PARK CITY, Utah (BRAIN) — PressCamp’s seventh summer edition and 10th overall event kicked off Tuesday under sunny skies. The annual gathering is staged at the Deer Valley Resort’s Silver Baron Lodge this week and brings together representatives from 25 brands and 30 editors from cycling and non-endemic media for three days of one-on-one meetings in condos followed by afternoon rides.

After only one day of meetings, a couple of themes began to emerge with brands visited on the first day notably expanding their women’s offerings and also offering lower entry-level price points to make their products more accessible to new riders.

Here’s a sampling of what we saw on the first day:

GT mountain and road

GT’s Zaskar turns 25 in 2016, and the brand is celebrating the milestone by going carbon. Taking inspiration from what the Zaskar was in its early days — a do-it-all hardtail that won multiple downhill, cross-country and trials championships — the new carbon Zaskar features “trail-friendly” geometry and comes in four builds — topping out at $4,999 for the Zaskar Carbon LTD spec’d with 120mm RockShox Pike fork, SRAM X1 11-speeddrivetrain and RockShox Reverb Stealth dropper post. All four roll on 27.5-inch wheels. The Pro and Expert models can be easily converted to 1-by drivetrains. And the carbon Zaskar comes in sizes XS to XL.

“A lot of people use hardtails for more than XC racing,” said Chris Hopwood, global marketing manager for GT. “We wanted something that suited the needs of grass-roots racers as well as riders who just want to go out and have fun.”

Unlike traditional XC race bikes, cables aren’t internally routed. This was intentional to make it user friendly and easier for mechanics to work on. ‘There’s no crazy complexity. That’s the beauty of the Zaskar,” Hopwood said.

The 130-millimeter Sensor platform was introduced last year, but the Carbon Pro model gets a lighter rear end this year. And entry-level carbon models for both the Sensor and the XC full-suspension Helion now come with alloy rear triangles, which lowers retail prices by $500. “For most consumers, full carbon is too pricey. By going alloy in the rear end, we can up-spec parts and still come in lower on the price for both models,” Hopwood said. “A lot of our competitors were already doing this. Few companies are doing carbon rear because of the engineering and resources it takes to get it right structurally.”

The 150-millimeter-travel Force, introduced last year, gets a full graphics change this year. The 160-millimeter travel Sanction launched last year gets a new Team replica model for 2016, offered as an all-alloy frameset ($2,200-$2,500) or complete with XT/XTR mix.

On the road side, GT showed the new Grade Alloy X, a 'cross version of its Grade model that marries an alloy frame and carbon fork. “Versatility is important,” said Cait Dooley, pavement product manager for GT. “The Grade line was the endurance road line, but we thought it would be fun to hit a 'cross race or singletrack and still be able to do road.” It comes spec’d with a SRAM Rival drivetrain and brakes and knobby Clement MXP 33x700C tires on alloy rims. MSRP: $1,999.

The Grade range now offers nine models including two women’s-specific models spec’d with Sora ($899) and Claris ($799) and a flatbar model. Instead of developing new frame geometry, GT focused on saddles and crank and bar lengths for its women’s bikes, a decision based on extensive rider data from its Guru Fit system.

GT also expanded its women’s range across its hybrid line with a step-through frame for its Transeo. In addition, it expanded the sizing on its alloy Avalanche hardtail 27.5-inch model to better fit smaller women, now offered in XXS. The Zaskar is now also offered in a women’s version, the Zaskar Comp GTw, with sizing down to XXS and women’s saddle and grips, shorter cranks and narrower bars.

All in all, GT offers women’s sizing or models across five platforms, and Dooley said women’s-specific full-suspension mountain is in the near future. Aside from the women’s expansion, Dooley said price points have come down on the pavement range, which includes comfort and hybrids and starts at $369 with disc brakes.

Orbea

Aside from touting its 175th anniversary this year, Orbea gave a sneak peek at its revamped Ordu TT/tri bike, which will debut at the first stage of the Tour de France. Until then, details and photos of the bike are embargoed, but Orbea product manager Scott Warren said it was two years in development. This newer version is the fifth generation of the Ordu.

Meanwhile, on the mountain side, Orbea showed the Loki, a new aluminum hardtail that accommodates both 27.5-plus and 29-inch wheels and features Boost 148 rear spacing. It will be offered in four builds, but Orbea only had a frameset to show. Price hadn't been set. 

The Occam has been in Orbea’s line but gets some tweaks for 2016. Frame geometry gets more slack on both the 27.5-inch model with 140 millimeters of travel and the 29-inch model with 120 millimeters of travel. Both are offered in aluminum and carbon versions. They’re also updated with Pressfit 92 bottom brackets and Boost 148 rear spacing.

The carbon models features new U Flexion (UFO) technology, resulting in a lighter rear triangle, according to Warren. UFO was used on XC models but now is expanding to longer-travel offerings. The spec also changes slightly with Shimano instead of Formula brakes and DT Swiss wheels.

Starting in 2016, all models sold in the U.S. are completely assembled and painted in Orbea’s Mallabia, Spain, facility. Orbea is no longer assembling in Asia – consolidating production to facilities in Portugal and Spain. “We believe it will be more cost-efficient and there can be an increase in quality,” Warren said. “It should also improve delivery.”

Warren said Orbea also plans to launch a custom paint and spec program in September. Lead times on custom graphics will run two weeks, and bikes can ship from Spain within three days, he said.

 Alpinestars

Alpinestars’ Giulio Neri provided a short synopsis of the company’s start in Italy in 1963, and evolution from its core business in motocross to mountain biking, which dates back to the 1980s. In 2010, Alpinestars re-entered the mountain bike market after a hiatus, with apparel and protective gear covering the gamut from XC to DH riding.

Last year it introduced the Evolution Jacket ($159.95), which integrates back protection and water storage in a single piece mostly made from mesh. For 2016, that design is improved with the Paragon Vest, which becomes available next spring. Also made entirely of mesh, it offers two hose-guide options – either over the shoulder or under the arm – three pockets with internal padding, ergonomic back protector, and a long zipper with a chin guard. Price hasn’t been set.

Neri said cycling is the fastest-growing segment for Alpinestars, and in the U.S. the company recently appointed a domestic sales manager and sales reps as part of a direct-sales model. “Our range is expanding — it’s a strong and well-structured range of protection,” he added.

Apparel offerings are designed with construction and fabrics specific to riding disciplines and collections for spring/summer and fall.

Knog

Australian light company Knog is growing its business by diversifying its product mix. The 12-year-old company made its name selling its “Frog” lights and its products were quickly embraced by the fixie market, said CEO Hugo Davidson. This year Davidson made sweeping changes to its U.S. distribution, signing on Highway Two as the exclusive distributor, after working with five different distributors before. H2 will only be distributing its lights, however, so Knog is handling its lock sales directly.

Davidson said a full product overhaul has followed with changes across nearly all of its product range.

In addition, Knog is finding success growing its business by finding new sales channels for products like its Qudos, an external light designed to work with the GoPro and other digital SLR cameras. That external light concept was applied to the iPhone with the Expose Wrap, a phone case with integrated video light, which becomes available in August for $35. The Expose Smart, unveiled last year, is an iPhone case that works with an app to adjust and control the light remotely, like a flash.

Davidson said its Blinder lights all have stronger silicon straps that come in different lengths and are replaceable — addressing one of the biggest complaints from dealers and users, which were straps that stretched and ripped. Each Blinder series of bike lights – Arc, Mob and Road – feature beam patterns and angles developed for a specific type of riding and bike mount.

The Blinder MOB for the urban rider is fully waterproof and USB rechargeable without a cord — it connects directly to a power source with an integrated USB plug. And rather than designing products around lumens, with more lumens equating to higher prices, “we're really targeting specific type of riding,” Davidson said, adding that the Blinder Road R70 is its best-selling rear light. 

For 2016, Knog is launching a new entry-level range of lights called POP. They come in single- and double-AA battery options, for $17.50 and $24 retail, respectively. The lights come in 10 colors and patterns for front and rear and have side visibility built in. “We’re introducing some fun to entry-level product,” Davidson said. The POP becomes available Sept. 1 with matching packaging.

Cannondale

The 2016 model year is a big one for product introductions at Cannondale. “It’s the product year I’ve been waiting for," said PR manager Bill Rudell. "Dealers have been asking us to help them grow their business and cycling, and we’re broadening our product offerings.”

That expansion is coming in the way of new accessories like tubes in grab-and-go packaging that fit easily in jersey pockets, side-load bottle cages, computer mounts and the compact Airport Carry On pump. Cannondale is also introducing lower-priced entry-level mountain bikes like the men’s Catalyst and women’s Foray. The 27.5-inch aluminum hardtails are offered in four builds priced from $379 to $650, all with disc brakes. “Dealers told us, ‘We need entry-level mountain bikes’” Rudell said. “Our entry-level price point last year was $600 and offered no disc brakes and 26-inch wheels and lower spec,” Rudell said. “This effort is to expand the pie and provide more offerings under the Cannondale brand.”

With the global sales meeting for Cycling Sports Group happening at the same time as PressCamp in nearby Ogden, Utah, some of the new models weren’t on hand. Dealers are expected to start streaming into Ogden today for CSG’s annual retailer gathering and product launch. More details on some of Cannondale’s higher-end road and mountain bikes will become available shortly thereafter. Two new road bikes will be launched this weekend at a press launch in Austria, and details are embargoed until then. Sometime in late July Cannondale expects to launch a new 120-millimeter travel bike that will fill the gap between its Scalpel and Trigger models.

Still, Rudell offered up details on the Slate, Cannondale's drop-bar bike for all roads meant to appeal to the “anti-road” rider. The 650b bike comes spec’d with 30-millimeter Lefty fork and 42c tires. Its shorter chainstays and lower bottom bracket allow it to retain efficiency on the road with pretty fat tires, Rudell said. It comes in 105, Ultegra and Force CX1 builds for $2,950 to $4,290. And while it doesn’t come spec'd with a dropper post, it’s dropper compatible.

Finally, the Cypher road helmet, introduced two years ago, gets new antimicrobial pads, thin webbing and a removable polycarbonate aero shell this year. Retail is $199.99. The Ryker all-mountain helmet features larger vents and air cushion pads that redirect impact. MSRP: $129.99.

Stay tuned for more coverage from PressCamp this week.  

BOULDER, Colo. (BRAIN) — The Bicycle Product Suppliers Association this week sent a letter to its members informing them about efforts underway with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to address front-wheel quick-release safety following a Trek recall this spring.

The previous recall involved bikes with a QR lever that opens wider than 180 degrees and that when improperly left open can be caught in the front disc brake. The QR is a commonly spec’d part on bikes from many manufacturers, and those manufacturers may also be affected by the issue identified in the recall.  As such, the BPSA is reaching out to suppliers to invite participation in a group discussion with the CPSC.

“CPSC’s rules on reporting require disclosures to be made when a company has reason to believe a product may contain a hazard, even if there is no record of harm or injury caused by the company’s product,” said George Constantine, a lawyer from Venable LLP and counsel to the BPSA. 

“A group of companies have gotten together and talked collectively to the CPSC about a coordinated, multi-company approach on the issue. The CPSC has welcomed this group-based discussion and has encouraged the BPSA to invite other bike suppliers to participate,” Constantine added.

Company representatives interested in finding out more about the group and how to join should contact Constantine at (202) 344-4790 no later than June 29.

BOULDER, Colo. (BRAIN) — PeopleForBikes has announced its community grants for spring 2015, ranging from $800 to $10,000 and supporting infrastructure and advocacy initiatives in seven communities across the country.

Grant recipients this round include:

• BIKE SHIFT Youth Leadership Program (Chicago): Slow Roll Chicago will use $10,000 granted by PeopleForBikes to develop a teen leadership program focused on creating safe bicycle access to the new Big Marsh Bike Park on the Southeast Side of Chicago. Youth from the neighborhoods surrounding Big Marsh — including Pullman, Hegewisch and South Deering — will engage in advocacy, community organizing and bicycle planning as part of this effort.

• First Bridge: Multi-Use Trail Bridge, Phase II (Davenport, Iowa): This $10,000 grant will help River Action Inc. provide a safe route over a busy four-lane highway for people on bike and on foot. The reconstruction of this historic railroad bridge will connect downtown Davenport to the River Heritage Park, Mississippi River Trail and American Discovery Trail.

• Middle Fork Greenway (Boone, N.C.): This $10,000 grant will help fund Phase II of a planned 6.5-mile greenway connecting Boone to Blowing Rock, N.C. This segment will link the facility to the Blue Ridge Parkway, shopping, residential areas, tourist and employment destinations, as well as the Appalachian Regional Healthcare System acute care facility.

• Wallace Marine Bike Park and Trail Facility (Salem, Ore.): A $10,000 grant to the Salem Area Trail Alliance (SATA) will fund a pump track for beginners and a trail with features that allow riders to progressively build bicycle-handling skills. SATA’s partnerships with the city of Salem, the National Park Systems’ River, Trails and Conservation Program, the West Salem Business Association and several local businesses have built support and momentum for the new facility.

• Imagine Bikes Here Campaign (Maine): The Bicycle Coalition of Maine will direct their $5,000 community grant to a series of demonstration projects featuring protected bike lanes and traffic-calming improvements in as many as five communities across the state. These temporary facilities will help residents see, learn about, experience — and ask for — good bicycle infrastructure.

• Tempe Bike Corral (Tempe, Ariz.): This $2,500 award will help Tempe Leadership — a program of the Tempe Chamber of Commerce Foundation — install permanent bike parking at the popular and centrally located Tempe Beach Park. The parking will function as a bike valet location operated by nonprofit organizations during events.

• Hammond Bike Racks (Hammond, Ind.): When a member of the United Citizens Association saw a row of bicycles chained to a fence bordering a trail near a local high school, he knew there was a better option. The association will match this $800 grant from PeopleForBikes to purchase secure bike racks for two of Hammond’s high schools this summer.

The PeopleForBikes Community Grants Program has funded more than 300 projects since 1999, including bike lanes, paths, parks and advocacy programs.

To learn more about the community grants program, please visit the PeopleForBikes website.

VANCOUVER, Wash. (BRAIN) — SR Suntour North America is working with U.S. and Canadian authorities to recall more than 100,000 of its suspension forks due to concerns that the bolt attaching the upper part of the fork to the lower part can break or separate, causing the front wheel to come off bicycles.

There have been 15 reports of bolts breaking or separating, including two reports of minor injuries such as abrasions, cuts and bruises.

The recall involves 68,000 units sold in the United States and 33,600 in Canada. The SR Suntour bicycle fork models M3010 (24- and 26-inch), M3020 (24- and 26-inch), M3030 (26-, 27.5- and 29-inch), NEX (700c) and XCT (20-, 26-, 27.5 and 29-inch) were sold on bikes from Cannondale, Diamondback, GT, Schwinn, Giant, INA International, Scott and Trek.

The bicycles were sold from November 2014 through May 2015 for $300 to $400 at bicycle shops, sporting goods store and mass merchandisers, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The recalled forks have serial numbers in the top row beginning with “K” and ending with a number between 141101 and 150127. The fork model and serial numbers are located on the back of the fork’s crown. The serial number is the first row. The model number is in the second row. “SR Suntour” is printed on stickers on both sides of the fork legs.

The CPSC said consumers should immediately stop using bicycles with the recalled forks and return them to the place of purchase for a free inspection and repair.

SR Suntour urges consumers with questions to contact the company at fixingbolt@srsuntour-cycling.com or (888) 820-8458 between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Central time.

More information: Recall notice on the CPSC website. Notice on SR Suntour website.

RAPID CITY, S.D. (BRAIN) — After announcing a new MAP policy and online sales restrictions in April, Strider Sports Intl. on June 1 ceased selling to more than 2,500 independent dealers and six national distributors that hadn’t signed on. But as of Monday, June 22, five of the distributors and 800 U.S. returned their agreements and resumed sales, SSI stated.

“This was a pretty scary move — to actually draw a line in the sand and say we won’t sell any more bikes to any buyers who aren’t willing to represent our brand the way we want it represented, even when we have POs in hand. We are very pleased with the response and support from dealers and distributors,” said Ryan McFarland, SSI’s founder and CEO.

“Yes, there were some who complained — one who even called us communists — but in the end, those are the very dealers that caused the price erosion and misinformation problems, and we’re happy to have weeded them out,” he added.

As part of the new policy, SSI ceased selling direct to Amazon and began working with an exclusive third-party Amazon seller, Netrush, whose focus is “proper brand representation, including a commitment to MAP-compliant pricing,” Strider stated.

“The Amazon channel is now cleaner and more accurately representing our brand than at any time in the last three years,” McFarland said. “We’re thankful to already have such a good number of quality distributors and dealers on board and representing Strider, and we're excited for them to have a profitable future with our brand.”

To learn more about the Strider MAP policy or to become an authorized Strider dealer, contact SSI at (605) 342-0266.

SAN DIEGO (BRAIN) — John Bradley has been named editor-in-chief of the Velo brand, effective immediately, Competitor Group Inc. president Josh Furlow announced Wednesday.

A media veteran with more than 20 years’ experience as an editor and journalist, Bradley assumes the reins of Velo magazine and VeloNews.com.

 “John Bradley is a supremely talented editor who brings a true passion for the sport and cycling lifestyle to the Velo brand,” said Furlow, who operated the Tour of California before joining CGI. “With his remarkable experience in the media industry and across the spectrum of the cycling industry he has a deep understanding of our audience. Paired with managing editor Chris Case, they will form a remarkably dynamic team to lead the brand to new levels of success.”

 A former senior editor for Outside and Wired magazines, Bradley will oversee all editorial content and creative direction for both Velo magazine and VeloNews.com. At Wired, Bradley edited general features and oversaw the consumer technology and product reviews team for both the magazine and Wired.com. At Outside, he ran the brand’s coverage of the cycling industry while also serving as a general feature editor and writer. He has covered the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia, Paris-Roubaix, and the Tour of Flanders as well as industry gatherings like Eurobike, Interbike and the Sea Otter Classic.

 “I’m incredibly honored to be taking over a brand that has been such an integral part of American cycling culture,” Bradley said. “I bought my first issue of VeloNews in 1989, have had it bookmarked since it went online, have ridden with various staffers at bike industry events around the world, and was a guest speaker at a VN staff retreat in 2008. And now I get to take the helm. In one way it’s a brand-new start, but in another, it’s just the next — and biggest — step in my longtime relationship with the brand. This is going to be a lot of fun.”

Bradley holds a master's degree in journalism from Columbia University and a bachelor of arts from the University of Florida. He will be based out of CGI’s office in Boulder, Colo., where he lives with his wife and son.

PARK CITY, Utah (BRAIN) — Wednesday’s slate of meetings with exhibitors at PressCamp was electrifying, literally. The number of e-bike brands showing their wares doubled compared with last year, from three to seven. In terms of total footprint, the e-bike category represented nearly a quarter of total exhibitors.

First-timers included Focus and Kalkhoff, both German brands owned by Derby Cycle, that brought their e-bikes to the U.S. in January, and BESV, a relative newcomer to the category. The Mountain View, Calif., company has been selling its e-bikes in Europe for two years and in the U.S. for one year. It is owned by Darfon Electronics, a global manufacturer of laptop keyboards and other consumer electronics.

Along with BionX, Izip, Raleigh and Bosch, the lineup offered a variety of e-bike systems and bikes for journalists to see and test ride, from full-suspension 27.5-inch mountain bikes to city, hybrid/fitness and fat bikes.

Lance Camisasca, VP of sports for ECRM, owner of PressCamp, said he felt less pushback from editors to meet with these companies compared with last year. “People were so dug in and anti-motor a year ago, but I’m seeing some who were greatly opposed to them coming around. I definitely think there’s a shift,” he said.

Still, with about 70 percent of attending media hailing from cycling publications and 30 percent from active lifestyle/non-endemic media, the e-bike category is a hard sell for some of the avid riders who would rather join the Wasatch Crest shuttle ride on the newest Pivot than pedal Bosch’s eShift automatic transmission on nearby roads.

“Editors are curious but don’t want to do demos here. Still, more are open to e-MTB than last year,” said Bosch’s Jonathan Weinert. “While it’s still difficult to get the hardcore (cycling) magazine editors on it, once they try it, their minds open up to it. But we’ll get more traction with non-cyclists and non-endemic media,” he said about e-bikes.

Thursday evening, PressCamp will host the Bosch Uphill E-Bike Challenge. The race will offer a $250 cash purse each for the male and female riders who complete the largest number of loops in one hour. The challenge is limited to pedal-assist models only, with 20 mph top speeds — no speed pedelecs. (Some brands are showing models with higher top speeds.) 

Check the photo gallery below for details on some of the e-product on show.

For Day 1's PressCamp coverage, go here. 

GIVISIEZ, Switzerland (BRAIN) — Scott Sports SA has purchased Bergamont Fahrrad Vertrieb GmbH from BMC Group Holding AG, which acquired the German bike brand in 2008. Since that time, Bergamont’s sales have doubled, Scott stated in a release.

The sale comes as BMC Group Holding, whose portfolio includes e-bike maker Stromer as well as BMC, reorganizes with a focus on the sportive segment, the release added. The purchase price was not disclosed.

“A well-established and successful brand like Bergamont fits perfectly within the existing bike portfolio of the Scott group,” Scott Sports CEO Beat Zaugg said. “Particularly in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, we expect lots of positive synergies.”

Stefan Berkes, founder and general manager of Bergamont, will leave the company after a transitional period during which management will transfer to head of product development Martin Eberle and Wolfgang Winkler, administration/finance. They will work together with a new sales manager under the umbrella of the Scott group. Swiss distribution will continue to be managed by Stefan Schär.

Bergamont offers a full range of kids’, city, trekking, mountain, road and cyclocross bikes.

BOULDER, Colo. (BRAIN) — Stages Cycling has revamped its website — Stagescycling.com— with a focus on highlighting Stages Power technology, athletes riding Stages Power, and two new benefit programs for riders and dealers: the company’s 8 Weeks to Win training plans and the Stages Power Demo program.

Presented through TrainingPeaks, 8 Weeks to Win offers a choice of four individual training plans coupled with extended access (eight weeks) to the TrainingPeaks Premium service. The training plans were developed by former Olympic cycling coach-turned-Stages Power education specialist Benjamin Sharp, with a focus on showing riders how little time it takes to see improvement when training with a power meter. Stages offers 8 Weeks to Win with four plans: beginner road (Stages Power Potential), enthusiast road (Stages Power Primer), triathlon/time trial (Stages Power Pacing) and cross-country mountain bike (Stages Power Progression).

“With its seamless integration and simplicity of use, Stages Power makes training with power so much more approachable,” said Matt Pacocha, Stages Cycling marketing manager. “We found that many shops consistently ran into a couple issues when talking to riders about power meters. For one, we found that a lot of riders wanted to try our meter before making their final decision, hence our new demo program.

“The biggest barrier, however, was getting our dealers to connect their clients’ curiosity about power training with concise, first-step training plans. 8 Weeks to Win fills that void. Benjamin used his expert coaching experience to design four plans that will convince any rider of the power of training with power,” Pacocha added.

The Stages Cycling Demo program also launches with the new Stagescycling.com. This program offers riders the chance to try before they buy at participating Stages Demo dealers. If a rider buys a Stages Power meter after a demo ride, Stages will throw in free Stages-branded swag, plus Stages will donate $10 to PeopleForBikes for every documented demo ride through July 20. After that date, the PFB donations will continue with each meter that’s purchased as a result of a demo ride.

“We’ve been a supporting, corporate member of PeopleDorBikes since our company’s launch in 2012, and we require a $10 donation to the organization for every dealer employee and industry purchase we offer,” said Pacocha. “… It’s a cause that benefits us all and we’re happy to support it.”

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, Calif. (BRAIN) — Interbike has announced the addition of a two-day Fit Symposium to September’s expo lineup. The symposium will take place at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center during Interbike on Tuesday, Sept. 15, from 1-5 p.m., and repeated on Friday, Sept. 18, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., with four-hour sessions each day.

The Fit Symposium will bring together the nation’s leading bike fit specialists for an interactive summit featuring top names and brands.

“It’s no secret that dynamic fit has become an incredibly important aspect of the IBD’s business over the past 15 years,” said Pat Hus, vice president of Interbike. “We view fit as one of the biggest advantages IBDs have over online retailers and therefore wanted help elevate this aspect of our show.

“There are some great companies at Interbike that are leading the way in terms of technology and philosophy and we will be gathering them all in one place for retailers to arm themselves with the latest information,” Hus added.

The symposium will cover the following topics:

• Origins of modern bike fitting (static vs. dynamic)
• How to prescribe bikes for purchase from a fit session
• What’s common and what’s different about bike fit protocols
• How pedal/shoe interface analysis yields retail sales that cannot be duplicated
• outside the IBD
• Bike fitting as a business

Among the presenters and panelists are some of the most well-known leaders in the bike fit field, including Ben Serotta, Guru’s Jane Pearson, Ian Murray of F.I.S.T. and Guru, Paraic McGlynn of Purely Custom and Trek Precision Fit, and Slowtwitch’s Dan Empfield.

Fitters and retailers will also be able to connect with component manufacturers and other brands leading fit technology in a small expo area in the conference where the Fit Symposium will be held.

All registered Interbike retail attendees are eligible to attend the free symposium, but because there are a limited number of seats available, pre-registration is required.

Learn more about the Fit Symposium and pre-register on the Interbike website.

A limited number of sponsorship opportunities are also available for the Fit Symposium. For more information, contact andria.klinger@emeraldexpo.com or (949) 226-5745.

DALLAS (BRAIN) — Hans Johnsen Company, Wilson Bicycle Sales, and Downeast Bicycle Specialists are now shipping bikes from Reid Cycles, a British brand offering bikes that retail for between $280 and $535.

Reid has signed an exclusive U.S. distribution agreement with Hans Johnsen, which owns Wilson and Downeast.

"We have a separate website for our international business, www.reidbikes.com, which has links to retailers and also includes distributor information," said Rob Akam, the head of Reid's U.K. office. "We've only been doing international distribution for 10 months or so and it's going quite well. The biggest challenge has been supply. There's a lot of interest in the brand and all of our bikes, but just getting around all of the vagaries of shipping bikes from Asia takes a lot of effort to stay on top of — but we've smoothed out most of that now and the bikes are flowing."

Reid bikes qualify for many of the same rebate and freight programs that apply to other items stocked by HJC, Wilson, and Downeast, the company said.

For more information visit www.hjc.com, www.wilsonbike.com or www.debike,com, or contact HJC's national sales manager, Jeff Cavicchi, at jeffc@debike.com.

INDIANAPOLIS (BRAIN) — Zipp's new Transition 1 bag for multi-sport athletes has separate compartments to efficiently carry clothing, shoes, helmet and small items to help keep athletes organized before a ride or race. The water resistant bag easily converts from backpack to duffel bag with its included shoulder strap.

Features include:

• Center compartment includes camera bag-style dividers to keep items organized.
• Large ventilated lower compartment for shoes or wet clothing.
• Adjustable helmet pocket.
• EVA top pocket.
• Side net for water bottles.
• Reflective tabs.
• Total volume of 56 liters.

MSRP: $165. It will be available next month.

SAN DIEGO (BRAIN) — KHS is now distributing the complete Maxima Racing Oils Bike line from both its distribution centers.

Maxima Racing Oils launched its commercial Bike line of lubricants, cleaners and other bike care products last summer after two decades as an OE supplier to bike suspension makers.

"KHS is a great distribution partner that we are proud to align with to reliably service both ends of the United States in a timely fashion," said Sean "Griz" McClendon, Maxima Bike's brand manager.

"KHS is proud to carry a brand like Maxima Racing Oils, which is making strong headway in the bicycle lubrication market and a brand that has had such strong and long lasting ties with top suspension OEMs," said KHS's Avery Genosi.

During July, dealers will be able to save 20 percent when purchasing Maxima Bike products at qualifying levels.

More information: KHS Bicycles or Maxima Racing Oils.

MINNEAPOLIS (BRAIN) — Several bike industry suppliers and retailers are supporting musician Ben Weaver's planned 16-day ride around Lake Superior next month.

Bag maker Banjo Brothers is one of the tour's supporters. The company also supported a tour that Weaver did last fall with novelist Jonathan Miles. Other supporters this year include Salsa Cycles, Swrve, Search and State and the Angry Catfish Bike Shop and Coffee Bar in Minneapolis.

Weaver debuted his eighth musical release last fall. Besides being a musician, he is a poet, letterpress printer and naturalist. His ride around Lake Superior is intended to raise awareness about the U.S.'s fresh water supply.

Weaver will leave Minneapolis, on his bike on July 10, and perform that night at the Bayfield Bike Route store in Bayfield, Wis.

Banjo Brothers has supported Weaver in part by designing a custom bag to carry his guitar and gear. Banjo Brothers co-founder Eric Leugers designed and sewed the bag with Weaver's input. Banjo Brothers will also manage a trip-long photo installation for Weaver at Angry Catfish.

More information: benweaver.net.

EMMAUS, Pa. (BRAIN) — Bicycling magazine has hired Alex Jarman as an advertising account manager for the brand. Jarman will manage Bicycling's East Coast endemic territory.

Jarman joins Bicycling after five years at Competitor Group, Inc., where he was most recently director of aales with a focus on the Velo and Triathlete brands.

"We're thrilled to welcome Alex to Bicycling's talented and versatile advertising sales team," said Bicycling's publisher, Zack Grice. "Bicycling is committed to delivering the highest standard of service and collaboration to help our partners' marketing efforts succeed, and Alex's relationships and creativity give us momentum to start building smart 2016 solutions now."

Jarman is a Category 1 cyclist, once competing for the Swamis Developmental Elite Cycling Team, where he was named Rider of the Year in 2008. He also rode at the University of California at San Diego, his alma mater.

He can be reached at alex.jarman@rodale.com and (212) 808-1364.

PORTLAND, Ore. (BRAIN) — Cycling accessories brand Portland Design Works has hired Ben Popper as its brand ambassador for Seattle.

Popper will support the strategic growth of the PDW brand throughout the Seattle metro. His previous experience in the cycling industry includes working for Colnago USA, racing elite cyclocross with HRS/Rock Lobster and writing for Cyclocross Magazine.

"Ben loves riding bikes more than just about anyone else I've ever met. That love for the ride is infectious, and that is a great trait for an ambassador for a brand that is working to get more people out on bikes," said PDW co-founder Dan Powell.

"It is exciting to be working with a brand that is stoked about all things bike," Popper said. "Whether it be bike packing or track racing, they are into the entire community and that is something I can get fully behind. Having fun on your bike and improving the community while doing so."

EAST BURKE, Vt. (BRAIN) — The New England Mountain Bike Association's annual festival, NEMBAfest @ Kingdom Trails, attracted 1,900 riders and 71 industry expo booths this weekend.

The association said the event — title-sponsored by Pedro's this year — has grown bigger in each of the four years since it moved to the Kingdom Trails in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom.

"We're grateful that the industry has embraced the festival and we believe that it's the perfect showcase for the bike industry to reach northeast consumers," said NEMBA's director, Philip Keyes.

The event typically attracts a large number of families, Keyes said.

"We all know that families and kids are the future of our sport ... yet there are very few events where they feel truly welcome and are one of the main focuses."

The festival offers family pricing, has a special quiet family camping area and has lots of programming specifically for kids. Parents can let their kids lose on a short family-friendly kids test track that's entirely visible from the expo or have them cycle through Highland Mountain Bike Park's kids' skills area. Highland also puts on an assortment of non-biking kids' games, from sack races to water balloon fights.

NEMBA announced that next year's event will be held June 17-19.

More information: nembafest.com.

ATLANTA (BRAIN) — Wahoo Fitness is introducing an easier to use and more affordable version of its KICKR connected cycling trainer with the KICKR Snap. The Snap is a wheel-on design, so riders no longer would have to remove the rear wheel to attach the bike. And with a retail price of $849.99, it's about $350 less than its KICKR, a price point that the brand thinks will appeal to a wider range of riders.

Like KICKR, the KICKR Snap connects via ANT+ or Bluetooth 4.0 with smartphones, tablets and computers — Apple, Android and Windows platforms — giving the user control over pedaling resistance and providing power measurement, as well as capturing ride data. It also links with Wahoo's line of sensors and accessories, like the TICKR X tracker, to record heart rate and cadence.

KICKR Snap works with popular interactive indoor training programs like Zwift and TrainerRoad. Riders can choose the Wahoo Fitness app or another app from more than 15 fitness/riding apps that provide a virtual course or a structured, power-based workout.

"KICKR led the category growth in smart trainers," said Mike Stashak, Wahoo's vice president of sales and marketing. "But with [competing brands] all offering wheel-on systems for $800 to $1,000, we wanted to be part of that conversation."

"The smart trainer category has taken off," Stashak added. "But just like bikes, the price points have come down."

The Snap comes in at a lighter overall weight, at 38 pounds, versus the original KICKR at 47 pounds. Like its older sibling, its flywheel was designed to replicate the inertia of riding outdoors.

The Snap doesn't support third-party power meters like the KICKR. It measures speed, distance and power. Cadence can be measured through an external sensor. It works with 24-inch, 650b, 700c, 27.5 and 29-inch wheels and includes a front wheel block.

Wahoo is promoting it as the trainer "for those who don't need as much kick" as it tops out at 1100 watts, compared to the original KICKR's 1550 watts. It has a max incline of 10.3 degrees compared to 15.0 for the KICKR, and the flywheel weighs 10.5 pounds, compared to 12.5 pounds. Still, Wahoo claims both of its trainers feature heavier flywheels than its competitors, something it has purposefully engineered as heavier flywheels store more energy and can take more power, according to Wahoo.

The KICKR Snap will become available in August at IBDs and WahooFitness.com.

TREVISO, Italy (BRAIN) — Sidi Sport s.r.l. is has signed Saddleback Ltd. as the exclusive distributor of its cycling products in the United Kingdom and Ireland effective Sept. 1.

"We couldn't be more excited to partner with Saddleback at such an exciting time for both companies. Saddleback came highly recommended to us by a number of high-profile individuals in our industry and we have been impressed with the great representation and support they give to the brands they distribute," said Rosella Signori, head of Sidi Sport. "Saddleback's focus on premium enthusiast brands is the perfect fit for us, and we particularly like the way they are respected in the cycle sport market and feel they will be a great fit for all that our brand stands for."

Richard Mardle, Saddleback's senior brand manager, said: "We are extremely excited to announce our partnership with Sidi Sport. We have been long-term admirers and feel Sidi's products represent tradition and innovation of the highest kind. Their history in sport speaks for itself and continues to be the leading choice of shoe for athletes worldwide.

"We are honored that Sidi see us as the right partner for their brand and feel Sidi is a perfect fit for Saddleback alongside our exclusive performance-led portfolio," Mardle added. "Our plan is to support and elevate the growth of Sidi in the U.K. to become the market leading performance shoe brand."

Sidi's previous U.K. distributor for many years was Big Bear Sports.

MADISON, Wis. (BRAIN) — Ahead of this weekend's Tour de France start, Scott and Trek have unveiled some new aero road bikes, just as Specialized did last week. Meanwhile, Ridley has launched its updated endurance road bike, the Fenix SL, and Wilier Triestina has replaced its Zero.9 model with the new GTR SL, a more aerodynamic frame that tops the new GTR family of bikes, which includes one model retailing for under $2,300. And Cannondale unveiled its new SuperSix EVO Hi-MOD, promoting its balance of stiffness, compliance, handling, aerodynamics and ultralight weight.

Trek's new Madone

Trek did a major overhaul of its venerable Madone road model, turning it from the brand's workhouse road bike into a more aerodynamic machine with Kamm tail-shaped frame tubes and integrated front and rear brakes. The new Madone 9 also features Trek's IsoSpeed Decoupler.

The new Madone will be offered in Trek's H1 low-slung racing geometry, the slightly taller H2 geometry, and a women's geometry. Bike prices range from $6,300 to $13,650. Framesets start at $4,730.

Scott's Foil

Scott, likewise, overhauled its Foil road model, making it more aerodynamic, lighter, stiffer and more comfortable than its predecessor. The new Foil frame weighs 945 grams and the fork is 335 grams, making it lighter than most aero road bikes. The company said the new Foil has 89 percent more vertical compliance than its predecessor.

While the Scott bike does not have integrated brakes, like the new Trek and Specialized bikes, it does feature an integrated stem/handlebar with a flat unwrapped aero bar top, similar to the bar/stem on the new Madone.

In the U.S., Scott is offering the new Foil in the Foil Premium, Foil Team Issue and Foil 10 complete bikes, along with Foil Premium, Foil Team Issue and Foil 10 framesets. The company said delivery and pricing is still to be announced.

Ridley's Fenix SL

Ridley unveiled its latest road machine, the Fenix SL, at Tuesday's pre-Tour presentation by the Lotto Soudal team. The Fenix SL was designed as an endurance road bike for use in the the cobbled Spring Classics and in the fourth stage of this year's Tour, which include several cobble sections. The updated Fenix model has been redesigned to be stiffer and lighter while still featuring a slightly longer wheelbase and increased tire clearance. The new bike will be available commercially this fall.

Wilier's GTR SL

The Wilier uses aerodynamic technology first use on the Wilier Triestina Cento1 family. It has an integrated Kamm tail aero fork and tapered head tube for a stiff and aerodynamic front end.

The rear stays taper from a large cross section close to the seat tube to a thin, flat cross section for improved shock absorption, improved further by the 27.2 mm seat post. The Wilier asymmetric chain stays easily accommodate 28mm tires. The geometry was tailored to create a less aggressive position that still performed well on the racecourse.

The GTR SL frame uses Wilier's 60-ton carbon layup to produce a 990-gram frame. The GTR SL will be available in the United States in two builds: the GTR SL Shimano Ultegra DI2 equipped model retailing for $4,749, and the GTR SL Ultegra mechanical model at $3499.

The GTR TEAM has identical geometry and sizing as the SL, coming from the same carbon mold. The models differ in the carbon composition: The GTR TEAM uses a 46 TON / 30 TON carbon blend, producing a frame weight of 1,190 grams.

The GTR Team Ultegra model will retail at $2,749, while the Shimano 105 equipped model will retail at $2,299.

Cannondale's SuperSix EVO Hi-MOD

Cannondale's new SuperSix EVO Hi-MOD is claimed to be 11 percent stiffer at the bottom bracket and 12 percent stiffer at the head tube than its predecessor. A redesigned SPEED SAVE Micro-Suspension system delivers 15 percent more compliance from the frame and 21 percent more from the fork for improved handling and comfort.

The frame's TAP (Truncated Aero Profile) tube shapes in the frame and fork reduce drag. The frame is more than 60 grams lighter than the previous version.

The SuperSix EVO Hi-MOD will be available in seven models.