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Fallbrook Technologi​es NuVinci(R) N360™ Drivetrain Featured on Wide Range of Bicycles at Pedal Nation PDX Show

Fallbrook Technologies Inc.'s NuVinci® N360™ Drivetrain Featured on Commuter, Cargo, Folding and Custom Handmade Bicycles at Pedal Nation PDX Show
 
New Quick Release System Unveiled at Pedal Nation for Convenient Removal of N360 Equipped Rear Wheel
 
            (SAN DIEGO – April 8, 2011) – Commuter, cargo, folding and custom handmade bicycles featuring Fallbrook Technologies Inc.’s (Fallbrook’s) NuVinci N360 drivetrain will be on display at this year's Pedal Nation PDX Bicycle Show, April 9-10 at the Oregon Convention Center. The NuVinci N360 is the next generation of Fallbrook’s award-winning continuously variable planetary (CVP) transmission for bicycles.
            A growing number of models from major US brands and the booming handmade bicycle scene have selected theN360 drivetrain for their urban lifestyle and everyday recreational bikes. The NuVinci N360 system appears on bicycles available for sale through dealers in the greater Portland area, including the Breezer Uptown Infinity (available at The Bike Commuter, Clever Cycles, and Revolver bikes), The Shuttlebug (available at Joe Bike) and two folding bikes from Bike Friday including the Infinity Tikit and the New World Tourist with NuVinci (available at Coventry Cycle Works).
            In addition, attractive custom handmade bikes featuring the NuVinci N360 drivetrain will also be on display at Pedal Nation, including those from English Cycles, Joe Bike and Vulture Cycles.
            With an infinite number of ratios available within its nominal 360 percent ratio range, the N360 drivetrain is an attractive replacement for bicycle derailleurs and internally geared hubs as it provides a ride and shifting experience unlike any other.
NuVinci N360 drivetrain conversion kits are available locally, at Clever Cycles, The Bike Commuter, Coventry Cycle Works, The E-Bike Store and Joe Bike.  The kits can be used to upgrade any existing bike with a 135mm dropout and are available in 32 or 36 spoke, silver or black, and rim, roller or disc brake configurations.
            On the technical side, a new quick release solution for the NuVinci N360 will be unveiled for the first time in the US at Pedal Nation. "The Axle Release system is a simple and convenient way to remove the N360 wheel, quickly and easily," said NuVinci Bicycle Division Product Manager Chris Vasiliotis.  “This accessory upgrade was developed by working closely with designers at Axle Release and offering a configuration specific to the NuVinci N360 CVP, and will be available as an OEM option or as a separate aftermarket kit.


About Fallbrook Technologies Inc.Fallbrook Technologies Inc. is a technology and manufacturing company dedicated to improving the performance and flexibility of transmissions for vehicles and equipment.  Fallbrook’s NuVinci continuously variable planetary (CVP) technology is applicable to machines that use a transmission such as bicycles, light electric vehicles, automobiles, agricultural equipment, and wind turbines, among others.  The NuVinci CVP uses a set of rotating and tilting balls positioned between the input and output components of a transmission.  Tilting the balls changes their contact diameters and varies the speed ratio.  The NuVinci platform offers companies the flexibility to design and produce next-generation products that are better tailored to their unique business, market and competitive requirements.  Fallbrook has built an extensive portfolio of over 375 patents and patent applications worldwide.
For more information, visit www.nuvinci.com.

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PDX Bicycle Show Spotlight - Bike Friday @bikefriday

Bike Friday

Year Established:  1992

About Bike Friday:
 
For the past 19 years, Bike Friday has hand built high-end folding and travel bicycles from scratch at its shop on the Fern Ridge Bike Path in Eugene, OR.
 
Brothers Alan and Hanz Scholz started the company to build performance travel bicycles that offer a high-quality ride that can match your best bike.
The company prides itself on creating a lifetime relationship with its clients by offering exemplary service that begins with a consultation to be certain that each customer gets the right type of bike with the right fit.
 
Bike Friday's most popular model, the New World Tourist, has logged millions of touring miles all around the world by our clients. Its versatility and durability make it a popular choice for travel, but it is equally efficient as a road bike or commuter.
 
Bike Friday's Inter-modal commuter model, the tikit, offers the quickest folding bike on the market that requires no readjusting before or after the fold. You simply fold your bike, carry it on the bus or train, and away you go.
 
Folding road bikes, mountain bikes and tandems are also available from Bike Friday's line.
 
Each bicycle is Built-to-Order with an emphasis on creating a proper fit for your body.
 
"If you've never ridden a bicycle that fits your body, you've never known what a great ride feels like," Bike Friday Co-Founder Alan Scholz says.
 
Each Bike Friday frame carries a lifetime warranty, and each bicycle has a 30-day Satisfaction Guarantee.
 
"The neatest thing about Bike Friday is our community of owners," Alan Scholz says. "There are literally thousands people in the Bike Friday community, all around the world, and they are a very active and inclusive group. They have done the best job of spreading the word about Bike Friday over the years."
 
Bike Friday is the brand name. Green Gear Cycling, Inc., is the parent company name. Green Gear is committed to build a better tomorrow by offering individual solutions for transportation, personal oil independence and health.

New Products for 2011:
 
In January, Bike Friday introduced the Carbon Drive tikit, its first belt-drive model.
 
The Carbon Drive tikit utilizes Gates Carbon Drive technology to give commuters the advantage of a belt drive system.
 
That means no chain grease to deal with you fold the tikit to roll it onto mass transit, or stow it under your desk at work.
 
The technology utilizes internal hub gearing to keep maintenance at a minimum.
 
In February Bike Friday announced the availability of the NuVinci Continuously Variable Planetary drivetrain on its bikes.
 
We will have Bike Fridays with the amazing NuVinci hub on display at the Pedal Nation Bike Show, both at our Bike Friday booth as well as the NuVinci booth. Come by and give one a test ride. You'll never forget it.
 
Bike Friday also introduced its 2011 line of bikes with the Select Group of components. Although Bike Friday builds complete Customized versions of all its bikes, it has created a Select Group for each of its most popular models to make it easier for clients not interested in total Customization.
 
The Select Group is a recommended package of components put together by its designers to offer customers the best group for its price.
 
Bike Friday models with the Select Group include touring bikes like the New World Tourist, road bikes like the Pocket Rocket, mountain bikes like the Pocket Llama, commuter bikes like the tikit and tandems like the Traveler XL.
 
One of the most exciting draws of the new line are the color options available for frames, cable housing and decals to personalize your bike.
 
Come see what we have to offer.

 
-John Rezell, Bike Friday--

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PDX Bicycle Show Spotlight - Rickshaw Bagworks @rickshawbags

Rickshaw_bagworks

Rickshaw Bagworks
 
 
Year Established: 2007
 
About Rickshaw Bagworks:
 
Rickshaw is a San Francisco-based bag company inspired by the creative energy of our city, urban cycling and an intense desire to make great products. We started Rickshaw to satisfy our own personal passion for bags. We know how people love their bags. We think it's cool–if not kind of weird–the way people grow attached to their favorite bag as though it were a pet or loved–one.
 
We also love city living–the excitement, diversity, creativity and culture we experience in a fast-paced metropolitan environment. With access to art, theater, music and restaurants, there's an energy that pulses through the community. We design our bags for people who thrive on the urban experience and celebrate the creative spirit.
 
We have many years of experience designing and manufacturing great bags and providing unique customer experiences and every product is made to order in our own SF factory. In addition to our passion for bags, we share a strong set of humanistic, environmental and social values that guide the way we conduct every aspect of our business. The name of our company derives from three Japanese characters meaning "human powered vehicle"–delightfully apropos for a company making bags for bicycle enthusiasts, and our metaphor for the strength of the human spirit.
 
Rickshaw: Human Powered Bags.

New for 2011:
 
We have many new products for the urban traveller: a new iPad bag and iPad sleeves (both iPad 1 and 2) our new Performance Tweed fabric that is made from recycled polyester thread and is woven in the US.
 
The Origin of Rickshaw:
 
Naming a new company or new product is a royal pain. It seems like all the great names are taken. Some companies hire professional naming consultants, and spend wads of cash researching potential names, and inventing new words. Frankly, we got lucky. We stumbled upon the name “rickshaw”, and were amazed to discover no one had yet staked a claim to use it in our category of products.
 
Most people know what a rickshaw is, but few people know the derivation of the word. The word “rickshaw” originates from the Japanese word “jinrikishaw”, represented by three kanji characters (人 jin = human, 力 riki = strength, and 車 sha = vehicle), which together literally means “human-powered vehicle”. “Jinrikishaw” is a mouthful, especially for Westerners, so it was shortened to “rickshaw”.
 
Legend has it the rickshaw was first invented in the 1860’s by an American missionary living in Japan, to help transport his infirmed wife. The original design featured a two-wheeled cart, seating one or two passengers, drawn by a human runner – an obvious reference to Roman chariots and rural ox carts. Rickshaws quickly became very popular in Japan, and later spread to other cities throughout Asia. With the invention of the bicycle, rickshaws were outfitted with a front wheel, pedals and a saddle for the driver, and the “bicycle rickshaw”, or “pedicab”, was born. Rickshaws in various human-powered and motorized forms are still used today in many Asian cities to transport goods and passengers – and in many cities throughout the world, they serve as novel transportation for tourists.
 
So, for a brand new company, with no corporate history, we at least have a name with rich historical reference. We’re especially fond of the eco-friendly, human-powered connotation, and love the way it dovetails with our own personal values related to environmentalism, social responsibility and sustainability.
 
--Lisa Taylor, Rickshaw Bagworks--

PDX Bicycle Show Spotlight - VanLoozen Brothers Bicycles

VanLoozen Brothers Bicycles
 
 
Year Established: 2010
 
About VanLoozen Brothers Bicycles:
 
We think this is a pretty fun bike that Joe VanLoozen and Scott Southers have worked up.
 
VanLoozen Brothers Bicycles have been refining the traditional tall bike-- (Schwinn, upside down), that Joe built as a shop project in 1978-- into a well balanced, approachable, fun tall bike.
The research and development of the bikes, that will be in downtown Portland and at PDX Bicycle Show in April, has been going on since 2008 in Scott's tube shop, under Detroit Metro Airport's landing approach in Romulus, Michigan.
 
These guys received such rave reviews at the NAHBS in Austin, Tx. this past month that everyone thought the fun had to continue, so Joe's heading to Portland with two fun bikes and a big smile (and looking for friends to ride with).
 
There have been a bunch of people asking about building a tall bike TALLER than this one (or a smaller tall bike for shorter tall bike riders). The word is that this is the tall bike for 2011 (50"at seat, w/22"upper) and you can bet there are more variations coming down the road.
As it is, these guys just want to honor all the builders doing fun bikes of all shapes and sizes,
while sharing this fun one here in Portland, in April.  Their booth # is 918 over by the demo area, and you can check out some good video
on the web site: VERYBIGBIKE.com.

 
New for 2011:
 
Model 40-p1 (for the people),
26"x1.5"tires,50"wheelbase
Phosphor dipped/powder coated DOM steel and chromoly frame
50" at seat height
 
Other things you should know about the Very Big Bike:

Ya know? We really recommend you do not mount
clip-less pedals/shoes on your tall bike, as we also recommend you dismount upon stopping! (SMILES)

--Joseph VanLoozen, VanLoozen Brothers Bicycles--


 

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PDX Bicycle Show Spotlight - 9th annual Filmed by Bike April 15-17 @filmedbybike

9th Annual Filmed by Bike film festival
 
 
Year Established: 2002
 
About Filmed By Bike:
 
The 9th Annual Filmed by Bike film festival showcases bike movies from around the world April 15-17. The festival happens every April at the Clinton Street Theater in Portland. A jury of nine esteemed bike and film experts selects the final program from a pool of over 100 submissions.
 
On the opening night, we host the New Belgium Street Party and open up Clinton Street for a party in front of the theater. It's free and there's a beer garden, DJ beyondadoubt (aka DJ Beyonda), entertainers and more.
 
Movies play all weekend long with three screenings a day, four separate programs and over 40 movies.


New for 2011:
 
New this year we are showing one feature length film to compliment the 39 shorts we are showing.
We are also offering unlimited entry festival passes for only $25 that included a free DVD (a $20 savings)
 
   We're excited to be at Pedal Nation all weekend long to talk bikes, films, bike culture and all amazing finer points that make Portland such an amazing place to ride bikes and watch movies.
   Come stop by our booth to enter to win a free festival pass. You can also pick up a free copy of our 2011 poster that features custom typography made from bike parts in three different designs.
 
-Ayleen Crotty, Filmed by Bike--
 

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PDX Bicycle Show Spotlight - Light & Motion @lmlightlife

Light and Motion
 
 
Year Established: 1990
 
About Light and Motion:
 
Light and Motion Industries is a company of cyclists who have been treading lightly for 20 years designing and building state of the art lighting solutions for divers, cyclists and adventure racers worldwide. We design and build our products in Monterey, California because we can do it better than anyone else can. Our pioneering business practices have been recognized with the 2008 California Small Business of the Year award, and the W.R.A.P. award for waste reduction for the past four years. We work hard to keep it local and green.


New Products for 2011:
 
Our new commuter lights the VIS 180 "the world's brightest tail light", the VIS 360 and the soon to be released Solite 150 are all micro USB rechargeable with battery status indicators, tool-less mounts, and aggressive side lighting. We provide the complete commuter package. And we are lighter, brighter, and more visible from all angles.
 
-Heidi Hall, Light and Motion
 

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PDX Bicycle Show Spotlight - Bar Mitts

Bar Mitts
 
 
Year Established: 2008
  
    About the Bar Mitts:
 
We are still a Mom and Pop Shop and will grab one of the children to help on large orders. We keep it personal and friendly. When you call or e-mail us with questions, you are speaking to Ward or Patti Graham, the designers of Bar Mitts and owners of the company. It’s been very exciting taking Bar Mitts from conception to where we are now. Looking forward to seeing you in Portland.

 

New for 2011:
 
Custom work is available for specialty bars is available upon request
 
--Ward Graham, Bar Mitts--


 

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2011 PDX Bicycle Show Spotlight - Almost Monday @almostmonday

Almost Monday

Year Established:  2005

About Almost Monday:
 
Almost Monday is a Handmade / Handpulled linocut and intaglio drypoint printmaking studio! Almost Monday creates because she can't help herself! Incorporating bicycles into designs came naturally. Her love printmaking and bikes go hand in hand!
 
Each item is hand-made with happiness! Almost Monday's hope is that the happiness is transferred into each piece!

New for 2011:
 
Octopus on a unicycle! A follow up to my "Spring" print. A new penny-farthing. I have a few hand colored artist proofs of "No Hands!" featuring an owl and a kitty on a bike. Plus a couple more new bike inspired pieces!
 
Stop by and say hi! I love meeting new people and seeing repeat visitors to my booth too!
 
--Serena Van Vranken, Almost Monday--

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2011 PDX Bicycle Show Spotlight - North St. Bags @NorthStBags

North St. Bags
 
Year Established: 2009
 
About North St. Bags:
 
North St. Bags makes durable, stylish bags for bicycles and their owners. All bags are handmade in a tiny shop in SE Portland by one or two happy workers. Bags are sold in local bike shops and retail stores, as well as online through Etsy, and their own website.
 
Bag designs focus on versatility, for an on-the-go lifestyle, the most popular being a convertible backpack pannier, which can be worn comfortable on your back or mounted securely to your bicycle. North St. believes that bicycling plays an integral role in making our cities more sustainable. The highest priority in every design is making bicycling easier, weather it's just down the street to the store, or across town with your entire mobile office.
 
Curtis, the owner, started out by doing mostly custom orders, building bags one at a time. As his business grows, he's been shifting towards doing more stock bags in order to cut down on production times (and costs). He hopes to get more bags into more shops, but will continue to offer custom, one-of-a-kind bags with the colors and features of your choice!
 
New for 2011:

North St. Bags was very excited to recently announce the new Wightman Duffel design, which will be for sale at the 2011 PDX Bicycle Show! True to North St. form, these simple, stylish bags (made in two sizes) can connect to your bicycle! Choose velcro straps for handlebar attachment, or a buckle harness system for attaching the bag atop a rack.

Currently in the works is the Josephine - a simpler, cheaper convertible backpack pannier design. Curtis hopes, at the very least, to have a prototype model on display at the show, and to be taking pre-orders.

--Curtis Williams, North St. Bags--

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