News
AGOURA HILLS, CA (BRAIN)—Former Pearl Izumi national sales manager Patricia Babka has been named vice president of sales for Gramicci.
DUARTE, CA (BRAIN)—Dahon has launched its SAP implementation project. SAP AG is a world leader in ERP software and is used by companies like Siemens, Coca-Cola, and Pioneer. Brands like Zipp Speed Weaponery use it in the bicycle industry.
DENVER, CO (BRAIN)—Rudy Project will launch the “Rudy Project Gear Deal” this month. The innovative promotion will give dealers the opportunity to offer a $220 package that holds over $450 in value, making it an attractive deal for consumers in today’s economy.

BRAIN's web editor was spotted by TMZ's cameras this weekend at Indy's Home & Garden Show, next door to this year's Handmade Bike Show (Click on link to see Handmade award winners with pictures!!!)
TMZ: Mr. Norman, Mr. Norman, are you now endorsing Softub on top of the work you already do for BRAIN?
BY MATT WIEBE
WATSONVILLE, CA—When Craig Calfee saw Ghanaians ride imported steel bikes ill adapted to handle the heavy loads they carry through native forests of bamboo, he was exasperated.
BY DOUG MCCLELLAN
TAICHUNG, Taiwan—For Taiwan’s bicycle industry, flat is the new up.
While no one expects a bang-up year, industry leaders predict 2009 will be flat or slightly down compared with a stellar 2008. In this economy, staying level would be no mean feat.
BY MATT WIEBE
PHILADELPHIA, PA—The good news for bicycle suppliers is that bikes sold better than cars last year. The bad news is that when gas crossed the $4 a gallon threshold in June, bike sales tanked.

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (BRAIN)—After the huge success of last year's North American Handmade Bicycle Show in Portland, there were some grumbles and moans—mainly from west coast builders—after show founder Don Walker announced that this traveling show was heading to Indianapolis for 2009.
Had an interesting chat with the vp of communications over at the Motorcycle Industry Council last week about the CPSIA.
BERKELEY, CA (BRAIN)—Qualified transportation fringe benefits has expanded to allow up to $20 per month for bicycle commuters to spend on everything from new or used bicycles, to accessories such as lights and helmets to the monthly cost of a bicycle storage unit.
VAN NUYS, CA (BRAIN)—Easton Bell reported a moderate increase in sales in 2008, although the company’s profit dipped slightly.