If you think the mountain bike market is too competitive to break into, think again. Rossignol Group plans to try their hand in the ever-evolving bike market in 2018.
Rossignol, which recently acquired Time Sport and Felt Bicycles, is set to launch its first line of Rossignol-branded mountain bikes next spring.
After announcing the purchase of Felt this year, the France-based ski manufacturer said it would work with the company to develop the line, which will be distributed through Rossignol’s ski retail and ski rental retailers.
“Rossignol’s consumer franchise is active in the outdoors well beyond the winter months, as are our retail and rental business partners,” said Francois Goulet, president of Rossignol Group North America. “Given our relationships with those partners, a strong understanding of modern year-round resort operations and recent acquisitions within the group, we have the unique ability to offer not only a compelling business opportunity, but a product offering worthy of the Rossignol brand. Rossignol has never been just a snow sports brand, but a mountain brand.”
The North American collection is scheduled to include 11 mountain bike models, including five full-suspension and six hardtail offerings across DH, enduro, trail and junior categories with 27.5 inch, 27.5-plus and 29 inch wheels for adults and 20 inch and 24 inch wheels for juniors.
“Rossignol is committed to elevating the outdoor experience through premium technology and innovation,” said Kurt Hoefler, Rossignol’s vice president of sales and marketing. “Now with the support, collaboration and expertise of our friends at Felt, we’re producing a very focused and credible product offering. One that’s not only unique in its construction, geometry and components, but addresses the meat of the market and is sure to deliver the type of experience consumers expect from the Rossignol brand.”
Rossignol e-bikes, which have seen distribution across Europe over the past three years, will not be made available in North America for the 2018 season.
Photo courtesy Rossignol
