REI to sell Bontrager and more Cannondales
Outdoors sports gear and apparel retailer REI is making a renewed commitment to cycling.
Retailer REI has announced a major expansion of its cycling business in 2019. This year, giant outdoor sports gear and apparel retailer will offer Bontrager accessories and apparel, and has expanded on its long-standing relationship with Cannondale to make the brand available at all REI locations.
REI has also added a full-suspension mountain bikes to its in-house Co-op Cycles line and additional bicycle services and experiences for customers through an expanded bike rental program and pilot trade-in program.
“I genuinely believe in the transformative power of the bicycle and am inspired by the meaningful ways the co-op is investing to grow participation and the market,” says Ben Johns, REI’s general merchandising manager. “We owe it to our members to connect them with the best places to ride, the best cycling brands, and be a complete support resource. We’ve made great progress stepping up our shops, assortments and services to create a unique specialty experience, and the changes we have planned for 2019 will be another big step forward as we work to infuse cycling more prominently into the co-op’s DNA.”
Bontrager and Cannondale will soon be gracing these showroom floors.
Starting this spring, REI will offer Bontrager brand cycling apparel and accessories including, helmets, shoes, lighting and other components and accessories to its stores and REI.com.
“We’ve long appreciated the Bontrager brand for its innovative products and for being a true specialty brand in cycling,” said Johns. “We’re excited to partner with Bontrager to bring this line of apparel, components, and accessories to our members across the country.”
Over the past few years, the co-op has expanded access to several premium brands nationwide, including Cannondale, Ghost, Salsa, Co-op Cycles and now Bontrager, among others.
New Full-Suspension Co-op Cycles Bikes
Co-op Cycles, REI’s in-house bike line, is designed with help from REI’s most passionate cyclists to deliver versatile, capable bikes that can be used for mixed-terrain adventures, both on and off pavement. This year the co-op adds the DRT 3.1 ($2199) and 3.2 ($2799) full-suspension mountain bike to its collection.
“Our members love Co-op Cycles and continue to ask for more options to progress their riding within the brand,” says Paul Calandrella, REI Co-op Brands general manager. “We’re thrilled to bring them our
first full-suspension bikes, which are an excellent build upon our very well-received plus hardtail mountain bikes.”
The new REI Co-op Cycles full suspension bike.
The bikes, both 6061 aluminum trail bikes, offer a full complement of components in a playful, yet capable, mid-travel platform. The higher-end DRT 3.2 specs include: Air-sprung RockShox Revelation RC front suspension and RockShox Monarch R Solo Air rear with external rebound, SRAM NX Eagle 1x 12 drivetrain, X-Fusion Manic dropper seat post, Shimano hydraulic disc brakes, and tubeless ready 40mm wide wheels with 26 x 2.8 tires on sizes extra-small, small, and 27.5 x 2.8 for medium through extra-large.
REI also plans to expand its rentals program to include bikes in key markets later this spring, as well as piloting a bike trade-in program to allow REI customers to exchange a qualifying bike for store credit that can be used toward the purchase of a new bike.
Learn more at www.rei.com.
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