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NEWS
BRIEFS
Wheels & Waves postponed and then cancelled in 2020 the 10th Wheels & Waves Festival of all things Moto Culture , including the ' Punks Peak ' Hill Climb , but is now slated for Biarritz , France , from June 30th to July 4th , 2021 - COVID-19 permitting .
British protector brand Forcefield and its parent company Davies Odell have been merged with Vale Brothers Ltd ., a manufacturer of horse brushes that traces its origins back to 1786 .
Famous Danish brake pad and components manufacturer SBS has appointed Salt Lake City , Utah based Vortex-EK North America ( Vortex Racing ) as a distributor for its sintered brake pads in North America - sales will be headed up by Chris Jensen , the former brand manager for SBS in the USA .
Italian footwear specialist Stylmartin has appointed Dot4 Distribution as its UK distributor . Founded and operated by apparel industry specialist Stefan Barnes , Dot4 is a leading European distributor of fashion-oriented protective motorcycle clothing for the Café Racer and other popular markets .
Parts Europe has started selling the Tazer MX Pro e-MTB that is sold in Europe by Barcelonabased Intense Europe . The range is made in the USA and this deal is an extension of the one between PE parent company LeMans that sees Parts Unlimited selling the range in the USA . Based on Intense ' s popular Tazer e-bicycle , the MX Pro uses Shimano ' s new EP8 motor and drivetrain and has added MX pedigree with components by the likes of Öhlins , Renthal , Magura and ODI .
The Russian / Ukrainian manufacturer Sherp International has signed a deal with Canadian manufacturer ARGO for distribution of its amphibious All- Terrain and XTV ( Extreme Terrain Vehicles ) range .
Philadelphia based manufacturer Christini AWD ( All Wheel Drive ) is launching a new generation allwheel drive off-road E-bicycles . With a high-power electric-assist mid-drive motor , they are available in a 27.5 " hardtail and several FAT tyred models . Inventor Steve Christini says " these electric-assist mountain bicycles provide the ultimate in traction control , allowing a rider to conquer conditions most thought to be unridable ".
MIPS - a new way for dealers and consumers to understand the added safety technology
In addition to making it easier for consumers and dealers to distinguish helmet brands equipped with their safety technology , Swedish helmet safety technology specialist MIPS has an updated classification system that better defines its helmet safety products and classifies each based on its intended uses . All future MIPS-equipped helmets will be branded with the new product class and include a new hang tag , designed to inform and educate consumers about MIPS . The new and simplified product range consists of five classes : MIPS ESSENTIAL , MIPS EVOLVE , MIPS ELEVATE , MIPS INTEGRA and MIPS AIR - each of which were previously standalone MIPS products under more broad usage categories ( Sports , Moto and Industrial Safety ). This more specific approach to defining MIPS products will guide brands and consumers and help anyone looking to purchase a helmet select the one best suited to their needs without compromising safety . " The move to better define its products demonstrates MIPS ' growing focus on educating consumers around the world and empowering them to make more informed decisions when purchasing a helmet . Historically , MIPS has been a B2B-focused company ; the updated product range is another step towards a more consumer-centric brand identity ." MIPS safety technology is sold to the helmet industry as an ' ingredient brand '. It is a model that is being more widely adopted , and in the motorcycle helmet industry has precedent with the successful model developed by Pinlock for its anti-fog systems . MIPS ' approach to helmet safety is based on managing and controlling the rotational energy caused by impact . Its solutions are fully patent protected and have been adopted worldwide by some 111 helmet brands offering more than 583 helmet models equipped with the MIPS system . This new classification system is designed to help dealers to help their customers readily identify the MIPSequipped helmets that are right for them . www . mipsprotection . com
20 INTERNATIONAL DEALER NEWS - FEBRUARY / MARCH 2021 www . idnmag . com