SANDY, Utah (BRAIN) — Reynolds has streamlined its carbon wheel line for 2019, offering good/better/best options in road, gravel and mountain, plus a new selection of e-MTB wheels. The company’s reps will begin rolling out the program in July, and Reynolds will debut the line at Eurobike.

“We now have products in all the segments — we have equal product presentations for road, gravel, mountain and e-bike,” Reynolds CEO Scott Montgomery told BRAIN. “And to be at the table with products in all those segments was crucial, because there was a time when Reynolds was really road-centric, and we have worked our tails off this year to make sure we’re in all the segments.

“We’ve consolidated the line so that there are fewer total offerings, but we’re very strong in each segment,” he added. 

The Black Label name from Reynolds’ premium mountain offering is now used for top-end products in road and gravel as well (MSRP: $2,099 across all styles).“That will always be our premium product. And that features the best rim, the best spoke, and the best hub, which at the moment is all exclusively Industry Nine,” Montgomery said.

“Then we have a midprice at $1,549, and those products generally move down one degree of quality of hub and spoke, and sometimes some slight changes in the rim. Then we have an entry-level price point at $1,299, which goes to a round spoke generally and a slightly heavier hub.” 

The new TRE Series (for trail rated e-bike) is being introduced exclusively at the $1,549 midrange price point in an asymmetrical rim profile with a 30-millimeter internal rim width in 27.5-inch and 29er sizes and a 36-millimeter internal width for 27.5-inch only. All are built around a five-bearing hub designed to spread out greater loads from e-MTB motors. 

“For this year we’re only introducing them in the mountain area because that’s where we see the highest volume. We definitely feel there is going to be much more e-bike activity in all segments in the coming year, but in the U.S. the charge is being led by mountain,” Montgomery said. “I think that’s clear and away the category that’s really opening up. Dealers are selling lots of transportation bikes too, but we don’t see transportation bikes going with carbon wheels.” (Reynolds stopped making aluminum wheels in 2016.)

Road wheels will be available for rim and disc brakes in rim depths up to 80 millimeters for the Black Label premium aero offering. Gravel wheels (Black Label ATR, ATR X and ATR, in descending price) are tubeless ready, have a 23-millimeter internal width, and will be available in both 700c and 650b versions at all price points.

Mountain wheels all feature a tubeless-ready hookless, asymmetrical rim profile. Black Label Mountain wheels span 29er XC, enduro and trail models and 27.5-inch trail, plus, enduro and DH versions. TRS midrange and TR entry-level trail wheels will come in 24- and 30-miillimeter internal widths for 29er and 30- and 36-millimeter widths for 27.5.

Wheelsets will begin shipping to retailers between July and early October.

Reynolds is also introducing a new lifetime warranty that contains no rider weight limits and “covers all crashes and abuse.”

“It basically says that if you have a problem with your wheel we’re willing to fix it, and that gives people a lot of confidence. We’ll replace it pretty much no questions asked,” Montgomery said.

Starting in July, Reynolds will also launch an aggressive EP program to build grass-roots support for the line.

“It’s not going to be a profit center for Reynolds, but getting people riding the wheels is the best way to really push it through. If you get three or four key people in the store riding Reynolds wheels, they’re going to sell a lot of them,” Montgomery said.

MONTRÉAL (BRAIN) — Dorel Sports has sold its Sugoi and Sombrio clothing brands to Louis Garneau Sports Inc., Dorel Industries announced Wednesday.

Dorel said it is exiting the performance apparel business to focus on bikes, parts, accessories and electric ride-ons.

"Despite the strong brands and products in Sugoi and Sombrio, apparel is not a strategic priority and has been a drain on Dorel's financials. It is in the best interests of our shareholders for us to focus on our core businesses. Sugoi and Sombrio are a perfect fit for Louis Garneau Sports Inc. They specialize in cycling apparel and I am confident both brands will reinforce their excellent product offerings to retailers worldwide," said Martin Schwartz, Dorel's president & CEO,

Dorel Sports' parent, the publicly traded Dorel Industries, expects to record an estimated $11 million of restructuring and other costs during the second quarter ending June 30, 2018, mainly related to non-cash charges associated with the write-down of trademarks and noncash inventory markdowns.

The company said the amount may be subject to change once Dorel finalizes its analysis of the transaction. Dorel will provide additional details and updates in its 2018 second quarter consolidated financial statements, which is expected to be issued on Aug. 3.

Dorel acquired Sugoi Performance Apparel in 2008 when it bought Cannondale Bicycle Corp. from Pegasus Capital Advisors. Dorel purchased Sombrio in 2014.

Louis Garneau Sports called the deal "a strategic acquisition that will reinforce its positioning on the West Coast of both Canada and the USA and provide strategic opportunities for growth in Western Europe and Asia."

"This acquisition will enable Garneau Group to rapidly increase its sales and become a world leader in cycling apparel," said Louis Garneau, the company's president and founder.

He said the three brands will be on display together at next month's Eurobike show. "We will present our three brands and put forth the Canadian spirit and the strength of our innovations."

Garneau noted that a second generation of family members are increasingly involved in the company. Louis' son William, 28, is general manager of the company while Edouard, 25, is sales director. Their sister, Victoria, 21, has just finished her studies in Fashion Design and will soon be joining her brothers full-time in the family company. 

"We are reinventing ourselves because cycling is not only about the professionals, it is also a lifestyle. We will be touching many categories of cycling through apparel. We want to become the leader by introducing a ready-to-wear bike apparel segment for people who practice active transportation, making biking accessible and fun for everyone and, in doing so, create a cycling lifestyle. We want to be the world's cycling solution with our brand portfolio," Louis Garneau said.

"This is my legacy to my three children ... this Never Give Up philosophy that is my motto, and which is demonstrated through this acquisition," the Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures businessman states.

Louis Garneau Sports will keep sales, marketing and product design operations for Sugoi and Sombrio in Vancouver. The rest of the activities will be transferred to the LGS head office in Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures, Quebec, where approximately 10 new jobs will be created.

LOUISVILLE, Colo. (BRAIN) — Pearl Izumi has announced a new "Social Purpose" statement and some ambitious goals for sustainability.

The Shimano-owned brand's new statement is: "Because we believe how we live shapes how future generations ride, we pledge to Ride More and Do More."

In addition to other changes — such as reducing the use of garment hangtags and paper catalogs — the company plans to introduce new sustainable technical fabrics for its spring 2019 product line. Its pledging that by 2020, 30 percent of the Pearl Izumi line will be made of recycled materials. And by 2022, the brand plans 90 percent of its total product line will be made from recycled, renewable or organic materials.

The brand's president, Chris Sword, said, "Put simply, this is who we are. Pearl Izumi was founded on, and we deeply believe in, two things: the love of cycling, and more importantly, love for future generations."

"This is important because our team cares deeply about it. We are leading the industry in sustainability and environmentally-friendly actions, and we've had 60-plus years of positive influence on cycling. But we can do much more, because it can be powerful if we focus, align our efforts, and take an approach that is uniquely Pearl Izumi."

Starting in January 2019, the brand will nearly eliminate hangtags, attaching just one card, of the smallest size that can still be recycled, to capture critical codes/pricing information.

"We feel that with all of the digital resources available, relying on a large hangtag to communicate product details is outdated, and they generate a surprising amount of our total packaging waste," said Sword. "We also explored other solutions like embedded RFID chips, but ultimately, though requiring less paper, they used more resources and couldn't be easily recycled. We're not done yet though."

The company said the new hangtags use 19,400 pounds less paper, saving 165 trees, 68,082 gallons of water and 4,503 gallons of oil annually.

In addition, all new polybag packaging will shift to 100 percent recycled plastic, which can be recycled again, further reducing petroleum use.

Starting with the spring 2019 season, Pearl Izumi sales representatives and dealers will have access to a new fully-featured digital platform instead of printed catalogs. Pearl Izumi said that move will save 41 trees, 16,800 gallons of water, and 1,111 gallons of oil each season through the elimination of paper alone.

The company also is launching a "Renewal Workshop" partnership to repair and resell Pearl Izumi warranty returns, giving gently used products a second life instead of adding to the landfill.

To monitor progress against sustainability goals, Pearl Izumi is using a standardized framework called The Higg Index, which is an industry‐standard sustainability index for apparel and footwear that was developed by the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) and the Sustainable Apparel Coalition in July 2012. The brand adopted this process in 2015; it's the first-and-only cycling apparel or footwear brand reporting on this index.

The company also noted that its headquarters, built in 2013 in Louisville, Colorado, was designed to integrate and celebrate the natural landscape of Colorado. It utilizes abundant natural lighting, ideal solar orientation, and natural ventilation to create a more sustainable, comfortable, and inspiring environment.

This spring, the company earned Gold recognition from the City of Louisville in the Louisville Green Business Program and Partners for a Clean Environment.

"We recently went through a deep and heartfelt process to uncover our core company values," said Sword. "Opinions were solicited from all corners of the business and we heard consistently that a sustainable future is an absolutely critical part of our DNA. This new Social Purpose statement will galvanize us and accelerate the great work that is already underway. I think the cycling industry underestimates the positive impact it can have on people and the environment, and we intend to think big and take bold steps with sustainable business practices, products, and advocacy."

MORGAN HILL, Calif. (BRAIN) — LEM, a brand that started in Italy in 1972 making motorcycle helmets, has launched a line of bicycle helmets in North America, with launches planned for the EU and Asia soon.

The California-based bike helmet brand is a separate entity from the Italian motorcycle helmet brand, although a spokesman said the bicycle helmets share some Italian design influence.

LEM was founded by motorcycle enthusiast Romano Magnani. LEM is an acronym for the Italian words "Lavorazioni Elmi Magnani"— loosely translated as "Helmet Workshop of Magnani."

The bike helmet brand has hired Verde Communications, which works with many bike and outdoor industry clients, for marketing communications, PR and other services.

LEM is offering seven helmet models and 50 color combinations, including road, mountain bike, commuter and kids models. Retail prices range from $40 for kids and commuter models to $65-$110 for adult road and mountain bike models.

The brand will initially sell direct to consumers from its website and plans to move into other channels, including dealer sales, later this year.

Stuart Brown, LEM Helmets' sales manager, said, "Our approach to cycling and building high-quality helmets is one that is inclusive, while ensuring we check all the boxes when it comes to safety and performance. Simply put, LEM is a lifestyle fueled by the belief that life is more fun on a bike."

LEM's website launched officially on Wednesday, and the brand will be exhibiting at next month's Eurobike show.

More information: lemhelmets.com.

BOULDER, Colo. (BRAIN) — The Bicycle Product Suppliers Association has worked with Interbike to develop an expanded Supplier Seminar Series during the show this fall. 

"Our newly formed BPSA Education committee came up with a list of 11 potential topics, and we surveyed our members to narrow it down to four great ones," said Ray Keener, the BPSA's executive director. "With most of the industry's best minds at the show, fleshing out the panels was relatively easy."

The SSS is targeted to industry suppliers, product managers, marketing and operations staff, and inside and outside sales reps. The four seminars, scheduled for the last two afternoons of the show, also draw a significant number of retailers, advocates and media.

Justin Gottlieb, Interbike's interim show director, said, "We're delighted to have more BPSA involvement this year and we're way ahead of last year in terms of being able to promote these powerful sessions. We're expecting a significant bump in attendance."

The four seminars:

What's Going On? There's no single factor in our recent industry challenges. How can we innovate beyond them?

1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 19.

Panelists:

• Bob Margevicius, Specialized
• Andrew Kempe, Shimano
• Rich Tauer, QBP

Moderator: Megan Tompkins, Bicycle Retailer

Statistics: What do we know about our consumers and the flow of product? How can this help us?

2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept, 19

Panelists:

• Jennifer Boldry, PeopleForBikes
• Dirk Sorenson, NPD Group
• Bernie Doering, Stages Cycling

Moderator: Ray Keener, BPSA

Getting More Kids Riding: Laying the foundation for lifelong ridership is key to our industry's future. Who's making progress here?

1 p.m. Thursday Sept. 20

Panelists:

• John Munhall, Giant Bicycles
• Ryan McFarland, Strider

Moderator: Pat Hus, HusPa Consulting

E-Bikes: One of our industry's bright spots. How do we keep charging ahead in sales and legislative progress?

2:30 p.m. Thursday Sept. 20

• Larry Pizzi, Raleigh Electric
• Ed Benjamin, Light Electric Vehicle Association
• Claudia Wasko, Bosch eBike Systems

Moderator: Morgan Lommele, PeopleForBikes

For more information, contact Jack Morrissey at Interbike, jack.morrissey@interbike.com or Ray Keener at BPSA, ray@bpsa.org

AMSTERDAM (BRAIN) — Fallbrook Technologies Inc., the privately held developer and licenser of the patented NuVinci continuously variable planetary transmission technology, emerged from restructuring under Chapter 11 this week.

The company filed for Chapter 11 in February.

The result is a company divided into two distinct divisions: licensing and bike. Fallbrook's bike division is known as Enviolo. 

"This simple structure allows each business to fully focus on their own core objectives," said David Hancock, Enviolo's newly appointed president and CEO.

He said Enviolo has adapted its organizational structure to be more customer centered. This includes the creation of the new Brand Experience (BX) department, which incorporates the customer experience and marketing teams. The BX Department will take care of all retail orders and partnerships, retail education programs, service questions, and warranty cases.

Enviolo will be meeting with customers and displaying its new products at Eurobike next month. 

SUMNER, Wash. (BRAIN) — J&B Importers has promoted longtime employee B. Michael Johnson to general manager of the distributor’s Pacific facility in Sumner, Washington.

Johnson has been with J&B for 13 years, starting as a picker in the Pacific warehouse. “He has held every position at the facility, and brings operational excellence to the GM role. Customer satisfaction and doing whatever is needed to ensure on-time delivery is a staple value Mike will continue to uphold,” J&B stated.

Additionally, J&B has hired Ken Fitzpatrick as assistant facility manager. Fitzpatrick spent 12 years with Jax Bicycle Center and two years at Rock N Road Cyclery in Southern California before moving to Washington state. 

J&B operates 11 facilities nationwide.

LAGUNA HILLS, Calif. (BRAIN) — Bicycle Retailer and Industry News is looking for retailers to participate in our 2018-2019 State of Retail panel. Shop owners, if you have opinions and want to your voice to be heard, this is your chance.

Retailers selected for the panel will weigh in on a variety of business-related topics affecting the industry. Responses are printed in each issue of the magazine. State of Retail is one of the most widely read columns in the magazine.

The State of Retail panel is made up of 10 retailers in North America. Shops are selected to represent a diverse cross section of bike retail, geographically and with regard to the customer base they serve. We're looking for shops of all shapes and sizes, from the new and trendy to the seasoned and traditional. Whether you have one store or 25, you're welcomed to join BRAIN's State of Retail panel!

The panel is a one-year commitment and requires retailers to provide timely responses for each issue. In order to be considered, retailers must be willing to communicate via email on a regular basis and promptly meet deadlines.

While it is a time commitment, many past State of Retail panelists agree that the experience has helped them better understand their businesses. Topics may include current trends, staffing, service and repair, online competition and opportunities, social events and races, technology, and broader subjects like bike share, mobile repair, e-bikes, trade shows and more.

To apply, please send an email no later than Monday, July 16, outlining why you would be a good fit for the panel and a bit about your market to features editor Val Vanderpool at vvanderpool@bicycleretailer.com.

CHICAGO (BRAIN) — The Chicagoland Area Bicycle Dealers Association is increasing its support of the Professional Bicycle Mechanics Association. The dealers association, which plans two trade shows next year, is providing six scholarships for bike mechanics to attend upcoming workshops conducted by the PBMA.

The scholarships will be awarded based on diversity and financial need. Details on how to apply will be available in July. Scholarships will include registration cost, meals, and a travel stipend.

Jim Kersten, CABDA's show director, said, "The PBMA's continued pursuit of quality training and mechanic certifications is essential to the future of our industry; good shops need great mechanics to survive. We need to help make their programming accessible to as many mechanics and shops as possible."

James Stanfill, PBMA's president, said a BicycleRetailer.com article spurred the program.

"BRAIN published a BPSA press release about their newly formed education committee, and a proposal from the PBMA that was under consideration. Shortly after that article was published, Jim reached out and asked if this was something that CABDA could help with. We chatted and reached an agreement that made sense and helps our mission to Promote, Advocate for, and Develop the Professional Bicycle Mechanic, and allows us to promote a scholarship opportunity now instead of later."

"We are still hopeful that the BPSA will decide that manufacturer technical education via our workshops is a worthy cause when they meet in September," Stanfill said.

The PBMA will host its first ever educational summit at CABDA's San Diego expo, in mid-January 2019. The summit will be an open registration event limited to 50 attendees. The goal is to bring the industry's educational community together. Initial goals will be to discuss certification, curriculum, and challenges faced not only by traditional bicycle schools, but also by many of the smaller organizations and manufacturers that are educating our current and future mechanics.

"This educational summit is the next evolution of the development arm of our mission. We hope to form an educational committee that can help drive standards and consistency that consumers can and will take note of," said Stanfill.

Kersten added, "There are far too few independent voices in our industry, and the PBMA is beholden to no one. That's an organization I can get behind. We are proud to support them, and I only wish we had deeper pockets."

PHOENIX (BRAIN) — Effective Sunday, July 1, Serfas will take over sole distribution of Benno Bikes in the United States.

"This is a very exciting time for us all," said Ben Luster, the sales manager at Benno Bikes USA. "The reception to the brand, and the growth rate over the first two years, has far exceeded our expectations. Serfas brings the needed personnel, resources and dealer relationships to sustain such growth."

Serfas had a limited advisory role with Benno Bikes USA since its inception; advising on programs, goals and how to grow dealer relationships. Therefore, the company said, the change will not affect retailers. "We're thrilled to officially bring Benno Bikes USA under the Serfas umbrella," said Serfas' general manager, Erik Braucht. "For a young brand, that is built upon Benno's 25 years in the industry, Benno Bikes has an impressive foundation and well thought out vision to build upon."

For 2019 Benno Bikes will be adding several new pedal and e-bike models, along with expanding its accessory line.

Founder Benno Baenziger said, "We've set out to provide the most comprehensive, highest functioning, and most aesthetically pleasing utility and urban line in the industry. With the added product and new distribution setup, I'm confident great things are in store for Benno Bikes and Serfas." 

Baenziger, a co-founder of Electra Bikes, launched Benno Bikes in 2015. 

Benno Bikes will have a booth at Eurobike (#A2-316) and Serfas is returning to Interbike this year to showcase its full line of accessories and will also have the full Benno Bikes lineup. 

LAGUNA, Calif. (BRAIN) — Crankbrothers is offering limited edition red, white, and blue versions of its Candy 7, Mallet E LS, and Stamp 7 pedals this month. The USA Collection pedals are being sold through the company's website and via dealers. 

Pricing for the USA Collection pedals is identical to other colors of the same models. The Candy 7 retails for $169. The Mallet E LS platform pedal is also $169. The Stamp 7 is $150 and available in Large and Small versions in the USA Collection colors.

More information: crankbrothers.com/collections/usa-edition 

TAIPEI, Taiwan (BRAIN) — Taiwanese e-bike exports were up 34 percent in units and 55 percent in dollars through April, as the country's bicycle industry rapidly gears up to supply e-bikes to the world.

The European Union is enacting tariffs ranging from 80 percent to 170 percent on e-bikes made in China, and the U.S. is threatening a 25 percent tariff on Chinese e-bikes as well, causing suppliers to increasingly look to the island for production.

"With the attractiveness of lower-priced, mass-market Chinese e-bikes now drastically reduced due to protective tariffs in the substantial American and European markets, Taiwanese manufacturers are perfectly poised to exploit this opening for their own e-bikes," read a news release from the Taipei Cycle Show organizers this week.

The Taiwan Bicycle Association, which provided the export figures cited in the release, said e-bike exports through the first four months year totaled 83,000 units, valued at $113 million. Standard bike exports were down nearly 12 percent for the period, to 740,000 units.

Taiwan was Europe's second largest source of e-bikes last year, behind China. The volume of e-bikes Taiwan is shipping there has skyrocketed — the 2017 total of 126,000 bikes was three times the number from 2015, according to Eurostat figures quoted in the release.

The U.S. remains Taiwan's biggest export market for bikes, accounting for 22 percent of its total bike industry export revenue last year. The average value of bikes exported to the U.S. rose sharply in the first third of 2018 — up by nearly 30 percent to $588.

The total value of Taiwan bike exports to the U.S. during this period increased by over 14 percent, from $381,644,094 to $435,670,435.

Taiwan's derailleur makers also are doing well: the number of derailleurs exported this year was up 72 percent through April.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (BRAIN) — Barnett Bicycle Institute has announced a series of short-session classes that cover advanced topics. The one-day and two-day classes are offered to experienced mechanics who would like to extend their training without committing to a lengthy training program.

The Advanced Topics Series will be offered beginning July 30 and will include hydraulic road and mountain bike brakes, dropper seatpost service, and suspension.

To enroll or obtain more details, contact BBI at 719-632-5173 or manager@bbinstitute.com, or visit bbinstitute.com.

FRIEDRICHSHAFEN, Germany (BRAIN) — Racer, a French glove and protection manufacturer, plans to introduce a battery-powered heated shoe cover for cyclists at Eurobike, which opens here on Sunday, July 8.

Racer has offered heated gloves for cyclists for several seasons.

The shoe cover has a Lithium Ion battery with IR-WARM 2.0 heating technology developed in cooperation with the French Army Biomedical Center. IR-WARM 2.0 is a system of heated wires that are spread over the entire foot.

"This revolutionary technology with thermo-regulation ensures a constant feeling of warmth, even when the temperature drops to minus 10 degrees," the company said. The heating can be adjusted individually between three different heat levelsdepending on the actual weather situation. Depending on the selected heat level, the battery lasts up to six hours.

The cover has breathable, leather-like material Clarino on the inside. The outside has a softshell material that keeps out light snow or rain. Its zipper is air- and waterproof, and the tip of the shoe cover is Kevlar-reinforced with a neoprene sleeve. The shoe cover weighs 400 grams. It's designed to fit over road or mountain bike shoes. 

Racer is based in Salon de Provence, France and produces about 250,000 pairs of gloves annually, with distribution in over 20 countries. The company, which started in the ski industry, introduced its first heated motorbike glove in 1983. In 2015, Racer introduced their first bike collection that includes gloves, protection wear and now shoe covers. Its heated bike glove, the E-GLOVE 2, was awarded with a EUROBIKE Award in 2017.

Racer's bike product line is distributed in Canada by Distributions Lyncee. MSRP in Canada is $455 CAN. In Europe it is 220 euros. Racer currently has no U.S. distribution.

More information at racergloves.com.

SAINT-GEORGES, Québec (BRAIN) — As of last month, Procycle, the parent company of Rocky Mountain, Miele and eVox, has been renamed as Rocky Mountain. Besides the name change, the company has announced that it is phasing out the Miele and eVox names and will exit the hybrid market to focus mountain bikes, including e-MTBs. 

Procycle was formed in 1977. Over the past 41 years, the company has manufactured and assembled over 8 million bicycles at its Québec factory. Procycle purchased North Vancouver-based Rocky Mountain in 1997. Rocky Mountain's development center, R&D facilities and customer service remains in North Vancouver. Rocky Mountain's electric R&D team will remain in Québec. 

"This decision allows us to focus all of our energy on the brand with the most opportunity to grow," said Raymond Dutil, CEO of Rocky Mountain. Dutil remains the sole owner of the company. "You can imagine how difficult a decision it was to say goodbye to the name Procycle, which has been in the family for nearly half a century. But the choice was clear: this exciting growth for Rocky Mountain demands we put all of our combined strength behind its name and aspirations. One brand, one vision, one team."

"We understand this decision will have a significant impact for our dealers in Canada, especially those who have stood loyally by our side carrying Miele and eVox since day one," said Raymond Dutil. "Those brands grew year after year thanks to their continued efforts. Because of their support, and our shared success, this decision was not an easy one, but it was the right one. From the bottom of my heart, thank you."

He said the Miele and eVox brands will be transitioned out of the Canadian market, where they are sold exclusively, by this fall. Remaining eVox and Miele stock will be offered to dealers on a first-come, first-serve basis. All warranties for Miele and eVox will be valid until the end of their term.

"It has been an exciting period for us, with our strategic planning process now completely revamped," said Raymond Dutil. "We are now positioned to deliver both bikes and a customer experience that live up to our own high expectations. While it's difficult to put years of work and relationships to the side, we have full confidence that the end result will be a more streamlined company, a focused and engaged staff, with brand and sales growth for years to come. I am very proud of the direction the company is taking, and how our entire organization has embraced these changes."

All staff is being retained; Miele and eVox staff will be refocused on Rocky Mountain. 

"We will now work and play as a unified team — the Rocky Mountain team. We are not downsizing, we are not restructuring; rather, we are regrouping and refocusing our strengths and talents as an organization into a single goal: to grow a premium, heritage Canadian brand and better nurture it towards its potential," said Juli Dutil, the company's director of strategic development & creativity.

The company's legal entity will remain Industries RAD Inc. For several years Procycle owned the Canadian license to produce Peugeot bikes, which were manufactured at its factory in Saint-Georges. It also formerly marketed the Oryx, Mikado, Balfa, Energy, CCM and Velo Sport brands. 

LONDON (BRAIN) — The Global Cycling Network has launched a new Spanish language channel, GCN en Español. The company said it is the first part of a major expansion plan of internationalisation.

Pro cyclist Óscar Pujol will be among the presenters on the new channel, alongside longstanding GCN presenter Dan Lloyd.

GCN owner Play Sports Network is recruiting more presenters to work alongside Pujol on GCN en Español. It also is hiring a number of other Spanish-speaking employees to support growth in that sector. The Play Sports Network is set to open a studio in Girona where a large amount of the new channel's filming will take place. Girona is home to a large number of pro riders and teams.

The GCN en Español teaser (below) goes live Monday; new content will begin posting daily on July 16.

 PORTLAND, Ore. (BRAIN) — Red Truck has signed up Velofix to provide on-site assembly of bicycles purchased on the online sports marketplace. 

“We want to be seen as a solution for brands to move their gear and have the confidence that it will be assembled with the quality expected by the consumer,” said Michael Bergmann, Red Truck’s president and CEO. “The Velofix service is already offered by many of the top cycling brands, and we are excited to be part of that ecosystem for our customers.”

Red Truck is an online marketplace for athletes and companies to sell used professional-grade gear, with a portion of sale proceeds donated to a charity or cause. The Red Truck website, which also features stories about athletes and the work of partner foundations, will be updated in July with an improved user experience that includes the Velofix Build service, the company stated.

Velofix co-founder and CEO Chris Guillemet said, “We are looking forward to partnering with Red Truck. Their blend of social impact with reliable goods offers consumers a unique and custom experience. That speaks to us and we share a lot of the same customer experience expectations.”

LONGMONT, Colo. (BRAIN) — Bikepacking.com and Bunyan Velo are working together to introduce a new bi-annual print publication called The Bikepacking Journal. The journal will be more than 130 pages of stories and photography.

"We've carefully considered every detail in the journal's production, from paper stocks, to inks, to finishing techniques. To this end, it's our hope that each issue will be a keepsake worth savoring and proudly displaying on the coffee table," said Lucas Winzenburg, the founder of Bunyan Velo and editor-in-chief of The Bikepacking Journal.

The Bikepacking Journal will be offered as part of the Bikepacking Collective, a new membership program for Bikepacking.com.

"Bikepacking Collective contributions will go toward building a better, more sustainable Bikepacking.com, and creating original bikepacking routes, authentic stories, and quality guides and reportage. A Bikepacking Collective membership also includes access to exclusive merchandise, industry discounts, prizes, and a voice in the future of the Bikepacking.com website," the company said.

The inaugural issue of The Bikepacking Journal will be printed and shipped in early October, with subsequent issues published in March and October of each year. More information at bikepacking.com/join.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (BRAIN) — Guillermo Rojas has joined USA Cycling as director of marketing and communications. Rojas has more than two decades of sports, brand and event experience, including several years working in the Olympic movement and cycling.

"Guillermo is a great addition to the USA Cycling team, and he joins us in a critical area of our business and at a key time as Tokyo 2020 approaches," said Fad Hama, USA Cycling's chief marketing and sales officer. "Guillermo's background and experience are a great fit — with his deep expertise in the Olympic movement from his tenure at the U.S. Olympic Committee, his experience with working with national governing bodies, and more recently, working in cycling, including leading media operations for top U.S. races. Plus, the fact that he is a passionate cyclist makes him an even better fit for the team."

Rojas will develop and implement a comprehensive marketing and communications strategy across event services, membership, elite athletics and racing operations —overseeing brand marketing, digital marketing, social media, PR and media strategy, USA Cycling stated. He joins USA Cycling from TORRE Consulting, a company he founded.

"This is an exciting time to join the USA Cycling team with so many opportunities for growth in the sport of cycling and with the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games on the horizon," Rojas said. "I'm looking forward to working with members, athletes, staff, sponsors and all of our stakeholders to both build awareness of a sport I love and to help athletes at all levels achieve success."