BOULDER, CO (BRAIN) — Specialized Bicycles is making "a strategic investment" in Boulder-based Retül, a company that has developed a bike fitting system that uses a three- dimensional motion-capture system, and a dynamic adjustable fit bike.
The companies will collaborate and develop future bicycle fitting technology and tools, they said. Retül's products and training will remain available to retailers and fit studios who are not Specialized dealers.
Specialized has had a long connection with some of Retül's partners, including Todd Carver, who contributed to the early development of Specialized’s BodyGeometry Fit curriculum that is now taught globally to Specialized dealers. Carver worked with Andy Pruitt at the Boulder Center for Sports Medicine. Pruitt has been heavily involved with Specialized Body Geometry product development and bike fit training.
Carver eventually joined forces with Cliff Simms and Franko Vatterott, and launched a portable 3D motion capture system which became Retül in November 2007.
“We see our technology and tools as extremely complementary to the BodyGeometry Fit method,” Carver said. “Our fitting concepts come from the same genesis, and our tools provide information skilled fitters use in determining a rider’s position; it is an easy integration for those trained in BodyGeometry.”
The investment will help Retül deliver new technology to market, said Mike Sinyard, Specialized's CEO.
“We were impressed with the latest technology and their profitable and debt-free business model, and we see this investment enabling them to further expand their impact on the fitting industry and support and strengthen all IBD’s through offering fitting services,” Sinyard said.
Retül recently consolidated its operations into a new building in Boulder. The office houses the entire company from manufacturing and distribution to Retül University.
“We now have the opportunity to grow at a faster pace than we could have alone, and we have a lot of new ideas we’ll now be able to realize and put into action,” said Retül co-founder Franko Vatterott.
