REI Expands Adventure Biking Offerings with New Salsa Cycles Relationship
Partnership with industry’s premier adventure bike manufacturer broadens co-op’s line of adventure touring, backcountry, and fatbikes
Jul 1, 2016
SEATTLE – REI, a national specialty outdoor retailer and the nation’s largest consumer co-op, and Salsa Cycles, bikepacking innovator and bicycle manufacturer, plan to make Salsa-brand bikes available to REI members and customers at select REI stores and REI.com starting in fall 2016.
“REI is committed to the adventure cycling segment, and partnering with Salsa was a natural progression for us,” says Ben Johns, REI general merchandising manager for cycle. “Salsa’s line-up provides our customers a broad selection of specialty mountain, touring, and fatbikes, and will be a great complement to our existing lineup.”
A selection of Salsa’s fatbikes, including the Beargrease, Mukluk, and Bucksaw, will be available in time for winter in select REI locations and online.
Additional Salsa bikepacking and adventure touring bikes, including the Cutthroat, Fargo, Marrakesh, and Vaya, and trail and backcountry models including the Redpoint, and Pony Rustler, will be available to REI customers starting in spring 2017.
Based in Minneapolis, Minn., Salsa believes a sense of adventure makes life better and encourages people to “adventure by bike.” Founded in 1982, Salsa has introduced dozens of innovative bikepacking and cycling adventure models, including the Marrakesh, a popular touring bike, the Fargo, a versatile off-road dropbar mountain bike, and the Bucksaw, a full-suspension fatbike.
“Our mission at Salsa is to keep the spirit of adventure alive in cycling. REI is the ideal retailer to help us elevate the bikepacking and touring culture,” said Justin Julian, Salsa Brand Manager. “As a specialty retailer with a deep understanding and ability to outfit people for adventure cycling, REI is the correct next move for us.”
About Salsa Cycles
Salsa Cycles is a privately owned, Minneapolis-based company that has built a reputation on exceptional bikes and related products. Salsa is dedicated to keeping the spirit of adventure alive in bicycling. Find Salsa on the web at www.salsacycles.com.
About the REI Co-op
REI is a specialty outdoor retailer, headquartered near Seattle. The nation’s largest consumer co-op, REI is a growing community of 24 million members who expect and love the best quality gear, inspiring expert classes and trips, and outstanding customer service. In addition to the co-op’s many stores across the country, outdoor enthusiasts can shop at REI.com, REI Outlet or the REI shopping app. Everyone is welcome to shop REI, but members who join the co-op enjoy a range of benefits. More than a retailer, REI is a purpose-driven and values-led company dedicated to enabling life outside for all.