In the late 1990s, Syncros experienced financial difficulties and was transferred to the bike manufacturer GT. GT was subsequently sold to Schwinn. With the transfer of Schwinn to the Pacific Bicycle Group, the new owner installed masses of Syncros components as cheap OEM parts on low-priced bicycles. As a result, the former glory of Syncros lost its radiance.

After the purchase by Tom Ritchey in 2003, Syncros slowly returned to its roots as a leading manufacturer of high-end mountain bike components, with a focus on the all-mountain, freeride and downhill categories.

As of 2012, Scott Sports is now acquiring Syncros from the previous owner Ritchey. The company, based in Givisiez, Fribourg, has announced that it is expanding the line into the cross-country and road sectors. A design and engineering team is already in place to develop the future product lines.

"We have always believed that the Syncros name has a great image in the industry," adds Scott Sports Vice President, Pascal Ducrot. "Our priority was to find a way to increase our range of parts and accessories while maintaining the relationship with our long-term partner Ritchey. The purchase of Syncros was the perfect solution."

Ritchey announced that the sale of Syncros would allow them to focus on new products. "We've had a great experience developing Syncros as a brand, now we want to take Ritchey to an even higher level," says Sean Coffey, Global Marketing Director of Ritchey.

Syncros will be distributed through the Scott dealer network around the globe. In Switzerland, there will be an immediate change in distribution: the previous Syncros supplier GPR AG will hand over distribution to Scott Sports. Syncros parts are still available from GPR AG until stocks are empty.

The complete range of new Syncros products can be seen at the 2012 Eurbike trade fair.

www.scott-sports.com
www.syncros.com