​Jamis Bicycles Signs Macky Franklin and Syd Schulz

Couple to race national and international events aboard the all-new 2016 Jamis Defcon enduro bikes.

The new Defcon Series was designed from the ground up for modern enduro riding. “We set out to design a no-holds-barred enduro racer while never losing sight of ensuring Defcon could take you anywhere you wanted to go in the mountains.”, says Sal Crochiola Jamis’ mountain bike product manager. “Being based on the east coast where our riding goes from flowy to extremely technical and rocky in the blink of an eye, there’s a pedigree that’s built into all of Jamis’ mountain bikes to handle anything that gets thrown at them. Defcon takes that pedigree to a new level. We’re excited to have Macky and Syd riding, racing and providing feedback to the product team throughout the year.”

Being a family-owned and operated business since 1937 (the oldest bicycle company still under original family ownership in the United States), it’s important for anyone riding for Jamis’ racing programs to understand they’re being brought into a family. “We’re a tight-knit group here at Jamis.”, says company president Carine Joannou, “We work hard together and play hard together. We enjoy each other’s company and we all work together day in and day out to deliver great experiences for people who choose to ride Jamis bicycles. So when we talk with athletes interested in representing our brand, their character is the most important attribute to us. Winning is great. But having athletes that feel like they are part of the family and want to perform their best for the brand is the most important thing to us. With Macky and Syd there was an instant connection and I couldn’t be happier they’ll be seeking out their adventures aboard Jamis bicycles.”

Macky and Syd will focus mainly on the Enduro Cup and Big Mountain Enduro Series for 2016 while traveling to exotic destinations around the globe and documenting their adventures via their websites and social media outlets. Macky has been a consistent top-5 finisher in the United States enduro scene. He’s racked up 25 professional wins in 21 states and 11 countries. Syd had an impressive 2015 as well, competing and landing on the podium at some of the toughest enduro events around the globe. The couple travel the world together finding adventure by bicycle. Sal continues, “When we were discussing sponsorship opportunities in enduro and speaking with athletes, it was Macky and Syd that just clicked with us. Their passion and story mirror what we strive for at Jamis every day. So we’re thrilled to welcome them into the Jamis family.”  Syd enthusiastically adds, “Jamis has felt like the perfect fit since the beginning of the process. 2016 is going to be a big year for us and we're very stoked to be partnering with Jamis. The Defcon is dialed and I can't wait to race it!” While Macky chimes in, “I'm extremely excited to be part of the Jamis family and to work with Jamis as they continue to build new and innovative enduro bikes. 2016 is going to be awesome!”

Macky’s 2016 Sponsors: Jamis Bicycles, Vittoria, Santa Fe Brewing, Osprey, Xpedo, POC, Taos Mountain Energy bars, Slime, Genuine Innovations, Shimano, X-Fusion

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Syd’s 2016 Sponsors: Jamis Bicycles, Vittoria, Osprey, Slime, Xpedo, POC, Santa Fe Brewing, Taos Mountain Energy bars, Sram, Rock Shox, Genuine Innovations, Ritchey, WTB Saddles

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Jamis Bicycles rolled out its first bicycle in 1979 and has since built a reputation as a brand unmatched in performance, value, and style. Jamis Bicycles are sold in the US from coast to coast and in over 50 countries worldwide. G. Joannou Cycle, parent company of Jamis Bicycles, was established in 1937 and remains the largest bicycle business in the US under original family ownership. Jamis bikes are the choice of athletes in virtually all disciplines of cycling competition including professional road racing, triathlon, cyclocross and mountain biking. The company also supports elite and "up-and-coming" athletes across the globe and close to home through it's Backyard Racing Program. More information about the company is available at www.jamisbikes.com.