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    SAN FRANCISCO (BRAIN) — Dara Khosrowshahi, the CEO of ride-share company Uber, says e-bikes are often the best way to get around a city, especially during rush hours. Uber, which bought the dockless e-bike share company Jump this year for a reported $200 million, has announced the installation of e-bike charging stations in Sacramento, California, and said an Uber-supported "sustainable mobility fund" will be making a donation to PeopleForBikes to help create bike-friendly infrastructure and policies nationally. He did not say how much the group is donating to the organization.

    "Our acquisition of Jump was a direct investment in the idea that the best way to get around a city is sometimes not in a car at all," Khosrowshahi wrote in a blog post this week. "We're proud to say the early results from having Jump integrated into the Uber app are positive. Based on data in San Francisco, we found that on weekdays between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. (when congestion is at its worst), trips by Jump riders on the overall Uber platform climbed 15 percent, even as their rideshare trips declined 10 percent."

    "There's still a lot of work to be done to transform many of the cities where we operate into safe and appealing places for bikes, with the necessary infrastructure and policies," he wrote, explaining the PeopleForBikes donation. 

    He said Uber has committed $10 million over the next three years to the new Fund for Sustainable Mobility campaign. He said the fund would use the The Shared Mobility Principles for Livable Cities in determining how to allocate this fund. The principles were developed at the 2017 Ecomobility World Festival in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, where international NGO's, as well as service providers including Uber, gathered to discuss sustainable transportation. 

    Besides the e-bike advocacy, the fund is supporting congestion pricing to try to discourage urban traffic at rush hours.

    "We've already been advocating for this in New York. For years, we've been calling on the state legislature to pass a comprehensive congestion pricing plan where everyone pays their fair share to use crowded streets — trucks, personal vehicles, taxis and, yes, technology platforms like Uber. The funding generated would directly support mass transit, a critical goal of our overall campaign. We recently committed an additional $1 million to fight for its passage next year. With the campaign, we're committed to bringing similar support for sustainable transportation policy to cities around the world," he said.

    He said the fund also is donating $250,000 to SharedStreets, a nonprofit creating the standard for how organizations can share data about public street use. In addition to the donation, he said Uber has agreed to share road speed data from its own drivers with the organization.


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    Jason Steris has agreed to join the company full time as Chief Executive Officer. Jason has served on TLD’s board of directors and brings with him both a wealth of industry experience and a deep appreciation of TLD’s brand heritage which will help take the business to the next level.

    Jason spent more than 20 years with Volcom and was instrumental in helping build the business into a premier global action sports and lifestyle brand. Steris began his career at Volcom in sales and served in various positions within operations, including Chief Operating Officer, before ultimately serving as Chief Executive Officer.

    “I’m excited for this new chapter at TLD. Getting to know the people here at Troy Lee Designs and understanding the business at the board level has been extremely helpful for me as I make the transition to CEO,” stated Jason. “Having a passionate and engaged founder like Troy by your side is a tremendous opportunity to remain authentic as we strive to be the market leader based on creativity, innovation and service.”

    “We are thrilled that Jason has agreed to partner with us as we continue to build this little helmet painting business I started in my parents’ garage over 35 years ago,” said Troy Lee, Founder and Chief Design Officer. He added, “Our customers love our culture and heritage, and with Jason onboard we look forward to preserving these parts of who we are, while adding his fresh perspective on how we continue our growth and bring more great products to market.”


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    BURNET, Texas (BRAIN) — Set to open this winter outside of Burnet, Texas, Spider Mountain is poised to become not only the Lone Star State's only lift-served bike park, but also the nation's first year-round lift-accessed park. Burnet is about 55 miles northwest of Austin.

    The bike park is designed and developed by Hogan Koesis, director of mountain biking for Mountain Capital Partners, which owns and operates six ski resorts including Arizona Snow Bowl, Purgatory Resort in Colorado and Pajarito Mountain Ski Area in New Mexico.

    Koesis has more than a decade of experience designing, developing and constructing trails.

    "We're excited to bring progressive mountain biking terrain to Texas," Koesis said. "Until now, this type of lift-accessed terrain was only available in a ski resort setting. The new Spider Mountain Bike Park will be unlike anything else in Texas."

    With an anticipated opening before Christmas this December, Spider Mountain Bike Park has 350 feet of vertical terrain and will offer beginner, intermediate and advanced trails accessible via a four-person chairlift. The bike park will feature mountain bike and gear rentals, lessons and guided tours.

    With views of Lake Buchanan, the property is on one of the larger mountains in central Texas, with a mix of live oaks and cedar trees, and is home to a variety of wildlife. It is located adjacent to Thunderbird Lodge at Lake Buchanan, which offers lodging and event center, water sports and other amenities.

    James Coleman and his family have owned the Spider Mountain property since 2001. Coleman is the managing partner of Mountain Capital Partners.

    "Spider Mountain Bike Park has been a vision of ours for years. The park makes you feel like you're in the mountains with cool breezes and incredible lake views," Coleman said. "Centrally located, Spider Mountain will be the place where Texans go to ride. With the booming trend of mountain biking, we hope to attract more visitors and provide them with a variety of fun adventures."

    Those who want to check out the trails prior to the public opening can participate in the Race Down Spider Mountain enduro event this Friday and Saturday, Sept. 28 and 29.

    More information: trailpartymtb.com/spider-mountain-details.


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    Allowing mechanics to set their own prices for direct consumer requests

    Velotooler becomes the first solution to allow mobile mechanics to set their own prices for everything from tune-ups to bike assemblies. This allows businesses to charge prices that represent their skills and experience. 'An important part of Velotooler's mission is to elevate the bike mechanic by properly compensating them for their skills and time.', says founder, Yahor Buben.

    Moreover, the new platform allows mechanics to prioritize and choose the types of service requests they can receive.

    Although prices for business to business (B2B) service requests continue to be established by Velotooler, these prices are being re-reviewed with additional mechanic feedback.

    Also, now each mechanic on the platform can opt in or out for B2B service requests by job type. This brings complete transparency and control to the service providers.

    Buben stated: "We are focus on the big picture. The main goal was to focus on service providers and build the software that maximize profits for its members and efficiently solve challenges of the industry."

    In the next few months Velotooler is planning to present its subscription software for bike shops. "It will be a robust offering at a reasonable price, that we think will be well received." says Buben.

    Velotooler is planning to launch a short visual training next week on how to use the new features on the platform.


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    Aliso Viejo, CA— Highway Two, leading North America distribution company, joint venture between Continental Tires and Selle Royal Group (fi'zi:k, Brooks, Selle Royal, Crankbrothers), has recently hired Jeremy Griffin as the Eastern Regional Sales Manager.

    Highway Two Sales Director, Justin Savord, announced the new hire this week to their brand partners and outside team.

    "In this competitive marketplace, focus is something brands tend to struggle with" said Savord. "In order for our reps to grow their dealer's business and in turn their own, we need to give them as much support as possible to do so. That starts with a sales manager focused solely on a specific region."

    "I am extremely pleased with the opportunity to be a part of the H2 team" Griffin exclaimed. "My extensive background in the Bicycle industry will bring a level of knowledge and service our customers have come to expect from an 'A' level partner like H2. Our goal is to ensure that our sales team is trained and equipped with the tools to bring dealers great success."

    Highway Two, LLC is a joint venture between Continental Tires and Selle Royal distributing Continental, fi'zi:k ,Crankbrothers, Selle Royal, Brooks England, Kask, Abus, Knog.


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    PHILADELPHIA (September 17, 2018) - The Professional Bicycle Mechanics Association will be bringing their hands-on manufacturer tech training to Philly February 4th to 7th 2019. PBMA is a non-profit focused on promotion, advocacy and development of bicycle mechanics. The PBMA offers 4-day certification programs at various times throughout the country. Courses are presented by an impressive list of leading equipment manufacturers. Learn more at probma.org and at their table at the Philly Bike Expo (table #8) on October 27th & 28th. The Philly Bike Expo is the East Coast's premier cycling event. There's something for everyone at this weekend-long celebration of everything bicycle. Dealers, bike shop employees, and other bicycle industry can gain free admission to the Philly Bike Expo by registering in advance, online at: https://phillybikeexpo.com/events/2018-dealer-industry-registration/

    Philly Bike Expo
    October 27 & 28
    Pennsylvania Convention Center
    1101 Arch St.
    Broad and Cherry Streets Entrance
    Philadelphia, PA 19107
    www.phillybikeexpo.com


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    Mosaic Cycles has partnered with elite racer Mitch Hoke to support his 2018 cross season while giving back to veterans. After a two-year hiatus from cross racing Mitchell Hoke will be returning for the 2018 season, racing through the US while managing the FCX Elite Team and raising money for the Wounded Warrior Project. In addition to his work as an elite racer, Hoke is a pilot for the Air National Guard, the project grew organically out of his desire to use cycling to benefit veterans.

    Hoke will be accepting donations through the his WWP page here. Additionally, Mosaic will also be auctioning off one of the custom painted XT-1s that Mitch races throughout the season with all of the proceeds going to WWP, and replica kits are available at Panache's website as part of their Guest Artist Series with the proceeds going to WWP.

    The Wounded Warrior Project is a 501c3 Non-Profit with the goal of supporting Veterans and service members who incurred a physical or mental injury while serving in the military on or after September 11, 2001. The WWP supports veterans in finding mental and physical support, housing, and work.

    "Having a chance to give back and raise money for the Wounded Warrior Project is great. They do a lot of good for folks that have given so much to the United States," says Mitch. "I am really excited to get back to racing cross this season after a long break from the sport. I have been putting a good summer of training getting back up to speed. I have some amazing support with equipment and am very excited to get on a Mosaic. I have know Aaron for a long time and have always admired his bikes. The bikes that Mosaic built and Spectrum custom painted for me are beautiful and I can't wait to show them off at the races."

    Look for Mitch racing in Colorado during the Shimano Cycle X Series as well as traveling throughout the country spreading the word about the Wounded Warrior Project at races in Iowa City, Cincinnati, Midland, Ontario, Oklahoma, Louisville and beyond.


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    Sep 26, 2018

    New York – Ford Motor Company, Uber and Lyft today announced an unprecedented commitment to SharedStreets, a new data platform designed to make it easier for the private sector to work with cities around the world and leverage data to improve urban mobility. The data sets pledged by the companies will provide the public and private sectors with new tools to manage curb space in order to reduce congestion and emissions that cause climate change; improve the efficiency of city streets by making it easier for everyone to get around; and save lives by preventing traffic crashes. The groundbreaking public-private partnership is the result of a collaboration with the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO), the Open Transport Partnership and Bloomberg Philanthropies, the consortium behind the innovative SharedStreets data platform. This collaborative effort to build 21st-century streets was announced by Jim Hackett, CEO of Ford Motor Company, Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO of Uber, and John Zimmer, Co-founder and President of Lyft at the second annual Bloomberg Global Business Forum in New York City. They were joined by Janette Sadik-Khan, principal at Bloomberg Associates and chair of NACTO, on behalf of Michael R. Bloomberg, the founder of Bloomberg Philanthropies and Mayor of New York City, 2002-2013.

    The partnership gives mayors unparalleled access to road traffic data, allowing them to make better planning and investment decisions as shared and autonomous mobility arrive in their cities. The agreement also fills a long-missing link for mobility companies, providing a common standard for sharing data across all cities, where local requirements currently vary widely.

    Launched earlier this year with funding from Bloomberg Philanthropies, SharedStreets is a universal data language for sharing information about city streets and a launching pad for public-private collaboration to manage streets, reduce traffic deaths, and prepare cities for the unprecedented technological advancement emerging in cities. Already operating in over 30 cities around the world, the SharedStreets platform and this new partnership will provide city leaders with far-reaching new instruments for managing transportation networks. The agreement includes:

    In partnership with Ford, developing a universal data standard for real-time curb demand and availability. With this tool, cities will be able to responsibly price and manage curb space in real-time, for the first time. It will provide a down payment on a global, comprehensive roadway pricing mechanism that cities and companies can use to encourage sustainable transportation choices, reallocate road space, and reduce carbon emissions.

    In partnership with Uber, producing the first-ever freely available global data set of vehicle driving speeds. Building on one of the first features developed by SharedStreets, Uber will release vehicle speed data from cities around the world. With this critical data, cities can identify where exactly on their streets people are speeding or otherwise driving dangerously, so that they can redesign streets and save lives. Uber will include this speed in an update of its open-source Kepler.gl tool, providing cities everywhere with innovative new tools for data visualization and information sharing. Lyft will follow with a release their own city speed data set.

    Lyft will join SharedStreets and Uber to produce a universal framework for sharing curbside pick-up/drop-off counts. Building on an early SharedStreets feature first announced with Uber, Lyft will also collaborate on a model for providing anonymized, aggregated curb usage data to leading cities everywhere. With this model, city leaders can understand where for-hire vehicle trips are in the greatest demand, so that they can reduce congestion, make our curbsides more innovative and efficient and better serve everyone on foot, on a bike or behind the wheel.
    "This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for business and government to work together to rethink transportation," said Jim Hackett, president and CEO, Ford Motor Company. "Collaborating through initiatives such as Shared Streets will enable us to use vehicles, road systems and data together to create a new roadmap for mobility. We are working toward a future where all cities are smart and curb space is actively managed, increasing efficiency and safety, while reducing driver stress and pollution."

    "The private and public sectors need to come together and collaborate on ways to create smarter, safer and more efficient transportation systems," said Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO, Uber. "It's the responsibility of companies like ours to step up and support cities in every way we can—whether that's through data sharing, urban planning research, funding for nonprofits, or even through the introduction of new and more efficient forms of transportation like electric bicycles."

    "Lyft is in a unique position to drive positive change within our cities, and we take that responsibility seriously" said John Zimmer, President and Co-Founder of Lyft. "We are committed to partnering with cities and data-driven decision making to design streets that provide safe and accessible transportation for everyone. We look forward to collaborating with regulators to expand affordable mobility options, taking cars off the road and reducing congestion, and ultimately reshaping cities around people – not cars."

    "Ride-share and auto companies have been gathering an enormous amount of data on transportation and traffic. Now, cities will be able use it to find new ways to manage congestion, reduce carbon emissions, prevent traffic crashes, and prepare for the arrival of autonomous vehicles," said Michael R. Bloomberg. "It's a great example of how governments and businesses can work together to solve tough problems and build a better world – and I want to thank all the companies that are taking part."

    "Code is the new concrete for 21st century cities and we need a digital infrastructure to share data and create safer and more sustainable streets," said Janette Sadik-Khan. "The SharedStreets platform offers cities and private sector players a powerful new data sharing tool to make that future possible."

    In addition to launching the new tools and partnerships, NACTO, representing 74 cities and transit agencies across North America, and global cities from Paris to Melbourne formally endorsed the data sharing policies of SharedStreets, committing to working collaboratively with the private sector. They join the six cities that have participated in pilots to develop new data standards and features or that have been formally trained on the platforms new tools and capabilities, together reaching more than millions city residents around the globe.


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    From discovering the latest innovations to networking with the industry's most influential entrepreneurs – astute distributors and brand owners can't afford to miss out

    28 September - Taipei: With less than five weeks to go until the doors open for the Taipei Cycle
    Show 2018, running from 31 October to 3 November, the must-see events and activities for visitors have been revealed. For brand owners, buyers and distributors, the opportunities for networking, meeting peers, discovering emerging technologies and discussing current global influences on the industry, are second to none.

    The exciting new features of this year's Taipei Cycle Show are:

    • The addition of Hall Three, introducing 'Taipei Cycle +', with over 130 exhibitors, and focusing on two key themes – Internet of Things (IoT) zone, showcasing the latest in cloud-based technology plus demonstration zone led by the SwiCity project from National Chung-Hsing University
    • New Start-up Pavilion, the forum for companies established since January 2013 to present their innovations
    • Light Electric Vehicle (LEV) Pavilion
    • New Country Pavilion: Korea, showcasing eight companies
    • 100 first-time exhibitors


    A closer look at the details prove Taipei Cycle Show 2018 is the must-attend cycling event:

    • 18 months in the planning, the main show will be based in Nangang Exhibition Hall One
    • 1,150 confirmed exhibitors, up from 1,115 in 2017, covering 97,000 square metres
    • 14 Taipei Cycle Forum sessions, including panel discussions and seminars
    • 100 brands offering hands-on experiences at the Demo Day (Tuesday 30 October)
    • Regional/Country Pavilions including
    • EU, 34 companies across 837 square metres
    • Japan, 15 companies across 198 square metres
    • Italy, six companies across 126 square metres
    • And of course, multiple networking zones for that all-important coffee and catch-up

    Jasmine Wu, Taipei Cycle Show PR Manager, said: "We are excited to bring so many new attractions and events to the show this year. There will be so much to experience that we urge visitors to make arrangements and register as soon as possible. Taipei Cycle Show 2018 is where the industry will come together to discover what is in store for cycling business and the cycling community beyond 2020.

    "Getting here couldn't be simpler; Taoyuan International Airport is the city's key air transport hub, with excellent rail, metro and bus links to Taipei City. Pre-registered visitors will receive Taipei Metro Cards, which will make travelling to and from the venue even easier. Over thirty city hotels and our travel partners at EVA Air are offering exclusive show promotions, and we will run a shuttle-bus service between the show halls and major hotels."


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    As owners of local independent outdoor businesses and members of the national outdoor community, Grassroots Outdoor Alliance is committed to achieving the health and growth of the specialty outdoor industry by pursuing the high road of retail excellence.

    For more than 30 years, we have succeeded in doing our part to help grow this $373 billion national economic driver. We have done it through our industry-wide commitment to community and quality, experience and environment.

    We have certainly enjoyed the benefits of our growth, and as such we continue to invest our time and profits in addressing our shared challenges -- increasing diversity throughout the outdoor industry, protecting public lands nationwide, and engaging a digitally remote generation wherever they may be.

    Of course, we know that we still have much work to do in these areas. But we also know that through communication and community, there is also much to be gained.

    In our opinion, a recent editorial written by employees of WalMart was both cynical and inaccurate in its representation of the outdoor industry and its response to their premium platform experiment.

    While those employees correctly heard our industry's collective dismissal of their recent experiment in the category, they misunderstood the clear point -- this isn't about Walmart, it's about us, and it's about how the stability of long-term brand equity is more important to the outdoor industry than short-term profits.

    To be clear, Grassroots Outdoor Alliance respects the legal and ethical choices that any business makes to keep the lights on. Retailers can approach brands, and brands can sell to whomever they choose.

    As vested partners in the health and growth of the outdoor industry, however, our request is that significant events -- like major distribution changes by our vendor partners -- be openly communicated. After all, the big things that directly impact our businesses can also directly affect theirs.

    For many of the strongest brands in the outdoor industry, Grassroots Outdoor Alliance retailers are long-term partners who provide both value and sales at significant volume. We feel this qualifies us for respectful notification before our commitments are requested. We, too, are seeking only to make the best choices for our businesses, our industry and our local communities.

    Without a doubt, Grassroots Outdoor Alliance retailers are a healthy brand's number one advocate. A premium brand's heritage, history and values are what differentiates product, what enables profitability, and a key part of what makes our stores special.

    Looking back, we recognize the irony that premium brand equity is what massive online retailers crave most, as this earned value has been built in large part by those brands' partnership with independent specialty outdoor retailers.

    Looking forward, for more than 100 brands and 100 retail doors in the Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, there is only one future that supports our continued growth as an industry -- a fair marketplace where vendors and retailers communicate openly, work together, and resist the easy temptations of short-term thinking. As vendors, as retailers, and as a community, this is our path to walk together.

    Rich Hill
    President
    Grassroots Outdoor Alliance


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    By Charles Verral

    Editor's note: Charles Verral is the owner of Rob & Charlies, a long-standing bike shop in Santa Fe, New Mexico. He wrote this Guest Editorial in response to his employee's comments quoted in a BRAIN story published last week. 

    I was reading Matt Weibe’s excellent article on tariff implications and was somewhat shocked to see a quote from my oldest employee disparaging my favorite brand, Giant, on two conflated issues. (“Buy, buy, buy … famous for frontloading.”)

    I guess I should be glad that my employee, who has supervised our buying for over 20 years, is being careful with my money. However, as a business owner, I have a very different perspective.

    I appreciate Giant’s thoughtful and prescient actions to protect our emerging e-bike market in difficult times. They have, among other moves, brought merchandise into this country in advance of the tariffs. It is only sensible for them to want to get this inventory out to the public as widely and rapidly as possible. Since they are providing generous credit terms, the amount of risk to a retail store is minimized and the upside is that a bad situation could indeed be turned into better sales.

    I feel that this is a one-time smart move and a separate issue from frontloading 

    There are some in the retail part of the industry, and indeed in my own store, who have come to disparage that practice, now universal in the bike industry. Once again, I have a different perspective.

    I blundered into this industry 45 years ago after a 3,400-mile trip. Almost 40 years ago, I borrowed $4,000 and opened a store with a co-worker after working at four others. Modern bikes and the modern bike shop were being invented, and we were there.

    Years ago, bike shops usually sold all their easy inventory through the end of summer and, as winter progressed, would have less and less to sell, especially at full margin, and even less money to restock. Finally, spring would arrive, but the shelves would be bare and only gradually refill as the store clawed back to life.

    Now, a new wave of excitement arrives in the fall, with early shipments of the next year’s stuff, all financed by the vendor until summer and produced partially in response to dealer preseason agreements. It is true that buyers may grimace at the sometimes Byzantine and restrictive rules of these commitments, but hey, what are sales reps for, anyway? In most cases, the plans are structured to help shops participate in national sales programs, say of a new product line from an existing bike vendor.

    Other emerging trends have enhanced cooperation between us in brick and mortar and our vendors. Manufacturers' controlled and protected pricing, once deemed illegal, has leveled the playing field.

    Additionally, because Giant has encouraged us to integrate our inventory information into their website, we often make sales out of our immediate area. No longer does a customer who makes $50 an hour drive 100 miles round trip to the nearby big city to save $50. Instead, we get calls from customers in that city who have found that we are stocking some model or size unavailable there and are happy to drive to us and pay full price.

    In sum, my feeling, as a business owner, is that we should all be grateful for dealer agreements, preseason commitments, manufacturers' set prices, and other evolving systems like click-to-brick. The more we integrate our inventory with our vendors’ production, the more assured we are of a place in the distribution plan.


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    LONGMONT, Colo. (BRAIN) — Boulder Salt is a mixture of sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium, in a ratio that mirrors what occurs naturally in the body. The company says Boulder Salt offers superior hydration due to its unique ratio of electrolytes.

    According to the company, the product has the following attributes:

    • Boulder Salt can prevent and eliminate muscle cramping.

    • It is an excellent source of magnesium (ranks well above other popular electrolyte products in a side by side comparison). One serving provides over 1⁄3 of the RDA.

    • Boulder Salt can be used alone in water for an instant electrolyte drink, without sugar, flavorings nor calories. It allows cyclists the option of keeping calories separate from electrolytes.

    • Boulder Salt has a soft, mild taste, and is alkaline. The alkalinity helps to counteract acid that builds up over the course of a workout. Because of its soft taste, it can also be added to most other sports drinks, for a boost of electrolytes, without altering the taste. Boulder Salt in water also makes an excellent base for those that want to experiment with flavorings, sweeteners and electroyte levels, and make their own custom sports drink.

    • Single-serve packets are extremely water-resistant, have an infinite shelf life and hold up in hot and humid environments (sweaty jersey pockets included!).

    • Boulder Salt can also be used in the kitchen as a 1:1 replacement for any other salt in food prep, cooking and baking. It is a nutritionally superior alternative and has 40% less sodium per serving than tradtional table salt, sea salt and Himalayan salt. It can help stabilize blood pressure and it tastes great.

    Boulder Salt comes in boxes of 60 count individual-serving packets, 1 pound bags and in custom bulk packages. It is sold through bike shops, running stores and massage centers in Colorado and Hawaii. It is also sold direct online. 

    More information at bouldersaltcompany.com.


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    COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.  (BRAIN) — USA Cycling announced Friday that Joan Hanscom, the group's vice president of event services, will depart the organization later this year to take what USAC called "a significant new leadership role in grassroots racing development." Hanscom's new position will be announced at a future date.

    "Joan has been a transformative force at USA Cycling and has irreversibly changed our relationships with the race director community," said Derek Bouchard-Hall, the CEO of USA Cycling. "We are grateful for her leadership and sad to see her go, and we know the legacy of her work at USA Cycling will continue to help the sport thrive."

    Hanscom joined USA Cycling in 2016. Before that she worked at ABUS Mobile Security in Chicago.

    "Leaving USA Cycling was a very difficult decision for me as I am very proud of the progress the organization has made the last several years – and I'm quite excited about 2019 with the upcoming launch of USA Cycling's new event permitting and online registration systems," Hanscom said. "The opportunity to work hands-on with a grassroots cycling community and be closer to my family was just too big a draw. I'm not leaving the sport – I look forward to working closely with my friends at USA Cycling for many years to come!"

     


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    Editor's note: This week we are featuring retailers who received Interbike Retailer Innovation Awards at the Interbike show this month. Staff from the National Bicycle Dealers Association, The Mann Group and Interbike selected 10 retailers from a pool of self-nominated businesses. Stores were asked to apply and share strategies and ideas that they have implemented and which have yielded positive results over the past 12 months. Interbike Innovation Award winners also were featured in the Sept. 1 issue of Bicycle Retailer and Industry News. 

    Absolute Cycles, in Salida, Colorado, is owned by Shawn Gillis and has been in business 19 years.

    Absolute Bikes has expanded its demo program in recent years and is finding the program pays dividends in unsuspected ways. The store is in a hotbed of mountain biking and stocks an array of pricey bikes.

    In the demo program, customers pay $200, which is applied to any new bike purchase and allows them to ride as many demo bikes as possible for up to three days.

    It helps customers choose the right bike, demonstrates the staff’s knowledge, and builds a deeper relationship with customers.

    “There is less talk about price and more talk about which bike is best for them,” said store owner Shawn Gillis. The cost comes in stocking more high-end bikes, storing and maintaining them, and training staff so they can dive deep with the customer. But a bike buyer who spends days trying bikes and interacting with employees about features, sizing and tuning — and the best local trails — might become a customer for life.

    “Many of them never knew how much work goes into bike setup, into our trails, into our inventory, and for our staff to competently explain the difference in linkages so the customer feels excited about their purchase,” Gillis said.

    Shop website: absolutebikes.com.

     


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    Colorado Springs, Colo. – USA Cycling today launched a redesigned membership program, high-lighted by a new low-cost option for cycling enthusiasts and fans to become members of the sport's National Governing Body. The new program aims to bring many more cycling enthusiasts into the USA Cycling community ahead of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and USA Cycling's 100 year anniversary in 2020.

    Both new and renewing USA Cycling members will have three membership options to choose from: BASIC, SILVER and GOLD, in addition to purchasing a racing license. The new BASIC membership allows cycling enthusiasts to join USA Cycling at a base price of just $20, providing access to a wide array of member benefits while supporting USA Cycling's efforts to grow the sport.

    "Our mission is to develop the sport of cycling at all levels, but historically we have focused on just a small portion of the cycling community who chooses to race," said Derek Bouchard-Hall, USA Cycling President & CEO. "With our new BASIC membership, our goal is to attract far more cyclists and cycling fans into the USA Cycling community and increase our ability to have a positive impact on the sport of cycling in the United States."

    All membership levels provide a variety of benefits, including a complimentary, 1-hour consultation with a USA Cycling certified coach and USA Cycling's new PedalPerks program that provides discounts on a wide range of products and services. Members also gain access to exclusive offers from USA Cycling partners including ASSOS, Science in Sport (SIS), KT Tape, and Solos Smart Glasses. Additionally, all members will receive curated content via monthly newsletters designed to educate, inspire and inform members on various cycling-related topics.

    The SILVER level includes a suite of products intended to enhance cycling safety and protection with roadside assistance and supplemental medical insurance coverage for organized cycling events. The GOLD level adds premium cycling gear from Assos and access to unique, member-only experiences.

    Members who opt to purchase a racing license will also receive access to ExpertVoice, which provides pro deals and discounts of up to 70% off top outdoor gear and apparel brands.

    "Our new membership model is designed to enhance the experience of cyclists of all kinds," said Fuad Hamza, USA Cycling Chief Marketing & Sales Officer. "There are over 65 million cyclists in the US and we would like a much larger portion of them to become members of our vibrant community and benefit from the value our organization brings to the sport. We would like to see our membership more than double in the next few years. We know that with the right support upfront, these cyclists will enjoy the sport for life."

    To become a USA Cycling member or learn more about the membership levels, visit www.usacycling.org/memberships.


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    Sept. 28, 2018 – United Bicycle Institute is proud to announce two upcoming Continuing Education classes in co-operation with Bosch eBike Systems. The Professional Certification classes are scheduled to help get technicians up to speed with hands-on experience on some of the company's most advanced training and techniques.

    The Bosch Level 2 classes, held Nov. 16 and Feb. 8 at UBI's Portland, OR facility, will each be held the day after a Bosch's Level 1 clinic, taught by Bosch's Technical staff at the same UBI Portland facility.

    "Shops looking to start offering a new level of service will be able to get trained in just two short days, at one location," said Steven Glass, UBI Portland Manager. "This allows mechanics to minimize travel expenses, and time away from the shop."

    Bosch's Level 1 classes, held in tandem with the UBI Level 2 classes, are part of a series of tech clinic dates that Bosch has recently announced. Registration for the Level 1 classes will be through Bosch's online registration portal, while registration for the UBI Portland Level 2 classes are already live at https://tinyurl.com/ubibosch

    UBI is also offering three additional Bosch Level 2 classes at their Ashland location, which are ideal for mechanics who have already achieved their Level 1 training.

    A full schedule of the UBI Bosch Level 2 classes, in addition to a complete list of other Continuing Education classes available to working mechanics at UBI can be found at www.bikeschool.com

    Bosch eBike Systems is also offering free Level 1 Certification classes at Interbike this year, which can also qualify as a prerequisite for any of the UBI/Bosch Level 2 Certification classes.

    More information and registration for Bosch's Interbike, and other Level 1 class scheduling can be found at: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/bosch-ebike-systems-north-america-14920853938


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    LOS ANGELES, Ca. – Linus Bike has brought two industry veterans onboard to renew their focus on the IBD and round out their sales & dealer support infrastructure.

    New Global Sales Manager Colin Ross joins the team having previously worked as North American Sales Manager for Faraday Bikes following an extensive history on the retail side of the business. "It's a tough environment out there at retail right now" says Ross, "Which is why we focused on developing a program that was friendly to the position most retailers find themselves in right now, while still offering our best margins ever. At Linus, we understand that right now the best thing a brand can do is help our retail partners stock attractive, high quality products that bring new customers in and are easy to order and keep in stock."

    Sales Consultant Rudi Monigold has joined the team to provide a unique perspective, having been directly involved in the growth of Electra. "Linus is exactly the type of fun, vibrant company we need to support in this challenging industry. Great bikes, awesome accessories, and now Linus is super easy, and profitable to have as a business partner. I'm very honored to be a part of the Linus team and help build on their success."

    "We still believe that the path forward is bikes in stores and strong relationships with our IBD partners. Colin and Rudi both come from IBD and with their deep sales knowledge have devised a program that specifically supports the dealer. This is the best margin, longest terms and simplest structure to date. Linus has always been successful at attracting new customers to stores and with a revamped line for 2019 we are very excited for the year ahead." said Adam McDermott Linus Founder & Co-CEO.

    For more information on the new program, contact Linus via Sales@Linusbike.com or Colin Ross directly at Colin@Linusbike.com or 310-822-7722 ext 105.


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    (BRAIN) — Ten states will start collecting sales tax from out-of-state online retailers starting Monday, Oct. 1. The laws are in response to the South Dakota v. Wayfair case the U.S. Supreme Court decided in June, and they vary state by state. The new laws are in Alabama, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Michigan, North Dakota, Washington and Wisconsin. Connecticut and Iowa have passed laws that go into effect soon.

    Thirty-two states have now passed statutes or regulations to require sales tax collection by remote sellers, according to Internet Retailer magazine. Congress also is considering several bills that would establish a framework for state collection schemes. 

    "The roots of the battle over an online sales tax go back decades before the birth of the World Wide Web," said Zak Stambor, editor of Internet Retailer magazine. "While the Wayfair decision fundamentally alters the playing field, I'm not sure we're done with the fight over online sales tax."


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    By Megan Duehring

    Editor's note: Megan Duehring is the daughter of Bill Duehring, who stepped down as president of Felt Bicycles last month.

    After almost 50 years in the bike industry, my father, Bill Duehring, has decided to part ways with Felt Bicycles and take some time for himself to focus on family and health. He has never liked being in the spotlight, simply putting his head down and giving everything his all without asking for recognition or acknowledgment of any kind, but I think this is overdue. He is hands down the hardest working individual I have ever met. He is passionate, loyal, driven, and an example to everyone of what hard work can bring you.

    He wasn't given anything in this life. Bill came from very humble beginnings with a father who instilled a work ethic second to none. Bill worked endlessly for everything he has today. As a teen, he worked in my granddad's bike shop after school. As a young man, he swept floors at Jamis Bicycles and worked his way into sales then product development where he designed the mountain bike line for Ron Jamis.

    In 1985, after 7.5 years with Jamis, he made the decision for his family to move to California and work under his soon to be mentor Richard Long at GT Bicycles. Through his work ethic he quickly became Director of Product Development. He helped create and design the original GT mountain bike line from the ground up, as well as the classic triple triangle and the ever popular custom paint GT was so well known for in the 90s. It has been quoted that Bill Duehring structured the way the bike industry works with Asia factories today because of his persistence and attention to detail.

    "Bill and I got acquainted with each other when he worked at GT and worked with Mr. Richard Long. When the career is smooth and the family is happy, Bill suddenly had to face a triple blow of losing family, a dear friend, and work. There is no happy life forever. However, when facing so much loss at the same time, Bill chose to stand up bravely and face the challenges of life. This is the reason I respect Bill most, his endurance, courage and attitude to challenge difficulties in life. These are spirits that I, as one of his friends, hope to imitate," Stell Yu, Velo.

    Mike Sinyard, founder of Specialized said, "I have known Bill for a long time. Anybody that knows him would agree that he is one of the hardest working, most driven people you would ever meet. Bill gets more work done before 10 a.m. than most anybody else does in a day. I have tremendous respect for Bill; he is one of the people who has succeeded against all odds. If there were world champions in the bike business, Bill Duehring would definitely be one of them."

    Finally, after Richard's passing and being appointed Senior Vice President at GT, Bill decided to part ways with the company and partner with Jim Felt to relaunch Felt Bicycles in 1999. Here he shaped a brand founded on passion for riding and impeccable engineering.

    "Bill Duehring's legacy in the industry will leave a lasting impression for generations. For me, Bill took a chance on me as a rookie sales rep to lead a regional sales team. He revealed the global landscape of bicycle production and introduced me to product development and sourcing. He taught me the fine line of negotiating fairly by creating relationships and a win for both sides. He's been a mentor with an inspiring work ethic and unrelenting desire to win. We will all miss his leadership and stewardship; no doubt we've all benefitted in some way as I have from a life devoted to this industry," says Dave Koesel, Specialized Bicycles.

    Thank you Bill for giving so many the opportunity to be a part of an industry they love. You've always seen the best in people and give chances to those others would shut down without a second look. This is my standing ovation to you for being not only an exemplary father, but an exemplary human being. Thank you for all the years you've committed to cycling.


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