SCOTTS VALLEY, Calif. (BRAIN) — Giro Sport Design has launched its new Prolight Techlace shoe, which was teased at last year's Eurobike and seen in this month's Tour de France worn by Taylor Phinney.

The shoe uses a three-strap Techlace Pro closure system and technical mesh upper material with a TeXtreme carbon fiber outsole to deliver a sub-150-gram shoe in size 42.5. It's available now and retails for $400.

"Giro is dedicated to pushing the limits of professional-level gear," said Simon Fisher, Giro's footwear product manager. "We wanted to make the absolute lightest shoe possible, but it still had to be comfortable for three weeks of five-hour stages and, at the same time, deliver the efficient power transfer pros demand. The Prolight Techlace is a testament to Giro's unique R&D capabilities, the depth of our partnerships with the world's fastest riders, and our ability to create innovative materials and technologies to achieve our performance goals."

The Techlace Pro closure system combines the custom comfort and multiple contact points of laces with the ease and on-the-fly adjustability of hook-and-loop straps. It debuted last year on Giro's Factor Techlace shoe.

The technical mesh upper is built from a custom monofilament fiber welded to Teijin TPU film to give structure, support and durability.

The TeXtreme carbon fiber outsole uses a unique, flat weave that require less resin, allowing Giro to reduce the weight of the outsole by 22 percent while maintaining the same stiffness.

The shoe also has an X-Static Prolight SuperNatural insole with adjustable arch support, a bonded walking pad, titanium hardware and comes with a carry bag. It's available in red, black and white in sizes 39-48 with half sizes.

BOSTON (BRAIN) — Bill Schieken, the host of the Crosshairs cyclocross podcast, has become a managing partner at the Wide Angle Podium Network, a network of nine cycling podcasts.

"This is the direction that media is going, and WAP is leading the charge in the sport of cycling," Schieken said. "The growth has been tremendous, and the potential is near limitless. I am excited to be a part of that growth."

WAP founder Spencer Haugh added, "Bill has so much experience in cycling media, and his addition to the management team here is a massive step forward for the brand, and will help us reach our next goals. With downloads quickly approaching 100,000 monthly, WAP has added the necessary pieces and positioned itself for growth."

In its first year since launch, WAP's listenership has more than quadrupled, the company said. It has expanded its offerings with new podcasts including We Got To Hang Out and Bike Shop CX. The network also launched The Dirtfield Recordings, by professional cyclist Lindsay Bayer of the Hagens Berman Supermint team.

WAP now offers nine active podcasts titles, with at least two more in development.

"WAP is now simply known as the first place to go to find great content if you are a cycling fan," said Haugh. "And for brands looking to advertise, there isn't a better resource available in the industry to get your name in forefront of people's minds. Quite literally!"

More information at wideanglepodium.com. 

ST. CHARLES, Ill. (BRAIN) — Brian Orloff has resigned as managing director of Sigma USA Sport, effective Friday.

Frank Sirringhaus, managing director of Sigma Germany, said, "Sigma Sport is committed as a brand to the U.S. and global markets. We are working to develop new products and pursue growth opportunities"

Sigma USA will continue to handle North and Central American distribution, sales and customer service from the Illinois office. Any inquiries can be directed to Gindi Orloff at gindi.orloff@sigmasportusa or Randy Scott at randy@sigmasportusa.com.

SALEM, Ore. (BRAIN) — The Oregon Legislature has passed a transportation bill that includes a $15 excise tax on bikes sales. The bill is expected to be signed by Gov. Kate Brown.

The tax would apply to sales of new bikes with wheels 26 inches or larger and a retail price of $200 or more.

According to Bike Portland, the tax is expected to raise $1.2 million per year and cost $100,000 per year to administer. The proceeds are being set aside for bicycle and pedestrian transportation projects including bicycle trails, footpaths and multi-use trails.

Retailers will have to file quarterly returns to with the state and keep records and receipts for five years. It is believed to be the only state bike excise tax in the U.S. 

SIMSBURY, Conn. — As it nears its 10^th anniversary, Pedego Electric Bikes celebrates the opening of its 100^th retail store, in Simsbury, Connecticut.

While the owners of most Pedego retail stores have no background in the bicycle industry, Simsbury Pedego is an exception. Owners Mike and Rachel Wolf are two of the longest serving IBDs in the country.

Mike Wolf, 78, counts his start in the bike industry to the age of 13 — giving him 65 years in the business.

The Wolfs also own Bloomfield Bicycle & Repair Shop in Bloomfield, Conn., and the Bicycle Cellar in Simsbury.

Unlike most IBDs, Wolf was an early adopter of electric bikes. He’s been selling them on a large scale for 14 years, and carries more than a dozen e-bike brands in the Bloomfield store, including Pedego.

Pedego Simsbury, which is in the same shopping complex as the Bicycle Cellar, is devoted exclusively to sales and rentals of Pedego e-bikes.

Pedego also announced the opening of its 98^th and 99^th stores, in downtown San Diego and in Petoskey, Mich., respectively. Pedego San Diego is currently operating as a pop-up shop at the BRIC San Diego center on the edge of the San Diego Bay until build-out at its permanent location is completed.

Pedego Petoskey is the third Pedego store owned by Bryan Newman, who also has Pedego locations in the California desert communities of La Quinta and Palm Springs. He chose Petoskey because he rents Pedego bikes to many visitors from the northern Michigan city who winter in California.

For an in-depth look at Pedego, its retailers, and its unusual business strategy — along with other e-bike news — look for the special electric bike supplement in the July 15 issue of Bicycle Retailer.

DENVER, Colo. (BRAIN) — Outdoor Retailer on Thursday announced it is moving its show to Denver starting next year, when the show will hold three events in the city.

The Outdoor Retailer + Snow Show will be held Jan. 25-28 next year (followed by an On-Snow Demo at Copper Mountain, Jan. 29-30). The Outdoor Retailer Summer Market will be held July 23-26 in Denver, and the Outdoor Retailer Winter Market will be Nov. 8-11. The organizers said they will announce future dates within the next 30 days.

"We received submissions from truly incredible outdoor cities — a testament to the strength of the outdoor community,” said Marisa Nicholson, Outdoor Retailer's show director. “Denver is the undeniable industry choice. Bringing these organizations together and basing the show in a state that places such a high value on outdoor recreation is the best move we can make for the outdoor industry. As outdoor recreation evolves, outdoor businesses need to stand together and adapt to those changes to successfully move forward."

The show organizer announced the plans at a news conference in Denver attended by Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper, Denver Mayor Michael Hancock and other officials. 

The show has reached a five-year contract with OR. Hickenlooper said he expects the agreement to last longer.

“What we’re saying today is that we’re in this for the long term. We’re going to continue to try and talk about the importance of outdoor recreation in Colorado. Henry David Thoreau once said, 'All good things are wild and free.' We believe that in Colorado,” he said.

Outdoor Retailer said it expects the economic impact of the three 2018 shows to reach $110 million with 85,000 annual attendees.

Outdoor Retailer is owned by Emerald Expositions, which also owns Interbike. Interbike's Pat Hus told BRAIN on Wednesday that the show has not yet determined the location of its 2018 show. 

Editor's note: The Denver news conference was streamed live on Facebook. A replay is available on the Outdoor Retailer Facebook page.

APPLE VALLEY, Calif. (BRAIN) — Supercross' new ENVY RS7 BMX frame is an evolution of the brand's S7 frame, introduced 10 years ago.

The S7 was intended to be a durable sub-3 pound aluminum race frame and led to the brand's ENVY linke of frames. According to the company, the Supercross ENVY RS7 is "the true BMX Superframe you can afford."

The ENVY RS7 uses a blend of 7005 ULR Ultra Light triple butted, custom-shaped tubing.

The frames have wider flared seat masts for better bottom bracket support. Seatmasts on each frame size are optimized for rider weight and strength. The new frames also have refined tube butting, external diameters and head tube shaping. The new headtube shape better resists denting and has stronger bearing race seats and walls. Internally, it's relieved of excess aluminum to shave weight.

New dropouts are 3D CNC machined from a cold forging. The shaping was changed slightly to maximize the contact patch for chain tensioners.

The new cold forged bottom bracket shell has cold-rolled threads for better durability.

On Pro size and larger frames, the chainstays meet the bottom bracket shell at the widest point possible, and the chainstays are now "boxed in" with .058 7005 sheet aluminum to increase stiffness.

The new frame is available in 18 sizes and eight stock colors as well as custom anodized or powdercoat finishes. It will be available at dealers July 31, retailing for $649.00.

Supercross sells diretly to 632 U.S. shops and also distributes through Western Power Sports (Fly Racing) and seven international distributors. 

More information: supercrossbmx.com.

FARMINGTON, Utah (BRAIN) — Mark DeYoung has agreed to "accellerate his retirement plans" and step down as chairman and CEO of Vista Outdoors, the parent company of Bell, Giro, Bolle, CamelBak and other brands. DeYoung is being replaced temporarily by Michael Callahan, Vista Outdoor's lead independent director, who has been named Interim Chairman and CEO

The Vista board has hired an executive search term to assist in hiring a permanent CEO.

"On behalf of the board and the entire Vista Outdoor team, I'd like to thank Mark for his service and many contributions to the company," said Callahan in a statement Monday. "Mark led the creation of the company that became Vista Outdoor, directed it through its successful spin-off from ATK, and grew it into a diversified global leader in outdoor recreation. Given the opportunities and challenges that come with significant change in our industry, and the likelihood that Mark would elect to retire at the end of his employment agreement, the board and Mark mutually determined that now is the time for a new leader to guide Vista Outdoor in its next phase of growth. Therefore, we collectively agreed it was appropriate for Mark to accelerate his retirement plans and for us to begin the search for his replacement.

"I'm pleased to step into the role of Interim Chairman and CEO to help support a smooth transition of leadership while the Board conducts a thorough search for the Company's next CEO. I look forward to working with the company's excellent team as we remain committed to providing our customers with innovative and high-quality products. We will also maintain our focus on expanding our brands' e-commerce presence, reducing inventory, and driving continuous improvement. Vista Outdoor is well positioned to capitalize on the significant growth opportunities in the outdoor recreation industry, and the board and I are excited about our future."

Callahan said that the company had a strong performance in its most recent quarter, although officials results won't be announced until Aug. 10.

DeYoung said, "After a long and rewarding career, it is now time for me to move on to the next phase of my life. Vista Outdoor is the culmination of a vision focused on creating a world- leading outdoor recreation company. It has been a rewarding experience to have led this great company and seen the organization evolve and succeed. I am proud of Vista Outdoor's people, brands, portfolio and products, and I am confident in Vista Outdoor's future. I wish the Company's valued employees and customers all the best."

ZREČE, Slovenia (BRAIN) — Unior Bike Tools has introduced four models of multi-tools for cyclists. The company said the European-made multi-tools are categorized as consumer products but are made with the same quality as the brand's professional tools. 

"Unior's multi-tools are designed and produced in Slovenia, from a selection of the best materials. This does not only provide quality, but also low weight of these versatile tools. Tool spindles are chrome plated with black oxide-coated tips to ensure precise tolerance and greater durability. Chrome Vanadium 4, Molybdenum Vanadium 52, Chrome-Silicon-Vanadium 5 are just some of the high-end materials used on the Euro line that make these products the best in the world," the company said.

The lineup includes the Euro17, which has the following tools:

• Hex wrenches 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 mm
• TX wrenches 10, 25
• Flat screwdriver 1.0 x 5.0
• PH1 screwdriver
• Chain tool
• Schrader & Presta valve tool
• Spoke keys 3.3, 3.45 and DT

It weighs 176 grams and retails for $39.99.

The Euro13:

• Hex wrenches 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 mm
• TX wrenches 10, 25
• PH1 screwdriver
• Chain tool
• Schrader & Presta valve tool

Weight: 149 grams, price: $37.99.

The Euro7:

• Hex wrenches 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6 mm

Weight: 65 grams, price: $19.99.

The Euro6:

• Hex wrenches 4, 5, 6 mm
• TX wrench 25
• Flat screwdriver 1.0 x 5.0
• PH1 screwdriver

Weight: 80 grams, price: $17.99.

More information: uniortools.com.

PORTLAND, Ore. (BRAIN) — Stages Cycling has announced its 2017 Dealer Awards, given to dealers "for support of the Stages brand by growing the power category at retail, continuing to expand the Stages business into new product categories, supporting education initiatives and excellence in product presentation at retail."

"Our dealer partners provide unrivaled support and education for the cycling power consumer," said Dan Knisely, Stages sales director for the Americas. "These 10 top performers have shown their outstanding commitment to our existing and new categories as we've grown our offerings and we look forward to continued shared success."

Stages Dealer Awards Winners:

• Excel Sports
• Clever Training
• Sonoran Cycles
• Boulder Cycle Sport
• Summit Bicycles
• MOAB Bike Shop
• Reality Bikes
• Fresh Bikes
• Mad Duck Cyclery
• MEC

ST.-LAURENT, Quebec (BRAIN) — Outdoor Gear Canada's BMX division, OGCBMX, has signed an exclusive multi-year distribution agreement with Fit Bike Co. and S&M.

"We couldn't be happier to now be distributing these legendary BMX brands to Canadian retailers. They fit perfectly with our goal of distributing BMX's most sought-after products as both brands are iconic and have an amazing history in the BMX world," said Jeremy Deme, BMX manager at OGC.

"We started OGCBMX back in 2014 with the goal of becoming Canada's premier BMX distributor and have seen consistent year-over-year growth since then. Adding Fit and S&M furthers our position as this country's leading BMX supplier," he said.

Chris Moeller, the CEO of Fit and S&M, said, "S&M just celebrated 30 years of business, Fit Bike Co. is knocking on 20 and we still feel like we're just getting the party started. Partnering with a like-minded operation like OGC will give Canadian retailers and consumers increased access to our products and more opportunity to let the good times roll! We're amped." 

These brands will be added to OGCBMX's current lineup that includes: We The People, Eclat, Fiend, Merritt, Tall Order, Federal, Radio, Salt, Salt Plus, and Fuse products.

OGCBMX will introduce the 2018 Fitbikeco and S&M programs at its dealer presentations in Montréal, Vancouver and Toronto in July and August and will begin stocking both brands in its Montreal and Vancouver warehouses this autumn. In the meantime, Canadian BMX retailers may continue to purchase FIT and S&M products from Brink Distribution, the current distributor, through the end of this summer.

SANTA FE, N.M. (BRAIN) — Outside magazine has hired two new writers this month: Eben Weiss, best known as the man behind Bike Snob NYC, and Brendan Leonard, of the Semi Rad website. Each will write a weekly column for Outside's website.

Weiss has written for Bicycling and other sites in addition to running Bike Snob, where he's unleashed his snarky sense of humor on the sport of cycling and its related characters. 

Leonard has biked across America, ridden through the Grand Canyon on a raft, walked across the canyn twice and lived out of a converted van for three years.

"Weiss and Leonard will bring a unique take on adventure with the smart and satirical tone that we love at Outside," said Axie Navas, the executive editor of the magazine. "We are excited and fortunate to have these key voices writing for us."

WASHINGTON (BRAIN) — Superpedestrian is recalling about 230 of its Copenhagen wheels, which convert a regular bike to electric power. The company said the wheels' rear axle can fail, posing a fall and crash hazard.

No injuries have been reported as a result of the issue.

Consumers are being told to contact Superpedestrian by calling the company collect at 617-945-1604 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or online at Superpedestrian.com and click on "Support" for more information.

The recall involves the Copenhagen Wheel with serial numbers 01031708600020000000 through 01031710400250000000 for multi-speed wheels and 02031708600020000000 through 02031710400250000000 for single-speed wheels. The serial number can be found on the wheel's user interface panel just above the axle.

The wheels were sold exclusively at Superpedestrian.com from March 2017 through April 2017 for about $1,500. They were manufactured in the U.S. 

More information: CPSC recall notice.

LAGUNA HILLS, Calif. (BRAIN) — Bicycle Retailer has set news and product submission deadlines for its annual Interbike Show Issue as well as the Interbike Show Dailies distributed at the Vegas expo.

To submit new product for Show Daily consideration, email product description, suggested retail price, Interbike booth number and a high-resolution photo to BRAIN managing editor Toby Hill at thill@bicycleretailer.com by Friday, Aug. 19. News submissions can also be emailed to Hill by the same date, Friday, Aug. 19.

For calendar consideration, email event information to BRAIN editor Lynette Carpiet at lcarpiet@bicycleretailer.com by Monday, Aug. 21. Please note that Bicycle Retailer has changed the publication schedule for this year's Show Dailies. Instead of distributing a new Show Daily each day from Wednesday through Friday during the show, we will be publishing Tuesday through Thursday. We will accept submissions to the Tuesday calendar for seminars and events at OutDoor Demo. Events taking place on the closing day Friday can be submitted for the calendar in Thursday's Show Daily.

To submit product information for the expanded Interbike edition of BRAIN (with a cover date of Oct. 1 this year), please submit information to Hill no later than Friday, Aug. 4. In addition to product information, high-resolution photos and pricing, be sure to include contact information (street address, phone, email and website URL) for retailers to order or inquire about product.

Interbike returns with OutDoor Demo in Boulder City, Nevada, on Sept. 18-19, followed by the Interbike Expo from Sept. 20-22 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas.

CARLSBAD, Calif. (BRAIN) — Dan Delehanty will become new general manager in North America for the bike brands Focus and Kalkhoff — both brands belonging to Derby Cycle, which is part of Pon.Bike.

The company said Delehanty will "implement a new strategy to expand the market share of Kalkhoff and Focus in the U.S. by focusing on the e-bike and the e-MTB segment."

Delehanty is a former sales director for BMC and has 20 years of sales and management experience in the automotive and cycling businesses.

With the Kalkhoff, Focus and three other brands, Derby Cycle sells approximately half a million bicycles per year, of which more than 100,000 are e-bikes and pedelecs. Derby Cycles also offers road racing, mountain, trekking, city, off-road and kids' bikes.

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (BRAIN) — Superpedestrian, the maker of the Copenhagen electric-powered wheel, said it resolved its recall in April, although the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced the recall on Tuesday.

The CPSC said the recall was initiated because rear axles on the wheels could fail. Superpedestrian said no customers ever reported problems.

"On 4/14/17 our testing equipment at the production line identified a potential safety issue. The majority of the affected units never left our facility, while 17 units that were in transit or with customers were identified and promptly replaced. No malfunction of the product was reported by any customer," the company said Wednesday.

Superpedestrian said it conducted the recall voluntarily under CPSC's Fast Track Recall process. Fast Track recalls are initiated by firms who commit to work with CPSC to quickly announce the recall and remedy to protect consumers.

"All units that we have shipped and that are currently shipping are safe," the company said. "They have undergone a rigorous safety check and quality assurance process and are ready to be enjoyed by customers. Superpedestrian has always been committed to delivering the highest quality products to our customers and we will continue to meet and surpass all safety and quality standards."

BOULDER, Colo. (BRAIN) — Camber Outdoors has launched a new job board as part of the Camber Outdoors Career Center.

Camber Outdoors collaborated with Monday — a job-search tool — to amplify the group's commitment to attracting and advancing talented women, while creating the best search platform for women seeking a career in the active-outdoor industries. The job board exclusively features job openings at Camber Outdoors partner companies.

"We're thrilled to have a strong platform to both highlight our partner companies as great places to work and encourage talented, innovative women to join our industries," said Deanne Buck, executive director of Camber Outdoors. "The Career Center — and job board, specifically — will be a powerful recruiting tool for our partner companies and the active-outdoor industries as a whole."

"The Camber Outdoors team is laser focused on their vision to infuse the entire outdoor industry with strong female leadership, and we're thrilled to play a part in making that vision a reality," said Evan Walden, CEO of Monday. "With Monday's Talent Network technology, Camber Outdoors is setting a new standard for the way people find jobs in the outdoor industry."

Camber Outdoors corporate partners can use the Career Center to: feature unlimited postings on the job board, highlight their company as the workplace of choice for women, and leverage their commitment to the Camber Outdoors CEO Pledge (when applicable)

The Career Center also highlights women role models at partner companies as well as entrepreneurs who've built careers in the active-outdoor industries, and it includes resources for women looking to transition to careers in the outdoor space. 

DENVER (BRAIN) — Gates Corporation has hired Justin Hawkins, a former product testing manager and account executive at Pearl Izumi, as a market specialist in the Gates Carbon Drive bicycle division.

Hawkins will help streamline the commercialization of new Gates Carbon Drive products, working closely with the engineers, supply chain managers and sales and marketing staff. His addition comes as Gates continues to add more products to its line of bicycle belts, sprockets, cranks and crankset assemblies, sprocket guards and more.

"Justin brings a long history of bike industry experience and expertise in supply chain management to Gates, where he will spearhead efforts to speed up the commercialization process and help us bring new belt drive products to market faster," said Todd Sellden, global director of Gates Carbon Drive Systems.

"I've been a fan of the Gates belt drive since the first time I saw it a decade ago, and I'm really excited to help this revolutionary technology continue to grow and innovate," said Hawkins, who worked for Pearl Izumi in Louisville, Colorado., from 2013 until 2017.

Hawkins previously held positions as a retail trainer and assistant manager for Patagonia in Boston and Denver, and before that he worked as a math and science teacher at schools in Massachusetts and in Crested Butte, Colorado, where he coached the mountain bike program at Crested Butte Academy.

Hawkins, who commutes to work by bike, is a lifelong bicyclist and racer who grew up road and mountain bike racing throughout the Midwest. His first bike industry job was at Sunflower Outdoor and Bike in Lawrence, Kansas, where he wrenched while attending the University of Kansas, obtaining a BS in geography.

FULDATAL, Germany (BRAIN) — Rohloff is now offering an electric gear shifting shifting that will connect any existing Rohloff SPEEDHUB 500/14 unit with the eShift-function of a Bosch eBike-System.

The company said the motor and transmission continuously communicate with each other to provide a well synchronized, smooth shifting process upon demand.

"The result: - an elegant, fast and efficient shifting process, bestowing cyclists with an extremely pleasurable riding experience," Rohloff said.

The company said its SPEEDHUBs provide the largest overall gear range available for use with mid-motor e-bikes, making them ideal for eMTBs.

"Wherever a large gear range is required which will enable cyclists to traverse great distances fast, both flat and downhill, but also offer enough low gears to climb back uphill gain, then the SPEEDHUB will deliver," Rohloff said. 

The Rohloff E-14 gear mechanism communicates and synchronizes the shift process with the Bosch e-Bike-System via standard CAN-Bus connectivity. The shifting is powered by the motor battery, similar to an integrated lighting system.

The cable operated twist shifter has been replaced by a three-button shifter unit with '+' and '-' buttons. If these buttons are held simultaneously, the E-14 unit will switch into 'Multishift Mode' and shift three gears at a time, in sequence, until released.

A complete shift through all available gears is possible in 3 seconds.

The E-14 shifting system includes an auto-downshift function so that when the bike stops, the system shifts to a pre-programmed gear of choice. Compatible Bosch displays (such as Intuvia and Nyon) will indicate which SPEEDHUB gear is selected.

The electronic Rohloff E-14 is available for model year 2018. The first E-14 equipped production bicycles will be available at retail this fall.