Industry News

BOULDER, Colo. (BRAIN) — Trek Bicycle's leaked news about "right-sizing" in March, and Kona Bicycles' sudden "pause" at the Sea Otter Classic, followed by the brand's rebirth with its founders, were the most-read industry stories in 2024.

RICHMOND, Calif. (BRAIN) — Noted framebuilder Ed Litton died on Dec. 16 following a bike accident near his shop two weeks earlier.

TAIPEI (BRAIN) — Giant Group announced its current chairperson, Bonnie Tu, will retire from her position, with current CEO Young Liu appointed as the new chairman, and current Chief Branding Officer Phoebe Liu promoted to CEO. These changes will take effect January 1.

WASHINGTON (BRAIN) — After initially being included in the government funding bill, the Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act was removed as Congress reached a compromise in time to prevent a government shutdown.
WASHINGTON (BRAIN) — The Senate unanimously passed the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act that has long been supported by bike and outdoor groups to create more trails, fund parks and green spaces, and other initiatives.

SAINT-GEORGES, Quebec (BRAIN) — Rocky Mountain announced plans to restructure its finances to avoid declaring bankruptcy but said it will continue operating normally.
WASHINGTON (BRAIN) — Legislation intended to keep the government funded until the spring gives the Consumer Product Safety Commission authority to adopt mandatory UL safety standards.

WHISTLER, British Columbia (BRAIN) — Canadian mountain bike parts manufacturer North Shore Billet announced its cranks are now being distributed by Vapor Propulsion Labs.

BIELLA, Italy (BRAIN) — Selle Italia has acquired a fellow Italian cycling brand with a long history: Vittoria Cycling Shoes.

ALISO VIEJO, Calif. (BRAIN) — GT Bicycles, which separated from Cycling Sports Group/Cannondale to a stand-alone Pon Holdings brand last year with its own design team, will pause releasing new products while streamlining operations.

BOULDER, Colo. (BRAIN) — For our December magazine edition, we asked our State of Retail panel members: How relevant are in-person trade shows, seminars, and dealer events? Which events do you think you might attend in 2025?

NEW YORK (BRAIN) — The City Council discussed on Wednesday a proposed law requiring all e-bikes and e-scooters to be licensed and registered with the Department of Transportation to crack down on dangerous riding in the city that led to a pedestrian's death last year.

(VELO) — Cycling legend Eddy Merckx, often regarded as the greatest cyclist of all time, is recovering in a hospital after suffering a broken hip in a bike crash. The accident occurred near Merckx’s home in Belgium, where he was riding with friends on a regular group outing.

SALT LAKE CITY (BRAIN) — Rhino-Rack, a division of Clarus Corporation has acquired Colorado's RockyMounts, which specializes in bike racks and accessories.

ANOKA, Minn. (BRAIN) — Vista Outdoor took a major step closer to selling its Revelyst business — including bike industry brands Bell, Giro, Camelbak and Fox Racing — to Strategic Value Partners for $1.125 billion next month.

ARCADIA, Calif. (BRAIN) — Segway will share details of two new e-bike models at next month's CES show in Las Vegas and the company said it will focus on sales through independent retailers.

NEW YORK (BRAIN) — Upway's trade-in program is now offered at Rad Power Bikes' eight U.S. RadRetail locations, offering customers the option of selling their e-bike or receiving a discount on a new model.

DAYTON, Ohio (BRAIN) — United Wheels promoted Chief Operating Officer Bruno Maier to CEO, filling the role that Claude Jordan retired from two years ago.

WASHINGTON (BRAIN) — The U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission recently recommended in its 2024 Annual Report to Congress eliminating the import threshold exemption that can allow products like e-bikes and lithium-ion batteries to circumvent safety standards that have long concerned the industry.