News Topics
January 13, 2023
Can Outdoor Specialty Retailers Conquer the Booming Running Market?
The running market has always been hyper-competitive, but new retail challengers from the outdoor world are raising the stakes for players in the space. For the past three years, the running category has been the footwear industry’s biggest success story. As gyms closed amid the pandemic, a staggering number of...
January 12, 2023
Are Protein Bars Actually Good for You?
The global market for protein bars is growing quickly and expected to swell to more than $2 billion by the end of 2026. Despite the advertising, nutrition experts say that protein bars aren’t all that healthy. The New York Times (paywall)
January 12, 2023
Strava Has Laid Off Employees Ahead of Rising Prices. Here’s What Your Subscription Will Cost Next Month
The layoffs predated the reported uptick in price for premium features. The previous $7.99 monthly rate will increase to $11.99 on February 6—a significant 50 percent increase. Aol
January 12, 2023
Dutch study: Two thirds of pro riders have poor bone health
The research conducted by the HAN University of Applied Sciences in Nijmegen, Netherlands, concluded that two-thirds of professional cyclists had poor bone density. A total of 93 elite and professional riders, both male and female, took part in the study. VeloNews
January 12, 2023
Specialized Lays Off 8% of Employees
The latest staple outdoor company to announce massive layoffs: one of the U.S.’s biggest names in bicycles and bike gear. In a brief press release Wednesday, Specialized announced major cuts. Gear Junkie
January 11, 2023
Trail Running and Drug-Testing: Where Do We Go From Here?
For years, trail running has had a reputation as a clean sport with a bit of a “wild west” vibe. But the globalization of the sport, increased level of competition, more sponsorship contracts, and the advent of bigger prize purses has started to change the sport in the past decade,...
January 11, 2023
Detroit offers new e-bike with US-made frame, Zehus hub motor
The Zehus hub is similar to the one used by Cooper Bikes on models that BRAIN wrote about last April. The 250-watt motors have no wires; it can be adjusted wirelessly via a phone app. It offers 20 miles of range in its strongest power mode or 35 miles in...
January 11, 2023
White Industries acquires iconic Rolf Prima and Astral Cycling in all-American takeover
White Industries is expanding into complete wheels through the acquisition of totemic hoop maker Rolf Prima and its sister brand Astral Cycling. The parts manufacturer has custom-built hubs for rim and wheel makers Rolf Prima and Astral Cycling since 2004 and 2017 respectively. Bike Radar
January 11, 2023
JD Sports Posts 20 Percent H2 Growth Across North American Retail Banners
JD Sports Fashion Plc, the parent company of Finish Line, DTLR and Shoe Palace in the U.S. and sports fashion and outdoor retail brands Blacks, JD, Millets, and Go Outdoors in the U.K., realized sales growth of more than 10 percent in its organic retail businesses through 22 weeks of...
January 10, 2023
When it comes to staying on pace in warmer conditions, women trump men
Staying on pace during the second half of a marathon can be a challenge in even the most favourable of weather conditions. Add in a little heat and the task becomes harder still – but women are better at it than men. That’s according to a new study, published in...