SANTE FE, NM (BRAIN)—BTI, Bicycle Technologies International, released its annual catalog this week. The 2009 catalog represents a milestone for the 16-year-old parts and accessories distributor; it's the first in the company's history to exceed 1,000 pages.
Along with hundreds of additional items from the 300 brands BTI already distributes, several new brands will debut in the 2009 catalog. Italy’s seminal racing apparel and protection giant Dainese chose BTI as its exclusive U.S. distributor for 2009, based on BTI’s strong downhill and freeride presence. Smith Optics (US) maker of the first sealed thermal lens goggle with breathable vent foam, will use BTI to distribute their line of racing goggles. Acros (Germany) has joined forces with BTI to distribute its bottom brackets, hubs and headsets, which include ceramic bearings at the top end. Charge Bikes (UK) selected BTI to introduce their complete fixed gear bikes and components, complementing BTI’s growing track and urban selection.
Other new brand additions found in BTI’s 2009 catalog include Suzue hubs, Gaerne shoes, Selle An-Atomica saddles, Kind Shock seatposts, Cardiff grips and saddles, Tanaka fenders and Feather road brakes. BTI will also stock Race Face’s armor collection and spring-summer apparel line. (Note: more specifics to come on these brands in subsequent releases.)
Increasingly, vendors are adding or modifying products throughout the year. Beyond the annual catalog, BTI’s Web site and monthly flyers play an important role in communicating these product developments to dealers.
BTI vice president Preston Martin said, "The catalog is increasingly becoming something of an anachronism. It provides a snapshot of where BTI is at this one finite point in the calendar year. Because of constant product changes, fluctuating exchange rates and product availability, the web has become the go-to place for up-to-the moment information. More and more, dealers are enjoying the convenience of viewing the inventory on our shelves in real time with the latest photos and information.
"In any given season we introduce over a thousand new products, some of them stick and are added to our core inventory of staple products, others just haven't caught on, so we take a hard look at those. Our small and mid-size U.S. shops' wants and needs continue to shape the product selection at BTI," he said.
Other firsts this year: the 1008 page catalog is printed on Forest Service Council certified recycled paper with Soy ink. It receives a new layflat binding which makes page turning easier than previous years' spiral binding. As with last year's catalog, the book will be sent via UPS which ensures the catalog should reach its full distribution to all parts of the U.S. in about a week. Dealers who do not receive their copy of the new book by the end of February are encouraged to call the distributor to request a free copy.
