- REI confirms successful growth of its in-house cycling brand
- Member and employee feedback aids in design inspiration for new bikes
Kent, Washington, 2017-Oct-02 — /EPR Retail News/ — Drafting off a successful first year with the introduction of its Co-op Cycles brand, REI, the nation’s largest outdoor co-op, will introduce eight new adventure touring and recreational transit bikes to the 2018 brand line-up. The ADV and CTY lines will debut four new bikes each. Along with the rest of the Co-op Cycles line, the redesigned ADV series, crafted for riders who enjoy longer touring adventures, and the redesigned CTY series, built for around-the-neighborhood and city commuting, were built from the ground up with inspiration and input from the co-op’s most passionate members and employee cyclists.
“We launched Co-op Cycles with a clear purpose – to engage our members and build bikes that reflect how they actually live and ride. It was clear they value simplicity, versatility and reliability, and the team ventured to reflect those values in the design of the initial line,” said Paul Calandrella, REI director of cycle strategy. “The approach is clearly resonating with both our members and employees, and Co-op Cycles has exceeded sales goals well beyond expectations in its first year.”
With design inspiration gleaned from passionate members and employees, Co-op Cycles leans into a “trail-first” approach to focus on mountain (DRT), all-road (ARD), adventure (ADV), pavement (CTY) and youth (REV) bikes along with a related line of apparel.
“The unique way our members integrate the bicycle into their outdoor lives continues to inspire us to go deeper into our mission, and build a more relevant bike for them. Our cooperative design approach helps us to deeply understand their experience and guides our thinking, designs and product decisions,” Calandrella said. “The 2018 lineup is the next great chapter in this adventure.”
CO-OP CYCLES ADVENTURE TOURING BIKES
REI has a long history as a go-to for passionate touring cyclists, who often have specific needs for their bikes and related gear. The new ADV bikes released this year build on that legacy, with the introduction of bikes made for riders looking to take their adventures to the end of the pavement and onto the trail. The bikes can haul gear, carry packs and operate reliably – no matter the surface or distance.
New 2018 Adventure Touring Bikes:
- ADV 1.1 This bike was designed for fully loaded smooth riding over miles of pavement and mountain passes. It features a double butted chromoly frame, a chromoly fork with 15mm thru-axle dropout, Shimano Deore LX drivetrain with bar-con shifters and 700 x 38 touring tires, cable actuated hydraulic disc brakes and front and rear racks. $1,299.
- ADV 3.1 This bike was designed for trail touring enthusiasts with a double-butted chromoly steel frame, rugged chromoly fork with 15mm thru-axle dropout, plentiful rack mounts, 20 speed Shimano Deore drivetrain with bar-con shifters, dual piston mechanical disc brakes, and burly puncture-resistant 650 x 50 Xplor MSO tires. $1,199.
- ADV 3.2 Designed for rugged mileage and trail touring, this bike features a triple butted aluminum frame, a sturdy aluminum fork with 15mm thru-axle dropout, a bevy of rack mounts, a tried and true Shimano Deore XT 20 speed drivetrain with bar-con shifters, TRP Hylex hydraulic disc brakes and puncture-resistant 650 x 50 Xplor MSO tires. $1,699.
- ADV 4.2 Designed for overland adventurers, this burly off-road touring bike comes equipped with 27.5 x 2.8 tubeless-ready tires, Shimano’s SLX component set, burly front and rear racks, 22 gears, Cane Creek Thudbuster suspension seat post, Jones H-Bar® handlebar, and Magura MT4 hydraulic disc brakes. $1,899.
CO-OP CYCLES CITY TOURING BIKES
Sometimes the trail is just too far away, so Co-op Cycles ventures to support riders whose time outdoors is spent pedaling around their neighborhood, on urban paved paths or along city streets. For fun, fitness or as their transportation alternative, the CTY line is all about a confident, heads-up riding position, versatile carrying capacity and 360-degree visibility.
New 2018 City Bikes:
- CTY 1.1 This bike is designed for urban outings. It features an aluminum frame and fork with rack and fender compatibility, a versatile 24-speed Shimano drivetrain with trigger shifters, puncture-resistant 700 x 40 tires and mechanical disc brakes. Also available in a step-thru design. $499.
- CTY 1.2 This bike is great for longer jaunts including trips to work or the store. It features a double butted aluminum frame and fork with rack and fender compatibility. It comes with a versatile 27-speed Shimano drivetrain, flat handlebar design, Shimano hydraulic disc brakes and a gel saddle. $799.
- CTY 1.3 A no-fuss belt-drive option for serious coffee shop stops and low-maintenance maneuvering around the city. It features a double butted aluminum frame, an aluminum fork with 15mm thru-axle dropout, Shimano Alfine 8 speed drivetrain paired with the Gates CenterTrack belt-drive system, Shimano hydraulic disc brakes, a gel saddle and rack and fender compatibility. $1,199.
- CTY 3.1 This sturdy companion sports a double butted chromoly frame, chromoly fork with 15mm thru-axle dropout, Sram NX 1x 11 speed drivetrain with twist shifter, Shimano hydraulic disc brakes, 650 x 47 WTB Horizon tires, a “batwing” style handlebar and rack and fender compatibility. $899.
SUPPORTING LOCAL CYCLING COMMUNITIES
Local and national nonprofit partners include the Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance, New England Mountain Bike Association, Colorado Mountain Bike Association, PeopleForBikes, the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA), and many more. The co-op has provided more than $1.5 million over the last 10 years to support cycling efforts. These national partners build awareness of bicycle safety and create miles of connected cycle trails across the country.
REI also powers a leading digital hub for riders looking to dream and scheme about their next big adventure, MTB Project. With photos and descriptions for more than 80,000 miles of trail, the crowd-sourced website and app is the most complete guide to mountain bike terrain in the country.
About the REI Co-op
REI is a specialty outdoor retailer, headquartered near Seattle. The nation’s largest consumer co-op, REI is a growing community of more than 16 million members who expect and love the best quality gear, inspiring expert classes and trips, and outstanding customer service. REI has 151 stores in 36 states. If you can’t visit a store, you can shop at REI.com, REI-Garage.com or the free REI shopping app. REI isn’t just about gear. You can take the trip of a lifetime with REI Adventures, a global leader in active adventure travel that runs more than 170 custom-designed itineraries worldwide. The REI Outdoor School is run by professionally trained, expert instructors who teach beginner- to advanced-level courses about a wide range of activities. To build on the infrastructure that makes life outside possible, REI invests millions annually in hundreds of local and national nonprofits that create access to—and steward—the outdoor places that inspire us all.
SOURCE: REI
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