Pacific Cycle
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Bicycle design, importation, and distribution |
| Founded | 1977 |
| Founder | Chris Hornung |
| Fate | Acquired by Pon Holdings via Dorel Sports in 2021 |
| Headquarters | Madison, Wisconsin , United States |
Area served | North America and worldwide |
Key people | Jeff Frehner (President after 2006), Alice Tillett (President from 2008) |
| Products | Bicycles, bicycle accessories, children's recreational products |
| Owner | Pon Holdings |
| Parent | Pon Holdings (since 2021) |
Pacific Cycle, Inc., a subsidiary under the Dutch multinational Pon Holdings, specializes in the design, importation, and distribution of bicycles. Established in 1977 by entrepreneur Chris Hornung, the company was among the first to source bicycles from Taiwan and China for the U.S. market. Over time, Pacific Cycle expanded its portfolio by acquiring several American subsidiaries, including well-known brands such as Roadmaster, Schwinn, and GT. This growth also extended into bicycle accessories and children's recreational products. Today, it stands as a leading bicycle distributor in North America and ranks among the largest suppliers worldwide. After Hornung’s departure in 2006, leadership transitioned to President Jeff Frehner, followed by Alice Tillett, who assumed the presidency in 2008.
The company's headquarters are located in Madison, Wisconsin, with additional corporate offices in Olney, Illinois—the former base of Roadmaster—and distribution facilities situated in Olney, Vacaville, California, and Rancho Cucamonga, California.
History
In 1998, Chris Hornung formed a partnership with private equity firm Wind Point Partners, which acquired a controlling stake in Pacific Cycle.
Leveraging Wind Point’s support, Pacific Cycle purchased Brunswick Corporation's bicycle division in 2000 for $60 million. This acquisition brought brands such as Mongoose and Roadmaster under its umbrella and provided access to Walmart’s extensive retail channels. Mongoose maintained its prominence within the BMX segment while expanding into broader retail markets.
The following year, in 2001, Pacific Cycle acquired Schwinn/GT Corporation for $86 million after outbidding Huffy Corp., thereby gaining ownership of both Schwinn and GT brands. By 2002, Schwinn products had been introduced into major retail outlets including Walmart, Target, and Toys "R" Us.
In 2003, Pacific Cycle diversified into jogging strollers and bike trailers by acquiring InStep L.L.C.
The company changed ownership again in 2004 when Dorel Industries acquired Pacific Cycle from Wind Point Partners for $310 million. Operating within Dorel’s Recreational/Leisure division, Pacific Cycle concentrated on mass-market and sporting goods retailers. Meanwhile, Dorel’s Cycling Sports Group targeted independent bicycle dealers. Distribution channels encompassed major U.S. retailers such as Walmart, Target, Kmart, Sears, Toys "R" Us, Dick's Sporting Goods, Academy Sports, Dunham's Sports, as well as Canadian Tire in Canada.
Between 2005 and approximately 2011, Pacific Cycle briefly marketed electric scooters under the Schwinn Motor Scooters brand.
In 2008, the company expanded its product range by acquiring PTI Sports LLC for $28 million, adding bicycle components and helmets to its lineup. The following year saw the acquisition of assets from Iron Horse Bicycles.
In October 2021, Pacific Cycle’s parent company Dorel Sports was sold to Pon Holdings, reinforcing Pon’s status as a top global bicycle manufacturer.