Archives: Press Releases

PORTLAND, Ore. (March 5, 2024) – Gerber Gear, a leading outdoor brand dedicated to crafting problem-solving tools, proudly commemorates 85 legendary years of exceptional American-made craftsmanship and innovation in Portland, Oregon.

As a local advertising agency founder and owner, Joe Gerber wanted to design a carving knife he could gift to his clients. This one-off gift became a highly sought-after knife and from those humble beginnings, Gerber Gear was founded in 1939. What began as a business to produce culinary knives quickly evolved into an innovative manufacturing journey that would go on to revolutionize the American knife market.

From kitchen knives to combat tools for World War II, Gerber swiftly established itself as a global icon, crafting equipment embraced by hunters, soldiers, tradesmen, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Gerber also played a pivotal role in starting the Everyday Carry movement we see today, with the introduction of folding knives in the 1960’s.

“Gerber’s 85th anniversary marks a time of celebration and reflection on the remarkable legacy of Pete, Joe, and Ham Gerber’s innovative ideas and their impact on the industry as a whole,” said Keith Carrato, VP/GM of Gerber Gear. “Our heritage runs deep and is rooted in a steadfast dedication to quality, innovation, and meeting consumer needs. We are proud to empower the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts and problem-solvers.”

Each month throughout 2024, Gerber will tell a series of unique stories celebrating its history, culminating in a limited-edition product release in November.

To learn more about Gerber’s history and be kept up-to-date on the 85th Anniversary happenings, please visit https://www.gerbergear.com/en-us/meet-gerber/85th-anniversary.

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About Gerber:

Gerber is a global outdoor brand founded in 1939 that builds knives, multi-tools, and problem-solving gear for wherever the pursuit may lead you. For 85 legendary years, Gerber products have been used by mountain climbers, trail hikers, backpackers, kayakers, and more. Gerber products are at home on a hunt in the middle of nowhere, and patio campsites right outside the home. All Gerber products are backed by the Gerber Guarantee, a limited lifetime warranty. For more information, please visit www.gerbergear.com or follow on social media on Instagram and Facebook.

 

 

 

Austin, Texas (March 5, 2024) – ROKA, the renowned performance design brand that creates and manufactures eyewear and technical apparel for lifestyle and competitive athletes, is thrilled to expand their current partnership with IRONMAN World Champion Lucy Charles-Barclay on a multi-year agreement to include both performance eyewear and swimwear.

“I proudly wear ROKA swimwear during training and competition because of the quality and proven performance design,” says Charles-Barclay. “I now have the added opportunity to continue pushing my limits on and off the course with ROKA’s top tier performance eyewear. This major eyewear upgrade means a lot to me personally due to my relationship with the ROKA team, but also professionally as I strive to lead the pack in 2024 and beyond.”

Charles-Barclay is the reigning IRONMAN World Champion and one of the most dominant triathletes in the world. Originally a competitive swimmer, Charles-Barclay turned pro in triathlon in 2016 and immediately rose to the top of the sport.  A fan favorite with numerous accolades, Charles-Barclay is known for her aggressive racing style and always leading from the front.  Although Charles-Barclay was previously an IRONMAN 70.3 World Champion, the coveted full distance title had eluded her for years with several 2^nd place finishes. However, last year Charles-Barclay took command in her ROKA Viper Swimskin and R1 goggles and delivered a wire-to-wire win en route to securing her first ever IRONMAN World Championship in a new course record time.  This year she looks to take on new challenges with the Professional Triathlon Organization’s T100 Triathlon World Tour.

“ROKA is incredibly excited to extend our partnership with Lucy and to have her wearing our performance eyewear for the coming years,” said Rob Canales, CEO and Co-Founder of ROKA. “Lucy is a once-in-a-generation triathlete who can lead a race from start to finish, even at the world championship level.  She’s been a fantastic brand ambassador over the years, and we are thrilled to extend that partnership.  In addition to the swim category, we can’t wait to collaborate with her on eyewear and see what we can develop together to drive further innovation in that space.”

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About ROKA

ROKA is on a mission to unlock human potential. Founded in 2013 in Austin, Texas, ROKA’s award-winning performance eyewear, wetsuits, and other performance gear have led athletes to dozens of world titles, including three Olympic gold medals, more than 30 World Championship titles, multiple Tour de France stage and overall team wins, and hundreds of other podium finishes. ROKA works with the world’s leading scientists, athletes and organizations to push the boundaries of performance design, bringing those innovations to all who move. ROKA products are available worldwide at roka.com and through select retailers. Follow ROKA on Instagram and Facebook.

 

 

[Red Wing, MN, March 5, 2024] – Vasque Footwear, with nearly 60 years of experience delivering functional, durable footwear to millions of outdoor enthusiasts, is excited to announce the availability of the highly anticipated 2024 St. Elias Hiking Boot. Designed to meet the demands of both seasoned adventurers and novice hikers, the St. Elias combines decades of expertise with modern technologies to deliver unparalleled comfort, traction, and support on the trails.

For over ten years, the St. Elias has been a trusted companion for hiking, backpacking, and outdoor living.  Built on Vasque’s rich legacy in backpacking, dating back to 1964, this performance boot is a testament to durability and reliability in the wilderness. Since its inception, the St. Elias has been engineered to enhance the outdoor experiences of veteran trailblazers and newcomers alike. 

President of Vasque, Bryce Wernsman, reflects on the legacy of the St. Elias, “The St. Elias has been a trusted companion for outdoor enthusiasts for over a decade, and with our all-new 2024 version, we’re proud to deliver consumers an increase in comfort, performance, and durability while reducing weight and break-in time. This new iteration embodies the perfect balance of our rich heritage and cutting-edge technology, that both legacy and new consumers are sure to love.”

The St. Elias sets a new standard for comfort from the moment you lace them up. Constructed with premium full-grain leather, these boots offer easier break-in while providing exceptional foot comfort on both short jaunts and long excursions. The midsole and outsole systems are designed to offer athletic flexibility and cushioning, ensuring a comfortable ride on any terrain.

Updates to the 2024 St. Elias:

• Materials and Sustainability / The 2024 St. Elias boot utilizes premium and sustainable materials, including 1.8-2.0mm full-grain or nubuck leather, along with bio-based collar and tongue foams, recycled content laces, and recycled content toe box + heel counter. In contrast, the previous version primarily featured a 2.2mm waterproof full-grain leather/Nappa leather collar, without emphasizing sustainability.
• Midsole Composition / The 2024 St. Elias boot features a dual-density high-energy return EVA midsole with 20% sugarcane and a 20% recycled content insole board, providing enhanced energy return and stability. The previous version had A.T.C. midsoles with EVA cushioning pods, which offered athletic flexibility and comfort but without the same focus on sustainability and energy return.
• Outsole Design / The outsole of the 2024 St. Elias boot boasts a Vibram® Megagrip compound within a Vasque-exclusive multi-directional + lug system, ensuring optimal grip and traction on the trail. In contrast, the previous version featured Vibram XSTrek rubber compound outsoles.
• Comfort Technology / The 2024 St. Elias boot includes a 20% bio-content polyurethane footbed for added comfort, highlighting a specific comfort feature that was absent in the previous version. Additionally, the 2024 St. Elias delivers noticeably more comfort from the moment you put them on due to improvements in comfort technology and fit.

These differences highlight the evolution of the St. Elias boot towards sustainability, enhanced comfort, and improved traction while maintaining the brand’s commitment to quality and performance in outdoor footwear.

Director of Product Creation, Amy Peck, adds, “The updated St. Elias represents a significant evolution in both performance and sustainability. We’ve meticulously crafted this new iteration to deliver unmatched comfort, traction, and support, while also prioritizing the use of premium and sustainable materials. While we’ve implemented innovative changes to enhance the boot’s performance and sustainability, we’ve also strategically preserved key elements from the previous design. The durable full-grain leather upper, premium hardware, and substantial outsole, which pay homage to Vasque’s rich heritage, remain unchanged. This strategic continuity ensures that the St. Elias maintains its legendary durability and reliability while incorporating modern innovations for today’s outdoor enthusiasts.” 

Rooted in Vasque’s rich heritage dating back to 1964, the St. Elias embodies the essence of Vasque’s world-class hiking and backpacking boots. With a full-grain leather upper, premium hardware, and substantial outsole, the St. Elias pays homage to the brand’s legacy while incorporating modern innovations for today’s outdoor enthusiasts. The 2024 St. Elias hiking boot from Vasque is set to redefine outdoor footwear, offering unmatched comfort, traction, and support for your next adventure. It will be available at retailers and Vasque.com in April 2024. 

For more information, visit Vasque.com or your nearest authorized retailer.

About Vasque: 

Vasque Footwear has delivered functional, durable footwear to millions of outdoor enthusiasts since 1964. We believe that you don’t have to go far to change your perspective. By simply stepping outside we can change how we feel on the inside. When we disconnect, we reconnect. Vasque Footwear – Trail Footwear Since 1964. Visit us at Vasque.com

 

Palm Springs, Calif. (March 4, 2024) – Ultrarunner and Naval Officer Paul Johnson is on day four of his world record attempt at running across the United States from Los Angeles to New York, a feat that’s only been completed by less than 400 people. Paul is attempting to finish the route in 40 days (2 days faster than the current world record), which requires an average of 75 miles per day.

Along the way, Paul is seeking to raise $1,000,000 for Team Red White and Blue, an organization whose mission is to guide veterans through the military to civilian journey with real-life and virtual opportunities focused on building a healthier lifestyle. A strong focus on mental and physical health is critical to ensuring veterans’ best days are ahead. A Naval Officer who discovered running, Paul has used exercise to aid in his mental health struggles.

Paul is currently 200-miles into the 3,000-mile journey, running in the desert east of Palm Springs as of Monday morning. In the coming days, he will enter Arizona, passing by Flagstaff and north of Santa Fe, N.M. before heading toward the plains of Oklahoma and Kansas. So far he has raised more than $50,000 for Team RWB.

Paul is supported by the Colorado-based Tailwind Nutrition, a sports nutrition company who makes products for everyday athletes. He is using Tailwind’s Endurance Fuel, an electrolyte powder that also contains carbohydrates (calories) in order to fuel feats of endurance like running across the USA.

Interested in writing about Paul Johnson’s run? Contact Ryan Simonovch at ryan@verdepr.com. Follow Paul’s run online or on Instagram.

BOULDER, Colo. (March 4, 2024) – Following many years of product category research and direct engagement with the telemark-skiing community, SCARPA will introduce in fall 2024 a completely new version of the TX Pro — the most innovative, lightweight and efficient telemark boot ever created. With a legacy of introducing the world’s first “plastic” telemark boots — the Terminator in 1992, the T2 in 1994, and, later, the groundbreaking TX Pro in 2008 — SCARPA has consistently been at the forefront of telemark skiing.

As that tongue-in-cheek bumper sticker that has proliferated at backcountry-skiing trailheads states, “No one cares that you tele.” But with the new TX Pro, SCARPA shows that — in fact — someone does care after all.

Testament to SCARPA’s commitment to the telemark community, the development of the new TX Pro involved extensive collaboration with telemark skiers, athletes and binding manufacturers.

“Telemark is all about style and flow — it’s just got a very different vibe about it. And that’s the case with the telemark community as well. It’s quirky but it’s very soulful. People are heavily invested in the different kinds of gear they use and want to share their knowledge around that,” said Kim Miller, CEO of SCARPA North America. “We’ve always been connected to the community from the start, which is why I think we got the response we did when we asked for feedback.”

The new TX Pro is very lightweight — a 12 percent weight reduction compared to the previous TX Pro. It also features friction-free walking in touring mode, with a huge increase in range of motion compared to its predecessor, matching the weight and function of modern AT boots like SCARPA’s Maestrale and Gea family. SCARPA also reduced the volume of the boot to improve fit and performance. Moreover, the TX Pro is compatible with all modern telemark bindings on the market, including NTN and Tele Tech bindings, making these versatile boots equally at home at the resort and in the backcountry.

“A prototype works for the people who developed the prototype, not for the whole range of skiers who will ski it. And that’s especially true with the diversity in telemark,” said Massimo Pellizzer, ski category manager for SCARPA. “So we created a test and feedback team for this project that included the best telemark skiers we could find, along with four different binding manufacturers. And each of those manufacturers brought in some of their athletes for input. We also had focus groups in North America and Europe. Our motto has been, follow the sport and the right design will come through.”

In the new TX Pro, SCARPA employs a triple-injection technology that it developed specifically for a telemark boot. The use of materials of different densities in the shell, bellows and toe — combined with a Torsion Bridge Frame that places stiffer material in a frame that wraps from heel to toe and across the forefoot — makes it possible to create a boot that is lightweight and flexes easily, yet at the same time provides superior torsional support. The liner boot also perfectly mirrors the shell in the bellows area for an extremely smooth, comfortable feel when flexing. SCARPA’s Cabrio-Overlap closure provides a gradual progressive flex, allowing volume adjustability, impulse transmission as well as ease of getting in and out of the boot.

Other key features in the new TX Pro include:

• Made with Pebax RNEW, a material derived from the castor bean plant, which reduces fossil fuel use and emissions in the process of moving from raw to usable material. In addition, castor beans can be grown on arid land where other agriculture typically isn’t possible, so it doesn’t compete with food production and also offers an economic activity in places where other agriculture doesn’t take place.
• A new tongue design features an easily replaceable edge protector where ski edges commonly abrade the insides of telemark boots.
• A friction-free Speed Walk mechanism has 62 degrees range of motion and forward lean of 14 degrees with +/- 2 degrees of adjustability.
• The Vibram® EVO LT outsole uses Durastep rubber and Traction Lug Technology, increasing traction on snow up to 25 percent.
• An Intuition liner made specifically for a telemark boot has a flex zone in the toe, a supportive tongue, and is made with recycled materials.
• A thermoformed Ortholite footbed is made with two densities of recycled material.
• Closure is 3 Buckles + Booster® Active Power Straps with integrated RECCO reflectors for searchability.
• 102mm forefoot width.
• 1545 grams per boot (size 27) compared to 1750 grams in the previous TX Pro.
• Men’s and women’s versions.

The new SCARPA TX Pro retails for $849 and will be available in September 2024.

About SCARPA and SCARPA North America

Founded in 1938, SCARPA builds performance footwear for climbing, hiking, skiing, mountaineering, trail running and other outdoor pursuits from its headquarters in Asolo, Italy. SCARPA has been owned and operated by the Parisotto family since 1956. In 2005, SCARPA opened its North American headquarters in Boulder, Colo., staffed and directed by veterans of the North American outdoor industry, to oversee sales, marketing and distribution in the U.S., Canada and South America. For more information about SCARPA footwear, visit www.scarpa.com.

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(FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE / MARCH 4, 2024) – Swany America this week named Todd Givnish as the company’s vice president of sales.

Givnish will take his new role with Swany America on March 4, 2024, and will oversee a range of initiatives to strategically grow the legacy wintersports brand, strengthen its ski specialty foundation, and support the introduction of key new products.

“Swany is entering a new growth phase which will see both a significant evolution of our products and brand, as well as a renewed commitment to our three decades of experience in the American winter sports industry. With his combination of professional and personal experience and in the outdoors, Todd is the ideal person to lead this effort for Swany,” said Yuki Kumoi, CEO of Swany America

Givnish is a recognized leader in the ski and outdoor verticals, having previously led Smartwool sales and marketing efforts for more than a decade.

While at Smartwool, Givnish helped guide the brand through a period of continuous growth and strengthened partnerships across all channels.

“Swany is coming into an incredible moment of opportunity as a brand, with both a rich history in the winter world as well as the design and manufacturing skills to build the best products for the most demanding users,” said Givnish. “It’s an exciting time to be a part of a great team.”

Founded in 1980, Swany America built its brand on the foundation of avid winter users seeking lightweight and functional styling as well as generous warmth and comfort.

With a passion for the outdoors and a talent for making gloves, Swany blends leading edge textile technologies and innovative material blends to create a diverse range of performance and lifestyle glove designs.

ABOUT SWANY AMERICA

Swany America was founded in 1980 and, as a dedicated glove manufacturer, leverages its strengths to provide high-quality ski gloves under the Swany brand. Based on Swany’s purpose of “delivering warmth to the world,” we are always pursuing to continually innovate and create performance gloves that inspire and bring joy, passion, and purpose to our customers. For more information about Swany America, please visit https://swanyamerica.com.

 

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OSLO (Feb. 29, 2024) — Norrøna, the Norwegian outdoor brand regarded for its sustainably built, premium outerwear, is expanding its talented roster of brand ambassadors with the addition of Amie Engerbretson, Megan Dingman and Rémy Métailler. The three athletes will play a critical role in the brand’s product testing process, putting more than 250 hours of in-field testing across Norrøna’s range of gear. Additionally, Métailler will join other Norrøna ambassadors for the Total Norrøna Mountain Bike Experience at Canvas Telemark in May, which welcomes Norrøna fans to ride in paradise alongside brand ambassadors.

“We are thrilled to welcome Aime, Megan and Rémy to the Norrøna ambassador team. Each athlete brings a unique perspective to the brand and to their sports, and we look forward to collaborating on future projects,” said Jørgen Jørgensen, leader and fourth-generation owner of Norrøna. “We are especially excited that all three ambassadors will represent Norrøna in key areas of North America, as we continue to expand our presence there.”

Amie Engerbretson (@amieski) joins Norrøna’s ambassador team from Lake Tahoe, California, where she effortlessly turned her passion of skiing into a thriving career. She is an active climate advocate, working with community organizations, lobbying groups, regional elections and more to help shift the focus toward primary drivers of solutions. Engerbretson recently released her climate documentary “The Hypocrite,” which aims to squarely address imperfect advocacy in the world of snow sports.

“I have admired the Norrøna brand for a long time, and joining the team is really a dream come true,” said Engerbretson. “Norrøna blends the highest-level performance with great style, a solid background in sustainability and rich brand history. I am really inspired and energized for the season ahead with this incredible company.”

Megan Dingman (@megan_dingman) found her love of skiing through ski racing, which later flourished into a life-long passion and love for the outdoors. She settled in Salt Lake City after skiing NCAA  at Saint Michael’s College and quickly found herself exploring the backcountry powder stashes, bike trails, local climbing routes and rivers.

The final addition to the Norrøna ambassador team is mountain biking athlete Rémy Métailler (@remymetailler). Originally from the Southeast of France, Métailler now calls Squamish, British Columbia, home, where he hikes, skis, surfs and of course, mountain bikes. He has been invited to four Red Bull Rampage events in his career and pushes the boundaries of possibilities with his riding.

“I’m excited to be working with Norrøna. I have watched the brand grow in North America over the past few years, and I love the products I have been using so far,” said Métailler. “I’m excited to be part of the development of the future range of mountain bike products and work with a brand that puts technical performance and sustainability in the forefront of all its gear.”

Métailler will be joining ambassadors Geoff Gulevich and Joline Johansson for a unique mountain biking experience at Norrøna Canvas Telemark May 8-10, 2024. Mountain bikers of all levels are welcome to enjoy multiple days of biking with ambassadors, testing Norrøna’s gear and experiencing the unique luxury of Canvas Telemark. Visit the event page here for more information and to register.

For details on the full Norrøna ambassador team, visit www.norrona.com/en-GB/about-norrona/our-ambassadors/.

For media inquiries, please contact corinne.baud@rygr.us.

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About Norrøna: In 1929, Jørgen Jørgensen, a Norwegian outdoor enthusiast, began his search for durable outdoor equipment to perform in Norway´s harsh and rugged land. Starting with simple innovations such as leather straps, canvas backpacks and cotton clothing, he set Norrøna’s direction: To search for the best in technical advancements and to create the ultimate performance products. Today, four generations later, Norrøna is still a family-owned and run company and a leader in the growing market of sustainable sportswear. www.norrona.com

 

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. [Feb. 29, 2024] – Salsa Cycles, manufacturer of gravel and mountain bikes such as the Cutthroat, Warbird and Blackthorn, announces today the launch of a new ebike collection. Focusing on lightweight and versatile options, the new ebike collection looks like a Salsa and rides like a Salsa and features best-in-class drive systems and modern geometry. The goal of this new ebike collection is for new and experienced riders to have the ability to explore more gravel and singletrack trails while being able to stay out on adventures longer than ever before. See the new collection in action in the brand video here.

“These ebikes truly fit into the Salsa line so well. As the Salsa team began working on ebikes, we recognized the opportunity to leverage the power of E to the fullest. What we ended up creating is a highly capable gravel and mountain ebike collection that offers incredible value to the rider. We believe Salsa electric bikes are all about more per hour: more miles, more experiences and more fun,” says Salsa Category Manager, Joe Meiser. “Giving riders the ability to leave no free afternoon, no second trail lap or no scenic gravel road unridden. With intentional  design and our proven adventure-ready features, you’ll do more by bike than you ever thought possible. That’s the power of Adventure by Bike.”

The Salsa eGravel collection features two adventure ready models for all gravel riders. This collection is accessible for new riders looking for new challenges or experienced riders who want more from their rides. The new eGravel collection will be available in March at local speciality retailers.

The Confluence, which is available now, is designed for cyclists that want a little more adventure each day. Made to explore gravel roads, be comfortable on mixed surface rides or bikepacking excursions. This eGravel bike features a light 6061-T6 aluminum frame and carbon fork, and runs on MAHLE’s X35+ Class 1 hub-drive system with a 40Nm motor and 250Wh MAHLE i250 Inner Tube internal battery. With flat-bar and drop-bar models and mounts for a full range of accessories, the Confluence is versatile and ready for any kind of gravel ride. Also designed with an inclusive fit with low standover that accommodates a wider range of bodies, abilities and fit preferences. With four different models the Confluence starts at $2,499.

The second eGravel bike in the line-up is the Tributary which will be available March 5. This capable eGravel bike is built for rough double track roads and deep adventures. It features a progressive geometry and is built around short stems and wide drop bars that are paired with massive tire clearance that complements the Class 3, 28mph capable, eBike. The Tributary is built around Bosch’s Performance Line Speed, Class 3, mid-drive system, delivering 85Nm of torque and a 625Wh Bosch PowerTube 625 battery.  The Tributary has the ability to accessorize with racks and bags, load up and get out.  There are two models in the line, with and without front suspension, starting at $5,499.

“These are eGravel bikes that only Salsa would make. They really unlock adventure in a whole new way — encouraging you to take the indirect route, get creative, and find out what’s on the other side of the mountain,” says Salsa Product Manager, Michael Groskreutz.

The new Salsa eMTB collection leverages Salsa’s experience with Split Pivot and a design and engineering practice that leverages it to the fullest.  The eMTBs give riders more opportunity to self-shuttle ambitious climbs, session more lines and ride lap after lap, maintaining flow. The eMTBs have all the features mountain bike riders have come to expect, like on-bike cargo.  What sets them apart is multiple travel options in one platform and progressive geometry that is complemented by intuitive and thoughtfully executed electric assist.  A light trail and a full power Enduro eMTB will be debuting this coming April, specific specs are embargoed until their release to retailers.

The Moraine is a light assist trail bike with progressive trail geometry, versatile Split Pivot suspension and on-bike storage. Made for an all around mountain bike platform that feels just-right on many trails, from backcountry to black-diamond. Moraine offers two models and starts at $4,999.

The Notch is an electric enduro bike with geometry poised for stability at speed, efficient Split Pivot suspension and on-bike storage. Versatile enough to roam far on rowdy terrain or battle between the tape in an eMTB enduro event. Notch is the most capable eMTB in the industry with two models starting at $4,999.

“Elevating on our existing Split Pivot design philosophy, we set out to build the most capable eMTBs possible,” says Ethan Frey, Product Manager.  “We’ve spent hours designing, riding, iterating, and testing them, and we couldn’t be more excited to see them out in the world. We believe these bikes are Adventure by Bike to their core; they inspire, enhance, and thrive on adventure.”

Salsa is committed to growing their ebike collection and will be releasing additional models in the coming seasons.

Salsa will have each of these ebike platforms available for demo at this year’s Sea Otter Classic, April 18–21, 2024 in Monterey, California.

Salsa Cycles are sold exclusively in specialty retailers. Find a store near you here. For more on Salsa please visit www.salsacycles.com or follow along on social media on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and X.

About Salsa Cycles

Salsa Cycles is the Adventure by Bike brand. Started in 1981 and based in Bloomington, Minnesota, our mission is to build the best possible bikes and accessories for adventure. Through products and stories focused on ingenuity, inspiration, and inclusivity, we seek to lead riders to new places, people, extraordinary achievements, and unforgettable experiences. Please contact us at info@salsacycles.com or visit us at SalsaCycles.com to learn more.