RaceFace is Back!!
Race Face Is Back - The Canadian heritage continues.
Race Face Performance Products, one of North America’s leading producers of high performance mountain bike components, protection and apparel, is pleased to announce that it has re-opened its doors as of May 9th, 2011.
After over 18 years of business, Race Face entered into receivership on March 12, 2011, leaving a massive gap in the boutique mountain bike market. Riders, dealers and distributors alike were stunned as groundbreaking components such as Atlas Freeride, SIXC, NEXT SL, and Turbine suddenly became rare collectables.
In a tightly contested bidding war for the Canadian manufacturer, North Shore local and former Race Face VP of Sales Chris Tutton has emerged at the helm. Tutton joined Race Face in 1994 as a customer service rep, was promoted to Director of Sales in 1998, and then to VP of Sales in 2002. After 14 years with the brand, Chris was instrumental in helping push sales to over $15 million per year. He resigned in 2008, taking over as Director of OEM Sales for Easton Bell Sports.
“I have always believed in the Race Face brand and in the quality of the products we make,” said Tutton. “We will build upon a very solid foundation and continue to meet the needs of our current customers, while expanding our market and focusing our product line.”
Chris Tutton will remain as a contractor to Easton Bell Sports, hiring an additional OEM sales person to report to him while he rebuilds Race Face as its new Managing Director. “The opportunity to continue to work with a company like Easton Bell Sports has been incredible. I am very fortunate, not only to have their continued support, but also to have found a venture that aligns so well with their business philosophy for excellence and innovation.”
Race Face Performance Products will remain based in Vancouver, close to the North Shore, the company’s original and ultimate testing ground for lightweight yet durable MTB products. Key employees will be rehired under the new business structure and production is expected to restart within a few weeks. Warrantees will be honoured on all Race Face products.
The component product line for 2012 is complete, including the new Atlas FR Stealth line. Turbine 9 and 10 speed rings will ship almost immediately, as are Race Face’s carbon SIXC and NEXT cranks and bars. The company will continue to develop and refine their proprietary Optimized Carbon Technology in-house.