January 8, 2005

Bell Sports Purchases Sports Instruments

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. - Bell Sports has purchased Sports Instruments, a pioneer in heart rate monitors, cycle computers and sports watches.

Bell will market and sell the Sports Instruments product line through its network of more than 3,000 independent bike dealers, 1,000 snowsports retailers, and more than 40 international distributors. Electronic accessories make up one of the largest sporting goods product categories, behind apparel and helmets, respectively.

The Sports Instrument product line will be managed by Bell’s Specialty Retail Division. Bell will sell the existing Sports Instruments product line while its world class R&D team works towards new and innovative products for the future.

“We are highly focused when it comes to the types of accessories we deliver to the specialty channel,” said Kwai Kong, President of the Bell Specialty Division. “The Sports Instruments products were created through close collaboration among sports physiologists, engineers and industrial designers who are also athletes. These products offer athletes and fitness enthusiasts the tools they need to improve their performance. We have plans and people to create a steady stream of great products in this field.”

Product Highlights

- Heart Rate Monitors: Most heart rate monitors only display raw heart rate data. The new Sports Instruments Fit and Pro records training data in five different heart rate zones and allows the user to view his/her percentage of heart rate at any time.

- Cycle Computers: Sports Instruments products are designed for ease-of-use and engineered for reliability. All 3 models are housed in waterproof, sonic-welded casings and provide riders with the essential data they need, The SI90HR model provides wireless heart rate and ride data with an easy to use interface.

- Sports Watches: The Sports Instruments ALTA Sports Altimeter tells skiers, cyclists, hikers and other athletes exactly where they stand within three feet of elevation. The ALTA’s primary functions show up in three windows. The first is a full-featured wrist watch. The second displays cumulative altitude, number of ski runs and rate of ascent or decent. The third shows current altitude, along with a 34-lap chronograph.

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