Contender Bicycles Inc. Receives Investment from Tempus Partners

Utah-based cycling retailer, Contender Bicycles, Inc. enters new chapter of growth through partnership with Tempus Partners, a consumer-focused private equity firm.

Salt Lake City, UT — Contender Bicycles, Inc., a leading Utah-based cycling retailer and ecommerce destination (www.contenderbicycles.com), is proud to announce that it has received a controlling investment from Tempus Partners, a private equity firm focused on building exceptional consumer businesses. With this partnership, Contender will expand its reach and capabilities while preserving the core values of expertise, service, and community that have defined the brand since its founding.

Contender’s leadership team, Ryan and Alison Littlefield, will remain in their current roles. Tempus will partner with management to drive accelerated growth, expand digital capabilities, and explore opportunities for geographic expansion.

“Contender Bicycles has built an unmatched reputation for quality, service, and passion in the cycling community,” said Kyle White, Managing Partner of Tempus Partners. “We’re thrilled to support the next chapter of growth while preserving the culture and customer experience that makes Contender so unique.”

The transaction closed on June 30, 2025. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Bell Lap Advisors brokered the transaction and acted as exclusive financial advisor to the sellers. Parsons Behle & Latimer acted as legal advisor to the sellers; Benesch Friedlander Coplan & Aronoff acted as legal advisor to Tempus Partners. Dominion Bank provided financing.

About Contender Bicycles

Founded in 1987, Contender Bicycles is a premier retailer of road, mountain, and electric bikes, as well as high-end cycling gear and apparel. What originally started as a local bike shop in the suburbs of Salt Lake City has grown into one of the most respected specialty bicycle retailers in the Western United States. The company is known for its deep expertise in premium cycling brands, a culture rooted in community, and long-standing relationships with global manufacturers and customers alike. With flagship locations in Salt Lake City, UT and Park City, UT, Contender serves customers nationwide through its industry-recognized e-commerce platform. Learn more at www.contenderbicycles.com.

About Tempus Partners

Tempus Partners invests in defensible and profitable small businesses in the Consumer Products and Consumer Manufacturing sectors. They are committed to helping businesses with a strong foundation unlock their next phase of growth. Their deep industry expertise with consumer brands enables Tempus to take an active role and to immediately pursue strong, capital efficient, low risk strategies to grow sales and enhance profitability. For more, visit www.tempusep.com.