That’s it really. Will cease to distribute as of end of season. Want to concentrate energy on genesis and Saracen.
Look out for some deals at your local dealer!!!

I’m just waiting for hardware they’ve promised me since September ::(

First Paligap lose Kona,then Madison drop Commencal…..who’s next to go?

Err, I’m not sure that Paligap “lost” Kona.

Oh, and…

AN OPEN LETTER TO U.K. DEALERS AND CONSUMERS FROM KONA BIKES <http://broadcast.konaworld.com/link.php?M=16920&N=59&L=16&F=H&gt;
Recently, many of you may have learned that the distribution of Kona Bikes in the U.K. will be changing for the 2012 season. We had originally planned to wait until June 2011 to announce this news, but as our distributor Paligap decided to make an announcement last week, we feel it important to immediately let everyone know our plans.

The U.K. has been a very important market for Kona since Second Level Sport introduced the Cinder Cone in 1989. SLS was one of our first independent distributors and proved pivotal in promoting Kona during mountain biking’s initial boom in the 1980s.

Over the years, Second Level, and more recently Paligap, have carried the Kona torch with firm conviction, consistently presenting our company as one of the country’s leading bike brands. We made strong friendships with our U.K. allies and treasured the professional manner in which they nurtured Kona among independent bicycle dealers and riders. Kona also has the great pleasure of sponsoring world-class athletes like Helen Wyman and Grant Fielder, and in the past, World Champion Tracy Moseley.

In 1995, we established Kona Europe, which has grown into a smooth and superbly functioning component of KonaWorld. Based in Geneva, our European division services all of Europe as well as the Middle East and Africa with great knowledge, experience and customer service that is second to none.

As one of the world’s leading bicycle markets, with its highly respected riders, journalists and dealers who all share a deep-seeded love and understanding of bicycles, it is a natural step for us to work more closely with our good friends in the U.K.

Starting in July 2011, Kona will begin to fully service the U.K. market from our European head office. Bicycles, components, clothing and accessories while be shipped from our Rotterdam distribution facility while relying on the leadership of a U.K. based sales and support team. We will be working with our U.K. dealers in GBP currency. All of these efforts will be fully supported and fueled by our experienced and rapidly growing product, design and communications teams based at our KonaWorld headquarters in Vancouver, B.C. and Ferndale, Washington.

We look forward to renewing and deepening our relationships within the U.K. after July 1 and to work with them closely as we continue to pursue great bikes and big fun. See you on the trail (or the road) soon!

<http://www.konaworld.com/newsletter/images/ukletter/sig.gif&gt;

For those of you who have any concerns or questions, please feel free to contact any of us, at any time.
Jacob Heilbron lew@konaworld.com
Dan Gerhard dg@konaworld.com
Jimbo Holmstrom jimbo@konaworld.com
Kona Europe Headquarters +41229608300
KonaWorld Headquarters 604-684-4933
You may be receiving this letter because, at some point in time, you registered the purchase of a Kona bicycle.
If you are not on our newsletter mailing list, you will receive no further non-warranty-related mailings.

Halfords have been dropped by GT

Mark Peterman, US-based General Manager for GT said:
“Choosing suitable GT distribution is done on a country-by-country basis. Paramount to every search is strong partnership relative to the fostering of the brand image, growth opportunities and a thirst for driving GT to the top of the market.
“We felt that, for the UK, a full corporate commitment to the tremendously strong IBD channel is our best solution. We thank Halfords for all their support over the past decade and acknowledge the effort achieved.”

So that’s why my lbs has a lovely Jake the snake in the window 🙂
Great news as!