SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, Calif. (BRAIN) — Interbike has hired former longtime NBDA executive director Fred Clements to fill the newly created position of retail relations director.

Clements will work as part of the Interbike marketing staff to develop and strengthen the relationships between the show and the independent bicycle retailer. The new role will also help identify, analyze and assess new strategic opportunities that will enhance the attendee experience, the show said.

The position is designed to be a direct communication link between retailers and Interbike, and is one that has been successfully implemented within two of Interbike's sister shows, Surf Expo and Outdoor Retailer.

"Interbike has been about supporting retail since the Steve Ready days, and I'm willing to bet Steve would be over the moon at both the creation of the position and the person we hired," said Pat Hus, the vice president of Interbike. "For more than 25 years Fred has worked closely with independent bicycle dealers – he understands their world, their challenges and what it's going to take to survive and thrive in this new era of retail. I couldn't think of a better person to pioneer this important role on our team."

Clements will organize a retailer advisory board, made up of a diverse representation of IBDs. These retailers will come from different areas of the country, will include specific niches within the industry (pro shop, boutique MTB, family, etc.), and will include male and female owners. This group will help the show's management shape Interbike.

Clements will also travel extensively visiting retailers across the country, and will participate in industry events where dealers are gathered, along with a host of other duties.

"I've been advocating for the show for close to 30 years now, so this new role just seems like a natural fit for me," Clements said. "I think the industry needs Interbike to thrive now, probably more than ever, and I can't wait to be a part of the team that makes that happen. This is just a great way to start the next chapter in my life and I am ready to hit the ground running."

Clements begins his new role officially May 1, the same day that registration opens for Interbike's 2017 event. 

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (BRAIN) — RockShox has introduced a new shifter-style remote for its Reverb dropper post. The company said Reverb 1x Remote remote has a low-lever-force hydraulic design and redesigned ergonomics to make it easier for riders to use. 

The remote has a Bleeding Edge fitting to make it easier to bleed the hydraulic line. It is compatible with all B1 and A2 Reverb and Reverb Stealth dropper models.

A Reverb Stealth with 1x remote will retail for $399. An upgrade kit will retail for $95 and includes the remote, Bleeding Edge fitting, discreet clamp, and an MMX clamp. More information: sram.com/rockshox/products/reverb-1x-remote.

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (BRAIN) — According to web postings by a friend, veteran pro road, mountain bike and cyclocross racer Steve Tilford died early Wednesday following a vehicle crash on I-70 near the Colorado/Utah border. Tilford was about 57.

Tilford, who lived in Topeka, Kansas, began racing at age 14 and never stopped. He won numerous national titles in three disciplines and represented the US on several world championships teams. He is a member of the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame. 

In recent years he has continued racing and finishing in the money, sometimes in age group categories but just as often with pros decades younger than him. On his blog, he gave an insider's look at pro racing along with insightful and uncompromising views on doping and other issues in the sport.

Tilford's friend Vincent Davis was driving with him when the accident occurred, according to postings on Tilford's blog and on Davis' Facebook page. Davis updated Tilford's blog Wednesday morning with news of the crash and said Tilford's dog Tucker, who was in the vehicle, had run off after the crash but was later found. Davis said he was also injured but was treated at the Grand Junction hospital and released.

A preliminary news report on the Salt Lake Tribune website says that two semi-trailers and a Mercedes van were involved in the accident in which two people died.

Tilford's blog apparently went offline early Wednesday, likely due to a traffic overload.

Friends and fans quickly grieved Tilford's passing on social media, including Twitter. 

WILTON, Conn. (BRAIN) — Cannondale is introducing entirely new versions of its high-performance long-travel mountain bike models – Jekyll and Trigger.

The Jekyll is for enduro racers, while Trigger is for aggressive all-mountain riders. Both bikes feature new dual-ride-mode shock technology.

"This is an exciting new start for both bikes," said Peter Vallance, global director of product management for Cannondale. "The goal was to stay true to the technological advancements of previous models, but push the performance envelope with simple but powerful features like our new Gemini shock, Ai offset drivetrain and LockR pivots. We even designed them to accept a full-size water bottle in the main triangle."

The patented Gemini rear shock technology was developed in collaboration with Fox Racing Shocks. It adds two distinct ride modes, called Hustle and Flow, to the Fox Float X and DPS shocks. Activated by a handlebar remote, the Hustle mode shortens the travel and keeps riders higher in the stroke for snappy response on climbs and rolling terrain. Flow mode drops the ride height, to access the full travel on descents. 

"The Gemini's ability to reduce travel on the fly, without diminishing its sensitivity to bumps, is a huge advantage," said Jeremiah Boobar, the director of suspension and component development at Cannondale. "It not only improves traction and efficiency on the climbs, but lets you pump harder and carry speed through smooth sections of the downhill so you descend faster as well."

Jekyll and Trigger both get new geometries. Slack head angles (65 degrees for the Jekyll, 66 degrees for Trigger) and long front-centers combine with steep seat angles. Cannondale's Asymmetric Integration (Ai) offset drivetrain helps allow short 420mm chainstays with ample tire clearance and a stiffer, stronger rear wheel.

Other notable features include Cannondale's LockR pivot thru-axles, interchangeable cable management system, and full carbon shock link.

The Jekyll is available in four models, with a price range of $3,199-$7,749. The Trigger is available in three models and one women's-specific model, ranging from $3,999-$7,749.99. More information at Cannondale.com/Jekyll and Cannondale.com/Trigger. 

SAN DIEGO (BRAIN) — Elliptigo Inc. has added to its sales and marketing staff.

Kate Cornelius joins the company as its fifth territory sales manager. She is based in Portland, Oregon, and will cover the Northwest region, which comprises Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, Montana and Northern California.

Djohara VandeCasteele joins as a strategic marketing manager. VandeCasteele will oversee the strategy for digital campaigns, monitor and report key success metrics, and serve as point person for a range of marketing programs.

Cornelius comes from a marketing and sales background in the specialty running market. 

"Kate's ability to engage and support our retail partners, as well as her ability to manage events and key activation opportunities, will be a game changer for our company in the Northwest," said Steve Burton, director of retail sales at Elliptigo.

VandeCasteele was previously senior media strategy analyst at Verizon Telematics.

"Djohara's experience in leading multi-channel campaigns throughout the full customer lifecycle will play an important role in our growth as we continue to boost market awareness and generate demand for elliptical cycling," said Bryce Whiting, Elliptigo's vice president of global sales and marketing.

MILWAUKEE (BRAIN) — Midwest distributor Olympic Supply Company has completed the move to a new facility nearly double the size of its old space. The new building has LED lights throughout, skylights, energy efficiencies and an extra four feet of ceiling height. The upstairs houses Olympic's office and wheel building facility.

The new warehouse and office is on the Oak Leak Bike trail in Milwaukee and roughly 3.5 miles from the old facility.

"We haven't moved since 1964," Olympic's Brian Goniu said. "My great grandfather and grandfather built the last building in 1964. My father and grandfather did an addition in 1998 and just outgrew the space. It had gotten to the point where the cost of the addition to the building would exceed the value of the building after the project."

Goniu said the new building required a lot of work as barely any of the furnaces worked, the copper plumbing pipes had burst and there was hardly any working electricity. "Our crew worked around the clock and the salesmen spent their weekends helping," Goniu said.

The Goniu family owns the building, including Don Goniu's grandson Brian, son Paul, and his wife Doreen. The family closed on the building Jan. 21 and moved in March 3. The first shipments out of the new facility were on March 20. The company didn't close during the transition, with orders going out on Friday at the old building and on the following Monday from the new building.

"It was absolute madness. Our shelving was delayed, trucks were breaking down, the telecommunication people were losing their minds and somehow we still pulled it off," Brian Goniu said. "It was definitely one of the most difficult projects we have ever done. From the time we purchased the building to the day we moved in we had CABDA Expo, Midwest Bike Expo, the passing of Chris Kegel, and the passing of Doreen's father. To say it was a hectic 60 days is really an understatement."

In addition to the move, Olympic has hired Steve Federspiel, the former manager of Emery's Cycle and Fitness in Milwaukee, in operations. Federspiel has worked in the industry for more than nine years at retail.

Don Goniu, who founded Olympic with his father, died last year at the age of 89.

So far this year Brian Goniu said Olympic has picked up some brands, redesigned its house packaging and thanks to the move will be able to operate more efficiently.

"The first quarter has had its ups and downs," he said, pointing to warm temperatures in February, horrible weather in March and snow in April. "As a Midwest distributor for the past 69 years, we have grown accustomed to industry ups and downs. We adapt quickly and make the changes that need to be made.

"Everything is changing so quickly and I think our dealers are excited that we have kept our old-fashioned traditions and applied them to our newest business model," Goniu added.

Olympic's new address is:
7528 North Teutonia Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53209

The company can be reached at 414-461-8380.

SAN RAFAEL, Calif. (BRAIN) — Trips for Kids has formed a new nonprofit organization that will focus on supporting national growth and supporting its regional chapters. Previously, those duties were handled by the flagship TFK Marin office.

In addition to the new organization, TFK has expanded its mission to include children of all communities, not just the underserved, in helping them build confidence, develop successful life skills, and gain environmental awareness through the simple act of having fun on a bike.

The 28-year-old movement has more than 75 chapters in 30 states and works with 15,000 volunteer chapter directors, ride leaders and bicycle mechanic instructors. To date, TFK chapters have served more than 175,000 youth worldwide. TFK national's goal is to reach more than half a million kids during the next 10 years.

"What started out as a handful of volunteers taking local kids out for trail rides in Marin grew into a national movement," said Chuck Lesem, TFK board president. "Our vision is that all kids, especially those most in need, have the opportunity to experience the joy of riding a bike and the freedom to explore the natural world on two wheels."

Expanding the scope of TFK's mission from primarily underserved youth will provide new opportunities for partnerships with parks departments, after-school programs and other agency partners and expand potential program participation. The change also creates new opportunities for the development of revenue-based programs that will be used to provide scholarships for individuals, families and communities to provide additional support for youth than previously available.

The newly formed TFK national organization will be managed by a separate board of directors and dedicated staff led by an executive director. T. Malouf and Company will be conducting the executive search and can be reached at info@tmalouf.com.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (BRAIN) — Allied Cycle Works, which produces carbon road frames at its factory here, began delivering bikes to its U.S. dealers in the last week, said Tony Karklins, the founder and managing director of HIA Velo, Allied's parent company.

"After our late January launch of the Allied Cycle Works brand at Winter PressCamp, we have never come up for air," Karklins said. "The response has been overwhelming and our message has really resonated with both the domestic and international markets."

Allied has 30 U.S. dealers. 

"We are assembling a network of next-generation IBDs that appreciate our domestically produced products, fresh approach to the market, high levels of customization and attainable market pricing. We expect to close 2017 with 50 North American retail partners," said Karklins.

Internationally, Allied's initial focus has been on Canada and the Asian markets. Podium Imports will represent Allied in Canada and will be authorizing Allied's first 10 Canadian IBDs this spring.

Allied also has decided to focus on the Asian consumer market, where it sees more potential than in Europe initially.

"Premium, American-manufactured brands are highly desirable in Asia and our story has resonated very well there," said Karklins.

Allied's initial Asian distributors include Velogic in South Korea, T3 Bicycle Gears in Singapore and YaoBike in Taiwan. Allied expects to appoint additional Asian and European distributors in the coming weeks.

LOUISVILLE, Colo. (BRAIN) — Pearl Izumi is now the exclusive cycling apparel, training apparel and cycling shoe sponsor of USA Triathlon, including the USA Triathlon National Team, USA Paratriathlon National Team and Team USA.

"We are proud to announce our partnership with USA Triathlon," said Andrew Hammond, global brand manager for Pearl Izumi. "We look forward to a close relationship with this dedicated group of athletes, from pros to the newly initiated."

Pearl Izumi will outfit the elite athletes on the USA Triathlon and USA Paratriathlon National Teams with cycling apparel to wear at ITU events and for training purposes. USA Triathlon will also use Pearl Izumi cycling gear to award to national champions at all four USA Triathlon-owned National Championships: Age Group, Collegiate Club & High School, Duathlon, and Youth & Junior.

Upon registering or renewing in 2017, USA Triathlon members will receive Pearl Izumi benefits including special offers on PearlIzumi.com through a personalized discount code. In addition, USA Triathlon teams and clubs can receive up to 20 percent off Pearl Izumi custom orders.

"USA Triathlon is thrilled to partner with Pearl Izumi," said Matthew Stone, sr. marketing manager for USA Triathlon. "Their support of our National Team, Paratriathlon National Team, and our Team USA program has already been tremendous, and we look forward to continuing to grow our partnership and product lines through Pearl Izumi."

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, Calif. (BRAIN) — Emerald Expositions Events Inc. has filed for an initial public offering with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The company, owned by the Onex private equity company, owns and operates the Interbike and Outdoor Retailer trade shows, in addition to about 50 other shows. It is the largest operator of trade shows in the U.S. and had revenue last year of $323.7 million, with $22.2 million in net income. Emerald also owns Bicycle Retailer & Industry News, which is operated under license by NBDA Services.

In its filing with the SEC on Friday, Emerald said all of its trade show franchises are profitable and said there are significant opportunities for mergers and acquisitions in the industry.

Emerald's largest show category is in "Gift, Home & General Merchandise," which includes 13 trade shows focused on consumer goods mostly used in and around the home. They include ASD Market Week March, ASD Market Week August, NY NOW Winter and NY NOW Summer shows. The category generated $124 million in revenue last year.

Sports-related trade shows are Emerald's second-largest category, generating $71 million in revenue last year. Emerald has 18 sports shows, including Interbike, Outdoor Retailer, Surf Expo, Imprinted Sportswear Show and the Sports Licensing & Tailgate Show, each of which is well-known within its respective industry vertical.

Onex bought Emerald in 2013 from Nielsen Holdings NV for $950 million. The IPO's underwriters are B. of A. Merrill Lynch, Barclays, and Goldman Sachs. The company's stock would trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol EEX.

NOVATO, Calif. (BRAIN) — Marin Mountain Bikes is recalling about 470 bikes, in the U.S. and Canada, because the rigid forks can bend or break during use. The company has received four reports of forks bending, with no injuries reported.

The recall involves two Marin mountain bicycle model years and model names: the 2016 Pine Mountain 1 and 2017 Pine Mountain model. The bicycles were sold in five frame sizes and in one basic color scheme (silver-painted frame with orange-painted fork.) 

Consumers can contact Marin at 800-222-7557 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday or online at www.marinbikes.com and click on the "recalls/safety" link at the bottom of the page for more information.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, about 370 of the bikes were sold in the U.S. and about 100 were sold in Canada. They were sold from December 2015 through February 2017 for about $1,000.

According to the CPSC, the bikes were manufactured in Indonesia.

More information: CPSC recall notice | Marin recall poster | Canadian recall notice. 

MINNEAPOLIS (BRAIN) — Dero is now offering a collection of street and trail signs to help bike riders find bike parking, repair stations and air pumps.

Dero is offering four signs: Bike Parking, Bike Repair, Air and directional Arrow signs. The Bike Repair sign also provides a QR code that takes users to a map of known Dero Fixit repair stand installations in the area.

The signs are made from heavy-duty, 63-millimeter-thick aluminum. They are printed with 3M outdoor digital ink designed specifically for outdoor traffic and parking signs. They have rounded, burr-free corners and include large holes for easy mounting. 

Dero has been supplying bike parking and bicycle transit products to architects, contractors, municipalities, higher education, and parks and recreation since 1995. Its products include bike racks, repair stands, pumps, shelters and lockers. It also offer the Dero ZAP, an automatic system to track bike commuters. 

More information: dero.com.

SEATTLE (BRAIN) — Nuun is launching a new drink powder for extended activity, developed with exercise physiologist Stacy T. Sims, Ph.D. The new Performance mix will be sold through speciality retailers exclusively. 

Nuun said Performance is the first sports drink powder that is certified to both Non-GMO Project Verified and Informed Choice - Safe for Sport standards. That ensures the product is not contaminated with anything that could trigger an anti-doping violation. 

Performance is designed for activities 90 minutes or longer or high-intensity shorter actvities. It contains a blend of highly bioavailable electrolytes, including potassium chloride. It also contains sugars sourced from dextrose and vegan sucrose. The company said it contains the ideal sources and ratios of electrolytes and sugars to maximize fluid and nutrient absorption and muscle function.

It is available in two flavors — Mango Orange and Blueberry Strawberry. It is sold in a 16-serving pouch for $19.99 and single-serve packets for $1.99 each.

It will be available this month.  

"We challenged ourselves to do what no other sports drink has done. The Nuun team wanted to create a product that delivered superior performance without compromising the pure sources that ultimately hydrate you," said Kevin Rutherford, Nuun's president and CEO. "The reality is that we are not as smart as nature, which is why this product is the perfect blend of sports science and natural foods."

Sims, who was previously involved with the Osmo Nutrition brand, began consulting with Nuun last fall.

"I am very honored to partner with Nuun to continue to evolve the sports drink industry, and Performance is a culmination of everything I have learned through my over 20 years of research in sport nutrition," Sims said. "The selection and purity of ingredient sourcing supports the latest research, and this line strategically maximizes fluid absorption and minimizes cellular stress in the digestive system during exercise."

More information: nuunlife.com.

WASHINGTON (BRAIN) — President Donald Trump honored a group of wounded veterans at a White House ceremony Thursday. The veterans were taking part in the Wounded Warrior Project Soldier Ride, a multi-day bike ride in the D.C. area. The Soldier Ride is a tradition that began in 2008.

"This was an amazing experience for our warriors, and I am so grateful for President Donald Trump's kind words and encouragement," said WWP CEO Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Mike Linnington in a statement. "For over a decade, Wounded Warrior Project has worked with our nation's leaders to connect our wounded veterans with services that will empower them to live their lives on their own terms. We look forward to maintaining collaboration with this administration to extend that legacy of service to this generation of injured service members."

At the White House, President Trump recognized 50 veterans by name, offering words of support to the riders.

"You've risked all that you have, all that you possess to keep our people safe and our democracy secure, and we're going to keep it going for a long time in your honor," Trump said. "You've earned our freedom with your sweat and your blood and your incredible sacrifice. We salute you. We salute your service."

The ride continues Friday with the final 12-mile leg near Chantilly, Virginia.

More information at woundedwarriorproject.org/programs/soldier-ride.

DENVER, Colo. (BRAIN) — Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper signed HB 17-1151 this week, a bill defining a three-class system for electric-assist bikes depending on their top speed and whether the electric motor assists while pedaling.

The new state law requires manufacturers to label e-bikes so they are easy to identify and gives local government authority to manage e-bikes on bike paths under their jurisdiction.

The bill doesn't affect management of eMTBs on public mountain bike and hiking trails. It's only applicable to the road, bike lanes and bike paths.

With its passing Colorado becomes the fourth state to pass e-bike legislation, after California, Tennessee and Utah.

Morgan Lommele, e-bikes campaign manager for PeopleForBikes, who's been heading up the efforts in various states, said it took a group effort with Bicycle Colorado, PeopleForBikes, the BPSA, local retailers and Haibike testifying in favor of the bill.

"At long last e-bikes are really gaining the momentum we need them to," Larry Pizzi, head of the BPSA's e-bike committee, told Bicycle Retailer."This is more great news on the BPSA and PeopleForBikes e-bike front. Colorado is really important. The bill got tremendous support there. We're stoked we can put one more important state in the bag."

Lommele told BRAIN several other states have bills in the process including Arkansas, Arizona, Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, Connecticut and New York.

IRVINE, Calif. (BRAIN) — Organizers of the second annual e-MTB race at the Sea Otter Classic have created a course designed to challenge the electric bikes and their riders. The route will include a hill with a max grade of 24 percent, two technical "rock garden" sections and a gravel speed trap that was designed to slow down errant race cars. 

Bosch eBike Systems is the event's title sponsor.

"Last year we had over 110 riders participate in the race, which was an unbelievable turnout for the first year," said Claudia Wasko, general manager of Bosch eBike Systems Americas. "This year we look to eclipse those numbers on a new race course that will challenge even the best e-MTB riders."

The e-MTB race is open to both men and women who will compete in six age categories and a Bosch-sponsored Industry Challenge to benefit the National Interscholastic Cycling Association. The Bosch Industry Challenge for NICA is open to anyone who currently works in the cycling industry. The fastest racer will win a $2,500 purse to donate to one of the 19 NICA leagues operating across America at the winner's choice. Bosch will contribute another $2,500 toward NICA's efforts to expand interscholastic cycling.

Race registrants can reserve a Bosch-powered e-MTB on a first-come, first-serve basis.

More information: Course map | Race registration page | e-MTB reservation form. 

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (BRAIN) — Giant Little Rock recently celebrated its grand opening, and the Giant and Liv dealer has designs on becoming a hub for Central Arkansas' booming cycling community and network of renowned trails.

"It's fun to be part of this. We're really becoming a destination for cyclists," said Mat Seelinger co-owner of Giant Little Rock along with partners Tony Karklins and Michael Chaffin. The partners also own retailer Spokes Little Rock, which carries Cannondale, Cervélo, Felt and Electra. Seelinger and his wife, Regina, opened Spokes in 2010.

Industry veteran Karklins is also the co-founder of Little Rock-based carbon bike manufacturer HIA Velo and the Allied Cycle Works brand.

"We chose to partner with Giant because of their great reputation and the complete line of products that Giant offers," Seelinger said of the new 4,000-square-foot store. "Giant Little Rock is the closest bike shop in Central Arkansas to the Arkansas River Trail. We are located in the Pleasant Ridge Town Center, one of the highest-volume traffic areas in Central Arkansas. I felt it was something Little Rock was missing."

Giant Retail Services executive James Yao said the new store is designed to provide cyclists of all types a place to connect. "We worked with Mat and the staff to create a space that is inviting and caters to all levels of riders," Yao said. "It's a great location and I expect they will do really well as their reputation grows."

More information: giantlittlerock.com.

GOTEBORG, Sweden (BRAIN) — Ass Savers has updated its saddle mudguards with a feature that locks the minimalist guard to the saddle rails.

The patent-pending "FLIP-TIP" mechanism flips up like the brim of a cycling cap. 

The company said the previous model was easy to install but was prone to come loose on certain saddle models. The FLIP-TIP solves that problem and makes the Ass Saver compatible with a wider range of saddles than previously. It also works better with "extreme saddle positions," the company said. The new design also adds up to 20mm more mud protection. A new material makes the product more durable, as well, the company said.

The Ass Saver is available in Regular and Big sizing, in five colors.

More information at ass-savers.com.

CARLSBAD, Calif. (BRAIN) — Factor Bikes has hired industry veterans Richard Wittenberg, Jon Kameen and Antoine Berte as the company prepares for global sales expansion. Wittenberg and his business development firm Lucidity will serve as managing director and provide U.S. logistics support. Kameen will be general manager of North America and Berte will lead the charge in Europe, the Middle East and Africa as general manager of EMEA.

Factor recently became the sponsor of ProTour team AG2R La Mondiale. The U.K. company is owned by Rob Gitelis and Baden Cooke. Gitelis has overseen manufacturing for brands including Cervélo, Canyon and Argon 18, having worked in carbon manufacturing in Asia for the past 16 years. Cooke is a 14-year professional cyclist-turned-entrepreneur. They acquired Factor in 2014.

The company was established in 2007 in an unassuming industrial unit in Norfolk, England. It was originally an offshoot of bf1systems, an engineering firm working with brands including Ferrari, Aston Martin, Lamborghini, Maserati and many F1, Moto GP and WRC teams.

"We took our time to find the right people to fit our corporate vision of being the world's most coveted bicycle brand. You can only do this with the right people," said Gitelis, CEO of Factor. "Richard, Jon and Antoine not only have the experience, but more importantly the attitude to help us be the ultimate performance bicycle brand in the world."

Wittenberg has held senior roles with Ridley, Cannondale and Pacific Cycles, among others. Kaneen's North American leadership spans companies such as Burton and Cervélo. He was most recently head of sales for Pon in North America. Berte's experience covers Europe and Asia in both engineering and sales for Rotor and Praxis.

Factor engineers, builds and markets its parts and bikes in house and provides them to world tour teams. It makes those same products available to cyclists worldwide. In addition to Factor Bikes, the company sells Black Inc. components, including wheels, bars and stems.

The company said it's focusing distribution on the IBD. The first 270 frames the company made went to the AG2R La Mondiale Pro Tour Team to drive interest and consumers into retail.

"People thought we were absolutely crazy to sponsor a ProTour team before we even sold our first bike," said Cooke, executive director as well as a Tour de France green jersey winner, "but we are committed to making the best products and the only way we could validate this is by supporting the ultimate form of the sport."

Factor is looking for retailers to carry Factor and Black Inc. product. Dealers will be protected with large territories, minimum margin guaranties, low initial buy-in and no-cost stock rotation, the company said.

Prospective dealers should contact Factor at sales@factorbikes.com or Richard Wittenberg at richard@luciditybizdev.com.

More info: Factorbikes.com.