by editors on February 2, 2024
Monuments of Cycling, producers of the world famous Belgian Waffle Ride series of gravel events is proud to announce that they have signed Canyon Bicycles as the “official bike sponsor of the Tripel Crown of Gravel series.
“We are genuinely excited to extend our longstanding partnership with Canyon to include our reimagined Tripel Crown of Gravel Series,” remarked Michael Marckx, CEO of Monuments of Cycling, and creator of BWR. He added, “Canyon’s new bike lineup and roster of athletes, coupled with their leadership in engineering, design, and quality assurance, have made them the ideal partner to elevate riders and the BWR to new heights. Their athletes will undoubtedly inject color and excitement into the series of Unroad events.”
For all the official details, please follow the jump.
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by editors on November 16, 2023
Those creative business people at FloSports have been brought to task for their extremely suspect subscription promotion verbiage thanks to a class action lawsuit filed by the law firm of Lucas Young, Daniel O’Malley, and Charles Buckingham of DuPage County, Illinois. And because of this you may be owed a payment (or refund as the case may be).
Here are the official details:
The Class Plaintiffs allege that they were enrolled in automatically renewing subscriptions for FloSports’ content without adequate disclosures and notice regarding renewal charges and cancellation terms. FloSports claims its subscription renewal practices complied with all applicable laws and regulations and that it fairly disclosed all terms associated with its subscriptions. Thus, FloSports denies all allegations of wrongdoing, and the Court has not determined who is right. Rather, the Parties have agreed to settle the lawsuit to avoid the uncertainties and expenses associated with ongoing litigation.
Having subscribed to FloSport ourselves we know the company was extremely inadequate in their subscription plan descriptions and are glad the company was smart enough to settle the lawsuit to avoid being shown to be the scammers we have suggested they just might be.
If you subscribed to the service please click the link for more info https://fsrenewalsettlement.com/. You may be able to get up to $30 of your money back if you don’t choose to sue them your self.
[Link: FS Renewal Settlement]
by editors on May 11, 2022
. . . because, that’s what they do. By looking for a market that someone else has created and then diving in, Specialized saves all the money that is often wasted on product innovation. They even borrowed their name from a long standing Australia-based action sports brand. They really are quite ruthless, aren’t they? Anything to win.
[Link: Globe]
by editors on April 1, 2022
We’re not dog people, however, world renowned, dog-loving instagrammer Phil Gaimon tells us we should “consider broadening our horizons.” And what better way to do that than with the new Skratch Support Labradors.
Whether you can’t bag that PR, or are just trying to make it to the finish, our team of friendly labradors is here to support you no matter what.
Let Skratch take the “owning a dog problems” out of having a support dog. Sounds great to us.
[Link: Skratch Labs]
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 8, 2021
The producers of the Belgian Waffle Ride series of gravel racing events announced today that they have signed on Specialized as their official bicycle and bicycle fitting technology partner for the Belgian Waffle Ride in Lawrence, Kansas October 29-31, 2021.
For the first time, Monuments of Cycling is bringing its iconic form of racing to Kansas, where a vibrant cycling culture anxiously awaits this new spectacle to be known as The Hell of the Mid-West. Now with Specialized onboard, the BWR KS promises a deep field and exciting support from the leading bicycle brand. The BWR, which is celebrating 10 years in 2021, will provide professional and amateur cyclists alike the opportunity to ride the most coveted roads, punctuated by dozens of off-road sectors over a 111-mile route throughout the northeast region of Kansas, giving the event its unique complexion.
For the official word from Monuents of Cycling, please follow the jump.
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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 July 16, 2021
It seems the BLOAT just can’t keep his hands off more cycling media brands as Outside buys mountain bike community Pinkbike (along with Cyclingtips and Trailforks). In a letter from the editor on July 16, 2021, Pinkbike’s “head of editorial” Brian Park explained exactly why selling out to Outside (formerly known as Pocket Outdoor Media) was such a great thing.
Pinkbike’s mission to be the pulse of mountain biking and to share the ride with the global mountain bike community doesn’t change, only now we have more resources and capabilities to take on even bigger and better projects. . . Our head office remains in Squamish, BC, and we’re about to move into a brand new office space with way more room to grow. We’ll also have access to new equipment and improved test facilities for more scientific, objective product evaluations.
Newly acquired media properties always seem optimistic about how “everything will stay the same, but we’ll have more opportunities to do all kinds of cool stuff” and rarely is this the case in reality. Big brands buy small brands so they can kill off competition and streamline efficiencies. But hey, let’s hope it goes well for Pinkbike et. al. Maybe the new Outside is better than all the media conglomerates that have come before. It could happen.
[Link: Pinkbike]
by editors on March 18, 2021
Since starting JoJé Bar in 2016, Founder and CEO Jess Cerra’s mission has been to create a line of energy bars baked with real-food ingredients that strikes the perfect balance of taste and nutrition.
While the bars fulfilled this quest – delivering some of the best-tasting bars on the market by being baked like a home-cooked style soft cookie, while providing easy-to-digest nutrients and sustained energy for athletes and active people – Cerra was also trying to find a way to balance all of her life’s goals and ambitions, from being a founder and CEO, to a professional chef and instructor, a professional gravel cyclist and event organizer, as well as a journalist and TV correspondent.
Today Cerra was able to take a step toward finding that balance as RoadRunner Holdings LLC announced the addition of JoJé Bar to its portfolio of athlete-focused active nutrition brands. Cerra will become the Vice President of Product and Community Development for RoadRunner, working alongside RoadRunner Holdings CEO Mac Tillman.
For all the official details, please follow the jump.
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