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Jim Felt departs Felt Bicycles, headquarters moves to new California location

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After 25 years of having his name on the bikes and the building, Jim Felt is stepping away from Felt Bikes. While Jim will be leaving the company, Bill Duehring who Joined the company in 2001 will be staying on as the brand transitions to their new ownership under Groupe Rosignol. In addition to Jim’s exit from the company, Felt announced that they were also moving their headquarters – just not that far. Previously located in Irvine, CA, Felt says that they will be opening a new headquarters today just the the road in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA.

Press Release:

Irvine, CA (November 3, 2017) – Felt Bicycles founder and long-time head of sports marketing Mr. Jim Felt will be departing the company he founded in partnership with Mr. Bill Duehring.

Jim Felt recently had taken part in the sale of Felt Bicycles this past April to the outdoor industry company Groupe Rossignol with headquarters in Saint-Jean de Moirans, France. Jim Felt established Felt Racing in 1991 as an innovative frame manufacturer serving elite athletes. After forming a partnership with Bill Duehring – former Senior V.P. of Product Development and Engineering at GT Bicycles – and European partner Michael Muellmann – the trio worked together to successfully build one of the leading carbon and aero innovation brands in the cycling industry.

“Jim has been a tremendous part of Felt’s history and success these past 25 plus years and has and will continue to be both a colleague and a friend. I wish him all the best as he prepares for his next professional adventure,” says Bill Duehring.

Bruno Cercley, CEO of Groupe Rossignol stated, “At the first minute I met with Jim I knew our companies were built from the same DNA: racing, innovation, passion. I have been impressed by Jim’s vision about blending the 2 ingredients that made this company so successful: outstanding product engineering capabilities together with racing commitment. I have a lot of respect for Jim, the human being and his incredible achievements. After we now take the company to new steps as part of our Group I wish Jim all the best in his new life and am sure we will find ways to stay connected and cooperate in different formats.”

Jim Felt, founder of the Felt Bicycles company notes, “My deepest thanks and gratitude to everyone that has believed and supported me all of these years. I started Felt Bicycles because of my love and passion for cycling. That love still lives in me. My relationship with my athletes, suppliers, distributors, dealers, employees, consumers and friends will never change or be forgotten. Thanks for the ride!”

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Jon Adamson
Jon Adamson
7 years ago

I️ don’t know the direction Felt will go but I️ am very fortunate to have acquired the first generation of the 2014 IAFRD. I️ love the bike and will keep it forever

Derrick
Derrick
7 years ago

Is every U.S. based bike company owned by a foreign company now?

john
john
7 years ago
Reply to  Derrick

As both Trek and Specialized are still (at least majority) owned by their founders, I’m not sure what would make you ask that question

tv
tv
7 years ago
Reply to  john

So are Kona bikes, Cannondale/GT/Mongoose owned by an US parent company…

TruckNutZ
TruckNutZ
7 years ago
Reply to  tv

Dorel Industries, who own C’Dale, GT, & Mongoose, is a Canadian Company.

Crash Bandicoot
Crash Bandicoot
7 years ago
Reply to  TruckNutZ

D*mn canadians!!! worst bb shell tolerances in the industry. Cannondale and Cervelo

thesteve4761
thesteve4761
7 years ago
Reply to  Derrick

No.

Yeti- US Owned
Pivot- US Owned
Ibis- presume US owned

The list goes on and on and on and on and on…

Stendhal
7 years ago

Thank you Jim and Bill. My first carbon bike was a Felt, and it was a very good choice.

stan brajer
stan brajer
7 years ago

Jim is a class dude! All the best on your next adventure.
Stan Brajer/ Polar Sr VP sales and marketing

Veganpotter
Veganpotter
7 years ago

Guys ready to ride a Rossignol?

J K Pedrotti
J K Pedrotti
6 years ago

Is a Felt bike a true Felt bike without Jim Felt? I think not.

Jussi
Jussi
5 years ago

Bought my second Felt frame after merger with Rossignol. Had an issue with over sprayed threads in the frame. The European Felt/Rossignol customer service was at no help and I ended up covering the costs of poor manufacturing quality all by myself. Would not recommend Felt due to bad service and attitude.

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