SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. (BRAIN) — Genuine Innovations, which for more than 30 years has been synonymous with CO₂ bike tire inflators, is being discontinued by its parent company.
An Illinois Tool Works (ITW) spokesperson confirmed the decision to BRAIN. A JBI spokesperson told BRAIN ITW will concentrate instead on automotive products. Slime and Fix A Flat are included under ITW's Tire Repair group. JBI has had Genuine Innovations products — which in addition to inflators include cartridges and tools and accessories — on closeout.
"After more than 35 years as a leader in the CO₂ bicycle inflation space, Genuine Innovations faced increasing challenges as the market became more commoditized," the spokesperson wrote in an email. "With the rise of low-cost and private-label competitors, the brand was ultimately squeezed out. It's bittersweet for us to say goodbye, as we've been proud to support riders for so many years."
According to the spokesperson, the Slime bike brand will continue, with a new product unveiled in the spring.
ITW acquired Genuine Innovations in 2011. ITW has two other divisions: Car Care and Engine Repair. Tony Hollars and Jeff Bleeker founded Innovations in Cycling in 1989 to produce CO₂ bike tire inflators.
