TRUCKEE, Calif. (BRAIN) — QBP recognized several industry members at its recent SaddleDrive event at Northstar Resort here.

Leah Benson, the owner of Gladys Bikes in Portland, Oregon, received the Londonderry Award, which recognizes bicycle industry professionals who work to encourage, promote, and develop women's cycling and women in the cycling industry.

Gladys Bikes operates as a full-service repair and sales shop known just as much for its comprehensive Saddle Library as its inclusive environment.

"With a manifesto that includes statements such as, 'You fit in here. We promise,' Benson continues to stand out as a leading figure in generating more awareness about WTF cyclists," QBP said.

Benson said, "In my original business plan for the shop, there was no talk about buying strategies, profits, long-term growth, or the like. Instead, the bulk of the 10+ page document outlined how the shop would work to encourage more women to ride, how we could develop a space that respected folks of all gender expressions, and how we would use bikes as a tool for personal empowerment and community building. Four years later, I now understand that we also have to turn a profit, but am still just as committed to cultivating a business with a purpose that goes beyond dollars and cents. And so, I'm beyond honored to have that aspect of the work of Gladys recognized. This means more than hitting any sales goal ever could."

Saris won QBP's Vendor of the Year Award, presented to companies and brands that not only have a strong partnership with QBP, but have worked with the company to both serve bike shops and advance the cycling industry. 

QBP said, "Since its inception in 1989, Saris has been committed to keeping the independent bicycle retailer at the forefront of everything it does. Whether it be through community involvement, best-in-class dealer margins and marketing, or new innovative product, Saris is a prime example of a brand that is painting a bright future for independent bicycle retailers."

Saris founder Chris Fortune said, "When we look at our industry and the community, we've been very successful as a company and we're fortunate individually, and with that comes responsibility to give back, whether that's to the cycling community or the Madison community." 

LEADVILLE, Colo. (BRAIN) — Floyd's of Leadville, a Colorado-based maker of CBD pain management supplements, has introduced CBD Hemp Oil soft-gel capsules.

Company founder Floyd Landis said years of racing at the sport's highest level left him with chronic pain and serious motivation to find a non-addictive, natural recovery solution. 

"The therapeutic uses for CBD can't be ignored. For years I relied on opioid pain relievers to treat my hip pain. With this hemp oil, I find that I can manage my pain and have a better quality of life. We need to give people a safer alternative."

Floyd's of Leadville CBD Hemp Oil is made with pesticide free all-natural hemp.

"Known for its relaxing effects, hemp oil also contains essential fatty acids that offer additional health benefits. With all these positive effects in one small soft-gel capsule, Floyd's CBD Hemp Oil is the perfect remedy for any athlete's aches and pains. CBD Hemp Oil soft-gel capsules are now shipping internationally and available at select bicycle dealers and specialty stores," the company said 

The capsules contain 20 mg of cannabidiol (CBD) per serving, 480 mg of hemp oil, essential fatty acids (Omega -3, 6, and GLA) and no preservatives or additives.

MSRP is $49.95 for 30 servings.

More information: floydsofleadville.com

DUXBURY, Mass. (BRAIN) — Bern Unlimited has hired Christopher Lussier as the company's global vice president of sales and marketing. Lussier's appointment marks the conclusion of strategic restructuring at the company's executive level, which includes the addition of Dan Murphy as president and Ray Ibe as global marketing director. 

Lussier is the former vice president of sales and marketing at Jetboil and SteriPEN. He will also oversee Bern's brand marketing efforts as well as the expansion of the company's North American distribution channel.

Lussier has been an active cyclist for more than 35 years and has competed in over 200 road events and was the director of the GMBC cycling team for 10 years. Although he retired from racing in 2003 to focus on his family, cycling remains his passion and manages to ride daily from his home in Hollis, N.H.

"Chris' knowledge of market and channel directly addresses and complements the needs of our growing company," said Murphy. "His abilities to craft and implement brand and sales strategy promise to strengthen category leadership heading into Spring 2018 and beyond for Bern and all of our valued partners."

Lussier said, "Bern is a core brand with proud New England roots; they've clearly influenced the helmet category across multiple disciplines and seasons. I'm excited to begin work with the entire team to help realize the brand's considerable potential."

With Lussier's arrival, brand founder Dennis Leedom returns exclusively to the company's product development division.

SAN CARLOS, Calif. (BRAIN) — Beeline Bikes signed five new franchise agreements during the second quarter of the year to develop 25 new mobile shops across eight new territories — the brand's most successful quarter to date, Beeline stated.

The new trucks will be based in Colorado, Texas, California and, for the first time, Indiana. They will expand Beeline's U.S. fleet to more than 60 mobile shops.

"Beeline has grown rapidly, and the momentum continues to build as fulfillment of bikes purchased online becomes a significant additional mobile bike shop revenue stream," said Pete Buhl, Beeline Bikes' founder and CEO. "I've been pleased by the success and acceptance of our brand and innovative approach to the market, and I've been humbled by the caliber of discussions we are having with great prospective partners throughout the U.S."

The eight new territories are Austin, Texas; Fort Collins, Colorado; Indianapolis; Tucson, Arizona; and Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego and Berkeley/Oakland, California.

CHICOUTIMI, Québec (BRAIN) — Devinci has added a second demo truck in the U.S. Chris "Charlie" Manea is the company's newest demo driver. He's visiting dealers and bike parks in Colorado, Utah, California, Nevada, Arizona and New Mexico.

Devinci, headquartered in Chicoutimi, Quebec, launched its demo program two years ago in the U.S.

"It has been such an amazing experience with Ryan 'Verg' Vergeront that we decided to start up another outfit to cover the rest of the western U.S.," the company said.

The new demo rig, which hit the road in June, is like the brand's original truck, which serves the Pacific Northwest and has up to 28 models of Devinci bikes, including the Troy, Spartan, Django, Marshall and Hatchet models.

"Six months ago I was fortunate enough to be given an opportunity to represent Devinci," said Manea. "I couldn't be more excited to be in this role when the bikes today are so good and so much fun to ride. I look forward to connecting with more of our dealers and anyone who wants to check out how good our bikes look and ride."

Dealers who want Verg or Charlie to hold a demo at their shop should email demo@devinci.com.

READING, Pa. (BRAIN) — Ben Serotta has been hired by the World Cycling League to lead the development of a cycling performance center, at the planned National Velodrome at Albright College in Reading.

Serotta said, "The Cycling Performance Center's mission is to heighten each client's total cycling experience. We'll do this by providing cyclists, from beginner and enthusiast to pro, a comprehensive, one-stop resource for world-class expertise on everything cycling including delivering best-in-class support either directly or through direct referral. We'll cover it all: education, training and coaching; medical and nutritional programs; injury rehabilitation and prevention ... even where they ride, how they ride, the equipment they use and the events to participate in and the ones to watch."

David Chauner, CEO of World Cycling League, said, "We are extremely excited about having Ben on board to advise us on the latest industry trends in the sport. His knowledge and experience is attuned to the cycling lifestyle for general fitness as well as top level performance."

The WCL Performance Center will be located within the 95,000 square foot facility which houses the 2,500-seat arena and indoor velodrome. In addition to livestreaming worldwide coverage of WCL international cycling meets between October and March each year, the facility will host year-round cycling programs, pre-Olympic training camps and events, collegiate events and a variety of other sporting events and special programs.

In addition to the Performance Center, the velodrome building will include a trackside bar and restaurant called the "Bell Lap," locker rooms, bicycle storage facilities, a souvenir shop and retail space for businesses that cater to visitors to the facility.

Construction of the indoor velodrome is expected to begin later this year with completion in the fourth quarter of 2018.

ASHLAND, Ore. (BRAIN) — United Bicycle Institute has hired B Vivit, a graduate of the 2017 Quality Bicycle Products Women’s Mechanic Scholarship. Vivit is joining UBI's team of instructors.

FARMINGTON, Utah (BRAIN) — Vista Outdoor's sales in its Outdoor Products division — which includes Bell, Giro, CamelBak and Bollé sales — were down 6.5 percent organically in the first quarter. Only the addition of sales from newly acquired Camp Chef drove the division's non-organic sales up to $290 million in the quarter, 0.9 percent up from the same quarter last year.

The company said the organic sales decline was driven by sales decreases across most of its brands. Organic profit was down 13.5 percent.

In June the company let go about 57 employees, including several employees at Bell, Giro and Bollé. CEO Mark DeYoung stepped down in July and Michael Callahan, Vista Outdoor's lead independent director, has been named Interim Chairman and CEO.

Vista Sport's Shooting Sports division saw a 18.7 percent decline in the quarter, with sales totaling $279 million, down from $343 million last year.

The company reaffirmed its guidance for the full year of sales in the range $2.36-$2.42 billion.

Operating expenses were $107 million, compared to $112 million last year. Fully diluted earnings per share was 29 cents, compared to 48 cents  last year quarter. Adjusted EPS was 24 cents, compared to 48 cents.

In a press release Thursday announcing the earnings, the company did not give specifics about any of its brands. In addition to the brands named above, Vista's Outdoor Products division includes Blackburn, the Copilot child bike carrier brand, the Jimmystyks paddleboard brand, the Cebe eyewear brand and the Bushnell optics brand. The company planned an earnings call for later Thursday.

STATESVILLE, N.C. (BRAIN) — In the months following retailer Jeff Archer's death after being struck by a car while crossing the street last July, the fate of his shop, First Flight Bicycles, remained uncertain.

Archer's wife Julie considered selling the shop, which also houses Archer's extensive private collection of vintage bicycles, but for various reasons decided not to pursue that path. Earlier this year, she announced the store would close sometime during the summer, but thanks to a pair of concerned First Flight fans, that never happened.

"When Julie announced she was closing a lot of people came in and told us how terrible they thought it was," said Wes Davidson, who has worked at First Flight since 1997. "And a couple of them stepped up and said they would love to see First Flight continue, and we were able to strike a deal. Part of the tragedy of Jeff's death is that Julie didn't know what to expect and what to do, but in the in the end, the sale has been a very good thing. We'll continue to push to make it great and even better."

Davidson, who was Archer's sole employee for years, also has a stake in the company and will continue to run day-to-day operations. He did not name the new buyers and said they will act as silent partners in the business. The museum and Archer's bike collection were not part of the sale.

Since the announcement was made that the store would remain open, Davidson said First Flight has expanded and diversified its product offering. It also ended its years-long partnership with Trek and recently became a Specialized and Cannondale dealer.

Davidson said the store has increased the number of bikes it stocks and has more tire, helmet and shoe offerings than it had previously. He is also looking to hire more staff. Since Archer passed away, Davidson has run the store largely on his own.

"We have double the bikes and more P&A, and we keep getting more repairs," he said. "One guy can't do it all anymore."

A grand re-opening was held August 4-6 as part of the Crossroads Classic Criterium Series, which First Flight sponsors.

ONIGO DI PEDEROBBA, Italy (BRAIN) — The Italian shoe brand Northwave is beginning direct distribution in North America, ending sales through Hawley-Lambert.

Beginning next month, the brand will begin sales to U.S. dealers via its sales reps and its new Shop.Northwave.com B2B site.

Michele Battocchio, the director of sales and marketing for Northwave, said, "We are grateful to our friends at Hawley-Lambert for their support of the Northwave brand over the past years. It is time for a new chapter in Northwave's history, during which our aim is to have a closer, more direct, and more mutually beneficial relationship with our retail customers and improve service for our end users, as we grow the Northwave brand in the North American market."

The company said its revised sales and distribution system further allows Northwave more ability to monitor MAP policy and compliance.

Northwave has brought on sales staff to serve retail customers in Canada and the U.S. In Canada, Northwave has hired Pierre Tasse with Agence de Sports PTS Inc.. In the U.S., the company has hired Sean Kneale with Evolution Sales Management.

NEWBURY PARK, Calif. (BRAIN) — Liv Cycling is releasing two new model lines of women's specific e-bikes: one line for the road and one for off-road.

"With the unveiling of two e-bike platforms, Liv continues to expand its selection of women's specific cycling products — furthering cycling opportunities for both new and well-versed riders via Hybrid Cycling Technology," the company said.

The bikes feature Hybrid Cycling Technology, a system developed by Giant, working with a mid-drive SyncDrive motor powered by Yamaha with PedalPlus 4-Sensor Technology and an integrated EnergyPak lithium-ion battery. The RideControl command center includes a handlebar interface that offers three power-assist settings.

The Vall-E+ range of mountain bikes feature aluminum frames and 27.5 x 2.6-inch tubeless tires. More information at www.liv-cycling.com/vall-e.

The Amiti-E+ range of bikes are desigbed for gravel paths and paved roads. More information at www.liv-cycling.com/amiti-e.

CAPE TOWN, South Africa (BRAIN) — Protective products manufacturer Leatt Corporation announces on Friday that its first half sales totaled $9.3 million, up from $8.5 million in the first half last year. In the half, the company registered net income of $101,000.

The company's second quarter saw revenues of $3.5 million, with a net loss of $221,063, compared to revenues of $3.7 million, with a net loss of $11,456, or $0.00 per share, for the 2016 second quarter. 

"The second quarter is traditionally a challenging quarter for Leatt as our customers receive their primary stocking orders in Q1 and Q3, respectively, in line with industry seasonality," said CEO Sean Macdonald.

"Furthermore, although U.S. sales continued to grow during the period, 2017 second quarter international sales were also depressed by higher recorded revenues during the 2017 first quarter, as our international customers replenished their inventory to meet increased market demand resulting from easing currency fluctuations.

"However, we received orders during the 2017 second quarter that we expect to ship during the second half of the year.So, our outlook for the third quarter and the remaining year continues to be very positive."

Macdonald said Leatt continues to see increases in neck brace, body armor and apparel revenues, with helmet revenues continuing to gain some traction. 

He said Leatt will release its new bike range at Eurobike.

"Our customers in the United States and abroad continue to support the Leatt strategic goal of expanding our pipeline of extraordinary precision engineered protective gear, as evidenced by exceptional feedback and encouraging ordering patterns," Macdonald said.

"As we move forward to the second half of the year and beyond, our revenues may continue to fluctuate as we develop new product categories and fine tune our sales timelines. However, we are very enthusiastic about the reception that our new 2018 products have received at Motorcycle and Bike conferences during the first half of the year.

Leatt's stock is traded on the OTCQB exchange under the LEAT symbol. 

GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo. (BRAIN) — Shimano American and Sampson Sports provided a custom road bike for a program that is expected to raise at least $9,000 for the Children's Hospital in Denver.

The $6,500 bike was the grand prize for a promotion that encouraged people at the Courage Classic benefit ride to sign up and use Alpine Bank's new Children's debit card. With each use of the card, the bank donates 10 cents to the hospital.

The custom painted Sampson bike was equipped with Shimano Dura-Ace components. Sampson also provided the fitting and build for the bike. 

Sampson said the winner was a Colorado woman who has participated in 17 of the Courage Classic rides.

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, Colo. (BRAIN) — Industry veteran Drew Metlock is joining Moots Cycles as its president, company owner Brent Whittington announced Monday.

Metlock worked at Competitive Cyclist and Backcountry.com from 2006 to 2015, ultimately managing their bike division. Most recently he was with Canyon Bicycles where he worked as their U.S.-based business development lead for the past two years.

"Drew's experience building teams, reaching customers in unique ways and interfacing with a number of brands in the industry were all strengths I was looking for in our next president," said Whittington.

Medlock added, "It's an honor to join the Moots team. The passion and incredible craftsmanship that emanates from Moots continues to differentiate the brand as one of the most sought after bikes on the planet. Moots has an amazingly rich heritage and bright future that I'm absolutely thrilled to be a part of."

Medlock will join the company effective August 21 and will join Moots at Eurobike to meet many of the brand's distributors, dealers and other industry partners.

PHILADELPHIA (BRAIN) — Advanced Sports Enterprises is now using Myagi to help train retail sales associates about its brands and product. ASE's brands include Fuji, Breezer, Kestrel, Oval Concepts, Phat and Tuesday Cycles.

Myagi will deliver on-demand training modules and product education as well as assessment to participating retailers.

Joe Wentzell, ASE's director of retail strategies, said, "Brick and mortar retail continues to evolve and customers are entering stores with a wealth of brand and product information available to them. They have an expectation that the person who they engage with at a retail store has at least the same amount of information at their fingertips. Myagi allows for us to deliver that information to retail staff quickly and efficiently, but most of all in a fun and engaging way."

"Myagi allows for our brand managers to easily upload videos, pictures or PDF's with detailed brand, platform, or model information. The platform then is set up to assess and reinforce the key message of that content with a quick quiz. From a brand perspective, we deliver a clear, consistent message to the retailers and then to the consumers. Retailers can create competitions and rewards within their store around content consumption and knowledge. The platform also provides an easy to use dashboard for tracking your team's progress and engagement."

ASE has been testing Myagi with Performance Bicycles for the past 6 months. Wentzell said, "With over 1,800 sales associates across 20 states, it was a great test to track the level of engagement from those employees before launching these training modules with our other retail customers. In that time, the Performance employees have gone through nearly 80,000 modules of content."

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, Calif. (BRAIN) — Interbike has announced the addition of a new area on the show floor that will feature short presentations running all day on various topics related to small-business operations, merchandising, training and more. The Forum, presented by eBay, will be located in the front of Hall B, and will provide simplified, concise presentations at 30 to 40 minutes each.

"Education has always been an important feature of the show, and we know that there's not always time to sit down for an hour or two in a conference room to absorb knowledge from our sessions," said Pat Hus, the vice president of Interbike. "By placing The Forum in a central location on the show floor, retailers will be able to stop by and listen in at their convenience, or plan to sit down for the session or sessions of their choice. The shorter format for presenters forces them to get to the point quickly, making the sessions packed with great information relative to their business."

A few session highlights include:

• The True Math of Upselling vs. Discounting; presented by Sam Dantzler, Peloton Garage
• How to Merchandise to Your Female Customer and Keep Them Coming Back; presented by Holly Wiese, 3 Dots Design
• Better Bicycling, Better Business – Get Involved in PlacesForBikes; presented by Jennifer Bouldry, PeopleForBikes
• E-Commerce and the Cycling Industry; Sarah Sternau, eBay
• Interbike Town Hall Panel – Reno-Tahoe in 2018; Pat Hus, Interbike, Representatives from the Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority

The sessions will be heldon the hour from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, and 9-11 a.m. on Friday.

Dan Mann also returns with his popular half-day seminar taking place on Tuesday, Sept. 19 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. The pre-show session is titled, "The Power of Influencing Behavior: How You Can Get Positive Training Results," and draws from his recently released book, "ORBiT," an acronym for Optimized Reality Behavior Training. In this session, Mann will review ways to increase influence by setting expectations, increasing the urgency for change, teaching techniques & skills and increasing the proficiency of the leader. He will also reveal the results of a first of its kind market research program that will arm retailers with key data points and knowledge that can help them take action when they get back to thier shop.

For a complete schedule of content within The Forum, and more information on the Mann U session at Interbike, visit Interbike's Master Schedule at: interbike.com/conference/master-schedule.

MORGAN HILL, Calif. (BRAIN) — Specialized has hired Marcie Webster as its new leader of global retail.

Webster, who was most recently with The North Face, will focus on helping Specialized retailers "elevate store performance and integrate operations" with the company.

"I am thrilled to be joining Specialized — a team of such smart and passionate people. I look forward to the opportunity to learn from you, ride with you and work together with our great retailers as we strive to meet and exceed our riders' expectations."

In a company letter to its retailers, Webster continued, "Over my 30 years in retail there are a couple of things that have remained true: I love coffee (it is the fuel of retail) and I love to win (some say hate to lose). And when asked, 'What retailers (bike or otherwise) do you think are really winning right now?' my answer is it's the independent retailers with their passionate and scrappy attitudes and their authentic connection to the community. This is where the best ideas are coming from and what all the multi-channel, mutli-store chains are trying so hard to emulate."

Specialized's founder and president, Mike Sinyard, said, "I am excited about Marcie joining the team and believe that we are going to be an even better partner for you with her leadership."

Webster started on Aug. 7.

FRIBOURG, Switzerland (BRAIN) — After launching the new Genius trail bike last month, Scott has released the Contessa women's version of the bike. The Contessa Genius has the same frame as the regular Genius, but is tailored for female riders with smaller diameter grips, a women's saddle, shorter stem, narrower handlebar and a smaller chainring. The bike's shock also has a lighter tune. 

"The Contessa Genius is the perfect bike for women willing to have fun on singletrack," said Karen Eller, a Scott ambassador athlete and founder of the Scott Contessa Team. 

"The new geometry offers a very stable ride, and Scott made no compromises, equipping the bike with a 1x12 Sram Eagle drivetrain and other high-end components. Additionally, it's great how easy it is to swap from 27.5-inch to 29-inch wheels. This bike will simply bring you wherever you want, making you enjoy every climb and descent like never before."

The Contessa Genius is available in three models, including one with a carbon frame (the Genius Contessa 710) and two with aluminum frames (the Genius Contessa 720 and 730).  

More information: scott-sports.com/global/en/product/scott-contessa-genius-710-plus-bike

PORTLAND, Ore. (BRAIN) — Otto DesignWorks' Ottolock is now available to retailers through J&B Importers.

"We are excited to have J&B as a distributor," said Eric Merk, vp of sales for Otto DesignWorks. "We're seeing a huge demand for Ottolock, and J&B will extend our reach to IBD's nationwide. This ultra lightweight and compact lock is a real game-changer for a lot of cyclists."

Ottolock is lightweight, compact combination lock marketed for cyclists and other outdoor enthusiasts.

"It is designed for short stops; before, during or after a ride. It fits in a backpack, saddle bag or jersey pocket – and is convenient enough to always have with you. Ottolock is proudly designed and manufactured in the USA," the company said. 

The 18-inch Ottolock retails for $55. A 30-inch version is $60 and a 60-inch is $75. Frame mounts are available for $8. 

For more information, visit ottodesignworks.com or JBI.BIKE.

LÉVIS, Québec (BRAIN) — Distributions Lyncée is now distributing the Italian brand of saddles San Marco throughout Canada. Canadian retailers will be able to start placing orders for products in this new range during the 2018 booking period with the first deliveries to stores beginning in winter 2018.

"The addition of San Marco complements our current range of saddles and we're delighted to be able to offer these high-quality products to Canadian retailers. We were already working with the team at San Marco via their Bioaktive line of comfort saddles and right away we were impressed by the quality of the products as well as the team at San Marco. Adding the complete San Marco range was therefore an easy and natural process and we're looking forward to presenting these new products to our customers," said Distributions Lyncée's product manager, Nathalie Samson.