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Balfa UK buys Balfa Cycles!
19th March 2005 - James
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The biggest news this week is that Balfa UK have bought out Balfa, 140 shiny new frames are on their way over to the UK, theres been so much chat on several forums recently about exactly whats happening now, so we figured we'd go straight to the horses mouth (or at least, Jamie's keyboard..) and find out whats happening.
FTMB: Big news for you guys, you're now the proud owners of Balfa, congrats on that to you!
First of all i'd like to say thanks to all of the support we have recieved, its been totally overwhelming for us.
FTMB: How long has it taken for this whole process to come to where it is now?
This deal has been in the pipeline for almost a year, it has never been the right time for us to commit to it. It still isnt but some calculated risks pay off.
We've also heard you're opening a shop, where & when is this happening then?
The shop is called Mountain Mania Cycles in Tring, Hertfordshire. Its situated just 3 miles from Aston Hill and we should be there a week Monday (28th March 2005). It will be predominantly a top end kit shop as well as custom build shop and of course main dealers for all of our products.
Balfa has exploded in the UK this year, mainly due to the rave reviews from your riders and the amount of exposure magazines have given you, were you expecting any of this?
No I wasnt, I knew the team would get exposure but didnt expect the results or interest we have had. As for reviews, well they have been ace but then I do choose the companies we deal with carefully. I wont just go for any old company but if there is a chance for them in the UK and I rate the products highly enough, then i'll give them a go.
Whats in the pipeline for the future? Can the world be expecting an updated range for 2006? Basically, whats happening from now?
Well the import/distribution side will grow as will the shop. We didnt purchase the Balfa name but have been designing a new range for the last 10 months which will follow on from Balfa but under a different name - expect them to be updated and improved Balfas, due in small quantities at the end of 2005 and full production in 2006.
Didn’t the designers for Balfa leave a while back? Are these guys coming back on board?
They did leave about a year ago yeah. We havent employed them but are working with them on the new brand. The brand is theirs but we have invested and put a lot of time and effort in helping change things. The 1st Prototype front ends will be welded up this week in Canada and we'll go from there.
Theres been so much speculation on internet forums recently, what do you want to say to quell all the rumours flying around?
Look to the future. The Balfa designs are well renowned for how well they work. Expect the new frames to have the same high quality finish, exclusiveness and to still be handbuilt. With the new range we have taken the best bits of the current range and have put them into new bikes. You'll have to wait and see but im sure it wont be too long before pics of the finished DH proto will be floating around.
Thanks for all of the support and come and see us at the bikeshow. We will be displaying some of the latest Prototype kit as well as the regular stuff - Balfa, .243, Avent, Bombshell. We will be selling the stuff at the show so make sure you bring lots of cash!!!
Please watch www.balfa.co.uk for updates as we go.
Thanks
Jamie @ Balfa UK
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