BOULDER, CO (BRAIN)—Gruppo Bici N.A. has signed a distribution agreement with Axevo S.r.l. for its original equipment and replacement brake hoods in colors for Campagnolo, Shimano and SRAM controls in North America under its Canditalia brand.
“We are excited to announce our agreement with Axevo as they are a leading manufacturer of original equipment and aftermarket accessories and components for bicycles in Italy," Gruppo Bici N.A. company spokeswoman D’Abria Versace says. “While Axevo’s catalog is extensive, we will focus on their original equipment and replacement brake hoods for bicycles only in the short-term.”
Axevo original equipment and replacement brake hoods are available for all Campagnolo 9-11 speed, Shimano 105, Dura-Ace 7800 and 7900, and Ultegra, and SRAM Force, Rival and Red controls, and are available in seven colors: blue, celeste, green, pink, red, white and yellow. Custom colors are also available for clubs and teams based on a minimum order.
“Brake hoods have come a long way from the days of no hoods or simply a piece of cloth tape around the lever body," Versace said. “To our knowledge there was an American company in the early 1980s who introduced replacement brake hoods in colors for the first time, the brand was A.M.E. But you have to attribute the recent proliferation and success of replacement brake hoods in colors to Hudz; manufacturers (i.e., SRAM) are now following suit.”
Axevo hoods are used in original equipment applications so the molds are the same as or identical to the manufacturer molds as are the rubber compositions. “Axevo makes no claim to enhancing the manufacturer’s brake hood so the rider will see no difference in the finish, fit or function compared to the original equipment,” Versace said. Axevo brake hoods are made in Italy and have no branding.
The normal retail for Axevo bicycle brake hoods is $34.95 per pair including shipping. Gruppo Bici N.A. is offering a special introductory price ($29.95 including shipping) on all hoods through August 2009 while much of Italy is on holiday, perhaps leading to fulfillment delays. All hoods are expected to be in-stock later this week.
