Fallbrook Technologies' "Gear Free Zone" Event Unveils Revolutionary New Vehicles

– Ellsworth, Batavus and Currie Technologies debut innovative new bikes and scooters equipped with the NuVinci™ continuously variable planetary(CVP) drivetrain from Fallbrook Technologies Inc. –

(Las Vegas, NV, September 27, 2006) – Fallbrook Technologies Inc. (Fallbrook), a pioneering technology development and intellectual property licensing company, today along with its partners unveiled three revolutionary new vehicles at a special InterBike press event called the “Gear Free Zone.”

• The Ride™ "performance lifestyle bikes” from Ellsworth Handcrafted Bicycles, Inc.
• IZIP™ hybrid electric bicycles and electric scooters from Currie Technologies, Inc.
• A new line ofcommuter and pleasure bikes from Dutch manufacturer Batavus Bicycles B.V.

All these bikes and scooters are equipped with Fallbrook’s NuVinci continuously variable planetary (CVP) drivetrain. NuVinci technology is a new class of highly adaptable and scalable continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) that use spheres instead of gears. It promises to be the most practical and economical CVT for both human-powered and motor-powered vehicles and machines. Also featured in the Gear Free Zone were Aftermarket Technology Corp. (ATC) (NASDAQ: ATAC), who is manufacturing the NuVinci CVPs, and the Valvoline division of Ashland, Inc., which manufactures and markets the Invaritorc™ fluid that goes in the NuVinci CVP.

This event marks a major change in the way bikes are designed and built, because the NuVinci CVP is the first fundamentally new approach to bike drivetrain technology in over 50 years.

The NuVinci CVP is the best, smoothest-shifting hub in bike history. It delivers a riding experience so smooth and simple that it makes bikes more attractive to riders who have been intimidated by or dissatisfied with the complexities and hassles of shifting conventional derailleurs. In short, the NuVinci CVP is affordable, advanced technology that will put more people on bikes.

NuVinci technology creates winners across the entire industry:

• Riders get the best, smoothest-shifting experience they’ve ever had.
• Retailers sell more bikes.
• Bike manufacturers can reach new markets.
• The bike industry as a whole will be perceived differently as bikes (and electric scooters) become a genuine transportation alternative – just what’s needed at a time of high gas prices.

“The NuVinci CVP is a continuously variable bicycle transmission for continuously variable people,” said William Klehm III, CEO of Fallbrook. “Along with our partners, we’re proud to bring the bike industry a new and exciting technology canvas that will make the industry more successful and will make bicycles a more important part of our culture.”

The Ride is Ellsworth’s first in a new line of “performance lifestyle bikes,” which are designed for the ultimate comfort and pleasure of the average rider. The Ride delivers a truly unique riding experience: smooth, precise and easy to enjoy.

The Ride’s dual adjusting handlebars and Expanding Universe Geometry™ provide a perfect biokinetic fit between rider and bike. The relationship between the seat post and the handlebars can be fine-tuned to accommodate any size rider or any riding style. Specially designed tires and rims, combined with the smooth NuVinci CVP make The Ride glide like no other bicycle.

Currie Technologies, Inc. develops, manufactures and distributes high-performance hybrid and electric powered vehicles and personal transportation products. It is expanding its IZIP™ product line to include hybrid electric bicycles and electric scooters combining the patented Currie Electro-Drive™ drive systems with the NuVinci CVP. This creates a whole new vehicle category – a family of light electric vehicles (LEVs) whose enhanced performance makes them a practical alternative to gas-powered vehicles. Two models are currently being developed – one is a lightweight electric bicycle (scheduled availability Q4 2006), the other is an electric scooter (scheduled availability Q1 2007).

The IZIP hybrid electric bike has an Electro-Drive electric hub motor drive system that powers the front wheel and is actuated through a proprietary PTS (Pedal Torque Sensor) system that also drives the rear-wheel drivetrain just like a conventional bike. The NuVinci CVP will serve as the rear-wheel drivetrain, replacing a traditional derailleur or internal geared hub and improving the rider’s overall cycling experience.

The IZIP Fusion 1000 NuVinci electric scooter will use both the patented Currie Electro-Drive system and the NuVinci CVP, leveraging the benefits of both technologies by creating an automatic, multi-gear drive system that will enhance the performance, range and ability to handle hills and higher weights without stalling.

Batavus is one of the most respected bike brands in Europe. The company will build commuter and pleasure bikes with Fallbrook’s NuVinci continuously variable planetary (CVP) drivetrain. Specific models will be offered at both mid-range and upper-level price points, and will be marketed both in Europe and in the U.S. Batavus’ new line of bikes is scheduled for launch in Europe in Q1 2007.

The NuVinci CVP is a CVT that also functions as a planetary gear set. It typically has a central idler surrounded by a set of balls. The rotatable input and output discs are arranged on either side of the idler and the balls. Tilting the axes of the balls in relation to the idler changes their contact diameters with the input and output discs, which in turn varies the transmission ratio.

The NuVinci CVP is applicable to virtually any product that uses a transmission. In addition to bicycles and light electric vehicles, the NuVinci CVP is scalable and ideally suited for use in agricultural equipment, automobiles, and utility-class wind turbines, among others.


Fallbrook’s Gear Free Zone continues at the InterBike Expo at Booth 4939 through September 29.

About Ellsworth International, Inc.
Ellsworth International, Inc. (Ellsworth) is a leading premium manufacturer and designer of highly sought-after bicycles. Serving the global bicycle market, Ellsworth, hand-builds bicycles in the USA which are available in limited quantities for riders that demand the very best that money can buy. The company is headquartered in Ramona, Calif. For more information, please visit www.ellsworthbikes.com. For more on The Ride by Ellsworth visit www.ellsworthride.com.

About Currie Technologies, Inc.
Currie Technologies, Inc. is a developer, manufacturer and distributor of quality, high-performance hybrid and electric powered vehicles and personal transportation products. Currie Technologies was founded in 1998 by Dr. Malcolm R. Currie, the former chairman and CEO of Hughes Aircraft and Delco Electronics, on the conviction that electrically driven vehicles will become increasingly important for fundamental environmental and economic reasons, and that new and large international markets will emerge. Currie Technologies hold various technology patents on the Electro-Drive™ Propulsion Systems, unique electric drive systems that provides superior performance and durability at a reasonable price. To learn more about Currie Technologies and its IZIP product line, please visit www.currietech.com.

About Batavus/Accell Group Batavus is part of the Accell Group, an international group of companies, active in design, production, marketing and sales of bicycles, fitness equipment and accessories. With national and international brands, Accell Group occupies a strong position in the middle and higher segments of the market. Accell brands include Hercules, Juncker, Koga-Miyata, Lapierre, Loekie, Mercier, Seattle Bike Supply, Sparta, Staiger, Tunturi, Winora, Bike Parts and Bremshey. For more information, please visit www.accell-group.com .

About Aftermarket Technology Corp.
Aftermarket Technology Corp. (NASDAQ: ATAC) is headquartered in Downers Grove, Illinois. The company provides outsourced engineered solutions and supply chain logistics services to the light and medium/heavy duty vehicle aftermarket and consumer electronics industries. To learn more about ATC, please visit www.goatc.com.

About Valvoline and Ashland Inc.
Valvoline, a division of Ashland Inc., has been serving American motorists longer than any other motor oil company and is a leading innovator and supplier of quality, high-performing automotive and industrial products in more than 100 countries. Best known for its lubricants, Valvoline also markets Eagle One® appearance products, Zerex® antifreeze, SynPower® performance products, Pyroil® automotive chemicals and MaxLife® products created for higher-mileage engines. Valvoline also has a stake in the growing quick-lube market with its Valvoline Instant Oil Change unit. Find more information at www.valvoline.com.

About Fallbrook Technologies Inc.
Fallbrook Technologies Inc. (Fallbrook) is a technology development and intellectual property licensing company dedicated to improving the performance and flexibility of transmissions for vehicles and equipment. Fallbrook’s revolutionary NuVinci™ continuously variable planetary (CVP) technology is applicable to virtually any machines that use a transmission such as bicycles, light electric vehicles, automobiles, agricultural equipment, and utility class wind turbines among others. The NuVinci technology offers companies the flexibility to design and produce next generation products that are better tailored to their unique business, market and competitive requirements.

To download a comprehensive press kit and company/technology backgrounder, click on a link below.

Fallbrook Press Kit