Press Release
Bikesdirect Reports Surge in Gravel Bike Sales as Mixed Terrain Riding Grows Nationwide
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Strong demand leads to expanded inventory, new models, and data-driven insights into one of cycling’s fastest-growing categories
Jacksonville, Florida, 15th January 2026, ZEX PR WIRE, Gravel cycling is no longer a niche activity. According to new internal data, Bikesdirect.com has recorded a major increase in gravel bike sales over the past twelve months, driven by riders seeking more versatility, off-road confidence, and long-distance comfort. The boom is reshaping both consumer expectations and the national cycling landscape, with mixed terrain riding now one of the fastest-growing segments in the industry.
The rise of gravel riding has been building over several seasons, but Bikesdirect says the shift in 2025 has been striking. Riders gravitating toward multi-surface routes, outdoor adventure, and new forms of fitness have discovered that a modern gravel bike can take them far beyond what traditional road or mountain platforms offer. The company has responded with an expanded lineup designed for riders of all skill levels, including models optimized for bikepacking, endurance, racing, and weekend exploring.
“We are seeing demand from every corner of the country,” said a spokesperson for Bikesdirect. “Customers are no longer asking whether they need a gravel bike. They’re asking which gravel bike best fits their riding style. That shift is dramatic, and it reflects how fast this category is evolving.”
Sales data provided by the company shows a clear trend: gravel bikes are growing faster than any other category. Riders living in suburban and rural regions have driven a substantial portion of volume, but city-based buyers are increasingly joining the movement. The spokesperson attributes this to a desire for freedom and flexibility. Premium road surfaces are no longer required. A single bike can handle pavement, dirt, crushed gravel, park paths, and backroads, and do it with comfort.
Riders are choosing mixed terrain routes for several reasons, including the ability to avoid traffic, enjoy more scenic environments, and access longer, more varied routes. In many regions, gravel events, touring clubs, and group rides are expanding quickly, creating a community that encourages both first-time participants and experienced cyclists. Feedback to Bikesdirect suggests that gravel riding feels adventurous yet accessible, making it appealing to people new to cycling as well as seasoned athletes.
The spokesperson noted that rider feedback has been remarkably consistent. “What we hear most often is that a gravel bike unlocks more rides,” they said. “There’s no more second-guessing whether a trail is too rough or a road is too boring. People simply go and explore. That is incredibly powerful motivation.”
Bikesdirect says the trend is accelerating into 2026. The company predicts continued growth as interest spreads through social media, organized events, and local gravel scenes. According to the internal forecast, gravel models may soon challenge road bikes for category leadership, especially among buyers seeking an all-in-one machine.
The company has prepared for this growth by expanding its gravel inventory with more frame materials, tire clearance options, and drivetrain configurations. From aluminum workhorses for everyday commuting to high-end steel and carbon builds designed for long distances, the lineup reflects the diverse ways riders use gravel bikes. New models feature wider tires, hydraulic disc brakes, and updated geometries that prioritize stability and efficiency over rougher surfaces.
The emphasis on versatility is significant. Riders who once selected a road bike or mountain bike as their primary ride are now discovering that a gravel bike can fill both roles for most rides. Many customers own multiple bikes, but increasingly, they simplify their collection when a single machine can handle everything from city miles to unpaved detours. As economic pressures and space limitations affect purchasing decisions, multipurpose equipment is becoming even more attractive.
Bikesdirect also reports strong growth from areas where gravel riding was once limited. The Southeast, Midwest, and Mountain West are seeing a surge in interest as new regional events emerge. Gravel races, adventure tours, and endurance challenges have created excitement and momentum around the category. Riders appreciate the technical challenge of rough terrain combined with endurance-style pacing, without requiring the high-speed aggressiveness of competitive road racing.
Customer surveys and post-purchase feedback reveal additional insights. Many buyers are replacing long car commutes with multi-surface bike routes that incorporate suburban streets, bike paths, and backroads. Others are investing in gravel bikes for touring, camping, and weekend getaways. Riders emphasize the comfort of wider tires, ergonomic handlebars, and more relaxed geometry. Even those coming from mountain biking appreciate the efficiency and faster rolling speeds of gravel bikes on flatter terrain.
Bikesdirect believes the momentum is just beginning. The company expects 2026 to be a defining year, as new designs and materials push the category even further. Frame manufacturers are focusing on comfort and durability, tire makers are releasing larger volume options, and component suppliers are offering gravel-specific drivetrains. All of these developments reflect a clear market shift, where gravel riding is establishing its own identity apart from road or mountain.
Gravel bikes are also aligning with larger cycling trends. Riders want equipment that is sturdy, serviceable, and sustainable. Steel and aluminum remain popular choices, while carbon continues to evolve for off-road use. The company states that inventory growth has been aligned with what customers request most: bikes that ride well across surfaces, last for years, and deliver value.
As the nationwide cycling community looks ahead, Bikesdirect remains committed to supporting the category with competitive pricing and direct delivery. The company says that many buyers are new to cycling and appreciate guidance around sizing, tire pressure, and accessory recommendations. Bikesdirect aims to maintain clear communication and a helpful support experience as interest grows.
“We expect to see even more riders discover gravel in the coming year,” the spokesperson added. “The category has crossed the threshold from trend to movement. Riding mixed terrain is not only exciting, but it’s also practical and rewarding. Every new rider is a reminder of why this matters.”
To help customers prepare for upcoming seasons, Bikesdirect encourages riders to explore its full selection of gravel bikes online. Models are available in multiple configurations, with frequent updates to reflect demand. The company expects strong inventory through the spring and summer months, but recommends early purchasing as interest continues to build.
Cyclists interested in discovering new routes, participating in group rides, or upgrading equipment can find detailed specifications and direct pricing at Bikesdirect.com. The company says that whether a rider is seeking an affordable entry-level build or a high-performance machine for longer adventures, the goal remains the same: give riders more confidence to explore.
About Bikesdirect.com
Bikesdirect.com is a leading online bicycle retailer offering factory-direct pricing on road, mountain, gravel, fat, and electric models. With an extensive selection and direct-to-consumer delivery, Bikesdirect helps riders at every level get the most value from their cycling experience. For more information, visit www.Bikesdirect.com.
Contact Information
Website: https://bikesdirect.com/
About Author
Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No Digi Observer journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.
Press Release
KH Brokers and LaunchVector: A Transparent Comparison for E-Commerce Investors
Blatchington Road, England, 15th January 2025, Choosing the right partner when acquiring an e-commerce business is a critical decision for any investor. Companies such as KH Brokers and LaunchVector both operate in the e-commerce acquisition space, yet they follow fundamentally different structures when it comes to deal access, ownership, pricing, and post-acquisition support.

For buyers researching either company, understanding these differences is essential before committing capital. This article provides a clear, factual comparison of KH Brokers and LaunchVector, based on publicly available information and structural distinctions between their models.
Rather than positioning one approach as universally better than the other, the goal of this comparison is to outline how each company operates — allowing investors to decide which model aligns best with their goals, risk tolerance, and desired level of involvement.
1 – Access To Dealflow:
KH Brokers’ Approach to Deal Flow:
KH Brokers operates as a dedicated e-commerce brokerage, facilitating transactions between qualified buyers and established online brands. Founded in 2022, the company has grown rapidly by focusing on the acquisition of cash-flowing e-commerce businesses for both first-time buyers and experienced investors.
KH Brokers’ scale of deal flow is supported by its public transaction history. On platforms such as Flippa, KH Brokers has completed transactions with over 200 buyers, maintained 100% positive feedback, and facilitated more than $14 million in completed transactions on that marketplace alone. This positions KH Brokers among the most active brokers on Flippa for e-commerce brand sales.
While KH Brokers reviews a high volume of potential listings, only a small percentage of businesses ultimately progress to market. Each opportunity undergoes a structured financial and operational review conducted by an internal due diligence team, with a focus on verifying revenue accuracy, cost structures, traffic sources, and operational sustainability. This screening process is designed to ensure that investors are presented with vetted opportunities rather than raw or unverified listings.
LaunchVector’s Deal Access Model:
LaunchVector operates under a different structure. Rather than acting as a broker representing third-party sellers, its model is centered on acquiring businesses directly and presenting opportunities to investors within its framework.
Because of this structure, deal availability is typically shaped by the acquisitions LaunchVector chooses to pursue at a given time, rather than a continuous inflow of seller-submitted listings. This approach may appeal to investors who prefer a more centralized acquisition process, though it naturally differs from a brokerage-led model in terms of deal volume and variety.
Why Deal Flow Matters to Investors:
Access to a broad and well-vetted deal pipeline gives investors more choice, stronger comparables, and greater pricing flexibility. When sellers actively compete to list their businesses, buyers are better positioned to evaluate opportunities side by side and select investments that align closely with their goals.
KH Brokers’ model emphasizes both access and selectivity, while other structures may prioritize a narrower set of internally sourced opportunities. Understanding these differences helps investors determine which approach best matches their desired level of involvement and decision-making control.
2: Pricing and Profit Multiples:
Another key distinction between KH Brokers and LaunchVector lies in how acquisitions are priced and how profit multiples are structured, particularly when ownership percentages are taken into account.
Understanding Pricing Structures:
When evaluating an e-commerce acquisition, it is important for buyers to consider not only the purchase price, but also the percentage of ownership being acquired. Partial ownership structures can result in a higher effective valuation when normalized to a 100% basis.
To illustrate this difference, the examples below are based on publicly available listings and communications, using anonymized business descriptions for clarity.
Illustrative Examples:
In several LaunchVector opportunities reviewed, investors were offered 50% ownership stakes at purchase prices ranging from approximately $250,000 to $500,000. When these transactions are normalized to reflect full ownership valuations, the implied profit multiples ranged from approximately 1.8× to 2.9× annual net profit, depending on the business.
By contrast, comparable opportunities listed through KH Brokers during the same period were offered at 100% ownership, with observed profit multiples generally ranging from approximately 0.8× to 1.3× annual net profit.
Why This Difference Matters:
Ownership percentage directly impacts an investor’s capital recovery timeline and long-term upside. Acquiring 100% of a business at a lower multiple can provide greater flexibility around reinvestment, scaling decisions, and eventual exit options.
Different acquisition models naturally lead to different pricing outcomes. Some investors may prefer partial ownership structures with shared operations, while others prioritize full ownership and faster capital recoupment. Understanding how profit multiples are affected by equity structure is therefore essential when comparing opportunities across platforms.
3: Ownership and Equity Structure:
One of the most fundamental differences between KH Brokers and LaunchVector lies in how ownership and equity are structured in each acquisition model.
LaunchVector’s Ownership Model:
Based on publicly available information, LaunchVector structures its opportunities around partial ownership arrangements. In many cases, investors acquire a fractional stake in a business — commonly around 50% equity, though other minority ownership structures may also be offered depending on the opportunity.
Under this model, LaunchVector retains a significant ownership position in the business. In return, its internal team typically remains responsible for day-to-day operations, marketing execution, and strategic management. For some investors, this structure offers the appeal of a more hands-off investment, with operational responsibilities handled centrally by an experienced team.
This approach may suit buyers who prioritize passive exposure and are comfortable with shared ownership and decision-making.
KH Brokers’ Ownership Model:
KH Brokers follows a different approach. When acquiring a business through KH Brokers, buyers purchase 100% ownership of the company. Full equity is transferred to the buyer, providing complete legal ownership and long-term control of the asset.
Importantly, full ownership does not mean buyers are required to operate the business themselves. KH Brokers specializes in working with first-time e-commerce investors, many of whom prefer a fully hands-off structure. Depending on the business acquired, investors are typically supported by an established operational setup that may include management teams, contractors, or specialist operators responsible for day-to-day execution.
In many cases, investors spend minimal time on weekly oversight, often limited to reviewing performance summaries or participating in brief check-ins. Operational responsibilities such as marketing execution, fulfillment coordination, customer support, and supplier management are handled by non-equity team members under agreed service arrangements.
These teams operate independently of ownership, allowing buyers to retain 100% equity while still benefiting from a professionally managed, low-involvement investment structure tailored to the specific business they acquire.
Understanding the Trade-Off:
The distinction between these two models ultimately comes down to how investors value ownership versus operational delegation.
Partial ownership structures trade equity for centralized management and shared operational responsibility. Full ownership structures preserve equity while relying on non-equity teams, operators, or contractors to maintain continuity and performance.
Both approaches can work depending on an investor’s goals. However, understanding how much equity is retained — and what is exchanged in return — is critical when evaluating long-term upside, exit flexibility, and capital efficiency.
4: Teams Included Post-Acquisition:
Another important consideration for investors is how a business is operated after acquisition, and what level of involvement is required from the buyer.
LaunchVector’s Operational Team Structure:
LaunchVector’s model is built around a centralized, in-house operational team. When an investor acquires a stake in a business, LaunchVector typically continues to manage the day-to-day operations of the asset on the investor’s behalf.
This structure is designed to provide a fully hands-off, passive experience, with execution, optimization, and ongoing management handled internally. For investors seeking minimal involvement and a shared operational framework, this approach can offer clarity around responsibilities and execution.
KH Brokers’ Team Model:
KH Brokers offers a more flexible, buyer-led approach to post-acquisition operations.
Some buyers choose to be actively involved in strategic decisions, while others prefer a fully automated, hands-off structure. KH Brokers supports both preferences by tailoring the operational setup to the specific business and the investor’s desired level of involvement.
For buyers seeking a passive experience, KH Brokers can assemble a dedicated operational team around the acquired business. This may include site managers, marketing specialists, fulfillment coordinators, and customer support resources — all structured to manage daily operations on the buyer’s behalf.
Crucially, these teams operate under service-based arrangements rather than equity participation. This allows investors to retain 100% ownership of the business while still benefiting from professional management comparable to a fully managed model.
Why Team Structure Matters:
Operational teams play a critical role in post-acquisition performance. The difference lies in how those teams are structured and compensated.
Centralized, equity-based team models trade ownership for operational delegation.
Service-based team models preserve equity while still enabling hands-off operation. Both approaches can be effective, but they result in very different long-term outcomes in terms of control, scalability, and exit flexibility.
KH Brokers’ emphasis on tailoring the right team to each business — combined with its network of experienced operators — is a key reason many buyers continue to perform successfully after acquisition. This approach is further supported by publicly available buyer feedback and transaction history across third-party platforms.
Final Thoughts:
Choosing the right partner when acquiring an e-commerce business is not simply a matter of price or promised returns — it comes down to structure, ownership, and long-term alignment.
As outlined above, both KH Brokers and LaunchVector operate within the e-commerce acquisition space, but they do so through fundamentally different models. Differences in deal access, pricing, equity structure, and post-acquisition operations can materially affect an investor’s experience, flexibility, and ultimate outcome.
Some investors may prioritize centralized management and shared ownership, while others value full equity ownership with the option to remain hands-off through professionally structured teams. Understanding these trade-offs allows buyers to assess which approach best fits their goals, risk tolerance, and desired level of involvement.
For those researching either platform, the most important step is conducting independent due diligence, reviewing available opportunities carefully, and ensuring the acquisition model aligns with both short-term expectations and long-term objectives.
Official Websites:
KH Brokers – https://www.khbrokers.com
LaunchVector – https://launchvector.com
Disclaimer:
This article is provided for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available information at the time of writing. It does not constitute investment, legal, or financial advice. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own due diligence and consult with appropriate professionals before making any investment decisions.
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Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No Digi Observer journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.
Press Release
VitaOptix Asia Pacific Business Expansion and Otica Brand Launch
Strategic Expansion with AI and Spectral Technology
Shanghai, China, 15th Jan 2026 – Global AI spectral skin technology company VitaOptix (UK) today announced two strategic milestones: the launch of its Asia-Pacific R&D Center in Shanghai, China, and the opening of its Bangkok Market Operations Center in Thailand. These developments mark the company’s entry into the Southeast Asian market.
Alongside this expansion, VitaOptix introduced Otica, a specialized intimate health brand. The brand is scheduled to introduce an AI Intimate Detection System and Pelvic Floor Magnetic Therapy Solution to the Thai market to provide standardized women’s health management options.

Infrastructure Development: China R&D Center and Thailand Hub
The Shanghai base serves as the first overseas R&D center for VitaOptix, focusing on the development of AI spectral algorithms and clinical validation systems. The facility is staffed by a 30-member interdisciplinary team, including optical engineers, biologists, and AI specialists. Dr. Chen, Head of the Center, stated: “We are adapting the AI spectral technology from our skin analyzers to gynecological detection scenarios to enhance diagnostic precision in the intimate health sector.” The development of the next-generation AI multimodal detection robot, Intima AI Robot, is led by this center and is scheduled for release in 2026.
Based in Bangkok, the Thailand Market Operations Center provides localized services and plans to collaborate with medical aesthetics institutions. Dr. Stefan Müller, Founder of VitaOptix, stated: “Thailand’s annual medical tourism revenue exceeds $7 billion. We chose to establish a foothold here due to its mature private healthcare network and open policy environment, making it a strategic pivot to tap into the 600-million-person ASEAN market.”

Otica Brand: Integration of Technology in Health Management
Utilizing technical resources from the China R&D Center, VitaOptix launched the Otica brand, applying AI spectral technology to female health management. The brand’s technology suite focuses on non-invasive assessment and rehabilitation support.
The product line includes an AI Intimate Detection Device that utilizes multi-spectral imaging and AI deep learning for the assessment of female health indicators. For rehabilitation, the brand offers a Pelvic Floor Magnetic Therapy Device, which employs targeted electromagnetic pulses and biofeedback to support pelvic organ recovery. Additionally, Otica provides health care solutions combining EMS and SPA regulation therapy for tissue management and care.
“Traditional gynecological exams often rely on invasive methods, whereas Otica’s AI spectral detection completes an assessment in 3 minutes,” said Dr. Chen.

Market Context: Health Management Trends
This expansion represents the transition of VitaOptix from skin detection to deep tissue health management. Market observations from Frost & Sullivan indicate that the intimate health sector is experiencing growth exceeding 25% annually. The application of AI spectral technology establishes a technical barrier for the Otica brand, while the establishment of the Thailand center is expected to facilitate procurement processes for beauty institutions across Southeast Asia.
Media Contact
Organization: Shanghai VitaOptix Technology Co., LTD.
Contact Person: Stefan
Website: https://www.vitaoptix.com/
Email: Send Email
City: Shanghai
Country:China
Release id:40195
Disclaimer: This content includes references to health-related technologies and is provided for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical, diagnostic, or therapeutic advice, nor does it make claims regarding clinical outcomes or effectiveness.
The post VitaOptix Asia Pacific Business Expansion and Otica Brand Launch appeared first on King Newswire. This content is provided by a third-party source.. King Newswire makes no warranties or representations in connection with it. King Newswire is a press release distribution agency and does not endorse or verify the claims made in this release. If you have any complaints or copyright concerns related to this article, please contact the company listed in the ‘Media Contact’ section
About Author
Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No Digi Observer journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.
Press Release
Stelios Tzellos Co-Authors Research on EBV Transcriptional Activation and CXCR7 Expression
LONDON, UK, 15th January 2026, ZEX PR WIRE, Stelios Tzellos, Ph.D., is the co-author of multiple peer-reviewed research studies focused on gene regulation by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), particularly the molecular differences between EBV type 1 and type 2 strains. His contributions to the field of viral oncology and transcriptional regulation were developed during his doctoral training at Imperial College London, where he earned a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology following undergraduate and master’s degrees in Biochemistry.
His work has been published in journals such as the Journal of General Virology, where he is listed as first author on the 2014 study titled “EBV EBNA-2 type 1 and type 2 proteins induce expression of the cellular CXCR7 and EBI2 genes through a mechanism involving a common motif in their transactivation domains.” This study is indexed in PubMed under PMID 25436768.
The study investigates how a single amino acid substitution (S442D) in the EBNA-2 protein from EBV type 2 can convert it to a phenotype more similar to that of type 1 EBNA-2, which is more efficient at transforming B cells. The findings contribute to the understanding of how sequence variation in viral proteins can lead to differences in their ability to activate both viral and host cell genes involved in cell proliferation and transformation.
The researchers found that type 1 EBNA-2 induced stronger activation of the viral LMP-1 gene and the cellular CXCR7 gene, both of which are associated with enhanced B-cell growth and survival. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays, the study showed that type 1 EBNA-2 had stronger binding to regulatory regions of these genes compared to type 2 EBNA-2. Motif analysis identified an ETS-IRF composite element that may account for these differences in transcriptional activation.
This work adds to the field’s understanding of how EBV contributes to the development of lymphoproliferative diseases and certain types of cancer. The research has implications for the study of viral oncogenesis and may inform future therapeutic approaches that target EBV-mediated signaling pathways.
In addition to the 2014 study, Stelios Tzellos is listed as a co-author on other EBV-related publications that investigate the molecular basis of differential gene activation by EBNA-2. These include contributions to studies that used 5′ RACE to identify transcription start sites in EBNA-2-regulated genes and that evaluated how amino acid changes influence protein-DNA interactions at key promoter regions.
During his time at Imperial College London, Dr. Tzellos worked in a laboratory environment applying molecular biology techniques such as site-directed mutagenesis, luciferase reporter assays, and chromatin immunoprecipitation to explore these mechanisms. His work involved generating and testing EBNA-2 variants to better understand how small sequence changes can result in functional differences in gene expression.
Although he transitioned to a career in pharmaceutical analytics and forecasting after completing his Ph.D., Dr. Tzellos’ academic work continues to be cited in molecular virology and EBV-related research. His publications remain part of the foundational literature exploring the transcriptional control functions of EBV nuclear antigens and their relevance to B-cell biology.
For access to the full publication, readers may refer to:
PubMed: PMID 25436768
Dr. Tzellos currently resides in the United Kingdom and continues to work in the pharmaceutical sector in analytics roles. His early scientific work in viral gene regulation continues to inform his approach to evidence evaluation and scientific rigor.
About Author
Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No Digi Observer journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.
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