Paul Lew has quite the history when it comes to carbon wheels. Dating back to 1989, Paul has been on the cutting edge whether that was on his own, while helping to restructure Shimano’s carbon production, or most recently, as the Director of Technology and Innovation at Reynolds Cycling. Oh, did we mention he also currently serves as an adviser for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration – Unmanned Traffic Management (NASA-UTM) and Skyward thanks to his experience creating and operating drones?
Suffice to say, there aren’t that many people (any?) who could fill Lew’s shoes based on experience alone, which is why it’s a pretty big deal that he just signed on as EDCO USA’s CEO. Lew is joining current EDCO Engineering BV CEO Rob van Hoek, and will head up EDCO USA’s operations which will be based in Phoenix, AZ. Why Phoenix? Well, that happens to be the home of the FASTER cycling performance center which was just acquired by EDCO as well. Not only will the location become the US center for shipping, service, and warranty, but EDCO plans to make full use of their wind tunnel as well with wind tunnel engineer Aaron Ross. From the sound of it, the FASTER cycling performance center will continue their fitting and testing service while making many more benefits available to their customers.
It sounds like it’s only a matter of time before we see new EDCO aero products that will shave even more seconds off the clock…
From EDCO/EDCO USA
Phoenix, Ariz. – June 6th, 2016 – EDCO Engineering BV announced today that Paul Lew will join EDCO Engineering BV as a partner. Paul Lew, cycling and carbon innovator, will expand and build the company’s line of cycling components, including their high-performance carbon and alloy wheels. Lew will work alongside Rob van Hoek, EDCO Engineering BV, CEO and owner, who purchased the Swiss cycling components company in 2007.“We are extremely excited to add the vast experience, and creative mind of Paul Lew to our company,” stated van Hoek. “With his contribution we add a key piece to the puzzle toward building a global leader in innovative cycling wheels and components. It has been my intention to expand into North America, and with Paul’s leadership we can now take our vision to the next level.” A cycling innovator since 1989, Lew has focused on aerodynamic and carbon fiber technologies. He is best known for his radical Black Hole wheel in the mid-1990s, his breakthrough PRO VT-1 full carbon wheel in the 2000s, and currently his Dispersive Effect Termination aerodynamic wheel designs. Beginning in 2000, Lew designed, manufactured, and operated unmanned aircraft for multiple U.S. Government Agencies. He currently serves in an advisory role for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration – Unmanned Traffic Management (NASA-UTM), and Skyward, a cloud-based drone operations management tech company.In 2003, Lew re-designed, and guided in-house manufacturing for the Shimano carbon wheel program, and over his career he’s created wheels for Olympic medalists and World Champions. Lew became Reynolds Cycling’s director of technology and innovation in 2008, directing the design and engineering program until his recent decision to join forces with EDCO.
“Joining EDCO means that I am joining an iconic brand with a professional cycling heritage dating back to 1902,” said Lew. “Under the leadership of Rob van Hoek, EDCO has made a steady resurgence as an important brand in world of professional cycling. He has a brilliant and curious mind, and he is always pushing for new innovation. We’re excited about pushing the limits of cycling components together!”
In addition to this role with EDCO Engineering BV, Lew will establish US operation as EDCO USA’s CEO to be based in Phoenix, Arizona. EDCO USA will be a service center, assembly center and American headquarters for the company’s North American operations.
Scottsdale, Ariz. – July 12, 2016 – EDCO USA announced today that it has acquired the FASTER cycling performance center in Scottsdale, Arizona. This will become the headquarters for EDCO USA operations including warehousing, service center and warranty repairs. FASTER was established in 2011, as the world’s first low-speed wind tunnel built specifically for cyclists and cycling manufacturers whose facilities are readily available to the general public.
James Kramer, FASTER’s founder, stated, “I am so proud of what FASTER and our staff accomplished in a very short period of time, along with the contribution we have been able to make to cycling. Paul Lew and his EDCO USA team share the same passion that I have for the sport of cycling and FASTER.” Lew stated, “James Kramer is a visionary who has enriched the sport of cycling, and he has helped cyclists perform at peak capacity.”
Paul Lew, CEO of EDCO USA, will oversee the facility as part of his new role within EDCO Engineering, BV. Lew will be joined by Aaron Ross, wind tunnel engineer, and now general manager of both EDCO USA and FASTER. Lew and Ross will be reviewing, revising and improving the wind tunnel hardware, software, and testing technology to establish FASTER as a premium performance cycling facility.
EDCO USA will continue to operate the FASTER cycling center operations Low Speed Wind Tunnel, and World-Class 2-D and 3-D motion-capture Bike-Fitting Studios. In addition, FASTER offers a wide range of services including metabolic performance testing for VO2 max, sports massage, chiropractic therapy, physical therapy, professional nutritionists, bike rental, and coaching.
FASTER was nominated by the cycling industry and voted at the Interbike Awards, “Best Pro Road Bike Shop in America” in September of 2014. In addition, FASTER has been the official cycling performance center of the United Healthcare Men’s and Women’s Professional Cycling Teams since 2012 hosting a winter training camp, as well as performing bike fits and wind tunnel optimizations for all of their team members.
To learn more visit www.ride-faster.com
Images of the FASTER cycling performance center.
