LEXINGTON, S.C. (BRAIN) — Hawley is now distributing ENVE products in the U.S.

Hawley dealers will have access to ENVE road and mountain wheels as well as the full line of road and mountain components.

"ENVE is a leading aftermarket company that brings a lot of innovations in our industry and we are thrilled to have them on board," said Andre Trudeau, the product director at Hawley.

Ronnie Points, the director of U.S. sales for ENVE, said, "Hawley is a great dealer partner and someone we knew we could count on to strengthen our reach to the dealer channel and ultimately give discerning consumers the high quality products they are looking for. High-end consumers require high quality product and service and we are confident Hawley has the tools and the dealer network to exceed consumer expectations." 

EAGLE, Colo. (BRAIN) — Denver's Alchemy Bicycles has appointed Uncommon Communications to oversee its marketing and public relations efforts.

"Alchemy is incredibly respected as a premium made in the U.S.A brand — that doesn't happen by accident," said Uncommon's Mike McCormack. "Still, that success is just a modest glimpse into their capabilities. We're excited to lend a hand as their passionate and talented team prepares to bring new products and innovation to market."

Alchemy Bicycles' CEO Ryan Cannizzaro said, "As exciting and gratifying as the past several years have been, we're well-positioned for even greater success ... The pace at which we're evolving requires an informed and integrated marketing and PR effort, one that allows our product and management team to keep its focus on making the best bicycles in the world. Uncommon's capabilities make them a perfect fit and allow us to do what we do best."

Logan VonBokel, who recently joined Uncommon, will handle media outreach for the brand and inquiries regarding Alchemy can be directed to loganvonbokel@gmail.com.

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, Calif. (BRAIN) — Interbike and Yakima are working together to create "North by Northwest," a community space at this fall's trade show that will highlight brands from the Pacific Northwest, while also providing  a comfortable place to gather and enjoy events, food, and music.

Yakima, based in Beaverton, Oregon, will be the anchor brand in the new area and will work closely with the Interbike team to create the overall feel and vibe.

Portland, Oregon-based Showers Pass is also participating. 

"The whole idea of curating this space around the Northwest was presented to us by the Yakima team because they wanted to approach the show from a different angle," said Pat Hus, the vice president of Interbike. "We saw it as an opportunity to shine a bright light on a region that has really become an incubator of innovation and design. There are so many great companies creating amazing products in the Northwest that it was a natural addition."

Interested Northwest brands can show their products on one of Interbike's new "Kickstand" units. These affordable turnkey displays are available in three different options – for bikes, apparel or accessories.

For more information on Kickstand opportunities please contact Andria Klinger, Interbike's sales director, at andria.klinger@emeraldexpo.com or (949) 226-5745. 

BOULDER, Colo. (BRAIN) — For the first time, the bike industry has made a thorough search for state and local legislation related to bicycles, and the search uncovered thousands of proposed laws in all 50 states.

PeopleForBikes and the Bicycle Product Suppliers Association supported the legislative monitoring project, which kicked off late last year. Alex Logemann was hired to do the search. He has examined more than 20,000 bills and 7,000 regulations through a search of keywords important to industry companies.

"There are a dizzying array of proposed new laws that show up every day," said Logemann, a Harvard Law School and avid cyclist who worked for a Denver law firm before he was hired. His position is now full time.

"Lawmakers seem intent on regulating cyclists and bicycle-related products, and we're here to keep an eye on them," he said.

Logemann offered a few examples from the thousands of laws proposed in recent months, and the industry's reaction to them:

1) Lighting Laws. In its original form, California AB 28 would have required that all bicyclists use a white flashing rear light at night.

"We coordinated with CalBike, who was in touch with the bill sponsor, to provide industry input, and this legislation was amended to require a red rear light or reflector when riding at night. We have also monitored bills addressing bicycle lights in Iowa, Massachusetts, and Oregon this session to ensure that any reforms are consistent with products on the market."

2) Quick Release Restrictions. New Jersey has seen nine bills introduced since 2006 attempting to regulate the use of quick releases on bicycles. The BPSA has been engaged on this subject since a version of this bill passed the New Jersey Assembly in 2007, and then died in the Senate. Senate Bill 1517 is the most recent version of this legislation, and remains pending this session.

"We are continuing to monitor this bill, and remain ready to act if it sees any movement."

3) Fees on Bicycles and Accessories. In 2014 and 2015, laws that would have imposed new fees or taxes on bicycling were proposed in California, Georgia, Indiana, Minnesota, Oregon, and Wisconsin. In some states the fees were as high as $25 on the sale of a new bicycle.

"While these proposals did not pass, we continue to closely watch any bills that would impose additional costs on bicycles and related accessories. On a positive note, we have also observed bicycle-friendly bills in New York state that would exempt bicycle helmets from sales tax, and provide a tax credit for new bicycle purchases."

4) Chemical Restrictions. State legislatures have been particularly active in working on laws that regulate the use of chemicals in consumer products. Many of these bills require manufacturers of products containing listed chemicals to report their presence, and several bills even ban products containing listed chemicals.

"Of the more than 100 bills that have been introduced on this subject, we are closely tracking 24 bills that are more likely to affect the bicycle industry, engaging with partners that test our products for technical analysis, and developing relationships with external groups that share our concerns on this issue."

The groups are continuing to monitor legislation in states with sessions extending later into 2015, laying groundwork for the 2016 legislative sessions and have identified several potential issues that are likely to emerge next year.

Logemann noted that "industry engagement is a key component of our work, and we are most successful when we include local retailers and suppliers in our campaigns. PeopleForBikes and the BPSA can coordinate most of the behind the scenes action, but having the voice of the constituent when we approach legislators makes the biggest impact."

DETROIT (BRAIN) — Urban bike maker Detroit Bikes has hired former Electra sales leader Justin Manthe as its national sales director.

Detroit Bikes makes its signature bikes, as well as those it contract manufactures for other brands, in a 50,000-square-foot factory on the west side of the Motor City. 

“I see many parallels between Electra and where Detroit Bikes is today,” Manthe said. “I was so impressed with the clarity of their vision that I jumped at the chance to be a part of the team. Detroit Bikes is building bikes that are for everyone — not just for cycling enthusiasts. We're on the path to create something really big here.”

In his new role, Manthe will be in charge of increasing the Detroit Bikes’ market exposure by positioning the brand at hundreds of retailers across North America.

“This is a big addition for us. Justin's experience and strong industry relationships will be a crucial asset for Detroit Bikes,” said Zak Pashak, Detroit Bikes’ founder and president.

Manthe worked at Electra for almost 14 years. He has also held sales roles at Yakima and, most recently, One Industries.

BELLINGHAM, Wash. (BRAIN) — Following an extensive remodel, longtime Pacific Northwest retailer Jack’s Bicycle Center has reopened as a Giant Partner Store. Founder Jack Devries opened the store in Bellingham, Wash., in 1969, and two of his children, Kent Devries and Rhonda Van Nus, now own and operate the business.

Jack’s has been a Giant dealer since 1988, when the bikes first became available in the U.S. Van Nus said that the decision to become a Giant Partner Store was an easy one because they already met the qualifications. “Our numbers in terms of Giant products on the floor have stayed the same,” she said. “We were already doing what the requirement was to become a GPS, but we were doing it on our own. So having the help to take on a huge remodel project made a big difference.”

Remodeling the 4,750-square-foot building took about six months and involved reducing warehouse storage space, expanding the showroom area, relocating the repair department and replacing flooring. Giant assisted with choosing fixtures, paint colors, signage and adding a tiered rack system to maximize display space.

“It’s been terrific working alongside such open-minded retailers as Kent and Rhonda,” said Giant USA retail services executive Timothy Johnson. “They are devoted to working to improve their business practices, even after 46 years of successful bicycle sales. Their partnership is greatly valued by Giant and we are very pleased to have them join the GPS program.”

Van Nus said the remodel, during which the store stayed open through the entire process, was a long time coming, and that it’s been fun to see customers’ reactions to the transformation. “People walk in and are like ‘wait, is this still Jack’s?’” she said. “It looks so different, but it still has our character, too.”

Jack’s employs a staff of six, has a full-service repair department and also carries Kona, Haro and Pivot. A grand opening celebration was held June 27. 

LONGMONT, Colo. (BRAIN) — Liv will return as sponsor of the women’s category of the Wheelers & Dealers industry race at this year’s Clif Bar CrossVegas, race organizer Watts Marketing announced Friday.

The annual cyclocross race is set for Wednesday, Sept. 16 — following the first day of the Interbike expo — at the Desert Breeze Soccer Complex in Las Vegas.

“We love cyclocross here at Liv because it is extremely inviting to all levels of riders, spectator friendly and truly embodies the best aspects of cycling culture,” Liv global communications manager Janette Sherman said. “Thanks to the CrossVegas event organizers we now have an all-women’s Liv Wheelers & Dealers race. We encourage women from all riding backgrounds and experience levels to join — even if this is your first ’cross race.”

Race director Brook Watts said Liv is encouraging women to compete in Wheelers & Dealers by providing a discount code to all women for $5 off the online registration fee. When registration opens on Aug. 4, all women Wheelers & Dealers can use the code “LIV” to receive the discount.  Registration will be accessible at www.crossvegas.com.

In addition, Liv will give a VIP bag to the first 50 women to register in the race. 

“Liv and Giant will be announcing some fun activities for CrossVegas spectators in the coming weeks, so stay tuned for more,” Watts said.

ROSSANO VENETO, Italy (BRAIN) — Giuseppina Ferronato, who owned the Selle San Marco saddle company with her family, died Saturday. 

"Giuseppina will be remembered for her commitment and passion that always distinguished her job in Selle San Marco," the company said in a statement this weekend.

She joined the company in the 1960s, alongside her husband Antonio and the father-in-law Luigi Girardi, who was the founder of San Marco. Later she managed the firm with her offspring. She continued to work enthusiastically every day in the firm, closely checking the production of saddles and to created new models.

"The Beppina"— as she was affectionately called — died in the year of Selle San Marco's 80th anniversary.

Giuseppina is survived by her children Olivetta, Antonella, Luigi, Luca and Giovanni Girardi.

A funeral was planned for Monday at 5 p.m. in the Church of Rossano Veneto, Italy.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (BRAIN) — Early-bird rates for the 2016 National Handmade Bicycle Show, offering a $100 savings on any booth space, end this Wednesday, July 15.
Available booth spaces include 10x10, 10x20, 20x20 or New Builder Tables.

Early registrants also receive two stand-alone features on the NAHBS blog, an exhibitor spotlight in a NAHBS e-newsletter distributed to media and attendees before the show, inclusion in the "Who's Who at NAHBS" online preview guide, and NAHBS social media posts tagging the exhibitor on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter prior to the show.

The show is set for Feb. 26-28, 2016, at the Sacramento Convention Center in Northern California. For questions or more information, contact NAHBS staff.

BROOKLYN, N.Y. (BRAIN) — Brooklyn Bicycle Co. has released its first fixie model, called the Wythe, bringing its bike product line to 10 distinct models.

The Wythe model features a 4130 chromoly frame and fork, sealed-bearing high-flange hubs, puncture-resistant tires and front and rear quick-release brakes.

"Given that larger brands have exited this segment of the market, several of our dealers had expressed interest in our introducing a model in this category" said Brooklyn Bicycle Co.'s president, Ryan Zagata. "We were at first reluctant given the saturation of the fixie category but realized that many of the under-$400 bikes currently on the market are of poor quality and that there is a substantial gap we would be able to fill."

The Wythe retails for less than $500. 

More information at brooklynbicycleco.com or contact Emily Rose Prats at info@brooklynbicycleco.com or call (800) 631-0630. 

ST. LAURENT, Quebec (BRAIN) — Bombtrack Bicycle Company of Cologne, Germany, has signed a multi-year distribution agreement for Canada with Outdoor Gear Canada.

Bombtrack is owned by We Make Things, a BMX supplier; OGC also distributes We Make Things' BMX products in Canada.

"We are very happy to expand our partnership with the fine crew from We Make Things to include Bombtrack products starting with their stellar 2016 line up," said Frédéric Allard, the OGC brand manager who will head up the Bombtrack program.

"With a fresh and passionate approach to cycling in all its forms, Bombtrack is a perfect fit at OGC and we're convinced dealers will be excited with the product offering."

Bombtrack CEO Manuel Schuerholz said, "The 2016 Bombtrack line marks a real milestone for the brand, with many new models including cyclocross, gravel, adventure, endurance, road and track bikes ... Canada is an important market for us so we're extremely happy to have such a respected partner to help take our bikes into Canadian bike shops and fulfill the increasing numbers of customer requests we've received over the last few years. We have big plans for developing the brand in Canada with OGC in the years to come."

OGC will introduce the 2016 Bombtrack program at its dealer presentations in Montréal, Toronto and Vancouver later this summer. For more information, visit: bombtrack.com For all Outdoor Gear Canada sales inquiries, please contact info@ogc.ca

SALT LAKE CITY (BRAIN) — POC has named Adam Bookwalter the brand's North American bike sales manager. Bookwalter will join POC starting July 15.

"Adam brings valued industry experience and perspective to POC; he will play an essential role in amplifying the rapid growth we're experiencing in our road cycling category, as well as magnifying our position in the mountain bike segment," said Willie Ford, POC's managing director for North America. "We're excited to introduce Adam, and have him build on the momentum we've generated with our AVIP and Raceday road lines."

Bookwalter was most recently North American sales and marketing manager for Selle Royal USA, parent company of Crankbrothers, Brooks and Fizik. Prior to that, he served as brand specialist, then as North American area manager.

"In my time with Selle Royal, I was fortunate to work with an amazing group of people, who I learned from and grew with over the years," said Bookwalter. "POC offers me an opportunity to help grow a well-established brand and I'm extremely motivated and honored to work with a brand whose mission is to reduce the consequences of accidents for every cyclist in the world."

SAUSALITO, Calif. (BRAIN) — Consumer-direct brand Bulls Bikes USA will launch a U.S. ambassador program for the 2015/2016 calendar year.

The German-born brand opened for business in the U.S. in April with a line of 14 mountain bike models and five road bikes. Bulls is selecting ambassadors throughout the country who are interested in introducing the brand to their local cycling communities, as well as providing feedback on Bulls product development.

"Bulls has a tremendous following and fan base in Europe, both for the quality of our bikes and impressive roster of athletes on our Team Bulls," said Sharon Yu, general manager of Bulls Bikes USA. "Our hope is by launching an ambassador program here in the U.S., we'll give cyclists the opportunity to experience the quality and range of products the Bulls brand offers, as well as help us spread the word to fellow mountain and road riders."

Six Bulls Ambassadors will be selected from an applicant pool, evaluated from criteria that includes: experience and avid ridership (mountain and/or road); activity in their local cycling community; a strong social media presence and engagement; and a friendly, engaging personality.

Each Bulls Bikes USA Ambassador will receive a Bulls bike, along with a team jersey, swag and other materials to distribute to fellow cyclists. Applications are available on the Bulls Bikes USA website and will be reviewed until Aug. 10.

For more information on the Bulls Bikes USA ambassador program, contact Jenny Radloff at jenny@outsidepr.com or visit bullsbikesusa.com to apply.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (BRAIN) — This year's New England Builders' Ball, which features displays from many handmade bike makers, will be held at the Roger Williams Park Casino this year. The Ball is held during the KMC Cyclo-Cross Festival Presented by Maxxis.

The ball is Friday, Oct. 2. The Festival, which includes cyclocross racing, clinics, an expo and a gran fondo, is Oct. 2-4. 

The Ball features notable framebuilders including Richard Sachs and Firefly Bicycles. Booth space is available to framebuilders and makers of bike-related items. The Ball will also feature local New England beer, music, and two food trucks: The Rocket and Mijos Tacos. Racer numbers will be available for early pick-up at the event. The Ball is a fundraiser for the East Coast Greenway Alliance.

For further information and for builder registration visit newenglandbuildersball.com. For more on the festival visit providencecrossfest.com.

DURANGO, Colo. (BRAIN) — Several more mountain bike race legends from the 1990s are expected to participate in Todd and Ned's Durango Dirt Fondo, an event being held this September to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the first UCI mountain bike world championships, held in Durango in 1990.

New participants include Julie Furtado, John Tomac, Cindy Devine, Greg Herbold, Elladee Brown, Lisa Muhich, Sara Ballantyne, Ruthie Matthes and Susan DiBiase. They will join the riders referenced in the event's title, Todd Wells and Ned Overend, along with Daryl Price, Travis Brown, Elke Brutsaert and Tara Llanes, along with current star, 22-year-old Howard Grotts. 

The event includes challenging 30- and 50-mile ride options followed by an evening celebration.

Furtado and Overend were crowned mountain bike's first UCI XC World Champs in 1990; Tomac took the honor the following year. Devine and Herbold were the first Downhill world champions.

"The 90's gals have talked about getting together for years," Devine said, "and we couldn't think of a better venue to reminisce about the old days than Durango."

Overend said, "I'm really excited that this event is shaping up to be a reunion of arch rivals and good friends from the early days of mtn bike racing ... We're going to have a great mix of legendary racers along with some of the fastest riders on the international race circuit today. The riders are coming for the opportunity to reminisce about the early days of racing while riding our great local trails. I think everyone is going to appreciate the great coffee shops, restaurants and brew pubs that were not here in 1990." 

Registration is at ToddandNedFondo.com. 

MIAMI (BRAIN) — Cipollini USA has recently hired Ming Tan as its national sales and marketing contract manager.

Tan, the head of MC² Sports Specialists, brings over 25 years of experience in the cycling industry and has worked with brands such as Look Cycle, Ritchey Design, and Capo Cycling Apparel.

"Mario Cipollini is an icon in bike racing," said Tan. "It's impressive to see what he's done with his brand to continue to build upon his legacy. Together with Speed Brands (Cipollini USA's distributor), our goal is to both build the brand as well as develop a strong network of partnerships with the best retailers in the industry."

MC² Sports Specialists is a management consulting and rep agency based in Northern California. 

WESTPORT, Mass. (BRAIN) — Marka Spalding Wise, a familiar face to generations of New England road and cyclocross racers, died Friday in Fall River, Massachusetts, following a short period of rapidly declining health. She was 80.

Wise was a United States Cycling Federation race official and a UCI commissar. She founded and managed NECSA (New England Cycling Support Association), a junior bicycle-racing development program. She helped develop young riders who became regional and national junior champions in road racing and cyclocross. Professionally, outside of cycling she owned and operated an art and drafting-supply store with several locations. After closing the store in 1985 she did consulting and sales for early point-of-sale computer systems.

She is survived by her husband of 45 years, Christopher T. "Kit" Wise, her brother Oakes Ames Spalding, Jr. and his wife Monique; her sons Christopher S. Boit and his wife Kathryn and Peter G. Boit and his wife Jennifer; and grandchildren Andrea, Alexandra, Timothy, Cutter, Colin and McKenna.

Burial will be private. A celebration of her life will be held Friday at the residence.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in her name to the Special Olympics at specialolympics.org/donate.

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (BRAIN) — Velo Orange has released its new Piolet frame and fork set.

The Piolet is an adventure touring frame and is designed primarily for off-pavement touring including dirt and gravel riding, but is versatile enough to be used on single track or just about anywhere. The Piolet is the first Velo Orange model designed for use with disc brakes.

It's built with double-butted chromoly tubing and  features a rear mono-stay design and a Velo Orange-designed front fork. It is loaded with braze-on attachments for racks, bottle cages, and fenders.

The smaller frame sizes are designed for a 26-inch wheel, while the larger frames will accommodate a 700C or 29er wheel and are designed to handle a variety of wide tire sizes. It comes in five sizes and retails for $685.

For complete geometry and specifications visit velo-orange.com.

IRVINE, Calif. (BRAIN) — Felt Bicycles announced Tuesday that it will end traditional new model year introductions after its 2016 line and revert to what it calls “The Living Line.” Michael Forte, Felt’s general manager, said that traditional model years will cease at Felt and that decision could lead to its exit from Eurobike and Interbike this year. Company executives are now in discussion with trade show executives over whether to leave the shows.

“With The Living Line, this is the last model year for Felt,” Forte said. The company has told its European distributors and is slowly rolling out the decision at several dealer events to be held at its Irvine offices later this year.

Forte said the company would launch new models when ready. No longer will media events or trade shows dictate model timing. Product will remain in the line as long as it’s relevant and will be replaced when necessary, Forte said during a noon presentation at what will be its last new model year introduction.

The decision, Forte said, allows the company to better allocate its resources and will help the company stay focused on its projects. “We won’t be lost in traditional industry product launches,” he said. It also will allow Felt to more clearly communicate with dealers and consumers about its newest models.

While Forte said the new system will help the company better plan availability and control inventory, it will also help dealers avoid what has become a pattern of early season discounting, particularly in the heart of the sales season of May and June.

“It’s not going to be easy and it does present challenges, but the industry has been complaining about this for years. We hope others will join us and do it,” Forte said.

WHEATON, Ill. (BRAIN) — Verve Cycling, the brand behind InfoCrank power meters, has hired Aspekt Brand Communications to handle its marketing and public relations in the U.S.

InfoCrank was introduced at 2014 fall trade shows, officially launched in April at Sea Otter and has been shipping globally  for the past year. It was named Gear of the Year by Lava Magazine (Fall/Winter). The product is currently available in a compact and standard configuration and is supplied with Praxis chainrings, with additional models being introduced at Eurobike.

"Our goal with the InfoCrank was to solve problems – no more drift, no more re-zeroing, no more water ingress, no more data drop outs – and to provide the cyclist with consistent, reliable, precise and proven accuracy that no other power meter can claim," said Rae Fallon, Verve's co-founder.

"Simply, we engineered the best power meter first, and then designed a state of the art crank set to house it. We've now hired Aspekt to deliver that message to the masses and take Verve from a boutique Australian company to the only power meter worth talking about."

Verve is currently building its U.S. affiliate and dealer network. For more information contact aaron@vervecycling.com or visit vervecycling.com.