BOULDER, CO (BRAIN)—Gruppo Bici N.A. has signed an exclusive distribution agreement with Atala S.p.A. According to terms of the agreement, Gruppo Bici is now the exclusive importer, marketer and distributor of Atala, Carraro and Umberto Dei bicycles in North America.
“We are overjoyed with the opportunity that Atala has afforded Gruppo Bici,” said Gruppo Bici spokeswoman D’Abria Versace. “Atala’s portfolio of bicycles includes some of Italy’s oldest brands and we are enthralled to bring such authenticity and timeless Italian style to North America.”
If there is a single, historic brand of Italian bicycle racing it is Atala. Winner of the first Giro d’Italia in 1909, Atala has one of the longest histories in professional cycling with factory teams occupying the sport for almost 50 years. Atala today is Italy’s largest bicycle company producing bicycles (60 percent), bicycle accessories, clothing and parts (25 percent) and home fitness equipment (15 percent).
Created in 1924 by Cav. Giovanni Carraro, three generations of Carraro have created some of the most exquisite handcrafted Italian bicycles among the country’s many artisan builders. Attesting to the company’s competence in frame building, Carraro contract builds titanium motorcycle frames for BMW, Cagiva, Husqvarna and MV Agusta. Carraro’s full-range of Italian bicycles includes city, fitness, kids, mountain, road, sport and trekking.
Adhering to exact technical and quality standards that Umberto Dei established for his bicycles in 1896, every aspect of DEI’s limited production has remained unchanged since the 1930s.
“In Umberto Dei we have discovered something truly special,” Versace said. “From fashion-rich Milano streets to rural country roads of Sicilia, the elegant style of Umberto Dei bicycles are Italy’s most desired; everybody longs for a DEI city bicycle."
When gasoline topped $4 a gallon in the United States last Summer the demand for city, commuter and “fixie” bicycles proliferated.
“Recognizing these market forces, fixed-gear and vintage-style city bicycles will be our sales strategy of focus in the short-term,” Versace said. “Combined with interest in all things Italian, Gruppo Bici is well-dressed to establish these important brands in North America."
While developing a network of retail studios in select North American markets, Gruppo Bici sells its city, fixed-gear and vintage Italian bicycles direct to consumers through its online store at www.gruppobici.com. Near-term company objectives include introducing Atala racing bicycles, offering an Atala frame program for clubs and teams and establishing a development program for junior athletes throughout North America.
Gruppo Bici N.A. is a newly-formed Boulder, Colorado-based distribution company dealing exclusively in Italian cycling products. Gruppo Bici is the exclusive importer, marketer and distributor of Atala, Carraro and Umberto Dei bicycles in North America. Gruppo Bici also owns the worldmark and name of Cicli Italia, an Italian bicycle company that blends art with function in bicycles that epitomize timeless Italian style.
