Bicycle Retailer

The Latest Cycling News

Total news: 1094
Last news: September 2, 2010 07:00:00

FRIEDRICHSHAFEN, Germany (BRAIN)—The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) announced plans for a formal approval process Wednesday afternoon that would allow manufacturers the ability to ensure product concepts meet the organization’s rules during the design process.

The announcement, made by UCI president Pat McQuaid during an invitation-only meeting here at Eurobike, will save manufacturers time and money since they will know early in the development process whether a potential product meets UCI standards instead of waiting until it is on the market or used during a race.

It’s also a huge step toward clearing up some of the ambiguity surrounding the rules, which can be interpreted differently by manufacturers and UCI commissaries.

“It’s exactly what we wanted,” said Pat Cunnane, president of Advanced Sports Inc., which owns Fuji, Kestrel and Oval, among other brands. “We just want a stamp that says OK.”

ASI had one of its bikes challenged by the UCI during a pro race earlier this year for violating a section of the 3.1 rules, which regulate measurements, weight and configurations of UCI legal bicycles. The bike was eventually cleared for the race.
In the Tour de France, ASI had to pull an Oval handlebar off its bikes even though the bar had been used in competition for two years.

“We bought [the Oval brand] with the understanding that it was allowed, but it turns out the way they interpreted the rules, it’s not,” Cunnane said.

McQuaid said details of the new approval process would be announced Oct. 1, but he told the crowd of about 50 that it included hiring a full-time equipment coordinator, creation of a technology commission and partnerships with external experts such as professor Jan-Anders Mänson, director of the laboratory of polymer and composite technology at Ecole Polytechnique in Lausanne, Switzerland.

Mänson, who also spoke on Wednesday, will be responsible for permanent monitoring of technological evolution and validation of equipment submitted by manufacturers. He hopes to help level the playing field between competitors, some of who have access to the UCI during the development process while others do not.

For more news directly from the halls of Eurobike, click on the PDF link above.

—Nicole Formosa
nformosa@bicycleretailer.com - [Read more]

NANJING, China (BRAIN)—One ticket, two fairs is the motto of “Asia Bike," a new bicycle trade fair that is to be held for the first time in Nanjing, China, from July 27-30, 2011.

It will take place right next door to the 6th Asia Outdoor, which will be held at the same time and place. Asia Bike is a special fair for mountain bikes, sports and luxury bikes, cycling clothing and accessories. The concurrent Asia Outdoor has developed into China’s leading outdoor fair and, in 2010, attracted 16,326 visitors and 359 exhibitors on 32,000.

The organizers of Asia Bike and Asia Outdoor are Nanjing Nantex International Exhibition Centre and German Messe Exhibition Consulting Ltd. Beijing. The shareholders of German Messe Consulting are Messe Friedrichshafen; Asia Outdoor Marketing, Hong Kong and Beijing, and Alpinist Outdoor Media, Beijing.

The coordinator for Asia Outdoor and Asia Bike is Knut Jaeger, who is also responsible for marketing the two events. Knut Jaeger co-founded OutDoor Friedrichshafen in 1994 and has worked as a management consultant in Hong Kong and China since 2004. The aim of the organizers is to exploit the great synergies generated by outdoor activities and sports bikes (especially mountain bikes). - [Read more]

SALT LAKE CITY, UT (BRAIN)—Bikes for Kids Utah has announced the details of its 2010 dinner and auction to be held at Cucina Nassi in Salt Lake City on Thursday, September 30, 2010 from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

"Our dinners new location, Tuscan ambiance and high-caliber auction items will make this event a really exciting occasion for the community," said Debbie Reid, Bikes for Kids Utah executive director. "The dinner auction is pivotal to Bikes for Kids success, and always generates more momentum for our cause."

The evenings highlights include a silent auction and cocktails beginning at 6 p.m. and a Tuscan Italian dinner served at 7 p.m., with a live auction beginning immediately thereafter. Tickets for the dinner are $100 per person or $1,000 for a table of 10.

Some of the auction items include:
—Two tickets to the Grammy Awards Show, including the after party
—Two tickets to Dancing with the Stars, including a meeting with the cast after the show
—Weeklong stay at a villa in Tuscany, Italy
—Trip for four to the Virgin Islands
—Amazon Cruise for two through Peru
—Group vacation to Spice Island in Grenada
—Dozens of holiday gift baskets

Last years Bikes for Kids Utah dinner and auction earned $17,000 with 220 guests bidding on auction items.

To purchase tickets for the Bikes for Kids dinner and auction or to donate items to the auction, please visit www.bikesforkidsutah.com or call (801) 656-0472.

Cucina Nassi is located at 2155 South Highland Drive in Salt Lake City. - [Read more]

NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CA (BRAIN)—Torelli Bicycle Company has brought Crystal Talbot on board as national sales manager.

In this new position Talbot will be responsible for working on strategic expansion with the companys regional field representatives, as well as maintaining existing relationships.

She comes to Torelli with extensive experience in the bike Industry, as well as on the saddle racing, touring and training. Spending six years as a buyer, merchandiser and on the sales floor, she brings to Torelli a fresh look at what dealers and customers are looking for. Previous to the bike industry she worked in advertising and will draw from that experience to help Torelli with its visual branding.

"Being a lover of road, track and cyclocross, joining a company with such a rich history in creating product for these disciplines is a perfect fit," Talbot said. "I look forward to growing the Torelli name as well as providing retailers with great customer service and an easy way to bring great products with a classic appeal into their shop." - [Read more]

GREENVILLE, SC (BRAIN)—Hincapie Sportswear has hired Robert Snedden as retail sales representative for the brand in Texas.

Snedden will represent Hincapie for retail cycling apparel and accessory sales to independent bicycle dealers and sell Hincapie custom cycling clothing to clubs and teams in his territory.

“We’ve really focused on growing our sales force this year, and it’s paying off,” said Rich Hincapie, president of Hincapie Sportswear. “Texas is a huge cycling market and we’re putting a lot of effort into growing our business in that area. Robert has worked with some of the biggest retailers in the country and we’re looking forward to having him as part of our sales team.”

Snedden has over a decade of bicycle industry retail experience. He’s worked with some of the largest shops in the country, including Richardson Bike Mart in Texas. As a lifelong cycling enthusiast, he’s ridden everything from mountain bikes to cruisers, and he still enjoys racing his road bicycle as a category 2 competitor. He will draw on his intimate understanding of the sport to increase Hincapie sales in his region. In addition to representing Hincapie Sportswear, Snedden also sells Sportlegs, BH bicycles, Pivot Cycles, Sunline components, SixSixOne and Gaerne shoes in Texas.

“Im really excited to be a part of the Hincapie team and expanding the brand in the Southwest,” said Snedden. “As a sales rep its nice to be working with brands like Hincapie Sportswear that are so well respected in the industry.”

Dealers in Texas are encouraged to contact Robert Snedden directly at 682-554-1428 or rsnedden@hincapiesports.com. Dealers can also contact Hincapie Sportswear at 866-359-4796. - [Read more]

FRIEDRICHSHAFEN, Germany (BRAIN)—SRAM president Stan Day announced yesterday that SRAM is currently working on “breakthrough” e-bike technology, targeting its launch for Q1 of model year 2012.

“We believe we’re one of the few that has the reach to effectively educate European and U.S. dealers,” said Day, speaking as part of a panel of industry executives at a press conference to kick off Eurobike yesterday.

That was music to the ears of his fellow panelists representing the German bike industry, who are pinning hopes on e-bikes to grow bike sales in Europe’s largest bike market.

Siegfried Neuberger, chief executive officer of German bike industry association Zweirad-Industrie-Verband (ZIV), said the organization had forecast e-bike sales of 180,000 units in 2010. “Now we have to correct that because it is going to be even better,” Neuberger said, adding that the projection for e-bikes sold in Germany has been revised to 200,000 for this year compared to 150,000 in 2009. As a share of bikes sold in the German market, e-bikes will likely rise from 4 percent to 5 percent this year, he said.

Neuberger said the forecast for e-bike sales in all of Europe for 2010 is 600,000 units, up from 500,000 units in 2009. “The trend is very positive,” he said.

According to Neuberger, e-bikes are one of the bright spots in the German market. Through the first half of this year, total bike deliveries in Germany were flat at 2.66 million units compared to 2.67 million units for the same period last year.

Neuberger said deliveries have been stable despite general conditions, such as low consumer confidence and poor spring weather, that were not optimal in the first six months of the year. But, he said, the market is now improving.

Thomas Kunz, chief executive officer for the Association for German Two-Wheeler Business (ZDV), said specialty bicycle dealers altogether survived the economic crisis quite well. “Specialty dealers distanced themselves from the sluggish retail trend,” said Kunz.

He noted that among the 3,870 retailers represented by the association there was a broad spread in assessing the business situation, with some experiencing growth and some experiencing slight declines this year. Altogether, he said, German retailers expect sales at the level of the previous year—an estimated annual market total of 4.1 million bikes and 3.3 billion euros.

Kunz noted that specialty retailers, who account for 68 percent of German bike sales through all retail channels, are benefiting from e-bikes and a general trend toward high-quality equipment sales.

Werner Foster, chief executive officer of Germany bike manufacturer Cycle Union, agreed that the trend is toward high-quality bikes and, as a result, the share for specialty trade is increasing in Germany.

SRAM’s Day said sales for the year are up for good dealers across Europe and in the U.S., adding that inventories appear to have filled in but are not excessive.

According to Day, sales for SRAM’s five brands—SRAM, Zipp, RockShox, Avid and Truvativ—were up 40 percent over the prior year for the six months ending in June. Total sales for SRAM for the past 12 months surpassed $500 million, he said.

And while the company is focusing on e-bike development, it has also committed to the racing scene, with seven pro teams racing on SRAM in 2010. That investment paid off for the company this year with a one-two finish with Alberto Contador and Andy Schleck. “For most of us racing will not put food on the table, but it is an important training ground,” said Day.

For other news from Eurobike, make sure to click on the PDF link above.

—Megan Tompkins
mtompkins@bicycleretailer.com - [Read more]

OGDEN, UT (BRAIN)—Utah based Enve Composites, formally Edge Composites, have announced their year-long development partnership with top UK aerodynamicist Simon Smart of Smart Aero Technology.

Smart, an ex Formula One aerodynamicist with 15 years of engineering experience at the highest level of motor sport, earned global recognition from his design and development of the Giant Trinity and Scott Plasma 3 TT frames in the wind tunnel—both manufacturers realizing overnight success in the ProTour with wins in team and individual time trials, according to a press release. Smart Aero Technology is based at the Mercedes GP - Petronas team headquarters and wind tunnel in Brackley, Northamptonshire in the United Kingdom.

Now renowned as the most successful time trial frame designer in the world with no less than six bikes in the top 10 at this years Tour de France individual time trial in Bordeaux alone, Smart also co-developed the new Scott F01 aero road frame as ridden by HTC-Columbia team members and his distinctive designs have influenced a number of time trial/triathlon bicycles on the market today.

When asked about the timing of the partnership, Enve founder Jason Schiers said, "We had already established our reputation as a manufacturer of wheels with the highest strength to weight ratio in the industry and we were really looking for that aerodynamic edge to make them truly superb. Strength and integrity are woven into our foundation and something weve always been extremely proud of.

"Simons expertise in aerodynamics specific to cycling is the perfect complement, so as a company with a passion for innovation and leadership we just had to get this done," he added. - [Read more]

WATERLOO, WI (BRAIN)—Trek Bicycle and The Luxembourg Pro Cycling Team Project have signed a long-term partnership agreement.

The new team, featuring brothers Frank and Andy Schleck, will be part of the Trek Family for 2011 and beyond.

As the official equipment supplier and advisor of the Luxembourg based team, Trek will not only be responsible for supplying all team cycling equipment, but will also be day-to-day technical advisors, integrated into the foundation of the team. Trek will use its experience gained in winning nine of the last 12 Tours de France to supply the team with technical direction ranging from race day wheel and component selection to fit and sizing guidance on its Madone and Speed Concept time trial platforms, according to a press release.

Though the full roster and title sponsor are yet to be announced, both Frank and Andy Schleck have confirmed that they are racing for the newly formed team, headed by director Kim Andersen.

“We looked at a number of equipment suppliers, but our goals are to win the Tour de France and be the No. 1 team in the World," Anderson said. "Trek has the best equipment, along with more experience and expertise to help make that happen.”

Team general manager Brian Nygaard said, “We know Trek can help us go faster. Their expertise in aerodynamics and performance can make an appreciable difference in results. It is the right move to help the Schlecks and the whole team.”

Trek will be the complete bicycle supplier, using the full arsenal of Bontrager wheels, bars, stems and saddles to meet the specific needs of each rider. The team will also be wearing new Bontrager performance road helmets. The drivetrain/brakes will be Shimano Dura-Ace Di2.

Hennie Stamsnijder, Shimanos sports marketing manager said, “Shimano is known for its reliability and precision, and that is something this new team and Trek identify with and will rely upon when the stakes are high. We look forward to working with Trek in this endeavor to support this highly anticipated team.”

John Burke, Trek President, said: “We have had great success at the Tour de France over the past decade, and this new team will help continue that legacy. This is the right team for Trek to partner with in Europe. From day one we realized that this team is full of Trek guys.”

The partnership with the Luxembourg team is in addition to Trek’s current relationship with Team Radio Shack. Both teams will be riding Trek for 2011. - [Read more]

LAGUNA HILLS, CA (BRAIN)—Bicycle Retailer and Industry News magazine is collaborating with SmartEtailing to bring content from its Interbike Show Dailies to consumers after the show.

The 48-page online magazine with photo-rich layout will be featured across SmartEtailing’s bicycle store Web sites exclusively. As part of the partnership, stores will feature the BRAIN-produced magazine, which will include details on the newest product unveiled at the Las Vegas trade show, on their site.

“With SmartEtailing’s combined retailer Web sites enjoying about 40 million monthly page views, having our digital magazine live on their sites will greatly expand readership and interest in those companies who regularly advertise with us,” said Marc Sani, publisher of Bicycle Retailer and Industry News.

The magazine’s editors will create the digital magazine, which will differ from its trade-only Interbike dailies with a consumer focus on content. Its sales reps will work with advertisers to ensure their ads are consumer-oriented.

SmartEtailing’s co-founder, Mark Graff, added, “Bicycle Retailer’s extensive and excellent Interbike coverage is a wonderful addition to our content library that will help our clients promote their important products and excite their customers about the latest and greatest in cycling.” - [Read more]

FRIEDRICHSHAFEN, Germany (BRAIN)—Giro is officially in the shoe market. Backed by the resources that its parent company Easton-Bell can deliver, Giro is taking aim at the big three in cycling shoes—Shimano, Specialized and Sidi.

The company unveiled its modest, seven-model line of road and mountain bike shoes—two days before Eurobike—in the resort town of Livigno, high in the Italian Alps in weather that ranged from bright and sunny to wind, rain and snow.

The timing was key. Eurobike, which draws thousands of retailers, offers a first-hand look at the new road and mountain bike line. Those who follow the gritty details of the Tour de France may have spied Levi Leipheimer wearing Giro’s pre-production Prolight SLX shoes.

Greg Shapleigh, senior vice president at Easton-Bell overseeing the launch, described Leipheimer as “fanatical” when it comes to shoe fit. He had been wearing Trek’s Bontrager line but switched to Giro after testing the shoes. “He’s fanatical about fit and he doesn’t even have an unusual foot,” Shapleigh said.

Leipheimer has a relationship with Giro; he wears its helmets. He also lives in Santa Rosa, California, not far from Giro’s headquarters near Santa Cruz. That helped get him into the shoes, Shapleigh said. Leipheimer, who just won the grueling Leadville 100, wore Giro’s new Code mountain bike shoes—a pair given to him just three days before he set a new record at Leadville.

But for most in the industry, Eurobike is a chance to check out a new competitor gunning for a share of the $160 million wholesale cycling shoe market. At the same time, the company will take a shot at the general footbed market with its new “Supernatural Fit Kit”—a footbed with three interchangeable arch supports.

Giro is gingerly stepping into the market with just seven models for 2011. In 2012, the line will balloon to 20 models as Giro trickles down its technology and experience into lower price points.

Shapleigh said Giro’s sales force of 40 independent reps in the U.S. market will focus on retailers who embrace the company’s philosophy and technology. Still, aggressive pricing may help convert the undecided.

In general, retailers can expect to make a 50-point margin on the shoes. That could easily increase to 60 points depending upon commitment and volume. “We start at 50 and add on discounts,” Shapleigh said.

To read more about Giro’s strategy as it enters the highly competitive cycling shoe market, click on the PDF link above.

—Marc Sani
msani@bicycleretailer.com - [Read more]

SEATTLE, WA (BRAIN)—To highlight the energy and enthusiasm within the company and its users, Nuun has introduced a new logo and branding initiative.

The company’s new tagline, “Sweat-On,” reflects the companies’ vision: to improve the vitality of active folks and their need for hydration on-the-go, according to a press release.

“There was never a better time to introduce a new logo and branding,” said Dave Metzel, president & CEO for Nuun.” It publicly demonstrates where Nuun stands today but where we’re heading in the future. Our new branding positioning tells our existing customers, and future customers, that Nuun offers the world’s best-performing electrolyte tablet for active hydration. We’re poised to reliably serve our customers’ every need today and into the future.” - [Read more]

DENVER, CO (BRAIN)—Primal Wear recently donated 1,000 custom Trips for Kids jerseys to Trips for Kids International.

Trips for Kids International plans to distribute the jerseys among its 69 chapters in the United States, Canada and Israel to be used as incentives for children and volunteers, or as fundraiser items, according to a press release.

"Each TFK chapter will have the flexibility to use their allotted jerseys in whatever way best fits their needs," said Marilyn Price, Trips for Kids executive director. "Here at the Marin Chapter, we will add the jerseys to the items kids can work towards earning as part of our Earn-A-Bike program. Donated items like these jerseys helps us fulfill our mission to teach and reward kids for personal responsibility and achievement. $70,000 worth of jerseys is a very large donation and we a very thankful to Primal Wear for their support."

Over the years, Primal Wear has regularly donated overstock items to the Trips for Kids Re-Cyclery for resale and has been involved with the nonprofits Denver chapter. However, this is the companys first donation of brand new, custom Trips for Kids jerseys.

"Primal Wear is thrilled at the opportunity to take our involvement with Trips for Kids to a new level," said Dave Edwards, Primal Wear founder and CEO. "Our hope is that the custom jerseys are an inspiration to the kids who receive them and a banner for promoting the Trips for Kids organization." - [Read more]

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA (BRAIN)— This year’s Interbike show could be the last in Las Vegas as organizers contemplate a possible move to Anaheim, California, or Salt Lake City, Utah, for 2011 and beyond as well as earlier August show dates.

Show director Andy Tompkins said Nielsen Business Media, which owns Interbike as well as Action Sports Retailer, Outdoor Retailer and the Health+Fitness Business Expo, expected to announce the new dates and possible change in venue at Interbike later this month.

“We’re just about to finalize that,” Tompkins told BRAIN. “We’re committed to migrating to earlier dates and we are sensitive to the fact that Vegas isn’t a good long-term solution. We’re waiting on Anaheim and Salt Lake City to finalize what they’re able to do in terms of a contract and securing dates for the 2011 to 2014 range. But we don’t just want to package it as we’re moving dates; we want to present the industry with a coherent solution.”

This spring organizers made public their intentions to move the show to the first two weeks of August to coincide with the industry’s earlier product launches and buy/sell cycle. At the time, it didn’t plan to move the show from Las Vegas. But concerns over the desert heat and how it could affect the show’s Outdoor Demo, among other reasons, have prompted Nielsen to reconsider.

Anaheim’s convention center could easily accommodate a show the size and scope of Interbike and its many island-style booth configurations. While the Salt Palace Convention Center in Utah has been home to the Outdoor Retailer winter and summer shows for years, some question whether it could fully contain the bike show.

Both venues offer excellent options for the show’s Outdoor Demo within a short shuttle ride’s distance, and are located near a major airport able to handle the increased traffic, as well as extensive lodging and restaurant alternatives.

—Lynette Carpiet
lcarpiet@bicycleretailer.com - [Read more]

VANCOUVER, British Columbia (BRAIN)—Race Face Performance Products has hired industry veteran John Pentecost.

Pentecost is best known in the bike industry as the co-founder and business director of Evil Bikes and e.thirteen components, and he’ll draw on those experiences to fill a couple of roles with Race Face. Pentecost will collaborate with the company’s team of designers and engineers as a product manager for protection, and he’ll also become the voice of the company in a newly created position as marketing communications manager for both protection and components.

Since parting ways with Evil/e.thirteen in 2006, Pentecost, who holds graduate degrees in business law and policy, has founded a successful travel company and more recently worked as a brand manager with Astral Buoyancy, a PFD manufacturer out of North Carolina with a burgeoning line of bike-related offerings.

“I’ve been familiar with John and his work in the bike industry for years,” said Craig Pollack, Race Face’s CEO and president. “We talked on several occasions about him coming on board with us, as I thought he had a tremendous breadth of skills to offer. John not only brings experience in growing brands and managing a global business; his entrepreneurial spirit will be welcomed with open arms. The fact that he’s a passionate rider and gravity racer means he’ll fit in great with our staff, and his professionalism, industry roots and integrity will make him immediately at home with our staff, customers and media partners.”

For his part Pentecost is excited for the challenges ahead. “I’ve always been a big fan and admirer of Race Face; their commitment to continuous innovation and customer support has set the industry standard for years now. My new title as component/protection marketing communications and product manager is a mouthful, but it really speaks to all that I have to offer Race Face. I give huge credit to Race Face senior management for thinking outside the box and crafting a role for me that takes advantage of the wide variety of skills and experiences I’ve been fortunate to encounter over my professional career. I’m excited to be on board.”

Wendy Tewnion will continue her role as designer and marketing manager for the Race Face Softgoods line and looks forward to working with Pentecost. “I had the pleasure of spending time with John through the interview process and I am excited that he is joining us and look forward to collaborating with him. His addition will allow me more time to focus on the design and marketing of our growing clothing collection as we take our Softgoods program to the next level,“ Tewnion said.

Pentecost currently resides in Freeport, Maine, but will be relocating to the Vancouver area in October. - [Read more]

PHILADELPHIA, PA (BRAIN)—Kestrel Bicycles has re-entered the Canadian market with expanded distribution through Slipstream Athletics.

Slipstream Athletics will immediately start to distribute the Kestrel line of high-end road and triathlon bikes throughout Canada’s specialty bicycle retailers.

Slipstream Athletics will be at the Kestrel booth at Interbike to meet with Canadian customers attending the show.

“Re-entry into the Canadian market is big for Kestrel,” said Steven Harad, Kestrel’s brand manager. “We are consistently getting requests for products from Canadian consumers so we are eager to have distribution in place.”

“Kestrel has always enjoyed a strong following in Canada and all of us at Slipstream Athletics are very proud to be representing the Kestrel brand here,” said John Knox, co-owner of Slipstream Athletics. “We look forward to bringing the Canadian market the first name in carbon fiber and offering strong support for our dealer network coast to coast.” - [Read more]

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA (BRAIN)—The 2010 International Bicycle Expo in Las Vegas will kick off with a special press conference featuring keynote speaker U.S. Representative and Congressional Bike Caucus founder Earl Blumenauer of Oregon.

Interbike show director Andy Tompkins and Bikes Belong Coalition (BBC) president Tim Blumenthal will introduce the congressman and make a few brief remarks, according to a press release.

The purpose of the press conference is to welcome the industry to Interbike 2010, have U.S. Representative Earl Blumenauer share information about the industrys show and its future direction, and hear from Blumenauer and Blumenthal on the state of cycling legislation and future government activity on behalf of bicycling.

Blumenauers visit comes at a critical time as the U.S. government continues to work on the next transportation bill, which will set the tone for cycling infrastructure investments during the next six years. The Congressman will outline where bicycling stands, and where its going. He will pinpoint what the industry can do to support the cause. Following the press conference, Blumenauer will spend the day at Interbike visiting with the industry.

The press conference will be held Wednesday, September 22, 8 a.m. in Casanova Room 603, which is on Level One of the Venetian Las Vegas. All show attendees are invited to attend.

Blumenauer will also be the guest of honor at the BikesPAC fundraising reception hosted by Bikes Belong on Tuesday, September 21, the night before the press conference.

Blumenauer was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1996, where he quickly established a unique role as a leading proponent of Livable Communities—places where people are safe, healthy, active and economically secure. He continues to lead the Congressional Bike Caucus and he makes most of his daily trips in Washington by bicycle.

Before moving to Washington, Blumenauer was the Commissioner of Public Works in Portland, Oregon, and helped the city earn an international reputation as one of Americas most livable and cycling-friendly cities. - [Read more]

ARGENBÜHL, Germany (BRAIN)—The industry’s largest trade show kicks off today as Eurobike welcomes retailers and international media to its fourth annual demo day held on the grounds of Ratzenried School in Argenbühl.

From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., shuttle buses will make runs from the exhibition grounds in Friedrichshafen to Argenbühl in Germany’s picturesque Allgäu region next to the Allgäu Alps where registered trade attendees will be able to test road, mountain and even e-bikes on largely untraveled roads and hidden singletrack.

Eurobike officially opens its convention center doors tomorrow, Sept. 1, when several thousand retailers will pour into the multi-hall complex. Over the years Eurobike has created an international brand and a loyal following among its customers that other shows can only envy.

“Our trade show venue has won the loyalty of the bicycle industry because of the atmosphere at Eurobike,” said Stefan Reisinger, the show’s project manager.

It’s also become a key show for the worldwide media. This year more than 1,500 journalists will prowl the halls snapping photos, taking notes and uploading thousands of digital images to the Web. Many exhibitors, aware of the show’s reach among the media, will unveil new products—whether ready or not for prime time—in hopes of sparking a buzz among the wired generation.

An Le, Giant’s global marketing manager, sums up what many suppliers say about Eurobike. “Eurobike is now our global show. We come there to showcase our global line of bikes and products and, from a trade show standpoint, it’s our official launch.”

And Giant has company—more than 1,100 exhibitors from dozens of countries are expected to fill 12 halls plus a nearby hangar once used to house the town’s most famous product, the Zeppelin.

Exhibitors will showcase their wares across 1.1 million square feet of space as an estimated 35,000 visitors swarm the open-air halls during Eurobike’s three-day trade fair. On Saturday, thousands of consumers will brave traffic jams that snake for miles along the two-lane roads leading to Friedrichshafen just to get a glimpse of 2011 bikes and accessories.

To read about the latest news as it happens at Eurobike, be sure to check the BRAIN Web site daily. Bicycle Retailer & Industry News staff will produce an e-newsletter that will be posted with live daily news from Friedrichshafen. - [Read more]

GREENWOOD VILLAGE, CO (BRAIN)—Pactimo LLC, a manufacturer of premium custom and retail sports apparel, has appointed Chris Bogue as vice president – retail sales. Bogue will
be responsible for expanding the Pactimo in-line brand into performance and independent channels both domestically and in Europe.

"The Pactimo story is tied to its heritage in custom apparel. Working directly with customers from the professional ranks to the passionate amateur club rider has enabled Pactimo to refine a product line that reflects outstanding technical performance and exciting design. I look forward to taking advantage of this platform in offering our customers and their consumers a value proposition second to none,” Bogue said.

A sporting goods industry veteran, Bogue brings over 20 years of sales and management experience to his new role, including executive positions with K2, Yakima and Pearl Izumi.

“We are excited to welcome Chris to our management team,” said Frank Kim, CEO of Pactimo. “As we move forward in our strategy of penetrating the independent bicycle dealer market, we feel there are few as qualified as Chris in terms of industry knowledge, relationships, and leadership.” - [Read more]

BRANFORD, CT (BRAIN)—Action Sports Bicycle Center of Branford, CT, recently celebrated its grand opening, and despite a few scattered late summer rain showers, hundreds of customers were eager to experience the newest Giant Brand Store.

Owner Paul Von Maffei said his clients were very impressed with the look and layout of his new location. “Everyone told me how incredibly beautiful the store is, and how easy it is to get around,” he said. “The presentation is 150 percent better than what we had.”

In existence for 38 years, Action Sports has always served bicyclists, snow sports enthusiasts, and kayakers in two locations: Branford and Old Saybrook, CT. The brand new 3000-square foot addition to the Branford store is dedicated to cycling only, and is designed to cater to two-wheelers year round. The addition reflects the ever-growing bicycling market in the New Haven region.

When he decided to expand the store, Paul Von Maffei chose to work with Giant’s Retail Merchandising experts because, he said, “We needed to have a positive presentation and sizzle. He added, “We were primarily known as the No. 1 snow-sports store here. Now people know we’re also a top bicycle store with the top brands. The support from Giant has been fantastic.”

Giant merchandising manager Reuben Hernandez was part of the team that helped Action Sports choose and build-out the new look. “Paul and his staff committed to adding space specifically for the bicycle retail business,” he said. “And the clean, modern features of the new store design set the stage to truly showcase the expanded selection of Giant bicycles and Gear. The place just looks fantastic.”

Urban freeride legend Jeff Lenosky entertained the crowd, riding a Giant STP in his trials stunt show. A celebratory raffle ended the day with lucky winners taking home a Giant Simple 3 bicycle and other accessories. Donations to enter the raffle netted over $1600 to benefit the Cancer Support Community of Southern Connecticut. - [Read more]

CLOPPENBURG, Germany (BRAIN)—Vladimir Svadlenka will take up his post as Derby Cycles new sales manager responsible for the Czech Republic and Slovakia on September 1.

Svadlenka visited the Derby Cycle in-house exhibition in August to learn more about the latest products from Germanys largest cycle manufacturer. In his view, electric bikes will prove as big a success in the Czech Republic and Slovakia as they are in Germany.

"Dealers in these two countries are fully aware that e-bikes are a hot topic, and they want pedelecs in their shops," Svadlenka said. "We need to be in there from the start."

Of course, the purchasing power in these countries is not as great as it is in the home of leading e-bike brand, Kalkhoff, according to a press release.

Nonetheless, the new Derby Cycle sales manager sees excellent opportunities for selling a great many
pedelecs even in the first year. Above all, he thinks the new battery concept has great potential.

"The new 8 Ah battery enables customers to buy their first e-bike relatively cheaply. The 18 Ah battery guarantees exceptionally long distances per charge, which meets the needs of Czech cyclists, or rather e-bikers, perfectly," he said.

Sales manager Svadlenka has announced his plan to take Kalkhoff and Focus to several local trade shows in the first year, where he aims to generate a great deal of interest in the two brands.

Eurobikes demo day is tomorrow. - [Read more]