News
SANTA BARBARA, CA (BRAIN) Jan 25, 08:37 MT—After three years in business, “urban mobility” specialty retailer Wheelhouse Bikes is closing Jan. 31.
Registration opens for DealerCamp • Champion System adds presence in the West • Chase BMX sponsors junior development program • Kinetic Koffee promotes Brannon to general manager
McHENRY, IL (BRAIN) Jan 25—Mike Mrachek hasn’t been in the bike business since his college days helping run a shop in Bloomington, Illinois—which is why last week found him at the Barnett Bicycle Institute in Colorado Springs getting a wrenching refresher and boning up on the latest
With tongue firmly in cheek, a wheelbuilder makes the case for ceramic bearings.
BTI ships new catalog • Wired magazine picks Spot Ajax Belt as fav' urban bike • Stiller Foundation partners with Bicycles for Humanity • Todd Hoffman leaves Spot Brand
DUBLIN, Ireland (BRAIN) Jan 24, 11:07 MT —Irish publishing and event management firm Mara Media announced plans this week to launch the inaugural Irish Cycling Show this May in Dublin.

CLOPPENBURG, Germany (BRAIN) Jan 24, 10:41 MT —Derby Cycle reported a 36 percent increase in sales for the 2010/2011 fiscal year, led by a nearly 50 percent increase in the number of electric bikes sold.
SAN FRANCISCO (BRAIN) Jan 24 —White Road Investments has gained a minority interest in Public Bikes, marking the second industry deal for Clif Bar founder Gary Erickson’s small venture capital fund.

CU students find use for old race numbers • High demand closes Frostbike Registration • Liv/Giant adds marketing manager
Editor's note: Former BRAIN managing editor Jill Janov happened to be vacationing in Seattle last weekend and, homesick for journalism and the bike industry, volunteered to check in with some of the city's bike retailers to see how they were dealing with the snow storm.

BIARRITZ, France (BRAIN) Jan 23, 14:31 MT — BH Bikes has expanded into France with a company-owned subsidiary in Biarritz, a tourist beach town on the Bay of Biscayne about 10 miles from the Spanish border.
VISTA, CA (BRAIN) Jan 23, 12:42 MT — Raleigh America has signed a multi-year global licensing agreement with LifeCore Fitness whereby it’s transferring the operation of its Diamondback Fitness division to the Vista, California, company.