BikeBiz Issue46, November 2009

Issue 46 | November 2009

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NOVEMBER 2009

FOR EVERYONE IN THE BICYCLE BUSINESS

BikeBiz WWW.BIKEBIZ.COM

ISSUE 46

How big is the UK bike market?

Is the time right for the trade to share figures to avoid underrating the industry?

By Jonathon Harker THE WORTH of the UK cycle industry is in danger of being undervalued according to leading industry sources.

Reports of the cycle industry bucking the recession, growing numbers of cyclists and companies within the trade increasing their sales have led to a widening interest in the sector.

With the Cycle to Work Guarantee issued by the Government at the end of last month, the forthcoming 2012 Olympics in London and a number of other pro-cycling factors, the spotlight seems set to remain on the cycle industry for the foreseeable future – along with demand for data to back up the message that the cycle trade is flourishing.

But differing opinions are arguably hampering the perception of the cycle trade – with sections of the business finding it hard to reach consensus on the value of the market and prompting calls for collated, official sales data. This year, national bicycle retailer Halfords estimated that the UK cycle market is worth approximately £350 million, a figure that parts of the industry say is undervaluing the market.

The Association of Cycle Traders (ACT/ActSmart) told BikeBiz that the value of the market is more than double that, while the Bicycle Association also estimated the market to be far in excess of £350 million.

In contrast, market research firm Mintel believes the value of the cycle market in 2009 to be

ACT’s Mark Brown below that. It has forecast (based on 2007 figures) that the UK cycle market is worth an estimated £282 million, with 2.4 million units sold in 2009.

However, the ACT/ActSmart’s Mark Brown said: “We place the

“The UK industry is extremely difficult to measure – none of its members are willing to part with their figures.”

Phillip Darnton, BA retail value of the market between £750m and £1bn.

Approximately three million to three and a half million bikes are sold each year, although the first half of 2009 saw imports down nearly 30 per cent.”

Brown added: “Our market size figures include Halfords and

over 2,000 IBDs. We estimate IBD market share to be around 40 to 45 per cent and Halfords to be similar and think Halfords has always undervalued the market’s size. Also included in this value estimate are the mail order and online players, as well as sports stores, catalogue retailers, and so on. The market size in pounds will be slightly inflated this year given price inflation. Core IBD sales have grown at approximately four per cent, while Halfords is up just over one per cent in 2009.”

Figures from the Bicycle Association also placed the value of the market closer to the ACT’s valuation. BA deputy president Phillip Darnton told BikeBiz: “The UK industry is extremely difficult to measure – since none of its members are willing to part with their own figures.

“The best estimate that we can make is defined from the Revenue and Customs import statistics since few bikes (about

BA’s Phillip Darnton 30,000 per annum) are made in the UK. That’s a fair guide to what ultimately gets sold through retailers.

“The 2008 figures suggest a market of about 3.6m units with an estimated retail value of £690 million. These figures compare with 2007 when about 3.77 million units were sold with a value of about £600 million.

“The first half of 2009 suggests that the market is quite significantly down in imported units versus last year, but also 5.4 per cent up in value. This reflects a down-stocking by importers and a hardening of market prices, as well as price increases from the Far East.”

Darnton added that the figures don’t take P&A, clothing or bike repairs into consideration.

The BA values the P&A and clothing market at a minimum of £250 million per annum.

ACT: 0845 618 7256 BA: 02476 553838 MINTEL: 020 7606 4533

BikeBiz Awards hailed by the trade THE UK cycle industry gathered to celebrate its best performers at the first-ever live BikeBiz Awards last month.

Taking place at the end of the trade-only day of Cycle Show at Earls Court, the Awards saw over 300 members of the cycle industry gather for the presentation.

There were ten categories, covering retail, distribution, manufacturing and publishing.

The roll call of winners included Charge Bikes, Evans Cycles, Madison and BikeRadar. The full list and our report from the event can be found on page 25.

Charge Bikes’ Nick Larsen said: “It was a great night. I was very proud to receive the award, and whether we won or not, the event itself was a great way to recognise the industry’s efforts and achievements.”

The second ever BikeBiz Awards followed last year’s online-only event. Fifty representatives from companies across the bicycle trade judged the winners.

INDUSTRY OPINIONS P13 MYSTERY SHOPPER P18 CYCLE SHOW P31 OFF THE RECORD P68

OneStep Available for Bell and Giro helmets

One-Step is curved to cup the occipital lobe, for a comfortable fit.

Integrated lights

fixed webbing requires no adjustment

LATEST NEWS

EDITORIAL

STRAIGHT TO YOUR MOBILE

BOOKMARK US:

MOBILE.BIKEBIZ.COM NOVEMBER ISSUE 46

NEWS 6-9

Four new brands for 2pure, a new triathlon show hits ExCel and a flurry of clothing deals...

INDUSTRY OPINIONS 13

OFF THE RADAR 14

EVENTS 58

CYCLE SYSTEMS INTERVIEW

16

BikeBiz speaks to Sean Lally of the newly rebranded Cycle Systems about the aspirations for this rapidly growing business...

It might be a hoary old chestnut, but as cycling gets ever more attention, the demand for indisputable bike stats for the UK is higher than ever.

FOCUS ON…

21

ELECTRIC BIKES Eurobike was recently hit by electric fever. Carlton Reid talks to the minds behind the brands about the design processes...

BIKEBIZ AWARD WINNERS

25

The first live BikeBiz Awards took place in association with the Cycle Show on October 8th – here’s a winner run-down...

CYCLE SHOW REVIEW

31

Earls Court held more cycle content than ever during October. BikeBiz documents some of the key product and show events from page 31...

TRAILERS

STOCKING FILLERS

53

47

REGULARS MYSTERY SHOPPER

18

LETTERS

67

BikeBiz’s undercover reporter heads to Peterborough and finds the independent is king

TV chef James Martin receives a comeback, while the forum discusses the Cycle Show

PEOPLE

OFF TRACK

40

68

Scott Towne takes a role on Dig Magazine, while Raleigh’s new race team hires a manager...

Nike 6.0 donates a secret skate park and holds a groundbreaking competition on UK soil...

NEW PRODUCTS

SPOKESMAN

56

Chamois cream, Oregon’s techy cycling watches and bling bits from FSA and Halo – all on 56...

WHAT A MONTH. First the Cycle Show – complete with the first live BikeBiz Awards (following the online-only event last year) – then the Government goes and gives the world of cycling more backing with the Cycle to Work Guarantee – something that will, hopefully, benefit companies across the whole cycle trade.

And that’s not to mention the fact that Dorel grabbed Hot Wheels’ assets and created Cycling Sports Group UK. A busy month by any standards.

While the trade debates the pros and cons of all of those, usually with some vigour, on the BikeBiz Forum, the industry is also getting its teeth into a subject that always seems to be bubbling beneath the surface – the fact that there is disagreement over the size of the UK bicycle market.

70

Carlton Reid discusses electric bikes and the blurry laws that are confusing retailers...

It might be a bit of a hoary old chestnut, but as cycling gets ever more attention and is being held up as a textbook example of how to ‘buck the credit crunch’ (a phrase that needs copyrighting surely), the demand for cast-iron-noone-can-argue-with bike sale stats is bigger than ever.

Whether it’s frustrated mainstream journalists trying to get a handle on just how well the cycle trade is really doing, or budding entrepreneurs looking for some figures to dazzle financial backers and banks when they’re trying to open a new bike store, or even the policy makers of the country looking to decide on matters that will affect the future of retail, public health and other important stuff, the need for concrete signs of prosperity is indisputably there.

Fair enough, we’re not exactly blindly fumbling around in the dark for stats here, and the sources for the figures we do have are solid – many of whom have kindly allowed us to publish them in this month’s cover story. But when there’s a variance of over £650 million between the lowest and uppermost valuations from different sources within the bicycle industry, confusion will, inevitably, reign. At worst, it makes for mixed messages and a potential undervaluing of the cycle sector. In some cases, the issue is made foggier by a lack of clarity over whether figures include repairs and parts and accessories. And so the subject gets ever murkier, and the message – hopefully that the cycle sector is doing rather well – gets muddied. That’s surely not in the interests of anyone in this industry.

Feel free to disagree (let me know at Jonathon.Harker@ intentmedia.co.uk), but surely the time is nigh for the UK bike trade to share its sales data and create some statistics that we can all agree on?

Jonathon Harker, Editor

NEWS

2pure hits growth spurt Distributor takes on four exciting new brands and grows sales 67 per cent like-for-like in first two quarters

By Mark Sutton SCOTTISH distributor 2pure has more than doubled its like-forlike sales in the first two financial quarters, while adding four new brands to its portfolio, including Ibis Cycles and tool brand Pedro’s.

The firm’s managing director, George Bowie, told BikeBiz: “The first two quarters of the financial year have seen us grow by 67 per on like-for-like sales over same period last year. We have revaluated our existing brands and exited three partnerships in the past year. This has allowed us to openly discuss options with Pedro’s, Ibis, DeMarchi and Chamois Butt’r. One of our key decisions in taking on a new brand is: ‘does it add anything to the category in the UK?’ All of these brands do.”

2pure has high aspirations for the newly added Pedro’s brand in

the UK, hoping to sit it within the top two lube, cleaning and tool brands in the UK. The entire product range is now available.

Bowie talked about the brand’s promotion: “Pedro’s green heritage is not a PR gimmick as it

offer the multi-award winning Mojo SL in the UK, along with other innovative bikes, such as the Tranny, shown at the Cycle Show recently. This model can be adjusted at the bottom bracket, with the frame’s chainstays

“Our decision to take on a new brand is based on one question - does it add anything to the UK market? These all do.”

George Bowie, MD, 2pure has been an integral part of the business and products since conception. We will work hard communicating this message and the product performance will speak for itself. We will support trail head centres and events that are interested in reducing their impact on the environment.”

Having secured a major deal with Ibis, 2pure is now able to

effectively lengthening to achieve the perfect chain tension.

Bowie said: “We are excited to have the opportunity to make Ibis product more readily accessible and at a lower price to the UK consumer. Our focus will be on setting up multiple demo centres across the UK where the product can be test ridden. If you are looking for a carbon full suspension bike then it must be

Cycle to Work Guarantee set to boost cycle trade Cycle to Work operator Cyclescheme has pledged its backing for the Government’s C2W ‘Guarantee’, introduced at the end of October, encouraging firms to be cycle friendly OVER 70 prominent UK employers from the FTSE 250 have pledged their support for the Guarantee – including BSkyB and Eon – committing to providing staff with safe bike storage, changing facilities and access to the Cycle to Work scheme.

The announcement of the Guarantee has met with support from many companies within the cycle trade – including retail chains Halfords, Evans Cycles and scheme operators.

Cyclescheme director Richard Grigsby told BikeBiz that the firm sees it as favourable news for the industry: “I believe the government’s Cycle to Work Guarantee can be viewed very positively, as it represents a

6 BIKEBIZ NOVEMBER

practical and achievable progression on the last five year’s experience gained from the Cycle to Work scheme.

“Cyclescheme is perfectly placed to implement all aspects of the Guarantee, using our Nationwide partner store network and trade contacts, but employers will need to assess actual participation from existing cycle commuters and staff who plan to shift from other forms of transport in order to adopt the guarantee in a

sensible way. For example, a true assessment of demand changing and cycle storage infrastructure can only be made once a Cycle to Work scheme has been in place for a reasonable period of time. And this is a crucial aspect of the scheme – it is intended that these facilities be created ‘for all staff who want them’ which, in reality, is often less than three per cent of the workforce.

“Cycle training and a local source of maintenance is now very achievable due to our network of over 1,450 local independent cycle stores and the abundance of training bodies springing up to cater for the increased demand.”

an Ibis. However, for us the Silk and Hakalugi are unique and offer American heritage to the carbon road category. And the Tranny sparks desire in every person that has a passion for hard tail performance.”

Chamois Butt’r has scored some great reviews stateside.

Now part of 2pure’s catalogue, Bowie hopes that the brand’s 9ml sachets will introduce more people to chamois cream.

“This category has one major player and suffers from availability. This is partly due to the category growing fast, but it still remains niche,” said Bowie.

“Chamois Butt’r is all about getting new users to try lubricant. We will soon be placing over 30,000 sachets in the market FOC, via cover mounts in magazines and goody bags at events.”

Finally, all retailers will have heard of DeMarchi and orders are already flying in to 2pure.

Bowie concluded: “The road market is growing and there are plenty of brands catering for the athlete who is looking for quality product. DeMarchi’s focus is to make quality artisan products. The fit is aimed at the cyclist who maybe isn’t ripped and lean and is looking for a more flattering design, but demands the best.”

2pure: 0131 448 2884

CSG UK appoints Weiss

Qoroz team

CYCLING Sports Group has promoted Jeff Weiss to the role of vice president of international business development.

Weiss, formerly director of International Business Development for the firm, will lead newly formed subsidiary CSG UK – the division of Dorel Industries that bought out UK distributor Hot Wheels at the start of last month – as well as CSG Australia. He will aim to grow the dealer network in both territories and will join Russell and Neil Merry at the firm – former owners of Hot Wheels and now co-managing directors of CSG UK. “I am honoured to continue my work with CSG in this new position,” said Weiss of his new role. “I look forward to further developing CSG internationally and cultivating strong relationships with our customers and dealer networks worldwide.”

CSG: 01202 732288

TITANIUM bicycle manufacturer Qoroz has teamed with touring specialist MSG to produce a highly durable touring bike.

Due to retail for £3,895, the bike features the Qoroz ‘SS Couplers’, which mean the rider can disassemble the bike for secure and convenient transportation.

MSG’s Alistair Scadding, who helped design the bike, told BikeBiz: “The collaboration has brought about the Expedition

MSG’s Alistair Scadding and Qoroz’s titanium disassembly folding bike with ‘roadie’ geometry...

BIKEBIZ.COM

NEWS

2pure’s Marco Librizi stands among models from the Ibis range

Triathlon popularity spawns new event Active Bike and Triathlon Show to arrive at ExCel, London

By Jonathon Harker

and MSG up for tourer Won. The bike is hub-geared and has a stable geometry designed primarily for comfort, and to carry plenty. Titanium is an ideal material for a tourer because of its properties. Round the world cyclist James Bowthorpe owns one of these bikes already, so they must be good.”

The build has plenty of luxuries too, including a stylish Brooks saddle, sharp and longwearing Magura brakes and Pinhead Skewers for wheel

BIKEBIZ.COM

security. The build features plenty of touring extras as standard too, such as a Pletscher kickstand, SKS Black mudguards and Tubus cargo racks front and rear.

Qoroz also debuted a titanium disassembly bike at the Cycle Show, for which the build can be customised from the frameset upwards. The Freedom Won utilises the SS Couplers and can be shrunk down to the size of its 20-inch carbon wheels. The geometry is notably ‘roadie’ and that’s because Qoroz has more or less matched the positioning of the saddle, pedals and handlebars to that of its Road Won model.

The compact frame has been engineered to be super stiff and when combined with any of the SRAM, Shimano or Campagnolo builds available, it’s capable of putting in the miles.

Qoroz: 01453 889204 MSG: 01903 752308

A BRAND new cycle and triathlon show is heading for London’s ExCel next April – and is set to tap into the growth of the triathlon and cycling market, according to show organiser Active Media Events.

The Active Bike and Triathlon Show, announced last month, will run from Wednesday April 21st to Saturday 24th at ExCel in the London Docklands, and is aiming to reach between 14,000 and 18,000 consumers over the four days.

The timing of the show – which Active pointed out is a key time for retailers to make purchase decisions – the growth of the cycling and triathlon sector and the fact that ExCel is also playing host to a number of key triathlon events – including the Virgin Marathon Exhibition and the London Triathlon (the world’s largest triathlon) – are the key elements set to make the inaugural Active Bike and Triathlon show a huge success, said the show organiser.

“The exhibition will target the broad range of active cyclists, including leisure cyclists, commuters, competitors and

triathletes using direct and indirect marketing channels,” enthused Active Media Events’ Richard Morris.

“We believe that there are three types of cyclist out there, novice, progressive and enthusiast – and it is the first two consumers where we see

whether that’s through friends, magazines, websites or meeting people at events like the Active Bike and Tri Show.”

Active Media Events told BikeBiz that it is intent on the show carving its own niche and becoming a regular fixture on the cycle trade’s event calendar.

“Triathlon is one of the UK’s fastest growing sports. Shows like this provide new cyclists with a means to begin.”

Liz Hufton, editor, Triathlon Plus the greatest possibilities going forward, from a brand and influencers point of view.”

The event will closely tie in with consumer press to promote the event, including Future’s Triathlon Plus. The publication’s editor, Liz Hufton, said that demand for information will drive consumers to the show.

“Triathlon is one of the UK’s fastest-growing sports and many new triathletes come from a running background. It’s a challenging and complicated sport, and novice triathletes are hungry for information and advice where they can get it –

Morris added: “We are all very positive that the Show will create its own niche in the annual calendar of events that excite and inform the UK cycling and triathlon public, and we feel that by drawing on some of the unique distinctions, such as new audiences and timing, we will create a show that will satisfy both consumers and our exhibiting guests.”

The organisers also told BikeBiz that the show will have a heavy retail bias.

To get involved as a speaker, sponsor or exhibitor email: info@activebike.co.uk.

Active Bike: 0208 144 4010

ExCel will play host to the first Active Bike and Triathlon Show

BIKEBIZ NOVEMBER 7

NEWS: CLOTHING SPECIAL

CYCLE

Flurry of activity in cycle

SHORTS

Six distributors sign deals with six garment manufacturers in just over a month

HED introduces the Scorpio Having worked alongside Alberto Contador and numerous other top-level riders, HED has launched the Scorpio, of which a prototype was first seen two years ago.

The wheel is designed to have an unmatched lateral stiffness, while claiming to be one of the most aerodynamic available. The final weight of the tubular wheel is 1,157 grams.

ITV4 ToB coverage draws three million viewers Coverage of the Tour of Britain attracted three million television viewers over the race’s eight stages.

One million spectators are said to have lined the routes along the way.

23,000 consumers flock to the Cycle Show The Cycle Show’s consumer footfall increased again this year by around 3,000 people. Attractions included Tour de France winner Alberto Contador, the Tirolsponsored test track and regular BMX displays.

By Mark Sutton and Jonathon Harker MAYBE it’s because winter is setting in, or perhaps it’s a response to the bigger distributors beginning to make own-branded clothing, but October saw an unprecedented amount of movement within the cycle clothing sector.

PRO-VISION BRINGS VITESSE TO THE TRADE Set up as a joint venture between ex professional road champion Steve Joughin and time trial and road racer Richard Smith, Pro-Vision clothing is now acting as the UK sales agent for Vitesse clothing.

Joughin told BikeBiz: “We have decided to go direct to the trade, hence the great deal you get from the factory. Pro Vision clothing will be the sales agents for the brand in the UK, doing presentations to shops throughout the UK.” Several of the garments got their UK debut at the Cycle Show during October. Prices for the Polish-made clothing are said to

Pro-Vision

be competitive and early feedback has been strong. The catalogue, which can be viewed at provisionclothing.co.uk, contains head-to-toe offerings, from socks to customised bib shorts and much more.

Among other technologies featured, ‘Silver Thread’ inserts are widely used for the antibacterial qualities that they bring. Vitesse’s early stock will be available for trade purchase toward the end of November.

Pro Vision clothing: 01782 333736 EUROBIKE PARTNERS WITH HINCAPIE Available very shortly, George Hincapie’s clothing range will come into the UK via Eurobike.

The Hincapie brand was established in 2002 by the pro tour rider, who will next season race for the BMC squad, for which the clothing range will be a main sponsor.

Eurobike MD Russ Masters told BikeBiz: George has always been an exciting, passionate rider, which has endeared him to many cycling fans in the UK and

this passion has transferred to the clothing products that George gives his name to.”

Both men and women are fully catered for with a wide range of base layers, gloves, skinsuits, socks, jerseys and much more – all of which can be seen at www.hincapie.com Eurobike: 01332 774796 EXTRA: ALPINESTARS TARGETS CYCLE MARKET Traditionally targeting the motorcycle trade, Alpinestars has now branched into cycle clothing and body protection. As Extra’s brand manager for Alpinestars, Simon Ford explained to BikeBiz how the deal came about.

“About three years ago we were looking at our product portfolio, identifying what we did not offer. Among other things, gloves came up. We spent some time at trade shows looking at what was in the market but never managed to be 100 per cent satisfied with what we were being offered. We then started to notice Alpinestars products being used by professional riders at World Cups and the like.

Knowing the quality, technical expertise and overall ability of the brand, contact was made and then followed a two-year dialogue to take us to where we are today.”

Stocks arrive between early December and January, with the likelihood of being fully stocked by mid-January. Extra will also be showing the full range at the Core Bike show on January 24th to 26th 2010.

Extra: 01933 672 170 2PURE GEARS UP WITH DEMARCHI As reported on page eight, as part of 2pure’s push to cover ‘a bit of everything’ with its range, DeMarchi has come on board.

2pure MD George Bowie told BikeBiz: “The cut and fit is aimed at the cyclist who maybe isn’t ripped and lean and is looking for a slightly more flattering design, but demands the best fabrics and design.”

2Pure: 0131 448 2884 BIG BEAR CW-X compression clothing was added to the Big Bear portfolio late in October. As reported on

Eurobike

Which? rates Wiggle best online sports retailer For the second year running, Wiggle has scooped the Which? Best Online Sports and Leisure Retailer award.

Wiggle was also voted the number one e-tailer by the bike trade at the BikeBiz Awards held during October.

Core Bike registration is now live For those looking to attend January’s Core Bike show, trade pre-registration is now live at www.corebike.co.uk.

For breaking news visit:

www.bikebiz.com 8 BIKEBIZ NOVEMBER

BIKEBIZ.COM

NEWS: CLOTHING SPECIAL

clothing market BikeBiz.com, the garments are developed in Japan and utilise patented woven bands that support recovery and increase an athletes performance over time.

The range has been developed using the science of kinesiology, as well as work with endurance sports. In field and laboratory conditions (using VO2 intake as a

on a bike. Anyone wearing CW-X will notice an immediate improvement in their performance.”

CW-X has a range of sports specific underwear for men and women, including bras that protect and support without compression or restriction.

Big Bear: 0208 991 9244

“The cut and fit is aimed at the cyclist who maybe isn’t ripped and lean and is looking for a slightly more flattering design, but still demands the best.”

George Bowie, 2pure performance indicator), athletes wearing CW-X conditioning-wear showed around 30 per cent lower oxygen usage. The results of this test can be found at www.cw-x.com.

Mitch Terleckyj, Big Bear’s managing director, told BikeBiz: “Any rider who is serious about their cycling seeks out new ways to improve his or her performance, or even simply just to increase their enjoyment while

2pure

BIKEBIZ.COM

OXFORD BRINGS IN NEW THREADS WITH EDZ Oxford Products has bagged distribution rights to EDZ following a year where sales have grown by more than a third for the distribution company.

The announcement of the new brand comes in a year that has seen Oxford Product’s sales grow a whopping 40 per cent, something the firm puts down to range enhancements and pricing.

Extra

“Our sales are growing 40 per cent per annum due to the huge improvements in the product range and a commitment to both competitive pricing and holding generous stocks,” marketing director Henry Rivers Fletcher told BikeBiz. Oxford has picked up the global distribution rights to EDZ, with lines already being placed into the market by the time this issue lands on desks. Key products for the cycle market include allweather base layers – with traditional ‘All Season’ base layers starting at around £20 – and also more expensive Merino layered items. The firm also has rapidly expanding ranges for females, including technical and more casual wear.

EDZ also produces a new range of high performance products made from new fabric ‘Epic’. EDZ’s Epic material is windproof, water repellent and features highly breathable layers. The material stretches and moves with the wearer, while also performing wash-after-wash.

Oxford: 01993 862 300 or via email at info@oxprod.com.

Oxford

Big Bear

BIKEBIZ NOVEMBER 9

CORE BIKE

Right to the Core 16 exhibitors, hundreds of bike dealers, three days and a luxury hotel in Northamptonshire; it all adds up to the return of Core Bike. Jonathon Harker takes a look at why the event remains a core fixture in the calendar of cycle dealers…

THE build-up to the sixth Core Bike event has officially begun.

Pre-registration is now open at the official site – www.corebike.co.uk – a new exhibitor has been revealed and the dates are set.

While the event retains a close-knit feel, Core Bike started life with only six bike companies exhibiting at the West Brom Moathouse, set up as an alternative to single supplier shows. The event has steadily grown, up to 12 exhibitors in 2007 and 15 in 2009 – which saw Citrus-Lime, Jim Walker and Merida exhibit for the first time.

Core also moved to luxury hotel Whittlebury Hall in Northants, where the trade-only show remains for 2010.

As with previous years, 2010’s Core Bike promises a packed seminar schedule, with final speakers and times set to be confirmed in December – and covered on BikeBiz.com.

With exhibitors assured of the show’s importance, that other key ingredient – dealer attendance – also seems assured. 400 IBDs pre-registered for the show even back in 2007, and with footfall rising 15 per cent for the 2009 Core event, its appeal remains in place.

CORE VALUE So what is it that drives cycle retailers back to Core each year?

Over to Wiggle: “Core Bike is an essential show for our B&M team. The team view it as great opportunity to refresh

themselves with the latest products from our many key brands, and it helps sculpt our product direction and ranging for the coming year.

“The mix of venue, suppliers in attendance and atmosphere make this one of the most enjoyable shows to attend. Allin-all I think it’s a well organised and refreshing show.”

Sigma Sport’s Ian Whittingham also praised Core’s format: “Although we are well into the new season by the time Core Bike comes around we always make a point of visiting the show. The venue is fantastic and the format of the show allows us to spend quality time with our suppliers. I can also highly recommend the spa and pool to help clear the hangover the following morning!”

PRODUCT REFRESHER Core’s timing was also one of the reasons why dealers should attend, according to Steve Gill of Rutland Cycling: “Core Bike is the one show every serious bike shop should attend, the variety of product from the many distributors and the heads up on the new season’s product make the show invaluable. I have been to every Core Bike show and the year-on-year growth in terms of support from suppliers and dealers just shows how important this show has become. The timing seems perfect, giving enough of a gap between the September launches and a few months to

tweak products ready for the main part of our season.”

For Echelon Cycles owner Tim Wood, the opportunity to speak face-to-face with distributors is a key draw: “As an independent retailer it is impossible to get to many of the trade events held throughout the year. Corebike, however, brings together a number of the distributors that we use under one roof and at a time of year when a day away from the shop is manageable.

The exhibitors are all IBD focused and I feel they listen to feedback given to them. They are flexible to our needs with a longsighted view, thus creating the best working relationship between parties.

“The distributors pull out all of the stops to showcase their wares. I have been able to talk to many of the people behind our key brands – Reynolds and Powertap for example – and get to hear about the rationale behind their products. I have learnt about the design and testing processes, gaining useful information which is invaluable when selling these products. The passion they have for their brands has a tendency to be contagious. It is excellent to see so many new products in one place, enabling you to choose what to stock for the coming season. There are often great show deals to provide the best margins and sales opportunities.”

Dealers are strongly advised to pre-register for the show at www.corebike.co.uk to ensure a free lunch...

Who’s exhibiting?

CORE BIKE’S draw for cycle dealers is as strong as ever, with the entire 2009 line-up of exhibitors returning again for 2010. They include: 2pure, Buff, Chicken Cycle-Kit, Citrus-Lime, Extra, Fox, Hope, Ison, Jim Walker, Merida, Paligap, Silverfish, SiWis, Upgrade and Windwave.

New for 2010 Core Bike is Cordee – supplier of books, maps and guides for the worlds of orienteering, canoeing and, of course, cycling.

Cordee director Jane Robinson tells BikeBiz more about the firm and what it offers cycle dealers: “Over the last couple of years we've put together a strong list of cycling books and have been looking for a way to put this under the noses of bike dealers. We know that books increase the dwell time in a store so we needed a simple and efficient way of meeting like-minded retailers. Core Bike seems to offer us that focused opportunity.”

Need to know info...

When: Sunday January 24th to Tuesday 26th 2010 Time: 9.30am to 6pm (show closes at 4pm on Tuesday 26th) Where: Whittlebury Hall, Near Silverstone, Northamptonshire, NN12 8QH Who: 2pure, Buff, Chicken Cycle-Kit, Citrus-Lime, Cordee, Extra, Fox, Hope, Ison, Jim Walker, Merida, Paligap, Silverfish, SiWis, Upgrade and Windwave Web: www.corebike.co.uk

10 BIKEBIZ NOVEMBER

BIKEBIZ.COM

906xc Tourer

rrp ÂŁ2,399.00

www.WisperBikes.com

Tel 01590 681553

the ride of your life

Electric Bikes

INDUSTRY OPINIONS

Scooting to the bank?

In recent months there seems to have been a resurgence of the micro scooter trend. Mark Sutton speaks to a number of cycle retailers to ask whether or not this trend is worth dabbling in while it’s hot, or whether commitment here will be a waste of time…

Lloyd Townsend “The skateboard range that Ison stocks came as an offshoot of the BMX business we do. Historically, having been involved with freestyle, it’s natural for some shops without a local dedicated skate store to add a board or two to their stock.

“Christmas in particular is a popular time of year for nonbike related orders such as the boards. As for the rest of the year, these sell at a trickle. It’s all useful business to have, but it will never be a significant unit shifter.”

LLOYD TOWNSEND, ISON DISTRIBUTION, CAMBRIDGE “We’ve found that kids have been bringing micro scooters in recently looking for grip replacement and other minor services. As for full sales of them, it’s definitely not something we’d commit to.”

ROB GODFREY, MARSHALLS CYCLES, HERTFORD “I’ve thought about the whole scooter thing a lot and did even stock some for a while. The problem I found was that the quality of what was available varied wildly, which sadly meant the prices did too. As I

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refuse to stock anything ‘cheap and cheerful’ the ones I had in stock looked quite pricey.

“I’m currently starting to take stock of trainers and equipment in order to cater for runners. Too Tyred is also very much trying to expand fully into the triathlon market.

“I definitely think that it is a good idea to have a few nonbike items in stock to bring non-cyclists in. You never know, they could be converted.”

MARK WINGATE, TOO TYRED, DORSET

Rich Moore “We’ve done skate stuff alongside BMX ever since day one. Skateboarding is much closer related culturally to BMX than BMX is to other forms of cycling. We ride with skaters and there wasn’t a good skate shop in our area, so it made sense to do both.

“We also sell the same shoe brands to BMXers and skaters, so the crossover works nicely.

“We’ll never sell rollerblades, micro scooters, Heeleys or any other bits that seem popular at the time – they’re all banned from our on-site skatepark too!”

RICH MOORE, SOURCE BMX, HASTINGS

“When a trend comes along we do make a conscious decision as to whether or not it’s worth getting involved. With things like the aluminium micro scooters, we were aware that the local market sells them for little over a tenner.

“Meanwhile, our staff had noted an increase in BMX riders out and about, so naturally we’ve upped our stock of 20-inchers.

“As a Cyclelife store, we’re constantly dipping in and out of the Raleigh catalogue and have found the three wheel scooters to be a real sales winner. We’ve had several batches sell out quickly. They cost about £25 and seem to be more of an impulse buy while in store.

“We also stock skateboards ranging up to £50. These aren’t constant sellers, but once in a while a few will sell. We also stock replacement bearings for these.”

BRETT SANDERS, HANCOCKS CYCLELIFE, CHESHUNT

BIKEBIZ NOVEMBER 13

OFF THE RADAR

Grand Tour Designs With three tours set for 2010, Daniel Benson, Cyclingnews.com managing editor, muses on cycle globalisation...

IT’S A cold October morning in Paris and Christian Prudhomme is unveiling the 2010 Tour de France route in the Palais des Congrès. All over the world millions of fans are watching the event through a live video stream, with each stage announced to a rapturous round of applause. A few hours later in California, Andrew Messick, the organiser of the Tour of California, will be sipping his morning coffee as he puts the finishing touches to his own 2010 race, having announced earlier in the year that the event will move to May and will be televised live on Eurosport for the first time.

As of next year, cycling will have three races – the Tour of California, the Tour of Italy and the Tour de France – set over a 90-day period and with it, the sport will grow exponentially as it ties up more television and media rights across the globe.

The globalisation of cycling, as

14 BIKEBIZ NOVEMBER

Messick calls it, is well and truly under way.

In racing terms cycling has never had it so good, as team managers juggle their rosters and aim to compete on as many fronts as possible. Fans of the sport are almost spoilt for choice. For the real money makers – the organisers – it’s another triumph, as they broaden their audiences to new territories and attract the best riders. The sponsors, too, will enjoy the ripples sent through the sport as they gain valuable airtime and entry into what Bob Stapleton describes as cycling’s three biggest racing spectacles.

“California has the ninth biggest world economy,” says Stapleton, who owns the Columbia-HTC team. “It’s just behind France in that regard. The Tour of California will be televised in over 100 countries and the concentration of these fantastic races in a 90-day period is fantastic for the sport.

“You’re going to see the world’s eyes on cycling,” the entrepreneur says.

And Stapleton is right. With cycling appearing to clean its act up and an antidoping programme set to be the envy of all other sports, cycling is finally breaking out of the doldrums and is becoming marketable on a truly

international scale.

“Television rights do matter.

The media rights drive value, just look at the Olympics or the Tour [de France],” Messick says.

“That’s how you broaden the value of your event to a bigger audience. We had two million people on the roads watching the race in 2009, more than ever before, but you can have many more eyeballs through television and the web if the platform is good enough.” And his stats are backed up in Europe too.

Letour.com, the Tour de France’s website, has doubled its audience to 11.6 million visitors in just twelve months; a demonstration that television isn’t the only media portal that has expanded.

So what’s the catch? Well you have to look hard to find one, but it’s there. Cycling is a sport whose tremendous strength lies in its rich history. From Maurice Garin’s victory in the very first Tour de France back in 1903, to

Alberto Contador’s triumph this July, the sport has etched a vision of beauty and simplicity that is missing in the commercialisation of many other sports. In what other arena can the public and spectators get so close to their heroes that they can touch their jerseys after a mountain stage?

Those that are seeking to expand cycling would do well to remember that.

“In racing terms cycling has never had it so good.

Fans of the sport are almost spoilt for choice.”

By Daniel Benson, Managing Editor of Cyclingnews.com BIKEBIZ.COM

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BIKEBIZ NOVEMBER 15

CYCLE SYSTEMS INTERVIEW

Spanner savvy?

Last month’s Cycle Show was used as a platform to launch what many knew as ‘The Bike Doctor’ into a new era. Now rebranded under the Cycle Systems label, Mark Sutton talks to codirector Sean Lally about its pipeline projects and what has changed…

16 BIKEBIZ NOVEMBER

HAVING officially opened its doors with London Mayor Boris Johnson’s seal of approval in July, Cycle Systems, formerly known as the Bike Doctor, has come a long way in an incredibly short space of time.

Last month’s Cycle Show at Earls Court was used as a platform for rebranding, as well as an opportunity for both trade and consumers to familiarise themselves with the now multifunctional business. As two of the three company directors, Sean Lally and his wife Julia front the business, which initially focused on on-site fleet maintenance delivered from a bicycle towing a rather large tool box. It was also these vehicles that delivered the entire 2008 Bike Doctor stand to Earls Court, so it’s safe to assume that where possible this business is as eco-friendly as can be.

From that humble beginning, the firm has rapidly grown to offer cycle freight consultancy, bike builds, maintenance classes and City and Guilds professional training, as well as BikeAbility accredited modules, all delivered

“At present the London Academy has ten fully equipped tool stations, on which students are gifted the best tools of the trade and a variety of mint condition components and bikes to practice and learn with.”

“The new website took a lot of investment, but I genuinely feel we now have the net’s best answer to comprehensive, technical tutorials.”

Sean Lally, Cycle Systems at the now well-established Cycle Systems Academy.

Lally told BikeBiz at the Cycle Show: “The Cycle Systems Academy is looking prosperous, with plenty of module expansion in the pipeline. These developments include wheelbuilding at various levels and one-day maintenance sessions.

Launched for the first time live at Earls Court, CycleSystems.co.uk was touted as the next generation resource for budding mechanics looking for step-by-step picture-led tutorials to fit in with training.

Lally said of the resource: “The new website took a lot of investment, but I genuinely feel

we now have the net’s best answer to comprehensive, technical tutorials. We’ve also befriended several past and present students on our Facebook page. The thinking behind this is so students may be aware of our commitment to finding them work within the trade. The new site will also shortly feature a ‘jobs board’, which I expect to be popular with our students and hopefully the trade.”

Among other opportunities that emerge with enrolment in the Academy, 2pure recently approached Lally, requesting students and graduates to travel with its downhill team. Simply enrolling throws up plenty of potential for students to get their first experience in store too, with internship link-ups becoming more frequent.

“There does seem to be a shortage of qualified,

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CYCLE SYSTEMS INTERVIEW

Co-director of Cycle Systems, Sean Lally (above right) standing with lead instructor Ian Perkins (to Lally’s left) and two employees

enthusiastic mechanics in the trade still. Having said that, four of our graduates have since gone on to open their own stores, some of which attended Cycle, taking their first steps in the trade. Three more actually took their own stands at the show, having completed courses since our July launch.”

Trade uptake currently only represents around 20 per cent of sign up to the Academy, suggesting a wave of fresh interest from school leavers.

Eighty per cent of students pass too, often thanks to the highly skilled teachers employed at the Academy. BikeBiz met one such staffer who has earned his stripes with ten years as a mechanic in store and regularly clocks a three-digit mileage per week aboard a cycle. Modules can, of course, be re-taken, although Lally assured us that

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“those who properly apply themselves will pass”.

The Academy is currently in discussions with City and Guilds to up its offering too, with a view to securing NVQ qualification contributions. To make the deal sweeter for trade members, work is currently being done to obtain Government funding for student training, something that should come to fruition in 2010.

However, at present, with bookings looking healthy Lally pointed out: “Despite the fact we’re still working on obtaining Government funding for students, many are choosing our course based on the quality of the Academy. We’ve had a fantastic few months with some top retailers asking to be involved with the courses and our intern programmes.”

Business is so good in fact that students were signing up during the show’s four days at Earls Court. When asked about the future potential of Cycle Systems, Lally didn’t rule out further Academy locations, although BikeBiz will have to bring you news on these as and when they pop up as no extras are currently planned. It’s not just the Academy proving popular though – having just secured another major fleet repair contract in London, Cycle Systems’ client list is evergrowing and contains some of the city’s largest corporate firms, all seeking to get their employee’s bikes serviced.

Lally believes this sudden interest in getting employees aboard bikes could be down to upping punctuality, a problem compounded by tube strikes and late trains.

Having been given a warm welcome by the trade, it’s hardly surprising that Cycle Show organisers Upper Street Events requested that the Cycle Systems stand share its expertise at the show. During the consumer days, Lally’s team held scheduled women specific, hands-on training, as well as sessions tackling a different bike style each day.

If your store is seeking a mechanic, or if you’re looking to enrol a staff member with a view to advancing existing skills or starting with the basics, log on to www.cycle-systems.co.uk, call 02076082577, or email info@cycle-systems.co.uk. The London Academy is located in Islington and a short ride/walk from Old Street tube station.

“Despite the fact we’re still working on obtaining Government funding for students, many are choosing our course based on the quality of the Academy. We’ve had a fantastic few months with top retailers asking to be involved with the courses.”

Sean Lally, Cycle Systems

Xx

BIKEBIZ NOVEMBER 17

MYSTERY SHOPPER

Peterborough

Passport to Peterborough Peterborough has cut car journeys by 12 per cent in five years thanks to Sustrans and DfT cash, but are the bike dealers of the city ready to provide potential cyclists with classicstyle ‘sit-up-and-beg’ bikes?

Mystery Shopper investigates…

18 BIKEBIZ NOVEMBER

Bristows Cycles

Woodston Cycles

BASED in a picturesque suburb of Peterborough, Bristows Cycles provided Mystery Shopper with nearperfect customer service and a shopping experience that was hard to fault.

I was greeted on entering the modestly-sized store and a staff member was soon discussing the sit-up-andbeg-style, providing useful information and advice.

Assuring me that the sector was currently in fashion, I was shown a selection of relevant models from Giant, Trek and Ridgeback, all largely sub-£500.

The sales assistant was happy to go into the specifics of the bikes too, including the pros and cons of steel and aluminium frames. Before leaving I was handed a catalogue detailing the bikes – replete with contact details – and the staff member went to the trouble of writing manufacturer web addresses for more research.

In short, Bristows ticked all the boxes, whether it was information-packed signage or great service. The store provided an excellent shopping experience where nothing seemed to be too much trouble and was, in the opinion of Mystery Shopper, hard to improve upon.

ENCOURAGINGLY, the second shop visited on the day also served up a decent bike shopping experience.

Woodston is well placed to benefit from passing trade, set on a major road, and closer to the city.

Outside the shop were eye-catching displays encouraging customers to buy bikes for Christmas and check out attractively-priced second hand cycles.

An enthusiastic staff member greeted me on arrival and guided me to the relevant part of the store. The sales assistant also emphasised the type of bike was ontrend and informed Mystery Shopper that several of the store’s models were selling through quickly. Prices ranged close to £300 and despite the store not stocking a higher-priced alternative, the assistant did take the time to discuss models with a higher price tag.

The staff member showed one model – priced at £260 – which came with a dynamo-powered light and advised buying more lights to increase visibility in the dark winter months. He also offered to get the bike out for me to try. With a range of relevant models and good service, Woodston provided another great experience.

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MYSTERY SHOPPER

Halfords MYSTERY Shopper found the entrance to this Halfords store hard to find, unlike the more obvious retail park set-ups common for the chain. Doubtless though, that wouldn’t put off locals and the determined from visiting.

A small selection of bikes on the ground floor led to a far wider selection upstairs. After several minutes of uninterrupted browsing Mystery Shopper approached one of three sales staff for assistance. I was told that there weren’t any models in the store in the sector I’d requested – probably. The two sales assistants I spoke to seemed to have a sketchy product knowledge and little awareness of the type of bike requested – something that hadn’t been a problem in any of the other stores visited on the day. A couple of women-only models were found after some investigation, however. To compound the shaky service there was no indication that the sales assistants had finished their conversation with me, as they merely turned away to other tasks.

It’s worth noting that the weak service on show here contrasts with recent experiences with the chain, which has seemingly invested much in upping service levels.

Robertsons Cycle Centre

A1 Bikes

SITUATED in the town centre, Robertsons Cycle Centre has an old-school bike shop feel. Boasting a huge sign visible from the nearby main road, Robertsons enjoys a high profile and during Mystery Shopper’s visit saw a good level of passing trade head through the shop.

Mystery Shopper found the store to be well laid out and welcoming, with a sales assistant greeting me shortly after entering. The staff member said that the store didn’t actually hold stock of ‘sit-up-and-beg’ bikes, but would order them in, and advised of the lead time.

Supporting a Pashley range, the staff member showed me a catalogue and chatted about the bikes and features of different models. According to Robertsons, the style of bike was more of a consistent seller than one that was growing in popularity.

That other vital sales tool – product labelling – was excellent in Robertsons, providing price and key feature information, ideal for busy times in store when sales assistants are too busy to attend to browsers.

Overall, the well-laid out shop was welcoming and staffed with knowledgeable employees.

A1 BIKES, aka Motorcare, is something of a curiousity among most of the bike shops visited. With plenty of eye-catching signage outside the store, including a huge banner promoting fireworks, the front of the store is stocked with car accessories, while bikes are located at the back and also in a small upstairs room.

Despite that, bikes are obviously a key part of the store’s appeal, with plenty of cycles displayed outside the shop. The blend of products appeared popular with punters as the store was very busy, which was also no doubt fuelled by the prime city centre location.

Bike signage was primarily pushing a £10 deposit scheme, and while features weren’t listed, the messaging could well have proved an incentive to purchase.

A sales assistant approached me after a few minutes perusal and was a little unenthusiastic, needing heavy prompting to discuss the bikes and never leading the conversation or encouraging a sale. While this particular staff member wasn’t as helpful as those in other stores, the shop did hold a good stock of bikes in the category, leaving me with options to purchase on the spot.

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Summary DURING the visit to Peterborough, Mystery Shopper found that a local JJB branch didn’t stock bikes, but encouragingly the staff referred me to a neighbouring independent dealer. Also on the day, Mystery Shopper visited Exclusively Bikes. Sadly the store didn’t stock the type of bike that was the subject of this day’s visit.

Appropriately, the Sustainable Travel Town provided some real bike store gems. Independent dealers Bristows and Woodston stood out, providing excellent customer service. Bristows’ service surpassed expectation through taking the time to find out exactly what the customer wanted, delivering options and information, and creating a connection which would ultimately incentivise a customer to make a purchase.

BIKEBIZ NOVEMBER 19

20 BIKEBIZ NOVEMBER

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ELECTRICAL BIKE FOCUS

E-bikes turn heads at the autumn trade shows Carlton Reid reports on the growth of electrical bikes at the main cycle events...

E-BIKES were all the rage at bicycle trade shows this autumn. E-bikes had twice the amount of space at Eurobike 2009 as the previous year and took up much of the Zeppelin Hall. Similarly, at Interbike many booths had at least one e-bike on display.

A2B BIKE, ULTRA MOTOR, UK The line between e-bikes and e-scooters (which will eventually lead some consumers to e-cars...) is blurring. The A2B e-bike is – at the moment – classified as a bicycle, but can be propelled at 24kmh without pedalling. A go-faster button can give the bike a quick burst of extra speed, but this is for ‘off road’ only and no rider would ever be slightly tempted to use such an illegal boost on the public highway.

DAHON, USA Dahon is the world’s biggest producer of folding bikes. The Dahon Boost weighs 19.6kgs.

Dahon vice president Joshua Hon says: “A truly portable electric bike can be rolled onto trains and buses and will really help to expand the usefulness of the category.”

YIKEBIKE, New Zealand “I love doing new, innovative things,” says serial entrepreneur Grant Ryan of YikeBike. His folding commuter ‘bike’ sports a proprietary electric motor with a top speed of 20kmh and a range of 10km on a half hour charge.

No pedalling is required (so falls foul of EU e-bike regs). The whizzy little thing is not cheap: expect to pay about €3,500,

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although a plastic version will be cheaper. Ryan admits it’s an odd-looking beast but said the first ever bicycles were “wacko looking to begin with”.

YikeBike is backed by New Zealand’s two largest venture investment firms, Pioneer Capital Partners and K1W1.

They made money on the sale of Ryan’s former internet businesses.

KONA ELECTRIC UTE, US/Canada Jim Holmström, based in Switzerland, is Kona’s manager for non-EU sales, “from Greenland to India”. With Kona since 1994, he’s now in charge of the company’s cargo e-bike.

Adding power assist to a bike that hauls goods or passengers makes a lot of sense.

Kona is working with the World Wildlife Fund to get the Electric Ute incorporated into the car-free, carbon-neutral, solarpowered city of Masdar to be built in Abu Dhabi. Kona is also working with partners to adapt the Electric Ute for use in Africa.

A bus shelter with solar panels could be one way of getting power to the bike’s two batteries.

STORCK, Germany Bicycle designer Markus Storck specialises in ultra lightweight racing bikes, but the Storck name can also be found on a city bike and a touring bike. These are now available with the addition of proprietary Storck battery packs and motors, sub-branded Raddar.

Via a software tweak, and for different global markets, Raddar can be switched between pedalassist or throttle-control modes.

Kona Electric Ute Storck

Dahon

GoCycle

THE E-BIKE SALES OF TOMORROW SALES PROJECTIONS: 2010 Europe: 362,000; Japan: 365,000; US: 95,000; China: 214,000*; Others: 115,000 2011 Europe: 398,000; Japan: 417,000; US: 97,000; China: 224,000; Others: 139,000 (Figures supplied by Sanyo) *China may sell 21m e-bikes a year but only 214,000 are pedal-assist e-bikes. The rest of China’s e-bikes would be

GOCYCLE, UK Winner of the 2009 Eurobike award for electric bikes, the Gocycle has a magnesium alloy frame made by Thixomoulding, a type of injection moulding for metal. Designer Richard Thorpe was formerly senior composite design engineer for the McLaren F1 team.

The Gocycle is distributed by Karbon Kinetics, a company Thorpe founded in 2002, which is funded by private investors and corporations from the US, UK, the Netherlands and Taiwan.

The Gocycle is now on the market for €1,399.

Thorpe comments: “It is never easy to raise funding for a new

Yikebike

classified as motor vehicles in the EU. The European Two wheel Retailers’ Association (ETRA) and the Light Electric Vehicle Association (LEVA) are lobbying to overturn European Community Directive 2002/24/EC which limits the speed and power of e-bikes.

This so-called ‘whole vehicle type approval’ for e-bikes is currently under review by the European Commission. ETRA and LEVA want e-bikes to be faster and require less human effort, as in China.

venture. A project like Gocycle is particularly challenging due to the long lead time to market, enormous costs for R&D and tooling, and the need to be able to fund production in early stages before market acceptance and demand. It’s not for the faint-hearted.” He’s now looking for Gocycle to be sold in the UK.

BIKEBIZ NOVEMBER 21

ELECTRICAL BIKE FOCUS

HISTORY OF THE E-BIKE THE first e-bike was built by Ogden Bolton Jr of the US, who lodged his patent in 1895. It flopped. 75 years later, Japanese electronics giant Sanyo resurrected the idea, exhibiting its ni-cad powered e-bike at the World Fair in Osaka. This 1970 tech-fest also demonstrated early mobile phones and local

lead-acid battery bicycles were the future for urban transport.

They flopped.

In 2002 he told a reporter: “In the last three years I probably sold 80 to 90 per cent of every electric bike sold in the world. So I’ve got market share. But guess what? There’s no market. You’ve got to create it.”

Many e-bikes sold in the UK are illegal to ride as they offer a ‘power mode’. In the EU, to be classified as a bicycle, e-bikes must be pedal-assisted. area networking (LAN). While these technologies were destined for the mainstream, the world, again, wasn’t quite ready for the e-bike. Oil was going to last for ever and air pollution wasn’t yet the cause célèbre it would become.

In 1999, ex-Chrysler and Ford chief Lee Lacocca created EV Global and said his company’s

1999 was also the year that Powabyke debuted in the UK. The company has sold 30,000 bikes in ten years.

Many e-bikes sold in the UK are illegal to ride as they offer a ‘power mode’. In the EU, to be classified as a bicycle e-bikes must be pedal-assisted.

In the US (and China), e-bikes can be throttle-powered only.

Ogden Bolton Jr lodged a patent in 1895 after creating the first ever e-bike

LITHIUM ISN’T IN ENDLESS SUPPLY

The world won’t be able to extract enough lithium to meet demand for long.

22 BIKEBIZ NOVEMBER

LITHIUM ion batteries on e-bikes – the same battery technology that powers laptops, and mobile phones – can be recharged just a few hundred times and replacements are costly. Toxco Inc in the US and Nippon Mining & Metals in

Japan are working on methods of recycling li-ion batteries, but currently spent batteries go into landfill.

The majority of lithium supplies are situated in countries with less than stable histories, such as Chile, Argentina

and Bolivia. Lithium provisions are, however, in short supply.

Because electric cars now mostly use li-ion batteries, William Tahil, research director of Meridian International Research, predicts the world won’t be able to extract enough lithium to

meet demand for long. An extra 60 million electric vehicles – bikes and cars – would require 90,000 tonnes of lithium; that’s five times the current global lithium production. Perhaps the cornflakes-powered bicycle isn’t doomed after all?

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BIKEBIZ AWARDS

Official Partners

They are the champions On October 8th over 300 members of the bicycle industry gathered at Earls Court for the first live BikeBiz Awards. There were smiles, tears and not too many tantrums as the industry celebrated its high achievers in style...

Consumer Website: BikeRadar BIKERADAR editor Jeff Jones picked up the prize: “We’re very happy to have won the BikeBiz Award for best consumer website for the second year in a row. It’s genuine recognition from the bike industry that we have a great site.

“I should also point out that BikeRadar is a massive team effort that draws on not just the talents of the immediate website staff but of Future’s entire sports division. It wouldn’t be possible without contributions from Mountain Biking UK, Cycling Plus, What Mountain Bike, Procycling, Triathlon Plus and Cyclingnews.com.”

“We’re very happy to have won the award for the second year in a row.”

Jeff Jones, Future Publishing

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Consumer Magazine: Singletrack SINGLETRACK joint-founder Mark Alker commented: “It’s a great feeling to win an award that has been handed to us by the people we work with in the bike industry.

So we want to thank every contributor who has ever sent us an article to publish, every photographer who has sent us images, whether we published them or not and perhaps most importantly every mountain biker who has ever picked up a copy of Singletrack in a shop.

Without the readers, industry support and contributors, Singletrack wouldn’t exist.”

“It’s a great feeling to win an award that has been handed to us by the bike trade.”

Mark Alker, Singletrack

BIKEBIZ NOVEMBER 25

BIKEBIZ AWARDS

Distributor – Bikes: Madison

Distributor – Parts and Accessories: Zyro

MADISON’S Chris Smith collected the prize on the night, while the distributor’s MD, Dominic Langan, tells BikeBiz: “Madison has been working really hard to ensure that we offer a well balanced and quality bike range to our customers and we see this award as recognition of that effort.

“Ridgeback, Genesis, Cervelo, Commencal and the recent acquisition of Saracen provide us with a truly exciting bike line-up for the IBD and we have great expectations for the future.”

“We’ve been working really hard and we see this as recognition of that effort.”

SIMON Ellison, Zyro director and co-founder, picked up the prize on the night: “The UK’s Best P&A Distributor Award is a fantastic achievement for Zyro. It really does show that the cycle industry recognises the professionalism and dedication of the Zyro team.

“We were short-listed for the award along with the other major distributors, but to come out on top is very exciting.

“We would like to thank all of the team for making Zyro the best P&A distributor in the UK.”

“It’s a fantastic acheivement for Zyro. To come out on top is very exciting.”

Dominic Langan, Madison

Independent Retailer: Condor Cycles

Simon Ellison, Zyro

High Street Chain: Evans Cycles

CONDOR’S Josh Young, son of MD Grant Young, accepted the award for Independent Retailer, which it won for the second consecutive year.

Grant Young says of the win: “Well, what a year! It’s been an incredible one for us and the industry as a whole.

“Our refurbishment is complete, providing us with a great space to offer a unique experience to our customers. After all that hard work the Independent Retailer Award really tops it off. A heartfelt thankyou goes out from all of the team.”

“What a year! The award really tops it off.

A heartfelt thank you goes out from us all.”

EVANS Cycles beat stiff competition to pick up the BikeBiz High Street Chain Award on the night. Evans managing director Mike Rice praises the firm’s employees: “To scoop this award is testament to our staff, who over the past year have done a great job managing our customers and delivering a consistently high level of service in what has been a challenging year for the High Street.

“Being recognised by the bicycle industry in this way is a great honour for Evans Cycles.”

“To scoop this award is testament to our staff, who’ve done a great job.”

Grant Young, Condor Cycles

Mike Rice, Evans Cycles

THE JUDGES Adam Bessell, Tarty Bikes

Carlton Reid, BikeBiz

Craig Bromley, RRP

Emerson Roberts, Brompton

James Lamont, Buff

Adrian Phillips, Fox

Chris Feltham, Cycleworld

Dan Maker, Silverfish

Glynn Davies, Bridge Cycles

Jeff Jones, Future Publishing

Andy Easterbrook, Wildoo

Chris McArdle, Hot Wheels

Dave Evans, Blood, Sweat & Tears

Guy Andrews, rouleur.cc

Jonathon Harker, BikeBiz

Anthony McCrossan, Cyclevox

Claire Beaumont, Evans Cycles

Dean Maskell, Wiggle

Ian Beasant, Giant

Lorraine Stanley, Weldtite

Anthony Roberts, Seventies

Connor Horton, Groove BMX

Ed Ibbetson, Hotlines

James Carter, Factory Media

Mark Alker, Singletrack

26 BIKEBIZ NOVEMBER

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BIKEBIZ AWARDS

Online Retailer: Wiggle

Manufacturer: Charge Bikes

WIGGLE’S merchandising director, Paul Bolwell, stepped up to receive the firm’s prize on the night. He says: “It was a brilliant achievement to pick up the award for ‘Best Online Retailer’ at the BikeBiz Awards after the Cycle Show, especially as the votes have come from inside the industry.

“Everyone here at Wiggle works so hard every day pushing the boundaries to what we can do with the business. Recognition like this congratulates every single employee at Wiggle headquarters.”

“It’s a brilliant achievement, especially as the votes came from within the industry.”

CHARGE BIKES’ Nick Larsen comments: “It was a great night, and I was very proud to receive the award. Whether we won the award or not, the event itself was a great way to recognise the industry’s efforts and achievements.”

Larsen heaped praise on Hotwheels employees David Jones, James Hoppe and James Champion before thanking the firm itself: “It is undoubtedly the unfaltering support of Hotwheels that has enabled Charge to flourish against the odds.”

“Whether we won or not, it was a great way to recognise the industry’s efforts.”

Paul Bolwell, Wiggle

Marketing Team: Madison

Nick Larsen, Charge Bikes

Innovative Stand: Campagnolo

CHRIS SMITH was again on prize collection duty for the distributor.

MD Dominic Langan comments: “It was a thrill for Madison to win the best sales team award last year and I am personally delighted that all the creativity, resourcefulness and hard graft that best sums up the Madison marketing team has been recognised by the bicycle industry. I already know that we have many talented and hard-working people within Madison, but it is a real boost for morale when it is recognised externally as well.”

CYCLE SHOW and Upper Street Events’ own Andrew Brabazon and Isobel Dennis accepted the Award for ‘Most Innovative Use of Stand Space’ on behalf of Campagnolo.

The winner of the prize was, naturally, decided on the trade-only day of Cycle Show itself, making it the only Award on the night that was not voted for by the panel of industry judges (listed below).

Instead the organisers of the Cycle Show picked out the winner, judged on the company’s creative use of the area available.

“I’m personally delighted that the team has been recognised by the bicycle industry.”

“Campagnolo’s original use of its stand space earned it the Innovative Stand prize.”

Dominic Langan, Madison

Upper Street Events

Mark Almond, Freelance PR consultant

Martin Palmer, TF Tuned

Nick Fish, CTC

Peter Skelton, Cycles UK

Sam Moye, Marshall’s Cycles

Mark Bickerton, Cyclemotion/Dahon

Mason Young, Factory Media

Nick Larsen, Charge Bikes

Philip Diprose, Ride Journal

Sarah Gowans, Buff

Mark Lee Sing, Freelance photographer

Mike Cotty, Cannondale

Oliver Laverack, The Bike List

Pieter Graham, Exposure

Si Bowns, 18 Bikes

Mark Noble, Deluxe Awards

Mike Davis, Bike Magic

Pete Drew, Silverfish

Rod Freeman, Cycling Bargains

Steve ‘Hman’, Streetphire.co.uk

Mark Sutton, BikeBiz

Neil Manning, Condor Cycles

Pete Tomkins, Crud

Russell Merry, Hot Wheels

Stuart Dawkins, Seventies

BIKEBIZ.COM

BIKEBIZ NOVEMBER 27

BIKEBIZ AWARDS

Representatives from Madison, Torq, MuleBar and Charge were among the cycle industry faces at the BikeBiz Awards night, including Bohle product manager Chris Hearn, pictured below providing a shoulder for Torq director Matt Hart

Harker BikeBiz editor Jon ty pu de d an ) low (be (right) editor Mark Sutton o, at enjoy a drink – or tw s ard aw the

Cycle Show’s own Andrew Brabazon shares a drink with Citrus-Lime’s Grant Hadwin (right), while the trade gathers around the stage for the awards, below

Zyro director Simon Ellison chats with Dahon and Cyclemotion’s Mark Bickerton, while the teams from Moore Large and Raleigh soak up the atmosphere of the inaugural live Awards...

28 BIKEBIZ NOVEMBER

BIKEBIZ.COM

CYCLE SHOW REVIEW

Show’s over… ...So, what were the highlights of another year at Earls Court? Mark Sutton looks at the product, the attractions, the people and the varied responses to the trade day…

Phillip Darnton opens Cycle Show’s trade day WHAT better way to kick off the show than an address from Cycling England’s chairman? Cyclevox speaker Antony McCrossan introduced vitually every scheduled seminar to the main arena over the four days and to kick off his hectic schedule, McCrossan brought Phillip Darnton to the stage to speak to the trade. Darnton discussed the promotion of cycling, the fact consumer spend is as high as it’s ever been and much more.

“Every day £60 million is spent on cycling in the UK,” said Darnton. “Government funding is on the up and has helped us no end to bring cycling to a new generation. It’s terribly important that we keep pushing cycling as a means to improve the nation’s health and most importantly as something that is enormously fun.

“With petrol prices on the rise, combined with the recession, here is an opportunity to sell more bikes than ever. There are half a million trips undertaken by bikes in London every single day and with plans to introduce 6,000 hire bikes to London, that figure is set to jump by what is estimated to be an extra 40,000 daily trips. “£14 million has been set aside for more cycle parking at London’s main stations and also to develop better cycle paths and infrastructure. All these factors will greatly help push cycling to the masses leading up to the London Olympics.”

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Contador, BMX demos and seminars fill the terraces CYCLE SHOW offers attractions for the majority of niches within cycling, but one of the key scheduled events was Tour de France champion Alberto Contador’s invite to the main stage. He not only filled the terrace, but amassed a crowd in the aisles stretching back to the adjacent Surf Sales stand.

The BMX displays brought in young and older crowds alike over the four days. Some of the world’s best riders were making use of a ten foot quarterpipe, a jumpbox, wallrides and rails.

BikeBiz’s Carlton Reid took to the stage on the trade day, joining The Guardian’s cycling columnist Helen Pidd and the Bicycle Film Festival’s Laura Fletcher to discuss the issues facing female cyclists.

Many will have seen Jim Rees attempting to cycle 1,000 miles during the show’s duration, and trying to break the world record for 24 hours of continuous cycling. BikeBiz can confirm that Rees was successful, surpassing the previous distance of 392.9 miles with three hours to spare.

While at the show, BikeBiz also came across an impromptu unicycle display. The unicyclist took three tries to hop over barriers taken from the boundary of the Tirol test track and landed precisely on top of an aluminium can, crushing it before riding away.

Bling bikes an emerging market?

THERE HAS never been so much bike bling under one roof. There were Swarovski crystals, diamonds and gold-plated Campagnolo to be seen, if you were in the right place at the right time…

For the super rich, Ben Wilson’s 110,000 Swarovski crystal low-rider appeared near the main stage – briefly. Apparently the bike came with a security guard, but at the time of BikeBiz’s photographing of the bike he was nowhere to be seen.

Insurance firm iLoveMyBike.co.uk had a 24-carat gold Brompton on display at its stand, which will shortly be going to one lucky customer. The build features several aspects you won’t find on a typical Brompton, including a snooker ball-topped gear lever. The bike is worth £12,500.

Finally, one extremely lucky lady got a slightly outof-the-ordinary wedding anniversary gift – a £10,000 diamond studded titanium Enigma, with 18 carat gold detailing. Digi Foo-Kune was promised an Enigma by her husband when her bike was stolen. But what she hadn’t expected was to be presented with a secretly commissioned Nicholas James tailored Enigma. The bike features a gold-plated Campagnolo Centaur groupset, inset diamonds within the frame, Continental GP 4000 gold tyres and gold spokes. The Hatton Garden jeweller will be displaying the bike until the end of December in its shop window.

BIKEBIZ NOVEMBER 31

CYCLE SHOW REVIEW

2Pure

BikeEye

2PURE had plenty to shout about, having just bagged the Ibis brand, but that wasn’t the only new addition on show – the Scotland-based distributor has also added Chamois Butt’r to its portfolio.

It would have been tough to pass the stand too with NiteRider’s latest lighting gear on display. Among those items blinding people walking down the aisles were the £650, 1,200 lumen lights. As with most on the market, the lights are helmet mountable, but unlike any others, they are so sophisticated that they come with a CD containing software capable of programming the burn time and output.

Additionally, there was a 600 lumen model on display, which is set to retail for £499. Both of these lights come with a docking station and run off lithium ion batteries.

Dealers are being sought for the Ibis range; however, 2pure’s Marco Librizi said: “Show response seemed consistently high. I would go as far to say I’ve never had a better dealer response to a brand launch.”

Look out for the highly unique Ibis Tranny if you are considering becoming a dealer. The Tranny frame can be adjusted at the bottom bracket to

WITH the issue of cycle safety growing ever more pertinent, accessories to keep the cyclist safe on the road are cropping up all over the place. BikeEye is just one of the brands highlighting this. It focuses on providing the cyclist with a view of what’s approaching behind via a frame-mounted mirror.

Retailers may take stock of the £15.95 mirror, which comes with a mounting bracket and is adjusted via a rolling hinge enabling the cyclist to adjust it to suit their height. The system is universal, fits the majority of frames and gives a vibration-free, crisp view of what’s on the road behind. BikeEye is constructed from ABS plastic and nylon.

tension the chain by literally extending the frame’s rear triangle. This model can be run as a singlespeed or geared frame.

Then there is the award-winning Ibis Mojo, which has scooped MTBR.com’s ‘bike of the year’ title for three years running. A downhill model is also in the pipeline and will be available early next year.

Chamois Butt’r has been added to the stable of brands to cater for those cyclists who spend long periods of time in the saddle. The skin lubricant utilises ingredients such as witch-hazel, among others, and comes in both a ‘eurostyle tub’ and sachets.

Continental

Company Z

CONTINENTAL’S already diverse range is just getting broader.

Urban riders were granted a peek at a new model at Cycle Show – the Gator Hardshell.

Utilising a tripleply construction, Hardshell offers fantastic protection against punctures and includes a tough central belt to shrug off tougher objects. Sharing the bead-to-bead protection of Duraskin, the hardshell casing wraps further into the sidewall.

Added material in the tread strip not only adds mileage to this tyre, but lends yet another degree of puncture resistance. The Gator Hardshell will be available by the time this issue hits doormats.

There are also three new additions to the ‘Plus’ range – a SuperSport Plus 700C tyre, a Touring Plus and an aptly named Cyclocross Plus. Retailers should also look out for a tube sealant (Conti Seal) due out in January 2010.

VINER’S UK distributor, Company Z, debuted two headgear brands at the Cycle Show – helmet brand Etto and eyewear specialist Swiss Eye. Swiss Eye’s range offers UV protection throughout and ranges in price from just £20 right up to £130. Certain models may also be customised to fit prescription lenses. These simply clip in and out of the frame, as do the interchangeable lenses available with most glasses.

Among the Swiss Eye models you’ll find ‘Ballistic lenses’, which are used in the armed forces due to the strength of the lens. One such model costs just £25 RRP. The Etto range was literally a show first for Company Z. Etto offers something for all cyclists, including highly aerodynamic time trial models,

32 BIKEBIZ NOVEMBER

full-face protection, kids’ helmets and much more.

The range spans from £35 to £175, which is the cost of the Chrono time trial helmet.

Company Z’s director Paul Bullett told BikeBiz: “We’re actively seeking retailers to work with on our new ranges. We’re carrying a small, but diverse selection of Etto’s helmets, covering everything from time trail right through to downhill.”

The Miche brand was also on display. Bullett had this to say of the line-up: “Miche is known for its track kit, but it has now got wheels for the road market, including lightweight alloy options and carbon clinchers. The brand is one of Italy’s bestkept secrets, but has been manufacturing since the 1920s. Miche is a real solution for those seeking an alternative to Campagnolo.”

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CYCLE SHOW REVIEW

Cube

BIKEBIZ didn’t dare count how many bikes there are in Cube’s range so we asked – there are 162 in total this year, all designed, tested and assembled in Germany.

The show stand obviously couldn’t hold all of those, but all the highlights of the range were there, including the Carbon Stereo Super HPC. The frame’s produced with an advanced twin mould process, which gives it an incredibly rigid feel. Despite sharing the geometry and ride characteristics of Cube’s Stereo HPA, the HPC is far lighter. Attention to detail has been made with regards to the remarkably clean internal cable routing.

Also on show was clothing and a few aftermarket items such as custom Schwalbe tyres printed with the Cube logo. Sales manager Bart Van Den Biggelaar said: “The brand’s grown significantly in the past 12 months, having achieved a whopping 85 per cent growth.”

There are currently around 85 Cube dealers in the UK, but some areas are uncovered, so if you’re interested in stocking the brand, call 0031 180 441 351. Orders arrive direct from Germany within one to four days and can be placed at www.cubeb2b.co.uk.

Kool Stop BRAKING brand Kool Stop had one of the most striking stands of the show and certainly drew attention with its handmade ‘bike jewellery’. Kool Stop sales representative Bert Van Djik told BikeBiz that offers had been made for the handmade items and some were well into the hundreds.

Product wise there were plenty of reasons to swing by too. Kool Stop has tailored a pad exclusively to the cyclocrosser just in time for the new season kick off. The long-wearing pad gives an immediate bite that works just as well in wet conditions as in dry, something particularly important to CX riders.

Extra EXTRA’S customers got a welcome surprise at Cycle Show with the news that action-sports clothing brand Alpinestars has joined the distributor’s roster.

Alpinestars UK brand manager Simon Ford told BikeBiz: “About three years ago we were looking at our product portfolio, identifying what we did not offer. Among other things, gloves came up. We spent some time at trade shows looking at what was in the market, but never managed to be 100 per cent satisfied with what we were being offered.

We then started to notice Alpinestars’ products being used by professional riders at World Cups and the like. Knowing the quality, technical expertise and overall ability of the brand, contact was made with Alpinestars and then followed a two-year dialogue to take us to where we are today.”

Following two years’ development in conjunction with top riders like Greg Minnar, Alpinestars launched its 2010 MTB range at the Crankworx Festival in Canada. It’s the brand’s first specific MTB clothing and protection range. It is a purposely-

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Elsewhere there’s a new pad developed exclusively for Magura’s popular hydraulic HS33.

There’s also a separate version tailored to freestyle use, which is slightly softer and as such offers a firm bite.

Retailers should also look out for the super trendy Vans collaboration pad in the shape of a shoe, which Van Djik said has been a constant performer across all Kool Stop’s distributors.

Green Oil and Pedalite tight range of gloves, race shorts, race pants, two jerseys, body protection and the ‘Bionic’ neck supports.

The neck supports were creating a lot of interest, too. The BNS system is designed to work with a helmet to reduce the risk and severity of a catastrophic neck injury. Extra has two in the range for 2010.

Stock arrives in the UK between early December and January with Extra aiming to be fully stocked by mid-January. The full range will be on show at Core Bike on January 24th to 26th 2010.

THERE was a major buzz around this stand throughout the show, and it’s where BikeBiz caught retailers in the act begging to place orders. The fuss was about Pedalite’s Anklelite and Baglite products – two impressive, low-price, impulse buy items.

The Anklelite is a solar powered light, which can be attached to anything via a velcro strap and is the ideal indicator for the nightime cyclist. Pedalite MD Simon Theobald said: “The great thing about Anklelite is that you’re guaranteed six hours of light in total darkness and it gives out a 360 degree visibility.

“The Anklelite charges off artificial light and the best thing of all is that it literally pays for itself. Because there’s no battery cost, the £12.49 retail price is quickly made up, making it a perfect impulse counter-top item.”

The Baglite is a £24.99 universally mountable set of lights that fix to any backpack, while a red rear light can be slung over the riders back. This went down well with the national press. The Guardian rated it in the top five products of the show, and The Times said it’s highly suitable as a child safety item.

The products are distributed by Raleigh, Green Oil and Coyote.

BIKEBIZ NOVEMBER 33

RACE LECTOR SL

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CYCLE SHOW REVIEW

Moore Large MOORE LARGE revealed at Cycle Show that it is to carry a new premium wheel brand, BlackJack.

Manufactured by wheel specialist Rodi, the distributor is carrying an extensive range covering on and off-road terrains.

Moore Large’s Martin Pounder said at the show: “Rodi produces OEM wheels for just about everybody. It was our goal to add a premium wheel line to our catalogue and BlackJack has a superb and diverse range. Just last week I rode 350 miles on a freeride set and they’ve come back completely unscathed and unaffected.”

Pounder also said that the return rate on BlackJack wheels was incredibly low: “Perhaps one in a thousand.”

All wheels are laced to Formula hubs. The BlackJack range has bolt-thru options, something for the fixie guys, as well as what Pounder describes as ‘wheels aimed at the Ultegra end of the market’.

Knog also had a few new items on show, including another light, this time called the boomer.

Costing £22.99, the 50 lumen front and 30 lumen rear light runs off a half watt LED and utilises the same polyurethane silicon strap as seen on existing models.

Scoop SEVERAL products on the Scoop stand were catching the eye of racers, fixie riders and BMXers. Mark Marching’s King Kong brand had a carbon fibre fullface helmet on show, which retails for £199.99 and is available now.

Meanwhile, YBN has brought translucent coatings to its half-link chains, which Mason Smith of Scoop said is a first. YBN also have several powder-coated coloured chains.

The fixed gear crowd had a custom built Volume Cutter to drool over, specced with the best of Scoop’s catalogue of BMX and fixed specific components.

Alienation also had a limited edition rim on show, of which around 50 to 100 of each will land in the UK. The Delinquent rim will have 500 of each colour made and distributed worldwide. The show also gave the trade a chance to familiarise itself with the brand’s 24-inch Runaway rim, which is proving popular with dirt jumpers.

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Madison A variety of new multitools were also revealed to the trade. The line-up consists of a seven, 12 and 18-function set of multitools retailing at £22.99, £28.99 and £32.99 respectively. What is more, each is magnetic and compact, making them stackable with the foldable plier also unveiled (£21.99).

Lake was displaying a previously unseen shoe at the show – the CX236 – which is due to land in February 2010. The carbon-soled shoe will cost £120, is made from leather and uses the same lacing system as the current top end model.

THE MAJORITY of the Saracen range is now ready for order, however Cycle Show saw the debut of a few hotly anticipated prototypes.

The first model of the Kili Flyer Cr-Mo, Madison’s homage to the iconic Kili Flyer bike, was on show.

Hand-made in the UK from Tange Prestige tubing and assembled using fillet brazing, the Kili-range will be available from spring 2010.

The Ariel 140 was also debuted and has been developed as a 140mm full suspension bike running a single pivot, linkage suspension system. The Ariel category will offer three builds, and pricing will start at £1600 for a Fox RP23/Vanilla, 140RL/Shimano Deore-equipped bike.

Madison’s downhill Myst bike is due for testing over the winter.

Seventies AS A SPECIALIST in all things 20-inch, you could be forgiven for thinking the main attractions on this stand would be the new Kink, Subrosa and Hoffman bike ranges. However, that didn’t seem to be the case. Most visitors on the stand went straight for the stylish Macneil cruiser and Subrosa fixed gear bikes. With a bowed frame, the singlespeed cruiser featured a smattering of Macneil’s aftermarket product, BMX style bars and 24-inch wheels, as well as having subtle cut-out details on the gussets.

Seventies’ head of sales, Colin White, told BikeBiz: “It has been crazy that the two non-BMX bikes have stirred the most interest. Both the cruiser and the Subrosa fixie will retail for £575. Obviously our core BMX business is still our focus and we’re really excited about the new Hoffman range. This year has seen unprecedented demand for BMX bikes and much of our Subrosa and Kink ranges have been booked up early so retailers avoid the Christmas rush of last year.”

BIKEBIZ NOVEMBER 35

CYCLE SHOW REVIEW

Sugoi

Surf Sales

PACKED full of technology, the Sugoi Winter 2010 line is more extensive than ever, with solutions for both sexes in a diverse range of sizes and styles.

Cycle Show saw the debut of several garments in the UK, including the women’s Majik jacket, set to retail for £110. For this price, customers are getting a highly reflective, waterproof and breathable jacket that comes packed with technical and comfort features. The front zip and pocket zips are sealed from the outside keeping water out, while the lining is perforated for ventilation. Collars and cuffs are engineered to provide a snug fit, while the rear of the coat is extended to protect bums from mud splash.

Various full length bib tights and knickers were on show too. One such item was the RS ZeroPlus bib tight, which is available now and retails for £115.

This garment utilises 3M Scotchlite material and has reflective properties. A four-inch front zip makes for comfortable removal, while several signature Sugoi technologies feature, such as the ‘leg grip’ and ‘flat seam’.

The winter garment also utilises Sugoi’s Formula FX chamois insert.

SURF SALES had one of the most exciting brand launches of the show with the unveiling of the Transition Bikes brand following a deal struck just a few weeks earlier at Eurobike. The brand sits along fellow Whistler-based brand Dakine, for which Surf Sales is best known for in the trade.

As the ‘hot brand’ in Canada at present, Surf Sales will be stocking the full range, which kicks off with a £360 steel dirt jumper and runs all the way to a £2,000 downhill rig with everything in between covered. There are dirt specific builds, four-cross racers and all mountain builds. So for dealers covering this territory, Transition is a must-see consideration for 2010 stock.

A particular hit with stand visitors was the Blindside, which is an eight-inch travel downhill rig specced with Fox’s DHX fork, carrying a lifetime crash replacement and one-year defect warranty. For those looking for plenty of clearance for fatter tyres, the Blindside is capable of housing up to a 2.8inch rear tyre.

Surf Sales MD Greame Fuller told BikeBiz: “It was around five years back that Surf Sales began getting involved with the bike market and now we have our first bike brand on board. The product is something we’d

definitely ride ourselves, so when we were approached by Transition during Eurobike, we couldn’t resist taking a look. Now here we are at Cycle Show with a distribution deal signed and stock on its way in November.”

Dakine was of course present on the stand too, as well as within the show’s Retail Zone. Fuller said of the brand: “Dakine’s really grown, I’d say around 30 per cent year-on-year and we’ve got as many as 850 accounts with the brand nationwide.”

Among the clothing, the brand had many new items including technical shorts aimed at trail use, gloves built to last and many more garments viewable at dakine.com.

Transport for London

Wildoo

IT’S BEEN a long time coming, but Transport for London finally unveiled its hire bike, which is to be found every 300 metres within central London next year. A 45km squared area should become a hotbed of cycling activity with the addition of 6,000 bicycles. These will be accessed via a Pay As You Go docking station.

BikeBiz can report they offer a comfortable ride, seem sturdy and the three-speed Nexus gear hub feels like it covers a wide range. The sit-up-and-beg style frame is incredibly heavy, yet the ride does offer some agility, though BikeBiz would recommend sticking to the roads and not trying to tackle descending stairs on these.

The build offers the rider a bit of protection too. The addition of mudguards is welcomed, as is the front rack, which would be more than capable of holding a light shopping trip.

The bikes will be available to hire to anyone over the age of 14 and can be paid for at the hire terminal via card, or subscription.

The hire bikes and proposed Cycle Superhighway cycle routes are due to launch next summer with the aim of achieving a 400 per cent increase in the number of cycle journeys made in London by 2025.

PLETSCHER had plenty to show off, on top of developments within its core kickstand and carrier product. The Wingee mudguard was perhaps the highlight of the range, being the first mudguard to offer interchangeable design covers, as well as an integrated carrier.

Special profiled aluminium tubes form a strong frame into which a custom ‘decoblade’ plastic cover can be inserted. The blades are available as extras in several designs.

The wider blade designs can even be used for advertising on special requests.

Among the carriers on show, the new ‘Inova’ will be of interest to those seeking a robust system packed with features and accessories. The die-cast aluminium frame is equipped with Pletscher’s Easyfix system, ideal for securing accessories such as baskets, hard shell cases and baby seats. The model also has a backlight protection with modular backlight holder, which is compatible with all kinds of rear light. A version offering a sidebag holder will also be available via Wildoo.

36 BIKEBIZ NOVEMBER

BIKEBIZ.COM

BRAND SPOTLIGHT FULCRUM WHEELS

Pivotal performance With a tireless commitment to developing cuttingedge wheel technology for road and off-road, Fulcrum Wheels has firmly established itself in the industry after just half a decade. Jim Walker’s Greg Stevens fills Jonathon Harker in on the details…

CREATED in Arcugnano in the Berici Hills of Vicenza, Italy, Fulcrum Wheels was founded in the summer of 2004 by three aerospace engineers.

Using ultra-light materials like aluminium, carbon fibre and polyaramide, Fulcrum brought, and brings, light road wheels to the market while ensuring wheel strength isn’t reduced. The firm didn’t take long to make a significant impression on the market and within 12 months of starting up had wheeled in six million euros worth of revenue and exported 70 per cent of its products abroad.

Jim Walker picked up the brand in the UK in Fulcrum’s first year after spying the chance to fill a gap in the market.

Service and technical manager Greg Stevens explains to BikeBiz: “Jim Walker and Company has always distributed wheels, and from our knowledge of the market we saw that there was an opportunity for a high quality wheel that offered slight weight and stiffness coupled with reliability that would work across the board for all manufacturers’ standards.

Fulcrum offered this and we started distribution alongside the brand’s launch.”

The comparatively young brand soon went on to broaden its line-up by producing a range of race-proven MTB tyres in 2007, providing the firm with growth in both the off and road markets. Stevens explains: “To date it is the off-road sector that has shown the most growth. Fulcrum’s road pedigree was readily established and from its launch its Pro Team

38 BIKEBIZ NOVEMBER

sponsorships and four world titles quickly bought Fulcrum to the international stage.

“From 2007 Fulcrum went on to do the same for off-road.

Working closely with Team Orbea, this venture was met again with a first year world title and we have seen rapid growth year-on-year since.”

LEVERING NEW TECHNOLOGY High product quality is essential for any brand, and the introduction of traceability labels for Fulcrum’s 2009 ranges has helped keep standards at their highest. Stevens explains the effect they’ve had: “From a manufacturing point of view traceability ensures that quality levels are maintained. It allows the factory to keep a closer eye on repeatability and pick up trends before they progress to QC failures. It also means the factory can react quicker should issues arise. On a sales and service centre front it means we can determine origin on wheels – the labels allow us to determine whether wheels are from another market, OE or UK AM.” And being at the front of developing technology is, of course, essential: “It is important to be at the forefront of everything we do. By continuing to strive forwards and push new technologies, we can ensure the very best for our customers. This, coupled with the knowledge of Fulcrum’s tireless testing and real world riding, means choosing a Fulcrum product is easy.”

Fulcrum introduced its 2-Way Fit technology earlier this year at Core and consumers have been quick to see the benefits,

says Stevens: “Going tubeless allows riders to run lower pressures without losing efficiency. With no tube there is no inner friction to disperse energy and inhibit performance and no tube means no pinchflats. The idea behind the 2-Way Fit is freedom of choice – the customer can now choose between a standard clincher tyre and tubeless.”

Looking ahead, Fulcrum has a host of new ranges and price drops: “The 2010 line-up looks fantastic with bolder decals and new colour options. Fulcrum has introduced the 2-Way Fit technology at a lower price point, there have been a few tweaks on R5 and R7 wheels to make them more user friendly, there are new entry-level MTB wheels, the Red Metal10 and we have more choice with the Red Zone and Red Zone XLR for the Enduro and Freeride customer.

“As distributor and service centre we hold good back-up stock on wheels and spares with a quick turnaround on servicing.

With our new JW D-Ler scheme we are giving better margins to dealers who commit.”

And ahead of even that, Stevens tells BikeBiz that the firm is looking to develop its offering further for retailers: “We will see a widened portfolio for Fulcrum products and no doubt continued success for the many Pro teams for the upcoming 2010 season.”

Key contacts at Jim Walker: Jaco Ehlers, product manager Greg Stevens, service and tech manager Phone: 08707 528 777 Web: b2b.jimwalker.co.uk

French mountain biker Julien Absalon races on Fulcrum wheels, boosting brand recognition with the pedalling public. Greg Stevens explains the effect it has on Fulcrum: “Having teams and pro riders use product definitely helps bring them to the forefront in terms of recognition. The rider’s success is of course key, but it only underlines the performance benefits and quality of the wheels and cranksets. If the products weren’t up to it, then you wouldn’t be seeing the results”

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BIKEBIZ NOVEMBER 39

PEOPLE AND RECRUITMENT Send your recruitment news to

mark.sutton@intentmedia.co.uk

Towne Digs new role at Factory Media Hotlines snaps up Gowan Raleigh recruits Race Team manager Zyro appoints marketing Darling SCOTT TOWNE FACTORY MEDIA has appointed Scott Towne as US advertising manager for Dig BMX Magazine and DigBmx.com.

“We’re very proud to have someone of Scott’s pedigree involved. He is a more than welcome addition to the Dig staff,” said Dig editor-in-chief and founder Will Smyth.

Towne’s history and experience in BMX magazine editorial spans over 20 years.

Having started at BMX Plus!, Towne has also served as editor for Super BMX and Freestyle, and has contributed editorial to BMX Action, Freestylin’ and, more recently, Dig. In his spare time, Towne rides, digs at his own trails and still updates his long running Deliverance blog.

Dig BMX magazine is published six times a year and distributed in over 20 countries.

In the USA, Dig has consistently been the top ranked magazine at the key magazine retailers Borders and Barnes & Noble, in terms of both volume and revenue sales.

Scott Towne

MARK LOVERIDGE MARK LOVERIDGE, previously of Urban Mover, has joined Ultra Motor in the position of UK sales director.

Loveridge will be responsible for representing both the Ultra Motor and Urban Mover brands in the UK. “We have the strongest range of electric cycles in the UK and intend to support our dealers with the highest level of service,” commented Loveridge. “We are

putting in place a dependable supply of stock to ensure we can meet demand. We are committed to the UK market and the needs of our retailers.”

Loveridge can be contacted at markl@ultramotor.com, or by phone at 07824 771 652.

CHRIS TRUETT CHRIS TRUETT has taken on the role of team manager for Raleigh’s relaunched Race Team, which has aspirations of becoming a dominating force in the UK and European race scene.

Truett said of his new role: “I am excited and honoured to be the new team manager for Raleigh – one of the best bike companies in the world. We have some exciting times ahead and I will be looking to make Raleigh

Chris Truett

What got you in the saddle?

“For me, it’s the feeling you get when you’re out there riding.

The adrenalin and the sense of freedom. I’ve worked on bikes all my life and genuinely can’t imagine doing anything else.”

However you ended up in the saddle, one thing’s for sure, you love it. And wouldn’t it be great if you could share that passion and turn it into a great career?

Bikehut Specialists COMPETITIVE SALARY EXCELLENT BENEFITS NATIONWIDE

Whether you’re recommending new products to those in the know or getting kids started on their first bike, you’ll be talking about the thing you love the most and getting paid for it.

In addition you’ll need the energy and enthusiasm to deliver truly exceptional customer service – making sure every customer gets the right machine and right gear - but when you’re finding perfect bikes,

helmets, clothes and accessories, it certainly won’t feel like hard work.

Sounds good? Then get in touch. You’ll need a talent for talking to people, the practical skills to build and repair bikes and plenty of enthusiasm to learn about our huge product range.

Halfords is always expanding, with new ranges and more Bikehuts so this could be the start of a great career. In return, you can look forward to a competitive salary and benefits including generous staff discount, free uniforms and sales based bonuses.

To find out more about the roles and just what Halfords can offer you, get yourself to

www.halfordscareers.com Tel: 0121 702 0700 40 BIKEBIZ NOVEMBER

We go the extra mile

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PEOPLE AND RECRUITMENT

People & Recruitment is Sponsored by Halfords

the best team in the UK and one that everyone will be talking about. Raleigh is back.”

Raleigh’s marketing manager, Geoff Giddings, added: “I had no hesitation in appointing Chris as team manager.

“I have been very impressed with his professional approach and the presentation of his teams in the past. I believe that he will be a great ambassador for the Raleigh brand.”

Sarah Darling

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SARAH DARLING ZYRO has recruited SARAH DARLING as marketing co-ordinator. The move follows many other recent appointments across the business and Zyro’s continued expansion, having recently smashed all previous monthly records by turning over £3.35

million in September.

Darling brings with her a wealth of all-round marketing experience gained from previous roles. Her remit will include project managing key marketing initiatives, including The Orange Pages – Zyro’s retail guide to cycling parts and accessories, all consumer catalogues and advertising.

Jane Watson, Zyro’s head of marketing, said: “Sarah coming on board is our first addition to the central marketing team, which means we can now accelerate our marketing activity for 2010 and beyond.”

ANDY GOWAN HOTLINES has appointed ANDY GOWAN to look after the UK marketing of its ever-growing portfolio of brands,

which now number well in excess of 40.

Gowan joins from UK distributor MMA Sports, where he has been European export sales manager for the past 18 months.

Before that Gowan worked at Trek UK for five years in a marketing role. Gowan brings a depth of experience from all aspects of the cycling industry, having worked at dealer level, distributor sales and marketing and also with a manufacturer.

Gowan said of the role: “I’m really looking forward to working with such a strong portfolio of brands and a great forwardthinking team. There will be a lot of hard work, but I’m really looking forward to the challenge.”

Gowan joins Hotlines from November 5th.

RICHARD TRUMAN PELICAN PUBLIC RELATIONS has re-appointed environmental, food and sports public relations specialist RICHARD TRUMAN. Truman previously worked for British Cycling, where he handled media relations for the Great British Cycling Team and promoted a wide range of events including the UCI Track Cycling World Cup at the Manchester Velodrome.

Pelican MD Michael Bennett said: “Richard is a determined, focussed, enthusiastic and extremely dedicated individual. It is a pleasure to welcome him back to Pelican.”

Pelican specialises in promoting within the sports and leisure, sustainability and environment sectors.

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BIKEBIZ.COM

RETAIL ONLY The trade’s guide to the best customer service, up-and-coming IBDs and the hottest products

RETAIL COMMENT

Since Cycle Show a divide in opinion has surfaced about the pros and cons of closing the business for a trip to London.

Travel and accommodation concerned many of those any further north than Luton, while others aired views that the show falls a little late on the calendar.

As with last year, the main issue relates to the show's growth. By no fault of the organisers’ hard work – more of Earls Court was filled than ever before. But despite attending for two full days, there were many stands I just simply didn’t get round to visiting, let alone tying a staffer down for a chat.

The consumer days make a lot of sense, especially given that there is no other calendar date that brings such a diverse range of brands under one roof. However, from a trade point of view, typically retailers have already seen, planned and in some circumstances taken stock of many of their suppliers up-coming ranges by the time Eurobike hits.

The trade does, of course, have Core Bike, which is another great event at a stunning venue. However, from what I’m told by those who’ve tried, securing exhibition space at the annual Whittlebury Hall meet requires some real persistence.

“Independents are increasingly tying themselves to a few specialist sectors, so could house shows be the way forward?”

So what are we left with? Several genuinely brilliant UK shows aimed at the trade, but none really offering a comprehensive, one-stop solution to meet retail needs.

With many retailers increasingly choosing to tie themselves exclusively to their specialities, house shows are seemingly the way forward. What this does mean is retailers may have to take a gamble in future when attending prospective supplier shows and take more ‘hard to justify’ days away from the business.

Cycle to Work strengthened by Government Here’s another difficult topic to address. The Cycle to Work scheme has been boosted by a Government initiative designed to contract employers into providing bicycle storage, security, as well as changing and washrooms, all on top of providing access to the discount scheme itself. Great news – the full package has arrived.

But, and there’s always a but, the scheme itself appears to be becoming less and less independent friendly. Often an organisation won’t think of the small guy to supply large volumes of bikes, leaving many of your potential customers unable to actually choose where their bike comes from. The scheme then is increasingly being used by the larger sheds to shift high volumes at a very low net profit. The independent stores obviously cannot afford to sacrifice margin and why should they have to?

I’d like to hear retail thoughts on the above, so feel free to drop me an email at Mark.Sutton@intentmedia.co.uk

IN THIS MONTH’S ISSUE DEALER PROFILE

44

London’s not-for-profit BikeWorks talks to BikeBiz about its efforts to transform cycling in the local community.

STOCKING FILLERS

47

Stuck for that one counter-top display item idea that’ll see impulse sales fly? Look no further than page 47.

TRAILERS AND TRAILER BIKES BikeBiz takes a look at the market’s many tag-along items capable of transporting kids, or extra luggage.

53

IBD PROFILE

Bikeworks

Bikes for all Owner and MD: James Blakemore and Dave Miller Opening times: Mon – Thurs 09.00 to 18.30, Friday 09.00 to 17.30, Saturday 10.00 to 17.00

Telephone: 020 8980 7998 Web: www.bikeworks.org.uk Founded: 2006

London based cycle enterprise Bikeworks, sees cycling as a sustainable urban transport that can help tackle economic, social and environmental issues in and across London. Mark Sutton investigates how this is achieved and finds out about its ‘inclusive for all’ cycling promotion...

Tell us about your business/organisation model: We are a not-for-profit social enterprise and a community interest company, which means our work has a strong community emphasis. All profits are channelled back into the business in order to create more cycling opportunities for the local community. Bikeworks promotes ‘inclusive cycling for all’ and works to get beyond the ‘usual suspects’.

Bikeworks operates as a community cycle hub providing cycle training (Bikeability) to children and adults in East London. We specialise in disability cycling, cycling for health (GP referred patients who will benefit from the exercise) and the business also handles bike recycling (second-hand /refurbished bikes), accessories sales and bike repairs.

At Bikeworks we also operate a professional development work-based learning programme for formerly homeless individuals, leading to qualifications as cycle instructors and/or bike mechanics (City & Guilds). The programme has been extremely successful since starting in January 2009, with eight out of 24 participants

44 BIKEBIZ NOVEMBER

starting the three-month programme moving into paid employment.

We provide other services including Dr Bike, cycling promotion and consultancy with large companies. Recently, we

To use the bicycle as a vehicle of change. Short term, to get more people cycling, both adults and children and to develop more innovative ways to reach those who choose not to cycle. These can include dedicated

“Bikeworks operates as a community cycle hub providing training to children and adults in London. We specialise in disability cycling and cycling for health.” have secured a contract for a new bike hire scheme on the green way overlooking the 2012 Olympic site.

What are the short and long term ambitions of Bikeworks?

programmes for mums on bikes, or for those with mental health problems. In the long term, we are looking to expand with a view to replicate the Bikeworks community cycling hub model in

other areas of the UK. Bikeworks aims to continue to be a onestop-shop for cycling with a friendly supportive face to help remove the barriers that may be restrictive to those new to cycling, disabled cyclists, or those on a tight budget.

How are you tackling environmental concerns?

We have a particular emphasis on bicycle recycling whereby bikes are donated by the police, local authorities and the public and are then refurbished for sale.

This helps keep abandoned bikes from landfill and extends the working life of a bike significantly. We’ve refurbished over 1,000 bikes in the past twelve months, so that’s about 15,000 kilos of steel and aluminium that’s getting another lease of life.

Spare parts are kept for future sale as they’re useful for secondhand components to make repairs for the public more affordable.

How much of the business revolves around the workshop?

Roughly 20 per cent of our income comes from the workshop. Work is carried out in-house by our team of four mechanics.

Does freelance fleet repair bring much income to the business?

We have recently won the tender for bike repairs for employees working in the Olympic Park in Stratford, London, building on smaller existing contracts. So far, this remains a small aspect to our business, but one we expect to grow going forward.

As a not-for-profit organisation, where is revenue channelled?

All profit is channelled back into the business to facilitate growth, develop new cycling initiatives and support sustainability.

How are the mechanics trained?

Our mechanics that service customers’ bikes are Cytech level three trained and trainees on Bikeworks ‘cycle into work’ programme. They’ve all obtained a City and Guilds qualification in mechanics.

Do you have a rental scheme?

Currently we don’t rent bikes to the general public, but we have a fleet that can be used by adults who are undertaking Bikeability training or those referred by their GP (Primary Care Trust). Our new bike hire service for public use at the Olympic site will be available shortly.

BIKEBIZ.COM

STOCKING FILLERS

Stocking up for Xmas?

Looking for that one counter-top, impulse buy item to get your tills ringing this Christmas? Mark Sutton outlines a few of the market’s best buys for the festive season...

2pure 2PURE’S answer to on-thetrail storage for those not keen on lugging a wallet around with them comes in the form of the Jimi wallet. It is a compact, colourful, and water resistant answer to the stodgy outdated leather wallet. It’s designed to slip into your front pocket, purse, or around your neck on a lanyard. If you like cash, JimiX forgoes the internal money clip for a higher capacity and more robust external money clip. It uses lower impact recycled and recyclable materials, avoids sweatshop labour and is manufactured locally.

As reported in the news section, the Pedro’s tool range is now available via 2pure. The Mini Pit Kit from Pedro’s has been created for the mobile cleaning needs of riders on a budget, starting with a reusable 1.5 gallon

bucket. Perfect for roadies whose bikes rarely see mud. Inside, customers will find all the useful items needed to degrease, clean, re-lube and polish their bicycle. At Pedro’s customers can be safe in the knowledge that all the products are truly biodegradable.

Also new to 2pure’s stable, Chamois Butt’r prevents the uncomfortable rubbing and chafing that most cyclists experience when sitting on their saddles.

Chamois Butt’r is a non-greasy skin lubricant that improves riding comfort. It washes off skin, and out of clothes easily, with plain old soap and water.

Chamois Butt’r is also available in ‘Eurostyle’ – specially formulated to produce a cooling and soothing effect when applied.

0131 448 2884

Cannondale PERHAPS thought up entirely as a product suited for gifting, the Cannondale Head Wrench tool does it all in quite a small package. Packed inside the compact shaft is a selection of allen keys, including 2.5mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm and 8mm sizes. Puncture repair patches also feature, as does a chain breaker and various screwdrivers. What’s more, if you have a bike fitted with Cannondale’s

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Lefty suspension fork, this tool set fits snugly inside the steerer tube.

Another stocking filler choice from the company catalogue is the No-Kill

Buff BUFF’S range of multifunctional headwear has expanded from human offerings to the canine family. Dog Buff is based on the best selling Original Buff and is designed to keep a customer’s fourlegged friend safe and seen in low level light, with a strip of retro reflective Scotchlite material on each side. It can also be used as a handy collar or lead if necessary. Available in two exclusive canine designs and presented on a stylish bone-shaped header card, at £7.50 it won’t break the bank either.

There’s also a new luxury offering made with 100 per cent merino wool.

The garment boasts being naturally odour resistant, anti-microbial, flame retardant and water repellent. Merino wool is incredibly soft next to the skin so won’t cause irritation or itchiness while helping to regulate body temperature.

The natural moisture management of the wool allows moisture generated by the body to be absorbed, transported and evaporated away. The technical performance and the versatility of Dog Buff makes it an excellent choice for outdoor wear that offers incredible value for money at only £21.00.

01707 852244

messenger bag. Constructed from durable and strong nylon, this bag should go on and on.

It’s designed around both function and bike lifestyle, and as such is as capable of holding a 15-inch laptop as it is a bicycle pump – in fact there’s an easy access pump pouch stitched in. The bag’s internals are sectioned to keep things organised, while on the exterior reflective logos and accents enhance the rider’s visibility. +41 61 487 9380

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STOCKING FILLERS

Extra UNVEILED at Core Bike in January, the Fibre Flare was turning heads then and still is now. Looking entirely different from traditional bike lights, two versions are available, a sidemounted light and a tail light version.

Fibre Flare side lights are specifically intended to be used in combination with regular bike lights to boost your overall side visibility. These mount to the top tube, bottom tube or down tube and provide excellent all-round visibility from the sides.

This model comes in a stunning blue, green and yellow shade, and the tail version comes in red. The tail version is

Madison BUY YOUR mechanic a present or two this Christmas – pick up a copy of the Big Blue Book of Bicycle Repair and set them some homework challenges. At £23.99 this book from Park is great reference material for workshop staff and is written by Calvin Jones.

If the employee comes into work having read Jones’ book, reward them with either Park’s Pint Glass at £5.99, or, arguably the most vital tool in the firm’s range, the Park Bottle Opener for £7.99 retail.

Muc-Off CUSTOMERS looking to start the New Year with a clean bike should be directed to Muc-Off’s Pit Kit package. This is perhaps a gift for customers with a partner who cycles and often brings home a muddy bike.

The bucket of goods contains a one-litre bottle of the brand’s flagship bicycle cleaner, one 500ml Bike Spray, a detailing brush, a soft washing brush, a claw brush, as well as a twoprong brush, one large Microcell

Assist NOT only will the Oregon Data Logger fit snugly in any stocking, it has a stocking filler price, too – £34.99. Available via Assist in the UK, the Data Logger allows the user to record their heart rate information from a chest belt and download it direct to their PC via a USB cable. It’s compatible with any heart rate chest belt transmitting a digital or analogue signal on 5.3kHz. The system works by attaching the unit to the chest strap transmitter belt or

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mounted on the same silicon ladder slings to the side lights. The tail light provides 180-degree visibility when mounted to the bike, but is also mountable to jerseys or backpacks.

Topeak’s Alien V3 would also make any rider very happy. The popular Alien features a stainless steel body for better strength and slimmer profile and includes 25 pro-quality hardened CrMo steel tools.

The Alien logo simplifies alignment of the proprietary break-apart design. What is more, the pressed metal body resists torque in use giving it incredible strength for a multitool.

01933 672 170

The Madison catalogue has plenty too. The Ogio Doppler washbag is an ideal gift for those who travel. The bag has plenty of storage room, including one large separated section capable of holding larger items and six internal pockets.

Madison customers will no doubt already have stock of the popular Flea light at £24.99. Blackburn’s Flea holds the title as the world’s lightest and brightest rechargeable light. With the introduction of five new snazzy colours for 2010 and a new USB charging option, they’re ideal stocking fillers.

0208 385 3385

sponge and a ‘parts washer’. Finally the container doubles up as a bucket in which to mix the cleaner. The claw brush is made with nylon bristles and is ideal for tougher chain and cassette grime.

Muc-Off has an incredibly effective cleaning formula that also cares for your bike’s delicate finishes. It contains no harmful acids, CFCs or solvents and is fully biodegradable. It’s completely safe on anodising, paintwork, suspension seals, rubber, disc brake pads and more importantly to the user. It cuts through dirt, oil and grime quickly and safely leaving your whole bike sparkling clean.

01202 307390

clipping it to the waist, and then press the button to activate. It’s that simple.

A personal training diary software application (SmartSync PC software supplied) allows the user to track and analyse their workout data.

“With the Oregon Data Logger, I converted my basic heart rate monitor (a Timex Easy Trainer) into a downloadable heart rate recorder.

“It was well worth the relatively low cost of upgrading,” said Steve Raven, CEO of Assist.

01978 664743

Fisher Outdoor KAABOOM is a killer range of biodegradable cleaning products and degreasers, of which many of the items would be suited to the customer in search of a gift.

KaaBoom cleaners blast away dirt, mud, oil and road grime. Leading the cleaning arsenal is a custom-made 1.1L trigger spray bottle of bike cleaner – offering ten per cent more cleaning fluid than rivals. Concentrated refills offer powerful repeat purchase options, with 200ml and 1.1L concentrates diluting to provide five times their volume in cleaner – saving space and money.

For tricky degreasing cases, there’s a 400ml spray with special nozzle to get into the tightest spots. It can be applied neat to the area that needs cleaning or diluted

Oxford FOR the commuting cyclist, Oxford stocks a super-bright, comfortable jacket, which retails at £29.99. The aptly-named Active Bright Top is machine washable and meets BS standard EN1150.

The fit moulds to the wearer with a compression fit system woven into the reflective panels. The lining, while tough, is breathable and carries a full frontal zip, should the wearer need to let some air in.

Oxford Products also stocks the Comfy, a versatile garment designed to be worn as a neck scarf, bandana,

Moore Large THE NEWLY created Knog Tool range offers several multi-functional compact bicycle tools, designed for on-the-go bike maintenance for urban cyclists.

The range consists of three multitool models – with seven, 12 and, 18tool functions respectively. They are small square sizes, and include magnetic fixing points within the lid to allow vertical stacking of any additional add-ons. With a bottle opener as standard on all core models, the Knog tools are designed to get you out of any situation.

They will become available from mid November and will retail at £22.99 for the seven-function, £28.99 for the 12-function and £32.99 for the 18-function.

The brand’s flagship lighting product makes an ideal stocking filler too. The super

with water to make a soak bath for removed bike parts – and is available in 75ml or 1L bottles.

If customers are resigned to getting socks again for Christmas, make sure they are the Santini Winter Socks.

Made from Meryl Skinline fibres, they are lightweight, soft and have antiodour properties. The reinforced heel and instep provide extra protection from the elements and supply excellent moisture wicking. These are available in red and black at £12.99 RRP. 01727 798345

beanie, balaclava and also works in many other ways. The Comfy keeps in the heat, while keeping out the cold, making it an ideal garment to be worn under the helmet, or to top off a winter jacket.

01993 862 300

bright one LED front and rear ‘Frogs’ come in 12 different colours and have a flexible silicon bodies, integrated clipping feature and two functions.

They have a variable beam direction and 80 to 160 hours of battery life.

Jagwire offers a range of coloured cable kits for road, MTB and BMX. The coloured cables are estimated to be 30 per cent lighter than standard models and incorporate some very clever detailing. It comes with enough cable to fit most bikes, all the necessary connectors and is easy to install.

The Racer road cable kit is supplied as a brake and gear cable system, and is available in seven colours retailing at £24.99.

Ripcord MTB cable kits are supplied as separate brake or gear kits, both retailing at £24.99 and are available in seven colours.

01332 274200

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STOCKING FILLERS

Raleigh STOCKISTS of Raleigh’s catalogue of brands will have access to the diverse RSP range. Given the time of year, lighting product is in demand, so pointing customers to the Night Burst light set, costing £31.99 and containing five LEDs front and rear, would be a solid recommendation for the gift seeker. These high performance lights are ideal for city use, with flashing and constant modes in a

Seventies FITTING the ‘stocking filler’ budget perfectly, Seventies has a wide catalogue of DVDs spanning each of its brands. One of the latest titles to become available is Mutiny’s Let’s Get Mystical title, covering the team’s journey through America, Vancouver, Canada and the UK. Costing just £9 for the standard version, the 49-minute production contains clips from team

Sugoi DESIGNED to be worn next to skin, the Sugoi FinoCarbon base layer garments create an ideal micro-climate for high aerobic output activities, while also providing a lush feel suitable for lifestyle. Available for both men and women, it retails at £33. Sizes ranging from small to double XL are on sale for men, while women’s sizes range from extra small to extra large.

FinoCarbon is a double jersey knit, brushed on both sides for softness and to increase thermal insulation. Thanks to the double-knit construction, the increased surface draws moisture away from the skin

Zyro ALTURA has taken its protection from the elements a step further with the Night Vision waterproof glove.

The three-in-one garment gives the wearer complete water protection from the outside, while inside the glove customers will be protected by a lightweight liner. The glove is heavily accented with reflective trim, as well as adorned with a padded section at the palm. Sizes range from small to large and come in both men’s and women’s.

Only black is available.

50 BIKEBIZ NOVEMBER

waterproof case.

The Night Burst is not just a set of lights either, it doubles up as a multi-function computer capable of giving cyclists performance readings.

Lower in the range, the RSP Flash will set customers back just £24.99. This light does, however, run from a powerful lithium ion battery, which illuminates five LEDs projecting a 270-degree arc of visibility. The light is recharged directly from your Mac or PC via the USB cable provided.

01773 532600

riders Matt Roe, Randy Taylor, Josh Bedford, Hanson Little, Justin Simpson, Brandon Hoerres and Ryan Smith. A Bluray DVD version is also available from Seventies at £29.99 retail.

Having not been part of the Seventies stable for long, Bruce Crisman’s Shola brand has also produced a full length title complete with 25 minutes of bonus material.

For those kids that need teaching on BMX history, why not pick up the Seventies box-set, which has had its

quickly and transports it to the outside of the garment.

This technology allows for an overall dry and warm sensation for the athlete, and is essential to achieve temperature regulation.

FinoCarbon not only features the moisture management functions of polyester, but also has a mechanical, lycra-free stretch, allowing for complete freedom of movement. +44 (0)77 34206702

Coming in to stock now is a technology breakthrough from Cateye, and one at gifting price. The EL-020 hybrid light utilises solar energy to charge the battery.

With a powerful one-watt LED and Opticube technology, the Hybrid is as bright as the popular Uno light. It features an additional standard AA battery for backup, making sure that you stay safe when you need it. Replace your AA battery with a rechargeable NiMH and you have waste free energy efficient lighting. Due to the advanced electronics in the Hybrid light, rechargeable batteries will maintain the same level of light as standard AAs. 01845 521700

Riding High COMING into stock early in December, Riding High brand Spank has produced a grip that’s bound to be popular. First there’s the taboo name – the Tugg job – and then the rubber gives off a fruity scent when agitated.

Priced at around the standard grip cost, £7.99, the scent will give you four to six months of nice smelling hands. The unit comes with end caps and is available

in six flavours – vanilla, berry, grape, zest, apple and scent-free.

01458 850274

retail price cut by £10, so that it now costs just £25. This six-disk box-set covers the roots of the infamous Backyard jams, as well as containing the

distributor’s back catalogue of early videos, including titles such as Livid, Anthology, Word and On Location.

0845 3103670

Weldtite WELDTITE offers some great cleaning and maintenance packages suited to the gifting season. Take for example the Cleaning Bucket at £34 – this contains all the maintenance essential for cleaning and re-lubrication. The Dirtwash bike cleaner and citrus degreaser spray are entirely safe to use on painted, plated, clear-coated or polished surfaces and will get bikes spotless. Customers will also find a sponge and two of Tf2’s flagship products within.

Another great Christmas seller is the digital pressure gauge, ideal for

Wizzbike WIZZBIKE has an exclusive collection of high quality greeting cards with humorous bike images, including a Christmas design, which will be of interest to the trade.

The cards offer high visual impact for spontaneous low-cost purchase at point-of-sale.

checking tyre pressure before a ride.

This will cost customers just £11 and what’s more it works with both Presta and Schrader type valves.

Tool-wise, the Weldtite catalogue has grown. Ball-ended Allen keys feature on many of the tools, giving the user the ability to access bolts from difficult angles – perfect for adjusting chainstay brakes and other difficult to access places. The £13.60 Hexagon ball-end wrench set is just one of these tools. The chrome vanadium set is perfectly suited to a lengthy spell in the workshop and carries a wide range of common sizes.

01652 660000

A proportion of sales goes to the nonprofit WiZZBiKE Foundation, which gives access to cycling for people with special needs.

Generous margins are on offer too.

Contact info@wizzbike.com for more information on taking stock this Christmas.

0208 326 2819

BIKEBIZ.COM

BIKEBIZ.COM

BIKEBIZ NOVEMBER 51

52 BIKEBIZ NOVEMBER

BIKEBIZ.COM

TRAILERS AND TRAILER BIKES

On the trail Got children to take along for the ride?

Bikes to transport? Jonathon Harker tracks some of the latest trailers and trailer bikes available to the bike market…

Ison ISON distributes Surly’s excellently named Big Dummy frameset – which builds into an ideal cargo bike with the Xtracycle Longtail Kit. Featuring 100 per cent Surly 4130 CroMoly steel tubing, the main triangle is double-butted and TIG-welded. Surly says that the frameset, which uses Xtracycle plug-in components, is ideal for running errands, taking the kids to school, touring or just about anything else you can think of. With a £850 RRP it is available in six, 18, 20 and 22-inch sizes.

Ison also supplies Xtracycle’s own cargo models, including the Freeradical kit, which converts MTBs into loadcarrying cargo bikes. With the FreeRadical frame, bags, deck, racks,

Weehoo FRESH from its appearance at Cycle Show last month, Weehoo’s iGo trailer bike crams in a host of features including safety aspects, great handling, storage space and quick-adjustable seat.

Safety comes courtesy of a three-point harness, giving parents the all important assurance that their little ‘uns are securely fastened. Foot straps keep tiny feet safely attached to pedals. Similarly, the enclosed sprocket and chain keeps children’s digits out of harm’s way and grease-free.

BIKEBIZ.COM

and build kit, the frame is the basic platform that supports the system, including the shifters and brakes – virtually creating a half bike at the rear. Expandable Freeloader bags attach on either side, while the Snap Deck provides a platform for boxes and passengers. The bike remains lightweight and fast with the load centred between the two wheels, working best with a 26-inch hardtail mountain bike with V-brakes or disc brakes for a £450 RRP. Meanwhile the Longtail Kit – a basic accessory set for the Big Dummy and other longtail bikes built on the Xtracycle standard – includes V-racks, Freeloader bags, and a Snap Deck, all for £225 SRP. Visit www.xtracyle.com to see the whole range.

01223 213800

The iGo also boasts the kind of storage that is essential for ferrying little folk about. Pannier pockets are located over the rear wheel, as are storage pockets in the seat – ideal for taking food, drinks, clothing, a camera or anything else the rider may wish to carry on their travels.

Additional features of the iGo include weld-free hitch, removable push bar that is easily detachable for travel and storage, plenty of reflections, reflective material and a flag to increase visibility and remind you where you parked. Weehoo promises that the iGo trailer-bike is safe, fun and effortless. www.weehoo.co.uk

BIKEBIZ NOVEMBER 53

TRAILERS AND TRAILER BIKES

Raleigh RALEIGH distributes the Avenir range of trailers and trailer bikes to the trade. The firm has released the Skye two-seat children’s trailer, new for 2010. Retailing

Madison MILTON KEYNES-based distributor Madison offers a range of trailers and trailer bikes for dealers to stock. First up is the Adventure CT2. With a £159.99 SRP, the model boasts a dayto-day practicality making it ideal for any bike around town.

A canny double handle design makes transporting items away from the bike as easy as it is on the bike, while a simple fitting system works with any bike and features a towball design for ease of attachment. The folding frame means easy storage when packed flat and visibility is boosted by reflector and flag. A tough rigid box-bag is water

Extra THE CARRY Freedom comes in two models via Extra. The City is, as the name suggests, ideal for the urban cyclist.

Stable and light on the road, the City includes a tough nylon bag with a boosted load-carrying capacity made possible with the low slung wheels – perfect for strapping larger, awkward loads to the upper frame. Boxes can be carried within the frame by using the empty bag as a ‘hammock’. A light aluminium frame, curb-hopping 12-inch wheels and internal shock damping elastomers make the trailer perfect for city life, Extra claims.

The second model – the Y Frame – is described as the ultimate workhorse.

Light yet incredibly strong, this versatile trailer can be used with strapped on bags or carrying boxes. The Y Frame also

54 BIKEBIZ NOVEMBER

at £129.99 the Skye has 16-inch quick release wheels, plenty of space for cargo, internal toy pockets and folds flat for easy storage. The new model also includes a roll-back rain and bug shield for tackling rubbish weather and pesky insects. Safety is boosted with safety belts for two passengers and a special ‘safety flag’.

The Skye also comes in a five-model version, including children’s hard base and cargo trailers.

The trailer bike range comes in three models, starting at £149.99 for the single speed TRA230 all the way up to £229.99 for the six-speed alloy TRA232.

01773 532600

resistant, removable and has an elastic mesh for added external storage capacity. The Adventure CT2 weighs 8.5kg cpmplete, has 16-inch wheels and a maximum cargo weight of 60lbs in old money.

Also up via Madison is the Adventure Ditto Six, priced at £169.99 SRP. This great value trailer bike gives children an introduction to the wonderful world of gears with a Shimano six-speed Revoshift gearing system. The frame itself boasts steel construction and is foldable for easy storage. A suspension seatpin boosts its comfy credentials and the Ditto Six also comes with an additional rigid seatpin for when the seat has to be all the way down. It all comes wrapped up in a durable white gloss finish.

0208 3853385

features aluminium rims and hubs with stainless steel spokes and sealed cartridge bearings. Both trailers come with three bike brackets included.

01933 672170

Pendle PENDLE features Britishmade, sturdy and strong bicycle trailers, with two key models available from the firm. The six-bike trailer is ideal for anyone transporting four-plus bikes at any one time. It’s fitted with individual bike slots or wheel mounts that are adjustable to suit various bike sizes. Each bike is then separated by tilting vertical supports, which the frames then rest against to keep them safe en route. Straps hold the bikes upright for safe transport, and a lighting unit and strap kit come supplied with the trailer. Tandem-loving cyclists are also catered for with this clever device – fittings are available for the six-bike trailer. A spare wheel is also available.

Moore Large MOORE LARGE’S own Bumper brand includes a trailer range featuring top-notch safety, practical use and child-friendly fun.

Built with high quality materials, the trailer range promises to provide impeccable quality and safety standards.

The Adventure is available in duo (£129.99) and solo (£119.99). Both feature strong steel frames with easy front-toback folding and wheels that unclip in seconds. The feature-rich trailers have a sun-roof, internal kids’ pockets, seatbelts, high visibility safety flag and fold-up fly screen and wind screen.

The Explorer has all the features of the Adventure, but includes storage pockets, push handle, rear opening vent and space saving central steady wheel. The duo retails at £179.99 and the solo at £169.99.

Moore Large also supplies Trail-Gator bikes. The tow bar converts an ordinary

Fisher Outdoor Leisure FISHER OUTDOOR LEISURE carries the Adams Trailer Bikes range, including the Steel Tandem Trail-A-Bike. This sevenspeed model hits the four-to-six age bracket and retails at £299.99 RRP. Fitting most 26-inch and 700C bikes, the proven steel hitch comes complete with four shims to fit almost any seatpost size.

This nifty tandem has a bash guard to protect the chain ring and a lifetime warranty on frame.

Also up from Adams via the Herts-based distributor is the Steel Folder Trail-A-Bike Singlespeed. Hitting the

Pendle’s 12-bike trailer is ideal for group outings, making it a favourite with cycle groups, hire outlets, schools and even councils. As with the six-bike model, bikes are separated by tilting vertical supports which the frames rest against, with straps holding them securely to keep them upright for a safe journey. The 12-bike version comes with a spare wheel and again tandem enthusiasts are in luck, being easily transported on the trailer.

01282 699555

kids’ cycle into a towable trailer bike, giving them the choice to coast or pedal while being towed. Fitting 16, 18 and 20-inch wheel bikes, the Trial-Gator tow bars have a weight limit of 70 lbs and retail at £74.99.

Trail-Gator accessories are available, including flip-up training wheels that can be rotated up and out of the way for use with the tow bar and rotated back down when the child is riding on their own. For more information contact sales@moorelarge.co.uk or ask your Area Manager for details.

01332 274200

£129.99 RRP price point, this folder comes in an eye-catching pink design with a floral decal. Appealing to the four to six age range, this compact single speed folding bike is ideal for them. Like Adam’s Steel Tandem, this single speed fits most 26-inch and 700C bikes and includes a lifetime warranty and bash guard to protect the chain ring.

01727 798345

BIKEBIZ.COM

SPARTACUS WORLD CHAMPION On September 24th 2009, the Swiss Gladiator, Fabian Cancellara destroyed the opposition in the Men’s Time Trial World Championships in Switzerland.

With 51.9 km/h he finished 1min 27s ahead of his closest competitor. Man and machine accomplished the ultimate goal, the perfect time trial.

Distribution in the UK: Fisher Outdoor Leisure LTD, www.fisheroutdoor.co.uk & Saddleback Ltd, www.saddleback.co.uk

LATEST PRODUCTS

New gear

2pure tackles saddle-soreness with Chamois Butt’r, Sugoi and Polaris zip up for the winter, while Ison and Windwave reveal colourful ranges...

Chamois Butt’r 2pure 0131 448 2884

Halo Track Cogs and Lockrings Ison 01353 662662

FSA Orbit MX headsets Windwave 02392 505320

2PURE has picked up anti-saddle-soreness cream brand Chamois Butt’r.

Shown alongside the new Ibis range at the Cycle Show, the cream comes in a ‘Eurostyle’ tub and uses witchhazel and Brazilian peppertree oil, among other ingredients to gently lubricate and cool the skin.

The Eurostyle tubs contain 8oz of lube, which is designed to last long periods in the saddle.

2pure recently added Ibis to its stable and within the range is the much hyped Ibis Mojo and Mojo SL, which has scooped MTBR.com’s ‘Bike of the Year’ accolade three years running.

ISON has taken stock of Halo’s CNC machined Track Cogs and Lockrings, which come in various colours.

Halo’s Track Cogs are made from Cr-Mo steel and are heat treated for extra lifespan. A 1/8 ‘classic’ fixed size is available in Satin chrome (13 to 20 tooth), or coated colours ranging from 15 to 19 tooth are available in shades of red, blue, gold and purple. Retailers should also look out for the Aerowarrior rims, designed for fixie freestyle. Using a deep-section design, the 700c rims are perfect for those who want something a bit wider and stronger than a conventional road rim.

NEW for the autumn is an expanded range of the ever-popular FSA Orbit MX headset. The Orbit MX offers 36-degree angular contact bearings for smooth running and aluminium cups to keep the weight down to an impressive 96 grams. As with all FSA products the Orbit MX is supported with spare parts and a full two-year warranty.

FSA is following the trends with its £49.95 Orbit MX, offering black, blue, gold, green, gun-metal, red and white all adorned to the forged CNC machined 6061 and T6 alloy cups. It is finished with an alloy top cap and locked with a star nut.

Majik Shell jacket Sugoi 07734 206702

Oregon Scientific Vibra Trainer Assist 01978 664743

Sapphire ladies jacket Polaris 01246 240218

SUGOI brought much of its extensive winter catalogue to London last month, showing BikeBiz a few key items suited to bicycle commuters.

The £110 Majik Shell jacket is built tough and waterproof, perfect for UK weather. The garment is two-way waterproof and has a guarded front zipper.

3M Scotchlite reflective accents are added for visibility, while the fit can be adjusted in a number of ways at the cuffs, sleeves and collar.

The new Sugoi catalogue is available from the UK agent, who can be contacted via email at scott.mcdonald67@btinternet.com.

UNIQUE to the Oregon Scientific range, the Vibra Trainer heart rate monitor features a vibration alert for riders, indicating if a rider is above or below their set desired heart rate zone.

Designed for those who like to put in the mileage on a turbo trainer, or those who listen to music while cycling, the vibration keeps the cyclist constantly aware of their progress. The Vibra Trainer Fit displays real-time, average and maximum heart rate readings. Among other things the watch also measures average fat burn for the entire session, allowing the user to optimise fat burn time. The Vibra trainer retails for £60.

HAVING reported strong growth in the past year, Polaris is expanding its clothing range. Introduced here is the ladies-specific Sapphire jacket. Available in two designs – a black and green combo, or a black and rose shade – the garment is made from Hydrovent Active Fabric, a waterproof and highly breathable material. The liner is made from mesh and is designed to aid moisture transfer. The jacket has a roll away hood, underarm ventilation and rear security pockets, as well as two extras on the front.

It also benefits from reflective strips and logos for night visibility.

56 BIKEBIZ NOVEMBER

BIKEBIZ.COM

EVENTS AND EDITORIAL PLANNER

Editorial Planner

UPCOMING EVENTS

SPOTLIGHT

CORE BIKE

December 2009 CORE BIKE PREVIEW TYRES, WHEELS, INNER TUBES AND PUMPS RETAIL SURVEY 2009 Editorial Deadline: Nov 13th 2009

Advertising Deadline: Nov 18th 2009

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

JANUARY 2010 Core Bike Maintenance & Repair: Lubes, Cleaning Fluid, Tools and Training Editorial Deadline: Dec 9th Advertising Deadline: Dec 14th

FEBRUARY 2010 IceBike Cycle Safety: Helmets, Eyewear & Protective Clothing Frames & Forks Fisher Outdoor Expo Editorial Deadline: TBC Advertising Deadline: TBC

MARCH 2010 Media and Magazine Focus Electric Bikes Folding Bikes Editorial Deadline: TBC Advertising Deadline: TBC

APRIL 2010

Sunday January 24th – 26th Whittlebury Hall, Northants www.corebike.co.uk

November 2009 BIKE BRNO Thursday November 5th – 8th Brno, Czech Republic www.bvv.cz/bikebrno-gb BICYCLE MARKET FUTURE Friday Nov 13th – 15th Frankfurt, Germany www.fahrrad-marktzukunft.de

December 2009 TAICHUNG BIKE WEEK Saturday December 5th – 13th Taichung, Taiwan taichung-bike-week.com

January 2009 ZYRO OPEN HOUSE 2010 Sunday January 17th – 22nd Rudding Park Hotel, Harrogate www.zyro.co.uk CORE BIKE 2010 Sunday January 24th – 26th Whittlebury Hall, Northants www.corebike.co.uk

Bike Security Saddles, Posts, Grips & Bottles Top 20 IBDs Editorial Deadline: TBC Advertising Deadline: TBC

MAY 2010 Energy and Nutrition Women’s Products 30 Under 30 Editorial Deadline: TBC Advertising Deadline: TBC

JUNE 2010 Complete Bikes Cycle Luggage Gears, Brakes & Chains Editorial Deadline: TBC Advertising Deadline: TBC

JULY 2010 BMX: Bikes & Accessories Cycle Computers: Heart Rate Monitors, Navigation and more Editorial Deadline: TBA Advertising Deadline: TBA 58 BIKEBIZ NOVEMBER

VELOBIKE 2010 Friday February 12th – 14th Kiev, Ukraine www.velobike.kiev.ua

ICEBIKE 2010 Tuesday February 23rd – 25th Milton Keynes, UK www.icebike.co.uk

March 2009 BIKE ASIA 2010 Friday March 5th – 7th Singapore www.bikeasia.org TAIPEI CYCLE SHOW Wednesday March 17th – 20th Taipei, Taiwan www.taipeicycle.com.tw THE ORDNANCE SURVEY OUTDOORS SHOW 2010 Friday March 26th – 28th NEC, Birmingham outdoorsshowextra.co.uk

April 2010 February 2009 TWOO Thursday February 11th – 14th Basel, Switzerland www.twoo.ch TRIATHLON CYCLING AND RUNNING SHOW 2010 Saturday February 13th – 14th Sandown Park, Esher, Surrey www.tcrshow.com FISHER EXPO 2010 TBA www.fisherexpo.co.uk

SEA OTTER CLASSIC 2010 Thursday April 15th – 18th Monterey, USA www.seaotterclassic.com ACTIVE BIKE AND TRIATHLON SHOW 2010 Wednesday April 21st – 24th ExCel, London www.activebike.co.uk 2010 MTB WORLD CUP Saturday April 24th – 25th Dalby Forest, Yorkshire www.britishcycling.org.uk BIKEBIZ.COM

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

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

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

The standard package includes: A quarter page advert in each issue Regular editorial coverage in the dedicated column Company details listed in the online directory with web link Company details listed in the BikeBiz Marketplace Contacts To get your company featured here contact: Carly Bailey on 01992 535647 or

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

carly.bailey@intentmedia.co.uk Marketplace Rates: Quarter Page £175 (minimum six months)

BIKEBIZ MARKETPLACE CONTACTS BIKES AND ACCESSORIES Madison

01908 326000

madisonb2b.co.uk

BMX PARTS AND ACCESSORIES Seventies 0845 310 3670

seventies.co.uk

CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES Buff 01707 852 244

buffwear.co.uk

COMPONENTS Bob Elliot & Co Ltd Pace Cycles Limited The Cycle Division USE Ltd EPOS Citrus Lime FOLDING BIKES Montague

01772 459 887 01723 867919 0845 0508 500 01798 344 477

0845 603 9254

01730 711 140

bob-elliot.co.uk pacecycles.com thecycledivision.com use1.com

07789 075 818

in2dust.co.uk

RACKS Maxx Raxx Trading Ltd Pendle

0845 230 3799 01282 699 555

maxxraxx.co.uk pendle-bike.co.uk

RESPRAYS AND REPAIRS Argos

0117 972 4730

argoscycles.com

SALES TRAINING Colin Rees

07786 262 460

colinrees@live.co.uk

TRAINING SERVICES Aylesbury Training Group Cycle Systems Academy

0161 230 6241 0207 6082577

atg-training.co.uk cycle-systems-academy.co.uk

WATER BOTTLES Wildoo Ltd

08709 771 550

wildoo.co.uk

WEBSITE SERVICES I-Bikeshop.com Simple eshop

01709 511766 0116 267 5145

I-bikeshop.com simpleeshop.com

citrus-retail.com

montague-uk.com

INSURANCE Cycleguard Insurance

02476 851027

cycleguard.co.uk/bikebiz

LIGHTING Exposure Lights Lumicycle

01798 344 477 01202 760 097

exposurelights.com lumicycle.com

BIKEBIZ.COM

MAINTENANCE Centristore

BIKEBIZ NOVEMBER 59

BIKEBIZ MARKETPLACE

COMPANY PROFILE JON HANDLEY Lumicycle UK Can you give us some background to the company?

Back in 1997, Lumicycle shook up the bike light market with the introduction of its simple, effective halogen lights that matched the performance of the various US imports around at the time but were lots cheaper. Times move on, though, and with the advent of highpower LED technology other brands have moved to the fore. But now Lumicycle is fighting back.

The new 850 Lumen LED3 and 1120 Lumen LED4 are two cracking little systems that are bristling with technology that will give the opposition a run for its money.

The key selling points for Lumicycle have always been performance, reliability, upgradability and service.

We continually use the best quality batteries, chargers and electronic components because nothing else will do the job. Hard experience has taught that trying to scrimp or cut corners doesn’t work. What people want most in a bike light is reliability.

It is the quality of components that leads to performance. This should also

TEL: 01202 545642 or 01202 545641 minimise dealer returns and establish customer confidence.

Lumicycle has always had superb after -care too. So if a bike dealer is after an established brand that it can trust and is interested in building repeat business, then Lumicycle is for them. All Lumicycle product is modular and upgradeable and that means that customers will return for the latest lamphead or battery.

Where does Lumicycle source its product from?

Where possible local sources are used.

Lampheads, mouldings and electronics are all made and assembled here in the southwest and at our Dorset HQ. How does the firm support independent cycle retailers?

We would like to build long-term relationships with dealers who want a quality upgradable product and don’t want to see their profits disappearing to online discounters.

Lumicycle has been in the business for over a decade now. How has the company changed?

BIKES AND ACCESSORIES

60 BIKEBIZ NOVEMBER

EMAIL: sales@lumicycle.co.uk WEB: www.lumicycle.com It’s got a bigger shed and a healthier attitude to life.

You also provide lights for the emergency services on bicycles. That’s a great endorsement…

Lumicycle was approached by the City of London Police in 2006 to make a bespoke system with blues and twos for the emergency services.

Now the London Ambulance service, City of London Police and various forces around the country use the Lumicycle Octolite system.

Have Lumicycle products been nominated for any awards?

Over the years Lumicycle has won a number of awards from bike magazines for its light systems and has even been featured in a museum of modern design.

What’s coming up over the next 12 months for Lumicycle?

We will see some exciting new models unveiled for 2010. Watch this space!

“Other brands have moved to the fore, but now Lumicycle is fighting back with some cracking light systems.”

Jon Handley, Lumicycle

BMX PARTS AND ACCESSORIES

BIKEBIZ.COM

BIKEBIZ MARKETPLACE CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES

COMPONENTS

BIKEBIZ.COM

COMPONENTS

COMPONENTS

BIKEBIZ NOVEMBER 61

BIKEBIZ MARKETPLACE COMPONENTS

EPOS

FOLDING BIKES

INSURANCE

62 BIKEBIZ NOVEMBER

BIKEBIZ.COM

BIKEBIZ MARKETPLACE

BIKEBIZ.COM

TRAINING SERVICES

WATER BOTTLES

WEBSITE SERVICES

WEBSITE SERVICES

BIKEBIZ NOVEMBER 65

BIKEBIZ MARKETPLACE CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES

COMPONENTS

BIKEBIZ.COM

COMPONENTS

COMPONENTS

BIKEBIZ NOVEMBER 61

BIKEBIZ MARKETPLACE COMPONENTS

EPOS

FOLDING BIKES

INSURANCE

62 BIKEBIZ NOVEMBER

BIKEBIZ.COM

BIKEBIZ MARKETPLACE

BIKEBIZ.COM

LIGHTING

LIGHTING

MAINTENANCE

RACKS

BIKEBIZ NOVEMBER 63

BIKEBIZ MARKETPLACE RACKS

RESPRAYS AND REPAIRS

SALES TRAINING

TRAINING SERVICES

64 BIKEBIZ NOVEMBER

BIKEBIZ.COM

BIKEBIZ MARKETPLACE

BIKEBIZ.COM

TRAINING SERVICES

WATER BOTTLES

WEBSITE SERVICES

WEBSITE SERVICES

BIKEBIZ NOVEMBER 65

NUMBER CRUNCHING

Let’s get statistical…

INTERBIKE BY NUMBERS

22,500-plus:

30%

trade members attended the Vegas show

of bicycle crashes on the road involve some kind of manoeuvre, such as turns, merging into traffic, or changing lanes.

(Source: Monash University Accident Research Centre)

4,000-plus: store owners visited the exhibition

£1 Billion

11,300:

The estimated value of the sports and energy drink market.

Approximately 525 million litres will be sold during 2009.

buyers visited Vegas, with 1,300 of those coming from overseas

Top ten:

(Source: ACT/Mintel)

Interbike was briefly one of Yahoo’s top ten search items

142% 53% of the 190,000 bicycle-related accidents each year involve children.

Approximately 90,000 of those accidents happen on the road, with the remainder off-road.

2010:

The costly percentage rise of Visa’s ‘card scheme’ fees, which the British Retail Consortium has asked to be justified. It is estimated the rise could cost UK stores a further £20 million annually in card transaction costs.

Put these dates on your calendar for next year: OutDoor Demo Bootleg Canyon, Boulder City, September 20th and 21st Interbike Expo Sand Expo and Convention Center, September 22nd to 24th.

(Source: Home Office)

Home Office cycle theft stats: UK Hotspots POLICE FORCE AREA

2003/04

2004/05

2005/06

2006/07

2007/08

2008/09

Metropolitan Police

19,261

19,317

21,238

18,648

17,182

18,221

Thames Valley

5,547

5,879

5,994

5,688

5,239

5,750

Hampshire

4,545

4,869

5,843

5,839

4,988

5,227

British Transport Police

2,947

3,384

4,127

4,734

4,408

4,675

Greater Manchester

4,220

4,198

4,731

4,597

4,679

4,651

England and Wales

105,467

105,953

113,192

110,526

103,998

104,239

66 BIKEBIZ NOVEMBER

BIKEBIZ.COM

LETTERS PAGE

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

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

STAR LETTER

Martin cooks up apology?

WHEN I get up in the morning for work I have a smile on my face. At the end of the day, when asked by my family ‘how was your day?’, I am lucky enough to be able to say ‘really great’.

So what is it that brings this smile to my face each day? I work in the outdoors, teaching children about the environment. I combined my two passions in life – being outdoors talking about nature, and – cycling – and launched a social enterprise with the mission of exciting children and adults about the wonderful countryside we have – and cycling!

Cycle Safaris take school children into the Dorset countryside to enthuse and illuminate them about what makes our countryside so special. My format achieves many of the curriculum targets

in just a few hours. It can illustrate the importance of the smallest of invertebrates, and also ‘our’ impact and relationship with everything that can seen in the landscape, combined with the fun of keeping fit in the great outdoors. As well as teaching ethically it is important to operate ethically and I intend to install the latest renewable technologies and resourcesaving devices, so I’m not only ‘talking the talk’, but ‘cycling the cycle’ too.

This ‘teaching with fitness’ concept has been well received and I am looking to expand with more equipment and further cycle-based activities for schools and individuals of all ages. If you want to support or get involved than contact me: Adrian via cyclesafaris @btinternet.com

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

This month the lucky winner will win an Ultra Torch Nine from Oxford. Sporting nine LEDs, the light is powerful, tough and splash-proof while also boasting an ergonomic design.

BIKEBIZ.COM

From the Forum...

Cycle Show: the verdict So what did people think of our only Cycle Show? Was the trade day busy? Did many dealers north of Watford get there?” tandemguru Not a bad show. Went on Sunday and saw lots of fixed wheel sports, but I can’t see them going down big in Norfolk. Lots of electric bikes there too and we are going to stock some next year. But where were Raleigh, Falcon, Land Rover, Dawes, etc?

Oldfart

Safari, so good for Dorset cycle project

TV CHEF James Martin’s cyclist-baiting comments in his Daily Mail column fuelled a heated response from the cycle community.

Even his reply to the criticism left a sour taste in some readers’ mouths…

Re: James Martin’s apology.

Mr Martin may have posted an apology on his blog, but read it carefully. He says that he is sorry for what he wrote.

Nowhere does he say he was sorry for what he did.

It’s very much an ‘I’m sorry I got caught’ type of apology.

As far as I am concerned his words do not go anywhere near far enough in dealing with the root problem – of his driving attitude towards cyclists.

Tony Raven BikeBiz Reader

Email: jonathon.harker@ intentmedia.co.uk

It’s free to get in but cost us over £100 to visit, It’s a shame they don’t put it on in Birmingham. The hall felt full of stands with some very nice bling on display. Not sure why Trek and Giant don’t think it’s worthwhile.

It felt very ‘London centric’, with lots of expensive (though very nice) road stuff and single speed/fixed. It was similar to last year and I had some good meetings with folks I don’t get to see very often, but I probably won’t go next year.” yetifan36

From Madison’s point of view, we put a huge amount of effort into the show and into making it as engaging as possible for the consumers who visited. It is a shame that some of the people who write on this forum seem not to appreciate the expense and effort it takes for the many suppliers who exhibit at Cycle Show and the fact that all the effort is designed to drive consumer demand into the independent bike dealer.

Madison was not retailing at the show and spent the whole time directing consumers to retailers around the country, or to our website’s dealer finder.

Some of the positive responses from customers who attended the show for me sum up the benefit of why we incur all the expense and resource demands of a show such as Cycle Show.

I do hope that as an industry we can at least try to work together to make the most of our only significant consumer show.”

Dominic Langan, Madison MD

BIKEBIZ NOVEMBER 67

OFF TRACK

OFF

k c a r T

this month: sky reels in the ctc

Nike 6.0 donates ‘secret’ skate park…

DURING October, Nike 6.0 significantly stepped its game up within the BMX world by inviting ten teams of the world’s best riders to compete at a secret location somewhere in the UK. Over the past 12 months, the sportswear company has being quietly putting together the ‘Tunnel Jam’ concept. With the support of many of the country’s dedicated distributors and local volunteers (including one generous land owner), the brand built an 80-metre-long skate park inside a secure tunnel, to which locals now have the keys.

Those participating in the competition had two days of practice, before a final

Eddie’s a record breaker!

AS reported here previously, 66-year-old Eddie Sedgemoor set off earlier this year with a view to claiming the Guinness World Record for the ‘longest journey on a motorised bicycle’.

And Powabyke has reported to BikeBiz that his effort is now in the record books, marking the third time that Sedgemoor has been a World Record Breaker. Eddie spent 28 days travelling the country on his X-byke, visiting the northern, southern, eastern and western extremes of the UK mainland, covering 1,912 miles, using power from the X-byke’s lightweight lithium ion battery along the way.

Meet Charlie Carter 68 BIKEBIZ NOVEMBER

jam to decide how to split the $10,000 prize purse.

Talent from the UK took some of the winnings too: Best Team: Nike 6.0 Global (Dennis Enarson, Garrett Reynolds, Maxime Charveron, Bjorn ‘Bommel’ Mager).

Best Rider (as judged by the riders): Baz Keep with his crazy pocket transfers and the highest airs of the weekend.

Best Line: Dan Lacey for a huge over vert ‘Ruben’ wallride to 180 gap across the course.

Eddie proves that de dication is what you need...

Eddie, a street cleaner from Marshfield near Bath, also raised cash along the way for the British Heart Foundation. He said: “It feels fantastic to have put in all of that effort, and to be rewarded with a brand new world record. It was a long journey, but looking back now it was all worth it.”

Best Trick: Jason Phelan for launching a huge Tailwhip transfer to double peg grind.

A full video of the event, including some of the clips that landed prizes, can now be found at Mpora.com.

Candid camera captures CTC’s Fish ENTHUSIASTIC cyclist and CTC commercial manager Nick Fish made an unexpected appearance across the national press last month when he coincidentally appeared in a national ad campaign run by British Cycling sponsors Sky. Fish was pictured in ads featured in The Daily Telegraph, The Times, The Guardian and The Independent.

A CTC spokesperson told BikeBiz: “As you know, CTC is a not-for-profit charity, so we don’t have big advertising budgets or massive sponsors like Sky. However, that hasn’t stopped CTC’s commercial manager Nick Fish.

“He’s so passionate about promoting CTC he’s snuck into Sky’s latest advert,

he is wearing his CTC shirt and to prove he is a cyclist he’s on a bike too.

The ad is a random picture from Skyride and it’s all over the papers.

What are the chances of that!”

FOLLOWING a nine month lead time, Charlie Carter – all six pounds and six ounces of him – has arrived.

Son of BikeBiz managing editor

Lisa Foster and fellow Intent Media darling Darrell Carter, Charlie has a heritage of hard hitting journalism and mad cycling skills to live up to. No wonder the little fella is looking a bit nervous.

So while we all get a bit broody, Charlie will be working out how to get into BikeBiz’s next ‘30 Under 30’ list of young industry executives.

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

• raleigh ramps up road presence with pro team • nike 6.0 goes covert with bmx

Polaris Apparel is on the move

Raleigh launches pro road team

THE staff of Polaris Apparel got the first glimpse of their new home during September as they attended the topping out ceremony of the purposebuilt 18,000 square foot warehouse and offices. The new building is based in Dronfield on the edge of the scenic Peak District.

Roger Dillon, the owner of Polaris, said: “Due to the significant growth we have enjoyed over the past few years we desperately needed more space.

With our expansion plans continuing, now is the perfect time to invest in this purpose-built facility, allowing us to grow without restriction.”

Construction should be complete

by Christmas, with the expected move

to take place over the holiday period with as little interruption to Polaris’ customers as possible.

RALEIGH is to place a professional road racing team on both the UK and European circuit in 2010.

The Nottingham-based firm hopes to re-establish itself in road racing some 30 years on from the last team’s 1980 Tour de France win. An ambitious five-year plan is now in place to tackle some key calendar events.

Mark Gouldthorp, Raleigh’s managing director, commented: “Raleigh remains the greatest name in cycling. It is only appropriate that we

re-establish a UK-based road team, which will set its sights on international success.”

Chris Truett takes the role of the team manager and had this to say: “I am honoured to be the team’s new manager with such exciting times ahead. I look forward to making Raleigh’s Road Team among the best in the UK and also to get everyone talking about our presence.

“Raleigh is back!”

quote

Sponsored by the brands of Moore Large 01332 274252

unquote “It’s nice to know that the Nike 6.0 park is going to be hidden in a tunnel in the middle of nowhere for the rest of time.”

Posy Dixon, Charge Blog, October 4th

“Contador won two stages and wore the yellow jersey for seven days; I don’t think he needed an informant to warn him that he might get tested.

That would be like coming home and twirling a used condom around your finger like a lifeguard whistle and not expecting your significant other to ask you whether you’ve been cheating.”

BikeSnobNYC, October 6th "Every day 60 million is spent within our industry.

BIKEBIZ.COM

Champagne and hard hats: Polaris tops out its new purpose-built 18,000 square foot warehouse and offices in style...

Government funding, along with Bike Hub contributions and a number of cycle-savvy ministers highlighting cycling, frequently places our trade in a fantastic position for growth.”

Cycling England's chairman Phillip Darnton opens Cycle Show at Earls Court, October 8th

Alberto Contador

"It’s difficult to believe that our cycling mayor is disbanding the only police unit in the country that has the power to properly investigate unsafe lorry operators and bring them up to

standards set by Health and Safety law.”

LCC cycling development officer Charlie Lloyd, October 19th “Visa’s card scheme fees hike is totally unjustified. At a time when technological advances have dramatically reduced the cost of processing card transactions, we’d expect card charges to fall – not shoot up.”

Stephen Robertson, director general of the British Retail Consortium, October 1st

BIKEBIZ NOVEMBER 69

OFF THE RECORD

SPOKES

IN THE SADDLE

When does an e-bike become a moped?

Carlton Reid, BikeBiz executive editor, thinks the line is getting blurry...

THE nascent electric bike industry needs to take care.

If it continues to sell illegal products, laugh at current EU e-bike regulations, and push for higher and higher power outputs, it could shoot itself in the collective foot.

At Interbike, an exporter of over-powered, too-fast, no-pedalling-required e-bikes into the EU snorted at the notion his products would be tested and found to be verboten in Europe: “There’s no such thing as the watt police,” he told me.

Should a customer on one of his electric ‘bicycles’ knock down and kill a pedestrian, or an owner overthrottle the bike into the path of a juggernaut (e-splat!), the ‘watt police’ will be all over the electric bike industry like a rash.

Far too many e-bike importers and e-bike retailers either don’t know what the legal regulations stipulate or wantonly ignore them. The e-bike industry is still in the Wild West phase, but enforcement will come.

Sales of e-bikes are surging across Europe. They are marketed as the latest thing in zippity-zip city chic; bikes with an integrated tailwind. Sit down, pedal gently, no sweat. A cyclist must crank out 100 watts to propel a bicycle to 20 kilometres an hour. An e-bike provides a battery-powered boost of up to 250 watts.

Donkeys become race-horses.

E-bikes take less effort to propel, but they’re not super-fast. This means they are classified as bicycles in the EU, not scooters. No motor vehicle licence required, no hair-crushing helmet, and where a bicycle can go, an e-bike can go. E-bikes have the same advantages of bicycles, and none of the perceived disadvantages.

China, alone, is said to have 100 million e-bikes on the road. However, the e-bike of China is a very different animal to the e-bike legally allowed to be called a bicycle in the EU. E-bikes in Europe are limited to 25kph and need to be propelled by pedalling as well as the motor. Torque

sensors measure a rider’s pedalling effort and then provide the requisite amount of additional oomph. Hills are flattened, and headwinds deflated, but only so long as the cyclist keeps pedalling. The majority of Chinese e-bikes – selling at a rate of 21 million a year – are throttle-controlled, no pedalling required.

It’s estimated 750,000 e-bikes will have been sold in Europe by the end of 2009. Many of them are illegal for use in the EU. Far too many of them are throttlecontrolled rather than pedal-assisted. These aren’t electric bicycles, they’re mopeds.

And trade organisations know it. Brussels-based ETRA – the European twowheel retailers association – is currently lobbying for a law change because it realises far too many e-bikes for sale flaunt the regulations as they stand. ETRA wants wattage to be increased.

US-based LEVA – the Light Electric Vehicle Association – also wants the rules to be changed, but with an increase in allowable power and speed.

The danger in all this lobbying is that electric bikes will come to be seen as light motorbikes. That’s fine if you want to import or sell light motorbikes, but isn’t this the bicycle industry?

Sub-Editor: Gemma Messina Gemma.Messina@intentmedia.co.uk

Editor: Jonathon Harker Jonathon.Harker@intentmedia.co.uk

Production Executive: Abby Fanger Abigail.Fanger@intentmedia.co.uk

Deputy Editor: Mark Sutton Mark.Sutton@intentmedia.co.uk

Design: Kelly Styles Kelly.Styles@intentmedia.co.uk

Advertising Manager: Carly Bailey Carly.Bailey@intentmedia.co.uk

Business Development: Dave Roberts Dave.Roberts@intentmedia.co.uk

Editorial Production Manager: Helen French Helen.French@intentmedia.co.uk

70 BIKEBIZ NOVEMBER

www.chargebikes.com What bikes do you own and where’s your favourite place to ride?

Mostly Charge Bikes, including a Duster Titanium, Duster Titanium 8, Skewer, Mixer, Blender Steel and then there’s my Pashley Tube Rider.

By far my favourite place to ride is the edge of the Salisbury Plain, where I grew up riding mountain bikes.

What’s the biggest rush achievable on a bike?

For me, probably learning to ride for the first time. My daughter just learnt and the look on her face made me remember what an amazing feeling that was.

EDITORIAL: 01992 535646 | ADVERTISING: 01992 535647 | FAX: 01992 535648 Executive Editor: Carlton Reid Carlton.Reid@intentmedia.co.uk

Nick Larsen, Charge Bikes

Managing Editor: Lisa Foster Lisa.Foster@intentmedia.co.uk

Publisher/MD: Stuart Dinsey Stuart.Dinsey@intentmedia.co.uk

Tell us about Surface and your aspirations with the brand: Surface is intended to fill a gap in the market, like many of the Charge offerings. Put simply, the idea is to provide clothing that performs on the bike, but that doesn’t make you look like a cyclist. More comfortable and practical than riding in jeans, but less odd looking than wearing lycra. As for my aspirations for the brand, as with everything, I set my goals high.

Can you pinpoint a high point (and why) in the last five years of business?

Receiving a batch of Charge-branded Vans shoes is certainly up there with my top memories on the job.

What do you make of the massive following Charge seems to have developed?

I wouldn’t say it’s a massive following quite yet, but the support from enthusiasts and new cyclists has been encouraging and inspiring.

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