BTI to distribute Gaerne shoes
Gaerne shoes are to be distributed for the first time in the US by Bicycle Technologies International (BTI). According to BTI's purchasing manager, Seth Graves, the brand is not well known in the US, but the company hopes it will really take off under its supervision.
"In the end the quality of their cycling shoes really won us over,” said Mr Graves. We realise we have some brand-building to do domestically, but Gaerne gives our dealers access to a comprehensive offering that we feel sets a new standard for quality and fit. Gaerne has something for nearly every category of performance cyclist."
As consumers become more conscious about what they buy, it is important for many to know that the shoes are not only designed in Italy, they are also made at Gaerne’s factory in Italy. The company was established by Ernesto Gazzola around 40 years ago and initially focused on hiking boots. During the 1970s, it broke into the motocross footwear segment and later decided to develop cycling shoes. Today, motocross comprises half of Gaerne's output, cycling footwear accounts for 35% (approximately 80,000 pairs per year), with traditional hiking boots making up the remaining 15%.
Some of the technical benefits offered by its shoe range include an A.I.C.S. (adjustable instep closure system), patented heel grip and female-specific geometries.
