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Belgian Cycling Factory establishes US distribution center

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Ridley and Merckx products will ship out of Iowa-based North America Cycles starting in April.

AMES, Iowa (BRAIN) — Belgian Cycling Factory, owner of the Ridley and Eddy Merckx bike brands, has reached a new warehousing and marketing agreement with North America Cycles in Ames, Iowa.

Beginning in April, a full range of Ridley and Merckx products will be warehoused in NAC's Midwest distribution center for expedited delivery of bikes, frames, Forza brand parts and replacement service items.

"We are honored to be chosen to work with the Belgian Cycling Factory brands and people, and look forward to building a dealer network across the U.S." North America Cycles president Matt Nims said in a release.

Belgian Cycling Factory CEO Jochim Aerts stated: "The partnership with North America Cycles is the next step in the further expansion of our bike business in the United States. They are our logical choice as U.S. distribution center as we share important values such as professionalism, authenticity and flexibility. We're eager to proceed our new cooperation with the North America Cycles team."

North America Cycles's CEO, Nyle Nims, added, "We look forward to adding professional sales representation in several open territories and welcome rep inquiries for Ridley and Eddy Merckx representation."

Interested parties can contact BCF national sales director Gary Caudill at 844-622-2453 or sales@nacycles.com.


E-bike brand Cero Bicycles has fulfilled crowdfunding orders and now looking to build dealer base

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LOS ANGELES (BRAIN) — Cero Bicycle, which raised about $25,000 with an Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign for its electric cargo bike last year, has now fulfilled those orders and is looking to establish consumer-direct and dealer sales.

The company's first model, the CERO One, starts at $3,399.

"Our goal was to design and build a modern version of the Japanese 'Mamachari': a practical utility bike that could be used by almost anyone as a replacement for a car in their daily lives," said CERO's founder, Kiyoshi Iwai, who moved to California from his native Japan over two decades ago.

"The CERO One allows urban dwellers to do almost anything they'd do in a car, but more quickly and efficiently thanks to a powerful electric motor and a wide range of accessories that make CERO One perfect for moving almost anything. I even take my surfboard to the beach near our office in Santa Monica with the CERO One."

CERO One was designed by former GT engineer Forrest Yelverton and colleague Zach Krapfl, and is available in four colors. Yelverton and Krapfl designed the CERO One with a small, 20-inch front wheel for a lower center of gravity. Hauling duties are managed by CERO's custom 12-way modular cargo system that combines three types of baskets with front and rear racks.

CERO One uses a Shimano drivetrain and 504Wh battery to provide up to 93 miles of range on a single charge. The mid-mounted Shimano 250-watt motor allows the CERO One to go up to 20 miles per hour. The Shimano system is controlled by an integrated head unit that is positioned in the middle of the handlebars.

CERO currently has inventory of CERO One models and is looking for e-bike retailers in the U.S. Interested dealers should contact CERO at info@cero.bike.

Jack Gresmer leaves Light & Motion, Wolter promoted to global sales manager

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MARINA, Calif. (BRAIN) —Light & Motion has laid off Jack Gresmer, who had been the brand's director of sales since 2011. 

Danial Emerson, the company's CEO, announced the move to sales reps and distributors in a letter this week.

"The general sluggishness of the bike and dive business over the last two years has forced us to pull back and align our spending with current market conditions. Jack has been a highly valued leader of the Light & Motion sales team. His experience and hard work helped Light & Motion direct major investments in the bike space, and he stepped up to take on the challenge of learning and growing the dive business. I have sincerely appreciated his insights, perseverance and contributions over his six years with L&M," Emerson wrote in the letter.

In an email to BRAIN, Gresmer said, "The past 6-plus years was terrific experience and a tremendous opportunity to make a contribution to build a great brand. For me it’s on to the next chapter in my life, hopefully something in the industry I have worked and loved for many years." Gresmer can be reached at 847-915-1964 or jgresmer@gmail.com.

Emerson also announced that the company is promoting Hal Wolter to global sales manager. "Hal Wolter is committed to building an aggressive sales culture and has demonstrated the skills Light & Motion needs to be successful in this challenging marketplace," Emerson wrote.

 

CABDA show eyes expansion into other regions

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Registration lines early Wednesday morning at CABDA
Exhibitors happy with new venue, foot traffic.

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. (BRAIN)  CABDA show director Jim Kersten told the crowd at the industry party Wednesday night that he’s taking the regional show to other markets soon.

“We’re happy to announce that the rest of the country will be hearing from us very soon,” Kersten said. “The folks in Texas are going to hear from us, the folks from South Florida are going to hear from us, the folks from Southern California are going to hear from us and the folks on the Eastern seaboard are going to hear from us.”

These are the four regions Kersten is looking to take the CABDA show, a decision he said was prompted by interest from brands who have asked him to take the successful regional show model to other parts of the country. No cities or dates have been announced yet.

But Kersten told BRAIN he’s putting out RFPs in various cities in those states to figure out cost and logistics, and he hopes to launch a second show next year in addition to the Chicago-area show. 

The goal, he said, is to keep it regional, small and inexpensive for exhibitors, which means he won’t be looking at big cities since that typically involves costly convention centers and hotels. He said most retailers are willing to drive up to 500 miles to attend a regional show. He hopes to keep booth costs and drayage low. CABDA booths, for example, range from $850 for a 10x10 to $3,200 for a 20x20 island. Most exhibitors hand carry their booths and products, Kersten said.

“Last year I started hearing it a lot from brands: ‘Why don’t you have more of these shows in other regions?” Kersten said.

Even before Kersten made the announcement, a few exhibitors at the show were already talking about future shows and locations.

Kersten said this year’s show was the largest yet since he resurrected the CABDA show in 2015. CABDA drew 1,400 retailers on its first day, and Kersten expected that the remaining pre-registered attendees would show up on Thursday.

About 2,500 retailers pre-registered this year. More than 200 exhibitors set up booths at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center, which offered 100,000 square feet of space. Kersten said the show’s square footage grew 40 percent from last year with more exhibitors, and brands that booked space taking up larger booths this year. Schaumburg is a suburb of Chicago, about 30 miles northwest of the city. 

With wider aisles and a much larger expo, some exhibitors noted that traffic seemed a bit lighter than in previous years. But Kersten’s attendance figures didn’t suggest less foot traffic. The show offered many more seminars this year, which also potentially affected the traffic in the expo hall at various times of the day.

Still, CABDA has grown exponentially in four years, and exhibitors interviewed on Wednesday all commended the show for providing quality face time with store staff. Retailers are willing to take time and have meaningful conversations, and in some cases even write orders.

“We are writing orders,” said Rickey Strawn, director of sales for Haro, which had a large booth housing Masi, Del Sol and Haro. “We are sitting with dealers and talking business. It’s wonderful to see this network of dealers support the show. I already know I surpassed orders written last year just today.”

Strawn said he incentivized dealers to place orders and visit their booth with a coupon offering 5-10 percent discount on orders written at the show. He said dealers came from Michigan, Iowa, Indiana, Wisconsin, Missouri, Minnesota, Illinois and even a few from Virginia and Texas.

Regional distributor Olympic Supply Co. also wrote orders at the show.

New show exhibitors included Teravail, Genuine Innovations/Slime, Orbea, Schwinn E-Bikes, Rolf Prima, Elby, Roll:, and Pioneer, among others.

Traffic seemed strong in light of competing events this year, including QBP’s Frostbike, which starts Friday, as well as the North American Handmade Bicycle Show (NAHBS). Several brands expected to travel to one or both from Chicago after the show ends Thursday.

Some suppliers weren’t exhibiting but had executives walking the show to see whether they would want to come next year or to have meetings with dealers or other vendors.

In earlier years, booths were mostly manned by local/regional reps or sales agents. But now, CABDA is drawing vice presidents, national sales managers, directors and CEOs, higher level management who have taken interest in seeing what the buzz is all about. Many gave CABDA thumbs up for the more modern convention center and hotel, a major upgrade from the Pheasant Run in St. Charles, which the show outgrew last year.

“We’re trying to acquire new customers and we’ve had quite a bit of success,” said Skip Swain, VP of sales and marketing at Norco Bicycles. “It’s been a busy morning. It’s not about the whizbang here and we like that. There are alot more intimate conversations.”

“We went through a lot more beer at our happy hour this year — that’s a good indicator of traffic," said Kevin King, North American sales and marketing for Gore apparel. “This is a key market for us. It pulls people in from lots of states and is a good place to forge new relationships with dealers.”

“I love this show,” said Haibike’s Ken Miner, which had its own booth separate from sister brands Raleigh Electric and Izip. “It’s my favorite. It’s small and cozy and we get to see a lot of retailers we don’t normally see. It’s always busy and people are enthusiastic.”

Park Tool drove out its trailer and took up a large spot in the conventional hall, a departure from most of the pipe-and-drape booths lining the aisles. Company president Eric Hawkins flew in for one day of the show. He planned to head out to UK’s Icebike after the show, and some of his staff were headed to Frostbike.

“I think it’s a great regional show. It’s a great time of year for shops,” Hawkins said. “As long as it’s busy, we’ll come back. We always liked the Chicago show, even back in the day.”

 

BRAIN wants your Sea Otter product news

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LAGUNA HILLS, Calif. (BRAIN) — Bicycle Retailer and Industry News is looking for new product information and news to include in its annual Sea Otter Classic Festival & Gear Guide that will be handed out at the four-day fest in April and distributed to retailers and BRAIN's subscriber base before the event. This year's guide will be packaged with the April 15 issue of Bicycle Retailer, set to reach mailboxes starting the week of April 9 — before Sea Otter kicks off April 19 in Monterey, California.

New product information and industry news should be sent to managing editor Toby Hill at thill@bicycleretailer.com. Product can include complete bikes and frames in addition to new accessories, components, clothing, shoes, protective equipment and nutritionals. All products must be on display at Sea Otter. Companies should send product information, high-resolution images (minimum 5-by-3-inch, 300dpi, jpg preferably), suggested retail price and Sea Otter booth number.

The submission deadline is Wednesday, March 7, but early submittals are encouraged.

Events for the Sea Otter calendar can be submitted on the Marketing and Free Promotions page of the Sea Otter Classic website

Companies interested in advertising in the Sea Otter Festival & Gear Guide can consult the rate sheet attached as a PDF below to get in touch with their area rep.

Frog Bikes named ’Official Kids’ Bike’ of USA Cycling

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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (BRAIN) — Frog Bikes, a British brand that specializes in offering lightweight kids' road and mountain bikes, has reached a sponsorship agreement with USA Cycling to be the organization's Official Kids' Bike through 2020. 

Frog launches in the U.S. market last year and sells exclusively through IBDs.

"We are excited to partner with Frog Bikes to introduce their innovative kids' bike design to the United States cycling community," said USA Cycling's chief marketing and sales officer, Fuad Hamza. "A core component of USA Cycling's mission is to develop the sport of cycling at all levels. We believe that this new relationship with Frog Bikes will encourage more families to get involved in cycling and grow the sport."

Jerry Lawson, the founder of Frog Bikes, said, "Having only launched Frog Bikes in the U.S. a year ago, we are absolutely thrilled to be working with USA Cycling. We have a lot of respect for what USA Cycling has achieved for the sport and are proud to be working alongside them. Our goal has always been to make cycling more accessible and get more kids on bikes. This partnership will allow us to do just that and more."

More details will be revealed about the partnership in the coming months, with a national launch at the Sea Otter Classic in April.

More information on Frog Bikes at frogbikes.com.

New Italian saddle brand offers replaceable covers on carbon base

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New brand to be distributed by Provision Cycling.

UDINE, Italy (BRAIN) — Repente, a new Italian brand, is offering a line of high-end saddles that use a lightweight carbon base and rails with modular, replaceable covers so riders can change out the cover for their intended use.

Repente's CEO is Massimo Farronato, a former longtime purchasing director at Selle Royal Group.

"Our 'Cycling is an art' payoff summarizes our mission," said Farronato, "that is to create innovative Italian products highly appealing for the public, introduce new technologies focusing on comfort and performance, propose valuable design solutions, painstakingly caring for every detail, from the choice of materials all the way to packaging."

The saddle line includes three saddles, the ALEENA, COMPTUS and KUMA. All have full carbon bases and weigh 130, 135 and 145 grams respectively.

The Repente Locking System allows the covers to be switched. The company said that allows riders to tailor the saddle to the riding style and anatomy or replace the cover if it gets worn out or damaged. The cover can be replaced while the saddle base and rails remain installed on the bike, so the ride position is unchanged. The company said the design is better for the environment because less material needs to replaced.

The saddle's base structure has a four-year warranty.

The saddles will retail for about 320 euros. U.S. pricing wasn't available.

Provision Cycling, the employee-owned offshoot of Ochsner International, will be the brand's U.S. distributor and is showing the line at the CABDA show. More information: provisioncycling.com.

Interbike launches bimonthly podcast and video series

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SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, Calif. (BRAIN) — Interbike has announced plans to create a new video series and a new podcast.

The video series speaks to the value of trade shows for all attendees, while giving a visual preview of the Reno Tahoe area and highlights numerous aspects of Interbike Marketweek, which will be held there in September.

The podcast, called “Interbike – The Podcast” is being produced in partnership with Bicycle Retailer and Industry News and will cover a variety of topics in the industry today, and share updates on all things taking place during Interbike Marketweek.

The first video in the series is complete and can be seen below. 

“We want to do everything we can to arm the industry with as much information on our new home, and some reminders of why we need to gather,” said Pat Hus, the vice president of Interbike. “The video series gives us an opportunity to address these topics with some great visual content to really address the unknown about our new home, and so much more.”

“Interbike - The Podcast” will publish every two weeks, and each episode will touch upon current events and products in the world of bicycles – including interviews with industry insiders, trendmakers, category experts and more. The first podcast will launch on February 21 and will be available initially on the Interbike website, with plans to submit to Apple Podcast, Google Play Music and others in the near future.

The podcast host will be Fred Fishkin, who has been producing a daily syndicated radio report on consumer technology for more than two decades. Having been an award-winning street reporter for WCBS Radio in New York, Fred began covering the tech beat in the early 90s. His reports have been syndicated by CBS Radio, Bloomberg Radio and through his own production company.

“We need to continually find ways to reach our audience beyond traditional means,” said Justin Gottlieb, the PR & communications director for Interbike. “Podcasts are great platforms to connect with people who are on-the-move, and we look forward to getting it off the ground next week.”

Interbike Marketweek will take place in the Reno Tahoe region beginning with a new consumer demo and festival in North Lake Tahoe, Sept. 15-16, followed by the OutDoor Demo on Sept. 16-18, and closing with the Interbike Expo Sept. 18-20.


Specialized recalls 6,000 road bikes over fork concerns

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WASHINGTON (BRAIN) — Specialized Bicycle Components is recalling about 5,500 road bikes in the U.S., plus about 360 in Canada and 260 in Mexico, because the bikes' composite forks can break.

The company issued an alert about the issue in December and the U.S. CPSC and Canada and Mexico officials issued a formal recall notice on Thursday. After the initial report, Specialized said the recall would affect as many as 13,000 bikes worldwide.  

The recall involves alll 2018 model year Specialized Allez (Base), Allez Sport, and Allez Elite bikes. The recalled bicycles have aluminum frames and composite forks and were offered in several color combinations.

Consumer can contact Specialized dealers or Specialized at toll-free at 877-808-8154 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or email ridercare@specialized.com. There is more information at specialized.com/us/en/safety-notices.

Specialized has received one report of cracking in the fork. No crashes or injuries have been reported. The company began reaching out to consumers and retailers in December about the issue and in January the company began taking pre-orders for the replacement forks. U.S. consumers with the affected bikes are also receiving $75 vouchers for Specialized merchandise. 

The bikes were sold from July through December last year for between $750 and $1,200.

More information: CPSC recall notice | Specialized recall notice | Canada recall notice | Mexico recall notice.

The Specialized Foundation announces 2018 grant window opening

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MORGAN HILL, Calif. (BRAIN) —The Specialized Foundation is now accepting Riding for Focus applications for the 2018-19 academic year.

The Specialized Foundation's Riding for Focus school program is designed to introduce students to cycling's positive effects on academic performance, health and social success, with a focus on students with learning differences, such as ADHD.

"The Riding for Focus program taught me a lot. A lot about bikes, bike safety, and bike maintenance, but more importantly about myself and how cycling has a positive impact on me and my focus as learner," said Theodore Plewa, a Riding for Focus participant at Wakusha Middle School in Wisconsin.

Selected grant recipients will gain access to the Riding for Focus program curriculum, a fleet of bikes, a starter maintenance kit, and helmets to support their PE cycling program. Additionally, grant recipients will receive in-person training at Specialized facilities in Morgan Hill, California, or Boulder, Colorado.

"Since our start in 2015, and with the help of partner programs and schools, the Riding for Focus program has reached more than 10,000 students nationwide. We are excited to continue reaching new students and look forward to awarding grants to an additional 25 schools this year," said Ted Theocheung, CEO of The Specialized Foundation.

Applications are open to all middle schools, grades 6-9, throughout the USA. The grant window closes March 25. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, with final decisions being made mid-May
Applications can be submitted at specializedfoundation.org/school-grant-program.

"We're committed to doing the right thing, and where we see a chance to help, we're going to do it. We make bikes, and bikes help kids. But we can't do it alone. We need people like you to get involved and join the movement, and together, we'll make a difference for generations to come," said Mike Sinyard, Specialized Founder and CEO.

In addition to growing the Riding for Focus program, The Specialized Foundation is continuing academic research in partnership with Stanford University to gain a better understanding of the positive effects of cycling for middle school aged children. Visit specializedfoundation.org to learn more.

 

Bikepacker Mag and Bikepacking.com integrate their websites

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LONGMONT, Colo. (BRAIN) — Bikepacker Magazine and Bikepacking.com are integrating their websites and collaborating on projects.

Bikepacker.com was founded in 2014. It will soon be shutting down its website but content from the site will be migrated to the Bikepacking.com site. In addition, Bikepacker founders Neil and Lindsay Beltchenko will now contribute regularly to Bikepacking.com.

The Beltchenkos said they are dedicating the majority of their time and energy towards developing the Bikepacking Summit. As part of the arrangement, Bikepacking.com will help promote the event and serve on an advisory level.

The website migration to be completed over the next 3 to 4 months. During the transition, Bikepacker.com will continue to be active and accessible. Bikepacker's social media accounts will soon transition to represent the Bikepacking Summit. A venue and date for the summit will be announced soon.

 

IMBA plans its first Women's Summit

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BOULDER, Colo. (BRAIN) — The International Mountain Bicycling Association will host a new event to bring together female leaders in mountain biking. The IMBA UPRISING event will be March 22-25 in Bentonville, Arkansas.

"In 2018, IMBA will celebrate 30 years. We have seen the sport grow and evolve, and it's our duty as a national educational organization to ensure IMBA's programming continues to serve mountain bikers' needs. UPRISING is a new step in this commitment," said Aimee Ross, IMBA's director of brand development.

IMBA said the event will "highlight the best women's riding efforts happening across the country in a format designed to provide best practices, information, resources and networking opportunities centered around four guiding principles: Build, Ride, Learn and Engage."

Female trail builders, IMBA chapter presidents, ride leaders, coaches and advocates are expected to attend. IMBA said it will take information gathered at the event and share it with the rest of the mountain bike community.

More information and registration is at uprising.imba.com.

 

Kenda expands e-bike tire offerings

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REYNOLDSBURG, Ohio (BRAIN) — Kenda Tire has expanded its e-bike tire line with new offerings in multiple mountain bike categories as well as urban/trekking models.

Al Clark, the senior director of Kenda's North American Bicycle Division, said, "e-bikes, in their various designs, continue to be the fastest growing segment of the market. Kenda is committed to servicing that market as well as being a leader in offering trekking and mountain bike tires that meet the most stringent standards."

Kenda offers e-bike compatible tires in the E-25 (max speed 25 kph) and E-50 (max speed 50 kph) classes. E-50 models have passed the European ECE-R75 certification. Urban/trekking models are identifiable by the E-25 or E-50 decal on the tire, while the mountain bike models are marked with the EMC (E-Mountain Casing) decal.

Kenda e-bike tires come as OE spec on numerous bicycle brands, including the Haro Shift I/O, Orbea Wild, and multiple IZIP and Rad Power Bikes. The line can be seen at kendatire.com/en-us.

Trips for Kids appoints new national support and sponsorship manager

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SAN RAFAEL, Calif. (BRAIN) — Trips for Kids has appointed Andy Phelps as its full-time national support and sponsorship manager for the new national umbrella organization that launched in August last year.

Phelps is a lifelong cycling enthusiast with over 27 years of outdoor recreation and bicycle industry experience. Iin his new position he will focus on supporting the organization's network of 75 chapters throughout the U.S. and Canada, in addition to cultivating and growing Trips for Kids' bicycle and outdoor recreation industry relationships with the goal of generating cash and in-kind product donations. Phelps will assist the new Trips for Kids national team in supporting existing chapters, building new chapters, improving program quality and achieving its goal of reaching 500,000 young people, especially those most in need, by 2027.

Phelps previously was the program manager and sponsorship coordinator for the flagship Trips for Kids-Marin chapter for the past 7 years. During that time he transformed the chapter's Re-Cyclery Community Bike Shop into a thriving local retail operation that now provides 60 percent of the chapter's annual revenue and recycles thousands of refurbished bicycles back into the community.

Phelps said, "This is an amazing opportunity for me! Although Trips for Kids has been around for thirty years, we just launched Trips for Kids national at Interbike last year and it feels very much like a startup. I'm very excited to be part of this new team and I look forward to supporting our chapters with the products they need to get more kids on bikes!"

Robert Alan Ping, Trips for Kids' executive Director, said, "Andy will be a critical addition to the tiny but powerful national team, bringing a wealth of industry connections and a natural gift for nurturing relationships."

Gore Wear offers Shakedry jackets in colors

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BOULDER, Colo. (BRAIN) — Gore Wear is now making its lightweight waterproof Shakedry jackets available in more than one color. 

The jackets were introduced two years ago and are ultra-lightweight and packable with a permanent water beading surface. While several other cycling brands make use of the same fabric technology, Gore Wear is the first to offer the material in colors other than black.

"While the jacket brought decreased weight and a huge increase in breathability, Gore Wear was very cognizant that some consumers prefer colors other than black when riding in the rain. Since then, the company has fully embodied its mantra of 'Always Evolve' to overcome these manufacturing challenges."

Gore Wear is now offering the jackets in blue and gray for runners and cyclists. The brand also is offering Gore C5 Gore-Tex Viz models with neon-colored arm cuffs made from Gore-Tex Active Shell for greater visibility. All Gore-Tex Shakedry jackets for men and women are also equipped with reflective elements.

More information at: gorewear.com/us/en-us/home


QBP offers new mobile catalog app

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BLOOMINGTON, Minn. (BRAIN) — QBP has introduced a mobile app that allows retailers to search the distributor's catalog of more than 45,000 products. The Apple- and Android -compatible app also lets retailers scan bar codes and submit carts.

"Now, sales staff can help customers with specific product questions, item watches, and drop-ship questions without having to return to the sales/service desk," the company said.

From the app, retailers can manage cart details; search and navigate the full QBP catalog, including full product details and images; submit drop-ship order forms; create, build, submit carts; and add items to an Item Watch list.

QBP's website can still do all of the above, and also allows users to access account history, reports, and settings; payment management; Dealer's Choice qualification orders; Retailer resources; and quick order tools.

Links to the apps are at qbp.com/qbp-catalog-app.

Custom bikes stolen from Specialized designer’s home

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SAN FRANCISCO (BRAIN) — On Monday, someone stole six custom, one-of-a-kind bikes from the San Francisco home of Erik Nohlin, Specialized's creative leader for equipment. As of Friday afternoon, the bikes were still not recovered. 

"Each bike is extremely unique and easy to recognize so we are trying to get the word out far and wide in hopes that someone will see something and help get Erik his beloved bikes back," said Specialized's Sean Estes. 

The bike are: a custom 56 cm Allez Track bike, and Allez '74 40th Anniversary Edition, an AWOL Transcontinental, a Turbo e-bike with an aero seattube and split seatstays, an S-Works Diverge, and a Sequoia Expert. Details and photos of the bikes are in the attached pdf. The bikes are registered with Bikeindex.

Anyone with information on the bikes can contact Nohlin at 415-696-1434 or erik.nohlin@specialized.com. Or contact the San Francisco Police at brian.fogarty@sfgov.org

Cycling journalist Andrew Tilin dies after being struck by vehicle

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AUSTIN, Texas (BRAIN) — Andrew Tilin, a journalist and author, died Saturday after being struck by a vehicle while he was on the side of the road fixing a flat during a group ride near Austin. 

Tilin, 52, was a former editor at Outside magazine and a longtime contributor to that title. He also was author of "The Doper Next Door," a 2011 book about his time living and competing while undergoing testosterone therapy.

According to the Austin American Statesman, Tilin was on the side of the road when a "pickup and car collided nearby, sending the truck spinning into Tilin."

Tilin was on a ride with the local Grupo VOP club. 

According to OutsideTilin is survived by his partner, Shellie Thompson Oroshiba; two children, Isaac and Leila; his former wife, Madeleine Tamayo Tilin; and his sister, Tracy.

 

Detroit retailer rolls out Beeline mobile shop

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SAN CARLOS, Calif. (BRAIN) — Mobile bike shop franchiser Beeline Bikes has expanded into the Detroit market in partnership with retailer American Cycle and Fitness.

“American Cycle and Fitness has been in business since the 1920s, but we understood that the nature of retail was rapidly evolving, especially in large metropolitan areas like Detroit because of increasing demand for convenience,” said Michael Reuter, who co-owns the store with Ken Stonehouse. “As we looked to evolve our business, we really relied on Beeline Bikes’ technology platform and business model to help us segue into this new era of retail and transact beyond the four walls of our brick-and-mortar shop. We’re excited to extend our great service with the support and guidance of Beeline, and look forward to continue growing with the concept.” 

In addition to providing repairs and service, Beeline Bikes Powered by American Cycle and Fitness will deliver any new bike purchased on the Raleigh Bikes USA and Diamondback Bikes websites in Detroit assembled and ready to ride for no additional cost, Beeline stated in a release.

NAHBS's first visit to New England a snowy success, organizers say

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Winner of the Best in Show award: Altruiste
Next show is back to Sacramento.

By Patrick Brady

HARTFORD, Conn. (BRAIN) — Despite a bit of snow on Saturday evening, the North American Handmade Bicycle Show enjoyed one of its most successful weekends in the event’s 14-year history, its first-ever visit to New England.

According to show organizer Don Walker, there were 143 exhibitors at the show, which wrapped up Sunday. While the final count isn’t in yet, roughly 8,200 people made their way to the Connecticut Convention Center. The majority of attendees were New Englanders, but the event drew people from many mid-Atlantic states and from as far away as Washington state and California.

This year’s show was a chance to showcase the work of a number of New York and New England framebuilders who haven’t previously made the trip for the event. Local show favorites included J.P. Weigle, Chapman Cycles and relative newcomer Breismeister Bicycles from Queens, N.Y. Additionally, NAHBS has increased its international reach with a number of exhibitors from overseas. Enigma came from England, FiftyOne from Ireland, Bixxis and T Red from Italy, and Triton all the way from Russia.

Chris Bishop, who won Best in Show in 2013 in Denver was back for the first time following an absence of several years.

“I was really impressed with the turnout, not to mention the quality of the other bikes present,” he said. “The quality is so high, you really have to bring it if you want to have any shot at an award. When I found out Peter Weigle was showing, I thought, ‘Oh man, I thought I might win an award.’ ” Bishop did go on to win Best Fillet-Brazed Frame.

Show attendee and former bike shop manager Mike Stebe was excited to see the show for the first time. “Living on the East Coast, I’ve been limited to experiencing NAHBS online only, until now. Having the show in Hartford and seeing all the product in person was truly amazing. I hope they come back east again very soon.” 

Walker said, “The show in Hartford exceeded my expectations. I was very pleased with attendance and organizationally it was spot-on all weekend. My team continues to improve every year. The turnout in both exhibitors and attendees was very gratifying. I can honestly see us making Hartford a regular stop in our rotation.”

Walker has alluded to the possibility that he may begin a rotation of four cities to help maintain a strong turnout.

 This 36-inch wheel mountain bike from Black Sheep to the Artisan Award, which is given to a bike with an unusual degree of in-house fabrication.

“The idea is to go back to cities we know are good locations,” Walker said. “Sacramento works for us. At some point we will get back to the Bay Area. At some point we will go back to the Southwest, probably Austin. We will return to the Northeast for sure and then there will be a Midwest location, probably Indianapolis or Chicago.”

The show changed how it handled awards this year with the judges naming several finalists and bringing each of them up onto the stage and talking about what made each submission noteworthy before announcing the winner. As a result, the awards ceremony was both faster and better attended. The awards ceremony was also moved to noon on Saturday to give the exhibitors a chance to show off their winning bikes on Sunday. 

For 2019, the show will move back to Sacramento.

2018 NAHBS award winners

  • Best Lugged Frame: J.P. Weigle
  • Best Fillet-Brazed Frame: Chris Bishop
  • Best TIG-Welded Frame: Brad Bingham
  • Best Layup: Nick Crumpton
  • Best Road Bike: J.P. Weigle
  • Best Mountain Bike: Altruiste
  • Best Cyclocross Bike: Triton Bikes
  • Best Gravel Bike: Breismeister Bicycles
  • Best Track Bike: T Red Bikes
  • Best Tandem: Chapman Bicycles
  • Best City/Utility Bike: SaltAir Bikes
  • Best Finish: Enigma Bicycleworks
  • Best Artisanal Bike: Black Sheep Bikes
  • Best New Builder: Eyewater Bicycles
  • President’s Award: Salt Air Bikes
  • Judges’ Discretionary Award: No. 22
  • Best in Show: Altruiste
 Editor's note: Patrick Brady was a judge at this year's NAHBS event.
 
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