Easton Cycling Licenses Technology from Topolino

Easton Cycling to Introduce Lighter, Stiffer Composite Technology Into Its Product Line

SCOTTS VALLEY, Calif. & BETHEL, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Easton Cycling and Topolino Technology today announced a licensing agreement that will advance Easton Cycling wheels through the use of lighter and stiffer composite technology developed by Topolino. The long-term agreement benefits Easton as it continues to invest in its brand and the wheel category. In conjunction with this agreement, Topolino will discontinue their Carbon Core and True Black bicycle wheel lines. However, Topolino will continue to provide parts, service and support for its customers’ existing wheels while focusing on its new line of high-performance wheelchair wheels. The initial fruits of this agreement are expected to reach the marketplace next year.

“This partnership will build on Easton’s momentum in the wheel category and deliver products that will improve cycling performance, whether for Pro Tour riders like Cadel Evans and the BMC Team or everyday cycling enthusiasts.”

“We are excited by the combination of Topolino Technology’s innovative designs and Easton’s materials leadership,” said Marty Mares, Business Unit Director for Easton Cycling. “This partnership will build on Easton’s momentum in the wheel category and deliver products that will improve cycling performance, whether for Pro Tour riders like Cadel Evans and the BMC Team or everyday cycling enthusiasts.”

Since the late 1980s, Easton has led the bicycle industry in the engineering and development of composite materials. Today Easton engineers and product development teams leverage in-house testing labs, company owned composite manufacturing facilities, wind tunnels and World Champion cyclists in pursuit of best in class products.

“As the founder of Topolino, this agreement is an exciting next step. Easton Cycling has the marketing and manufacturing muscle of Easton-Bell Sports behind it, which will allow the company to reach a wider audience and fully take advantage of this unique technology," said Rafe Schlanger, Topolino Technology's president.

Topolino Technology hand-builds its composite wheels in the small town of Bethel, CT, as it has for over 10 years. Topolino's signature composite spokes, both lighter and stiffer than traditional steel spokes, are also designed to provide superior vibration damping characteristics, resulting in a smoother ride, with more control.

About Topolino

Topolino Technology has been manufacturing bicycle wheels at its facility in Bethel, CT, USA since 2002. These wheels utilize continuous carbon and Kevlar spokes that span across the full diameter of the wheel, extending through its composite hub. In late 2010, Topolino began producing performance wheelchair wheels based on similar technology. The design is said to be remarkably light, strong and smooth-rolling.

About Easton Cycling

Easton Cycling is the leader in composite design, engineering and manufacturing for the bicycle industry. Based in Scotts Valley, California, Easton delivers a range of carbon and aluminum wheelsets and components to manufacturers and consumers. Hallmarks of Easton products include innovative manufacturing techniques, category-leading performance and consistently high value. Easton wheels and components were ridden to victory at the 2011 Tour de France by Cadel Evans and the BMC Racing Team, who Easton continues to sponsor alongside the world’s best athletes in the road, mountain, track, triathlon and cyclo-cross disciplines.

About Easton-Bell Sports, Inc.

Easton-Bell Sports, Inc. is a leading designer, developer and marketer of branded sports equipment, protective products and related accessories. The company markets and licenses products under such well-known brands as Easton, Bell, Giro, Riddell and Blackburn. Its products incorporate leading technology and designs and are used by professional athletes and enthusiasts alike. Headquartered in Van Nuys, California, the company has 32 facilities worldwide. More information is available at www.eastonbellsports.com.