SRAM: Tweak. Refine. Tweak. Refine. Leap Ahead.

Incremental enhancements. Perpetual improvements. Revolutionary Innovation. When advancements are continuously made to every attribute of every component, the result is overall performance that is simply second to none. And to real cycling enthusiasts, there is nothing more gratifying then achieving the ultimate ride. And the best part is we just keep making it better.

This is what SRAM is all about. Sure, a casual rider will appreciate solid performance, reliability, dependability and all the standard qualities one would expect. But it's the riders who live and breathe bicycles who love us most because bicycles are what we love, too. In fact, they're our only love.

Narrow minded yet forward thinking.

Bike components are all we do - which is why we do them so mind-bendingly well. SRAM Corporation began with the goal of creating the absolute best shifting system and changed the cycling world forever with the introduction of Grip Shift. To support the innovation, we invested in Sachs Bicycle Company and built a state of the art manufacturing facility in Schweinfurt Germany. We had the vision and desire to expand our presence in the industry so we found the best suspension company, RockShox, joined forces with them, creating huge excitement in the global cycling community. Not content to stop there, we knew expanding our line with the best brakes, bottom brackets and cranksets would fine-tune the ride even more. So we teamed up with Avid and Truvativ.

Now that we have achieved total drive train nirvana, we will continue to seek and deploy technological and engineering advancements, as we compulsively refine and redefine the pinnacle of the ultimate ride.

Cleveland Clinic Sports Health Center
5555 Transportation Blvd.
Garfield Heights, OH 44125

All athletes deserve the very best sports-related care and treatment that is focused, one-on-one and state-of-the-art. At Cleveland Clinic Sports Health, this involves conditioning to become stronger and faster, maximizing abilities, preventing injuries, treating injuries non-surgically when possible and surgically when necessary, and improving future performance.

Cleveland Clinic Sports Health brings together top orthopaedic surgeons, primary care sports medicine physicians, physician assistants, nurses, physical therapists, athletic trainers and exercise physiologists all under the same roof.

Our experts treat athletes in all sports, all ages and skill levels, and we are proud to have been chosen to care for Cleveland's professional sports teams. As our patient, you have access to the same specialists who treat the pros.

Same-day appointments are available so you can return to your favorite game, faster.

Outstanding Research & Recruiting Services

Established in 2003, RGF Solutions, Inc., provides outstanding research and recruiting service for some of the most notable International Retained Executive Search Firms and Corporate Executive HR Departments. We specialize in uncovering information (name generation) on the most difficult search assignments and/or convincing exceptional candidates (candidate development) to come to the table. Our consistent/partner base, values our ability to tackle virtually any search assignment, regardless of discipline, producing quality results in a timely manner.

Robert G. Fernandez, founder of RGF Solutions, Inc., is an accomplished executive search manager with more than 16 years of executive search, fraud and background investigations knowledge. Robert continues to hand-select and personally train his entire staff of professional search and research experts. The staff at RGF Solutions, with a combined 35 years of experience, provides vast knowledge in research and recruitment.

RGF Solutions accesses articles from over 2000 different exclusive news sources, in addition to over 200 exclusive sources which provide company and financial profiles in addition to a database of readily available names, titles, and organizational charts generated across all industries and departments. We offer custom unbundled services as stand-alone project assignments on an hourly basis, or as an integrated element of a comprehensive retained search engagement.

Felt History: At the heart of Felt is a genuine love of speed. The man behind the name, Jim Felt, made a name for himself in motocross as one of the ace mechanics for Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki and Yamaha. It was in supporting one of the stars of motocross, Johnny O’Mara—“The O-Show”—that Felt built his first frame, a time trial/triathlon frame for O’Mara. Felt’s first successes in cycling came before he had a name for his company.

O’Mara was racing in triathlons to stay fit for motocross. Today the training makes great sense, but back in 1989 the idea seemed crazy. That year Felt built a frame for O’Mara who, in 1990, won the California State Championship in the time trial. Felt was a pretty decent age grouper and finished third at Bud Light Triathlon in Barstow.

Word of O’Mara’s success aboard the Felt-designed and built frame spread, which led to a call from Easton Sports. Easton was relatively new to the bicycle industry and needed a product engineer for its fledgling bike program. Felt brought his cycling know-how and Easton provided a crash course in metallurgy. One of Felt’s first projects was to design a frame for Easton-sponsored triathlon legend Paula Newby Fraser. Newby Fraser had already won three Ironman competitions and Easton needed to provide her with a bike guaranteed to be fast. Felt delivered the B2, so named for its stealthy, matte black finish. The rest, as they say, is history. Newby Fraser took her fourth Kona Ironman that year.

Felt’s reputation as a guy who understands how to go fast was sealed. Working with Easton, Felt would go on to build bikes for duathlon’s winningest athlete, Ken Souza, mountain bike legend John Tomac, and Ironman strongman Wolfgang Dietrich. Any bike builder on the planet would kill to have such a collection of athletes on their resume.

Felt left Easton to launch his brand in conjunction with Answer Products in 1994. The relationship led to the sponsorship of the Nutra-Fig Team, which gained entry to the Tour DuPont in 1996. Nutra-Fig rider Chris Horner took a stage win in a two-man sprint against US Postal’s Nate Reiss following a long breakaway. Horner also won the Lancaster Classic and the Athens Twilight Crit that year. In 2000 Felt parted ways with Answer after a 7-year relationship.

In 2001 Bill Duehring and Michael Müllmann partnered with Jim Felt to re-launch the Felt brand. Duehring and Müllmann had a fresh vision for the brand. Rather than confining itself to upper-end road and triathlon bicycles, Duehring and Müllmann saw the opportunity to expand the prestigious name into a broader offering of road and tri bikes, BMX, mountain bikes, even cruisers and commuter bikes.

In addition to Duehring and Müllmann’s expansion of the product line, they had plans to take the brand international. Felt Racing, LLC, is a fairly unusual company in the bike industry in that it truly has two presidents: one in the U.S. and one in Europe. Felt is truly a global brand. The expertise Duehring and Müllmann brought gave the Felt brand access to resources it previously lacked.

Felt President Bill Duehring is a bike industry lifer. He is his family’s third generation to work in cycling. Both his grandfather and father ran bike shops in the Washington, D.C., area; his dad later opened a shop in Florida. Duehring started working in his dad’s shop while in high school, first as a wrench, later on the sales floor. It wasn’t long before he got interested in the distribution side of the business. He left his father’s shop to join a national distributor known for selling the biggest brands in BMX. Duehring spent time in nearly every aspect of the operation, from the warehouse to customer service, purchasing and sales. Later, he got involved in product management when the distributor launched its own line of bicycles, and was making trips to Asia while in his early 20s. He would move on to another large bike manufacturer as a Vice President of product development.

Those in the industry who know Duehring are quick to acknowledge his ability to partner with Asian companies to produce exceptional bicycles at competitive prices. And while he understands parts spec unusually well, colleagues say his real talent is in understanding how Asian companies do business, that he understands the give-and-take involved in the relationship and how building and preserving that relationship goes deeper than just a contract.

Felt’s European President, Michael Müllmann, is the owner of Sport Import, a powerful importer and distributor in Europe. Müllmann studied management and economics while in college, and in the years since has developed expertise in international business, organization and financing. In 1980, while in school, he started a bike shop to help finance his education. That’s right, instead of working at a bike shop to make money, he started one. Dissatisfied with the lines he carried in his shop and looking for strong BMX lines, he started his own import and distribution company two years later and began bringing some of the first production mountain bikes into Germany in 1984.

It was only natural that Duehring and Müllmann would come into contact through their work in both BMX and mountain bikes. Their association goes back more than 20 years, so when the opportunity to join forces and relaunch the Felt brand with one of cycling’s true innovators, they couldn’t pass up the opportunity.

With Duehring’s hand-picked team of product managers and engineers, Felt expanded into a full line of product offerings, including also cyclocross, track, fixed-gear, city and comfort bicycles; the line totals 140 models distributed in 27 countries.

Despite our broad offering of product, our mission is quite simple: To design, develop, and deliver the best bicycles in the world. Period.

Headsweats® Perspiration Technology Headwear was founded in the winter of 1998 by shoe industry veteran and obsessed cyclist, Alan Romick. Frustrated by the perils of heavy sweat blindness, migrating sunscreen and odd sunburn pattern on his head through his helmet, he set out to develop headwear that worked.

Today the Headsweats line includes washable, ultra light and supremely wicking hats that dominate the triathlon, cycling, running, adventure racing and outdoor markets. The success and a spirit of innovation, along with unsurpassed customer service, have established Headsweats as a leader within these categories for more than a decade. With a dedication and commitment to cutting-edge materials, advanced designs and fun headwear, the team is consistently looking ahead to new avenues and opportunities. www.headsweats.com

twentytwo clothing is a casual lifestyle clothing company dedicated to athletes and the life they live. twentytwo features modern, retro designs produced in limited numbers. Every design is limited to a run of only 100 with a new design being released every month. At twentytwo we believe that buttons are bullets and collars are killers.

Concrete Decals & Asphalt Decals: Introducing GatorAd®, a unique new product that is creating revenue streams and branding opportunities for race directors and event promoters. Turn any start or finish line, parking lot, roadway, sidewalk or concession area into a branding or revenue generating billboard with these innovative decals. Also great as mile markers and for directional guidance on the race course.

GatorAd® ashpalt decals are made of heavy duty, non-skid embossed vinyl with a specially formulated adhesive that will stick to virtually asphalt or concrete surface. It's uniquely textured surface requires no lamination which allows for better visibility of graphics. And dry or wet, it remains extremely non-skid. In independent lab testing for slip resistance, GatorAd decals tested at nearly double the standard threshold for safety established by OSHA, UL, ADA, and NFPA.

Economical and easy to install, they generally cost about 50% less than traditional asphalt decals. To install, just make sure the surface is clean and dry, pull back the paper release liner and lay it down. When removed, there is little or no residual residue left behind.

We offer free design and layout all for the same price. Just logon to www.BigSigns.com, hit the order link on our site and upload your logo, image or graphics on our FTP order form. If you would like to see what the decal will look like in the spot it will be placed, send us a digital photo of the area and we will place the mock up on the photo. This can be a powerful selling tool for your potential sponsors. To approve or edit the design, log on to on our online proofing site. Once approved, we can usually ship it out to you in five business days.

Check out the Tour of Missouri GatorAd finish line decal in use on flickr

Event Fence: Durable, lightweight, weather resistant and economical, Event Fence is great for establishing a course's perimeter, controlling the crowd or for security. Fade resistant. Comes in 46" x 150' rolls. Poles and anchors available.

Sponsor Banners: Vivid color and precise printing make Dura-Last or Dura-Mesh Banners really POP! Attached to any fence or solid surface these banners are certain eye catchers. Dura-Last vinyl banners are made from super tough 13 oz. vinyl and will withstand nature's worst elements for years. Dura-Mesh Banners allow for 30% wind pass through and with UV protected Ultra Brite inks, look great and work well on chain link fence or steel barriers. Our banners are finished using hems & grommets with the hems being reinforced to eliminate grommet & pocket tears.

Media Backdrop & Frame: Media Backdrops are great for your winners podium and offer a great opportunity to promote your race and key sponsors. Made from a special nonglare satin vinyl material these banners will project an ultra-professional image for your event. Generally finished with pole pockets. Aluminum telescoping banner stand also available. Sets up in 10 minutes.

Modstar A Frame Signs: Modstar is an economical and fully modular a-frame system which is great for creating your start and finish line chutes. Each Modstar section 34"h x 4'w which can stand alone or be linked together to create any size sign you desire in 4' increments. It can be staked into the ground or sand bagged for stability in higher wind situations. Modstar collapses down flat for easy storage and is UPS shippable. Graphics are applied to our Tru-Satin Premium Banner with special matte and UV fade resistant inks. Graphics are attached with velcro sewn on the top and bottom of the banner, as well as the frame, for quick and easy set up. This is also allows for graphics to be switched out while using the same frame.

About Us: Curve Inc. was founded in Boulder, Colorado in 1991. Currently based in Boulder with an office in Budapest, Hungary, we have been at the forefront of hard and soft goods design and development for nearly two decades.

You have definitely seen our products in action. Curve products have been used to multiple international successes including overall victory in all three Grand Tours, World Championships, numerous Classics, and so many other races and competitions, that we can't even begin to count them all.

Curve is a worldwide company, makes the most advanced cycling clothing available. Curve apparel has been used to overall victory in all three Grand Tours. Our clothing is tested extensively by professional athletes in the world’s most demanding international competitions. We manufacture our products exclusively in the European Union using the very finest fabrics, yarns, and components available.

Boulder, Co with it's perfect climate and terrain, is an excellent base for our product development activities, but we travel the globe to test our gear in the most challenging environments possible. Naturally, we work directly with world class professional athletes in many sports to bring you the most functional products on the market.

Our Company: At Curve, we only care about one thing: Performance. No gimmicks, no hype, no excuses. We don’t design our products based on market research, focus groups, sales projections, or pie charts. It’s deeper than that. We’re athletes. It’s what we do. It’s who we are. We design our products for ourselves, and we hope that our exacting standards will meet and exceed yours.

These days so many companies speak of sustainability and responsibility, but more often than not, it's just marketing hype. Before we choose to work with a manufacturer or supplier, we take a very close look. We go there. We meet with them. We want to know about the people and countries where we're sending our money. For us being socially and environmentally responsible includes evaluating the governments, communities, companies, and families that we help support with our dollars.

We hope that you’ll feel our commitment and passion in the products that we design and that you’ll join in our love of Earth, Water, and Life.

Dealer Inquiries Welcome.

Lombardo Business Park is ideally located in Northeast Ohio between Cleveland and Akron , Just 15 min. to Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. Serving local, regional, national and international businesses for over 30 years. We look forward to offering high quality and energy efficient office / distribution, flex and research and development facilities well into the new millennium.

Joseph Comella Lombardo, one of the founders of Lombardo Brothers Construction Company, started early in the business world at the age of seven selling fruit at the old Central Market in Cleveland, Ohio. Joseph's family migrated to the United States from Sicily to begin a new life in Cleveland. As a teenager, Joseph purchased a commercial truck and built that investment into one of the largest construction companies in the area. Accomplishments for Lombardo Brothers included building a 13 mile segment of the Ohio Turnpike during its initial construction; a large portion of Willow Freeway which is now I-77; Buckley Boulevard, better known today as Edgewater Drive; the east approach to the Main Avenue Bridge; Cloverleaf Drive In Theatre and Cloverleaf Speedway.

In the late 1940's and into the 1950's, Joseph and his partners expanded into investment real estate by forming L & M Properties and acquiring large parcels of land throughout the county. He purchased 500 acres in Independence, which has now been developed into a portion of the Rockside Road office corridor and 100 plus acres in Valley View. His company began preparation of the land in the valley in the mid 1950's, paved Cloverleaf Parkway and started actual construction of the first building in 1967.

His first tenant, Parts Warehousing Corporation, leased 50,000 square feet of office and warehouse space. In 1970 Sun Newspapers moved its office and production facilities into a 22,000 square foot free standing building and still remain in the park today.

Joseph Comella Lombardo passed away on June 9, 1971. His son Charles formed Lombardo Investment Builders (L.I.B.) in 1968 and at the time of his father's death had already built and was managing office buildings of his own, took over the thriving business that his father left behind. Charles' son, also named Joseph, joined the business in 1977 and the father - and - son team continues the family endeavor today. Through the years the park has been enhanced by various expansions to existing buildings, the completion of Cloverleaf One- a 45,000 square foot multi- occupancy building- and in 1988 the renaming of Cloverleaf Industrial Park to Lombardo Business Park. As a tribute to the founder, Joseph Comella Lombardo, a memorial stone has been incorporated into the decorative walls that have been constructed at the entranceway to the park.

Lombardo Business Park is conveniently located at the north end of the Village of Valley View off Granger Road, just 10 minutes from downtown Cleveland, 15 minutes from Hopkins International Airport, and 20 minutes to Akron with immediate access to I-77 and I-480. Tenants also have the added advantage being within a two mile radius of numerous restaurants. The Village of Valley View assures tenants one of the lowest tax rates in the county, which makes relocating to Lombardo Business Park a wise business investment. The company recently purchased Admiral Merchants Motor Freight Terminal facing Canal Road and razed the building to make room for future twin office/warehouse buildings.In total, approximately 30 acres of land remain available in the park for future development.

Giant Eagle Inc., ranked 32 on Forbes magazine's largest private corporations list and past recipient of Progressive Grocer's Retailer of the Year Award and the EPA's ENERGY STAR Retail Partner of the Year Award, is one of the nation's largest food retailers and food distributors with approximately $7.1 billion in annual sales.

Founded in 1931, Giant Eagle, Inc. has grown to be the number one supermarket retailer in the region with 158 corporate and 65 independently owned and operated supermarkets in addition to more than 130 fuel and convenience stores throughout western Pennsylvania, Ohio, north central West Virginia and Maryland.

In addition to a wide variety of the region's freshest and high quality produce, meat, and seafood, Giant Eagle customers enjoy products and services ranging from convenience stores and fuel stations to dry cleaning, and on-site supervised child learning and activity centers. Giant Eagle also offers other convenient services including video rental, in-store banking, on-site film laboratories and floral shops.

An active community partner, Giant Eagle provides support for local food banks, community events, the United Way, The Salvation Army, Race For The Cure and other non-profit organizations. The company has also created education initiatives such as Apples For The Students, which has provided millions of dollars in computer equipment, software and other classroom learning tools for local schools and the Be A Smart Shopper school nutrition program.

One of the largest, privately owned and family-operated companies in the nation with annual sales of approximately $7.1 billion. Ranked 32 on Forbes magazine's list of the top U.S. private companies with 223 locations (158 corporate and 65 independently-owned and operated stores) throughout Western Pennsylvania (98), Ohio (121), Northern West Virginia (2), and Western Maryland (2).

The Giant Eagle Supermarket By the Numbers:

Zipp Speed Weaponry serves a select group of elite companies and athletes, globally located and committed to bicycle & wheelchair competition. Zipp meets customer's needs for the highest performance, superlative quality components through innovative design and manufacturing utilizing the best material and technology available.

Our company is built on mutual respect, delivery on promise and fastidious attention to manufacturing details. We do this by providing exceptional customer service and aggressive marketing, supporting distribution through dedicated dealers, distributors, OE's and direct sales. Market share growth is achieved through continuous product and process improvement, adding new products, additional categories and expanding the distribution channels.

We are a manufacturing company located in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA and part of the SRAM group.

In 1961, a 3-speed bicycle hub displayed at the New York Toy Show was the catalyst for what would eventually become Shimano American Corporation. The popularity of 20-inch wheeled bikes with hi-rise handle bars fueled a demand for multi-speed hubs and Shimano was producing an affordable and reliable version that caught the attention of the industry. So much so, that by 1965, Yoshizo Shimano, the youngest son of the company founder in Japan, opened an office in New York to get quicker product feedback and to provide technical and warranty assistance to retailers selling bikes equipped with Shimano parts.

Though Shimano American has grown from that first modest office staffed by only three people to a full distribution center with sales and marketing offices, the goals are the same: to ensure that Shimano always has a listening ear to provide feedback on relevant trends and needs of the North American market for both bicycle and fishing products and make those a reality for our customers. Additionally, a good product is often judged as such by the support that the company provides, and our offices are staffed with customer service personnel that can answer questions and facilitate warranty resolution with just a phone call.

Shimano’s participation extends much further than the product, though. Through advocacy programs, ISO 14001 certification, and even commuter / car pool programs for employees, Shimano practices good local citizenship, pursues continued access to those areas that are enjoyed by outdoor enthusiasts, and is committed to minimizing our impact on the environment.

The Residence of Chardon offers a personalized environment for seniors that ultimately enhances their quality of life. We pledge to serve our residents with courtesy, love, dignity and professionalism while demonstrating our commitment to quality care. The warmth and personal comfort of our beautiful surroundings provide a much-appreciated home-like atmosphere. Staff members are professional, well-trained and committed to senior service.

Personal service is a key component to our care. Each resident is an individual, and we recognize... The Residence is their home! We develop service plans to meet the needs of each resident, with a commitment to support the individual's independence. Our environment is designed to foster this independence, while providing the necessary assistance to maximize personal goals and well-being. Gentle guidance from caring staff encourages residents to make their own choices. Individual life skills, such as gardening, baking and pet care, are incorporated into each day, honoring the unique personal identify of each senior.

Rudy Project is a modern, marketing oriented company that has established itself as a leading brand worldwide. Rudy Project designs and manufactures hi-tech sunglasses, goggles, helmets and accessories using the application of science, advanced materials and computer technology to create functional, aesthetically superior and technologically advanced products.

Rudy Barbazza, a pioneer in the Italian sunglass and sporting goods industry, founded Rudy Project in 1985. Through his vision and dogged commitment to technology and innovation, Rudy has created a company and a creative environment that has achieved many "firsts" in manufacturing eyewear, goggles and helmets.

Rudy throughout the years has been a champion of sponsoring and supporting athletes at every level of competition. It is no wonder that Rudy Project products have been worn by many greats including Bernard Hinault, Miguel Indurain, Jan Ullrich, Erik Zabel, Claudio Chiappucci, Abraham Olano, Michellie Jones, Spencer Smith, Laurence LeBoucher and countless others.

You may think that honest, customer-first businesses selling legitimate products have become extinct. Hammer Nutrition is a refreshing exception - No hype, just great products and service. Our longevity, sterling reputation and devoted following amongst serious endurance athletes is unrivaled in the marketplace for four reasons:

Global Point Technologies, Inc. is a certified fiber optic and structured cabling, low voltage Installation Company. We offer complete design/build and installation services for all data, voice, video and security communications needs, including structured cabling systems, fiber optic installations and outside-plant cabling.

Our team is diverse with varied talents and disciplines. We have two Six Sigma certified employees and an RCDD. By having these disciplines within our organization it has allowed us to further develop our business management strategy as well as enhancing our quality management processes.

Key Service Features: ·

The 2009 Pan Ohio Hope Ride ended at the Musekamp Family Hope Lodge in Cincinnati Sunday. Thanks to more than 230 Hope Riders, more than 200 volunteers, supportive friends and family, and staff for making this year's Hope Ride one to remember. Raising money to make a difference for those fighting cancer The American Cancer Society’s Pan Ohio Hope Ride is a bicycling tour that enables you to take an incredible bicycle journey and to support the American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodges and other vital patient services. This tour is both inspiring and life changing. Check out the current PSA running in Cleveland ....encouraging you to join the Pan Ohio Hope Ride 2009 Click Here With each passing mile . . . You will discover the beauty of Ohio’s scenery, challenge yourself to pedal, talk and laugh, make new and lasting friends, hear inspiring stories of hope and courage, and help cancer patients and their families. The Pan Ohio Hope Ride is a special fundraising event. We have numerous ways to help you raise funds by reaching out to your friends, family members, and coworkers. Whatever you can raise will help current cancer patients and fund research to help defeat cancer in the future. Challenge yourself to hit the road and make the road smoother for those battling cancer. We welcome your support of the American Cancer Society’s Pan Ohio Hope Ride at any level. Join us for the four-day ride from Cleveland to Cincinnati, a two-day ride from Columbus to Cincinnati, or a one-day ride on any single day of the tour. The Pan Ohio Hope Ride will take cyclists from Cleveland to Cincinnati in a four-day tour through Ohio’s scenic countryside from July 30-August 2, 2009. Challenge yourself to hit the road and make the road smoother for those battling cancer. * Day 1 Cleveland to Wooster (75 miles) * Day 2 Wooster to Columbus (95 miles -- the BIG day) * Day 3 Columbus to Springfield (70 miles) * Day 4 Dayton to Cincinnati (80 miles)

CatEye is the leading manufacturer of cycle computers, lights and reflectors to cyclists in the world. Founded in 1946 in Osaka, Japan, CatEye has always been a leader in innovation and technology. cateye_building.jpg

In 1964, CatEye created the first flashing lamp for bicycles. CatEye went on to create the very first bicycle head lamp using white LEDs in 2001. The company is truly a world leader in lens and reflector technology; our Opticube lens and reflectors allow us to make the brightest and most efficient LED headlights. Our LD500 remains the only rear safety light that can meet the rigorous CPSC standards for reflectivity.

CatEye's first cycle computer was released in 1981. Now we offer a full range of computers to meet the demands of cyclists around the globe. Always at the cutting edge of technology, we were among the first companies to integrate altimeter, heart rate, and cadence technology into cycle computers.

With progressive research and design, in-house engineers, CatEye also manufactures its unique line of fitness machines and road-safety equipment.

From it's head office in Osaka,Japan, CatEye manages 2 factories in Japan and 1 in China, and is an ISO approved manufacturer. On the leading edge of technology, CatEye continues to innovate and lead the industry in bicycle electronics, and is committed to safety and comfort in cycling.

To say that Thule’s beginnings in the US were humble would be an understatement – Founding member Ake Skeppner sold direct to end users at windsurf competitions on the New England shoreline; exhibited the product line at a number of different trade shows and even canvassed local retailers in the greater New York area, all from his “office” - a now famous station wagon.

Initial success was found in the small but growing sport of windsurfing where a strong, reliable roof rack was an indispensable piece of equipment. This was quickly followed by success in the ski business where Thule’s Swedish heritage certainly helped the product gain rapid acceptance.

By the mid-eighties the first major milestone of the company occurred. At this point, the company sold directly to ski and windsurfing shops but sold through distributors to address the large and growing bike business. A risky decision was made to terminate these distributor relationships and sell direct to retailers through a network of independent sales representatives. Upon this decision rests much of the company's market success today.

As the company’s sales in the bike business grew, so did the competition with another US rack manufacturer. By the late eighties, Åke and his management team felt that the US market had changed - roof racks were seen as almost lifestyle accessories - and customers demanded features and products different to those available from Thule Sweden where roof racks where viewed more simply as a car accessory.

From this sprang the decision that would be the company’s second major milestone. Åke hired a US engineer and set up a small assembly plant in Elmsford, NY in order to design and manufacture bike carriers that would offer the features demanded by the US consumer and compete effectively with other racks on the market.

From this decision grew the strategy to design and manufacture products in the USA for the US market. Since this time, the company has grown rapidly through product innovation, a commitment to quality and the continuance of a strong entrepreneurial spirit. Into the year 2000 and beyond, Thule continues to evolve our products to meet the need of users.

Park Tool has been manufacturing bicycle specific tools since 1963. Based out of St. Paul Minnesota, we are the world's largest bicycle tool manufacturer. A long-term dedication to quality, innovation, and customer service has made Park Tool the first choice of professional and home bicycle mechanics around the world.

Perspective is an important quality in any business. Our vision is shaped by more than 40 years of experience in the bicycle industry, beginning with retail stores. There we learned first hand the changing needs of quality bicycle repair and maintenance. Our first Park Tool product in 1963 was a repair stand, Model PRS-1, so unique and useful that we were granted a U.S. patent. We now hold many patents on our tool line, which is nearly 300 products, the vast majority of which are manufactured here in America’s heartland.

But we are not standing still: Park Tool Co. continues to develop and refine bicycle repair tools and equipment to improve the service and efficiency of all bicycle mechanics, professional or hobbyist. We will continue to be an active part in the advancement of the sport of bicycling.

OUR HISTORY

It seems everything was simpler in 1956 and bicycles were no exception. A common day of repairs consisted of a few flat tires, a broken spoke and possibly a coaster brake hub overhaul. As the 1960's arrived, so did caliper brakes, shifting systems, and lightweight components. One problem surfaced along with these complicated new parts. No tools! My father, Howard, and his business partner, Art Engstrom, were both "hands on" guys, usually figuring problems out for themselves. Both were up to the challenge as they crafted their own problem solvers. Most of these early tools were built from scratch with whatever materials and leftovers they could find.

One of the first time-savers they invented was a stand that held the bike off the ground allowing easy, back saving access to any part of the bike. This original stand was put together using legs from a dining room table, an empty shell casing and a truck axle from a 37 Ford. As other shops, and eventually Schwinn Bicycle Company, saw the stand in action, requests were made for a production model. Park Tool Company was born!

The line grew quickly to include a wheel truing stand, more repair stands including a double arm shop version, wrenches gauges, fixtures and consumer tools soon joined the company's offerings. The retail side of the business also grew earning Top Ten Schwinn dealer status fifteen years in a row including number one overall in 1977. In the early 1980's all three retail shops were sold to concentrate on the tool business.

Our history says a lot about who we are and what we do. We still solve problems ourselves and we still insist on a "hands on" philosophy of invention, testing, and production. The forty employees of Park Tool take great pride in building the best bicycle tools in the world. Since that first stand, we've built hundreds of thousands more, reaching bike shops worldwide. Since the first hand tool, we've built millions more and our line now includes over 300 different items and a recent history of fifteen to twenty new product introduced each year.

Howard and Art never imagined in 1963 that Park Tool Company would grow to what it is today, but we will not take our spot at the top for granted. Our pledge for the future is simple: Build the best tools. Our commitment to that principle is stronger than ever. We build bicycle tools and maintenance equipment, it's all we do and we're good at it. Thank you for choosing Park Tool. We're honored to make tools for you.

About Ritchey Design

Reno, NV is the corporate headquarters for Ritchey Design. San Carlos, CA are the offices for sales, marketing, distribution and warranty. Ritchey Design is recognized around the world as one of the cycling industry’s premier innovators of high-quality bicycle components. Formed in 1974 by Tom Ritchey, the company actively designs a steady stream of new products, while constantly improving upon existing components, refining their lightness and durability with untiring drive, we call it; ‘relentless innovation.’ Modern day enthusiasts are very knowledgeable about their choices in the parts upgrade quest, Ritchey strives to be their very first choice.

The company is well-known for its technical merits through attention to detail during the product design phase, combine with rigorous fatigue testing, resulting in high-quality, road and mountain bike components. Under its Fit Logic philosophy, Ritchey Design offers a wide range of “cockpit” components (handlebars, stems seatposts, and headsets) that help riders custom fit their bikes for a more efficient and comfortable ride. Ritchey Design also offers a complete line of innovative products including: pedals, carbon wheels, carbon forks, saddles, and tires suitable for professional racers to the serious weekend rider. Additionally it designs, markets and sells a line of “Break-Away” travel bicycles for cyclists on the go.

In order to broaden its product , in 2003 Ritchey Design acquired Canada-based Freeride brand: Syncros, which develops and markets products specifically for XC, All Mountain, Freeride and Downhill mountain bike enthusiasts under the Syncros brand.

Ritchey Innovations over the years

PVR Bike Club, a non-profit organization, will join the list of growing sponsors for RGF Sports as the official sponsors of their U-21 development program. PVR Bike Club founded by both Hank Rochette and Tony Potts, former competitive cyclist thought this made perfect since to tie in their love for cycling and to help support young riders in northeast Ohio. “It’s a way to give back to the sport that has given us so much,” said PVR co-founder Hank Rochette. Both Tony Potts and I share the same passion with RGF Sports - it’s a perfect match.”

Jason Joseph Photography

THE BRAND AND THE NAME

Born in 1996 as a brand made for high performance fi'zi:k was designed in the USA, and handmade in Italy by the world's largest saddle manufacturer, Selle Royal. Fi'zi:k is the phonetic spelling of the word physique, referring to the form or state of the human body. Often associated with general fitness and athletics, the word is also used in many contexts to illustrate physical strength and superb health. - ie. a powerful physique, a healthy physique. In its phonetic form, fi'zi:k inspires other associations. Visually, the symbol conveys a sense of something scientific, technological or mathematical; and audibly, something fresh, effervescent, energetic and lively. Since the beginning, fi'zi:k's mission has been simple: to improve the ride experience for all cyclists.

THE PRODUCTION

The fi'zi:k brand production process represents a milestone in manufacturing. The process is differentiated from all others, foremost, by the passion of the company's employees. Fi'zi:k is not a just a brand, Selle Royal is not just a company, it is a "family." Quality, attention to detail and continuous efforts to improve and innovate are the heart and soul of production. The handmade production process combined with the utilization of high-tech, high-quality materials defines fi'zi:k brand manufacturing. Each and every saddle passes through a step by step, manual assembly operation. The cover is carefully stretched over the saddle, the titanium rail precisely inserted into the shell, and the saddle is meticulously cleaned and packaged by hand. One tiny flaw, invisible to the average eye, means the saddle is rejected. But such are the painstaking efforts that give fi'zi:k the quality, elegance and style that is recognized worldwide. By simple description, it is a bicycle seat, but through a labor of passion and detail, a fi'zi:k saddle can be compared to a fine Italian tailor-made suit.

THE PRODUCTS

Since its introduction, fi'zi:k has been committed to providing the ultimate in saddle design - combining comfort and lightweight, technology and innovation. Through physiological research, anatomic studies and advanced technology, fi'zi:k has succeeded in creating that perfect combination. To date, the brand offers twelve distinct model shapes in over twenty variations specifically designed for many riding styles and disciplines.

The unique design of each model (Arione, Gobi, Aliante, Rondine, Pave, Poggio, Dolomiti, Chrono, Plateau, Nisene, Atlas, and Vitesse) is complemented through innovation. Scientifically developed TechnoGel reduces the risk of soreness and numbness, and provides comfort. The washable microtex cover will not fade; and the often utilized Thigh Glides cover design provides ease of movement along the saddle sides. Innovation translates into benefits for cyclists. FI'zi:k's saddle designs illustrate the brand's ability to transcend disciplines and cater to the needs of all riders. Their most recent designs underscore fi'zi:k's position as the undisputed leader in innovation and technology in saddle design and manufacturing. Since the brand's 1996 inception, fi'zi:k has been leading the way and consistently differentiating itself from any other saddle brand on the market.