VENTURA, Calif. (BRAIN) — Zeitbike is now exclusively distributing TSG Technical Safety Gear products in the U.S. and Canada.

TSG started in 1988 in the skateboard industry and has become a popular maker of pads and helmets for BMX, mountain bikers, snowboarders and others. 

"TSG has been ridden by Tony Hawk and many other action heroes today, such as Sam Pilgrim. It's an iconic brand that I even remember from being a skater 30 years ago. When looking at the incredible amount of detail in their pads, you will never wear anything else. TSG clearly builds the best pads in the world, plus, I have never worn a more comfortable helmet in my life. Their fit is incredible," said Fritz Bohl, the founder of Zeitbike.

The helmet range starts at $32.95 and extends to $469.95 for their high-end full face skateboard downhill helmet, the "Pass Pro." Their pads range from simple sets retailing at $29.95 through professional pads with Arti-Lage technology for $99.95 or more.

Contact fritz@zeitbike.com or 805-850-3200 or go to zeitbike.com/wholesale for more information.

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (BRAIN) — Two companies that make stainless steel spokes in the U.S. are having to adjust to a 25 percent tariff on imported steel. Both brands said so far they've been able to avoid price increases.

DT Swiss, which manufactures spokes for the North and South American markets in Western Colorado, so far has been able to absorb cost increases from the tariff, without raising its prices.

Wheelsmith, which manufactures spokes in Wisconsin, so far hasn't seen a material cost increase because it hasn't had to buy more stainless steel wire since the tariff took effect June 1. The company said it is considering strategies once the price increase hits.

The tariff doesn't apply to finished goods, but stainless steel wire is considered a raw material.

Wheelsmith brings in stainless wire from Europe to make straight-gauge spokes. For its double-butted spokes, the company brings in spoke "blanks" from Europe that are not subject to the tariff, because they are considered a finished good. DT cuts and threads the blanks and forms the spoke ends in the U.S.

"On the straight gauge, we're going to take a hit," said Chip Barbieri, the CEO & General Manager of DT Swiss, Inc., the company's U.S. operation. "You try to absorb as much as you can and look at where you can be more efficient, where you can absorb things."

Barbieri said DT Swiss sources all its wire — for operations in Europe, Asia and the U.S.— from the same vendor in Western Europe. If the company ever decided to source the wire from the U.S., it would have to move all its worldwide production to that source. That's because of the company's stringent quality control and consistency standards, and also because it would require DT's full worldwide volume to persuade a U.S. vendor to make the wire.

"To get wire from the U.S. is easier said than done. There would be a vetting process that would take a long time. We are certainly looking at it, but we're not going to jump on that quickly. There's no need to panic."

Barbieri also said that DT Swiss has applied to the Department of Commerce for an exemption from the tariff, as have thousands of other companies. So far no company has received an exemption.

Darren Campbell, the vice president and general manager of Hayes Bicycle, Wheelsmith's parent company, said the company will have to make adjustments before its next wire purchase.

"We will be working a combination of things," he said. "We have to remain competitive on pricing so that's up to the market. In terms of absorbing the hit, we won't absorb a 25-percent material increase. We will either need to find a new material source or change our production strategy. There is also the long shot of either the product or the exporting country being granted an exception, or some modified tariff, but we can't plan on that."

Wheelsmith imports wire to make all its spokes, so the material cost increase would affect straight gauge and butted. 

Related articles:

• With EU and US tariffs threatened on Chinese e-bikes, Taiwan says it's ready
• US component makers squeezed by material costs and new tariff on bearings
• US proposes 25% tariff on China-made e-bikes
• China-made GPS units will be hit with 25% tariff starting next month
• Few details on Trump's latest proposed tariffs
• Department of Commerce publishes tariff exclusion rules

KILLINGTON, Vt. (BRAIN) — Following a major remodel, Alpine Bike Works has reopened as a Giant Partner Store. This is the third major change in as many years for this rapidly growing bike shop. Alpine Bike Works now stocks 80 percent of its floor space with Giant and Liv products in addition to a selection of bikes by Yeti and Ibis. The store also offers Felt, Foes Racing and KHS bicycles.

Alpine Bike Works opened in 2015 in a 1,500 square foot location on Route 4 in Killington, just a short distance from the Killington Access Road, which leads to the ski area.

In 2017, they moved to the new larger location at the base of the Killington Access Road. The current location is almost twice the size of their original store. In addition to bike sales and service, Alpine Bike Works is also home to Fat Bike Vermont fat bike rentals and Killington Ski Bike ski bike rentals. The shop held a grand re-opening as a Giant Partner Store on June 16.

The store's owner, Tony Accurso, said, "We partnered with Giant because we believe they offer the best in product engineering and design, dealer support and dealer product channels, which in turn allow us to provide the best products, support and experience to our customers."

According to a release from Giant, since partnering with Giant shortly after they opened, Alpine Bike Works has seen double-digit growth and expects this trend to continue as the area continues to grow into one of the top cycling destinations in Vermont.

Besides being located near the resort, the location is at the intersection of two major road touring routes and close to several mountain bike trails systems.

LONGMONT, Colo. (BRAIN) — Early July this year is prime season for new product introductions across the bike industry. And excepting this week's holiday in the U.S., manufacturers are planning on rolling out a new products to the public and the trade each day before the Tour de France start on July 7 and the opening of Eurobike on July 8.

On Monday, Giro, Cannondale and Orbea announced a new helmet with innovation safety features, a new top-end road bike, and a new e-road bike, respectively. On Monday the French brand Racer also announced its new heated shoe cover, which is featured in our New Product section.

Giro Aether MIPS

The Giro Aether MIPS is a new $325 helmet that will be worn by the BMC team in the Tour. It features a new approach to using the MIPS system to manage rotation impact energy, while maintaining comfort and ventilation.

Giro calls the new technology MIPS Spherical. Instead of the MIPS liner used in other models, the Spherical technology relies on two layers to the helmet's protective foam that can rotate in relation to each other to mitigate the rotational energy. The design preserves the fit and ventilation of the helmet, which Giro claims also offers class-leading ventilation and aerodynamics. 

"The demands of professional-level road cycling helmets are unique and intense: protection must be accompanied with comfort, low weight, and optimal ventilation," said Giro's helmet product manager, Scott Junker. "And, through the testing and validation performed in The Dome, we've long been convinced of the efficacy of MIPS® to reduce rotational energy. So we invented a new integration of MIPS® that allows us to improve rotational energy management while truly optimizing comfort and ventilation."

The Aether MIPS will be available Aug. 1. More information at: giro.com/us_en/aether.

Cannondale SystemSix

Cannondale claims its new SystemSix has the least drag of any UCI-legal road bike on the market. 

"SystemSix is the result of a ground up design where each element is optimized in pursuit of speed," said Nathan Barry, a Cannondale design engineer. "Aerodynamic drag is the single greatest resistive force that riders have to overcome so it is important to everyone, not just racers. SystemSix delivers more speed, to more riders, more of the time."

The SystemSix is built on a six-part foundation — frame, fork, seatpost, bar, stem and wheels that all work together as a system. The bike is available only in a disc-brake design, which the company said "freed SystemSix from the constraints imposed by rim brakes, allowing engineers to achieve new levels of drag-reducing integration between the frame, fork and wheels. Precisely truncated airfoil profiles in the frame, fork and seatpost maintain air flow attachment across important yaw angles and minimize drag, while delivering world-class stiffness and ride feel."

The SystemSix bikes include the brand's new HollowGram KNØT64 wheels and KNØT SystemBar. The wheels are aerodynamic and designed for wider tires than previously. The KNØT SystemBar provides the low drag and sleek look of a one-piece bar and stem, with the adjustability and convenience of a two-piece system, with 8° of pitch adjust, as well as the ability to change stem length and bar width.

The bikes also come with ready-to-activate Power2Max power meters, and Speed Release thru-axles. The SystemSix lineup features four men's models, in sizes 47, 51, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62 and one women's model, sizes 47, 51, 54. Prices range from $4,000 to 

More information at: cannondale.com/TheSystemSix.

Orbea Gain 

The Gain is carbon hybrid e-bike that weighs just 24.9 pounds. It features an optional extra battery to extend outings, hidden cables, minimalist system controls, and Mavic wheels.

Orbea notes that the Gain removes motor controls from the handlebars, allowing users to install a bike computer if they choose. Gain's control center a "discreet" button on the top tube.

"With the simple iWoc ONE interface you can power the system on or off, check motor assist level and view the remaining battery charge. Colored LED lighting puts all the information you need right at your fingertips," the company said. The CAN (Controller Area Network) bus port provides a single interface for charging, system diagnosis or attaching the external backup battery.

The battery also is hidden within the frame, while an extra battery that fits in a bottle cage also is available. The bike has clearance for tires up to 40 mm wide. 

The Gain is available in five sizes and will be sold in the U.S. with three build options: with Shimano 105, Shimano Ultegra mechanical, or Ultegra Di2. Retail prices are $3,999, $4,799 and $5,799, respectively. 

BOULDER, Colo. (BRAIN) — The International Mountain Bicycling Association has added Ximena Florez, Jessica Kelleher and Jazmin Valera to its board of directors. The three bring a wide range of experience to the Board — including nonprofit, conservation, business, bicycle retail and policy work — and are all passionate about influencing more women and diversity in the sport.

"We are thrilled to have Ximena, Jessica and Jazmin join the Board. IMBA staff and I look forward to the valuable perspective these three will bring, and working alongside them and our full Board to move mountain biking forward in communities across the country," said Dave Wiens, IMBA's executive director.

Florez founded MicroEdge Inc., a company dedicated to developing software to manage the grant making process of foundations and corporate giving programs. She later sold the company and she and her husband moved on to own a local bike shop and start the Ride to Fight Hunger charity ride, which raises money for the Jewish Family Service Foundation. She lives in Arizona.

Kelleher is manager of commercial business development at Flatirons Field Services. Prior to joining the energy business, she worked in various positions in energy and environmental policy, including the White House Council on Environmental Quality, The Wyss Foundation, and the United Nations Foundation. She lives in Colorado.

Valera has worked at The Conservation Fund as associate director for conservation services since 2016, and was previously the Fund's strategic conservation planning information manager. Her work focuses on sustainable food systems, land loss prevention, community-based conservation planning and helping conservation organizations be more strategic. She lives in North Carolina.

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. (BRAIN) — QBP's annual Frostbike event will be held Feb. 20–23, 2019 at QBP headquarters here. Registration is complimentary for all QBP retailers and opens early November.

"QBP is dedicated to helping retailers tackle important topics and meet current market demands. At Frostbike, we offer a curated assortment of seminars that help retailers do just that. This year we'll be hitting on important topics such as growing ridership and appealing to new demographics," said Meghan Gess, QBP's events manager.

Frostbike 2019 kicks-off with two days of education on Thursday and Friday at InterContinental St. Paul Riverfront Hotel in St. Paul, Minnesota. Registered retailers can choose from a wide array of seminars and tailor their experience to fit their shop's unique needs. On Saturday, retailers can connect with QBP brands and suppliers and check out new product at the Frostbike Expo hosted at QBP headquarters. There are several networking opportunities and social events throughout the three-day event that retailers and exhibitors alike can attend.

 For more information and to register visit frostbike.com.

FRIEDRICHSHAFEN, Germany (BRAIN) — Organizers of the the Eurobike show announced Tuesday that next year's show will be July 31-Aug. 3, roughly splitting the difference between the show's traditional dates in late summer and the early summer positioning of this year's show, which opens this Sunday, July 8.

The 2019 show will include three days of trade-only admittance, followed by a consumer festival on the fourth day. 

"Our conceptual refinement of the Eurobike in the direction of a mobility platform has been met with strong support in the global bike industry and underscores our vanguard position as the leading global trade show. The festival day and the date that has been set for the Eurobike and the Eurobike Media Days next year fit in with that," said Klaus Wellmann, the CEO of Messe Friedrichshafen, the exhibition hall and show organizer.

Eurobike head Stefan Reisinger said there is no clear consensus on the best dates for the show, but the early August dates are an acceptable compromise for most stakeholders.

"The date in early August 2019 is currently the time frame in which the largest number of dates preferred by the industry overlap, and the vote for a concept for the show that includes an appeal to consumers was very clear. In the future, we will continue to flexibly manage the date and concept for the Eurobike, so as to agilely respond to the needs of the marketplace."

Eurobike also will continue to hold its Media Days event, which will be held July 2-4 next year. Several locations are under consideration.

IRVINE, Calif. (BRAIN) — Watteam has updated its Powerbeat power meter, introduced last year. Among the new features: a $600 kit that lets consumers easily switch a powermeter between two bikes.

The Powerbeat G3's "comp units"— the brains of the system — can be removed from the crankarm and replaced with a dummy unit for travel, bike washing or charging, or it can be switched to a second bike.

The company also has updated its iOS and Android app.

"It is no longer about delivering only data, but about helping you make decisions. Including a scaling factor, fine tune your power output and individual leg balance data according to your needs," the company said. The app converts the mobile device into a head unit that presents the rider with all the data needed, emphasizing your watt/kg.

The Powerbeat G3 will remain the same price as the G2. The G3 Single, which measures power on one crank arm, is $259; the G3 Upgrade Kit, which adds two-sided measuring to the Single, is $219. The 2x2 kit is $599. 

More information: watteam.com.

MADISON, Wis. (BRAIN) — Raleigh Bike Parts will be the new exclusive U.K. distributor of Saris Brands, which includes Saris car racks, CycleOps trainers and PowerTap power meters.

Jeff Frehner, Saris' COO, said he was delighted with the partnership.

"We are incredibly excited to be working exclusively with Raleigh Bike Parts in the U.K. They have such a great team and a fantastic network of dealers, which made our partnership an easy decision. They fully understand our brands, our businesses and the message we want the U.K. to hear."

Pippa Wibberley, the managing director of Raleigh U.K., said, "Joining forces with Saris in this new partnership is fantastic news for us and our growing network of trade accounts. With such an amazing lineup of brands in the portfolio, the Saris products offer the quality, expertise and innovation that the 'enthusiast' cycling consumer demands. With these brands we're able to ensure we're providing our dealers and their customers with the very latest, forward-thinking, innovative products that will enable them to stand out from the crowd."

Raleigh Bike Parts also distributes SRAM, Schwalbe, Continental and Pedro's and recently announced Bont shoes.

Raleigh Bike Parts will be distributing CycleOps and PowerTap starting Aug. 1; it will start with Saris on Oct. 1.

SAN DIEGO (BRAIN) — 100% on Thursday introduced a new collection of Peter Sagan Limited Edition sunglasses, which will debut this Saturday at the Tour de France. 

According to the brand, the new glasses feature "a unique iridescent processed finish of the frame match the red/gold mirror of the HiPERLENS lenses to create a seamless transition between lens and frame. All frames feature Peter Sagan's logo and come with special edition packaging." Due to the color process, no two frames are exactly alike.

The collection includes S2, Speedcraft and Speedtrap models. Pricing is $220 for the S2 and Speedcraft and $230 for the Speedtrap.

More information: ride100percent.com.

DENVER — Boa Technology and MIPS have collaborated on a new integrated helmet system that the companies say will provide improved fit and protection for cyclists and snowsports athletes.

“The MIPS B-series Boa allows for the Boa Fit System to connect directly to the MIPS Low Friction Layer (LFL), rather than attaching in a stationary fashion to the helmet. This new method of integration with Boa improves the fit of the MIPS liner, making it the latest evolution in 360-degree fit systems,” the companies stated in a release.

 “A helmet that fits well is ideal for maximizing safety, and Boa brings the leading fit component to bike and snow helmets,” said MIPS CEO Johan Thiel said, “We are excited to team up and offer brand partners a joint system that optimizes integration and assembly, and ultimately provides great protection for the rider.”

Boa’s Shawn Neville said: “MIPS is as dedicated to head and brain protection as Boa is to making the world’s best gear better through improved fit and performance. We are fortunate to partner with a likeminded company such as MIPS who is also passionate about creating meaningful, innovative solutions for our brand partners and consumers.”

The Boa and MIPS collaboration will debut during Eurobike at the MIPS booth (FW 100), and MIPS B-series Boa will be available to brand partners immediately and to consumers the following model year.

FRIEDRICHSHAFEN, Germany (BRAIN) — This year’s Eurobike show is set to open Sunday, a day after the Tour de France begins. That unusually early date offers both challenges and opportunities, exhibitors told BRAIN, and the challenges probably played into this week’s announcement that next year Eurobike will move back to August.

This year’s early July dates mean many European retailers are either on vacation or too busy selling bikes to find time to come to the show. Being in prime tourism season means flights and other costs are higher than Eurobike’s traditional early fall timing. And some brands who plan product introductions at the Tour, or have to support teams there, may find it difficult for staff to be two places at once.

"It’s a little bit challenging, but we’ve known these dates for a while," said Eric Richter, Giro’s global brand development manager. Giro typically launches new helmets at the Tour and supports several teams there, standing by, for example, to provide custom-colored helmets if a team or one of its riders takes the lead in a race category.

"It will be an opportunity to spotlight new introductions at both the Tour de France and a trade show. So we can tie our sports marketing to things that might be previewed at the show," Richter said.

Like other major trade shows, Eurobike has had many major bike brands pull out in recent years, in favor of private dealer shows and other events. This year, Campagnolo is a significant no-show, for example.

But the 2018 show is sold out, with about 1,400 exhibitors signed up and a waiting list of companies looking to get into the Messe Friedrichshafen. New exhibitors this year include Kona, for example, which is coming back after several years of sitting out the event. The company plans to show off its new e-bike offerings to European retailers. Eurobike will also feature some new brands, like Rubber Kinetics, the U.S.-based company that is introducing Goodyear tires to the bike shop market. 

U.S. brands say, regardless of timing, Eurobike remains the best place to meet with their global distributors — especially European distributors, of course. (The Taipei Cycle Show remains the show to conveniently meet with Southern Hemisphere and Asian distributors.)

"It saves us a lot of 14-hour flights," said Jake Pantone, Enve’s vice president of product and consumer experience. "Whether we are shopping for a new distributor or doing maintenance with a current one, there is that kind of efficiency there."

Pantone said Eurobike also remains a place to see new products and trends in person.

"For my part on a product development and strategy side, to be able to see trends in one place and in person is valuable. You see a product then find yourself talking to a product manager or an engineer and having a conversation you would otherwise never have, if you just saw the product launch online."

Besides the road products launched at the Tour, July might be an unusual time to introduce new products. But Eurobike remains enough of a stage, with hundreds of attending journalists, that many companies have planned launches there, if only judged by the hush-hush invitations filling up BRAIN staffers’ inboxes in the weeks and days before the show.

Many companies profess to introduce new products only when they are ready, not on a model year cycle, and Eurobike’s new date offers one more spot on the calendar to align with the development cycle, along with earlier-season events like Sea Otter as well as the fall shows.

Besides the date shift, Eurobike this year eliminated its consumer day and its outdoor demo. The combination returned the show’s focus to manufacturers and distributors, the show’s Klaus Wellmann said soon after the new dates were announced last year. 

"We are giving the original function of Eurobike back to the manufacturers and importers: namely the first publication of the new collection and the associated exchange with trading partners for seasonal planning," he said. 

The show also is increasingly focusing on e-bikes and e-mobility products and services, said Eurobike’s Stefan Reisinger.

"The bicycle market is changing very dynamically," Reisinger said. "On the one hand, the e-bike boom is generating record revenues for many market players, but also considerable shifts in market structures. With the changed concept for the show and a clear focus on trade visitors and e-mobility topics, we are addressing these changes in the bike and e-bike market. The strong positive reception from established as well as new market players shows us that we are on the right track with this concept." 

LAGUNA HILLS, Calif. (BRAIN) — Product introductions continue in earnest this week heading into the start of Eurobike on Sunday, July 8. Some highlights to hit our inboxes at BRAIN HQ: 

Hed Cycling

The new Vanquish 4 and Vanquish 8 aero disc brake road wheels feature an internal rim width of 21 millimeters and an outer width of 30 millimeters, filling out Hed’s Vanquish line along with the previously released Vanquish 6. Hed Cycling says all three Vanquish wheels feature unprecedented aerodynamic performance, with virtually no difference between 23-, 25- and 28-millimeter tires. 

The Vanquish 4 and 8 rims are made in-house at Hed’s Minnesota factory, and the wheels are also hand finished and assembled there with Hed’s 545 Disc hubs — compatible with all major drivetrains and axle options.

“We are very proud of the Vanquish series and know that customers will love the new V4 and V8.  They’re really changing what’s possible with aerodynamic performance and new tire sizes, and we can’t wait to see athletes around the world try them out,” said Hed Cycling CEO Anne Hed.

Vanquish wheelsets start at $2,500. V4 wheels are available now in limited quantities, and V8 wheelsets will be available starting Aug. 1.

WTB

WTB has introduced new aggressive mountain tires that use its new TriTec Compound, as well as a new line of TCS 2.0 rims and accessories based on its TCS (Tubeless Compatible System) technology.

The company now offers additional widths and updated tread patterns with the Vigilante 2.5/2.6 and Trail Boss 2.4/2.6 tires, while the Judge 2.4 is a rear-focused tire designed for aggressive enduro and gravity riding. New KOM Light and KOM Tough rims with TCS 2.0 technology provide a more robust tubeless system that is easier to mount and even more reliable than before, WTB says.

The Judge 2.4 tire is new to WTB’s line, designed to provide maximum traction for aggressive enduro and gravity riding in loose and rocky conditions. Meanwhile, the Vigilante and Trail Boss tread patterns have been refined for wider rims with a high-volume casing and redesigned tire profile.

All of WTB’s new mountain tires feature the TriTec Compound, composed of three rubber compounds to provide different levels of traction, support and durability based on their placement within the tread. The tread pattern is supported by a base of high-durometer rubber. All TCS Light versions of the new tires feature Slash Guard technology, which incorporates a protective nylon insert throughout the sidewall to improve protection without the weight of a dual-ply casing.

New TCS 2.0 rims have a recessed channel along the rim to allow for installation of the new Solid Strip and prevent tubeless tape from sagging at the spoke holes. KOM Light and KOM Tough rims having inner rim widths of 40 or 45 millimeters, respectively, and have WTB’s new Dropzone design — a downward slope from the bead seat to the center of the rim that allows the tire bead to quickly fall into the optimal area for easier tire removal, WTB says.

The new WTB mountain tire offerings are priced at $67.95 to $79.95, while the TCS 2.0 rims, both KOM Light and KOM Tough, are available at MSRPs of $105 to $110. The new tires are currently available at wtb.com; TCS 2.0 rims will be available in August. 

Brose

At Eurobike, e-bike drive maker Brose will present its new e-MTB drive with a magnesium housing and introduce a new digital diagnosis and service tool for dealers.

The Drive S Mag is 15 percent smaller and 500 grams lighter than current drives and has a higher power-to-weight ratio, the German company says.

“Our Brose Drive S Mag meets the demands of very ambitious e-mountain bikers. At the same time, we enable manufacturers to reduce the weight of their bicycles even further. Thus they can respond to market trends toward lighter e-bikes,” Brose head Joachim Volland said in a release.

A new Flex Power Mode is available exclusively with the Drive S Mag in conjunction with two new software features: the torque- and cadence-sensitive Cadence Power Control, which delivers up to 30 percent more support at higher cadences, and Progressive Pedal Response, which provides a faster drive response when pressure is applied to the pedals.

“The instant power output of the new Brose Drive S Mag ensures a more controlled start on inclines and an even more agile e-mountain bike riding experience. With this lightweight drive e-bikers can confidently master even the steepest inclines and extreme challenges,” Volland stated.

Brose will also present a test version of its new diagnostic and service tool at Eurobike, with a market launch set for mid-2019. The company has secured new service partners in North America, Southern Europe and Eastern Europe, with more countries and regions to follow, Brose stated.

"Service is a priority for us, and the new service tool reflects that. In addition to that, we are also consistently expanding our worldwide partner network," Volland said.

LAGUNA HILLS, Calif. (BRAIN) — Lezyne goes bigger in GPS, GT tunes up its suspension for trail and all-mountain, and Magura pulls the lever on a grip of new offerings in BRAIN’s latest roundup of new products.

 Lezyne

Lezyne will introduce its new Mega series of GPS cycling computers at Eurobike. The California-based company launched its first GPS devices in 2015, and says the new Mega XL and Mega C units represent a new level of sophistication and performance while still maintaining value pricing at retail.

In addition to full mapping capabilities, both devices have larger displays and longer battery run times (48 hours for Mega XL, 32 hours for Mega C). The Mega C features a 240 x 320-pixel color screen, while the Mega XL has a 240 x 400-pixel high-resolution screen. The Mega XL can also be oriented vertically or horizontally. The larger screens display up to 10 data fields across five pages on the Mega XL and up to eight data fields across five pages on the Mega C.

Maps can be downloaded and transferred to the Mega GPS devices using Lezyne’s GPS Root website or GPS Ally phone app, both of which are free to users. Once users save and load an area, they can create routes, search for destinations or find their way home without a live data connection thanks to the devices’ offline navigation capabilities.

In addition to enabling easy setup, the Lezyne Ally phone app allows riders to receive incoming phone calls, text messages and social media notifications from popular social medial platforms. Lezyne’s GPS platforms also sync with Strava, TrainingPeaks and Today’s Plan to follow Strava Live Segments and custom workouts.

The Mega XL and Mega C will retail for $199.99 each.

GT Bicycles

GT has redesigned its Force all-mountain and Sensor trail bike platforms, both of which feature a new version of the brand’s four-bar Linkage Tuned Suspension (LTS) design.

“These bikes were designed around our updated LTS platform without using any proprietary components,” said Cait Dooley, GT’s global director of product. “This allows riders to choose how they want their bike to perform whether they’re racing on the Force or hitting their home trails on the Sensor.”

The Force and Sensor’s flip chip changes bottom bracket height by 7 millimeters, head angle by 0.75 degrees and reach by 5 millimeters. “When set to high, riders will find pedaling optimized geometry that gives them improved climbing efficiency and more clearance to avoid pedal strikes. When set to low, the bikes become slacker for more control on the descents so riders can charge with confidence,” GT stated in a release.

The Force rolls on 27.5-inch wheels, has 150 millimeters of travel, and will be available in two alloy and two carbon models. The Sensor has 29-inch wheels, 130 millimeters of travel, and will be available in two alloy and three carbon models.

Magura

Brake maker Magura is introducing a host of new products and refinements for 2019, including ergonomic lever improvements, flat-mount versions of existing brakes, a two-piece rotor, and a limited run of 125th-anniversary brakes.

Magura says the new HC one-finger carbon lever gives its MT8 SL brake more power and a record low weight of 195 gram. Additionally, the company is introducing a budget-friendly cross-country disc brake, the MT8 Pro, which has all the features of the top-end MT8 SL but with an aluminum one-finger HC lever.

Magura has also revised its product descriptions for 2019. The “PRO” (Super Light) label now represents models with a one-finger carbon lever, while the “SL” label is for models with a one-finger aluminum lever.

The MT Sport is a new entry-level two-piston brake suited for city riding and cross-country and all-mountain MTB adventures. Magura will also offer its MT4 and MT8 SL models in flat-mount versions to meet the increased use of flat-mount brakes on cross-country bikes.

To mark the company’s 125^th anniversary, Magura is producing a limited-edition brake based on its MT7 model and HC3 one-finger lever, and engraved with 1893 for the year of the company’s founding. (Just 1,839 sets will be produced.) The brake set is packaged in a wood box and comes with 12 different custom ring colors that can be fitted to any Magura caliper.

Lastly, the new Storm CL two-piece brake rotor is designed to provide strong braking performance under high loads and is equipped with a Centerlock mount.

GIRONA, Spain (BRAIN) — Organizers of Sea Otter Europe have announced that the third edition of the festival will be held May 31-June 2, 2019 — once again in Girona, Spain.  

“This year beat all expectations and reached 50,000 visitors over the three days of the event. More than 380 brands were in attendance at the festival spanning 56,000 square meters, and more than 5,000 people participated in the different competitions that were organized,” Sea Otter Europe stated in a release.

Those figures are up from the 30,000 visitors and 4,000 registered athletes reported for Sea Otter Europe’s inaugural edition in 2017.

Organizers said the 2019 event will include mountain bike, road bike, gravel, eliminator and classic bike races, as well as kids’ races, exhibitions and numerous functions and presentations.

BERN, Switzerland (BRAIN) — The World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry has formed a new e-bike committee focused on developing equipment regulations for competition.

“Following the recent announcement by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) that they will sanction e-bike racing in the near future, the WFSGI will be taking the progressive step of forming a committee to work in this area,” WFSGI stated in a release.

The committee will be launched at Eurobike, and the UCI and WFSGI have already started work around e-bikes, the federation added.

“The new e-bike decision is sure to be a fast-moving area with a lot of future developments in both the equipment and racing format, and I am very excited that the WFSGI and its members will be in a strong position to help the UCI take this initiative forward,” said Jeroen Snijders Blok, chairman of the WFSGI bicycle group and board member.

TAICHUNG, Taiwan (BRAIN) — Giant announced production and distribution expansions in Europe this week, signaling its commitment to that market and its eye on reducing costs. Giant currently sells more than 400,000 bikes annually in Europe, including traditional bikes and e-bikes.

Giant is establishing a second factory in Hungary, in the city of Gyöngyös, about 80 kilometers from Budapest. Gyöngyös is in northern Hungary and has access to various road networks such as the M3 motorway, European route E71 and E3. A former mining town with an industrial base, it has recently become an important wine supplier to East and Central Europe.

Giant said the new factory is a long-term investment that it plans to carry out in three phases, with the first phase bringing in an estimated capital spending of around 15 million euros. Total investment in the new factory will be an estimated 48 million euros ($56.3 million).

Construction of the first phase of the new production facility is expected to be completed by the second half of 2019. Initial production capacity will be around 300,000 units and will focus on core European bicycle and e-bike models.

“With the ever-changing global landscape, having a production facility located close to the market, which can be quick to respond to market demands, is an inevitable trend in the modern business world,” said Bonnie Tu, Giant Group’s chairperson.

“Hungary’s ideal geographical location within central Europe and its well-established transportation system will enable Giant to distribute our products to Eastern Europe as well as to mainland Europe. This is one of the key factors in choosing Hungary as the base for our second production facility in Europe.”

The new factory will help reduce Giant’s tax and transportation costs.

Earlier this week, Giant also announced that it’s investing 13.5 million euros ($15.8 million) to open a distribution center in Lelystand, Netherlands, about 50 kilometers from Amsterdam. It will handle distribution, storage and after-sales service to the Pan-European markets and will support the fast-growing demand for e-bikes. The new distribution center is expected to create about 100 jobs over the next three years.

Giant already owns a production facility in the Netherlands, where it has been operating for more than 30 years.

“In 1986, Giant decided to bring our own brand to the global market and this path to internationalization began from the Netherlands,” Tu said. “The Netherlands was chosen as Giant’s European headquarters because of its geographical location, its well-developed transportation network, and its infrastructure. More importantly, the majority of Dutch are multilingual and understand how to do business. These criteria enabled Giant’s expansion to other European markets.”

Giant opened its first European production facility in Lelystad — Giant Europe Manufacturing B.V. — in 1996. Today, Giant operates three other companies in the Netherlands, including Gaiwin B.V., Giant Europe B.V. and Giant Benelux B.V.

ATLANTA (BRAIN) — Wahoo Fitness is launching an updated and expanded line of KICKR smart trainers at Eurobike. It's also adding a new fan, called the KICKR Headwind, that can adjust its power depending on the rider's simulated speed.

The top of the line KICKR has reduced sound, in both volume and pitch, the company said, for nearly silent operations. It also has been updated with a larger flywheel that provides power measurements up to 2,200 watts and delivers a more realistic indoor riding experience. It retails for $1,199.99.

The new KICKR CORE is a wheel-off trainer that offers a compact design and compatibility with a wide range of bikes and training platforms. KICKR CORE will be available for sale later this summer for $899.99. Both the KICKR and KICKR Core are compatible with the KICKR Climb grade simulator. The KICKR Snap, a wheel-on trainer, also is still available.

"We're excited to be updating and expanding our smart trainer lineup with the new KICKR and KICKR CORE," said Wahoo Founder and CEO Chip Hawkins. "With these new KICKRs, we're continuing to refine and improve the experience of indoor training. The newest versions offer cyclists the quietest, most realistic ride feel we've ever created, while still maintaining compatibility with a wide range of gravel, cyclocross, mountain, and road bikes ensuring that all athletes will be able to take advantage of our newest KICKRs."

More information at wahoofitness.com.

FRIEDRICHSHAFEN, Germany (BRAIN) — The July timing might be a change, but Eurobike remains a key product introduction opportunity for many suppliers. Here's a look at some of the introductions BRAIN spied on the event's opening day. 

Wike

Canada's Wike got a lot of attention — and a Eurobike award — for its Salamander, a front-loading child carrier bike that very quickly converts into a three-wheeled stroller. It has been quite a different response from what the product received when it was launched at Interbike last year. "Europe is about ten years ahead of North America, don't you think?" asked Wike's Bob Bell. "The only people who stepped into my booth at Interbike were Europeans."

Wike is the largest North American manufacturer of bike trailers, most of which are sold consumer direct. The company also imports a line of products for the dealer market. The Salamander will sell for about $3,500; see the video below to see how it converts.

Wike was one of the many bike transportation and utility exhibitors at Eurobike, where you could see everything from pedal-powered street cleaners, to tow-behind pop-tents and lending libraries, and at least one electric-assist cargo carrier that can carry standard pallets. 

CeramicSpeed

CeramicSpeed's Driven drivetrain was also a Eurobike prize winner. The Danish company worked with the mechanical engineering department at the University of Colorado to develop the system, which is claims has 49 percent less friction than chain and derailleur drivetrains.

"A traditional chain and derailleur drivetrain contain eight points of sliding friction, which is generated from the articulation of the chain at these points. CeramicSpeed's new Driven concept impressively eliminates all eight points of sliding friction," the company said. 

Driven uses CeramicSpeed bearings in a pinion-style drive shaft system. The bearings transfer torque from the front ring through the drive shaft, then onto the 13-speed rear cog.

"We achieved a 99 percent efficient multispeed drivetrain while eliminating the chain and complex rear derailleur," said Jason Smith, Ceramic Speed's chief technology officer and the founder of Friction Facts. "Advancements in drivetrain technology have been evolutionary since the 1920s. Driven is truly revolutionary given its unique rolling element power transfer and unmatched efficiency. The Driven concept has the ability to change the way the cycling industry views drivetrain design and drivetrain efficiency."

Oakley

Oakley, which entered the road cycling market two seasons ago with its helmet and clothing line, is now getting deeper into the mountain bike market, with some coordination from multi-time world champion downhiller Greg Minnaar, who has been an Oakley-sponsored athlete for 21 years — pretty remarkable given that he's only 36 years old.

On Monday, Minnaar attended the launch of Oakley's mountain bike helmet, the DRT5.

The enduro-style helmet features MIPS system and a BOA strap system (although not the integrated MIPS/BOA system that was launched Sunday. An Oakley spokesman said that might come next season).

The DRT5’s most notable features relate to the company's strongest segment: eyeware. The slim BOA system allows sunglasses to attain a three-point connection with the rider; a four-channel forehead sweat band channels sweat off to the side, keeping it from dripping onto the lens; and finally, two sturdy clamps on the upper rear part of the helmet provide a secure way to stash sunglasses. The Landing Pad stowage hooks can be left unclamped for quick use, or locked down for bumpier terrain or off-bike use.

The DRT5 will be available in March 2019 for $200 retail.

Oakley also showed two new mountain bike-specific goggles, three mountain bike jerseys, an overshort and bib liners.

On the road side, Oakley showed off its 2019 model year colors and a new jersey material that contains the graphene wonder material. Oakley said the graphene helps regulate body temperature. The Dimension Data team will debut a jersey with the new material at the Tour de France on Tuesday. 

Gates BMX

Gates was showing a wide variety of e-bikes and mountain bikes with its Carbon Drive drivetrain, and also showed a rarely seen belt-drive BMX bike.

Gates, along with the bike brand Yess BMX, had petitioned the UCI to allows the drivetrain in international competition, and the rules body granted that approval in January. The drivetrain's had been used in non-UCI competition for several years.

Gates made a special 108-tooth belt specifically for BMX use. Next up: Gates may petition the UCI to allow the Carbon Drive on the velodrome.

Gates also showed new rear sprockets for Shimano internally geared hubs, a line of aluminum rear sprockets for Pinion gearboxes, and new components for several mid-drive e-bike systems. For mechanics, Gates launched a Professional Belt Tension Tester and a Professional Frame Alignment Tool for assembly factories.

Bryton

Taiwan's Bryton showed off its new Aero 60 GPS model, which comes with a streamlined aluminum handlebar clamp and retails for 200 euros. The Aero 60 has nearly 80 functions, including bike-optimized Open Street Map mapping, smart notifications, ANT+ and Bluetooth LE connectivity, and GPS/Glonass/BDS/Galileo/QZSS navigation. 

Saris

Saris is showing several updated trainers and training software, as well as a new disc-brake compatible PowerTap hub. The new G4 power meter hub doesn't require a proprietary disc rotor, like previous PowerTap hubs; it uses a standard Centerlock rotor attachment. The G4 also has a rechargeable battery that uses magnetic charger cable attachment, rather than a Micro-USB plug, which could get contaminated with dirt and water. The company said production versions will not be purple, like the show model shown above. 

Saris' Hammer trainer is now called the H2 and features cadence detection, a more robust realistic ride feel and a headless use mode, for riders who don't want to use a computer or headunit to train. Accuracy has been improved to plus-or-minus 2 percent. It retails for $1199. The new M2 trainer (previously called the Magnus) gets the same firmware updates as the H2, including cadence detection and improved ride feel. It retails for $599. 

Saris also showed an unnamed platform that can be used under a trainer. The platform can rock and move forward and back to respond to ride movements, which increases the realism of the ride and also reduces fatigue on long stationary rides, said Saris' Erick Albers.

"With Zwift, a lot of people are spending a lot of time on trainers," Albers said. The platform movement allows the bike to move under the rider as it does on the road. "When you ride a static trainer, that movement is transferred to saddle pressure and handlebar pressure," he said.

There are currently no specific plans to bring the platform to market, he said. "We just brought it to see what kind of feedback we'd get."