NOVATO, Calif. (BRAIN) — Mike's Bikes, which has 12 locations in Northern California, is acquiring Public Bikes, a San Francisco-based brand that sells city bikes and accessories online and through a limited number of brick-and-mortar stores.

The companies declined to release a purchase price for the deal, which was announced Friday.

Mike's Bikes founder and CEO, Ken Martin, told BRAIN that he expects Public to continue to grow its consumer direct e-commerce sales as it expands sales through Mike's locations.

"Retail-only is tough and consumer-direct is tough. When they merge together is when the magic happens"— Ken Martin

"Both (e-commerce and sales through Mike's) are on a growth trajectory," Martin said. "Public has always had a strong presence in San Francisco, and adding 12 brick-and-mortar stores in the area is going to really increase its presence here."

Nationally, Public's "Assembly Partner" agreements with retailers will remain a key to its e-commerce business, he said. Public also sells wholesale to a small number of stores nationally— it began sales through Mike's stores this spring. Martin said Public would continue to work with its existing wholesale accounts but was undecided about whether to continue to aggresively pursue new wholesale accounts. 

Martin said some brick-and-mortar presence with assembly agreements or other programs is key to growth of e-commerce bike brands. 

"Retail-only is tough and consumer-direct is tough. When they merge together is when the magic happens," he said.

Public will close its San Francisco headquarters and is in the process of closing its retail locations in San Francisco and Santa Monica. The brand will be headquartered with Mike's Bikes in Novato.

Public's Justin Lamb will oversee product development for Public and for Mike's other bike brands, Creme, NS and Bear. Creme and NS Bikes will be made available through Public Bike's e-commerce site, which Martin said would boost the growth of those brands.

Mike's will now offer fully-assembled delivery of Public bikes through its Mike's Bikes Direct delivery program in most Northern California neighborhoods.

Public was started in 2007 by Rob Forbes, the founder of the Design Within Reach modern furniture retail chain.

LINDON, Utah (BRAIN) — Fezzari Bicycles is now offering a lifetime warranty on all frames. Previously the consumer-direct bike brand had a five-year frame warranty. 

"We're really excited to extend the lifetime warranty to our full range of carbon suspension and hardtail mountain bikes. We build some of the best bikes available. We've been known to stand behind our customers and by extending our warranty to lifetime on all frames, it shows new customers that we are serious about building amazing products that we fully stand behind," said Chris Washburn, the CEO of Fezzari Bicycles.

More information at fezzari.com/ourpromise#warranty.

LOUISVILLE, Colo. (BRAIN) — KHS has expanded its offering of Wheels Mfg. products and is now a full-line distributor, the company said.

Wheels owner Dave Batka said, "KHS has been a Wheels Mfg. partner for almost 30 years and we are proud to have them on board with a very substantial product offering."

KHS is now carrying more than 300 Wheels derailleur hanger SKUs, as well as most sizes of bearings, retainers, ferrules, chainstay protectors, headset spacers and shop tools from Wheels.

AUSTIN, Texas (BRAIN) — Triathlon Business International will hold its 8th Annual Business Conference Jan. 26-28 at the Tempe Mission Palms Hotel & Resort in Tempe, Ariz.

Attendees include swim-bike-run industry leaders within the sport and business of triathlon. TBI president Dan Empfield said key topics for the 2018 conference include: affordability; content that benefits the small businessperson; and three curriculum tracks geared to coaches, retailers and race directors.

"My imperatives for our next conference are very clear," said Empfield. "Besides affordability and a robust curriculum, I wanted a fun downtown area in the Sun Belt; no rental car needed; loaner bikes waiting for attendees who need a bike; early morning swim, bike and run sessions for those who want to get the day started right; and an experience that sends you home full, ambitious and energized. I'm jazzed and I look forward to the opportunity to shake your hand in Tempe."

More information at triathlonbusinessintl.com/2018-la-conference.

MORGAN HILL, Calif. (BRAIN) — This year Specialized will open four new facilities, in three countries, each devoted to innovation, the company said.

The new facilities include an e-bike innovation center that opened in Switzerland in August, a new headquarters for its Retül division in Colorado, a new testing and development center in Taichung, Taiwan, and finally a new R&D lab at the company’s homebase in California, which will open in November.

“We have always focused on innovation, and we live by the phrase 'innovate or die,'" company founder Mike Sinyard said in a dealer letter. “We have significantly increased our investments with our people and four new world-class innovation centers.”

The facility in Cham, Switzerland, is focused on Turbo development, advanced engineering, and connected technologies. The facility is in a restored former paper mill and will keep the brand close to technology and engineering resources as well as enthusiastic e-bike riders.

The Retül headquarters in Boulder will replace a smaller facility there. The first company space in Boulder, before Specialized acquired the company, was a garage that the founders called the TSL (Top Secret Lab). The new facility is off Boulder’s Airport Road, near the Valmont Bike Park and several other industry brands.

“This office will help the team extend our innovation credentials beyond product into services through Retül and Body Geometry, as well as hardware and software development,” Sinyard said.

Specialized first opened an office in Taiwan in an employee's apartment about 15 years ago. In September the company will move into a new purpose-built facility that Sinyard said will “accelerate our advanced product innovation with new labs and development resources.” The Taichung facility also will have resources to support Specialized's business partners in Asia.

Sinyard said the new R&D lab in Morgan Hill will expand in-house capabilities in technology, materials, construction, assembly, testing, and other areas.

The company said all four centers were planned and developed consistent with high standards of environmental responsibility. Each facility was constructed to a minimum LEED Silver certification standard. All construction has been carried out by local area contractors, reducing transportation waste while contributing to the local economy and community.

Every new facility location was selected to be near public transportation and with easy access to bike parks, trails, and other riding areas. Each office has an onsite gym, as well as locker rooms and showers and workspaces were designed to have ample natural light and collaborative meeting areas.

DENVER (BRAIN) — Alchemy Bicycles has hired industry veteran Joel Smith as the brand's vice president of global sales and marketing.

Smith brings 20-plus years of cycling-industry experience, most recently as the GM of X-Fusion. He also is the former owner and operator of Tomac Bicycles, and was director of sales, marketing and product development at Answer Products before that. 

"I'm super excited for this opportunity," said Smith. "Alchemy has been on my radar since the Arktos was introduced, but I only recently learned about the passionate and devoted group of people behind the brand. It's great to be able to join the team."

Alchemy also recently appointed Joe Stanish as its COO. 

Alchemy founder and president Ryan Canizzarro said, "We spend countless hours obsessing over our craft and maybe not as many as we should be focusing on the stuff that's not as much fun. The addition of Joel and Joe frees us up to keep making the bikes we love while they relying on them to deliver Alchemy's products and experience to a broader global audience."

Smith and Stanish will be representing Alchemy at Interbike in booth #5292.

CINCINNATI, Ohio (BRAIN) — Steadyrack USA has hired Mark Martines as its national sales manager. Martines has more than 25 years of experience in the bike, ski and outdoor industries. He previously was national sales manager for the sports nutrition company, Infinit Nutrition, and successfully built its wholesale division from the ground up.

"I am excited about the opportunity to add diversity to my sales experience with the expansion of the Steadyrack footprint at retail while driving the business into new markets, from bike parking to commercial builder networks," said Martines.

Steadyrack CEO David Steadman said, "Mark comes to us with the tenacity and passion we need to achieve our growth goals and we're excited for him to get started."

More information at Steadyrack.com or email mark.martines@steadyrack.com.

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif. (BRAIN) — Pedego Electric Bikes has announced its new Electric Trike.

The trike fits riders from 5 feet to more than 6 feet tall. It has a twist-and-go throttle or Pedal Assist to power the front wheel. The motor can power the trike up to 10 mph.

It has a frame-integrated battery that can be removed for charging. It travels up to 20 miles on a charge. It has front and rear disc brakes and a three-speed internal great hub, Schwalbe tires and a cargo hull groceries or pets. 

"The new Pedego Trike offers a great way for people who prefer three wheels to get off the couch and enjoy exercise," said Pedego Electric Bikes CEO and co-founder Don DiCostanzo. "This stylish new alternative to two wheels is just the ticket for those who have been missing the fun of riding."

The Trike retails for $2,995.

More information at pedegoelectricbikes.com/shop/trike.

BOULDER, Colo. (BRAIN) — In August during the Congressional recess, PeopleForBikes arranged for 19 meetings in 11 states between retailers and other members of the bike industry and Congress members and their staff. 

The visits were part of the organization's summer campaign designed to showcase the economic impact of bike businesses. "We can tell members of Congress about the power of the bike industry over and over, but nothing can compare to seeing it in-person," said Jenn Dice, PeopleForBikes' vice president of government relations. "When elected officials and their staffers meet employers and retailers, a personal connection is created."

Sen. Tom Carper, the ranking member on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, visited the Bike Line store in Dover, Delaware. In a PeopleForBikes press release, Carper said, "Investments in multi-modal infrastructure – including bike lanes and paths – are smart investments to keep our nation moving. Delaware has made great strides in becoming a more bike friendly state with support from advocates like Bike Line."

Rep. David Price, the ranking member on the House Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies, visited Performance Bicycle in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

"It was a pleasure to visit Performance Bicycle, an organization at the forefront of advocacy efforts for personal, community, and global health through cycling," said Price in a PeopleForBikes press release. "The PeopleForBikes Summer Campaign highlights the impact that federal infrastructure investment programs have in providing for alternate modes of transportation that can enhance the quality of life in a community. As the top Democrat on the subcommittee responsible for federal infrastructure investment, and as a member of the Congressional Bike Caucus, I am proud to be a part of these efforts and will continue fighting for programs that enhance the cycling experience."

Rep. Rick Larsen visited Gregg's Cycle in Lynnwood, Washington. Store general manager Marty Pluth said, "It was an honor to host Congressman Larsen at Gregg's Cycles. He understands that creating more places to bike helps shops like ours thrive. We look forward to working with the congressman to protect investment in bike infrastructure."

PeopleForBikes has spoken out against the Trump Administration's proposed budget, which would eliminate the TIGER program, which has helped communities across the nation improve infrastructure including bike paths and lanes.

"Highlighting the state and local economic contributions of the bike industry to U.S. Senators and U.S. Representatives will help secure their ongoing support for this program and others," the group said.

CHICAGO (BRAIN) — SRAM is sponsoring a scholarship for women at bike shops to attend one of the three Professional Bicycle Mechanic Association Workshops over the 2017/18 winter season.

"SRAM believes in helping support the growth and development of women working in bicycle industry. If you are a woman and want to increase your technical skills and mechanical knowledge this scholarship is for you," the company said. 

The scholarships will cover the cost of the workshop and lodging while there; it does not include travel to and from the workshop, and any expenses incurred while attending the workshop. The workshop includes all course materials for tech courses. mid-session snack breaks, two lunches and attendance at PeopleForBikes Mechanics DRAFT meetup.

The scholarshop application period is open through Friday, Sept. 15 and winners will be announced by Oct. 1.

More information: Scholarship application.

LOVELAND, Colo. (BRAIN) —Suspension manufacturer Push Industries has named Uncommon Communications as its public relations agency of record. Uncommon assisted with the recent launch Push's ACS-3 hybrid coil-spring kit.

"Uncommon has proven that they're adept in pairing technical product marketing with public relations," said Push's founder, Darren Murphy. "With more ambitious projects on the horizon we're excited to add them to our team and plan on putting their expertise to work."

Uncommon Communications' Mike McCormack said, "There's quite a bit of excitement about Push in our offices. Giggling anticipation probably best sums it up."

"They have a very busy year in front of them," continues McCormack, "We're honored to have been selected to help this amazing Colorado brand tell their story."

Uncommon Communications is working with Push to further marketing efforts with its U.S.-made suspension components and their service kits and tools. Media inquiries can be directed to Logan VonBokel or Mike Ferrentino at logan@uncommoncommunications.net and mf@uncommoncommunications.net.

More information at PushIndustries.com.

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (BRAIN) — Blackout Distribution has signed with Mike Lifshotz and Rider Rep Group to represent all its brands, including Kink BMX, Cinema BMX and Mission BMX.

"We're excited to partner with Mike and his team to give face-to-face representation to IBDs again. Mike and his team will be driving sales of Blackout's full line of BMX bicycles, parts and accessories," Blackout stated. "Blackout chose to work with Rider Rep group because they have a very unique approach by only representing brands that give dealers strict MAP price enforcement and focus directly on the IBD channel."

Blackout is the exclusive distributor for Kink BMX, Cinema BMX and Mission BMX. Blackout offers a total of 14 brands, including Fiend BMX and Merritt BMX.

DURANGO, Colo. (BRAIN) — Tailwind Nutrition products are now being distributed by Hans Johnsen Company and Downeast Bicycle Specialists. Tailwind's full line of products will now be available from both distributors.

"We are seeing a significant increase in cyclists using Tailwind Nutrition for their training and racing needs whether they are on the road, trail or gravel," said Jenny Vierling, the co-founder of Tailwind Nutrition.

"One of the reasons we wanted to partner with both Hans Johnsen Company and Downeast Bicycle Specialists, is because just like us, they are family-owned and put their customers first in everything they do. By offering our full collection of products through these distributors, we are able to get our product onto the shelves of more stores throughout the U.S., and in the hands (and bottles) of cyclists who previously have not been able to find our product at their local shop."

MIAMI (BRAIN) — Several bike suppliers and retailers in Florida say they plan to re-open this week following the storms this weekend, although many retailers and bike industry folks were unreachable Monday due to power and telephone outages.

Distributor J&B Imports was closed Monday and co-CEO Ben Joannou Jr. said some employees were unable to leave their neighborhoods. He said J&B hopes to open Tuesday.

"No major damage but we don't have electricity, phones, or internet," Joannou said in an email to BRAIN. 

AMERICAN FORK, Utah (BRAIN) — Grip and handlebar tape manufacturer Lizard Skins has completed a deal to acquire Oury Grips, which also makes grips for bicycles and powersports.

Oury has been designing and manufacturing grips since 1968, while Lizard Skins celebrates its 25th anniversary in January.

The acquisition came about when Oury managing partner Marta Schild decided to retire this year, after 30 years with the company.

"We are really excited to have Oury Grips as part of the Lizard Skins family," said Brian Fruit, Lizard Skins' president. "We also produce class-leading grips, and have done so for over 20 years, so this partnership was a logical step in our evolution. Combined with Oury's amazing history and wealth of knowledge, we see this as an opportunity to make all of our products even better and more diversified than ever."

Schild said she considered other offers, but a long friendship with Lizard Skins helped her choose. "We've been friends with the Lizard Skins team for many years, and they've always been kind and willing to lend a hand, even though we're competitors. Their willingness to continue our traditions, like molding grips at the same USA-based facilities, helped seal the deal."

Oury is now entirely owned and operated by Lizard Skins effective Sept. 1. The Oury website and branding will remain separate from Lizard Skins, but they will now be operated out of Lizard Skins' newly constructed office/warehouse in Utah.

Lizard Skins launched in 1993 with a neoprene chainstay protector and now produces grips and tape used in cycling, baseball, hockey and lacrosse.

Oury was founded in 1968 by William "Bill" Oury, a motocross rider who came up with the idea of an aftermarket handlebar grip. Over the years Oury branched out and added grips that catered to motocross, ATV's, personal watercraft, BMX and mountain bikes. The brand is also widely renowned in the fixie and city-bike market. Oury grips have always been made in the U.S.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (BRAIN) — HIA Velo, the owner and manufacturer of Allied Cycle Works, has brought on a chief operating officer, who is also a partner, and opened its first two European distributors for Allied frames and bikes.

New COO Paul Jarrell is an avid cyclist and who has many years of leadership in large multinational manufacturing companies, the company said.

"Creating a high performance, high quality product here in the U.S. that changes an industry dynamic is an attractive proposition and I am very excited to be a part of making it happen," said Jarrell.

Tony Karklins, HIA Velo's founder and managing director, said, "When we launched the Allied Cycle Works brand in January of this year, we were thrilled with the response and flooded with interest, opportunities and orders. Going from zero to sold out in 30 days, can certainly create some operational challenges."

Allied Cycle Works also announced its first two European distributors, Jens Snedker in Scandinavia and The Bike Chain in the UK.

"Our goal was to find seasoned industry veterans that embrace the change in the cycling industry and can help craft a sustainable blend of traditional and direct to consumer sales," said Karklin.

Jens Snedker will represent Allied in Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland and Iceland. 

"Jens spent 20 years in top management of Trek in Denmark. His knowledge of the market and of representing great American brands makes him a perfect fit," said Karklins.

Snedker said, "After my first conversations with Tony Karklins about the bicycle industry, it was quite clear that I was dealing with a person and a company with ambitions to produce best-in-class carbon fiber frames in USA, but also a company ready for the many new opportunities that lie ahead of the bicycle Industry. So after more than 20 years of leadership at Trek Denmark, I am proud to be part of the future together with Allied Cycle Works and at the same time announce that the first shipments of framesets is on its way from USA to Scandinavia."

The Bicycle Chain is one of the UK's largest retailers. Owners Alex and Paul Kenchington will manage the U.K. market from their three-store chain based in Somerset, South West England.

"Alex and I have a very similar background. We both share a deep passion for the traditional IBD model, but we know that it must evolve in order to exist in the future. We look forward to working together to build a strong presence for Allied Cycle Works in the UK," said Karklins.

Alex Kenchington said, "So few brands have a real story behind them these days. You cannot help but be inspired by Allied's goals and we believe the cyclist and the dealer will want to be a part of the journey. The Allied business model is nimble and gives the market access to an incredible custom product at very competitive prices, delivered quickly, however you want it."

Allied Cycle Works intends to expand into another four to six export markets by the end of 2018, the company said.

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, Calif. (BRAIN) — Interbike on Tuesday announced the return of the Supplier Seminar Series presented by the Bicycle Product Suppliers Association, consisting of several educational seminars designed specifically for suppliers and their staff.

The series gives product managers, human resources teams, brand leaders, and other team members the opportunity to attend and learn from a variety of experts in their respective fields, show organizers said.

"Working closely with the BPSA this year and building off what was a very successful launch last year, we're pretty confident that we'll get strong attendance for these new sessions," said Pat Hus, the vice president of Interbike.

"This further demonstrates the BPSA's commitment to education long term and we hope that suppliers and their teams take advantage of the opportunity," said Ray Keener, the executive director of the BPSA. "Between the Bicycle Leadership Conference and our recent investment into e-bike training, we are making education a priority for our members and the industry as a whole."

The series will include five seminars that will take place on the first two days of Interbike, including:

• How to Reduce Delivery Time to Market and Manage Minimum Order Requirements in a Slowing Demand Market ▪ Moderator: Skip Hess, CEO, Clear ▪ Panelist: Bob Margevicius, EVP, Specialized ▪ Panelist: Michael Forte, General Manager, Felt Bicycles
• Tools for Product Managers in Specialty Industries ▪ Lynette Seebom, Principal, Concurrent Strategies LLC ▪ Pete Frickland, Principal, Concurrent Product Development LLC
• How to Leverage Your Digital Marketing Strategies and Drive Demand ▪ Tom Flierl, VP Marketing & Business Strategy, Hanson Dodge ▪ Tim Dodge, CEO, Hanson Dodge
• Manage the Direct to Consumer Shift & Protect Your Vital IBD's ▪ Moderator: Scott Montgomery, CEO, CrankTank ▪ Panelist: Chris Streight, National Sales Manager, Bravo Bike Division ▪ Panelist: Chuck Smith, President, Swiftwick ▪ Panelist: Ryan Atkinson, President, SmartEtailing
• Creating A Work Environment that Makes Employee Health and Happiness a Point of Pride ▪ Moderator: Ray Keener, Executive Director, BPSA ▪ Kristen Carpenter-Ogden, Founder/CEO, Verde Brand Communications ▪ Jessica Klodnicki, Vice President for Outdoor Recreation, Vista Outdoors

Only registered Interbike exhibitor attendees are eligible to attend. A detailed list of Supplier Seminar Series sessions can be found on the Interbike website.

CHICAGO (BRAIN) — The CABDA Expo has begun general exhibitor registration for its annual trade show held in February.

The 2018 expo will be the fourth since the show was restarted in 2015.

Jim Kersten, CABDA's president and show director, said, "I could not be happier with the growth of our show. We've doubled our floorspace, and based on interest from dealers from out of state, we're also on track to shatter any of our previous attendance numbers."

The 2017 Expo attracted almost 2,000 attendees from 485 shops across 22 states; a growth of over 400 percent in three years.

"We have a lot of things going for us: We're preseason – so shop owners can attend the show without losing business; We're centrally located – so we're easy to get to; and we're incredibly low cost – so exhibitors love us, because we're very low risk," Kersten said.

The show will be held at the Schaumburg Convention Cente, which is 30 minutes from downtown Chicago and within 15 minutes of O'Hare International Airport.

"Being close to the airport is huge for us, as we continue to draw in dealers from out-of-state. Chicago is a major hub for multiple airlines so folks can typically get here cheaply and easily," Kersten said.

Seminars and clinics at the Expo will be held in conjunction with the Professional Bicycle Mechanic's Association and will be free to all attendees.

Events will include an industry party, awards presentation, and a free keynote breakfast.

The CABDA Expo is a trade-only event that runs February 14-15. More information, including exhibitor registration, can be found at cabda.com. Dealer registration will open Oct. 16.

IRVINE, Calif. (BRAIN) — Handmade wheel maker Irwin Cycling is now offering its wheels in the U.S. The three-year-old company's wheels were previously available only in Australia, Europe and Asia.

The company offers handbuilt wheels for road and mountain bikes, with carbon and aluminum rims. Its wheels are being raced by UCI Continental teams Illuminate (USA) and FixIT.no (Norway), as well as Australian pro triathlete Steve McKenna.

Irwin was founded in 1996 as an engineering solutions provider for the cycling business, coming out of the aerospace industry. The company began developing wheels for private-label OEM customers in 2006.

Irwin Cycling launched as a consumer brand in Australia in 2014, and has since expanded to other markets. 

The product lineup includes disc-brake carbon tubulars for cyclocross and road, and tubeless-ready mountain bike and road wheelsets in carbon and aluminum. Retail prices range from $1,800 down to $600 per set.

The company is currently selling dealer direct in the U.S. but is exploring using distributors. It's also working with OEs and small framebuilders.

More information at irwincycling.com.