New MTB from TI Cycles
Yuvraj Singh endorses the MTB Turbo Drive

June 8, 2004: T.I. Cycles of India introduces a new range of MTB (Mountain Terrain Bikes) with Turbo Drive. TI has signed up with Yuvraj Singh, celebrity cricketer, to introduce the new range.

A nationwide television campaign featuring Yuvraj Singh on Hercules MTB cycles with turbo drive would be breaking across all popular channels in this week. Mr. G Hari, President, T.I Cycles of India went on to say “The new range of MTB bicycles with Turbo Drive stand for speed and power, which perfectly blend with the traits that Yuvraj epitomizes,” He explains. “Yuvraj is undoubtedly one of the most passionate players in the team. He displays amazing power and speed on the field. Therefore, it was only befitting that he endorses the new range of Hercules MTB products with Turbo Drive.”

For kids around the country Hercules Mountain Terrain Bikes (MTBs) are a big passion on which they spend the most enjoyable moments of their life. Yuvraj Singh, 23 yrs, is one of India's most prolific batsmen of recent times and an inspiration for millions of kids all over the country. There are countless occasions when he has single handedly won the match for India. Mountain Terrain Bikes (MTB) from Hercules signify the same Power and Passion that is so evident in Yuvraj’s game.

Yuvraj Singh, in his message on the occasion said, "It's a nostalgic moment for me to be associated with T.I Cycles. As a teenager I loved riding my Hercules MTB. Today as its brand ambassador, I feel proud to be associated with the brand that has stood the test of time and introduced countless innovations in the industry over the years”. He also added, “These bikes are not just visually stunning but definitely faster and more powerful than most other bikes that I have seen! I am sure kids all over the country will love riding them. Especially as they zip around experiencing turbo power that leaves everyone else far behind. “Hercules MTB Turbo Drive ya raho behind!"

Hercules MTB bikes with turbo drive are different from all other ordinary bicycles in that they use technically advanced low friction chain wheels and cranks that are up to 25 per cent heavier than other ordinary chain wheels and cranks. They also use bent cranks as opposed to straight cranks. This correct angle on the crank enables the rider to direct all the effort onto the chainwheel with minimal wastage and the heavier chainwheel converts the pedaling effort into faster motion. In fact in-house research at TI conclusively proves that these bikes are significantly faster than other ordinary bikes in this category.

TI is today virtually far ahead in the race in the fast emerging Special or Fancy cycles segment with a dominating range, a wide distribution network and three manufacturing facilities located across the country - Chennai, Nasik and Noida. TICI has increased its market share (currently 30 per cent) of its two brands - Hercules and BSA as TICI’s base of satisfied customers continues to grow. TICI is the market leader in a market worth Rs. 1500 crore of approximately 10-11 million bicycles in the country.

For further details please contact:
Mr Mohit Khattar
Vice President-Sales & Marketing
E-Mail: Mohitkhattar@tii.murugappa.com

TI Cycles of India, a unit of Tube Investments of India Ltd.is part of the Rs.5200 crore Murugappa Group, which has a strong presence in engineering, bio-products, sanitaryware, plantations, sugar, farm inputs, finance, general insurance and nutraceuticals. Murugappa Group is a pioneer and market leader in several fields with operations across 12 States in India.