Steve Frothingham

Steve is in his second stint at BRAIN. He was here at the beginning in 1992 while still working for a bike shop in Santa Fe, N.M. He wrote several articles for BRAIN's first issue and later joined the staff, eventually becoming managing editor and then executive editor.

After leaving BRAIN in 1997 he worked for several news organizations including The Associated Press and VeloNews before rejoining BRAIN as web editor in 2011.

He is based in Longmont, Colorado, and is an enthusiastic (and slow) road, mountain bike and cyclocross rider.

All articles by Steve Frothingham

June 18, 2019

MUSSOLENTE, Italy (BRAIN) — Scicon Sports, known to U.S. retailers for bike travel cases and as Ellsworth’s new sister brand, is broadening its product portfolio with the addition of sunglasses, saddles and cycling apparel, with more to come. 

Posted in Industry News
June 13, 2019

BOULDER, Colo. (BRAIN) — Ride Spot offers hand-picked routes in each community, chosen by local bike retailers or other organizations. The routes give beginners an on-ramp to cycling, helping the industry and retailers establish a relationship with the riders that continues after they wheel new bikes out the door. Ride Spot also has features that help bike retailers increase local riding participation, and develop — and market to — a riding community with their store as a hub.

Posted in Retail News
June 11, 2019

BRIGHTON, United Kingdom (BRAIN) — With designs that owe as much to old school BMX as the Tour de France, UK-based apparel brand Morvelo is ramping up for a go at the U.S. market. The brand established almost 10 years ago sells though some large retailers in its home market, but is looking for a different kind of store in the U.S.

Posted in Product/Tech
June 7, 2019

NEW YORK (BRAIN) — For cyclists who are cash rich but time poor, Roula.cc offers concierge-style bike rental services in business destination cities around the world. The startup will deliver a high-end road bike to a hotel, office, or Airbnb, professionally tuned and adjusted. It also offers guided rides.

Posted in Industry News
May 31, 2019
500 XT 'priority packs' were sold in the US.

IRVINE, Calif. (BRAIN) — In what may be a first for the company, Shimano is making a major new group of components available for retail purchase soon after a public launch, both as original equipment and in the aftermarket.

Posted in Product/Tech
May 29, 2019

The Scottish trials rider's latest video, Danny Daycare, has garnered 3.7 million views since it launched May 19. The company that makes the one-wheeled child trailer in the video is seeing increased web traffic and more inquiries from dealers and consumers.

Posted in Industry News
May 29, 2019
Separately, Allied to launch new model at Dirty Kanza and unveil new IBD program this week.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. (BRAIN) — HIA Velo, LLC, the parent of Allied Cycle Works, laid off about 15 workers this month as managers adjusted staff levels to demand for its U.S.-made carbon bikes. The workers let go were from a variety of departments but mostly from production.

Posted in Industry News
May 29, 2019

BENTONVILLE, Ark. (BRAIN) — Allied Cycle Works is launching a new U.S.-made bike model this week at the Dirty Kanza, where several athletes will race on the new machine. The company also is unveiling a new IBD program as it seeks to emphasize dealer sales over consumer-direct sales.

Posted in Industry News
May 16, 2019
The port of Shanghai, China. Wiki Commons photo.

Spoiler: Well over $1 billion worth of bike stuff at Customs value — at least half of all bike-related imports.

Posted in Industry News
May 16, 2019
European hubs could become subject to a new U.S. tariff.

WASHINGTON (BRAIN) — While the U.S. trade war with China is getting the most attention, the U.S. is also engaged with a dispute with the European Union. On Thursday, the Bicycle Product Suppliers Association was scheduled to testify against new tariffs on bike products from the EU.

Posted in Industry News

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