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Frank the Welder increases capacity, makes space available for retail

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BELLOWS FALLS, Vt. (BRAIN) — Longtime OE frame maker Frank Wadelton is moving his operations into a new 12,000 square foot factory that will give him room to increase production capacity and extra space to rent to like-minded entrepreneurs.

The building is on busy Route 5 in this Southern Vermont town on the Connecticut River. Wadelton is a partner in the corporation that bought the building, and his framebuilding business, FTW, will rent roughly a third of it. He said a machine shop is expected to take another third. The rest of the space could be used for a coffee shop, tap room, bike rental operation or something similar, Wadelton said. 

FTW moved to Vermont about 14 years ago. The company has done product development for brands that include Sinister bikes, Christini Technologies, Motivate, Structure Cycles, Spooky Cycles, Vynl Race Bikes and Serotta Design Studio. FTW currently manufactures frames for Vynl, Spooky and Serotta, soon to be joined by John Parker's new brand, Underground, and Fatbikeskis, a new company marketing a ski blade that replaces the front wheel on fat bikes. 

Wadelton said the area is ideal for e-bike riding on underused dirt fire roads that criss-cross the hills. Many of the popular mountain bike riding areas in Vermont do not allow e-bikes but Wadelton said he's had discussions with regional business development organizations about promoting Southern Vermont as a destination for e-MTB riding on the Class 4, 5 and 6 roads. 

"You can get on these roads and ride from one little town to another, but the distances are long for a regular bike. But these roads would be ideal for electric-assist bikes," he said.

The building is on an existing bike path and a planned designated bike route.

While Wadelton said he'd like to see an e-bike rental business take space in the new building, he noted that another small manufacturer also would be welcome. The building is already equipped with a modern compressed air system, fork lift, material handling and 1200 amps of industrial power and he is adding new doors, windows, insulation and modern lighting. He can be reached at frankthewelder@comcast.net.


Jason Meyerson returns to industry with investment in RedMonkey Sports

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LAKE FOREST, Calif. (BRAIN) — Industry veteran Jason Meyerson has made "a significant investment" in RedMonkey Sports, a mountain bike accessories brand. Meyerson said he hopes to expand the brand's domestic and international sales and distribution.

"RedMonkey Sports is a fast-growing innovative company offering the best products in each category (grips and sealant), so it was easy for me to see the opportunity. (Company founder) Michael Nasco and his team have done a phenomenal job in the company's initial emergence by creating great products, growing international sales, and supporting local retailers in the Southern California region. His passion and involvement in support of the local cycling community originally drew me in, now it's time to introduce the brand to the rest of the U.S. and expand distribution throughout the world," Meyerson said.

Meyerson previously managed several bikes shops in California and was sales and brand manager for Veltec Sports in the 1990s. 

"My passion for cycling has only gotten stronger over the years so I'm really excited to be involved again in an industry I love and helping to build a business with people sharing the same passion," he said.

RedMonkey Sports' current product line includes both slip-on and lock-on silicone mountain bike grips and a latex-based tire sealant that the company said is 10 grams lighter per liquid ounce than other popular sealants.

"We are very excited to have Jason join the RedMonkey team not only as an investor but as someone with the same vision and drive that will actively participate in the continued growth and expansion of the brand and its product offerings," said Nasco.

Mississippi Valley bike expo attracts record attendance and exhibitors

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ST. LOUIS (BRAIN) — The 2018 Mississippi Valley Bike + Outdoor Expo attracted about 2,500 attendees, a record for the 16-year-old show. The event also raised a record amount of money for BWorks, a nonprofit that will benefit from event ticket sales.

The show was held at the 40,000-square-foot Gateway Center in Collinsville, Illinois, on Sunday, Jan. 14. It featured 112 vendors across 178 booths. Vendors included organizations related to cycling, running/walking, fitness/nutrition, camping/hiking, water activities/sports, climbing, multisport and more.

"The expo did an excellent job of bringing together multisport organizations and vendors that appeared to attract a huge crowd," said Bryan Adams, board member for Gateway Off-Road Cyclists. "The hard work showed on how well it was run. I don't think we have ever had that much interest at the earlier events. The day went by fast, and I was almost hoarse from all the talking."

The exact donation to BWorks was unavailable, but organizers said it will exceed last year's record donation of $4,500. BWorks' primary mission is to increase the probability of positive life outcomes for youth by providing them the incentive and opportunity to develop their academic, vocational and social skills through programs using bicycles, books and computers. Its work is funded mainly through the sale of refurbished adult bicycles. More information at bworks.org.

Velo Orange adds 11-speed field-serviceable touring hubs

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ANNAPOLIS, Md. (BRAIN) — Velo Orange is now offering 11-speed compatible cassette hubs with the company's tool-free, field-serviceable format.

"While VO is known for designing products for vintage enthusiasts, we have had a ton of retailers asking for 11-speed compatibility for our cassette touring hubs. Now that more and more customers are spec'ing 11-speed drivetrains on their custom touring and randonneuring bikes, we have decided to now offer them in Shimano and Campagnolo splines," said Igor Shteynbuk, the co-owner of Velo Orange.

The Grand Cru 11-speed cassette hubs are popular for cyclo-tourists because they can be easily disassembled and cleaned without tools, he said. By simply pulling the endcaps, freehub body and hollow axle out of the hub shell, riders and mechanics have access to the inner workings and driveside spokes — convenient for those on an extended tour, long brevet or even everyday commutes.

These quick-release hubs are available with 130- or 135-millimeter axles, in rim-brake or six-hole disc configurations, 32- or 36-hole. Campagnolo and Shimano cassette bodies are available. MSRP ranges between $165 and $180 depending on options.

More information at velo-orange.com.

Wheel & Sprocket relocating Hales Corners store to new development

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HALES CORNERS, Wis. (BRAIN) — Wheel & Sprocket will relocate its long-standing Hales Corners location to a new mixed-use active-lifestyle development called Ballpark Commons, in Franklin, Wisconsin. The new location is about 3 miles from the Hales Corners store, which is also the head office for the eight-store retail chain.

Wheel & Sprocket will occupy the first floor and lower level of a three-story office and retail building in the development. That will give the store 10,150 square feet of first-floor retail space and an additional 10,000 square feet of lower-level storage.

Ballpark Commons will feature a 4,000-seat stadium, commercial and retail businesses, restaurants, residential apartments and various entertainment and active lifestyle amenities. Construction is scheduled to begin this spring, with a tentative store opening planned for March 1, 2019.

"While moving away from the Hales Corners community, our home for 45 years, is bittersweet, we are thrilled to be part of the Ballpark Commons," said Noel Kegel, Wheel & Sprocket's president and co-owner. "Being part of an active lifestyle development with complementary users is huge, not to mention the benefits of having off-road and paved trails out our back door. This move speaks to the rapidly changing retail landscape where we will be able to deliver a more dynamic experience — this will be more than just a bike shop."

Wheel & Sprocket will be able to hold its indoor cycling classes there, and make use of the stadium and other amenities for events.  

Mike Zimmerman, CEO of ROC Ventures, which is building Ballpark Commons, said, "Given our goal of creating an environment conducive to active lifestyles, we can think of no better partner than Wheel & Sprocket as our first retail announcement. It's enormously exciting to have a bike shop that is so active in promoting the benefits of the activity right on the Oak Leaf Trail and adjacent to a County Park. They will be a tremendous asset to the entire community."

Wheel & Sprocket also plans to open a location in Milwaukee's Bay View neighborhood in December this year. The company will relocate its offices from Hales Corners to the Bay View location, which is centrally located to the chain's other local stores. 

 

Onex completes purchase of SMG, a convention center management company

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TORONTO (BRAIN) — Onex Corporation has completed the purchase of SMG Holdings, a global manager of convention centers, arenas, theaters and other venues.

Onex owns about 77 percent of Emerald Expositions, the owner of Interbike and the Outdoor Retailer expo, as well as many other events. 

The Colorado Convention Center in Denver, where the OR show is being held later this week, is among the many publicly owned facilities that SMG manages; SMG does not manage the Reno-Sparks Convention Center, where Interbike will be held this year. 

Onex's purchase of SMG was made by Onex Partners IV, Onex' $5.7 billion fund. Onex had announced in December that it planned to acquire SMG. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Emerald Expositions owns Bicycle Retailer& Industry News, which is operated under license by NBDA Services Inc.

More information: smgworld.com | Onex press release.

 

Jim Miller leaves USA Cycling to join Training Peaks

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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (BRAIN) — USA Cycling announced Tuesday that a longtime leader of its elite athletic programs, Jim Miller, is leaving the organization to join Training Peaks, a training software company.

Miller's most recent position at USAC was vice president of high performance. He was with the organization for 16 years, during which time U.S. athletes won 14 Olympic medals.

USAC's CEO, Derek Bouchard-Hall, said, "Jim has led USA Cycling's athletics programs to unprecedented success, and we are very grateful for his many contributions to American cycling. He leaves the elite athletics department in outstanding shape, and we have ambitious plans in place to build upon his legacy and accomplish even more in the future."

Scott Schnitzspahn, the vice president of elite athletics at USA Cycling, said, "We are sad to see Jim go, but we are very pleased he will be joining a partner of USA Cycling's and will continue to contribute to the American cycling community. We wish him tremendous success."

USA Cycling said it will not be replacing the vice president of high performance position, and will instead adjust the roles and responsibilities of its recently expanded elite athletics staff. 

OTE names new sales manager and new reps

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QUEBEC CITY, Quebec (BRAIN) — Distributor On The Edge (OTE) Canada has named Denis Lapierre sales manager and has hired new sales and service representatives.

Lapierre has 25 years of experience in the sporting goods industry, having worked as a sales rep and purchasing manager. He joined OTE Canada last April and has overseen customer service and inside sales until now.

"I'm stoked about this new challenge and the timing could not be better. Our brands are performing strongly and we are committed to offer a best-in-class level of customer service, retailer support and demo availability," Lapierre said.

Jean-Pierre Thériault, OTE Canada's president, added, "We wanted to step up our level of service, and we began that process by adding Johnny Halliday to our team as our sales rep for British Columbia last August. Today we're happy to announce the addition of James Bongard for Ontario. We're also bringing Karl Savard as our new service guy.

"I'm confident that we have one of the best teams out there and I know that our retailer network will benefit from these additions," Thériault added.

OTE Canada has been the exclusive Canadian distributor for Pivot Cycles and Enve Composites for the past nine years and Rotor Components for two years.


GU offers Birthday Cake Energy Gel to celebrate company's 25th year

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BERKELEY, Calif. (BRAIN) — Just over 25 years ago, Dr. Bill Vaughan formulated the first GU Energy Gel in a Berkeley kitchen. Vaughan was looking to make a more digestible fuel for his daughter, a top ultra-marathoner.

"In the late '80s, we recognized that endurance athletes weren't feeding their bodies with the nutrients they needed most, and their performance was suffering as a result. That was the spark that led my father to research the role nutrition plays in exercise physiology. The original GU Gel is a significant outcome of that research," said Brian Vaughan, co-founder and CEO of GU Energy Labs. "I look back on all that we've done as a company, all the incredible performances we've helped fuel, and I'm thrilled for what the future holds."

To celebrate its 25 years, the family-owned company is offering a limited-edition Birthday Cake Energy Gel, which packs all the same functional ingredients of other GU flavors.

 Created for daily training, the Birthday Cake Gel packs energy-dense calories in a portable 100-calorie packet to keep athletes fueled and feeling good.

The gel is available in a box of 24 for MSRP $36 or a box of 8 for $12, or a single for $1.50.

Birthday Cake Energy Gel will be available at retailers in February and online March 1. GU Energy Labs also will have samples at this week's Outdoor Retailer Winter Market show in Denver (Booth #42000). More information at guenergy.com

Clif Bar steps up sponsorship of CampoVelo culinary/cycling benefit

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ST. HELENA, Calif. (BRAIN) — Clif Bar has signed on title sponsor for the second annual CampoVelo, a three-day event and fundraiser this spring in Northern California's Napa Valley wine country blending cycling, cuisine, wine and wellness.

Benefiting nonprofits including the Napa Valley Community Foundation Fund for Disaster Relief, the Napa Valley Vine Trail, Chefs Cycle for No Kid Hungry, and World Bicycle Relief, CampoVelo will be hosted by celebrity chef and former pro 24-hour mountain bike racer Chris Cosentino and produced by Ride Napa Valley.

"Increasing our partnership to title sponsor of CampoVelo has an extra special significance this year. Napa Valley needs continued support as the community rebuilds from the wildfires, and at Clif Bar & Co. we want people to know that the valley is still one of the most incredible places in the world for food, wine and outdoor adventures," said Gary Erickson, founder and co-chief visionary officer (CVO of Clif Bar & Co. "My wife and co-CVO Kit and I call Napa Valley our home, and along with Chris Cosentino we can't wait to welcome CampoVelo guests into our community."

Cosentino and 20 featured guests — chefs, winemakers and pro cyclists, among others — plus the Clif Pro Team women's mountain bike squad and the Clif Bar Cycling men's road and criterium team will lead attendees through the weekend in activities designed to support and promote CampoVelo's local, national and global beneficiaries. Each morning, featured guests will accompany the participants on mountain bike, road bike and e-bike rides throughout Napa Valley. After the rides, Cosentino and friends will lead product demos, hold workshops and prepare five-star evening dinners.

"Anyone who knows me, knows my passion for food, family, cycling and fun," Cosentino said. "Last year I was able to share those passions with our guests over the CampoVelo weekend. We have a killer weekend planned for 2018 with more of my chef, athlete and winemaking friends joining the festivities."

CampoVelo will be held April 27-29. For more information, including a list of featured guests from the culinary and cycling worlds, visit the CampoVelo website.

LeMond cybersquatting trial scheduled, court agrees to seal some records

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MINNEAPOLIS (BRAIN) — A U.S. District Court judge this week set a jury trial date of Feb. 1, 2019, for the case Greg LeMond has filed against a father and son who he says are cybersquatting on at least 66 web domains related to his name and trademarks.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Tony N. Leung also has set out a schedule and rules for the case's discovery period over the next year. The schedule comes about a month after Leung partially agreed with the three-time Tour de France winner's request to seal documents related to the case.

LeMond is charging that Frederick Harold Stinchfield II and Frederick Harold Stinchfield III registered the domains and were offering them for sale. He said the names infringed on LeMond trademarks and demanded $6.6 million in damages and compensation.

The sites were registered in the Stinchfields' names in 2016. The domains include variations on the words LeMond and Grail, which is a trademark LeMond Composites uses for its products. The domains include lemond.news, greglemondgonewild.com, lemondautomotive.com and lemondtechnologies.org, among others.

According to the complaint, the Stinchfields also had built a site that contained "derogatory information about LeMond and his businesses," as well as his name and photo. The site has now been taken down.

The Stinchfields did not respond to phone calls and emails from BRAIN, but the elder Stinchfield told the Minnesota Star Tribune that an identity thief must have registered the domains in his name. 

In December, Leung partially agreed to LeMond's request for a protective order. LeMond said court documents could contain confidential financial information and LeMond said the Stitchfields had concerns about media coverage and inquiries. The Stinchfields argued against the protective order, saying it was against the public interest and that it would allow LeMond 'to cover up ... [his] bad behavior by silencing the ... [Stinchfields] and preventing them from using 'confidential information' to defend themselves."

Already, last July, the court had agreed to seal the Stinchfields' initial answer to LeMond's complaint. LeMond's attorneys claimed the response was "inflammatory and immaterial," and the court agreed to seal it but did not strike it from the record as LeMond had requested.

In the December order, Leung said each side can mark documents as "confidential" with an explanation, and the opposing side will have an opportunity to challenge that confidentiality status. Each side is required to return or destroy the confidential documents within 60 days of the conclusion of the trial.

Leung declined to grant LeMond's full request, which was to immediately seal every document filed for seven days. The judge said the Stinchfields' filings are likely to be less inflammatory now that they have hired lawyers. They were representing themselves when they filed the response last summer that later had to be sealed.

"Now, they have retained counsel," Leung wrote in his order. "The appearance and participation of counsel in this matter should alleviate LeMond's concerns borne out of the nature of some of the Stinchfields' prior pro se filings."

Leung also took the opportunity to remind both sides to keep their court filings relevant and non-frivolous.

"It is hoped that this reminder to respective parties and counsel conveys the court's vigilance, and will alter the initial trajectory of this relatively young case that has seemed to place strategic paramountcy to focusing on the margins of procedure rather than the heart of any substance in this lawsuit."

If the case ultimately does go to a jury trial as planned, it is anticipated to last three days.

Related:

 

Sean Coffey joins Stages Cycling as global marketing director

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BOULDER, Colo. (BRAIN) — Stages Cycling has hired marketing veteran Sean Coffey as its new global marketing director. Coffey was previously a category manager at Bell Helmets, and has a lengthy history in the cycling industry with stints at Ritchey, Easton and Bicycling magazine.

"Sean will bring a wealth of relevant experience and enthusiasm to Stages, where we are currently riding a solid wave of momentum following the sales launch of our Stages LR dual-sided power meter," said Bernie Doering, Stages Cycling's senior vice president of global sales and marketing.

Coffey said, "Stages is the world's largest producer of power meters and I look forward to sharing their stories of continued innovation in the field. Whether it's supporting professionals like Team Sky in World Tour races or giving riders tackling their first gran fondo the training tools they need, the Stages brand is renowned for reliability, accuracy and accessibility, and it's a huge opportunity to work with such a group of passionate professionals."

Coffey moves into the position previously held by Matt Pacocha, who will continue with the brand as a contractor. Pacocha has founded SEND Strategy Ltd., a marketing consulting agency. He will work with Stages Cycling on the brand's sports marketing initiatives with the goal of better using the brand's sponsored teams and athletes to highlight Stages Cycling products.

Colorado distributor, Italian Bicycle Group NA, brings in Scagliarini colored brake hoods

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CASTLE PINES, Colo. (BRAIN) — A Colorado-based distributor is now offering North American dealers colored road bike brake hoods from Scagliarini.

The hoods are available for nearly all Campagnolo, Shimano and SRAM levers, from 9 speed to 11 speed. They come in 11 colors, including Black, Blue, Celeste, Green, Green Fluo, Pink, Pink Fluo, Red, Red Italian Racing, White and Yellow.

The hoods are made in Italy of a natural silicone elastomer and the company said they offer superior fit and finish and "are the longest lasting brake hoods available in the consumer market." The company said the hoods last 50,000 miles. 

Ciclofficina Scagliarini, the cycling division of G. Scagliarini & Cº., began making their colored brake hoods in 2011 as an original equipment manufacturer. The colored hoods became available in the aftermarket late last year. 

Scagliarini colored hoods have been used for the leaders bikes at the Giro d'Italia, Tour de France and Vuelta a Espana every year since 2011, the company said.

The hoods retail for $35 and most models are in stock now at Italian Bicycle Group N.A. (IBGNA). The distributor sells exclusively to IBDs and offers accessories, bikes, clothing, components, frames and forks, nutrition and tools. The company can be contacted at info@italianbicyclegroup.com or visit italianbicyclegroup.com.

POC's founder launches electric motorcycle at OR/SIA show

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DENVER (BRAIN) — Stefan Ytterborn, the founder of the Swedish protective gear brand POC, has launched an electric off-road motorcycle at the Outdoor Retailer + Snow Show, which opened here Thursday.

“Light, silent and clean electric off-road motorbikes will make the era of noise, disturbance, pollution and complexity a thing of the past. The category will evolve into an independent pursuit, offering action and magic in combination with responsibility and respect towards people and planet," Ytterborn said. 

Ytterborn's new company is called Cake, and its first model is the Kalk. The Kalk has a range of 50 miles and a top speed of 50 mph. The company said the model was "strongly influenced by downhill and enduro mountain bikes, in feel and handling, and its design takes  into account the two sports’ geometry, suspension, components and handling."

The Kalk has no gears and requires no clutching. It weighs just under 150 pounds, compared to 250 pounds of a typical off-road motorcycle. Every part of the Kalk, including the frame, cockpit, wheels, tires, components, suspension and drive train, was engineered, designed and manufactured specifically for the model.  

The name Kalk was derived from kalksten, a limestone that forms the bedrock of the island of Gotland, Cake's test grounds in Sweden. The Kalk sells for $14,000. It is now available now for pre-order with a $1,000 deposit. 

 

Yuba Bikes moves headquarters

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COTATI, Calif. (BRAIN) — Yuba Bikes has relocated its office and warehouse from Petaluma to Cotati, the company announced Thursday. The new space is larger and has a more streamlined warehouse design, the company said. The warehouse is three times the size of the Petaluma facility. Cotati is about 10 miles northwest of Petaluma; both communities are in Sonoma County.

"This new location is exactly what we needed," said Benjamin Sarrazin, the founder of Yuba. "Having the warehouse and office within the same building and dramatically increase in size, is a necessary step to accommodate the growing demand for our product."

The new headquarters address is:

374 Blodgett Street, Suite 4
Cotati, CA 94931


Vintage Electric opens headquarters showroom, hires Simbol Communications

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SANTA CLARA, Calif. (BRAIN) — Vintage Electric has hired Park City, Utah-based Simbol Communications as its public relations agency of record.

The e-bike brand also announced it has recently opened a showroom adjacent to their headquarters in Santa Clara. The showroom features all their newest models.

Simbol will be working to promote the brand in the bike industry as well as with a variety of consumers and publications, from luxury lifestyle to men's interest, business, and motor sports, for example.

"Our typical consumer is often less interested in this as a bicycle and more interested in the transportation and performance benefits, along with their elegant style, and outstanding quality: Many are looking for a pedal-powered equivalent to their classic sports car or motorcycle, while others simply demand the most fun and efficient form of transportation they can find," said Scott Brown, Vintage Electric's CEO. "And everything with our brand is designed to mimic that high-end vehicle-shopping experience, from our gorgeous new showroom adjacent to our Santa Clara HQ, to our home delivery system for new bikes, and even our at-home service program that sends the shop right to consumers' doors."

Simbol co-founder Nic Sims said,  "When Vintage Electric hired us, the first thing we asked was 'when do we get ours?'

"These bikes are as gorgeous as they are meticulously crafted. And they're SO much fun! And with our wide range of expertise in so many compatible fields, we're confident we can alert the masses – in and well outside of the cycling crowd – that Vintage Electric has the right bike for just about everyone, and there's no longer an excuse to put off buying an e-bike for commuting, running errands, or just cruising through town."

 

BikeYoke Revive Max dropper post designed with 34.9 post size in mind

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MUNICH, Germany (BRAIN) — BikeYoke's new Revive Max dropper was designed from the ground up for bikes that use 34.9-millimeter seatposts. The Revive Max has a 28-millimeter stanchion, compared with the 25-millimeter stanchion on the standard Revive and on most other dropper posts. 

The larger-diameter stanchion offers more strength and stiffness and looks better on frames with oversized seat tubes, the company said. The extra strength also helps the post meet e-MTB standards.

The company said the new size is being used on bikes including the Specialized Enduro, Evil Wreckoning, Pyga Hyrax and others. 

The Max post is available with 125, 160 or 185 millimeters of travel and the company said it weighs less than 50 grams more than its comparable standard diameter post, not including the weight savings from eliminating the need for a shim. The 185 millimeter travel model weighs 590 grams for the post alone. The BikeYoke Triggy remote level with clamp weighs 36 grams. 

MSRP with the remote is $455-$499 depending on travel. The company said it will begin shipping the Max model in mid-March. 

More information at: bikeyoke.de.

Bike shop and café opens in Virginia

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ROANOKE, Va. (BRAIN) — Downshift, a combination bike shop and café, opened this fall in Roanoke, Virginia. The owners say it is the only business of its kind in the region, serving freshly roasted coffee and craft beer alongside offering a full retail shop. 

“At Downshift, it’s not about competitive cycling or even shredding the wildest trails, although we like that too. We want everyone to experience how wonderful it is to ride a bike and to make bicycling part of their everyday routine.  Our mission is to bring bikes to life,” Downshift owner Stephen Ambruzs said.

The shop also hosts group rides and events “to attract more people to the bicycling community. … Downshift is rounding out the scene by helping people learn to use a bike for commuting, family recreation, bikepacking and gravel adventures. ” Downshift stated in a release.

Downshift carries bikes from Brooklyn Bicycle Co., Linus, Surly, Yuba and State Bicycle Co., plus Soma frames. The shop’s café offers locally roasted coffee, six craft beers on tap (with growler fills) and food for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
For more information, visit Downshift’s website.

EVOC Sports signs Uncommon Communications as North American PR agency

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MUNICH, Germany (BRAIN) — Technical pack and equipment maker EVOC Sports has signed Colorado-based Uncommon Communications as the brand’s North American public relations and communications agency.

“The EVOC line is as deep as it is fun, and we have years of experience riding with their bags,” Uncommon’s Mike McCormack said. “Lending a hand as EVOC brings progressive designs and obsessive attention to detail to North American riders, skiers and photographers feels a lot like showing someone your favorite singletrack or laughing as you point them toward your secret powder stash.”

Tasked with raising awareness for the brand in North America, Uncommon will also launch and oversee an ambassador program targeting key photographers and influencers in the bike, snow and travel markets.

“At EVOC the quality of the product is our chief measurement, and it’s clear that Uncommon Communications operates in the same way,” EVOC marketing manager Jan Sallawitz said. “We’re very pleased to have such an adept public relations agency representing the EVOC brand in the USA.”

EVOC will exhibit at the ISPO show in Munich, Germany, next week and will be at the Sea Otter Classic in Monterey, California, in April. North American media can send inquiries to Uncommon’s Jordan Carr at jordan@Uncommoncommunications.net.

Jamis, Nirve join SmartEtailing Supplier Sync

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NORTHVALE, N.J. (BRAIN) — Jamis and Nirve Bicycles have signed on to SmartEtailing's Supplier Sync program. Authorized retailers can now connect their in-store inventory with currently available inventory from Jamis and Nirve warehouse locations.

This brings both brands a step closer to a more complete omnichannel retail experience that incorporates brick and mortar retailers, stated G. Joannou Bicycles, the parent company of Jamis and Nirve.

“Nothing substitutes a good retail experience in a professional bicycle retailer environment, but the shifts in consumer buying behavior are significant and online buying is increasingly becoming a crucial part of the buying experience. … The invaluable knowledge that a professional retailer has is no substitute,” company president Carine Joannou said. “We do feel that there is potential balance of online and brick and mortar that will work as we all move forward, and that’s where Jamis and Nirve are. We provide our retailers with the ability to show consumers available inventory in real time. Working in conjunction with our retailers to that transparency is what Supplier Sync offers consumers.”

Business development manager Chris Budich said that the “retail landscape is in constant change, and we at Jamis and Nirve are moving along with the times. We maintain close contact with our retailers and consumers to follow those trends.

“Consumers want buying experiences to be as easy as possible. SmartEtailing has provided the platform to support both retailers and the product so that the purchase for the consumer is seamless," he added.

SmartEtailing currently has 22 U.S. suppliers enrolled in its Supplier Sync program who share their inventory on retailers’ websites from 36 warehouse feeds.

“Modern shoppers have come to expect that pricing and availability information will be at their fingertips 24/7. We are thrilled that Jamis and Nirve have made the investment in building the integration with SmartEtailing so that Jamis and Nirve retailers can leverage an expanded inventory when consumers are browsing local bike shop websites,” SmartEtailing’s Ryan Atkinson said. “This integration means that consumers will be better informed when they come into their local bike shop looking to purchase a Jamis or Nirve product.”

 

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