When K2 took over Proflex...

[orange]

Google just flagged up this newswire alert dating back to 1997. Makes interesting reading:

REPEAT/K2 Inc. Renames Pro-Flex Mountain Bike Division to K2 BIKE; Unveils Patented Smart Shock Technology

Business Wire,  July 15, 1997 

E-MAILPRINTLINK
WOONSOCKET, R.I.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 15, 1997--K2 Inc., a leading manufacturer of high performance sporting goods, has announced the renaming of its Girvin/Pro-Flex division to K2 BIKE, as well as the introduction of two patented product innovations for the K2 BIKE line.

Building on the award-winning piezoelectric damping technology that made K2 the top selling alpine ski brand in the United States this year, K2 has developed a patented bike shock that brings a new generation of "smart" suspension technology to mountain biking. In addition, the first all carbon bikes have been launched by the brand.

Strategy - Competitive Advantage
"With the introduction of our Smart Shock and carbon frame technologies, the time is right to take advantage of K2's brand strength in the marketplace and attach it to the Pro-Flex name," said Richard Rodstein, chief executive officer for K2.

"K2's name recognition has increased dramatically over the past few years, and the company is recognized by a growing base of performance sports enthusiasts for its innovation and cutting edge technologies. We are extremely proud of the Pro-Flex heritage and will keep `Pro-Flex' in most of our model names."

Pro-Flex introduced full suspension bikes in 1990 and was acquired by K2 in 1993. Full suspension is currently the fastest growing segment of the mountain bike market. Distribution for the K2 brand will continue through independent bicycle dealers.

"K2 BIKE dealers will benefit from this increased brand awareness, and K2's strong commitment to this specialty retailer base will certainly continue," added Kip Pitou, president of K2 BIKE. "What's happened in the world bike market is that K2 has become a true brand, not just a ski label."

K2 BIKE's patented Smart Shock technology is similar to that used for Formula One racing. The Smart Shock "brain" is a piezoelectric compression bypass valve that processes bumps and tailors damping to handle trail conditions on the fly. The "brain" tells the Smart Shock when to deliver a plush ride over rocks and roots -- where racers need to maintain pedaling cadence -- yet tells the shock when to ramp up for big high-speed hits, helping riders maintain better control over their bikes. The system is the world's first bike shock absorber with a microchip brain.

The K2 Smart Shock was developed by K2 engineers working together with Active Control eXperts (ACX), a company that specializes in the use of piezoelectric materials. In the application developed by K2, a control sensor in the bicycle shock senses piston speed and position and sends it to the smart circuit. The smart circuit then sends a signal back to the piezo valve, regulating oil flow through a a bypass orifice and thereby softening or stiffening compression damping. The result is increased tire-to-ground contact so riders can go faster over changing terrain and remain in control.

The technology will be introduced on several K2 BIKE models for 1998, including the Pro-Flex 5000, 4500C, 4000, Animal and K2's top-of-the-line 5500C carbon fiber bike. The 5500C also brings carbon structure innovation to mountain biking.

"K2's carbon frame uses the first carbon backbone to deliver light weight and unparalleled strength and durability. The unique thermoplastic skin provides unprecedented abrasion resistance and a shape worthy of the Stealth Bomber," added Pitou.

The K2 brand is a global market leader in sporting goods and currently ranks No. 1 in skis, No. 2 in snowboards, No. 1 in step-in snowboard bindings, No. 2 in inline skates and No. 1 in trade-up inline skates in the United States. In addition, K2 Outdoor, which builds technical outdoor products including backpacks, daypacks and patented hydration systems, was recently launched into the outdoor market.

Within each of its market segments, K2 focuses on product innovation and cutting edge technologies designed to take enthusiasts to higher levels of performance and fun. Examples include the K2 Four piezoelectric ski, winner of a Popular Science magazine gold medal, the K2 Clicker step-in snowboard binding and K2's Softboot inline skate.

K2 Inc.'s family of brand-name performance sports products includes K2, Olin skis, Shakespeare fishing tackle, Stearns outdoor water products, Dana Design and Hilton active apparel. Also part of K2 are Simplex and Shakespeare industrial products. The company's stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol KTO.

[shovelon]

up inline skates in the United States. In addition, K2 Outdoor, which builds technical outdoor products including backpacks, daypacks and patented hydration systems, was recently launched into the outdoor market.

K2 Inc.'s family of brand-name performance sports products includes K2, Olin skis, Shakespeare fishing tackle, Stearns outdoor water products, Dana Design and Hilton active apparel. Also part of K2 are Simplex and Shakespeare industrial products. The company's stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol KTO.[/i]

That's a very interesting article. I guess we have to credit K2 with all of the carbon designs then. I see that they owned Dana Designs too.

Back in the mid 1970s, I worked for Wilderness Experience Inc, which is where I got my first weldling job. My brother had started their weldling department welding thier backpack frames. He got in a motorcycle accident and they called me in to fill his shoes. About 10 years after I left, they went bankrupt. In 1990, a creditor had aquired the name and equipment from storage and resurrected the company. They tracked me down and had me design the new prototype frame and start production. In 1992 they sold to Dana Designs and sent the entire production to Taiwan. HEY THANKS K2!!!!!

[rapiddescent]

If I remember correctly the holding company for K2 and Girvin was called Anthony Industries Inc from 1993 to its relaunch as K2Bike.

Kip Pitou (who I've met) went on to become director of the Salt Lake City Winter Olympics.

[scottmartin49]

Olin skis and Proflex bikes; that's at least 2 great brands K2 has managed to kill.

We ski on Volkls; since K2 bought in to them we've been waiting for them to turn to crap but it appears the Germans are holding out, at least on the race stuff.