Less than 2 months after Teva teased us with their prototype Virgin freeride shoe at Interbike, the company has informed us that they will be stepping away from the mountain bike world completely at the end of 2014. The announcement comes as quite the surprise after a run of successful models like the Links, Carbon, and the Pivot clipless. According to Teva PR Manager Jaime Eschette, the exodus isn’t for lack of passion or interest in the mountain bike brand, but rather allow them to shift focus and resources as they prepare for Teva’s 30th anniversary in 2014. All of those involved in the mountain bike project are sad to see it go away, but are excited about future opportunities with Teva and the success of the mountain bike brand in a short period of time.
Of course this means that the Virgin prototype will never see production as new model production has ceased. Teva mountain bike shoes will be available at retail for the majority of 2014, but at the end of the year when they’re gone, they’re gone. Better stock up.
If it means anything, we’re sad to see them go.
