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/
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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
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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
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.
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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
Roger Haenke of San Diego Reflects on a Career of Leadership Across Healthcare, Education, and Ministry
San Diego, California, 15th January 2026, ZEX PR WIRE, Roger Haenke has built a career defined by leadership, responsibility, and service across healthcare systems, academic institutions, and ordained ministry. His professional life spans more than four decades and reflects sustained work within complex organizations that required accountability, care, and long-term commitment to people and systems.
Roger Haenke began his career in ministry after completing graduate theological education and ordination in 1991. He served multiple parishes in North Dakota, where his responsibilities included pastoral care, preaching, education, and administration. These early roles required oversight of parish operations, budgeting, personnel management, and stewardship alongside direct support of individuals and families. From the beginning, Roger Haenke’s work blended human care with organizational leadership.
After discernment, Roger Haenke transitioned from active Roman Catholic ministry into healthcare. He pursued nursing education and entered clinical practice before moving into administrative and leadership roles. His healthcare career expanded across pediatric specialty clinics, perinatal and neonatal services, senior care, community health programs, and hospital operations. Roger Haenke worked within large healthcare systems in Minnesota, Washington, and California, where he managed teams, budgets, regulatory requirements, and quality initiatives.
In San Diego, Roger Haenke held senior leadership roles at Sharp HealthCare, St. Paul’s Senior Services, and Family Health Centers of San Diego. His work involved oversight of nursing operations, program development, staff training, compliance, and patient-centered care delivery. Roger Haenke guided teams through operational change while maintaining focus on safety, communication, and professional accountability. His leadership responsibilities required balancing organizational demands with the needs of patients, families, and staff.
Education remained central to Roger Haenke’s career. He joined the faculty at San Diego State University, where he taught nursing leadership, financial management in healthcare systems, professional development, and community nursing. Roger Haenke’s teaching emphasized real-world application, ethical leadership, and clarity in decision-making. He taught future nurses how systems function and how leadership choices affect patient care and team stability. Roger Haenke remained in this role until retiring from the university in 2025.
Alongside healthcare and education, Roger Haenke continued ordained ministry following further preparation and discernment. His parish roles in the San Diego region required preaching, pastoral care, formation, administration, and congregational leadership. Roger Haenke worked with congregations during periods of transition, supporting both individuals and governance structures. His ministry reflected the same leadership principles present in his healthcare and academic work. Presence, responsibility, and care within defined systems.
Throughout his career, Roger Haenke worked within institutions that depend on trust and structure. Hospitals, universities, and parishes each require leaders who understand systems and people. Roger Haenke’s approach remained consistent. Listen carefully. Act responsibly. Support individuals within organizational realities.
As Roger Haenke enters a new chapter, his work is no longer centered on full-time institutional leadership. This transition reflects continuity rather than departure. His experience across healthcare, education, and ministry informs how he continues to engage with community life in San Diego. The focus is now on steady involvement shaped by decades of responsibility and service.
Roger Haenke’s career stands as a record of leadership grounded in care, structure, and long-term commitment to people and institutions.
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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