SportCrafters 2014 Press Kit

U.S./International Marketing Contact:
Sarah Houser | [email protected] | Tel. 574-243-2453
Press Release: HardDrive Trainer
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OverDrive K Drum
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HardDrive Trainer
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High Inertia Drum
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Omnium Trainer & Track Omnium
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ARC Technology
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Omnium Case & Omnium Bag
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Company Information
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OverDrive Pro Rollers
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Quick Facts
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Peter Colan, President
[email protected]
Patrick Kulwicki, Product Manager
[email protected]
Sarah Houser, Marketing Manager
[email protected]
Charles Albaugh, Production Manager
[email protected]
Interbike 2014 – Booth #34169
August 8, 2014 – At Interbike 2013, SportCrafters introduced the Omnium Trainer – a completely new concept
serving travelling cyclists and race athletes. This year, SportCrafters is giving the industry a sneak peek at
another new concept that will substantially change our expectations of what a stationary trainer should be.
The SportCrafters HardDrive Trainer (patents in process) will be the first trainer to eliminate the Tension Knob,
and replace it with a simple system that both reduces tire wear and ensures that the tire will never slip.
The following is a description of key benefits for the cyclist:
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No tire slip and less tire wear: In place of a Tension Knob, the SportCrafters HardDrive uses a
system that automatically adjusts the compression on your rear tire depending on resistance. Most
other trainers require you to aggressively pinch the tire in order to avoid slipping at higher power, but
that quickly wears out the tire. The HardDrive only compresses as much as it needs at all times to avoid
slipping. No more trial-and-error adjustments to find the proper tire compression. This trainer can
handle even the most powerful sprinters.
Adjustable progressive resistance: The HardDrive
utilizes ARC Technology, and is easily adjustable for
the desired workout. A manual adjuster gives the
cyclist a choice of resistance curve that resembles
real-life power from a tailwind on flat road to a
sustained climb on a steep hill.
Realistic inertia: HardDrive’s automatic compression
feature provides a more realistic inertia feel than any
other trainer because it responds dynamically to
sudden changes in power eliminating the need for a
heavy flywheel.
Portability: The trainer folds flat for easy transport
and storage.
“Our goal as a company is to solve problems that aren’t being
solved with other products on the market,” said SportCrafters Owner, Pete Colan. “That was the driving force
behind the Omnium Trainer, which was the first truly portable trainer. This trainer solves the tire pinch
conundrum, and also allows the user to choose the best resistance curve for the training they need to do.”
Visit the SportCrafters Interbike booth (#34169) for product demos. The HardDrive Trainer will be available for
the fall training season in 2015, with an estimated suggested retail of $499.00. Visit www.SportCrafters.com
for more details, and contact SportCrafters Marketing Manager, Sarah Houser, for high-resolution
photography: [email protected]
The SportCrafters HardDrive Trainer will be the first trainer to eliminate the Tension Knob that
pinches the rear tire, and replace it with a simple system that both reduces tire wear and ensures that
the tire will never slip. A manual resistance adjustment gives you maximum control of your workout,
with several different progressive resistance power curve options. At the end of the day, the
HardDrive folds flat for the most convenient storage and transport.
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Absolutely no tire slip at any power level
Automatic compression system reduces tire wear
Realistic inertia without a heavy flywheel
Adjustable progressive resistance
Folds flat for easy transport and storage
100% designed and manufactured in the USA
Supported by our legendary lifetime warranty
The SportCrafters Omnium Trainer is the only full-size bike trainer on the planet that folds up small
enough to fit in a carry-on bag, and does not wear tires like traditional rear-locking trainers. Take your
pre-race to a whole new level with enough resistance to do high-intensity intervals, the put the trainer
in your backpack for the commute across town. With every inch engineered to absolute perfection,
you won’t leave home without your SportCrafters Omnium.
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Now available with 15mm or 9mm thru-axle fork mount
Powered by ARC Technology, the Omnium delivers meaningful resistance for race warm-up
Folds up to meet most airline requirements for carry-on luggage
Minimizes wear on expensive race tires
Fork mount, so no risk of chain alignment issues that result from removing the rear wheel
100% designed and manufactured in the USA
Supported by our legendary lifetime warranty
The world-renowned SportCrafters Omnium Trainer has been modified to fit the needs of track
cyclists. The same compact and lightweight design provides minimal resistance, allowing for high
cadence warm-up and cool-down. This is the perfect solution for track – with the classic feel of rollers
and the convenience of a portable trainer.
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No additional resistance, so feels like classic rollers and performs like a trainer
Folds up to meet most airline requirements for carry-on luggage
Minimizes wear on expensive race tires
Fork mount, so no risk of chain alignment issues that result from removing the rear wheel
Telescopes to fit any wheelbase
100% designed and manufactured in the USA
Supported by our legendary lifetime warranty
The ultimate travel case for your Omnium Trainer.This custom, durable, hard-sided case is designed
for extensive use and abuse, even as checked baggage. A layer of padding inside protects the
Omnium, and butterly latches keep the case secured. The best hidden feature of the Omnium Case:
when laid flat, it doubles as a step for the Omnium Trainer.
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Made from vacuum-formed ABS
Butterfly latches keep the case secure during travel
Doubles as a step for the Omnium
Layer of padding inside the case
100% designed and manufactured in the USA
The Omnium Bag is the perfect solution for everyday transport of the Omnium Trainer. A reinforced
bottom panel and layer of padding throughout protect the trainer. A little extra room in the bag means
you can pack with extra accessories. Handmade in Elkhart, Indiana.
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Polyester fabric with sewn-in foam padding
Reinforced layer in the bottom
Fabric handles
Wide zipper opening for easy access
100% designed and manufactured in the USA
The SportCrafters OverDrive Pro Rollers are a high-performance roller set designed around our core
values of quality, robust design and innovation. Powered by ARC Technology, OverDrive delivers the
same power profile as a fluid stationary trainer with a magnetic mechanism contained within the rear
roller drum. Ramp up your roller training and race warm-up, and benefit from improved handling and
cadence.
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Guaranteed to improve rider technique and power with regular use
Delivers enough top-end resistance for even the most powerful athletes
Does not wear expensive race tires like rear-locking stationary trainers
Activates core muscles required for balance and control, and imrpoves cadence during highintensity intervals
100% designed and manufactured in the USA
Supported by our legendary lifetime warranty
Designed to integrate with the Kreitler Challenger Rollers, and replaces the need for an external
resistance unit or flywheel. The compact OverDrive K Drum contains a progressive resistance
mechanism, and the heavier, double-wall drum adds mass for a longer coasting effect. Comfortably
push through high-intensity intervals, then fold up your Kreitler Rollers for easy transport.
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Easily integrates with Kreitler Challenger Rollers
Precision-lathed, double-wall aluminum drum is designed to last a lifetime
Delivers enough top-end resistance for even the most powerful athletes
Bearings are permanently sealed and do not require maintenance
100% designed and manufactured in the USA
Supported by our legendary lifetime warranty
The new SportCrafters High Inertia Drum adds the benefits of higher mass and inertia to your existing
Cadence or OverDrive Pro Rollers. The heavier, double-wall drum allows your bike to coast for a
longer period of time without losing momentum, and smooths out your pedal stroke when practicing
one-legged drills or clipping into clipless pedals. The High Inertia Drum is also particularly useful if
you do not clip in, and for baseline and distance spinning.
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Easily integrates with SportCrafters Cadence and OverDrive Pro Rollers, and CycleOps
Aluminum Rollers
Precision-lathed, double-wall aluminum drum is designed to last a lifetime
Bearings are permanently sealed and do not require maintenance
100% designed and manufactured in the USA
Supported by our legendary lifetime warranty
Three years ago, the engineers at SportCrafters
designed and patented ARC Technology, which
now provides the foundation for most of our
product line. ARC Technology is a simple
magnetic mechanism that provides a progressive
resistance curve.
High power magnets inside of the roller drum are
drawn closer to the drum wall as speed increases,
and, in turn, resistance increases. Benefits of this
new technology include:
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Cyclists experience the same resistance
that they would find on a fluid stationary
bike trainer, but without the tire wear that
comes with clamping to the rear wheel.
Tests have concluded that the power profile with speed comes as close as possible to realroad conditions.
As an added benefit, the resistance unit adds less than a pound to the standard roller drum.
Also, there is absolutely no maintenance required and no risk of fluid leakage.
ARC Technology can be found on all of our OverDrive products, the Omnium Trainer, and the new
HardDrive Trainer.
"SportCrafters have used some ingenious magnetic technology hidden inside the rear roller to
add progressive resistance to their rollers. The power curve of the Sportcrafters OverDrive Pro
Rollers increases with speed in a non-linear fashion as it would on the road, and for those that
are aware of TrainerRoad the power curve of the SportCrafters rollers is consistent enough to
be compatible with the TrainerRoad virtual power service should you wish to use it." – Peter
Rox, Bicycling Australia
Visit our booth at Interbike (#34169) to see and interact with a live demo of ARC Technology!
SportCrafters was formed in 1996 making
private-label cycling products for Nashbar and
CycleOps. For almost 20 years, the experts at
SportCrafters have been consistently
improving on a solid bicycle roller design
acclaimed by Bicycling Magazine as having an
“exquisite ride and great looks.” Three years
ago, we developed ARC Technology, which
paved the way for the SportCrafters line of
OverDrive rollers and trainers, the Omnium
Trainer and the all-new HardDrive Trainer.
All products are designed and manufactured in
Granger, Indiana with precision manufacturing
equipment. Much of the tooling used in
production is built in-house. Almost all raw material is purchased from steel mills, extrusion mills and
injection molders from within a 30-mile radius of the SportCrafters facility. This allows our staff to
have maximum control over quality, quickly communicate with suppliers, and guarantee the fastest
possible lead times.
SportCrafters was built on a solid foundation of customer service excellence, and that value fuels the
entire organization. Our products are constantly being evaluated and tested by industry experts, and
customer feedback shapes future product design. When our customers call or e-mail SportCrafters,
they will receive a personal and thoughtful reply from one of 6 full-time employees. In many cases,
they will be speaking directly with the creative minds that invented, assembled and boxed their
SportCrafters roller or trainer.
Why is the HardDrive Trainer an exciting new development?
The HardDrive Trainer will be the first trainer on the market to replace the Tension Knob with a simple
system that automatically adjusts tire compression based on power. This means absolutely no tire
slip, and only the correct amount of tire compression at all times. In addition, this trainer will deliver
adjustable progressive resistance for maximum control over your workout.
Is the Omnium Trainer just another bike trainer?
The Omnium is optimized for race warm-up and travel. It weighs only 13.7 pounds and fits
conveniently in carry-on luggage so that you can take it anywhere. The trainer provides progressive
resistance up to about 600 watts, which is ideal for most warm-ups. This year, we are introducing the
Track Omnium without added resistance for the specific needs of fixed geared bikes.
Where can I buy SportCrafters products?
SportCrafters is committed to supporting Independent Bicycle Dealers. Any bike shop in the U.S. can
apply to be a SportCrafters dealer and order product right away (subject to MAP Policy). You will also
find SportCrafters rollers and trainers through BTI and Olympic Supply Company in the U.S., Podium
Imports in Canada, FRF Sports in Australia, Sim-Works in Japan, and Planet X in the UK. We are
interested in expanding our domestic and international distributor and dealer network – contact Sarah
Houser at [email protected].
Who uses SportCrafters products?
SportCrafters rollers and trainers are being used by professional and elite athletes all over the world,
including Gwen Jorgensen, Cycling Canada, JETCycling, U.S. Paralympics Cycling, Rapha Japan,
Team Roger C. Peace and many local cycling teams in various disciplines.
What is next for SportCrafters?
We are a company driven by curiosity, with the goal to push the envelope in the world of training
products. You can expect to see at least one new product from SportCrafters every year. Although we
cannot divulge details at this time, we are already working on the next training innovation.