by editors on March 9, 2022
Velocio is not a company we’ve followed closely over the years, other than to say they make our favorite riding vest: one that fits well, packs up small, and has perfectly sized pockets. They also make cool women’s bibs. If you’re unaware, check them out. But today (March 9, 2022) the company announced that they have sold their business to the Chicago-based cycling giant SRAM.
Here’s Velocio’s explanation:
What’s exciting is that we’ll now have SRAM’s backing for more independent product design and development, including a still bigger push towards sustainability in our product offerings and how we deliver them. We’ll also have SRAM’s reach into racing and teams as well as their insights into global distribution and retail support. If the burden of a growing business is to grow ever further, there are few partners more suited for that future in the cycling industry than SRAM.
And they’re right, but for us buyouts are always a big bowl of sweet and sour soup. We’re happy for the founders on a great exit, yet saddened by more consolidation in the cycling business. Founders are always optimistic about their new opportunities under a bigger umbrella, but rarely do they end up with much more than the same corporate decision tree that forces “efficiencies” and increased margins, and reduced costs. And that’s never good for product.
For the rest of the Velocio sale statement, please click the link.
[Link: Velocio]
by editors on September 7, 2021
When Mike’s Bikes the “small chain” of 12 bicycling stores in Northern California was sold to the Pon Group in August many wondered what would happen to their deal with Specialized, seeing as the Pon Group is the parent company of Santa Cruz, Cervelo, Gazelle, and Focus, among others. Well, wonder no more. In an letter to Northern California cyclists, Specialized announced today (September 7, 2021) that their product will no longer be sold at Mike’s Bikes, saying:
. . . Mike’s Bikes has provided first-rate service to Specialized riders for the past 23 years. They’ve been a great partner, but our relationship with them has ended as they undergo new ownership by a European Cycling company. . . We’re working quickly to ensure that Specialized riders in Northern California not only remain supported but that their experience is better than it’s ever been before. We’re continuing to improve on online experience so you can shop with us how you’d like.
It couldn’t have happened to a nicer brand. Kind of fun to see Specialized getting the sharp end of the business stick every once in a while. But hey, now that Specialized has done everything they can to squeeze small bike retailers out of business, they’re kinda left with selling direct online. All we can say is, welcome to Canyon country, Specialized! Hope it all goes well for you, because, like most, we absolutely love your shoes!
by editors on July 29, 2021
Looks like Peto Sagan is on his way to other (not sure if they’re greener) pastures as he will be leaving the Bora-hansgrohe team at the end of this season. His quote makes him sound not all that stoked: “I’m sure BORA – hansgrohe will continue to be successful and I wish them all the best in the coming seasons,” Sagan says. Hmm, we know Quickstep didn’t want his entourage. So where will he go? Who knows.
For all the details from Bora-hansgrohe, please follow the jump.
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by editors on March 28, 2021
For those of us who ride mountain bike pedals ALL THE TIME, the new Garmin Rally XC200 power meters solve a power problem we’ve had for a while: double-sided SPD power with left and right metrics. Here, look at all the specs that Garmin is so proud about:
Rally power meters have undergone rigorous testing to increase reliability. Featuring a superior design with sensors housed inside, these sleek pedals install like any pedal. And they’re quick to transfer between bikes. . . In addition to total power and cadence, Rally XC200 measures much more. These metrics help you identify your strengths and weaknesses, so you can work to improve. . . Measure power from your left leg versus power from your right leg to get a better look at how symmetrically you’re producing power. . . Track the amount of time you spend in each position, and gauge position effectiveness. . . From road to gravel to cyclocross and much more, keep riding year-round with a transferable spindle that can be installed in the Rally™ RS/Rally RK road pedal body kits (each sold separately).
The pedals are for sale (in limited quantity) on the Garmin site right now and will only set you back $1,199 at the most (or $699 for one side). The pedals come in Shimano SPD, Look KEO, and Shimano SPD SL flavors and the pedals (can be swapped on the spindles). They really have thought of everything. (Pedal tops sold separately.)
[Link: Garmin]
by editors on February 22, 2021
Pocket Outdoor Media, the umbrella company that owns VeloNews, Backpacker, SKI, Climbing, and many other media properties, (we wrote all about them here) announced today (February 22, 20121) the purchase of Outside, parent company of Outside Magazine, Outside TV, Peloton Magazine and the rest from owner Larry Burke for an undisclosed sum, according to a story on Pocket Media’s SNews.com.
“Adding these businesses to our portfolio and rebranding Pocket is a transformative moment for us,” says Robin Thurston, CEO of the all-new Outside. “Together with our other category-leading properties—SKI, Yoga Journal, Backpacker, Trail Runner, VeloNews, Climbing, Warren Miller Entertainment, Roll Massif, FinisherPix, SNEWS, and more—these brands make our new company the world’s leading creator of active living content, experiences, travel, and services. We now deliver content to almost every home in America across every platform, screen, and device.”
Is consolidation good? When it keeps your favorite brand alive it may be. And with this purchase, the newly renamed Outside seems to have saved a bundle of brands from certain death. So, yay, Outside!
[Link: SNews.com]
by editors on February 16, 2021
The problem with most technology is that it needs to be charged. We haven’t jumped to DI2 because, well, we don’t need another bit of kit that needs to be plugged in to an outlet before we can ride. We forget to charge stuff all the time and even our friends who claim their electronic shifting systems rarely need to be charged have stumbled home locked in one gear more often than they like to admit.
POC, the Swedish helmet manufacturer has partnered with Exeger, another Swedish company to create a helmet with a light on the back that is charged by solar panels on the helmet. Yes, it’s lot of tech for a blinky light on the back, but the concept is more interesting than just a helmet. It’s a piece of technology that requires electricity, yet, never needs to be plugged in and that is pretty cool. Here’s how POC spins it.
POC is proud to introduce the Omne Eternal, the world’s first self-powered cycling helmet which integrates Powerfoyle, an innovative light-harvesting material, which can convert any light source, indoor or outdoor, into electrical power. . . To enhance a rider’s safety on the road, the Omne Eternal features an automatic and self-powered light, which never needs charging with a cable or activation from an on or off switch. Safety and light from clean, endless energy.
If having a light on your helmet that you don’t need to charge EVER is something you find interesting, the please, follow the jump for all the official details.
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by editors on December 9, 2020
For those who just don’t need or want all the virtual training bells, whistles, and attached appliances, Garmin has a new (almost retro in its simplicity) Tacx Boost indoor, mostly analog trainer.
A powerful magnetic brake allows cyclists to apply resistance, or lighten it, to get the most of their indoor ride. . . Cyclists can ride anywhere –there’s no need for an external power source. Setting up the Boost is easy –with just two simple clicks, cyclists can start riding. What’s more, the multifunctional front wheel support ensures a natural cycling position while riding and serves as a handle to carry the trainer.
In other words, this thing is straight out of 1986, with a few design upgrades. The Boost is selling right now for $299.99. Which seems kind of high for what they are offering, but if you like the looks of the Boost, please follow the jump for all the official details.
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by editors on October 2, 2020
Flobikes is advertising itself as the best way to watch the Giro d’ Italia in the USA. Only $12.50 a month, they say. Cancel anytime, they say. What they don’t say is that they will immediately charge your credit card for $150 for a year subscription, and when you try to cancel your subscription, they won’t give you your money back. They keep your money and say they won’t charge you for the upcoming year. Here’s how they word it on their FAQ:
When you cancel your subscription, you will retain Pro access until the end of your billing period. During that time you will continue to have access to the entire FloSports network on the web and through our mobile and TV apps across 25+ sports. To see when your subscription will end, click Manage on the subscription page in account settings.
In other words, they appear to allow monthly subscriptions at $12.50 a month and infer that you can unsubscibe anytime, when in reality you’re paying $150 immediately and not getting any of it back no matter when you decide to cancel. It is a classic bait and switch and while nothing on the site is technically incorrect they do their best to hide what they are doing at every single page of their website.
Be warned. If you want to watch Flobikes be ready to pay $150 immediately. If not, DO NOT DO IT!
[Link: Better Business Bureau & Truth In Advertising]
by editors on September 16, 2020
Sometimes new bike computer money might be better spent on a new watch. While Garmin’s new Forerunner 745 was designed with triathletes (ahem!) in mind, it works great as an on-wrist bike computer, too. Obviously it is also solid training partner thanks to a load of onboard tech.
To help athletes better prepare for a race or training cycle, the Forerunner 745 includes key performance monitoring tools from Firstbeat Analytics like VO2 max, training load, training status and aerobic and anaerobic training effects. Athletes will even receive on-device running and cycling daily workout suggestions based on their current training load and VO2 max.
But it’s not all training, the Forerunner 745 also includes Garmin Pay, and when paired with music from Amazon Music, Spotify or Deezer the 745 can hold 500 songs. Garmin says the battery will last for a week in smartwatch mode, up to 16 hours in GPS mode, and 6 hours in GPS mode with the music blasting. It is available now in black, neo tropic, magma red or whitestone and has a suggested retail price of $499.99. For all the official details from Garmin, please follow the jump.
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by editors on September 14, 2020
[Update September 14, 2020] According to Reuters, Christian Prudhomme has now tested negative for COVID-19 and will be back on the Tour de France in full force tomorrow. Having been only one week since he tested positive are we to believe he was miraculously cured, or was his positive test a false positive? We may never know. Either way it’s great to have him back.
[September 8, 2020] There’s nothing we’ve loved more this month than watching the Tour de France. Seeing the riders in a big old pack for a couple hours a day had us forgetting for a moment that it will still be awhile before we feel comfortable back in the peloton that we miss so much. Then, on rest day, the organizers did massive COVID-19 testing (650 people tested) and five TdF support staff tested positive. One of them was Tour Director Christian Prudhomme, according to a story in The Guardian.
“The testing campaign revealed that Christian Prudhomme has tested positive for Covid-19. The director of the Tour will now quarantine for seven days,” read a statement from race promoters ASO. “Although he was not part of the ‘race bubble’ and had not been in direct contact with any of the riders and their entourage, Christian Prudhomme still decided to get tested.”
So far, no racers have tested positive so it appears that we get at least six more days of racing before the next test. We hope Prudhomme gets well quickly, and that none of riders get sick in the coming days, because damn, it’s so good to watch a grand tour right now.
[Link: The Guardian]
