TAIPEI, Taiwan (BRAIN) — Germany-based bicycle trade and industry journalist Jo Beckendorff is retiring from frontline duty at KB Media Ltd., publisher of the Eurobike and Taipei Show Dailies, at the end of this year. "Ten years is enough for me," said Beckendorff, adding that "being part of the KB Media team was an honor. Nevertheless I feel that it is time for new blood and new ideas."

The Show Daily team will continue to be led by co-founder Tom Kavanagh. Over the years Kavanagh and Beckendorff built a team of experienced trade and industry writers working under editor Doug McClellan.

"Thanks to Tom and our staff, thanks to the entire Eurobike team at Messe Friedrichshafen — and last but not least thanks to all our industry friends supporting our projects over the past decade. In Laurens van Rooijen we already have an experienced writer on board ready to take over," Kavanagh said.

Beckendorff will be stepping back from the day-to-day business but will be retained as a consultant to the business. He will also continue to write for national and international trade and industry magazines including BRAIN, RadMarkt and Bike Europe. Team member Laurens van Rooijen will take over Beckendorff's reporting duties in the German-speaking markets and elsewhere.

Participants Will Be Able to Unlock In-Game Awards and Win Prizes from Wahoo

DECEMBER 1, 2018 -- Wahoo, the leading maker of smart indoor trainers and indoor cycling ecosystems, and Zwift, the world's largest and most immersive multiplayer cycling community, have teamed up to give athletes the chance to push themselves toward improved climbing fitness with a challenging in-game mission.

The Wahoo Climbing Mission will take place from December 1 to December 23 and will give cyclists the opportunity to see how many feet they can climb on the roads of Zwift's digital worlds, earn in-game bonuses, and gain the chance to win real-life prizes including Wahoo indoor training equipment. Athletes can join the mission in-game via their drop screen. Everyone who participates will see an in-game Climbing Progress tracker and a Wahoo Mission Badge on their drop-in screen.

All smart trainers are compatible with Zwift's virtual cycling environments, but only the Wahoo KICKR, KICKR CORE, and KICKR SNAP are compatible with the Wahoo KICKR CLIMB Indoor Grade Simulator, the world's only indoor climbing simulator. KICKR CLIMB uses data from Zwift to automatically change a bike's pitch, matching the incline shown in Zwift, and helping cyclists fully immerse themselves in the experience of virtual riding.

Any athlete using Zwift can join the Wahoo Climbing Challenge. Athletes climbing 7,500 feet during the challenge will earn one entry to the First Prize Drawing and unlock an in-game Wahoo cycling cap and socks. Climbing 12,000 feet during the challenge will give cyclists two chances to win the First Prize and an in-game Wahoo cycling kit. Climb 20,000 feet and cyclists will be eligible to win the Grand Prize.

The First Prize winner will receive a KICKR CORE smart trainer and a KICKR CLIMB, MSRP: $1499.99. The Grand Prize winner will receive a complete Wahooligan package ( KICKR, KICKR CLIMB, KICKR HEADWIND, KICKR DESK, and KICKR MAT), MSRP: $1,899.99. Winners will be notified on January 7, 2019. Terms and conditions are available here.

Zwift athletes will be able to sign up in-game and anyone wishing to participate who is not currently using Zwift can sign up at Zwift.com.

The Wahoo Climbing Challenge will be jointly promoted by Wahoo and Zwift, with both brands promoting the challenge to their customers via social media and email.

Any cyclists interested in experiencing the Wahoo KICKR indoor training ecosystem can join Wahoo at two demo events in December:

Atlanta: December 13th, 6-8 PM at REI Perimeter, 1165 Perimeter Center W #200, Atlanta, GA, 30338.
Denver: December 14th, 6-8 PM at REI Denver, 1416 Platte St., Denver, CO, 80202

Both events will give cyclists the chance to experience the year's most buzzed about products from Wahoo, race friends, or experience indoor riding at their own pace. Both events will feature food, drinks, and swag. To get tickets, follow Wahoo on Facebook.

POZZOLEONE, Italy (BRAIN) — The Artica R5 shoe is designed for road riding through cold and rain, providing warmth, comfort, protection and performance in harsh winter conditions while still being lightweight and stiff.

The Artica R5’s Internal Speed Lacing system makes fitting to the rider’s foot shape quick and accurate. Its Microtex Reinforced Shell offers structured support, while the Breathable Membrane maximizes airflow. The waterproof outer is easy to clean, and the waterproof zip ensures that the worst of the weather stays out.

The light and stiff carbon composite outsole is combined with Fizik’s supportive and comfortable Winter Edition Cycling Insole, which features a fleece upper and an insulating aluminum foil on the underside for all-season warmth.

Suggested retail: $230.

What’s the economic benefit when a bicycle race comes to town?

How many dollars are locals pumping into the economy when they purchase bikes and bike-related gear?

To answer these questions, the Walton Family Foundation, PeopleForBikes and BikeNWAjoined forces to design a series of Economic Benefit Model Templates (developed following a study to quantify the economic benefits of bicycling in Northwest Arkansas, which turned out to be $137 million annually). 

These free, user-friendly tools guide you through calculating the economic contribution of bicycling across six key categories: resident spending, bike business, retail sales tax, events, tourism and health.

We recently presented a webinar series exploring best practices for our new economic tools. To watch the webinars, download the economic tools and read the complete Northwest Arkansas study, visit our Economic Templates homepage.

Join our next webinar: Bicycle Network Analysis industry update

On December 18, we'll take a closer look at the Bicycle Network Analysis tool and the PlacesForBikes City Ratings. Learn how the BNA is being applied by different cities to improve their networks, and what updates are planned for 2019.  » REGISTER

RICHMOND, Calif. (BRAIN) — Cycle Monkey on Monday announced a new partnership with Nicolai Bicycles to bring the German mountain bike brand’s line of handmade custom and standard-size aluminum framesets to the U.S. market — selling consumer direct and also offering sales to interested dealers.

Based in the Bay Area, Cycle Monkey will initially offer 20 frames and frame/drivetrain combinations featuring Pinion gearboxes and Gates Carbon Drive belt systems, as well as one complete bike: the E-14 long-travel e-MTB featuring a Rohloff SPEEDHUB 14-speed internal gear hub paired with Rohloff’s new E-14 electronic shifting system and Gates’ Carbon Drive belt system.

Cycle Monkey has been the U.S. service center for Rohloff since 2009 and is the brand’s predominant U.S. distributor for bike shops and consumers, Cycle Monkey owner Neil Flock said. (QBP and BTI also distribute Rohloff.) Flock also distributes the Pinion-equipped Taniwha enduro bike from New Zealand brand Zerode as well as bikes from Germany’s Tout Terrain, which also works with Pinion.

“We’re essentially the go-to for Rohloff in the U.S., and by extension we are the high-end internal drivetrain resource in the country. We started doing stuff with Pinion as well with Zerode, and Tout Terrain does a Pinion option on most of their models,” Flock said.

“Gates is operating Pinion’s official North American service center, but we have really close ties with Gates as well. Gates is really set up only to sell large volumes to OEs, and we help them with smaller-volume stuff for belts and now gearboxes. Our main interest in Nicolai is in the bikes with the Gates belt and Pinion setup,” he added.

At least initially, Cycle Monkey will not be warehousing Nicolai product. Instead, it will serve as Nicolai’s U.S. point of import and will perform assembly in-house.

“We are planning to essentially be a U.S. sales outfit. There are too many products and variations for us to inventory things,” Flock said. “So our intention is to get up to speed on the tech specs, pricing and configurations. Everything is built to order, so basically the entire range will be available, but we will be the in-country contact point.”

Nicolai offers a 12-week lead time on orders worldwide, and Flock said Cycle Monkey should be able to deliver to consumers and dealers in 13 to 14 weeks. He expects the overwhelming majority of his Nicolai sales to go the D2C route.

“We will work with any dealers who are interested, but it has been a long uphill battle so far with Zerode and Tout Terrain trying to find dealers connected with the idea of internal shifting in a package that’s at the higher end of the price spectrum that they work with,” Flock said.

Cycle Monkey’s Nicolai offering will include the Saturn/Ion full-suspension line, with 105 to 190 millimeters of travel and 27.5-inch and 29er wheel options, and the Argon hardtail line, with cyclocross, touring, XC, trail and fat bike options in 700c, 26-inch fat, 27.5-inch standard and 29er wheel sizes.

All Nicolai frames are handmade and built to order in Lübbrechtsen, Germany, allowing customers to determine the color of each frame part, exact sizing and preferred geometry. Cycle Monkey will offer two levels of paint in a range of colors (powder/raw or anodized), custom or standard sizing, and a choice of RockShox, Fox or Cane Creek suspension for full-suspension models. Consumers opting for Pinion- and Gates Carbon Drive-equipped models will be able to choose from Pinion’s range of 9- and 12-speed offerings.

For more information, visit Cycle Monkey’s website.

(1st December, 2018) Proviz, the specialists in light-emitting and reflective cycling, running and outdoor products, has won the Micro Business of the Year Award at the prestigious Amazon Growing Business Awards, the most credible and high valued recognition of growing businesses in the UK.

Taking place last week at The Brewery, London, Proviz was recognised for their innovative design of high visibility clothing that was both stylish and practical. The judges said, "They have taken an everyday problem and come up with a solution that is both stylish and practical. They scored highly on both market impact and customer engagement, which have undoubtedly led to the success story that is Proviz."

Starting from its humble beginning in 2008 in London, Proviz has continued to be an international award winning sports brand, distributing in 40 countries, and is a leading specialist in high-visibility sports products, renowned for its innovation and quality. Proviz has grown from a simple idea to a world-renowned specialist in keeping people seen from the brand’s origin in London to the streets of Sydney and New York.

Proviz co-founder Anthony Langly-Smith said “We are absolutely thrilled to win this prestigious award, it is a very defining moment for Proviz as a brand and business and a recognition of the hard work from the entire team.”

All of Proviz’s products offer highly reflective, comfortable and practical clothing to riders, runners and outdoor enthusiasts that aim to keep them seen and safe. This makes it the ideal attire for those commuting to and from work throughout winter, enabling them to defy the darkness.

For more information, please visit www.provizsports.com

HELSINKI (BRAIN) — Bloomberg is reporting that Chip Wilson, the founder of yoga apparel brand Lulemon Athletica Inc., is set to join the investor group that is trying to buys Amer Sports, which owns Mavic, Enve and other brands. 

According to Bloomberg, Wilson may take about a 20 percent state in a consortium led by China-based Anta Sports Products. Bloomberg said sources tell it that the group and Amer could announce a takeover agreement in the next few weeks. 

Wilson stepped down from Lulemon's board in 2015, two years after resigning as chairman. 

Amer is exploring selling Mavic and Enve; it's not clear how a potential sale of the entire company to the Anta group would affect those plans. Amer's other brands include Salomon, Arc'teryx, Peak Performance, Atomic, Suunto, Louisville Slugger, Wilson and Precor. Amer expects 2018 annual sales of more than $2 billion. Its market value is about $3.9 billion. 

DURHAM, N.C. (BRAIN) — Taiwan-based manufacturer Ideal Bicycle Corp. has told the bankruptcy court here that it opposes Advanced Sports Enterprises' request to be released from its manufacturing and licensing agreements with Ideal.

ASE, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Nov. 16, has asked to be extricated from its agreements with Ideal, which, besides making most of its bikes, has long been a major investor in ASE and Advanced Sports Inc., the owner and distributor of bike brands including Fuji, Breezer, Kestrel and SE Bikes.

ASE wants the licensing contracts to be nullified in part to prevent Ideal from selling bikes it had built for ASE before the bankruptcy. ASE said selling the bikes through other channels or markets could devalue the bike brands, which are expected to be auctioned later this month.

Under a manufacturing agreement that ran through 2021, Ideal had rights to distribute bikes and parts and accessories under the ASE brands in Taiwan and China. Ideal also paid ASE $6 million for a licensing agreement that allowed Ideal to use the brands in Europe, Asia and Oceana for five years.

Ideal said it currently has $2.2 million worth of completed products ordered by ASE, as well as $5.6 million worth of partially completed products. On Nov. 13, Ideal had sent a letter to ASE demanding payment of $12.5 million in trade debt and said it would terminate outstanding purchase orders on Nov. 15 unless the situation was rectified. ASE did not responded to the demand, but filed the Chapter 11 petition three days later.

Ideal is asking the court to reject or at least delay ASE's motion to be released from the contracts. It said ASE had not presented evidence that if Ideal sells the inventory it would devalue ASE's assets. It also noted that if Ideal is forced to dispose of the products, Ideal could then make a claim against ASE for the full selling price of the inventory, which would increase ASE's debt obligations in the bankruptcy.

The court is expected to consider the motion at a hearing on Thursday.

 Related stories:

• Dec. 2, 2018: Liquidator to hold sales at all Performance locations
• Nov. 16, 2018: ASE to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy
• Nov. 7, 2018: Dean wins US House seat in Pennsylvania 
• Aug. 24, 2018: ASE consolidates Nashbar and Performance systems, closes Ohio warehouse
• Aug. 20, 2018: At tariff hearing, ASE's Cunnane proposes solution to unfair trade with China: de minimis reform
• April 18, 2017: ASE begins search for new Performance president
• Nov. 15, 2016: David Pruitt steps down as Performance CEO
• Aug. 16, 2016: ASI buys Performance Bicycle
• March 16, 2015: ASI buys Phat Cycles and Sterling bike brands
• June 12, 2014: ASI takes customers and reps on tour of China factory
• Dec. 9, 2013: ASI says Calgary bike shop can use Roubaix name
• Dec. 13, 2013: ASI, Specialized and Cafe Roubaix in 'complete alignment' over trademark
• March 18, 2009: Hermes Chang appointed president of Ideal
• Sept. 23, 2008: ASI purchases Breezer
• Oct. 16, 2007: Advanced Sports purchases Kestrel 

DURHAM, N.C. (BRAIN) — A U.S. bankruptcy judge has ruled that a liquidator company may not promote sales at some Performance Bicycle locations as "Store Closing,""Going Out of Business,""Liquidation Sale,""Bankruptcy Sale" or similarly themed sale events. While the sales may continue, those kinds of signs are not allowed.

The ruling by Judge Benjamin A. Kahn applies to the 62 additional stores where Gordon Brothers Retail Partners began operating sales on Saturday. The company also has been operating sales at the 40 other Performance locations since about Nov. 16, when Performance's parent company, Advanced Sports Enterprises, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

Kahn said Gordon Brothers and ASE are permitted to promote the sales as "Holiday Sale,""Inventory Clearance Sale" or "Christmas Sales."

ASE's CEO has told BRAIN that none of the sales should be seen as a direct indication that specific stores will close, although he expects that many locations ultimately will shut down.

"Currently, this is more about inventory liquidation rather than store closure," Pat Cunnane said in an email to BRAIN. "Whether a store is ultimately closed is a function of concessions that we may obtain from landlords and the marketplace of potential bidders. This process will enable us to determine which stores are the most valuable to the business."

Kahn also barred Gordon Brothers from supplementing the inventory at the Performance stores with additional merchandise of its own. And he clarified how Gordon Brothers and store employees should deal with customers looking to return items they bought before the Nov. 16 filing, or gift certificates purchased before that date.

He said Gordon Brothers must accept gift certificates and gift cards issued before the filing and must accept returns of products bought before the filing, under the same policies in effect when the item was purchased, as long as the customer is not repurchasing the same item to take advantage of the new discounts. 

Kahn said that all sales made after the bankruptcy filing are considered "as is," but noted that the stores must comply with state and federal laws that require the stores to accept returns of any goods purchased during the sales that "contain a defect which the lay consumer could not reasonably determine was defective by visual inspection prior to purchase for a full refund, provided that the consumer must return the merchandise within seven days of purchase, the consumer must provide a receipt, and the asserted defect must in fact be a 'latent' defect."

He said stores should post signs near the cash register stating that "Refunds may only be for merchandise having a latent defect, when returned within 7 days of purchase." 

Kahn's interim order on Monday will be in place at least until another hearing is held on Dec. 6. 

BREDBURY, England (BRAIN) — In response to demand from cross-country and trail riders for zero-rise handlebars, Renthal has introduced the Fatbar Lite Zero Rise and Fatbar Lite Carbon Zero Rise.

The U.K. brand said that following market research, it determined that a 780-millimeter width would give trail riders all the width they need and give cross-country riders the option to cut the bar down to a narrower width.

“To align with all our handlebar ranges, the 9-degree sweep and the location of the bend from the center put the riders hands in the same angular location from the stem as with all our other handlebars,” Renthal stated. “We also matched the ride characteristics of the Fatbar Lite and Fatbar Lite Carbon to give the same great ride quality.”

The Fatbar Lite Carbon Zero Rise features a UD carbon construction and a 31.8-millimeter clamp diameter, and weighs 190 grams. Suggested retail: $164.95.

The Fatbar Lite Zero Ride is made from 7-series aluminum, is available in Rental AluGold or black hard-anodized finish, has a 31.8-millimeter clamp diameter and weighs 270 grams. Suggested retail: $84.95.

• Karbon Kinetics Ltd. (KKL), creators of the Gocycle electric bike, appoint Conrad Allum as International PR Manager

• Allum joins after four years working in various global public relations roles with British automotive manufacturer Jaguar Land Rover
• 2019 set to be breakthrough year for the Gocycle brand with new products and record growth forecast for the electric bike market

LONDON, 3 December 2018: Karbon Kinetics Ltd. (KKL), the business behind the pioneering Gocycle electric bike brand, today announced the appointment of Conrad Allum as International PR Manager, effective immediately.

Allum will be tasked with setting the global public relations strategy for the Gocycle brand, driving exposure and awareness for its products, with 2019 set to be an exciting year for the London-based business.

Gocycle's International PR Manager said: "I'm incredibly excited to join a brand with such a unique and exciting product, operating in a market that is booming across the world. The potential for Gocycle is endless – there is no electric bike like it on the market: its stunning design, incredible ride and technology truly set it apart. I cannot wait to start spreading Gocycle's incredible story and generating the awareness and exposure this product deserves."

Allum joins from British manufacturer Jaguar Land Rover where he spent four years undertaking various roles across the global public relations function. He specialised in Land Rover design, technology, motor shows and corporate affairs before spending his final two years working in Jaguar's UK press office.

Richard Thorpe, Designer of Gocycle, said: "I'm delighted to welcome Conrad to the team at what is a pivotal time for Gocycle. His public relations skillset and experience will help us to spread the Gocycle story even further, creating the global awareness we need to drive our ambitious growth plans."

Gocycle's mission is simple: to create the world's best urban electric bikes. A task which began in earnest in 2002 when former McLaren Cars Limited design engineer Richard Thorpe established his own business, Karbon Kinetics, to embark upon creating his two-wheeled electric dream. Sixteen years on and that dream is a reality with the Gocycle brand renowned the world over for its innovative products, stylish designs and pioneering spirit.

Following the launch of the ground-breaking, lightweight Gocycle G1 to international acclaim in 2009, the business has continued to push boundaries with each of its three new models. The Gocycle G2 entered the market in 20012 becoming the first production electric bike to have Bluetooth connectivity. It was followed by the Gocycle G3 in 2016, which debuted an automotive inspired Daytime Running Light (DRL) – yet another industry first – and the Gocycle GS in 2017.
The Gocycle GS and G3 are available to purchase now from www.gocycle.com and through select resellers throughout US, Canada, UK, and EU.

Gocycle GS MSRP: £2,499; E2,799; $2,799.
Gocycle G3 MSRP: £3,499; E3,999; $4,499.

Driven by an industry wide need the Education Summit is focused on providing a brand agnostic platform for competitors to come together and share successes and struggles in addition to pointed presentations revolving around mechanics training.

The Summit will take place prior to CABDA West San Diego at the Hilton Del Mar and registration is now open.  Space is limited to 50 participants.

The summit aims to achieve an agreed upon minimum level of proficiency for bicycle mechanics and work towards varied levels of training for mechanics within the cycling industry. An additional outcome will be the formation of the initial Bicycle Technology Council, a committee focused on industry technical education.

PBMA’s President James Stanfill says: “we want to create a safe space for competitors to come together and collaborate.  Chemistry teachers from Stanford and NYU certainly get together and share ideas, theories, successes and failures, why can’t we do this in our industry?  We’ve reached out to key partners such as Quality Bicycle Products to help us bring the industry together.”

The Summit kicks off with a welcome reception on Monday January 14^th followed by a full day of talks on the 15^th, concluding with CABDA West’s opening reception the evening of the 15^th.

Key presentation topics include:

• Continuing Education for Mechanics
• Industry Professional Development
• Understanding How Mechanics Learn
• Leveraging Education for Success
• Manufacturer Direct Training
• Industry Standards

Firm commitments to attend have already been received from Quality Bicycle Products, Barnett Bicycle Institute and United Bicycle Institute who have each agreed to take part in key session discussions.

The cost to attend is $250 and includes a kickoff reception, breakfast and lunch.  Attendees are invited to also attend CABDA’s Kickoff Reception following the conclusion of the workshop.

A complete schedule, topic descriptions and registration information can be found by visiting www.BicycleTech.org. A list of participating companies can be found at the bottom of the page.

Dec 4, 2018 - Santa Fe, NM - Leading US technical products distributor Bicycle Technologies International (BTI) has contracted Dennis Burg of Forward Motion Sales to represent BTI in Illinois, Wisconsin and St Louis, effective Dec 1st.

BTI Sales Manager Christian Ahrens announced the addition this week as part of BTI's efforts to increase dealer support. "This is a big step for us. We are committed to finding A-list reps like Dennis' whose extensive background can assist shops in growing their business."

Dennis, an industry veteran, brings over 20 years of professional sales experience working for companies like Raleigh and Hawley/HLC and previously owned his own bike shop. "I am happy to have spent nearly my entire adult life working in the bicycle industry. I enjoy adding value to my dealers by representing the industry's very best companies and brands. I am beyond excited to now be representing BTI with its stellar reputation and commitment to IBDs. BTI is a special company and I can't wait to help my dealers experience all that BTI has to offer."

BTI's in-house sales group currently covers territories in California, Washington, Oregon, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah. The distributor is actively looking for experienced independent P&A reps to join its team.

Bicycle Technologies International, based in Santa Fe, NM, has been a distributor of cycling products and accessories since 1993. Offering over 20,000 items and 300 global brands to choose from, BTI supplies bike dealers with a wide variety of components, tools and staple items necessary to successfully run a profitable independent bicycle shop. BTI's new Reno-Sparks distribution center provides overnight ground delivery to 7 western states. See www.bti-usa.com for more information.

Forward Motion Sales Inc represents the following premier brands in Wisconsin, Illinois and the St. Louis area: BTI, Haro Bicycles, Lizard Skins, Athlos Custom Clothing, ArroWhere High VizClothing, Safetec Helmets, and Osprey in Illinois. Call 847-863-8856 or email Dennis@FM-Sales.com for information

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, Calif. (BRAIN) — Outdoor Retailer said that all three of its shows in 2019 will be three days long. OR's Summer Market in June and Winter Market in November will be shortened from the original four-day plans. January's Snow Show remains three days as scheduled. All three shows will be held at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver.

"We had a great first year in Denver, and that success is a result of the ongoing support of our industry and from the outdoor and snowsports communities," said Marisa Nicholson, Outdoor Retailer vice president and show director. "To maintain that momentum, we know it's crucial to continue to evolve and enhance the shows and to take action on the feedback we've received. What we learned is that three full days is sufficient. Now, we are excited to head into 2019 with three Outdoor Retailer shows structured to create the best platform for all attendees."

Outdoor Retailer 2019 Show Dates:

• Snow Show: January 30-February 1
• Summer Market: June 18-20; Demo Experience: June 17
• Winter Market: November 5-7

Outdoor Retailer also announced that in 2019, Hed Hi Media and the editorial team assembled for Outdoor Retailer Magazine will produce The Daily, the official show daily publication. Hed Hi has served as the official show photo and video agency since 2008 and has published Outdoor Retailer Magazine along with Doug Schnitzspahn as editor for the past three years. One issue of The Daily is produced each day of the shows, along with pre- and post-show digital editions. The new post-show edition will cover late-breaking events and stories, wrap up trends and results and give brands and retailers a convenient resource to recap the shows.

"We are excited to expand our partnerships with Hed Hi and Doug and to have a single creative media team representing Outdoor Retailer," Nicholson said. "Hed Hi has long been the visual voice of the show, and Doug leads the charge in telling the stories of retailers around the industry. Together, they have won awards, and we look forward to seeing them share the trends, ideas and faces of the shows in The Daily."

For several years, the OR Show Daily has been produced by the outdoor trade site SNEWS.

Frozen and Spider-Man kids' bikes are available for holiday season delivery

DAYTON, Ohio – Dec. 4, 2018 – Batch Bicycles, a new specialty retailer-only bicycle brand, has finalized licensing agreements with Disney© and Marvel Comics®, allowing the company to be the first to offer quality kids' bikes based on Disney Frozen and Marvel Spider-Man films.
Batch Bicycles presented its inaugural line of comfort, commuter, cruiser, mountain, and kids' bikes last September at Interbike Marketweek, North America's leading bicycle tradeshow. Included in its launch were prototype Frozen® and Spider-Man® kids' bikes in 12- and 16-inch models.

The final models can be pre-ordered now for delivery the second week of December.

"The goal of Batch Bicycles is to offer quality bikes that are priced to bring new customers into local bike shops," said Dorothy Pacheco, Batch Bicycles sales manager. "The partnership we've created with Disney and Marvel really enhances our lineup and appeals to young riders - just in time for the holiday shopping season."

The Frozen and Spider-Man bikes feature durable and lightweight 6061 aluminum frames, aluminum fork blades with hi-tensile steel steerer tubes, coaster brakes, chainguards, training wheels, and comfortable saddles and grips. Their specifications and thoughtful accessories set them apart from typical 'big box' store bikes.

The Frozen bikes are available in an Ice Blue satin finish and come with a handlebar basket and tires molded in a Frozen snowflake tread pattern. The Spider-Man bikes roll on tires molded in a spiderweb pattern, have a handlebar plaque, and come in either matte Cobalt Blue for the 12-inch, or matte Midnight Blue for the 16-inch.

MSRPs for both the Frozen and Spider-Man bikes are $209.99 for the 12-inch models and $219.99 for the 16-inch models.

Retailers can pre-order the bikes now by contacting Batch Bicycles at info@batchbicycles.com, or calling 833-789-8899. After December 10, retailers will be able to place orders online on batchbicycles.com, or via the company's mobile app, with two to three day delivery from one of Batch Bicycles two warehouses.

Established in April by parent company UWHK, Batch Bicycles offers profitable margins from 42 to 50 percent, without the need for minimum buys, presale commitments, inventory requirements, or complex discount structures. The brand's "Batch Approach" breaks the traditional mold and follows its credo, "Simple, Honest, and Pure". The company's business model is designed to avoid standard sales programs, which retailers often find cumbersome.

For Batch Bicycle dealer inquiries, please email Dorothy Pacheco directly at dorothy@batchbicycles.com, or go to batchbicycles.com.

HOOD RIVER, Ore. (BRAIN) — Dakine, an outdoor sports lifeestyle brand that offers bike clothes and bags, has been acquired by Marquee Brands LLC, a brand management company that owns the Bruno Magli and Body Glove brands, among others.

While Marquee bought Dakine's brands and IP, the company has entered into a long-term license agreement with JR286, which has acquired the operating assets of Dakine and will become Marquee Brands' long-term operating partner for the brand.

Dakine was founded on Maui's North Shore in 1979 and is currently based in Hood River, Oregon, and Annecy, France. Its first product was a surf leash. It now offers products for surf, ski/snowboard, bike, kiteboard and wind surfing. In the bike market, it offers clothing and protective gear, bike travel bags, hydration packs and tailgate pads.

Marquee Brands and JR286 said they will maintain dedicated teams for the brand in Hood River, Los Angeles and Annecy. Ken Meidell, Dakine's current CEO, will be joining the Marquee Brands team.

"Marquee Brands' vision is to intensify Dakine's focus on producing high-quality products for its snow, surf and bike customers while also pushing the brand to explore exciting and uncharted waters. The team at JR286 is world-class and we're thrilled to be partnering with them to help realize this brand's full potential. We are also proud to have a team of brand enthusiasts from Dakine, led by Ken, joining the Marquee family," said Michael DeVirgilio, the president of Marquee Brands.

JR286 founder, president and CEO Jonathan Hirshberg said, "We are extremely excited to join forces with Marquee Brands as their operating partner in this acquisition. For years, as a passionate sport and outdoor enthusiast, I truly appreciate the Dakine brand, its long-standing heritage on the mountain and in the water, and the success it has achieved by staying true to its core consumer."

He added, "We are excited to begin working with the talented Dakine team members around the globe. Their expertise sits right in our wheelhouse of design, engineering, sourcing and global commercialization. We can't wait to get started." 

ST. CHARLES, Ill. (BRAIN) — In addition to the standard training functions of Sigma's ROX series of GPS computers, the ROX 12.0 has a new map-based navigation system that creates optimal routing for every sport profile both on and off road.

The new "Draw my Route" function enables users to draw a line on the map, and within a few seconds the ROX 12.0 creates a route based on the sketch. The unit is preloaded with North American OSM map material, and additional maps can be downloaded free of charge. It also offers common navigation options like entering an address, coordinates, a point of interest or a spot on a map,

The ROX 12.0's high-resolution, transflective 3-inch color display is designed to be easy to read in direct sunlight and features a graphical, user-friendly interface with a modern design. The ROX 12.0 has a durable and robust housing, fast route calculation and fluid map generation. Its rapid data exchange via Wi-Fi enables uploading to the Sigma Cloud and preinstalled training platforms including Strava, TrainingPeaks, Komoot and GPSies. For detailed ride data analysis, users can also view and evaluate ride data by means of the Sigma Link app and the Data Center.

Sigma's Sport Profile training feature can be used to specify the training view, pair sensors and set preferred routing and terrain options for every bike type. With ANT+ protocol, the ROX 12.0 pairs with sensors and offers information including heart rate, altitude, distance and time. The unit is also compatible with electronic shifting systems including Shimano Di2, SRAM eTap and Campagnolo EPS.

The ROX 12.0 is available in either a basic version or as a Sport Set that includes an ANT+ Duo speed/cadence transmitter and ANT+ heart rate transmitter. Colorful outer cases are available in blue, lime green and orange, and come with button sets in all three colors.

Colors can be mixed and matched.

Suggested retail: $475 (ROX 12.0 Sport Basic); $575 (ROX 12.0 Sport Set).

Eugene, OR (December 6, 2018) Burley Design – known for its award-winning outdoor recreational transport gear since 1978, is sponsoring the Free Bikes for Kidz initiative in the local Eugene and Springfield community to distribute bikes to children in need.

In addition to Free Bikes for Kidz, Burley teamed up with local non-profits, faith-based organizations, schools, and groups to collect hundreds of gently used bikes to tune up, repair, and distribute to children in the surrounding area. On December 8, kids in the community will be able to pick out a newly refurbished bike and helmet. 

“A lot of times once a child outgrows a bike it just sits in the garage collecting dust,” said Allison Coughlin, President of Burley Design. “This is a wonderful opportunity for us to recycle bikes, clean them up like new, and give to kids in our community who will use it for years!”

Coughlin spearheaded the creation of the local Eugene and Springfield chapter to give children in the area a like-new bike. In addition, Burley provided warehouse space to collect and repair the donated bikes. Since October, Burley employees have worked to meticulously clean and repair the used bikes before they are donated on the 8th. 

Free Bikes for Kidz is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping all kids ride into a happier, healthier childhood by providing bikes to those in need. Bikes are more than just toys for children; they promote a sense of independence and responsibility and ignite a sense of freedom, harnessing a love of the outdoors. Burley’s vision of building the next generation of riders, adventurers, and explorers aligns perfectly with Free Bikes for Kidz and together, the organizations look forward to giving back to their community and fostering relationships with children and families in the area.

For more information about Free Bikes for Kids, visit www.fb4k.org 

For more information about Burley visit www.burley.com.