Hayes Bicycle Group to retain Answer and Manitou Distributors

Hayes Bicycle Group announced today that it will retain all Answer™ and Manitou™ brand product distributors for 2007. Service and support for these products will continue to be provided by these experienced and dedicated people.

Hayes Bicycle Group, a division of HB Performance Systems Inc., acquired the assets of Answer Products Inc., in November. Answer Products has been renamed HB Suspension Products and is now a part of the Hayes Bicycle Group division. Under this new business arrangement the company will continue to produce Answer™ and Manitou™ brand bicycle suspension forks, shocks, bars and stems.

“I offer my personal assurance that there will be no disruption in company operations,” said Rhonda Kirkwood, vice president and general manager of Hayes Bicycle Group. “We will continue to be responsive and remain dedicated to delivering the highest quality products on time and at competitive prices.” The excellent customer service and support systems that Answer Products’ customers have come to know also will continue, Kirkwood added.

Hayes Bicycle Group products, including Answer™, Manitou™, Hayes™ Disc Brakes and Sun Ringlé™ wheels, rims and hubs, are distributed through 120 worldwide distributors to customers in more than 50 countries. More than 200 worldwide bicycle original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are supplied by Hayes Bicycle Group. Its products are well known and respected in the mountain bike market. Hayes Bicycle Group provides products for all segments, especially freeride, gravity and recreational.