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FEBRUARY 2015
ISSUE 109
24th-26th February 2015
B U S I N E S S
Features the latest offerings and new developments from the very best brands on the planet!
www.iceBike.co.uk
STILL TIME TO REGISTER Exclusive product and brand launches from the best brands iceBike* only offers to save your business money Informative product talks direct from the brands
Visit www.icebike.co.uk to register
Show Stopping Exclusives When 24th - 26th February 2015
Where Arena MK Stadium Way Grafton Street Milton Keynes Buckinghamshire MK1 1ST
Shimano once again brings the latest and most cutting-edge technology to iceBike*. Alongside the first electronic groupset for mountain biking - XTR Di2, you will also be able to test and see in detail Shimano’s compact and lightweight E-Bike groupset, STePS. In celebration of its 25th anniversary, Shimano has released a new, limited-edition, commemorative shoe and pedal combination that will also be proudly on display at this year’s show.
Recon is a specialist in Heads-up Display technology for sports and activity-specific environments. The Jet allows performance metrics to be projected onto a display in front of the user’s eye. It boasts on-board GPS, Bluetooth, ANT+ and WiFi connectivity to allow the use of heart rate monitors, power meters, cadence sensor and more!
For 2015, Thule is pleased to display a whole new line of high quality and durable bags, backpacks and cases. Stylish, waterproof and perfect for commuting by bike in all-weather conditions or hauling gear to your favourite spot.
Park Tool’s Director of Education Calvin Jones, known as one of the world’s most qualified and respected mechanics and instructors, will be flying in to deliver technical talks and product demonstrations over the course of the show. Calvin lives, eats and breathes bicycles so this is an excellent opportunity to talk to the man himself.
Time 9am - 5pm each day
The latest editions to the Kryptonite Messenger collection will be on show at this year’s iceBike*. This line of bike locks designed by messengers contain unique urban security features that will leave thieves empty-handed and riders relieved.
New lines of kit and apparel from both the Spring/Summer15 and Autumn/Winter15 collections will be on show. This is your first chance to see all new colours for the mountain bike range along with the ever expanding and hugely popular Road Race collection.
Play harder, work smarter, live better with the recently launched Garmin vivoactive; the GPS smartwatch that enhances your active lifestyle. On display at iceBike* 2015, this ultra-thin, lightweight GPS smartwatch with a high-resolution touchscreen comes with built-in running, biking, swimming and activity tracking apps that let you view your stats, even when away from your phone.
COMPRESSPORT®, the Swiss brand new to the Madison portfolio and known for its leadership in compression garments for athletes, will make its iceBike* debut this year. The brand is recognised as a leader in compression thanks to the technical features, unique designs and quality of its full range of products that help prevent injury, reduce fatigue, aid recovery and boost performance.
New helmets, new technology and new designs. Lazer is set to make a big impact at iceBike* this year. As the official helmet supplier of British Cycling, you will also be able to see the stunning helmets in classic Team GB colours take pride of place on the iceBike* stand.
Developed with the world cup cross country racers in mind, PRO Tharsis XC will provide you with the cleanest cockpit possible with full integration of Shimano MTB’s brand new XTR Di2 groupset. With new wheels, tools and updated graphics, the PRO stand is one you won’t want to miss!
A pioneer in bio-sensing hardware, analytics and software, LifeBEAM makes the world’s most advanced wearable instruments for measuring human performance. Integrating a lightweight pulse rate monitor, cadence sensor and calorie counter to sports headwear, LifeBEAM is an exciting new brand in the Madison portfolio. Visit www.iceBike.co.uk for more information & to register
ISSUE 109 FEBRUARY 2015
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p54 Brompton boss gets honoured
p48 Fisher lines up Zipp support
Will Butler-Adams is to become an OBE. We caught up with him en route to Buckingham Palace.
What is Fisher Outdoor Leisure doing to back independent dealers?
B U S I N E S S p50 Go-Ride What has a year of bike industry support achieved at the Go-Ride grass roots?
Show business We bring you reports and previews from a huge range of bike shows, including Core Bike, the Bike Place, iceBike*, the London Bike Show, Bike Expo, Claud Butler, Dawes Cycles‌and more
p34 Innovation Lab
p62 Soho Bikes
p66 Urban bikes
p71 Helmets
Who is innovating at the London Bike Show?
We speak to the months-old London business
Folders, city bikes and more are covered in our round-up
Products to cover your noggin for the road, MTB and beyond
BUFF ® and Flat is Boring® are registered trademarks property of Original Buff, S.A. (Spain)
MICROFIBER REVERSIBLE HAT BUFF Available at all good outdoor Retailers Team Buff uk @Bufflife buff_uk www.pinterest.com/buffheadwear BIKEBIZ.COM
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NEWS
Taiwan exports EDITORS to UK are rising COMMENT The UK is now second biggest export market for Taiwan DESPITE THE rise of manufacturing in countries like Cambodia, the number of Taiwan-made bikes coming to the UK grew in 2014. According to stats passed to BikeBiz by the Taiwan External Trade Development Council, Taiwan exported 590,000 units of complete bicycles to the UK in 2014, up 4.95 per cent on 2013. The numbers mean that the UK is now the second biggest export market for Taiwan, after the USA. The value of the bikes coming to the UK from Taiwan grew 7.15 per cent from
USD 156 million to USD 167 million. Average unit price (not retail price) grew from USD 279 to USD 284.84 (£188.19), representing 2.09 per cent growth. There’s more on the Taiwan export market on page 12.
TRADE SHOW GOSSIP IT WOULD be ironic (or plain stupid) of me to say that trade shows are not really about showing off new product, especially when we’ve dedicated so many pages of this month’s magazine to new products seen at shows. However, never one to be afraid to look daft, I have to admit to a conviction that shows are as much about getting your face out there, showing off your brand and chatting with fellow bike traders as much as looking at the latest gear. I think it was the Claud Butler show where a rep told me that vital dealer feedback on the 2015 ranges garnered at its January shows will be immediately fed into the designs for the 2016 ranges, which they were designing virtually as soon as they got back to the office, thanks to typical bike trade lead times. Invaluable stuff, clearly. So is getting feedback on product more important than bagging some sales at the shows? That would depend on whether you had a bonus-related target to hit, but to go away with both would clearly be the ideal. One of the responses to our community straw poll (page 77) said the trade shows early in the year were poorly timed, with orders made at the shows having delivery lead times up to six months. But for my money another comment was more on the money – “there’s very little networking that goes on in our industry” – inferring that the shows were a great opportunity to meet up and have a chat and gain that often vital feedback. So, with that in mind, see you at the shows. jharker@nbmedia.com
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BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY 5
NEWS
Moore Large Geared up for house show
650b+ lands Expect plenty of plus size bikes come Eurobike, the comprimise between fat and MTB is in the works
DERBY-SET distributor Moore Large has set the date for its house show Geared. This year the event will run for an extended period – from Tuesday March 3rd to Friday March 6th and then also on Sunday March 8th. Geared will once again take place at the distributor’s own recently refurbished showrooms over at Sinfin Lane, Derby. New signings Bobbin Bicycles and Peugeot e-bikes will be among the brands featured, including longer
serving partners Dare 2b, American Classic, Moda, Knog, Proviz and Haro, among others. Brand boffins from Knog, Lake and Dare2b will be among the guests, taking dealers through innovations and tech, while special offers and deals will be available to dealers making the trip, including a free box of 100 inner tubes with every order placed on the day. There are more details on pages eight and nine and at www.moorelarge.co.uk
The wheel size debate looks set to rumble on with several distributors at this month’s Core Bike show pointing toward “a compromise between fat bikes and MTBs” as the emerging trend for 2015/16. As many will have seen, WTB, among others, debuted a widened 27.5 rim and tyre combo, which could be in stock as soon as March with distributors. Able to fit into most 29er frames and forks with some clearance remaining, the 2.8 inch wide tyres will offer greater traction and bump absorption, as well as the benefits of spreading a rider’s load. In theory the wider tyre will make it easier to tackle loose dirt, sand or snow. Upgrade’s Damian Mason told BikeBiz:
“It’s a halfway point between fat bikes and a typical mountain bike and there will be a lot more present come Eurobike. For those with a 29er frame you’ll be able to get hold of one of these wider 27.5 rims and tyres and enjoy the benefits of a fat bike, but still enjoy mountain bike performance. With any luck you’ll get the added fun of a fat bike and the performance of a traditional MTB in one package. I am yet to try one myself, however!” Upgrade looks set to offer the WTB rim and tyres and is planning a complete build using it’s Maxlight hubs. Let us know your thoughts on the creation via bikebiz@nbmedia.com.
“With any luck you’ll get the added fun of a fat bike and the performance of a traditional MTB in one package”
THIS MONTH WE ASK THE BIKEBIZ TEAM: What product, currently unavailable, would you like to see made? Executive Editor: Carlton Reid carltonreid@mac.com Editor: Jonathon Harker jharker@nbmedia.com Answer: Good solar powered lighting. Production Executive: Elizabeth Parker eparker@nbmedia.com
Deputy Editor: Mark Sutton msutton@nbmedia.com Answer: Already available, but I’d like to see more belt driven bikes in production. Design: Dan Bennett dbennett@nbmedia.com Answer: A cargo bike big enough for taking livestock to market.
Account Manager: Richard Setters rsetters@nbmedia.com Answer: A self drive system that allows you to have a couple of beers and still get your bike home safely. Publisher: Mark Burton mburton@nbmedia.com
Marketing & Circulation bike.subscriptions@c-cms.com Editorial: Saxon House, 6A, St. Andrew Street, Hertford, Hertfordshire. SG14 1JA BikeBiz is mailed FOC to 4,000+ trade addresses every month ISSN 1476-1505
© NewBay Media 2015 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or any information storage or retrieval system without the express prior written consent of the publisher. The contents of BikeBiz are subject to reproduction in information storage and retrieval systems. Printed by Pensord.
6 BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY
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NEWS
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Distribution round up Winter is always busier than normal for distribution changes and it can be hard to keep track of who stocks which labels. Mark Sutton has a recap of the period’s activity… CYCLOC GOES DIRECT Cycloc is now dealing direct with retail having parted ways with Upgrade. The brand is on the verge of launching a new product called the Hero that will see bikes lean off the wall, allowing bikes to be displayed on top of one another, saving wall space. EARLY RIDER AND FISHER OUTDOOR LESIURE Fisher Outdoor now has stock of first bike kid’s brand Early Rider. Catering for toddlers and young kids, there’s balance bikes, as well as singlespeed builds. Stock is expected with the distributor by mid March. ROSA SPORT AND GIPIEMME Specialists in Italian cycling brands Rosa Sport will now distribute Gipiemme Wheels in the UK. Rosa Sport is looking for any new or previous dealers to stock Gipiemme. Trade enquiries should be directed to trade@ rosasport.co.uk, or call on 0203 286 0786. ISON, HT COMPONENTS, GLOWORM, SARMA AND APIDURA Revealed just prior to Core, Ison has been busy adding to its stable, boosting stocks with pedals from HT, lights from Gloworm, bikepacking luggage from Apidura and luxury fat bike frame and wheelsets from Russian specialists Sarma. NRG4, ESSAX, YBN, SPARSE AND PRO-LITE The notorious Shark saddle has found a home, along with the rest of the Essax range, with distributor NRG4. Also looking to make a name for itself in the UK market, Sparse lights are unique in that they replace stem spacers up front, making the lights much harder to steal. At the rear the same enclosed system safely bolts around a seatpost. BIKEBIZ.COM
Pro-Lite is well established in the wheel market and known for its high quality carbon wheelsets. Equally well known, YBN’s comprehensive chain catalogue is now found with NRG4. EXTRA, WALZ, POGU, SCORPION AND CYGOLITE Like Ison and NRG4, it’s new labels galore with Extra who used Core to introduce a number of new lines to dealers. Cygolite is, as the name suggests, lighting for commuters and for more serious applications too. Walz Caps have been added to bring a touch of cycle fashion to Extra’s stocks. The line includes men’s and women’s caps, all coming in two sizes and fit under a helmet. For more on Pogu and Scorpion, see page 21. SADDLEBACK AND ASTUTE Hailing from Northern Italy, Astute are a performance saddle label now with Saddleback. The top-end Skycarb, retailing at £360, has three patents applied to it. EDGE SPORTS & JUIN TECH Shown at The Bike Place show, Edge Sports have added braking label Juin Tech. The firm offers hydraulic brakes for road, cyclocross and MTB, plus rotors. 2PURE AND MERCKX Perhaps the biggest brand switch in the past few months has been 2pure taking the reigns of Merckx from i-ride. With the racing icon celebrating turning 70 this year, 2pure plan to give the brand a big marketing push and are now recruiting stockists. ALIENATION AND SCOOP BMX freestyle and race wheel brand Alienation has now signed exclusively to Letchworth distributor Scoop. MADISON AND LIFEBEAM As we go to press, Madison has signed LifeBEAM.
CYCLE
SHORTS Free bike shop on eBay If you’re quick you might be able to snap up Holloway Cycles for as little as 99p and some legal fees on auction site eBay. The store has been looking to sell for some time, but has thus far “only had timewasters”.
Increased cycle use could be worth £248 billion An economic report produced by academics from Leeds University has found that increasing cycle use in England would pay for itself many times over. Search ‘The Economic Cycle – Quantifying the benefits of getting England Cycling’ for the full statistics.
Noah’s Ark thieves jailed The thieves who, last August, attempted to make off with £15,000 of stock from Noah’s Ark have been jailed for 18 months. The owner of the store famously blocked them in with his van mid-raid.
January the worst for cycle fatalities in 7 years By January 16th, the first month of the year had already posted the worst figures for cycling fatalities for the period in seven years.
Lack of exercise kills twice as many as obesity University of Cambridge research has found that inactivity could be killing double the number that obesity claims, causing 676,000 deaths annually in Europe.
Schwalbe ProCore will be IBD exclusive Stockists of Schwalbe’s ProCore will be required to fit the product, leading the brand to declare it an IBD exclusive product.
More cyclists than footballers A Sport England survey places cycling ahead of football in the list of the nation’s favoured pastimes. Swimming still leads the pack. There are now 2.1 million “weekly cyclists”, while there are 1.9 million “weekly football players”.
For breaking news visit:
www.bikebiz.com BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY 7
2015 Next month sees Moore Large throw open its doors to the trade to show off the latest fresh gear and new ranges. BikeBiz gets the inside scoop…
Q&A Give us the key details on Geared 2015: The event will be located at our Derby HQ, running from Tuesday 3rd March to Friday 6th March between 9am and 6pm and also Sunday 8th March 10am-4pm. We wanted to spread the event out further this year enabling our customers to relax and enjoy our showrooms at a time that suits them best, which is why we have included the new addition of our Sunday show day on 8th March. What kind of set up can dealers expect to find at the show? We have expanded our showrooms by an additional 3,000sq ft creating the Wonka factory of all showrooms, a perfect setting to showcase our amazing range of 2015’s most impressive and innovative bikes and accessories. The venue has been specifically redesigned and extended to create a relaxed environment in which all of our customers are able to see the latest products and have their questions answered by none other than the people who created them.
Who will be on hand to talk through the new ranges? We have a whole host of branded principles attending the event including the likes of Knog, Lake, and Dare2b, who will all be on hand to offer the knowledge and expertise that comes from being an industry giant. It is a privilege for us to be able to offer the brains behind the brands, giving our visitors all of the information they need on our brand new products and ranges. Will there be any new brands appearing at Geared 20145? We are also extremely excited to announce the arrival of some brand new additions to the Moore Large family, including the amazingly vintage Bobbin Bicycles and right on the other side of the spectrum the incredibly futuristic Peugeot e-bikes. How about offers and deals for retailers coming along to Geared? As always, there’s a large variety of unique offers available at the event, along with branded deals, stock in plans and supporting POS, plus if all that wasn’t enough of an incentive, we are even giving away a free box of 100 inner tubes with a potential retail of £649 with every order placed on the day!
/paligap.cc - 01454 332110 - sales@paligap.cc
FEBRUARY NEWS
PALIGAP NEWS - PALIGAP NEWS - PALIGAP NEWS - PALIGAP NEWS - PALIGAP NEWS - PALIGAP NEWS - PALIGAP NEWS - PALIGAP NEWS - PALIGAP NEWS - PALIGAP NEWS - PALIGAP NEWS - PALIGAP NEWS - PALIGAP NEWS - PALIGAP NEWS - PALIGAP NEWS - PALIGAP NEWS - PALIGAP NEWS - PALIGAP NEWS - PALIGAP NEWS - PALIGAP NEWS - PALIGAP NEWS - PALIGAP NEWS - PALIGAP NEWS
POWERTAP 2015
CNP
AFFORDABLE ACCURACY – FROM £649
3 YEARS & GOING STRONG
Since its beginnings in 2000 (15 Years ago), PowerTap has been the No.1 selling Power Meter in the UK, and this season is set to continue that trend. But now consumers have a wide range of choices and features. These options include the location on the bicycle, the cost, weight, and sensor design.
2015 sees the 3rd season of the Partnership between CNP and Paligap and this season Paligap will bolster the PR and in store presence further with a wider range of display units, posters, staff training days and other promotional incentives designed to drive sales up and improve dealer margins and pounds profit. The range is still the nutritional choice of British Cycling and Team Sky as well as other Cycling disciplines, such as MTB Enduro and XC.
Alan Lim PhD, one of the founding fathers of PowerTap says: “While this can make it hard to decide between power meters, for me, there is only one thing that really matters when investing in a power meter and that’s accuracy. My reasoning is that if a power meter isn’t accurately measuring power then it’s not a power meter — it’s just a piece of decoration. With that in mind, there are only two power meters that have been scientifically validated as accurate. They include the PowerTap and the SRM 1, both with the longest histories in the power meter market, but both with very different designs” Within the current line up, PowerTap starts with affordable accuracy at £649 for a G3 Hub and £699/£799 for a wheel only or wheelset. We have all bases and price points covered with an algorithm based model, the PowerCal at only £85. This is a great Bridge product for those who choose to race on a different set of wheels or bike, but it also helps introduce the idea and education on Power at a low cost (Only £20 more than a standard ANT+ Heart rate strap). This season
we also saw the introduction of the DT Swiss collaboration on the straight Pull GS Model (also available in selected Wheelsets). During 2015 we also have some exciting new models coming; we have new products coming out that will change the power meter landscape for certain. PowerTap is the simplest system to move between bikes, and from a dealer perspective is the only option to effectively demo to customers who want to try training with Power – even just for a weekend. All PowerTap products now come with a full 2 year warranty, and fast turnaround servicing is based at Paligap in the UK. Paligap hold the complete range of PowerTap hubs & Wheelsets including Alloy, HED Alloy, PowerTap AMP 35/50mm Carbon and also ENVE SES 3.4 & 6.7 sets. All models will be on show at the Core show in January and the London Cycle Show in February.
SARIS
STANS
2015 sees the range of Saris racks remain unchanged for the initial part of the season. Rumour has it that the very successful Bones which is over 17 years old and still showing good design, is having a makeover. Watch out for the Bones 2.0 later in the summer.
NEW PRODUCTS
Saris and its owners Chris and Sarah Fortune are very passionate about cycling and cycling advocacy. 25 years ago, they bought the Graber Company and developed the range to what we see today.
“Quality is built into every step of our assembly process. We make products that we want to use ourselves - which is evident if you see our parking lot or our commuter bike parking area” – Chris Fortune. The range consists of 11 models from the unique Solo – 1 bike rack, which also features a Glow in the Dark model, to the high end Ball mount Freedom & Thelma line. Starting at only £39.99, we have racks to fit nearly every model of car. On the Paligap.cc site, we have an up to date fit guide which is easily accessible for dealers and features European specific models. Saris racks all come with a lifetime warranty.
There never seems to be a quiet period in the calendar and January sees the Core Bike show which we enjoy meeting our current &
The range remains mostly unchanged for the early part of the season as the range was completely refreshed last spring/Summer to not only incorporate a new look, but also the addition of a number of new flavours in important ground breaking areas. Gels – we now have 3 market leading Hydro Gels, 1 caffeinated, 2 non caffeinated. There is a great range of 5:1 gels such as Rhubarb Crumble and Strawberry Pavlova. Also new was the Ph Neutral Race Drink which is not only lighter on the pallet, but gentler on the stomach too. Then there are the small sized options of Recover and the flagship high quality protein drink Peptide. With its blend of slow release Micellar Casein protein and pro-biotic formula, this is an essential part of any serious athlete’s training and recovery regime. The full range is available to order at www.paligap.cc and exclusive stockist pricing and promotions are also available. To discuss further, contact the Paligap Office on 01454 332110.
Stans NoTubes continue to innovate and have created two new industry leading products for the growing sectors of Road Tubeless and Fat/Plus Size wheels. The 52mm Hugo is designed for 26”, 27.5 and 29” Plus size (3.0”+) tyres. Featuring a unique design and an ultra-low profile, and incorporating NoTubes own BST technology, this is set to completely change how Fat Bikes and Plus Bikes ride. Hugo allows lower pressures, reduces weight and offers excellent pinch flat protection. Available in March as rim only or as a complete wheelset with NoTubes hubs. The Grail is the new disc specific, high pressure road rim. With a wide 20mm internal width, it works with the new generation of high volume tubeless road tyres, offering greater comfort, lower rolling resistance and pinch flat resistance. Designed for road tubeless tyres only, Grail is the answer for anyone wanting the best tubeless performance for the new generation of all round road/gravel bikes.
COMPANY UPDATE The New Year sees the company expansion plans in full swing after additional warehouse & office space has been completed, and this will allow us to invest further in the brands we proudly distribute exclusively in the UK.
Blair Morgan, Product Manager at Paligap says –“The link between training with Power and Quality nutrition is a symbiotic relationship that when properly engaged, will rapidly help the athlete (at whatever level) achieve their goal”.
potential new customers. In February we will attend the London Bike show with a number of our parts & accessory brands, so before we know it we will be in March and the longer, lighter days will be back. February will also see the introduction of our new website form at www.paligap.cc and we have listened to a number of our customer’s ideas to improve this important area.
JULIA VITA JOINS PALIGAP Sales Manager Tony Rose said: “Again due to Paligap’s rapid expansion, we are really pleased to announce Julia Vita has joined the Internal Sales Team looking after the Southwest & Wales. A keen Cyclist, Julia comes to us with many years of experience working in retail”.
Julia Vita
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OPINION
Restarting Bickerton Portable Bicycles With a 20 year absence in between, Bickerton Portables are once again rolling off the showroom floors thanks to a link up with 2x2 Worldwide and a growing list of international distributors. Mark Bickerton explains his reasons for given the brand a second outing… JUST OVER 40 years ago, my father designed the first truly portable folding bicycle. The patent was filed in 1971. I was 12 at the time. Then started a roller-coaster ride of making the first three hundred bikes, firstly in the converted stable at our house, and then subsequently at a workshop in Codicote about four miles away. It involved using knife and fork methods to fabricate all the frame parts. Some of the techniques used before we could invest in proper tooling were things like squeezing the alloy tube between two truck tyre levers in a vice to get the correct flattened shape for the chainstays. Then we had to put them in the bottom oven of the family Aga overnight with the door nearly closed to allow a little heat to escape, yet maintaining an even temperature. This was our version of heat treatment or accelerated age hardening to take the material from a TB (soft) to TF (harder) condition. Some of the first 300 bikes weighed as little as 17 lbs, and riding them was a bit like riding a horse… In that the bike moved with you. And to this day people remember with mixed fondness and amazement that a bicycle could be so constructed, not to say ridden, in such a configuration of tubes and components. I grew up with the early Bickerton bikes, spending weekends and school holidays helping in the early workshop, and subsequently not following my other career choices, was press-ganged into helping my father run the business. One of our first adopters, Steve Rowlinson, decided there was a future in these funny folding bikes, and bought the licence. His company set about getting proper tooling made
BIKEBIZ.COM
“Some of the techniques used before we could invest in tooling were things like squeezing the tube between two truck tyre levers...” Mark Bickerton
and full scale production started. Sadly the holding company hit tough times in the late 1970s, but for the next couple of decades, the Bickerton Portable was manufactured all over the world and many of those bikes are still used to this day. In 1982 my father formed a new company with Steve Rowlinson and brought the manufacture back to Welwyn Garden City. We even extended our activities by importing some early mountain bikes (remember Shimano 200GS?) and to get to lower price points, we brought in some early Dahon bikes. The relationship with Dahon started at the Cologne show in about 1984. That relationship has continued more or less continuously with the Hon family through to today. The time at Welwyn was a lot of fun until we finally closed up shop in 1991, partly due to the recession and partly due to another rather good folding bike emerging. In 2011 Dahon went through (how shall I put it?) a global re-organisation. While this was going on Josh Hon and I saw an opportunity to re-launch.
With Josh’s support I pulled together a team of my friends and colleagues, with whom I had been working over many years, to design and re-launch Bickerton for the 21st century. That was in 2011 and I am pleased to report that we are just about to start 2015 model year with distributors in ten countries and a further 15 potential partners. We have a range that is growing and are working on two new frame designs, the first of which should be available for the 2016 model year. We revisited all the good, the bad and the ugly from the earlier Bickerton period. We found there was a lot of very good stuff… great inspiration for the re-launch. We also looked at the 1971 patent which had forged the way for folding bike design. Of course, we discovered some of the factors that contributed to the demise of the first age of Bickerton, so we quietly left those in the memory bank. We borrowed quite a lot from the technology that the team had built up over the years, so within a remarkably short time we were able to produce a new range that looked great, performed well and, importantly, were competitively priced. The next stage was to get the bikes into production and find the right distribution partners. We started making the bikes in Taiwan and Thailand, but soon we moved production to China and Vietnam. That gave us a seriously advantageous position with regard to quality and value for money. Bringing back the Bickerton brand has been a fun exercise, and the start of a whole new chapter for the Bickerton Portable Bicycle. Sales are growing strongly and everyone seems to like what we have done.
BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY 11
TAIPEI CYCLE SHOW
1,100 58,000SQM The show ground is pretty vast – 58,000 square metres – but there’s help at hand for the easily bamboozled. An app, first launched for last year’s show, promises to help you spend more time at the stands and less time approaching strangers for directions.
1,100 exhibitors will be at the show. If that doesn’t keep you busy the Taipei International Sporting Goods Show (TaiSPO) runs alongside it. Last year 17 per cent of buyers visited both shows.
4 BRITS IN TAIWAN Four long-term supporters of Taipei Cycle Show from the UK are Clarks Cycle Systems, Brompton, Polaris and Weldtite. You’ll find them there again in 2015, boosting trade links and selling gear.
In numbers: Taipei Cycle Show
7,529 Putting the ‘International’ into Taipei Cycle Show are the 7,529 overseas visitors from an impressive 107 different countries (2014 show figures).
4 days
EXPORTS UP 12% Taiwan’s bicycle parts exports were up 12.66 per cent in 2014 (Jan to Sept), hitting US $746 million. (US $ 662 million in 2013, like-for-like). However complete bicycle exports were down 6.24 per cent to 2.67million units. The EU received most of those – 53.68 per cent of total export volume (1.43 million units). Second was the US, Canada and Mexico (combined). Source: Taiwan Bicycle Association
Taipei Cycle show runs from March 18th to 21st 2015, taking place at the TWTC Nangang Exhibition Hall 1. 12 BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY
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CORE BIKE
DMR’s answer to nylon pedal demand The Ibis HD3, now in stock
The Kinesis UK Tripster Ace
2pure are expecting the Ares to sell well
MIO’s new smartwatch
Just around the core-ner Rumour had it over 400 more retailers made the journey to Core Bike this year. Mark Sutton joined the crowds to find out what products and trend were causing a stir… UPGRADE The lion’s share of the attention directed at Upgrade’s stand surrounded the new Kinesis builds, shown for the first time at Core. The Tripster Ace, retailing at £799, is touted as a commuter or explorer build. Built around the existing and much loved alloy Tripster frame and specced with disc brakes, there’s eyelets for racks and guards. Kinesis’ own brand wheels, as well as Upgrade’s Freedom tyre brand, keep things rolling, while a flat bar allows for a more upright riding position for navigating the streets. There’s three more introductions on the frame front too, with a Gran Fondo Sportive sample in titanium on display. The production model will take up to a 28c tyre. At the entry price point, the £499.99 Crosslight ST is now available in youth frame sizes for those dads taking their kids along for the weekend races. BIKEBIZ.COM
On the MTB front the eyecatcher came in the form of the Maxlight FF29, which for Core was built with a “27.5 plus” wheel. Upgrade’s Damian Mason said of what could become a new standard: “It’s a halfway point between fat bikes and a typical mountain bike and they’ll be a lot more present come Eurobike. For those with a 29er frame you’ll be able to get hold of one of these wider 27.5 rims and tyres and enjoy the benefits of a fat bike but still also enjoy mountain bike performance.” Upgrade will carry stock of the rims and tyres, which it will offer to build to Maxlight convertible hubs until complete WTB wheelsets become available. Finally, the new 4S Racelight disc frame and fork package comes in at £599.99 and that includes a carbon fork that’s 3D printed in the UK. For those umming and arring about
discs, both frame and fork will have flat mounts that won’t make the bike look ugly should your customer go down the traditional route. Meanwhile, DMR has a new V6, this time a 327 gram plastic pedal running on bushings and set to be available in eight colours. 2PURE Drawn in by the smell of fresh coffee, many will have stayed a while to check out the 2015 Merckx range, which is now represented by 2pure in the UK following the separation with the Neil Pryde label. Celebrating its 70th anniversary this year, the marketing push is imminent and dealers are still sought despite a strong sign up both pre and during Core. Not one to follow the model year, Ibis did have a first look at the new HD3 enduro rig. Available as a frameset at £2,649, X01 build at
£5,249 or Werx package at £6,299, the HD offers 6-inches of rear wheel travel based around the DW-link suspension platform. The carbon monocoque frame’s kitted out for internal routing for dropper posts and offers a removable direct mount for either a front derailleur or single cog up front. 2pure believes it’ll be a big year for Rolf Prima, with the Vigor Alpha wheelset in particular proving a big hit. Described as the fastest alloy wheel in the world, the £999.99 pair has been tested against all the big brands and delivered the result “at all angles” not just upright. Another bold claim is that in testing the wheels have conquered the Strathpuffer and multiple other epic off road rides without the need for a re-true. POC’s Race Day kit, as worn by Cannondale Garmin Sharp, will hit stocks in March for those stocking on BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY 15
CORE BIKE
Updated Tern point of sale
Ison now carries HT Components
Sarma - luxury fatbikes from Russia
Hope’s crank now in stores
the popular label’s garments. Interestingly, in tests, the dimpled top-end shoe covers offer more of an advantage in wattage boosting terms than a pair of high-end wheels when it comes to aerodynamics. ISON New brands galore for Ison, with first looks at lighting label Gloworm, pedal specialist HT Components, Sarma’s fatbike catalogue and Apidura’s luggage. Gloworm present a nice alternative to the competition, boasting the smallest 2,000 plus lumen light on the market at present, as well as some clever tech built in. Uniquely, customers can tailor their output with a few clicks. There’s also no danger of overheating thanks to a chip within that senses temperature and adjusts output should the unit get past 70 degrees. House brand The Light Blue had some eye-catchers on display, most 16 BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY
notably a prototype Darwin Twin Peak, expected in stock during summer. Built to accommodate either a Rohloff Speedhub or a traditional setup, various builds will be on offer when stock lands. The retro catalogue has also been given an overhaul and is well worth recommending to the tourer looking for a stand out build. Finally, MRP has introduced a Wave ring that will hit the UK in the course of the next two months. The tooth profiling will see the chain flex around the teeth improving the sprocket’s durability without affecting chain wear. PALIGAP Folding bike dealers are to be treated to new point of sale with a stylish and modular unit from Tern now available. Stackable three high or horizontal, the display units are available to those dealers committed to Tern.
Those dealing in high-end road would have headed straight for Fast Forward, in particular the F4R DT180 Carbon Silver Edition Tubular. Based on the F4R tubular rim this set comes with a special outlined silver logo matching the hub log (£2,175). The distributor is also one of a few in the industry scouring the pages of Kickstarter looking for the next innovation and BikeBiz spotted a snap open and closed mudguard that could soon be making waves. HOPE It’s been a long time coming, but the Hope crank is ready to go in 165, 170 and 175mm lengths. Having been analysed, tested, beaten up and then analysed some more with a Finatie Element Analysis machine, the crank features a patent pending expanding splined axle/arm that expands when tightened – meaning it’ll not only not work loose, but should ride like a single piece of metal.
Hope CNC machine the arms from forgings which gives them immense stiffness and strength. The arms also have a splined mounting for spiders and direct mount sprockets giving excellent versatility. The cranks are compatible with the majority of bottom bracket systems via Hopes expanded range of bottom brackets. Also joining the catalogue are spiderless rings, as well as the return of the Hope cassette in 10-speed, offering a 10 to 40 tooth range. CHICKEN CYCLEKIT Standing out among the Tifosi stocks are three new cycle to work scheme friendly designs. Noticeably different in the graphics, the £650, £725 and £899 builds carry Ryde rims throughout. Like the rest of the line, all models can be custom specced at no extra charge. With strong forward orders already taken, Chicken Cyclekit is encouraging dealers to BIKEBIZ.COM
CORE BIKE
“The design brief was to fold under a hotel bed”
Le Coq Sportif are keen to sign cycle retailers
Tifosi’s new C2W scheme friendly bikes
get in touch now if they’d like stock. Within the traditional catalogue, the Scalare road offer a full carbon frameset for under £1,500, as well as Campagnolo components. Chicken also envisage Nalini having a big year in 2015, with the brand often undercutting the competition by some margin on performance garments. Split into easy to understand segments – red (everyday entry to mid-level garments), Blue (a more Rapha-esque garment) and black – the brand has also invested in bettering its women’s catalogue. BikeBiz was also told of a near replica of Team Sky’s infamous Froome jersey soon to join Chicken’s stocks. From 2015 all Nalini branding has become reflective and the firm has used a RainOff coating on many autumn/winter pieces. The skinsuit range has also broadened, while baggier pieces have had their cut analysed to improve saddle comfort. BIKEBIZ.COM
POLARIS Fresh off the back of a nomination for the Total Women’s Cycling Awards, its no surprise to learn that Polaris has invested in its ladies clothing, with a female designer calling the shots. Designed around the train of thought that “ladies generally prefer to buy complete outfits”, the Vela range largely colour matches. There’s now lightweight ¾ lengths, a four-way stretch short and a variety of long and short sleeve jerseys. With an estimated 20 per cent of the Polaris business now coming from travelcase sales, there’s plenty of development here too. Look out for the Eva plus, capable of taking a 29er or TT build with integrated post, or alternatively the Axial softcase has been designed to roll up to a third of the size when not in use, meaning it’ll slip under most hotel beds. There’s also a new folding bike case that was designed
alongside Brompton in the early stages of development. LE COQ SPORTIF Keen to recruit cycling retailers, le coq sportif debuted at Core Bike with a line of performance wear designed around the heritage and major tours, as well as a good stock of casualwear. Tour jerseys come in at £90, while replicas are sold for £62 each. To discuss taking on the brand, contact jstewart@lecoqsportif.com. CITRUS-LIME Remember when Citrus-Lime were just a tiny company of 12 when Core Bike began? Fast forward to the present day and the staff numbers have doubled and the firm’s 160 customers put £100 million through their tills last year. While we’re on the stats, the firm also sent out double the number of parcels last year with its
eCommerce packages enclosed. Click and Collect has been a significant focus for the firm in the past year, with founder Neil McQuillan telling BikeBiz: “Click and collect represented 56 per cent of John Lewis’ Christmas business and 20 per cent for the rest of the year, so you can see why we’re keen to see independent retail embrace the method. It’s an opportunity to fight back against online retailers and drive business in store. If a customer is aware that stock is just down the road, they’re more likely to make the journey.” Cloud reporting came in last March and has since made it easier for customers to quickly access their sell through stats, margin information and much more. McQuillan added: “It’s been a real boost to the business recruiting staff with cycle retail backgrounds, as they’ve lived and worked with the issues on the frontline. It means that BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY 17
CORE BIKE
The Skycarb from Astute
Fresh facewarmers from Buff
Marzocchi’s new dropper
when a retailer rings up with a problem, we’re speaking their language and finding solutions that much quicker.” BUFFERA We could list all the new products now within Buff’s stocks, but to put it simply, we’d need a lot more magazine space. Helmet liner stocks have been heavily boosted with a single layer microfiber coming in at £14.50 and a Gore Windstopper fabric version retailing at £36. There’s a whole bunch of materials, single and double layer liners in between too, with merino wool and Polartec fabrics used, among others. On the traditional product front, Buff has managed to secure a Tour de France licence, giving it permission to produce a variety of race-specific prints. Less cycle specific, but with plenty of potential to sell to just about 18 BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY
anyone who feels the cold, Buff also has a deep line of new knitwear, including beanies, scarves and combination garments. Knitted beanies come in at £24.50 RRP, while neckwarmers will cost £27 at retail, making them ideal for a nifty £50 all in deal for the customer buying both. SADDLEBACK In need of a new saddle brand? Saddleback has just taken on the Italian made Astute label. It’s performance perches only, with the range retailing between £120 to £360 Skycarb, with the latter having three unique patents applied to the one saddle. There’s plenty of technology within and the production materials are up there with the best – the brand uses the same glue that Gucci uses on their shoes and the same carbon as Corvette use in their cars. Put simply, the range offers three saddles in two
widths – either an open or closed design. Saddleback plans to introduce a dealer demo program in the near future. Bont’s Blitz was grabbing attention too at Core too, offering a heat moldable chassis, a full carbon monocoque sole and a BOA and Velcro combination to further dial in the fit, all for £180. There’s also a new Vaypor S, this time with a golf-ball like dimpled surface to help your customer beat the headwind. Need the best track pump in the world for your workshop? Silca made a few jaws drop with its £300 track pump, made under orders from the brand’s new US owners who have gone out of their way to be undisputed champions of inflation. The handle’s rosewood, the chassis and base vacuum cast Zinc. It’s inherently stable with two pounds of the seven pounds it weighs in the base alone. What’s more, the gauge is accurate to within -1/+1 PSI, so if
precision is your thing, this could be your pump. WINDWAVE Marzocchi is looking to be an attractive option in the suspension market for both the dealer and the consumer alike in 2015. With many of the fork prices having come down year-on-year, the brand has also entered the dropper post arena with a non-graduated 125mm post. Finished with Marzocchi’s Expresso coating, there will be an internally routed version at £260 and externally routed at £230. For the enduro rider, the 053 is now available at £499.95, again finished with the Expresso coated, employed across the range to achieve better colour consistency. The shock will offer 140 to 160mm of travel, with low-speed compression and rebound adjustment. Also in stock now is the new £159.99 Dianese Pro Pack, which on BIKEBIZ.COM
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BIKEBIZ XXXXXXX XX
CORE BIKE
Skratch offers low calorie nutrition
Walz joined Extra UK
first looks seems like it’ll be a real big hit with the enduro rider. Offering two bags in one, the Pro Pack has a detachable segment for those shorter rides where travelling light is more practical. There’s also a certified soft flex back protector built in to prevent damage in the event of a crash. There’s space for a bladder too, as well as dedicated pockets for sunglasses, phones and tools. SILVERFISH The first stop for anyone nursing a hangover as a result of Core’s generous beer supply, dealers were keen to sample Silverfish’s latest addition; Skratch nutrition. Available in six flavours, one of which is best served hot, the low calorie drink is designed primarily to hydrate as opposed to energise. “It’s all about consistency throughout the day,” explained Silverfish marketing man Thomas Dibley. “There’s high 20 BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY
Mid-market mid-motor from EBCO
Fatbike traction for MTBs
quality salts in each blend, as well as dried fruit that retains all its goodness, releasing small doses of energy over a prolonged period. There’s nothing artificial in there either, so no danger of upset stomachs or cramps.” E-thirteen has been busy taking on feedback from its athletes, who pointed to noise reduction as a key area for improvement. As a result new softer solvent resistant plastics have been implemented that run quieter and smoother. Most guides in the line also now have a better range of adjustment, as well as clearer alignment markers to assist mechanics in fitting. Finally, the opening mechanism has now also been isolated from adjustment on some guides to prevent readjustment when chain issues occur. For those doing a lot of tubeless conversions, E-thirteen also now produces a water soluble sealant in
Endura’s new lid
250 and 1,000ml bottles, as well as a kit supplied with one of the brand’s new valves. On to Ritte and the Vlanderen frameset’s successor is now in stock. Dubbed the Ace, the £1,999 frameset carries the same geometry, but with revisions to the seattube, which now utilises an asymmetric design to assist with power transfer, as well as the removal of the integrated seatpost. Other notable products include a strong challenger to ESI in the form of Supacaz’s foam grip, Spiuk’s new top-end Dharma and Easton’s Aero 55 wheelset available in clincher or tubular versions. The latter has a reworked hub with wider set bearings, improved Labyrinth seals and comes laced to a 55mm deep carbon rim. HOTLINES Also jumping onto the demand for a
nylon pedal, Nukeproof has added a £34.99 unit that has a slight concave revision over the metal big brother and will come in six colours. With the Athertons now on the iXS team the brand will be riding on a fresh wave of momentum. New for 2015 is the Hack pad, which utilises Q-matter foam and is low profile enough to fit comfortably under trousers. It’s fully CE rated and retails for £39.99. As mentioned earlier, WTB’s 27.5 plus offering is set to offer those who crave fat bike fun but without the investment. The tyre is set to hit stock in March and will retail at £45 each, while the Scraper rim will cost only £25. A more UK-friendly, deeper tread version is currently in the works too, we’re told. Among other changes, Lynskey has added a riveted, water-cut logo to its frames for 2015, while stock of the much-anticipated Zesty Ultimate BIKEBIZ.COM
CORE BIKE
is now available. A 1x11 build will sell for £5,399. EXTRA Corebike saw debuts for a number of new labels for Extra, with Cygolite, Scorpion, Walz Caps and Pogu getting their first outing. Cygolite brings with it a deep range of lighting for commuters, road and off-road riders. Handlebar lights are generally all USB rechargeable, while the off road range spans 800 to 1,700 lumen outputs. There’s also a number of combination packages available for the customer looking for front and rear coverage. Sticking with visibility, Pogu’s backpack covers and reflective sticker kits are now found with Extra UK. The covers are made with reflective 3M Scotchlite material and built to keep the elements at bay all while aiding visibility by up to an impressive 200 metres.
Scorpion’s bike stands, retailing at £59.99, will work both as in-store display stands, or as a home workshop workstand. The hooked design loops into a bike’s crank, thereby elevating the back wheel off the floor. Finally, Walz caps have been brought in from the USA. Available in two sizes for men and women, the hats are deigned to fit under a helmet and will wick moisture away from the head.
remake, retailing at £169.99. Utilising a new fabric, the garment has both an incredible breathability to a 18,000 rating and waterproofing to 64,000. The PTFE in the old model has made way for the more ecofriendly material, which is also far more packable and adjustable than the prior model. Not immediately obvious, there’s clever detailing like anti-slip silicone on the shoulders to keep backpacks from moving around, as well as heat holding cuffs.
ENDURA In what now seems like an obvious oversight, we finally have a helmet with a detachable USB recharge rear light built in, thanks to Endura’s Extract and Luminide helmets. Retailing at £40 and £45, respectively, the difference between the two is simply some additional reflective detailing on the more expensive Luminide. New to the autumn winter catalogue is MT500
EBCO Representing the electric bike business at Core was EBCO, who have taken on Bergamont e-bikes since last year’s show. Paul Stanforth, co-director of EBCO, told BikeBiz: “In year one we’ll aim to have around 25 Bergamont dealerships and there are a few already signed up. We’ll have stock from this month and a range spanning £1,900 through to £4,500.”
AVE electric bikes are also now back in production following a restructuring in 2014 and EBCO has stock of a catalogue of bike ranging £2,000 to £3,000. It was the own-label UCR 60 that had Stanforth most excited however. He said: “The new Trans X mid-motors are coming through now, though largely for £2,000 and above. Our UCR 60 retails at £1,499 so it’s an excellent choice for those who are wanting quality on a budget.” EBCO’s business as a whole is enjoying the benefits of an emerging electric bike market in the UK, with the firm having grown turnover by 70 per cent in 2014. The firm has already set itself the goal of growing a further 100 per cent in 2015 and is looking to take its current 40 strong dealerbase toward 100 by the end of the year. www.corebike.co.uk
SHOW 2015 NEW VENUE
ARENA : MK MK DONS STADIUM
MILTON KEYNES 24TH - 26TH FEBRUARY 2015 VISIT WWW.ICEBIKE.CO.UK TO REGISTER AND GET ENTRY TO THE SPORTLINE SHOW
BIKEBIZ.COM
BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY 21
MADE IN ITALY SINCE 1919
+++++
“Cracking performance, comfort and build quality...� Scan to read the full review
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We make regular visits to the Miche factory near Venice for product training and showing dealers the amazing manufacturing facilities Miche have developed.
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THE BIKE PLACE
Racing forward The Bike Place is no longer a pit stop of a bike show, more a ‘you could spend all day there and then some’, type show. Jonathon Harker stalked the increasingly busy halls of Silverstone… WE’RE NOT going to lie, we underestimated how big this show now is, so we’re going to do our best to squeeze as much in here as we can. Without further ado… Courtesy of Velotech Services, Ceepo is now offering full builds to the trade. One of the brand’s latest offerings is the Mamba, a ‘do it all’ bike with a truncated airfoil shape that offers something for tri, time trials, sportives, road, etc. A clever seatpost can be reversed to change the rider position, depending on the type of the ride. The 950g frame hits £1,999 RRP. Also from Velotech comes customisation from ROTOR Q rings. Customers can pick a UK flag, or a US, or Spanish, or one of many others, embossed with a new hard wearing material that is now in stock and ready to go. There’s even BIKEBIZ.COM
room for bespoke designs although minimum volumes are high. Furious Sports is a new distributor on us, carrying a couple of brands including Clear Protect. Basically a tape that can be
are supplied in the nifty little packs. Furious also carries Hirzl gloves, offering an unusual take on the sector. Boasting the likes of super comfy kangaroo leather and targeting the high-end, Hirzl
“It’s fair to say we underestimated just how big this show is now.”
wrapped around frames for protection, the brand offers a five-year guarantee against yellowing, cracking and delamination. The packs range from £10 to £40 and application sponges
advocates layering, with over gloves to keep pinkies extra warm on those numbing first few minutes of the ride. Then when things warm up a bit, the rider can nip the over gloves/mittens off.
Fresh from the USA, Pure Fix was formed four years ago and in June launched its European operation in Rotterdam. Since then it has picked up a whopping 180 dealers across Europe, but virtually none on these shores. As such the Bike Place marked Pure Fix’s UK show debut, with eye-catching glow in the dark models and retro-style rides to lure UK dealers in. The brand assured BikeBiz it holds a good stock of its bikes so availability is good, with no minimum orders. Prices are on the affordable side too, with many bikes around the £370 mark. If they’re familiar you might have spotted them at Eurobike, where they will be again for the fourth year in a row this August. Another US firm at Silverstone was Edge Sports, which has been selling into Britain through Edge BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY 23
THE BIKE PLACE
Debuts ahoy: Moda (left) was among the brands shown off by Moore Large at its inugural Bike Place showing. Fellow first timer Weldtite showed off its Pure eco-friendly range (top right) while Fisher Outdoor Leisure selected brand spanking new signing Early Rider (bottom right) for its debut Silverstone showing
Sports UK for the past couple of years. The firm is keen to back the grassroots and is working with the Altura Nutcracker MTB team. Edge Sports also carries other brands to dealers, including recent signing Juin Tech. Amongst the Juin Tech line-up is the R1 hydraulic cable pull disc brake set. Boasting a patented closed hydraulic mineral oil system, the nicely packaged kits come with cables, postmount adapters, bolts, torq screws and the full shebang, recommended for cyclocross and road users alike. Edge Sports also carries RWD product and Nuflex, the latter a brand providing cooling gels, warming gels and other similar products aimed at looking after the cyclist, rather than the bike. There’s lots of new stuff from Oxford Products, which has high hopes for increasing its share of the P&A market, aiming for a similar share in the cycle industry as it 24 BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY
enjoys in the motorcycle trade. Let’s start with the eye-catching Commuter X4 from Veglo, which we previewed back in March on BikeBiz.com. After approaching Oxford, the universal product is now at market, attaching to bags, backpacks and the backs of cyclists. Oxford also has a new dry bag range. The sales rep we talked to reckoned he’d chucked one into a
packaging to more apt designs rather than the basic Oxford Products packaging style. That principle has been applied to various corners of the ranges, now including an Oxford Pro line for more high-end products. Other Oxford titbits to look out for include fresh signing Taya Chain and a lock range currently in redevelopment.
“Oxford said it is aiming to repeat the success it has had in the motorcycle P&A market, in the cycle trade.” river to try out one of these 100 per cent waterproof bags (successfully). Oxford also showed off a new set of mudguards, complete with USB-rechargeable lights. A word too on Oxford’s subbrands: BMX P&A sales rocketed when Oxford switched its
Weldtite, appearing independently of its distributor partners, brought along its Pure, Tf2 and Dirt Wash ranges to put the lines under the noses of dealers, with samples on hand. Other brands using the show to get their brand out to potential shop
partners included Wildoo, with a wide array of custom products, from bottles to jerseys and more. Solo has gone, ahem, solo having split from Paligap. The IBD-focused brand promises high margins and next day deliveries from its Birmingham warehouse. Among the highlights is a hot property of a baselayer, which has been attracting attention at the show. The brand is a truly international affair: Products head to China for stitching, with fabrics arriving Italy, Switzerland and Merino from New Zealand and Australia. All delivered to you via Brum. Appearing for the first time at the show, Greyville brought along recent brand signings Yepp child seats and Velomann cycle computers. Velomann offers everything from wired seven function computers to 40-plus function wireless affairs, then there’s the light range including a BIKEBIZ.COM
THE BIKE PLACE
Frog’s Team Sky collaboration continues (top left); EDI’s silicone grips (top, centre) and female-focused Flare Clothing (top right) Sugoi’s women’s jackets are now in a wider variety of colours (bottom left); Oxford’s X-Commuter light (bottom, centre) and Pure Fix’s glow in the dark frame (bottom right)
number of USB-chargeable models. Yepp, meanwhile, has an innovative take on the child seat market, with fold up baskets, head rests for little ‘uns and more. Evolution Imports drew our attention to the quirky King Cage brand. Handmade by one man in Colorado, the range includes titanium cages, steel cages and a top cap bottle mount. The one man band only produces a limited number of products every year and they are in high demand. Other highlights included ESI grips and its 100 per cent silicone grips that are comfort-boosting and great at displacing water. Different thicknesses of grip are available and can be finished with a silicone tape end wrap. BIG NAME DEBUTS Fisher Outdoor Leisure appeared at the Bike Place this year. Coming just a few days after it had BIKEBIZ.COM
announced its Early Rider distribution deal, it was a perfect chance to show off the balance bike brand. The eye-catching range is lightweight and quality, with offerings even for youngsters who have yet to enjoy their first birthday. The Spherolvelo starts the range off, with 360-degree wheels, castors for full support, five colours
a belt drive bike for juniors, ideal for cutting out dirt and grease. Moore Large, another of the more significant Bike Place Show debuts, brought along American Classic and the brand’s new Carbonators. Available in 27.5 and 29-inch versions, these are stiff and light enduro-ideal rims. Moore Large also showcased the Moda’s
“More brands are dipping their toe into quality junior bikes, but the potential for that market remains huge, Frog says.” and retailing at 69.99. The Early Rider Lite is the smaller, lightest balance bike, moving up to the Alley Runner, featuring an aluminium frameset with carbon handlebars and post. Crucially it can take optional 14” wheels to last the little ‘un a little longer. Other range highlights include the Belter,
Finale, now in a new colour and available as a dream build. Is Frog finding the market more competitive, with other brands jumping into the quality children’s bikes sector, we wondered? Most other brands are actually only dipping their toes into the market, Frog reasoned to BikeBiz, adding
that it feels the market has plenty more potential. To cement its reputation as a children’s bike specialist (“that’s all we do”) Frog has invested in some quality research, via Brunel University. Findings include that a child’s head is a larger percentage of their body than an adult’s is and bike designs have been tweaked according to other findings. Flare clothing has been on the scene for about a year but its men’s range, in a refreshing twist on tradition, didn’t come first. The premise for the brand was to produce women’s cycle clothing that looked good, performed technically and basically did the job. After the launch the response from men was stronger than expected so it launched a male range in November. Onto VAM Performance. This young distributor has four brands under its wing, mostly with a North BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY 25
THE BIKE PLACE
Flag-waving Q Ring customisation (top left); No 22 frames from NYC (bottom left); ILE’s carabiner-loving Transit (centre); Niner’s ROS 9+ (top right) and Hirzl’s high-end glove range, with over mittens providing extra protection from nippy climes (bottom right).
American association. Many of No 22’s bike frames are made in New York while Cadence Clothing hails from California, for example. Sticking with Cadence, the ranges are split over lycra cycle gear and an urban range. Elsewhere, ILE has a spin on its Transit backpack that has covered the weather-proof bag with dozens of flaps you can clips caribiners onto. Bike Place stalwart Jungle Products has been with the show from year one and has plenty of product this time around, including three new bikes from Niner, including two revamped models and a brand new one. They include a new iteration of the Jet with a mix of carbon and alloy, a trailequipped Rip with more travel and a new complete EMD for £1399. Bikes attracting attention included the plus sized ROS 9+. Santa Cruz’s V10 now comes in a 650b iteration while sister brand 26 BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY
Juliana has an expanding range of of new soft goods, we hear. Meanwhile KS has a new carbon lightweight short drop, the LEV CI. Last year’s Bike Place saw Jungle introduce the BOS deal. Since then the firm has invested in support and servicing, revealing that BOS prices are down this year in the region of ten per cent, making
the range now includes a new urban helmet that comes with pull down lenses – either clear or shaded – in three colours and coming into stock in March. Kali’s MTB-oriented Maya comes with a visor that is designed to bend rather than snap. Nrg4 also has a new swanky POS cabinet for Aerozine components and a new
“Jungle said BOS prices are going to be more competitive this year.” them more competitive and due in part to an increase in its OE business. BOS’ Dizzy now offers a 650b variant (with either 120 or 140mm travel) for £825 RRP. Other new arrivals include the Idylle, also catering to 650b. NRG4 debuted its Kali deal at Bike Place last year. 12 months on,
Tumble and Fall mini pump which promises to pack in a decent output despite its diminutive size. Olmo is probably one of the older brands at the show, but it’s not had much presence in the UK for some time. Now the brand is hoping to change all that, kicking off with last year’s appearance at
the NEC Cycle Show with Cycling Buddy. The firm brought along key road and MTB models with a global debut for its Racing Gara Athena 11v – an eye-catching steel ride. CSG UK enjoyed its second year at the Bike Place, showcasing a selection of its brands that included Fabric, its newish in-house brand, launched at Eurobike last year. Fabric looks outside the trade for inspiration and has kicked off with a saddle range as you no doubt already know. But it’s just the start, CSG’s Mark Noble told BikeBiz, with plans being hatched at Froome HQ for an expanded range. The Fabric saddle has already, of course, featured on Cannondale’s Synapse. Moving on, Sugoi’s jacket range is getting some new colours in for the ladies and a new saddlebag jacket that can be bundled into a, you guessed it, saddlebag-sized unit when required. thebikeplaceshow.co.uk BIKEBIZ.COM
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CLAUD BUTLER
The newly added DP brake pad line
Dealer pit stop
The colourful 2015 catalogue could brighten any showroom
In the swanky surroundings of Surrey’s Mercedes-Benz World, Jonathon Harker mixed with the petrol-heads to catch up with the Claud Butler 2015 product launch… CLAUD BUTLER started seriously dipping into the parts and accessories sector around three years ago and now, at the start of 2015, P&A has become big business for the firm. With that in mind it was no surprise to see an expanding own-brand P&A line-up at its product launch road show, as well as the arrival of a couple of labels to the portfolio – Weldtite’s Pure range and DP Brakes. Having said that, the firm is keen to emphasise it is choosy about the brands it is taking on, “we don’t want to offer everything from everyone”. You’re not about to find competing product within the Claud Butler portfolio, which now includes OGNS luggage and KED helmets, among a number of others. Weldtite distribution was taken on by Claud Butler last year, with the arrival of the eco-friendly Pure range brand new for the show. For those not in the know, three-year old sub-brand Pure is a 100 per cent biodegradable range of waxes and lubes. Helpfully, Weldtite hasn’t used this as an excuse to slap a big price tag on the range, with similar price points to Weldtite’s better known chemical-based products ranges. BIKEBIZ.COM
Shops can replenish specific items that are most popular for them, rather than taking on the whole lot lock, stock and barrel. There’s new packaging in the works and a new launch in the shape of the Disc Rotor Wipes which retail for a mere £1.99 for six sachets. Sticking with Weldtite, the Cyclo Tools line-up is now with Claud Butler from the end of last year and while you may already be familiar with the range there are a couple of additions on the way. First up is a revamped Crank Extractor, replacing the two
based business uses the same tech for cycling as it does for motorbikes. Established 30 years ago, DP uses sintered friction materials in the range that features both brake pads and rotors. A high temperature vacuum furnace is used with an automated hydraulic press that boasts a 250 tonne capacity, all to keep consistency levels high. Force is used to bond the pads instead of glue. Slight changes in the powders and combinations used affect the performance of the pad, which can be tailored for conditions and uses.
“By cryogenically freezing the discs the braking performance is substantially improved.” models in the range as it is dual use. There’s also a new rubber mallet joining the Cyclo family. Claud Butler’s other new P&A signing is DP Brakes. A stalwart of the motorbike trade – it is best known for its Harley Davidson replacement parts, we’re told – the Nuneaton-
The burgeoning disc brake rotor range is available in two iterations at the moment (the BMR 1 and BMR 2 Series) but an interesting tit-bit BikeBiz heard at the show is that by cryogenically freezing the discs the braking performance is substantially improved, resulting in increased wear
time and a more stable material with fewer inherent stress points. Although we’ve dedicated the lion’s share of this article to P&A, the show was also about Claud Butler’s extensive bike range. Hitting the mid price point from around £200 to £1,000, the line-up is now decidedly more colourful than previous years. With Urban Mover in the portfolio, the range now stretches from e-bikes to singlespeeds, MTB, classic style, tourers, tandems and even cyclocross. That road range has been redesigned, with the Torino SR30 a particular standout, featuring low key aesthetics, matt frame, carbon forks, internal rear brake routing and all for a £745 price tag. Elsewhere the Mistral Supreme neatly hits the heritage style bike genre, with a £399 price point, retro light set, rattan basket, ‘Ding Dong’ bell and Sturmey Archer three-speed hub gear. Summing up, Claud Butler’s own Dave Drury hailed the five-leg product launch as the perfect place to get feedback from dealers – which can then be fed straight into next year’s ranges which are designed within a few weeks, incidentally. There’s more at Claudbutler.co.uk BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY 29
DAWES CYCLES ROADSHOW
Dawes open for 2015 The Dawes 2015 show took to the road in January. Jonathon Harker visited the first leg in cycling hotbed Surrey... BRIGHTER COLOURS, range extensions, more complementary accessories… the Dawes Cycles 2015 product road show had plenty for attending dealers to examine. Dawes’ move into the ‘proper bikes for juniors’ market saw it bring out the Academy range this time last year. This time around the Academy line-up has a vast array of new colours for 2015 but minimal tweaks made to the bikes themselves. If you cast your mind back the range was initially a subtly coloured affair – but now there are new decals and fresh Academy logos. Dawes Cycles’ own Gary Conway told BikeBiz that uptake on the range has been good and there will be cyclocross and mountain bike models added to the range later in the year, reflecting Dawes belief in the sub-brand. The range has seen a few spin off accessories too, specially tailored to fit the smaller sized bikes. There’s even a hydro pack for juniors. Academy has been furthering its name by supporting the British Tri Trust – which aims to engage children in triathlon to improve health, self esteem and develop social skills. Dawes’s heritage offering has grown this year with the introduction of the Carnaby, an upgrade from the 30 BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY
popular Duchess model, sporting a steel frame, vintage style fork and Nexus 3 hub. The Duchess models themselves have a wider range of colours this year. The brand new Camden bikes got a few admiring glances at the show, combining classic looks and a fancy paint job for a simple ride, complete with mudguards, an alloy rear carrier and other ready-to-go features.
Dawes is not best known for its road offering, but this time its Giro line-up has been broadened with more expensive models that top out with the Alto Carbon (£1,199.99). The Alto eschews the Dawes head badge and comes in a matt black frame with a dash of red here and there. Other slinky details include a hidden back brake to complete the pared-down road look.
This year the Galaxy line tops out at £2,799 for a titaniumframed build. Another eye catcher at the show was the Classic Galaxy 531. This Reynolds 531 double butted chromoly touring frame comes with old-school fork blades, bar end gear levers and steel toeclip with leather covers. In British Racing Green this £1,799 bike is not shy of standing out and will nicely suit a shop window or two. It’s fair to say that Dawes has been keen to push the boundaries of the Galaxy range lately. This year Galaxy tops out with the Ultra Galaxy Titanium (£2,799).
In another example of Dawes pushing its own boundaries the firm has released a British version of the US cruiser. Sporting a shorter wheelbase and tighter geometry than North American cruisers, the colourful rides are ideal for those making a statement. Speaking of colours, there are plenty more in the MTB and younger bike ranges too, helping show off bikes even in darker shops. As hinted above, Dawes’ accessories have expanded but only
to complement its ranges better with more applicable product, typically for the touring and heritage markets. That includes a universal pannier and a luggage range that now has three items – a rucksack, pannier and shoulder bag. Sticking with bags, Chicago’s Po Campo has been with Dawes for just over six months so was debuting at its show. Crucially, the range was designed as a bag first, then being bike-ready second, overturning what probably 90 per cent of the rest of the trade does. Dawes basket offering has expanded too. Last year there were three options that have now been joined by two lidded versions, which come in a shade more expensive. Basket liners are available through the firm now too. Summing up, to our eyes, the Dawes Cycles range is looking broader than ever, with more tailored, complementary accessories. Dawes covers road, MTB, heritage bikes, touring bikes, British cruisers, tandems and bikes that reach beyond its traditional pricing ranges and apparently a desire to embrace more corners and niches of the industry. www.dawescycles.com BIKEBIZ.COM
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LONDON BIKE SHOW
Chance to ExCeL Innovation, new ranges, test tracks to try them out on and a good few stars thrown in for good measure. Jonathon Harker looks ahead to this month’s cycle extravaganza…
AS THIS issue lands the London Bike Show will be mere days away from taking over a large portion of East London’s ExCeL Centre. Taking place alongside the newly minted Triathlon Show: London (and the Telegraph Outdoor Adventure & Travel Show and London International Dive Show) it’s an event with broad appeal. So what is there to lure the punters in, and us trade types too, for that matter? The exhibitor list tends to be the first place people start whilst weighing up their options, so let’s take a look at a few of the bike names appearing. There are heavy hitters like Cannondale, Boardman, Scott, Giant and Colnago. That’s not to mention the likes of Canyon, Hoy Bikes, Mavic, Raleigh, Santa Crux and Schwalbe. In total there are over 200 exhibitors featured in the halls. BIKEBIZ.COM
MAIN ATTRACTIONS Tri UK will be offering bike fitting to the masses that will be piling into the halls, spreading the good word about getting properly fitted to your bike. Similarly there will be chance for visitors to measure up their individual fitness thanks to the
for road, commuter and electric bikes. Children get their own test track to try out potential new rides. Other trade-relevant features include Cytech’s classic Fastest Wrench competition. The Cycling Performance Theatre, sponsored by British
“Among the 200-plus exhibitors there are plenty of big name brands appearing.” Surrey Human Performance Training Hub for quality one-toone assessments. There will of course be a test track to get those all-important bums on saddles. Backed by Bikes Etc, the 500m track will be available
Eurosport, will no doubt attract a good deal of trade attention too, with a number of respected special guests speaking including Greg LeMond, Manon Carpenter, super Olympian Sir Chris Hoy, Steve Peat and Josh Bryceland.
NEED TO KNOW VENUE: ExCeL Centre, London OPENING TIMES: Thursday Feb 12th: 1pm-8pm Friday Feb 13th: 10am-5pm Saturday Feb 14th: 9am-6pm Sunday Feb 15th: 9am-5pm GETTING THERE: Docklands Light Railway is your best bet. Or bike it, obviously. EVENT URL: www.londonbikeshow.co.uk
BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY 33
LONDON BIKE SHOW
LONDON BIKE SHOW HIGHLIGHTS:
With cycle safety never far from the headlines, CLOCS (Construction Logistics and Cyclist Safety) will run an exchanging places exhibit on its stands, with two vehicles from the Met Police and Cemex on display as well as Mercedes’ new tow-cab tipper, the Econic. If you’re unfamiliar, this exchanging places demo gets visitors into lorry cabs to see just how limited the visual range drivers have is. FEMALE FOCUS The Total Women’s Cycling Awards are following up their debut at last year’s show with a follow up this time around. Taking place at the Cycling Performance Theatre the awards, in association with VeloVixen, is voted for by the general public or judged by women in the cycle industry. Speaking of which, Total Women’s Cycling is backing our Women in Cycling project, listing 100 influential 34 BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY
THE INNOVATION LAB WILL SHOWCASE CLEVER LIGHT CONCEPTS FROM SEE SENSE (TOP LEFT) AND LIGHTRIDER (TOP RIGHT)
women in the cycle world, which we’ll be launching on the first day of the show after the Total Women’s Cycling Awards take place (on Thursday February 12th). INNOVATION LAB Back to more product-based matters, this year sees the
RALEIGH WILL BRING ALONG HAIBIKE ELECTRIC BIKES THE STAGE WILL HOST THE TOTAL WOMEN’S CYCLING AWARDS (FEB 12TH)
transport schemes and the latest in safety equipment, kit, accessories and clothing. In this first year, the BikeBizbacked Innovation Lab will be featuring business-ready tricycles, two different takes on safety lights for cyclists and a cunning new lock product, among others.
“This year sees the launch of the BikeBizbacked Innovation Lab” introduction of the Innovation Lab – an area of the show dedicated to, you guessed it, innovation. More precisely, the Innovation Lab will be showcasing some of the latest innovations in cycling, open to ground-breaking concept bikes, mobile apps, technology, start-ups,
One of those lights brands featured is See Sense. The company’s lights feature an intelligent sensor that detects the environment and monitors how the bike is being ridden. In situations where being seen is very important – such as at junctions – it flashes
more vividly to boost visibility. Light Rider is another light firm making use of the Innovation Lab. The brand, perhaps slightly more familiar to the trade, throws light onto the rider as well as the road, helping cyclists be more visible in the dark. Locksit is a innovative saddle and U-lock combo that aims to boost bike security without riders having to carry extra locks, while Bespoke Tricycles and Bicycles offers vending bicycles designed for businesses to use whether they are a start-up or looking to expand. Outside the Innovation Lab, Raleigh will be among those bringing electric bikes to the show, namely Haibike, Koga and its house-brand over on stand LB30. Raleigh’s own range includes Bosch-driven bikes, while Haibike’s XDURO and SDURO electric mountain bikes feature Bosch and Yamaha technology for off-road BIKEBIZ.COM
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action, whilst KOGA offers ‘refined luxury perfection’ from Holland. Raleigh is also taking the Dahon brand (LB40) and its new vertically folding Qix and Eezz models featuring a new concealed folding mechanism and streamlined frame. Raleigh’s marketing director Geoff Giddings says: “In the past year we have seen significant growth with electric and folding bikes in London and the surrounding counties which is the reason we have a very focused approach for this show, with Raleigh, Haibike, KOGA and Dahon we have an excellent product offering that consumers will be excited to see.” Our spies tell us Bobbin Bicycles will be launching a brand new range at the show, set to be in store as early as March. Meanwhile Rubena (Stand LB500) will have some trade-only clearance offers at the show. The Gaadi
36 BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY
easy-change, open-loop tube launched last year will appear at the show, so visitors will be able to see how the inner tube manages to eliminates the need to remove the wheel when changing a tyre. Gaadi tubes are made primarily for E-bikes, but can be used on any bike with a size range from 20-inches to 29er. Rubena’s portfolio covers MTB and extreme, BMX, road race and city and tour. With over 40 different model names, 40 different tread patterns and almost 50 different sizes. Rubena will appear with UK sole trade distributor Bike Tyrestore (Irish dealers have to trade through JH Cycle Sports). For more on what the London Bike Show has to offer, head to the official site. The London Bike Show runs from Thursday February 12th to Sunday 15th. thelondonbikeshow.co.uk
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ICEBIKE*
© PIC CREDIT : Laurence Crossman-Emms
Break with tradition Seminal trade show iceBike* has a new venue for the first time. Jonathon Harker quizzes Dominic Langan, CEO of Madison and Sportline, on what this means for this year’s edition of iceBike*…
THIS YEAR it is all change for iceBike* with a brand new venue – what led to the decision to break with tradition and move to Arena: MK? What are the advantages of the new location? We had a record breaking attendance at iceBike* 2014 with more brands on show than ever. Since its inception, we have hosted the show in-house at our premises in Milton Keynes, which has always worked brilliantly. But with the numbers we saw last year, and the increased number of attendees and brands expected for 2015 with the Sportline Show being hosted alongside iceBike*, we needed to find a bigger venue, easily accessible to dealers with better parking and accommodation options. Arena:MK, as the one of the biggest venues in Milton Keynes, was the perfect option. BIKEBIZ.COM
Are you expecting to beat last year’s attendance record? We are, and current registrations already suggest this will be the case. With the new and improved venue and with everything under one roof, including the Sportline Show which will be hosted alongside iceBike* for the first time,
Unlike previous years, iceBike* 2015 and the Sportline Show (showcasing leading bike brands including Saracen, Genesis, Ridley, Ridgeback and Adventure) will be hosted at the same venue and at the same time, making everything more accessible to our dealers under one roof. Leeda, the
“It’s not just about product, we’ve placed more emphasis on the seminars. There’s more than there’s ever been.”
this year’s show is certainly one not to be missed. Will iceBike* include Sportline and Madison products together (e.g. bikes and P&A)?
well-established distributor of fishing tackle now running under the Madison and Sportline management team, will also host the first iceTackle* filled with the latest angling products from Leeda
and its associated brands. Although in one location, there will be a clear area for each of the three shows at Arena:MK. The marketing around the show is emphasising the ‘connection and education’ part of the iceBike* package – are you keen for dealers to know it’s not just about seeing lots of new product? This has always been the case, but we wanted to make more of it this year. We have more seminars than ever, more networking opportunities and of course iceBike* wouldn’t be the same without the evening entertainment. The show is going to have the newest and best products in the cycling world from brands such as Shimano, Garmin, Lazer, Park Tool, Thule, Pearl Izumi and many more but it is about education and being BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY 39
© PIC CREDIT : Laurence Crossman-Emms
ICEBIKE*
informative rather than overwhelming attendees. What have you got lined up for entertainment this year? And what about the accommodation details? We have entertainment booked for each evening in local bars and restaurants. Everybody enjoyed what we laid on last year and there is plenty of the same this year, you just need to register at www.icebike.co. uk to find out what we have up our sleeves. As always, we also have subsidised rooms available at partner hotels close to the show space. These are always snapped up quickly, as it is first come first served, so I urge you to sign up as soon as possible to ensure you get the accommodation you need. It’s been 18 months since Sportline was created to handle the bike part of the business: Has the business fully 40 BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY
transitioned now? Do you feel the results have proved it was the right decision? The Sportline business is fully transitioned; it happened very quickly after setting the company up. For our dealers, as promised, it was always business as usual
On paper, 2014 had all the makings of a strong sales year – the UK’s warmest on record, the Grand Depart, Commonwealth Games, etc – was it a strong sales year for Madison and Sportline? 2014 did have all the makings of a strong sales year, and it was. That
“Unlike previous years, the Madison and Sportline shows will be hosted at the same venue at the same time.”
with the same processes and the same point of contacts, just under a new name so the transition wasn’t disruptive. That, along with eliminating any perceived conflicts of interest there might have been, has meant setting up Sportline was the right decision.
said, there are always challenges and we are always looking at how we can improve things to better support our dealers and continue to improve sales year on year. Those who read my monthly column in the Independent and Messenger newsletters will be well aware of how I perceive the
direction of the industry and how things can be done differently to protect it, but mostly that involves doing the basics right and that is an ethos we continue to push at Madison and Sportline. What are your expectations for the next 12 months? Madison has some fast growing brands and we expect this to continue, building a greater market share and setting up a strong sales year for 2015. In 2014, export continued to grow for Madison and Sportline, which will also be pursued for the coming year. We are also planning further investments in IT, B2B, our digital presence and operational infrastructure through the year. This year’s iceBike* runs from February 24th to 26th at Arena:MK. Register for the show at www.icebike.co.uk BIKEBIZ.COM
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SELLE SAN MARCO
BRANILDE PROF
Sitting comfortably? The saddle market has changed drastically in the past few years, with emphasis on the science behind comfort. Mark Sutton speaks to senior product manager Blair Morgan about Selle San Marco’s answers to the age old problem… What incentives are there for retailers to choose Selle San Marco for their shops? For 2015 we have offered a full set of Racing model test saddles (eight in total), which come in a special satchel and a manual version of the new DiMA selector. This itself has a retail value of £960. This is given free of charge to dealers who take one each of the new models. They can mix and match any of the styles (Racing (Ti/Carbon Xslite rails), Carbon –FX (Carbon rails) models. This then puts the dealer on a preferential rate for the rest of the season. Minimum trade value works out to be only £540. There’s a selection of women’s specific saddles being offered too – are you covering sport and leisure cycling? Yes. This season sees the addition of a higher spec version in the Era Racing Model. San Marco refer to their ladies versions as Glamour. This new version sees some upgrades to the Xsilite rails (as seen on the Racing level), a little less Biofoam for a nice weight saving of 50 gram. The Era Glamour standard model is only £48. That said, many female racers do often use a normal saddle and with the DiMA, again we’re seeing that the availability of a wider fit option is generating some interest for that customer. 42 BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY
Vintage styles are making a comeback too? The UK market has always been appreciative of the classic lines of a vintage saddle. Visit a velodrome these days and you’ll see guys with a new Rolls fitted to their carbon track bike. For riders who still want a vintage look, but with some modern components, we have the Urban performance line, which mixes the best of both worlds. Models here include the Zoncolon, and Regale (the one with the rivets). Overall though, sales in the Vintage category make up around
Age: We consider the age as one of the factors in determining the choice of the type of saddle. Sensitivity to Pressure: The perineum is an area rich in nerve endings between the ischial bones whose exposure differs depending on the subjects. High exposure results in greater compression with a consequent reduced blood flow and soreness. Body Type: Determine your body type using the three-macro categories of the classification known as ‘somatotype’. Each one features specific physical
“There’s an industry saddle programme where anyone in the trade can try out Selle San Marco with a 75% discount.” Blair Morgan, Paligap 32 per cent of our total sales. To what extent are SSM looking into the science around sitting in the saddle? DiMA Stands for Dimensional Mesh Analysis and it’s a system that has been around for a few years now. There are no expensive tools or specialist training required and the system takes only a few minutes. In-store we have a manual tool, and Apps for Apple or Android, or a PC tool. The five simple steps are:
characteristics through which every person can easily be identified. Delta Saddle to Handlebar: Your riding position on the bike is a consequence of the difference between the height of the saddle and the one of the handlebar. This value is the handlebar-tosaddle delta and, according to the difference (Delta), it is matched to one of three proposed categories. Ride Style: Choose a Waved saddle if you normally sit against the back and pedal from a fixed position. This profile supports you
if pedalling uphill thanks to the rear part slightly raised. Select a flat saddle if you prefer to make a greater use of the entire surface of the saddle, with frequent movements back and forth. What marketing support is behind the label this year? We have a solid print media campaign built around the DiMA Selector and in February we will be attending the London bike show. There’s also an industry saddle programme where we are offering anyone in the trade chance to buy and try and Selle San Marco saddles with 75 per cent off RRP. This will be running for the month of February and again September. What packages are currently available to stockists? We have several packages on offer to cater for all sizes of dealer and their customer base. Any mix of eight Saddles will get the dealer the Free Test Saddle Kit & Satchel and a discount that’s ongoing for the season. Add another eight saddles and a 2.5 per cent discount is applied on the order, or take 24 or more and get a ten per cent discount on the whole order. Point of sale items are also available upon request, depending on the store’s requirements. www.sellesanmarco.it BIKEBIZ.COM
SUPPORTING INDEPENDENT BICYCLE DEALERS
IBD MARGIN SUPPORT PROGRAMME
FISHER’S COMMITMENT TO YOU GUARANTEED MARGIN PROTECTION To support consumer price match requests from internet retailers
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BIKE EXPO
Trading places With very little time remaining until the revamped Bike Expo opens it doors at Manchester’s EventCity, it’s decision time – should you leave the shop and what return will you get from swinging by the Expo? TOUTED AS a “show for the north”, but increasingly drawing crowds from all over the UK, Bike Expo kicks off on Friday March 20th with a newly introduced trade day. Can’t make it out on the Friday? Not to worry, the show is running until Sunday March 22nd, promising a healthy programme of workshops, features and new product debuts. With brand managers galore in attendance, it’ll not be a bad time to corner any suppliers you’ve been meaning to catch up with. So, without further ado, here’s our pick of the top ten reasons why a visit to Bike Expo could be worth your time and may even help your business generate some extra income this year.
INFO For free trade registration, simply visit www.bikeexpo.co. uk and make sure you follow @ TheBikeExpo on Twitter for all the latest show news. Bike Expo runs alongside Tri Expo, Swim Expo and Run Expo at EventCity in Manchester from 20th to 22nd March.
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1
It’s the first time the organisers have put on a day aimed squarely at trade visitors – it’s free and will feature trade-only deals and previews of the latest products and gear.
2
Take a spin on the Premium Road Test Track, brought to you by Bike Swanky and featuring £250k worth of top-ofthe-range bikes from the likes of Argon 18, DeRosa, Orro and Pyga. Exhibitors for the brands will of course be on hand to discuss availability of stock and territories for your store.
3
Not strictly a business reason, but the Hornbeam Pit Stop bar will provide a space to catch up with other cycling industry professionals.
4
In recent times frontline retail has increasingly been forced to look at other avenues for developing income. One particular area of interest is indoor training, whereby retailers have turned their spare space into a gym of sorts. Wattbike will be exhibiting at the Bike Expo and have in the past helped businesses
deck out their spare space ready for those who train indoors in winter. Not a bad place to start if you’re looking for extra revenue.
5
Considering dipping a toe into the electric market? There’s talk of 2015 being a big year for e-bikes in the UK, so it might be worth trying the latest
“Schwalbe will be giving away a pair of One tyres to the first 20 trade visitors on the Friday.” e-bike technology for yourself on the Electric Test Track. Among the ranks of electrically assisted bikes will be models from RooDog, Juicy Bike, FWG and Oxygen Bikes.
6
Need fresh rubber for your own road bike? Rubber giant Schwalbe will be giving a pair of folding One tyres to the first 20 trade visitors to their stand on Friday 20th March.
7
Bike Expo exhibitors will be unveiling new products for the first time at the Manchester show – for example, the SMP4BIKE saddle range will be showcased for the first time by its UK distributor Dillglove.
8
Again, not strictly business, but it can’t all be all work no play. Want to know how you compare to the rest in the business when it comes to your leg’s output? Why not test your speed in the Rollapaluza challenge.
9
Nutrition experts from USN are set to offer free talks on how to best fuel your customers and effective ways to sell nutrition goods. Cyclefit will also be present for those interesting in developing their bike fitting skills.
10
Being a four-in-one exhibition, visitors will also have the chance to see product dedicated to triathletes, runners and swimmers. If your business has any fitness crossover, or is considering an expansion into triathlon, the Bike Expo exhibitor list packs in the key suppliers from this territory. BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY 47
ZIPP Fisher MD James Browning
Hooked on IBDs
James Browning has been in the Fisher hot seat for a year. Jonathon Harker caught up with the CEO to find out more about the newly launched eye-catching margin support programme… What led to the creation of Fisher’s Zipp Stockist Margin Support programme? It was simple, we listened to the IBDs. They want to range premium brands like Zipp in store and invest their time, expertise and money into floor displays, stock and training. It’s then frustrating when they are hit with price match requests from online retailers which dilute their margins. Without IBD support brands like Zipp will have less strength in the market and we certainly don’t want the UK bike market to become an online only sales channel. Our strategy at Fisher has been to support the IBD channel. We invest heavily in services to support this channel, for example our 20 person-strong IBD sales and customer service team, our B2B platform and our credit terms are to name a few. In 2015 we are launching a number of initiatives which continue to support the IBD and the Zipp Margin Support Programme is the first one. Can you sum up what it offers independent dealers? We want to support the investment that IBDs give to brands like Zipp which is why we chose to fund a programme to ensure that dealers can make a guaranteed margin. It’s pretty simple, if you are a Zipp dealer and commit to range the 48 BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY
product in store, if faced with a consumer price match request from a UK online retailer we will support the request by offering a guaranteed minimum margin. Is it open to all Fisher stockists? The offer is open to all Fisher customers who are Zipp stockists or customers who want to be Zipp stockists and meet the minimum stockist terms.
online-only retailer strategies and we don’t want this to happen to Zipp. UK consumers expect to be able to visit their specialist retailer when investing in premium products. They want access to expertise and ongoing service and technical support. We don’t want to prevent the online sales channel and we do support it, but at the same time we see the importance of having a strong bricks and mortar channel too.
And it is something Fisher is backing with its own cash?
“We’ve seen brands suffer by focusing on online-only strategies.” James Browning Yes this is 100 per cent funded by Fisher Outdoor. The response so far has been great. Dealers are happy that we are listening to them and putting initiatives in place that support their efforts. Why are you trying to protect independent bike dealers? As I mentioned earlier, we need the independent bike dealers to support brands like Zipp, as without them the brands would not be as strong in the UK. We’ve seen brands suffer when focusing on
Are there any similar offers in the works aimed at backing IBDs? Absolutely, last year we launched a Tacx initiative, this year we have Zipp, we already offer IBDs exclusive benefits through our SRAM Platinum Club and over the next few months you’ll see the launch of more initiatives to support IBDs. Do you think any other distributors will see what you’ve done and be moved to offer something similar?
I am sure that other distributors are already running initiatives to support IBDs, and if doing this encourages even more, then that can only be a good thing for the UK cycling industry. And there’s a new Fisher Essentials catalogue coming out. Can you tell us about that? In fact this is another campaign we are launching to support the UK bike retailers. Fisher has been supplying the specialist bike trade since 1934. We built the business by supplying everyday bike shop essentials and now 80 years on we’re still focused on the same principles, ensuring IBDs we have what they need, when they want it and prices they want to pay. We never want price to be a reason to shop elsewhere which is why we are launching our Price Promise, which matches over 800 everyday bike shop essentials. It’s simple, find a product from our Essentials range cheaper and then we’ll credit you the difference. We welcome feedback and will continue to implement new initiatives to support the IBDs. We’re not perfect and sometimes we get things wrong, which can be frustrating. However we are 100 per cent focused on ensuring we deliver a great service to the lifeblood of our industry – the IBD. www.fisheroutdoor.co.uk BIKEBIZ.COM
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GO-RIDE
Go-Ride goes from strength to strength thanks to industry support British Cycling’s youth cycling scheme, which has been sponsored by the Bike Hub levy fund since February last year, had a successful 2014.
The inugural Women’s Tour had special Go-Ride sessions run alongside to encourage new riders
50 BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY
THE FIRST year of Bike Hub’s sponsorship of British Cycling’s Go-Ride programme has proved to be a successful one. Industry support for the programme is paying dividends, getting more kids on bikes. Phillip Darnton, executive director of the Bicycle Association, said: “We’re delighted with the first year of partnership with British Cycling’s Go Ride programme. The diversity of activity, the engagement with over 300 clubs nationally, and the enthusiasm for cycling which Go-Ride generates makes the support worthwhile. We look forward to building on Go-Ride’s success in 2015.” BIKEBIZ.COM
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GO-RIDE
February The Bicycle Association is announced as an official partner of Go-Ride, with the funding commitment helping to extend the reach of the programme, providing even more opportunities for young people to get involved with cycling.
March A record number of attendees join the six national Go-Ride conferences, which provide the 550 delegates with quick-fire updates and a session on The Chimp Model, devised by Dr Steve Peters, one of the world foremost leaders in sports psychiatry.
April British Cycling, working with Access Sport, recruits a Go-Ride coach to develop Go-Ride BMX clubs in London, whilst the first Go-Ride coaching session takes place on the Olympic boards at the (London 2012 venue) Lee Valley VeloPark.
May In celebration of the inaugural Women’s Tour, Go-Ride coaches host girls-only sessions in schools along the route, with some riders taking part in entry-level races at the start and finish lines of some of the stages.
June Molly Pattison, a young volunteer in the South West, is invited by the Prime Minister to carry the Queen’s Baton to 10 Downing Street, as part of the countdown to the Glasgow Commonwealth Games. Pattison was awarded with this opportunity due to her outstanding commitment to developing the sport of BMX for young people.
July With 241 come-and-try events during this month, the Go-Ride Tour provides over 9,000 young people with the opportunity to experience cycle sport, cementing a lasting legacy from the Tour de 52 BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY
France visiting the UK. A group of 26 young riders, who have progressed from the Go-Ride programme, join the first and last 30km of the first three stages of the Tour de France.
August The National Paralympic Day, an annual celebration of the Paralympic movement, is hosted at the Queen Elizabeth Park and British Cycling’s Go-Ride team goes along to showcase some of the grassroots opportunities for young people.
Feb saw the Bicycle Assoc and Go-Ride team up launch
September Over 300 young cyclists get the chance to take part in Go-Ride racing events on the Tour of Britain course, as the penultimate activity on the finish straight before the elite race arrives.
Track star Laura Trott is a Go-Ride ambassador
October The Go-Ride team celebrates achieving the milestone of providing over 10,000 opportunities for young people to don a race bib and take part in a Go-Ride racing event.
November British Cycling tutor Richard Shepherd and Young Volunteer Steph Holmes are shortlisted for the sports coach UK awards. Yvonne Mills, Go-Ride club volunteer, is named the BBC North West Unsung Hero for 2014 and was in the running for the national award at the Sports Personality of the Year awards.
October saw Go-Ride hit a milestone
Young cyclists took part in Go-Ride races for the Tour of Britain
December A number of young Go-Ride volunteers attend a National Talent Camp along with the next generation of athletes to cement future medal success. Go-Ride’s “performance pathway” is shown to be successful, with over 70 per cent of riders representing Great Britain at the UCI Track Cycling World Cup progressing from Go-Ride clubs.
Go-Ride celebrated National Paralympic Day in August
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R a c e - T u n e d
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The Helix Disc sports a combined comfort and race geo and a competition tuned tube-set that’ll satisfy every aspiring enthusiast’s dream. Add routing for hydraulic road disc brakes to the already overwhelming amount of new features and you will lead, not follow, your next group ride.
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BROMPTON
ON UK MANUFACTURING IT’S IN the best place it has been since the mid to late ‘70s. For the first time there is a cross party agreement, including any other party you care to imagine, that making and exporting is good news for UK PLC, both in terms of balancing the books and giving diverse job opportunities to our young children. Not everyone wants to sit at a computer. Some people are more artistic and want to create things. And I think it is very exciting. We have a lot to thank Jaguar Land Rover for in terms of this shift. Anyone in government knows how much tax JLR are paying – it is contributing significant amounts to the government coffers.
The problem we have though, is the resurgence of JLR has occurred over the last six to eight years, and it takes us 15 years or so to create the next generation of engineers. Design engineers, production engineers…so we have this lag between this resurgence of manufacturing and the talent being available. Combined with that the fact that the government is being very sensitive about bringing in talent means that it is difficult to go and get talent from somewhere else. I think that is a threat to continue the growth of the manufacturing sector. It does worry me.
In conversation with Will Butler-Adams “Other Bugger’s Efforts - that’s what OBE stands for, according to Brompton Bicycles’ MD Will ButlerAdams. Jonathon Harker asks the questions…
ON BECOMING AN OBE I AM excited and my daughters are very excited at the prospect of going to Buckingham Palace and meeting a member of the royal family – it should be fun. It’s an endorsement of the Brompton team. OBE stands for ‘Other Bugger’s Efforts’. We posted that earlier on the staff board so that everyone understands this is a team pat on the back. They did all the hard work and I just charged in to take all the glory!
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ON THE USA WE’VE JUST opened an office in New York, opened by a couple of our long-standing staff members – no pressure, but they better kick arse! It is exciting. We took a lease on a cool office with maintenance space in Brooklyn space just near the bridge. Who would have thought it eight years ago [a surge in cycling in New York]. Just try and take the bike lanes away now. The whole of Manhattan would be in uproar. They are loving it. But of course they are loving it, it’s a no brainer. The whole thing is as flat as a pancake – you can wizz up from 12th Street to 4th Street in two seconds flat. It is a no brainer. It is great and just the
tip of the iceberg. And it is happening all over America. It’s an exciting time and it has gone beyond the fact that oil is expensive. So actually the fact that the oil price has gone down and there is fracking going on hasn’t affected that momentum there. I think the greatest benefit of cycling is to your wellbeing. Of course you get there quicker and all that other stuff but you when you shove everyone in the city we all get a bit claustrophobic. So the simple pleasure of getting on a bike – whatever bike – is a lost simple pleasure that makes living in cities more enjoyable. We’ll have happier people in cities if we get more people into it.
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BROMPTON
ON BIKE COLOURS I TRY to get involved in all areas of the business – that’s my job. Unfortunately as the company gets bigger my engagement with every part of the business is less. I am an engineer by background and it frustrates me I don’t do as much engineering as I’d like but I do get heavily involved in the engineering team, finance team, sales and marketing. When I am talking finance the design team don’t want to get involved and when I’m talking marketing the finance team don’t want to get involved but let me tell you when we talk about colour everybody believes they are an expert. The only thing that I do not get involved in at all is colour because every other person has a strong opinion. All that time cooing over colours... I think we have some really great colours – I’m not trying to be negative – I wouldn’t have chosen them because I am not cool and trendy enough. The bikes look great – they are fun and anyone who rides a bike it makes them smile – it is one of those simple things in life. It just makes you happy. If you can have a bit of fun with colours then all the better. Of course in an ideal world we wouldn’t get rid of old colours we’d just put more on top, but there is a limit to how much we can manage at any one time. We are pretty maxed out at about 16.
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ON BROMPTON REACHING BEYOND LONDON LONDON IS still our largest market but we are definitely seeing growth in some of the regional hubs. Oxford is doing well, so is Manchester, Birmingham, York, Edinburgh and arguably – this is a bit contentious – Brompton bike hire is having an impact. Our bike hire scheme has the potential to accelerate interest in our products in new territories. It allows many people to see the Brompton working day after day. Many people are put off by the price. It is a jump because they see the bike as a recreational tool, but we’re an every day mode of transport. Still it is a big jump. With the hubs you can allow someone for £2.50 a day to get one for a week and find out if it is worth it. Then they can be confident in it and justify the investment. And a Brompton is an investment. It will last five, ten 15 years. It is a bloody good investment.
ON BROMPTON ACCESSORIES IT COMES back to fun. I definitely think we need to have more fun with accessories. We have been doing some pootling around with some little wallets over Christmas. We are working with British manufacturers which we love. But what we won’t do is stick our logo on anything we can lay our hands on. We want things that are British made, fun and a bit clever. That makes us amused. To stick a logo on any old thing isn’t fun or clever so isn’t something we will do. From running our own store we’ve realised there is a real market for it. People come back to the store but they’re not coming for another Brompton – the one they bought is going to last them another 15 years. They probably don’t need another helmet, they might need some more luggage – but to have stuff in there for Brompton fans – why not? Just make sure it is nice. You will see things come along bit by bit.
ON ENGINEERING’S POOR IMAGE AND RECRUITING WOMEN IT WORRIES me that the general population seems to misunderstand the word engineer. I am trustee of a charity called Inspiring the Future. We go into schools. We have 20,000 volunteers and bring people from the world of work into schools to explain to them why they are doing all this studying and why it is worth knowing differential equations and why it is relevant to the real world of work. There is a misunderstanding of what the field of engineering is. I still think too often parents influence the careers of children, where children say they want to go into engineering but they saw an engineer who fixed the boiler or sorted out their tyre. That’s perfectly fine, but I am afraid he is not an engineer, he is a mechanic. It’s not doing the industry a great deal of justice and I think there is more work the government can do. There’s nothing to try to highlight what a career in engineering is. I do think we need more engineers and in particular more female engineers. We continue to struggle to recruit women. Half our market are women but most of the bikes are designed by men. We now have two female design engineers but they have been hard to come by. If you are in Taiwan and visit bike companies they are full of women, but not in the UK. It seems a “man’s job”, but actually it is highly artistic, exciting and you need a real sense of user interface and how it is going to fit into people’s lives. Those are absolutely the kind of skills that women would enjoy using, but this perception that it is a boiler suit and a big fat monkey wrench and a bunch of grease guns – that’s still the predominant understanding that is holding people back from knowing what a laugh it is. I mean I make bikes for a living for God’s sake! It’s such fun. If we want to try something we just print it off a computer and play with it, you know – it’s a job! People don’t always see that fun.
BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY 55
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ELECTRIC BIKES
Inventor creates superlight solar e-bike Could the new technology pave the way for another lighter power option for the electric bike market? Solar energy can keep e-bike weights far lower
ALBERT VAN Dalen of the Netherlands has created an electric bike that uses solar energy instead of standard batteries. The Maxun One is a lightweight bike with solar panels large enough to perform well even on semicloudy days, says Van Dalen.
The absence of batteries means that the Maxun One is considerably lighter than most electric bikes, weighing just 17kg. While the solar panels are clearly sizeable, and obviously rely on the weather to a certain degree, the solar cells are anti-reflective and low loss coated
to provide an efficient performance for the bike. Future iterations of the prototype will see the creator attempt to shave another 1kg off the weight as well as introduce a Shimano Alfine Di2 electronic 11-speed hub, a mid drive motor instead of the front
hub motor and a custom made frame with integrated solar panel holders to the bike. The patented bike is not yet for sale. For further details and to see a video of the Maxun One e-bike in action, head over to www.maxun.cc
Peugeot comes to the UK with Moore Large LAST MONTH one of the trade’s largest distributors announced it was rejoining the electric bike market with a new deal. Derby’s Moore Large has partnered with Cycleurope Industries to bring Peugeot bicycles to independent bike dealers. Moore Large told BikeBiz that they believe the e-bike market is about to start showing signs of real growth in the UK. The distributor plans to start gradually 56 BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY
with Peugeot bicycles in the UK and enter the market with the e-bike range with the potential to introduce other ranges as the brand re-establishes itself. Stock is available now and will be shown off at Moore Large’s forthcoming in-house Geared show. For more information, or to arrange a preview, please contact Moore Large’s bicycle sales office on 01332 274253 www.moorelarge.co.uk
As well as its readyfor-market range, Peugeot has dabbled with concept e-bikes
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BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY 57
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ELECTRIC BIKES
Electric folder weighs just 85kg
THE ‘IMPOSSIBLE’ is a slinky super-light folding electric bike recently launched on Kickstarter. Exceeding its $55,000 goal fivefold with 17 days to go (at time of press), the Impossible is technically not a pedal-assist bike as there are no pedals. Read the full story at tinyurl.com/impossibleelectric
BROMPTON E-BIKE “WILL BE READY WHEN IT IS READY” IN AN exclusive interview with BikeBiz, Brompton Bicycles MD Will Butler-Adams has spoken out on the company’s long-held ambition to produce an e-bike. Butler-Adams said: “We are investing money and energy and our life into this project so we want it to become reality.” The boss of the largest UK manufactured bike brand confirmed the company has been trying to produce an electric bike for near to a decade. “It’s probably the most challenging thing we’re developing. We have been trying for eight years, but we have failed to date.
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“We are still trying very very hard. We’ve invested lots of our savings and we are trying to create something which is a delight. It’s extremely difficult. We like things other people tend not to make so we have to make it ourselves, every last bolt, wire and magnet.” Despite the setbacks, an enthused Butler-Adams has high hopes: “It is full of challenges but it is bloody exciting – we are doing something really clever and innovative but it’s not ready yet. It will be ready when it is ready. And we may fail again, but I bloody hope not. But that’s the risk of R&D. It comes with its risks.” There’s more on Brompton on p54.
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RETAIL ONLY THE TRADE’S GUIDE TO SOURCING STOCK, UP-AND-COMING IBDS AND THE VERY LATEST PRODUCTS
RETAIL
STATS
£150M THE TDF: It is estimated that the 2014 Tour de France was worth £150 million to the UK.
Dam-ned if we don’t... OPINION On December 31st, 2014 I finally experienced the feeling of cycling on the roads in complete safety and confidence. It’s taken too long to experience something which should, by right, be available to all of us. As you might have guessed, I wasn’t in the UK, deciding instead that seeing out the year in Amsterdam aboard a hired tandem would be highly preferable to paying for a poor view of London’s fireworks. My first appointment upon my return was with a retailer who asked my thoughts on how frontline independents could grow their businesses going forwards. Like many others he was full of complaint about BIKEBIZ.COM
his trade costs being undercut by online retailers – a point where I could offer little reassurance that things would get better. You don’t need me to tell you that grey imports and discounting appear as strong as ever. As a result we’re seeing more retailers choosing not to stock cycling components in any great depth. In fact, the last three stores I’ve visited
“The time has come for us all to increase our advocacy efforts for the greater good.” have each had one token cabinet of Hope parts each and not much else. Another segment gradually eroding for the IBD. No one wants to be a busy fool price matching towards next to no margin. So, where does that leave the independent retailer? Still etched in my mind now is a recurring daydream of carefree cycing on segregated cycle routes, where
encounters with motorists are mutually respectful ones and almost by design. While not solving any of the aforementioned problems, perhaps one solution to boosted business is to increase the volume of cyclists out there. A retailer can’t influence such a trend though, right? Well, perhaps the time has come for us all to up our advocacy efforts for the greater good. In tow on my tandem was a smiling first timer. “I would never have had the confidence to cycle on the road without you,” said she. Truth is, it was nothing to do with me. Like any other, I too can be nervy on the roads, but with the right infrastructure, concern evaporates and the joy of making a journey on your own steam takes over. My gran could do it and she would, if it were safe by her standards. If you do one thing for your business today, email your MP and councillors and ask them to invest in active travel. If the infrastructure bill passes as is they’ll soon have no choice, so now’s the time to apply pressure. msutton@nbmedia.com
99p HOLLOWAY CYCLES: 99p is the amount the London store has listed itself on eBay for having failed to sell
STORE OF THE MONTH: p62 NEW PRODUCTS: A round-up of some new cycle products available this month.
p64 SECTOR GUIDE: Transport and folding p66 SECTOR GUIDE: Helmets p69 SPOKESMAN: Carlton Reid’s column p86 BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY 61
STORE OF THE MONTH
STORE INFO:
TELEPHONE: 0207 439 9577 WEB: sohobikes.co.uk FACEBOOK: /SOHOBIKESLONDON TWITTER: @sohobikes LOCATION: 26 Berwick Street, WIF8RG OPENING HOURS: Mon-Fri: 8am to 7pm Sat: 12 to 5pm Sun: 12 to 4pm
MTB legend Rob Warner has been key to helping Soho Bikes’ get off the ground
Mucking in In the heart of Central London’s shopping district, Soho Bikes is quietly making a name for itself. Mark Sutton talks to co-founder Nick Hawker about the first six months of business in the capital… AN OFF-road specialist found just a minute’s walk from the UK’s busiest and most polluted shopping mecca. It doesn’t sound like an ideal match does it? Mountain bikers, with their love of the fresh air found at the peak of closely packed topography lines, tend to prefer berms to buses. But there is method in the madness, says co-founder Nick Hawker. “There’s over 8.5 million people in London, some of those have got to be mountain bikers, right?” says Hawker. “There’s a wetsuit shop at Covent Garden, but the diving’s not so great locally.” The store picks its brands with some exclusivity in mind. You’ll find bikes from Cotic, Santa Cruz and Cooper, clothing from Howies, Troy Lee and Swrve and other labels for which the store has a larger catchment area than you might typically expect. It’s a destination store, where customers who know what they want come to buy. Now just over seven months old, many in the business who have 62 BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY
come across Soho Bikes will have read about the involvement of MTB legend Rob Warner. As the commentator for Red Bull’s offroad division, among other roles, Warner’s day-to-day involvement is at times limited, but if it weren’t for a long friendship the business may never have come to fruition.
helped with marketing, telling his 20,000 Twitter followers where to go for a new bike.” Marketing a business in London’s busiest retail postcode is still a challenge, explains Hawker: “In summer we made an effort to tell commuters our workshop was fully equipped to service their bikes.
“Businesses like ours live or die by their service levels.” Nick Hawker, Soho Bikes “Myself and Rob go way back and as you might expect it was him who forged some of the early relationships with suppliers. It helped out hugely when faced with the chicken and egg dilemma of gaining a supplier’s trust before the shop had opened. As it happens, Rob is often on the TV in store commentating on the live showings of World Cup races. He’s also
We’ve been out and about running pop up mechanic stalls on Carnaby Street and a safety event on Oxford Street. These proved popular and gave us a chance to hand out branded saddle covers and flyers to familiarise locals with us.” With two Cycle to Work schemes offered via the store, the team has been keen to promote cycling to local businesses.
“Our staff come from all kinds of cycling backgrounds,” says Hawker. “We were lucky to appoint baristas who enjoy cycling, though that was obviously not the skill they were judged on! The business isn’t entirely focused on the off-road – in fact, we’ve placed all the off-road bikes in the basement showroom. Those customers come to the store knowing what they’re going to buy, so our window displays are commuter-focused to draw in curious passers by. We get a lot of tourists coming in that have seen something they like in the window.” The store front is event-ready, keeping the coffee connoisseurs and London’s post-production industry fuelled during the day. With potential to open up to corporate events in future, the store has tested the water already with the hosting of a Genesis Bikes launch, a presentation of Steve Behr’s work and an Enduro evening. “Businesses like ours live or die by service levels. We’ll always go above and beyond the call of duty.” BIKEBIZ.COM
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RETAIL ONLY
SEND PRODUCT DETAILS INCLUDING A HI-RES PHOTO AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PRODUCT TO… msutton@nbmedia.com or call 01992 535646 for a chat
NEW PRODUCTS This month we take a look at both the beautiful and the practical on the bike front, as well as some new muscle boosting product from Science in Sport...
SEALSKINZ NEOPRENE HALO OVERSHOE Direct to retail: 01553 817990
NO.22 BROKEN ARROW VAM Performance: sales@vamperformance.com
NOW IN stores is Sealskinz new £40 overshoe. It’s a little more than just an overshoe though, with a click-operated, coin cell-powered LED built into a heel pocket that’ll ensure you’re visible for 500 metres. We’ll vouch for it, it’s bright.
JUST LOOK at this thing, it’s beautiful. The Broken Arrow uses cold worked, stress relieved 3Al2.5V titanium tubing to offer an extremely durable frame designed for cross. Durability and ride quality are central to the design, with each frame using titanium
A reflective side zipper is built into an overshoe that is ultrasonic heat taped to add additional water resistance to an already robust garment. Kevlar heel and toe sections add further resistance to pesky scuffing.
SCIENCE IN SPORT WHEY PROTEIN Various distributors
APIDURA LUGGAGE Ison Distribution: 01353 662662
SiS has announced a Whey Protein product for 2015. Each serving contains 22-23g of protein, depending on the flavour, of which there are four; chocolate, strawberry, banana and vanilla. Both one and two kilogram servings will be available.
NEW TO Ison’s stocks is luggage label Apidura – a specialist in touring gear for cyclists. The bike packing brand takes into account low weight, aerodynamics and stability in the saddle with its designs, as well as functionality.
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The formula provides a source of rapidly digestible protein through a mix of high quality whey isolate and concentrate, with amino acid that supports lean muscle growth and maintenance. SiS Whey Protein 1kg will cost £29.99 and 2kg will cost £54.99.
tubing that is double or triple butted by use of a CNC lathe. It’s specced with an Enve 2.0 Carbon Cross Disc fork with a tapered steerer that matches the frame’s 44mm head tube. Quick release front and rear (135mm) axles offer a confidence inspiring ride.
Now in stock, you’ll find saddle packs offering anything from 11 to 17 litre capacity, frame packs for both road and mountain bikes, top tube packs designed for ease of access on the move, as well as handlebar mounted packs in either 9 or 20-litre capacities.
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Find out more at www.selleroyal.com
Freeway Fit With Slow Fit Foam that fits to your body COVER
SLOW FIT FOAM FOAM MATRIX
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This memory foam with slow recovery properties improves weight distribution to handle shocks and vibrations better than traditional foam padding while increasing blood circulation and promoting pressure relief for immediate comfort.
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URBAN BIKES
Hot in the city Cycling for transport is no longer considered wacky, hurrah! So, now the customers are queuing at your door for a cheaper, healthier and all round more logical way to travel, Mark Sutton rounds up some of the market’s latest commuter bike additions…
DISTRIBUTOR: RALEIGH
CONTACT: 01773 532600
BRAND: DAHON
CONTACT: Raleigh: 01773 532600
Raleigh has one of the deepest ranges of urban/hybrid bikes available to bicycle dealers. From the fast commute Stradas, through the versatile and comfortable Pioneers, as well as an extensive range of Classics. The Strada 4 (£550) is a particular stand out model, designed for the modern commuter who wants simplicity. This bike features the SRAM Automatix hub gear which automatically changes gear at 15kph enabling the rider to keep pace with city traffic, but when at the lights changes to a lower gear for a quick start.
Asia’s largest folding bike maker Dahon is now found exclusively with Raleigh, carrying stock of models from 16-inch wheel upwards. Starting with tiny fold up packages, the 16-inch wheeled EEZZ 3-speed builds on the previous Jifo model’s best features and can still be folded in seven seconds thanks to Dahon’s Jiffold folding technology. As with the previous model, this bike also features a vertically hinged folding frame, along with custom designed narrow wheels and drivetrain. The addition of a threespeed Shimano compact rear derailleur increases this bike’s range.
DISTRIBUTOR: UPGRADE
BRAND: TERN
CONTACT: 01403 711 611
You may have glimpsed the new Kinesis UK Tripster ACE at Core Bike, a commuter and adventure build that hits the sweet spot for ride to work sales at £799. Built around an update of the loved Tripster double-butted 6061 alloy frame, it has geometry offering a fast, nimble ride. Six sizes ranging 48 to 63cm are in stock.
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CONTACT: Paligap: 01454 332120
Tern’s 20-inch wheel range starts with the new Link B7, retailing at £325 and every price point is covered up to the rangetopping Verge X20 at £2,230. Most models come complete with mudguards and full accessories for add on sales. Mid-range, the Tern D16 offers a wide gear ratio and Schwalbe Kojak tyres (£640).
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Cycleguard Partnership scheme – sign up today! Keep your customers cycling…… and more importantly keep them cycling with you. Our goal, like yours, is to keep our customers happy, and cyclists cycling. At Cycleguard we arrange insurance cover for thousands of cyclists, and over the past 15 years we have worked hand in hand with hundreds of Independent Bike Dealers just like yourself. Contact us today and find out more about our Insurance Partnership Scheme
Tel
01452 222120
Email cycleguardsupport@thistleonline.co.uk
Cycleguard is a trading style of Thistle Insurance Services Limited. Lloyd’s Broker. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority A JLT Group Company. Registered office: The St Botolph Building, 138 Houndsditch, London, EC3A 7AW. Registered in England No 00338645, VAT No. 244 2321 96.
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URBAN BIKES
DISTRIBUTOR: BICKERTON CONTACT: 2X2 Worldwide: 01827331099
DISTRIBUTOR: BROMPTON
Rolling off the production line and in stock with 2x2, Bickerton Bikes are lookers, with the Junction 1909 sporting a polished aluminium frame with black and silver components, including a tan Brooks B17 Champion saddle and matching Ergon GP1 BioKork grips. Nine gears (33”-95” range) on a drive chain using Shimano Sora derailleur and an FSA Vero 55t chainset are included.
Not known for introducing new model years, instead tweaking a tried and tested classic design every now and then, Brompton has made one significant change for 2015 – new colours. Six new shades have become available; three brights: Berry Crush, Lagoon Blue, Lime Green and three ‘classics’: Vanilla, Cherry Blossom, Tempest Blue. The six new colours will join Black, White, Red, Orange, Racing Green and Turkish Green to make a full range of 13 colours (inc. Raw Lacquer). Eight colours are being removed from the range: Yellow, Sage Green, Claret, Cobalt Blue, Desert Sand, Hot Pink, Apple Green, Arctic Blue (turn to page 54 for more on Brompton).
DISTRIBUTOR: SONIC CYCLES
DISTRIBUTOR: CUBE
CONTACT: 020 7243 2848
Intec is a brand created for the German market, available to IBDs in the UK through Sonic Cycles. With strengths in utility, touring and expedition bikes, the brand’s foundations are in steel frames. The range includes single speeds, hub geared bikes, either Alfine or Rohloff, as well as derailleur models. Most bikes are supplied with hub dynamo lighting systems, mudguards and rack as standard. All bikes are made to order and assembled in Germany and it’s even possible to have the customer’s frame powder coated in Germany to the buyer’s own preferences.
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CONTACT: 020 8232 8484
CONTACT: 0031 103 403505
There are very few pedelecs that bridge the gap between a dynamic everyday utility bike and a modern urban street fighter as the CUBE SUV SL, retailing at £2,699. With its light alloy frame, pure carbon rigid fork and high-spec components it adds up to a versatile pedelec providing a confident and fast ride experience. The sporty Bosch Performance Line Unit, 400Wh Power Pack and continuously geared NuVinci N360 gear hub with fully automatic H-SYNC shifting combine to offer a quite unique drivetrain combination. The SUV SL also gets the perfectly quiet Gates Carbon Drive belt for an almost maintenance-free drive train.
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SI LU C EX VE
Play harder. Ride anywhere. Shop the full range of Vittoria Wheels & Tyres Exclusively at Fisher Outdoor
Road Tyres
Off-Road Tyres
Road Wheels
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Benefits of buying from Fisher Outdoor include: • • • • •
Bricks and Mortar IBD only sales strategy Fantastic pricing across tyre and tube range Stockist pricing on new Wheel range Free Point of Sale Next day delivery
The best place to shop Vittoria in the UK
To find out more or to sign up as a Vittoria stockist, Call the Fisher Outdoor Leisure telesales team on 01727 798345 or visit our website b2b.fisheroutdoor.co.uk BIKEBIZ.COM
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HELMETS
Protect your loaf Whether they’ve been nagged into buying one or have always been a committed helmet nut, there’s a lid out there for customers of all types. Jonathon Harker lists some of those available…
FIVE FACTS ABOUT HELMETS 1. Three-quarters of riders at UK sportive events owned a helmet by one of the top five brands (Bell, Giro, Kask, Met, Specialized). 2. Specialized was the most prevalent brand of helmet worn by female riders at a sample of UK sportives, Giro was the top brand for male riders. 3. The top three helmet brands worn by male riders at UK sportives were identical to those brands worn by female riders; although the brand rank and share varied.
DISTRIBUTOR: FISHER OUTDOOR
DISTRIBUTOR: VELOBRANDS
CONTACT: 01727 798345
CONTACT: 01363 85617
Melon, known for its quirky designs, targets urban sporty types, commuters and kids. It features 12 vents and EPS inner shells. Limar prides itself on super light sporty lids for MTB, road, recreation cyclists, commuters and little ‘uns alike. MTB specialist Troy Lee features raceinspired styling and includes the coveted A1 helmet, only available to Troy Lee stockists.
The Protone is new for 2015 and was developed in collaboration with Team Sky to improve aerodynamics and heat transfer. The advanced helmet has one of the lowest drag coefficients (cx) of any ventilated helmet, they say, and among the fastest rates of heat dissipation too. It takes into account rider posture and behaviour while riding to ensure maximum performance.
4. Female UK sportive riders were most likely to have made their last helmet purchase at an independent bike shop; the online bike retailer was the most popular purchase location for males. 5. Four-fifths of UK sportive riders purchased their helmets from one of the top three purchasing channels: he IDB, an online bike retailer, or a specialty bike retailer chain. (Source: SPORTS MARKETING SURVEYS INC.)
DISTRIBUTOR: ZYRO CONTACT: www.zyrob2b.co.uk Zyro’s extensive helmet portfolio includes heavy hitters like Giro, Bell and ABUS. Kicking off with the latter, ABUS’ Hyban Helmet (£49.99 SRP) is ideal for commuters but also suited for MTB or BMX riders. With ABS hard cover tech and ZOOM precise adjustment the Hyban features a large, integrated LED rear light with 180 degree visibility for increased rider safety. The Bell Super 2R Helmet £149.99 SRP (without MIPS) / 179.99 SRP (with MIPS) has a removable chin-bar and is virtually two helmets in one, ready for long climbs and aggressive terrain riding alike. Giro’s Synthe (£199.99 SRP) is pitched as the pinnacle of road helmet design, combining performance gains of aero efficiency and lightweight with cooling power. The compact form slips through the air with ease across multiple yaw and head angles, and offers greater cooling power.
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HELMETS
DISTRIBUTOR: ONE INDUSTRIES
DISTRIBUTOR: MADISON
CONTACT: One Industries Europe: 01392 366 742
CONTACT: www.lazersport.co.uk
The Evo AM from 661 is a new all-MTB/ trail/enduro helmet featuring increased coverage and three sizes with the Boa FS360 fit. 661 has opted for Contego foam liners, with 15 large vents and a larger comfort liner. The Fidlock magnetic closure is an all-new closure system allowing singlehanded operation of the buckle strap.
The Lazer Blade (£59.99) is amongst the newest in the extensive range, filling a gap in the lineup and featuring tech trickled down, namely a mould based on the Z1. Aside from the Blade, Lazer has something in its extensive line-up for virtually all cycle disciplines, including road, TT, tri, MTB, DH, BMX, urban… the list goes on. Exclusive UK distributor is Madison.
DISTRIBUTOR: SILVERFISH
DISTRIBUTOR: RALEIGH
CONTACT: www.silverfish-uk.com
CONTACT: 01773 532600
THE’s 2015 range sees the Point 5 (£89.95) with an injection-moulded ABS shell, 15 external scoops and vents, padded chin-strap with D-ring closure plus an adjustable, replaceable colour-matched visor. THE also produces the Thirty3 Composite Full Face Helmet (£169). Spiuk’s high-end Dharma Helmet retails at £119.95 and features 20 large vents for cooling.
2015’s flagship Raleigh MTB helmet is the MAGNI trail, featuring cutting edge Conehead tech. ConeHead EPS foam acts like a crumple zone around the head to absorb impact forces and reduces the weight at the same time. It features five-piece double inmould construction and has a deep rear EPS profile offering extended coverage. It weighs 311g (for the medium).
DISTRIBUTOR: UPGRADE BIKES CONTACT: Upgrade Bikes 01403 711 611 Overade’s Plixi folding urban helmet comes in at £79.99 (a new cover/peak accessory SRP is £7.99). Designed engineered in France and EN standard approved, the Plixi helmet has as a genius way of folding to reduce one third in size, making it easy to carry and bag between commute bike journeys and for home storage. In London particularly where many ‘Boris Bike’ journeys are taken without helmets, it’s a goal to introduce more people to this convenience helmet, the brand says. The outer shell is reassuringly tough and injection moulded from ABS hard-shell to take everyday knocks. The inside shell is EPS with a range of comfort and sizing foam pads to cater for all heads 54cm – 62cm across the two helmet sizes. Helmet colour is black or white with a range of coloured covers and peak accessories newly available to dealers.
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Supported by:
TRAD FREE E DAY EN FRI 2 0TH TRY MAR CH
Road ● MTB ● Track ● BMX ● Commuter ● Kids
EventCity, Manchester 20th – 22nd March 2015 Find out more and book tickets at
www.bikeexpo.co.uk A ticket to Bike Expo gives full access to the three other great sports shows running alongside Bike Expo:
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If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to find out more or require additional copies please contact rsetters@nbmedia.com or call him on 01992 535647
In association with
atg training for your future...
ATG TRAINING - HEAD OFFICE Future Centre, Smeaton Close, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP19 8SZ Tel: 01296 737815 Web: www.atg-training.co.uk
ANSMANN UK e-BIKE centre, Unit 12, RO24, Harlow Business Park, Harlow, Essex, CM19 5QB Tel: 0870 609 2233 Web: www.ansmann.co.uk
CYCLEGUARD INSURANCE Southgate house, Southgate Street, Gloucester, GL1 1UB Tel: 0844 826 2297 Web: www.cycleguard.co.uk
CYCLEPLAN The Royals, Altrincham Road, Manchester, M22 4BJ Tel: 08000 92 92 68 Web: www.insure4sport.co.uk/cycleplan proudly presents
BIKE SOUP 55a North Wharf Road, London, W2 1LA Tel: 020 72982784 Web: www.bikesoup.com
BOB ELLIOT AND CO LTD Unit C4 Binary Court, Matrix Park, Western Avenue, Buckshaw Village, Chorley, PR7 7NB Tel: 01772 459 887 Web: www.bob-elliot.co.uk
BUFFERA LIMITED Cranborne House, Cranbourne Road, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, EN6 3JN Tel: 01707 852244 Web: www.buffwear.co.uk
BTR DIRECT LTD 148 Portland Road, Hove, East Sussex, BN3 5QL Tel: 01273 205945 Web: www.btrdirect.co.uk
CYCLING SCOTLAND 24 Blythswood Square, Glasgow, G2 4BG Tel: 0141 229 5350 Web: www.cyclingscotland.org
EBCO 5 Pegasus House, Olympus Ave, Warwick, CV34 6LW Tel: Tel +01926 437700 Web: www.ebco-ebikes.co.uk
DARE2B Unit 8-9 Mercury Park, Mercury Way, Urmston, Manchester, M41 7LY Tel: 0844 811 2939 Web: www.dare2b.com
EVOLUTION IMPORTS 27 Widmore Road, Bromley, Kent, BR1 1RW Tel: 0208 290 0807 Web: www.evolutionimports.
CONTINENTAL North Parade, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, Wales, SY23 2JR Tel: 01970 626777 Web: www.conti-tyres.co.uk
FAT BOY IMPORTS Unit 10, Weavers Corner, Hampson St, Horwich, BL6 7JH Tel: 07966 401165 Web: www.fatboyimports.com
CUSTOM SPORTS CLOTHING LTD Tel: 07875 095 793 Web: www.customsportsclothing.com
FISHER OUTDOOR LEISURE LIMITED 8/9 Brick Knoll Park, Ashley Road, St Albans, Herts, AL1 5UG Tel: 01727 798345 Web: www.fisheroutdoor.co.uk
FROG BIKES Tel: 01784 557300 Web: www.frogbikes.com
HARDNUTZ Unit 8 Rocheview off Millhead Way, Purdeys Industrial Estate, Rochford, Essex, SS4 1LB Tel: 01702 530090 Web: www.hardnutz.com
HOTLINES EUROPE LTD Unit 17 The Loan, Viewforthbank Industrial Estate, South Queensferry, EH30 9SD Tel: 0131 319 1444 Web: www.hotlines-uk.com www.hotlines-europe.com
I-RIDE 7-8B Mid Sussex Business Park, Ditchling Common Industrial Estate, Folders Lane East, Ditchling, Sussex, BN6 8SE Tel: 01444243000 Web: www.i-ride.co.uk
JUNGLE PRODUCTS LTD Unit 3, The Cedar, New York Mills, Summerbridge, HG3 4LA Tel: 01423 780088 Web: www.jungleproducts.co.uk and www.santacruzbikes.co.uk
LEATHERMAN Aynam Mills, Canal Head North, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 7BY Tel: 01539 729573 Web: www.whitbyandco.co.uk
M & J DISTRIBUTORS LTD Unit A, Hanix Buildings, Windmill Lane, Denton, Manchester, M34 3SP Tel: 0161 337 9600 Web: www.mjdist.co.uk
MARA MEDIA Unit 5 Teach na Rosann, Annagry, County Donegal, Rep of Ireland Tel: 353 (0) 74 954 8935 Web: www.maramedia.ie
The BikeBiz Directory 2015 is out now, providing the industry with a must-have guide to the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s retailers, distributors, manufacturers and related businesses. DISTRIBUTION AND WHOLESALE
E-COMMERCE AND EPOS
EVENT ORGANISERS, HOSTING, HOLIDAY AND HIRE
MAVIC Theta Building, Lyon Way, Frimley, Surrey, GU16 7ER Tel: 01276 404870
MEALOR-CLARKE CYCLE SPARES LTD Unit 1, Eastlands Road, Leiston, Suffolk, IP16 4LL Tel: 01728830055/01728605970 Web: www.mealorclarkecyclespares.com
MERIDA BICYCLES LTD Unit 13, Nottingham South and Wilford Industrial Estate, Ruddington Lane, Wilford, Nottingham, NG11 7EP Tel: 0115 981 7788 Web: www.merida.com
MOORE LARGE AND CO LTD Sinfin Lane Industrial Estate, Sinfin Lane, Derby, DE24 9GL Tel: 01332 274252 Web: www.moorelarge.co.uk
MANUFACTURERS
MARKETING, PR AND CONSULTANCY
MEDIA AND PUBLISHING
ORGANISATIONS, CHARITIES AND ASSOCIATIONS
RETAILERS, WORKSHOPS AND MAIL ORDER
SERVICES AND TRAINING
RALEIGH UK LTD Church Street, Eastwood, Nottingham, NG16 3HT Tel: 01773 532600 Web: www.raleigh.co.uk www.cyclelife.com www.diamondback.co.uk
CYCLE SHOW, THE 58 White Lion Street, Islington, London, N1 9PP Tel: 020 7288 6733 Web: www.cycleshow.co.uk
RED CLOUD MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS Delfan, Llangyniew, Welshpool, Powys, SY21 0JS Tel: 01938 810873 Web: www.redcloudmc.com
VELOTECH SERVICES LTD 26-27 Western Road, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, CV37 0AH Tel: 0845 475 5339 Web: www.velotechservices.co.uk
REECE CYCLES PLC 100 Alcester Street, Birmingham, B12 0QB Tel: 0121 622 0180 Web: www.reececycles.co.uk
WALKERS CYCLE COMPONENTS LTD 22 Holywell Road, Leicester, LE2 8SG Tel: 01162 833885 Web: www.walkerscycles.co.uk
SCHWALBE TYRES UK LTD Schwalbe Centre, Hortonwood 30, Telford, Shropshire, TF1 7ET Tel: 01952 602680 Web: www.schwalbe.co.uk
WELDTITE PRODUCTS LTD Unit 9 Harrier Road, Humber Bridge Industrial Estate, Barton-on-Humber, Lincs, DN18 5RP Tel: 01652 660000 Web: www.weldtite.co.uk
SEE.SENSE (LIMEFORGE LTD) Sketrick House, Jubilee Road, Newtownards, BT23 4YH Tel: 02891 800536 Web: www.seesense.cc
WINDWAVE Unit D2 and D3 Heritage Business Park, Heritage Way, Gosport, Hampshire, PO12 4BG Tel: 02392 521912 Web: www.windwave.co.uk
SILVERFISH UK LTD Unit 3C and 3B Woodacre Court, Saltash Parkway Industrial Estate, Burraton Road, Saltash, Cornwall, PL12 6LY Tel: 01752 843882 Web: www.silverfish-uk.com
ZYRO LTD Roundhouse Road, Faverdale Industrial Estate, Darlington, DL30UR Tel: 01325 741200 Web: www.zyro.co.uk / www.zyrob2b.co.uk
cc
PALIGAP LTD Unit 2 Danbury House, Great Western Park, Armstrong Way, Yate, Bristol, BS37 5NG Tel: 01454 313 116 Web: www.paligapltd.co.uk
PARKLIFE (HAVANT) LTD Unit 5, Butterick Building, New Lane, Havant, P09 2ND Tel: 02392 475895
PEAK DEVELOPMENT 2 Flanders Park, Hedge End, Southampton, Hants, SO30 2FZ Tel: 01489 796979 Web: www.peak-uk.com
POWACYCLE Akhter House, Perry Road, Harlow, Essex, CM18 7PN Tel: 01279 821243 Web: www.powacycle.co.uk
SQUIRT Unit 10 Quadrum Park, Old Portsmouth Road, Peasmarsh, Surrey, GU3 1LU Web: www.in2dust.co.uk
THE CYCLE DIVISION Unit 27 Gatehouse Enterprise Centre, Albert Street, Lockwood, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, HD1 3QD Tel: 01484 456137 Web: www.thecycledivision.com
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BikeBiz is keen to publish your opinions, whether you send them via email, Facebook, Twitter, BikeBiz.com or post…
Straw Poll: Show business
The Mighty 14 RRP £19.99
MEH
STAR COMMENT
NO
This month the lucky winner will receive a precision engineered tool for on the go and workshop use, for a wide variety of repair tasks
YES
69.81% - Yes, it would save time, effort and cash if all the early year trade shows were in one place 20.75% - No, I like having lots of separate trade shows to attend
@bikebizonline
9.43% - Meh, I’m not bothered either way
THIS MONTH we asked whether the trade diary was a little too crammed at the start of the year and if there was room for a single big trade show in the first quarter of the year, rather than the current situation of having multiple shows over multiple locations on different dates. We asked: “Would the industry benefit from one big bike trade show at the start of the year (instead of multiple shows around the country)?” While you could argue we were biting the hand that feeds us by asking the question, we predictably got a good number of responses to the poll, and quickly too. However slightly less predictably, the results weren’t quite the landslide that you might have expected. The majority – 69.81 per cent – said they were in favour of compiling the early year trade shows into one event, in one place. One respondent was not confident, putting it succinctly: “Never gonna happen!” But the naysayers were perhaps in larger numbers than we expected, with a fifth of respondents happy with the current situation of having lots of separate trade shows to attend. One of those not in favour of a larger combined trade show in Q1 said: “Lots of shows is a sign of
healthy competition! If there was only one can you imagine how much it would cost for a pitch?” Another reader had a salient point to make about the dangers of a single show: “If you have one show it will likely be in the South or Midlands – not ideal for the rest of the UK to get to.” However, just under a tenth of respondents weren’t bothered either way. One of whom had this to say: “There is no use for a trade show in Jan. Business has been done months before that. Increased orders in January have delivery lead times running up five to six months. But the time this lands in the shops, the next model year is released.” Several respondents named Core Bike and the Bike Place in their comments. One reader said: “The Bike Place and Core should come together at Silverstone. Let’s face it, most customers travel to both anyway and the Silverstone site is very suited for a large trade show with ample space and parking.” Notably, that was an anonymous comment. Another added: “It’s a good opportunity for us in the industry to meet up with each other as well. There’s very little networking that goes on in our industry.” If you missed your chance to have your say you can at BikeBiz@nbmedia.com
“The saga continues... Increasing numbers question why @ BrianCookeBeck still holds ANY position at @TFL. Disgraceful. http://www. bikebiz.com/news/read/tfl-boardmember-wants-motorists-to-pay-directlyfor-road-improvements/017346 …” (@tomstaniford) “#cyclist January shows worst figures for cycling fatalities in 7 years http:// www.bikebiz.com/news/read/januaryshows-worst-figures-for-cycling-fatalitiesin-7-years/017354 … Could the bad state of our roads be a blame?” (@joeplu) “Souvenirs anyone? >> Yorkshire littered with Tour de France decorations, claims company http://www.bikebiz. com/news/read/yorkshire-litteredwith-tour-de-france-decorations-claimscompany/017356 …” (@gazza_d) “This ass cracker of a saddle [Essax Shark Saddle] has to be a joke... http:// fb.me/7dzWJLVdM” (@TRAFIK_LA)
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BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY 83
OFF TRACK
IN THE SADDLE I N
A S S O C I AT I O N
W I T H
NUMBER CRUNCHING It’s been a busy ‘ol month stats wise, with Strava revealing plenty about enthusiast habits. Keep an eye on BikeBiz.com for much more.
f i ’z i : k
Peter Marchment, ITS Cycling What bikes do you own and where do you ride them? Too many to fit in my flat! Most of the time it’s my Merckx EMX-5 road bike, which I’ve had for a few years. I’m living in London now, so it spends a lot of time in Richmond Park, but my favourite riding is done when I get to go home to the Isle of Man. There’s a beautiful climb called Tholt-y-Will, the bottom looks almost like an alpine valley road, but at the top it becomes this stunning exposed heathland. Tell us about ITS, it’s a family business run by cyclists? Exactly. I started ITS Cycling as a B2B business last summer, and my brother Tom joined in August, so we now run the business together. We also try to make sure everyone working here feels a part of the family too. And by that I mean it’s not just us two making the decisions – everyone gets together regularly to look at where the business is going and decide what we’re going to do as a group. You’ve a few new labels now in stock with ITS? Yes, we’ve recently started distributing Fibrax’ range of brake and cable spares and the whole suite of Weldtite brands – Dr Sludge, TF2, Cyclo and Dirtwash. Along with our in-house ITS Cycling Tubes and Glo Cycle Lights, this gives us a great core of brands that suits not only IBDs, but also cycle repairers and shops who just want to carry spares. There’s a number of incentives to buy via ITS over competing distributors – what are these? The biggest one is free carriage on orders over £50, which as far as we know is the lowest in the business. We really want to make things easier for smaller retailers or businesses like cycle cafes. We can also arrange named day delivery and Saturday delivery at no extra charge and our courier provides a one hour delivery window with SMS updates. How can retailers take out an account with ITS? Easy, they just need to give us a call on 01403 711813 and we can set them up and can take a first order straight away. Alternatively, there’s an application form at www.itscycling. co.uk/trade.
84 BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY
16,0 0 0
Cycling The London r 16,0 0 0 ve o k o to Campaign organised n o g in cl people cy it the k a 14, m ing rides in 20 e fr v ider of e biggest pro . n o nd rides in Lo
54%
Fair weather cyclists? Strava stats revealed that commutes drop a staggering 54 per cent in winter over the summer in the UK. Average commuter speeds (26km/h) surpassed those of the leisure cyclist’s average.
676,000 According to new research from the University of Cambridge, inactivity is killing twice as many people as obesity in Europe. Inactivity causes 676,000 deaths a year, while 337,000 deaths were down to carrying too much weight
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OFF TRACK
THE ONLY WAY IS TRAFALGAR Entries are now open for Ride the Trafalgar Way, a new UK sportive offering four routes on October 17th. Honouring the famous battle of 1805, where news of Nelson’s death and the British Navy’s victory were ridden by horse drawn carriage from Falmouth to London, the sportive covers the same route. Solo rides and a 24 hour non-stop team challenge are all incorporated. More info at ridethetrafalgarway.com
Daniel Gillborn, Director
CYCLESCHEME: THE THIRD METHOD OF TENDER Over 500,000 bikes have now been sold through Cyclescheme. That’s half a million bums on seats, more than five times the capacity of Wembley stadium and equivalent to the entire population of Bristol. 65 per cent of Cyclescheme customers tell us that, had it not been for the savings offered by the scheme, they wouldn’t have bought a bike. Broadly speaking, then, 325,000 people have been converted into customers for IBDs thanks to Cyclescheme. What’s even more important to consider is that there are approximately 26 million PAYE individuals in the UK. Most of these people are not already cyclists. Most will never have set foot in an IBD. Along with cash or finance, Cyclescheme is your third method of
tender. When a customer walks into your store, consider what is the best option for them, and for you. What will help this customer get what they need and spend as much as possible while they’re at it? Finance can be daunting, and a cash sale usually comes from a customer who has already made the decision to buy. Cyclescheme can be that final little push an ‘on the fence’ customer needs to take the plunge. £1,000 to spend, 12-months to pay it off and a saving of at least 25 per cent – what’s not to like? Don’t forget, you can check if an employer is signed up to Cyclescheme using the Cyclescheme B2B. Simply log into your account and search. If you’re not a Cyclescheme retailer, visit www.cycleschemeb2b.co.uk to find out more.
Daniel Gillborn is director of Cyclescheme, the UK’s leading provider of tax-free bikes for work. You can reach him on Twitter @cycleschemeltd
IN THE PINK
QUOTE UNQUOTE For more on these stories, head to www.BikeBiz.com
“Cyclists as cyclists pay virtually nothing toward road funding...” Brian Cooke, a Transport for London board member. We give up...
The 2015 Giro d’Italia Maglia Rosa jersey was unveiled at the Pitti Uomo Men’s Fashion Fair held in Florence last month. Produced by Santini, the jerseys have been designed by Italian fashion house Lebole – with a natty master tailors tap measure printed on the sleeve. The jerseys are available exclusively from Fisher Outdoor Leisure, contactable on 01727 798345.
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BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY 85
LAST WORD
Wear down the walls It’s a bit weird – the contradictory status of cyclists in the UK, that is, argues Carlton Reid. LATE LAST year the word MAMIL made it into the Oxford Dictionaries: the status of cycling isn’t quite as fruit-loopy as it used to be. But we’ve still got a long way to go before it’s considered perfectly normal in the UK to arrive somewhere by bicycle. Here’s an example of this cultural blockage in action: my football-mad 15-year old daughter recently qualified as a FA referee. She relies on “mum’s taxi” to get to matches. Some of the games coming up are quite close to where we live so I suggested Hanna might want to cycle to those. “Why would I do that?” she countered, adding in a teenager’s best mocking tone, “If I saw a referee arriving and locking up a bike I’d laugh. Everybody would. I wouldn’t be taken seriously if I was seen cycling to a match.” This is a girl who has been brought up in a virulently cycle-friendly household yet she equates cycling-as-transport as “odd”. In certain geographical pockets – central London, for instance, or Cambridge – cycle use is booming but elsewhere cycling-as-transport struggles to get more than two per cent modal share. Motor-centric infrastructure is partly to blame for low levels of cycle use but Hanna’s disparagement of cycling has got nothing to do with unsafe roads and everything to do with general social attitudes. She’s been cycling on roads since she was a tot so isn’t scared of traffic. Anyway, as North Tyneside is blessed with a network of cycle routes converted from coal-era waggonways she could get to many of her matches on trafficfree routes, but she has soaked up
Changing attitudes to cycling (as transport) appear to be glacially slow...
“Hanna has soaked up mainstream antipathy for transport cycling, including from her friends.”
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86 BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY
mainstream antipathy for transport cycling, including from friends. Cycling is categorised as s something only for health freaks or treehuggers. Anti-cycling attitudes are barriers that we’ll have to tear down if we’re to increase use – and sales – of bicycles. “Tear down” is too melodramatic. It smacks of revolution, and Brits aren’t terribly fond of revolutions. “Wear down” would be more appropriate and, as the term suggests, it’ll be a glacially slow process. I’ve been banging on about bicycles-for-transport for 30 years and have definitely seen a positive shift in attitudes over that time but in whole population terms we’re still nibbling at the edges. For all of the bicycle’s recent renaissance there are episodes that make you wonder if anything’s
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changed at all. Take politicians (please do). Many are dinosaurs, addicted to the influence and cash from the fossil fuel industry, and before we get to Dutchstyle acceptance of the cultural worthiness of the bicycle we’ll no doubt see many examples of politicians pandering only to those in cars. “Hardworking families” wouldn’t be seen in anything else, you’d be forgiven for believing. Take the recent spat between the Tories and Labour over which would spend least on cycling in the next parliament. A press statement from shadow chancellor Ed Balls blasted Tory claims that Labour would spend money on cycling as “nonsense.” The BBC Ten o’clock News coverage on the “dodgy dossier” outburst treated “spending money on cycling” as a joke expenditure. Transport ministers hate being called “minister for cycling” partly because of a ‘70s satire that still has the power to harm. The title is feared to be too close to the “ministry of silly walks”. They’re national treasures, but where active travel is concerned Cleese, Palin and the other Python’s have a lot to answer for (the Bicycle Repairman was also a figure of fun). It just so happens that Hanna *will* cycle to some of her local matches because the economic incentives are too compelling (she keeps more of her refereeing fee if she doesn’t have to give some of it to mum for the petrol), but by doing so she’ll be rebelling against the cultural attitude that driving everywhere is the “normal” thing to do.
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NEW VENUE, ARENA:MK MK Dons Stadium Milton Keynes with ample free parking on site An exciting change for iceBike* 2015 is the new venue – Arena:MK, MK Dons Stadium, Milton Keynes. Last year’s edition of iceBike* saw record breaking numbers visit the show and that is expected to increase, once again. This 4,500-seat multi-purpose space is the perfect setting for the trade show and will be filled with the latest products and best brands from Madison and Sportline.
iceBike* Accommodation Subsidised rooms will be available at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, next to the iceBike* venue. As always, there will be a £50 charge per person, per night. DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Stadium Way West, Milton Keynes, MK1 1ST. For more details visit: www.icebike.co.uk
Talks and Presentations ? Madison Genesis Team Launch ? Pearl Izumi Tour Series 2015 ? Park Tool Mechanic Masterclass with Calvin Jones ? Online Expert: Making the most out of the Internet ? How To Compete Online – Social Media, Search & Strategy
Transport to iceBike* Extensive on-site parking is available at Arena: MK and the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel (next to the arena). The car parks are free and well marked out, for more details and directions by car, rail and air visit: www.icebike.co.uk/directions
For more information visit www.iceBike.co.uk