The Cadillac of Bicycles? Yes, Cadillac Introduces a New Bicycle Line

The Cadillac brand name has landed itself on some interesting products in the last few decades. Whether on the engine bay of a 70s diesel-powered clunker, a leather-lined Cavalier (Cimarron), or perhaps the least expected sport utility vehicles, the gilded crest has traveled far and wide through the automotive world. Yet, Cadillacs latest break through might not even be on four wheels, as the brand has announced that it will be introducing an entirely new lineup... of bicycles!

Aside from this summers Employee Pricing discount, the Cadillac Bicycle is the Generals latest marketing scheme to help bring the Caddy name to the next level. The bikes are not designed or built by GM; a deal was struck with Kent International Inc., one of the industrys largest bicycle producers, to create a lineup of high and mid-range bicycles to carry the prestigious Cadillac name.

In addition to extending its product range, Cadillacs internal research and marketing departments suggested that the bicycles will help the brand attract younger buyers. The first major move, in the automotive segment that is, came from the introduction of the midsized rear-wheel drive CTS sedan in 2002, which helped usher in Cadillacs edgy Art & Science styling theme. In the course of just three and a half years the brand has reduced the average age of its buyers from the mid- to high-50s to mid- to high-40s. Caddy hopes that by associating its nameplate with high-performance bicycles, it will attract younger, trendier buyers.

Starting this summer, the Cadillac Bicycle range will incorporate four models that span from heavy duty mountain bikes to daily use commuters, to time-trial race performance: the All-Mountain series, the All-Road series, the Adventure series and a limited edition Road series. Like the vehicles that also bear the Cadillac name, the bicycles offer top-tier design and technology, including internal rear gear hubs, disc brakes, full box-body frames, front and rear frame suspension and carbon fiber and aluminum construction.

While offering a bicycle line appears innovative on Cadillacs part, it should be noted that this is not the first automobile brand to offer pedal-powered two-wheelers. BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche are well-known for their expensive but highly advanced lightweight folding bicycles, and of course, the Peugeot racing bike cannot be forgotten. But even within the inner GM circle, other family members have beaten Caddy to the punch - Hummer offers mountain bikes built by Montague Inc., first made available around the same time the H2 was introduced, and GMC has long offered Professional Grade affordable bicycles for consumers.

Realistically speaking, dont expect Cadillacs bicycles to become as common a sight as their cars due to small scale production, and limited availability. Most bikes will probably be used by dealers as gifts to help close the sale of a four-wheeled Cadillacs, or as a bonus to employees, sales personnel and loyal customers. The majority of actual sales are expected to go to GM employees, who receive up to 25 percent off on GM merchandise, including the lineup of Caddy bicycles.

Prices start from under $500 for the basic Adventure 2.1M, to the heavy duty All-Mountain professional mountain bike, which will be available starting under $2,000. All things considered, thats reasonable for the Cadillac of bicycles! The entire range of two-wheelers will be sold in select Cadillac dealerships, as well as a small group of premium bicycle shops. Wider distribution is under consideration for 2006, depending on how the public responds to the idea of a two-wheeled Cadillac.

For more information, including specifications and retailers visit the brands website at www.cadillacbicycles.com .