REI Co-op introduces new own brand bikes, preps new shoes
Outdoor retailer REI Co-op has unveiled new bicycles under its Co-op Cycles line and is reportedly preparing to launch a new own brand of sustainable active footwear.
The new bicycles include its first-ever fat-tire mountain bike, and two town-to-trail e-bikes that will launch alongside the retailer's new e-bike repair service capabilities.
The rigid mountain bike is built to tackle rough terrain with roots, rocks, sand and snow. The Co-op Cycles DRT 4.1 Fat-Tire Bike retails for around $1,300 and is built with a 6061 aluminum frame; 6061 aluminum fork; SRAM X1 100 Eagle DUB fat 5 crankset; SRAM DUB English BSA 100 mm fat bottom bracket; SRAM SX Eagle 12-speed sifters; SRAM SX Eagle 12-speed rear derailleur; SRAM Eagle, 11-50t, 12-speed rear cogs; Shimano Acera MT-400 hydraulic disc brakes; Shimano brake levers; 26” aluminum rims; 15mm thru-axle front hub; 12 mm thru-axle rear hub; 26x4.8 inch tire.
The Co-op Cycles brand of e-bikes come with electric pedal assist technology, an integrated rack, low stand-over, front suspension, and Shimano motor and battery. The difference between the two bikes is mostly the size of the motor and battery.
"E-bikes are here to stay, and they are so much fun,” said Isabelle Portilla, divisional vice president REI Co-op Brands, strategy and design. “We know e-bikes are helping people get outside quickly, more often and closer to home. They are great as a recovery option post-injury or a fun and accessible way to start riding for the first time and they are a planet-friendly transportation alternative.”
The Kent, Wash.-based retailer has thousands of own brands products under the REI Co-Op Brand label, including clothing, fitness gear, hiking equipment, bicycles, camping gear and more.
Trade publication Footwear News reported on three new footwear products that are expected to launch next year and spring 2022. The shoes will come in three styles called Traverse (a backpacking boot), Flash (a hybrid trail shoe) and Beyonder (a casual shoe that can also be used for hiking).
The shoes are going to be made from its proprietary technologies to be a lightweight shoe that will be some of the most available footwear available, according to Bennett Grimes, footwear product manager, REI Co-op Brands, in the article.
Read the full story at Footwear News.
REI Co-op operates more than 160 stores and the new shoes aren’t expected to be available until next year and spring 2022.