source: www.cannondale.com

6/18/2001 -- (Bethel, CT) Cannondale has revealed details of its 2002 motorsports product line, and the Connecticut company’s offerings for next year are highlighted by an expanded array of ATVs, a broader range of price-points, and radical improvements to its motorcycles.

Cannondale will offer a total of seven American-made motorsports products for 2002 – four ATVs and three two-wheelers. Increased operating efficiencies at Cannondale’s Bedford, Pennsylvania factory have allowed the company to both dramatically boost its manufacturing capacity, and to price some 2002 models as low as $6,995.

The 2002 line-up also features a host of improvements to Cannondale’s innovative 432cc reversed cylinder head engine. Most will have new GP Control fuel-injection mapping for a broader power band, easier starting, improved low-speed operation, and in-the-field tuneability, all of which are made possible by a new high-powered, programmable Sagem MC1000 ECU. The Cannondale powerplant will also have an improved clutch for smoother engagement and greater durability, and a new PTC (Progressive Throttle Control) throttle for enhanced driveability.

Cannondale’s three motorcycle models will also have a totally new Max-Air Box that provides dramatically more air to the engine for increased power. Other improvements to the company’s two-wheelers include a higher radiator placement, lower seat height, raised footpegs, lighter and narrower plastic, lighter frame spars, recalibrated Ohlins suspension systems and new engine and transmission oil level windows, all of which will simplify service and maintenance.

The three 2002 motorcycles will be the motocross-specific X440 ($6,995 M.S.R.P.), the C440 for cross-country style racing ($7,295 M.S.R.P.), and the E440 enduro ($7,495 M.S.R.P.). The new ATV models are the recently released Cannibal, the Moto 440, the Blaze 440, and the Speed. The Cannibal carries a price of $6,995 and the Speed retails for $7,950. Final pricing on the Moto 440 and Blaze 440 hasn’t been determined, but both will be ultra-high performance machines designed for total domination right out of the box, and will be priced accordingly.

Cannondale founder and president Joe Montgomery is looking forward to the coming model year with great anticipation. “We’re hearing consistently from our dealers and customers that we’ve got the fastest ATV on the market,” said Montgomery. “And now that we’re bringing those same levels of technology and performance to a line of seven motorsports products, we’re emerging as a legitimate player in the industry. We couldn’t be more excited about 2002.”

This press release contains forward-looking statements, as defined under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results may differ materially from those anticipated as a result of various risks and uncertainties, including risks and uncertainties described in this press release, as well as those detailed from time to time in the Company’s periodic reports on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements which speak only as of the date hereof. The Company undertakes no obligation to publish revised forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Cannondale Corporation is the world’s leading manufacturer of high-performance bicycles. The Company’s bicycles and bicycle accessories, which include clothing, packs and bags, and HeadShok suspension forks, are marketed under the Cannondale brand name and “Handmade in USA” logo, and are sold in the U.S. and in more than 60 foreign countries. The Company has also entered the motorsports industry with its MX400 motocross motorcycle and FX400 ATV. Additional motorcycle and ATV models are currently in development.

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