Scott Sports have bought component brand Syncros. Announcing the move this morning, the Swiss company said they had ambitions to "become a major player in the parts and accessories market". Until now they've focused mainly on selling complete bikes.
Syncros have traditionally specialised in making parts for 'gravity' mountain biking – downhill, freeride and all-mountain – but Scott plan to expand the brand into the cross-country and road component markets. They've created a new design and engineering team who've already started work on developing new products.
Via press release, Scott said: "The products will be built to reflect Scott's high standards for technology while also keeping top-to-bottom integration in mind. This type of product integration will cultivate new levels of innovation, further adding value to our bikes."
Syncros were formerly owned by Ritchey Design, who said today that they'd sold the business so they could focus on own-brand products, including a new range of trail kit that's in development. Ritchey have a long-standing relationship with Scott as suppliers of OE (original equipment) parts for complete bikes.
Global marketing director Sean Coffey said: "We’ve had a great experience working with and developing the Syncros brand but we want to shift our focus on taking Ritchey to a new level. We love the Syncros brand and we’re happy to see it go to an industry powerhouse like Scott, who can give it the energy it deserves."
Peter Hamilton and Pippin Osborne founded Syncros in 1986 on Vancouver’s North Shore. The company went through several changes in ownership before being bought by Ritchey in 2003 to fill a gap in their line for downhill/freeride/all-mountain products.
Scott began life in 1958 in Sun Valley, Idaho as manufacturers of aluminium ski poles. They still have their US headquarters in Sun Valley but the global business is now based in Givisiez, Switzerland. As well as selling bikes, they've branched out into the cycle clothing, helmet and shoe markets. They still make snow sports kit, too, along with products for motorsport and running.
