BikeBiz February 2011

Issue 61 | February 2011

new exhibition space

Show Stopping Exclusives

Get a first-hand look at the technology and innovation that went into the Project California R5ca on the CervĂŠlo display.

Your first chance to see the Autumn/Winter 2011 range.

The launch of the full Pacific Outdoor Equipment luggage range.

Your first chance to see an all-new entry level ready-to-ride range of bikes from Adventure.

See the new 2012 full suspension bike from Genesis.

Exclusive launch of a new Madison Clothing range.

Your only chance to view the complete Park Tool range, all in one place.

The launch of this new brand, with the Si2 and Kilo tents a must-see for all.

Visit www.icebike.co.uk to register now!

When 22nd - 24th February 2011 Where Madison Distribution Centre 74 Alston Drive Bradwell Abbey Milton Keynes Bucks MK13 9HA

New premises Exclusive tour of our new premises at Knowlhill.

Profit-boosting seminars Interesting seminar and one-to-one sessions with industry experts Mercedes Ross, Jay Townley and Ray Keener.

Exclusive iceBike* offers There will be exclusive profit-boosting special offers from all over our product ranges only available at the show, including a killer Red Bull promotion that’s not to be missed.

EDITORIAL

Issue 61 | February 2011

NEWS 4-8 CHAIN REACTION 13

The latest on new products, new deals and recent events taking place in the bicycle industry...

EVENTS 66

DEALER PROFILE 13

Core Bike ‘11

23

Seven pages covering the products, brands and sights at this year’s Core

FOCUS ON…

“At virtually the same time that the Gray and Keys saga was kicking off, a new initiative encouraging women into cycling was launched.”

9

LONDON BIKE SHOW ROUND-UP BikeBiz provides a summary from the inaugural London Bike Show at ExCeL...

PACE INTERVIEW

19

With established roots in Dalby Forest, Pace is set to show off its 25-year history in a custom museum

37

EXPO 2011 PREVIEW We take a sneak peek at the new brands and dealer offers coming to the Sopwell House-set event

ICEBIKE*PREVIEW

COMMUTER CYCLING

40

59

REGULARS BRAND SPOTLIGHT

47 LETTERS

Giro’s line of shoes comes under the glare of the spotlight...

PEOPLE

50

64

Allan Ramsey tells us that snow is, for cyclists at least, the least of eyeryone’s problems...

SPONSORED BY

New faces in at Future, LifeBoat Solutions, MucOff, Cane Creek and Merida

NEW PRODUCTS

57

We take a look at some of the new product seen at the London Bike Show and beyond

SPOKESMAN

ANYONE MILDLY interested in football, or who gave the papers more than a cursory glance at the end of January, can’t have failed to have seen the controversy surrounding Sky Sports presenters Andy Gray and Richard Keys.

Both were, of course, recorded making sexist comments about assistant referee Sian Massey and West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady. After the comments came to light both are no longer with Sky. While casual sexism from respected household names in the sport is bad enough, the repercussions – that it might put women off from getting into the game – are even worse.

By contrast the world of cycling seems much more, well, grown-up. It probably shocked few to hear of casual sexism in football, but that’s certainly not the kind of thing you expect to hear in the world of two wheels. Maybe having a good number of female cyclist figureheads, from the likes of Shanaze Reade and Nicole Cooke, helps. It’s also a sign of a more measured and mature sports community that has met the news of Graeme Obree’s coming out with widespread support. That there are currently no Premiership footballers

78

Exec ed Carlton Reid blasts the UCI for its latest sticker-based scheme

openly admitting to being gay probably gives some indication of the differences between the two sports.

But if cycling is more ‘grown-up’, where gender and sexual preference are not stumbling blocks as they are elsewhere, then why is the cycling demographic so painfully one-sided?

British Cycling found last year that two per cent of British women cycle each week, compared with 6.8 per cent of men. We often hear that women feel intimidated or even patronised by seemingly male-orientated bike shops. And don’t even get started me on the number of women in the cycle trade.

The comparison between cycling and football might seem glib, but it illustrates that while cycling could be a lot worse, there is still much to do to make women feel as welcome as men in the world of cycling and in the trade.

It’s encouraging to see that cycling is trying to address the problem. Fittingly, at virtually the same time that the Gray and Keys saga was kicking off, Olympic Cycling Gold medallist Victoria Pendleton was launching a new initiative – the Cycletta Series – to encourage women to get into cycling. It’s that kind of effort that must be matched in all spheres of cycling, including the trade. Cycling may not be as bad as football at face value, but it’s not time to rest on our laurels just yet.

Jonathon Harker, Editor

NEWS

2011 opens with new brand frenzy Distributors Madison, Fisher, Saddleback, Extra, Ison, Paligap and many more in spate of sign ups Easton Mountain Products, Bluegrass and ENVE are among the latest signings

Jonathon Harker THE CYCLE TRADE has begun 2011 with a frenzy of new brand deals ahead of and during the new year’s jam-packed show schedule.With more shows taking place over the coming weeks, that flurry of activity is set to persist still further.

Madison picked up Easton Mountain Products to cover the growing popularity in cycle touring. Easton stocks tents, trekking poles and other technical outdoor gear, including the Kilo Tent, which weighs less

that a kilo and packs advanced materials and technology into an ultra-light freestanding shelter.

Fisher Outdoor Leisure will be distributing new protection brand Bluegrass from the MET stable.

Launching at Fisher’s Expo later this month (see page 37) the new range includes full face and BMX-style helmets, as well as knee and elbow pads. The firm has also recently taken on SRAM brand Zipp.

By the end of January Saddleback had announced it had taken on distribution of three new brands; ENVE Composites, For Goodness Shakes and Mule Bar. ENVE’s full line-up, including the MTB range as used by Steve Peat’s Santa Cruz-Syndicate team, will be distributed by the Bristol-based distributor as will FGS’ sports recovery products and Mule Bar’s energy line.

At Core Bike last month, Ison Distribution revealed it would be bringing utility bike brand Civia to the trade, including a snow bike with four-inch wide tyres that are popular in the US in areas affected by heavy snow,

but also ideal for boggy conditions. For more on Civia turn to our Core Bike feature starting on page 23.

Zyro’s new signings include GPS brand Bryton, the firm’s entrance into the market (see page 33).

Extra is now to deliver the Accelerade brand to UK cycle retailers, including the Forze bar, targeting athletes keen to avoid repeatedly snacking to hit their target weight.

Fellow Core exhibitor Upgrade revealed it had picked up two brands, including the Freedom range – covering tyres, saddles and grips – and Cycloc – with new products in the pipeline for a potentially diversifying brand.

Also at Core, the new-toPaligap VDO computer brand was showcased, featuring a clever piece of POS that allows dealers to set up computers for customers and program bike servicing reminders into them.

For details on the rest of the most recent distribution deals, and more on those mentioned here, head over to www.bikebiz.com

“We are very excited to have been chosen as exclusive trade media partner for Gadget Show Live. This underpins our strength in the sector and we wish them well with their efforts to widen out appeal of their event,” said BikeBiz publisher Stuart Dinsey.

“We look forward to covering the event and having extra circulation at the NEC.”

Organisers expect that 90,000 consumer visitors will attend The Gadget Show between April 13th and 17th, creating what they say is the biggest technology and consumer electronics event ever to take place in the UK. A number of free seminar sessions will also take place throughout the show. www.gadgetshowlive.net

BikeBiz signs up to new Gadget Show Live trade event at the NEC “We look forward to covering the event and having extra circulation at the NEC on trade day.”

Stuart Dinsey

4 BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY

BIKEBIZ has sealed a deal with the organisers of The Gadget Show to become exclusive trade partner for the recently launched professional trade day of the show.

The GSL Professional is an extension of the popular Gadget Show Live consumer exhibition, which will see over 250 tech companies exhibiting their latest products to industry buyers and executives. This trade day takes place on Tuesday April 12th.

The likes of Veho and Tunebug have already been announced as exhibitors. It is also expected

that with the addition of a ‘Test Track’, that electric bike firms will participate. Electric bikes are scheduled on the track at a separate time on each day of the popular show.

Around 4,500 trade visitors and 500 members of press are expected to attend The GSL Professional day.

BikeBiz’s exclusive partnership with GSL Professional will see the publication offer extensive coverage of this new event, with BikeBiz boasting increased circulation and distribution of the April issue at the exhibition.

BIKEBIZ.COM

NEWS

Bike Hub funding channelled into nationwide schools race

Todays Seminar dates are set for March 1st to 4th 2011

Moore Large opens doors to dealers in March DISTRIBUTOR Moore Large is set to show off the latest bikes and accessories from its brand portfolio at the start of March.

New products from the likes of Knog, Basso, Haro, Forme and Blackjack will be on show at the ‘Todays Cyclist’ Product Seminar dates, running from Tuesday March 1st and 2nd this year.

Brands confirmed for the seminars include Haro, Forme and Basso, plus accessory brands Kenda, Lake, Limar, Blackjack, Jagwire and Proviz, all confirmed for the March dates.

Refreshments will be available throughout the seminar days and showrooms will also remain open for two

Key principles from brand manufacturers will be on hand to talk dealers through the new ranges and field questions.

The showrooms and expanded display areas will remain open on March 3rd and 4th to give retailers another chance to see the latest ranges.

Key principles from the manufacturers will be at the event to talk dealers through the new ranges and field questions.

New shorter length seminars will free up dealer time and provide more in-depth info on the technical product features, brand positioning, marketing and history of the brands.

Presentations will take place on the hour, every hour.

days after the seminar days to give dealers an opportunity to view the many bikes and accessories in a relaxed environment.

For more information contact them Moore Large sales team at sales@moorelarge.co.uk or 01332 274252.

Bike stores encouraged to participate by hosting cycling assemblies, or lending a mechanic, as children take to two wheels throughout three-week-long cycle race

By Mark Sutton BIKE HUB funding is set to be channelled into a new school cycling initiative in the form of The Big Pedal national bike race.

Organisers are now touting the Big Pedal as an opportunity for bike stores with local schools competing – a list of which can be viewed at Sustrans.org.uk. Cycle stores can join in and are invited to give talks at participating schools, lend a mechanic to the kids’ bicycle fleet for a day, or simply promote participation through poster material.

“The race will act as a great way for whole school communities and cycle shops to join together, to encourage children to cycle to school,” said Sustrans’ school travel director, Paul Osborne. “The most important part of this race will

be to show pupils, parents and teachers how easy it is to choose two wheels, instead of four, for the journey to school.”

Kicking off on March 7th, the race series will be run alongside sustainable transport charity Sustrans’ and last three weeks.

Mimicking a Tour de France format, each day will tackle a different discipline, from long flat sprints to steadier hill climb time trials. The more kids, parents and teachers that cycle to school on each day, the quicker time the school is awarded for each stage. The school with the lowest time overall will be declared winner.

The school clocking the ‘quickest time’ is set to be rewarded with a M.A.D stunt team day, while the runner up will be provided with a Minipod bike and scooter storage system worth over £1k for its school.

Bicycle Association deputy president Phillip Darnton OBE, said: “Bike Hub is very committed to the future of cycling. Children are that future.

Unless they learn to ride safely and without fear on their bikes at home and at school, we will create a new generation lost to cycling. Cycling is a life skill – and what better way to get going than to join The Big Pedal.”

The Big Pedal is open to all UK schools and is free to take part. Participants can sign up for the full three week challenge, or register for a one-day stage taking place in the final week – also Bike to School week.

Last year, Sustrans’ organised a race series that saw 288,201 journeys to school and back done via bicycle, covering an estimated 461,121 miles. www.thebigpedal.org.uk

NEWS

CYCLE SHORTS

Spanish bike dealers target Chain Reaction A Spanish bicycle retailer has launched anti chainreaction.com in protest at the Northern Irelandbased shop. The website calls on suppliers to ensure their products won’t be sold to web discounters. Arguments for and against feature in the site’s comments.

Helmet compulsion a possibility in Northern Ireland Northern Ireland Assembly members have narrowly voted through, by two votes, a bill to force cyclists there to wear helmets. It is thought the bill is unlikely to become law, due to opposition, though this is certainly a step in that direction.

Upgrade picks up Cycloc and WTB’s Freedom Announced at CoreBike and detailed further on page 31, Upgrade has picked up wall mount product Cycloc and also the Freedom brand, which manufactures tyres, saddles and grips.

Research says there are an average of ten potholes for every mile of road in England and Wales

The CTC invites trade to ‘fill that hole’ THE CTC is planning to bolster its fill that hole’ anti-pothole campaign over the coming months through the help of the cycle trade.

The organisation enlisted the help of Olympian Victoria Pendleton to raise awareness of its campaign in the national press, while the Asphalt Industry Alliance also joined in the chorus of voices complaining about the state of the nation’s roads.

According to the Alliance there are an average of ten potholes for every mile of road in England and Wales, and that total is predicted to rise about two million for the first time ever in 2011.

The CTC has long attempted to raise awareness of the dangers of cyclists. With one road defect

for every 110 metres of UK road, the cyclists’ organistation said, dealing with the state of the roads is key to bike riders’ safety.

The CTC has been directing consumers to it’s pothole reporting website www.fillthathole.org.uk, teaming up with Wiggle to offer the chance for pot hole reporters to win £500 to spend at the CTC shop (Wiggle). Cyclists reporting pot holes between mid January and mid April will be eligible for the prize. The organisation is running the competition as part of an initiative in association with construction company Aggregate Industries.

The CTC has also launched a free iPhone app to make pot hole reporting even easier.

“The public is very keen to see improved road maintenance standard, particularly cyclists, as good surfaces are hugely important for their safety.”

Roger Geffen

Currently an average of 29.3 potholes per day are reported via FillThatHole. The site and app have led to over 13,000 road defects being fixed to date.

The organisation has revealed it is considering launching a tradepart of its anti-pot hole campaign, offering the trade chance to ‘buy a hole’. Roger Geffen, campaigns and Policy Director at CTC, said: “The public is keen to see improved road maintenance standards. That’s particularly true for cyclists, as good surfaces are hugely important for safety. With FillThatHole making it easy for to report road defects, people are discovering that most councils are good at fixing these defects quickly once they know about them.” www.fillthathole.org.uk

Jim Walker now to be known as I-ride Jim Walker and co has adopted its consumer facing title I-ride in order to direct consumer sales to its trade partners.

Windwave begins BBB distribution BBB now has a second distributor, Windwave, until July 1st when the brand becomes exclusive to Peter Nibet’s distribution firm.

BikeBiz would like to apologise to The Cycle Show and event organiser Upper Street Events over an image used in the January edition. The image in question was used in an article on page 61 concerning the London Bike Show.

BikeBiz would like to clarify that the image was taken from The Cycle Show at Earls Court and was not used with permission. BikeBiz would like to apologise for the mistake and any confusion that this has caused.

For breaking news visit:

www.bikebiz.com 6 BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY

Keener’s bike sales coaching comes to the UK A US-BASED bike retail boosting programme is coming to this year’s iceBike* as part of an extended seminar sessions.

Selling Cycling is an educational online and DVD training programme designed specifically for bike shop staff.

Over 1,600 bike store owners have purchased the programme in the US since 1996.

Now the training programme is being brought to Madison’s house show by Ray Keener, president of Boulder, Coloradobased Growth Cycle – the business behind the scheme. At the event dealers will be able to take advantage of Keener’s

presence in the UK to see firsthand how the training can help grow bike sales.

This year Growth Cycle has partnered with the National Bicycle Dealers Association of America to create all-new Selling Cycling content. Covering ten topics in 60 under-two-minute segments, this fast-paced approach is designed to appeal to the YouTube tastes of today’s whipper snapper shop staff. The focus on sales technique and customer service issues reflects the need of retailers to turn bike enthusiast staff into enthusiastic sellers. See a demo at: http://vimeo.com/15148992.

BIKEBIZ.COM

NEWS | THE LONDON BIKE SHOW REVIEW

Bikes sat alongside boats at the ExCeL super show; Eurobike’s Russ Masters poses with a living statue in cycle gear (below)

Sink or swim?

Propped up largely by the support of distribution giant Madison, the first instalment of The London Bike Show attracted many distribution figureheads who had sat on the fence before committing to exhibition space. Mark Sutton reports on the likelihood that the show will ExCeL going into 2012…

85,000 PLUS visitors through a bike show’s doors really isn’t bad for what many considered pre-show to be new kids on the block, in the bike market at least. In what was perhaps a modest, or honest, breakdown of the figures, the show’s organisers placed box office figures for the Bike Show and Outdoors Show at 30,386, though a further 57,468 came along for the boat exhibition. There was, however, nothing to stop those with too much money to blow on fancy boats crossing over to the debut cycling exhibition. Besides, a couple of bikes would make a lovely addition to the baskets of those waving the plastic at a yacht complete with “free Bentley”.

The organisers, VOS Media, can’t really be considered newbies to putting on a show. Having managed The Outdoors Show, The Ski and Snowboard Show and a handful of others, sales director Frazer Clifford, himself a competitive cyclist, told BikeBiz: “There have always been cycling aspects within the Outdoors Show, including test tracks, so taking the leap to add a separate show was almost a no-brainer. Our original floorplan for the bike show was 25 per cent smaller than the final layout. Once we’d

BIKEBIZ.COM

“Next year should be very special as the Olympics come to town.

We have already discussed adding more attractions to tie in with London 2012.”

Frazer Clifford, Vos Media

gained the support of Madison and media partnership with Future, interest snowballed.”

It is conceded then that, as many visitors mentioned post-show, Madison’s presence was the glue that held this year’s framework together. Those who had sat on the fence since the show’s announcement back in April were lurking, however, and Clifford says many have already made their introductions with a view to securing a presence at the 2012 show.

“Next year should be very special as the Olympics is coming to town. We’ll certainly make a thing of this and have already discussed adding plenty more cycling attractions to tie in with the London 2012 theme,” said Clifford. “It’ll also be special because 2012 should give us a much fairer indication of the show’s potential. We’ve outsold expectations in 2011, but next year’s event is planning itself at present. I’ve had some very exciting talks with big trade names at the show and I expect next year’s exhibitor list to dwarf 2011’s.”

The exhibitors who made the leap this year have been quick to echo Clifford’s thoughts that 2012 will be bigger and better, not just in words, but in commitments.

Clifford added: “We’re already in progress on reworking the floor plan to

Sam Pilgrim was one of the cycle stars showing off for the crowds

>> BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY 9

NEWS | THE LONDON BIKE SHOW REVIEW

NUMBER CRUNCHING

85,275 The number of visitors to attend the three-in-one show over the duration of its stay at ExCeL.

65% The percentage of 2011 exhibitors who had re-committed to space at next January's show just a week after doors closed at ExCeL.

74 The number of stands dedicated to bike firms.

187 The number of stands dedicated to Outdoors businesses.

>>

accommodate extra space for next year. Chocolate, Eurobike and Axel Imports have declared their plans to double their space, while Surf Sales and Bromley Bike Company are set to triple their exhibitions.”

The premier event wasn’t short of product debuts either and should retailers have taken time to look in detail at some stands, even a few new distribution surprises awaited.

Madison’s first look at Pacific Outdoors’ luggage line came earlier than anticipated, with a select few items on show ahead of this month’s iceBike* show, previewed on page 38.

Madison’s Will Fripp was one of the many exhibitors to share with BikeBiz his thoughts on the future of the show. “This is an incredible year one position and as an exhibitor we feel confident that the show will continue to grow and grow,” said Fripp.

A further testimonial came from Scott Hillyard, sales director at 2x2: “The response

2012

“As an exhibitor we feel confident that the show will continue to grow and grow.”

The show returns and will occupy ExCeL from January 12th through 15th.

LONDON BIKE SHOW UNVEILS NEW DISTRIBUTION DEALS

Will Fripp, Madison has been nothing short of staggering. Superb feedback on the show days and the following web traffic for our site has been remarkable.

“It takes a lot to surprise me these days, but I can genuinely say, in the 25 years I have been exhibiting at bike trade events, I have never experienced a show with not only this footfall, but the refreshing attitude and general interest levels.”

Frazer Clifford, Vos Media

10 BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY

AHEAD of its debut appearance at the Core Bike show, Chocolate Distribution introduced the Honey Stinger brand to consumers and the cycle trade, for which it is an exclusive distributor.

The natural energy brand recently and perhaps predictably announced a partnership with Team Radioshack, in which the firm’s backer Lance Armstrong races competitively.

Jeremy Crook, director of Chocolate Distribution added: “We’re a small, but focused distribution outfit dedicated only to quality brands.

“Honey Stinger complements our existing portfolio well and I’m extremely excited to be working with a brand with such strong science-based, nutritional advantages to its product.”

Stock will become available from Chocolate Distribution as of the start of February.

Surf Sales also revealed to BikeBiz at the show that it will carry the Electra brand.

Stock could arrive as soon as early March, according to a spokesperson on the stand, and it is expected that a large part of the accessory line will come with the delivery.

Surf Sales’ representative at the London Bike Show told BikeBiz: “Electra fits in nicely alongside our other brands and we look forward to stock arriving in around six weeks time.”

BIKEBIZ.COM

12 BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY

BIKEBIZ.COM

CHAIN REACTION | DAVID BABBS, 38 DEGREES

Save our forests Aside from the obvious losses to woodland, wildlife and cycle tracks, David Babbs, executive director of campaign group 38 Degrees, believes new plans by the Government to sell off our national forests could result in huge losses for nearby bike businesses if the proposals go ahead...

“Forests now provide over 167,000 jobs in Britain and receive more visits per year than the seaside...”

David Babbs

BIKEBIZ.COM

THE NEW Government is currently proposing a 100 per cent sell off of forests in England. This change could potentially allow private owners to fence off land, blocking riders from accessing over 200,000 hectares currently owned by, and open to the public. National treasures like The Forest of Dean, Sherwood Forest and The New Forest could be sold off under the proposals – and with them, their many cycle tracks.

Many are concerned that forests, cycle tracks and woodland wildlife could all be endangered forever as land is sold to private developers and, in a worst case scenario, foreign timber companies. As the law stands, new owners would be under no obligation to maintain the current standards of public access or environmental management.

Public opposition has stopped similar proposals in the past, and a campaign has been launched by the people-power organisation 38 Degrees. Already it has attracted enormous support. Other organisations like The Woodland Trust have argued that the money raised from the sale would likely be tiny, certaily not profitable or beneficial in making an impact on the deficit – but could do immeasurable damage and cost the nation dearly.

If enough people get behind the campaign and bring our collective voice to the attention of their Member of Parliament, we could protect wildlife in our national forests and ensure that that cyclists, horse-riders and the disabled will be able to make use of popular destinations like The New Forest and many other destinations for years to come.

Many cyclists have signed up to the campaign and over 400,000 people in total had added their weight by the time the public bodies reform bill first reached Parliament.

The only thing that will block the proposals from going ahead is if everyone comes together and makes it clear that this idea makes no sense at all.

Many cycling enthusiasts will have noted the expansion of outdoor education and mountain bike facilities in national forests over the last ten years. The Forestry Commission has gained widespread praise for its management, even bringing green space back to postindustrial and contaminated brown field sites.

As well as the Forestry Commission jobs, according to figures from the UK Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology, forests now provide more than 167,000 jobs in Britain – many in the leisure sector – and have over 50 million visitors every year, which is more than the seaside.

Academics at the University of Essex have also shown that being close to green space

encourages exercise, and therefore helps to fight obesity. The lack of physical activity costs the economy in England alone over £8 billion a year – which campaigners suggest may be a better place to look for savings in these times of economic austerity.

City-dwelling forest cyclists will recognise the idea that woodland has been shown to offer relief from stress. Researchers have even discovered that access to outside spaces like woodland is beneficial for children’s development and overall health. Mental health problems, which affect one in six people in the UK, cost the economy over £23 billion – making recreation in national forests all the more important to protect.

I’m now calling on the cycling community across the country lean on their local representatives in Government to support nonprivatisation of our outdoor space.

We want the forests to remain in the safe hands of the public, to be accessible to all, and be there for all future generations to enjoy. www.38degrees.org.uk

BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY 13

BIKEBIZ AWARD WINNER | SINGLETRACK

Publisher Mark Alk er accepts Singletrack ’s BikeBiz award

An im-press-ive double Winning the industry-voted BikeBiz Consumer Magazine Award for the second time was the perfect prelude for Singletrack’s tenth year, says Chipps Chippendale and Mark Alker. Jonathon Harker takes notes...

“Stretch our initial three year forecast to ten and it starts to resemble what we have now...”

Mark Alker, Singletrack

Singletrack has the Tordmorden countryside as its very own test track

How does it feel to be a BikeBiz Award winner – again?

Chipps: Fantastic. It’s great to win something voted for by your peers. We’ve been around a while now and it’s a small world, so it’s nice to think that we’ve not annoyed too many people in that time. Unfortunately, I missed the ceremony because I was, ironically, working late on the magazine that week.

Mark: I did make the ceremony and was suitably intoxicated and incomprehensible, which in no way should be taken as disrespectful. Quite the opposite – I was hugely flattered.

Singletrack is ten years-old in April. How has the reality compared with your expectations back in 2001? Did you expect the magazine to be winning awards?

Chipps: We originally started the magazine because there wasn’t anything out there that we wanted to read. It still fits that niche and it’s great that we’ve found a lot of other people who share that passion. As for winning awards in ten years? We’d never really planned past about year three.

Mark: I remember producing what I thought was a realistic business plan for our first three years. Needless to say, the graphs it contained didn’t shape up to reality. As it happens it seems I just got the scale along the bottom wrong – stretch our three-year graph to ten and it starts to look like what we have now.

Singletrack recently launched an iPhone app. How's that been received? And will print still be with us in ten years time?

Chipps: As the less tech-prone partner, I’m still waiting to find out what exactly the iPad does

14 BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY

that’s so clever. I’m still optimistic that print will still be with us in ten years. However, it may go more like vinyl records in that the quality goes up, but sells to a smaller number of super-keen enthusiasts.

Mark: The publishing world is undergoing a huge period of change right now, but like Chipps I have no fears that print will disappear.

The iPhone/iPad app is just one small part of our overall digital subscriptions plan. It’s still a small, but growing addition to our other digital/website based issues. The most unexpected result of us launching our digital issues is the corresponding increase in print based subscriptions.

Digital issues have sold well and are one of our fastest growing areas of the business, but digital has sparked a greater interest in our print mag too. We now have over 5,000 subscribers, 4,500 of those still get the printed version. That’s up by over 1,000 since we launched the digital service at the end of 2009.

The iPad and the like won’t replace print, but any publisher who doesn’t work out how to combine both into what they produce is going to struggle over the next few years.

Singletrack has gradually upped the number of issues it publishes every year. Any more increases coming up?

Chipps: No! Not because we don’t have the stories and content to fill it, but we would physically struggle to get five or six bikes an issue in on the right date, ridden, written about and photographed on a sunny day before the next lot turned up. We’d need a full time mechanic just to box and unbox the bikes.

Mark: The market we serve is simply not a

monthly mag buying market. It’s the younger readers of a magazine market that sustain the monthly sales. Singletrack sits around for longer on coffee tables and it’s dipped into.

That gives each issue a longevity that doesn’t need to be renewed every month. If we upped the frequency I firmly believe we’d see a reduction in the sales of each issue, and as Chipps implies, we’d all start hating each other in the office.

You (Chipps) have been in the trade for twenty years. Was magazine publishing part of the career plan?

I don’t even think that being in the bike trade was in the plan. I spent my early years, from 1991 at NTi (Nicol Trading International) waiting to be ‘found out’ and then, since 1994 I’ve been making it up as I go along as a journalist. And now, suddenly, I find that I’m some ancient part of the establishment.

Any final thoughts?

Chipps: Yes, that we have a lot of behind the scenes people that need thanking. Our staff have loyally done all the jobs we couldn’t, for little pay and little thanks – so I’d like to thank everyone who’s worked for and with us over the years.

Mark: Yes, our staff are amazing and considering that we’ve developed everything we do from design to subscriptions management from the ground up completely in-house, I’m hugely proud of everything they’ve achieved, especially when Chipps or I stand next to them and continually start sentences like, ‘Can you just make it so that it does this?’

BIKEBIZ.COM

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MYSTERY SHOPPER | SWINDON, WILTSHIRE

What’s that coming over the hills…?

It’s Mystery Shopper and he’s paid a visit to the home of The National Trust and an area neighbouring some of the UK and Wales’ best trail routes. As such, it’s only fitting that Swindon’s retailers get a grilling on the ideal bike for jaunts in the countryside...

Mitchell’s Cycles

Dan’s Cycles

ONCE IN a while Mystery Shopper will come across a retailer that doesn’t put a foot wrong. That’s the case with Mitchell’s Cycles. Having said that, things shuffled along for much of the time spent in-store and I felt as though I was driving the conversation forwards.

All answers provided to my queries were spot on, though had I not been talking, there would have have been little more than the soft sound of my squeezing of the brake levers between us. Luckily, the fact that the bike had been removed from the rack for me to ‘size up’ was a redeeming quality, as was the mention that I should consider a deposit.

Of the unprovoked parts of conversation, the assistant did interestingly state his belief that prior model years represented far better value for money, largely down to the constant increase in retail prices on fresher model years.

I’d like to score Mitchells higher. Granted, I was seen immediately and staff were friendly.

Sadly, I left feeling the performance SCORE only average.

IN SHARP contrast to the prior visit, Dan’s Cycles sales assistant demonstrated what a difference a bit of confidence makes. Getting straight to the point, I was advised that my £800 budget wouldn’t get me much in the way of full-suspension, though could buy me a sturdy hardtail.

The varying types of XC were discussed, with the assistant soon getting it out of me that I’d prefer a more aggressive ride to the more relaxed, traditional XC geometry. Such a small detail could make a big difference to my enjoyment of the bike, it was explained.

Having discussed value for money, the assistant went into detail about manufacturer Merida owning its factory outright, thus savings were passed onto the customer. It was at this point an indexed catalogue was handed over and the shop assistant suggested I check out some reviews online before coming back in to place an order.

An extremely good close to a confident pitch.

Presentation of the bikes instore was also tastefully done.

SCORE

[ 3/5 ]

16 BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY

[ 4/5 ] BIKEBIZ.COM

MYSTERY SHOPPER | SWINDON, WILTSHIRE

Total Bike SIMILAR TO the first experience of the day, Total Bike didn’t necessarily put a foot wrong, though being the typical short-attention span customer I felt as though I was kept browsing with obvious need for assistance before I was seen.

I was surprised to be met by a man who I had assumed to be a customer due to his plain clothes.

Nonetheless, the salesman kicked off with a tour of the store’s top-end bikes, something the average customer needn’t see unless specifically mentioned. Nice to know what’s out there, but that’s time wasted in my book.

Things settled down once I’d given my budget and the chatty assistant got to the finer points of a Specialized model that was ‘on sale’. My questions were dispatched efficiently and customisation was even discussed briefly.

The assistant did, however, have a habit of digressing into areas SCORE that would mind-boggle the average consumer.

[ 3/5 ]

Halfords

Red Planet Bikes

THIS WAS a difficult one to ‘grade’. Given the high footfall in store, it relied on Mystery Shopper earwigging on other customer queries and all seemed well.

Deciding that it would be a while before I was seen, I decided to browse, which uncovered many points of interest. Firstly, to the untrained eye in particular, it seems like Halfords is upping its value for money credentials on bikes which require a little investment. For my £800 budget I could obtain a Boardman Bike with a very reasonable spec or, for a little more money, a Voodoo carrying a few brand name components.

Second of all, each bike was very well labelled with spec information, intended use and warranty information. As a result of this reading material, having to wait to be seen was less annoying than had I not been kept occupied.

Last of all, and one more mention for our Olympian turned bicycle designer – a women’s specific display of Boardman Bikes, for me showed a commitment from Halfords to SCORE openly invite more women aboard bikes. Has your store made a point of catering for the female cyclist?

RED PLANET IS only the second store to gain full marks.

The female helper showed both enthusiasm for business and bicycles and had me sold without moving from the counter. As February falls in between model year changeover, the assistant rotated her computer screen to face me and took time to ask my budget and intended use, all prior to me asking a number of questions on warranty, value for money and technical aspects – each of which were faultlessly given honest and opinionated answers.

The social layout of the counter area suggested to me that the staff enjoyed sitting their customers down and taking time to find the ideal bike for each. A stool on my side of the counter and a coffee machine on hers gave a very inviting vibe to the store.

Though explaining to me I could obtain great value for money with the European manufactured Ghost brand, Red Planet’s representative gave accurate and justified reasons to consider the UK-built Orange brand.

SCORE To finish, I was directed to the store’s own very polished website.

[ 3/5 ]

BIKEBIZ.COM

[ 5/5 ]

Summary IF I HAD to pick a single word around which to centre my conclusion it would be ‘confidence’.

You can have too much, too little, or you can take Red Planet’s approach of just relaxing and gently leading the customer with the correct questions, before influencing sensible decisions based on listening carefully to feedback.

Red Planet injected passion into the pitch, but didn’t push any particular solution on me, instead opting to have me take a seat before guiding me through the pros and cons of particular bikes.

It’s hard to fault any of Swindon’s retailers – each had something to offer and none gave me reason to discount their store. If Total Bike’s assistant hadn’t digressed into irrelevant stories of past customers and distribution deals then they too would have scored on par with Dan’s Cycles.

BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY 17

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INTERVIEW | PACE

Dalby’s finest With such a rich history stemming back to the foundations of mountain biking, Pace Cycles is soon to open a museum celebrating nearly 25 years of manufacturing. Mark Sutton talks to MD Adrian Carter about how dealers can benefit from the company’s move to it’s ‘spiritual home’ in Dalby…

Pace’s new 42:16 fixed gear is a limited edition model available within the current catalogue

BIKEBIZ.COM

Pace has moved to what it calls its ‘Spiritual Home’. Where does this connection with Dalby stem from?

When Pace were developing the original and iconic RC100 mountain bike way back in 1987 most of the development and testing was done in Dalby Forest. Those with long memories may remember the piece the BBC filmed on the bike, all shot here in Dalby. Back then Dalby’s main focus was timber production, with motorsport being the only significant recreational sport. I’d been racing motorcycles in the forest since a kid and went on to be the race director, organising National Championship motorcycle enduros here.

What’s more, every bike we’ve ever designed has had most of its development done in Dalby and the surrounding forest complex, so myself

and Pace have been wrapped up with this beautiful area for a long time.

A ‘Pace Museum’ is in the pipeline – tell us a bit about this project and when it’s due.

Over the past 23 years, or more, Pace has developed quite a range of products, from the earliest full-suspension bikes and forks through to the earliest threadless headset, not to mention cycle clothing and components. Many of the prototypes are simply stored away and it just seems such a waste given the current interest in retro parts and the brief history of our sport. So once we’ve got our offices and Service Centre presentable, that will be the next project, dusting off the old samples and creating an area so riders can come in and see our contribution to the roots of our sport.

“Dealers can book their customer in for a test ride with us. Should they choose to buy, the sale will be directed back to the store...”

Adrian Carter, MD, Pace

>> BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY 19

INTERVIEW | PACE

The Dalby countryside is among the most picturesque the UK has to offer mountain bikers

>>

What made you finally decide to move to the forest?

We’d had the opportunity in the past, but the timing just wasn’t right for us. With a significant manufacturing operation making forks, the forest basically couldn’t accommodate such an operation. Having sold that part of our business to DT Swiss some years ago, the size and structure of the business is different now and more in line with the mountain biking developments in Dalby.

Tell us about the trail building work you did in the Dalby area when the firm started out.

After years of planning massive off road motorcycle courses in the forests here, I knew almost every tree and twig, so I could immediately see the potential for developing mountain biking here.

So, through Pace, I organised the first Dalby mountain bike race in 1989 (Mountain Bike Club), Northern races (NEMBA) and National Champs. Then the Forestry Commission approved our ideas for the design and construction of a substantial trail network. So Mike Innerdale, the recreation ranger and I planned out some trails and I lifted the Black, Red and Blue grading system as used by ski resorts worldwide.

However, then we saw the great work Daffyd Davies was doing with the Forestry Commission in Wales, so organised a workshop in Dalby with Davies and a guy from International Mountain Biking Association USA. We got our heads around sustainable trail construction then, with full support from the Forestry Commission, set to designing up a whole new mountain bike trail network.

20 BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY

Lots of investment and work later we have the award-winning trail network seen today, not least of all the new World Cup Course, of which we’re immensely proud. It’s been a great team effort between funding bodies, land managers and volunteers, most notably Singletraction.

Can dealers interested in stocking Pace swing by for a go on the demo fleet – how would one go about organising this?

We understand it’s difficult for dealers to carry a full range of demo bikes for their customers, so we’ll have each model and size available here in Dalby as a test fleet – the Pace Demo Centre, if you like.

Dealers can book in their customers for a ride with us (or indeed try them out themselves) then we’ll direct the sale back to that dealer. Dalby’s very much on the ‘circuit’ as riders try out each trail centre, so customers are usually quite happy to visit us here in North Yorkshire. The benefits of this are that the buyer gets to sample the bikes on the very trails the design ideas were conceived on.

What aspirations do you have for the Pace brand in the coming years?

We’ve reinforced the Pace brand with more credibility and access by our move to Dalby and over the next few years we see great potential to expand that.

For example, the Tour of Britain had a stage finish here, so, in the near future, we see potential for adding more road-specific products into the range. Dalby and the North Yorkshire Moors are equally attractive as a road test venue.

What can the suspension service centre offer the retailer? Which brands can you handle?

We’ll be rolling out a rebranding of this area of our business as the Dalby Suspension Service Centre – currently providing a service to the dealer for the Pace, Scott and DT brands, with more to follow in 2011. We have direct access to many suspension manufacturers and our service centre is the longest established in the UK, so we can give our dealers the best technical support.

What’s the Pace Bike Park and how long has it been running?

It’s a mountain bike skills area right in the centre of the trail network at Dixons Hollow and was used as part of the World Cup XC course. It’s built into a bowl and is a great place for parents to watch over their kids as they try out the bumps, tunnels, jumps and other features.

It also has some low-level ‘Northshore’ and a new pump track. Steve Peat came along to open it three years ago and it’s been a great success and showcase for what Pace and the forest has to offer.

What new products can we expect to see from Pace in 2011?

We’re continually adding and upgrading the products in our frame range and the latest is a very tasty 29er, branded the RC129. Hopefully, this will be out early in 2011, followed by a new 5.5inch travel trail bike.

Keeping the products fresh and timely is the most important thing of course – but it’s also great fun designing next year’s products.

BIKEBIZ.COM

CORE BIKE | 2011 REVIEW

Our survey says...

Given the ever-increasing number of events on the trade calendar, CoreBike this year asked its audience what it could do to cement its position as the most important date in ‘show season’. Mark Sutton sat down with show mastermind Elaine Curtin and finds out what the future may hold...

IF THE FOOTFALL at Core is anything to go by, January has been further re-enforced as the month to have a trade show. As suggested in BikeBiz’s December Retail survey, shops favour the first two months of the year as key periods for planning ahead and choosing suppliers with whom to do business.

For the first time in the show’s history, a rival of sorts had set up camp a few miles down the road, which arguably may have contributed to the 15 per cent rise in pre-registration, then again, CoreBike as a standalone show gives dealers plenty of reason to make the journey and many spent hours on the road exclusively for Core’s exhibition, now in its seventh year.

Show figurehead, Elaine Curtin tells BikeBiz: “This is the first time I recall there being a queue out of the door on the first morning. If not spending the night, most people are turning up prior to 11am and spending the majority of the day at Whittlebury Hall. Plenty of small shops have come for the weekend and many even brought their partners along with a view to making use of the facilities here.”

Accommodation, a few solid meals and a constant supply of booze is certainly a model that has proven a winner in the bike trade and it’s Core’s hospitality that seems to be drawing bigger crowds each year.

Curtin says: “It looks like we’ve had a further 15 per cent attend on last year’s figures, which is in line with the extra registration we received preshow. The numbers through the doors has been consistent throughout the duration of the four days and we’ve had greater numbers of press covering the product, which is a bonus. From an exhibitor’s perspective, the show’s exactly what it should be and all are happy that we’re in the right central location to offer a very worthwhile show for a large portion of the trade.”

Signs were evident that Core’s organisers are BIKEBIZ.COM

“This is the first time I recall visitors queuing out of the door on the first morning of Core...”

Elaine Curtin, CoreBike

keen for feedback on what it does best and what it could do better. An 11-question survey was handed to all retailers coming through the doors and the questions within address rumblings of discontent about the fight for space among suppliers. These included questions such as ‘If there were more exhibitors at Core, would you spend more time at the show’ and ‘Are there any other distributors that you would like to see present at the show’.

Curtin continued: “We won’t open the flood gates to new exhibitors as this would alter the structure of the show. We are, however, keen to hear from our audience and post-show, the firms currently at Core always sit down to do de-brief and discuss the future.”

The questionnaire also references the possible interest in a ‘demo day’, suggesting a fresh, interactive aspect may give future crowds more reason to make the journey.

Whittlebury Hall remains an ideal central location for CoreBike

CoreBike organiser Elaine Curtin (left)

>> BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY 23

CORE BIKE | 2011 REVIEW

>>

Extra

Burley’s Travoy trailer is claimed to be ‘near impossible’ to roll. There are even YouTube videos of existing customers trying their best and failing...

Accelerade and Burley got their first Core outing with Extra this year with the former debuting an interesting solution for athlete's looking to achieve their target race weight.

Forza Bars from Accelerade are a new calcium and protein bar designed to be a hunger control tool for athletes prone to snacking. When combined, calcium and protein create an enzyme, which tells the brain that you no longer need to eat. Though the effect can take around three hours, the solution works in much the same way cheese and crackers supresses the urge to eat.

The science comes from the minds who developed the world reknowned Atkins diet. A Forza bar will set customers back £1.39 and comes in either choc/peanut or cranberry and nut.

Extra had invited Burley CEO Michael Coughlin to give Core's crowd a deeper insight into Burley's product and on the back of scooping a Eurobike Gold Award, Coughlin was keen to discuss the Travoy trailer (left).

The Travoy is a foldable, yet super-tough trailer that has an anti roll mechanism built in. In fact, the trailer has such a reputation that Burley's customers have posted videos to YouTube of their attempts to roll the Travoy. None, other than Burley's own engineers under extreme testing, managed to do so. Pitched as the perfect commuter trailer, the system has plenty of add on potential for the retailer, with numerous bags

Buffera Buff was represented by several staff at Core and BikeBiz caught up with one of its fresher recruits, ex-sponsored athlete and long-time Buff representative Tim McDowell.

McDowell was kind enough to model a number of new items, which should keep customers interested once the Dog Buff demand dies down. The first of these new items was what Buff described as its Multifunctional Jacket. Made from a material Buff has kept topsecret until now, McDowell said: "The membrane is made from four-way stretch material which carries a waterproof value of 1,000 metres, meaning it is easily capable of use on ski slopes, let alone tackling the British weather."

Buff’s broadened its horizons with a fresh line of technical clothing

24 BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY

tailored to varied uses. There's waterproof roll ups, grocery bags, laptop bags and more, all of which clip on via a convenient click on and off system.

Further to this, a rain cover is available for the trailer, as are adapters should customers want to attach their own bag.

Fi'zi:k revealed a line of three shoes in both men's and women's versions, available from April.

In what might be an industry first, sailing cloth has been used within the line, as well as kanagaroo leather and of course, carbon fibre.

The shoes have moldable insoles, which thanks to a link up with ski boot market leader Sidas, can provide customers a tailored fit, without having to sit for any longer than five minutes.

The jacket carries a few nice practical touches such as a window in the sleeve, meaning watches or wrist-mounted computers can be seen without rolling up the cuff. Though barely noticeable, the jacket has a hood rolled up into a Velcro sealed collar, thumb loops placed within to prevent arms riding up and 3M Scotchlite strips. Other details include minor detailing on the jacket's interior – Ordnance Survey graphics on the men's and floral on the women's. Stock is due on March 1st and retailers can place orders for the £130 unit now.

The firm also had a new take on the traditional Buff line debuted at Core. The Hood and Hoodie Buffs are designed to be a "hood add on" for garments lacking the feature. The Hood buff makes use of Gore windstopper fabrics to shield the neck and head.

Citrus Lime Supplier integration is Citrus Lime's greatest advancement since the last instalment of CoreBike. Now working with numerous large suppliers, the firm revealed version two – a more user friendly, less technical approach to running a web store efficiently.

Neil McQuillan of the 'Clicks and Mortar' specialist said: "We've already got dealers reporting doing very good money with the new module.

The whole user interface is a lot simpler and massively increases the speed in which product updates can be taken from a supplier's website and uploaded quickly and accurately to a dealer's website. The upgrade effectively means the store can click 'update' in its back end and stock updates can be applied straight away.

We're constantly looking for new suppliers to work with and as long as stock data can be provided in a reasonable format the process is incredibly simple.”

Citrus Lime will soon launch a micro-site that will demonstrate the module's capabilities.

BIKEBIZ.COM

CORE BIKE | 2011 REVIEW

Windwave Visitors to Windwave's booth would no doubt have told about some of the margin boosting packages that spares brand A2Z have added to the line. Any store handling off road bikes in particular should check out the 20-pack of replacement disc pads in varied options now available. The bulk buy options cover all major brake brands, including Shimano, Magura, Hayes, Hope, Avid and more. With this solution, dealers can pay off the box within just four services when compared with individual packaged retail priced pads. The remaining 16 sets of spare pads are therefore "pure profit", according to Windwave marketing manager Dan Jones.

Bulk packages are also on offer for those who do a lot of 'bling business'. A2Z do package individually some bolt kits, but also sell a 'Candy Box', which holds 7075-T6 chainring and granny bolts in six colours .

Nokon Cables has also made its line far more efficient and thus profitable for dealers, going from 20 SKUs to just three. Now available in nine colours, the product packaging has had a redesign complete with cutout, enabling the consumer to see a visible section of cable.

Jones also told BikeBiz of Traitor Cycles progress, stating that those dealers now with stock are giving good feedback. The Luggernaut was flagged up as a particular winner, available as both a singlespeed build and a three-speed

Staff discounts were on offer for any retailers taking on Traitor bikes at Core

Sturmey Archer hub gear build.

Made from retrostyled Columbus Thron Tubing, carrying a lifetime crash replacement and two-year defect warranty, the Luggernaut frame and fork is a steal for £349.99. A singlespeed build comes in at £699.95 and the Sturmey option at £749.95.

Windwave official commenced distribution of the BBB line on the last day of Core, dedicating a whole room at Whittlebury Hall to the diverse and comprehensive line.

Citrus Lime boss Neil McQuillan Birzman’s award-winning Dragonfly and Damselfly chain tools (left)

Merida Many will have read about James Cracknell's collision with a lorry in Arizona back in July.

While attempting to complete seven marathons back-to-back, the athlete was knocked off and amazingly survived, but according to his doctor, this was likely down to the one of a kind helmet the rower turned have-a-go-at-anything athlete was wearing.

The particular model was the Alpina Pheos, a carbon reinforced unit, which absorbed the brunt of the crash and thanks to the lowered back on the helmet, prevented much of the damage that could otherwise have occurred. As such, this helmet is now a proud part of Merida's stable, though that's not all Alpina had to show off. In what the firm claims is a first, Alpina's in-molded high modulus EPS carries a dial fit system, something neglected in the world of 'piss pots' until now.

BIKEBIZ.COM

Further to this, the German eyewear and protection firm has revealed what it says is the 'most aerodynamic time trial helmet available'. Though only a late prototype, the vented helmet is due on the market in the coming months carrying a retail tag of £400.

Birzman is another of the few brands under Merida's UK distribution portfolio, but one that is excelling. Having scooped seven different design awards at Eurobike – the most ever by one brand – retailers are urged to check out the various tool cases and workshop tools, as well as the line of products best-suited to the casual mechanic. Of the Eurobike design winners, Birzman were particularly pleased to be awarded recognition on its consumer facing Damselfly chain tool and heavier duty Dragonfly tool, which wouldn't be out of place in the busiest of workshops.

Alpina’s first dial fit lid suited to freestyle (right)

>> BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY 25

CORE BIKE | 2011 REVIEW

>> Cordee can assist bicycle dealers in the best stock choices for their demographic

Cordee Many at Core were said to be surprised by the diversity of Cordee's business, which focuses on travel and adventure sports books, a large portion of which are cycling specific.

Among the latest releases and moving very much with the times, the book distributor has stock of David Henshaw and Richard Peace's detailed look at e-bikes in the aptly named Electric Bicycles. At £12.95, the guide details the advantages of going electric, chapters on history and development, classic models, the future as

seen through the eyes of those immersed in the industry and more.

Cordee also flagged up Spring Classics as a title that road retailers in particular should consider adding to their stock. Through the title's 224 pages, publisher Velopress draws on L'Equipe's top writers and historians, pulling together hundreds of newly restored photographs from European competition dating back to the 1800s.

Cordee's Richard Robinson told BikeBiz: "We can assist cycle dealers in choosing which books would best suit their store and clientele, just drop us a line to discuss your needs.”

Cordee also carries a wide range of cycling travel books, including Vertebrate Publishing's Mountain Biking area guides and Family Cycling titles.

2Pure Scot Nicol, founder of Ibis Cycles had made the journey in from the firm's Californian headquarters to show off the latest developments in the highly-lauded range.

Though choosing not to work in the same model year format as most firms, Ibis has slowly refined its award winning Mojo SL, until it has arrived at the Mojo HD – the new DW Link suspension flagship of the bike line. Given the 1,900 hours of CAD development and half a million dollars spent developing the SL, the HD upgrade is something the firm feel won't be topped for a long time.

Carrying 160mm of rear wheel travel, a 20mm advanced on previous Mojos, the HD retains its climbing characteristics, but adds another dimension through the descents.

A large size frame and shock will weigh in at 6.3 pounds, though Nicol tells BikeBiz: "The stiffness and strength of the HD is simply off the charts. Again, we went through many hours Civia joins Ison and brings with it belt drive and bundles of style

Ison Minnesota bike firm Civia has joined the Ison stable answering the growing demand for utility bikes in the UK. The eye-catching models – the Pugsley 'snow bike' and Halsted were positioned in the hallway, thus BikeBiz heard news of the brand through word of mouth before visiting the Cambridge distributor's exhibition.

Fitted with two four-inch wide tyres designed to run at around ten PSI, the Pugsley is said to be doing good business in regions prone to snow and slush in the US as it simply "floats over the top". The Pugsley will cost £1,500 when it arrives in the UK. Tucked inside Ison's booth was the stunning and practical Loring (pictured bottom), available with both men's and women's-specific frames.

Pitched as the ideal delivery or 'shop run' bike, the Loring has a gently sloping top tube, which blends elegantly with the bikes bamboo mudguards and aluminium racks. The Loring will

26 BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY

CAD development, altering the linkage 15 times in the process. This model also carries a lower bottom bracket and slacker 67-degree head angle. Despite being a dream bike, dealers can earn very strong margins from a sale."

Scott Nicol with the Ibis HD, which he says can earn a dealer a “very healthy margin”

come in both nine-speed and threespeed SRAM i-Motion gearhub builds.

Gates Carbon Belt Drive also features within the line on the commuter-specific Bryant and 'more affordable brother' the Kingfield. The Bryant does, however, come in two builds, both Alfine and (standard chain drive) Tiagra spec.

Designed to be a hassle free solution to mid-to-long distance journeys, as well as a speedy commuter, the Bryant's 4130 steel frame and fork have been engineered to be responsive even when carrying loads. Civia's proprietary split rear dropout makes servicing the belt drive a breeze, if one is ever required.

BIKEBIZ.COM

CORE BIKE | 2011 REVIEW

Chicken Cyclekit

>>

Chicken Cyclekit had plenty of exciting new gear to flag up to Core's crowds and marketing manager Gary Anderson started the tour with the LAS Anubi helmet (pictured), which has received sterling reviews in magazine tests, including a very recent 95 per cent mark in 2020 Triathlon magazine.

The Anubi has been going down with testers well because of its tough plastic centre ridge, an idea of LAS's designed to hold the helmet's structure loosely together and on the rider's head during a crash. On impact, the shell will break as a first line of defence, but the structure itself will further absorb some of the impact and protect the rider's head from making contact with the hard floor. All the usual fore and aft adjustment features, along with a dial adjust system and chin strap padding.

Aside from showing of Cinelli's new £430 Experience frame, crafted from internally-routed

Silverfish Taking pride of place on the Silverfish booth was new addition Spiuk, a manufacturer of cycling shoes, clothing, glasses, helmets and massage oils.

Marketing manager Pete Drew initially offered to demonstrate the massage oils to BikeBiz, though we passed in favour of hearing about the road and mountain bike shoe line, as well as one model designed specifically for spinning. Each shoe is supplied with a winter and summer sole, the difference being in the airflow. The summer sole is highly perforated, while the winter is interchangeable when the damp and cold sets in.

Spiuk’s shoe line, with the spinning-specific model second from left

Hope Hope's stand was one of the busiest of the 18 Core exhibitors and that was largely down to a new eight LED prototype light that has a target output of 2,500 lumens when on the very brightest setting. When running on standard output, it is expected the light will generate 1,500 lumens and have a burn time of around two and a half hours at this level, though burn time will vary hugely between the 12 power settings.

As you'd expect, the shell housing the eight LEDs is heavily machined to dissipate heat and a safety run time of three minutes has been programmed in on the 2,500 lumen setting, after which the light will drop down an output level. The maximum output can be re-activated as soon as it dims, but Hope's engineers feel the higher output is best reserved for emergency use.

The LEDs are split between four elliptical and four flood beams, which should mean more or

28 BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY

Columbus triple-butted 7005 alloy, the brand revealed a bling addition to its fixie product. Parts such as the 44cm handlebar, stem and £34.99 Pista seatpost all received the gold treatment. The Experience frame is available as a complete build coming in under £1,000, making it Cycle to Work scheme friendly.

Miche had an interesting piece of point of sale kit for those dealers specialising in custom gear tuning and cassette builds. Chicken Cyclekit can now supply a sprocket board, which can be bought in with various sprocket kits comprehensively covering the Campagnolo, Miche, Shimano and other main manufacturer's product.

The varying kit options are now seen on the distributor's business The LAS Anubi helmet modelled to business website. by a very willing mannequin

Drew also flagged up an interesting development in RaceFace's carbon development, in that the new Next SL crank is entirely hollow thanks to a secretive new technique in which the weave can be compressed to an extreme density, thus providing a stronger arm. This all takes place in Canada and is understood to be exclusive to RaceFace at present. While being pressed into its final shape, the crank does have a mold in the centre, but this is somehow extracted post production. More on that when we discover the secret. For now, the other key details are the price; £595.99, the fact that the package includes a titanium axle and is nine/ten speed compatible.

Retailers may also soon be responding to a surge in requests for a specific SDG saddle.

Developed alongside Monster Energy team rider Sam Hill, the Storm saddle replaces Hill's DIY glued on tyre saddle grip and puts on the market for the first time a saddle with 'tread', spread across specific areas to add grip when in the saddle. Not for everybody, but undoubtedly a trend that has potential to catch on. less everything on the path ahead is illuminated at all times.

Traditional direct mounts for Hope stems are to be included with the package, given that many of the UK manufacturer's customers highly rate this easy clip on/off feature. Universal bar mounts will also be supplied. Further upping the light's credentials, an LCD screen features in the top of the light, which gives both power readings and output levels.

Production is set to go ahead this summer and stock is anticipated around September.

Other prototypes on show included a CNC machined crank and chain guide. Hope eventually aims for an entire chainset. Hot off the machines in Barnoldswick, Hope also debuted a number of chainrings and guards (pictured right), which are due in stock from early March.

Hope’s new chainrings, due March

BIKEBIZ.COM

CORE BIKE | 2011 REVIEW

>>

Paligap GERMAN CYCLE computer brand VDO is now found under the Paligap portfolio. Famed for its altimeters, which are said to offer a real time gradient, the brand has worked on some very unique ideas for 2011.

One such idea comes within an available 'set box', which doubles up as a point of sale unit for showing the range in its entirety to the customer.

The unique aspect comes from a clever set of keys located within the lower left of the set box, which once the customer has selected their

Brev M has a new line of multicoloured wheels as well as fixie components

Chocolate Fresh off its debut at the London Bike Show and on the distribution firm's first appearance at Core, Honey Stinger was again the focus of MD, Jeremy Crook's exhibition space.

With a comprehensive stock now in, Chocolate can supply the Lance Armstrong and team Radioshack-favoured energy brand. Crook told BikeBiz: "We're a small, but focused distribution outfit dedicated to quality brands.

computer, can be used to program custom settings into the purchased computer. What's more, the dealer can also benefit by programming in a service schedule that will remind the customer to have their bike checked over by the store’s mechanic. Once an interval has been reached, the VDO computer will flash up a message, that when minimized takes the form of a small spanner on the screen until the next visit.

VDO's line begins at a very respectable £15, which buys a basic four-function wired machine.

Wireless options begin at £25 and will give basic functions such as clock, speed and distance. The more complex performance machines found within the Z-series go into great depth with the top machine, costing £200, holding 53 tuneable functions, including heart rate readings.

Saris debuted two new racks at Core – the £220 Grand Fondo and the £100 Bike Porter. The former is a two-bike set up, which spreads the load either side of the rear windscreen, meaning the driver's awareness of the road behind is unimpaired. Front wheels of each bike are simply hung in the semi-circle racks, each of which can hold the majority of wheel sizes. Saris has a listing of which racks are best suited to certain types of car on its website – saris.com.

Point of sale slat wall for both Saris and CycleOps is now on offer from Paligap and is interchangeable, or mix and matchable meaning dealers can customise displays based on stock and sales, or seasonal predictions.

Honey Stinger compliments our portfolio well and I'm extremely proud to be working with a brand with such strong science-based nutrition advantages to its product."

If your store is in need of a supplier of energy and protein sports solutions, look out Honey Stingers line of organic energy chews, Stinger bars and the famous Stinger Waffle inspired by Armstrong's favoured European snack.

Chocolate Distribution also carries Rolf Prima wheels and Kurt Kinetic turbo trainers.

I-ride (Jim Walker)

Dealers were encouraged to give the Honey Stinger brand a try at Core

30 BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY

Few will have passed through I-ride's exhibition without having noticed Thompson's prototype 'permadized' camouflage and USA flag seatpost and stem designs. Though not confirmed for production, the level of interest at the show should prove an indication of how they would sell if set for the market and a Thompson spokesman told BikeBiz: "The technique involves a dyed paper wrap which 'permadizes' to the post. The technique is only done in two places in America and would add roughly £25 to the cost at retail."

Deuter has broadened its cycle market specific offering for 2011, flagging up the Superbike bag as a key product for urban retailers thanks to its sewn in 'windshield' visibility vest and helmet mounts. A women's specific SL version is also available. Both feature Deuter's Airstripe ventilation ensuring good airflow to the back, 3M reflectives and space for using a bladder, if desired.

Much of the Deuter line has undergone a design revamp with a pinstripe theme heavily present on many models and new female

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CORE BIKE | 2011 REVIEW

Upgrade UK-MADE CYCLOC, as well as WTB sister brand Freedom have joined the Upgrade stable.

Though just the one product at present, Cycloc's Andrew Lang told BikeBiz: "There's another three, maybe four products that we intend to show at this year's Eurobike. The flagship product, however, is now available form Upgrade and retails for £59.95, coming boxed with a wall spacer for bikes with longer handlebars. What I don't think many have realised about Cycloc is that it can be mounted at any angle and a bike can be balanced simply using its own weight, hung by the frame's top tube, or seatpost."

The Cycloc is tough too. The unit is made from injection molded Polypropolyene shaped into a Cyclo in Kent. London cycle café Look Mum, No Hands makes good use of Cycloc's product and Lang recommended dealers who are local should swing by to see how it could potentially help solve bike storage issues.

Sub-brand of WTB, Freedom is now also carried by Upgrade, which showed off a line of saddles, tyres, a shallow drop handlebar and some grip designs at Core. Brought in to strengthen Upgrade's urban offering, Freedom compliments certain bikes in the Decade line, particularly the Convert Fixed on which the ThickSlick tyres would be perfect. The Thickslick,

I-ride’s Tom Marchment demonstrates the Deuter ‘Superbike’ rucksack

specific designs, detailed in shades of pink. Stock of the 2011 line is available now.

Taking pride of place in the Eddy Merckx line were the EMX5 and EMX7 framesets. Carbon quality on both builds has been upgraded and is now among the highest grade in the cycle business, with the EMX7 boasting a grade 62 high modulus weave. This Team Quickstep-used frameset is designed solely around aerodynamics, making full use of internal cable routing and a seamless transition between frame and fork.

The EMX3, suited to the ever-popular sportive market, was also said to be a key bike in the line "given the market's growth," explained product manager Jaco Ehlers. Built using high modulus grade 30 carbon and carrying Fulcrum wheels and FSA components throughout, various build kits are available, though a Campagnolo Athena groupset spec will cost £2,699 at retail.

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as the name suggests, is an extra thick, yet super fast running slick tread tyre perfect for fixed gear riders who frequently lock up the back wheel. A puncture resistant centre strip adds a further layer of protection to an already very flat-resistant tyre.

The long-awaited DMR Bolt frame finally debuted in January too, with a £899.99 price tag and plenty of enthusiasm from retailers. As DMR's first pop at a full-suspension frame, the design and testing process has lasted a while, but Upgrade's co-founder Damian Mason believes it's spot on if "you're after a great stand up and pedal as fast as you can at the trail bike."

"It's quite versatile in its use," said Mason.

"It's bottom bracket pivoted, so can be built as a singlespeed, vertical dropout or 12mm bolt-thru.

This eliminates the need for any chain tensioning devices as the distance between the BB and dropout remains constant. The Bolt comes with a X-fusion shock tuned specifically to the frame's geometry and the linkage will eliminate any lateral movement."

Pivot also revealed its first 29er, the Mach 429, which is now in stock and ready to ship.

The frameset weighs in at £1,799.99 and a build is also on offer for £3,199.99.

Mason continued: "We'd like to find a number of dealers with good local trail centre links. What we'd like to do with the Mach 429 is have customers go out and try it in the real world and perhaps compare it against others."

Seal Skinz It took BikeBiz a few attempts to pin down a Seal Skinz spokesman given that their stand was so consistently rammed with Core visitors.

New recruit, Stuart Andrews who takes on the role of sales and marketing director, told BikeBiz: "Seal Skinz Is making more cycle specific product that ever before, so interest has jumped significantly. We've experienced a stunning growth curve in this sector and as a result are heavily re-investing in research and development of cycling gear. We think around 40 per cent of our business is now solely from the cycle trade and we're looking to grow further."

Key to the Seal Skinz's progress this year is the independent retail business, for which Andrews said the firm will provide plenty of support and point of sale assistance.

Product-wise, the waterproof sock line, spanning £25 to £35 at retail, is anticipated to continue to be popular. Each is made from merino wool, which naturally has anti-bacterial and quick drying properties, among other benefits. Further to this, elastic has been added to key areas ensuring a snug fit.

A fresh 'performance line' made up largely of glove product is due to land with Seal Skinz in August and will include children's specific mitts and gloves.

The long-awaited DMR Bolt full suspension frame is finally in production

Seal Skinz estimates that 40 per cent of its busines sis now done in the cycle trade

Seal Skinz socks are made from Merino wool, thus are naturally anti-bacterial and odour resistant

BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY 31

SHOW REVIEW | ZYRO OPEN HOUSE

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A full house With new brands, fresh products, a cycling celebrity and new marketforging plans, Zyro’s latest Open House had much for dealers to get their teeth into. Jonathon Harker provides his summary...

PROLOGO (1) Shape is key when it comes to saddles – that’s a principle that Prologo has stuck to with its range, which includes saddles significantly redesigned to fit the not inconsiderably different anatomy of male and female cyclists.

This year the number of women-specific performance saddles from the Prologo stable has increased, including the Nago DEA TS and Scratch Pro Dea. Both are available in black and white (the Nago in white/black).

Also new for 2011 is the Zero 1.4. With weight and comfort a prime concern for performance cycling, as well as comfort – the Zero 1.4 utilises lightweight foam padding, carbon fibre injection base and lightweight Ti rails. Other highlights include the Scratch Pro 1.4 – which uses slide control technology. The brand is also offering a ‘try and buy’ programme. Based on the premise that the only way to get the right saddle is to test it, the service is designed to take the pain out of saddle sales for retailers and customers alike by doing exactly what it says on the tin. Zyro added that it is investing in marketing in the tri market for the Prologo brand.

ABUS (2) Locks are set to be a key focus for Abus and Zyro in 2011. The Sold Secure ratings are allimportant for the UK market, which is a good thing for Abus as it says that no other company has so many Sold Secure approved products. And, the firm adds, not only do those locks hit those Sold Secure levels, but they’re usually up to 30 per cent lighter than those of competitors with similarly high ratings.

Product highlights include the Sold Secure Gold 53 Granit Plus – designed specifically for the UK, while the Sinus Plus D lock is back and

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available in two sizes – 23cm long and 30cm.

Also new is the swish U-Mini 40. Combining good looks with a light weight, the U-Mini is expected to appeal to fixie riders, bicycle messengers and female cyclists.

Abus isn’t just about locks, with helmets also keen to build on a strong two years in the UK. Finally, Abus has a lot of POS for retailers – see the Orange Pages for more on that.

ZEFAL (3) Zefal has all-new track pumps and minipumps, as well as an enhanced custom bottle offering. One of those is the Air Profil LL, pitched as a UK market leader, being more efficient and easier to carry. It retails at £24.99, uses new packaging and is designed to inflate tyres to a higher pressure than a mini pump.

The range of floor pumps includes a wide variety of offerings, from the mid-mountedgauge-utilising Air 3 (£29.99) to the robust but light Z-Race (£36.99 RRP). Zefal’s comprehensive range also includes it’s bestknown, wooden-handled Husky floor pump, designed for workshops. The long-lasting stalwart includes a Presta adapter chained to it for convenience. Zefal is also offering new carbon cages, and the No Mud mudguard, designed for either the rear or front and priced at £14.99. Zefal also gave a demo of its innovative lock n’roll skewers, promising to make wheels and the like very tough to steal.

Zefal’s custom bottle programme, boasts short turnaround times and French manufacture, pitched at clubs and dealers.

PANARACER (4) Six times MTB champion Cedric Gracia’s team up with Panaracer has born more fruit with three new additions to his signature tyre range

this year. Gracia was involved with the tyres from the beginning, providing design ideas – and being mindful of the fact that his needs are not necessarily the same as all consumers. The firm tells BikeBiz that CG tyres outperformed expectations when they were first launched, paving the way for the new ranges, with more on the way next year.

29-inch is, Panaracer says, very strong in the UK now, which has led to the CG 29er. Using chunky side knobs and a rounded tyre shape to provide top notch corner handling, the fast rolling tyres are available now. Also up from CG are the Soft Condition Tyres. Featuring wide spaced aggressive knobs and side knobs, the tyres are designed to stand up to soft and tough conditions. Also up from CG is the All Condition Tyres. Aside from CG, Panaracer has also launched the all-new Race series, with the Race A (all around) superseding the EVO 3.

MINOURA As the inventor of the magnetic trainer, Minoura’s patents may have now expired, but it is still wholeheartedly dedicated to magnets.

These incredibly quiet trainers emulate the real road feel. Minoura has developed a cunning ‘stair step’ design that does away with the days of limited resistance. By dropping the magnet down or up levels, the resistance is greatly increased and almost double that than others on the market, according to Minoura.

The firm adds that there are more people on trainers than ever too, putting higher demands on the products available. Aside from trainers, Minoura offers the stylish Gamoh King Carriers, including the standard, rear and junior versions.

Using real wood and strong steel tubing, the King Carrier has a handy integrated bottle opener.

>>

10 Cateye unveiled the Q series of multi-sports watches, ideal for tri

Ashima’s all-new Pro-G Alloy Aero Shoe

9 BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY 33

SHOW REVIEW | ZYRO OPEN HOUSE

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ALTURA CLOTHING (6) Zyro’s own-brand has undergone a new branding and logo launch, set to appear on everything from ads to products and more.

Designed to simplify the plethora of ranges within the Altura portfolio, the brand now has its own website as well as new custom POS. For product the Mayhem Bamboo Whoosh Tee is brand new, making use of the aforementioned comfortable bamboo material for £24.99. The Fatigue Baggy Shorts are casual look cargo shorts priced at £44.99.

Altura has also upped its vintage line-up with the Classic Race Short Sleeve Jersey, also available in a women-specific version. The classic range also includes shorts and a cap.

The Discovery range includes several new lines, including the Discovery Baggy Shorts, aimed at long rides and the touring market.

FENWICKS (7) Fenwicks has developed its POS offering following requests from dealers, now with two sizes of free-standing POS and a counter top too. The firm tells BikeBiz that Open House feedback has led to doubling turnover and various product enhancements, including to the trigger of the FS-10, now sporting an improved ergonomic design.

The firm is offering a new sponge to work specifically with the FS foam and degreaser ‘chain bath killer’. Fenwicks has now enlisted a design and marketing agency to help put together some no-nonsense product names and boost their appeal still further.

10 Cateye’s Inou GPSenabled camera caused a stir among the dealers and journos (below)

34 BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY

BRYTON (8) Bryton is a new brand for Zyro, taken on to develop the GPS market – a sector with a very small market penetration, according to Zyro director Simon Ellison, with a lack of knowledge among consumers and retailers and high prices a real barrier.

Which is where Bryton comes in. Pitched at being easy-to-use, the products allow cyclists to share data online with chums who can

9 download routes onto their own device. In two models the Rider 30 retails from £139.99£209.99 and the Rider 50 at £199.99-£269.99.

The devices will be available end of Feb. ASHIMA (9) Ashima cables are available in a three tier range – Action, Action+ and Reaction. Action is a quality range for the ‘cost conscious’, featuring galvanised steel inners and coated steel outers.

The Action+ performance cables have slick stainless inner cables and strong nylon braided outers. Finally, the Reaction has stainless Teflon coasted inners for a super smooth efficient glide to the cable, for easy shifting and braking.

Ashima is now offering Super Noodles (in 110 and 09 Degree versions), fully sealed ferrules offering articulated nose extension, and a host of other ferrule-related products.

Another important development from the Ashima stable is the used of new packaging – seen on the likes of the Aero Shoe – opening the product up for consumers to get a hold of and understand the product.

CATEYE (10) Cateye has released the Q series of multisport watches. Available in April, they’re perfect for triathlon as they’re fully waterproof, and use 2.4GHz wireless technology for virtually interference-free transmission.

Open House was the first time many dealers and journalists got to see the Inou – a multisport GPS enabled camera and video. As revealed on BikeBiz.com, this relatively cheap camera is compatible with Google Maps and comes with it’s own website where users can upload journeys and share videos and pictures.

It comes with a Micro SD card and the versatile device can be used as a training aid.

Cateye’s lights came into focus too, emphasising the range’s use of top lens tech rather than relying on battery-sapping LEDs. TIFOSI (11) New to Zyro, Tifosi was founded by an exOakley sales rep. in Athens Georgia. Working on the principle that the market wanted good

price points for super technical product, the firm decided to ditch marketing costs and spend the money on product instead.

Tifosi works on the principle that merchandising is key, and there are a number of POS options available for dealers. The brand uses individually cut lenses to prevent distortion, with 100 per cent optical clarity.

DAHON (12) Zyro has been looking after Dahon for 12 months. It was a year of transition, the firm tells BikeBiz, and now it is looking forward to ramping the brand up at retail. There’s a specialist tech support team in place and the bikes themselves have been categorised in three sections to help retailers and consumers determine which bike is the most appropriate for them. Those ranges are: the urban utility range (from £399.99 up to £1,000), the urban performance range (£699.99 to £1,800.00) and the road range.

Aside from the bike range, Dahon has a new more secure iPhone holder – for iPhone 4 – coming with a spare extra bracket. Bags for transporting folded Dahons are available from the firm too, including the Airporter II. Updated for 2011, the Airporter fits 16-inch and 20-inch Dahon bikes, with plenty of internal padding designed for air travel.

The firm is also offering the ‘TLC’ box to retailers. Packed full of essential parts and spares (with around £400 worth of product included), the packs are designed to help retailers solve problems there and then without having to send the bikes away.

BIONX (13) The Bionx offering has seen several new products and enhancements. Categorised as S, M, L and XL – like the fashion industry – the latest additions include the PL250 HT RR M, a new entry level rear rack system, powered by a 250W rear hub motor. Also new is the allnew premium PL250 HT SL XL. Bionx kits come with a console – now with a bigger screen and easier to use with gloves, a rear wheel and motor, battery and other ancilliaries. In a nutshell the kits come with everything you need to retro fit a bike.

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BIKEBIZ.COM

BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY 35

The new X0 family featuring the best of each world: Avids full featured brake technologies - Truvativ carbon cranks with fastest X-Glide front shifting and 10 speed X0 drivetrain, taking advantage of proven XX technologies.

SRAM2X10.COM Distribution in the UK: Fisher Outdoor Leisure LTD, www.ďŹ sheroutdoor.co.uk

www.sram.com

INTERVIEW | RICHARD ALLMARK, FISHER OUTDOOR LEISURE

Fisher Expo-sed!

With Expo 2011 only weeks away, BikeBiz took the opportunity to quiz Fisher Outdoor Leisure chief executive officer Richard Allmark on what to expect from the St Albans show and beyond the event, and how the firm rated 2010. Jonathon Harker asks the questions...

How’s business been?

2010 was another record year for Fisher. We have seen real growth in many brands and categories... but to highlight a few, Santini and LOOK had a fantastic year, with retailers really getting behind the brands and their marketleading products and technologies.

It was also the year that we launched Kansi into the UK market. We’ve been thrilled at the response from trade and consumers alike to the bikes and the brand has had amazing cutthrough in the short time it’s been out there.

We also launched Vavert accessories and Airace pumps at Expo last year, and both of these brands have had an excellent first year.

2011 has also started brightly with the news that we have added Zipp, meaning all the SRAM brands – SRAM, Avid, Rockshox, Truvativ and Zipp – are now available under one roof.

This year Expo is back at Sopwell House – is it fair to assume Expo’s first year at the venue last year was a success for the firm?

Very much so. Expo has developed strongly over the years and the 2010 event at Sopwell House was without doubt the best yet, with extremely positive feedback received from everyone who came along. In fact, we’re expecting this to be our best-attended Expo ever, as prior registrations are well ahead of previous years.

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The setting is fantastic, with plenty of space for all brands to be displayed in one location.

Also, being so close to our HQ we can invite people to come and take a look around our facilities here whilst they’re in town.

“2010 was another record year for Fisher. And 2011 started brightly with the news that we have added Zipp, meaning all the SRAM brands are available under one roof.”

Richard Allmark Can we expect to see any new brands at Expo 2011?

Yes, we’re pleased to be able to show two new brands for the very first time – Bluegrass and CST will launch to customers and press.

Exclusive to Fisher in the UK, the Bluegrass range includes full-face helmets and body armour targeted at the downhill, dirt and all mountain rider. With great product, strong graphics, competitive pricing and a sponsorship

roster that includes a number of world famous riders and sponsorship of the infamous ‘Avalanche’ event series, the Bluegrass brand will be in ascendency worldwide this year – so get on board early!

Fisher is pleased to announce that it has also been appointed as UK distributor for CST tyres and tubes. The initial commuter focused range consists of durable, everyday tyres and tubes at market leading retail prices, sure to appeal to a broad consumer base. With a simple, ‘everyday low pricing’ structure and discounts based on mixed quantities purchased, we know there’s plenty to interest our retail customers here.

Can you give us any hints about the incentives and offers that will be available for attending dealers?

We very much appreciate the fact that our customers have to take time away from their business to attend Expo, and how difficult this is to justify in a small business environment – so we always go out of our way to make it worthwhile for everyone to attend. Customers who come along will have access to a range of great offers including exclusive stockist deals, show discounts and promotions and of course a goodie bag each to take away.

Those attending Expo this year will also be the first to be able to sign up to our brand new fisherb2b website. This new platform offers

The Look and Kansi brands will be on show at Expo 2011

>> BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY 37

INTERVIEW | RICHARD ALLMARK, FISHER OUTDOOR LEISURE

Are the tough economic conditions taking their toll on the trade?

We are fortunate that as an industry, many of the external environmental factors are working in our favour, with many political and sociological drivers leading to increased interest in cycling.

As always, the British climate plays a massive part in how successful a winter season everyone has… and the weather gods weren’t kind to us this last quarter. But let’s hope the late Easter and extra Bank Holiday make up for this later in the year.

In addition, the economic outlook this year is of course uncertain, with public sector job cuts, interest rate increases and currency challenges looming.

All of these factors may of course have an effect on consumer spending power, but we balance our concerns with all of the external positives supporting our sector. Here at Fisher we approached the year with a belief that said; run the business well and closely, manage costs and stock better, motivate and look after staff, and above all continue to nurture customer and manufacturer relationships as this is still the key driver to success in our wonderful industry... In short ‘approach with caution but stick to your plan!'

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much improved functionality including a great new search facility and improved account management features and we’ll have a few web exclusive promos too.

In addition, we always like to make it a really enjoyable experience – anyone choosing to stay over with us at the hotel is certain of a great evening, with good food and entertainment laid on.

Kansi made its Expo debut last year and has since been on the show circuit. How has the brand been bedding in?

Kansi has had an amazing first year. Everybody who has tried one out, every press review, every piece of customer feedback – they’ve all been glowing in their praise for the brand.

The combination of great looks, outstanding ride and competitive price points has really made people look again at the folding bike market. People who may not have previously considered buying a folder have suddenly taken notice of Kansi. From students to retirees and even Radio 1 DJs, the broad appeal of the brand has seen its initial sales really take off. With a range of new Kansi accessories due in spring and an exciting media plan for 2011, we’re confident it’s going to be another great year for Kansi.

Once again Expo is supporting charity Stay Strong – how can the trade get involved?

Ever since Stephen Murray’s terrible crash in 2007, Fisher has been proud to support Stay Strong and I think the whole industry should be thanked for their continuing support.

Expo will see the second running of the Expo Charity Ride for Stay Strong. Taking place on Sunday February 20th, everyone is invited to join us on a 12 or 30-mile ride with some of cycling’s brightest stars. Steve Peat will be joining us again, alongside the whole Endura

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Racing Team (including Team Car), Olympic silver medallist Wendy Houvenaghel, Danny Hart and more still to be announced. Everyone who takes part will also receive a custom Santini Stay Strong jersey which has been redesigned from last year, as well as the option to buy Santini Stay Strong long sleeve jackets.

All money raised will go to Stay Strong and we urge as many people as possible to take part.

How important is it to host face-to-face events like Expo?

I think it’s incredibly important. It is the perfect opportunity to meet up with customers old and new to discuss how we can work together more closely in the future. It gives customers the chance to feedback their thoughts – good and bad – directly to the Fisher team and brand representatives in an informal atmosphere. It’s also great for encouraging people to interact with our product ranges, see the latest offerings and discuss all things cycle trade related.

We’re always pleased to hear from customers about what’s working for them and any products or services they’d like us to offer, and Expo is a fun way to catch up.

The whole SRAM range can now be found at Fishers

Beyond Expo, what’s coming up next for Fisher Outdoor Leisure?

We’ve got a really exciting year planned. We’re thrilled to be sponsoring a number of major

“The weather gods haven’t been kind to us.

But let’s hope the late Easter and Bank Holiday make up for this.”

Richard Allmark

The Sopwell House venue proved incredibly popular with Expo visitors last year – hence Fisher’s decision to choose it again in 2011

events this year, including the Santini Sportive Series (July 3rd at Stowe, and July 31st at Castle Coombe) and SRAM 50 mile ride at Fight in the Forest in Aid of Livestrong (April 3rd, Beaulieu, New Forest) .

The SRAM Technical Centre team will also be out and about offering Technical Support for our customers and neutral race support at key events all over the country throughout the season.

We’re also proud to be sponsoring the Endura Racing Team for a second year with LOOK, SRAM and MET, and this year the team also includes Oli Beckinsale riding in the XC domestic and World Cup race calendars. We are also supporting a number of high profile teams and athletes across all disciplines.

Our new B2B site launches at Expo, and we have lots more additional features lined up for rollout throughout the year. Following on from our successful introduction of a new warehouse management system in Summer 2010, we also have upgrades planned for this summer which we believe will further improve our service levels to our customers. www.fisherexpo.co.uk

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ICEBIKE* | PREVIEW

The iceBike*cometh Doing nothing by half measures, distribution goliath Madison is set to once again put on a bigger and better IceBike*. Madison’s Ellie Guttridge talks to Mark Sutton about the wide-ranging incentives for dealer attendance, the product debuts and, perhaps most importantly, reveals that a local brewery will be present in the evenings…

“The doubledecker marquee makes a comeback and will be filled with 700 square metres of bikes...”

Ellie Guttridge, Madison

Will there be any new brand or product surprises this year?

We will be unveiling the full product line for our new brands, including Pacific Outdoor equipment and luggage, Easton Mountain Products and Zardoz NOTwax. As well as these new brands, we offer first looks, including a first ever viewing of the new Commencal Supreme DH in the UK. Then there’s an all-new entry level, readyto-ride range of bikes from Adventure, plus dealers will have the opportunity to get a firsthand look and demos at some of the latest products, such as the Garmin Edge 800 and the ContourGPS HD Bluetooth-enabled helmet camera.

In clothing, there is the all-new Madison line, which is another leap forward for the brand and also the Autumn/Winter Pearl Izumi range. There will also be other exclusives that we have to keep under wraps for now, but you really are going to want to be there.

Can you highlight one product that every dealer should check out on their visit?

The Cervélo R5ca has got to be on everyone’s list to check out. Whether you’re a roadie or not, the R5ca is a must-see for the technology and innovation alone.

The new Pacific Outdoor range is also a must-see, with the panniers and bags proving a hit at the recent London consumer show. The show is open to all Madison customers, including our motocross, snow, outdoor and running retailers.

What incentives are in place for a dealer to attend this year?

As always, there will be exclusive profitboosting ‘one time only’ special offers from all over our product ranges – only available at the show. You can seriously boost your profits for the year by attending iceBike*. Food and drink, as always, will be free and fast-flowing throughout the show.

We have also arranged hotel rooms for all our customers at a discounted rate of £50, per room, per night (limited supply and available on a first come, first served basis). iceBike* is about way more than just an expo to us. We do, and can, mix business with pleasure. We have great entertainment lined up for each evening. And, as well as all the usual drinks, we have got the local Chiltern Brewery to ensure sufficient supply of the ales, which went down very well last year.

What evening entertainment will be on offer this year?

Following the success of last year’s evening parties, iceBike* will again incorporate three

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customer parties open to all. These will be held every evening of the show, with music, great food, drink and plenty of entertainment in a relaxed and informal atmosphere.

Will there once again be shuttle bus transfers available? How can dealers take advantage of these?

We offer a free shuttle service to the show, as always, from Luton Airport and Milton Keynes rail and bus stations. Visitors are able to book these when they pre-register at icebike.co.uk/register.

In addition to this, we will be offering shuttle buses between the event and hotels for the evenings and also between our main Milton Keynes site and the new facility at Knowlhill each afternoon, both to tour the premises and to attend our new-for-2011 visual merchandising seminar with Mercedes Ross.

WILD THING: Brand managers , including Simon Wild (right), will be at iceBike* to dicuss spec, prices and more

What portion of Madison’s distribution space will the show occupy?

After last year’s iceBike* you could be forgiven for thinking we couldn’t get any bigger, but we have. The huge double-decker marquee will be making a come-back and will be packed with more than 700 square metres of bikes, including sneak peeks of the 2012 products, and more than 2,000 square metres of cycle parts and accessory displays from every brand that Madison distributes.

Madison has recently redeveloped all the office and showroom space within the Milton Keynes site, building to create a stunning and vast new showroom area.

When’s the deadline for dealer sign-up? iceBike* is held in the same week every year, but this year it may conflict with half-term for some people, which may be an issue. But if you need to bring your children along for the day this is not a problem for us, so don’t despair. If dealers require hotel rooms, then really that deadline has passed – but we will do our best to help. If anyone still needs a room, email us at icebike@madison.co.uk. To just attend either the day and/or evenings then you can leave it right to the last minute, but pre-registration helps us better prepare for your visit and means you don’t have to queue.

How is Madison’s own-branded product line coming along?

Madison has long been known for own brand development, from Ridgeback and Genesis bikes to Aztec, Electron, M:Partand Nutrak – these brands continue to thrive and grow with the market and the market’s needs, but as you know we have expanded our own brands quite substantially. Saracen joined our stable over 18

BIKEBIZ.COM

ICEBIKE* | PREVIEW

months ago now and is flying – the response to the brand at the recent London consumer show was amazing. The Madison clothing range has been accepted by the trade beyond our expectations and at this year’s show we will preview a whole new evolution of the brand.

This year we also have an extension of the Adventure brand, with a new concept that we think will appeal hugely to our customers.

Madison believes that adding an additional iceBike* on the calendar, scheduled in summer, has been hugely beneficial to its customer’s planning

Speakers aside, will you be welcoming any other guests or international brand managers?

Our suppliers value iceBike* and it’s because of that, that they support it the way they do, sending their product designers to give insight and get feedback from the UK market. There will be brand managers, designers and even a few CEOs from all over our portfolio of brands.

We will, of course, also welcome some of our sponsored riders to the show, including a very special launch event on the Thursday of the show. Dr Sämann, the owner of Madison will, as always, come to see iceBike*. The press and media also attend iceBike* in their hoards helping promote all our products to the consumer – creating demand.

With two shows now on the calendar, has sign-up spread between the two dates, or do you see strong attendance to both?

The two iceBike* events are polar opposites really (forgive the pun) and we were really impressed with the turnout to the new July event. iceBike* in February is about all the products that are key to dealers for the spring and summer season – a springboard for all, allowing businesses to range plan the season ahead. iceBike* Winter, held in July, is about new bike ranges for the following year and seasonal winter parts and accessories, as well as apparel products for dealers to plan their winter ranges, like lighting and turbo trainers for example. There is no spread between the two events and, from the strong feedback we received, it is apparent that our customers find both really useful.

BIKEBIZ.COM

BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY 41

INTERVIEW | POWABYKE

Got the Power?

After 12 years in the e-bike market Powabyke is forging a European distribution network and developing new offerings to make the lives of its dealers easier. Powabyke MD Nick Child tells Jonathon Harker about the company’s new ranges, e-trikes and more...

So, how’s business?

We are actually expanding and growing.

Despite a tough end to the year when the weather was having a detrimental effect on a lot of our retailers’ sales, we have since been opening new accounts around the UK and signing up various distributors.

We have known for a long time that the ebike market does attract a different age group of customer than perhaps the IBD shop would normally see on an average day, but we are aware of a new market sector buying e-bikes which has a lot of potential.

Additionally the average purchaser of a Powabyke is using it as a form of transport as opposed to simply a leisure product that only gets used on a ‘sunny day’, so this helps extend our selling season.

Our user survey that we conducted with Leeds University showed our customer base was averaging 1,200 miles per annum, which translates to ten times the average mileage of a regular bike and they were replacing three car journeys a week with their Powabyke.

Tell us about the new Trikes – they’re proving popular? Is that something of a

burgeoning market?

The electric tricycle market is also growing, we are finding a customer base that can’t ride a two-wheel bike anymore and wouldn’t be seen ‘dead’ on a mobility carriage – I refer to the ‘quasi mobility market product’.

We have also had a healthy export market for the product that includes commercial users in the Gulf States where they are being used as a ‘runaround’ in the oil and gas fields.

There are many technical issues with getting the mechanics of the e-trike right and we have invested a lot of time and money in developing the product to suit the market requirements.

The 2011 model now includes an ultra low step through frame and the buyer has the option to upgrade to our new HP Lithium Ion battery pack that reduces the weight of the machine by about 10 kg.

Whilst a lot of IBDs struggle finding enough space to house a trike in their showrooms, those that do benefit from good sales from this high margin product and again with a bit of local marketing it can open up a new market sector for them.

How have dealers and consumers reacted to the launch of Mk2 X-byke?

The new Mk2 X-byke has been received very well with our dealer base and we are taking a lot of orders from new and old customers.

Apart from the improved performance from the new brushless motor, lithium battery, and the smarter aesthetics we put a lot of effort into the serviceability side of the design.

Consequently we can now demonstrate to a dealer that with the new ‘plug and play’ electrics on the bike the amount of potential workshop time required for any repairs in vastly reduced over that of any of our competitors’ bikes.

The development and launch of the Mk2 involved us changing factories in the Far East half way through 2010, and whilst this involved a lot of work and a few supply problems at the time the improved build quality and performance has really paid dividends on our investments.

Spare parts portal

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“The electric bike is no longer a mystery product.”

Nick Child

Powashop was set up at the end of last year exclusively for dealers – how does it make the retailers’ lives easier?

There are several key advantages for the dealer with us launching an online portal. Firstly it will become faster to order stock, the dealer can ship direct to his customer to save time and of course money, plus we offer free freight for online orders.

Additionally, to be honest a lot of our IBD dealers simply don’t have the time, and sometimes understandably the patience, to deal with an end user who wants an obscure part for a ten year old Shopper bike so they can now direct them to the website.

The aim is to provide a ‘tool’ that the dealer can use to order parts 24/7 and at the same time we can help promote sales of accessories etc. for the Powabyke range, for example the sale of ‘extra batteries’ for bikes has literally trebled since launch.

And in the interests of rumour control – we have no intention of selling bikes direct to the public – this is not the writing on the wall!

Powabyke has been in the e-bike market for 12 years now – how has it changed?

The key change, and most satisfying in some respects, has to be in public awareness. The electric bike is no longer a ‘mystery product’. A growing number of people now not only understand the benefits, but are actually buying them as an alternative form of transport.

Also with nearly 400 Powabyke dealers active in the UK last year we are comfortable that this is a viable and growing industry.

The products have also matured and you are now seeing increasingly reliable and better performing products.

The e-bike market has bucked the trend on most ‘new’ products in terms of price position, we deliberately launched in 1999 using the Amstrad model, with a £499.00 product to get the volume moving, wiped out Yamaha and a few others who were pitched at £1,300.00 SRP and gained some significant market share growth.

Over the years, and totally driven by customer demand, we have literally added ‘bells and whistles’ to the product to the point where we find the best selling product is at around the £900.00 mark, that’s a good sign in that the customer now accepts the ‘product’ as viable and is willing to pay a sensible price.

As far as changes to the company, the key changes have been that we have a much better understanding of the product and the market’s requirements, design our own products and can now commit to serious R&D to the point where we can compete on a global market.

However, I still make the tea when it’s my turn and it’s business as usual!

BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY 43

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BRAND SPOTLIGHT | GIRO

Form, fit and function Having announced a move into the footwear market toward the end of summer last year, Giro’s shoe line is now hitting shelves. Mark Sutton asks brand manager Oliver Collins what the manufacturer, in partnership with Easton, is bringing to the floor that others haven’t before…

Tell us a little bit about your partnership with Easton on this project: When we first considered performance footwear, one of things that made the category so compelling was the fact that we had the engineering depth and resources to truly innovate the entire shoe – from top to bottom.

By combining Giro’s reputation for fit and design, with Easton’s engineering power and knowledge of materials, we felt that we had something that no other brand could offer.

Tell us what propriety technology has been introduced to the shoe line?

We spent approximately 18 months developing our own fit last, including the basic form that defines how the shoe looks and feels. Nobody else does this.

Further to this, we’re using Teijin microfibre from Japan in our premium model uppers. The Prolight uses an exclusive material that offers incredible suppleness and strength, without any significant compromise in feel or durability.

Our outsoles are completely proprietary, having been developed in-house with Easton’s engineering and testing team to optimise weight, stiffness, and comfort. The unique ‘flat top’ profile doesn’t wrap up against the foot, which allows the shoe upper to conform to the foot without binding or discomfort.

The Prolight SLX also features full titanium hardware, including the strap 'D' rings and cleat mounting hardware, to maximise weight savings.

What obstacles did Giro’s developers hit during the two-year timeline and how were these overcome?

Developing the fit was a massive undertaking and we learned a lot. You’d be surprised at the difference 1mm can make when it comes to fit and comfort.

The level of detail needed to execute a highperformance shoe is amazing. Literally every detail makes a noticeable difference in the final outcome. From stitching tolerances, to the outsole curvature, to how long a shoe is allowed to form on the last – they all matter.

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Are there currently any plans to expand past seven models, or further into other categories of cycling footwear?

We can’t tell you everything. However, our approach to helmets allows us to support many different types of retailers and riders and we believe that every cyclist should have access to the best products possible. That perspective is always present in our thinking.

“We’ve not placed a minimum order quantity on these shoes as we’re looking to get dealers, staff and ultimately customers to give Giro shoes a go.”

Oliver Collins, Madison Will Giro remain focused on the performance end of the market, or could we see a sub-£100 shoe eventually?

If there is a meaningful opportunity to create a better product, we will always consider it, regardless of where it fits in a retailer’s line.

While Giro has a reputation for supplying highperformance products, we don’t limit ourselves to the high-end. The high-end is just a guide to consider what is possible.

Which athletes and teams have helped in developing the line?

We have more than 100 riders who are currently providing feedback on Giro footwear, with Levi Leipheimer probably being the most well known.

The roster includes amateur mountain bikers, commuters, road riders, multi-sport athletes, and so on.

Are there women’s specific products as yet?

Currently there are two models specific to women: the Sica (MTB) and the Espada (road).

Both of these were developed with research and testing with female cyclists, and to fill a niche with retailers.

How did the designers decide which lacing systems to use?

Along with the development of the last, we explored variations of almost every type of closure system including dials, ratcheting buckles, straps and even laces. Each of these systems demands a slightly different version of the upper pattern, so it’s a significant amount of work and expense.

In the end, we found that the offset strap design provided the best fit and comfort.

Tell us about the ‘SuperNatural kit’ add on: The SuperNatural Fit Kit combines a cyclingspecific footbed, which is thin and light and also holds anti-microbial properties. The customisable system allows you to tune the level of arch support to provide the best fit and comfort available. Proper arch support is critical to fit, comfort and pedalling efficiency because the foot can experience cramping, hot spots, and fatigue without it. Additionally, an improperly supported arch can cause the foot to pronate (roll inward) or supinate (roll outward) during the pedalling stroke, which can lead to stress and discomfort in the knees.

Two women’s specific models also sit in the line

BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY 47

ACT | NEW BANKING TERMS

Free business banking ActSmart delivers the first of many new services in 2011 with preferential business banking terms that can fund much more than the membership...

ALTHOUGH it can be tempting for all of us to chase price driven deals, too often nowadays it ends in ultimate regret and the inevitable question “why did I bother?”

Every year we see new financial service providers popping up in the UK seeking to buy market share by undercutting the competition with an unsustainable product. This in itself isn’t a crime, but the limited income generated inevitably means that the service that comes with this kind of approach, can leave customers with a bad experience and often a hefty bill at the end of it all. Not to mention the wasted time a small business simply cannot afford.

The cycle trade has a long-standing relationship with HSBC Merchant Services who are the long established preferred card processing provider to the sector. So when retailer research in 2010 identified business banking as a key service to deliver who better to turn to than HSBC? After all, The National Association of Cycle Traders has banked with HSBC for decades now. They are tried and tested with award winning credentials, are keen to offer preferential terms to ACT members and back that up with quality service from a network of over 1,500 branches in the UK. ACT members who don’t currently bank with HSBC can benefit from 18 months free Business Banking and those already banking with HSBC can make significant savings (25 per cent discount off the HSBC standard tariff)

48 BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY

simply by asking to be transferred to the ActSmart tariff.

It gets better too; the ActSmart tariff benefits from an extra five per cent discount for every 100 users, which means that the industry truly has a shared objective to get together and save costs.

If you are not already an ACT member switching to the ActSmart Business Banking scheme should fund your membership fee,

ACT members who don’t currently bank with HSBC can benefit from 18 months of free Business Banking. whilst giving you access to a fast growing range of promotional and business services.

In addition to ActSmart’s preferential card processing and banking arrangements with HSBC, ActSmart are planning the launch of a gift card scheme throughout the sports and leisure market during 2011 and HSBC card processing will be pivotal to participating in the scheme.

For full details of how the scheme works visit www.actsmart.biz and see ‘Business Banking’ or contact ActSmart on 0845 618 7256 or info@actsmart.biz.

HOW MUCH YOU COULD SAVE? Existing HSBC retail customer in York will save c£250 p.a. by making a phone call to request switching from the standard HSBC tariff to the ActSmart scheme.

A current Barclays retail customer in London will save c£700 in his first 18 months free banking period on the ActSmart scheme and has identified an ongoing saving of c40 per cent thereafter based upon his current tariff.

HOW IT WORKS New HSBC customers are entitled to 18 months free Existing HSBC customers get 25 per cent discount with no monthly account fees Discount grows as more people join the scheme Hassle free switching service

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BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY 49

PEOPLE | RECRUITMENT Send your recruitment news to

mark.sutton@intentmedia.co.uk

LifeBoat Solutions and Muc-Off go on Hare in for Powabyke Kirby Smith joins RST Cantwell returns to the bike industry

50 BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY

POWABYKE Powabyke’s recent recruitment drive has led to the appointment of DAN HARE as dealer sales executive at the company’s Bath headquarters. The electric bike specialist hired Hare for his background in account development in the insurance and motor industry.

He said of his new role: “E-bikes are a shrewd move for developing your business if you are a dealer. They offer something new and powerful for the customer and Powabyke are a reputable brand known in this industry.

“It’s an exciting time to join the team, as Powabyke are launching a new range of ebikes, which we expect to shift after the reviews are published and the word gets around. I will be steering sales throughout the UK and managing our contact with our evergrowing dealer network, which now numbers several hundred IBDs.” Hare is a keen cyclist in his spare time.

MERIDA Bill Farrow, Merida’s area sales manager for the East of England has now left the firm to take up a new role re-launching the Peugeot brand into the UK. Farrow’s area will be split, covered by MARTIN KIRBY who has been with the firm for a year, covering the South West and South Wales. TERRY TRACEY will take over South Wales (again) and will be a very familiar face for those dealers. Tracey will also take on Bristol and Bath.

PAUL RADFORD will go from South East to South, taking on the remainder of Kirby’s area.

RST (COACHING SERVICES) DAVE SMITH, former leading cycling coach and fitness author, has been recruited by Ric Stern of RST. Though Smith has been out of the coaching scene for around seven years, Stern tracked Smith down asking him aboard as RST’s new

commercial director. Smith is now tasked with re-branding, establishing a new business model and expanding the firm’s network of coaches..

RST has secured a new location at Staffordshire University’s Technology Park.

CANE CREEK JASON GRANTZ has resigned his position of director of marketing at Cane Creek having served 21 months. He is heading back to former employer Quality Bicycle Products in the USA. Until a new marketing director is named, SCOTT SONNONE, Cane Creek’s president, will be the primary marketing contact. His email address is scott@canecreek.com. A posting for the position will appear shortly on some industry websites.

FUTURE PUBLISHING MARK CANTWELL has been appointed associate publisher for BikeRadar.com and

BIKEBIZ.COM

PEOPLE | RECRUITMENT

recruitment sprees Cyclingnews.com. Starting in the role in January, Cantwell has worked for Future for six years, previously in the publisher’s games portfolio where he was responsible for CVG.com which has seen global unique users grow by 120 per cent year-on-year.

Cantwell is no stranger to the bike trade, however, having worked on BikeRadar.com shortly after its launch. He will work closely with the advertising sales teams about how to develop global marketing activity.

RICHARD SCHOFIELD, group publishing director for Future’s Sports and Auto portfolios, said: “It is great to have Mark back in the cycling business. His commercial skills and digital savvy will be a great asset as we seek to further develop these great websites.”

Cantwell added: “I am excited to be taking up this new challenge on these two fantastic sites. Both BikeRadar.com and Cyclingnews.com have been great successes for Future and I am looking forward to working with the teams to drive them to even greater heights.”

Mark Cantwell

DAWES CYCLES JASON BONESS has left Reece Cycles to take on a role with Dawes Cycles. Boness has a wealth of experience in the cycle industry, previously working with Raleigh before spending the last 13 years with Reece Cycles. He joins Dawes as product manager, developing the firm’s forthcoming ranges of parts and accessories.

MUC-OFF DARREN HEAD has been appointed as Muc-Off’s marketing coordinator, based at the firm’s Poole headquarters.

Head, who previously worked in Hong Kong as a marketing executive, will handle press liaison, advertising and event schedules, as well as maintaining social media channels.

Muc-Off has also appointed AMY SIMMONDS as a personal assistant to Alex Trimnell, the firm’s MD. LIFEBOAT SOLUTIONS SCOTT MONTGOMERY, former general manager of Scott USA, has joined the organiser of events – including DealerCamp and PressCamp – Lifeboat Events.

The former Cannondale and Scott executive is also investing some of his own cash in the events-based business.

Montgomery joins the company full-time as company chairman, working on strategic direction, expanding the Lifeboat Events brand outside North America, and other day-to-day growth issues.

CHRISTOPHER ZIGMONT has also joined Lifeboat Events as a full-time member of staff following a previous part-time role at the company as an advisor for branding and marketing.

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Jason Boness

Scott Montgomery

BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY 51

MAKE YOUR SHOP STAND OUT FROM THE REST Give your store a makeover with Raleigh’s new point of sale solution. With innovative designs and bold graphics the new range is guaranteed to make an impression. Point of Sale to look out for is the new frosted window vinyl, floor graphics, plinth graphic kits, canvas artwork and the new clip on POS cycle stand. The new material is being produced to create a different look to our Cyclelife and independent retail network enhancing Raleigh’s 2011 P&A and bike ranges.

Point of sale material makes the customer shopping experience easier and more informative increasing impulse buys made by consumers. The layout and look of the store leaves a lasting impression on the consumer and can greatly increase repeat business.

Dealers attending the Raleigh Heron Show, 13th – 18th February will be able to view the new POS in situ at Raleigh’s onsite mock shop. All POS will be available from Easter 2011 and can be ordered direct from your Raleigh representative or through the B2B website.

Cyclelife Membership Benefits • Retain your independent identity whilst trading under the Cyclelife brand • Enjoy preferential terms • Marketing Support • Store Development including 50% contribution towards shopfit, point of sale and signage

New store opportunities We are looking for independent bike dealers in various locations throughout the UK to join the Cyclelife Partner network.

Target Towns – Aylesbury, Bath, Bedford, Brighton, Catterick, Lancaster, Lincoln , Newcastle, Norwich, Oxford, Warminster, Watford, Target Locations –Cornwall, Derbyshire, Devon, Dorset, East Anglia, Gloucestershire, Isle of Wight London, North Nottinghamshire, Somerset West Midlands, Worcestershire, Scotland, Wales, For more information please contact Paul Wignall at Raleigh on 07730 666647 or email paulwignall@raleigh.co.uk

www.cyclelife.com

RETAIL ONLY

The trade’s guide to sourcing stock, up-and-coming IBDs and the very latest products

RETAIL COMMENT

ONE THING I often take away from visits to stores accross the country is how difficult it is to compare one experience with another. More often than not, the ones I visit that already have a great reputation deliver as expected, but that’s how they got where they are, right?

I recall the day my mother first carted me around stores with a view to buying my first proper 26-inch wheeled bike.

Like the majority of customers, and based on the fact I was bound to destroy it, she had a keen interest in price and value for money. That could have been the primary reason for shopping around, though I suspect it may have been just as much to do with the intimidation felt by many women who enter the man-centric world of the bike shop.

This is what is happening right now for my mother, who is looking to buy herself a bike this time. The similarities stem from the fact that she couldn’t differentiate one store experience from another and thus we ended up in a Cycle King 12 miles from home. That’s pretty shocking considering once upon a time there were four bike shops

“She couldn’t differentiate one store from another, thus ended up buying in a Cycle King 12 miles from home...” inside a two-mile radius of our house. Since then, one of those has disappeared, the least inspiring and biggest discounter of the lot, I should add.

So what’s a retailer got to do to stand out? It probably varies customer to customer, though in my mind if new to the store, first impressions make or break my desire to hold the shop in high regard in future. It wasn’t so long ago word of mouth advertising was binned in this very column as ineffective. For the majority, yes, but for the few that have scored full marks in our monthly mystery visits I shall always remember the store names and locations.

First impressions can be as simple as the way you dress a shop window. There is a clothing retailer across the street from BikeBiz’s office that, without fail, sells the items in its window in a matter of days. Thanks to the quick turnover the display always looks fresh too.

Once through the door, in the bike business at least, the typical first time customer will know nothing of tech specs and jargon. Most will feel uncomfortable when confronted with these. Don’t be afraid to educate, but never patronise.

It’s the main reason why women, in particular, tell me they ‘can’t find a bike’ they like. Men on the other hand, will often pretend they’re in the know, but often need the same help and guidance.

Do your staff make customers comfortable in store?

Mark.Sutton@intentmedia.co.uk

IN THIS MONTH’S ISSUE IBD PROFILE

55

BikeBiz takes a look at CJ Performance Cycles in Northumberland, as the store approaches its first birthday

NEW PRODUCTS

57

Keep an eye on the latest product landing on UK shores on page 57. We’ve goods from IMG, Chocolate and more...

CATER FOR COMMUTERS?

59

Flick to 59 for a run down of the in demand goods making tills ring as more and more commuters take to bicycles...

IBD | PROFILE

CJ Performance Cycles

Top performer Telephone: 01670 712 536 Email: via website Website: www.cjperformancecycles.com

Opening times: Mon-Fri 10.00-18.00, Sat 10.00-17.00, Sun 10.00-16.00 Address: 4 Front Street, Klondyke, Cramlington, Northumberland, NE23 6RF

One of the nation’s newest cycle dealers is Northumberland-based CJ Performance Cycles, and after a successful start the retailer is already eying up its next steps to establish itself as a key player. Joint owner Chris Jenkins speaks to Jonathon Harker...

When did you set the store up?

We are approaching our first anniversary. So far, so good!

What is your background in the cycle trade?

We are both keen cyclists. Mark, who has cycled all his life, is a qualified mechanical engineer and an experienced wheel builder.

Are you catering to a specific market or all cyclists?

We are attempting to cater for all markets from kids’ all the way through to electric bikes.

How many staff are at the shop currently?

We currently have two full time and one part

time members of staff.

How about the community focus of the store? Do you get involved with or run local events?

We are involved with the local road club and aim to increase our support / involvement over the years (see box out).

Do you work with any cycle to work providers?

Yes, Cyclescheme and SMEHCI. Both have been great to work with and have definitely helped to get people through the door.

The workshop seems to be key driver of

turnover for many cycle retailers across the nation – how important has the workshop been for CJ Performance?

Without a doubt, the workshop has accounted for approximately 40 per cent of turnover in our first year.

CJ Performance is only just approaching its first anniversary – but already it has established itself as part of the local community

What are your expectations and plans for the store?

Eventually we’d like to move on to larger premises. We are rapidly running out of space in our existing fairly large premises of 1,200 square feet over three floors. We are hoping to establish ourselves as a major player in North East whilst still offering the small family business service.

BACKING THE COMMUNITY CJ Performance Cycles is getting behind a local charitable cause, supplying a mountain bike, equipment and advice for a challenging coast-to-coast cycle ride.

Bedlington resident Neil Douglass is undertaking the excursion, raising money to help Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research beat blood cancers. Douglass decided to take on the challenge shortly after being diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia (CML) in October last year.

“The disease has been caught early and I’ve

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just started treatment so hopefully the specialists at the Wansbeck Clinic will be able to manage the disease with medication for a long time. The Coast-to-Coast ride and the Great North Run will be mammoth challenges for me, as the medication I’m on can affect muscles, joints and stamina. I’ve done the GNR a number of times in the past but this will be the first time under these circumstances. The Race Night will be a fantastic night and I hope the people of Bedlington and the surrounding areas come

out and help us raise as much money as possible. It is a fantastic charity that provides hope for a cure for thousands of people in the region and beyond. Ticket details will be released nearer the time and advertised around the towns as well as in the press.”

Along with the donated mountain bike, CJ Performance Cycles is also supplying Douglass with all the necessary kit to make the coastto-coast ride. Chris Jenkins has ridden the route himself so will be offering crucial advice to Douglass too.

BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY 55

PRODUCTS | NEW RELEASES

New gear

The London Bike Show’s exhibitors brought bundles of new goods to the debut show. BikeBiz found new stock from Eurobike, Chocolate Distribution and Breeze Blockers...

Honey Stinger Products Chocolate Distribution 0871 231 9966

American Classic Eurobike Ltd 01332 774796

Niner Jungle Products 01423 780088

ANNOUNCED shortly before the first London Bike Show, Chocolate Distribution will be carrying the Lance Armstrong-backed Honey Stinger brand.

The deal gives Chocolate exclusive rights to deliver the product to the cycle trade only. A selection of goods is available, from the Armstronginspired 'European Waffle', through to whey protein bars and even energy gels in a variety of flavours.

The firm says the gels are diverse in use in that not only can they be consumed direct from the packet, but are also spreadable on a slice of toast, or able to be added to water, creating an energy drink.

DEBUTED TO many at the London Bike Show, Eurobike introduced the Carbon 85 tubulars, carrying a semi-disk rim with an air foil shape.

The spokes are AC bladed, with 18 laced in radial formation on the front and a 24-hole three-cross lacing on the rear. The rim’s braking surface offers something a little different too, utilising a high TG resin surface, which is said to be outstanding when used with carbon-specific brake pads.

The front wheel weighs in at 715 grams and the rear 901. Both use chromoly quick release axles and AC aluminium nipples.

NINER IS to offer a new top-end handlebar, which is carbon tuned, resulting in an increase in ride quality and comfort. Carrying the same sweep as the firm’s original Flat Top 9 alloy bar, the cockpit also features a +5mm rise/drop, achieved via an offset bulge in the bar’s centre section.

To gain the plus rise, the bars should be run with the flat section facing upwards and flipped 180 degrees to result in the dropped position.

The handlebar is available in four shades that match other Niner products. The bar has a width of 710mm, though can be cut as far as 650mm.

Muc-Off Various distributors 01202 307390

Season 2011 line IMG Distribution 0845 8725446

Breeze Blockers shoe covers Direct Breezeblockers.com

IN STOCK as of this month, Muc-Off’s new wet and dry lubes are available to dealers in handy trays of twelve bottles. Bottles are available in both 50ml and 120ml sizes at £3.99 and £6.99, respectively.

These are just two of the many new products to land in the Poole warehouse. Handy for workshops, whether in-store or in a customer’s shed, the new Dirty Work Wipes make short work of even tough grime found on car engine parts, meaning they’ll find rubbing a bike down a breeze. Each of the 15 packaged wipes is beaded for added abrasion on dried on dirt.

BMX BRAND Season has a few new interesting products in its 2011 catalogue, including a crank with die-cut grip tape down the length of the upper-facing arms, the purpose of which seems to be to enable the rider to catch the bike easier when doing limb tricks, such as tailwhips. The crank is based around a 48spline 19mm axle and weighs in at 990 grams.

If the brand’s video catalogue, featured on BikeBiz.com in January, is anything to go by, it also looks like a gold chrome finish will be available on the bars, cranks and various other hard goods. The brand’s line of soft goods also returns.

UK-MADE wind-proofing brand Breeze Blockers has expanded past its traditional handlebar protection and has now released customisable shoe covering Breeze Blockers.

Shown off at the London Bike Show, a representative told BikeBiz: “The AeroGuard for shoes sells for just £11.99 and fits all cleated shoes.

The toe cover protects the shoe from entry of water and creates a cushion of air that actively keeps the toes warmer and drier.”

Breeze Blockers also unveiled a commuter-specific handlebar-mounted design dubbed the D-stroy.

BIKEBIZ.COM

BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY 57

SECTOR GUIDE | COMMUTER CYCLING

Let’s go to work Regularly cited as one of the biggest areas for growth in the cycle market, the commuter sector is served by an ever growing product offering. Jonathon Harker gets an overview of the market...

Avocet

Bob Elliot

Back by popular demand and part of Avocet Sports’ extensive, recently-launched 2011 Reflex range, the Easy Street folding bike is now available in four super colours; silver, black, white and blue. Featuring Hi-Tensile frame with low step-over top tube, 20-inch wheels with alloy rims, Shimano six speed Microshift rotational levers, V brakes with alloy levers, a comfort padded saddle, full mudguards and

Commuters are often keen to be seen while on the road, and donning this Nylon Showerproof Jacket would just about do the trick. Available in eyecatching yellow, the jacket, from Funkier, is available in a variety of sizes, with raglan long sleeve and one rear pocket with a flap.

Bob Elliot also supplies the Lazer Advantage urban helmet, featuring the RollSys fitting system. www.bob-elliot.co.uk

Chicken Cyclekit CHICKEN carries the safetyboosting Cinelli Lumen tape, which stores light and gradually releases it in the darkness.

The clever Vittoria Randonneur reflective tyre combines speed with safety on city

useful rear carrier all for RRP £175.00.

Contact Avocet’s national sales manager Wayne Clark on 07984 564738.

roads for all conditions. The Aquaflow tread pattern means the tyre is at home even in the rain, also featuring puncture protection.

The LAS helmet brand offers up the Infinito and Squalo.

Both designed in Italy, the former has 20 vents with inner channels and a visor, while the Squalo is an aggressively styled affair with a soft and absorbent single piece Veltec interior that is easy to remove and wash.

01525 381347

Dawes Cycles DAWES HAS been stocking folders for well over 30 years and the current range includes the benchmark Kingpin. All Dawes folders use a alloy 20-inch low step over frame design with long extended seatposts and handlebars, catering for tall and short riders alike. The Diamond is the budget model, with Jack midlevel. Dawes also offers a bike bag for a wide range of 20-inch folders.

0121 7488050

Fisher Outdoor

Gelert

KANSI HAS been designed for a wide variety of tastes and budgets, with six SKUs of three models in two colour options, ranging from £499 to £849 RRP. Equipped with SRAM and Avid, service spares are carried by Fisher and a new accessory range is due spring ‘11. Fisher also stocks MET helmets, with multiple commuter offerings, while Smart lights, Vavert saddles and Basil’s Select range of bags are also ideal for commuters. www.fisherb2b.com

Gelert offers IBDs a comprehensive range of Canyon in-mould helmets, with strong dealer profit margins. New models are introduced every season including entry level adult models and Kidcool and Xcool childrens’ and youths helmets.

Planet Green – a new helmet ‘soft shell’

BIKEBIZ.COM

environmentally-produced children’s concept range was introduced in 2010 and is gaining a strong customer following. Latest is the ‘Canyon City” commuter model – In-mould multi vent construction with stunning city style graphics.

Reflective vests and arm/ankle bands are also available. www.gelert.com

Greyville

Hardnutz

YAKKAY bike helmets are available exclusively through Greyville, launched at Cycle Show last October. As the more eagle-eyed of our readers may have spotted, Yakkay’s helmets look like hats, caps or knitted winter hats in the colour and style to suit the individual.

The style can be changed by adding a new helmet cover. They retail at £89.95 and come supplied with one cover. Extra covers are sold for £39.95.

01543251328

INSPIRED BY motorway workmen, the hi-vis yellow road cycle helmet from Hardnutz has clearly been designed to stand out on the road.

Featuring silver 3M Scotchlite reflective panels and 19 vents to keep the rider cool, the helmet includes removable, washable padding and a removable visor. It comes complete with a similarly hi-vis nylon shower proof carry bag to protect and transport it. www.hardnutz.com

BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY 59

>>

60 BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY

BIKEBIZ.COM

SECTOR GUIDE | COMMUTER CYCLING

>> Massi MASSI helmets has been tested in high impact scenarios and a used by several pro teams. Featuring a linear ergonomic locking system with a CHIN strap ratchet and bi-density pads for added comfort. This compact helmet sports 21 air vents and aims to combine

Hotlines

Madison

HOTLINES brings the IXS Nepean Rain Shorts to the trade. Ideal for the commuter, they’re pitched as being extremely waterproof, with an elasticated waist and come with a handy little bag that they can fold into.

Sporting reflective elements the shorts help boost rider safety on the roads, and are breathable to help avert unsightly and uncomfortable sweat.

0131 319 1444

IT’S DIFFICULT to do justice to any distributor’s commuter line-up in a small space, and Madison is of course, no exception, boasting a huge portfolio of relevant product. Two of those relevant products are the Bell Muni and Arella helmets. Both cleverly combine with the Blackburn Flea front light. Find out more by contacted Madison or heading to: www.madisonb2b.co.uk

safety and comfort.

Massi Sun Adapt glasses offer top notch visibility without the need to change the lens – photosensitive Sun Adapt lenses change by the degree of the luminosity of the environment.

The firm adds that the lenses adapt gradually and without distortion, and have high resistance to prevent scratching. www.casamasferrer.com

Moore Large PROVIZ provides high visibility cycle helmets, clothing and accessories, with a unique light emitting and reflective products, including a 100 per cent waterproof jacket sporting four electro-luminescent strips.

The eye-catching Haloglow helmets make use of a fibre optic light which wraps around the helmet for more that 10,000 hours of night

Pacific Cycles

Polaris

THE CARRY ME is pitched as a fun, light folder available in four different models standard, DS, All and Kids.

Featuring a sliding front head tube clamp which provides a stiff and sturdy joining system, the frame can, according to the firm, be folded up to an amazingly small size. The pedals are collapsible on the Carry Me too.

Both seatpost and headtube are telescopic, handy for accommodating for riders of all heights. To find out more about the Carry Me, head to the site: www.pacific-cycles.com

THE RBS Hoolie gloves are windproof with reflective print detailing for night time hand signalling.

Designed in a smooth surface windproof laminate, a gel padded palm provides additional comfort and a fleece ‘nose wipe’ on the thumb is on hand for when needed. Silicon print on the fingers and palm provide additional grip in the wet. The gloves are part of the aptly named ‘Really Bright Stuff’ range and built to take on winter commutes.

01246 291100

BIKEBIZ.COM

Raleigh

SKS

THE RALEIGH Missile is available in two sizes and combines top features, stylish design and contemporary graphics.

The Style is a lightweight in-moulded model designed for the female head shape, with a detached peak and integrated cooling vents.

The German-made Bandit has no less than 34 cooling vents, an IAS 3D fitting system and FAS chin strap, while the Uvex line, also created in Germany, has three key models for the commuter market: the FP3, FP1 and XP100. www.raleigh.co.uk

SKS’ new version of “Airchamp Pro” Co2-inflator is the latest development of a SKS classic, the firm tells BikeBiz. The Airchamp Pro is a CO2 inflator offering easy, single-hand operation with excellent noticeably improved dosing.

The lock prevents unintended triggering.

The reversible valve insert allows use with Presta/Schrader/Dunlop valve

time riding visibility. Lake’s new MX102 is also perfect for commuters, offering a Vibram rubber sole and waterproof RipStop upper. With half sizes, wide fit and women-specific versions, there is something for everyone.

The Outeredge brand, meanwhile, offers a high-spec sports jacket ready for whatever the Great British weather throws at it. The waterproof, breathable, anti-rip fabric is fully lined and vented across the back and available in four colours. A gilet version is also available. sales@moorelarge.co.uk

connections.

Airchamp Pro is suitable for both 16g unthreaded and threaded cartridges.

Includes mount for under bottle cage and a 16g CO2 cartrige.

SKS product is available from three distributors in the UK: Chicken Cyclekit, Madison and Raleigh. www.sks-germany.com

>> BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY 61

SECTOR GUIDE | COMMUTER CYCLING

Strida

Brompton

THE UK BORN Strida can be folded in a mere ten seconds, the firm tells BikeBiz. Once folded, the Strida can be pushed like stroller. A quick release system sees the pop back into bike form.

The strong triangle-shaped convertible bike includes a grease-free dry belt drive and predictable strong disc brakes.

The most basic model is the LT, while the SX is the ‘big brother’ of the range. Find out more at: www.strida.co.uk

Windwave THE NEW 2011 BBB Taurus helmet has an in-mould shell construction that bonds the inner and outer layers of the helmet during the manufacturing process. This process allows BBB to produce a lighter weight helmet with outstanding ventilation characteristics.

In total 16 air vents create optimum air flow. Adjustable straps combined with the easy-to-use DualClose adjustment system all make for a comfortable fit. The BBB

62 BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY

THE BRITISH-MADE Brompton is one of the best known folding bike brands in the business. Using a full-sized frame made mainly of steel for strengh and with practise, the bike is foldable in between ten and 20 seconds according to the firm. The fold is designed to keep vulnerable parts, like lights and cableruns, out of harms way and the chain and gears are folded in to protect the cyclist’s clothing.

020 8232 8484

Taurus has washable anti-bacterial pads inside and reflective stickers at the rear.

The BBB Taurus is available in medium (55-58cm) and large (58-62), in black and white. SRP for the Taurus is £56.95 www.windwave.co.uk

Zyro

ZYRO CARRIES a wealth of commuterrelevant brands, not least of all folding bike firm Dahon. Abus’ plentiful lock, helmet and bag range similarly hits the commuter spot, as does the growing Altura range (featuring the Night Vision Evo Jacket). Camelbak’s Podium Bottle will quench the thirst of a busy worker, while Cateye will light the way home with a diverse range of lights, inlcuding the Reflex HL-570. Fenwick’s All Conditions Lube will keep commuter bikes running smoothly too. Find out more at www.zyrob2b.co.uk

BIKEBIZ.COM

>>

LETTERS | YOUR SAY

BikeBiz is keen to publish your opinions, whether they’re from letters, emails or via BikeBiz.com...

Email: Jonathon.Harker@ intentmedia.co.uk

STAR LETTER

Mail to: Saxon House, 6A St. Andrews Street, Hertford, Hertfordshire SG14 1JA

Snow is the least of our troubles...

Should speeding motorists cough up for improving transport infrastructure? Allan Ramsay thinks so...

WHEN SNOW falls, the first complaints come from motorists because local authorities don’t do enough to clear it.

But what do these whingers do to help the situation? As hard as councils try, keeping roads clear is under-funded, and near impossible.

Yet look how many motorists can’t even spend five minutes clearing the snow from their windows and indicators.

The number of drivers on our roads with impaired vision and communication during so called treacherous driving conditions, is ridiculous. The windscreen corner pillar is a blind spot at junctions and roundabouts at the best of times – poor cyclists and motor-bikers being especially vulnerable – yet many a driver will set off with enough snow round them to make even a bus close to invisible.

The recent 6.2 per cent increase in rail fares is said to be needed for improving our transport infrastructure. Shouldn’t this funding first have been sourced from people who make our transport problems all the worse, especially if it comes from breaking the law? Plenty of

rail travellers are going to be seriously hard up, despite the fact that they have greener credentials than car users.

Doesn’t this give all the fair logic needed to embrace one of Switzerland’s transport policies, to help raise monies for better transport, i.e. fining the likes of speeders according to their income?

Rich people don’t have a problem paying extra when it comes to train and plane travel, or even by helicopter, so why a problem paying for driving at speeds that leave other travellers way behind, if indeed not dead?

When competing in ‘the survival stakes’, pedestrians; cyclists; bus-users, will always lose out to those who don’t recognise speed-limits, not to mention the excess CO2 they generate.

What point electric cars and wind farms?

Also, if airports are to be fined big bucks, simply for not getting things right in a big freeze, as opposed to breaking any laws, then all the more reason for bigger fines for law breaking drivers. In bad weather we must work together; bad drivers work against us.

Allan Ramsay

“Doesn’t this give all the fair logic needed to embrace one of Switzerland’s tranpsort policies, to help raise money for better transport by fining speeding drivers according to their income?”

Star Letter Whether it’s a hand-written, sent-through-the-post letter, email or a comment made on the BikeBiz forum, the best letter of the month wins a prize from Oxford Products.

This month the lucky winner will receive Oxford’s Ultra Torch 9.

Part of Oxford’s top selling range of LEDs and lights, the front light has nine ultra bright diodes, a quick release mounting bracket and comes complete with batteries. The sturdy aluminium body makes it ideal for general purpose use as a compact torch. The rear LED has 3 modes, 7 diodes and a universal mounting bracket.

64 BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY

BIKEBIZ.COM

2pure 0844 811 2001 www.2pure.co.uk

Eurobike Ltd 01332 774796 www.eurobike.uk.com

DISTRIBUTOR

DISTRIBUTOR

Otagocyclesport 07939 543016 www.otagocyclesport. co.uk

Seventies 0845 3103670 www.seventies.co.uk DISTRIBUTOR

DISTRIBUTOR

Abacus Online Ltd 0151 342 9799 www.abacusonline.net EPOS

Ascend Retail Management System 01908 280667 www.ascendrms.com EPOS

Fat Spanner 07966401165 www.fatspannerworld. com

Pacific Cycles Inc +886 34861231 www.pacific-cycles.com

DISTRIBUTOR/MANUFACTURER

MANUFACTURER/DISTRIBUTOR

Fisher Outdoor Leisure 01727 798345 www.fisheroutdoor.co.uk

Paligap Ltd 01454 313116 www.paligapltd.co.uk

DISTRIBUTOR/IMPORTER

Hotlines Europe Ltd 0131 3191444 www.hotlines-uk.com DISTRIBUTOR

Cube Bikes Uk Ltd www.cube.eu 0031 180441350 DISTRIBUTOR

Custom Sports Clothing Ltd 07580 495881 www.customsports clothing.com MANUFACTURER/DISTRIBUTOR

Cybertill Ltd 0800 0304432 www.cybertill.co.uk EPOS

Cycle Division Ltd 0845 0508500 www.thecycledivision. com WHOLESALER/DISTRIBUTOR

The Cycle Show 0207 2886733 www.cycleshow.co.uk EVENT/EXHIBITION ORGANISER

Digital Retail Solutions Inc 001 8003229471 www.digitalretailer.com EPOS

Hykeham Wholesale Limited 01522 801550 www.hykehamwholesale. co.uk DISTRIBUTOR/WHOLESALER

Jungle Products Ltd 01423 780088 www.jungleproducts.co.uk www.santacruzbikes.co.uk DISTRIBUTOR

Lyon Equipment 01539 625493 www.lyon.co.uk DISTRIBUTOR

Monterey Industries Ltd 0117 9509499 www.masibikes.com www.brevm.com DISTRIBUTOR/MANUFACTURER

Mojo suspension Hoodoo ltd 01633 615815 www.mojo.co.uk DISTRIBUTOR

Moore Large and Co Ltd 01332 274252 www.moorelarge.co.uk DISTRIBUTOR

DISTRIBUTOR

SKS +49 2333831246 www.sks-germany.com MANUFACTURER

DISTRIBUTOR

Parklife (Havant) Ltd 02392 475895

Sonic Cycles 0207 2432848 www.soniccycles.co.uk/b2b

IMPORTER/DISTRIBUTOR

IMPORTER/DISTRIBUTOR

Pashley Cycles 01789 292263 www.pashley.co.uk

Sport Direct Ltd 0845 2693060 www.sport-direct.co.uk

MANUFACTURER/DISTRIBUTOR

DISTRIBUTOR/MANUFACTURER

Peter Dobbs Design and Print Services 01482 224007

Stormfront Technology Ltd 0800 6121044 www.stormfront.co.uk

MANUFACTURER/DESIGN & PRINT SERVICES

EPOS

DISTRIBUTOR

Bohle UK Ltd 01952 602680 www.schwalbe.co.uk

Silverfish UK Ltd 01752 843882 www.silverfish-uk.com

Qoroz 01453 889204 www.qoroz.co.uk MANUFACTURER

Raleigh UK Ltd 01773 532600 www.raleigh.co.uk www.cyclelife.com DISTRIBUTOR

Red Cloud MC 01767 692831 www.redcloudmc.com MARKETING, PR & EVENTS

Reece Cycles PLC 0121 6220180 www.reececycles.co.uk

Trek Bicycle Corporation 01908 282626 MANUFACTURER

USE Ltd 01798 344477 www.exposurelights.com www.use1.com MANUFACTURER/DISTRIBUTOR

Vigour Corporation 0092 524269920 www.vigourcorporation.com MANUFACTURER/EXPORTER

Walkers Cycle Components Ltd 0116 2833885 www.walkerscycles.co.uk WHOLESALER/DISTRIBUTOR

DISTRIBUTOR

Saddleback Ltd 01454 299965 www.saddleback.co.uk

Zyro Ltd 01845 521700 www.zyro.co.uk DISTRIBUTOR

DISTRIBUTOR

To order copies of BikeBiz Bible or ensure inclusion in the 2011 edition please contact Gemma.Messina@intentmedia.co.uk

EDITORIAL PLANNER | EVENTS UPCOMING EVENTS

Editorial Planner

SPOTLIGHT

ICEBIKE* Sunday February 22nd-24th Madison’s MK Distribution Centre

March 2011

www.icebike.co.uk

CYCLE MEDIA ANALYSIS: MAGAZINES, WEBSITES & NATIONAL PRESS ELECTRIC BIKES

Editorial Deadline: February 18th

February 2011

Advertising Deadline: February 23rd

To advertise call Carly Bailey on +44 (0) 1992 535647, or email her at carly.bailey@intentmedia.co.uk For editorial contact Jonathon Harker on +44 (0) 1992 535646, or email him at jonathon.harker@intentmedia.co.uk

APRIL 2011 Bike Security Cycle Fashion: Clothing, Sunglasses, Watches and Accessories UK’s Top 20 IBDs Editorial Deadline: Mar 11th Advertising Deadline: Mar 16th

MAY 2011 Energy and Nutrition, Bottles and Cages Women: Bikes, Clothing and Accessories Cycle Trade Expo Preview Editorial Deadline: Apr 8th Advertising Deadline: April 13th

JUNE 2011 EPoS Cycle Computers Cycle Trade Expo Editorial Deadline: May 6th Advertising Deadline: May 11th

JULY 2011 BMX: Bikes, Protective Clothing, Grips & Accessories P&A: Forks, Gears, Brakes & Chains Cycle Luggage: Panniers, Cases & Bags Editorial Deadline: June 3rd Advertising Deadline: June 8th

AUGUST 2011 Bicycle Lighting & Reflective Clothing Mountain Biking: Bikes, Protective Clothing & Accessories Editorial Deadline: July 8th Advertising Deadline: July 13th

SEPTEMBER 2011 Children: Bikes, P&A Clothing and Accessories Editorial Deadline: Aug 5th Advertising Deadline: Aug 10th

THE BIBLE IS BACK! 66 BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY

TRIATHLON CYCLING AND RUNNING SHOW 2011 Friday February 11th – 13th Sandown Park, Esher, Surrey www.tcrshow.com FISHER OUTDOOR LEISURE EXPO 2011 Sunday February 20th – 22nd Sopwell House, St Albans www.fisherexpo.co.uk ICEBIKE SUMMER 2011 Tuesday February 22nd – 24th Milton Keynes www.icebike.co.uk NORTH AMERICAN HANDMADE BIKE SHOW Friday February 25th – 27th Austin Convention Centre handmadebicycleshow.com

March 2011 MOORE LARGE: TODAY’S CYCLIST 2011 Tuesday March 1st – 4th (Seminars on 1st and 2nd) Derby HQ sales@moorelarge.co.uk TAIPEI CYCLE SHOW 2011 Wednesday March 16th – 19th TWTC Nangang Exhibition Hall, Taipei www.taipeicycle.com.tw

April 2011 SEA OTTER CLASSIC 2011 Thursday April 14th – 17th Monterey, California www.seaotterclassic.com THE SCOTTISH BIKE SHOW 2011 Saturday April 16th – 17th Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre, Glasgow thescottishbikeshow.com UK HANDMADE AND BOUTIQUE BICYCLE SHOW Saturday April 28th – May 1st Passenger Shed, Bristol www.bespokedbicycle.co.uk

May 2011 UCI CROSS COUNTRY MOUNTAIN BIKE WORLD CUP Saturday May 21st – 22nd Dalby Forest, Yorkshire britishcycling.org.uk/ mtbworld-2010

June 2011 UCI MOUNTAIN BIKE WORLD CUP Saturday June 4th – 5th Fort William, Scotland http://fortwilliam worldcup.co.uk

For more cycle trade dates: www.bikebiz.com/events

For additional copies please contact: Gemma.Messina@intentmedia.co.uk BIKEBIZ.COM

BIKEBIZ MARKETPLACE TO ADVERTISE IN THESE PAGES PLEASE CALL CARLY BAILEY ON 01992 535647

The BikeBiz Marketplace offers a complete marketing package of print, online and editorial visibility, allowing companies the opportunity to maintain contact with readers each month without the associated cost of full display advertising.

The BikeBiz Marketplace, and its associated online version, has been designed to offer readers a directory of all products and services in the bike trade.

Your presence in this section ensures that your company’s details are easily found, keeping you one step ahead of your competitors.

THE STANDARD PACKAGE INCLUDES: A quarter page advert in each issue Regular editorial coverage in the dedicated column Company details listed in the online directory with web link Company details listed in the BikeBiz Marketplace Contacts Marketplac

Quartere PRaates: ge

To get your company featured here contact:

£175

Carly Bailey on 01992 535647 or

(minimum

six months)

carly.bailey@intentmedia.co.uk

MARKETPLACE CONTACTS BIKES & ACCESSORIES

LIGHTING

Madison

01908 326 000

www.madisonb2b.co.uk

Paligap

01454 313 116

www.paligapltd.co.uk

The Cycle Division

0845 0508 500

www.thecycledivision.com

BIKE MAINTENANCE Weldtite

01652 660 000

Exposure Lights

01798 344 477

www.exposurelights.com

Pendle

01282 699 555

www.pendle-bike.co.uk

Maxx Raxx

0845 230 3799

www.maxxraxx.co.uk

0117 972 4730

www.argoscycles.com

07540 351 530

colinrees7@gmail.com

Cycle Systems Academy

0207 6082577

cycle-systems-academy.co.uk

ATG

01296 737 800

www.atg-training.co.uk

01908 374 555

www.wildoo.co.uk

SimpleEshop

0116 267 5145

www.simpleeshop.com

SiWis Limited

01709 511766

www.siwis.co.uk

RACKS

www.weldtite.co.uk RESPRAYS & REPAIRS

COMPONENTS

Argos

Bob Elliot & Co Ltd

01772 459 887

www.bob-elliot.co.uk

Pace cycles Ltd

01723 867 919

www.pacecycles.com

SALES TRAINING

USE Ltd

01798 344 477

www.use1.com

Quest Consultants

CUSTOM CLOTHING Wildoo

TRAINING SERVICES 01908 374 555

www.wildoo.co.uk

EPOS Abacus

0151 342 9799

www.abacusonline.net

WATER BOTTLES

Citrus Lime

0845 603 9254

www.citrus-retail.com

Wildoo Ltd

Evopos

0845 644 9424

www.evopos.com WEBSITE SERVICES

BIKEBIZ.COM

BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY 67

BIKEBIZ | MARKETPLACE

COMPANY PROFILE CHRIS JENKINSON, SALES DIRECTOR, WELDTITE

What’s new from Weldtite?

Weldtite has expanded the ranges considerably during 2010, adding new products into the Dirtwash cleaning range, TF2 Lubricants and Cyclo Tools.

How’s business?

Generally 2011 was a good year, adding three more countries to our overseas distribution. But like all people in the cycle business we were badly affected by the snow in November, curtailing sales earlier than usual. However with a good start to the New Year we remain optimistic about 2011.

What does Weldtite offer over its competitors?

Weldtite is the largest manufacturer in the UK of all the maintenance lines we produce. Unlike our competitors Weldtite is the one-stop-shop for all cycle maintenance requirements. Under our ‘We are Bike Maintenance’ slogan we offer our products under four clearly defined brands; TF2 Lubricants, Weldtite Repair, Dirtwash and Cyclo Tools.

As a forward thinking company we are continually monitoring

TEL: 01652 660000 WEB: www.weldtite.co.uk

developments in cycle maintenance and then responding to market demands by developing new products using in-house personnel and production within our factory at Barton on Humber. 2010 saw a complete reorganisation of our facility, creating space for the construction of a new research and development facility.

There are always companies offering a new lubricant or cleaning product, but only Weldtite has consistently produced a complete range of maintenance products under one umbrella.

What marketing is Weldtite currently involved in?

During the coming year we have an extensive programme of media advertising in most of the major mags.

We are planning to expand our retail partners by offering a special promo on our in-store display stand during March and April. In conjunction with the offer, we’ll work with these partners to grow the brand by offering each store a number of promotional display items including banners, stickers, free samples and various sales literature. For event sponsorship we continue to sponsor the

BIKES & ACCESSORIES

68 BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY

EMAIL: sales@weldtite.co.uk

WXC mountain bike team and have formed a separate Weldtite endurance team who will compete in such events as Mountain Mayhem, Bontrager 24/12 and the UK Enduro series.

How is the cycle market measuring up to the motorcycle market currently?

Cycling is always behind the motorbike industry, as the money involved far outweighs that in the cycling market. As a result we are the poor relation.

However the benefits of working in the smaller market is that it’s easier to identify your key users. As bicycles are driven by personal energy and not petrol our target audience is riding for free and not affected by the current rises in fuel.

Any final thoughts?

At Weldtite we are always striving to develop new products to complement our existing range, but unfortunately I am unable to give away all our trade secrets for the future. However behind the doors of the Barton Factory there are new products being developed for the production line in order that Weldtite can continue to lead the field.

“We are continually monitoring developments in cycle maintenance and responding by developing new products in-house in our Barton on Humber factory.”

BIKES & ACCESSORIES

BIKEBIZ.COM

BIKEBIZ | MARKETPLACE BIKES & ACCESSORIES

COMPONENTS

BIKEBIZ.COM

BIKE MAINTENANCE

COMPONENTS

BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY 69

BIKEBIZ | MARKETPLACE

70 BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY

COMPONENTS

CUSTOM CLOTHING

EPOS

EPOS

BIKEBIZ.COM

BIKEBIZ | MARKETPLACE

BIKEBIZ.COM

EPOS

LIGHTING

RACKS

RACKS

BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY 71

BIKEBIZ | MARKETPLACE RESPRAYS & REPAIRS

SALES TRAINING Extra profits, immediate results...

Sales training can easily double your business. If every customer who comes in to buy an accessory goes out with two, you just doubled your accessory sales. If every customer who comes in to buy a ÂŁ500 bike goes out with say an ÂŁ1000 bike, you did it again!

A sales training course on your least busy day can realistically double the sales each staff member produces from your present customer base. The youngest sales people vastly increase in confidence, the longer serving ones suddely realise there are modern techniques they did not know about. It's not about hard selling, its about understanding the sales process. Four hours later, your sales will start to increase. Here's what dealers who have had the course say:

"You trained us in the morning, by that afternoon, I had the course fee back. Amazing."

"I cannot understand why every dealer in the Uk is not banging on your door. Everyone is so much more confident. Now we have to work on keeping it that way. Totally recommendable" "The boys really enjoyed your session the other day and are trying to prove who can remember the techniques best. The till is certainly ringing a lot more than it was, thanks Colin" "You remember I told you I had loads of trouble selling accessories when I sold a new bike? The first bike I sold after you came went out with 13 accessories! They cost more than the bike, I still don't believe I did it. Thanks Colin" One fee, no extras, progress guaranteed: Email colinrees7@gmail.com now, or call 07540 351 530 for full details.

Colin Rees: specialist cycle sales training in the bike trade for 14 years.

TRAINING SERVICES

72 BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY

TRAINING SERVICES

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WEBSITE SERVICES

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To get your company featured here contact:

Carly Bailey on

01992 535647 or carly.bailey@intentmedia.co.uk BIKEBIZ.COM

BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY 73

OFF TRACK | NUMBER CRUNCHING

Let’s get statistical How much has online cycle retailer Wiggle grown its international business last year? Is the London Cycle Hire scheme turning a profit? And how healthy is the Australian bicycle market? All these questions and more are answered in our round-up of miscellaneous statistics, figures and facts...

2.5 million units The figure that hologram wristband manufacturer Power Balance believes it has sold worldwide – despite the claims that it improves strength, balance and flexibility are scientifically unfounded.

400%

£302 million

The figure by which Wiggle has grown its international business during 2010.

The cost to employers in the UK as a result of sickness in the first week on 2011.

1.3 million plus The number of bikes sold throughout 2010 in Australia, representing a 12 per cent growth on the prior year.

£323,545 The figure, reported in The Daily Telegraph, that Transport for London has made from the hire scheme in the first three months. The figure is below estimates, largely caused by most uptake of bikes lasting under half an hour – the period for which hiring a bike is free.

74 BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY

£992,159 The National Lottery donation to British Cycling granted with a view to help more women to cycle. The cash was handed over as part of Sport England’s £10 million ‘Active Women’ campaign.

BIKEBIZ.COM

OFF TRACK | ACT STATISTICS REVIEW ActSmart December retail shop sales analysis

Snow! But what next?

ActSmart’s monthly market research for December, produced exclusively for ACT and BikeBiz, witnessed 2010 ending on a real low. While that was obviously snow-inflicted, the cycle trade fared worse than many and the real question is ‘what’s next...?’

SPECIALIST cycle retail sector sales shrank by 13.5 per cent in December, less than Halfords’ recently reported shortfall, but the impact was significant.

December’s performance reduced core IBD like-for-like sales growth to just 1.6 per cent for 2010, compared with 5.7 per cent in 2009.

After allowing for other sales revenues, particularly cycle to work volumes – which have also suffered in the second half of 2010 – and sales achieved via cycle finance – which remain buoyant – like-for-like total IBD sector growth figures are estimated at c2.5 per cent for 2010 compared with c7.5 per cent in 2009.

We can’t ignore that currency driven price inflation had a significant impact upon 2009’s performance, with retailers attributing over 50 per cent of volume growth to inflation; a factor that didn’t have the same impact in 2010.

The sales growth graph for 2010 reveals the rollercoaster ride we have endured throughout the year, but the big question is ‘where do we go from here?’

January sales are reportedly sluggish as we begin to feel the real impact of consumer caution in the economy and a new bicycle is without doubt a big-ticket, considered purchase for the majority.

However, nearly one third of businesses who participated in our December research reported a sales growth in the month and c20

per cent of participants reported a sales increase in excess of 20 per cent like-for-like vs. December 2009!

Anyone who has followed ActSmart’s market research over the past few years will be aware that two thirds of the market has seen continued and often exciting sales

Will cycle retail fortunes thaw with the end of the winter weather?

“Although the impression that cycling is growing exponentially is far from the mark, there has been a steady growth in committed cyclists.” growth. This continues, with the growing businesses in December reporting a combined sales increase of 28 per cent vs. 2009.

Although the impression peddled by the national press that participation in cycling is growing exponentially is clearly far from the mark, there has been a steady growth in committed cyclists, generating continuous repeat business for repairs, upgrades, clothing and accessories.

The sun will shine again shortly and even if Easter is late this year, once the weather

improves so will cycling participation.

The IBD sector has to get the year off with growth vs. the snow ridden January 2010, then we just need to keep it going through good retailing skills, like the top 20 per cent of businesses in December.

SPECIALIST CYCLE RETAILER CORE SALES GROWTH VS. PREVIOUS YEAR Graph data: 2010 sales performance

20

20

15

15

10

10 % growth vs. previous

‘% turnover growth vs. previous year'

Graph data: rolling last 12 months

5 0 -5 -10

2009 Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

July

Aug

2010 Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

5 0 -5 -10

-15

-15

-20

-20

Jan 2010 – Dec 2010

For more info visit: http://cycles.actsmart.biz/news/ ActSmart: 0845 6187256 BIKEBIZ.COM

BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY 75

OFF THE RECORD

OFF

k c a r T

Send your pictures to mark.sutton@intentmedia.co.uk

• cedric gracia loses (tyre) grip

You don’t have to be mad to work here...

THERE ARE times when the pressures of working in the bike trade can make even the calmest of industry folk blow their top. Even top professionals like cycle superstar Cedric Gracia and Panaracer’s Jeff Zell (pictured above) need to let off steam every now and then.

Thankfully though, the duo were just playing for the cameras at Zyro’s Open House 2011. When not posing, Gracia and Zell were taking dealers through the latest additions to the Cedric Gracia Panaracer tyres. Find out more on pages 33 and 34.

CNP backs up-andcomers COMMONWEALTH GAMES silver medal winner and Team Sky rider Alex Dowsett and team-mate Peter Kennaugh helped launch the Velocity 3-INONE CNP youth cycling team at Evans Cycles in Manchester last month.

The team of 14 and 15 year-olds contains top young cycling talent from the North West and the North Midlands and will be based at the Manchester Velodrome.

Find out more at www.velocity3in1cnp.co.uk

76 BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY

UK’s first city centre Cycle Hub Station opens YORK’S CYCLE Hub Station is now open for business, pitched as being a new focal point for cycling-related activity in the city.

Located next to Lendal Bridge and a thriving riverside cycle route, the Hub includes parking for 100 bicycles and a display and sales area. The Hub also includes a shower, washroom, changing and toilet facilities. Community Interest Company the Bike Rescue project runs the forward-thinking Hub, passing on bike skills and reconstituting knackered old bikes.

Industry legend Phillip Darnton led the official opening of the York-set Cycle Hub Station, which has been funded by the City of York Council and Cycling City York. http://www.bikerescueproject.org.uk

BIKEBIZ.COM

OFF THE RECORD

• clegg and cable boost british manufacturing with brompton • cycle hub opens

An angelic start to 2011?

HOVIS KICKED off the year with a campaign to stop the nation’s population from nibbling on devilishly sugary snacks via a Facebook app.

The baking firm enlisted current Hovis advocate and Off The Record favourite Victoria Pendleton to promote the ‘Hovis stop snacking’ app and to encourage the public to munch a bread-based breakfast.

Find out more about the initiative at www.facebook.com /hovisbakery

Wisper takes to the capital’s streets to help fight crime with the City of London Police. Get the full story on BikeBiz.com (http://tinyurl.com /6kor3kc)

Mont Blanc pioneers young designers MONT BLANC has launched a new flower patterned roof box following a project that saw ambitious and promising young people get the chance to design product for the firm.

The brain behind the limited edition flowery roof box (RRP £650) is Lovisa Malmström, a design student at Nordisk Designskola Sweden and the first to get the cook up a design for the Germany-based firm. www.montblanc.co.uk

quote

unquote “We have had significant success in increasing participation in cycling through Sky Ride, and we will take our experience in this area to launch a bespoke programme for women that will be delivered by women.

Our female athletes are the best in the world and we want to use that as an inspiration to attract thousands more women to our sport.”

Ian Drake, British Cycling chief exec, on the creation

of the National Women’s Cycling Network, funded by Sport England and the National Lottery, to help women of all ages and abilities to organise group bike rides for other women in their local area, January 6th 2011 "It turns out this chap – who’ll remain un-named – has now also been contacting distributors for product, stating he works for us.

Existing long serving members

Lib Dems visit Brompton HQ

Xx

HAVING SEEN HRH the Duke of Edinburgh make a factory visit at the end of last year, Brompton had two more VIPs traversing its corridors, this time in the shape of Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg and Business Secretary Vince Cable.

The Lib Dem Cabinet Members turned up at the end of January to launch the ‘Manufacturing Growth Review’, through which the Government hopes to promote manufacturing in the UK and encourage more young people to consider careers in the sector.

Brompton founder Andrew Ritchie MBE said of the visit: “We are always delighted to get involved with any kind of initiative that encourages people to take a second look at engineering and manufacturing as a career.”

Sponsored by the brands of Moore Large 01332 274252

of staff at all Future magazines have accounts registered to the Future postal address – which bar exceptions for a few select photographers – is the postal address all items should be sent to."

Andrew Dodd, writer on Future’s mountain bike titles, warns the trade about a chancer trying to snap up product samples while pretending to work for the publisher, January 17th

“Staff sickness can be a big cost to businesses, especially smaller ones. Encouraging staff to travel actively to work is an easy way for employers to limit the cost of sickness.”

Susie Lea, Sustrans’ own National ActiveTravel coordinator, encouraging employers to get staff cycling to improve general fitness and health levels – and therefore cut down on the £600 per employee cost to the economy, January 7th 2011.

For more on these stories, head to www.bikebiz.com BIKEBIZ.COM

BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY 77

OFF TRACK | SPOKESMAN

TWEET short and

SPOKES

Wondering what the Twitterati have been up to this month? Look no further...

UCI: The industry bites back Why does cycle sport’s governing body keep rubbing the industry up the wrong way, asks Carlton Reid...

“The UCI has made too many enemies over the years to have a guaranteed existance...”

THE UCI has a self-destruct gene in its DNA. Almost nothing it does can be considered beneficial to the sport, or to the manufacturing industry that equips the sport. The UCI was very late into true antidoping and it hasn’t twigged it needs bike companies more than they need it.

The latest debacle should not have happened; the Union Cycliste Internationale was being advised by a wiser, more mature organisation. Last year the World Federation of Sporting Goods Industries stepped in to break up a fight between the UCI and a bike industry organisation formed to rebut the UCI’s anti-innovation proposals.

GOCEM was the first joint effort from the industry to put the UCI in its place.

WFSGI stepped in as a mediator and persuaded pretty much all members of GOCEM – Cervelo, Cannonale and many others – to become members of WFSGI. In theory, once under the wing of the WFSGI, it would be easier for discussions between the UCI and bike manufacturers to be civil and non-partisan. And then came a bombshell: an ‘Approved by UCI’ stickering programme that would cost bike companies big-time. Time trial frames would cost $14,500, per size, to be measured by a UCIappointed lab; companies would have to submit secret designs in advance.

The industry was looking at signing a big fat blank cheque for ever and a day. Clearly, once the UCI became the de facto go-to org for okaying bikes and kit, there would be no end to the empire building.

At a meeting at the end of January, the UCI backed down, promising to listen to an

incensed industry and reveal a revised programme. I don’t imagine the revision will be better than the first stab.

Divide and rule What the UCI failed to take into account was the extra costs that would be created with a stickering programme. It would not be just fourteen grand spread over a few bikes, it would involve companies spending a great deal of time and effort producing drawings, prototypes and all to a timescale devised by the UCI, not dictated by the market. New staff would be needed by bike companies. Would factories which produce bikes for multiple players each have to go through a measuring and labelling process?

Why was the UCI trying to kill off respray companies and bespoke builders? That would have been the result of the dictat that only original manufacturers could apply the official stickers. Why is the UCI so up itself it feels it can impose $100,000 fines on companies that ‘screw up’? Such a fine has no legal basis, but is a perfect example of how the UCI believes it has the right to be absolutist, to rule with an iron fist.

The UCI was attempting to pull off divide and rule: gunning for high-end TT frames first and hoping nobody would realise it would be components and clothing next.

An overarching governing body for world cycle sport is necessary, but it doesn’t have to be the UCI, it doesn’t have to be in Switzerland and it doesn’t have to be run by the current crop of blazers. The organisation has made too many enemies over the years to have a guaranteed existence.

EDITORIAL: 01992 535646 | ADVERTISING: 01992 535647 | FAX: 01992 535648 Executive Editor: Carlton Reid Carlton.Reid@intentmedia.co.uk

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Taichung earthquake – damn coffee all over my desk now. @proliteboss Do you think I can claim "SICK STUNT BIKER" and "iDOUGH" as business expenses? @Shedfire Big society appeal. Two bikes stolen from side passage shed.

One blue, has Alastair Campbell on and Leukaemia Research and Triandrun branding. @campbellclaret Just replied to an email that was sent to me on 29th Jan 2009. I did apologise for the delay. @ChargeBikes Just had it out with a security guard in Tesco who was defo following me, went and asked him if I look like a tramp. @robwarner970

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The teachers are excellent mechanics and explained things patiently. I really enjoyed myself.

It was totally fantastic. It really changed the way I approach bicycle mechanics. I would like to thank Cycle Systems for running such a brilliant course.

· City and Guilds Professional Cycle Mechanic Training

or call 0207 608 2577 for a chat about what we can offer you and

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Em Fitzgerald

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