Out of doors retailer REI is increasing its biking enterprise, together with an unique partnership with Van Rysel for its gravel bike assortment.
Starting in April 2025, REI would be the sole U.S. retailer for Van Rysel‘s gravel line, with new fashions coming later this spring.
Van Rysel is a French biking model and subsidiary of the one-stop sports activities superstore, Decathlon. The model has loved vital recognition of late due to its sponsorship of the Decathlon-Ag2r La Mondiale workforce. The WorldTour workforce is racing aboard the Van Rysel RCR Professional, which was, certainly, probably the most talked-about bikes in 2024. The highest-of-the-line bike was designed in partnership with the French aerospace analysis laboratory, wheel producer Swiss Aspect and Deda Elementi – and but, it’s additionally the least costly bike within the professional peloton.
Van Rysel’s new gravel line is constructed round an aluminium body and is geared toward adventure-oriented riders fairly than aggressive racers. Clients will have the ability to buy Van Rysel merchandise each in-store and on-line through REI’s web site.
“As gravel using’s reputation continues to develop, we’re dedicated to providing extra choices for riders tackling blended terrain—whether or not racing, bikepacking, or having fun with on a regular basis rides,” mentioned Kelley Hemminger, senior class merchandise supervisor at REI.
“Our unique gravel partnership with Van Rysel will present REI clients entry to a performance-rooted model with a concentrate on constructing bikes for this evolving class.”
REI’s growth of its biking class additionally contains partnerships with the Canadian mountain bike model Rocky Mountain; Swift Industries, a Seattle-based firm specializing in bikepacking equipment; and biking attire manufacturers Stio and Peppermint Biking.
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In latest months, REI additionally teamed up with Canyon Bicycles to supply in-store servicing for the direct-to-consumer model. Whereas Canyon continues to promote its bikes on-line, clients can now have their Canyon bike serviced at one in all REI’s 190 shops.
“We’re dedicated to welcoming and serving newbie to devoted riders who need extra choice in our cycle store,” mentioned Alicia Applegate, divisional merchandising supervisor at REI. “By increasing our specialty providing past our present lineup and persevering with to supply nationwide bicycle service, REI will make it simpler than ever for our clients to entry nice gear with nice member advantages, to get outdoors and benefit from the journey.”
