SAN FRANCISCO (BRAIN) — Motostrano, an e-bike retailer with two stores in the greater Bay Area, has launched a pilot mobile e-bike repair and service program. The service allows e-bike owners to have their e-bike serviced at their home or office. Sending an email, phone call or text, customers can arrange repair and tune-up appointments. 

The mobile repair service is also being offered to e-bike manufacturers who are selling direct to customers or don't have a strong dealer network in the area. Motostrano has already signed on two manufacturers to deliver the service. 

“Building on the vast experience and knowledge in servicing electric bikes we've gained over the past eight years working with them, Ebikelane Mobile is now offering on-site e-bike repair, service and bike-building services for e-bike owners and manufacturers around the Bay Area as an add-on service to our existing brick-and-mortar operations,” said Joe Witherspoon, Motostrano founder and president. “The need is already there and we think we are better positioned than any business to offer this mobile service.”

Motostrano mechanics are certified to Bosch, Yamaha, BionX, Shimano, Bafang and Stromer. Ebikelane Mobile will also offer e-bike specific products and replacement parts like batteries, chargers, tires and other accessories that are unique to the uses of e-bike riders and the brands they support. 

“Over the years we've often had to service customers remotely and unofficially, so developing an official program for our own customers was inevitable,” said John Tai, Motostrano VP based in San Francisco. “Our service map will start with San Francisco, Marin, San Mateo and Alameda Counties during the pilot program and branch out from there because we also understand the need to service customers outside of the main metros.”

With the growth of online ordering of e-bikes, owners who bought their e-bikes online but need to have their bike’s final assembly done by a mechanic no longer have to figure out how to get that giant e-bike box to a bike shop, the retailer said. 

“This is a win for the consumer and also the e-bike industry who's looking for a way to expand the e-bike market to a bike industry who so far has been resistant to adopt e-bikes and a consumer base who wants to know they will be taken care of,” Witherspoon said. “In fact, traditional bike stores who do not have the experience to work on e-bikes can use our service as a sales tool. E-bikes are in high demand and there’s hundreds of brands and models. It's our job to stay on top of them and ensure they keep on buzzing.”

Motostrano is a privately owned company based in Redwood City and San Francisco. It has been in business since 2002.

TAICHUNG, Taiwan (BRAIN) — Revenue at Giant Manufacturing, the world's largest maker of bicycles, slumped last year driven down by weak sales in China and lower sales in the U.S. as high inventory levels and heavy discounting took its toll.

Giant posted revenue of NT$57.09 billion ($1.9 billion), down 5.5 percent from 2015. The company's after tax income also took a hit, down 20.2 percent to NT$3.07 billion ($101.5 million) year-over-year.

The figures, released Tuesday, were finalized at Giant's annual board of directors meeting held Monday.

Despite the downbeat financial report, Giant executives said sales in Europe of its electric bikes increased almost 50 percent, however the company declined to release unit sales figures.

"In the U.S its brand sales performance was down marginally due to the high inventory levels and heavy discounts from other bicycle brands," the report noted.

But it's China's weak economy and an upsurge in bike sharing programs that took the heaviest toll on Giant's performance last year. Overall, domestic demand in China fell 20 percent year-over-year.

"Currently there is no clear sign of recovery in China's bicycle market," the company said. China's overall economy is struggling and that has helped drive down demand at Giant-owned bicycle shops. And the sudden rise in bike-sharing, which has captivated consumers in most major cities, has also had an impact on consumer sales.

"The short term effect of bike sharing remains unclear. However, in the long run, Giant believes these services will have a positive impact in promoting cycling and increasing the cycling population," the report said.

On a more positive note, sales remained stable in Taiwan, a key local market, while sales were up in Japan and Australia.

As for its outlook on 2017, the company is bullish on e-bike sales growing in Europe and a sales recovery in the U.S. market as inventory levels stabilize and early season discounting abates. Still, China with its weak economy and booming bike-share programs will remain a drag on its overall performance for the year, the report said.

ENCINITAS, Calif. (BRAIN) — Lava magazine's May 1 issue, now hitting newsstands, will be its last print edition. The magazine will continue to be available as a digital magazine, but will no longer be available as a large-format publication.

In an email to subscribers, editor TJ Murphy pointed to industry forces and a vanishing newsstand for the change.

"It appears that the world is going the way of the smart phone and tablet with or without us... We were kicking and screaming about this but now that we're more focused on the digital magazine I have to admit it's cool to see the possibilities involved," he wrote.

Murphy said that the digital edition will be more comprehensive with a heavier focus on training methods and technology, gear reviews, nutrition, and will incorporate video. Lava will also step up its Serious Triathlon podcast and it will emphasize coverage of age-groupers, pros, coaches as well as expanding the coverage of the culture of triathlon.

In an editorial in the May 1 issue explaining the move to digital, Murphy said, "The media world has been continuing to shift gears at a rapid pace, with one especially challenging consequence to the print magazine business: the vaporizing of newsstands and print advertising against the rise of the iPad and smartphone. A mistake we've made is being reluctant to leave print behind and adapt to the new (and always evolving) digital age."

One of the original hallmarks of Lava was its format, which included premium paper and quality photography. Murphy said Lava will keep its hands on print with one special print edition this year and depending on reception, may do two or three in 2018.

"iTunes and Spotify didn't kill the vinyl record, so we feel a special print edition or three per year might offer a welcome respite from being plugged in," Murphy wrote in his editorial.

Lava was launched in 2010 by the World Triathlon Corporation, owners of Ironman, Ironman 70.3, Iron Girl and IronKids, and John Duke, former publisher of Triathlete Magazine.

The magazine, published nine times per year, was sold to a group of investors that included Duke, and Active.com's Dave Alberga and Matt Landa, in 2012. Under its new ownership, the magazine became independent of World Triathlon Corp., which owns the Ironman events and their trademark, but remained the official magazine of Ironman.

KOBLENZ, Germany (BRAIN) — Canyon Bicycles GmbH has made several key hires in the U.S. as it prepares to begin selling direct to consumers in late summer. Blair Clark has joined as president of Canyon US and Thomas Baumann has been appointed general manager, combining industry experience and an outside perspective in the management of its U.S. office.

Clark most recently was president and chief operating officer of GU Energy Labs. Before that he was senior vice president of sales and marketing for Smith Optics for more than a decade. He also is a former vice president at Specialized and president of Giro. He has been an IMBA board member and is chairman of the People for Bikes Foundation.

Clark got his start in the industry working bike retail in the early 1980s at Bicycle Outfitter in Los Altos, California.

Baumann was president and CEO of Orbitak, principal of VW Consulting and manager of the Center of Project Management Competence. He has a doctorate in economics from the University of Bremen and will be handling all operations and creating the blue print for Canyon's future international subsidiaries.

"I've known Blair and Thomas for some time and when they came to the forefront of our executive search, I knew they were the right fit for our company and these roles," said Roman Arnold, Canyon founder and CEO. "Since 2008, Canyon's international sales have surpassed German sales and our brand has continued to grow strongly across the globe. Entering the U.S. marks the next big step for Canyon, and this team will provide the right blend of experience and leadership to guide our U.S. operations."

In addition to Clark and Baumann, Canyon has made other staff hires for its logistics facility in Chino, California, and for its office in Carlsbad. Wendy Engelberg, an IMBA advocate and founding director of the Girlz Gone Riding women's mountain bike club, will be Canyon USA's customer service manager.

After a decade at Oakley, Andy Ellingsen joins Canyon USA as purchasing manager. Richard Wheeler, who formerly was a product quality engineer with Trek Bicycles, will lead the final touch assembly process for the U.S.

"Canyon has been selling the world's best engineered and most innovative bicycles direct to consumers for years, and I have always admired their company from afar," said Clark. "There are huge opportunities in the U.S. for both the company and the bike industry as a whole, and U.S. riders are some of the most demanding in the world. Entering the U.S. marks the next big step for Canyon, and I look forward to helping with this new phase."

MISSOULA, Mont. (BRAIN) — Michael Deme, who was Adventure Cycling's director of design and media, died suddenly and unexpectedly of natural causes this week at age 51.

Deme was a 24-year staffer of Adventure Cycling Association and longtime editor of Adventure Cyclist magazine.

“This is a tremendous loss for the organization, operationally and personally,” said Jim Sayer, Adventure Cycling’s executive director. “It is no overstatement to say that Mike was one of the most important staff people in Adventure Cycling’s history, in the way that he transformed the magazine into one of the most beloved cycling magazines anywhere. He also played a crucial role in diversifying our communication offerings and developing our design and media department. We are all still trying to absorb what life without Mike Deme will be like.”

Deme served as assistant editor, editor-in-chief, and executive editor of the publication beginning in 1998 and guided Adventure Cyclist’s growth as a voice for bicycle travel and two-wheeled adventure around the world.

In 2015, he moved into the executive editor position as he took on a greater organizational role as the director of design and media for Adventure Cycling. In addition to the magazine, he contributed to and oversaw countless promotional materials, catalogs, and the pre-Google clearinghouse for bicycle travel information, the Cyclists’ Yellow Pages.

"The passion he brought to his work throughout his career is irreplaceable, and his mark on Adventure Cycling, bicycle travel, and cycling in general is profound," the organization said.

Deme was raised in Connecticut. His other passions included golf, the New York Giants and a "side job" of nearly 30 years as one of Missoula’s best-known bartenders. Adventure Cycling will host a celebration of his life and work this spring. Dates will be announced soon pending family services.

WILTON, Ct. (BRAIN) — Cannondale has released a completely redesigned Bad Boy, an urban commuter bike. 

"Bad Boy was the original lean and mean urban bike and has always been at the forefront of commuter bikes," said Burton Avery, urban product manager at Cannondale. "It's a bike known for its iconic look. Therefore, we honored its minimal, stripped down style, while taking integration and design to the next level."

All Bad Boy models have a new one-piece Lefty rigid fork. The Bad Boy 1 and 2 feature the Lightpipe Lefty, an integrated and micro-USB rechargeable SuperNova LED light stripe for increased visibility. The 1 and 2 models also have lights in the seatpost for added rearward visibility.

The frame's headtube and downtube have been 3D-forged from a single block of aluminum for a seamlessly sleek look.

The Bad Boy has 650b wheels paired with wide tires for added comfort and puncture protection. All Bad Boy models feature disc brakes, internal cable routing, black-on-black reflective graphical elements, and an integrated and durable rubber strip along the top tube to protect the frame.

Bad Boy is available in four models ranging from $870 to $1,840.

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (BRAIN) — Blackout Distribution has recently promoted Ryan O'Rourke to be assistant brand manager of Cinema, Kink, and Mission BMX, overseeing the direction of all three brands.

O'Rourke was previously Blackout's warehouse manager for several years.

Blackout Distribution is the exclusive distributor for Kink BMX, Cinema BMX and Mission BMX. It also offers 17 other BMX brands including Fiend BMX and Merritt BMX.

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. (BRAIN) — QBP is now a global distribution partner for BMX race brands Staats and Ciari. Both brands offer BMX race-focused products. 

"Staats and Ciari have carved out a unique place in the BMX race market, focusing on high-quality manufacturing with a nod to classic styling. We're excited to bring these brands to more dealers," said QBP BMX category manager Ben Austin.

Austin said Staats and Ciari offer "a unique assortment of performance-driven product that will elevate customers' BMX riding experience."

Jonathan Grammens, Staats and Ciari brand manager, said, "Staats and Ciari are thrilled to be working together with QBP in achieving our desire for our BMX race parts to be accessible throughout the USA. Our goal has always been to design and produce high-quality BMX race frames and parts that have their own unique style. Our partnership with QBP allows us to focus on our mission and also to strengthen our passion and dedication to the sport of BMX racing."

LEVIS, Quebec (BRAIN) — Distributions Lyncée is the new Canadian distributor of Bkool bike trainers. 

Spain-based Bkool offers two main bike trainers: Bkool Smart Go and Bkool Smart Pro. Both offer an advanced simulator, high-performance analytics platform, ease of use and competitive pricing, the company said. They can be used with the Bkool simulator to offer users the ability to create their own routes and bike leagues, compete with players from around the world, enjoy ultra-realistic 3D simulations, and more.

"We are very excited to have Canadian dealers and their customers discover these innovative trainers. We truly believe that the Bkool brand offers an unprecedented mix of sophisticated
options at unbeatable prices. What's more: these trainers are the quietest on the market and are very easy to set up. It only takes users 15 minutes and they're ready to use their Bkool trainer and simulator," said Nathalie Samson, product director at Distributions Lyncée.

Smart Pro and Smart Go trainers both feature a magnetic controlled resistance that can achieve up to 1200W and 800 W respectively. In addition, the trainers support ANT+ and Bluetooth Smart connectivity. Retail prices for Bkool trainers start at $644.99. Until May 1, 2017, Bkool and Distributions Lyncée are offering an introduction booking offer, with trainers delivered to Canadian dealers in August 2017.

More information at distributionslyncee.com.

LAGUNA HILLS, Calif. (BRAIN) — Do you rent bikes? Is there a high demand for rentals in your market?

The newest issue of Bicycle Retailer & Industry News asks those questions in the regular State of Retail column. Below is the full answer from one of BRAIN's State of Retail panelists, Park Chambers, from Portland, Oregon's Fat Tire Farm. To see more responses, check out April 1 issue of BRAIN, which is arriving in mailboxes this week. If you'd like to weigh in, please leave your thoughts in the comments section below. And look for the next question on the web on April 15.

To learn more about the panelists, see our 2017 State of Retail panel bio page.

We have a rental/demo center. Rentals/demos go towards the purchase with some limitations, i.e., you can't rent to own. The difference between the rental and demo is minor and it's in the customers mind. Demos are for someone who wants to buy. Rentals are for someone looking to go for a ride. Although our industry conditions people that demo is free, I feel that it should charge to give value for what it does and donate that fee to the local trail association. We donate $5 from each rental to the area trail stewards.

A high performance bike for some might be $2,500 and for others it might be $7,000. We rent and/or demo both and many in between. We do charge all customers to try the bikes. It's a free ride if you buy from us and if not we've covered the wear and tear on the bike and given the customer confidence in a buying decision. I wouldn't call it a huge profit center but much more a customer service experience. We have one of the largest most diverse fleet in the Northwest, with Ibis, Yeti, Santa Cruz and Rocky Mountain to name a few. We also try brands such as Pivot and Giant in the fleet to see how they track. It's a good indicator to see what customers want, but if you only have one or two brands it's not a great indicator.

Our 21st Avenue store did rentals until Portland brought in a bike share program. We found that the rental market for city bikes died overnight.

The real challenge is the cost of the bikes and terms. We work our best with manufacturers but it's still a huge cost for a fleet. By the time we sell most of the bikes in the fall the manufacturers have changed the model year and closed out some of the models, killing the sale value. We try our best to manage that timeframe as to get the most value from the fleet.

 

OGDEN, Utah (BRAIN) — Mavic's new $1,000 road shoe, the Comete Ultimate, will be available in North America in late summer, the company said this week. 

The shoe, released in Europe last week, has a two-piece construction, with a full carbon shell mated with swappable booties that are tailored for specific conditions.

The company said the design was inspired by ski boot construction and allows increased power transfer with lighter weight. "The shoe was designed to leverage the very latest understanding of biomechanics and bio-position, translating to new levels of pedaling efficiency and the sensation of "connectedness" with the bike throughout the entire 360 degrees of a pedal stroke," the company said. 

The shoe weighs 240 grams in size 8. Its stack height is 4.5mm, thinner than most shoes. Bootie options for rain, heat and cold are available.

Two Mavic Ergo Dials provide two-way micro adjustment for optimal fit and support. The company said the Ergo Dials, heel pad and V-plates are replaceable and will be sold as spare parts.

More information: mavic.com/en-fi/comete-ultimate-shoe-c.

DENVER (BRAIN) —  Gates Corporation has hired Boo Bicycles' former chief technical officer, Ben Castaneda, as a technical support specialist in the company's bicycle division. Castaneda will oversee OEM support, service, warranty and special projects for Gates Carbon Drive's North American market.

Castaneda, 27, worked at Boo from 2014 to 2017 as operations manager and chief technical officer, managing all U.S. production, ordering, warehousing, assembly and distribution for the bamboo bike brand, as well as overseeing the design, prototyping, testing and production of new frame designs.

"While at Boo I worked on many bike projects that integrated Gates Carbon Drive and I gained a respect for the durability and low-maintenance qualities of the Gates belt drive," Castaneda said. "As a hands-on bike builder, I was also impressed by the high-quality support that Gates engineers and technicians provided. I plan to carry on that work by assisting designers and builders in their projects integrating Gates belts on their bikes and e-bikes."

Todd Sellden, the global director of Gates Carbon Drive Systems, said, "Ben is a take-charge guy with a deep knowledge of all the technical aspects of bicycle fabrication, component sourcing, testing and development, plus all of the day-to-day aspects of operating a small bike brand. He will be a great asset to our team as we grow our North American business and add more brands to the list of those specifying Gates Carbon Drive."

Prior to Boo, Castaneda worked as a mechanical engineer at Modus Engineering in Iowa City, Iowa. An avid bicyclist since childhood, Castaneda began his bike business career as a mechanic and salesman at World of Bikes in Iowa City, where he worked from 2011 to 2014. He has a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Iowa.

BALTIMORE, Md. (BRAIN) — After working on the project for more than two years, renowned mountain bike champion Marla Streb has opened HandleBar Cafe and Bike Shop with her husband, Mark Fitzgerald.

The couple renovated a 7,000 square-foot warehouse, which houses 4,200 square-foot cafe and bar and a 1,000 square-foot bike shop on the ground floor and mezzanine levels. Showers, lockers and a barre fitness studio space, leased by a third party, occupy about 3,500 square feet of space upstairs.

Streb said that the bike shop isn't set up like a typical store.

"It's a full bike shop, but the footprint is smaller than average. And, it's literally in the restaurant," said Streb, who was inducted into the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame in 2013. "We've got bikes displayed gallery style all around the restaurant. It's really fun to finally be open and have people roll in on their bikes — having the tribe here is really great."

HandleBar carries Yeti and Orbea, both brands Streb rode for during her racing career, as well as Public and Spot. It stocks parts and accessories, including a mix of urban, BMX and commuter products to cater to the shop's primary market. But Streb said she's already sold several mountain bikes since opening in early March.

"A big part of the story is that we wanted to carry brands that were loyal to me when I was racing and later when I was getting pregnant and having kids," she said. "I'm trying to represent these companies, like Timbuk2, Shimano and RedBull, and it's been fun to give back to them."

The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week, and delivers beer growlers and pizza by bike. Fitzgerald, a restaurant industry veteran, did much of the build out, including hand crafting an indoor bike rack, concrete countertops with bike parts inset into the surface, as well as bar stools featuring chainrings and other components. The bar taps have bike grips for handles, and up-cycled wood from the Baltimore port for local flavor is used throughout the space. Streb said she wanted to incorporate elements from different aspects of her bike-racing career, including stained glass she bought in Durango.

Streb and Fitzgerald have hired about 25 employees, including one man Fitzgerald hired to help with the build out who now works as a mechanic in the shop. About eight employees run the bike shop, including an in-house wheelbuilder who works out of a small studio.

HandleBar also has a fit studio run by a third party, and Cream Cruiser, an ice cream company that delivers by bike, also leases an upstairs space. All of the businesses operating in the building are female owned.

Streb takes customers who purchase new bikes out for a ride to help get them acquainted with their new wheels — something fun and unique she said she loves offering.

HandleBar also stocks Strider and other kids' bikes, and has a chalkboard and games for kids. And customers might see one of Streb's 7 and 10-year old daughters, who've clearly inherited their mother's cycling talents, riding a unicycle around the restaurant.

"I got the unicycle last fall and they stole it from me and learned to ride it in a few days," Streb said. "So if you eat here, you will see them riding around on it, clearing tables."

OSAKA, Japan (BRAIN) — Shimano on Friday released some details of its fall/winter clothing collections, including items in its new high-end S-PHYRE line as well as its Explorer.

"From urban riding to race-ready applications, the new range introduces advanced features, materials and manufacturing techniques resulting in benefits for riders of all performance levels," the company said.

Highlights include the S-PHYRE Wind Resistant Jersey, a long-sleeve jersey with an anatomic cut and a water repellent coating.  It has a fleece quilted interior, high fleece-lined neck and low reflective tail, while side panels and shoulders feature laser-cut MicroVents for breathability. Deep storage pockets on the back include one waterproof zipper pocket and one looped pocket for secure storage of valuables. MSRP is $299 and it will be available Sept. 17. The S-PHYRE fall/winter collection also includes bib tights, winter baselayers, insulated shoe covers and toe covers. 

For urban riding and what Shimano calls "adventure" riding, the company is offering items in its Transit and Explorer lines. Highlights include the Transit softshell jacket and pants. The Softshell Jacket has chest and rear pockets with extended glove-interfacing cuffs, light weight construction and casual style suited to the office or the coffee shop as well as riding. The Transit Softshell Pants are windproof, water-repellent and breathable. The jacket is $139 and available in morel and raven colorways. The pants are also $139 and available in black. 

MADRID (BRAIN) — Rotor America has hired Matt Clements as its East Coast tech rep.

Clements worked in DC-area bike shops and raced for Lees McCrae College before joining Rotor America. “I’m really excited to contribute to a brand as innovative as Rotor,” said Clements. “Working with the dealers allows me to share my knowledge and enthusiasm with shops across the Eastern Seaboard.”

The Rotor Tech Rep program is designed to train shop staff on Rotor products such as Q-rings, 2INpower and the UNO group, which is soft-launching in the U.S. this spring, and will be in full flow by summer. 

“The tech rep program is crucial for supporting dealers in this time of growth for Rotor. IBDs need to know that they can count on us to educate their staff and contribute to their bottom line. Matt is an integral part of supporting our dealer network,” said Rotor's North American brand manager, Lori Barrett.

NEWBURY PARK, Calif. (BRAIN) — Giant Retail Academy, the retailer training website for Giant USA, is hosting the recently released 10-part BPSA e-bike video series. The 10 videos and quizzes, produced by the Bicycle Product Supplier's Association, are designed to help retail staff explain and sell e-bikes.

"While we've already produced specific branded e-bike product and Giant Hybrid Cycling Technology instructional videos for our retailers, the BPSA 'Charged Up!' series rounds out the total training necessary to be a successful e-bike salesperson," said John Munhall, Giant US' director of product manager and BPSA board member.

"The BPSA video series supplements our training nicely and offers Giant retailers and staff valuable skills and tips in how to talk to their clients about e-bikes. The more skillful our retailers are, the more successful they'll be."

"We're delighted with the strong positive reception to our 'Charged Up!' training program," said Ray Keener, BPSA's executive director. "Companies like Giant bicycle and several others incorporating it into their brand sites means more staff access and ultimately, more e-bike sales."

TORRANCE, Calif. (BRAIN) — INNO Advanced Car Racks has launched a new hitch-mount rack, the INH330, that differs from other hitch racks on the market because it's lightweight and folds easily so it can be stored in a corner of the garage or inside a vehicle when not in use.

The INH330 weighs about 30 pounds. The company said its INNOvative Quick Mount system, allows it to be installed in seconds in a 2-inch or 1 1/4-inch receiver hitch with an easily accessible locking torque knob.

MSRP is $399

It accommodates wheel sizes ranging from 20-inch to 29-inch, and tire widths from road bike width to 5-inch. It tilts down to allow access to trunk or rear car storage. It has independently adjustable wheel trays and a built-in handle for easy lifting and carrying during installation or storage. It includes lock, keys, and security cable.

More information at innoracks.com.

SAUSALITO, Calif. (BRAIN) — Osmo Nutrition, relaunched last year after a period of dormancy, is now being distributed exclusively in the U.S. and Canada by Highway Two. 

"When my business partner and I resurrected Osmo with Peter Sagan, we knew that the product was great and the brand was strong," said Ben Capron, Osm'so co-founder and CEO. "We also knew that we needed the best sales and distribution partner in the world. We had a lot of options, but we chose Highway Two because they offer the best combination of customer service and distribution strength to take care of retailers. Osmo is a great fit with H2's curated offering of top-tier brands and the H2 team shared our passion for bringing great nutrition to riders."

Highway Two's president, Simon McNair, said, "We are very selective at H2 in the brands we carry and products we offer. We only partner with category leading brands that are in demand and add profitability to our retail partners. Osmo is both of these things and our exclusive arrangement will really help us grow the brand together. We couldn't be happier to be the North American exclusive distributor for Osmo and know great things will come for all involved!"

Retailers can contact their H2 representatives to place orders immediately. When retailers place an initial stocking order of $250 or more, H2 will include two free tubs of Active Hydration mix.

PLEASANT VALLEY, Mo. (BRAIN) — Chamois Butt'r has unveiled updated packaging across its entire product collection, making use of the brand's updated logo. The brand also is introducing a new 32-ounce pump-top bottle for both its Original and Her' creams. The pump-top and larger size make it ideal for team sharing, the company said.

The new packaging was created by Minneapolis-based Adventure Advertising. It uses color coordinated tags to easily identify products. For example, Chamois Butt'r Original will use yellow, Her' will use magenta, and Eurostyle will use teal.

In addition to graphics, the tubes' new hang-hole design offers multiple merchandising options for retailers, including shelf-top display or cross-merchandising options like hanging alongside cycling shorts.

Chamois Butt'r GoStik 2.5 oz. also gets a packaging upgrade with a clear blister pack design that displays the GoStik container within the package, compared to the box used previously.

"After 25-plus years of making Chamois Butt'r with gradual changes in our packaging and graphics, we decided to make a change in 2016 to make our product collection look more uniform," said Steve Matthews, the president of Paceline Products/Chamois Butt'r. "Last year, we began working with Adventure Advertising because of their strong design and branding skills. We love the creativity they brought to our ads, so we tasked them with updating and unifying our packaging design. I am very pleased with the outcome of their work and am extremely proud to introduce our new packaging designs. I hope our customer will like the new look as much as we do."

The new packaging debuts in conjunction with an updated Chamois Butt'r website.

More information at www.chamoisbuttr.com. Retailers can place orders by calling 888-411-0287, by emailing sales at info@pacelineproducts.com or by contacting an authorized distributor.

BERKELEY, Calif. (BRAIN) — The Youth Cycling Alliance, which was formed last year following a meeting at Interbike, is working with UC Berkeley's Haas School of Business to map and assess existing youth cycling programs around the country.

The National Youth Cycling Research Initiative is funded by a research grant. It seeks to gain input from youth cycling organizations, map the national youth cycling network and understand the dynamics of youth cycling programs operating in the United States.

The YCA came out of a meeting last September that included 11 bike organizations, including Trips for Kids, People for Bikes, League of American Bicyclists, International Mountain Bicycling Association, National Interscholastic Cycling Association, Cycle Kids, Little Bella’s, Project Bike Tech, Professional Bicycle Mechanics Association and Planet Bike. Its aim is to promote youth cycling in the United States by providing data driven research and leadership to support the establishment, expansion and sustainable development of youth cycling organizations and programs.

"With leadership from NICA and Trips for Kids, the Youth Cycling Alliance was formed in order to address the dire need for a coordinated approach to strengthening and empowering the organizations across America that are effectively working to get more kids on bikes," said Austin McInerny, NICA's president. "While there are many great organizations across the country doing great work with youth, there has never been a focused effort to bring these groups together to share resources and create a unified approach to ensure that kids who ride and those that want to ride can continue to receive support and guidance as they grow into their teenage years."

The study will try to understand the dynamics of the estimated 12.5 million riders between the ages of 6 and 17 that participate in cycling each year in the United States.

Nat Lopes, the YCA's director of strategy, said, "This project is ultimately about getting more kids on bikes, getting more kids outside and getting more kids leading healthy active lifestyles. This is about the future of cycling in the United States and doing the work that needs to be done to move the needle from 24 percent participation to 100 percent."

More information on the YCA at facebook.com/youthcycingalliance.

People who work with kids and bikes can get on the study's database by completing the YCA Survey.