This is not our typical story here on BWN, but if you work in the industry, this is something you want to read. Edwin Bull, founder of Van Dessel Cycles and industry veteran, is now offering his design and brand management services to the industry. After founding and running Van Dessel in 1999, Bull joined Fuji as the road and gravel brand manager. With the announcement below, he moves to be independent consultant role to help the industry stabilize and rebound in the post-COVID era.
I’ve known Edwin Bull for a number of years and had the pleasure or working with him on various articles on Van Dessel products. Over the years, we’ve had some great discussions about design, racing, and his amazing Peugeot. He is old school, in that he has a strong mechanical mind and appreciation for classic methods, but is always looking forward to new technology and concepts, seeing how he can marry it all together to create something that is forward thinking, yet still practical.
This is evident in iconic designs like the grass-track crit cyclocross bike, the Full Tilt Boogie, the versatile road machine, the Motivus Maximus, the ever capable Whisky Tango Foxtrot. His latest project, the Fuji Kasane, blends aero tubing, internal routing, and a lightweight frame with room for 34mm tires, a T47 bottom bracket, and mounts for a top tube bag. On paper, it is the ultimate bike to go fast, get a little rowdy, and be ready for the long haul.
See the press release below for Bull’s announcement.
As budgets tighten, industry veteran positions himself as the smart choice for brands & suppliers.
Morristown, NJ. (June 24, 2024) – In the wake of the post-COVID downturn, Edwin Bull seizes opportunity and opens up the next chapter in his career.
Having founded Van Dessel Cycles in 1999, and working with and for companies such as Panasonic, Lilly Pulitzer, Kent International, and Ideal Bike Corp., Bull is now forging ahead with the foundation of a new company.
This time Bull is offering his 25 years of experience in product development, brand management, sourcing, marketing, and strategic vision as a full-service independent contractor-for-hire.
Not only is Edwin’s direct experience available to companies and brands in need, but also his network and industry connections, which are in place to provide a full and complete suite of services and capabilities.
Bull explains, “Both sides of the supply chain have been in a choke-hold of inventory surplus and market insecurity. The past few years have been whiplash inducing from all sides. What these times have highlighted for me is that there has always been a need gap for accessible product & brand management services, and this need is now stronger than ever in the current market”.
With strained budgets, hiring dedicated in-house staff to handle all the necessary tasks may not be possible, but even in the best of times outsourcing these services is often the most effective answer for companies both big and small.
Helping outfits on the consumer facing and production sides of the supply chain, Edwin Bull and his new company work with brands and suppliers alike to take on certain tasks that organizations are in need of help with, as well as providing complete turnkey product and brand management services.
“It’s a time full of opportunity in the industry and marketplace. The outlook for the bicycle business is bright, with all signs pointing to a recovery and continued market growth. Especially as global trends of micro mobility, climate consciousness, and personal well being keep accelerating, bicycles are proving to be a hot commodity for today’s popular interests”.
“With this new venture I am excited to continue to innovate and deliver success to clients, while also contributing to bringing great products to market for the ultimate benefit of the end users – the people who ride, which is ultimately where it matters the most”.
More information can be found at www.edwinbull.com
Heckling Editor, Image Taker, Crash Test Dummy, and Beard Master at Bikeworldnews.com
~Veggie Powered Athlete~
Location – Lancaster, PA
Current Testing Rigs – 2024 Van Dessel Arch65, 2019 Van Dessel Full Tilt Boogie, 2018 Van Dessel Motivus Maximus LTD, 2016 Van Dessel Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, 2015 Bianchi Sempre Pro, 1978 Trek TX900
Dream Bike – I’ll tell you when they make it
Discipline – Cyclocross, gravel, road and duathlons (ride/run)
Favorite Rides – Quiet country roads of Amish Country, some of the best roads around.
Food of Choice – Sweet potato roll
Beer of Choice – Unibroue Grand Reserve 17, aged four years
Bourbon of Choice – Widow Jane 10 Year