Backcountry.com is going pro with a full mountain bike team. They’ll be riding Niner Bikes and sponsored by the following companies: Geax, Clifbar, Louis Garneau, FSA, WTB, Chris King, ENVE, SRAM, Crankbrothers, Eureka, Jet Boil and Gore Bike Wear.
“Mountain biking is at the core of who we are as a brand and being able to extend our expert gear knowledge to the trail and support the sport is a priority,” said Jill Layfield, CEO at backcountry.com. “Assembling a pro team of this caliber that possesses the tools to compete at the highest level is a natural extension of our cycling brands and culture.” . . The Mountain Bike Team will be managed by pro rider Jason Sager. Sager took 2nd overall at the 2013 Sudety MTB Challenge stage race in Poland, and 4th overall at the 2013 Mongolian Bike Challenge. In addition to Sager, team riders include: Chloe Woodruff, Evelyn Dong, and TJ Woodruff.
For the official word from Backcountry.com, follow the jump. [click to continue…]
After a rising tide of complaints from users that Fitbit’s extremely popular Force fitness tracking device was causing a rash on users’ wrists, company CEO and co-Founder James Pack has officially stopped sales of the device and launched a voluntary recall of the product.
In a letter from the CEO on Fitbit’s corporate blog dated February 20, 2014, CEO Park explains:
“Late last year, we began selling Fitbit Force, our most advanced activity tracker,” Park says. “Recently, some Force users have reported skin irritation. While only 1.7% of Force users have reported any type of skin irritation, we care about every one of our customers. On behalf of the entire Fitbit team, I want to apologize to anyone affected.”
Park says the company has run the Force through independent testing by “medical experts” and found “no issues with the battery or electrical systems,” but says that some users may be reacting to nickel in the stainless steel, the strap, or adhesives used in manufacturing the device. Through this testing Fitbit has “learned enough to take further action” and is conducting a voluntary recall of the $130 device.
The company has set up a dedicated recall page which directs users to fill out an online form. Fit bit will then send users an instruction kit on how to Return the Force for a refund. Fitbit says that once the Force is returned, a refund check will be sent directly to the user “within 2-6 weeks.” Fitbit Force users with other questions can call 888-656-6381.
The Spy Giant Ride Elite Cycling Team today announced its roster of riders along with presenting and supporting sponsors. In 2014, the team will be known as SPY GIANT RIDE presented by MRI Endurance, and will exclusively use the MRI line of endurance and athlete products for all its training and competitive needs.
“The mission for our team is to bring together the most positive racers in Southern California who have the potential to leave a lasting, happy impression and provide them access to the best products on earth,” says Michael Marckx, SPY president and CEO. “Our partnership with MRI Endurance is the greatest step we’ve taken to fulfill that mission, and the wide array of MRI products will keep our team performing at an optimum level, driving the front and creating a wake of happiness wherever we ride. When you consider we’ve got the greatest bikes, eyewear, helmets, shoes, wheels, components, apparel, and now nutrition and sports supplements, it’s no wonder a spot on our team is such a sought after position.”
In yet another sign of consolidation in the bike business, Trek (one half of American bicycling’s two-headed monster) has reportedly purchased Southern California beach cruiser maker Electra Bicycles, according to a story on Bicycle Retailer.
“I have always admired the Electra brand,” said Trek president John Burke, in the press release. “Skip [Hess] (Electra president) and his team have done some amazing things with limited resources. Trek will be able to provide financial, supply chain, distribution, and sales support that will help Electra take its business to the next level and will stay out of their way when it comes to product and marketing.”
So far the Electra teams says they will stay in their Vista, California headquarters. We’ll see how long that lasts.
Vista Equity is offering $14.50 a share in cash, a premium of 27 percent from Active Network’s closing stock price on Friday. . . Active Network went public in May 2011 at $15 a share. Earlier, this year, the stock fell as low as $3.95. . . “We believe the partnership with Vista will position us to execute on our strategy and further enhance our industry leadership, Jon Belmonte, interim chief executive of Active Network, said in a statement.
Yes, we believe a $1 billion dollar deal would help us further expand our online efforts as well. For the rest of the story click the link.
For all the insanely bizarre details behind the election today (Friday, September 27, 2013) of the new president of the Union Cycliste Internationaleclick the link for VeloNews’ compelling coverage of the Brian Cookson victory.
Months of intrigue, politicking, posturing, and allegations of bribes, and other dastardly deeds reached a boiling point. Many questioned whether McQuaid, who stood on the rather dubious backing from Morocco and Thailand, should even be allowed to stand for reelection. . . Finally, British Cycling president Brian Cookson stood up and simply stated, “Let’s have the vote right now.” . . With those few words, the most bitter, drawn-out election in UCI history quickly came to a close. Cookson defied the odds, and resolutely ended the McQuaid era at cycling’s world governing body, winning the vote 24-18 in a secret ballot.
Nice to see that (like in your local group ride) cycling rarely gets in the way of politics.
After dealing with slew of terrible local bike shops (who wanted to keep our bikes for a week just to swap out a cassette) we ran screaming into the arms of the geniuses at Park Tool. Their tools, knowledge base, and support were astounding. We couldn’t be bigger fans. So it’s great d to see a little of the history behind the brand in this 50 Years of Park Tool edit. Another example of Midwest know how and doing it because it needed to be done.
Fenway Partners, the New York-based private equity fund that owns Giro Helmetparent company Easton-Bell is reportedly putting the company up for sale, according to a story on Reuters.
Based in Van Nuys, California, the company sells its products under several brands, including Easton, Bell, Riddell, Giro, Blackburn and Easton Cycling. It generated net sales of $827.2 million in fiscal year 2012.
According to the story, “people familiar with the matter” say the sale could bring as much as $900 million. Others, say it maybe difficult after a judge ruled that their football helmet arm, Riddell, may not have sufficiently warned players about the danger of concussions while wearing the helmets.
Here’s a little reminder of some Campagnolo history from Campy North American General Manager Tom Kattus. The video is three years old, but it’s always nice to hear a good story from a great guy. Oh, and if you’re in Southern California this weekend, check out the Campagnolo San Diego Gran Fondo kicking off in Little Italy. The expo is open Saturday April 13, 2013 and the ride kicks off early on Sunday, April 14, 2013.
Accurately described as a ‘re-envisioning’ of Eagle’s former Get Out Expo, the new event incorporates many new elements for riders, runners and outdoor enthusiasts alike. First among them is the inaugural Firebird MTB Race and its counterpart, the women’s only Firebird la Femme. Non-USAC sanctioned, the mountain bike events take place on Saturday and Sunday respectively and collectively boast a $10,000 cash purse with equal payouts for men’s and women’s fields. . . The festival also features the 1st annual Rocky Mountain Bike and Outdoor Expo, a consumer facing demo boasting some of the bike industry’s leading brands. Santa Cruz, Pivot, Ibis, Felt, Niner, Specialized, Yeti, Ellsworth, Twenty Two Cycles, Orbea, Wilier, Ridley, BMC and many, many more will all be on hand with their latest models. The free demo invites consumers to test ride their dream rigs all day long on Eagle’s signature climbs and descents.
