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MARCH 2015
ISSUE 110
B U S I N E S S
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ISSUE 110 MARCH 2015
@bikebizonline | facebook.com/bikebiz
F O R
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p41 The show’s not over Bike Expo rounds off the early show season off. We provide a preview of what to see at the revamped Manchester event
T H E
B I K E
B U S I N E S S
p16 Most Excel-lent bikes
p61 Assisted sales We’ve something of an electric bike extravaganza this month, with a sector guide, opinion and news.
BikeBiz trawls the London Bike Show for hot new product and fresh deals. Also includes scooters.
Hold the front page It’s been a big 12 months for the cycle world’s media, with takeovers and launches galore. We wrap up the deals and go in-depth.
p45
p13 Raleigh your resources
p24 Pearson’s Cycles
p61 Ubyk
p75 Cycle Computers
News from the brand’s own 2015 launch show.
We visit the oldest trading bike shop in the world.
Cutting edge bike retail? We get the lowdown from Ubyk.
Can cycle computers leave smartphone apps standing?
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NEWS
BikeBiz Women of the Year 2015 launches
EDITOR’S COMMENT BUYING DECISIONS PUT TO THE TEST
BIKEBIZ HAS published its first ever Women of the Year list – celebrating the most influential women from all sectors of UK cycling. Recognising women from the sport itself to all areas of the industry, plus advocacy bodies, the list is in association with The London Bike Show, with Total Women’s Cycling as Media Partner. Cycle luminaries like Victoria Pendleton, Aileen McGlynn, Lizzie Armistead and Manon Carpenter are named alongside bike trade bosses like Zyro’s Julie Ellison, Isla Rowntree and Blaze’s Emily Brooke. The list also reaches into the worlds of broadcasting and media, including BBC Sport’s Sharon Fuller, The Guardian’s Helen Pidd and Dennis Publishing’s Nicola Bates. The front line of the
industry – bike retail – is of course represented too, including Velovixen’s Liz Bingham, Dame Cycling’s Kelli Salone and Pennine Cycles’ Sandra Corcoran, among many others. The full list has already appeared online, but it’s also included in a special supplement with this March edition of BikeBiz as well as celebrated a the London Bike Show’s exhibitor party at the ExCeL Centre. It was back in November when BikeBiz asked its readers to nominate the 50 most influential women in cycling. We were so overwhelmed with responses that we were spurred on to highlight 100 women in the cycle world. Read the full list in the enclosed BikeBiz Women of the Year 2015 supplement.
Schwalbe UK warns over unauthorised wholesalers SCHWALBE UK has passed us a statement, revealing they have been made aware of distributors implying that they are an official Schwalbe distribution partner, and that they are purchasing directly from Schwalbe Group companies overseas. UK marketing manager Dave Taylor explains: “As the UK subsidiary of Schwalbe in Germany, only our appointed UK & ROI distribution partners can source directly from us. As such, unauthorised UK wholesalers can only obtain Schwalbe from third-party sources and cannot purchase directly from our other overseas subsidiaries or parent company. BIKEBIZ.COM
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“Retailers who purchase Schwalbe from unofficial UK and Republic of Irenland wholesalers will not be covered by UK aftersales support and warranty. “We have a committed and dedicated network of official distribution partners with whom we collaborate, and Schwalbe UK’s commitment to providing aftersales support, service and warranties to retailers can only be provided through these official distribution partners.” For information on UK & Republic of Ireland authorised distributors go to Schwalbe’s official site: www.schwalbe.com/gb/distributionpartners.html
THERE’S A collective sigh of relief at BikeBiz Towers as the trade show season starts to wind down, with Moore Large’s Geared and Manchester’s Bike Expo rounding the exhibition period off. Of course there will be no such chance for the trade to rest easy with the cycle season proper just around the corner. It’s now that those buying decisions will be put to the test and we’ll see if you ordered too much, or too little, of x product (no pressure). Along with hob-nobbing, show season has been all about new products and which to bring into shops. This picks up a theme of conversations I’ve had with a few bike traders, largely based around the question ‘which products are worth stocking for IBDs?’ One distribution boss paid tribute to the role IBDs play in brand building and also their frustration when the brands they’ve carefully cultivated are offered cheaply online. Meanwhile our guest sales rep column online, written by John Styles, touched on the subject and suggested some categories are becoming no-go areas for IBDs due to online discounting. We’ve set up a survey to ask which categories are on IBD’s ‘critical list’ and we’ll publish the results soon. But the question remains pertinent – can a brand survive without IBD backing when the market is flooded with choice? Online selling is hardly new, but its effects on the trade are still not wholly predictable. jharker@nbmedia.com
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NEWS
From awards to evictions: The changing fortunes of IBDs The start of this year has seen a flurry of independent bicycle dealer news, providing a snapshot of the unpredictable rollercoaster fortunes of the independent bike shop sector…
BELHAVEN AND KIRKCOWAN SHORTLISTED THE UK’S Best Small Shop Competition has shortlisted two Scottish bike shops – Dunbar’s Belhaven Bikes alongside Dumfries and Galloway’s Kirkcowan Cycles. The competition, run by the All Party Parliamentary Small Shops Group, judged retailers in terms of innovation, community engagement and entrepreneurial activities. As this magazine goes to press, the winner is being announced.
MOUNTAIN MANIA TAKES OVER GILES CYCLES MICKEY CRANKS HOPEFUL FOR GONG OXFORDSHIRE’S MICKEY Cranks is also up for an award, this time for the Best New Business Award in the West Oxfordshire Business Awards. The shop, famously opened by Prime Minister David Cameron at the end of 2013 (pictured), claims it has one of the fastest growing cycling clubs in the country, gaining 770 members in a year.
Tim Lawson talks Secret Training As one of the pioneers of Science in Sport, we’ve all been keen to find out what Tim Lawson’s next project is. As you might have guessed, it’s a nutrition product and it’s called Secret Training…
JAMIE LYNN’S Mountain Mania and The Road Room cycle stores have taken over Giles Cycles. The shop has been owned by the Giles family and has been part of the town of Carterton’s community for more than half a century.Currently, Giles Cycles includes a large toy department, which will now make way for more
THE LAST time we caught up with Tim Lawson, formerly a founding father of Science in Sport, it looked as though he may be leaving the nutrition market behind. Having produced a variety of body care products for cyclists, Lawson’s Strip range was debuted at i-ride’s house show in August last year. But, as he is now ready to reveal to the trade, Strip is simply a line that will sit within the now launched Secret Training portfolio. Lawson explained: “After we sold our old sports nutrition business I went back to University to keep myself busy. Nutrition and Sport
bikes. Linda Moore, daughter of Giles Cycles founders Gordon and Betty Giles, and husband Kevin, have run Giles Cycles over recent times and now intend to retire and spend more time with family over in Australia.
Science has been a passion of mine for a long time and selling the business didn’t really change that, it just meant I could spend more time in the library. “Last year, I had some ideas how we might be able to use sticky rice starch to make a better isotonic energy gel, so I decided to link up with my brother-in-law – who I’ve worked with before when we developed the first isotonic energy gel and a few other patents. “Over the summer things started to progress quite quickly, and we managed to develop a new production process and plant.”
THIS MONTH WE ASK THE BIKEBIZ TEAM: If there were no cycle nutrition products, what would you use for energy? Executive Editor: Carlton Reid carltonreid@mac.com Editor: Jonathon Harker jharker@nbmedia.com Answer: Verbal abuse. Or an e-bike. Production Executive: Elizabeth Parker eparker@nbmedia.com
Deputy Editor: Mark Sutton msutton@nbmedia.com Answer: I would say, but it’s highly illegal.
Account Manager: Richard Setters rsetters@nbmedia.com Answer: Coca Cola then beer for recovery.
Design: Dan Bennett dbennett@nbmedia.com Answer: Peanut butter and jam sandwiches.
Publisher: Mark Burton mburton@nbmedia.com
Marketing & Circulation bike.subscriptions@c-cms.com Editorial: Saxon House, 6A, St. Andrew Street, Hertford, Hertfordshire. SG14 1JA BikeBiz is mailed FOC to 4,000+ trade addresses every month ISSN 1476-1505
© NewBay Media 2015 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or any information storage or retrieval system without the express prior written consent of the publisher. The contents of BikeBiz are subject to reproduction in information storage and retrieval systems. Printed by Pensord.
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NEWS
FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @BIKEBIZONLINE
CYCLE
SHORTS Core numbers up 20% Not content with setting an attendance record last year, Core Bike saw its numbers hit another record at the end of January, up 20 per cent in 2015.
BRIXTON CYCLES MOVING ON?
WELSH BIKE SHOP SHUTS AFTER 70 YEARS
FORMER STAR STORE SELLS ON EBAY
BRIXTON CYCLES looks set to be moved on after 14 years at its current site. While the shop is not being evicted, the landlord has submitted plans to build flats on the site, which seems likely to force the shop to move twice over the next two to three years, presenting “a real threat to our survival”.
REG BRADDICK Cycles of Cardiff shut earlier this year after its managing director retired due to ill health. The shop had been operating for over 70 years, opened by Welsh racing cyclist Reginald Kenneth Braddick in 1945. Braddick represented Wales at the 1938 British Empire Games in Sydney.
FORMER MYSTERY Shopper Star Store Holloway Cycles has struggled to find a buyer and as of January this year permanently closed, after a deal to sell the shop fell through. The business owners have resorted to trying selling the shop on eBay, offering it for a ‘buy it now’ fee of 99p. Rent is approximately £22k.
Cycle City moves to Newcastle for 2015 First run in Birmingam and then in Leeds last year, Cycle City is set to take place in Newcastle at the end of June. The organisers have put out a call for papers in advance of the event.
Go Outdoors expands own-brand bike range The outdoor retailer has grown its own-bike range, including Calibre road bikes and Compass commuter and folding bikes. Success of last year’s range prompted the retailer, which has 52 stores around the UK, to expand its line-up.
Monsoon boss headed for Halfords? With Matt Davies leaving Halfords for Tesco, speculation is building over who will replace him in the top role. Currently tipped for the position (at time of press) is Monsoon Accessorize CEO John Browett (Source: This is Money). The original plan changed somewhat when Lawson was approached by a pro tour team. “We are lucky in that, because we have made some great innovative products in the past, both athletes and suppliers want to work with us. We have had support from the technical departments of some huge companies, especially because rice starch has not been used in energy gels before, despite there being some really interesting research. Tinkoff-Saxo asked us if we could make an improved hydration drink, and this will be ready in February.” Acutely aware of the trouble retailers can face selling nutrition goods, Secret Training will offer the independent bike dealer plenty, explained Lawson. “What really is the focus for us is doing things a little differently
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“We are lucky in that because we have made some great products in the past, athletes and suppliers want to work with us.” Tim Lawson
than what is currently available. We are more interested in the consumer’s marginal gains and maximising their performance than we are squeezing out the maximum margin in a mass market – that side of the market seems well catered for and extensively discounted in any case. “What we will offer is great products with an honest margin and at the same time try to support the bricks and mortar stores as much as possible.” There’s plenty more in the pipeline too, Lawson added, with recovery and protein products currently being tested. Secret Training products will be available directly to retailers, with sample gels and counter-top dispensers available with buy in packages. sales@secret-training.cc
Time for more events Cycling Weekly publisher Time Inc has acquired UK Cycling Events. Time (formerly IPC Media), has dabbled in cycling events before and expects sportives and other events to be a big growth area in future. There’s more on the cycle media world starting from page 45.
Female cyclist numbers up north of the border Female participation in cycling events in Scotland has jumped 35 per cent year-on-year, according to Scottish Cycling. To support the growth, the organisation is hosting a free Road Race Workshop, specifically for female riders looking to get into racing. The workshop will run at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, Glasgow, on Sunday March 29th 2015.
For breaking news visit:
www.bikebiz.com BIKEBIZ MARCH 7
25/02/2015 16:50
OPINION
FROM REVOLUTION TO EVOLUTION The mid-motor has and will be crucial to the development of the electric bike market, believes EBCO’s Paul Stanforth. But to what extent does lowering the price point matter?
WHAT IS SO GREAT ABOUT MID-MOTOR BATTERIES AND HOW ARE THEY CHANGING E-BIKING? Q Power is where the rider wants it, i.e. aiding the pedalling, as opposed to driving the wheels, giving better acceleration and efficiency. Q Lower centre of gravity, giving better weight distribution and handling. Q Allows greater wheel choice, as the build is not constricted by having a hub motor.
WE BELIEVE that the e-bike market is one of the fastest growing sectors in the UK bike industry. As we have seen from our experience at Core Bike show 2015 and from our sales force on the road; traditional bike shops are now embracing the e-bike option, as well as specialist stores. With the development in technology, improvement in aesthetics and weight, combined with competitive pricing, the e-bike has matured into a viable option for both the leisure cyclist and core enthusiast. This shift in ethos in the trade, allied with increased cycle lane infrastructure, means we have seen more serious e-bikes out on the road and trails. The market we believe is currently 30,000 bikes in the UK
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and we think this will grow to 40,000-plus for 2015 to 2016. MTB e-bikes are going to help this with performance bikes from most major brands. These are now
“A shift in ethos in the trade, allied with increased cycle lane infrastructure, means we’ve seen more serious e-bikes.” proper trail bikes instead of bike shaped objects with batteries bolted on. We feel that this new generation of e-bikes is opening
up the electric bike to more and more cyclists. Yes, you can buy a £300 e-bike from Amazon (other suppliers are available) but we believe the quality pedelec bike in the market starts at around the £900-£1,000 price point. We have seen a huge amount of growth at the £1,000 price point with the cycle to work customer and also massive growth at £2,000plus, with high-end models from Bergamont, Ave and EBCO all offering bikes within those price points. The new EBCO mid-motor bikes, starting at £1,500, will really open up reliable performance at a far more accessible price point. www.ebco-ebikes.co.uk There’s more on electric bikes in our special feature, starting p65.
Q Easier to remove wheels for transport, storage or punctures as there’s no cabling connections to the wheels. Q Built in Torque sensors within the motor. Q Big brand investment from Bosch, Shimano, Yamaha and TranzX into central motors has resulted in more advanced technology becoming more widely adopted. Have you tried an e-bike yet? Whether you have a customer who is a weekend warrior, a daily commuter, an eco rider, a rider who hates climbing hills, or simply an enthusiast who likes technology, there is now an e-bike out there for all riders.
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25/02/2015 14:18
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OPINION
Opinion of an Incomer When it comes to mainstream media coverage, mountain bike is trailing behind road cycling. Spin Cycle Dion Clements examines why… AS A teenager back in the early ‘90s, I had a huge crush. Then I grew up, went all career-driven, met a woman worth settling down with and forgot about it. Our paths crossed again 15 years later and the old feelings came back, but now we’d both matured and she had a sleek new shape, with bouncy bits that hadn’t been there before. A full-on affair ensued and I don’t want to get out of it. So much so, I’m giving up my old life. For years, I’ve run a PR agency in the music business – when I started out as a 20something, that seemed a great job; working with some of the UK’s biggest chart acts, AAA passes at gigs, doing TV, radio and press and enjoying being part of the music celebrity/freak show. Sometime after re-igniting the old flame (which, as I’m sure you worked out, is mountain biking) a few years ago, I realised I dislike the music business. The public and media frenzy we could create around largely untalented ‘talent’ never stopped surprising me. What surprised me even more, getting back into MTBing, is how little clamour there is from UK mainstream media over the talented individuals at the sport’s pinnacle, the pro-Elite riders, especially as many are British. The cycling sections of the mainstream media’s sports pages are filled with road riding stories. Road clearly has stars; ask ten average Joes on the street who Wiggins and Cavendish are and I’d confidently bet the majority would know at least one. Ask who Atherton, Carpenter and Bryceland are and I’ll bet far fewer would have a clue.
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“What surprised me was how little clamour there is from the mainstream media over British Elite MTB riders.” Dion Clements
One big reason for this is that through a concerted effort, road riding has done a great job of turning the media on to the challenging races and the athletic prowess of its top riders. They cover it and, as a direct result, sponsorships are substantially higher and so too are team salaries and prize winnings, such is the various brands’ desire for association and media exposure. There’s no reason MTB can’t take a piece of this action. Mountain bikers contend with many obstacles standing between them and the podium, at eyewatering speeds, requiring another ridiculous level of physical ability, albeit over shorter distances. Their achievements should be recognised in the media and by the public. Five out of six podium places at the World Champs last year were filled by Brits. If the media got behind that, sponsor brands (beyond the industry) would open their eyes – and
wallets – to the advantages of associating with an action-packed sport where Brits do well, creating more money in the industry, more jobs and more bike sales as people take up the sport for the first time. Last year, I began a series of conversations with journalists, editors and producers in the mainstream media about their leaning towards road riding. Part of the problem highlighted during those discussions is that many of the pro-riders, their teams and the race events don’t even carry out the basics of PR and send their news information and media releases to those media. After some persuasion, quoting stats on MTB’s popularity, those journos agreed to consider MTB stories, especially if they involved world class British riders. Now, the BBC, Guardian or Telegraph aren’t going to cover the release of a new wheel size, but there’s an opportunity to draw more attention, crowds, newbies and sponsorship to the industry, to the benefit of all as it filters through. When ‘print’ media starts covering the sport’s heroes regularly, broadcasters will follow suit and with them, TV revenues. It won’t happen overnight, but it can happen; I’d bet on it. So at the end of 2014, I ditched my PR music clients and began playing my small part in boosting the profile of the sport I love… and we’ve already had a client on BBC TV News. I’m nowhere near talented enough to compete for more than fun, but I do know about generating publicity. www.facebook.com/SPINcyclePR dion@spinpublicity.co.uk
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RALEIGH Raleigh hybrids Chloe and Wayfarer
Reinvigorated Raleigh The ripples of the Accell takeover continue to take effect on the Nottinghamshire brand. Jonathon Harker heads to the latest batch of dealer shows to find out the latest… ALMOST THREE years on, the effects of the Accell takeover were plain to see at Raleigh’s in-house Cycle Expo shows, from an increasingly strong e-bike range to more SRAM-specced bikes and renewed focus on IBD channels. The revamped showrooms showed-off new signing WD40, a deal that was long in the works and sees the new cycle-specific lines come to the UK after the US launch (law differences between the nations held up the launch here). SRAM has had a phased introduction to Raleigh thanks to that vast catalogue, but it’s already proved a decent seller for Raleigh, we’re told, with some simple POS options available for dealers. Less well know is portable pressure washer Aqua2go. The brand now has a more portable product, with a detachable unit, and can be used for cleaning bikes and the riders themselves through a shower attachment. BIKEBIZ.COM
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German brand Uvex is in line for extra focus from Raleigh this year, sporting new colours and some eye-catching additions including the EDAero (Every Day Dynamics). Developed alongside Marcel Kittel, this everyday aero design has eight big air channels plus BOA system.
industries has a range of coordinating glasses for bikes, now including some aggressive MTB designs, including the 700s. Raleigh’s own helmets includes the new Magni (meaning strength), retailing at £45 with three sizes all with double in-mould construction.
Specs appeal: Uvex now offers aggressive MTB eyewear. Stock will arrive end of March and marketing is promised for the £189.99 helmet. Race 5 has been a solid seller for two years and Team Raleigh will be seen in it for 2015. MTB helmet Stivo is new this year. At £69.99 it comes in four colours with double in-mould construction. Uvex, already a big player in eyewear for the ski and snowboard
Onto Ass Savers and Raleigh is touting co-branding opportunities for clubs and shops. Basicially a way of getting some relatively low cost marketing space on bikes, plain black and white co-branding is available with a 100 unit minimum order (more for colour). UK nutrition firm OTE was started by SiS’ Peter Slater, priding itself on
a premium product with natural flavours and neutral pH levels to prevent gut rot. OTE is also famous for its dual tear delivery system that saw it beat Coca Cola in the packaging design awards (though it came second), the brand has soya-based products available for vegans and the lactose intolerant and has a new lemon and lime drink in the range. Raleigh is keen to impress on dealers the opportunities that shop-set nutrition evenings offer, with samples and Q&A sessions driving footfall into stores. Manchester apparel brand Lusso is now exclusive with Raleigh (as of March 1st) and features a significantly updated and younger looking range. Crucially for dealers, Lusso now has a simplified, reduced and refined line-up. Jerseys come in three levels and three designs. Matching jerseys and tops are on offer, including the top end jacket with a tighter race cut (£70). This BIKEBIZ MARCH 13
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RALEIGH
SHOW STOPPERS
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year Lusso is offering base layers for the first time, with clever windproof and breathable sections to provide optimum comfort. The ink is still drying on its Raleigh distribution deal, but Mio has been in the cycle market for three years. The offering has always been based on a simplicity principle so all products come pre-loaded and ready to go (as soon as the customer has powered it up). Mio’s own Iwan Van Helde told BikeBiz: “People don’t like to read manuals. We felt that many rival products were over complicated so we have avoided adding new features that would make it more complex. Bike shops love the fact that you can explain it in five minutes.” Sporting a handy ‘Surprise Me’ function, where riders set the distance and get a planned ride on their device, Mio also has car sat nav style features (Mio’s sister brand is car sat nav Navman), new 14 BIKEBIZ MARCH
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1. RALEIGH’S MAGNI GREEN 2. DIAMONDBACK MISSION PRO 3. UVEX’S NEW MTB EYEWEAR 4. FRESH SIGNING WD40
compatibility with Di2 and a host of other simple features. Onto bikes: Raleigh’s rebuilt showroom dedicated plenty of space to the bright Diamondback range, which is throwing away its multi-channel past to focus on IBDs. Fresh models include the stealthy Contra CX – a toe dip into the cross market promising a traditional hybrid model that is great for off-roading, with a sporty race geometry and mudguards. Diamondback’s Mission range has taken a US-developed line-up that has been tweaked for the UK (like exchanging Kenda for Schwalbe), topping out with the Misson Pro at £4,300. The Diamondback range has noticeably seen more adoption of SRAM. Raleigh also handles Diamondback into Europe including Spain, France, Italy, Poland and Germany. Meanwhile the BMX line is IBDfocused now, with a number of
5. NEW COLOURS FOR CLASSICS 6. DIAMONDBACK LUMIS 3.0 7. OTE LAUNCHES LEMON AND LIME ENERGY DRINK
3 6 models made at Accell’s Turkey facility – which is only ten days on the water. New models will be launched in July. Invigorated by the Accell deal, Diamondback is now in 12 trail centres in the UK. There’s a new website in the works too. There have been several changes for Raleigh’s own brand bikes, with a shift from black and low key colours – though there are some subtle colours available for the commuter markets particularly. The Classic now comes in an orange (red remains the best seller) with hub gears now coming from the house of SRAM. The Junior performance range has benefitted from the strong second hand market. Featuring small drop bars, short reach brakes, alloy chain guards and other nifty bits, the junior range is in stock. Discs on road bikes remains a topic that brands are weighing up, while Raleigh admits they aren’t for
7 everyone, they still think it’s going to get bigger over the years, particularly for everyday riding. With all Raleigh’s CX young riders choosing to race on discs, there’s a ‘changing of the guard’ going on, we’re told. Speaking of cyclocross, it remains an exciting area for Raleigh, stating participation is up. Raleigh’s Geoff Giddings – an ex CX champ himself – explained part of the appeal: “It’s interesting for us. If you’re a slightly older rider you could get hammered in a road race but then you have a go at CX and while you might still get lapped, there are races within races…And kids love it. It’s off road (so parents like it too) and it’s very safe. Participation has led and the market has followed.” Onto road and the Criterium is Raleigh’s affordable carbon range, with one model ducking under the C2W £1,000 threshold. There’s more at www.raleigh.co.uk BIKEBIZ.COM
24/02/2015 14:29
Why buy from Chicken CycleKit? 11
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Become part of the Chicken CycleKit – Campagnolo family The Campagnolo factory visit for me was an essential personal treat as a Campagnolo fan and end user. It was educational from a product knowledge perspective, I learnt many new things about how the product was made. Above all it showed me as retailer that Campagnolo and Chicken CycleKit do care about the customer and that you can be passionate about business.
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Adam Roberts – Comtat Cycling Ltd
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>VYRPUN ^P[O *OPJRLU IYPUNZ ILULÄ [Z IL`VUK Q\Z[ ZPTWSL [YHUZHJ[PVUZ They believe in investing in long term relationships that enhance the day to day working relationship and the recent trip to the Campagnolo factory in Italy is a perfect example of this. The trip allowed Dassi to spend quality time with the Chicken team, develop new relationships with Campagnolo and better understand the care, attention and passion Campagnolo takes in the delivery of all of its products. Dassi is proud to work with both Chicken and Campagnolo to deliver unique products to its discerning clients. Stuart Abbot – Dassi Ltd
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For details of how to become a Campagnolo stockist, speak to your account manager. (S[LYUH[P]LS` WOVUL [OL ZHSLZ Vѝ JL VU 01525 381347
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24/02/2015 14:41
THE LONDON BIKE SHOW
London calling With the trade-only exhibitions mostly out of the way, the London Bike Show presents an opportunity to catch up with some emerging labels. Mark Sutton scouts out some fresh faces looking to work with independent retailers… 1 CYCLING SPORTS GROUP Every stand has an eyecatcher and it was immediately obvious that Charge’s prototype Cooker 650b+ was put up on that pedestal. Built around SRAM 1x11 gearing, we were told it rides like a super grippy 29er. The geometry is entirely new, taking into account the tubeless ready 2.8” wide tyres. With fatbike bottom bracket and rear axle spacing, Charge’s pre-production model is experimental, but it doesn’t look bad as it is. BikeBiz was also told that going into the 2016 model year the range will further embrace aluminium and that there will be new Plug and Cooker models on the way. Sugoi, while having nothing ‘new’ to show in London, did confirm that the success of its Pixel technology will see it rolled out beyond the Zap jacket and onto gloves, shoe covers,
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helmet covers and other accessories. Expect stock of some of those bits by this September. Dealers will also be able to make use of the Pixel technology as part of the brand’s custom-made program. Jersey pockets with pixel fabrics would be available on a six to eight week turnaround. The manufacturer will also soon be making use of Alpha fabrics, as used in the military to strike a balance between insulation and breathability, as well as offer high levels of windproofing. Another interesting stat to emerge from the CSG UK portfolio this month is that Fabric have some 60,000 saddles on OEM builds in the first year on the market. 2 CYCLOC Revealing its new Hero mount to the public, Cycloc made good use of its
stand space, with bikes leaning off the vertical faces. Capable of holding up to 23 kilograms, the £40 Hero uses the pedal to hold the bike up, with the wheels resting on two small platforms. As the bike leans at an angle off the wall, this particular model will allow the user to stack three or four bikes under the average roof. If it’s a tandem you want to hang up, simply double up. Cycloc now sells direct to retail and is reachable on info@cycloc.com 3 I-RIDE When Orro first launched you could have been forgiven for thinking that the focus would be just on the high-end of the road market, but the London Bike Show saw the debut of a chromoly singlespeed that was hinted at a while back.
The £475 FE Street is a nippy looking singlespeed with bullhorn style handlebars. It’s sporting some really practical touches for the traffic dodgers out there, including reflective paintwork and a nifty rear light built into the seat clamp. There’s a flip-flop hub too for those preferring to go fully fixed. 4 GREENOVER Experts in the scooter world Greenover have brought a new label from one of the industry’s experts. Globber is a kids’ three wheeled scooter designed by ex-Micro Scooter staff. At just £55, they’re one of the market’s more affordable options, but we’re told there’s no sacrifice in quality, with features such as an anti snaking lock and proper bearings used at the wheels. Six colours are in stock, each carrying a
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THE LONDON BIKE SHOW
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THE LONDON BIKE SHOW
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rubberised trim for added grip. At the higher end, Pheonix Scooters land in stock this month. Sticking with toddlers, Wishbone has come up with a fully recycled balance bike for when the kids grow out of their scooters. At £179.99, the eco-friendly model is built to last. The regular plastic version is due in stock next month too and will cost just £80 and come in many colours. 5 SCIENCE IN SPORT New among Science in Sport’s retail offering is the Double Expresso caffeine gel. Offering a fast-working boost equivalent to two cups of coffee, the rapidly digested gels have the only isotonic formula on the market, according to SiS. The 150ml of caffeine is the highest legal level gel on the market, so be warned, only take the one when needed. A sachet will cost £1.80 and is ideally taken in the last 15 miles of a race. Another independent store exclusive
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is due shortly in the form of a variety pack. Containing all seven isotonic gel flavours, the package will cost just £4.99 at retail in it’s first month on shelves.
three pence per sale of a white chocolate and raspberry blend. Elsewhere in the range, recovery powder is now available in a single serve 75-gram pouch.
6 TORQ The delicious Snaq bars that just months ago were being sampled at Zyro’s house show are now available. With packaging clearly differing from the main lower calorie performance bars, the three flavours available now are white chocolate/ raspberry, dark chocolate/orange and dark chocolate/banana. The bars are cold pressed, so all the fruity nutrients remain, with each 55 gram bar only carry a still very respectable 195 calories. Retailers can take on boxes of 20, with each Snaq bar sold at £1.99. The bars are recommended for endurance events as the formula offers slow release energy. What’s more, Beating Blood Cancer gains
7 NERVE With plans to expand its independent retail stockists in the UK, Nerve took to the London show to show off its handmade road line. For those interested in adding a bespoke bike brand, Nerve don’t require any stock holding and offer British made custom steel, titanium and carbon framesets. Steel builds begin at £1,199 and carbon at £2,999. Nerve also has a line of non customised framesets ready to go. Retail enquiries should be directed to sales@nerve.com.
8 PEDAL ED The multi-Eurobike Award winning Pedal ED is beginning to explore its options in the UK market having
established a stronghold in Germany. Designed in Japan and made in Italy, the firm produces casual and performance cycling gear, including four-way stretch shorts, the jackets for which it has won awards three years on the trot and many other garments. This year’s celebrated item is the £370 Adventure jacket, which is touted as a waterproof and breathable garment for the casual cyclist. Made from Japanese linen, paired with a three layer membrane, the hood is large enough to accommodate a rider’s helmet. For retail enquiries, contact carlo@ pedaled.com. 9 KASK Stock of the Team Sky developed Protone should now be with distributor Velobrands. At £195, it’s not for the necessarily for the every day sportive rider, unless airflow and aerodynamics is especially important. Having worked with
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25/02/2015 16:35
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AERO SPOKES Sapim Aero spokes not only give an aerodynamic edge, they also make wheels lighter and stronger. As light as titanium spokes, CX-Ray still receive the best results in fatigue testing of any spoke. No doubt why CX-Ray are used by top bike racers and triathletes around the world. Even downhillers use them, recognising their strength and flexibility.
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BASIC SPOKES For every day use, they are produced from high-tensile, fatigueresistant 18/8 stainless steel conforming to SAPIM quality standard specifications, the Leader forms the basis for all other spokes. It is also available in black without losing any of the properties found in non-coloured versions. Zinc spokes for entry level bicycles also conform to SAPIM's strict quality standards
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THE LONDON BIKE SHOW
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Jaguar’s engineers on the cooling channels, the Italian-made lid is designed to cradle the head, particularly at the rear, utilising an Octo Fit adjustment system to achieve a comfortable fit. A Coolmax strip further enhances the feeling of cooling at the forehead. Two sizes, 52 to 58cm and 59 to 62cm are available with the fit system dialling in the rest. BIKE BELLE Catching our eye with some unique and highly colourful accessories, this was Bike Belle’s first UK showing. Designed and made in Poland, the business makes some decorative bells at £10 each, as well as valve caps adorned with slices of cake. What’s not to like? There were, however, some more serious looking items on the shelves too, with both wicker and metal baskets, each decorated to cover the bones of the product. Many styles have matching saddle covers, which 10
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we’re told you can buy as a package. There’s also also a catalogue of panniers and hangbags that you’d never guess were designed for use on the bike. BikeBiz was told a structure is in place for retailers to take stock and interested stores can make contact on 0203 239 9240. 11 HENTY Have lots of customers that pop in with mud splatter up the back of their suits? Henty answers the age old problem of arriving in style with its roll up Wingman bag. With internal components on which to hang a suit and minimise the creases, the bags come as both messenger bags at £119, or as a backpack for £135. The bags are of course waterproof and have subtle reflective detailing where appropriate. There’s even well placed sleeevs for laptops and tablets, as well as built in light clips. Come spring Henty will also debut a bag
with wet and dry compartments and water bottle pockets. Selling direct to the retailer, interested stockists are asked to get in touch via Melissa@henty.cc 12 ZWIFT Debuted late last year and currently racking up members worldwide, Zwift took to the London Bike Show to further expand its audience. Having successfully navigated a beta period, the firm now has a £10 per month subscription to its virtual training world, whereby riders can link up their turbo training with mimicked landscapes from around the globe. Anyone with a turbo trainer and an Ant+ sensor can get involved, riding with or against other users around the world. And it’s all Strava compatible, to boot. So, why is this online world of interest to retailers? Well Zwift has plans to get you involved with in store demos using ‘Zwift stations’.
Given that it’s good enough for several pros in the peleton, expect this social cycling platform to accelerate in the next few years. To date there has been some 30,000 beta registrations. 13 MOORE LARGE Stock of Forme’s Hooklow commuter platform is now arriving with Moore Large. Taking up to a 40c tyre, the Hooklow is an interesting build, with builds available at £600 and £800, the latter getting you a carbon fork and Sora upgrade. Both frames offer internal cable routing. On the mountain bike side, the new Ripley 27.5 hardtail offers plenty for the £1,300 retail price. There’s a blend of XT parts, Rock Shox Recon forks and a smattering of Crank Bros finishing kit. For £300 less a SLX spec is also available. BikeBiz was told the Forme has benefitted from subtle upgrades across many of the 2015 builds.
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THE LONDON BIKE SHOW
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14 COPENHAGEN BICYCLE KOMPANY Another firm looking to make inroads in the UK market is the Copenhagen Bicycle Kompany, a specialist distributor in the sit up and beg style and gents bicycles market. Designed in Denmark and made in Germany, the firm offers bikes from Winther, MBK and Ebsen, the latter of which was on show and has bikes spanning £450 through £800, each specced with sensible kit such as mudguards and lighting as standard. Ebsen also boasts a three layer powder coat paintjob on each bike. It’s an impressive and elegant line, much of which has enclosed drivetrains, hub gearing and coaster brakes where possible. The distributor asks for an eight bike buy in and is contactable on 0207 043 4050.
15 4iiii Precision powermeter maker 4iiii is now working with retailers,
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particularly those specialising in the performance market. Accurate to within one per cent, the product is developed with knowledge from the nuclear industry where strain gauges must be accurate. It even compensates for temperature changes. Notoriously not cheap, this is one of the more affordable units on the market at £349.99 per unit. A single side unit will measure power, while one on each crank will return torque and pedal pressure readings, among other things. At present the unit is only compatible with metal cranks, though a carbon version is in development. 16 EXPOSURE AND USE While in the process of introducing a new logo, Exposure are also adding a new light or two. Due in stock during mid-March, the new Link and Link Plus are ideally suited to the top of a helmet, where
the unit’s front and rear lights will be visible. Projected from the front is 150 lumens, with 75 emitted from the rear. The difference between the standard and Plus is simply battery size and life. Over to USE and there’s a nice development on the wheel front, with mountain bikers gaining a new 27.5 carbon wheelset option. At £1,250 a set, the rims use clever unique nanotechnology, which adds unique dirt shedding properties. 17 VAARU Found on the USE stand, Vaaru is ex-staff member James Beresford’s new venture. Beresford is now handmaking custom titanium framesets, with packages starting at £1,500 for a frame only. Vaaru is interested in hooking up with retail partners who may like to take on framesets. Retailers can get in touch on 07789 931124.
18 COTIC Cotic used the London Bike Show to introduce both the Solaris and Beefy. The former is the UK brand’s 29er and comes in triple, double or 1x10 options and is touted as the fastest hardtail they’ve produced. Like the Beefy, the Solaris takes inspiration from the Soul, with an evolved geometry. There’s a mix of tubing going on, with Reynolds 853 DZB down tubing allowing for the removal of gussets from the front end. At the seat tube there’s a lightweight version of the BFe 34.9 seat tube, resulting in stiffer and more precise pedalling. The Beefy, as you might expect with the current shift toward 650b+, is the brand’s answer to a big tyre bike. The bottom bracket height isn’t much further north than a 26-inch wheeled bike, so it should feel quite planted on the trail. Stock of this frame will be around from April and cost £349 at retail. A complete XT build will come in at £2,000.
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18/02/2015 15:23
PEARSON CYCLES
PEARSON’S – SUCCEEDING SINCE THE 60S (THE 1860S) Pearson’s has been trading since 1860 and selling bikes since the 1870s. What’s the secret of their longevity? Carlton Reid finds out.
SINCE THE closure of Howes of Cambridge (founded in 1840) Pearson’s has become the world’s oldest still-trading bicycle shop. It was founded in 1860 when Thomas Pearson moved from Cobham to Sutton to set up as a blacksmith. A family photograph shows him wearing a cycling cap and it’s likely he was a keen cyclist in the 1870s – as a blacksmith he would have been in much demand from the few cyclists of the day. By 1880 the business was selling bicycle parts and later made its own bicycle range, the Endeavour roadster. Thomas’ son Harry was handed the reins of the business in the 1890s and he ran the family firm until his death in 1946. His sons Arthur and Len ran the business until the 1960s. Arthur’s son Roger – a keen 24 BIKEBIZ MARCH
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road racer and cyclo-crosser – took over and managed the firm until he died of cancer in 1996 (Arthur and Roger died within two months of each other). In the ‘80s the shop on Sutton High Street – one-mile long and pedestrianised in 1979 – was a Raleigh 5-star dealer, prospering during the MTB boom and selling 3000-plus bikes yearly. Now it’s run by fifth generation brothers, Will and Guy Pearson. In 2012 they opened a store in Sheen, ten miles from the Sutton store. Will joked: “We have a slow roll-out programme; one every 150 years.” However, Guy Pearson told me the business could add another store within the next few years, “perhaps even in central London.” The Sutton store sells to familytype customers, the Sheen store –
half a mile from Richmond park – is more upmarket, with a coffee corner, an upstairs (third-party) therapy business, and a walk-in workshop. Also on the top floor is the shop’s bike fitting service. A Pearson’s bike-fit costs £195. “We try and get most customers to have bike fits,” said Guy. “It’s a really valuable service to the customer; it’s not just about the right size, it’s also pedal-stroke analysis and talking through what a customer wants to get out of their riding.” “Before bike fitting we were all guessing [bike sizes]; guessing with experience but still guessing. It’s so much more professional to offer bike fits.” Guy said the bike fit was a key “internet-busting” tactic. Like all IBDs Pearson’s gets its fair share of
“showroomers” – internet shoppers using brick-and-mortar shops to try on clothes and shoes – but the shop’s staff-training manual offers guidance on how to deal with it. “Of course, people buy from internet, even ones loyal to us,” said Guy. “I don’t blame them when prices are so much cheaper online, and that’s fine for some products, but not clothing. Show-rooming happens, the phones come out and you see people scanning barcodes. We have been known to throw out the rudest showroomers, but we also tackle it head-on, but delicately. When a customer has tried on a couple of pairs of shoes we ask, “Are you likely to buy these from us?” That often leads to a conversation about price but we’ll then counter with the setting-up BIKEBIZ.COM
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PEARSON CYCLES
Bike fit is a key ”internet busting” tactic for Pearson’s
Pearson’s is the world’s oldest still trading bike shop
Guy Pearson
service we offer. We often go from a lost-sale to a full-on conversion to a purchase of the shoes and the cleat fitting service. This is win/win – we get the sale and the customer get the cleats in the right position, which is hit and miss at home.” Pearson’s other key measure to defeat those scanning barcodes is to offer products not available anywhere else, the classic ownbrand tactic. The shop had its own brand in the ‘60s and ‘70s, with Roberts making the frames in the early ‘80s and Dave Yates of Tyneside taking over later in the decade. Now the shop has 15 models sourced from Asia mainly for the road. “We started majoring on road bikes in 2000,” said Guy. “The turning point was the Pearson Touché, a singlespeed alu road bike BIKEBIZ.COM
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which cost £550 and was perfect for C2W. We sold thousands, and were building them up morning, noon and night. That launched us as a bona fide road-bike brand.” Almost half of the bikes sold by Pearson are own-brand bicycles. “All are designed around fitting,” said Guy. “Each frame comes in number for sizes, unlike many production bikes especially those from Italy. We don’t need many adjustments to get the right fit.” Pearson’s has 30 staff across the two stores, with 15 working at any one time. “There are lots more women customers in our Sheen store,” said Guy. “Mums and dads ride bikes in this area as we’re so close to Richmond park. “We had a very successful Christmas,” said Guy. “For the first
time in many years we sold a substantial number of kids’ bikes at Christmas. It was first time in ten years with no new games console which made a massive difference. In the ‘90s we were doing 400 or 500 bikes at Christmas. Two years ago it was 60 across both shops. This year it was back up to 400.” While selling kids’ bikes is largely seasonal, bike fitting is a year-round cash generator. The Pearson Precision Fit bike fitting service is heavily promoted in-store, with posters and a looping video. (Precision Fit is a Trek initiative, Pearson’s originally operated the Cyclefit system.) The venture was a natural, er, fit for Guy Pearson – before taking over the firm he did a degree in sports science. He started full-time in 1993.
“I’d worked in the store since 13 or 14,” said Guy. Will the sixth generation take over? “Will has three kids, and so have I. The eldest is 11 so we’re nowhere near wondering about a transition to the next generation. “We were lucky, we just stepped into the job and didn’t have to pay anything. Whether that happens going forward is unknowable. The business is five times the size it was twenty years ago. If any of our kids wanted to take over they might have to buy their way in. “We’ve been tempted to take external investment. It’s a possibility. It would enable us to expand the bike range. We’re a British heritage brand, there’s clear potential to expand in Japan and perhaps America.” BIKEBIZ MARCH 25
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24/02/2015 11:35
FISHER OUTDOOR LEISURE
THE CAMPAG TRAIL
One year ago BikeBiz spoke with the newly installed Fisher Outdoor Leisure CEO James Browning. 12 months on Jonathon Harker catches up to see if the company has made good on its aims…
DESPITE BEING a well-established distributor in the bicycle trade you won’t have missed the fact that Fisher Outdoor Leisure went through a rebuilding exercise patch a short while ago. James Browning’s appointment as CEO was perhaps the most visible sign the distributor was tackling its issues head on. Now he’s been in the role for upwards of 12 months. “Our last financial year was a really good ‘sort out year’,” Browning tells BikeBiz. “In terms of the business we got the right structure and the right people and some reallocation of responsibilities.” Tough decisions were made, including culling brands. “We went through a review, out of which we decided to exit all of our own-brand initiatives. We came out of all of that because we believed we should be focusing on being a great distributor rather than building our own brands. Stick to what you’re good at and be BIKEBIZ.COM
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even better at what you’re good at, was the thinking behind that.” Fisher’s finances also got tightened up, erasing some long-standing debts dated back from the takeover of the business. Browning explains: “We went through an exercise of tidying up our balance sheet. I don’t know what the noise from the industry was about Fisher’s finances, but
most significant thing was that we got them to write off £30.8million debt off that was sat on our balance sheet. “We paid down some bank debts too, so we took about £40m in debt out of our balance sheet. So as a business we are now totally deleveraged. We have got a £1.75m term loan with HSBC and we fund our working capital by
“We decided to exit all our own-brand initiatives.” James Browning, Fisher going back in time you look at our accounts and we had millions of debt on our balance sheet. Even though every year the venture capitalist said they won’t call on these loan notes they were still there, so we sat down with the venture capitalist and probably the
drawing down against invoices – so the classic model. That’s a big thing. We delivered a profit number of £1.3m, which evened out about £900,000 operating profit, so not massive but a credible profit. “Those accounts are at companies house, so any ‘Weary
Willies’ saying Fisher are going to go bust can see the debt is down and the profit is working. It was a really nice way to wrap it up on a strong financial note.” This year has seen Fisher Outdoor get off to an eye-catching start, not least with the Campagnolo shared distribution news, a deal that has been in the works for some time. Early Rider’s signing is also something the firm is very excited about. “Then there’s the Essentials catalogue, which is part of the business rethink. What can we do better? We thought offering everyday products at good prices with a good service wrap around. “These things have kept us occupied.” Other notable developments included the launch of initiatives like the Zipp dealer margin support programme. “The cycle sector is going to grow, but each of the sales channels will have different BIKEBIZ MARCH 27
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FISHER OUTDOOR LEISURE
Early Rider is a recent signing, but there will be more to come if Fisher gets its way
opportunities. The reality is that brands, and us as distributors, need to exist in all channels. The IBDs are the brand builders, then online retailers do a spectrum of things, from information provision and brand building – the good ones – all the way through to price fulfillment and the customers choose which they use. Then there’s the end of life guys, like eBay – the brand has to play in each of those channels. If you look back, brands that stop participating in that brand-building channel find they can’t exist online only. “In our Zipp margin support letter to IBDs we said ‘we get it’. Why the hell would they support a brand when they’re educating the public and the customer then turns around and says they can get it cheaper online? “In the first three weeks of launching the initiative we had doubled our stockist numbers for Zipp. It’s not bullshit! And I can see the IBDs dilemma: If you see how much a Zipp wheelset is, then you don’t want to invest in a range if you might not make a return. It’s a lot of money. The fact we doubled numbers shows the IBDs get it. The response has been great, but can 28 BIKEBIZ MARCH
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we do it on other products?” Well can they? That will depend on whether the commercial assumptions made around the programme pan out as expected. If they do, then Fisher will definitely be looking to roll the support programme out to other brands. “We have other initiatives too, like working with IBDs so they can offer a broader range of products without having the inventory risk.
dealers. We’ve more telesales heads and more field sales people. Hopefully all that makes us easier to deal with, but there’s still a list of things. Next in our sights is a mundane but very helpful thing – to let people pay their bills through the site and do their returns on our B2B without having to call us up. Simple things like that.” With its troubles overcome, is Fisher now looking to build the
“Why the hell would dealers support a brand like that?” James Browning, Fisher We’re launching a programme around that in the next few months. Browning has gone on record to say he wants Fisher to be as easy to deal with as possible. Has the firm made good on that aim? “We have taken steps. We did increase credit limits, hopefully the Zipp margin support makes it easy to higher value product from us. The Essentials offering should help too. Then there’s a website that’s more functional and useful for
business, rather than make more fundamental changes? “Absolutely, that’s it. What needed to be fixed to stabilise the business is now done. It’s now nice to see us coming out of that – we have plenty of things that we’d like to do. “I think distributors are going to have to do more. In the past, distribution was all about logistics and fulfillment. In an increasingly sophisticated market, distribution is
now all about adding value to your customers and to the brands that you represent. “As the market gets more sophisticated, competition will increase. We’ll see margin pressure for retailers, distributors and suppliers. Everyone will have to get smarter or do more to justify the margin they want to keep. I think you’re also seeing an interesting shift in multi-distributed brands. You’re now seeing more multidistribution agreements cropping up which is a sign of the sector maturing. SRAM did it with Raleigh, Campag have done it with us. I’m not surprised that is happening.” Before BikeBiz leaves Fisher’s St Albans HQ there’s time to squeeze in a few hints about freeing up senior management time to spend courting new brands as well as the firm “getting our hands on a good MTB brand”. Browning expands: “It feels like we have done the hard work, financially and strategically. It’s now about the results of that. We’d be disappointed if Campag and Early Rider were the only new brands we bring to market in the next 12 months. That’s not our intention.” www.fisheroutdoor.co.uk BIKEBIZ.COM
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The grown-up choice...
for grown-up bikes Most single coaster brake hubs are used in kid’s bikes where low cost is more of a priority. But adult city-bikes need better performance, to better withstand the use and abuse of street life. The new Sturmey-Archer S1C single coaster hub has a high precision, low friction, roller operated brake with cromoly M10 axle and aluminium alloy hub shell for increased corrosion resistance. The anodised hub shell is available in 5 colours to match the FCT60 crankset and HBT30 front hub. So that adult urban bikes can have grown-up looks as well.
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www.sturmey-archer.com
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11/02/2015 10:21
Cycleguard Partnership scheme – sign up today! Keep your customers cycling…… and more importantly keep them cycling with you. Our goal, like yours, is to keep our customers happy, and cyclists cycling. At Cycleguard we arrange insurance cover for thousands of cyclists, and over the past 15 years we have worked hand in hand with hundreds of Independent Bike Dealers just like yourself. Contact us today and find out more about our Insurance Partnership Scheme
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16/01/2015 10:52
INNOVATION LAB
INNOVATION LAB One Innovation Lab, six companies. Jonathon Harker rounds up the players showcasing their clever products...
SYNC Sync is a stripped-down fixed gear bike developed by John Goodhew. It’s the frame design that makes the biggest impression and the idea came to Goodhew in 2012 when he first attempted to build a frame that replicates a cyclist’s crouched posture. The frame is made of high tensile steel with a powder coat
www.syncbicycles.co.uk finish. Available in six colours (blue, red, yellow, black, sky blue, pink) and three sizes, the frame and front forks retail at £799 while the complete bike comes in at £1,299. The bike has a flip flop rear wheel, so it can be fixed or freewheel. An optional front brake can also be added at an additional cost.
D-FIX D-Fix is a super simple removable rear hub design from one Jan Deckx. While not available to the public and still at the prototype/testing stage, Deckx was using the Innovation Lab to put the clever product in front of the public, press and – most importantly – investors, the kind that will be able to help him put
LOCKSIT Locksit is a bicycle helmet lock. Over to founder Martin St-Gallay: ”The Locksit is a bicycle helmet lock with a light so that wherever you go, you can lock up your helmet and you will always have a light, safely attached to the bike. It is a very simple product
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ambideckxter@hotmail.com it into production. Deckx told BikeBiz post-event: “The show went well with a lot of positive response from the public. There is interest indeed from possible Belgian investors.” Cycling Weekly also picked up on the innovative device and hailed it as a “game changing freehub design”.
www.locksit.co.uk and we are very proud of it. We came by the idea when cycling to the station and then knocking everyone on the train [with our helmets] and thought there had to be a safe and easy way to lock up your helmet and there wasn’t, so we came up with this!”
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INNOVATION LAB
LIGHTRIDER Lightrider is one of two safety light products that appeared in the Innovation Lab. Tudor Davies explains to BikeBiz: “It is the only bike light in the world to illuminate the torso of the rider as well as the road. This addresses the problem that a HiVis jacket in the dark is black, it needs light to reflect. 80 per cent of bike accidents are from the front or side of the bike with the biggest danger being T-junctions. Lightrider enables other road users to see the form of a cyclist
www.lightrider.co.uk rather than just another source of light on the road.” “The Innovation Lab went really well. We really liked the physical stand, as it looked very pro and caught the eye. There was also a nice amount of space. “We had some very good sales, lots of interest and most importantly some significant trade enquires.” Davies said that among those is a particularly interesting iron in the fire that he can’t talk about, but hopes he can reveal soon.
SEE.SENSE See.Sense is a daylight visible bicycle light designed to boost cyclist visibility. It’s bright in every sense of the word, intelligent enough to flash faster and brighter – using patent-pending sensor tech – depending on the environment, such as when at a road junction or roundabout. Co-founder Philip McAleese told BikeBiz: “For us [the show] worked out brilliantly. We achieved brand exposure with the public, journalists and the cycling industry. We also gained business opportunities
STIQUE Cannock based Stique showed off its Multilever tools. Gregory McDonald, founder and director, told BikeBiz: “Our Multilever ML123 and ML14 are both made of an exceptionally strong plastic that has been used in the automotive industry to replace metal parts on cars. It’s so strong that not one has broken in a workshop environment in 15 months of testing. “It’s so strong and light that we can design holes in it to hold vital cycling knick knacks like split
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www.seesense.cc with shops, distributors, manufacturing partnerships and design services. “We sold a lot of lights and made a healthy profit too, despite it being the wrong season to sell lights. “We got a lot of the potential deals. It is very early of course, but I’m sure we’ll have some good news to share about how the Innovation Lab has been an essential part of our company development and growth.” Find out more about the product at www.seesense.cc
www.stique.bike chain links and heart rate monitor spare batteries, or £1 coin holders, to cover those moments when you need to find them.” While the brand said it has mixed results from this showing at ExCeL, the company does have some new developments in the works. McDonald explained: “We’re busy working on further product introductions, all of which are completely different to what’s out there at the moment, just like our ML123 Multilever.”
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ATG TRAINING
Qualified instructors put trainees through their paces
Teaching the technicians As the cycle trade matures, increasing numbers are turning to training and qualifications. Jonathon Harker speaks with one of the best known and largest trainers in the bicycle industry about its growing international reach and what it offers to bicycle-based businesses here in the UK… BUSINESS OWNERS and mechanics in the bicycle industry hardly need any introduction to the globally recognised training and accreditation scheme that is Cytech. There’s little wonder when you look at the stats: Over 8,000 courses have been delivered to more than a whopping 3,500 candidates, many of whom are working for familar names in the industry. In fact there are currently over 2,000 Cytech qualified staff who are employed worldwide, so to safe to that it is pretty popular would be understating the point, to say the very least. The successful training programme is pitched as a must-have with a variety of training courses suited to different roles and, in a perhaps overlooked point, placing value on the high standards of technical skills in the industry. BIKEBIZ.COM
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Registered charity ATG Training has been providing apprenticeship training for more than 45 years and currently provides the largest number of Cytech courses in the UK. ATG has workshops right down ‘the spine of the country’ located in
environment itself. ATG’s training officers themselves are all fully qualified and in the main are also keen riders in their spare time, whether that’s competing on the circuits, on the road, in cyclocross or off-roading.
“We work with a large number of brands to ensure we’re unbiased.” Stephen Smyth, ATG Stafford, London and Aylesbury. All three are fully fitted out with Park Tools equipment, racked and boarded on PAF benches and have a wide range of bikes and components to work on. As the ATG itself notes, getting training right is not just about the
The courses available through ATG Training range from the Cycle Maintenance Apprenticeship, through to Cytech One, Two and Three. ATG also offers further specialism, including the likes of Specialist Wheel Building, Group Set, Brake Technology, MTB and
Road Bike specific course as well as Fox Suspension dealer training, not to mention the option to create a bespoke programme or two for specific customers. BikeBiz speaks with ATG Training’s marketing and social media manager Stephen Smyth on the all-year available training… What would you say to someone mulling over whether they should go on a course with ATG or not? We do not sell a course to callers, but provide them with as much information as we can to allow them to make a choice that suits their needs. How we are different to the rest of the market is that our Cytech Two course is recognised as the authoritative qualification in the trade. It also has an Engineering qualification included in the Cytech Two. Uniquely, people who attain a BIKEBIZ MARCH 35
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ATG TRAINING Cytech Two through ATG Training will gain two certificates.
Specialist courses – like Wheel Building – are available as well as broader offerings
Can you reveal which are your most popular courses? Or is it a closely guarded trade secret? Our most popular course is the ten day Cytech Two. This has become the trade standard qualification for the professional cycle mechanic. ATG Training delivers the majority of these courses in one of three centres – London, Aylesbury and Stafford. So cycle training can take place at any of your three locations? All our Cycles workshops are set up to deliver a range of Cytech courses. These are popular training courses and availability can be checked at www.atg-training.co.uk or by calling 01296 737800.
“One of the biggest challenges we face is the changing political landscape.”
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Stephen Smyth, ATG Do you work with brands when developing the training? Is the training constantly being updated, or is it, in the main, largely unchanged? Training is constantly updated to meet the requirements of the trade, new product launches, the awarding bodies and government requirements. Given the breadth of the market, we work with a large number of international brands to ensure an unbiased and professional training. We are keenly aware that people who attend the Cytech training could be faced with many different bicycle types, drive trains or suspension products, and need to be able to service and maintain each of these with skill. ATG has road and MTB-specific courses – is this something you’ve always offered? Why do you need separate courses? We offer Road and MTB courses as this has been demanded by the trade. Some customers specialise in particular markets and required detailed and specialised training. An example of this is the suspension training we deliver on 36 BIKEBIZ MARCH
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behalf of Fox where their dealers come to ATG Training for a specialist and detailed course. What’s been one of your biggest challenges recently at ATG? One of the biggest challenges ATG Training faces is the changing political landscape. As a Government funded organisation, we are able to draw down funding
for employers who take on Apprentices. The Richard review is changing the way we do business. Cytech appears to be growing its global reach with the license to Torq Zone Academy in South Africa. Can we expect to see more developments overseas? Cytech is growing globally. It is now in South Africa and there is demand
from other territories in the English-speaking world. Negotiations are at a very early stage. I expect the recognition of Cytech to spread in the near future. To find out more about the courses, their content and availability contact ATG Training on 0845 873 8440 or visit www.atg-training.co.uk BIKEBIZ.COM
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DONKY BIKES Cargo bikes aren’t just handy for businesses moving gear around
BRANILDE PROF
Lift sales with a Donky Cargo bikes can only get more popular given their practicality, but where can a dabbling dealer start? Mark Sutton speaks to Donky creator Ben Wilson about why his entry-level cargo build is great start… AS YOU may have read in a recent edition of BikeBiz, when asked the question “how do you tell a quality cargo bike from a bad one?” cargo specialist Really Useful Bikes answered by saying that the most important thing is strong foundations. “I look for a bike with components that will last, will look good for many years and that has good function,” said owner, Rob Bushill, who perhaps not coincidentally was pictured with a Donky in the background. “Our spec is virtually bombproof,” explains Ben Wilson, the designer of the modular, cargo-hauling, steel Donky. “It’s capable of hauling up to 50 kilos on each end.” So robust looking is the £500 Donky that Wilson tells us of a story where thieves chose to pinch a Donky to use as a getaway vehicle in a smash and grab raid. “I make no apology for the fact that they’re heavy,” says Wilson. “The inspiration comes from the old butcher’s bikes, which just seem to live on and on. We think the Donky presents a great opportunity for the bike messengers of London, or anyone looking to deliver by bike. With 20-inch wheels, the Donky has a low centre of gravity and so is very agile and tough. We BIKEBIZ.COM
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have fleets of Donkys that are currently used by sandwich delivery people, workshops and takeaways, among others.” Bespoke racking is something available to anyone buying a Donky, with the bike’s design offering a quick release system that slides on and off a square beam at either end. When BikeBiz first had a spin we were aboard a bike that had a rack customised with springy netting, perfect for stashing
friend’s a plumber and he’s been using a Donky to make house calls for a while now. It saves him a big chunk in fuel costs, so he can make more money on each job.” At the entry level of the cargo bike market, the Donky opens doors to those on a budget who would rather not have the costs of running a car, but does that describe the typical customer? “People generally don’t know they need such a bike until they’ve
“Our spec is virtually bombproof. It’s capable of hauling up to 50 kilos on each end.” Ben Wilson, Donky Bikes clothing or shopping. With a UK-based workshop and a network of fabricators, Wilson has used his architecture, engineering and design knowhow to design many custom racks previously, as well as accommodating child seats. “We loaned a bike to a guy I met one day on a dog walk. Just one week later he’d sold his car! We know a Donky won’t replace a motor for everyone, but it can be a game changer for some, especially those with reasonable commutes,” says Wilson. “Again, my best
applied the versatility of the racks to their own lives or businesses,” explains Wilson. “London Burrito restaurant Poncho 8 are a good example. They were looking for a more efficient way to deliver food on London’s often clogged roads. The Donky was an obvious answer and it is far cheaper to run than a moped.” There are obvious advantages for say a mobile cycle mechanic in riding a Donky, one reason why Wilson is hoping that cycle shops will consider taking on stock, but
what other incentives are there for the retailer? “We’ve not got a minimum order,” says Wilson. “We’re happy for a bike shop to just order one when they need it, or to have an example on the showroom floor for customers to test ride – that’s a good way to show the customer what’s possible on a bicycle. We’re considering adding a kids version too, on which kids would easily be able to carry a basket full of toys or a football. From there they’ll grow up thinking differently about the bicycle as a transport option.” Donky is also looking to expand abroad and has openly asked global distributors to get in touch. “Drop us a line on the Donky website,” concludes Wilson. “We’d love to hear from dealers and distributors alike.” donkybike.com BIKEBIZ MARCH 39
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NEED TO KNOW
BIKE EXPO
DATES 10am to 4pm - Friday March 20th 2015 (trade day) 10am to 5pm - Saturday March 21st 10am to 5pm - Sunday March 22nd 2015 LOCATION EventCity, Manchester Phoenix Way, off Barton Dock Road, Urmston, Manchester M41 7TB PRICE Free to the trade, provided you bring your business card or ID to the show. TRI-CURIOUS? Tickets to Bike Expo will get you access to the three other sports shows running alongside it, including Tri Expo, Run Expo and Swim Expo. URL www.bikeexpo.co.uk
Mad for it Manchester has strong links with cycle culture and with Bike Expo it looks to have a cycle show worthy of the growing, affluent city. Jonathon Harker take a last look before it explodes into EventCity... THE REBADGED, relocated and reinvigorated Bike Expo (previously Bike & Tri Show) is arriving at its new Manchester location in Event City in just a few weeks time – March 20th to 22nd, to be precise. But what kind of product can you expect to find there? Distributor 2x2 will be taking most of the Roux range to the show, including four new models for 2015, bringing the range to 18 models – double the amount in the original line-up. After many requests for straight bar commuting models to go with all the drops, Roux has designed the all-new Foray range – P15, P17 and P19. The range starts with the P15 – lightweight butted 705 frame with smooth welding, 24 speed Shimano, discs, puncture resistant BIKEBIZ.COM
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tyres…in a nutshell a modestly priced commuting workhorse that looks much more. The P17 then takes it on with hydraulics, carbon fork and 27 speed and the P19 tops things off with a 20 speed Tiagra drivetrain, FSA chain set,
to the show is an addition to the Cross range. We have been very successful with the Conquest 2400 and the Conquest 3500 so they now have a big brother – the Conquest Elite. It’s a really great bike for commuters who want a
Schwalbe’s Jumbo Jim Fatbike tyre will appear alongside Nobby Nic.
Continental tyres and Shimano hydraulics. Being UK-designed, all bikes are mudguard compatible and designed for UK riding. Scott Hillyard tells BikeBiz: “Also new for this year and going with us
bike that will stand up to the poor condition of the UK roads, give them superb specification and yet fit the Cyclescheme criteria.” The ride features a double butted lightweight frame, internal cable routing promising that dirty
inners (and poor shifting) is a thing of the past, TRP hydraulic disc brakes, Shimano 105 with FSA chain set and Maxxis tyres. Hillyard adds: “It’s bikes like the Elite that are making Roux such a success – all retailers have road brands but many of them are non UK specific…brands such as Cube, Specialized, Giant and Trek just don’t do Touring bikes, Belt Drive bikes, Cross type product at mid-market prices…all bikes that a UK retailer is asked for on a regular basis. We have a great road offering, but it is the niche, UK unique product that retailers and consumers alike seem to appreciate in our range.” Also bringing its considerable range to Bike Expo will be Clif Bar. We’re assured that all flavours of Clif Bars, Builders Bars, Shot Bloks BIKEBIZ MARCH 41
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BIKE EXPO
SHOW STOPPERS
1. CLIF BAR 2. KALI, VIA NRG4 3. BATRIBIKE
4. THAT ESSAX SADDLE 5. ROUX BY 2X2 6. SCHWALBE
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and Gels will be on offer for visitors – consumers and trade alike – to get their laughing gear around. As if proof were needed that Bike Expo is a more inclusive affair than its Bike & Triathlon predecessor, e-bike distributor Juicy Bikes will be at the show at EventCity this time around. The new Lite bikes will be showcased for the first time there and Juicy has shaved about 0.6Kg off the weight compared to the standard bikes, with the new Sport Lite at just under 23kg with a standard 10AH battery, and the Classic Lite at just under 24kg. Prices start at £899 and the Lite bikes have a lot in common with the understated originals. More road-focused, the Lite bikes feature V-brakes to keep maintenance low and stoppingpower high. Rigid forks make for even more effective climbing and a lower overall weight allows riders to go further, more easily. BIKEBIZ.COM
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The same powerful motor makes short work of pesky in-the-way hills and there is full compatibility with Juicy’s full range of batteries so they can be tailored to the rider’s lifestyle. Likewise the Lite bikes offer the same intuitive pedalassistance as previous.
Pro-Lite brings to NRG4’s stable its collection of performance road, MTB, track and triathlon wheels, Sparse lights are fairly new in the market and are said to appeal to anyone who has returned to find their bike lights missing having left their bike unattended.
“Bike Expo’s debut trade day will include industry-only deals for dealer attendees and chance to mix at the trade bar. ” The Essax Shark Saddle continues to baffle and amaze, and thanks to Nrg4 visitors to Bike Expo will get to see it first hand, a performance saddle that lends itself very well to TT and Tri. New signings from Nrg4 will also appear, including Pro-Lite, YBN Chains and Sparse, a lighting brand with a penchant for designing out theft.
YBN is a familiar name to the trade and NRG4 is stocking the brand’s single, 8, 9, 10 and 11-speed chains. Bike Expo attendees will also catch sight of Schwalbe’s 2015 models, with highlights including the Jumbo Jim Fat Bike tyre, Durano and Durano Double Defence road tyres, Ironman tyre in
PEELING BACK THE LAYERS
Millionaire chairman of Manchester-based Peel Holdings, one James Whittaker, just happens to be a keen triathlete. The company owns Manchester’s EventCity – the venue of this year’s Bike Expo, boasting around 6.8million potential visitors in the neighbourhood, a category classed as the most affluent outside London. Whittaker was instrumental in luring the show to the new venue. He tells BikeBiz: “We went to the show last year and we saw it as a big success, but we felt with more room it could grow into something even better and at EventCity we felt that was possible. “We’re really excited about Bike Expo. Once people see it in the new venue and get used to it, it’s going to grow and grow.” Read the full interview at www.bikebiz.com/news/tag/ bike-expo
an all white version, Procore and Nobby Nic. The Schwalbe stand will also feature its tubeless road technology demonstration for Schwalbe One and Ironman, plus a selection of its road, track, mountain bike, cyclo-cross, BMX and commuting tyres. Consumers will get a chance to win a pair of Schwalbe One 23-622 clincher in black (SRP £90). Bike Expo will also star British Cycling, Beacon, Bloomsbury, Biklox, Fat Lad at the Back, Basso, Primal, Meccanica, Specialized Concept Store, USN and more. See the full list at www.bikeexpo. co.uk/exhibitors Lastly, a quick shout out for the Trade Day, a first for the show this year. Exclusive trade-only deals are promised, as are seminars and workshops, product previews and a welcome chance to hob nob with the rest of the industry at the Bike Expo trade bar. BIKEBIZ MARCH 43
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PUBLISHING SPECIAL
WHO’S READING? Q The three most read cycling magazines, among a sample of UK sportive riders, were Cycling Weekly, Cycling Plus and Cyclist. Q The three most commonly used online sources of cycling news, event or equipment information, by a sample of UK sportive riders were BikeRadar.com, BritishCycling.org.uk, and road.cc. Q Two-fifths of (a sample of) UK sportive participants have used the national governing body’s website to find cycling news, event or equipment information.
Digital ageing… 2014 was a massive year for shifts in the bike media landscape. With the dust still settling, Mark Sutton speaks to the industry’s many publishers about their plans for 2015 and there are plenty of surprises…
DENNIS If it’s ABC verified figures alone against which you measure success, Dennis Publishing is this year’s clear winner, having taken Cyclist magazine from dummy copies to the market’s second highest monthly ABC circulation in just 32 issues. With an average circulation of 25,707, 18 per cent more than this time last year, Dennis’ first title in the cycling world was initially set up with a five year business plan to recoup the initial launch costs. That early forecast has now been scrapped, with the magazine having paid back it’s parent company’s investment inside the first year. So, with Bikes ETC now accompanying the title on the newsstand, who said print is dead? Publisher Nicola Bates told BikeBiz: “Cyclist significantly exceeded our expectations. In terms of turnover, it’s now one of the largest inside the Dennis Publishing portfolio for mags published on a monthly basis. It’s also doing fantastically overseas with licenses for local language BIKEBIZ.COM
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editions signed for, Germany, Australia and Turkey, with some other significant markets currently in the pipeline for 2015. On the back of the success of Cyclist, and with the team infrastructure already in place, we considered the launch of Bikes ETC a no brainer.”
annually, we believe that Cyclist and Bikes Etc command around 30 per cent share. That’s an incredible achievement in a short space of time,” says Igoe. Sticking with impressive figures, the retention rate of those subscribing to Cyclist is again the
“We’ve 88 per cent subscriber retention, that’s unheard of...” Sean Igoe, Dennis Despite being one of the younger cycling titles on the shelves, the team behind the magazine packs a punch, with six editorial staff members contributing to each edition. The wider Dennis Publishing cycling team now consists of 20 full time members of staff. Advertising Sales Director, Sean Igoe, tells BikeBiz that during his time in the business he’s never seen a title have such an impact on the market: “Of all cycling advertising pages put into print in the UK
best Igoe has seen in his time serving the industry’s cycling titles. “We’re sitting at around 88 per cent subscriber retention, that’s unheard of in this business, especially at a time when print is generally in decline. It just shows you what a loyal and engaged audience we have.” With an introductory deal of three issues for just £5, the uptake on a £59.99 annual subscription has been strong for Dennis, with subscriptions now representing around half of Cyclist’s sales.
What the publisher has lacked to date is a digital presence, but that’s about to change suggests Bates. “There will be an interactive website coming in the spring. It’s important that our portfolio can offer more than just subscription marketing sites. It’s something that we’ve been looking into for a while and considering various routes to market. We’ve owned the Cyclist. co.uk domain name since 2012, and with Dennis’s strong digital background we’re expecting to be able to reach a wider audience relatively quickly. Our advertisers prefer multi-platform reach, so it’s certainly an area for expansion, and there will be further staff resource added as we build our presence on the web.” Further projects for 2015 include two books, as well as a link up with cycle tourism firm La Fuga, with whom the publisher has organised a group trip this month. For readers of BikeBiz, the publisher is looking at avenues for bike retailers to take stock, though the logistics to make it beneficial to all are still in development.
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PUBLISHING SPECIAL be a new avenue of exploration for Rouleur, with Timothy John, formerly of RCUK, now populating the content side of Rouleur’s website ahead of an April relaunch. “We’re taking the Sunday paper approach,” explains Sandell. “The site will host unique content, but it’ll be deeper, more analytical pieces. There will be analysis and more time spent checking out the kit used at a professional level.” Previously the online portal has been a shop front for Rouleur’s many collaborations and books published and that’s set to continue. Heading into summer, a link up with the minds behind Velominati will see a limited range of t-shirts and race caps sporting ‘the rules’ printed and sold exclusively online. For those unfamiliar with the Velominati’s cycling rule book, 25,000 copies of this light-hearted take on in the saddle motivation have been sold to date. Tickets for the Rouleur Classic are now on sale, as are numerous sponsorship opportunities. To enquire about attending the November 19th to 21st Rouleur Classic, contact frazer.clifford@ telegraphevents.co.uk.
GRUPPO MEDIA As you’ll no doubt have spotted, the big news from the Gruppo stable of late has been the launch of a November road cycling show. Set for Vinopolis in London, the Rouleur Classic will be put on in collaboration with Telegraph Events and will be targeted squarely at the high-end of the market. This won’t be an exhibition with flat test track loops, rather an opportunity for Rouleur’s generally affluent and educated readers to interact solely with the sport’s key protagonists and product makers. Visitors to the show will pay £50 per ticket, but it’ll be worth every penny, explains Gruppo managing director Bruce Sandell. “On entry to the show visitors will be given a digital card that allows brands to make a connection with that customer, directing them to their nearest independent stockist, should they decide to buy. There will be just 25 exhibitors and those slots are filled by invite only so that we can guarantee that premium brands meet premium customers. A quality lunch, BIKEBIZ.COM
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entertainment and some pro tour displays will make that ticket price feel like very good value.“ Despite the event launch, Rouleur is sticking to its roots when it comes to publishing a highquality magazine. With Ian Cleverly now steering the title, there’s now a very clear publishing schedule, with the next 12 months largely already planned out. “The interview we scored with Lance Armstrong I think shows you how well regarded the magazine is within aspirational and professional cycling circles. He wouldn’t have allowed just anyone to spend three days shadowing him at such a pivotal time in his life. He knew what Rouleur was about before allowing us to publish such an insight into his life,” says Sandell. “Research alongside numerous cycling clubs confirms that our typical reader is the 35 to 55 year old affluent male and we’re shifting on average 13,500 magazines every issue with an almost direct split been subscriptions and the newstand sales.” Digital hasn’t traditionally been Gruppo’s focus, but that too could
SINGLETRACK In recent years Singletrack has taken a long, hard look at which direction publishing is heading, making alterations here and there to offer loyal subscribers more. In fact the publisher has described the business as an evolving “publishing and technology” company for the first time. This year it’s the independent bike dealer’s turn to benefit from Singletrack’s plans, explains publisher Mark Alker: “One of the
most exciting projects we have on the boil at the moment is our R&D project developing iBeacon technology for our network of Premier dealers. These are little devices that sit next to the till that trigger ‘actions’ on the phones and in the accounts of our 7,000 subscribers if and only if they visit that dealer and come within range of the iBeacon.” In essence the project is designed to get the publisher’s 1.5 million monthly unique users to interact with physical shops. Building on the existing Premier Dealer App, Alker says the technology will potentially help get tills ringing. “Our subscribers already have access to our dedicated Premier Dealer App that not only lists all our Premier Dealer’s details and offers, but will also plot the quickest route to any dealer’s shop from wherever the user is at that point. It’s this app that will transform into a new connection between potential customers and real dealers.” The print product remains well read, with print subscriptions having grown, according to Alker. A thicker paper stock and a redesign may also be imminent. Still fairly fresh to the industry is Grit.cx, Singletrack’s sister title dedicated to cyclocross. As is to be expected, the title is still establishing its place in the market, explains Alker. “Issue 4 of grit.cx is due in the coming weeks and despite being a digital-only magazine it will be hitting printed paper in April as we produce what will become a regular printed annual containing the best bits of the digital issues, plus exclusively written and photographed content. The Grit.cx
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PUBLISHING SPECIAL website is growing steadily and reaches over 6,000 unique users a month currently with over 2,000 registered users and the 430 magazine subscribers.”
VELOVISION As you will no doubt have already read on BikeBiz.com, Peter Eland has just last month announced that he is retiring from publishing, selling VeloVision on to a reader in the process. Published since 2001, Velo Vision has been sold to a former reader with a background in aerospace engineering, Howard Yeomans. There will be a gradual handover through to Issue 50 (Issue 48 is now the current issue), and the magazine will continue indefinitely under its new ownership. Peter Eland tells BikeBiz: “I’m delighted to be passing Velo Vision into such capable hands with Howard, and I can’t wait to see where he takes it with his fresh energy and new perspective. It’s been a privilege producing the magazine, and working with the many passionate and lovely people in the specialist bike industry. But after two decades in magazines it is time for a change, to recharge my cycling batteries, and to maybe
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take on a new challenge.” Electric Bike Magazine has been for sale for some time now, though a serious buyer has not been forthcoming, leading Eland to declare that the magazine will cease publication from the next issue if a buyer is not found. First published in 2010, Electric Bike is a free distribution title in print and online, although some subscribers pay to receive the title by post.
If no purchaser is found before the publication of Issue 10 in late March 2015, publication will cease, although the website will continue to be maintained for some time.
ROAD.CC Having broken through the landmark of one million unique users in one month during 2014, road.cc has added an impressive 54 per cent year-on-year to its annual visitor figures. As one of a few big winners at the inaugural Cycling Media Awards, editor Mat Brett was gonged as an industry favourite, as was the site itself. With that in mind, the publisher has launched a trade-facing newsletter called the ‘Inside Track’, which currently lands in over 1,500 industry inboxes. The newsletter’s goal is to keep key industry buyers and marketer abreast of what campaigns are running on road.cc, which have worked well, explains jargon and encourages more digital understanding and awareness. BikeBiz is told the open rate is a very respectable 29.3 per cent. Elaine Curtin, commercial director for the site told BikeBiz: “The UK cycle supplier industry has woken up to the digital age and are advertising more and more online. Decisions are now being made to run campaigns that meet the users head on, help dealers sell stuff and increase their own brand presence. Now our industry is showing their products where the
consumers are actually researching and looking to buy kit – online.” Having been recognised for its social media strategy in the past, it’ll be no surprise to learn that Facebook traffic to road.cc has tripled over the course of the past 12 months, while 44,000 now follow the brand on Twitter. Launching this month is a new feature; the road.cc Members Club. Having surveyed its readers, the publisher plans to “deliver an amazing package of benefits for a minimal annual fee,” says Curtin. Recruitment and expansion is also strongly hinted at, particularly in site development, with parent company F-at teasing by saying it will “explore options in other areas to replicate what we’ve done with road.cc.” Farrelly Atkinson also dabbles in contract publishing, producing Cycle Commuter magazine, which is distributed free of charge to Cyclescheme’s 38,000 employers and staff. 30,000 copies are circulated twice a year, while issue 11 recently racked up some 27,000 digital views, 139,500 impressions and returned an average read time of seven minutes.
TIME INC In one of the more interesting horizon expansions you’ll read about this year, Time Inc (Formerly IPC Media) acquired UK Cycling Events last month. As well as the obvious database advantages, the move opens up new avenues for the publisher, explains publishing director Keith Foster: “UKCE are a market leading company in a growing area of the market. We have worked closely with them for many years on the Cycling Weekly Sportive Series and we could see they were an BIKEBIZ MARCH 49
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PUBLISHING SPECIAL exceptional company. With a portfolio of over 50 cycling events and a customer database of over 70k, they were also a very good strategic fit and exactly the sort of company we wanted in to help us begin to transform our cycling portfolio into a truly multi-platform business – across print, digital and experiential. “ With the industry largely suffering a downward trend when it comes to sales and subscriptions to print magazines, Time is looking beyond their traditional stronghold, despite their position as one of the market’s big fish. “It’s no secret, it’s been a tough year for all print publishers across the board, but we have performed in line with the market generally and also comfortably retained our market leading position – with a 59 per cent share of the ABC audited print cycling magazines sold. Print aside, recent investment in new digital platform technology and greater online resource has also led to some very significant digital audience growth, not just through our websites, but also via social media platforms.” With 65 staff working across five regular print brands, as well as two websites and side projects, Time continues to invest in resource to drive the business forwards. Throughout 2015 Foster expects to start seeing benefits of the investment in responsive digital platforms, each of which are now compatible with tablet and mobile viewing. In-house developed video content is part of the plan to draw viewers, for which the UK Cycling Events link up will be key in content generation. “We no longer think of our portfolio as being just a mix of print or digital media. It’s more about our ability to deliver audience scale and demographics to advertisers. The acquisition of UKCE is clear evidence of our intention to grow, by becoming a truly multi-platform business,” concludes Foster.
SPORTIF Launched in July of 2014, Sportif is the latest addition to the market and is backed by the experience of former tech editor for Cycling Weekly and former Eurosport commentator David Harmon. Focused on mass participation cycling, the bi-monthly magazine BIKEBIZ.COM
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IMMEDIATE MEDIA
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encompasses the UK and global sportive, etape and gran fondo scene providing news, reviews and features that target this huge and growing market. Opting to work on a 100 per cent advertiser-funded model, the magazine is free to all, including bike shops, of which 153 stores are currently signed up. The magazine also circulates at high-profile sportives, giving it a circulation of 60,000 copies inside its first three
issues this year. Throughout 2015 the publisher expects 135,000 copies to do the rounds, potentially making it one of the highest circulation titles around. David Harmon tells BikeBiz: “The advantages of a free model are clear; it costs nothing for stockists or event organisers to obtain copies and provides excellent added value with no financial outlay. For the advertiser it provides highly targeted exposure
Nearly a year on from acquiring the majority of Future Publishing’s bike portfolio, Immediate’s team is now happily settled into new Bristol offices that include a purpose built bike workshop and photo studio. Having taken over the likes of BikeRadar.com and Mountain Biking UK, among many others, the publisher has built on an already massive audience, now claimed to be some 4.4 million road cyclists and 3.3 million mountain bikers, every month. Investment in digital and a refresh of print titles is already well underway, with Cycling Plus one of the first to unveil a new look with its Bike of the Year issue this month. In a move to embrace the growing number of female cyclists, a women’s-specific offshoot of BikeRadar.com is also promised for 2015, as well as a revamped Shopping Partner programme and renewed focus on video content. Steven Seaton, managing director for the sport division at Immediate told BikeBiz: “In the most recent Audit Bureau of Circulation (ABC) figures, our audience continued to outperform the market with Cycling Plus head and shoulders ahead of its rivals with a monthly circulation figure of nearly 50,000, while our mountain biking portfolio dominates the market with a 70.5 per cent share of the market. Our flagship title, MBUK alone has a 50.6 per cent share, with a print circulation of 31,820, over 13,000 (13,273) more than its closest competitor. “In a mature market, our digital properties Cyclingnews and BikeRadar continue to see strong growth, with 30.6m page views in January, up 7 per cent year-on-year. We are in the process of rolling out a redesigned and redeveloped version of CyclingNews this month to bring it into line with developments already live on BikeRadar, such as a responsive platform optimised for mobile devices, and more effective ad formats.” Though the publisher currently has nothing in the pipeline, Immediate does have an in-house team dedicated to event management, so there could well be movement on this in future. BIKEBIZ MARCH 51
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PUBLISHING SPECIAL
Factory Jackson Mark Sutton speaks with editor Andrew Dodd
SO WHERE does Factory Jackson fit in within the online MTB media world? Describe your vision of the average reader: Factory Jackson is aimed at the experienced mountain biker who has plenty of off-road miles under their belts, and who take a deep interest in mountain biking. We’ll be focusing on the performance end of the mountain bike market; the technology behind it and the outdoor life style that goes with the territory. All of the content will be unique – all generated by ourselves, and our commissioned freelance contributors too. How will the site be funded? We’ll be offering various tiered advertising packages to suit differing customers. The content will be free for all. We won’t be having any kind of paywall. And it’ll be strictly online only? What’ll the content focus on? I’ve worked in print for a long time – this new venture is all about online. It was one of the biggest draws for me. There are no plans for other formats at the moment. The content will vary from indepth interviews; industry based articles and technical features to 52 BIKEBIZ MARCH
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bike tests, gear and product reviews. We don’t think there is enough print quality editorial online – the biggest focus for us is unique, quality, online content. Having worked at MBUK for over 13 years, what challenges are you anticipating in running your own project? The whole project is extremely exciting for me. While print and digital do share similarities, the thing that attracts me to online is being able to react immediately. It’s already been an interesting few months making the transition from working in a big team to making things happen myself – it will take a while to really find my flow, but things are coming along nicely. For now it’s just myself on the editorial side of things, but I’ll be working with various freelancers to get content written, commissioned and photographed. Is there a long-term plan? We do have plans for where we’d like it to go but we’re focusing on getting things running smoothly. We need to build on what already exists, and turn Factory Jackson into a slick website with great, interesting content and a team of enthusiastic contributors.
The media landscape has changed quite dramatically over the past five years, particularly within mountain biking; how will you stand out against competitors? Really, I don’t think Factory Jackson directly competes with any other one site. Of course, there are some great MTB websites out there – some moderately sized and others
“While print and digital do share similarities, the thing that attracts me to online is being able to react immediately...” Andrew Dodd, Factory Jackson frankly enormous. But we’re not intending on competing with them, as we’ll have our own take on things. What we intend is to build a solid platform with genuinely great content. While there will be plenty of newsworthy content worth sharing, it’s the more in-depth content that we are interested in producing.
Will you cover MTB offshoots such as CX, E-MTBS etc? Interesting you should mention cyclocross – there are a few things on the radar already, and developments with electric bikes mean we won’t be avoiding them. Our focus is still the performance end of mountain biking, but we will be including anything that is genuinely interesting for our audience. Outside of normal word of mouth growth, how will you be promoting the site and reaching out to the experienced and affluent cyclist? Initially, we have a few social campaigns planned based on content we are producing, and we’re focusing on generating interesting, shareable content to maximise our reach. We’ll be working closely with the bike industry to spread the word. Those we’ve already been in touch with are keen to utilise the website as a platform to show the side of things not often seen. We are aiming to be seen by both our target readers and the bike industry as a source of information that differs from what already exists. www.factoryjackson.com BIKEBIZ.COM
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REID BIKES
The Australian brand offers a broad range, from road to MTB, vintage and more
Reid all about it Australia’s Reid Bikes will land in the UK for the first time this April. Jonathon Harker speaks to former GM and current International Sales Manager Rob Akam about the brand, keen to make an impression in the UK… OVER A short space of time Reid Bikes has gone from a tiny local operation selling online to a brand courted by international markets. The Australian bike label, conceived by James Reid in 2009, went global just over a year ago, with distribution in Germany, Switzerland and Singapore, with discussions in Chile, Spain and the US ongoing. And then there’s the UK – the team has been setting up since June last year and stock is arriving in April. The range includes road, MTBs, commuter hybrids, vintage, cruisers, fixies and singlespeeds. International Sales Manager Rob Akam has been with Reid for three years. Founder James Reid progressed from selling online before launching his own ecommerce site. He then opened his first store in Melbourne, the first of a mini store empire in Australia. In 2012 Akam became one of those store managers. As the brand grew, Akam was promoted to GM in 2013, the same year the Perth store opened with record day one sales of $24,000. As the years passed by, BIKEBIZ.COM
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Akam was keen to move back to the UK and with the brand feeling ready to compete with ‘A’ brands globally, a new COO was hired and Reid Bikes was a global enterprise. So what’s the appeal of the bikes? Akam explains: “For customers, they are well designed and good quality, at a lower price than most competing brands. “We have about ten staff involved in design, production, quality control (eight staff based in
retailers access to our marketing suite, as well as plenty of in-store material and promotional items.” Dealers are being sought to take on the brand and Akam assures us there are plenty of reasons to get on board. “We have a good supply ability, with six drops currently scheduled through the season. We are keen to grow the brand rapidly in the UK and support dealers as much as we can. We will also be doing a lot of end user marketing,
“We are keen to grow the brand rapidly in the UK.” Rob Akam, Reid Bikes China and Cambodia) and international logistics. “For a UK retailer we are offering very attractive margins of up to 50 per cent on some models, and still keeping retail price low. We are working on very lean margins to give retailers and customers a better deal. We are also giving all
which is what we do in Australia, to drive customers to stores.” With the former general manager here in the UK, the brand has some ambitious targets. Akam elaborates: “We aim to be available throughout the UK very quickly with a good coverage in all major towns and cities with two years. We have
a good budget behind us to help to make this happen.” Akam tells BikeBiz that there are no intentions of opening Reid Stores in the UK, but the retail experiences in Australia have put them in good stead to help shops. “In Australia we retail over 50,000 bikes yearly so we are uniquely placed to advise on how best to sell them. Our Melbourne shop sold 230 bikes in one day last Christmas, and our website took $250k in the week leading to Christmas. We want to help retailers sell our products in high volume too.” Akam has a message he’s keen to get across to the trade: “Basically, come to us, get a better deal. We focus on design, lifestyle and quality. Our vision is ‘to grow the global bike community by making it fun and easy for everyone to ride a bike, every day’. We are also redesigning our distribution site to be more end user and retailer friendly and adding a lot of resources there too.” reidbikes.com; 07951 896926; rob@reidbikes.com BIKEBIZ MARCH 55
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RETAIL ONLY THE TRADE’S GUIDE TO SOURCING STOCK, UP-AND-COMING IBDS AND THE VERY LATEST PRODUCTS
RETAIL
STATS £603M THEFT: Shoplifting added around £603 million to retailer’s costs in 2013/14.3 million offences were recorded
DON’T PUT ALL YOUR EGGS IN ONE BASKET OPINION EVERY NOW and then I’ll stumble across a retailer who really has to be credited with having thought way outside of the box. On BikeBiz.com this month we touched on an electric bike retail and rental specialist that had linked with Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s River Cottage – a television famous venue that hosts cookery tutoring, among other things. £70 all in for a slap up two course meal following on from a two hour guided jaunt into the Devonshire countryside on supplied electric bikes. What’s not to like about that deal? BIKEBIZ.COM
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From the retailer’s point of view, a portion of that £70 goes in the till. The customer, who otherwise may never have thought about bicycle hire, gets a day out that, by the sounds of it, will market itself through word of mouth. There’s no excuses for those afraid of two hours in the saddle either, much thanks to a little electric assistance. From a marketing point of view it’s a huge win for both parties. As much as we in the press get countless
“In my experience, local press are always on the hunt for quirky stories.” emails about celebrities cycling, few involve business. In this case the two firms involved here are bouncing off each other’s popularity. Cycling, touted in all press releases as being “more popular than ever”, is a draw, but pair that with the chance to eat food from a celeb chef’s academy and you’re onto a winner.
In the cycling world it’s far too easy to get sucked into our own industry calendar and become complacent when it comes to dreaming up unique ideas to drive trade. I write this with four days remaining until Valentine’s Day and seven until Shrove Tuesday. I’ve yet to hear of any events involving romantic countryside tandem tours or post ride pancakes back at the shop – and I’m disappointed. If you wanted you could even cook up some pancakes on the trail with a portable gas stove. These kind of events would generate a buzz and are thus easy to market, whether that’s via local press, who in my experience are always desperate for quirky stories, or via the shop window. Next month I expect to receive numerous press releases from BikeBiz readers detailing trailside Easter Egg hunts by bike. Fun for all the family and easy as pie to turn a profit on. “Earn an Easter treat, guilt free”, your sign could read. msutton@nbmedia.com
1.2
%
FOOTFALL: BRC stats found footfall was 1.2 per cent lower in January 2015, than January 2014.
STORE OF THE MONTH: p61 NEW PRODUCTS: A round-up of some new cycle products available this month.
p73 SECTOR GUIDE: Electric bikes p69 SECTOR GUIDE: Cycle computers p75 SPOKESMAN: p90
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BIKE SHOP SALES TIPS
Human nature vs bike sales How can bike shop sales staff combat common obstacles to sales? Sales trainer Colin Rees provides tips for overcoming less helpful aspects of human nature… THE BIG killer to a sizeable sale could be human nature. If I asked you what discount you wanted, you would be very likely to think ten per cent. We’ve grown up with it as a standard so it’s human nature to expect it. In sales training where we talk about customers complaining, it is critical for people to understand that a customer does not necessarily complain when something goes wrong. The customer only does so when their expectations have not been met. So the customer automatically expects £150 off a £1,500 bike. The challenge is to beat the expectation with less, after first throwing a few hurdles in the way. On sales training courses, we talk about pound notes. Would a customer be as happy with a few £5 pound notes? As in all selling, it’s all about how you do it. So what other places can we see human nature kicking us in an uncomfortable place? A person who has not been trained will take the easy way to a sale because human nature kicks in. I have seen staff at the till offering discounts when a customer hasn’t even asked. It’s because he or she thinks that the lower the price, the BIKEBIZ.COM
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more happy the customer will be – and he’s not wrong but it’s hardly good, sustainable business. It is also the reason why we really have to work at getting sales staff to offer customers associated products to those he is buying. It is not ‘human nature’ to do so. How about when closing a sale? All too often I hear: “It sounds too pushy”. Yet if everyone closes every sale, sales rise by ten per cent.
about it” as they extricate themselves from the situation. A more recent area where human nature comes into play is when a customer says they can buy it cheaper on the internet. Human nature dictates there isn’t anywhere to go once someone says that. But sit down and plan as a team for half an hour and it is likely you will be able to put a number of barriers up that may, at least, make some
“Putting products into customer’s hands every time increases sales by five per cent.” Fear of rejection, not knowing what to do if the customer says no, forgetting, or never being told we should close every sale are all reasons why most sales people in retail stores do not do it – and lose their stores ten per cent potential increased sales. If you get into the science of the transaction, the customer actually wants you to ask. If you miss it, you will hear, yet again, those immortal words; “I’ll go away and think
people think twice and save some of those lost sales. Have you ever tried sending an internet purchase back? What a hassle. Does an internet provider give a free first service? The saving from buying on the ‘net may not be too short of your price when you take all the costs into account. The last area of human nature instances is where a sales person stands below a display of products pointing to each one he describes.
Again, why take it down when it might not be right for the customer and I’ve only got to put it back. Put another way, I can’t be bothered. Yet the practise of putting products into customer’s hands every single time can increase sales by around five per cent mainly, because once holding it, it is very difficult to give it back if the sales person doesn’t stand too close. So human nature can kill many sales as customer’s expectations are not met. It can adversely affect the performance of a salesman and it can also be a huge help in making the sale. Next time you are active with a customer, think back after he goes how many times in that conversation human nature came into play. If you have never considered it before, you will be amazed. For those experienced in selling, it can become a fascinating area and cultivated to be of great assistance as you can plan successful strategies. Top flight, professional sales people study it. Colin Rees, Sales Trainer and business consultant: Colinrees7@gmail.com 07540351530 colinrees7.wordpress.com BIKEBIZ MARCH 59
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STORE OF THE MONTH
From acorns grow… Ubyk’s car showroom-esque in-store appearance is indicative of the retailer’s different approach to bicycle retailing...
IT’S NOT often we’ll make such a statement about a bike shop, many of which suffer from the inevitable grime covered carpet, but walking into UBYK feels a lot like walking into a time machine. First impressions are crucial for some, particularly those spending real dosh and this Oxford-based store – if it can be called that – has a car-showroom-esque cleanliness
should, but they’re by no means standing idle waiting for footfall. “Ubyk started out online with ProBuild, based largely around our self-developed custom bike builder,” explains former graphic designer turned Ubyk co-owner James Heath. “I used to run a design agency and got into marketing and SEO. I was doing very well in that industry, but it
“Our business is the highend custom market. It’s crucial we’re tech savvy.” James Heath, Co-owner about it. It’s a modern, engaging environment, with tablets playing demo videos built into the walls. The spaciousness is certainly preferable to the old sea of wheels approach, but where exactly are the staff? They did of course greet on entry, as all good bike shops BIKEBIZ.COM
was boring. I’m a mountain biker, I wanted to put my skills and passion to better use. With our business built around the high-end custom market, it’s important we’re web and tech savvy, hence staff being all well versed in building SEO, design and many other cyber skills needed to run a business like ours.” BIKEBIZ MARCH 61
STORE OF THE MONTH
STORE INFO:
The eCommerce side followed the build of Heath’s ProBuild platform, which in turn has spurned the need for a showroom and a motion capture clad bike fitting room to give customers a bricks and mortar venue to watch their custom build come together. With so much backroom effort going into driving people toward Ubyk’s online portals, it’ll be no surprise to learn that when you type ‘custom bike builder’ into Google, the store comes out top, even ahead of Brompton’s own custom design page. The attention to detail is astonishing, with Heath’s team having to manually cut out every bike part that can be adorned to a build in photo editing suites. Imagine that task every model year. But they do it, and well. Every component in stock is weighed in-house and a combined tally, as well as the cost adjustments, are calculated in front of your very eyes as you build. Think it’s a niche market, all this tech wizardry? Well, seemingly the demand is there – in fact the site has now been reproduced for the French, Australian and Swedish markets with customers from far away having been drawn in by the appeal of the platform. 62 BIKEBIZ MARCH
TELEPHONE: 01865 245463
EMAIL: team@ubyk.co.uk
TWITTER: twitter.com/Ubyk_UK
WEB: www.ubyk.co.uk
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/ubykbikesoxford
LOCATION: 272 Abingdon Road, Oxford, UK OX1 4TA
“We had to translate and reproduce a heck of a lot,” says Heath. “We noticed via analytics reports a lot of traffic stemming from France, too much to ignore. The work is paying off, we’re shipping bikes worldwide. Some of our brands can’t be obtained in these territories and our strong web presence is bringing people on the other side of the globe straight to us. We’re adding two more countries this year too.”
so it fills the gap where most bike businesses may be quieter.” It’s paying off for Ubyk, with the eight in-house staff – with a skill set of photography, film, design and website coding – having driven the business to a position where it is one of the UK’s biggest Santa Cruz dealers, a top dealer for Nukeproof and Lapierre and increasingly big in the road market too. “My professional partner Neil is the roadie and has a solid business
“We’re hopeful that, for affluent customers at least, this is the future of bike retail.” It’s a risky tactic though, warns Heath. “Google Adwords is potentially dangerous if you don’t know how to manage it. It’s pay per click stuff, so if you generate a lot of traffic, but don’t get the sale, you can very quickly be making no money at all. It’s not for everyone. Our site gets around 3,000 hits daily, so even we have to be careful. Interestingly, our way of doing things returns a peak sales period of January to April,
background, so brings with him the expertise we need on that front. We actually re-do our business plans twice a year. Ours is such a fast moving business model it really is essential to be on top of things.“ Ubyk’s method hasn’t gone un-noticed in the industry, with Singletrack naming it showroom of the year, as well as making an appearance in BikeBiz’s trade-voted top 20 IBDs. Those accolades are perhaps dwarfed by one other claim.
“If you head over to Ekomi.com, a review pooling platform as used by Google Analytics, we’re actually the highest rated bike shop in the whole of the UK with a 4.9/5 rating. Online represents about 80 per cent of our turnover, so we’re quite pleased with that,” says Heath. Not too dissimilar to the publishing business’s content distribution evolution, Heath is now finding 30 per cent of his site’s traffic is now coming via tablet and mobile, for which he will invest in a site upgrade this year. “The ProBuild platform lends itself to tablet use. It’s our corner of the market and one for which we have made every effort to protect where copyrights on our platform have been possible. Investing profits back into building a future for the business has been very important from the beginning.” It’s a strategy that’s paying off, with Ubyk’s turnover sat at £1.23 million last year and a projection for £1.8 million in 2015, though “we’ll aim for two,” says Heath. “The custom build route, once you’ve accounted for the way most cyclists upgrade their bikes, doesn’t work out any more expensive in the long run. We’re hopeful that, for affluent customers at least, this is the future of bike retail.” BIKEBIZ.COM
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ELECTRIC BIKES
2x2 enters e-bike market Firm best known for offering folding bikes takes first steps into the electrically-assisted UK sector THE UK electric bike market has grown with the arrival of another distributor player – 2x2 Worldwide. The firm already brings Land Rover, Roux, Shogun, Bickerton and Montague Bikes to the trade and has now taken on Montague’s Boston E. The project has been on the boil for 18 months and the product will arrive in the UK market in May. “We’re very excited,” 2x2’s sales director Scott Hillyard told BikeBiz. “2x2 has taken six years looking for the right product to finally enter the electric bike market, and we feel our product has all the features and benefits we desired, along with cutting edge technology and a real differentiation from the herd.” The Boston E is a folding e-bike, ideal for urban commuting. It is fitted with Bike+ Zehus patented technology that optimises the rider’s energy while biking –this technology provides an e-bike with KERS (Kinetic energy Recovery System) capabilities, according to the firm.
The Boston E features an allin-one e-kit that fully integrates a powerpack (motor, batteries, electronics, bluetooth connection) in a compact rear hub. It is pitched as the only hub, up to now, that features Bike+ technology. Range varies depending upon the mode chosen but in the highest assisted mode the minimum range is 30km (full assistance). “If you are more proactive and fully utilising
GoCycle reports record sales GOCYCLE HAS told BikeBiz that last year saw it post record sales and that it now boasts a growing global dealer network with retailers as far afield as Florida. H1 2014 alone saw unit sales increase over 50 per cent, while UK IBD numbers are up too, according to the firm. The folding G2 (pictured) is the second version of the electric bike and is an improvement on the original BIKEBIZ.COM
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Bike+ technology the batteries will never discharge and the hub will optimise your riding energy, decreasing your effort by 30–40 per cent. This is truly an e-bike that may never have to be re–charged depending upon your riding style,” the firm said. However, recharge time is approximately three hours. The Boston E hub also features a LOCK function that locks the motor
making the bike unusable, easily accessed through the smart phone and neat and easy to facilitate. Hillyard enthused: “There are no flappy cables, no large unsightly batteries, a weight of 13.7kg – which is incredibly light for a full sized wheel electric bike, a battery that recharges whilst in use and of course it is a bike that wins countless tests as the most rigid, best in class and most ridable folding bike in the marketplace.” The Boston E is fully adjustable. A smartphone application connects via bluetooth to the hub and once paired can be tuned to the rider’s preferences, showing information such as speed, the odometer, the road slope, the motor power, etc. It also allows riders to customise their ride by choosing the amount of effort they want to make. By moving a single slider it is possible to set the behaviour of the bike from full assistance to smart management of the bike (Bike+). 01827 331099 www.2x2worldwide.com
The GoCycle G2’s electric assistance is ‘tuneable’ via the app
spec in terms of serviceability and functionality. Starting at £2,799, a micro-sized front wheel motor provides assistance, with power coming from a lithium-ion battery. An enclosed three-speed drivetrain allows the rider to pedal whenever they choose. Last year the firm upgraded its e-bike app to includes anti-theft and fitness gadgets. 02030 442120 BIKEBIZ 65
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Sponsored by
ELECTRIC BIKES
Fat-E-Bikes launch in UK Customised one-offs arrive into the market thanks to brand new company offering eye-catching models
SPOTTED AT the London Bike Show last month, Fat-E-Bikes is a new company offering bespoke one-off fat e-bikes to consumers. Customers choose the parts from selected suppliers, from the colour and frame model to seat, handlebars, wheels and virtually everything else. The custom builds start at £2,395 or with electric-assistance the opening cost is £3,595. It’s early days for the company, but when BikeBiz approached Fat E-bikes at the ExCeL show it said it is likely to look for dealers to join a network. More info at Fat-E-Bikes.com
“With electric assistance the custom builds start from £3,595.”
‘Bosch and Yamaha invigorated the market’ RALEIGH MARKETING director Geoff Giddings has told BikeBiz he believes the entrance of Bosch and Yamaha to the e-bike market has invigorated the sector. The UK e-bike market has been notoriously slow to grow, but Raleigh is one of the increasing number of brands that feels the sector has turned a corner. “Bosch and Yamaha have brought in reliability and also servicing backup. Until they were in, that just wasn’t there on such a big level. They have been the catalyst for e-bikes in Europe and the UK. They are really ahead of the game 66 BIKEBIZ MARCH
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and they have really helped to expand the market.” Giddings also added that some electric bike specialist shops have not been looking to the bike market for inspiration, instead tailoring their offering to nontypical cycle customers. “The ticket price is high so it’s exciting for dealers. E-bikes are great products and there’s repeat business available too. “Successful shops are building relationships with the customer, such as with try before you buy demo days. They get it.” www.raleigh.co.uk BIKEBIZ.COM
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E-BIKES
Need some assistance? You’ll have read before now that the electric market is “about to take off in the UK”, so is now the time to experiment with stock in your showroom? Mark Sutton rounds up the market’s top labels…
DISTRIBUTOR: EBCO
CONTACT: 01926 437700
EBCO grew 70 per cent y-on-y in 2014. As the UK supplier for AVE, Bergamont and own label EBCO e-bikes, the stable ranges from just shy of £1,000 to a high-end £4,000-plus. The Bergamont Contrail C MGN, a 29-inch wheel full suspension rig, is set to cause a stir this year. EBCO suggests its own UCR 60 will be a big seller this year, offering Bosch mid-motor assistance at £1,499.
DISTRIBUTOR: RALEIGH
CONTACT: 01773 532600
Haibike’s electric off-roader catalogue is extensive, offering both full sus and hardtail. Built around a Bosch drive system, the Xduro has taken elements of motorbike tech such as Gravity Casting, allowing the stiffest, strongest and lightest motor interface available. As well as own label bikes, Raleigh also carries stock of Koga, using drive systems from Bosch and ION.
DISTRIBUTOR: VOLT
CONTACT: 0207 378 4728
Volt has 11 UK-assembled e-bikes, with a quickly turning around orders from its London Bridge HQ. The 2015 line packs in the tech and, in conjunction with Bafang, the team has developed the world’s first silent Bafang electric bike motor. Volt has also added quick release electronic cabling to make maintenance easier and there’s increased battery capacity (36v lithium polymer Kingco).
DISTRIBUTOR: CONV-E CONTACT: 01761 453198
DISTRIBUTOR: POWABYKE
CONTACT: 01225 443737
Now in stock with Powabyke is the Xplorer, a £1,499 full suspension rig that offers a frame fold too. With five levels of power assist, along with 24 mechanical gears, the Xplorer is powered by a 250W brushless motor and 36V 9Amp lithium battery combination, but is also a capable bike for light off road use. Front and rear Avid brakes provide strong stopping power. BIKEBIZ.COM
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Got a customer who isn’t ready to buy a whole new bike, but craves a little assistance? Conv-e from WAW Associates is a £699 unit designed by Keith Palmer, a joint owner of Powabyke. Delivered with all the conversion kit required for the job in hand, the package is powered by a downtube mounted lithium battery. WAW also exports the Swift-e Folder to the USA. BIKEBIZ MARCH 69
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E-BIKES
DISTRIBUTOR: BATRIBIKE
CONTACT: 01427 787774
Family business Batribike prides itself on dealer support, service and training for its stockists. The brand offers a range of e-bikes and trikes ranging from £829 to £1,599. Low step-through models in fixed and folding frames are complemented by a crossbar commuter style. The new, hand assembled in Lincolnshire range includes an MTB and Francis-Barnett vintage style bikes.
DISTRIBUTOR: MOORE LARGE
DISTRIBUTOR: 50 CYCLES
CONTACT: 0844 800 5979
Serious buyers after serious performance should consider the £2,395 Pro Connect Impulse 10, which can rack up as much as 125 miles per charge via its 36V 17Ah high capacity Lithium ion battery. Power assistance comes via Kalkhoff’s own Impulse 2.0 centre motor, as well as Shimano XT gearing, should the customer fancy a pedal. The kit boasts Magura hydraulic braking.
CONTACT: 01332 274200
Peugeot’s entry-level model comes in three different specs, ranging up to £1,499. The available choices carry three different Liion batteries, which offer ranges from 30 to 60-miles. The top of the range model is the CE 91, which is specced with a Bosch motor, hydraulic disc brakes, adjustable front suspension and a stunning range of 160 km (93miles). Moore Large is offering some unique benefits, and will score a first by offering a free breakdown recovery service. Arranged by Lexham insurance, it is included in the purchase price and can be renewed by the owner. Dealers will get a £100 registration bonus upon filing details of a bike purchase and customer info via Moore Large’s B2B site. Delivery charges will be waived on orders for more than five bikes (or ten for offshore delivery).
DISTRIBUTOR: GOCYCLE
CONTACT: 02030442120
With each stockist signed up, GoCycle offers dealer training, good margin and tempting intro offers, says UK commercial manager Dan Parsons. The folding G2 is parent company Karbon Kinetics’ second version of the bike. Starting at £2,799, a micro-sized front wheel motor provides assistance. GoCycle are particularly interested to hear from dealers in the West and North.
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DISTRIBUTOR: A2B
CONTACT: 01242 807 420
Sold in 30 countries, A2B’s 11 bike range can be delivered from the Gloucestershire warehouse. With some models complemented by phone app compatibility, the bike’s performance as well as the rider’s can be tracked and shared en-route. Offering men’s and women’s e-bikes, all designed in Germany, A2B’S Obree has been nominated for design awards.
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We are one of the UK’s largest suppliers of high quality and robust pop up gazebos, instant shelters and mini marquees.
We stock a great range of waterproof pop up gazebos and instant shelters; three grades of frame strength available to suit all uses and budgets. Various colours and sizes available. Plain unprinted gazebos available for next working day delivery! Turnaround is 7-10 working days on our printed gazebos.
01295 258 922 | www.gazeboshop.co.uk
The new 2015 Claud Butler range available to order now. From children’s bikes to mountain, touring, city, BMX, men’s bikes, women’s bikes, sports bikes and specialist lightweight racing thoroughbreds. Telephone 01652 656 000 for availability
Claud Butler creates all these and more, and into each go the care and craftsmanship you would expect from a company with over a century of experience, an enviable reputation for quality and an Olympic pedigree.
claudbutler.co.uk BIKEBIZ.COM
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RETAIL ONLY
SEND PRODUCT DETAILS INCLUDING A HI-RES PHOTO AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PRODUCT TO… msutton@nbmedia.com or call 01992 535646 for a chat
NEW PRODUCTS
This month we take a look at a new ladies bike from Dawes, a limited edition beauty from Rockshox, the EVOC Transition Bag and fresh grips from Greyville and T-One...
GIRO 500 LADIES BIKE Dawes: 0121 748 8050 Dawes has always had a close connection to road cycling and the new ladies Giro 500, retailing at £549.99, bears testament to this. Built around a lightweight 6061 alloy frame, carbon blade race fork, Shimano 16-speed STI
LIMITED EDITION ROCKSHOX RS-1 Fisher Outdoors: 01727 798345 gears and double wall alloy racing wheels, the 500 glides effortlessly over the asphalt. With mudguard clearance and Schwalbe Lugano 700 x 23c tyres, the Giro 500 is also ideal for those looking for a winter training bike.
EVOC TRANSITION BAG Silverfish: 01752 843882 This one caught our eye at Core Bike and given its practicality for those regularly at race days we just had to flag it up. Designed around the many stages of preparation and clean up, the bag has its own unfoldable changing mat, zippy
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Finally joining the stocks of European distributors, a limited edition Rock Shox RS-1 lands this month. With differing decals that hint back to the 1989 RS-1 graphics and colours, just 500 of the forks will land across Europe. The £1,416 package includes the
100mm travel fork, a 120mm air shaft that allows a travel change, a Rock Shox digital pump and a limited edition beanie. The chassis design is unlike any seen before, integrating the fork’s steerer tube, crown and legs into a single carbon fiber upper.
T-ONE REVIVE GRIPS Greyville: 01543 251328 lined compartments at either end for shoes and helmets and a main central section for your kit. There’s even angled bottle pouches, so that when the bag’s in use as a backpack there will be no spills. This is bound to be a must have for cyclocrossers.
T-One is a new brand with Greyville and one that designs and makes its own products. New for 2015 are the Revive grips, with four replaceable sections fitted over a permanent core which can easily be exchanged when worn or just for a change if the user is
fed up with colour. Manufactured from hard wearing TPR (Thermo Plastic Rubber) they’ll offer strong longevity, as well as having a unique design appeal. That tasty design is further enhanced with aluminium locking rings to keep them secure.
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CYCLE COMPUTERS
The IT crowd Increasingly sophisticated cycle computer ranges are packing in a lot more than your average smartphone app. Jonathon Harker looks at some of the options…
DISTRIBUTOR: GREYVILLE CONTACT: www.greyville.com Velomann’s range goes from a wireless 41 function to a seven function wired model. Pictured is the VVD10 (£59.95). For use with normal sensors or integrated with smartphones via Velomann software, it features Bluetooth Smart BLE 4.0 super low energy tech for superior ambient noise suppression. Functions include Speed, Cadence, Heart, Trip Time, calories and more, dependent on pairing with phone or sensors.
DISTRIBUTOR: RALEIGH CONTACT: 01773 532600 DISTRIBUTOR: MADISON CONTACT: 0208 385 3385 The Garmin Touring GPS cycle computer is basically the equivalent of a car sat-nav for the bike. Open Street maps come as standard while Edge Touring works like a car GPS navigator, with maps and points of interest (POIs) to help you find your way by bike. There’s plenty of info monitored too, including timer, distance, odometer, speed, average speed, max speed, calories, elevation, total ascent, total descent, gradient, distance to destination, ETA at destination, time to destination, heading, grid reference, battery level, GPS accuracy, sunrise / sunset, temperature and time of day. SRP is £199.99. BIKEBIZ.COM
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Mio Cyclo is a new signing for Raleigh. The cycle computer range is made up of a family of three navigation series. All have navigation, pre-installed maps and the unique Surprise Me feature. High-end models come with extras such as an ANT+ sensor, heart-rate monitor, cadence sensor, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Channelling user feedback into the series, it’s evolved with new features like the aforementioned Surprise Me and all ANT+ devices now connect to the Shimano Di2 electronic bicycle shifting systems. The premium Cyclo 500 series offers connectivity to many phones, so you are able to read texts and answer calls. You can listen to your favourite music while cycling, and even receive voice instructions. Finally, the Cyclo 505 is able to offer Actual Track Resistance for indoor trainers. BIKEBIZ MARCH 75
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48$/,7< v 5$1*( v 9$/8( An extensive selection of mid range parts and accessories well priced to offer excellent value for money and good margins for dealers. Available for next day delivery on our easy to use B2B ordering system.
ABB-21501 Acor External Bottom Bracket (Shimano® Compatible)
ABR-21504 Acor Hydraulic Disc Brake Set
ASM-21501 Acor 1.1/8” Reuseable Ahead Plug For Carbon Steerers
ABS-21506 Acor Replacement Caliper Brake Inserts For Alloy & Carbon Rims
AHS-21202 Acor 1.1/8” Alloy Aheadset (Star Washer & Alloy Top Cap Included)
ASM-2901 Acor 1.1/8” x 31.8mm High-Rise Ahead Stem (25 Degree, From 50mm - 120mm Length)
ARO-21201 Acor Super Light 11T Alloy Jockey Wheel (Shimano® Compatible, 7075 Alloy)
AQR-21403 Acor C02 Cartridge + Inflator Seatpost Bracket
ASE-21301 Acor SPD Compatible MTB Shoes (Sizes: 38 - 46)
ASG-21404 Acor Scented Gel Open Ended Grips (128mm, For Freeride & BMX)
ATL-21403 Acor Cone Wrench (13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or 18mm)
AHU-2901 Acor XC/All Mountain 15mm Axle Front Hub (32 hole, 6061 T6 Alloy Body)
,) <28 '21 7 '($/ :,7+ 86 <(7 7+(1 :+< 127 *,9( 86 $ 75< q &217$&7 '(7$,/6 %(/2:{
0845 1661983 BIKEBIZ.COM
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www.greyville.com
sales@greyville.com BIKEBIZ XXXXXXX XX
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CYCLE COMPUTERS
DISTRIBUTOR: TIGRA SPORT CONTACT: sales@tigrasport.com Performing initial settings of parameters like wheel sizes, clock, language and the rest can be a hassle, particularly with the large number of functions modern cycle computers support. Tigra Sport’s patent pending Smart Setup system circumvents this – it is designed to simplify the initial settings, making life much easier for bicycle dealers and end-users. The Tigra Sport G-series is the first family of cycle computers that is compatible with the Smart Setup System. In this mid-range series there are five models, starting with the most basic (eight functions wired) to the 14 function wireless that supports two wheel sizes. They all have weatherproof housings with large displays and current functions are displayed in the form of dot matrix text instead of icons, which facilitates reading while on the go. Seven languages can be selected. The G-series also features the Cross Loc universal mounting system that fits both handlebar and stem, auto start and stop, energy saving system, and easy installation using silicone O-rings or zip ties. Distributors are currently being sought worldwide and SRP of the G-series ranges from US$15.99 to
DISTRIBUTOR: ZYRO CONTACT: 01345 741200 Cateye’s Strada Smart is essentially a head unit that allows riders to see the info being gathered by a Cateye Cycling App on a smart phone in your pocket, via Bluetooth. It then mirrors to the head unit, so it’s an option for those not willing to part with the cash for an expensive GPS device. The Strada Smart costs £79.99 in the UK and the app is free (Android 4.4 or iOS 4.1). The beauty of Strada Smart is that it will also work with sensors directly even if the phone is not present – then upload back to the app when they next ‘talk’. While riding, all ride data is collected on the phone app using the phone GPS and when you finish your ride, you can upload the data to wherever you like at the push of a button on your phone – there’s no need to plug into your PC at home and no need to charge the head unit.
DISTRIBUTOR: MOORE LARGE CONTACT: 01332 274252 The new Sigma ROX 10.0 GPS (pictured) is the first Sigma Sport bike computer that includes GPS. With its ANT+ compatibility, GPS receiver, and route navigation, it packs quite a bit in. Thanks to its five navigation functions, nine bike, nine heart rate, eight performance, and five altitude measuring functions, as well as several other functions, the ROX 10.0 GPS is a fine companion for any professional athlete in training. The PC interface and comprehensive DATA CENTER 3 evaluation and planning modules with map connection provide everything users could need when it comes to analysing and planning training and trips. BIKEBIZ.COM
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If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to find out more or require additional copies please contact rsetters@nbmedia.com or call him on 01992 535647
In association with
atg training for your future...
ATG TRAINING - HEAD OFFICE Future Centre, Smeaton Close, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP19 8SZ Tel: 01296 737815 Web: www.atg-training.co.uk
ANSMANN UK e-BIKE centre, Unit 12, RO24, Harlow Business Park, Harlow, Essex, CM19 5QB Tel: 0870 609 2233 Web: www.ansmann.co.uk
CYCLEGUARD INSURANCE Southgate house, Southgate Street, Gloucester, GL1 1UB Tel: 0844 826 2297 Web: www.cycleguard.co.uk
CYCLEPLAN The Royals, Altrincham Road, Manchester, M22 4BJ Tel: 08000 92 92 68 Web: www.insure4sport.co.uk/cycleplan proudly presents
BIKE SOUP 55a North Wharf Road, London, W2 1LA Tel: 020 72982784 Web: www.bikesoup.com
BOB ELLIOT AND CO LTD Unit C4 Binary Court, Matrix Park, Western Avenue, Buckshaw Village, Chorley, PR7 7NB Tel: 01772 459 887 Web: www.bob-elliot.co.uk
BUFFERA LIMITED Cranborne House, Cranbourne Road, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, EN6 3JN Tel: 01707 852244 Web: www.buffwear.co.uk
BTR DIRECT LTD 148 Portland Road, Hove, East Sussex, BN3 5QL Tel: 01273 205945 Web: www.btrdirect.co.uk
CYCLING SCOTLAND 24 Blythswood Square, Glasgow, G2 4BG Tel: 0141 229 5350 Web: www.cyclingscotland.org
EBCO 5 Pegasus House, Olympus Ave, Warwick, CV34 6LW Tel: Tel +01926 437700 Web: www.ebco-ebikes.co.uk
DARE2B Unit 8-9 Mercury Park, Mercury Way, Urmston, Manchester, M41 7LY Tel: 0844 811 2939 Web: www.dare2b.com
EVOLUTION IMPORTS 27 Widmore Road, Bromley, Kent, BR1 1RW Tel: 0208 290 0807 Web: www.evolutionimports.
CONTINENTAL North Parade, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, Wales, SY23 2JR Tel: 01970 626777 Web: www.conti-tyres.co.uk
FAT BOY IMPORTS Unit 10, Weavers Corner, Hampson St, Horwich, BL6 7JH Tel: 07966 401165 Web: www.fatboyimports.com
CUSTOM SPORTS CLOTHING LTD Tel: 07875 095 793 Web: www.customsportsclothing.com
FISHER OUTDOOR LEISURE LIMITED 8/9 Brick Knoll Park, Ashley Road, St Albans, Herts, AL1 5UG Tel: 01727 798345 Web: www.fisheroutdoor.co.uk
BB Directory 2015 DPS AD_final.indd 1
FROG BIKES Tel: 01784 557300 Web: www.frogbikes.com
HARDNUTZ Unit 8 Rocheview off Millhead Way, Purdeys Industrial Estate, Rochford, Essex, SS4 1LB Tel: 01702 530090 Web: www.hardnutz.com
HOTLINES EUROPE LTD Unit 17 The Loan, Viewforthbank Industrial Estate, South Queensferry, EH30 9SD Tel: 0131 319 1444 Web: www.hotlines-uk.com www.hotlines-europe.com
I-RIDE 7-8B Mid Sussex Business Park, Ditchling Common Industrial Estate, Folders Lane East, Ditchling, Sussex, BN6 8SE Tel: 01444243000 Web: www.i-ride.co.uk
JUNGLE PRODUCTS LTD Unit 3, The Cedar, New York Mills, Summerbridge, HG3 4LA Tel: 01423 780088 Web: www.jungleproducts.co.uk and www.santacruzbikes.co.uk
LEATHERMAN Aynam Mills, Canal Head North, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 7BY Tel: 01539 729573 Web: www.whitbyandco.co.uk
M & J DISTRIBUTORS LTD Unit A, Hanix Buildings, Windmill Lane, Denton, Manchester, M34 3SP Tel: 0161 337 9600 Web: www.mjdist.co.uk
MARA MEDIA Unit 5 Teach na Rosann, Annagry, County Donegal, Rep of Ireland Tel: 353 (0) 74 954 8935 Web: www.maramedia.ie
08/12/2014 16:50
The BikeBiz Directory 2015 is out now, providing the industry with a must-have guide to the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s retailers, distributors, manufacturers and related businesses. DISTRIBUTION AND WHOLESALE
E-COMMERCE AND EPOS
EVENT ORGANISERS, HOSTING, HOLIDAY AND HIRE
MAVIC Theta Building, Lyon Way, Frimley, Surrey, GU16 7ER Tel: 01276 404870
MEALOR-CLARKE CYCLE SPARES LTD Unit 1, Eastlands Road, Leiston, Suffolk, IP16 4LL Tel: 01728830055/01728605970 Web: www.mealorclarkecyclespares.com
MERIDA BICYCLES LTD Unit 13, Nottingham South and Wilford Industrial Estate, Ruddington Lane, Wilford, Nottingham, NG11 7EP Tel: 0115 981 7788 Web: www.merida.com
MOORE LARGE AND CO LTD Sinfin Lane Industrial Estate, Sinfin Lane, Derby, DE24 9GL Tel: 01332 274252 Web: www.moorelarge.co.uk
MANUFACTURERS
MARKETING, PR AND CONSULTANCY
MEDIA AND PUBLISHING
ORGANISATIONS, CHARITIES AND ASSOCIATIONS
RETAILERS, WORKSHOPS AND MAIL ORDER
SERVICES AND TRAINING
RALEIGH UK LTD Church Street, Eastwood, Nottingham, NG16 3HT Tel: 01773 532600 Web: www.raleigh.co.uk www.cyclelife.com www.diamondback.co.uk
CYCLE SHOW, THE 58 White Lion Street, Islington, London, N1 9PP Tel: 020 7288 6733 Web: www.cycleshow.co.uk
RED CLOUD MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS Delfan, Llangyniew, Welshpool, Powys, SY21 0JS Tel: 01938 810873 Web: www.redcloudmc.com
VELOTECH SERVICES LTD 26-27 Western Road, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, CV37 0AH Tel: 0845 475 5339 Web: www.velotechservices.co.uk
REECE CYCLES PLC 100 Alcester Street, Birmingham, B12 0QB Tel: 0121 622 0180 Web: www.reececycles.co.uk
WALKERS CYCLE COMPONENTS LTD 22 Holywell Road, Leicester, LE2 8SG Tel: 01162 833885 Web: www.walkerscycles.co.uk
SCHWALBE TYRES UK LTD Schwalbe Centre, Hortonwood 30, Telford, Shropshire, TF1 7ET Tel: 01952 602680 Web: www.schwalbe.co.uk
WELDTITE PRODUCTS LTD Unit 9 Harrier Road, Humber Bridge Industrial Estate, Barton-on-Humber, Lincs, DN18 5RP Tel: 01652 660000 Web: www.weldtite.co.uk
SEE.SENSE (LIMEFORGE LTD) Sketrick House, Jubilee Road, Newtownards, BT23 4YH Tel: 02891 800536 Web: www.seesense.cc
WINDWAVE Unit D2 and D3 Heritage Business Park, Heritage Way, Gosport, Hampshire, PO12 4BG Tel: 02392 521912 Web: www.windwave.co.uk
SILVERFISH UK LTD Unit 3C and 3B Woodacre Court, Saltash Parkway Industrial Estate, Burraton Road, Saltash, Cornwall, PL12 6LY Tel: 01752 843882 Web: www.silverfish-uk.com
ZYRO LTD Roundhouse Road, Faverdale Industrial Estate, Darlington, DL30UR Tel: 01325 741200 Web: www.zyro.co.uk / www.zyrob2b.co.uk
cc
PALIGAP LTD Unit 2 Danbury House, Great Western Park, Armstrong Way, Yate, Bristol, BS37 5NG Tel: 01454 313 116 Web: www.paligapltd.co.uk
PARKLIFE (HAVANT) LTD Unit 5, Butterick Building, New Lane, Havant, P09 2ND Tel: 02392 475895
PEAK DEVELOPMENT 2 Flanders Park, Hedge End, Southampton, Hants, SO30 2FZ Tel: 01489 796979 Web: www.peak-uk.com
POWACYCLE Akhter House, Perry Road, Harlow, Essex, CM18 7PN Tel: 01279 821243 Web: www.powacycle.co.uk
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SQUIRT Unit 10 Quadrum Park, Old Portsmouth Road, Peasmarsh, Surrey, GU3 1LU Web: www.in2dust.co.uk
BikeBiz Directory 2015 is now available to view online at www.bikebiz.com
THE CYCLE DIVISION Unit 27 Gatehouse Enterprise Centre, Albert Street, Lockwood, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, HD1 3QD Tel: 01484 456137 Web: www.thecycledivision.com
08/12/2014 16:50
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BikeBiz is keen to publish your opinions, whether you send them via email, Facebook, Twitter, BikeBiz.com or post…
Straw Poll: Do cycle paths boost business? STAR COMMENT YES
MEH
This month the lucky winner will receive a Commuter X4 personal illumination system…
NO 40% - Yes - more cycle facilities have a positive impact on bike businesses 20% - No - more cycle facilities does not necessarily equal more sales or customer footfall
@bikebizonline
40% - Meh - I really have no idea
LONDON’S LARGELY segregated cycle superhighways were given the go ahead last month and just days later Newcastle announced it was to build a protected cycleway through its city centre. This flurry of good news prompted us to ask whether the trade believed that these properly thought through cycle facilities would boost bike businesses and get tills ringing. We asked “Do new cycle facilities – like proper cycle paths or more skate parks, etc – have an impact on business?” and respondents were split. 40 per cent of respondents said “yes, more cycle facilities have a positive impact on bike businesses.” 20 per cent said that more cycle facilities do not necessarily equal more sales or customer footfall. Those that had no idea numbered just as many as Via BikeBiz.com PETER ELAND RETIRES & SELLS VELO VISION “Best of luck to Peter with his next venture! I have a been a big fan of VeloVision for years, so I’m glad to hear that Howard [Yeomans] will continue to publish a truly unique magazine about bikes...and all types of human powered vehicles.” James @ BicycleDesign
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those who thought cycle facilities would have a positive impact on businesses, cruelly dashing our hopes of achieving some kind of trade consensus on the issue. Perhaps most revealing of all, this was one of our least popular surveys yet, indicating that many bike shops don’t really have any clear idea on whether new cycle facilities can impact on their business. One commenter had an interesting take on the topic: “I have not seen our local council do anything to increase cycle use, Sustrans has done more. The most increase in business has come from local cycle events like Mountain Mayhem and better off-road facilities/trail centres.” If you missed your chance to have your say you can at BikeBiz@nbmedia.com
“Peter’s editorship will be missed. So much detailed knowledge and enthusiasm. Thank you Peter for all you’ve done to promote cycling. I know you’re not finished yet. Just having some time out to recharge before your next endeavour. All the very best to you and the best of luck to Howard.” CycleMiles
“Great to see so many Top UK names from women’s cycling have been recognised in the [BikeBiz Women of the Year] list.” Rod at FTR @FinelyTunedRide “Great to have made it into the first 100 influential women in cycling!” Aileen McGlynn OBE (@amcglynn1) “Chuffed to make BikeBiz Women’s top 100 with my @TeamGlow100 comrades Glynis Francis, Liz Clarke & Aileen McGlynn.” Helen Pidd (@helenpidd) “WOW – thank you.” Charline Joiner (@ChaJoiner) “Proud of @ukmadison that @kellieparsons @clem_copie & @ManonCarpenter were all featured in BikeBiz Women of the Year 2015 & deservedly so.” Dominic Langan (@Dominiclangan) “SRAM brings in new OEM Europe Director...And recalls him in a month (I know, recall jokes are tired).” Alex Oates (@Velocentric)
24/02/2015 14:37
MARKETPLACE
TO ADVERTISE IN THESE PAGES PLEASE CONTACT RSETTERS@NBMEDIA.COM OR CALL 01992 535647
HEAD IN THE CLOUD? Are you confused by Cloud Reporting? Grant Hadwin, Head of Sales and Marketing for CitrusLime, cuts through the jargon for us… Citrus-Lime is offering Cloud Reporting. Can you explain in layman terms what that means and the benefits to bike retailers? Cloud Reporting forms the basis of our Business Intelligence Module, designed to help retailers make more educated and better business decisions. The fact that it is in the ‘Cloud’ means we are delivering this information through a web browser so it can be accessed anywhere. The module has been built by our retail experts with feedback from existing customers on what they need to run a successful business. Cloud Reporting has a wealth of easy to use information including a focus on things like ‘Achieved’ profit margin, Seasonal Range Planning and Stock Turn. This information combined with the Retail Consultancy & Training
that we can provide will help the IBDs build a sustainable business model that can give them the best possible platform to build and grow their business. Your Supplier Integration Module (SIM) is an area of focus for you this year – how will that benefit your retailer partners? SIM is a win/win scenario for both suppliers and retailers. Citrus-Lime has been pioneering this technology since getting involved in the cycle trade. It is always being improved to include such features as product importing, cost/price updates and supplier stock checks in store and online. The benefits are a much more efficient use of time on admin tasks, creating more accurate databases for better management reports and ultimately giving easy
BIKES & ACCESSORIES
and automatic access to supplier stock levels in store and online. You’ve a new look logo and site – are they live now? What improvements have you made? Yeah, we are really happy with the new brand and the new site. We hope from our website our ‘potential customers’ can get a feel of who we are and what we can do. We all ride bikes and love the outdoors and therefore buy the product our customers are selling (although there’s a slight majority of
MTBers over roadies in the company). You can see this when you look through the imagery on the site which is virtually all taken by our staff whilst out on the hills. The ethos of the new site is to showcase our services rather than the tech we use. There are multiple case studies to endorse how our services relate directly to the IBDs we work with. You will see a definite focus on who we are as people and as industry experts working with IBDs throughout the UK. 0845 890 1270; citruslime.com
BIKES & ACCESSORIES
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MARKETPLACE BIKES & ACCESSORIES
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EXPOSURE LIGHTS Award winnning 2015 lights range
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Wildoo is the only UK based supplier that can offer a full range of quality custom cycling products.
for more information visit wildoo.co.uk
COMPONENTS R1 TRACK AEROBAR
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DISTRIBUTION
EPOS & ECOMMERCE
LOW COST PLAIN CARRIER BAGS & MAILING BAGS
RACKS
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MARKETPLACE SALES TRAINING
TYRES AND TUBES
;OH[ PZ H YLHS X\V[L MYVT H YLHS <2 IPRL ZOVW V^ULY SHZ[ `LHY MVSSV^PUN H MV\Y OV\Y IPRL ZWLJPĂ&#x201E;J ZHSLZ [YHPUPUN JV\YZL the most popular session ever conducted in our industry.
THE WINNERSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; CHOICE High-quality and competitively-priced range of bicycle tyres and tubes, wholly made in Europe. Rubena has a tyre suitable for all disciplines covering road to MTB and everything in between, including the new and revolutionary GAADI open-loop tube.
To ďŹ nd out more about dealer opportunities and Rubena pricing structure, contact the Rubena UK Trade Distributor
Email: sales@biketyrestore.com. To place an order or open a trade account visit www.worldofbiketyres.com For product information visit www.rubenacycle.co.uk
WEBSITE SERVICES
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WEBSITE SERVICES
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OFF TRACK
IN THE SADDLE I N
A S S O C I AT I O N
W I T H
NUMBER CRUNCHING Helmets, bikes as transport and a long running shop closing after seven decades in the bike business. It’s all in our statistics round-up...
B R O O K S
Tony Rose, Paligap, www.paligap.cc HOW MANY BIKES DO YOU OWN? I am currently running two at the moment. A Marin Lombard for my winter bike and to commute, and MEKK Poggio 2.5. WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE TO RIDE? I am only just getting back into cycling after a serious motorbike accident two years ago. Previously my alltime place is the Hotel Belvedere in the Italian region of Emilia Romagna. This region that borders Tuscany allows you to explore the hinterland and visit local historical hilltop towns such as San Marino, Gradara or Urbino, to name just a few. Also the home of Fellini to Pantani. WHAT’S YOUR BACKGROUND IN THE TRADE? My background in cycle industry spans over 25 years. Those years have been spent in retail and distribution. Before joining Paligap in 2013, I spent a large number of those years at another very successful P&A distributor. WHAT’S YOUR ROLE AT PALIGAP? My role within Paligap is National Sales Manager.
¼
for ists riding arter of cycl ver u e -q n e r n o o ly r Ove uting rare m m co r o transport et. wear a helm KETING M ORTS AR (Source: SP C) SURVEYS IN
70 YEARS Cardiff ’s Reg Braddick Cycles shut after 70 years of trading. The shop’s current MD retired due to ill health in January.
WHAT DOES YOUR DAY TO DAY JOB INVOLVE? I head a great team of ten sales people and my job varies quite a lot but ultimately I am responsible for managing the sales team, developing a business plan, covering sales, revenue, and expense controls, meeting agreed targets, and promoting Paligaps presence within our industry. But most importantly we strive to offer unrivalled customer service to our accounts. WHAT’S NEW WITH PALIGAP? One of my passions of cycling product is Cycle Clothing. At Paligap we have secured the distribution of ALÉ, a true 100 per cent made in Italy brand. Also new to us is Amplifi bags and protection. New for 2015 and pre sales have gone exceptionally well. Complementing Marin very well, Amplifi offer a concise range of hydration ready packs and protection for Enduro riders.
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16% Bicycles now make up around 16 per cent of traffic in Central London, rising to around a quarter or even half of all journeys on some routes in peak hours (Source: Transport for London).
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25/02/2015 14:46
OFF TRACK
ZYRO RAISES £5,000 FOR ANTHONY NOLAN TRUST Zyro has raised over £5,000 for the Anthony Nolan Trust during last year. Claire Stewart, wife of Zyro employee Dave Stewart, became unwell in 2012 and was told she would need a bone marrow transplant. The Anthony Nolan Trust quickly found a 95 per cent stem cell match which meant Claire’s lifesaving treatment could begin. Needless to say Dave’s Zyro colleagues were inspired to make the Anthony Nolan Trust one of their chosen charities for 2014 and over the year raised a grand total of £5,055.59 for the trust, which will do vital work and help to add another 50 people to the donor register. Jo Buckton, Regional Manager for Anthony Nolan visited the Zyro offices on February 4th to accept the cheque on behalf of the trust. www.anthonynolan.org www.zyro.co.uk
Daniel Gillborn, Director
CYCLE TO WORK MARKET BIGGER THAN EVER EACH YEAR the Cycle to Work Alliance pools data from the largest Cycle to Work scheme providers – Cyclescheme being the biggest – and reports on the health of the market, analyses trends and makes predictions for the year ahead. I have written in previous columns about the continued success of the scheme, and the acceleration in growth we saw as the year progressed. Looking back at 2014 as a whole now makes for some very compelling reading. 2013 was a record breaking year for the scheme, but 2014 was even better. Turnover across the market increased by 12.4 per cent and the number of applications processed (i.e. the number of bikes sold) was up 11.6 per cent on 2013. All in all, 2014 has been the biggest, most
successful year for the Cycle to Work scheme ever. This fantastic success is further ratified by the fact that last year saw Cyclescheme up its game across the board. Over 500 employer events took place across the UK, Cycle to Work Day smashed targets once again and big names like Norbert Dentressangle came onboard giving their 15,000 UK employees access to the scheme. The continuing message, as ever, is that there is still so much potential out there. There are literally millions of new customers we haven’t yet reached, but together we can help convert that elusive potential customer into a happy commuting cyclist. Here’s to an even bigger and better 2015.
Daniel Gillborn is director of Cyclescheme, the UK’s leading provider of tax-free bikes for work. You can reach him on Twitter @cycleschemeltd
BARKING MAD The bike trade can be a quirky place, with many a bike business sharing an office with a dog or two, typically owned by the boss. But did you know there is a place where the trade has been collecting pictures of bike shops’ resident dogs? If not, and you’ve time to paws during your working day, why not head over to bikeshopdogs. tumblr.com for a perusal of some bike shop canines? You’ll be fleased you did. Pictured is Clarks Cycle Systems’ pooch.
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QUOTE UNQUOTE For more on these stories, head to www.BikeBiz.com
“After having the business in our family for over 50 years, selling up is a hard decision.” Linda Moore, Giles Cycles
Sponsored by the brands of Moore Large 01332 274252
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LAST WORD
Want wedge? Sell wedges Carlton Reid is a big fan of pro bike fitting. It helped alleviate his back pain, but more importantly it can boost your bottom line. WHETHER YOU consider bike fitting a science or snake-oil there’s no escaping the fact it’s a tidy little earner. Quite apart from the cost of the fit itself – usually between £125 and £200 – there’s the very high likelihood of add-on sales: shoe wedges and just-so handlebars don’t come cheap. Bike fitting is one of the measures that helped Pearson Cycles transform itself from Britain’s oldest stilltrading bike shop into a store that’s really plugged into the local cycle community (see profile on p24). Alongside independent bike fit systems there are the corporate offerings from the likes of Trek and Specialized and others. Looking at a customer and guessing the right sized bike is now so last century. It’s hard to ask for £175 for the “eye”, no matter how expert. Customers pay to be measured in fine detail, scanned with lasers, and videoed in 3D. I had my first professional bike fit a few years ago. It alleviated some nagging back pain when I rode, and it was fun to watch my pedalling motion on video playback and to hear, for the first time, buzz bike-fit phrases such as “the body’s kinetic chain of responses.” I’ve since had a few more fittings and I always love to ask the fitter whether they think they are offering an art or science. I tell them the metrics on each bike-fit I’ve had have been different, suggesting that this isn’t an exact science. I’ve not had any fitter tell me a bike fit is pure science. Another pointer in the direction of bike fitting being an art is that there are some practitioners said to be “better” than others.
Bike fits give customers paid-for quality time
“The best bike fitters may not be those with degrees in anatomy or biomechanics but those who ooze empathy.”
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(Charge more for their services.) A bike fit involves machines-thatgo-ping wrangled by a practitioner with a knowledge of anatomy, flexibility, biomechanics, injuries and niggles, cleat-position, footstructure, frame geometry and fit, tri and time-trial position and aerodynamics. However, it’s the subjective element that makes bike fitting
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potentially controversial in the minds of some. But, in many ways, this is a key selling point, and for whichever fit methodology is used. The success of many “alternative” therapies is very much down to the time that a patient gets to spend with their practitioner. GPs have to get patients out of their surgeries double-quick, but with an osteopath – or similar – you pay for an hour and you get an hour. Your medical history is written down but, critically, you’re also listened to, love-bombed with attention. The best bike fitters may not be those with degrees in anatomy or biomechanics but those who ooze empathy. You know, the old “one mouth, two ears” concept. Bike fit sessions can take up to two hours. Minute adjustments are made to the sitting position, adjustments measured in millimetres. It’s claimed that the proper application of “cycling biodynamics” can provide more comfort, enhance pedalling efficiency, increase power output, and lower the risk of repetitive-use injuries. Use of power meters in the bike-fit lab can show how a change in position can alter performance. All of this has got to be good, for customers, and for you, the bike shop owner. Selling artisanal coffee is one way to attract customers to your shop, and the mark-ups are pleasingly high, but anybody with the right equipment can extract caffeine shots, and the competition is fiercer than fierce. Providing a bike fitting service is a much more specialised option and I’m surprised more bike shops don’t offer it.
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THE EMPIRE SLX TAYLOR PHINNEY - BMC RACING TEAM
2015 FOOTWEAR The Last comes first. The most important thing we’ve learned about fit over the last 25 years is
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