BERKELEY, Calif. (BRAIN) — The National Interscholastic Cycling Association has announced new industry partnerships for 2018 through its Corporate Booster Club. NICA Booster Club Members support NICA through donations, in-kind gifts and proceeds of product sales.

One new member is Frog Bikes, a new brand of youth bikes sold through IBDs.

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 NICA. We have spent the last year or so developing our new MTB range specifically designed for children and can't wait to see them in action in schools with NICA. Our goal has always been to make cycling more accessible and get more kids having fun on bikes. This partnership will allow us to do just that and broaden the reach of the sport."

In conjunction with new Booster Club members and other NICA sponsors, NICA will be hosting a scavenger hunt for student-athletes at the Sea Otter Classic later this month. Participants will be given a list of questions and tasks to complete at NICA sponsor's booths and, once complete, will receive a swag-filled custom water bottle. All participants will also be eligible to win prizes including a signed Trek Factory Racing team jersey, a Giro Chronicle helmet and Techlace shoes, CLIF Bars, Feedback Sports Scorpion stand, a Yakima Dr. Tray rack and more.

Austin McInerny, NICA's president, said, "NICA is excited to partner with our new Booster Club members and our strong bicycle industry sponsors to continue towards our goal of providing every American teenager the opportunity to build strong mind, body and character thru interscholastic cycling. With three new states (Maryland, West Virginia and Oregon) all launching their inaugural race seasons this coming fall and more regions looking to join the movement, NICA continues to experience 30-plus percent growth year-over-year and we are thrilled that more brands are seeing a return on their investment in our efforts. Frankly, no other effort in America is creating more cycling enthusiasts and we are committed to expanding efforts with the support provided from our supporters."

2018 Boost Club members:

• 100%
• Bike Flights
• Canyon Bikes, USA
• Club Ride Apparel
• Endura
• Frog Bikes
• Jenson USA
• Kali Protectives
• Lazer
• Lezyne
• MINT
• Planet Bike
• RoadID
• Skinnies Sunscreen
• Tifosi
• Timber Bells
• Training Peaks

I

CARSON, Calif. (BRAIN) —In its 120 years of existence, Goodyear has manufactured tires for everything from Henry Ford’s Model T to Formula 1 racecars and NASA’s Mars rover. But the company’s very first product was a bicycle tire back in 1898.

Goodyear returns to those roots now with a new line of performance bicycle tires developed over the past two years with Rubber Kinetics LLC, a company led by industry veteran Luke Musselman with a team based at Goodyear’s headquarters in Akron, Ohio. 

“The inventions and technologies that have come out of Goodyear allow us to bring a premium line of bicycle tires to market,” Musselman said during a recent media launch at the Southern California facility housing Goodyear’s iconic blimp.

(Goodyear also continues to license its name for a separate line of tires and tubes designed by Kent International for the mass market.)

All of the rubber compounds for the new performance line are developed in-house — no other tire brand has them. And the compounds are made specifically for each tread pattern. 

“We can design a great-looking tread pattern, but if the compound doesn’t work with the knob size and doesn’t interact with the ground the way it’s supposed to, that  tread pattern will not work,” said Musselman, Rubber Kinetics’ president. 

The line launches with more than 100 SKUs spanning four categories: road, transit, all-terrain/gravel and mountain, plus Goodyear’s own tubes and tubeless sealant. Musselman said he expects the line to grow to three times that size in the next 18 to 24 months.

In the U.S., the Goodyear line is being distributed exclusively by Hawley. Goodyear will also sell direct to consumers online at full MSRP starting later this year at GoodyearBike.com.

“For us, this was a big opportunity,” said Pat McGinnis, Hawley’s vice president of commercial. “What’s really cool is you have an iconic worldwide brand that’s made the decision to be part of our industry, which I think is really important in how it can bring recognition to other people in the industry. The second thing is that with the exclusive arrangement, it’s a really good opportunity for us to provide an important category that can truly be profitable for our dealers. It can be a tough category to have good margins and good profit. So those two things tie it together.”

Retailers and consumers will get to see the full line this month at Sea Otter, where Hawley representatives will be manning Goodyear’s booth. That will be followed by a major program push in May, Hawley’s McGinnis said.

“We’ll offer a Goodyear program and some opportunities in and around POP, and we’ll give dealers some discount and dating incentives to buy in to the brand,” he added.

For more details about Goodyear’s new performance tire line, see the April 15 print edition of Bicycle Retailer.

CARLSBAD, Calif. (BRAIN) — Campagnolo is introducing 12-speed Super Record and Record groups in rim-brake and disc-brake configurations. Both versions have mechanical shifting, rather than electronic, and the new 12-speed groups are compatible with the company's 11-speed cassette bodies thanks to a narrower chain and cog spacing.

The company said it has improved its shifting with new indexing internals and lever throw. There's no longer any free movement in the shift lever before the shifting begins. The levers allow riders to downshift up to five sprockets and upshift up to three with one movement.

The groups also includes new low-friction cables and housings.

The four-arm, eight-bolt carbon cranks is available with ring combinations: 50/34, 52/36 and 53/39.

The Record crankset comes with a steel axle and USB ceramic bearings; the Super Record version has a titanium axle, CULT ceramic bearings and extra carbon support for the large ring. Both come in 165, 170, 172.5 and 175mm lengths.

The 12-speed cassettes will be available in 11-29t and 11-32t. The company claims the new 12-speed chain is lighter than its 11-speed chains but just as durable.

The rim brake groups are available with dual-pivot, direct-mount or single bolt versions. The direct-mount calipers allow tyres up to 32mm wide. The groups include the same hydraulic disc calipers the company introduced last year. 

The rim-brake Super Record groups will be available in May, followed in June/July by Super Record disc groups.

SEATTLE (BRAIN) — REI on Monday announced it achieved its highest revenues ever in 2017, $2.62 billion. The co-op now has 17 million members.

The co-op said that nearly 70 percent of its profits went right back to the outdoor community in the form of employee retirement, helping fund trail work, member dividends and support for nonprofits.

Also for the first time last year, REI sourced 100 percent of the power for all of its operations from renewable sources.

The sales figure was a 2.55 percent increase over 2016. 

REI also opened four new stores in 2017, in Dillon, Colorado; Winter Park, Florida; Burbank, California and Rochester, New York.

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (BRAIN) — Cane Creek Cycling Components has announced the release of a 29/27.5+ version of its HELM suspension fork, previously available only in the 27.5-inch size. 

The HELM 29/27.5+ is available in both air and coil sprung versions with up to 160 mm of travel. The coil version is adjustable from 130 mm to 160 mm travel and the air version can be adjusted from 100 mm to 160mm. 

"Over the last year we've heard loud and clear that riders on 29er and 27.5+ bikes want the opportunity to ride a HELM," said Sam Anderson, product manager for Cane Creek. "More aggressive, big-wheel bikes are hitting the market every day and, with this fork, riders on those bikes will have the option for a 29/27.5+ fork that offers superb off-the-top compliance combined with the unmatched mid-stroke support and control that riders have raved about with the HELM 27.5.""

The original HELM 27.5 was released last March. All HELM forks are assembled in Cane Creek's Asheville, North Carolina, factory.

The HELM 29/27.5+ maintains all of the same functional characteristics of the original fork — including a closed cartridge monotube damper, seven-way adjustability and rider adjustable travel — with the addition of a 51 mm offset and dimensionally adjusted lowers to accommodate the larger wheel and tire size.

"The HELM 27.5 was the result of a lot of hard work and the overwhelmingly positive response over the last year has been great to see," said Brent Graves, president and CEO of Cane Creek. "With the HELM 29/27.5+ we are building on that foundation to bring this outstanding fork to even more riders. It's something we're all really excited about."

The HELM 29/27.5+ will retail for $1,100 in both air and coil sprung versions, the same price as the 27.5 models. They will be available this month through Cane Creek retailers and distributors.

SAN FRANCISCO (BRAIN) — Ride share company Uber has purchased Jump, which operates dockless e-bike share programs in San Francisco and Washington, D.C. Uber had announced earlier this year that its users could reserve Jump e-bikes using the Uber app in San Francisco.  

The purchase price was not disclosed, although TechCrunch said it may have been close to $200 million.

Uber said the purchase was in line with its goal of "bringing together multiple modes of transportation within the Uber app."

Besides the e-bike pilot programs, Jump operates dockless share programs with traditional bikes in about 40 markets under the Social Bicycles brand. Its dockless system requires users to lock bikes to lamp posts or other streetside structures with an included U-lock when they are done riding, unlike other dockless programs where bikes can be left almost anywhere.

LONG BEACH, Calif. (BRAIN) — Jones Bicycles, a fixture in this Southern California beach community for more than a century, is closing this month as current owners John and Lisa Genshock retire from the bike industry, according to the shop's website and social media posts. Store manager Darrell Schwaiger hopes to reopen the shop, but is seeking a more affordable location in Long Beach.

Frank Samuel Jones opened Jones Bicycles in 1910 to sell bicycles and wheeled toys. The shop was acquired by Ben Lawee in 1959, two years before Jones' death. Under Lawee's ownership, the retailer grew into a multi-store chain.

In 1965, Robert Olson purchased the Jones Bicycles location on Long Beach Boulevard from Lawee, also growing from a single store to a multi-store chain. But during the 1992 Los Angeles riots, looters stole more than 700 bicycles from the retailer, and Olson was not able to recover. He continued to operate two stores in Long Beach until 1994, when he sold the locations to the Genshocks.

John and Lisa Genshock eventually grew to three locations, and in 2001 they expanded their store on Second Street in Long Beach's Belmont Shore neighborhood to include skateboards. They also imported their own house-brand line of accessories from Taiwan under the F.U.B.A.R. name.

Their sole remaining location, the three-level Second Street store is currently holding a liquidation sale, and is accepting only minor service work until it closes in mid- to late April, according to the shop website. The site also refers customers to other local retailers who can warranty the shop's bike lines, which include Fuji, SE Racing, GT, Kona and Jamis.

The owners did not immediately return phone calls and email from BRAIN seeking comment.

SCOTTS VALLEY, Calif. (BRAIN) — Fox Factory went public with its 2019 model year offerings on Tuesday, unveiling a wide range of updated Fox-branded suspension as well as the first Fox-built line of Marzocchi products since Fox bought the Italian brand in 2015.

Fox updates and adds gravel and e-bike forks

Fox made improvements across its line of forks and shocks. Highlights include the new 34 Step-Cast cross-country fork, new GRIP2 damper, and an updated Float Air Sleeve and bottom-out system.

New additions to the line include the AX gravel fork, which has been seen in spy shots for about a year. The AX uses 32 Step-Cast fork legs with 40 mm of travel, for use with 700c tires up to 40 mm wide. It will retail for $819.

Another addition is the Speed Pedelec fork for e-bike use. It will be available with 34 mm legs for 27.5-inch and 29-inch wheels at 120 mm travel, and 36 mm legs for 29-inch wheels, with 160 mm of travel. Aftermarket pricing ranges from $746 to $1,059.

Fox's 34 line is now divided between the 34 Step-Cast and the regular 34. The Step-Cast leg design was introduced in a lightweight cross-country model last season, the 32 Step-Cast, which remains available as Fox's lightest fork model. The 34 Step-Cast is also categorized as a cross-country fork, but stiffer than the 32 Step-Cast and a half-pound lighter than the regular 34. The 34 Step-Cast is available in travel from 100-120mm.

The regular 34 is considered a trail fork and is available in 120-140 mm travel. Aftermarket prices range from $739 to $892.

The 36 fork model continues as a trail/enduro design with updated damper and air spring features plus a new Gloss Orange paint option. Prices range from $899 to $1,065.

The 40 is Fox's DH fork, with the new Grip2 damper, new 29-inch option and the new Gloss Orange option. It's available only in the Factory Series configuration, retailing for $1,700.

Fox also continues to offer its Rhythm forks exclsuively for original equipment use.

Changes to Fox's shock line and other technologies are included in the 2019 model year introduction, attached.

Marzocchi relaunches with two forks and a dropper post

Marzocchi spokesman Matt Pacocha said Fox has worked to transition Marzocchi production from its previous Taiwan manufacturer to Fox's factory in Taiwan. The brand is being positioned as "high-value," he said.

"The forks are very high quality and durable. They just give up some weight and adjustability to hit a lower price," he said. The Marzocchi fork line starts at $699 in the aftermarket, while Fox's least expensive aftermarket fork starts at $729.

The Marzocchi line includes two forks — one for trail and one for DH — and a dropper post. The fork pricing starts with the Bomber Z1 at $699 in the aftermarket, lower than any Fox aftermarket fork. Both forks feature Fox's FIT GRIP dampers and EVOL air springs. They use 6000-series aluminum lower legs, while Fox uses higher grade 7000-series aluminum on all Fox-branded forks except the Rhythm.

The Bomber Z1 is a product name that dates to 1997, and has had a reputation for prioritizing ride quality and durability over feathery weight. The latest iteration will be available in 27.5-inch and 29/27.5+ wheel sizes. The 29/27.5+ model will be available in travel from 130 mm to 170 mm in 10 mm increments, while the 27.5-inch model will be available in 150-180mm versions. The fork will retail for $699 and be available in red or black.

The second Marzocchi fork is the Bomber 58, a 203 mm-travel air-spring double-crown fork with new 40 mm lower legs. It will be available for 27.5-inch wheels with 20x110 DH axles and will retail for $999, also in red or black.

The Marzocchi Transfer dropper post has Marzocchi branding for riders who like to match their forks with their post. It's a cable-activated post available in 100-, 125-, or 150 mm travel options, with internal or external remote cable routing. There are below-bar and above-bar remote options and it retails for $294.

The Marzocchi line information is in the brand's 2019 model year introduction, attached.

BEND, Ore. (BRAIN) — Knight Composites has released a new line of tubeless-ready aero road wheels that the Oregon-based brand hopes will introduce tubeless to riders who believe the technology is too complicated or requires special equipment.

"By designing a new, unique center channel and reducing wall height, mounting tubeless tires is now no harder than fitting a standard clincher road tire, and removes the need for an air compressor," Knight stated in a release. "The innovative 'hookless' internal rim profile tapers inward to lock down the tubeless tire bead – with up to twice as much sealing surface as traditional 'hooked' rim designs."

The Knight TLA wheels (Tubeless-Aero) are available in 35- and 50-millimeter depths in both disc and rim brake versions. They were designed in cooperation with German tire maker Schwalbe and optimized for 25-millimeter-wide tubeless tires.

The wheels are built with Rotor's new RVolver hubs and Sapim CX-Ray spokes. The Knight TLA 35s weigh 1,430 grams, with the deeper TLA 50's weighing only 80 grams more at 1,510 grams. They retail for $2,299 per set.

"Tubeless-ready road tires are clearly the future but, as everyone knows, they are normally incredibly hard to fit and run — something I have found on my own road, gravel and 'cross bikes," said Beverly Lucas, Knight Composites' CEO. "Our new TLAs are so easy to set up and, at the same time, they are super-fast and light. We've intentionally taken our time with Knight's tubeless-ready road wheel, but the end result is so worth it — the TLAs are absolute game changers."

More information: knightcomposites.com.

PARK CITY, Utah (BRAIN) — Gore Wear has combined its Shakedry lightweight waterproof breathable material with panels made of a new stretchy Gore-Tex fabric to create a snugger-fitting version of its Shakedry cycling jacket.

Gore introduced the Shakedry fabric about two years ago and it has been used by several brands in addition to Gore Wear. The new Gore C7 Gore-Tex Shakedry Stretch Jacket will be available only from Gore Wear. It retails for $369.

"This low force stretchable material is a new kind of Gore-Tex fabric that allows the production of a draped cycling-specific jacket that fits and performs more like a jersey, while still being completely waterproof," the company said. The company said the jacket improves on the original Shakedry jackets by being quieter and providing unrestricted movement. It also stretches over stuffed jersey pockets and still zips closed easily. The addition of stretch panels adds a small amount of weight and bulk compared to the original C5 Shakedry jacket, which remains available.

Retired pro Fabian Cancellara, who has been the global brand ambassador for Gore Wear since the spring of 2017 "contributed significant feedback towards the development of the jacket," the company said. Cancellara said, "I've been waiting for this jacket and technology to come to production for a long time: it's ultralightweight and super breathable; it fits into any jersey pocket, it's completely waterproof and it fits like a second skin thanks to the stretch inserts."

More information: gorewear.com/us/en-us/shakedry-stretch.

NEWARK, Del. (BRAIN) — On a Monday in mid-January, Tom Harvey, the owner of Wooden Wheels bike shop, announced he would close the shop. Employees Chris Denney, Robbie Downward and David Ferguson didn't see it coming.

"He had his reasons, he had been doing it for 42 years and decided it was time to go his separate way with the shop," said Ferguson. "It was a last minute thing on his part so we had no heads up. We had an hour of breathing. We were confused as to what we would do. We weren't necessarily bummed we had lost our jobs, but more because we had lost the space that was so important to us."

Denney worked at Wooden Wheels for 16 years, Downward for six and Ferguson for one year. But all three had been customers since they were 8 or 9 years old. The trio made the decision to keep Wooden Wheels alive, but in their own way. They launched a GoFundMe campaign, which Ferguson said took off like wildfire.

"That showed us just how many people were committed to Wooden Wheels and really loved what the shop stood for," he said. "So we decided to do something to keep our customers that were loyal to us for so many years happy, getting their bikes tuned and having access to parts."

After raising $18,000 of their $20,000 goal, Denney, Downward and Ferguson began looking for a space to lease. They purchased some inventory and tools from former owner Harvey, but not the business itself. But they kept the Wooden Wheels name.

Wooden Wheels Service and Repair opened earlier this month in a 2,200 square-foot storefront located about two miles from the original store. The new store is 6,000 square feet smaller than the original, but the shop's new focus is on providing customer service and repairs. It will also serve local coffee from Little Goat Coffee Roasters.

"Our service center is on the left when you walk through the door and covers a third of the store. We've got two stands well put out. It's nice and neat and Robbie and I can crank out a good bit of service," Denney said. "The rest of the store is welcoming. There is seating and a waiting area where people can grab a coffee or a beer."

The store is located on the edge of town, putting it close to a popular gravel trail. It will stock some Scott bikes and a selection of parts, accessories and apparel from Gore Bike Wear, which is headquartered in Newark. Ferguson said they decided not to carry over brands Wooden Wheels previously stocked in an effort to differentiate the new location.

"We want people to know it is Wooden Wheels, and that they can expect some of the same things, like the great service and quality work," he said. "But this is a new shop."

Wooden Wheels held a grand opening on April 7 and is now fully open for business in its new location.

OGDEN, Utah (BRAIN) — Mavic has appointed Isaac Wilson as the commercial director for the brand in North America. Wilson joins Mavic from its fellow Amer Sports brand, Salomon, where he was Nordic product category manager.

Wilson takes over as Mavic's commercial director from Sarah Lehman, who has held that role, in addition to being CEO of Enve, since Philip Sporidis left the company in 2016. Lehman remains with Enve but no longer has responsibility for Mavic. 

There are other organizational changes at the company: Mavic will move its North American headquarters out of the space it has shared with Enve in Ogden and into a new space in Park City, Utah. Mavic also has promoted Jason Vivion to national sales manager. The announcements come a week after the longtime commercial director for OEM sales, Larry Burke, announced he was leaving the company for a position with Polartec.

Mavic said it plans to invest in its go-to-market organization, including the hiring of more personnel in customer service, dealer service, service course, warranty and repair departments. The company said the new hires would be cycling specialists who are "independent and Mavic-specific."

Wilson has a long athletic history that includes racing road and mountain bikes, before switching to adventure racing. 

"I am beyond excited to move to the cycling world, the opportunity to manage a heritage brand like Mavic is a cycling nut's dream," he said.

Vivion has been with Mavic for 19 years, most recently as a regional sales manager. He said, "Since I started with Mavic back in 1999, I've seen many high points including the MTB UST and Ksyrium introductions. I look forward to a new wave of success with our recently released Road UST product, expanded Allroad line, and the soon-to-be introduced 2019 product line. There are some good surprises coming and I look forward to winning with Mavic again."

Mavic's new Park City location will include customer and dealer services, and race support service course.

KETCHUM, Idaho (BRAIN) — CrankTank has announced Specialized and Maxxis will attend its Impact Media Summit, planned for June 26-27 in Sun Valley.

Specialized will be the Topic Sponsor for an e-MTB Panel to be held during the PeopleForBikes Draft Meetup at the event. Specialized also is sponsoring the guided e-MTB rides during the event. 

"A market leader in the development of e-bike technology, Specialized is involved in bike and e-bike advocacy, and will use both the riding opportunities and the Draft Meetup e-MTB panel to drive the conversation of how e-bikes fit into the trail user landscape," event organizers said in a statement Tuesday, 

Maxxis Tires also will attend the event, which connects invited media representatives with sponsoring brands. 

"When we decided to create Impact, we envisioned an event that could serve to highlight product, and just as importantly, we wanted it to have an impact on how overarching conversations on bike industry trends and advocacy develop," said CrankTank's vice president, Adrian Montgomery. "We're delighted to have industry leaders Specialized and Maxxis join us in Sun Valley, because we know that they play a positive role in spreading the message of bicycle use around the world."

For inquiries Impact brand sponsor inquiries, contact chad@crantank.net or visit cranktank.net/impact.

SCOTTS VALLEY, Calif. (BRAIN) — Giro Sport Design has announced a wide slate of sponsors for the company's two Grinduro events, which are something like a gravel bike enduro combined with a music, food and bike festival. 

The events are now in their fourth year. Besides Giro, which owns the events, global sponsors include Fabric, SRAM, WTB and Lauf Forks. In California, the presenting sponsor is the Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship and supporting sponsors are Clif and Kleen Kanteen. In Scotland, sponsors include Arran Distillery, Ass Saver, and Chimpanzee Bars.

The Scotland event is July 14 on the Isle of Arran. The California event is Sept. 29 in Quincy.

"Grinduro Scotland was really special - I'm not exaggerating when I say it was the best bike ride I've ever done," said Kate Powlison, SRAM's road brand manager. "The event is magical for participants, and I truly believe it's a huge value for sponsors like us because we get such deep connections with the riders. Grinduro's festival area with music, art, and handmade bikes will expand at both events this year and that kind of true-to-the-culture experience is a key attraction to SRAM."

More information and registration at grinduro.com.

MONTEREY, Calif. (BRAIN) — At the Sea Otter Classic later this month, Bosch eBike Systems will be offering consumers test rides on e-bikes with the company's new PowerTube 500 integrated battery.

The new battery design can be integrated into the frame for a clean look. 

"As e-bikes become more popular in the United States and Canada, we're finding the sleek, integrated design is becoming increasingly important. New e-bikes with PowerTube will look and feel more advanced than ever before," said Claudia Wasko, the general manager of Bosch eBike Systems Americas.

The PowerTube 500 can be built into different types of frames from city bikes and roadsters to e-MTBs. The battery can be removed from the top, bottom or side. The company said it is easily removed and a safety device prevents it from falling out. It can also be charged without removal from the frame.

The lithium-ion battery has a capacity of approximately 500 watt hours; it measures 13.7" x 3.3" x 2.6" inches and weighs about 6.2 lbs. It is compatible with all of Bosch eBike Systems' product lines.

At Sea Otter, Bosch will be providing test rides with bikes from Bulls, Gazelle, Haibike, Mondraker, Raleigh Electric and Riese & Müller. The company will be in Booth #702. 

MONTEREY, Calif. (BRAIN) — Organizers of the Sea Otter Classic say they have sold out the entire expo area for this year's festival. The expo will include more than 500 exhibitors representing nearly 900 brands and occupy 165,000 square feet of display space.

Over the last five years, Sea Otter exhibitor sales have grown by 46 percent. This year's Sea Otter will host over 20 international brands and nearly 40 e-bike companies.

"For 28 years Sea Otter has been cycling's premier event, reflecting the enthusiasm and growth of our industry. Virtually all cycling brands have embraced Sea Otter as a key opportunity to launch new products and interact with consumers," said Frank Yohannan, president and CEO of the Sea Otter Classic.

"Today's enthusiasts participate in many outdoor activities, both on and off the bike. Savvy marketers understand that the Sea Otter audience is not just cyclists; it's a group that plays a key role in influencing mind share and purchase decisions for their families and friends. As a result we're seeing increased expo participation from not only the cycling community, but several other outdoor lifestyle categories," Yohannan added.

The event is April 19-22 at the Laguna Seca Recreation Area in Monterey.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia (BRAIN) — Kona Bicycles will hold a pair of fundraising events at next week’s Sea Otter Classic to benefit two mountain bike advocacy groups and their efforts to rebuild trails damaged in last year’s California wildfires.

At Booth 576 during the Sea Otter expo, Kona will raffle off a limited-edition bike (just 200 made) valued at $2,299. Only 250 tickets will be sold at $20 each. Participants will also receive a Kona T-shirt.

All raffle proceeds will go to the Santa Barbara Mountain Bike Trail Volunteers on California’s Central Coast and the Redwood Empire Mountain Bike Alliance in Northern California.

Kona co-founder Jake Heilbron said, “As some may remember, our first bike designer was California-raised Joe Murray, one of the legendary pioneers of mountain biking. It’s fitting we celebrate our West Coast mountain bike roots by getting together with our friends and doing good works for California trail relief.”

In addition to the bike raffle, Kona will celebrate its 30th birthday by throwing an industry bowling party at Monterey Lanes on Thursday, April 19, with all proceeds also going to SBMBTV and REMBA. It runs from 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

“We are selling out of lanes fast but still have a few to go! Kona is known for throwing some pretty rowdy bowling parties and we’re aiming to make this one for the books. We’ll have a DJ, good eats and cold beer. We’re looking forward to celebrating with you while raising money for a great cause,” the company stated.

For $200, party-goers get an entire lane for five people, bowling shoes, food and drinks. A $40 individual ticket pays for one person to be assigned to a random lane on-site, with shoes, food and drinks included.

For more information or to register, email Lacy Kemp at lacy@konaworld.com or Caleb Smith caleb@konaworld.com.

SAUSALITO, Calif. (BRAIN) — Spurcycle, best known for its Spurcycle bell, has released a new saddle bag that will bring you back to carrying PB&J sandwiches to school. But instead of brown paper, the brand's new bad is made of high-tech sail cloth. 

The Spurcycle Saddle Bag has no zippers and expands or contracts to hold contents securely. It's made of weatherproof X-Pac sale fabric, with a bright interior to make it easy to see contents. It secures to saddle rails with a single wide Velcro strap. The pouch measures 6.5-inches tall with a 4.5-inch x 2.25-inch opening, enough space to accommodate a 29-inch tube, tire levers, CO2, and multi tool. MSRP is $45.

Spurcycle sells though IBDs and consumer direct at spurcycle.com.

Related articles:

Raised in a family bike shop, Spurcycle's founder find success with high-end bell — Jan. 29, 2016 

NEW YORK (BRAIN) — The Dutch e-bike brand VanMoof is launching a subscription program for its bikes, starting at $19 per month.

The fee provides subscribers with unlimited exclusive access to their bike as long as they need it. The fee also covers maintenance and a theft recovery service. VanMoof makes e-bikes and a nonelectric SmartBike that has a wireless connectivity features, including an integrated lock operated by Bluetooth. If stolen, the bikes can be tracked with a GPS and Bluetooth system. 

Subscribers pick up their bike at their nearest VanMoof store: they are in Brooklyn, San Francisco, Paris, Amsterdam, Berlin, Tokyo and Taipei. The bikes can be returned to any of the stores for maintenance or repair. Although subscribers can take their bikes anywhere, the company said the program is most convenient for subscribers who live close to a VanMoof store so they can bring the bikes in for maintenance. Subscribers who travel to another city with a VanMoof store can borrow a bike there. 

Subscribers can end their contract by returning the bike to a store. Or they can sell the subscription to another user to defray the cost of the startup fee. 

"By making quality, high-tech smart bikes accessible to a large audience, VanMoof's hopes to transform the ways we move in cities and improve the U.S.'s urban mobility as a whole. The subscription plan removes riders' most common barriers: cost, maintenance and fear of theft," the company said. 

The company said the high quality and durability of its bikes increases their life span and makes the subscription plan more viable. 

"The better the quality of our bikes, the longer people can ride them, the lower the monthly cost of the subscriptions can be. We've been working towards this win-win situation ever since we started 9 years ago," said Taco Carlier, who co-founded the company with his brother, Ties, in 2009.

Subscriptions to the SmartBike will be available April 24. A subscription to the latest SmartBike model has a start-up fee of $198 and then a $19 monthly fee; the bike retails for $899. 

VanMoof will launch a new e-bike model in May that will be available for a subscription fee that the company is not announcing yet. 

More information: vanmoof.com.

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, Calif. (BRAIN) — Organizers of the Outdoor Retailer Snow Show have moved next year's show in Denver a few weeks later than previously planned. 

The 2019 show will be Jan. 30-Feb. 1 at Denver's Colorado Convention Center, instead of the previously announced Jan. 8-11 dates. The show will be held in the last week of January through 2022, the show said. 

Outdoor Retailer also announced that the Winter Sports Market — an event organized by the Sports Specialists Ltd. and Snowsports Merchandising Corp. buying groups — will be held at Colorado Convention Center for three days leading into each Outdoor Retailer Snow Show.

"We're listening, we heard you loud and clear and we've adjusted our January dates," said Marisa Nicholson, vice president and show director for Outdoor Retailer. "While we received very positive feedback on this past January show, especially because it combined outdoor and snowsports, we also heard the message from the majority of retailers — the early January dates would not work. We heard it in our Advisory Council Meetings, in our store visits and at the rep shows. We heard it from reps and exhibitors looking out for their customers. Thanks to SSL and SMC and their spirit of cooperation, together we were able to make this is a win-win for everyone."

The upcoming winter events schedule:

2019

WSM: Sunday, Jan. 27 – Tuesday, Jan. 29

Outdoor Retailer Snow Show:  Wednesday, Jan. 30 – Friday, Feb. 1

2020

WSM: Sunday, Jan. 26 – Tuesday, Jan. 28
Outdoor Retailer Snow Show: Wednesday, Jan. 29 – Friday, Jan. 31

2021

WSM: Sunday, Jan. 24 – Tuesday, Jan. 26
Outdoor Retailer Snow Show: Wednesday, Jan. 27 – Friday, Jan. 29

2022

WSM / Sunday, Jan. 23 – Tuesday, Jan. 25
Outdoor Retailer Snow Show / Wednesday, Jan. 26 – Friday, Jan. 28