pop-up. Specialized employees based in the brand's office in Germany will work at the store on a rotating basis.
Specialized launched the Turbo Vado, a flat-bar, mid-drive pedelec, earlier this week. With integrated front and rear lights, a rear rack and fenders, and a tagline that reads 'busy lives call for faster bikes', the Vado is designed for urban commuting and fitness riding. The aluminum frames are available in women's and men's versions, and have a built-in lockable battery that is removable to the side at a 45-degree angle.
Four Turbo Vado models will be available in the U.S. later this spring, including speed pedelec versions that top out at 28 miles per hour. They will start at $2,700.
Look for more about the Specialized Turbo Vado and the Düsseldorf pop-up store in the Life Cycle department of Bicycle Retailer's June 1 issue.
SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, Calif. (BRAIN) — Interbike has opened registration for all attendees including retailers, distributors and media.
The show said the focus for this year's event is on retailer education, with numerous fresh and new sessions being put together and finalized in the coming weeks. The show is bringing IBD Summit-level speakers to the event both as part of Interbike University, and in partnership with the NBDA's Super Seminars Plus. Experts from The Mann Group and Garage Peloton will present sessions related to retail growth strategies specifically for independent dealers that includes the latest trends in customer service, employee satisfaction, leadership, sales processes and more.
"Interbike is dedicated to being the annual event where North American retailers can not only meet face-to-face with current and prospective brands – they can learn from experts both in and out of the industry to help them grow their businesses," said Pat Hus, the vice president of Interbike. "We're taking it up a notch this year with plans for on-floor education, panel discussions from retailers sharing success stories and more."
Organizers said the show's recently launched PayBack program has started to gain momentum with brands including Feedback Sports, Sidi, Lectric Cycles, Inno Racks, Nite Ize and more signing on early, as well as national distributor J&B Importers. The program rewards retailers with cash rebates for placing at-once orders with participating brands at the show. Retailers are given extra bonuses for placing orders with more than one brand, and can make up to $1,500 – which, show organizers note, has the potential to cover travel and expense costs to Interbike.
To register for Interbike 2017, or for more information, please go to interbike.com.
Hotel room blocks are now open as well, and deals are available through Interbike's official travel partner, OnPeak. More information on Interbike's hotel blocks can be found at interbike.com/hotel_travel/hotel-information.
The show will be held at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center beginning with OutDoor Demo in Boulder City, Nevada, Sept. 18-19 followed by the Interbike Expo, Sept. 20-22.
BOSTON (BRAIN) — Vittoria has launched the Commuter Guarantee, which provides free inner tubes to any customer who flats a Vittoria Randonneur, Revolution, Adventure, or Trail commuter series tire.
The tire has to be purchased between now and the end of 2017 from a participating shop for the guarantee to apply, and the same shop has to handle the installation. Labor is not included in the guarantee.
The company said the launch of the Commuter Guarantee affirms the brand's commitment to the commuter category.
"While Vittoria may be best known for grand tour victories and world championship-winning MTB tires, the City/Commuter collection continues the tradition of class-leading dependability that the Vittoria name is known for," said Vittoria North America's president, EJ Riordan. "We are certain that bicycle commuters and city riders everywhere will share in this confidence, once they experience the Vittoria difference for themselves."
Dealers interested in more details on the guarantee can contact their local Vittoria sale representative, or call Vittoria Industries North America at 800-223-3207.
CHICAGO (BRAIN) — SRAM's Truvativ component brand is offering a new line of mountain bike handlebars with graphics designed by Troy Lee Designs. The bars are packaged with a set of matching stickers designed for RockShox forks with 35mm upper tubes.
The Descendant CoLab Troy Lee Designs bars are available in aluminum and carbon options.
The carbon bar, designed for enduro and trail use is 750mm wide, with 20mm rise and 5-degree up/7-degree back sweep. It has a 31.8mm clamp diameter and weighs 219 grams. Retail is $199.
The aluminum bar is designed for DH use. It is 800mm wide, with 25mm rise and 5-degree up/9-degree back sweep. It has 31.8mm clamp diameter and weighs 349 grams. It retails for $99.
KETCHUM, Idaho (BRAIN) — Industry veteran Scott Montgomery has formed a consulting company working within the bike and outdoor industries.
Montgomery is a former executive with Cannondale, Scott Sports, and Club Ride. Most recently he was CEO of Nutcase before that brand was sold to Bravo Sports. He continues to consult with Bravo part-time.
He said his new company, called CrankTank, will focus on CEO consulting, marketing strategy with an emphasis on the emerging e-commerce shift, and succession planning to help owners transition to the next level.
"It has been exciting working with so many companies," said Montgomery. "I kept getting so many calls asking for advice that I decided to branch out after the successful Nutcase to Bravo Sports merger and work with companies that could benefit from my broad history of leading companies in our space."
More information at CrankTank.net.
PUERTO DE MOGAN, Gran Canaria (BRAIN) — In this seaside town on the Southwest coast of Gran Canaria, renowned for sunny year-round weather and switchback roads that extend from sea level up to several thousand feet, Campagnolo unveiled its latest drivetrain and wheel technology to international media and global distributors.
After many years of development, the Italian component brand is debuting hydraulic road disc offerings across its entire range: Super Record, Record, Chorus and Potenza groups. And eventually, it will offer it on its newest entry-level group, Centaur. (More on that below). Road disc will be offered on mechanical and electronic drivetrains. Campy’s midrange disc brake offering will be in its Potenza group, which will have an aluminum brake lever. The higher-end groups — Chorus, Record and Super Record — will feature carbon fiber brake levers.
Hydraulic road disc in detail
The company partnered with Magura to gain expertise in hydraulics. Magura helped develop the master cylinder’s shape and design. “We didn’t have expertise going into this. We wanted to partner up with someone to help us overcome the learning curve with regards to hydraulics,” said Joshua Riddle, press manager for Campagnolo.
Hydraulic road disc, called H11, will be offered on Super Record, Record and Chorus mechanical drivetrains and on Super Record and Record EPS electronic drivetrains. Potenza will offer a midrange version with different internals specific to Potenza’s 11 transmission.
Unlike the rim brake versions, the disc brake Ergopower hoods will be about 8 millimeters taller, but Riddle noted that the ergonomics have been maintained with both EPS and mechanical disc brake levers. The master cylinder took extensive R&D to develop its shape and size. Its bleeding port is located at the top, and the brakes use mineral oil. The same cylinder is used throughout the range, and is the same for both right and left hoods, minimizing the need for spare parts.
Campagnolo also allows full customization of the performance and ergonomics of the levers with an adjustable modulation system (AMS). With a 2.5-millimeter Allen key, riders can adjust for short or long throw and also when the brake pad engages. Riders can also adjust the position of the physical position of the brake lever itself. “We’re customizing free stroke, but you’ll see when you start changing the position that it’s really more than free stroke customization,” Riddle said.
Campagnolo is offering only a flat mount option for its road disc, with both 160-millimeter and 140-millimeter forged aluminum calipers. Riders have the option to run 160 in front and either 160 or 140 in the rear. “We did a meticulous study to make sure calipers are compatible with every flat mount frame on the market with absolutely no need for adapters,” Riddle said. “It is a flat mount with zero adapters. Apart from being aesthetically more pleasing, adapters represent a risk of movement. You’re adding leveraging forces and more componentry between the brake and the frame. We feel that represents a risk. The Campagnolo system reduces the variables. We don’t need adapters.”
Calipers are mounted by two screws, and Campagnolo offers six screw lengths that it says fit all frames on the market (19, 24, 29, 34, 39 and 44 millimeters). The pistons are constructed out of phenolic resin, which was chosen for its thermal insulating qualities. It doesn’t conduct heat and provides great power transfer, the company said.
Campagnolo used a patented design and technology for its steel brake pad, which uses an organic resin compound that it says is highly resistant to heat. Campagnolo also features a buffer between its brake pad housing and piston that absorbs vibrations and reduces noise. There’s also a visible wear indicator on the brake pad and an audible wear indicator as well. A special form helps guide the disc into place, making wheel changes easy.
Rotors will be provided in AFS standard (otherwise known as Centerlock) in 160- and 140-millimeter rounded versions for safety. And Campagnolo chose to go with steel instead of aluminum because it claims it offers better and more consistent braking performance and is less volatile under heat and stress. “Safety is always a large concern,” Riddle said. “So Campagnolo went to great lengths to ensure disc is safe, so we have a rounded edge. It adds cost to development. We had seven different versions of rounded edges. We also made a test to replicate human flesh and this could not penetrate it.”
The new road disc groups require distinct disc brake cranksets to account for disc brake frames' geometry, Riddle said. To optimize chainline, it has developed the H11 crankset with spaced-out chainrings. Campagnolo moved its chainline out on the crankset without altering the Q factor, which stays at 145.5mm. The H11 crankset is offered for Super Record, Record and Chorus and will be available for Potenza. The new crankset features changes to the spider and chainrings but doesn’t require a new front derailleur.
Campagnolo claims that its disc brake offerings are capable of decelerating 23 to 26 percent faster in wet conditions compared with competitors, and decelerating between 14 and 55 percent faster than its competition in dry conditions while requiring less hand force.
Road disc will become available in the aftermarket end of May/early June, with the first offering in Potenza. On the OE side, some 2018 bikes will start spec’ing H11.
Pricing starts at $1,610 for Potenza disc brake. Chorus disc brake will retail for $2,135. Record disc brake is $2,385. Super Record disc brake is $2,610. H11 will also be offered on Campy's electronic groupsets, with Super Record EPS disc brake retailing for $4,230 and Record EPS disc brake for $3,835.
Trickling down technology — 11-speed from top to bottom
But while road disc was the highlight for many media members, Campagnolo began its press launch with the introduction of a new aluminum groupset aimed at gaining wider OE spec and offering a more affordable price point for consumers. The company said Centaur offers the same performance and reliability riders are accustomed to in its top-end range and at a more democratic price point. “It’s similar to Super Record in everything but the material used in the construction and consequently the weight,” Riddle said.
Centaur uses the same four-arm spider crankset design, which trickles down from Revolution 11 Plus, and independent bolt ring diameter. It will come with universal 52/36 and 50/34T chainring options. “It’s good news for shop owners and end consumers. You don’t have to buy completely new cranksets if you want to change your gearing ratio. Storeowners have to keep less stock on hand,” Riddle said. Crank lengths will be 170, 172.5 and 175 millimeters.
Campagnolo offers independent design for compact and semi-compact chainrings just as it does with higher-end Super Record and Record groupsets and Potenza. And the chainring incorporates ultra torque axle for the first time with an aluminum crankset, more trickle-down technology from Super Record.
The Ergopower shifting pod is made of lightweight techno-polymer reinforced with carbon fiber. And the upshifting lever is made of a lightweight composite material. The Centaur group has the same one lever, one action design that is a hallmark of Campagnolo products, with the same position in its upshifting lever and downshifting lever. Much of the derailleur design from Revolution Plus has trickled down to Centaur. With this group, Campagnolo now offers 11-speed throughout its range. This group will replace Campy’s Veloce groupset, which will no longer be in the lineup.
Centaur is compatible with cassette options up to 32 teeth with the same rear derailleur. Campy also notes that its rear derailleur weighs 15 grams less than comparable product on the market. The Centaur group will have a new steel three-cassette range which is distinct only in its finish to be able to bring down the price point. The three cassettes are 11-29, 11-32 and 12-32T.
Centaur will be offered in both black and silver finishes and total weight is 2,484 grams. The Centaur black group will retail for $692.76 or 636.41 euros. Centaur silver will retail for $733.57 or 673.90 euros. “We are confident Centaur can make some inroads into the OEM game,” Riddle said.
Finally, new wheels — carbon and aluminum disc brake wheels
In addition to new groupsets, Campagnolo showed new wheels. Its new C17 Scirocco aluminum rim brake wheel is a new price-point offering. Aside from improving with a new C17 profile design, the Scirocco maintained all previous technologies, but the rim is tweaked slightly to adapt to the ever-growing trend of wider tires. The wheel mates with 25- and 28-millimeter tires, allowing tires to take a less bulbous shape. The wider rim allows for a more uniform surface area between the tire and rim, creating less turbulence, according to the company. The 35-millimeter rim profile trickles down from higher-end offerings; the profile was previously reserved for more expensive carbon rims.
“We feel it’s versatile, aerodynamic and lightweight. We’re not going all the way to 50, which would be heavy in aluminum construction. It’s aerodynamic without the heft that would keep you from going up the climbs,” Riddle said.
The wheel features aluminum hubs and axles, welded rim joints, and Campy’s Mega G3 spoke pattern. The set comes in at 1,654 grams. It becomes available at the end of May/beginning of June. Scirocco will retail for $525.
Disc-specific wheels — in carbon and aluminum versions
Bora One 35 is Campagnolo’s new disc-specific carbon wheelset. The Bora name has been part of the company since 1994. But the new disc brake offerings are a completely new project. The Bora One is a C17, 24.3-millimeter-wide carbon wheel for tubular tires offered in 35- and 50-millimeter profiles.
“We’ve chosen that rim profile because it mates perfectly with 25- and 28-millimeter tires and it offers aerodynamic benefit,” Riddle said. “It creates more efficient air flow — no ice cream cone effect. The wider stance offers better tire-rim interface, more contact for tubulars, and a better shape and form for clinchers.”
Riddle said that while the rim looks similar to the rim brake version, the internal structure is modified with carbon layup optimized for the force created by disc brakes. The rim no longer has a brake track, which results in slight weight reductions. To combat asymmetric forces on both front and rear wheels created by disc brakes, Campagnolo uses its G3 spoke design and 2-1 spoke ratios in areas of high stress.
The wheels also feature Campy’s MoMag technology, which eliminates the need to drill holes in the outer portion of the rim. The wheels also feature a new hub design, made of a one-piece aluminum hub shell and new flange design because of G3 spokes, as well as USB ceramic bearings.
The Bora One comes with stock 12-millimeter axles front and rear and with adapters for QR framesets. Spacing will be 142 millimeters in the rear and 100 millimeters in front.
The 35-millimeter tubular version weighs 1,297 grams and retails for $1,965. The clincher version weighs 1,509 grams and retails for $2,195. The 50-millimeter tubular weighs 1,364 grams and retails for $1,965. Campy is not offering a Bora 50 clincher at this time.
And finally, Shamal Ultra, Campy’s new aluminum disc brake race-ready wheel. Now offered as a C17 standard, it’s a 22-millimeter-wide rim optimized for 25- and 28-millimeter tires. It’s tubeless compatible. The rim heights are different for front and rear, at 27 and 30 millimeters, respectively.
The wheels feature oversized aluminum spokes, Mega G3 design for both front and rear, and 2-1 spoke ratio in high-stress areas. The front hub is made of carbon with aluminum flanges, while the rear hub is all aluminum. And the wheels come with 12-millimeter axles front and rear. Spacing is 142 millimeters rear, and 100 millimeters front. The pair weighs 1,540 grams.
The Shamal Ultra disc brake wheelset retails for $1,375.
BOULDER, Colo. (BRAIN) — RockyMounts has hired Karla Knight for the position of creative marketing director. Knight will report to Rod Judd, the company's sales director.
"Karla brings a fantastic skill set to RockyMounts," said Judd. "She's great at branding, graphic design, video production and photography. Her main priorities at RockyMounts will be to oversee our branding, produce our dealer and consumer newsletters, develop photo and video assets for our website, catalog, and point-of-purchase designs, and manage our social media program."
Knight is a graduate of James Madison University. She most recently worked in the Golden area as a freelance designer. She is originally from Virginia, but relocated to Colorado in 2013.
Her previous positions include senior graphic designer for HFF, L.P., a commercial real estate firm, and graphic designer at the Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative.
"I've ridden bikes all my life — both road and mountain — so the opportunity to join RockyMounts is a great fit for me," said Knight.
PHILADELPHIA (BRAIN) — For the first time, this year's Philly Bike Expo will include pre-show industry-only access, along with free admission for bike shop owners and related vendors, suppliers and sales reps. Qualified registrants gain early entry to the expo on Nov. 4 and 5 and receive invitations to exclusive nighttime social events.
"The pre-show hours are a great opportunity for dealers and other members of the industry to meet exhibitors before the general public arrives," said event director Bina Bilenky. "And the parties are a chance to hang with our star artisans and presenters."
Now in its eighth year, the Philly Bike Expo will be held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center Hall E. The event includes workshops and seminars, a large test-ride area, food trucks and a kids' zone.
MUNICH, Germany (BRAIN) — The German protective gear brand EVOC has adopted a minimum advertised price policy for the U.S. and Canada. The company said it will sell only to authorized wholesalers, retailers, internet retailers and distributors. The policy goes into effect immediately.
"EVOC's MAP policy is designed to support its dealers as well as to preserve its reputation for providing customers with high quality and innovative backpacks, packs and related products and in an effort, to maintain its brand image and its competitiveness in the marketplace," the company said.
Under the new policy, retailers are free to sell products at any price but they cannot advertise or promote EVOC products at prices below the company's stated minimum advertised price. EVOC's MAP policy includes sales through Google Shopping, Price Grabber and Next Tag.
For more information on EVOC's MAP policy or to obtain a MAP price list, retailers can contact EVOC at info@evocsports.com.
