BLOOMINGTON, MN (BRAIN)—Quality Bicycle Products has created Handspun, a new wheel brand that will be marketed to dealers and consumers.
The company said in a press release issued Friday that the new business will respond to a growing demand for hand-trued production and custom bike wheels.
Wheelhouse, QBP’s dealer-oriented wheel building service, will be integrated into the new business unit.
“Our goal is to be the new standard for quality and performance,” said David Cory, Handspun brand manager. “Our builders have thousands of wheels under their belts; they are meticulous artisans dedicated to providing exceptionally built wheels for whatever type of riding you’re into. Our vision is for Handspun to be the first choice in wheels.”
Drawing from Wheelhouse’s team of skilled builders, Handspun will produce a spectrum of models for most cycling disciplines.
Handspun will continue to provide dealers with wheel building services, but expand that niche by providing more options for specialty markets. It will also partner with vendors to offer new and unique wheel builds.
“Consumers will get guaranteed build quality without being locked into any single wheel system,” Cory said. “They get freedom of choice. We will create custom wheels to any specifications a rider requires and offer more variety within our hand-trued production builds.”
In keeping with QBP’s mission to support independent bike dealers, Handspun wheels will only be available to consumers through QBP dealers. The brand will be supported by a high-profile marketing campaign, including ads in key consumer publications.
“Wheel House was dealer-oriented, geared toward helping retailers support their customers. By appealing directly to consumers, Handspun will help bring new customers into our dealers’ stores,” Cory said.
The hand-trued production wheels eliminate the need to true and adjust wheels in the shop, creating further value for retailers. Handspun wheels will be available this fall, shortly after the Web site launch in September at www.handspunwheels.com.
Handspun is the latest addition to QBP’s list of house brands. Last year, the company introduced Civia commuter bikes, and also owns Surly, Salsa Cycles and several components, parts and accessories brands.
