TORRANCE, Calif. (BRAIN) — Pioneer Cycle Sports will cease production of power meters, cycling computers, and pedal monitoring as of March 31 and transfer some assets of its Cycle Sports business to Shimano.
"It's been a great ride, but it's time for us to sign off," began an Instagram post Tuesday afternoon.
Many of Pioneer's products have been designed to be compatible with Shimano. The transfer of the Cycle Sports technology to Shimano will incorporate Pioneer's strength in electronics and IT and enhance Shimano's products and services, achieving Pioneer's aspiration to contribute to a wider range of customers, a company spokesperson told BRAIN.
Cyclo-Sphere — Pioneer's pedaling monitor, cycle computers and web services — will remain functional until Shimano launches its new web service, at which time subscribers will need to re-register for Shimano's web service. Cyclo-Sphere new accounts will continue to be accepted until Shimano launches its new web service, at which time subscribers will be directed to re-register.
Current accessories can be purchased online or via Pioneer Cycle Sports retailers while supplies last. Products within the warranty period will continue to be serviced and repaired by Pioneer based on the applicable warranty. Pioneer will continue to service out of warranty product for a fee. Click here for service inquiries.
A Shimano spokesperson confirmed the report but would not comment on the acquisition.
For additional information, contact Pioneer at cycle-sports@pioneer-usa.com.
Pioneer Cycle Sports moved to a new facility in Torrance in 2017. Pioneer Electronics entered the bike business about seven years ago with power meters. Pioneer Cycle Sports developed and introduced Cyclo-Sphere in 2013.
According to a Pioneer press release, a significant portion of the Pioneer Cycle Sports product portfolio has been designed to be specifically compatible with or sold pre-installed on Shimano components. The transfer of the Cycle Sports technology to Shimano will incorporate Pioneer’s electronics and IT technologies with the Shimano products and services.
Watteam, which sold some of the least expensive power meter cranks on the market since 2014, suspended production of its latest-generation product line after cash-flow issues in November 2018.
Watteam laid off more than 40 employees across its headquarters in Irvine, California, and its R&D facility in Israel, leaving it with fewer than 10 employees worldwide.
