BikeBiz Bicycle and cycling retail news
Éclat, a fresh new component brand from the creative forces behind WeThePeople bike company, has been launched. Based at WeThePeople’s international headquarters in Cologne, Germany, Éclat will exist as a separate entity, manufacturing an innovative collection of seats, brakes, grips, hubs, rims, tires, pedals and brake levers, with plans to expand coming further this year. The initial collection of components will arrive at retail by late summer of 2008.
Hot Wheels International will distribute the products in the UK. Russell Merry, MD of Hot Wheels said: "Although closely associated with We The People, Eclat is an entirely separate venture. The products use separate moulds and are a totally unique product, real top quality stuff."
"In a time when the majority of BMX companies components are becoming more identical by the day, we believed it was time to create a brand that manufactures unique components based on function and simplicity," says Éclat owner/art director Klaus Dyba.
In regards to the brand name, "Éclat" is a French term, which, roughly translated means "excellence." Éclat’s first foray into the component market is marked by a brand new patented seat and post design, which is remarkably simple and lightweight without sacrificing strength. Using 3D Torsion techniques, the seat material has been reduced to the fullest, with the final seat and post combo being ready for sale by late summer of 2008.
"I’m really exited about the new Éclat line. They’ve put a lot of thought into the new products and the people at Éclat have done a great job designing the finished product. I know riders won’t be disappointed with the line," says Éclat rider Chester Blacksmith, currently on a European trek and testing a few products from Éclat’s line. Additionally joining the Éclat brand is Brian Tunney, who will serve as Éclat team manager.
For more info on Éclat, plus team and product updates, check out the brand new, constantly evolving Web site here: www.eclatbmx.com
