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.
