Karun Chandhok at the lauch of new range of Montra
Since March 2011 when Montra was launched, the brand has had many firsts. “Montra” was the first to give India its first indigenously designed and manufactured carbon frame bike. In mid 2012, the new range of MTB, Hybrid and Road bikes was showcased to over 1100 dealers from across India.
Speaking on the occasion, Rajesh Mani, General Manager- Marketing, TI Cycles of India said, “We are delighted to have brand ambassador Karun Chandhok launch the new range of “Montra” Bicycles. We are proud to be the first Indian company to design and manufacture a wide range of world-class performance bikes catering to the affluent Indian. Apart from the titanium and carbon frame cycles that were launched last year, this new range of “Montra” has alloy frames. Based on the feedback on the initial range, the 2012 range has improved specs, graphics and components.”
Speaking on the occasion, Karun Chandhok said, “I rode the new hybrid bike, Montra Blues and was fascinated by its ride comfort, design and paint finish. The ride was very comfortable on the Blues and “Montra” has created world class bikes with frame geometry suited for Indians. Knowing that these frames are indigenously manufactured in India, which is a remarkable feat by TI Cycles.”
“The new range is being manufactured at the aluminum bicycle facility in Ambattur. Production is currently being ramped up to reach full utilization. Also "Montra" would capture close to 15% of the performance bikes market in its second year of operation”, Mr. Mani added.
The new range of Montra bikes has the following three variants currently:
o Montra Rock, It is an MTB featuring high-end, racy, look and feel. Rock's 6061 alloy tubing is crafted with mechanical forming technology which allows complex shaping in more stressed areas of the frame. With small Block Tread & 80 mm Suntour Coil Fork it is perfect for the real trails - costing Rs.16,900
o Montra JazzA, The re-designed JAZZ is a fast and nimble alloy hybrid bike with the best performance and stylish looks yet lightest in its class - costing Rs.16,900
o Montra Blues, Tough yet beautiful, light and versatile, Blues is a cutting edge in alloy 6061 Hybrid frame with increased strength, rigidity and torsional resistance. Blues comes with a mountain bike inspired frame for upright riding, comfort and improved visibility with fast 700c wheels - costing Rs.16,900
Facts of “Montra Bicycle”:
ü Montra uses Flat Bead Technology (FBT), a process that removes bead ripples that are usually the result of a TIG welding process. The welding beads are made flat in two consecutive steps thus reducing disruptions to a minimum. It improves aesthetics without compromising on the weld strength.
ü The design and bikes have undergone extensive and demanding quality tests. Prototype was road tested for over thousands of kilometres before design were cleared.
More details can be found at www.montra.in and www.trackandtrail.in
About TI Cycles of India
TI Cycles was established by the Murugappa Group in the year 1949, in collaboration with Tube Investments, UK. The first Hercules bicycle rolled out in 1951. Three more brands were added to the portfolio - Phillips in 1959, BSA in 1964 and Montra in 2011. TI Cycles has practically created and perfected every new cycle category in the country. The first MTB, the first geared bike, the first Shox model, the first girls’ bike, the first kids’ bike, the first light roadster and the first carbon frame bike were all introduced by TI Cycles. With the changing urban retail environment, TI Cycles has introduced over 200 urban BSA Hercules exclusive stores, which have revolutionized the bicycle industry in India. The company has started over 200 Hercules BSA Cycles stores to provide the urban retail buying experience in smaller towns.
With a turnover of 1,260 cr and a year-on-year growth of 15 percent in FY 11-12 TI Cycles is a market leader in the ‘specials’
Their flagship brand, Montra will be part of their premium range under the umbrella brand of Track and Trail. Track & Trail has over 85 stores and shop-in-shops in India where one can find the best cycling brands like Cannondale, Bianchi, Schwinn, Mongoose, GT. For more details, visit www.bsahercules.com, www.trackandtrail.in and www.montra.in
About Murugappa Group
Founded in 1900, the Rs. 22314 Crores (USD 4.4 billion) Murugappa Group is one of India's leading business conglomerates. The Group has 28 businesses including eight listed Companies actively traded in NSE & BSE. Headquartered in Chennai, the major Companies of the Group include Carborundum Universal Ltd., Cholamandalam Investment and Finance Company Ltd., Cholamandalam MS General Insurance Company Ltd., Coromandel International Ltd., Coromandel Engineering Company Ltd., E.I.D. Parry (India) Ltd., Parry Agro Industries Ltd., Tube Investments of India Ltd., and Wendt (India) Ltd.
Market leaders in served segments including Abrasives, Auto Components, Cycles, Sugar, Farm Inputs, Fertilizers, Plantations, Bio-products and Nutraceuticals, the Group has forged strong alliances with leading international companies like Groupe Chimique Tunisien, Foskor, Cargill, Mitsui Sumitomo, Morgan Crucible and Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile (SQM). The Group has a wide geographical presence spanning 13 states in India and 5 continents.
Renowned brands like BSA, Hercules, Ballmaster, Ajax, Parry’s, Chola, Gromor and Paramfos are from the Murugappa stable. The organization fosters an environment of professionalism and has a workforce of over 32,000 employees. For more details, visit www.murugappa.com.
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