TNGNT on 'Shark Tank': How and where to buy revolutionary ski bikes with 19 patents
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: In 'Shark Tank' Season 14, episode 17, founders Charles W "Bill" Pierce and Scott Carr seek financing for TNGNT, their ski bike manufacturing firm. Before we get to witness their complete pitch on TV, let's learn a little bit more about the company and its founders.
TNGNT Ski Bikes may just be the thing for people searching for a fresh way to explore the slopes during the winter months. These bikes, pronounced 'tangent,' are simply steerable sleds with runners. They are intended to provide an exciting alternative to skiing and snowboarding, and they are becoming increasingly popular among winter sports fans. The TNGNT Ski Bike works on the same fundamentals as snowboarding and skiing, enabling riders to carve their way down the mountain while retaining excellent control. Thanks to the handlebars, they are easier to manage than traditional snow sports. When necessary, the TNGNT ski retention system is designed to enable fast pauses. Scott and Bill will pitch the panel of five Sharks - Mark Cuban, Kevin O'Leary, Lori Greiner, Barbara Corcoran, and Robert Herjavec on the business and its prospects for growth.
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What is TNGNT?
The company's founders met in the early 1980s, during the start of mountain biking. Since then, the pair has ridden BMX, Downhill, Trials, Dirt Jump, and pretty much anything else on two wheels. The TNGNT Ski Bike brand is inspired by their love of biking.
They are ready to introduce their product to riders globally after two years of hard research and testing. Using their patent-pending ski retention system (SRS), the Carve Ski Bike is designed to be stable in all situations. Their Ski Bikes are intended for serious mountain riders. It turns out that your mother can do it as well.
Riders must keep their weight towards the front of the TNGNT Ski Bike in order for the front edge to cut through the snow and begin a turn. The rear shock contributes to the mountain biking feel of the bike. The TNGNT Ski Bike combines a bicycle frame with two skis in a sleek design. Riders navigate between the woods and down the path in the same way as they would a bike, combining a smooth glide down with extra steering help.
The TNGNT Ski Bikes are built with snow-adapting technology, keeping them stable in any situation. Aerodynamic frames, front suspension, and flexible front and back skis are all part of the package. Because of the flexible rear ski, the entire frame can tilt backward, raising the front ski off the ground and allowing you to pop a wheelie on the slopes.
TNGNT Ski Bike models include the Drift, Carve 2.0 Pro, and Carve 2.0. TNGNT's patent-pending ski retention system (SRS) is used to make the Carve Ski Bike stable in all situations. To provide a safe, responsive ride, SRS mimics the motion, strength, and flexibility of the rider's legs. The TNGNT Ski Bike Ride is easy to install because it comes 90% built into the package. Riders may effortlessly attach the fork and handlebars to the frame, put on the saddle, thread in the pedals, and attach the skis without the need for any tools.
While ski bikes appear to be a new craze, they have really been around for quite some time. They first arose in the European Alps in the 1850s as a viable way of winter transportation. They were massive, with a strong wooden structure. They did, however, gain popularity in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s, with over 70 manufacturers in Europe at one point. During this time, the organized competition began, with the first race staged in Austria in 1954 and the first World Championship in 1967. In the late 1960s, Americans bought ski bikes from Europe, and a World Championship event was conducted in Nevada in 1971. Ski biking has always had a devoted following, despite its shifting popularity. The late 1990s saw the beginning of the modern resurgence of ski biking in North and South America, propelled by a new progressive attitude and a yearning for new experiences, as indicated by interest in alternative X-treme sports.
Charles and Scott, the founders of TNGNT Ski Bikes, were high school friends who shared a passion for mountain riding. They were frustrated by the inability to ride their bikes throughout the winter, so Scott contacted Bill about creating their own ski bike after dabbling with existing ski bike firms. They wanted to make a bike that felt like they were riding their bikes in summer parks. In 2019, they released their model, the TNGNT Carve Ski Bike. The Carve Ski Bike was created to provide a smooth ride with exceptional control and stability, and it immediately became popular among both ski bike experts and casual riders.
TNGNT's founders' enthusiasm for bicycling, as well as their devotion to innovation and quality, have been critical to the brand's success. They are constantly improving their ski bike designs and collaborating with ski resorts to promote the activity and provide rental choices. TNGNT Ski Bikes has also collaborated with the Adaptive Sports Foundation, a non-profit organization that offers sports and leisure possibilities to people with impairments. They created a unique ski cycle enabling adaptive athletes to enjoy the excitement of skiing in a safe and comfortable manner.
TNGNT Ski Bikes is a brand that has injected fresh life and passion into the world of ski biking. Its ski bikes stand out from the crowd due to their contemporary design, patent-pending ski retention system, and emphasis on control and stability. TNGNT Ski Bikes offers a fun and exciting way to enjoy the slopes, whether you're an expert ski rider or a beginner.
Who founded TNGNT?
Scott Carr and Bill Pierce, two high school classmates, founded the Tngnt Ski Bikes firm. These two pals come from diverse backgrounds. Scott has extensive knowledge of mountain bike and ski bike technologies.
Meanwhile, Bill is a skilled designer and aerospace technology expert who handled the bike's technology.
What is the cost and where to buy TNGNT from?
The business holds 19 patents on its bikes. There are three types for different levels of ski riding ability. They range in price from $999 to $2399. Besides, they also sell ski bike accessories and ship the bike to both the United States and Canada. The bikes are also available for purchase now.
Where is TNGNT now?
The business was founded in 2014. Scott stated that he met Bill in the 1980s, following which they began skipping school to compete in mountain bike events. It took the founder several years and significant effort to create a superior ski bike. They began a crowdfunding effort on Indiegogo in 2018 with a $10,000 objective. They received $14,841 in funding from 18 backers. They had dispatched the bike to all funders by December 7, 2018. The business rents motorcycles in specific Utah locations such as Boise, Payson, and Park City.
Scott and Bill may be looking for help with manufacturing offshore. Bill and Scott are most likely in the Tank for inventory assistance.
Which Shark will make an offer?
While this appears to be a pleasant product, we're worried they won't receive a good deal. While Barbara Corcoran is a skier, we believe she will be scared of this way of riding. NOTE: To purchase one, you must sign a liability waiver. Shark Mark Cuban is the only true chance. In Season 8, he made an investment in Guardian Bikes. They just established a plant in Seymour, Indiana. If there is some production synergy, Shark Mark may make an offer.
'Shark Tank' Season 14, Episode 17 airs on ABC on Friday, March 17, 2023, at 8 pm ET. Catch the latest episode featuring products like Crispy Cones, Chubby Buttons, Autio, and TNGNT alongside an update segment on Me and the Bees.
Missed an episode? Been wanting to catch up? Episodes can also be viewed the next day on demand and on Hulu. You can also watch old seasons and episodes on Amazon Prime Video and iTunes.