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Shimano Introduces 2008 Coasting Bikes
Shimano Partners With Ten Manufacturers To Expand Casual Cycling
Efforts
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downloadable versions Seven additional OEMs joined Trek Bikes in
Shimano's 2008 Coasting line. (Photo: Business Wire)
Click here to see downloadable versions Seven additional OEMs joined
Raleigh Bicycles USA in Shimano's 2008 Coasting line. (Photo: Business
Wire)
IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In efforts to expand the market for
casual cycling, Shimano, the world’s leading manufacturer of bicycle
components, today announced that seven additional bicycle manufacturers
will produce bikes equipped with its Coasting components in 2008.
The 2008 Coasting line includes the following manufacturers:
• Electra Bicycle Co.
• Fuji Bikes
• Giant Bicycle
• Jamis Bicycles
• K2 Bike
• Phat Cycles
• Raleigh Bicycles USA
• Schwinn Bicycles
• Sun Cycles
• Trek Bikes
In 2003, Shimano teamed up with innovation and design firm IDEO to
develop the ideal casual biking experience. In 2007, this new biking
experience made its debut with Coasting bikes from three top bike
manufacturers, Giant, Raleigh, and Trek.
Coasting’s initial success among new and returning riders attracted an
additional seven manufacturers for 2008.
In the development of Coasting, Shimano and IDEO conducted research
about consumers’ bike riding experiences. The goal was to understand
what would motivate a non-cyclist to ride a bike. After interviewing and
observing U.S. non-cyclists, Shimano and IDEO found that most consumers
had fond memories of riding a bike as a child, and were interested in
riding a bike in the same way today – just for fun.
“This has been a groundbreaking year for Shimano and the cycling
industry – we’re excited that we’re working together to motivate the
world of non-cyclists to join the Coasting experience,” said Dave
Lawrence, Shimano’s senior manager of product development and marketing.
“With the combined efforts and successes of the Coasting initiative so
far, we anticipate that this expanded partnership will continue our goal
of growing the industry.”
Based on the extensive research, Shimano’s designers created a bicycle
component group that is simple, comfortable, affordable and easy to use.
The Coasting group is geared specifically for the rider who wants to
coast rather than climb. It features an automatically shifting 3-speed
system designed for casual riding, and includes a computer that shifts
gears as the rider increases or decreases the bike’s speed. The
component group also includes a coaster brake, which allows the rider to
brake by pedaling backward rather than with a hand brake lever. The
automatic shifting technology is hidden, and the experience is designed
around the user’s needs.
For more information about Shimano Coasting, please visit
www.coasting.com.
About Coasting
Coasting is a casual bike experience for the millions of Americans who
remember riding a bike as a kid and want to relive that experience
effortlessly. By using a human-centered approach to the design and
determining the consumer’s needs, Shimano – in partnership with 10
bicycle manufacturers – developed the ideal bike that combines automatic
shifting with a stylish, simple design and function for riders of any
ability. Each bike features Shimano’s Coasting components. The bikes are
easy to ride, the technology is hidden, and the experience is designed
around the casual user’s needs. Shimano is the leading manufacturer of
bicycle components and fishing tackle equipment. Founded in 1921,
Shimano is headquartered in Japan with 30 offices across 22 nations.
www.coasting.com |
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