Issue 66 | July 2011
EDITORIAL
Issue 66 | July 2011
NEWS 4-6 CHAIN REACTION 12
Big changes at Storck Raddar as the firm eyes growth, while Pure Distribution starts up with the Answer brand...
RED OR DEAD LAUNCH 26
EVENTS 66
BICYCLE ASSOCIATION AGM
19
Jonathon Harker reports on the changes at the top of the Bicycle Association and its projected future course...
“Modest loans to small businesses can often be crucial and can be the proverbial acorn from which the mighty oaks are grown...”
FOCUS ON… 22 BIKE HUB BikeBiz recounts the past, present and documents a little of the levy’s future plans
16 ZYRO SPOTLIGHT
14 MYSTERY SHOPPER
BikeBiz Award winning distributor Zyro is profiled on page 16
Our man of mystery tours Ashford in Kent and discovers that nobody’s home...
2 PURE COMPETITION Get your hands on all the latest Crank Brothers awesomeness in this competition, including the new season Cobalt wheels...
CHARGE LAUNCH 2012
ICEBIKE IN FOCUS
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29
REGULARS DEALER PROFILE
46 LETTERS
Red Planet Bikes of Swindon discusses its faith in UK brands, bike fitting and more...
PEOPLE
42
New shop hopeful writes to BikeBiz with questions on turnover – can you help?
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SPONSORED BY
Katrin Engel returns to the bike business thanks to her appointment by Endura
NEW PRODUCTS
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Find out what’s new, which firms import the product and when it’s available over on page 54
WHO’D BE a banker? These days they are numbered among the least favourite professionals, next to estate agents and, ahem, journalists. The tax payer bail-out of several banks at the height of the recent economic crisis has much to do with that, as do those hard-to-imagine big bonuses. But most recently banks have been under the spotlight over their promise to lend more to small businesses. Four banks signed up to the agreement – the quizzically named Project Merlin – committing them to lend more money in 2011. Last month they were judged on their pledge and it was revealed that they missed out on hitting their target of lending at least £19 billion to small and medium enterprises (instead lending £16.8 billion). The bad news was compounded with reports that the cost of credit is rising, furthering the financial woes of those requiring loans, overdrafts and the like.
SPOKESMAN
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Carlton Reid suggests kids will become adults before UK infrastructure is perfect for cycling...
In a trade full of small and medium businesses, the bike industry will certainly be feeling the effects of this. While it is hard to judge to what degree that is the case, it’s worth remembering that modest loans to small businesses can often be crucial and can even sometimes be the proverbial acorn from which mighty oaks are grown. One such ‘oak’ is Chain Reaction Cycles. Celebrating its 25th year in business, the firm is one of the biggest cycle retailers in the cycle industry globally. But back in 1984, when it was setting up shop in Ballynure, Northern Ireland, it was with a £1,500 bank loan that the firm established itself. And from that ‘acorn’ the firm went from strength-to-strength to become the huge company it is today, with over 300 members in the CRC ‘family’. With credit for small businesses often a crucial factor in success, news of rising lending costs and missed load targets have an impact, probably largely unseen and unreported, but an impact nonetheless. Is the next Chain Reaction being given chance to get started by the banks? Do you know of any burgeoning bike businesses struggling to get affordable credit? I’m extremely keen to know, so let us know in the usual places. I’m contactable on jonathon.harker@intentmedia.co.uk
Jonathon Harker, Editor
NEWS
CYCLE SHORTS Bike shop for sale A North London-based busy bike shop is for sale. On the doorstop of a Cycle Superhighway, the shop has been established for over 20 years and has an excellent loyal customer base. The shop front has recently been refitted with over 12k of work including a new shutter, sign and more. Contact pw.jenkins@btopenworld.com for more details.
Marwi contacts Marwi’s product range, including the disc brake pad featured in last month’s BikeBiz, is available via three distributors: The Cycle Division Ltd (0845 0508500), Reece Cycles (0121 622 0180) and Coyote Sports (0161 727 8508). You can find out more about Marwi’s wide product range at www.marwi-eu.com.
Storck Raddar UK on the move New website launch with secure online trading functions goes live 1,500 square foot facility overlooking the River Tyne is the firm’s new home by Mark Sutton STORCK RADDAR UK has moved into a new, larger office space in Gateshead, Tyne and wear. The new 1,500 square foot office is a modern contemporary suite overlooking the river Tyne with latest Storck Raddar pedelec
bikes and Storck Hybrid bikes displayed on the first floor open plan showroom with open pitched roof. On the ground floor is an accommodating reception area with sofa, coffee tables and ‘hang out area’, plus high tech workshop for dealer staff training and custom bike building.
Ian Hughes, Storck Raddar UK
Halfords make steady financial progress Preliminary results for the year to April 1st show that Halfords has raised its group revenue by 4.6 per cent, while adding value to shares. Little mention of cycling was made in the report, which focused largely on the expanding autocentres business.
Hertz begins renting out E-bikes Rentals firm Hertz has begun loaning out a fleet of Ultra Motor electric bikes from its Marble Arch branch. At £20 for a full day’s hire, this undercuts the Barclays Cycle Hire by a whopping £30.
Specialized follows Trek’s lead in carbon recycling Specialized has joined the few bike brands offering to recycle carbon, encouraging other brands to commit to doing the same. Bryant Bainbridge, formerly involved with Nike’s eco-efforts has been hired to oversee the efforts.
For breaking news visit:
www.bikebiz.com 4 BIKEBIZ JULY
“Even Markus and Helena Storck got in our our photoshoot to populate the new site...”
SiS reveals sales boosting POS New packaging revamp simplifies nutrition messages and explains most efficient use of product lines by Jonathon Harker SCIENCE IN SPORT has launched a number of initiatives to boost the brand’s retail sales, including new packaging, POS, and giveaway DVDs featuring cycle stars. SiS’ educational DVDs – including ‘Full gas with Fabian Cancellara’ have been given away with 50,000 magazines, designed to cement the brand’s credibility and emphasise it’s endorsement by riders in the pro tour races. GO Electrolyte Green Tea and Lemon, Smart 1 Drink and Blueberry and Redberry GO Bars have recently joined the SiS 2011 range of GO electrolyte, GO Gels and REGO recovery products. The brand, designed and manufactured in Lancashire, said it was committed to keeping
cycling at its heart, with SiS’ own sales representatives on hand for pull through and sales support activities.
“Science in Sport has worked closely with our team, ensuring we can sell with confidence...” Neil Manning, Condor Condor Cycles is one of the firms currently working closely with SiS. Condor Production director Neil Manning said: “Condor Cycles have always looked for the best available
products on the market for its customers. When Science in Sport introduced the original PSP22 powders, we were proud to be the first SiS retailer. Since that day SiS has remained our number one energy brand, despite so many having competition from other players in the market-including many body building brands. “Science in Sport works closely with independent retailers, like Condor, and offers good training support on new products so our sales team can sell the products with confidence.” SiS product is available to the trade through Madison, Bob Elliot and Moore Large. Bob Elliot: 01772 459887 Madison: 0870 034 7226 Moore Large: 01332 274252
BIKEBIZ.COM
NEWS
To coincide with this move, the firm has also launched its new website, which has been designed by Ian and Trevor Hughes and built by local web architects Boxmodel. Working alongside pro snapper Paul Smith, the firm has put together a fresh-looking website with stunning imagery for its bike catalogue. Ian Hughes, MD at Storck Raddar, told BikeBiz: “I’m really happy with the images Paul has created from
the initial brief. Even Markus and Helena Storck got in on the photo shoot with great results. Trevor has brought valuable communication skills from his previous job at Orange telecom to help develop a Storck Raddar community." Storck Raddar UK’s new address is Storck Raddar UK Ltd. 10 Keel Row, The Watermark, Gateshead, Tyne and Wear. NE11 9SZ. The telephone line is 0191 493 2654
Scammers target both retail and distribution Bold, have-a-go thieves place order assuming retail details, before attempting delivery interception or pick-up by Mark Sutton
Science in Sport wants customers to be left in no doubt of the purpose of each nutrition product
AS REPORTED on BikeBiz.com during June, a cunning group of scammers has become prolific in the last month, attempting to order large hauls of bikes assuming the details of retailers, including the likes of chain store Hargroves Cycles. Since our report it has emerged that Dales Cycles, Split Second Imports, Merida and others have received similar false orders. Luckily due to the nature of the scam, BikeBiz has yet to receive report of anything other than “very close calls.” Allan Doyle of Dales Cyles said BikeBiz retailers and distributors alike should be on the lookout for suspicious delivery and pick-up requests. He said: “We had an incident through Merida where someone
claiming to be us tried to order a significant number of bikes from them. This order got
“Somebody called Merida, claiming to be our store with a significant order...” Allan Doyle, Dales Cycles perilously close to dispatch before it was picked up by all parties concerned.” Doyle explained that the scam, also reported to have affected Saddleback, Dawes and Falcon Cycles, works by the fraudster assuming a shop
manager’s name, often found on websites and placing false orders “to be picked up in person, because of urgency issues”. Dan Haynes of Split Second Imports confirmed that the distribution business had also smelled a rat using similar tactics. “Although it was a while ago, I can confirm that Split Second were targeted by a fraudster in a very similar way described in your online story. Purporting to be from one of our large online BMX retailers, the man was looking to place a large bike order and collect in person as ‘he had a van in the area tomorrow’. We knew it sounded suspicious as it was from a mobile.” If you have a similar warning to share with others, email mark.sutton@intentmedia.co.uk
NEWS
Pure Distribution opens for business Own-brand framesets and Answer goods the first to find a home under Pure Distribution label Owner Rich Townsend pushing brand on race circuit with sponsored riders in BMX and road
“Pure should end up having a high-end offer for each race sector...” Pure’s race BMX frame with Answer Dagger fork
by Mark Sutton PROFESSIONAL BMX racer Rich Townsend has set up a new distribution business carrying both Answer racing products and own-branded Pure Bicycle Co. framesets. Townsend's UK designed, Italian-built Pure framesets span a number of sectors, from road, race BMX, four-cross, through time trial and more. Making use of tried and tested Dedacciai tubing throughout the line, Townsend told BikeBiz that Pure aspires to "have a high quality product in each race sector, designed and tailored to the racer who will only run the very best products on the market."
It's not just super high-end gear available via Pure though. The 7000 series aluminium road frame and fork package is a highlight, costing just £499 at retail. Availability for most of the Pure line is expected to be mid July, though pre orders are being accepted at present. Titanium frames are expected shortly too, though Pure asks that enquiries for these be made on an individual basis at present. Answer, one of the larger brands on the BMX race scene, has a key product in this season's catalogue in the form of the 'Dagger' fork, described by Townsend as "one of the big three in the market and the most high-end of those choices." At £259, the Expert fork comprises high-
density 4k woven carbon legs and a 7075 steerer tube. Kid's pro-level race goods will also be imported via Pure, which has a variety of handlebar's within its catalogue, most notably the Mini and Expert Carbon at £80 and £110 retail price, respectively. The distributor has made bold moves in pushing the brand name on the race circuit, with 11 professional riders riding Pure's BMX product on the track, while Ria Goodwin, the 17 to 24 ladies world champion will be competing this season aboard Pure RS and TT builds. Pure Bicycle Company is contactable on 01582 882919, or via email on purebikeco@hotmail.com.
Clarks opens dedicated UK service centre by Mark Sutton DUE TO the growing demand for its disc brakes at both OEM and aftermarket, Clarks Cycle Systems has opened a UK service centre. With products such as the Skeletal hydraulic brakes selling well and the development of the 'Elite' and components ranges, the manufacturer is inviting dealers or consumers with any queries to get in touch with the UK based team. Paul Toon, product designer at Clarks, told BikeBiz: "We see this as a vital area for after sales service and reflects our commitment to our customers and products we supply. To that end we will also offer a selection of spare parts for direct purchase, if needed."
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“We see this as a vital area of after sales service...” Paul Toon, Clarks
BIKEBIZ.COM
W O N R E T S I G E R PRE iceBike* July 2011
iceBike* July is back! Following the popularity of last years July event, we are pleased to announce that registration is now open for this years show! iceBike* combines all the smaller previously held mid-year, next season launch events, into one bigger ‘must attend’ event, held at our Milton Keynes distribution centre. Bikes: The new 2012 ranges from Saracen, Ridgeback, Genesis & the new ‘ready assembled’ Adventure range Apparel: Spring/Summer 2012 ranges from Pearl Izumi & Madison. New ranges from Shimano, PRO, Giro & Bell. Parts & Accessories: The must have winter essentials from Blackburn, Electron, Light & Motion, Elite, CycraGuard, Respro & Hydrapak, as well as a wealth of new products from GoPro, Easton Moutain Products, Shimano, OGIO, Pacific Outdoor Equipment, Profile Design and many more... Tuesday 19th July: 9.00am - 5.00pm Thursday 21st July: 9.00am - 5.00pm
Wednesday 20th July: 9.00am - 5.00pm (mass participation ride all invited) Friday 22nd July: 9.00am - 5.00pm
extra dates added due to demand Monday 25th July: 9.00am - 5.00pm
Tuesday 26th July: 9.00am - 5.00pm
for more information and to register visit
www.icebike.co.uk
Are proud to announce the launch of their new P&A range! s IBD exclusive s 70% margins on initial buy in deal s Core range offering both quality and value s Buy from a supplier you already know and trust s Supports and enhances brand awareness s 0UNCTURE RESISTANT -4" s 0UNCTURE RESISTANT 2/!$ s 0UNCTURE RESISTANT (9"2)$
only £14.99 rrp
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only £9.99 rrp s MM !24 APPROVED shacklelock
only £24.99 rrp Good stocks available and easy to order on our New B2B site!
For more details call Melanie Bailey on 01652 656000 EXT 699 or melanie.bailey@falconcycles.co.uk
Falcon Cycles Division PO Box 3 Bridge Street, Brigg, North Lincolnshire, DN20 8PB
BIKEBIZ AWARD WINNERS | ZYRO
Winning ways With this year’s BikeBiz Awards now announced for September, we continue to speak to last year’s winners. Jonathon Harker tracks down Zyro’s co-founder Simon Ellison and marketing manager Jane Watson... How does it feel to have another BikeBiz Award in the trophy cabinet? SE: We are extremely proud of our achievements and our team. It is true recognition of everyone’s hard work. It’s also a big achievement for a private enterprise to be recognised like this. You picked up a number of brands this year, including Tifosi and Bryton. Any more signings on the horizon? SE: Tifosi and Bryton were immediate hits and Tifosi is now reaching its potential. You expect some brands to take time to bed in, but these have been real winners from the off and complement two key gaps in our prior portfolio – GPS and sunglasses. We take time to find the right partners and are certainly not in the business of adding brands and growth purely by brand acquisition. We are always talking to brands, but there must be a real strategic fit and we must believe we can make a real difference to any new brand we partner up with. We work hard for long-term partnerships, but again we are certainly not on a mission to add brands for the sake of adding brands. Tortec, for instance, is a home-grown brand and will be a key asset in our firm’s future. Like Altura, which has grown from strength-tostrength, we will continually invest in these whilst the growth is there.
How have sales been this year? Last September Zyro said it would grow sales in excess of £50m in the next three to four years. Is that still the target? SE: Yes, we’re still on track. Have you seen any trends over the first quarter of 2011? Any unexpected products/sectors growing? SE: GPS and sunglasses have been fantastic, even more so as new categories for us. PowerBar has grown astronomically once again after its best ever year in 2010. We are set for a great Tour Season and the buying started early in January despite the poor weather and economic conditions here in the UK. Altura has again been amazing with a best ever spring/summer sell in too, beating expectations in certain categories. It sounds like it’s a bit of a transition year for Altura following the rebranding. How is that going? SE: This has undoubtedly given us an extra edge this year and the synergy on and off product of a more visible identity has made us even stronger and more recognisable to the public. Was there a slowdown in cycle to work last year after the HMRC recommendation? And has that now recovered? SE: Yes. I think everyone will agree in the industry, but at least we are now seeing signs of stability, though C2W is unlikely to return to previous levels any time soon.
Jane Watson and Chris Davis picked up the P&A Distributor award on the night
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Have there been any recent developments on the B2B site? JW: Week-on-week we introduce updates to the Zyro B2B site and we are seeing our biggest uplifts with more regular orders being made via site. We now email out fortnightly promotion newsletters to introduce customers who have
Zyro has a trolley load of brands to offer cycle retailers
signed up to the latest offers, which can be sorted on the site via brand, most recent or type of promotion. Our business-to-business site also includes downloadable personalised price lists, and other account stationery/documents, as well as quick order pad processing with CSV functionality. Dealers can also use the ‘save and order again’ function, as well as take advantage of the ‘email when back in stock’ feature. The B2B site also has live stock availability, order history, a new backorder report, basket reminders and much more. What’s next for Zyro? What are the biggest challenges ahead? SE: More investment in technology, including ecommerce to further enhance our B2B service experience, which will enhance our full service offering, but not to take away from the personal contact we pride ourselves in from our growing internal and field sales teams. We look forward to the buzz around the Olympics in 2012, but undoubtedly the biggest challenges we face as a business as a whole will be maintaining prices, which are constantly increasing at source as the world economy, raw materials continue to be affected. However, we pride ourselves on stability and will continue to keep costs low to limit impact on our customers and ultimately the consumers, our public. Zyro: 01845 521700
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Distribution By Zyro Ltd.
Order via www.zyrob2b.co.uk or call 01845 521742
CHAIN REACTION | BB386 EVO
EVOlution FSA believes it’s on to something big with the creation of the BB386 EVO. Yet many in the industry question the need for another bottom bracket standard. FSA’s Claudio Marra explains why… Can you tell us how the BB386 EVO came about? The idea of BB386 EVO is based on the ground breaking BB30 system, developed by Cannondale. The revolution of the 30mm spindle opened the door for the most significant improvement in crank design in many years. The BB386 EVO design simply modifies the BB30 design to a wider width, and incorporates a press fit bearing cup, rather than the direct fit bearing of the BB30 system. This slight modification allows the adaptability of the design to other BB shells, and gives the builder more options when crafting frames. The idea was born from a request from two FSA customers, Wilier and BH. Both proposed a wider version of BB30, but both requested different BB lengths (Wilier proposed 86mm
of fit to more different frames. The BB386 EVO uses the proven 30mm alloy spindle, which already is known to reduce weight and improve stiffness. Mating this to the wider BB shell, and press fit cups, allows this crankset to fit not only the 386EVO BB shell, but also to be adaptable to threaded and BB30 frames. The crankset is able to keep normal Qfactor, but be adaptable to three different bottom bracket systems. That will allow this crankset to have the widest range of adaptability of any crankset we produce. Thus, the 386 EVO crankset can eliminate the need to offer multiple different crank set models for the different BB standards. FSA will be able to offer one crankset that will fit all three, and still be lighter and stiff than our current MegaExo option.
“As opportunities arise to improve performance, or adaptability, we believe the industry will adopt them, provided they make sense...” and BH 80mm). Both ideas were interesting, but the 86mm length allowed FSA to make one crankset that could also be used on threaded BB shells, thanks to the threaded reducer cups for 30mm spindles. Wilier and BH agreed to FSA’s suggestions and developed new frames based on this concept and at the same time, FSA created the crank set. What were the ultimate goals of the new bottom bracket? From the perspective of a frame maker, BB386 EVO allows the designer significantly more area to modify the performance characteristics of the frame. A standard 68mm BB shell width allows a down tube or seat tube diameter of around 63mm as a maximum. The 386 EVO system allows a much more generous amount of area, up to around 83mm. This solution can really increase frame stiffness, and using the press fit cups allows the frame maker to eliminate any alloy insert into the BB shell, resulting in a big weight reduction. From the component maker’s perspective, the BB386 EVO system allows more flexibility
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What do you say to those who believe another standard for BBs unnecessary? There have always been many standards of BB in the market. Those of us old enough will remember French threading, Swiss threading, as well as English and Italian. The bike market follows trends that continue innovation. As opportunities arise to improve performance, or adaptability, we believe the industry will adopt them, provided they make sense. Claudio Marra
The BB shell is wider, what advantages does this bring? The wider BB386 EVO shell allows a much greater surface area, up to around 80-81mm of diameter, so the shape of the tubes can be modified more to achieve the ride performance they want. Additionally, other frame components can also benefit. The wider BB shell allows chain stays to be optimized, with either a greater thickness, or a wider spacing to allow greater stiffness, plus better tire clearance.
One important characteristic of the BB386 EVO design is that it allows a wide range of adaptability both for the crankset to fit other frame standards, and for the frame to fit other crank standards. The BB386 EVO frame design allows the use of crank sets with the 24mm thick integrated spindle by a number of bearing adapters, which reduce the 30mm bearings to fit the 24mm spindle. Conversely, the BB386 EVO crank set is widely adaptable to both threaded shells, and BB30 frames. FSA will also offer simple bottom brackets, and adapters to allow one crank set to fit all three types of frames, thus simplifying both the sales and assembly process. The BB386 EVO crankset will not only fit all of these bottom bracket types, but will also offer greatly improved performance compared to 24mm integrated systems. Which manufacturers have become early adopters of the BB386? BB386 EVO is already in use by Wilier and BH. ABG (Litespeed) is also now progressing with the standard and we expect other brands to take advantage of this design going forwards. Why press fit bearings? The use of the press fit bearing cups allows the frame designer to eliminate any alloy or steel component inside the BB shell area, since the nylon composite cups have a greater range of fit tolerance. Therefore, the BB shell area can become lighter, and simpler to make. Could there be further tweaks to the design in future? It is possible that other bike brands will propose enhancements to the system, and it is not a surprise. We suppose that in the future we will see more new standards introduced to the market. Could the BB386 branch into territories beyond road? It is possible that we will see this BB386 EVO also on Cyclocross and MTB frames, since the benefits: weight reduction, stiffness increase and better clearance between the chain stays, make sense here also. Wider width designs, like 386 EVO, will have to work around interference issues with triple ring MTB cranks. BIKEBIZ.COM
MYSTERY SHOPPER | ASHFORD
Is anybody home? Mystery Shopper’s UK tour ground to a bit of a halt in Ashford thanks to shop closures and missing staff. Halfords came out top of the pile and that’s despite four staff barricading themselves behind a tiny counter…
Flat Out BMX
Halfords
I'M TOLD Flat Out is a fairly new operation and my guess is it's yet to receive the majority of its stock. As a result of virtually empty floor and barely occupied wall space, Flat Out’s shop seemed larger than it actually was. At the opposing end of the shop to the entrance was an assistant who gave me a nod before returning to his laptop. I browsed for a short while before asking a semitechnical query about a set of pedals requiring an answer that only a niche store such as this would likely know. The answer, in all fairness, was well addressed, though was followed with the strong dismissal of all plastic pedals as 'rubbish'. Flat Out only had one pair of metal pedals in stock, the rest were plastic. Though attentive enough when questions were posed, it was difficult to draw the assistant's attention away from the laptop and toward customers. Perhaps I arrived while he was mid order. Whatever it was on the screen, he was fascinated. As I left the store the assistant followed, lit a cigarette on the doorstep and stood about making it very hard for paparazzi to snap the storefront, or for any customers to SCORE enter without getting a lungfull.
NEARING FULL marks is perhaps generous for this branch, for which just one of four staff squeezed behind the counter was brave enough to assist. As is often the case in Halfords, the younger staff did their best to avoid coming from behind the till area, leaving the most senior of the bunch to help. As expected and experienced previously, this particular staffer was fantastic. This assistant couldn't have done much more to sell me a bike, covering aftercare, warranty, accessory addons, multiple bikes, as well as discussing advanced cycling and performance gear. Though I found his technical knowledge a little unbalanced in places, for the most part advice was solid and would certainly see the typical Halfords customer right in their purchase. Clever point of display is always a bonus and this branch was innovative in the way it displayed lighting accessories, offering a try-before-you buy testing station, among other things. If I were to have relied on being seen on the shop, as I typically would in an independent store, this visit SCORE would have gone ungraded.
[ 2/5 ]
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[ 4/5 ] BIKEBIZ.COM
MYSTERY SHOPPER | ASHFORD
Sports Direct GOING IN search of Ashford's town centre 'cyclery' Mystery Shopper found nothing but a closed store and a worn sign above to indicate that Ashford no longer has a central bicycle store. Venturing into Sports Direct in the hope someone within may have an inkling of a where the local bike shop had gone, or whether there was another in town, an assistant advised that she knew of none, though asked if she could help. Put on the spot, but intruiged by someone in Sports Direct uniform openly seeking to help, I queried whether the store had any jerseys suitable for cycling. Being led through to a section of vest tops and basketball style jerseys I felt as though past dismissals of the chain as virtually useless at customer service were a little rough. I was reminded that representation on the shop floor is very important, as demonstrated earlier in Halfords by one star employee surrounded by three others SCORE reluctant to do their job.
[ 3/5 ]
Velo Refined
Hamstreet Cycles
DEAR MR VELO REFINED, if you're reading, I'm typing this on board a ferry to nowhere in particular thanks to the proceeds from selling your bikes. Okay, perhaps that's a lie, but the thought had crossed the mind of Mystery Shopper's evil alter-ego. It would have been so easy to lift your entire high-end stock, which I'd estimate to be in the region of 20 to 30 thousand pounds. Let me set the scene. I enter a quiet industrial unit, no one's around aside from a lone mechanic from the neighbouring garage. He's busy playing with a rather nice Ferrari as I enter your empty showroom. I spend five minutes inside unaccompanied. Nothing appears to be locked to the wall fixtures. At the very least there's a pair of wheels worth a few grand to be had. Looks like a few unboxed deliveries laying around on the table too. In reality, these thoughts didn't even cross Mystery Shopper's mind and that lone mechanic next door helpfully advised that you're normally available by appointment only. Let us know what time you SCORE are (not) around and I'll book in...
NOTING PRIOR to my entry that Hamstreet Cycles was a type of hardware and cycle shop hybrid, I had to alter my brief a little, opting out of mentioning the cross country bike sought elsewhere in favour of a bit of a quiz on a cheap reconditioned full suspension bike in the window. Soon after I'd uttered the words 'built to last' the assistant gave said window occupying bike a glance before suggesting that I pop back in a week's time when he'd taken stock of a few more better specced models. Advising that any repair work could be carried out in store, the assistant seemed keen to hold off selling me just any bike, honestly informing me that the bikes he had in stock may not last too long on trail excursions. In terms of representation of a business, the assistant here was the day’s best, showing attention to detail, asking the right questions of me and ultimately being a thoroughly nice chap. The store did appear poorly presented, both on the outside and inside. With a lick of paint and a tidy up inside, the shop would surely have room for a more focused line of SCORE bikes.
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[ 3/5 ]
Summary ASHFORD PROVED to be very difficult to draw conclusions on with many mitigating factors to take into account on the majority of visits. Should I mark down Flat Out for being focused on his laptop? Perhaps I entered while the assistant was deep into some accounting. On the other hand, was he on YouTube and simply not fussed about customers? How do you mark a store that has no representation? Operating on an appointment only basis Velo Refined is as 'high-end' a bicycle business as they come. Presumably the owner is an expert in his field, though having found no details of the need to book on the firm’s home page, are all the basics of business covered? The home page features a 'now open' icon. Click the 'about us' tab and it's a different story. Halfords and Sports Direct demonstrated that one excellent employee is worth the whole bundle of average workers.
BIKEBIZ JULY 15
BIKEBIZ | AWARDS
WHERE? The BikeBiz Awards 2011 will take place at the Hilton Metropole, NEC on Wednesday September 28th, the evening before the Cycle Show starts.
Prize night With lobbying now open, the build up to September’s 2011 BikeBiz Awards night hots up, buoyed by Citrus-Lime becoming Event Partner for this year’s event. Jonathon Harker gives you the facts... RETAILERS, suppliers and brands from the Citrus-Lime brings ecommerce, Epos and bicycle industry are currently furiously lobbying Stock Control solutions to cycle retailers for the companies that they believe are most designed to help dealers run their businesses deserving of recognition for more efficiently and this year’s BikeBiz Awards. with increased And with lobbying for the profitability. Citrustrade prizes now in full Lime’s Bike Workshop swing the awards have been Module includes SMS backed by integrated EPOS and email customer and Ecommerce solution notifications, among provider Citrus-Lime. many other bike sectorThe firm will be Event specific modules and Partner for the 2011 BikeBiz features. Awards, this year taking part A regular Core Bike at the Hilton Metropole, exhibitor, Citrus-Lime NEC on Wednesday has worked with Giant September 28th. and Madison among Citrus-Lime is a longothers, as well as term supporter of the delivering Epos for cycle industry awards, Chain Reaction Cycles’ having now backed them new state-of-the-art for three consecutive Belfast store. years. “Citrus-Lime is The BikeBiz Awards proud to again support were first established the BikeBiz Awards in in 2008 to honour 2011 and acknowledge and celebrate the the successes within the bicycle trade. Initially cycle industry on this launched as an special occasion. online-only event, “We shall see you on the Awards became the night and wish the best a stand-alone event t las g on am re we Road.cc of luck to all nominees.” in 2010. ers nn year’s award wi
Event Partner
“Citrus-Lime is once again proud to support the BikeBiz Awards and acknowledge the successes within the cycle industry.”
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WHAT? The categories have been tweaked for 2011. They include: Independent Retailer Online Retailer High Street Chain Retail Workshop Distributor: Bikes Distributor: P&A Distributor of the Year Consumer Print Media (Specialist and National Press) Consumer Website Bike Brand P&A Brand Rising Star Retail Marketing Initiative
HOW TO LOBBY? If you want to tell us why you, a customer or a supplier should be considered for an award, simply email bikeawards@intentmedia.co.uk. All you need to include is a brief sentence or two explaining why the company should win an award. For more details turn to the ‘How to win a BikeBiz Award’ article in June’s BikeBiz.
WHO?
Carly Bailey
For more information on sponsorship opportunities, contact Carly.Bailey@intentmedia.co.uk.
BIKEBIZ.COM
Event Partner
1 1 0 2 S D R A AW Wednesday September 28th
EARLY B IRD TICKETS For more information on trade tickets and sponsorship opportunities, please email Carly.Bailey@intentmedia.co.uk or call 01992 535647
ÂŁ15 Offer c l August oses 31st
REPORT | BA AGM
New challenges for cycling The Bicycle Association has a new president and has beefed up its PR efforts to boost cycling. Jonathon Harker reports from this year’s AGM…
Philip Taylor and Mark Bickerton
MUCH HAS changed over the last 12 months. While the last annual general meeting of the Bicycle Association focused on the successes of the Cycling Towns and Cities programme, and the positives created by the industry Bike Hub levy, this year talk inevitably covered the effect of the end of Cycling England, which officially closed its doors in March this year. The end of the quango and its pot of money dedicated for cycling presents the industry with Investment in cycling is said to bring a 3:1 ratio of return to the economy
new challenges, in the words of outgoing being adopted locally. The vast majority of bids Bicycle Association president Philip Taylor: for the Local Sustainable Transport Fund have a “Due to the draconian cutbacks of the present cycling element to them, with some directly UK administration, a new challenge stands implementing similar schemes. before the industry and that is how to foster “People have learnt from Cycling England,” an exchange of ideas and interests, between said new executive director Phillip Darnton the Government and the bicycle industry, (see page 20). “Bids have been based on things which has to a large degree now been that have been proven by Cycling England attenuated.” through the The retiring Demonstration president also posed programme.” the question: “How But even if lessons and who can now have been learnt locally, offer advice to the there are bigger tests towns and cities – ahead. Taylor used his last particularly to the speech as BA president to benefit of cycling – discuss the challenge of a regarding access to growing population and the £560 million the pressure the shift to Local Sustainable living in urban areas has Philip Taylor, Outgoing Transport Fund.” put on the roads and President of the BA In short, how will transport infrastructure. the industry fill the “According to the gap left by two wheel advocacy success story World Bank, 3.3 billion people now live in Cycling England? cities worldwide. By 2030, 60 per cent of the world’s population will inhabit cities. Every day BIG SOCIETY CHOOSES BIKES almost 180,000 people take up residence in The AGM heard the good news that the cities. In the developing world 60 million lessons learnt from Cycling England’s Cycling people move into cities each year and, unless Demonstration Towns and Cities project – there is a dramatic and unforeseen population which found that investment in cycling has a crash, this rate will continue for at least the benefit to cost ratio of three-to-one – are next 30 years.
“A new challenge now faces the industry. That is how to foster an exchange between the Government and the bike trade...”
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BIKEBIZ JULY 19
REPORT | BA AGM
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“The result is that city populations are growing faster than infrastructure can adapt and not only does this cause health risks and social problems, but also environmental concerns. Air quality worsens with the result that worldwide one million people die each year as a result of urban air pollution. Traffic increases, leading to more congestion and more road crashes. According to the World Health Organisation, a staggering 1.2 million people die, and as many as 50 million are injured, in urban traffic crashes in developing countries each year.” “And this statistic is unlikely to change as a result of us all driving electric cars - however heavily subsidised. “80 per cent of the total UK populace – that’s over 50 million – is classified as urban dwelling and urbanisation here is forecast to grow at 0.7 per cent – 350,000 people – per annum to 2015. “Integrating urban and suburban public and personal transport has never been such an important, global topic.” The challenge is to ensure that cycling is part of the solution. Taylor concluded his tenure on a positive note, stating that: “Although cycling in the UK may still not be what is was in the early 20th Century in either an industrial sense, or in ownership and usage terms, it is, I am convinced, on an unstoppable upward trend that can only be positive for all involved in the bicycle business.”
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PRESIDENTIAL CYCLE
Three amigos Phillip Darnton, the new executive director of the BA Philip Taylor, retiring president Philip Taylor retired from his position of BA president at the AGM. He said: “I am pleased to be able to hand over my post to Mark Bickerton following on from a period that has seen sustained industry growth, increased levels of cycling in sport, leisure and commuting, as well as political recognition of cycling’s benefits upon health, transport and the environment. “I am therefore in no doubt that he will be able to guide a still strong Association, safe in the knowledge that cycling will continue to
have increasingly greater prospects in future.” The AGM also saw the announcement that ex-Cycling England chair Phillip Darnton would be taking on a new role at the BA as executive director. In the new position Darnton will promote cycling and also Bike Hub, the cycle industry’s levy fund. The new president said of Darnton’s appointment: “I am sure the appointment of Phillip is going to be a fantastic strengthening of the Bicycle Association, and will give him a continued platform from which he can work his magic for benefit of the UK bicycle industry, trade and the continued promotion of cycling. “His tireless work over the last few years have benefited everyone who has had anything to do with bicycles in the UK, or is ever likely to have anything to do with bicycles. Knowing that we have his skills and personality at the centre of the Bicycle Association going forward is something that I am absolutely thrilled about.” Bickerton also paid tribute to the outgoing president: “I would like to thank Philip Taylor again for all his very hard work as President over the last four years. He has put an enormous amount of effort into ensuring that the BA has continued to be an organisation that the membership can be proud of and benefit from all its activities.”
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RETROSPECTIVE | BIKE HUB
The envy of the
world The UK cycle industry’s own Bike Hub levy is a virtually unique phenomenon around the globe, proving Britain’s bike trade is willing to invest in its own, and cycling’s, future. Jonathon Harker charts the progress of the levy...
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EIGHT YEARS old and counting, the voluntary Bike Hub levy has given hundreds of thousands of pounds each year – over £2 million in total – to help secure the future of cycling across the UK. Around £400,000 is generated each year via contributions from suppliers and IBDs through the levy, which was created by the Bicycle Association and the Association of Cycle Traders back in 2003. But where has that cash been spent, I hear you cry? Here are some of the highlights... BIKE IT Bike It is a scheme run by sustainable transport charity Sustrans’ designed to encourage children to cycle. Bike Hub helps pay the wages of 58 fulltime Bike It officers who work with schools to promote biking, organising cycle activities and helping make it easy for kids to cycle to and from school. The scheme currently reaches 600 UK schools each year, and 94 per cent of
headteachers said that the tuition has helped pupils become more physically active, as well as encouraged active transport to and from school. BIKEABILITY Training up wee nippers to be confident and safe on their bike is a no brainer and Bike Hub has pledged £30,000 over two years to Cycling Scotland to help establish Bikeability training in Scotland. THE BIG PEDAL Sticking with the theme that today’s children are tomorrow’s (er and indeed today’s) cyclists, the levy has given youngsters significant focus, not least in the Big Pedal. In another team up with Sustrans, the Big Pedal was a cycle race pitting schools against each other across the land. Staff and pupils clocked up cycle miles for prizes and as a result the Big Pedal saw a whopping 990 bike journeys made in just three weeks by schools taking part in the race.
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RETROSPECTIVE | BIKE HUB
The Victoria Pendleton led Parliamentary Cycle Group pre-ride
© Phil Dixon
“Age Well on Wheels helped the over 50s get back on their bikes, while Darlovelo was pitched at giving young women the confidence to take up cycling...”
NEW IDEAS FUND In 2009 Bike Hub established the New Ideas Fund to try new schemes to encourage cycling. The three schemes to benefit targeted some diverse demographics. Age Well on Wheels, run by the London Cycle Campaign, aimed to help over-50s get back on their bikes, while Darlovelo was pitched at encouraging young women onto bikes. The final scheme – Get Cycling – was a Sheffield and Hull-set initiative, encouraging people to rent a bike, gain confidence through training and then go on to buy their own bikes. BIKE WEEK Bike Week has been encouraging the nation to cycle since the 1920s and an impressive 500,000 people took part in over 1,900 events in the week last year. The contribution to its operation from the Bike Hub levy has been more crucial than ever this year, with the Government pulling the plug on Cycling England and with it, its £75,000 contribution
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BikeHub has worked tirelessly to give particularly women and the elderly the confidence to cycle
to the nationwide event. The week is also backed by Transport for London and Team Green Britain, part of EDF Energy. This year dealers have been polled, via the ACT, on how best to grow business as a result of Bike Week. A retail partner will now operate for this year’s Bike Week as a result of that. JOURNEY PLANNING APPS There are over 11 million smartphone owners in the UK and Bike Hub has cunningly tapped into that market to direct business to the door of bike retailers, all via the Bike Hub smartphone app. The free piece of software is a navigation tool for cyclists with a shop-finding feature, directing users to the nearest bike shops along routes, wherever they are in the country. First released on iPhone, the Bike Hub app was made more widely available with an Android app release at the end of last year. Those are just a few of the projects Bike Hub has been a part of during its first eight years. Find out more about the levy at www.bikehub.co.uk.
BIKEBIZ JULY 23
LAUNCH REPORT | CHARGE 2012
Charged up and ready to go With the buying power of Cycling Sports Group behind the brand and the absorbtion of the Summer Bicycles brand, plenty has changed ahead of the 2012 season at Charge. Mark Sutton discusses the changes with Nick Larsen and his team… IT ISN'T A figment of your imagination. Never one to do what everyone else is doing, Charge really has held a bike launch in the middle of a London department store. Propping its entire 2012 line on eye-wateringly priced furniture and designer shagpile rugs, the Conran Store on Fulham Road played host and will continue to do so with two models from the 2012 line. Brand owner Nick Larsen told BikeBiz why the department store made an interesting launch location: "We'd been in discussions with the Conran Store about having two of our models sold via the store's gift guide and also in store. We mentioned in passing product launches and various shows that our brand attends and that's when the store asked if we'd like to use their Fulham Road location as a backdrop for one such launch." With the Conran shop's main clientele being made up of affluent females, what better location could there be to unveil an expanded line of bikes tailored to the feminine form. Some models may look vaguely familiar to those in the trade who formerly stocked Cycling Sports Group's Summer Bicycles line and that's because Larsen's team has taken the reigns having absorbed the line recently. "There's four new women's bikes joining the catalogue for 2012," explains Larsen. "We've added our own Charge touches throughout, most notably on the frames, such as a new twin top tube on the Hob. There's been some carefully considered work on the colour palette too, with more contemporary shades in use across the board."
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“There’s around 30 bikes in the 2012 line and few of those have encountered price rises...” Nick Larsen 29-inch wheeled builds join this year’s catalogue, as seen below
And if a measure of success was needed, several customers who entered with furniture on the mind took away catalogues for bikes. In further welcome news for retailers, for the most part the 2012 line has either got cheaper at retail, or held prices at last year's levels. This is in part down to the backing of goliath Cycling Sports Group, though also down to the popularity of last year's line bringing home the bacon for Larsen's brand. "We've been able to buy in larger numbers this year which has benefited the brand in many ways," explains Larsen. "We've had great sales results with some of our larger accounts and our increased buying power has done us a big favour on holding prices down. There's around 30 bikes in the 2012 catalogue and of those that were around last year, very few have encountered price rises." Charge will also this year join the 29er bandwagon, introducing the 'Cooker' specced for three different price points, handily all
within the cycle to work scheme bracket. Beginning at £699,99, the 'Cooker Rigid' lays the foundations for anyone curious of the larger wheel size, providing a sturdy steed on which to build, should the 29er bug bite. A Tange Infinity tubed frame features on all, with the highest priced Cooker costing £999.99 and coming specced with a 29er specific version of the RockShox Dart fork and Sram x5 components. Joining the scores of names touting the 29er's potential to open a new era of mountain biking growth, Larsen himself is a huge fan of his own Cooker, telling BikeBiz: "I love the way these bikes ride, I'd choose to ride my 29er over most now." The majority of Charge's 2012 catalogue, including new component goods, is projected to be available by September this year, though models specced with hub gears are likely to be delayed. Cycling Sports Group: 01202 732288
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BIKEBIZ JULY 25
LAUNCH REPORT | RED OR DEAD
Bringing sexy back It’s not just specs that can be sexy. The bike market is ripe for an emphasis on fashion, fun and beauty, says Red or Dead. Jonathon Harker reports from Carnaby Street...
MUCH HAS been written and said on the subject of how to get the nation’s women cycling. And to the cycle trade’s credit, it’s a topic that the industry is getting to grips with. And really, no wonder: it’s a whole customer base that is potentially being missed out on. From initiatives from British Cycling, Sustrans and Bike Hub, to more profit driven methods like brands increasing product ranges to include gear that appeals to and is designed for women, there is a concerted effort to engage a broader bike market. Last month two British brands came together to launch a new range of fashion-conscious bikes and accessories primarily for the young women market. TWO WORLDS COLLIDE British fashion brand Red or Dead was launched in the ‘80s by cycle nut Wayne Hemingway and his wife Geraldine. From modest roots as a market stall in Camden, Red or Dead grew to release its first collection in 1989, boost the Doc Martin name as a fashion brand, open stores around the world, establish production in Lancashire and win numerous awards. Throughout its three decades Red or Dead has marked itself out from others in a number of ways – not least in being a ‘brand for everyone’ with an emphasis on affordability and fun.
26 BIKEBIZ JULY
Those are brand values that have been brought to its first range of bikes, that have been designed to ‘knock your socks off’. Featuring frames emblazoned with Red or Dead prints, the initial range includes the Seaspray, Bikeland and Ruscia Rose – the former retailing at £399.99 and the latter at £299.99. The bikes all come with Red or Deaddesigned matching bike covers, comfort saddle, comfort grips and retro styled bicycle bells. There’s also an accessory line in the works, with Red or Dead printed cycle helmets now available.
At present, Evans Cycles has exclusivity on the Red or Dead bike line
HISTORY IN THE MAKING “It's been a long journey," Red or Dead brand president Julia Massey tells BikeBiz. "We've taken the best of what Raleigh does and have made it more beautiful." And who is Red or Dead hoping will respond to the range? Massey explains: “The target consumer is the recreational cyclist who wants an affordable and beautiful bike with great design. The consumer who buys into Red or Dead wants great design at an affordable price. We saw a gap in the market for a ‘fashionable bicycle’.” Fashion and bikes haven’t always been the most likely of bedfellows. Lycra has largely been frowned on by the High Street, and fears
of helmet hair have been cited as off putting. With that in mind, you could argue that Red or Dead is forging a path into new territory, a charge BikeBiz puts to Massey. “I hadn’t really thought about it this way, but I guess we are trendsetters in the bicycle world.” The strength of the Raleigh brand, particularly in the world outside cycling, was a crucial factor in the team up, as Massey reveals: “Raleigh is an iconic British bicycle brand. They also make bikes that are good quality, yet affordable. We are very proud to be working with such a known and trusted British bicycle manufacturer.” Red or Dead wouldn’t be drawn on how long the partnership with Raleigh has been designed to last, but if the level of interest converts into sales, there could be a wider range to follow. “Initial reaction has been most positive,” says Massey. “We expect them to be a big success and we have more ideas and designs to follow.” Evans Cycles currently has exclusivity on the bike range, but at the launch evening, situated just off London’s famous Carnaby Street last month, BikeBiz was told many other retailers were in attendance, giving the range the thumbs up, with hints of a broader retail distribution some time in the future. http://tinyurl.com/3dyhxwc
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28 BIKEBIZ JULY
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PREVIEW | ICEBIKE*
ice to see you again Madison’s summer-set house show is returning this month – and now with two additional dates due to popular demand! Will Fripp tells Jonathon Harker about some of the launches, offers and more... STOP THE PRESS: Due to dealer demand Madison has added two extra days to iceBike*, so the show will now run from July 19th to 21st, followed by two extra days on Monday July 25th and Tuesday 26th.
cycle retailers now seem able to come to terms with. As registrations to date show this iceBike* is gonna be another corker!
Can you explain why Madison has brought iceBike* July back again for a second year? Basically, following the immense popularity of last year’s July event, iceBike* July combines all the smaller previously held mid-year, next season launch events, into one bigger show. It is clear in today’s busy business environment it is becoming less and less easy to expect our customers to spend time visiting many events. iceBike* July brings all our launches together into one big 'must attend' event, held just before the start of the busy summer holidays. February's iceBike* saw record attendance – what are your expectations this iceBike*? We were actually shocked by the turnout at last year’s July iceBike* and again at this year’s February show. We are very grateful that our dealers have come to value these events. We put our heart and soul into them and making them a worthwhile visit for all concerned, so it’s great that more and more dealers are attending. Event-by-event the growth is brilliant. An investment of one day to see all the new bikes, clothing, accessories, parts and more is definitely something most progressive
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If your store is interested in Triathlon, be sure to track down Profile Design’s stand
Can you reveal some of the highlights? There is plenty of what to expect at the show on the site, including new bikes from Ridgeback – the Dual Track, a 12-inch kids bike, a road commuter with discs and the Velocity and Comet with second colours. Genesis will launch the Madison Track at the show, which will also see a full suspension prototype, a 29er and the Day 01 Alfine 11. iceBike* will have a UK ‘first look’ for Hydrapak’s new accessory range and packaging. Consumers will be able to ‘upgrade’ their tired old bladders for what are widely regarded as the ‘best on the planet’, while dealers will be eligible for a new freestanding POS package. Electron’s new Pico Super 2 is a super bright bright compact 1W rear light.
Pitched as a commuter’s dream, it’s the brightest rear light ever in the Electron range and one of the brightest on the market at this price. Adventure will reveal two new colours of Zooms; Noddy Nose red and Teenage Mutant Ninja turtle green (not actual names of colours). iceBike* pre-orders will be delivered from September. Dealers coming to iceBike* will see a revolutionary new product called Cycra. We can’t talk about it yet, as we are in the middle of all the patent applications, but this product will revolutionise the world of mudguards as you know it. It will dramatically reduce the time it takes to fit a traditional mudguard, offer unparalleled protection against the elements and, of course, comes with CycraGuard’s lifetime warranty. With British Triathlon announcing record membership growth of 15.7
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BIKEBIZ JULY 29
PREVIEW | ICEBIKE*
per cent in 2010/2011, triathlon products are in demand like never before. Profile Design will present entry and mid-range level suits at iceBike* to address the requirements of new and accomplished swimmers in the growing tri market. Dealers can book a slot to learn more about effectively selling wetsuits, with workshops led by Thorsten Frahm, Ironman athlete and Profile Design European manager. Elite will present limited edition Arion Tricoloré exclusive to July’s iceBike*, celebrating 150 years of Italian unity. This limited edition version of the best selling Arion training roller is made in Elite’s Veneto factory with stylish red, white and green rollers. It couldn’t be more Italian if they were carved from Parmesan and delivered by Ferrari. Every Arion Tricoloré will also include two Corsa bottles with an exclusive celebratory design (£6.99 each) for the same price as a standard Arion. These will only be available to customers who place their orders at iceBike*. Respro’s ‘must stock’ range of award winning high visibility accessories will again be on show in time for dealers to make their choices for the coming autumn/winter season. And, in a shock surprise, Cervélo will attend summer iceBike*. We look to help retailers plan their next season range plans at iceBike* and we will have a fantastic offer pack (as always) to help boost margins and more than cover the cost of a day from the business, attending iceBike*. Every brand on show will have one or more offers on the table.
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needs. Above and beyond the more boring operational side – it simply speeds the whole process up for everyone; register online – print your ticket, scan in and your done – no queues – that’s the goal! Do you expect many dealers to take part in the BBQ and Bike ride this year? What was participation like for the ride last time? We definitely expect more people to do the company bike ride, in fact we know it as folk are busy signing to come now. It’s not a scary ride – more of a jaunt – in fact last year some staff even did it on bikes they had built up themselves – frames and all. Everyone had a great time and after the ride you simply come back to the event and we have a BBQ and free bar – sit Will Fripp out in the sun (hope I'm not tempting fate here) and relax. Check out Madison MD Dom’s Video of last year at http://t.co/MIgSRFV
“Elite will present a limited Arion Tricolore celebrating 150 years of Italian unity. It couldn’t be more Italian if they carved it from parmesan and had it delivered via Ferrari...”
Will new brand GoPro feature? Why is Madison so excited by this brand? Yes, of course. We will have a significant showing for GoPro and will be able to display all we have planned to promote the brand, including a fantastic instore POS offer. GoPro is exciting because of the size of it. It’s the world's number one. Check our YouTube and see how many results and views have GoPro tags – its mega. It’s a simple range, simple proposition and a high yield brand from a small footprint and relatively low investment – especially when compared to bikes. How important is it to pre-register? If folk need hotels in particular, we obviously need to know. The more we have a feel on numbers, the better we can cater for folk. We basically want to ensure we deliver visitors
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More generally speaking: how's business? Settled into the new facilities now? Growth has been staggering this year, with the budget growth expectation for the year exceeded in the first five months. New premises, new warehouse management system – a huge programme of investment planned and were only half way through – new ERP system and automated picking are still to come, among other innovations to further increase our service and efficiency.
And how has the B2B iPhone app been received by dealers? Really well, no really. We have 528 active app users and over 1,800 logins in the last month alone. A new version is currently in development with better iPad compatibility and a load more features. Beyond iceBike* what is next for Madison? Any new brand signings in the works? Madison has many new brands in the ascendancy like Peal Izumi, Giro footwear, Saracen, Genesis, GoPro, Madison clothing and more – things are flying. There is always new stuff in the pipeline of course, especially with new exciting stuff happening in own brand ranges, huge investments in this area, in new experienced talent and in tooling which will take us on to the next level. Things are never dull, with several international shows in the months ahead for outdoor, cycle and snow I'm sure there will be more to come. We’re also making a bigger investment in own team sponsorships, The Madison Saracen team model has worked really well for us and we'll be looking for more opportunities like this. Both Genesis (for the second) and Saracen (for the first year) will be at Eurobike – making inroads with our own brands into Europe and the wider market. We also have our first account manager based in Europe, who started this year in France and is making good inroads. There is loads more on the site and all customers will get regular emails with event news as we can release stuff. There is lots more to come between now and the show, so keep an eye out! www.icebike.co.uk
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FRE GET E 20 YOU 12 L R ISTI NG!
in association with
AN ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO RETAILERS, SUPPLIERS AND SERVICES WITHIN THE CYCLE TRADE
Choose your category SERVICES AND TRAINING
MEDIA AND PUBLISHING
DISTRIBUTION AND WHOLESALE
Legal, insurance, Cycle To Work, sales and mechanic training, shop fitters, service centres, printing and prototyping
Web publishing, blogs, magazine, broadcasting, freelance, books
Importers, wholesalers, dealer/distributors
MANUFACTURER, STANDALONE BRANDS, FRAMEBUILDERS AND AGENTS
E-COMMERCE AND EPOS
ORGANISATIONS, CHARITY AND ASSOCIATIONS
ePos, website builders
Trade bodies, charities linked to cycling, associations
Any brands with own distribution, UK based manufacturers, agents
EVENT ORGANISERS, EVENT HOSTING, HOLIDAY AND HIRE
RETAILERS, WORKSHOP AND MAIL ORDER
MARKETING, PR AND CONSULTANCY
Retail of all shapes and sizes, maintenance both in house and mobile, online sales
Consultants, freelance, PR, copywriting services
Trail and hire centres, conference, cycle tours, event organisers, venues
COMPLETE AND RETURN THIS FORM TODAY FOR YOUR FREE LISTING IN THE 2012 BIKEBIZ BIBLE: (You only need to complete this form once) Company Name: …………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Website: …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
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Please return this form by email to BikeBizBible@intentmedia.co.uk or by fax to 01992 535 648 or by post to: BikeBiz Bible, Intent Media, Saxon House, 6a St Andrew Street, Hertford SG14 1JA If you have any questions please contact BikeBizBible@intentmedia.co.uk
FOR ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES CONTACT:
Carly.Bailey@intentmedia.co.uk or call 01992 535647
2PURE | COMPETITION
h t r o w 0 0 0 1 Win over ÂŁ t i k of rank Brothers product range has come a long way since the days of the groundbreaking eggbeater pedals. Their product range is now up to eleven categories: pedals, wheelsets, bars, stems, head sets, saddles, seatposts, pumps, tools, bags and accessories.
C
too - coming in at a very reasonable ÂŁ1599.99 for a premium carbon wheelset.
New for 2011 are the Cobalt 2, 3 and 11 wheelsets, with the Cobalt 2 weighing 1690g and the 3 weighing 1500g. The Cobalt 11 is the first Carbon wheel from Crank Brothers. Weighing in at just 1380g, this is the lightest wheel they have ever produced. Not only has the weight been kept down, the price has been kept down
Many Crank Brothers products now come with a 5 year warranty. Eggbeater and Candy 2, 3 and 11 pedals fall under the 5 year guarantee. This offers customers complete peace of mind and allows your staff to sell with confidence. See the full range at www.crankbrothers.com
Also new for 2011 are the Iodine saddles. Each and every saddle is handcrafted in Italy from Italian leathers and comes with replaceable rails and new noseflex technology.
2PURE | COMPETITION
ns Answer these simple questio : g in n in w f o ce n a ch a h it w in to be
1 2 3
How many years warranty will your customers have with Candy 3 pedals? What is the difference in weight between a Cobalt 2 and Cobalt 3 wheel? In which country are Iodine saddles handmade?
Simply email your answers plus your name, contact telephone number and company to
bikebiz-competition@intentmedia.co.uk Winner will be picked at random and notified by August 31st 2011
TOP PRIZE We are giving away a full Cobalt 3 kit worth ÂŁ1015 - Wheelset, Stem, Seatpost, Handlebars, Grips, Saddle (Iodine)
RUNNERS UP We have 30 pairs of Candy 3 pedals worth ÂŁ94.99 for runners up.
2pure Ltd. 46c Bavelaw Rd, Balerno, Edinburgh, EH14 7AE 0844 811 2001
2pure are UK distributors of Crank Brothers, Ibis, Clif Bar, De Marchi, Feedback Sports, Jimi, Lizard Skins, NiteRider, Paceline, Pedro's, Pinhead.
"
!!!
BRAND SPOTLIGHT | ISKUTE
True Grit Love them or loathe them, it’s hard to deny that the kick scooter craze is getting bigger and coming to a town near you. Distributor iSkute’s Dan Maker speaks to Jonathon Harker about the potential of the growing market and the Grit brand...
THE KICK SCOOTER is enjoying a renaissance, to put it mildly. From the street to the skate park, the phenomenon is becoming more widely seen than ever before. To the uninitiated the appeal of kick scooters may seem a bit of a mystery. So let’s start with some history. Scooters have been around for decades, but about 11 or 12 years ago the kick scooter market was booming. Dan Maker was a significant player in the market back then, being sole distributor for the Micro Scooter brand into the cycle market. He tells BikeBiz: “Back then scooters were high value and great quality, used by adults and kids. Initially they were used as commuting tools because they were lightweight and folded easily so you could carry them on the train or put them in the car. As the market grew, more kids started using them, because of the ease of use enabling kids some independence on a product that was easier to ride than a bike. We had about 16 months where we could not hang on to the demand. It was amazing” But the burgeoning sector was soon to take a turn for the worse. Maker explains: “As the popularity of the sector grew, ever greater numbers of companies flooded the market with scooters – particularly at the toy end of the market – and many were cheap, poor quality and badly marketed. Some guys stuck around, but the margin had been destroyed and many independent stores got out.” The flood of product led Maker’s firm to exit the sector. Despite the market saturation back then, major players – like JD Bug, Razor and Micro Scooter – remained, diversifying
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Grit targets the skate park and performance scooter market
their portfolio to weather the storm while Facebook and the forums. Grit continues to producing quality scooters. Maker explains: listen to the users and continues to push its “Kids started to use scooters in skate parks. production team to the limits.” There was a surge in using them for tricks and One of Grit’s USPs is its readiness for the high performance.” after-market market for upgrades. While other The shift to trick-orientated performance led smaller brands offer certain OEM components, to manufacturers altering their product to Grit offers the full gamut of parts. Maker says: stand up to the rigours of jumps and the like. A “Almost all of the Grit parts can be used on number of new brands emerged to take any other scooter in the market for that advantage of that changing use, initially complete custom set up. For retailers they making robust P&A for the rigours of the offer phenomenal value and great margin. emerging sport. “The lower-end Those new players kick scooters might have since moved to be selling well, but we offer complete don’t see the market scooters. like that. We see it as “There are a high end, high quality. couple of brands That’s what we’re doing a great job aiming for. Instead of Dan Maker, iSkute now. Grit, Madd Gear the price being driven and Dogg Scooters down, like in the old are among some of the best,” Maker says. Many days, it is the complete opposite. The better brands serving the sector are anticipating quality and design is driving the price up.” healthy sales over the coming months. “We iSkute is the exclusive European distributor expect kick scooters to be very strong through for Grit Performance Scooters. iSkute has summer and Christmas.” appointed TKC as a sub-distributor working only in the skate market, leaving iSkute to THE NITTY GRITTY concentrate fully on bringing Grit to the bike Globally the skate park kick scooter movement biz. “We have good stocks now, but our biggest started in the USA and has since been picked challenge is keeping up with demand. We have up in Australia and the UK. Firmly placed in more stock arriving, but it is often sold before that market is Grit. Two year old Grit is owned it arrives. We are advising dealers to reserve the by Australian Brett Varga and is arguably stock they need,” Maker tells BikeBiz. “The among the leading brands there. market is in its infancy, but you can’t deny “Grit has developed its product as the sport how popular it is. The learning curve is much has developed. From what the kids have been easier than on a BMX or skateboard. That is doing in the skate parks, Grit has matched its why the sector is expanding so quickly,” Maker products accordingly with great feedback from concludes. the team and listening to the users via sales@iskute.com
“We see the scooter market as high end. Better quality and design is driving the price of kick scooters up.”
BIKEBIZ JULY 35
ACTSMART | INSURANCE
Beat the thieves! The first half of 2011 has seen cycle retailers challenged by the economy on two fronts – reduced consumer spend and a growing number of shop thefts. ActSmart asked specialist business insurance partner Butterworth Spengler for their top 15 tips on shop security... The Cycle shops policy includes as standard: A 50 per cent increase in stock
levels for any three month period in a year Road testing/demonstration by customers Road testing by staff following repair/servicing Cycle hire Public liability indemnity of £2,000,000 Theft of cycles on display outside of the shop Up to 30 per cent no claims discount ACT Members also benefit from: Before any improvements to the security are made, retailers should check that their premises are not within conservation areas. This could result in external security measures being prohibited. Certain security improvements may require planning consent and it is important to ensure that any additional security does not contravene fire escape requirements. Although protection of property and stock is the key objective, making a high standard of security very evident is more likely to prevent any attempt in the first place. Consider how your security compares with other similar premises in the area. The threat of ram raids can be limited by installing either static or retractable bollards across the front of the property, subject to the necessary permissions. Fit good quality mortice deadlocks to BS3621 or equivalent to all external doors excluding designated fire escape doors. Ensure that the panic release facilities on fire exit doors are maintained in a good condition and that the securing bolts fully engage when the doors are closed. Check that the door frames are secured to the fabric of the building and fit hinge bolts to all outward opening external doors All external timber doors should be of a solid timber construction, if not strengthen them externally with sheet steel or consider replacing the doors with solid timber ones. Fit key operated window locks to all ground floor, basement and accessible upper floor opening windows i.e. those close to flat roofs, balconies, drain pipes, external staircases and the like. Consider the installation of solid roller shutters in very vulnerable areas, for display windows and doors with extensive glass panelling,
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Where solid roller shutters aren’t fitted, consider leaving some lights on within the sales area out of business hours and install security lighting in any particularly vulnerable areas, such as at the rear of the shop, or within a secluded side entrance way. Where there are vulnerable smaller windows, sky lights or roof lights consider securing them with steel bars or grills. Install chains through the frames of the bikes and secure to the fabric of the building, removing high value items from easily accessible areas, securing them separately out of business hours. Do not leave large amounts of cash on the premises overnight, take it to the bank frequently. Any cash kept on the premises should be locked in a suitably rated safe anchored to the building structure. Consider electronic protection. Install a good quality (PD6662 - European Grade 3) intruder alarm system, linked to an approved Alarm Receiving Centre. Ensure that the system is certificated and maintained by an NSI or SSAIB approved alarm company and that it benefits from Level 1 police response. Consider the installation of a CCTV system by an NSI or SSAIB installer and in particularly high risk areas where there has been a history of thefts, review the use of a security fog generating system, activated by the intruder alarm system. CALL IN THE SPECIALISTS? If you are uncertain about your insurance cover, or simply want to test the value of your cover against specialist insurance at next renewal, contact Butterworth Spengler on 0844 764 6464. Alternatively, simply e-mail info@actsmart.biz with your business name and renewal date and we’ll arrange a contact call.
Butterworth Spengler has over 20 years experience within specialist insurance
A membership discount on the policy. A loyalty bonus at each renewal A reduced minimum premium of £300 ‘Demonstration day’ cover included free of charge
“With the help of ActSmart and Butterworth Spengler, I had a brand new policy within seven hours and I saved £300 off the renewal premium from my previous insurer.” Allan Boult, Blazing Saddles, West Yorkshire June 2011
For more information call ActSmart on
0845 618 7256 www.actsmart.biz
BIKEBIZ JULY 37
OFF THE RECORD
Dipping a toe into sectors beyond cycling? BikeBiz provides the month’s news from related markets...
OutDoor Fair to host record numbers
NEW PRODUCTS
Trade show set to fill the very same Freidrichshafen exhibition halls as Eurobike later this month...
890 EXHIBITORS are signed up to the July 14th to 17th Outdoor Trade Fair held at the very same Friedrichshafen location as Eurobike's annual bicycle trade meet. “It never ceases to amaze me how much an industry can change in collective terms as the result of one Outdoor show,” said Mark Held, secretary general of the European Outdoor Group (EOG). "Nearly all the industry association’s members will be on hand in Friedrichshafen. Never before has there been a
MONGOOSE 2 TENT The Mongoose 2 Tent is pitched (ho ho) as a professional backpacking tent offering lightweight, compact and versatile features. Ideal for adventurous campers or hikers, the tent is quick to pitch and, crucially, has a small pack size. With a front storage area and reinforced pegging points, the inner, made of 190T breathable polyester, can be used on its own in hot climates. The outer dimensions are
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“We’ve 890 exhibitors at the show this year...” Mark Held
higher proportion of international exhibitors at the trade fair. The total number of exhibitors has risen this year by another three per cent, taking the grand total to 890." The exhibition will be split into halls containing sections such as the 'World of Tents', an 'outdoor fashion show' and a dedicated area for the show's industry awards. For more information on the Outdoor trade fair, log on to www.outdoor-show.com. Like Eurobike, it is advised booking well ahead.
SLEEPING POD SLEEPING BAG 317(l) by 240 (w) and 100 (h) cm. The Mongoose 2 features fibreglass poles and taped seams, Retail price is £64.99 and the tent is available from Gelert (01766 510 300).
The Sleeping Pod has been designed to offer unrestricted body movement for the user, upping comfort levels considerably. With a unique shape, the Pod allows for the sleeper to go into foetal position, curl up and sleep in a naturally comfortable position. The Sleeping Pod won a 2010 Camping Magazine Award and comes in a variety of colours, Camo Flora, Illusion, Camo Sphere, cocoa/Spinach green, Mars Red and Bluejay. RRP is £44.99 and it is available only from Gelert (01766 510 300).
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OFF THE RECORD
NEWS IN BRIEF Take it outdoors: Outdoor pursuits retail finance Following the Ride It Away cycle finance scheme (worth over £20m per annum), ActSmart, in partnership with Moneyway, has launched a brand new retail finance scheme for outdoors retailers: Take it outdoors. The scheme is now live, enabling retailers to sell customers all the outdoors equipment, clothing and accessories they want on finance. For more info call ActSmart: 0845 618 7256. There’s more from the firm on page 37.
Ash cloud halts the snow season’s kick off SKI SLOPES IN Argentina were covered in ash following eruptions in the Puyehye-CordonCaulle volcano range in Chile at the beginning of June. First Tracks Online reported that the slopes of Bariloche and Villa la Angostura were worst affected by the effects of the ash cloud, just weeks before the start of the ski and snowboard season. The cost of the eruption on local businesses are yet to be estimated.
Go Outdoors strikes £30m with Lloyds banking group
The ash cloud has been pushed from the site of the explosion in Chile to Southern Argentina and back again, according to the BBC, and is the first serious volcano eruption in the area for over fifty years. 4,000 residents had been evacuated from the area at time of press, with many more likely to move with fears the ash will contaminate areas and clog rivers, leading them to flood.
The cost of the ongoing eruption to local business is yet to be estimated
Ardblair snaps up Hillsound HILLSOUND EQUIPMENT has joined the Ardblair Sports Importers portfolio, with distribution starting this year. The Hillsound brand designed and developed a glacier crampon for the US in 2007, taking advantage of a gap in the market for a less aggressive and easy to use crampon for local mountain trails. The firm launched the Trail Crampon and Pro in 2008. Key current product, the Hillsound Trail Crampon, is designed for diverse winter terrains and weather conditions. Using an ergonomic plate system, the crampon serves up enhanced
traction and less muscular fatigue for winter wilderness pursuits. The Trail Crampon Pro is made from heattreated S50C carbon steel. The ten-point Trail Crampon Pro weighs a light 680 grams per pair, making it ideal for glacier travel, and icy or snowy approaches. Hillsound Equipment has an urban friendly crampon in the works, called FreeSteps. Aimed at the mass market the FreeSteps will launch at Summer Outdoor Retailer Show 2011, held in Salt Lake City. www.hillsound.ca
GARMIN MONTANA Garmin has revealed the Montana – a handheld touchscreen GPS device designed for use on foot, on the water and in the car. Sporting a large dual-orientation screen, the versatile GPS has a barometric altimeter for elevation profiling, routing functions using pre-loaded highdefinition worldwide mapping and a clever built-in three-axis compass for use when standing still or held at an angle.
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Sheffiled-based Go Outdoors has announced it will create hundreds of jobs having secured the financial backing of The Lloyds Banking Group. The financial backing, worth £30 million, will see the opening of ten new stores, estimated to create around 500 new jobs in the next year. The backing also gives the company solid ground to progress its own brand aspirations in the form of clothing brands North Ridge and Freedom Trail. David Hunt, relationship director for Lloyds Bank Corporate Markets in Sheffield, said: “GO Outdoors has outperformed growth forecasts year after year and we are delighted to be able to continue supporting its expansion plans.”
Timberland bought in £1.2 billion deal Shoe manufacturer Timberland has been bought out by American retailer VF Corp, the owner of North Face and Wrangler. The addition of Timberland and Smartwool brands, which has also been bought by VF Group, is expected to boost VF's outdoor and action sports business to 50 per cent of total revenues. Plans are now in place to expand the brand.
SABRETOOTH GLOVES, MONTANE The generous four-inch touchscreen is glove-friendly and readable even in bright sunshine. Retail price starts at £429.99 for the Montana 600 and £549.99 for the basemap-packed Montana 650t edition. www.garmin.com
British company Montane has already won an award for its new Sabretooth Gloves despite them not having gone on sale yet. Due to retail this autumn (as part of Montane’s autumn/winter range), the gloves won a Polartec European APEX Design Award at the 2011 ceremony. Constructed with Polartec’s Power Shield soft shell breathable and water repellant fabric, the Sabretooth gloves are ideal for high exertion in cold conditions. The close-fitting gloves feature roll tip finger construction for improved dexterity, a seam-free inside lower wrist
for comfort, and a brushed tricot lining throughout for increased wicking. www.montane.co.uk
BIKEBIZ JULY 39
PEOPLE | RECRUITMENT Send your recruitment news to
mark.sutton@intentmedia.co.uk
Duo sale into new roles at Eurobike i-Ride welcomes Guest to sales and customer service team Engel is back in bikes, now with Endura EUROBIKE Eurobike has strengthened its in-house and on-the-road team with two fresh appointments. The first is RODNEY ROUSE, the firm’s new sales manager for the South. Russ Masters of Eurobike said of the appointment: “Rod is our new man in the south. He comes to us with a wealth of knowledge in the cycle industry, spending the last two years as a rep on the road for Pactimo clothing and sports eyewear. He’s achieved first category status on the road and riding at national points level off-road. His experience has helped him form good relationships with our growing dealer base.” Retailers in the South can now contact Rouse on 07584 102804, or via rodney.rouse@eurobike.uk.com Secondly, CAROLINE HATCHMAN, previously of Planet X, joins Eurobike.
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Hatchman’s role at Eurobike will be varied, covering administration, invoicing and accounts, as well as focusing on Eurobike’s growing dealer base from the office. Hatchman can be contacted on 01332 774796.
Rodney Rouse
Katrin Engel
I-RIDE i-Ride has welcomed aboard JAMES GUEST to the company’s sales and customer service team. Paul Butler, managing director of i-Ride, said: “James is joining the inside sales and customer service team where his main focus is ensuring that we are constantly striving to meet the needs of our stockists with regular updates on stock, new products and working to find solutions that keep our retailers businesses running smoothly.” Andy Westlake, finance director, added: “I was impressed by James’ friendly manner and
enthusiasm to help. James joins the company after several years of cycle retail experience and this understanding will aid him in providing excellent service to our customers.” ENDURA KATRIN ENGEL is back in the bike trade following a brief stint within the public relations department of a European running shoe manufacturer. Having previously worked with apparel brand Sugoi, Engel is a familiar face within the bike business, part of the reason Endura has appointed her as its marketing coordinator. Based at the company’s headquarters in Livingston, West Lothian, Engel will coordinate Endura’s marketing activities across the UK. The native German will be in charge of PR, advertising and events organisation from a public relations perspective.
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BIKEBIZ JULY 43
RETAIL ONLY
The trade’s guide to sourcing stock, up-and-coming IBDs and the very latest products
RETAIL COMMENT
FEW IN THIS business will be able to recount their early days of riding without telling stories of busting skids through piles of leaves, or seeing how far they could jump a bike from the kerb outside their home. Even today, many of us will still race top speed toward a shallow ford just because a little bit of that inner child still lives on the inside. I read with interest this month the Charge Bikes catalogue editorial pieces on the brand’s roster of sponsored riders. Nearly every rider within stated their roots stem from jump bikes, BMX, any bike on which they could get away with grabbing a bit of air without bending the forks into a position resembling a beach cruiser. And look where they are now –
“BMX is a catalyst for many things. A bloomin’ good childhood and the conversion into future cyclists...” cyclists of all kinds, embracing and creating styles of riding both fresh and established. The content revived some fond memories, yet simultaneously brought about the damning reality that there will come a time when I’m simply too old to ‘grab some air’. It is then that I will have to concede that I’ve made that transition from BMX rider to cross country geek, or road cyclist. Whether I care to admit it or not, it’s happening already and I’m stuggling to know how to feel. On the one hand I’m sad that, because of creaky knees and weakened ankles, gravity seems to be pulling harder with each jump. On the flipside, cycling has a hell of a lot of alternatives to offer and in one form or another i’ll always be excited to try a new bike, test a new bit of kit and ultimately build a collection of rigs to further clog my garage. With BMX in focus in this issue it seems fitting to promote this sector with all the energy that gets me ‘stoked’ to leave my desk bang on 6pm each day, just so I can get out there and stick my middle finger up at gravity just a few more times. Why? Because I’m biased towards it? Well, yes and no. This sector animates me for many reasons. Dig beneath the surface, past the “have you seen the triple backflip?” and debates about 20-inch heroes from eras gone by and it all comes down to the notion that BMX is a catalyst for many things. First off, it’s a guarantee of a bloomin’ good, trouble-free childhood, tooth separating and tail bone breaking aside. But most of all, it’s a stepping stone into the vibrant world of cycling. And that’s where this article finally reaches ‘the point’. Whether or not BMX is to hit dizzying heights only to all but dissapear again is up for debate, but for the time being these customers must be embraced. They are the future of this business. Future cyclists, in one form or another. Mark.Sutton@intentmedia.co.uk
IN THIS MONTH’S ISSUE DEALER PROFILE
46
Mystery Shopper’s first top marks rated bicycle store Red Planet Bikes talks about the key to successful business...
BICYCLE MOTOCROSS
49
You’ve read the nostalgic soppyness above, now back to business. Who sells what in this sector? See 49 for answers...
LUGGAGE SOLUTIONS
57
Another sector guide geared toward the retailer selling bundles of panniers, racks, backpacks and more...
IBD | PROFILE
Red Planet Bikes
Red hot wheelie poppers Telephone: 01793 522 211 Email: sales@redplanetbikes.co.uk Website: www.redplanetbikes.co.uk
Address: 7 Wood Street, Old Town, Swindon, Wilts, SN1 4AN
Following an intriguing mystery shopper visit to Red Planet, BikeBiz couldn’t resist finding out more about this star performer, it’s famous coffee and fondness of UK bike brands. Mark Sutton discusses biz with store co-owner Ivor Read… Tell us a bit about your background in the bike trade: Well there came a time when we realised we were pretty much in the bike business. Apart from our day jobs, you’d find us running pits for teams at the 24-hour races, guiding, manning stands at the London Bike show, all sorts. Plus, my partner and myself were both professional managers with all the management and financial training behind us and that’s how Red Planet began. When BikeBiz visited it was clear that staff were enthusiasts – why do you feel it important to have keen cyclists representing the business? We are a shop that targets the enthusiast. You can only sell product to those guys and girls if you ride, understand and talk their language. We need to have used the product ourselves so we can relate its use to a customer’s riding styles. BikeBiz also got the impression that you’re a big fan of homegrown bike manufacturers – why is this? They are more fun. From a business perspective rare and oddball stuff pulls people in just to look. For riding, and hence selling, they are more interesting. The smaller, rider driven companies, make bikes with character, once you have started a conversation with a customer you can explain how and why that is. They are then more tied in to you and hopefully looking for a
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more unique product that’s hard to find cheap in a chain store. What trends if any have you seen emerge over the past years? Well we have seen the emergence and then dominance of carbon road bikes. Now we are seeing a move back to custom builds, especially Titanium. It’s like people are reacting against the ubiquitous carbon bike, but obviously want the performance still. Mountain biking is full of trends and niches, but the biggest change is from the old style xc/trailquest rider to the trail park rider. Loads of people rarely seem to mountainbike outside of the manmade stuff now. Do you foresee the 29-inch wheel becoming a strong seller in the UK? For the first time we’d say yes. We have sold more real off road 29ers in the last eight months than in the four years preceding them added together, plus half the staff purchases in the last year have been 29-inch. You can offer custom bike fitting – why is this service important for your clientele? Proper bike fit is essential to getting a perfect road bike. A set of bike fit diagrams is the single best way customers can make informed decisions about what bikes are right for them and their desired use. With this information they don’t just have to blindly believe our sales representative when we tell them which bikes will work for them.
Red Planet has sold “more 29ers in the last eight months than the preceding four years.”
How involved is the shop with the local cycling scene? Attend or run any events? All the time, we compete in a lot of local events (alright not from the front of the field) unless we are marshalling them. You will see our van all over the south in event car parks. How much do the following affect how well the business performs: Cycle to work business: This is a useful base line income and it does get some people into becoming regular cyclists. The Workshop: It’s where we build our reputation, by the quality and depth of knowledge, but not where we make our money. Finance support: This is more important to the chains and discount guys, I feel. A lot of our customers already know how much to expect to spend and where the money is coming from. Are there any things that are causing the business concern at present? This year the changes to the Cycle To Work buy back have made things complicated. Of course, a long wet summer would be much worse. Perhaps the lack of 29-inch tyres at our supplier’s warehouses needs flagging up too. What sets Red Planet apart from the local competition? Our coffee, oh... and that and we spend time with customers. What are your aspirations for Red Planet? To have fun, ride nice bikes and not starve! BIKEBIZ.COM
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SECTOR GUIDE | BMX
Attention, Bicycle Moto-shops BMX is expanding at a rapid rate, with the majority of specialists within the sector upping their orders from factory sources each and every year. Mark Sutton calls around the distributors to find out how retailers can benefit from stocking 20-inch specific goods…
Deluxe BMX AVAILABLE FOR pre-order now, Deluxe has two new signature frames coming designed in collaboration with trails rippers Max Bimar and Mark Potoczny. The former, Bimar's frame, will be made in three sizes – 21.3, 21 and 20.7 top tube – with a nice planted 74 degree head angle and 8.6-inch standover height making it perfect for trails. The brake lugs are welded on this model. Secondly, Potoczny's
Ison ISON HAS a strong range of BMX brands, including complete bikes from KHE. These generously specced bikes offer good value at all price levels, including signature lines from professional rider Daniel Dhers. Prices start at £269.99 for a 23/9 geared build dubbed the Root 180. KHE also has just about every BMX part needed
frame offers a slightly longer top tube, reaching 21.5-inches, 21 and 20.7. The frame, dubbed the Sacre Bleu, has removable brake mounts, a mid bottom bracket and angle-capped rear stays. Deluxe BMX now deals directly with the trade and can be contacted on mark@deluxebmx.com or via 05602 796039.
for component upgrades, included its ground-breaking superlight folding tyres and freecoaster hubs. Gusset is another brand that has BMX-specific stems, forks, grips, pedals, saddles and much more in the range. The brand new Woodstock cranks feature a bossless design and are manufactured from Reynolds 853 tubing making them superlight, yet very strong. The bossless design means that they fit directly onto the axle splines, the Woodstock compatible chainrings and spiders are also available. Protective gear brand TSG covers any protective gear needs, while Ison also supplies Dia Compe brakes, as well as ODI, which has arguably the most popular grip on the market. 01353 662662
Seventies BICYCLE MOTOCROSS goliath Seventies has perhaps the largest BMX exclusive catalogue of any distributor in the UK, importing brands such as Kink, Cult, DUB, Macneil and Subrosa, among many others, as well as designing its own Federal brand in house. With lower-end BMX bikes constantly striving to achieve better value for money, Kink's line has been revamped to include lightweight Spanish style bottom brackets on all but the very cheapest in its extensive catalogue. With a shipment due later this month and a further batch due before the Christmas rush, dealers are encouraged to get orders in early to avoid disappointment on all Seventies’ sought after complete bike brands. As one of the best selling forks on the market at present, dealers stocking BMX in depth should take a look at Federal's new Drop fork, retailing at £119.99. Based around the classic offset and length of the 20/20 fork, it also retains the same
Celebrating its 10th year, the UK’s leading Cycle Show heads to NEC, Birmingham on 29 Sep - 2 October 2011. BIKEBIZ.COM
material and heat treatment spec, however the shape of the dropout and the bottom of the fork leg have both been redesigned to create a stronger and cleaner looking junction with better clearance. Robbie Morales' Cult brand is found under the Seventies umbrella and since its first shipments into the UK over a year ago, the brand has been a favourite with skate park and street riders alike. For those really committing to BMX product, the Cult brand's soft goods line is emerging as a favourite too. The new Snapback hat is a one size fits all, embroided flat peak, a style which is trending in the sector at present. These retail for £24.99. Seventies will repeat its 30,000 plus catalogue print run this year, plus take a stand at the Cycle Show to be held at the NEC, pushing each of the complete bike brands under its banner throughout. 0845 3103670
>>> Register for your FREE trade pass at www.cycleshow.co.uk/register for more information’ BIKEBIZ JULY 49
SECTOR GUIDE | BMX >>> Madison
Raleigh
BELL'S LINK up with Californian artist Jimbo Phillips continues to give Bell a unique design edge over competition. The collaboration has brought the artist's iconic screaming hand drawings and more from the skate scene and plastered it, among other designs, over a selection of helmets in the Bell line. The BMX-suited Faction lid is just one to receive Jimbo's artwork. The12vent lid is ridden by a number of toplevel riders. A high impact ABS shell offers great protection in the event of a slam, though it's not a particularly
NEW THIS year from Diamondback, aside from the new bike line, is an innovative range of products made using UV reactant dyes allowing the products to change colour under sunlight. “These parts are great for younger riders. It allows a new level of customisation. I’ve made sure the highest level of quality has been achieved before I opted to use the UV technology. Riders can trust that the product works, regardless of the colour changing,” says Diamondback product manager Andy Parker.
heavy unit at just 426 grams. The lid meets CE EN178 and ASTM 1492 safety regulations. The package comes with customisable plush internal padding and adjustable straps meaning the rider can achieve a comfortable, yet secure fit. 0208 385 3385
Split Second Imports CARRYING four complete bike brands for BMX, two of which are designed in house, Split Second Imports has all budgets and spec levels covered. For the entry-level to intermediate customer, Split Second's own UK designed brands Ruption and Blank cover price points from £199.99 through £399.99, while the intermediate to high-end brands, Eastern and Stolen sell from £259.99 right through the other side of £700.
Shiner DISTRIBUTORS FOR Duo, Redline, SE Bikes, Swobo and Verde have plenty to offer the retailer interested in stocking 20-inch bikes. Verde has made a big impact on the UK BMX business, despite being a relatively new company to the UK. Having just won Ride to Glory, the brand's name is bigger than ever. The line spans entry-level, through to more professional suited builds. Beginning with the Cadet, dealers will find 25/9 gearing at the lowest price point. Combining a number of components from respected brands such as Odyssey (cranks) and Cinema (rims), Verde's range
UV Reactant technology is available on saddles, grips and pedals in four colour variations. All products, including complete bikes, are in stock with Raleigh now. 01773 532600
Whilst Ruption and Blank do offer a couple of beginner models, such as the Frank and Force, with large sprockets and one-piece cranks, it is really the micro-geared 25/9T models that are where the interest lies for all retailers of BMX. As such, for the 2012 ranges, both Blank and Ruption will be offering 25/9geared models with a one-piece crank to help bring the price down. Pro-Tec's helmet line can also be found under the Split Second banner. The firm has also recently taken delivery of a one-off helmet collaboration between Pro-Tec and Odyssey, carrying a very retro 80s design. 01934 743888
topping Luxe is designed trendy, with tanwall tyres standing out against an all black backdrop. AT this price point the frame is built from 100 per cent chromoly and carries an investment cast, integrated head tube. Made in the USA by grip specialist ODI, Duo's Corey Martinez's signature grips are medium thickness throughout with a reduced size flange. Bar ends are supplied with this model. 0117 955 6035
Coyote Sports COYOTE SPORTS exclusively distributes the Skyway brand, famed for its BMX parts and accessories line. The 80’s brand is still going strong and the range is expanding on a constant basis. The wheel line consists of the notorious Skyway Tuff II mag wheels, coloured coded BMX Grips, locking grips and brake pads.
Coyote also stocks Skyway saddles and again, keeping to the 80’s retro style, has brought about the re-introduction of the EZ and EZ Pro handlebars. With new colours of Tuff II mags, matching grips and brake pads arriving with the distributor soon, the range will expand to include lavender and, later this year, red. To view the product portfolio visit www.coyote-sports.com, or contact the sales team on 0161 727 8508.
>>> BIKEBIZ.COM
BIKEBIZ JULY 51
SECTOR GUIDE | BMX >>>
Upgrade Bikes DMR PEDALS are widely thought of as some of the best across all jump sectors, including BMX. Available in multiple colours, sealed and unsealed and with replaceable pins, there's a pedal for everyone. Though it’s the new Vault pedals that are causing a storm in the mountain
bike world, the V8 and V12 models remain favourites in the BMX market. Starting at £27.99, the V8s are both affordable and durable. Further crossover between DMR's jump product and BMX can be seen with the brand's seat posts. Offering both a pivotal and a railed design, the brand caters for all. At £2.99, the CNC machines Tilt post is again, very affordable and comes in six bright colours. What's more, buyers get an internal fluted post, which is both strong and lightweight. 01403 711 611
2pure INEVITABLY WHAT goes up must come down and within BMX, what comes down often comes down hard. That's why Lizard Skins has an extensive line of protective gear ranging from £19.99 guards for children, to £49.99 softcell knee and shin combination guards. Two sizes are available for all adult guards – small to medium and large to extra large.
Moore Large CARRYING PERHAPS the most established BMX brand in the world, Moore Large imports Haro's catalogue, as well as it's sister brand Premium Products, which itself now sells complete bikes. Changes have been made throughout to the spec, colours and graphics, with further tweaks made to the catalogue with the addition and removal of a few models due to the market demand. For 2012 there will be a new range called "350 Series". This slots in between the 300 and 400 series and covers popular retail price points around £369 to £399. Premium Products this year has three new models – the
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Inception, Spire and lower-priced brakeless build, the Subway. Chrome bars and fatter tyres feature in keeping with current trends. Moore Large also stock Savage - a comprehensive range of affordable, colourful BMX components. New additions to the growing range are BMX bars, nylon pegs, grips, end plugs, stems, pivotal saddles and seatposts, chainwheels and valve caps. 01332 274200
Fisher Outdoors SUPPORTER OF the Stay Strong foundation, Fisher Outdoors is increasingly involved with BMX and this year has a strong line of protective gear on sale from Troy Lee Designs. Being the protection brand of choice for Olympic BMX rider Shanaze Reade, Troy Lee has a loyal following of consumers. The range includes the popular Lopes and T-Bone Knee Guards. The Lopes was designed with nine times NORBA champion Brian Lopes with a unique two-piece inner neoprene sleeve and polycarbonate guard. Retail price for this protective unit is £79.99. If it's knee guards your customer is seeking, take a look at the T-Bone guards from Troy Lee. These are designed to be flexible and comfortable
with breathability and streamline fit. A set will cost £54.99 at retail. Full details can be found at www.fisherb2b.co.uk, or alternatively by contacting your territory account manager. 01727 798345
The brand's knee and shin guards are designed with clever anti-slip features to hold them firmly to the rider's legs. Ventilation features too, while multiple Velcro straps allow the user to adjust the padding to the contours of their shape. Elbow guards featuring many of the same design ideas, including a moisture wicking mesh lining, are also available from 2pure and come priced at £36.99 retail. 0844 811 2001
IMG Distribution IMG IS THE UK representative of a number of BMX brands, including perhaps the most widely stocked, the comprehensive Odyssey catalogue. Retailers have access to brands such as Ilegal, Sunday, Season, G-sport, Fly Bikes and in-house designed Proper. Having just released its debut DVD, the Proper team is more in focus than ever, trending both here in the UK and in many territories abroad. With most component areas covered by the brand, including accessories such as hub guards tailored to its own hubs, retailers wouldn't go wrong in carrying this line in its entirety. Expect multiple colours and well thought out design throughout. Odyssey's convertible post (pictured) is compatible with all Pivotal style seats and includes hardware for mounting railed seats. The removable post guts can also be used to install railed seats on integrated Pivotal frames. 0845 8725446
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PRODUCTS | NEW RELEASES
New gear
Tales from the Tour, stylish luxury leather saddles and fresh new nutrition designed to put a kick in cyclists’ performance make our round-up
NeilPryde Alize SL seat post Direct via NeilPryde 020 7193 6438
Charge X Bill Amberg saddles Cycling Sports Group UK 01202 732288
How I Won the Yellow Jersey Random House 0207 840 8400
TO SIT WITH the Alize frame, NeilPryde has introduced an ‘Alize’ seatpost with an adjustable 78degree angle, meaning the brand’s customers can now achieve a full triathlon or time trial specific bike from one brand. Utilising Ritchey’s saddle clamp on monorail design, the post itself measures 350mm for a longer post and 320mm for a short. The Alize tips the scales at 0.24kg for the longer version. 20 per cent discounts are offered on pre-orders placed before early July. Representative of the brand, Scott Purchas, is contactable on 020 7193 6438.
CONTINUING ITS quest to be the most stylish brand around, Charge Bikes has linked with luxury leather tailor Bill Amberg for a limited run of stylish saddles. Charge Bikes owner Nick Larsen told BikeBiz at the recent 2012 bike launch: “We noticed Amberg had done some stylish saddles for Half Pipe Bikes. Having seen the stunning results we got onto Bill about doing some leather Charge saddles. They’ll cost £40 when they land mid-July. The saddle is designed as a cross-breed between our Spoon and Bucket saddles. There’s some of Bill’s signature touches on there, such as the lattice style backing.”
NED BOULTING recounts his experiences covering the world's premier two-wheeled race. Offering an insider's view of reporting on the Tour, including what it's like to confront Cavendish, Wiggins, Armstrong et al seconds after they cross the finish line. Boulting was awarded the Royal Television Society's Sports Reporter of the Year award in 2006 for his role in covering cycling. Since then he has presented two Tour of Britain races, as well as having reported from the Tour de France eight times. The book retails for £12.99 and is available to trade accounts via The Random House Group.
Polaris footwear Polaris 01246 240218
Answer racing product Pure Bicycle Company 01582882919
Kinetica Energy Direct 02031 708591
AFTER NEARLY a year of designing and planning, Polaris’ new range of shoes has arrived. The line-up includes six models, five of which are available now. The Bojo shoe is the brand’s take on an urban shoe. Designed to be subtle yet functional, it can be worn all day, both on or off the bike. Sportive riders and road racers are catered for with Flash and Ignition. The Equilibrium shoe is aimed at the tri market, featuring large mesh vents and a simple single strap closure. The Splinter trail shoe is aimed at MTBers and incorporates a tough trail-ready Vibram sole. Vibram will also feature on the Shredder boot.
ANSWER’S BMX racing goods are now available exclusively via upstart distributor Pure Bicycle Company. (More on that on page 6) The Dagger fork is key to the new line, being “one of the main forks” for serious racers, as well as one of the only race forks to have full carbon legs and an aluminium steerer. Sold in pairs, Answer’s wheels are also available from Pure. Once again, these are top-end bits of kit, hosting a titanium driver and Japanese performance bearings. A pair of Answer’s wheels weigh in at a mere 2.4 pounds.
SPORTS NUTRITION brand Kinetica has added both Tri Carb Sticks and energy gels to its line-up. Designed to replenish essential carbohydrates and aid muscle recovery, sports nutritionist Matt Lovell, alongside Kinetica scientists, has created solutions tailored to the endurance athlete. Kinetica Tri Carb Sticks come in powder form and contain natural sea salts for hydration, as well as B vitamins, Fenugreek fibre and bitter melon extract to help regulate blood sugar levels. For on-the-move boosts, the energy gels replenish and, again, keep hydration levels up thanks to clever ingredients.
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SECTOR GUIDE | LUGGAGE
Zyro ABUS’ 20 litre office bag comes with a LED light and a pre-defined shape (using foam stabiliser) to bring an end to squashed sandwiches. With reflective piping and durable, waterproof fabrics, this ideal-for-commuter bag has a padded lock or laptop compartment and retails at £109.99. Altura has a wealth of load carrying solutions. Built-for-the-UK Arran and Dryline are bestsellers, says Zyro, the former traditional sewn panniers and the latter waterproof lined. The new Fuse and Arc welded panniers have been hugely popular too, bringing tough and lightweight waterproof welded construction. Night Vision’s waterproof panniers, rackpack and post pack are hivis for commuters, while the Metro and Urban briefcases provide a less cyclist
SKS
Baggage handling look. Speed seatpacks cater for riders carrying the bare minimum in a range of sizes and colours. All Altura luggage uses high standard Rixen Kaul hardware for long life. Zefal and Dahon luggage is also found under the Zyro banner. Zyro: 01845 521 700
Whether it’s transporting a tool kit, laptop, groceries or even a bike, there’s a cycle luggage option available. Jonathon Harker packs his own bags and profiles the market’s latest gear...
Chicken Cyclekit
COMING IN Three sizes, the RaceBag mounts tool-free and features a bayonet catch, reflective piping, loop for the rear light, neoprene compartment for multi tool inside and is constructed with water-resistant material. Like the RaceBag, the TourBag is also mounted tool-free. Available in two sizes, the TourBag has a quick-release powerstrap fastening system and also features reflective piping, a loop for the rear light, space for multitool and is water-resistant constructed. TourBag retails at £23.99 for the 1.4 lt (large) and £25.99 for the 1.4+0.6 lt (XL). The RaceBag range starts at £16.99 for the XS (0.5 ltr) up to the M at £19.99 (0.8 + 0.2 ltr). SKS products are available via Chicken Cyclekit, Madison and Raleigh, whose details are all listed on this page.
SWITZERLAND’S Pletscher offers a particularly city bike-oriented range of luggage and racks. The ‘quickfit’ rack system allows the speedy fitment and removal of bags, baskets and seats. Beautifully engineered in anodised alloy, the racks and accessories offer a distinctive alternative for urban customers. Contact the sales office 01525 381347, or www.chickenb2b.co.uk for more details on the range.
Madison Raleigh AVENIR’S lined rear panniers come as a pair as standard, with a host of features, including a waterproof inner lining designed to keep belongings dry and safe. Constructed with highly durable nylon fabric, the panniers use the Rixen Kaul Klickfix fitting system (try saying that fast) which has a great reputation in the world of luggage. Reflective piping, internal organiser and a shoulder strap all come as standard and the integrated weather ski keeps the base of the bag off the ground when not in use, reducing wear and tear. Avenir’s wide range is available through Raleigh. Raleigh 0800 096 9060
PACIFIC Outdoor’s Super Pannier is a super-sized rear touring pannier with a handy floating lid for oversized loads. Stored under the floating lid is a innovative deployable mesh pocket so riders can dry wet garments while they ride. The 3D zippered pocket is built with drains as is the rear blister pocket that holds fuel bottles or other items not wanted in with the rest of the cyclists’ gear. With an angled cut for heal clearance, the Super Pannier sports the same easy on/off Rixon and Kaul rack attachment hardware as Pacific’s other panniers. Sold as a set that includes a left and a right, the Super Pannier holds 66 litres. Madison: 0870 034 7226
Celebrating its 10th year, the UK’s leading Cycle Show heads to NEC, Birmingham on 29 Sep - 2 October 2011. BIKEBIZ.COM
>>>
Register for your FREE trade pass at www.cycleshow.co.uk/register for more information’ BIKEBIZ JULY 57
SECTOR GUIDE | LUGGAGE >>> Greyville
C3 Products
RIXEN KAUL is one of the goto companies in the luggage business, with many of the entries on this page using its tech. The firm’s own luggage line includes the Delux Mesh Basket, a deep, fine-mesh basket with an integrated mount designed for fitting a front light. It also sports a handle and rear adapter plate for easy use with the KlickFit KF850 handlebar. Weighing a mere 1,000g, the basket has a maximum 7kg load, and a 22-litre
BIKND HELIUM is a piece of luggage designed to transport bikes in. Innovatively, and probably uniquely, it uses helium filled air bladders that sit either side of the bike for maximum protection. Making transit and storage easier, the bladders deflate easily so the bag can be folded up when not in use. The bag can carry two wheel sets, perfect for competing cyclists, enabling them to take a race
Polaris POLARIS’S new range of fully waterproof luggage – branded ‘Aqua Nought’ – will be available at retail from August. The lineup features roll top waterproof closures, lazer-cut high frequency welded seams and reflective detailing. Aqua Nought products are manufactured from
i-ride THE YAMASKA pannier range is a favourite with tourers and renowned for durability. The 450Kf rear pannier set has reflectors and practical compartments. Plastic clips are included for storage of extra luggage on top and pedaling is not affected by the panniers due to the sloped shape of the
Moore Large FEW WILL have passed through Moore Large’s last house show without noting the new Expider luggage gear. Integrated LEDs are a big part of Expider’s unique selling points, weaving the lights into backpacks, saddlebags and other luggage. Look out for the brand’s two-litre bladder backpack with integrated light. Moore Large predicts this will be a top seller thanks to its value for money credentials. Moore Large also distributes the Knog and in-house designed Outeredge
58 BIKEBIZ JULY
storage capacity. The Mesh Basket retails at £19.95. Greyville: 01543 251328 (sales@greyville.com)
a durable nylon and aqua3 coated fabrics and the range covers three styles of bags; a 20-litre courier bag, a 30-litre back pack with an adjustable back support and a 40litre travel holdall with an internal dry bag. All bags are available in fluro yellow, black and matt grey. www.polarisbikewear.co.uk
bags. Coming complete with a LED light unit and rain covers, the bag offers good value for £134.99. Cordo's rugged Reply Pannier set is designed to be simple and effective. Spacious, very sturdy and made of canvas with a trendy look, the strong waterproof product has adjustable quick release fasteners and a 28lt capacity, all for £59.99 inc VAT. www.i-ride.co.uk
catalogues, both of which have a diverse range of luggage goods. 01332 274200
Wildoo FOR YEARS Pletscher has built its carriers using a unique die-cast aluminium top desk. The construction method is far stronger than the competition, says Pletscher, and forms the basis for the Easy-Fix luggage integration system. Pletscher Easy-Fix carriers are as standard equipment for many brands, including Pashley, and are also available as an aftermarket upgrade. With an Easy-Fix carrier on a bike there are a wide range of accessories that can quickly be clicked on or off are available
Upgrade LEZYNE’S TRUNK Caddy is a clever product with zip-out side panniers for when the rider needs that extra carrying capacity. The padded interior comes with organisational dividers – including for cycle tools – while the water resistant bottom keeps the contents dry. The Lezyne Rack Caddy (£42.99) is a single pannier, again with handy organisation, this time with bottom and top compartments
Rapha RAPHA has a new luggage collection promising to blend luxury with functionality. The revamped line-up includes a reworked Race Bag, updated Rapha Backpack, new Should Bags, a Tote and Wash Bag. All are constructed from hardwearing and water resistant black Cordura, and as you’d expect with the brand, have a strong visual identity with a contrast white, leather stripe on the outside. www.rapha.cc
set and training/spare set of wheels. If you’re not convinced it’s worth noting Biknd is technical sponsor to the
Garmin/Cervelo and Radioshack pro tour teams. The bag retails for £425. www.c3products.com
to buy including baskets, rack bags, boxes and child seats. Pletscher is distributed by Chicken and Wildoo www.wildoo.co.uk
separate from the main pocket. Also up from the brand is the Messenger Caddy (84.99). Featuring durable construction from polyester and PVC fabrics, the caddy includes a high vis main logo, straps and lighting loop. A padded and breathable shoulder strap, custom alloy buckle with integrated bottle opener and a separated document sleeve within are some of the other features includes. 01403 711 611
Hesling Products Hesling offers a wide range of product to the trade, including luggage as well as casual clothing and serious rainwear for wet weather. The luggage range caters for a wide range of ages and uses, whether it’s for riding to school, commuting, leisure riding or serious touring. Hesling is distributed via Coyote Sports 0161 7278508 and The Cycle Division 01484 456137.
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SECTOR GUIDE | FORKS, GEARS, CHAINS AND BRAKES
l a t e m e h t o t l a d e P In a mind-bending collection of components, we list a selection of forks, gears, chains and brakes currently available to bike retailers, all in the one feature. Jonathon Harker shifts up a gear...
Chicken Cyclekit Both the Columbus and Deda fork ranges are distributed by Chicken Cyclekit. Columbus is Italian-designed, offering a complete range of carbon forks, with a selection of more niche requirements with one-inch models and CX models available. Deda carbon forks are a recent addition to the Chicken, proving popular already. A full range also includes the option for RAW unpainted models. Chicken’s B2B site (www.chickenb2b.co.uk) already has the
Greyville
Fox
The Axon is SR Suntours top of the range line of XC forks. Starting from £275.95 retail price there is a choice of different models to suit differing rider needs. New models include the Axon Werx series and a new top-of-therange Axon RC ELD, which uses a carbon and magnesium hybrid lower leg resulting in a much lighter fork. This air-sprung fork also has a remote electronic lockout meaning the fork can be made rigid or active in just 0.65 seconds. Weighing in at an impressive 1,500g the Axon RC ELD also uses Suntour’s own 15mm Q LOC axle for increased stiffness. The Axon range of forks is available with standard 9mm dropouts, or with a 15mm axle and a choice of 1 1/8” or a tapered steerer tube. Team BH Suntour has been using the Axon fork on the front of its bikes since the start of the season, with Julie Bresset taking the top spot at the last two world cup races at Dalby Forest and Offenburg. Retail prices start from £275.95. Greyville can be contacted on 01543 251328 or sales@greyville.com.
Available in the UK from July, the 2012 Fox Racing Shox line-up offers a compelling comprehensive range of mountain bike suspension. The brand has set its sights high with the introduction of the Float TI. With a onepiece titanium crown/steerer 90 grams has been shaved off the weight, while the same stiffness as Fox’s existing two piece aluminium crown and steerer has been maintained. The 2012 range also sees the introduction of Kashima Coat to its rear shocks. Exclusive to Fox Racing Shox, Kashima’s distinctive gold colour is backed by its performance attributes of exceptionally smooth feel and extreme durability. Fox Racing Shox is distributed by Mojo Suspension. Fox: 01633 615815
full range of Campagnolo 2012 components available for pre-order. Some stock will arrive before the Campagnolo August holidays, including a new range of wheels, groupsets and Triathlon/TT product. Included in the vastly expanded Tri range are 10x and 11x bar end shifters in carbon and alloy. To compliment these, a linear pull and centre pull brake caliper will be offered for the first time and also an aero brake lever model. Please contact the sales office on 01525 381347 to ensure you receive stock from the first 2012 deliveries to Chicken Cyclekit. 01525 381347
Celebrating its 10th year, the UK’s leading Cycle Show heads to NEC, Birmingham on 29 Sep - 2 October 2011. 60 BIKEBIZ JULY
Register for your FREE trade pass at www.cycleshow.co.uk/register for more information’ BIKEBIZ.COM
SECTOR GUIDE | FORKS, GEARS, CHAINS AND BRAKES
Kool-Stop Kool-Stop has expanded its popular series of vintage brake pads. In addition to the Campagnolo Nuovo Record and the Mafac replacement pads they now have the Rod Insert Rounded Philips available. These come two pair in a bag (salmon or black).
Ison Distribution The best-selling Society Forks range is still going strong with great performing dirt jump forks at reasonable prices, Ison tells BikeBiz. The distributor also carries forks for road, MTB and BMX from brands such as Surly, Salsa, Genetic, KHE, Gusset, AllCity and White Brothers. Gear-wise Ison has the Rohloff
Raleigh Quad Technology’s new brake systems aim to offer better spec for the money. What that means is that the new ‘Nano’ system is available in black/red or white/gold colour options, offering high performance hydraulic braking for £59.99 per unit. The price includes a fully bled calliper, lever, hose, rotor, bolts and adaptor. The next step up of £20 per brake (taking it to £79.99) is the all-new Nano Lite. This is a lightweight version of the Nano with super light XC rotor, tool-free
Zyro Ashima’s PCB is the world’s first pistonless hydraulic brake. By simplifying the calliper and removing the pistons the PCB is light, efficient, economic, low profile and almost maintenance free, says Zyro. The 2011 version has performance upgrades and is available at £129.99 (front and rear sold separately). Over to replacement pads, Ashima’s RPMX/PROG (for Shimano) retails at £12.99 and uses a plastic fitting on a traditional rubber pad for a superior fit between pad and holder. RPMX pads are light, stiff, safe and easy to fit too. The allnew Pro-G Advanced rubber compound performs up to 70 per cent better under heavy braking than standard rubber compounds, says Ashima, The plastic moulded Pro-Carbon version (£14.99, sold in pairs) offers top braking performance on carbon rims, wet or dry.
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The available colours in the wide range of Kool-Stop pads are ever-increasing too. Many are now available in pink, lime green, purple and white. All KoolStop compounds are thoroughly tested and meet or exceed CPSC, BA1 and EN braking standards. Kool-Stop brakes are available via Spa Cycles, Amba, Scoop BMX and i-Ride.
internal geared hub, as well as having Sturmey Archer, Driven and Sunrace within its catalogue. The Sturmey Archer Kickback hub is a great two-speed hub for commuters as it is internally geared so runs on a singlespeed set-up and gear change is by a quarter pedal backwards. Retail price for the Kickback is £64.99. For brakes Ison’s portfolio includes Gusset, Genetic and Dia Compe for just about every type of cycle, while chains are available from Gusset, KHE and 4Jeri. Ison: 01353 662 662
reach and bite point adjustment and plenty more. The Nano Lite has been tested in France and Scotland on downhill rigs with standard rotors to ensure they can put up with pretty much anything your customer can throw at it. Quad Technology products are exclusively distributed by Raleigh in the UK. Raleigh: 0800 096 9060
Izumi chains, made in Japan, are pitched at fixie and urban bikes. The Japanese NJS approved Super-Tough is the most formidable chain in the lineup, with a stunning gold and black finish. Izumi’s standard 1/2x1/8 chains are available in black, silver and gold at an affordable price. Zyro: 01845 521700
Madison Shimano has launched the new Deore XT. Lauded as the world’s first MTB groupset back when the first Deore launched 30 years ago, this next version has been completely revamped. The Dyna-Sys drivetrain comes in two varieties: double and triple, offering riders a choice for the option that fits his or her style best. The more versatile triple version aims to provide maximum shift smoothness and durability. The Show rear derailleur has been enhanced and combined with the newest shifter design to optimise the overall system stability. It’s more mechanic friendly too, with angled adjustment screws and clamp bolt.
Deore also offers advanced light action shifting via the Rapidfire Plus shifter, plus a host of other features. Also up from Shimano is the new Tiagra. Completely re-engineered and remastered, the
enhanced Tiagra has a more refined ergonomic design than its predecessor. Improved levers for easier shifting and a rear derailleur that can accommodate a 30T cog with a short cage for quicker, crisp shifting are among the new features. Madison: 0870 034 7226
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BIKEBIZ JULY 61
SECTOR GUIDE | FORKS, GEARS, CHAINS AND BRAKES
>>> Hotlines The Manitou Minute Pro fork retails at £379.99 and provides riders with the feel of the trail, but without the dental work-jarring vibration. While there is often a weight penalty in order to attain solid steering, the Minute aims to change all that with ultra stiff 32 mm stanchions, MARS Air springs and an available Hex Lock thru-axle. The Absolute Damper offers externally adjustable low-speed damping and internally tuneable high-speed damping. The Deep Bore Hollow Crown are light weight, offering no loss in strength. Hotlines also brings the Hayes Prime hydraulic disc brake (£149.99) to the trade. Using what it describes as industryfirst technologies, it offers more power, new components and a better ride. Prime’s tool-free reach and contact
Upgrade YBN’s strong value chain range includes the Hollow Pin ten-speed chain for £31.99. With 260 gram super-lightweight forged hollow pins it offers precise and quick shifting, and is compatible with all ten-speed systems (Shimano). YBN’s Half Link singlespeed and BMX chain (£19.99) weighs 360 grams and is available in 1/8-inch or Narrow 3/32-inch. This extreme heavy-duty single speed chain comes with a joining pin included. YBN also offers a £169.99 Ultralight ten-speed titanium chain aimed at the
Fisher Outdoor Leisure
adjustment, improved braking torque and feel are among the attributes of the Prime. In fact, the Prime is packed with plenty more new technology, contact Hotlines for more details on those. Hotlines: 0131 319 1444
more weight concious riders among us. Microshift is pitched as a credible alternative to the main transmission companies. Offering high quality and great value across the range of MTB and road components, Microshift’s catalogue includes the new XONA ten-speed roadgroup, suitable for both double or triple chain sets. Fully compatible with Shimano drivetrains, cyclists can mix and match components, whether building up a CX bike, race bike or long distance tourer. The MicroShift range also includes the Xona shifters (£199.99) and Xona rear mech (£59.99).
i-ride Token’s Accura brake calipers with titanium hardware (TK-BR730) weighs a mere 211 grams a pair with pads included. Featuring CNC machined aluminium arms, cartridge type brake pads and available in white, black or red anodized, the Accura comes for the retail price of £255.31, including VAT. Visit www.iride.co.uk for more of Token’s extensive components catalogue. 01444 243000
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Following the recent maiden win for a 29er in WC competition by a RockShoxequipped bike, Fisher now has the range of 29er specific RockShox forks available to order on general release. This model is lighter than the ’09 26-inch equivalent and available from £649.99 The SRAM road groupsets need no introduction as pro level proven components, but in the 2011 Giro d’Italia, Alberto Contador actually rode the entry level SRAM Apex gearing to help him compete in the steep, high mountains. All group sets are now available to your customers directly from Fisher, from SRAM
Tektro is a significant player in the OE and aftermarket brake market, with a huge range of product, including the popular R539 caliper brake (£49.99/pr). The long reach brake set will not interfere with frames fitted with mudguards and has a new quick release mechanism for larger tyres and adjustable angle cartridge pads. Tektro racing products line-up also includes the Dash disk brake £134.99/ wheel (alloy).
Apex to the award winning SRAM Red. New colours have been announced making colour coding a bike easier than ever, including the SRAM Red Black (available July) and Apex White (Available August). MTB gearing is taken care of too with a developing 2x10 offering. SRAM X0 is available from September in a new mirror finish X0 Silver derivative and the X9 and X7 brakes have been redesigned for 2012 to offer even greater stopping power from a lightweight brake set. SRAM also offers a well-known range of chains for all types of bike, as well as a high quality bulk chain for workshop use. SRAM’s chains promise easy maintenance and fluid shifting. Contact your territory manager for further details. www.fisherb2b.co.uk 01727 798345
Upgrade is the exclusive supplier of the Kinesis range of forks, including the Kinesis DC07 fork at £129.99. Decade forks are also distributed by Upgrade, such as the UK-designed Truth steel 700c fork costing £74.99. X-Fusion’s MTB suspension forks promise sensibly priced high quality product. For more details call 01403 711 611.
Moore Large THE MICROSHIFT brand is also available from Moore Large, giving bike retailers a viable, cheaper alternative to speccing Shimano and SRAM parts for replacement, or upgrade jobs in the workshop. New to Microshift are the Bona and Centos ten-speed road groups: The Bona group features hipolish and anodised/Ti coated road levers complete with Teflon cabling, front braze on derailleur weighing 98 grams and rear derailleur weighing 199 grams. The Centos group features classic polished road levers complete with Teflon cables, front braze on derailleur weighing 98 grams and rear derailleur weighing 201 grams.
With both groupsets offering low weights and performance on par with the main brands, retailers have a real groupset alternative in Microshift. 01332 274200
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LETTERS | YOUR SAY
Mail to: Saxon House, 6A St. Andrews Street, Hertford, Hertfordshire SG14 1JA
Email: Jonathon.Harker@ intentmedia.co.uk
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BikeBiz is keen to publish your opinions, whether they’re from letters, emails or via BikeBiz.com...
STAR LETTER
I AM WORKING on a business plan to start a bike shop in Gloucestershire. I've got a site in mind and now it's very much down to crunching the figures. I'm lacking a few crucial bits of information though and this is where I was hoping BikeBiz’s readership might be able to assist with its wisdom. The first one is going to sound ridiculous. I have no feeling at all for the rate of sales on bikes. I understand that's a bit like asking how long is a piece if string, but I just need something to go on. I'm looking at an 800 sq foot site next door to a huge supermarket, an NHS trust employing 800 on the doorstep and several thousand new build homes up the road. I'm thinking of stocking Trek from £300 to £2,000 in road, MTB, commuter and kids. Are we talking one a week, one a day, ten on the weekend and nothing else until next? I just don't have anything to base a clever estimate on.
“How many bikes do you sell and when? Is it one a day, ten on the weekend and nothing else until the next?”
How do you set up a bike shop? Are you willing to help a fledgling cycle retailer get off the starting blocks with a few words of sage advice...?
Star Letter Whether it’s a hand-written, sentthrough-the-post letter, email or a comment made on the BikeBiz forum, the best letter of the month wins a prize from Oxford Products. This month the lucky winner will receive the F15 Fluo helmet.
64 BIKEBIZ JULY
Next up, suppliers and margins. I've read that there's some benefit in putting most of your eggs in one basket to show commitment and get a decent deal in the early days, hence the idea of a wide range of Trek and its bikes. I'm basing my figures on a 35 per cent margin, does that sound reasonable? Finally, sale or return, is that an option any suppliers even consider? I'm in wholesale at the moment, albeit in a different sector, and I know we pretty much won't touch it anymore. That being the case, what's the knack for avoiding a lot of unsold stock, but still ensuring enough options in store? Do suppliers let shops order in for a test ride and send back if it's no-go? Seems unlikely. Any help your readership could offer would be much appreciated. Luke Pickering
IF YOU can point Pickering in the right direction, offer some wisdom or advice, please email mark.sutton@intentmedia.co.uk. The content will then be passed on him.
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2pure 0844 811 2001 www.2pure.co.uk
Eurobike Ltd 01332 774796 www.eurobike.uk.com
DISTRIBUTOR
DISTRIBUTOR
Otagocyclesport 07939 543016 www.otagocyclesport. co.uk
Seventies 0845 3103670 www.seventies.co.uk DISTRIBUTOR
DISTRIBUTOR
Abacus Online Ltd 0151 334 8303 www.abacusonline.net EPOS
Ascend Retail Management System 01908 280667 www.ascendrms.com EPOS
Fat Spanner 07966401165 www.fatspannerworld. com
Pacific Cycles Inc +886 34861231 www.pacific-cycles.com
DISTRIBUTOR/MANUFACTURER
MANUFACTURER/DISTRIBUTOR
Fisher Outdoor Leisure 01727 798345 www.fisheroutdoor.co.uk
Paligap Ltd 01454 313116 www.paligapltd.co.uk
DISTRIBUTOR/IMPORTER
Hotlines Europe Ltd 0131 3191444 www.hotlines-uk.com DISTRIBUTOR
Cube Bikes Uk Ltd www.cube.eu 0031 180441350 DISTRIBUTOR
Custom Sports Clothing Ltd 07580 495881 www.customsports clothing.com MANUFACTURER/DISTRIBUTOR
Cybertill Ltd 0800 0304432 www.cybertill.co.uk EPOS
Cycle Division Ltd 0845 0508500 www.thecycledivision. com WHOLESALER/DISTRIBUTOR
The Cycle Show 0207 2886733 www.cycleshow.co.uk EVENT/EXHIBITION ORGANISER
Digital Retail Solutions Inc 001 8003229471 www.digitalretailer.com EPOS
Hykeham Wholesale Limited 01522 801550 www.hykehamwholesale. co.uk DISTRIBUTOR/WHOLESALER
Jungle Products Ltd 01423 780088 www.jungleproducts.co.uk www.santacruzbikes.co.uk DISTRIBUTOR
Lyon Equipment 01539 625493 www.lyon.co.uk DISTRIBUTOR
Monterey Industries Ltd 0117 9509499 www.masibikes.com www.brevm.com DISTRIBUTOR/MANUFACTURER
Mojo suspension Hoodoo ltd 01633 615815 www.mojo.co.uk DISTRIBUTOR
Moore Large and Co Ltd 01332 274252 www.moorelarge.co.uk DISTRIBUTOR
DISTRIBUTOR
SKS +49 2333831246 www.sks-germany.com MANUFACTURER
DISTRIBUTOR
Parklife (Havant) Ltd 02392 475895
Sonic Cycles 0207 2432848 www.soniccycles.co.uk/b2b
IMPORTER/DISTRIBUTOR
IMPORTER/DISTRIBUTOR
Pashley Cycles 01789 292263 www.pashley.co.uk
Sport Direct Ltd 0845 2693060 www.sport-direct.co.uk
MANUFACTURER/DISTRIBUTOR
DISTRIBUTOR/MANUFACTURER
Peter Dobbs Design and Print Services 01482 224007
Stormfront Technology Ltd 0800 6121044 www.stormfront.co.uk
MANUFACTURER/DESIGN & PRINT SERVICES
EPOS
DISTRIBUTOR
Bohle UK Ltd 01952 602680 www.schwalbe.co.uk
Silverfish UK Ltd 01752 843882 www.silverfish-uk.com
Qoroz 01453 889204 www.qoroz.co.uk MANUFACTURER
Raleigh UK Ltd 01773 532600 www.raleigh.co.uk www.cyclelife.com DISTRIBUTOR
Red Cloud MC 01767 692831 www.redcloudmc.com MARKETING, PR & EVENTS
Reece Cycles PLC 0121 6220180 www.reececycles.co.uk
Trek Bicycle Corporation 01908 282626 MANUFACTURER
USE Ltd 01798 344477 www.exposurelights.com www.use1.com MANUFACTURER/DISTRIBUTOR
Vigour Corporation 0092 524269920 www.vigourcorporation.com MANUFACTURER/EXPORTER
Walkers Cycle Components Ltd 0116 2833885 www.walkerscycles.co.uk WHOLESALER/DISTRIBUTOR
DISTRIBUTOR
Saddleback Ltd 01454 285285 www.saddleback.co.uk
Zyro Ltd 01845 521700 www.zyro.co.uk DISTRIBUTOR
DISTRIBUTOR
To order copies of BikeBiz Bible or ensure inclusion in the 2011 edition please contact Gemma.Messina@intentmedia.co.uk
EDITORIAL PLANNER | EVENTS Editorial Planner | August 2011
UPCOMING EVENTS
SPOTLIGHT
Bicycle lighting and reflective clothing Mountain biking: bikes, protective clothing and accessories
ICEBIKE* WINTER July19th to 21st and 25th to 26th Madison distribution centre, Milton Keynes
www.icebike.co.uk Editorial Deadline: July 8th
Advertising Deadline: July 13th
To advertise call Carly Bailey on +44 (0) 1992 535647, or email her at carly.bailey@intentmedia.co.uk For editorial contact Jonathon Harker on +44 (0) 1992 535646, or email him at jonathon.harker@intentmedia.co.uk
SEPTEMBER 2011 Children: Bikes, P&A Clothing and Accessories Editorial Deadline: Aug 5th Advertising Deadline: Aug 10th
OCTOBER 2011 Road Cycling: Bikes, Gear and Accessories Cycle Show Guide Guide to the High Street Buyers Editorial Deadline: Sept 2nd Advertising Deadline: Sept 7th
NOVEMBER 2011 Stocking Fillers: Gifts under £20 Trailers and Trailer Bikes Cycle Show Review Editorial Deadline: Oct 7th Advertising Deadline: Oct 12th
July 2011 RELENTLESS NASS Tuesday July 8th to 10th Shepton Mallet, Somerset www.relentlessnass.com BIKE EXPO 2011 Tuesday July 21st to 24th Munich, Germany www.bike-expo.com ICEBIKE* WINTER July 19th to 21st and 25th to 26th Milton Keynes www.icebike.co.uk DEALER CAMP 2011 Monday July 26th Deer Valley, Utah www.dealercamp.com
August 2011
DECEMBER 2011 P&A: Wheels, Tyres, Tubes, Pumps Retail Survey Editorial Deadline: Nov 4th Advertising Deadline: Nov 9th
JANUARY 2012 Workshop: Cleaning and Tools Workshop: Training Core Bike Editorial Deadline: TBC Advertising Deadline: TBC
FEBRUARY 2012 Commuting: Folding Bikes, Helmets, Reflectives IceBike Guide Fisher Outdoors Expo Editorial Deadline: TBC Advertising Deadline: TBC
THE BIBLE IS BACK! 66 BIKEBIZ JULY
AUSBIKE 2011 Thursday August 20th to 22nd Exhibition Pavillion, Melbourne Showgrounds www.ausbike.com.au EUROBIKE DEMO DAY Tuesday August 30th Argenbuhl, Germany www.eurobike-show.de
September 2011 EUROBIKE 2011 Wednesday August 31st to September 3rd Friedrichshafen, Germany www.eurobike-show.de INTERBIKE 2011 Monday September 12th to Friday September 16th Las Vegas, USA www.interbike.com BIKEBIZ AWARDS 2011 Wednesday September 28th Hilton Metropole, NEC, Birmingham www.bikebiz.com
October 2011 CYCLE SHOW 2011 Thursday September 29th to Sunday October 2nd NEC Birmingham, UK www.cycleshow.co.uk
November 2011 TAICHUNG BIKE WEEK November 29th to December 2nd Taichung, Taiwan www.taichung-bikeweek.com
For more cycle trade dates: www.bikebiz.com/events
For additional copies please contact: Gemma.Messina@intentmedia.co.uk BIKEBIZ.COM
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A quarter page advert in each issue Regular editorial coverage in the dedicated column Company details listed in the online directory with web link Company details listed in the BikeBiz Marketplace Contacts Marketplace
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COMPANY PROFILE
MARKETPLACE CONTACTS BIKES & ACCESSORIES Madison Paligap Seventies The Cycle Division Kinesis Bikes Upgrade Bikes
01908 326 000 01454 313 116 0845 310 3670 0845 0508 500 01403 711 611 01403 711 611
www.madisonb2b.co.uk www.paligapltd.co.uk www.seventies.co.uk www.thecycledivision.com www.kinesisbikes.co.uk www.upgradebikes.co.uk
BIKE MAINTENANCE Weldtite
01652 660 000
www.weldtite.co.uk
COMPONENTS Bob Elliot & Co Ltd Pace cycles Ltd USE Ltd
01772 459 887 01723 867 919 01798 344 477
www.bob-elliot.co.uk www.pacecycles.com www.use1.com
CUSTOM CLOTHING Wildoo Ltd
01908 374 555
www.wildoo.co.uk
EPOS Citrus Lime Evopos
0845 603 9254 0845 644 9424
www.citrus-retail.com www.evopos.com
LIGHTING Exposure Lights
01798 344 477
www.exposurelights.com
NUTRITION Zipvit
01444 243 000
www.zipvitsport.com
RACKS Pendle Maxx Raxx
01282 699 555 0845 230 3799
www.pendle-bike.co.uk www.maxxraxx.co.uk
RESPRAYS & REPAIRS Argos
0117 972 4730
www.argoscycles.com
TRAINING SERVICES Cycle Systems Academy
0207 6082577 www.cycle-systems-academy.co.uk
WATER BOTTLES Botlesport Wildoo Ltd
0845 602 9267 01908 374 555
www.bottlesport.com www.wildoo.co.uk
WEBSITE SERVICES SimpleEshop SiWis Limited
0116 267 5145 01709 511766
www.simpleeshop.com www.siwis.co.uk
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Quarter PRataes: ge
RORY HITCHINS Lezyne (distributed via Upgrade)
T: 01403 711 611 W: www.upgradebikes.co.uk
Lezyne has established itself in a relatively short space of time – is that fair to say? 2012 will be Lezyne’s fifth year. There is a huge amount of drive and passion in the brand with a clear directive to be the best in category. Lezyne’s success has been rapid because the products physically work so well and have a great sense of style. It has a reputation as an affordable premium brand. What are the latest releases? Key introductions in 2011 include the Dirt Drive range, offering twice the volume of floor drive pumps for fast inflation of MTB tyres up to 70 psi. These pumps are perfect for fitting tubeless tyres at fast, high volumes for blowing the tyre to seal on the rim. Also new was the Travel Floor Drive, a compact unit with smaller base and shorter barrel, but no loss in performance. The CFH pump range (CO2 Flex Hose) has the ‘Flex Hose’ as standard, a braided hose that doubles as a piercing devise for the CO2 canister supplied with the pump on a handy bottle cage bracket. The rider can quickly inflate a tyre with the CO2, but have the peace of mind of a quality pump at the same time. The pumps look stylish too. Lezyne’s multi-tool range was bolstered with the Rap20, offering exceptional value for a quality 20 piece tool at £21.99. Are any lines big sellers in particular? Big sellers in the mini pumps are the high pressure pumps ‘Pressure Drive’ and ‘Road Drive’. The multi-tool range sell wells, but ‘Rap13’ and ‘Stainless12’ do big numbers, for sure. For floor pumps it’s the ‘Steel Floor Drive’ that does best, a quality metal floor pump that comes at a price of plastic pumps.
In soft goods the ‘Medium Caddy’ seat pack does very well as does the ‘Firebreak’ hydration backpack. How’s business? Lezyne business is booming. More dealers are coming on board each month. We offer great margins and low cost re-stocking programmes. There are POS support items available that really help set the brand out. Dealers that display the range of Lezyne instore as a brand with all products grouped, are showing the strongest growth. Each year there are more customers with high-end bikes looking for appropriately designed and presented accessories. Lezyne stands out from the crowd, attracting those after quality and reliability. What’s next for Lezyne? Can’t divulge too much yet, but I can say that 2012 will see a new range of home workshop tools. Expect high quality with metal and natural materials mixed in classic Lezyne style. More surprising to you will be the news that Lezyne will enter the lights market with a range of LED lights. That’s really all I’m at liberty to say right now.
BIKEBIZ JULY 67
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68 BIKEBIZ JULY
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70 BIKEBIZ JULY
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RACKS
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RESPRAYS & REPAIRS
TRAINING SERVICES
WATER BOTTLES
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BIKEBIZ | MARKETPLACE WATER BOTTLES
WEBSITE SERVICES
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To get your company featured here contact:
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01992 535647 or carly.bailey@intentmedia.co.uk BIKEBIZ.COM
BIKEBIZ JULY 73
OFF TRACK | NUMBER CRUNCHING
I N THE SADDLE
Mark Noble, Owner, Deluxe BMX
Let’s get statistical British Cycling believe that its Breeze cycle campaign could see scores of women try cycling for the first time. Meanwhile Trek’s new warehouse vastly increases the manufacturer’s capacity to store bikes.
What bikes do you own? I do have some old school classics, a couple of proper landmark bikes, and some right old muck – but I just generally love bicycles, the simpler the better. My current bike of choice is my 2011 Deluxe Tech2 – it's my nearperfect set-up and there's something extremely satisfying about riding a bike that you've designed. Tell us a bit about your business background: I've been in the BMX business for over 23 years, through launching, editing, and publishing BMX and other magazines. Back in those days we were proud of what were marketleading magazines. BMX Print media has changed now, and I'm really impressed with modern, newcomer magazines such as The Albion and Case. Now, I have an established BMX brand in Deluxe, taking it back to a fresh ethos with tons of potential, great products and a great team. Running a bike company is an interesting learning curve for sure, but it's a good one. I'm also starting a UK distribution company dealing with bike shops direct.
234
ad e 234 ro r e w e r The ing ts involv acciden ondon in in L cyclists ays TfL . 2010, s
You're quite involved with sponsorship of riders and events - why is this important to your biz? Well, we obviously need team riders to help design and prove our products and get involved with the creative side of Deluxe; photos, videos, design and marketing. Plus, I genuinely enjoy helping the guys out with what they need. Events wise, I also have no hesitation helping out a jam with some product prizes – you've got to give back to the scene. Product wise, what can Deluxe offer the bike dealer? Frames, bars, stems, hub-sets, pedals, seats, pedals, sprockets, and more, all built for bicycle motocross. From a business standpoint, the prices are right and a bike shop has a large margin to play around with, and I believe we can back it up with good service. I'm proud of what we make, it's taken a while to get it where we want it, but it's coming good now. What's coming from Deluxe in 2012? This year we are expanding into an all-new complete bike line and it's a tight, limited edition line, two models strong and built right. Project wise at Deluxe, now we're in our third year we're on course to make a profit with the business, so we'll be able to stand by our original commitment to the Stephen Murray Fund and contribute the ten per cent of Deluxe profits back to Stephen and the guys.
100 Bike retailers Halfords and Wiggle both recorded rises in the Experian Hot Online Shop 100. Sadly Evans fell, but only by a couple of places.
What are the best contact details for prospective retail partners? Probably the best bet is to email mark@deluxebmx.com, or phone 05602 796039.
74 BIKEBIZ JULY
BIKEBIZ.COM
OFF TRACK | NUMBER CRUNCHING
80,000 British Cycling's conservative estimate of the number of women it will get onto bikes through it's new Breeze cycle ride initiative.
MOST POPULAR STORIES ON
OUR BIGGEST 15 STORIES ONLINE IN MAY 1. Joiner builds 100 per cent wooden bike http://www.bikebiz.com/news/read/joiner-builds-100wooden-bike 2. Etape Caledonia’s foe is a big beat of journalism http://www.bikebiz.com/news/read/etape-caledonia-sfoe-is-a-big-beast-of-journalism
3. Angry birds poop on cars http://www.bikebiz.com/news/read/angry-birds-poopon-cars
29 What will be the key trend at Eurobike this year? The 29er, according to the show organiser.
4. London bike tube map wins Ordnance Survey award http://www.bikebiz.com/news/read/london-bike-tubemap-wins-ordnance-survey-award 5. Halfords cuts Carrera to ‘lowest ever’ prices http://www.bikebiz.com/news/read/halford-cutscarrera-to-lowest-ever-prices
35,000
6. UCI bans Oz shoe http://www.bikebiz.com/index.php/news/read/ucibans-oz-shoe
Trek UK's new warehouse can fit over 35,000 bikes. You can bet the one you want will be at the bottom.
7. Wiggle to float? http://www.bikebiz.com/news/read/wiggle-to-float
8. Helmet cam cyclists and the speeding motorist http://www.bikebiz.com/news/read/video-helmet-camcyclist-s-and-the-speeding-motorist 9. Wiggle to sell Boardman bikes http://www.bikebiz.com/news/read/wiggle-to-sellboardman-bikes 10. When the going gets tough, the tough gets going http://www.bikebiz.com/news/read/when-the-goinggets-tough-the-tough-get-going 11. Race Face reopens for business http://www.bikebiz.com/news/read/race-face-reopensfor-business 12. Mercedes Benz announces bike line http://www.bikebiz.com/news/read/mercedes-benzannounces-bike-line 13. Bike launch report: Red or Dead teams up with Raleigh http://www.bikebiz.com/news/read/bike-launch-reportred-or-dead-teams-up-with-raleigh 14. Keronite: important technology for the bike business? http://www.bikebiz.com/news/read/keroniteimportant-technology-for-the-bike-business 15. Tron-like LED wheel spinners get cyclists seen http://www.bikebiz.com/index.php/news/read/tronlike-led-wheel-spinners-get-cyclists-seen
BIKEBIZ.COM
BIKEBIZ JULY 75
OFF THE RECORD
OFF
k c a r T
Send your pictures to mark.sutton@intentmedia.co.uk
• all terrain man samples giro life
Bike dealer scores Giro victory
Booth took a VIP trip round Santini’s factory in Bergamo
TONY BOOTH of All Terrain Cycles, Saltaire, Bradford, won a Team Experience trip to Giro 2011 thanks to a prize from Fisher Outdoor and Santini last month. Booth jetted off to the Giro d’Italia to sample life as part of a pro team after winning the international Santini competition. Booth also took a VIP trip to the Santini factory in Bergamo before joining one of the Santini sponsored teams, after which he’ll join the team riders and managers for dinner. He’ll also get to follow the riders in the team car during the stage. Get the full story on BikeBiz.com
Scottish schools are cycle friendly Bishopbriggs is the first town in Scotland where all seven primary schools have achieved Cycling Scotland’s Cycle Friendly Award. Cycling to primary schools in the area has doubled in just one year, with the support of a number of organisations – including East Dunbarton’s Cycle Co-operative. The Award is dedicated to encouraging cycling as a whole school culture,
benefiting kids’ health and environment. While it’s not strictly necessary, several of St Matthews’ primary school’s teachers insist on demonstrating their ongoing commitment to cycling by holding lessons underneath alongside local BMX and mountain bike stuntmen. Find out more at www.edscyclecoop.org.uk and www.cyclingscotland.org
Hornby borrows Olympian for Hamleys launch TOY MANUFACTURER Hornby has had a helping hand from Olympic cycling hopeful Lizzie Armistead in promoting its London 2012 products in toy superstore Hamleys. Lizzie drew shopper's attention to the display, pedalling her dynamo equip bike in order to power the Hornby Olympic Train set. Members of the public were able to join in the fun too, by having a whirl on Lizzie's bike, giving the miniature train set a further boost.
76 BIKEBIZ JULY
Hornby has created a special London 2012 range to commemorate the Olympic and Paralympic Games - all available to purchase in the famous London store and also to be shortly available via hornby.com’s online shop. To help celebrate, the Royal Mint also offered a coin swap on the fourth floor for one day only, where customers were able to swap a standard 50p for a shiny new commemorative London 2012 cycling 50p.
BIKEBIZ.COM
OFF THE RECORD
• cyclist brings home the bread in gold hill honk • ncn cycles to schools
A day at the museum ENGAGING CHILDREN with cycling is the name of the game, and why not fill in the blanks about the evolution of the bike in the process? That’s the philosophy of the National Cycle Collection, which has been visiting schools – including Crossgates Primary School, Llandrindod Wells (pictured) – to grow interest in bikes. Job share curator of the Museum
John Gill visiting the pupils of the school (pictured with teach Verity Pritchard) and is keen to involved more schools in visits to or from the museum for children to learn about the evolution of the bicycle. www.cyclemuseum.org.uk or tel 01597 825531, Monday to Friday between 10am and 4pm. For more about the National Cycle Museum turn to May’s BikeBiz.
quote unquote “After riding happily through London once a day with them since September 2009, we got stopped this evening. More officers were summoned, and four of them explained to me that I was breaking the law. “They were not specific about what law I was breaking. They felt my bike was not meant for transporting people, only cargo, and they wanted me to have a motorcyclestyle shaped seat on the back and, ideally, seatbelts. I was not given a ticket, just informed that if I continue to ride this way they will stop me again.” Mum ‘X’ after being stopped by
London police for carrying her two children on a legal purpose built trailer, June 6th “29ers are a major focus at retail stores specialising in biking sports. Customers are now asking about them by name. I estimate that in the future, 50 per cent of the hardtails sold in the upper price segment in Germany will be 29ers.” Oliver Hensche, head of the Giant Germany, May 31st “CYCLING IS constantly evolving. It’s not simply something to do for exercise anymore. It’s a viable form of
Cyclists rise to bread winner challenge YORKSHIRE’S FAMOUSLY cobbled Gold Hill has seen a cyclist or two over the years, most famously a young delivery boy for Hovis’ famous ‘70s advert and numerous pastiche and homages – including Victoria Pendleton’s for the bread brand. Last month saw a group of 120 cyclists took part in the first annual ‘Gold Hill Honk’. The winner of the 200-metre ascent sprint won themselves a year’s supply of bread, plus a number of other prizes, courtesy of Hovis and event organiser ShaftesburyCycle Revival. Find out more at www.shaftesbury cyclerevival.co.uk
Sponsored by the brands of Moore Large 01332 274252
transportation, and as a result the industry is growing. “Our new facility will allow us to keep pace with this growth by providing both a better environment for our employees, and space to bring our customers in for training.” Trek UK’s general manager Nigel Roberts, June 2nd "The Albion, I like it. It's a little like Rolling stone back when they had Annie Leibovitz touring with the Stones and sending candids back. Gritty. Real." Bob Osborn, founder of the USA's BMX Action Magazine
For more on these stories, head to www.bikebiz.com BIKEBIZ.COM
BIKEBIZ JULY 77
OFF TRACK | SPOKESMAN
SPOKES Normal for nanas & nippers If we want to expand the market we need to normalise cycling, says Carlton Reid
“If I waited until there was a perfect infrastructure in place before letting my kids on the roads, they’d be adults ...”
NORMAL FOR Norfolk is a cruel term devised by doctors at a Norwich hospital to categorise intellectually challenged patients. I'd now like to amend and appropriate the term for cycling, and replace the derogatory connotations. Normal for the Netherlands - N.F.N would stand for conditions conducive to mass cycling. Cycling for "nannas and nippers," as John the Monkey said on Twitter. Those in favour of the creation of miles and miles of segregated bicycle routes, of the type common on the continent, believe that grandmothers and children - the mass of the population - will be attracted to cycling only after the construction of safe routes. This is a laudable aim. But the present administration - like all the others before them - seem to have no appetite for reducing on-street parking, taking road-space away from motorised vehicles and spending on cyclists. It's fine to spend billions on widening miles of motorways, but political suicide to even countenance building stuff for cyclists. So, if I waited until there was a perfect bicycle infrastructure before letting my kids out on their bikes on British roads, they would be adults before even a tenth of a perfect network was built. Thing is, my kids are already Normal for
the Netherlands. They go on cycle holidays. They cycle to school. On roads, with cars. Isn't this dangerous? Can be, but it's cocooned kids who face the greatest danger long-term. A sedentary life is a recipe for a whole host of killer diseases. As we all know, the health benefits of cycling far outweigh the risks. I suspect that the UK government could spend billions on bike paths, but this still wouldn't get people on bikes in the numbers that segregationists hope for. It's not just the lack of kerbs on bike lanes, there's a wider image problem. Brits have been brought up on the fact that cycling is wacky. 'Look at the funny hats, shoes and tight clothing they wear', seems to underpin a great deal of the anti-cyclist invective you see in newspapers. Sure, the bike trade profits from hi-vis jackets, helmets and all the other clobber for enthusiast cyclists, but such cyclists are not Normal for the Netherlands. To expand the market, to get to Dutch levels of bicycle spend per capita, we need to normalise cycling. I'm not suggesting bike shops should cease to stock, or hide under the counter, what tabloid writers consider ‘pervy’ gear, but might it not be a good idea to have more 'normal' cycling imagery and goods displayed in window fronts and in-store rather than just wall-to-wall out-group stuff? Afterall, Nippers and nannas tend not to go into Ann Summers stores.
EDITORIAL: 01992 535646 | ADVERTISING: 01992 535647 | FAX: 01992 535648 Executive Editor: Carlton Reid Carlton.Reid@intentmedia.co.uk Editor: Jonathon Harker Jonathon.Harker@intentmedia.co.uk Deputy Editor: Mark Sutton Mark.Sutton@intentmedia.co.uk Advertising Manager: Carly Bailey Carly.Bailey@intentmedia.co.uk Production Executive: Abby Fanger Abigail.Fanger@intentmedia.co.uk
Design: Kelly Sambridge Kelly.Sambridge@intentmedia.co.uk Business Development: Dave Roberts Dave.Roberts@intentmedia.co.uk Managing Editor: Lisa Carter Lisa.Carter@intentmedia.co.uk Publisher/MD: Stuart Dinsey Stuart.Dinsey@intentmedia.co.uk
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LATEST NEWS STRAIGHT TO YOUR MOBILE | BOOKMARK US: MOBILE.BIKEBIZ.COM 78 BIKEBIZ JULY
TWEET short and
Wondering what the Twitterati have been up to this month? Look no further...
Made it into BikeBiz' '30 under 30' rising stars of the bike biz article! BIG TIME! http://yfrog.com/h8o3ljtj @SingletrackSim Sim Mainey Guys in my local cycle shop think reaction by some blinkered cyclists to AA helmet giveaway was pathetic AAPresident Edmund King @aapresident The boss just dared Owen to eat a raw rotten egg for a pair of RockShox Revelation WC XX forks @ononebikes Just gave talk at an elementary school. Pitched tent in the library and am only one ever to ride bike in school hallways. @scottstoll Is there a kinder thing to do to woman's foot than give it a Fizik R3 shoe? @stradacycles
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