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Dahon and Ritchey Team Up to Offer Portable Road
Bikes
TAIPEI, TAIWAN — September
2003 — Dahon California, Inc., the world's
leading manufacturer of folding bicycles, today announced it
has entered into a licensing agreement with Ritchey Design,
Inc., a leading bicycle frame and component innovator. Dahon
will use Ritchey designed frames for a new line of portable
700C performance road bikes. The frames feature patented Ritchey
technology that allows the frames to be split apart for easy
transportation.
"We've been fans of Tom Ritchey and his components for a long
time," stated Joshua Hon, Dahon vice president, sales and marketing.
"His commitment to continuous innovation mirrors our own philosophy
towards design. The opportunity to work with Tom on a product for
the most discerning cyclists in the world is really exciting. The
initial response to this project has been amazing - every serious
roadie we've mentioned it to wants one of these bikes."
In response to this licensing agreement with Dahon, Tom Ritchey said,
"…Dahon is the leader in compact folding bikes, so we are
pleased with the addition of a full sized 700 C BreakAway ™ bike
to their line using the Ritchey patented technology developed for
performance travel bikes".
The Dahon road bikes will be identical in performance and looks to
any standard 700c road bike. The frame will feature classic Ritchey
road geometry and will be crafted from Ritchey WCS steel tubing. Components
will be a mix of Shimano, American Classic, and naturally, Ritchey.
The frequent traveler who wants to bring along his or her traditional
bike faces some big barriers. Even with wheels, handlebars and pedals
removed, traditional bikes face airline excess baggage charges of
up to US $135 per flight. Traditional bikes are also difficult to
fit into taxis or buses. But with the new Dahon portable bike, the
entire bike fits into a medium sized suitcase with dimensions only
slightly larger than a 700C wheel.
Production will begin in October 2003. Prices are expected to start
at US $1,800. |
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