BLOOMINGTON, MN (BRAIN)—QBP has launched a new brand called 45North, a brand specific to cold-weather conditions.
The initial product mix will feature a line of tires developed for use on snow and ice, including one 26-inch and one 700c studded model, and the Husker Dü, a proprietary fat tire for all-terrain bikes. Prototypes will be available for viewing at Interbike. The studded tires will be in stock at QBP and available to bike retailers in October, with the Husker Dü following in November.
David Gabrys, brand manager, said, “Our team lives, works and rides in the winter-biking capital of North America, with five months of winter conditions. We have more people riding more miles in more cold than anyone else. We know what it takes to stay warm and dry and comfortable in the cold, and that expertise will be reflected in our
products.”
After rolling out winter tires in 2011, 45North will begin developing other product categories. A winter cycling boot designed in partnership with leading insulation manufacturers is on the slate for the 2013 riding season.
“45North will specialize in products tailored to the winter cycling experience. Our products are bicycle-specific; we design products from the ground up to meet the specific demands of winter cycling,” Gabrys said.
Target markets for 45North include the Northeast, upper Midwest, Rocky Mountains, Pacific Northwest and Alaska. “Generally, any region that gets a snow-freeze-thaw
pattern in the winter will find a ready audience for our products,” Gabrys said.
