Schwinn News

Schwinn’s Tailwind – The Fastest-Charging Electric Bike in the World –

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Schwinn’s Tailwind – The Fastest-Charging Electric Bike in the World –
Will be Available in Stores Starting this January

The Tailwind (MSRP $3,199), Schwinn’s latest electric bike, will be showcased at the Consumer
Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas (Jan. 8-11, 2009), and will be available through
Independent Bike Dealers (IBDs) throughout North America before February 2009

BETHEL, Conn. – Jan. 08, 2009 – Schwinn Bicycles, America’s most recognized bicycle brand, today announced that its Tailwind electric bike (the fastest charging electric bike in the world) will be available for purchase beginning later this month at Independent Bicycle Dealers (IBDs) throughout the United States. Schwinn Bicycles is part of the Cannondale Sports Group Division of Dorel Industries (TSX: DII.B, DII.A).

The Tailwind represents the next generation of eBikes and will be on exhibit this week (Jan. 8-11) at the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas at the Sands Convention Center (Booth s4840). The Tailwind features the world’s fastest-charging battery – a battery built by electronics giant, Toshiba Corporation; in fact, the Tailwind was the first product in the world to use Toshiba’s new SCiB technology.

Toshiba’s SCiB power technology will enable Tailwind owners to recharge their eBike in 30 minutes
through a standard electrical outlet (or as little as five to seven minutes through a commercial charger).
By comparison, it takes approximately four hours or longer to fully recharge the battery of virtually any other eBike in use today through a standard electrical outlet, allowing riders to recharge their Tailwind eBike in one-eighth (1/8th) the time of other electric bikes.

"We’ve seen tremendous growth in the eBike market in the last couple years, and expect the Tailwind will break out to lead the pack as it incorporates the latest battery technology in a very sleek and stylish electric bicycle," said Bruno Maier, Executive Vice President of Marketing for the Cannondale Sports Group. "Initially we are starting out with a smaller inventory in the U.S., but we plan to grow the number of eBikes available to IBDs throughout the year to meet what we will expect will be a growing demand."

Details on the Schwinn Tailwind eBike
The Tailwind (like all Schwinn electric bicycles) is a so-called eBike hybrid and can be ridden in either motor-assist mode or as a conventional bike. The eight-speed Tailwind utilizes a lightweight, Schwinn-designed 6000 series aluminum alloy frame and an SR Suntour NEX-4610 suspension fork with lock-out.

The electric motor in the Tailwind is housed in the hub of the front wheel, an innovation found in all Schwinn eBike models. In addition, all Schwinn eBike models (including the Tailwind) utilize the Plug N’ Drive removable battery pack which is built into stylishly designed rear bike rack systems, allowing riders to quickly detach the battery for recharging.

It is projected that owners will realize an industry leading 2,000 (minimum) recharge cycles with the Tailwind electric bicycle versus the industry standard of 600 – 1,000 charges before needing to replace the battery. Tailwind riders will also find they can ride 25 to 30 miles per charge (depending upon such factors as climate, rider weight and terrain). The Tailwind also comes with a 20,000-mile or two-year limited warranty.

Other specs for Schwinn’s Tailwind include

A Shimano Nexus 8-speed internal geared rear hub,
A brushless motor with 180 watts of continuous power or 250 watts at peak power,
Schwinn’s PowerDial™ on and off power assist system, with three pedal assist power settings,
Rear roller braking system,
Double wall alloy rims and Continental Town Ride tires (with flat protection and reflective sidewall),
Inside-the-frame electric wire routing,
Full fenders, chain cover, Basta Defender wheel lock, and B+M dynamo powered light set,
Selle Royal Look In gel saddle (seat), with suspension seat post and adjustable rise stem,
Two standard frame sizes (M, L), and
One step-thru frame size (M).

According to the Electric Bikes Worldwide Report, 2008 Update, sales of electric bikes are growing quite rapidly in several markets around the world, including the United States and Europe. For example, U.S. eBike sales projected to hit 220,000 units in 2009, a two-year sales increase of 83 percent from U.S. eBike sales of 120,000 units in 2007. In Europe, the projections are even more impressive: 750,000 eBike sales forecast for 2009 up from sales of 250,000 units in 2007 — a three-fold increase.

With the addition of the Tailwind, Schwinn will have seven electric bike models in its complete line of eBikes. For more information about the Tailwind, please visit

http://www.schwinnelectricbikes.com for more information about Schwinn’s other eBike models.

Schwinn to Demonstrate Quickcharging Electric Bicycle at CES

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Schwinn to Demonstrate Quickcharging Electric Bicycle at CES
By Eliot Van Buskirk, Wired Blog Network

Schwinn makes its first appearance at the Consumer Electronics Show this year to show off its Tailwind bicycle, which uses new battery technology from Toshiba to enable faster charging and extended battery longevity.

Read the Complete, "Schwinn to Demonstrate Quickcharging Electric Bicycle at CES" story at http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/2009/01/schwinn-to-demo.html

Schwinn brings new bike to CES

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Schwinn brings new bike to CES
by Kimberly Maul, PRWeek

LAS VEGAS: Schwinn Bicycles is attending next week's International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) for the first time in order to unveil its electronic bike, the Tailwind, and its battery technology, which was created with Toshiba.

Read the Complete "Schwinn brings new bike to CES" story at http://www.prweekus.com/Schwinn-brings-new-bike-to-CES/article/123463/

Create a Holiday Memory, Give a Schwinn

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Create a Holiday Memory, Give a Schwinn

In the last 113 years Schwinn has been a part of more than a few Christmas morning surprises. Phantoms, Stingrays, Voyageurs. Just a few bikes that have lit up the faces of good little boys and girls over the years. And now it's your turn to tell Santa which SchwinnBicycle you want under the tree. Which Bike is right for you? Turn the page and find out. Head to your local dealer - he'll be sure Santa gets your order.

View the 2008 Schwinn Holiday Gift Guide Here!

TJ Sees the Light

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It's been a month since my latest surgery now, and my leg is finally feeling good. Not 100% yet, but the light is at the end of the tunnel. I'm going to a trainer 5 times a week, 2 hours each day to get healthy and ready to ride all winter. I'm so excited to be able to pin a big set of doubles and feel confident on my bike again.

I did a photo shoot this weekend with So Cal Super Trucks for a poster. I was launching my Race Rhino so the poster should be cool, and I'll be signing them at the Off Road Convention in LA this weekend.

The biggest news is that my friend Zach won the Lance Armstrong contest, and is so stoked! A guy going through hell is a lot happier right now, so thank you so much to everyone who took the time to help him out.

Much love,
TJ

Schwinn Unveils the Tailwind Electric Bicycle at Interbike

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New Tailwind eBike from Schwinn utilizes Toshiba’s Super Charge ion Battery (SCiB) technology to deliver an industry-leading 30-minute recharge time (through a standard residential electrical outlet), one-eighth (1/8th) the time of competing electric bikes (or less), setting a new standard for the electric bike industry

BETHEL, Conn. – Sept. 24, 2008 – Schwinn Bicycles, America’s most recognized bicycle brand, today unveiled the Tailwind electric bike to bicycle dealers attending the annual Interbike International Bicycle Expo, the largest bicycle trade industry event in North America. Schwinn Bicycles is part of the Cannondale Sports Group Division of Dorel Industries (TSX: DII.B, DII.A).

The Tailwind will also be showcased tonight from 6 to 9:30 p.m. (EDT) at the ShowStoppers media-only reception being held at the Millennium Hotel on Times Square in New York City at 44th and Broadway.

“The Tailwind sets a new standard of excellence in the eBike industry,” said Bruno Maier, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Cannondale Sports Group. “Through our new cooperation with Toshiba Corporation, the Tailwind is powered by the world’s most innovative and fastest charging battery, a battery that can be recharged in 30 minutes through a standard electrical outlet (or as little as five minutes through a commercial charger) versus the industry standard of four hours or more. That’s one-eighth the time or better of competing eBikes.”

“We know that more and more people are riding bikes for a variety of reasons, including economic factors, health benefits and environmental concerns. Industry reports forecast a dramatic rise in electric bicycle sales here in the U.S. and around the world, and we expect a significant interest in the Tailwind eBike when it arrives in Independent Bicycle Retailers (IBDs) in early 2009,” said Maier.

Details on the Schwinn Tailwind eBike Disclosed
According to Schwinn, the Tailwind electric bike represents the next generation of eBike and will be available in early 2009 at a suggested retail price of $3199.99.

The Tailwind (like all Schwinn electric bicycles) is a so-called eBike hybrid and can be ridden in either motor-assist mode or as a conventional bike. The eight-speed Tailwind utilizes a lightweight, Schwinn-designed 6000 series aluminum alloy frame and an SR Suntour NEX-4610 suspension fork with lock-out.

The electric motor in the Tailwind is housed in the hub of the front wheel, an innovation found in all Schwinn electric bike models. In addition, all Schwinn eBike models (including the Tailwind) utilize the Plug N’ Drive removable battery pack which is built into stylishly designed rear bike rack systems, allowing riders to quickly detach the battery for recharging.

It is projected that Tailwind owners will realize an industry leading 2,000 recharge lifecycles with the eBike versus the industry standard of 1,000 charges before needing to replace the battery. Tailwind riders will find they can ride 25 to 30 miles per charge (depending upon such factors as climate, rider weight and terrain). The Tailwind also comes with a 20,000-mile or two-year limited warranty.

Other specs for Schwinn’s Tailwind include A Shimano Nexus 8-speed internal geared rear hub, A brushless motor with 180 watts of continuous power or 250 watts at peak power, Schwinn’s PowerDial™ on and off power assist system, with three pedal assist power settings, Rear roller braking system, Double wall alloy rims and Continental Town Ride tires (with flat protection and reflective sidewall), Inside-the-frame electric wire routing,

Full fenders, chain cover, Basta Defender wheel lock, and B+M dynamo powered light set, Selle Royal Look In gel saddle (seat), with suspension seat post and adjustable rise stem, Four standard frame sizes (S, M, L, XL), and Three step-thru frame sizes (S, M, L).

With the 2009 addition of the Tailwind, Schwinn will have seven electric bike models in its complete line of eBikes. For more information about the Tailwind, please visit www.schwinnelectricbikes.com/tailwind or www.schwinnelectricbikes.com for more information about Schwinn’s other eBike models.

About Schwinn
Founded in 1895, Schwinn is an American icon and has built some of the best-known and best-loved bicycles of all time. Schwinn has been an indispensable player in revolutionizing bicycling around the world. With a continued dedication to quality, forever synonymous with the Schwinn name, America’s most famous bicycle brand looks forward to providing another century of innovation, freedom and performance to people of all ages. Information about Schwinn bicycles is available at www.SchwinnBike.com.

About Dorel
Dorel Industries Inc. (TSX: DII.B, DII.A) is a world class juvenile products and bicycle company. Established in 1962, Dorel creates style and excitement in equal measure to safety, quality and value. The Company’s lifestyle leadership position is pronounced in both its Juvenile and bicycle categories with an array of trend-setting products. In the Juvenile segment, Dorel’s powerfully branded products such as Quinny, Maxi-Cosi, Safety 1st and Bébé Confort have shown the way to safety, originality and fashion. Similarly, its highly popular brands such as Cannondale, Schwinn, GT, Mongoose and SUGOI have made Dorel a principal player with both independent bicycle dealers and mass merchants. Dorel’s Home Furnishings segment markets a wide assortment of furniture products, both domestically produced and imported. The Company exerts relentless innovation and marketing flair across all of its divisions. Dorel is a $2 billion company with 4,600 employees, facilities in 17 countries, and sales worldwide

.
U.S. operations include Dorel Juvenile Group USA; the Cannondale Sports Group; Pacific Cycle; Ameriwood Industries (which produces ready-to-assemble furniture); Altra Furniture; and Cosco Home & Office. In Canada, Dorel operates Dorel Distribution Canada and Dorel Home Products. Abroad, operations include Dorel Europe and IGC in Australia, a manufacturer and distributor of juvenile products. Dorel Asia sources and imports home furnishings products. Dorel China has eight offices which oversee the sourcing, engineering and logistics of the Company’s Asian supplier chain.
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MEDIA CONTACTS:
Michael De Leon, Schwinn Bicycles, 608-268-8309(w)/608-358-9412(c), mdeleon@cannondalegroup.com or
David Politis SOAR Communications, 801-523-3730(w)/801-556-8184(c), poppa.p@soarcomm.com or
Chip Smith, SOAR Communications, 801-523-3730(w)/801-597-7515(c), csmith@soarcomm.com or
Rick Leckner, Dorel Industries, 514-731-0000(w), rickl@maisonbrison.com

Bicycle makers offer commuters two-wheeled hybrids

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By David Colker, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
7:48 PM PDT, September 23, 2008

LAS VEGAS -- If you lose your car to the economic downturn, you can get a hybrid that uses no gasoline. The two power sources: electricity and your thighs.

Read the complete Los Angeles Times Electic Bicycle story at http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-bike24-2008sep24,0,5141702,full.story

Schwinn and Toshiba Collaborate to Dramatically Alter the Electric Bike Market

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Worldwide Collaboration between two of the most recognizable brands on the planet will
allow riders to recharge their Schwinn Tailwind eBikes in 30 minutes through a standard
electrical outlet, one-eighth (1/8th) the time of competing electric bikes (or less)

BETHEL, Conn.– Sept. 24, 2008 – Schwinn Bicycles, America’s most recognized bicycle brand today announced a strategic collaboration with Toshiba Corporation (TOKYO: 6502) that is expected to dramatically alter the electric bicycle landscape in the United States and around the world. Schwinn Bicycles is part of the Cannondale Sports Group Division of Dorel Industries (TSX: DII.B, DII.A).

Schwinn has incorporated Toshiba’s new Super Charge ion Battery (SCiB) technology into the Schwinn Tailwind, a brand new electric bike to be formally unveiled today in Las Vegas to bicycle dealers attending the annual Interbike International Bicycle Expo, the largest bicycle trade industry event in North America. The Tailwind will also be showcased tonight from 6 to 9:30 p.m. (EDT) at the ShowStoppers media-only reception being held at the Millennium Hotel on Times Square in New York City at 44th and Broadway.

Toshiba’s SCiB power technology will enable Tailwind owners to recharge their eBike in 30 minutes through a standard electrical outlet (or as little as five to seven minutes through a commercial charger). By comparison, it takes four hours or longer to fully recharge the battery of virtually any other eBike in use today through a standard electrical outlet, allowing riders to recharge their Tailwind eBike in one-eighth (1/8th) the time of other electric bikes.

In addition, Tailwind owners can expect to see an industry leading 2,000 recharge lifecycles with the eBike versus the industry standard of 1,000 charges before needing to replace the battery. Tailwind riders will find that they can ride 25 to 30 miles per charge (depending upon such factors as temperature, rider weight and terrain). The Tailwind also comes with a 20,000-mile or two-year limited warranty.

“We are very pleased to supply our first SCiB product to such a well-known and respected company as Schwinn Bicycles and its parent company, Dorel Industries,” said Shoshi Kawatsu, General Manager, Super Charge Battery Div. of Toshiba’s Transmission Distribution & Industrial System Company. “Schwinn is one of the most recognized bicycle brands in the world, and we are happy to provide Tailwind owners with our innovative SCiB technology.”

The Growing Market for Electric Bikes
According to the Electric Bikes Worldwide Report, 2008 Update, 20.8 million eBikes were sold worldwide in 2007, a total expected to show only modest worldwide growth in 2009 to 21.6 million units. However, eBikes represent the fastest-growing bicycle category within the U.S., Europe and a number of other regions.

For example, U.S. eBike sales are projected to hit 220,000 units in 2009, a two-year increase of 83 percent from 2007 U.S. eBike sales of 120,000 units. Projections for Europe are even more robust, with eBike sales in Europe expected to hit 750,000 units in 2009 a three-fold increase versus 2007 sales of 250,000 eBikes in Europe.

Schwinn has six models currently available for purchase in its electric bicycle line, with the Tailwind expected to arrive in dealer stores in early 2009. Each Schwinn electric bike is a so-called eBike hybrid and can be ridden in either motor-assist mode or as a conventional bike. In addition, all Schwinn eBike models (including the Tailwind) utilize a removable battery pack built into stylishly designed rear bike rack systems, allowing riders to detach the battery for recharging.

“We believe the convergence of environmental concerns, economic factors and proven health benefits are making everyday bike-riding a reality for more and more Americans,” said Bruno Maier, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Cannondale Sports Group. “Industry research and our own data tell us that electric bikes are a dramatically growing phenomenon within the U.S., and we intend to be a serious contender within the eBike category, particularly in this country.”
“For this reason, we are honored to partner with Toshiba, a world leader in battery and power technology. We are confident that deploying Toshiba’s breakthrough, fast-charging SCiB technology for the first time ever in our new Tailwind eBike will thrust Schwinn to the forefront of the electric bike marketplace,” said Maier.

With a suggested retail price of $3199.99, the Schwinn Tailwind will arrive in dealer stores in early 2009 with four sizes for standard frames (S, M, L, XL) and three sizes for step-thru frames (S, M, L). For more information about the Tailwind, please visit www.electricschwinnbikes.com/tailwind/ or http://www.electricschwinnbikes.com/tailwind/ for more information about Schwinn’s other eBike models.

U.S. operations include Dorel Juvenile Group USA; the Cannondale Sports Group; Pacific Cycle; Ameriwood Industries (which produces ready-to-assemble furniture); Altra Furniture; and Cosco Home & Office. In Canada, Dorel operates Dorel Distribution Canada and Dorel Home Products. Abroad, operations include Dorel Europe and IGC in Australia, a manufacturer and distributor of juvenile products. Dorel Asia sources and imports home furnishings products. Dorel China has eight offices which oversee the sourcing, engineering and logistics of the Company’s Asian supplier chain.

About Toshiba
Toshiba is a world leader and innovator in pioneering high technology, a diversified manufacturer and marketer of advanced electronic and electrical products spanning information & communications equipment and systems; digital consumer products; electronic devices and components; power systems, including nuclear energy; industrial and social infrastructure systems; and home appliances. Toshiba was founded in 1875, and today operates a global network of more than 740 companies, with 198,000 employees worldwide and annual sales surpassing US$76 billion. Visit Toshiba's web site at www.toshiba.co.jp/index.htm. For more details on Toshiba’s environmental management, visit: http://www.toshiba.co.jp/env/en/index.htm. For Toshiba’s SCiB Battery, visit:
http://www.scib.jp/e

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MEDIA CONTACTS:
Michael De Leon, Schwinn Bicycles, 608-268-8309(w)/608-358-9412(c), mdeleon@cannondalegroup.com
Rick Leckner, Dorel Industries, 514-731-0000(w), rickl@maisonbrison.com

TJ Takes a Rebel Run

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This has been a busy two weeks, as usual. Last week I was in beautiful Salt Lake City. I love it there so much. I saw the dirt jumps and they looked so fun I had to take a rebel run through 'em (even with staples in my leg still from the previous weeks surgery). Made it through first go and then just watched one of the best contests ever thanks to such an amazing course designed by none other than Stephen Murray. I announced the dirt comp and on Sunday before we left I went to a park called Tanner which is a dirt jumping spot built by the locals out there like Cam Wood, this kid named DJ, and Mike Aitken. I know there's more but I didn't catch them there at the same time as me. Then this week I got a call from my friend, Zach Derritter. He's a bike rider turned triathlete and is battling cancer all the while still competing, To me he is an inspiration and really helps me remember what life's all about. Family, friends, and stories. Having as much fun as possible everyday as if it was your last because you just never know.

TJ

TJ Walks the Red Carpet After Surgery

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What's up? Surgery's complete and I'm walking pretty good already. I got 6 screws and a plate put in to keep my fibula in place. I plan on riding soon, so I'm excited about that. I went to the MTV VMA's last night so that was pretty cool. I was the only guy there on the red carpet in typical BMX attire representin'! Monster T shirt and Schwinn hat...Loved it.

TJ

TJ on the Mend...Again

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Surgery went great I'm already able walk pretty good. My Dr. said it was still broken in two places and he re-broke the part that grew together and lined it up sweet. He made it strong with a plate and 6 screws so it should be perfect. It's not the weight baring bone so the recovery is gonna be faster than the original break for sure. I've already started riding an exercise bike a little to get it moving and it doesn't feel bad at all. Looking forward to getting better and getting back in there.

Talk soon,
T

TJ Goes Under the Knife...Again

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Hi everyone things are moving right along. Busy as usual. I went to Portland this week for the AST Dew Tour and it was a great event. I hosted Vert, and Park which received its highest ratings to date. Dirt wasn't broadcast this week because they switch the sports up each stop. This week is crazy Ive been riding as much as possible because on Thursday I will be having another surgery on my leg. Turns out my leg is still broken. They repaired my Tibia and left my Fibula alone (its not the important one ) so it didn't heel properly so that's why its been hurting this whole time. Riding on a broken leg sucks. It'll be all fixed this week with another plate and a few screws so I should be off to the races sooner than later. I'm already getting Cam ready for a late September early October Woodward ninja mission, so I'll keep you posted. Talk soon; next time with a little more hardware.

Much love,
TJ

TJ Rides the Yard

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This week was pretty chill. I finished working in the yard on the last straight. It's a lot better now. Turn two in the yard is more of a 180 that's faster than ever, followed by a right hand hip to a left hand hip. Then a final trick set. It's just now getting riding in, so it's only going to get faster. I've been riding a lot-sometimes twice a day-and I'm just now starting to get my timing and confidence back.

Kyle and I shot last week for a video called VIMBY. It stands for "Video in my back yard." Perfect for a guy with dirt jumps in his backyard. The concert last Monday at the Hard Rock for Stephen Murray went really good, and I got to hang with him at the Silverton by my house for a few hours before he went home. That's it for now. 'Til next time, take care.

TJ

Update from TJ Lavin

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Sorry it's been a bit, but all good things to report for sure. The last few weeks have been a whirlwind to say the least. I've been back on my bike, and I seem to be riding better and better every day. We tore out the last straight and re-built it this week. It's a good time. The yard has unlimited lines now, so I'll have to shoot some more video for you soon.

I shot some photos with Kyle Carlson of UK Ride as well. He thinks we're gonna do a pretty big interview in the next few months. We're going to take our time shooting it and make it completely dedicated to trails, so that should be cool.

Monday I'm doing a concert/benefit for Stephen Murray at the Hard Rock Hotel. It's part of the Gumball Rally which is a pretty big car enthusiast race. That's all for now. Until next time...

TJ

TJ Lavin Has Had a Very Busy Summer

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Team Schwinn rider TJ Lavin has had a very busy summer. He just finished up filming the new Real World/Road Rules Challenge that will start airing on MTV soon. He flew directly from there to NY to be on MTV's TRL July 17th to campaign for the Stephen Murray Foundation. TJ did a short interview before debuting his new video for the song “Soldier.” This single is being sold everywhere and all proceeds go directly to the Stephen Murray Fund.

TJ then flew to the Cleveland Dew Actions Sports Tour to commentate some of the BMX events on NBC. To make things even more crazy TJ was asked to do 8 songs off his soon-to-be-released album, one of them being “Soldier.” This was an amazing concert and TJ absolutely killed it. And to everyone’s surprise Stephen Murray was able to make the long trip. TJ rapped the song to Stephen on stage with the help of Mongoose rider Simon Tabron and his wife Pippa along with fellow BMXer Cory Nastazio. It was incredible and there was not a dry eye in the place.

Soldier Boy by TJ Lavin

NBC5.com Off the Record: Fun with Electric Biking

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Zoraida and Rob both got a chance to try out a Schwinn electric bike on the plaza.

Chicago, IL, June 12, 2008 -- My Bike of Tinley Park visited NBC 5 Chicago's Zoraida Sambolin and Rob Elgas who both got a chance to try out a Schwinn electric bike on the plaza.

View the Schwinn Electric Bike video: http://video.nbc5.com/player/?id=262432

TJ is Ready for His Closeup

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Las Vegas, NV, June 9, 2008 -- I have great news this week. I’ve just been confirmed for a July 11th filming of The Daily Habit which is a pretty good show on Fuel TV. Also, since I’m not ready for competition yet, NBC is having me announce the dirt contest and perform the tribute song for Stephen Murray in Cleveland as well. But before all that on the 15th of July I’m making an appearance on TRL which is a pretty big deal for all parties involved. Be sure to check all that out. Big things. Much love, T

TJ Talks Clothes, Music, and Stephen Murray

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Las Vegas, NV, June 6, 2008 -- This week was pretty chill. I was able to do a little video shoot with Kyle Carlson about my new clothing deal with Ecko Unlimited. It’s only on www.vitalbmx.com right now, and it was pretty good because I did my first trick in 7 months. You gotta go check it out to see it, though. Don’t trip. It isn’t that great, but it definitely feels great to be back riding for real. I’m getting ready to take off soon for Panama, and I’m still working on my new album. This week I worked with a skateboarder named Cato Williams. He’s a great musician and was a pleasure in the studio. His family is blessed to do music as his brother is N.E.R.D.’s front man and world renowned producer Pharrell Williams. He and I are going to do a big jam soon to benefit his friend who was paralyzed in a horrific car accident. Stephen Murray will be there to support as well. There’s no date yet, but I will keep you posted. (It’ll probably be sometime in the fall.) Speaking of Stephen Murray, I just received the first cut of the music video we shot last month, and it was definitely getting the point across. I thought it was a shot and edited very well, but more importantly it will hopefully help Stephen’s cause tremendously. I talked to Stephen today and he seemed very upbeat and positive as usual. He’s currently working very hard with Dr. John MacDonald in Baltimore to get some movement back. I wouldn’t put it past him to do something amazing over the next few months. Well, that’s if for this week. Until next time, much love. T

TJ Lavin Interview on VitalBMX

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Las Vegas, NV, June 2, 2008 -- Follow the link below to check out TJ Lavin talking about being back in the saddle and his new music.

http://www.vitalbmx.com/videos/features/On-the-Spot-TJ-Lavin-Interview,16339/On-the-Spot-TJ-Lavin,3017/Losey,112

Update From TJ Lavin

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Las Vegas, NV, May 21, 2008 -- This was an amazing week for me. I know that sounds like a broken record but every week seems to be getting better and better. This week I'm officially able to ride again. I rode the entire yard and even buzzed each of my shoulders with some good old fashion flattys. I plan on trying to squeeze in a photo shoot with Kyle next week before I leave to Panama to film the next season of MTV Real World/Road Rules Challenge. I also built a pretty sick deck in my yard for spectators and it will be really good for photos as well. Its 10’ x 20’ and its 8’ tall. Music stuff is going well and the video we shot for Stephen Murray will be ready in two weeks for the first review so I'll keep you posted. Thanks so much for the support to make it all happen. TJ

Schwinn Sierra GS named "Best Bike For Summer"

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Good Morning America/Consumer Reports Praise Sierra GS

Madison, WI, May 16, 2008 -- Good Morning America, in conjunction with Consumer Reports, named the Sierra GS as the "Best Bike For Summer".

Here's what they said:

Best Bike: Schwinn Sierra GS

"Riding a bike is a great way to stay in shape and save money on gas. Consumer Reports recommends getting moving this summer on the Schwinn Sierra GS, a comfort bike for leisurely riding. It features shock absorbers in the seat and/or fork, a cushiony, wide seat and low gears for easier uphill pedaling."

See below for a link to the full story.

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Springtime/Story?id=4870700&page=2

TJ Lavin is 100%

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TJ talks about upcoming projects and how it feels to be back on the bike.

Las Vegas, NV, May 12, 2008 -- It's been a very busy couple of weeks so sorry for the delay. A couple of weeks ago I shot my first music video in Hollywood, California. It was to promote the new song I did with (Mongoose BMX Vert rider) Simon and Pippa Tabron benefiting the Stephen Murray Family Fund. Fuel TV came out and did a behind-the-scenes thing and did a few interviews so that was cool. I think it will help a lot and it will be playing on MTV and for sure on NBC. I also confirmed doing color commentary for NBC this year for the Dew Action Sports Tour, so I'm excited about that. Last week was really cool with the Supercross being in town. I made several appearances including the Road to Recovery Golf Tournament which helps moto athletes who pay the ultimate price for what they do. I've played in that tournament since it started and don't plan to ever miss it. This week was back to business week. I was stoked to see I was featured in two magazine articles. One was UK Ride and it featured my broken leg all stapled up a few days after the accident. It mentioned how I just re-signed for life with Monster energy drink with a broken leg and how that was love. It also said thanks to Chuck (Fallon—BMX Team Manager) and Schwinn for helping me during those first few rough days. Thanks again for that. Last but most important I'm 100% back. For the first time in six months I really feel like a true BMXer again. I dropped the dock at my house and completed the entire yard making it through first go. I've been sweating that since I got hurt ‘cause I knew the boys would expect me not to pull it over. I'm sessioning everyday now helping Cam White get ready for the season and getting myself ready for what ever comes my way. I'm on my way to Panama for 6 weeks to film another season of the MTV Challenge series so when I get back from that it'll be on for sure. This week I plan on doing an interview with UK Ride and with Vital BMX so it's gonna be another good one. Sorry for such a long one but I had some catching up to do. Nothing but love, TJ

TJ Lavin Competes in a Supermoto Race

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Well this was a great week for a few reasons, the first being I was in a competition again. Not on the bike (yet) but in a Race Rhino. There was a supermoto race at Stateline here in Nevada. It was so fun, and I ended up fourth over all which I was stoked on. In any case it was a good time. Another cool thing is I was able to ride again, and my leg seems to be getting better everyday. We’re also shooting a music video in Hollywood on the 28th of this month benefiting the Stephen Murray Family Fund so that should be cool. Till next time much love, T

Schwinn Campus E-bike Earns Award

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The March issue of Domino Magazine has included the Schwinn Campus in it's Green List.

The list highlights innovative green companies. Here's what they had to say about the Campus:

"Bona-fide 'cruiser' lines plus an innovative battery that takes you 60 sweat-free miles - this is an easy-breezy alternative to a car."

Look for the Campus and other Schwinn e-bikes hitting retailers nationwide this spring. Domino's list can be found at http://www.dominomag.com/resources/2007/02/greenlist