CARLSBAD, Calif. (BRAIN) - Bike magazine has promoted Nicole Formosa to editor-in-chief, and hired Travis Engel as gear editor.
Formosa will occupy the top editor role after a four-year run as Bike's managing editor. Prior to joining Bike, she was international editor at Bicycle Retailer.
"Having spent her formative time at Bike under Brice Minnigh, the title's longest-serving editor-in-chief, Nicole is uniquely positioned to lead the brand forward," said Micah Abrams, group content director at TEN, Bike's parent. "Her knowledge of what's made Bike great over the past four years is unsurpassed, as is her understanding of the huge potential for digital growth and industry partnerships. I can't think of anyone who better combines an understanding of Bike's legacy with a vision for Bike's future."
Formosa studied journalism at the University of Oregon and once worked as a cops and courts beat reporter at a daily community newspaper in Colorado. While there, in addition to earning reporting awards and a knack for police scanner lingo, Nicole bought her first hardtail — a $200 used Novara.
"I've been reading Bike almost since that first ride in Colorado, and most days I still can't believe I get to 'work' at a brand that I've admired for so long," Formosa said. "Working alongside such a talented staff to put together the words and images that inspire so many mountain bikers around the world has been the highlight of my career, and I'm thrilled to lead Bike as we navigate the next phase of the ever-changing media landscape."
Engel comes to Bike with a wealth of experience, both in retail and on the trails. He has contributed to Bike's gear pages since 2005.
"Travis is an important addition to the Bike team, and we couldn't be more excited to have him on staff," Formosa said. "He brings a deep knowledge of the brand through his decade-plus of gear-related contributions to the magazine, as well as several years of experience as a reviewer for The Bible of Bike Tests. He comes in armed with fresh perspective and solid ideas, and we can't wait to see where he takes Bike's gear coverage next."
Engel said, "It's a huge honor to join the Bike team. Since its very first volume, Bike has always represented what I found most inspiring about mountain biking. Our gear is the tool we use to access that inspiration, and I plan on covering it as passionately as Bike covers the destinations, history, people and stories that make up this thing we do."
