LAKE FOREST, Calif. (BRAIN) — California-based distributor Torcano Industries is now exclusively distributing Handup Gloves.

The brand was recently launched by Cody Wallis, an off-road motorcycle racer from Tennessee. Wallis began mountain biking for cross-training, but would always revert back to using his motocross gloves because he preferred their construction and designs.

"I set out to find a glove that would fit like my motocross gloves but had additional features like a sweat-wicking material on the thumb, but had no luck," Wallis said.

"So I began making my own prototypes by merging the two types of gloves together. Once I got a product I was satisfied with we moved forward with production and that's the product you see today. It's the best glove out there for grabbing bars and beers — all at an affordable price."

For more information visit: handupgloves.com.

IRVINE, Calif. (BRAIN) — Brian Wilson, Felt’s product developer, wants to break the news on a new mountain bike category Felt will launch in October in Europe. “I can’t tell you more or the boss will … ,” and his voice trailed off as he explained what would happen if he said too much.

But what he did say was this: The category will be called “Decree.” It’s a four-model line with four price points ranging from approximately $3,000 to $10,000. “It will be one of the hottest products in the hottest category,” Wilson said. The Decree will be available worldwide around launch time, he added. 

Wilson was so circumspect about the line he even refused to say what its wheel size would be. However, he did say it was a trail bike “that anyone could use any day of the week.”  And, he added, it will climb like a cross-country racer and descend like an enduro rig.

And with that Wilson, in an interview with BRAIN, said Felt is fully committed to the mountain bike category. “There’s a perception that there’s an imbalance since Jim (Felt) founded the company with road. But I can tell you that this office is filled with mountain bikers,” he said.

And if there is a category that Wilson said has a future it’s 27.5-plus, and Felt is rolling out two models in the wheel size: the Surplus 30 and Surplus 70. It’s fair to say that the name “Surplus” was universally applauded for its creativity. The Surplus will roll on 3-inch-wide tires that effectively offer the same tread diameter as a 29er, Wilson said.

But the bikes are essentially simple hardtails rolling on fat rubber. “Some people look at a fat bike and think that it’s too much, but a true hardtail is too harsh. They don’t want a full suspension, so this is simplicity — it’s lightweight and you get some suspension. It’s right in the middle,” Wilson explained.

The 27.5-plus is an emerging category in the market, and Wilson said it could appeal to a larger cohort of consumers. As for the Surplus, it’s spec’d with a 1-by drivetrain with a Race Face 30-tooth crankset driving a SunRace 10-speed cassette with an 11-40 cogset.

The entry-level Surplus 70 will retail for $1,499 with a Deore rear derailleur. The Surplus 30 will offer similar spec except for an XT-level rear derailleur and other parts upgrades. It will retail for $1,799. Both offer Boost 148 rear axle spacing, giving engineers some clearance room to play with. 

While the Surplus line will feature a 1-by drivetrain, the bikes could be retrofitted with a clamp-on front derailleur, Wilson said. 

As for fat bikes, Felt is bullish on the category with three models for 2016. “It’s taken off in Germany and is outselling fat bikes in the U.S,” Wilson said. But Felt, adopting its new philosophy of “The Living Line” rather than traditional model year introductions, is making no frame or spec changes to its fat bikes from its 2015 models.

Prices range from its entry-level DD 10 ($1,499) to the DD 30 ($1,999) and the Bluto-equipped front suspension DD 70 ($2,999). While the tire spec is for 4-inch-wide rubber, the bike has sufficient clearance front and rear for 4.8-inch tires. The bikes have a 197-millimeter rear axle and a 150-millimeter front axle.

ELKTON, Md. (BRAIN) — Gore Bike Wear is celebrating 30 years in business with a special limited edition clothing collection, which is available now.

"We want to offer ambitious cyclists the perfect product to help them complete any challenge in any weather – true to our brand motto: Into The Elements," said Patric Goerdes, the marketing and communication manager for Gore's cycling and running business.

The 30 Year Anniversary Collection has distinctive colorways in red, white, black, and gold, with a special anniversary logo.

The collection includes the Oxygen 2.0 GTX AS Jacket ($299.99), which has a GoreTex Active membrane for extreme breathability while being durably waterproof and windproof. The jacket has a longer tail and slim fit, adjustable neoprene cuffs and reflective details. The matching Equipe GTX Cap ($45.99) completes the look.

The anniversary collection also includes the Oxygen WS SO jersey, bib tights and shorts, the Phantom 2.0 jacket and Phantom WS SO bibtights, the Element WS AS vest, Element Lady and Element Print 30 year jersey, and Element Print 30 year bibtights.

The Element Print items are printed with large print bearing the dates "1985-2015" on the front and back. They have reflecting details in gold.

More information at goreapparel.com.

COSTA MESA, Calif. (BRAIN) — — Do you consider yourself to be an "inspirational leader," a "strategic thinker" and, yes, a "visionary"?

If so, the National Bicycle Dealers Association wants you to be its next executive director.

These are some of the qualities outlined in a three-page job description that's being circulated by the NBDA and T. Malouf & Company, a Boulder, Colo., executive recruiter that is overseeing the search.

The NBDA board recently voted to relieve Fred Clements of his position. Clements, 61, who has led the nonprofit organization for nearly 26 years, will continue as executive director until his replacement is hired, and will then become a "project director" for the NBDA.

The NBDA board and Terry Malouf, founder of the executive search firm that bears her name, declined to release the job description to Bicycle Retailer, which obtained it elsewhere. The NBDA publishes Bicycle Retailer under license from Interbike.

According to the job description, "The candidate we select will be a visionary who understands the challenges and opportunities of the independent bicycle dealer, and who can effectively promote a business model to enable success. He or she will be a clear communicator and a skilled and effective consensus builder."

The new executive director will face a number of challenges, including boosting the NBDA's anemic membership numbers, restoring the organization's relevancy as consumers turn to sales channels outside of the IBD, and finding new revenue sources.

"We're looking more for a visionary that might be able to bring a fresh set of solutions to the growing challenges faced by our membership," said James Moore, president of the NBDA board. He owns Moore's Bicycle Shop in Hattiesburg, Miss.

The board has adopted a high-stakes strategy of dipping into the NBDA's $1 million reserve fund to pay for more staff and invest in programs that it believes will eventually attract more members and boost revenues.

Although the NBDA has an office in Southern California, Moore said the new executive director would not necessarily be based there. According to the job description, the new leader will receive a "very competitive" salary plus benefits. Clements earned $105,942 in 2014, according to the NBDA's most recent nonprofit filing with the Internal Revenue Service.

The successful candidate should have at least five years of management experience in a nonprofit trade or membership organization, or managing an IBD or other specialty retail business. Apart from having a love of cycling, candidates should have a "strong strategic mindset" and be an effective negotiator and skillful consensus builder.

Candidates who think they've got what it takes can send a resume and cover letter to info@tmalouf.com.

See the July 15 issue of Bicycle Retailer for an in-depth story about the NBDA board's decision to demote Clements, and a look at the challenges facing the next executive director.

LAGUNA HILLS, Calif. (BRAIN) — Bicycle Retailer & Industry News' lastest print issue, the July 15 edition, features coverage of the retail scene in Vancouver, where recent improvements to cycling infrastructure are leading to growth in bike sales. Indeed, in the fast-growing British Columbia city, there seems to be a bike shop on every corner, and attracting and keeping qualified employees is one of dealers' biggest headaches.

Also in the new issue, which is arriving in mailboxes this week, BRAIN's Doug McClellan takes a look at the National Bicycle Dealers Association, and what challenges its next executive director will face. The NBDA's long-term executive director, Fred Clements, announced recently that he is stepping down, and the board has started a search for a new leader (See a related story on BicycleRetailer.com today). 

The issue includes an article about the partial retirement of noted bike-fit specialized Andy Pruitt. Pruitt is retiring from clinical work at the Boulder Center for Sports Medicine, which he founded 30 years ago, but will remain in involved with Specialized, where he helped develop the Body Geometry product line and the company's bike-fitting protocol.

The issue features an interview with the well-known American road racer Evelyn Stevens. Stevens, famous for making an early-career switch from Wall Street to pro road racing, is endorsing the indoor cycling game, Zwift. She says indoor training was key to her athletic development while living in New York, and could be invaluable for female athletes, especially.

And, BRAIN's editor in chief, Lynette Carpiet, looks at several new retail sales data programs that are developing across the industry. Industry insiders have long been concerned about the lack of reliable data about what is selling at retail. Carpiet reports that at least two new options are on the horizon: SmartEtailing and SportsOneGroup. Meanwhile, NPD Group, which acquired Leisure Trends Group last year, is overcoming some transition issues that led to problems with its data reporting.

The July 15 BRAIN issue also contains regular features like LifeCycle, State of Retail, Global Briefs, Mad Dog Unleashed, Trade Watch, Product Picks and Through the Grapevine. In Shop Talk, Patrick O'Grady's long-running IBD 'toon, the Old Guy Who Gets Fat in Winter inquires about a new bike that can shave 5 minutes off his 40k time.

Bicycle Retailer & Industry News is published 18 times a year and is available in print or digital format. Visit our subscription page for more information.

MINNEAPOLIS (BRAIN) — The trainer brand Kinetic has retained Adventure Advertising to guide its brand positioning and strategy. The agency will also take the lead on Kinetic's creative development and media planning.

"Given Adventure Advertising's expertise in brand positioning and its creative vision, this partnership couldn't come at a better time for us," said David Simpson, Kinetic's marketing manager. "We're moving quickly in a great direction with them and can't wait to unveil the new campaign this fall."

Adventure is no stranger to the bike industry; its client list includes Park Tools, Moxie Cycling, Frog Bikes and Life Time Fitness.

"We like to marry our passions and our work," explained Adventure Creative Strategist Gina Nacey. "It's been a longtime goal of mine to work with Kinetic ... They make a fantastic product, have a strong Minnesota work ethic, and they care for their athlete and dealer customers. We want to help Kinetic tell this story."

The agency will provide outside perspective and analysis, develop marketing strategy for the U.S. and Europe, identify key messaging, and create and execute a new advertising campaign.

Adventure will work closely with Kinetic's current PR agency of record, SOAR Communications.

IRVINE, Calif. (BRAIN) — Shimano this week announced details on 18 new bike shoes, across six different shoe categories.

The new shoes — which will be available this fall — include new gravity mountain biking models, seven new women's models, a new top-range triathlon shoe, a redesigned winter shoe, and the North American introduction of Shimano's "Cross Mountain" shoes for offroad explorers. The company now offers a bike shoe line with 71 models.

Here's a quick overview:

Cross Mountain

Shimano has offered shoes in its Cross Mountain category in other markets previously, but this will mark the first season the category has been offered in the U.S., and the two XM shoes that will be offered in the U.S. are brand new models.

The XM9 hightop and the XM7 lowtop each have hiking shoe styling, Vibram outsoles, Gore-tex liners and half-length shank plates designed to provide pedaling efficiency as well as walking flexibility.

Each model has a screw-in plastic cap covering SPD cleat holes. The caps are shaped similar to an SPD cleat, allowing riders to get used to clipping in and out, or use with flat pedals. The caps can be removed to install a regular SPD cleats. The Cross Mountain models will be available in October.

Gravity

Shimano's new Gravity line of shoes is for Downhill, Enduro or BMX racing and was developed with the Atherton siblings, who are multiple world and British champions in several gravity disciplines.

The SPD-compatible AM9 model is designed for competitive downhill with a durable downhill-specific tread pattern and rubber compound, as well as a new outsole channel designed to allow quicker re-engagement with an SPD pedal. The shoe also has reinforced high side walls for foot protection. It has a wider range of adjustment for the SPD cleats than usual, for riders who prefer their cleats mounted behind the ball of the foot.

The AM7 model has a Vibram sold for use with flat pedals. It has a similar upper to the AM9, with a Velcro strap combined with laces that are covered with a padded flap that protects the foot and keeps the laces confined.

The AM5 is more of a street-style SPD-compatible shoe. It also has laces and a strap, but forgoes the laces covering on the other two models.

The AM9 and AM5 will be available in October, the AM7 in November.

Winter offroad

The new hightop MW7 offroad winter shoe can be used by winter mountain bikers or winter commuters. It has a Gore-tex liner, fleece insulation, and a high traction outersole.

It has a protective toe cap and padded lace covering for aggressive mountain biking, as well as reflective trim and a discrete appearance making it suitable for commutes.

It will be available in September.

Performance Road

Shimano has four new road shoes designed to bridge the gap between performance road racing shoes and touring shoes.

The top-end RP9 has a carbon sole that is 11/12 on Shimano's stiffness scale. It has a heat-moldable upper and is available in black or white, with an understated, simple appearance.

The RP5 has a glass-fiber sole with a carbon plate, and is aimed at recreational road riders and indoor cyclists, with SPD and SPD-SL cleat options.

The RP3 and RP2 are also aimed at recreational and indoor riders. They each have glass-fiber soles. The RP3 has one buckle strap combined with hook-and-loop straps.

The WR84 is a new high-end women's road shoe, with a full carbon sole and an adaptable buckle closure system.

The RP models will be available in October; the WR84 will come out in September.

Triathlon

The new TR9 is Shimano's top of the line triathlon shoe, available in the company's trademark blue, or in a white women's model.

Its carbon sole is 10/12 on the stiffness scale, and has a ventilated synthetic leather upper and a hook-and-loop Quick Strap and Quick Loop for quick transitions. The inside of the shoe is designed for comfort when used without socks and with damp feet.

It will be available in September.

Women's offroad

Besides the WR84 road shoe and TR9 women's tri shoe mentioned above, Shimano will offer two new offroad racing models, the WM-53 and WM-64.

They both have Shimano's women's specific Dynalast fit, like the previously available top-of-the-line women's cross-country racing model, the WM84. The WM-53 has three hook-and-loop straps while the WM-64 combines one buckled strap with two hook-and-loops.

They will be available in September.

WASHINGTON (BRAIN) — Specialized is working with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Canadian consumer safety officials to recall about 6,500 pedal axle extenders, used for bike fits.

The recalled axle extenders are made of stainless steel and fit a 9/16-inch pedal thread. They are labeled with an “L” and an “R.” 

About 6,500 of the extenders were sold in the U.S. and 380 in Canada from January 2009 to June 2015 for about $40. There have been 10 reports of the pedal extenders breaking, including two reports of minor injuries, involving scrapes and bruises.

Consumers should stop using the extenders immediately and visit a Specialized dealer for a refund. Consumers can contact Specialized at (800) 722-4423 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit specialized.com and click on the Safety Notices link under the Support column on the bottom.

TEMPE, Ariz. (BRAIN) — Fixie and singlespeed brand State Bicycle Co. has rolled out a three-tier system for its dealer network, offering enhanced benefits to key retail accounts.

State recently completed an audit of all of its retail accounts and found that the ones who were stocking the largest number of bikes were having greater success than dealers ordering in low volumes, said Mehdi Farsi, one of the company’s co-founders. Based on those average stock levels, 50 percent of the brand’s dealers fell into the top two tiers — “Premium” and “Dealer” — qualifying for new benefits. Other dealers are dubbed “Wholesale Access,” with a new minimum qualifying order of $1,200.

“Before, we were treating all dealers the same,” Farsi said. “This (new program) was spurned on by our dealers coming to us saying, ‘I’m on the dealer locator and so is my competitor down the street. I have 20 bikes on my floor and he has no bikes. What can I do about this?’ ”

State’s new benefits for qualifying retailers include free shipping, lower thresholds for volume discounts and enhanced listings on the online dealer locator. Additionally, a new Dealer Rewards Program allows retailers to accrue reward points that can be used for future purchases.

“We wanted to make significant changes to our wholesale program to better support those retailers who have a vested in the State Bicycle Co. brand,” said Adam Mayo, manager of State’s wholesale division. “Additionally, we took great efforts to understand some of the factors which led to retailers being successful with our brand and created a tiered wholesale program which incentivizes retailers to strive for the highest level of success, but that still allows for any independent bicycle retailer to have access to the State Bicycle Co. catalog.”

Retailers benefiting from the new program include San Antonio Bike Shop, where owner Clay Williams said: “State Bicycle has been very supportive and a wonderful partner in growing my business. With the new changes to the wholesale program it will only increase our profitability, which is great.”

State Bicycle Co. has 400 dealers worldwide, including about 250 in the U.S. It also sells consumer direct through its website. For more information, visit the company’s website.

CARLSBAD, Calif. (BRAIN) — Mountain bike clothing brand Zoic is introducing its first shoee, a flat pedal design developed with the skateboarding brand Osiris Shoes.

The Zoic Prophet shoe will be offered in three versions, all retailing for $85. They will ship next February.

The shoe features a firm sole and snug upper for responsiveness, along with a flat sole with sticky HookUP rubber compound.
"Flat pedals inspire confidence among mountain bikers and we believe comfortable gear makes our sport more accessible, enjoyable and less intimidating," said Zoic's president, Eric Swenson. "The dedicated Zoic community of riders has embraced our casual aesthetic for technical bike clothing; The Prophet delivers this same experience in footwear."

The shoe is the first product resulting from the collaboration of Zoic and Osiris. The companies said more products will be introduced in the future. Interested dealers can contact their Zoic sales representative or sales@zoic.com to request a catalog or arrange an appointment.

CARLSBAD, Calif. (BRAIN) — Industry veteran Tim Jackson has joined Lift Creative Studios to handle marketing strategy and communications in the firm's bicycle division.

Jackson is best known for his long-term stint as brand manager at Masi Bicycles.

"Our firm is rapidly growing, so Tim's timing was perfect," said Steve Driscoll, the founder of Lift CS, whose agency has worked with bike industry clients including Ridley Bikes, Assos, Reynolds Cycling, Campagnolo and Del Sol.

"Tim is a well-known brand communicator and storyteller, which is so important these days as everyone is struggling to find an authentic voice that can be heard above the noise. We are thrilled to have Tim join the Lift CS team."

Jackson said, "I've known Steve for years and we both share a deep passion for cycling. Our skill sets are incredibly complementary, and I look forward to growing the cycling division and adding to the communications team."

Lift CS has also recently hired Kelsey Waild, who joins the firm as a copywriter and social media strategist.

MADRID (BRAIN) — Chris Tarlton has joined Rotor Bike Components as general marketing manager, overseeing development of the brand's image worldwide.

He comes to Rotor from Spanish digital marketing agency SrBurns, where he was head of strategy and innovations. Tarlton previously was head of marketing for Trek Spain for eight years, managing the Trek, Gary Fisher and Bontrager brands.

In his new role at Rotor, Tarlton will lead the evolution of the brand image, coordinate new product launches and increase the visibility of Rotor in media worldwide, with a particular focus on digital.

"Chris will bring his wealth of skills and experience to bear on the growth we have planned for Rotor during the next few years," said Rotor CEO José Manuel Banqueri. "Chris arrives at a key time to help plan Rotor's future success through marketing strategies designed to drive the brand deeper into the international marketplace."

IRVINE, Calif. (BRAIN) — D6 Sports, Inc., the parent company of Hang Ten (a bike and surf/skate brand) and Airwalk (a skate and bike shoe brand), has been sold to PTX Performance Products USA LLC.

PTX, headquartered in Toronto, offers PTX Performance sporting goods for hockey, soccer, baseball, lacrosse and tennis. It also owns Stable 26, a brand that offers silcone-padded socks, and Global Brand Exchange, a close-out product distributor. 

The D6 brands are sold through all levels of distribution, from mass market to specialty bike, skate and surf shops.

"The acquisition of our first U.S.-based company is a significant milestone for PTX Performance," said PTX Performance Products' president, Ryan Landen. "I am looking forward to expanding U.S. distribution and deepen ties with the sporting goods market with an expanded category assortment. This acquisition is part of a continued strategy to drive sales and enhance the connection between our brands, retailers and consumers. Taking into account both companies' extensive portfolios in licensing, I see this as a natural fit with a future structured to better support our family of brands." 

MIAMI (BRAIN) — J&B Importers is now distributing Prologo saddles. Prologo reps have been on the road with J&B outside salesmen to visit retailers since April's Sea Otter Classic.

"The technology in this complete line of saddles is unmatched by any other competitor in the marketplace," said Michael Armadoros, digital marketing manager at J&B. "I've seen them in the ProTour year after year and would always gravitate toward them while in the shop. When we were approached regarding U.S. distribution, it was almost a no-brainer."

With Prologo's saddle collection, J&B adds the MyOwn "perfect saddle"fit system to its product offering.

Developed in collaboration with sports psychology and physiology expert Dr. Mauro Testa, the MyOwn fit kit helps retailers find the optimal saddle for consumers based on use, width of ischial bones, range of lumbar flexibility, and body mass index. After recording each set of data, the Prologo software automatically suggests the saddle that best suits the physical characteristics of the cyclist.

WILTON, Conn. (BRAIN) — GT is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its Zaskar hardtal mountain bike with a new carbon frame 27.5-inch wheel version offered in four bike models.

The Zaskar was introduced in 1991; the company said it's the only bike to win World Cup events in downhill, cross-country, slalom and trials.

The 2016 Zaskar Carbon was designed as a modern day ripper that is light enough for race day and strong enough for every day. Suggested retail prices for complete bikes range from $2,300 to $5,000.

The Zaskar Carbon features GT's classic Triple Triangle design and progressive geometry with slacker head angle and longer wheelbase.

"The GT Zaskar is truly an iconic bike. Since 1991, I've not only ridden Zaskars to countless victories, but being such a versatile bike, it has literally taken me around the world on amazing adventures," said Hans Rey, a long-time GT ambassador. "And with the new 2016 Zaskars, GT made sure they kept the soul of its hard-charging, fun-riding heritage."

The four models within the new GT Zaskar line are:

• Zaskar Carbon LTD – The top of the line Zaskar features F.O.C. Carbon frame, RockShox PIKE fork, SRAM X1 11-spd drivetrain and SRAM Guide RS brakes.
• Zaskar Carbon Pro – Features F.O.C. Carbon frame, RockShox Sid XX fork, Shimano XT/XTR 2x11 drivetrain and Shimano XT brakes.
• Zaskar Carbon Expert – Features F.O.C. Carbon frame, RockShox Reba RL 27.5 fork, Shimano XT 2x11 drivetrain and Shimano SLX brakes.
• Zaskar Carbon Elite – Features F.O.C. Carbon frame, RockShox Recon Gold RL 27.5 fork, Shimano Deore/SLX 2x11 drivetrain and Shimano Deore brakes.

GT is a brand of Cycling Sports Group, a division of Dorel Sports.

SANTA FE, N.M. (BRAIN) — Andrew Wright, the president and co-owner of the Santa Fe-based distributor Bicycle Technologies International, died Wednesday after colliding with another vehicle while commuting home from BTI, the company announced in a statement.

Wright and co-founder Preston Martin started BTI in 1993 in a garage in Ashland, Ore., moving the company to Santa Fe in 1995. He had previously worked at United Bicycle Parts in Ashland, Ore., and in retail at The Bike Gallery in Portland and Bicycles Plus in Salem, Ore.

"Andrew believed strongly in fairness and taking the moral high road in business. Andrew was deeply concerned with the welfare of his employees, providing access to 100-percent paid health care and offering staff the flexibility to take care of their families. He was an outspoken advocate for cycling, having begun BTI's Advocacy Roundup which allows shops to roundup their orders to the nearest dollar for donation to a variety of bicycle causes," the company said.

"Andrew loved all things mechanical, traveling abroad, and bacon. Andrew is survived by his beloved wife Jennifer, his dogs Chupa and Kumar, his cats Quinn and Pikie, his mother, father and brother in Oregon, and the extended circle of friends he has collected over the last four and a half decades."

The funeral is yet to be scheduled.

Watch for more on this story soon on BRAIN.

CHULA VISTA, Calif. (BRAIN) — The National BMX Hall of Fame will induct six new members at a ceremony to be held here on Oct. 10.

The new inductees are Frank Post, in the Pioneer Racer category; Christophe Leveque, in the Racer category; Bob Tedesco, in the Industry category; Brian Blyther, the Freestyler category; and Kathy Schachel, in the Woman category.

Also, Ron Mackler will receive special recognition. Mackler was the park superintendent of Los Angeles' Palms Park. Mackler saw kids zooming around the park on bikes, and decided to set up some of the first-ever BMX races to keep them out of trouble.

Once again, the Induction Ceremony for the BMX Hall of Fame will take place under the Olympic flame of the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista. This year's ceremony is tied in to Round 3 of the USA BMX North American Supercross series, held on the Beijing-replica track at the OTC. Simultaneously, the Gold Cup Finals West event will take place on the Chula Vista BMX amateur track.

Tickets are on sale now through EventBrite. Early bird pricing is available to those who book early. 

WOLVERHAMPTON, U.K. (BRAIN) — The U.K.-based e-commerce retailer Wiggle will let its customers pick up orders at Doddle's 35 parcel store locations, which are located near railway stations and other commuter hubs across the country.

Doddle locations are something like FedEx stores in the U.S., providing pack, ship and receiving services from multiple carriers. Doddle also provides try-on rooms for checking the fit of clothing ordered from Wiggle and other e-commerce retailers. As part of the agreement with Wiggle, Doddle will take care of shipping returned items to Wiggle, at no charge for clothing and accessories.

Doddle locations are open seven days a week; the company provides similar services to e-commerce retailers Amazon, Warehouse, River Island, Hawes & Curtis, Countrywide and T.M. Lewin. Doddle plans to double its storefronts in the next year.

Wiggle also ships orders, including complete bikes, to its own Wiggle Workshops in St. Albans, Milton Keynes and Cambridge Retail Park.

Jo Taylor, Wiggle's brand marketing manager, said, "By the very nature of our business, our customers are often those who lead a very busy and active lifestyle. Ensuring that we give them the ultimate choice and convenience to help minimize the impact of deliveries on their day-to-day life is a major priority for us. We are extremely excited to be adding Doddle to our range of delivery and returns options and expect it to be hugely popular with our customers."

Tim Robinson, Doddle's CEO, said, "Creating a good delivery and returns experience is of utmost importance to retailers right now and Wiggle is a great brand to have join Doddle's list of retail partners. We look forward to helping Wiggle customers by making it easier for them to receive and return their cycle and apparel deliveries with Doddle."

More information on Doddle at doddle.it.

MANCHESTER, N.H. (BRAIN) — The Bike Cooperative has added insulated water bottle supplier Polar Bottle to its network of suppliers. Through this new partnership with the Colorado-based manufacturer, members of The Bike Co-op will now earn rebates on their purchases of Polar Bottle-branded water bottles.

Bike Cooperative vice president of operations Carl Michelakos said, "Polar Bottle is a company we admire and we're excited to have them as our newest supplier partner. Polar Bottle developed a product unlike anything else in the market and are now a leader in hydration, yet they haven't forgotten where they came from. Polar Bottle products are still American made, and they remain extremely committed to philanthropy and advocacy in the cycling community where they got their start."

Polar Bottle's national sales manager Phil Bash added, "Working with The Bike Cooperative's network of quality independent bike retailers is a great opportunity. The Polar Bottle brand started with our founders, who are avid cyclists, traveling and selling to local bike shops. We're looking forward to a mutually beneficial partnership and building new relationships with Bike Co-op members."

NORWALK, Calif. (BRAIN) — The Sunday AM Raw is part of the brand's 2016 model line, which is arriving in warehouses this month. The Sunday AM is an entry level freestyle BMX bike with a steel frame with chromoly downtube and dropouts.

It features Sunday's Freeze Top-Load stem, Odyssey Springfield brake, brake lever, and Quik Slic cable. It has three-piece chromoly cranks, sealed bearing hubs and bottom bracket and Odyssey OEM Chase Hawk Signature tires, 20 x 2.4-inch.

Sunday's complete 2016 line catalog is viewable at SundayBikes.com. Interested U.S. dealers can contact Full Factory Distro.