WASHINGTON (BRAIN) — Louis Garneau is working with U.S. and Canadian officials to recall about 650 helmets in the U.S. and 550 in Canada, according to a notice from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The "Course" model helmets do not comply with the impact requirements of federal safety standards. No incidents have been reported. They were sold from December 2015 through December 2017. 

According to a recall notice on its website, the company discovered that "some Course helmets in matte colors might be exposed to a degradation of the plastic shell over time, which potentially affects safety."

Consumers are being told to stop using the helmets and contact Louis Garneau for information on receiving a replacement. The company can be reached at 800-448-1984 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or online at garneau.com/us/en/customer-service/customer-notices

The recall involves Louis Garneau Course Helmets with model number LG1261 printed on the inside of the helmet. "Garneau,""Course" and "LG" are printed on both sides of the recalled bicycle helmets. They were sold in matte black and matte fluo yellow. The manufacturer's date and serial number are printed on a sticker inside the helmet.

Only lot and serial numbers listed below are included in the recall.

Manufacture Date and Serial Number Range:

• 2016-09: 712713 to 712955
• 2016-09; 713088 to 713195
• 2016-09; 713298 to 713783
• 2016-09; 713859 to 713948
• 2016-09: 714284 to 714433
• 2015-11: 719591 to 719740
• 2015-09: 716198 to 716560
• 2015-09: 716621 to 717010
• 2015-09: 717122 to 718070

The helmets were manufactured by Strategic Sports Limited, of China. 

More information: CPSC recall notice | Louis Garneau recall page.

PARK CITY, Utah (POC) — POC is working with Locally to add a retail locator tool to POC's e-commerce website starting April 15. The feature will show POC's ski and bike product dealers as well as real-time availability of products.

"We are excited to partner with Locally to support our customers' shopping experience from researching products online to experiencing them in person at local dealers," said Ryan Barnes, POC's snow sales manager for North America. "With the help of Locally's tool and the service at our fantastic local dealers, we are confident that our customers are going to get the POC product best-suited for them."

The tool will be available throughout the U.S. and Canada beginning April 15.

Locally works with a variety of outdoor brands, including Thule, BOB Gear, and Deuter. More information: Locally.com.

FRISCO, Colo. (BRAIN) — Project Bike Tech is launching video library to help teach students, parents, school administrators and others about careers in the bike and outdoor industries. The library includes a video featuring Eric Hawkins, Park Tool's owner and chief mechanic.

"Eric beautifully illustrates how a bike mechanic is just the beginning and the possibilities are endless," said Mercedes Ross, PBT's national director. It is through the generosity and support of our wonderful sponsors like Eric at Park Tool Co. that we are able to reach the next generation of bike mechanics and enthusiasts."

PBT is working with other partners to add more content to the video library and is asking industry members to submit videos about careers in the bike industry.

The full library is at projectbiketech.org/career-video-library; the Hawkins video is below. 

NEWBURY PARK, Calif. (BRAIN) — PeopleForBikes' next DRAFT Meetup event is next Thursday, March 22, at the Giant Bicycles headquarters here.

The event includes beer, tacos, gear raffles, networking and presentations about building a better community through cycling. The event is free but RSVP is required.

Speakers at the March 22 event include: Derek Towers, the city bicycle coordinator for Ventura, California; Adele Nelson, the director of Chefs Cycle for No Kid Hungry; Dorothy Sullivan, the event coordinator for Newbury Park Bike Shop; and Jordan Hurdle, a mountain bike racer and sophomore at Newbury Park High School.

The event runs from 5-9 p.m. For more information and to RSVP, visit: goo.gl/GRyWpJ.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia (BRAIN) — The Rip Strip Lumbar Belt is part of the Race Face's 2018 soft goods collection, which was announced this week. 

Race Face said the belt is designed for storage for a mountain biker heading out for a quick trail ride or bike park session. 

It is made with rip-stop nylon with an adjustable woven elastic belt for personalized fit. It has a waterproof media pocket in main body design and a 3-pocket system constructed of durable stretch mesh.

The center pocket is narrow to fit C02 canisters or a pump, which can be secured with an elastic pump loop. There is additional storage at the right and left hip; both secure with zip closure to keep valuables safe.

More information on the full new soft goods line is at raceface.com/products/soft-goods and in the video below.

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (BRAIN) — Gazelle Bikes has launched a new ambassador program called "Gazelle Stories," in several U.S. cities. The brand is looking for interested electric bike enthusiasts, commuters, and storytellers in the cities to help grow and represent the brand.

The cities are San Francisco; Portland, Ore., Seattle; Washington, D.C.; and Brooklyn, New York.

Gazelle Bikes is looking for influential members of the their local community to ride and represent the Gazelle EasyFlow model. Ambassadors will work directly with Gazelle Bikes and their local Gazelle Bikes authorized retailer to obtain an EasyFlow to ride for one month. At the completion of their trial period, ambassadors will be asked to return the bike and submit a short synopsis of their experience to be a featured story on social media and on the new Gazelle Bikes website.

Applications are open through early April. Applicants can send a short email outlining why they'd like to be selected for the program to stories@gazellebikes.com.

MILWAUKEE (BRAIN) — Fyxation has acquired the Pedal Milwaukee Building, a 1929 brick building that will house the brand's design center and corporate offices as well as warehouse space. The building also is home to Wisconsin Bike Fed, Velobahn Coffee and Team Sports, Inc, which is owned and managed by Tom Schuler, the building's previous owner.

Schuler, a former Olympic cyclist and founding member of the 7-Eleven Cycling Team, bought the building in 2011 and had always intended to make the building a hub for cycling-related businesses. Fyxation said it intends to keep that vision for the building and plans to lease additional space to businesses that share in their vision of encouraging an active lifestyle that benefits Milwaukee and beyond.

The co-founders of Fyxation, Ben and Nick Ginster, purchased the building through a new venture, Next Session, LLC.

The 12,200 square foot building is located off the Hank Aaron Trail in Milwaukee's Silver City neighborhood.

Fyxation is no stranger to the building. The first commercial space the brand ever leased was in the same building. After leasing the space for several years, Fyxation moved its retail operations in 2015 to Riverwest. They will maintain their Riverwest retail location at 2943 N. Humboldt Blvd.

Nick Ginster said, "Launching our retail operations in Riverwest has been a fantastic experience that has connected us with the cycling community here in the city, but we always missed our previous home at Pedal Milwaukee. We are excited to be sharing space with the Wisconsin Bike Fed, Team Sports and Velobahn Coffee again. Being neighbors to like-minded organizations like Escuela Verde and the Urban Ecology Center is an added bonus. With a location just off the Hank Aaron Trail we will stay connected to Milwaukee's bike routes."

"This building has a ton of energy right now and we are excited to offer up additional space for small businesses and individuals looking to work in this dynamic environment," said Ginster. "We plan to offer both long term leases to businesses and month to month rentals in our co-working space which is ideal for entrepreneurs, startups, remote employees or individuals looking for an exciting, collaborative environment to work outside of their homes. Tenants will have access to our shared conference room, off street parking and there are tons of other perks here at Pedal Milwaukee. For us cyclists, being so close to the Hank Aaron Trail is tops on the list, but sharing space with an amazing coffee shop and being minutes by bike to Miller Park are right up there."

More information at pedalmilwaukee.com.

FORT COLLINS, Colo. (BRAIN) — Niner Bikes has hired Reese Ruland as the brand's new social media manager. Ruland comes to Niner with a diverse background in the outdoor and cycling industry, most recently working in social media for TrainingPeaks and Specialized Bicycle Components.

"I'm extremely excited to work with Niner," Ruland said. "I'm surrounded by creative, motivated and fun people at work and I want the brand voice to reflect our passion. We make bikes that all of us enjoy riding, let's embrace that."

"One of my big goals is to reach out to riders who have maybe previously passed us by. In the future, I'd like to see even more women on our bikes."

Ruland said she wants to focus efforts on women's cycling, community outreach and telling authentic stories from the brand's riders.

"The beauty of the bike industry is that we are providing people with a vehicle for adventure. I'd love to tell more stories about people traveling with their bikes or highlight crazy races or routes."

MANNING, S.C. (BRAIN) — The Trump Administration’s newly announced tariffs on imported steel and aluminum will — at least temporarily — put a jobs expansion proposal by Kent International on hold. 

Arnold Kamler, Kent’s CEO, said the new tariffs pose no immediate impact to his company. However, Kamler is putting off a decision to purchase welding robots and start welding frames from imported pre-cut and shaped tubing at his South Carolina factory. 

If Kamler were to move ahead by year’s end as he had planned, the move would have added between 60 and 80 jobs at his South Carolina facility. “The idea was to work first on the welding and then eventually purchase the automatic bending and laser cutting equipment, but this is now on hold,” Kamler told BRAIN.

"The move by the Trump Administration was done too hastily, and was done to fulfill his campaign promise, and will not help our economy and, in my opinion, will cause job loss," he said.

Last year Kent International assembled approximately 300,000 bikes at its Manning factory. The city, with a population of about 5,000, is 63 miles southeast of Columbia, the state’s Capitol.

Meanwhile, last week, PeopleForBikes sent a letter to its members seeking their opinion on the Trump administration’s decision to levy a 25 percent tariff on steel and 10 percent on aluminum. Those tariffs are scheduled to be imposed on Friday. Canada and Mexico have been exempted at least for now.

In its letter to members, PFB said “the president’s actions could lead to higher costs for bicycle products produced domestically that utilize steel and aluminum imports. PeopleForBikes is actively working to understand the issue as it affects our members and we want to learn more.”

It asked that its members reach out to Katy Hartnett, PFB’s director of government relations to share their perspective. 

Nonetheless, DT Swiss, which makes spokes at its Grand Junction, Colorado, facility, said the tariff could have a significant impact on its foreign supplier of high-quality steel wire. Wheelsmith, with a factory in Mequon, Wisconsin, could also be hit with higher prices.

On the other hand, Paul Price, founder of Paul Component Engineering, said he only uses domestically produced aluminum and the boost in the aluminum tariff will not impact him directly. But he expects the cost of domestic aluminum to go up if the tariff is imposed, he said.

In general, it appears that the overall bicycle industry could experience little impact in the short term from the new tariffs. But suppliers worry that any hint of higher prices could further slow growth in an already soft market for bicycles. 

Further roiling concerns over the economy is Trump’s threat to hit China with tariffs on $30 billion worth of exports to the U.S. That could spark a trade war between the globe’s leading economies. 

CASTLE PINES, Colo. (BRAIN) — Italian Bicycle Group N.A., a bicycle import and wholesale distribution company of Italian cycling products to Canada, Mexico and the United States, is now distributing MB Wear cycling socks in the United States.

MB Wear was founded in 2015 by then teammates Marco Bandiera and Tiziano Dall'Antonia of Gianni Savio's UCI Professional Continental team Androni. The company provides the official sock of the 2018 Aqua Blue Sport Professional Cycling Team.

The company said its socks feature strategically placed variable thickness fabrics, creating a compression technology for improved performance while racing or riding; an ultra-flat, thin Polypropylene layer inserted at the ball of the foot for absorbing impacts and vibrations; a hexagonal knit creating micro perspiration channels for keeping the foot cool in the summer and dry and warm in the winter; and silver ions woven into the fabric for antibacterial properties.

Available in six models, two sizes and 11 color options. 

They weigh 30 grams per pair and are 100% made in Italy of 70 percent Meryl Skinlife, 18 percent Polyamide, 10 percent Polypropylene and 2 percent Elastane. They retails for $29.95.

Italian Bicycle Group N.A. is currently establishing an authorized dealer network for MB Wear  socks, and is encouraing independent bicycle dealers to contact IBGNA to set-up an account. 

For more information, email info@italianbicyclegroup.com or visit italianbicyclegroup.com. A MB Wear catalog is attached. 

Related: Italian Bicycle Group imports Scgaliarini colored brake hoods. 

TEMPE, Ariz. (BRAIN) — A self-driving Uber car hit and killed a pedestrian Sunday night here, according to New York Times reporter Daisuke Wakabayashi's twitter feed.

According to a Tempe Police report, the Uber car was operating in autonomous mode though there was a human safety driver in the vehicle. Wakabayashi said this could be the first pedestrian killed by an autonomous vehicle. Wakabayashi’s first tweet identified the woman struck as a cyclist, as did the first local Tempe news reports. But police reports corrected to a female pedestrian.

Responding to the accident, Uber has paused its autonomous driving tests on public roads in Arizona as well as in the cities of San Francisco, Toronto, and Pittsburgh.

The US National Transportation Safety Board has opened an investigation into the crash and is sending a team to Tempe according to the Board's Twitter feed.

California plans to issue permits starting on April 2 approving fully driverless testing of autonomous vehicles on state roads. Whether this accident will pause this timeline is not clear at this point.

On Monday, Brian Wiedenmeier, executive director of the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition, issued a statement calling the Arizona collision "entirely preventable."

The Coalition in 2016 pointed out that Uber's technology at the time allowed right turns through bike lanes.

"The State of California took action, threatening to revoke the registration of the unready vehicles," Wiedenmeier said.

"Now, as the California DMV is on the cusp of issuing driverless testing permits to companies like Uber, Waymo and Cruise, we must ensure that the safety of people biking and walking is paramount. We strongly support San Francisco Mayor Mark Farrell in his calls for voluntary safety checks before any autonomous vehicles operate under this permit on our streets.

"We call on Uber, Waymo, Lyft, Cruise and all companies that seek to test and deploy autonomous vehicles to take responsibility for public safety," he said. 

Editor's note: Matt Wiebe wrote about autonomous vehicles and the bike industry in the March 15 issue of Bicycle Retailer. 

POOLE, United Kingdom (BRAIN) — Muc-Off has announced Quality Bicycle Products as their latest U.S. distributor. QBP started carrying Muc-Off's complete line on March 1. Muc-Off will continue to be carried by BTI, Downeast, Hans Johnsen Company and Hawley-Lambert.

Muc-Off's North American account manager, Tony Zanca, said, "We are extremely excited to add QBP to our existing network of distribution partners in the USA. Our strategy is to work in tandem with a small group of national and regionally focused distributors, and by adding QBP to the partnerships we already enjoy with Hawley-Lambert, Hans Johnsen, Downeast and BTI we believe we can support the IBD market from a supply and dealer event support perspective that is second to none."

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (BRAIN) — The National Bicycle Dealers Association's Profitability Project, better known as its P2 Program, is moving its monthly reporting to a real-time, web-based system.

Participating dealers can view the program's data at any time. And for P2 dealers who use Ascend's or Lightspeed's POS programs, the data needed for a P2 analysis loads automatically into the web platform, Retail Toolkit.

Kent Cranford, the NBDA's second vice chair, said the new system moves what had been a static Excel-like monthly report to the web where it is always reporting and is automated for Ascend and Lightspeed. Cranford owns two stores—Motion Makers Bicycle Shop in Asheville and Sylva, North Carolina.

"Even the folks who will still enter their numbers manually will get real-time stats instead of waiting for a report to be released," he said.

Jeff Selzer, general manager of Palo Alto Bicycles and a former NBDA board member, called the new system "amazing." It offers him and other P2 members a snapshot of how shops across the nation are dealing with growth, margin, labor and profit.

"Dealers are the boots on the ground and we need current data. This new system gives it to me. I can compare how I am stacking up next to anyone in my full group," he said.

Selzer was one of the P2's founding members. Now in its eleventh year, the program has been widely hailed as an effort to improve retail profitability among IBDs.

Brandee Lepak, the NBDA's chairwoman, said the new system is an example of how the dealer association is investing in the future. "This program has proven over the years its value to participating dealers. And it's an indication of the NBDA's commitment to IBD's," Lepak said.

Among the key features of the new program is its ability to offer participants a P2 Dashboard. That dashboard graphically illustrates labor sales as a percentage of total sales, bicycle sales as a percentage of total sales, gross margins on bicycles, average sales per transaction, sales growth and the growth in average transaction value.

The format is similar to that of groups in the automobile, motor sports, RV and camping industries. Each group is made up of non-competing dealers who meet to learn, compare, network, examine and analyze specific data from their business to improve operations and strategy. Each group meets twice a year in alternating member locations.

Currently, it costs participating dealers $3,000 in dues plus the cost of travel to meet with group members. "On average, I think I spend $4,000 to $5,000 a year on the program," Selzer said. "But for me, I can say I average between $10,000 and $20,000 worth of value from the group every year," he added.

For example, Selzer said an idea he got at one group meeting was a method to store bicycles; it gave him 30 percent more storage in the same space. That in turn allowed Selzer to expand his service department and generate more service dollars.

It was Noel Kegel and his late father, Chris Kegel, who created Retail Toolkit to help solve the challenges facing today's retailers—accurately forecasting sales, managing inventory and payroll. Kegel passed away in early 2017 from liver cancer. He had been an NBDA board member for more than a decade.

They developed the initial program in 2013 to help manage Wheel & Sprocket's multiple locations. As they improved the program other shops and industries—winter sports, outdoors and running—began using it. The NBDA later adopted the program as the basis for its P2 groups.

QBP is now helping to facilitate the NBDA's P2 program. This month Lori Richman, QBP's director of organization development, will meet with three P2 groups. Todd Cravens, QBP's director of national accounts, will provide consultation and support.

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (BRAIN) — Rotor America has increased its IBD technical support with the hire of Joel Sehloff as West Coast tech rep.

Sehloff wrenched at Wisconsin and Utah-area bike shops and raced road and mountain bikes before coming to Rotor America. "I'm really excited to contribute to a brand with as much momentum as Rotor," said Sehloff. "This role lets me support shops by educating staff and getting them stoked on the solutions we offer."

The Rotor Tech Rep program is designed to contribute to bike shops' bottom line via event help and staff trainings on Rotor products. 

"We are excited to add a tech rep as knowledgeable as Joel. His combination of enthusiasm and competence will be a great asset to our dealer network around the country," said Lori Barrett, Rotor USA's VP of business development.

BOULDER, Colo. (BRAIN) — RockyMounts, Inc. is working with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to recall 565 of its auto bike racks because a weld can fail, causing the rack to separate from the vehicle. 

The recall involves some Split Rail 1.25" bicycle racks (part number 11300), MonoRail 2" bicycle racks (part number 10004), SplitRail 2" bicycle racks (part number 11400), and MonoRail 1.25" bicycle racks (part number 10003).

The weld that attaches the hitch tube to the pivot bracket may crack and fail allowing the upper portion of the rack with the bicycles attached to separate from the vehicle.

RockyMounts is notifying owners and will provide a new rack base free of charge. The recall is expected to officially begin on Friday, March 23. Owners can contact RockyMounts customer service at 1-303-402-0190. They also can contact the National Highway Traffc Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

More information: RockyMounts safety notice.

SYDNEY (BRAIN) — Bont Cycling's new Helix road shoe has a new cable closure system that wraps around the shoe, through the carbon chassis and back around the other side of the upper. The system uses a single BOA dial for closure and adjustment. 

"The system, in combination with an overlapping upper, allows for more adjustment and volume control. The continuous wiring spreads the load for a secure hold without localized pressure points," the company said.

"The cable integration system has allowed us to keep the weight low, while adding even more to the concept of custom fit. Working with BOA and taking the wire completely around the shoe, we are able to ultimately fine-tune the fit and control the volume adjustment."

The Helix also features Bont's unidirectional monocoque carbon sole, a TPU ventilated toe protector, and a lightweight Durolite upper and tongue. The upper is designed to be anti-stretch so the fit does not change over time. The Helix, like other Bont Cycling shoes, can be heat molded in a conventional oven. 

The new 230-gram (size 42) Helix is available now and is being officially launched to the public at the Sea Otter Classic next month. It retails for $399 and comes in four colors. 

Bont is distributed in the U.S. through Mc2 Sports Specialists and Quality Bicycle Products. More information at bontcycling.com.

ROSEVILLE, Minn. (BRAIN) — Hed Cycling Products has enacted a unilateral Minimum Advertised Price Policy, to be enforced across all channels of advertising.

The company said the MAP is intended "to preserve the HED brand products' value in the marketplace, and provide a level playing field for all HED retailers."

Paul Ellis, Hed's director of sales and marketing, said, "We're very pleased to have an official MAP policy in place. It should enable IBDs compete fairly in the marketplace, and minimize any complaints or problems for them in regards to online advertising. We know that this will be in the best long-term interest of both our dealers and Hed Cycling."

The MAP policy is effective immediately, and Hed said it will be monitoring and enforcing it. 

SAN CARLOS, Calif. (BRAIN) — Beeline Bikes has launched its newest mobile bike shop, in California's Capitol city. Beeline Bikes of Sacramento marks the second territory owned by Bzur Haun, who acquired Beeline Bikes NorCal in August 2017.

“Opening my second territory with Beeline Bikes in less than six months is a testament to its exceptional business model and tremendous potential for success,” Haun said. “With the increasing consumer demand for convenient services, Beeline is at the forefront and a driving force behind disrupting the cycling industry as we know it — taking what has traditionally been a brick-and-mortar business model and making it mobile.”

As with his NorCal territory, Haun has named Nick Blaauw director of operations for the Sacramento territory. Blaauw brings nearly 30 years of bike industry experience to Beeline, most recently serving as the manager of Sports Basement Presidio. 

 “As the NorCal and Sacramento mobile bike shops continue to rapidly grow, we’re seeking enthusiastic mechanics interested in joining a dynamic and innovative work environment and who are excited to be a part of this major shift within our industry,” Blauuw said.

Through its exclusive partnership with Raleigh and Diamondback, Beeline offers bike sales and free delivery in addition to parts, service and accessories throughout the Sacramento metro area.

KETCHUM, Idaho (BRAIN) — CrankTank has announced two new brand sponsors for its June Impact Media Summit in Sun Valley. The event organizer also announced that Sun Valley-based endurance rider Rebecca Rusch and bike media veteran Zap Espinoza will participate in a PeopleForBikes Draft Meetup event planned for the closing evening of the Summit.

The two new sponsors are the titanium bike maker Moots Cycles and the performance sock brand Swiftwick.

CrankTank also announced that Western Spirit Cycling will provide guiding services and logistical support for scheduled Impact rides.

Additionally, Impact has secured a couple bike industry celebrities to headline the PeopleForBikes Draft Meetup that will complement the daily rides.

Espinoza has agreed to MC the Meetup, introducing panelists and mediating discussions. Rusch will offer her insights into the rise of gravel bike riding during the Meetup.

"We created Impact to serve a greater purpose beyond introducing product. We want it to be impactful to the bicycle business at large," said CrankTank's vice president, Adrian Montgomery. "Bringing retailers, land managers and bike advocates all together at a Draft Meetup with the media and brands we will have in Sun Valley will create a rallying point for cycling in the local community. We have two awesome topics on-deck for the panel: the rise of gravel cycling and use cases for e-MTB. This inaugural Impact event looks to be exciting and we can't wait to show the bike industry the full experience here in Idaho this summer."

For Impact brand sponsor inquiries, contact chad@crantank.net.

WASHINGTON (BRAIN ) — Companies looking to get exclusions from new steel and aluminum tariffs must apply according to rules set out by the Department of Commerce on Monday.

"These procedures will allow the Administration to further hone these tariffs to ensure they protect our national security while also minimizing undue impact on downstream American industries," Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said in a statement on Monday. "Domestic industry will be able to apply for exclusions through a fair and transparent process run through Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security."

Separate exclusion requests must be submitted for each unique steel or aluminum product import. The exclusion requester must provide factual information on 1) the single type of steel product they require using a 10-digit HTSUS code, including its specific dimension; 2) the quantity of product required (stated in kilograms) under a one-year exclusion; 3) a full description of the properties of the steel product it seeks to import, including chemical composition, dimensions, strength, toughness, ductility, magnetic permeability, surface finish, coatings, and other relevant data.

The requests will be evaluated on whether there is a domestic source of the metal products in sufficient quantity and quality, as well as whether the imports could affect national security, according to a notice in the Federal Register.

Exclusion requests will be open for public review after being posted to the federal rulemaking portal. During the initial 30 days, U.S. parties may file objections to the exclusion request. After this initial 30 day period, approximately 60 days will be necessary for complete review and vetting of the request and any related objection filings. The total processing time for exclusion requests is estimated at 90 days.

It is unclear if tariffs paid during this evaluation period will be refunded.