Here's to 2010!
Happy New Year!We at Rawland join everybody in welcoming 2010 with goodwill and optimism. Suffice it to say, we believe that these enthusiastic traits characterize what lies ahead for Rawland. We want to take this opportunity to thank each and every of you for supporting Rawland every pedal of the way.
With your support, our confidence is stronger than ever, especially after 2009 when we jumped up several notches in design and quality with the current line-up. We made decisions that had simultaneously brought us new associates and further refined our business principles. For example, we had the pleasure of working with reputable sources in the industry over the past couple months after making the conscientious decision to voluntarily comply with the stringent European CEN consumer safety standards, even if this meant pushing production schedule. Moreover, adding only half a pound to the total frame weight goes a long way in that regard. This is an example of the maturity and confidence we wish Rawland to exude in its products and plans.
The voluntary decision involved sacrificing prototypes and making cash investment for testing by an accredited lab. With data from the lab, we then collaborated with our manufacturer and Columbus in Italy toward a custom-drawn Zona tubing that complies with the CEN standards, which may be compulsory in a couple years for all the right reasons. We are a small, ambitious company that already has its share of accomplishments and setbacks; however, this does not mean that we cannot go above and beyond what is expected of Rawland.
The Drakkar and Ravn will feature some more refinements since making their first appearance at Interbike 2009 that has earned Rawland its third Best of Show recognition in as many shows. These models will feature s-bend chainstays that allow the use of external bearing systems. This is consistent with Rawland's mission to offer frames and forks with designs that allow unique combinations of road and mountain bike components toward our slogan: "Choose your own adventure."
Speaking of which, Rawland is especially proud to present the Alpine Bicycle Club, Rough Riders, and Adventure Cycling Association as Rawland's new associates. Please do visit their links below for information on rides and whatnot. For what it is worth, I/Sean plan to participate in several of the upcoming events announced in these links. Additionally, the Ravn was featured atop a Suzuki automobile in the company booth at the Los Angeles international auto show. The Ravn will be displayed again in the same booth at the upcoming Chicago international auto show. There are links on this along with that of Wired magazine, which was understandably expressive in its affection toward the Ravn.
Finally, to cap off 2009, we wanted to express our genuine appreciation to Ben Witt of Milltown Cycles. Like we had mentioned on our web site, Ben is a deckhand extraordinaire who continues to inspire Rawland during its formative years. Needless to say, Rawland has benefitted tremendously from Ben's insightful feedback from the perspective of both a retailer and a mechanic. For 2010 and beyond, we look forward to working with Ben along with Jason Lardy of Nomad Marketing and Kirk Pacenti of Pacenti Cycle Design who too provide us with invaluable advices and guidance. As always, your feedback is welcome by emailing us at info@rawlandcycles.com. We wish you all a wonderful year.
Skoal!
Sean and Anna
Links:
European CEN bicycle standards:
http://www.cen.eu/cenorm/news/spotlight+on+standards/archive/bicycle.asp
The Alpine Bicycle Club:
http://alpinebicycle.org/
Rough Riders:
http://www.xo-1.org/
Adventure Cycling:
http://www.adventurecycling.org/
Chicago International Auto Show:
http://www.chicagoautoshow.com/index.asp
Suzuki America:
http://www.suzukiauto.com/
Wired Magazine:
http://www.wired.com/autopia/2009/12/rawlands-la-auto-show/
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