Industry Ticker: New Nutcases, big Ruckus move, Breadwinners, and more

Portland’s bike culture goes way beyond bike lane activism and group rides. Our city is also a magnet for bike-related industry — from manufacturing to design and everything in between.

Here’s an update on the people, products, and places that make up Portland’s ever-changing bike industry landscape…

Ruckus moves into larger space

Continuing the growth we reported on last fall, Ruckus Composites has just completed a move into a new space. Here’s more from a company statement:

“The new building that houses their carbon fiber repair shop is at 3380 SE 20th Ave “The new building provides space for increased department separation and growth opportunity, further optimizing its repair workflow. An improved structural repair area allows the company to begin to fully utilize their investment in NDT (non-destructive testing) technology using ultrasound, infrared and fluorescing penetrant dye to fully form a holistic image about how and why carbon fiber frames are damaged. Two immediate improvements include an independent, paint facility and a carbon fiber lay-up clean room, further bolstering the company’s “better service through science” model.”

New lids from Nutcase

Nutcase has started off 2017 with a bang. The southeast Portland based company has launched two new helmet models and expanded options for an existing model.

“The Zone” ($49.95) is a new helmet targeted to “active teens who want something comfortable, protective, and good looking.”

If you want comfortable, streamlined protection, The Zone is a full-coverage helmet that does not compromise airflow, fit, or style thanks to FlexForm™ technology. This innovation gives this helmet a versatile and accommodating fit via segmented EPS that flexes to adapt to the rider’s head shape.

“The Tracer” ($89.95), “takes cyclists from town to trail with ease, and is especially popular with the growing population of e-bikers around the globe. A lightweight, inmold helmet that provides full-coverage, the Tracer offers innovative features as well as high-energy colors and reflectivity for increased visibility.”

And Nutcase’s Metroride now comes in a larger size ($79.95) and with MIPS brain-saving technology ($99.95).

Breadwinner wins national award

The North American Handmade Bicycle Show took place last week in Salt Lake City, Utah, and a Portland-based company walked away with a top prize. Breadwinner Cycles, the brand created by builders Tony Pereira and Ira Ryan, won the award for Best Columbus Build. The steel-tubed bike is a variation of Breadwinner’s popular “B-Road” model. It comes with a front fork built by Christopher Igleheart, 650B wheelsize, generator hub, and more. Congrats Tony and Ira!

Bicycle Times Magazine loses Portland connection

Bicycle Times Magazine is published by a company based in Pittsburgh, but for the last several years its editor-in-chief Adam Newman lived and worked in Portland. Each issue of the magazine featured several stories and reviews that had a decidedly Portland orientation. Now that Newman has left the magazine, Rotating Mass Media has announced it will cease print publication of the title. Associate publisher Trina Haynes told Bicycle Retailer & Industry News that, “Bicycle Times’ multimedia platforms continue to grow and evolve. Rotating Mass Media is adapting to the modern media landscape with an emphasis on quality content and hosting world-class events.” Newman took over the Bicycle Times job in September 2015 and has now taken a job with economic development agency Greater Portland Inc.

Read more about Portland’s bike industry in our archives.

— Jonathan Maus: (503) 706-8804, @jonathan_maus on Twitter and jonathan@bikeportland.org

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