Felt founder Jim Felt departs

Jim Felt has departed the now Rossignol-owned Felt Bicycles business having founded the brand alongside Bill Duehring in 1991.

The Spring acquisition of the bicycle label by wintersports giant Rossignol now sees the bicycle brand line up alongside Look Bicycles, another of the French firm’s investments in now ski businesses.

Jim Felt started out in the bicycle business in the late 80s, welding triathlon frames to order before joining Easton Sports for whom he developed bikes. Felt only became a complete bicycle brand in 2001.

On leaving the brand he founded, he said: “My deepest thanks and gratitude to everyone that has believed and supported me all of these years. I started Felt Bicycles because of my love and passion for cycling. That love still lives in me. My relationship with my athletes, suppliers, distributors, dealers, employees, consumers and friends will never change or be forgotten. Thanks for the ride!”

Bruno Cerclet, Rossignol’s CEO added: “At the first minute I met with Jim I knew our companies were built from the same DNA: racing, innovation, passion. I have been impressed by Jim’s vision about blending the two ingredients that made this company so successful: outstanding product engineering capabilities together with racing commitment. I have a lot of respect for Jim, the human being and his incredible achievements. After we now take the company to new steps as part of our Group I wish Jim all the best in his new life and am sure we will find ways to stay connected and cooperate in different formats.”

Bicycle Retailer has more on this story.