BikeBiz Bicycle and cycling retail news
Easton Cycling and Topolino Technology have announced a licensing agreement whereby the former’s wheels will benefit from Topolino’s lighter and stiffer composite tech.
The long-term agreement will also see Topolino ditch its Carbon Core and True Black bicycle wheel lines. Topolino will, however, continue to produce parts, service and support for it’s customers existing wheels while focusing on its new line of high-performance wheelchair wheels.
The first fruits of the agreement are expected to reach the market next year.
"We are excited by the combination of Topolino Technology’s innovative designs and Easton’s materials leadership," said Easton Cycling’s business unit director Marty Mares. "This partnership will build on Easton’s momentum in the wheel category and deliver products that will improve cycling performance, whether for pro Tour riders like Cadel Evans and the BMC Team or everyday cycling enthusiasts."
Rafe Schlanger, Topolino Tech president, added: "As the founder of Topolino, this agreement is an exciting next step. Easton Cycling has the marketing and manufacturing muscle of Easton-Bell Sports behind it, which will allow the company to reach a wider audience and fully take advantage of this unique technology.
Topolino has hand-built its composite wheels in Bethel, CT for over a decade. It’s signature composite spokes, lighter and stiffer than traditional steel spokes, are designed to provide superior vibration damping for a smoother ride with more control.
