BikeBiz July 2010_issue 54 by Intent Media (now Newbay Media Europe)

Issue 54 | July 2010

EDITORIAL

Issue 54 | July 2010

NEWS 4-9 CHAIN REACTION 10

Bikes drive growth for Halfords, Greyville takes on a new brand and CSG UK recruits new faces...

CONSUMER PRESS 16

EVENTS 65

BIKEBIZ AWARDS 2010 AWARDS

It adds up to what the Daily Mail would term an obesity epidemic. Run for the hills! If you still can, that is...

Got a BikeBiz Award-shaped space on your mantlepiece? Then read on...

FOCUS ON…

MYSTERY SHOPPER Will the retailers of Rugby try to convert queries into sales? Our undercover reporter pitches to find out...

CUBE INTERVIEW The respected cycle firm reveals its plans, including how it is raising production for increased UK demand

TERRITORY REPORT: CANADA BikeBiz speaks to some of the movers and shakers in the Canadian cycle industry for their take on the territory...

BMX

CYCLE COMPUTERS

REGULARS BRAND SPOTLIGHT 23/35 LETTERS BikeBiz shines the spotlight on energy products from Shotz and at folding bike brand Kansi...

PEOPLE

Does the trade have room for pipes and facial hair? One disgruntled reader says no... SPONSORED BY

There’s a spate of recruitment news this month in the trade, including two new faces at Cube

NEW PRODUCTS Carbohydrate bars, helmets, clothing and power–assist kits all feature

SPOKESMAN

THE PROPORTION of males in England classified as obese rose from 13.2 per cent in 1993 to 23.1 per cent in 2005. Over the same period the portion of women classed as obese rose from 16.4 per cent to 24.8 per cent. And that’s just in England. The World Health Organisation predicts that by 2015 some 2.3 billion adults will be overweight, and more than 700 million of those will be obese. Worrying statistics, eh? The NHS and Government certainly think so. In 2002 the direct cost of treating obesity was estimated to be between £45.8 and £49 million. Between £945 and £1,075 million was spent on treating the consequences of obesity. Has no one told them there’s a recession on?

BikeBiz’s own Carlton Reid talks Tour de France and motor-assisted cheating

Those numbers add up to what the Daily Mail would term an obesity epidemic. Run for the hills! If you still can, that is. It’s a gloomy situation that impacts on everyone, through taxes if nothing else. But before we all run around panicking (though that might help), there is some light at the end of the cholesterol-lined tunnel. Yep, you’ve guessed it – cycling. Or more specifically, Cycling Towns and Cities. The hard-worn cynics of the cycle industry (and the sphere of politics) might look at the Cycle City project and dismiss it as PR guff, but the initiative has given us the chance to compare an average town or city with one that has received years of investment in cycling. Through the rigorous (and conservative) evaluation methods of the Department for Transport we have discovered that not only does investment in cycling pay, but it also returns on investment to the tune of three-to-one. What’s that? A ready-made solution to an obesity calamity? I think a call to the Treasury is in order. And the Minister for Health. And Transport. Now there’s a cast-iron reason to build cycle-friendly features into the new housing estates required for the promised three million new homes being built over the next decade. And the overweight masses are just one reason for the Government to back bikes. What about predictions of increased car use? It’s gridlock meltdown! Obesity is a modern problem. 50 years ago they weren’t even collecting statistics for it. Perhaps fittingly though, there is a familiar, old fashioned solution to the problem.

Jonathon Harker, Editor

NEWS

Cycles drive growth for Halfords Bike sales up 15 per cent Heavyweight retailer carried out almost half a million bike repairs last year

“Online is proving particularly important for our customers buying into premium-end bicycles. Reserve and collect is key to this.” David Wild, Halfords

By Jonathon Harker RETAIL CHAIN Halfords has revealed to BikeBiz that the bicycle market was once again a key driver of growth for the firm, following its annual Preliminary Results for the 52 weeks up to April 2nd. Chief executive David Wild said: “We have had a great year on bikes. It was the fastest growing category and our sales were up by more than 15 per cent compared to the previous year.” Wild also hailed the growth of online and multi-channel sales, which the chief exec said had complemented significant growth in cycle repairs and servicing through Wefit and Werepair. He told BikeBiz: “Online is continually growing. It’s important for customers, particularly for our premium bike consumers. They like to look at a product before they make a purchasing decision, and Halfords.com – with our Reserve and Collect service – is a big driver for cycling sales. “What makes the difference is that 80 per cent of our online

transactions are linked to a store. It’s a powerful combination for us.” “Servicing and repairs income grew 44 per cent – up to nearly half a million bike repairs last year. It’s a big improvement on where we’ve been in the past. We offer customers a care plan. It’s effectively a three-year labour guarantee and sales of that are up are nearly up 60 per cent. It’s making really good progress.” Earlier in the financial year Halfords made some contentious changes to the cycle staff structure in-store. When asked about how those changes had affected Halford’s cycle offering, Wild said: “We feel much better that we’ve taken bikes much more seriously. All our big Bike Hub centres now have a dedicated manager and it’s a requirement for future store managers to have been a Bike Hut manager themselves. So we’re improving customer service within Bike Hut and we’re also improving the bike literacy of our general managers.” Halfords: 01527 513121

Tougher times ahead for cycling? WHILE HALFORDs was pleased with the bicycle sector’s performance over the past financial year, a continued tough economic climate combined with an ‘age of austerity’ promised by the coalition Government could potentially spell tough times ahead for the sector. Halfords chief exec David Wild gave his thoughts to BikeBiz: “In general I think that in common with many areas, it’s going to be a bit tougher. But I think that cycling has so much momentum behind it and it’s so in tune with contemporary

trends that actually there are prospects that the cycling market will continue to grow.” Wild warned: “But customers will be aware of value, foremost. They’ll be looking for bargains, so I think the cycle market will grow, but it won’t be as easy as it has been previously. Customers will want bargains before they make a purchase. “As far as Halfords in general is concerned, I think we’ve proved over a number of years that we can trade in good years and bad – and I think we can build our offer.”

Moore Large to champion IBDs with a new consumer website ‘Today’s Cyclist’ goes live Web page directs customers to their local independent retailer DISTRIBUTOR Moore Large has launched a brand new online portal that is set to drive cycle consumers to local independent bike dealers. The site is set to bring consumers closer to IBDs, provide services for IBDs and even help support up-andcoming cyclists. When consumers browse product on the fresh-faced site – www.todayscyclist.co.uk – a dealer locator directs them to nearby cycle dealers that stock the product. The site doesn’t

4 BIKEBIZ JULY

include online ordering facilities, but promotes the benefits of visiting local dealers, championing service, products and expertise. The site goes further by giving IBDs the chance to control their online profile through the Moore Large B2B portal, a feature the distributor expects to appeal to cycle dealers who do not have an online presence. Consumers registered to the new site can save details of their favourite dealers and also take part in an online cycling

“Our website creates a portal for consumers to research local dealers and their products...” Lauren Vanderplank

community. Not only will registered consumers be able to interact with each other, sharing reviews, pictures and experiences, but they will also be able to interact with bike dealers online. The firm’s marketing manager Lauren Vanderplank told BikeBiz: “Todayscyclist.co.uk promises to be an exciting new way for consumers to discover local independent bike dealers, quality products and new talent.” Aside from the trade and consumer side of todayscyclist, the site also helps back the

grassroots of the sport, providing budding talent from any discipline to seek support online. All applications will be reviewed on an individual basis and successful applicants will receive support and will write blogs on the site detailing their latest sporting achievements, reviewing the products they are using and discussing issues affecting the sector. www.todayscyclist.co.uk BIKEBIZ.COM

NEWS

Pendleton’s bespoke bicycle, auctioned off during June

“Bike Week is about making Britain a cycling nation” Post-racing career in designing cycle attire for Pendleton? By Jonathon Harker

Halfords’ chief executive David Wild

Consumers are led to dealers through the new website

BRITISH OLYMPIC and World Champion Track Cyclist Victoria Pendleton was among the big names backing Team Green Britain Bike Week, which took place at the end of last month. Alongside six other wellknown faces from the world of business and fashion, designers Wayne Hemingway and Cyclodelic’s Amy Fleuriot, plus business guru Lord Sugar, Pendleton collectively designed a bespoke bicycle for auction during the week. The Oxford Cycle Workshop created Pendleton’s bike design, who alongside two other social enterprises – BikeWorks and the Bike Station – put together the celebrity bikes. The finished models were exhibited at the London Transport Museum and auctioned online and at a live event at the Museum on Thursday June 17th.

Victoria Pendleton told BikeBiz: “It is about getting people on bikes primarily, making Britain more of a cycling nation. I am sure as a

“We hope to encourage people to make everyday journeys by bike wherever possible.” Victoria Pendleton result there will be some future cycling stars discovered, but the whole Team Green Britain Bike Week idea is to encourage everyday people to consider making everyday journeys on a bike rather than just picking up the car keys. It reduces carbon emissions, keeps people healthy and it will save money too.” The Olympian’s association with EDF Energy started last

year when she gave her backing to Green Britain Day – aiming to encourage the public to embrace a low carbon lifestyle: “I was a Team Green Britain ambassador in 2009 and was asked by EDF Energy to be part of it again this year. This movement to tackle climate change has grown massively with different projects. The Bike Week association was a great fit and I am really pleased to be involved.” When quizzed on whether Pendleton had plans to follow up her design with a postracing career in bicycle production, as fellow Olympian Chris Boardman has done with Boardman Bikes, she told BikeBiz: “I am not technically minded like Chris. I would be more interested in designing the cycling attire. I think I would need a lot of help along the way. I massively enjoyed designing my Team Green Britain style bike though.“

NEWS

CYCLE Cycling Sports Group makes SHORTS a flurry of appointments Epos article: correction In the June issue of BikeBiz within the electronic point of sale feature we accidentally listed Digital Retailer Solutions under J D Young. For those interested in the firm's product addins, enquiries should be made on +1 305 420 6170.

Nokia dynamo charger kit available within months Mobile phone manufacturer Nokia has announced a dynamo driven phone charger to be sold via selected retailers and online. The kit charges at the same efficiency as a standard charger once the user hits 12km/h.

iChicken B2B now live on iPhones Distributor Chicken Cyclekit has developed and launched an iPhone application to work with its B2B site. The app allows dealers to browse, order, use search functions, view account details and contact the firm directly.

Second significant string of hirings since the Dorel merger sees accounts, warehouse, stock provision and sales teams given a major boost By Mark Sutton CYCLING Sports Group UK has once again made a series of appointments to bolster a number of departments. The new recruits will fill roles in the accounts, sales and warehouse, including one new position overseeing stock provision. The firm has seen a flurry of recruitment activity in the months since the creation of the new subsidiary of CSG in October last year, following Dorel’s acquisition of Hot Wheels and Circle Bikes. Damian Morris, who answered an ad placed on Bikebiz.com, becomes inventory control manager at CSG UK’s Poole office. Morris is a self-confessed computer nerd, but he does also ride a bike. He is also a keen cyclo-cross rider and rides the 20 miles to work whenever possible. Morris’s role is to improve stock provision through 2010/11.

In addition, accounts assistant Sharon Wyatt has joined the firm. Wyatt passed her AAT Foundation and is now working towards her Intermediate exam. Wyatt likes a nice ride along Bournemouth beach on her Trek bike (which she knows she will have to change if she stays). Telesales man Simon Burch joined the team in April and rides a hardtail bike. Burch previously worked at Halfords and has a degree in graphic design. In an effort to fit in, Burch bought a huge bag of sweets back for all the staff from his holiday in Turkey. Looks like he will be sticking around. Tom McConnell has joined CSG to work in the Poole warehouse. McConnell is training to be a retained fireman and has a degree in mechanical engineering. McConnell is a keen cyclist and already has his eye on a new GT Zaskar. CSG UK: 01202 732288

Banking giant Barclays is set to sponsor both the London Cycle Hire scheme, as well as the planned 'superhighways’, of which the first two are set to launch on July 19th.

Equestrian safety helmet specialist Design Headwear has turned its attention to the cycle industry and is looking to establish itself in the market. The firm is currently looking for an experienced sales agent with an in-depth knowledge of the trade. Applicants should send their CVs to info@designheadwear.com.

For breaking news visit:

www.bikebiz.com 6 BIKEBIZ JULY

Sharon Wyatt

Simon Burch

Tom McConnell

Canada turns to the road

Barclays to sponsor London Cycle Hire

Galloping into the cycle trade

Damian Morris

Bobbies on the beat TRANSPORT FOR London and the Metropolitan Police unveiled a new Cycle Task Force last month, tasked with cracking down on the rising problem of bike crime. The 30-strong team will patrol on bicycle and pro-actively fight organised cycle theft, disrupt the stolen second-hand bike trade and use covert investigation to fight bike crime. The Mayor of London’s transport advisor Kulveer Ranger said: “The Mayor’s vision is for a

cycling revolution in the Capital and key to that is the need for greater cycle security. “With ever greater numbers of Londoners taking to two wheels we must make sure when they park up their bicycle they do so in total confidence. “We want this new cycle squad and the actions set out in our plan to reassure everyone who cycles in the Capital of our focus on making London as safe and secure as possible.”

CANADIAN CYCLE consumers are turning to the commuter, hybrid and road sectors at the cost of the territory’s traditionally strong mountain bike market, according to leading voices from the Canadian cycle industry. Canny manufacturers in the MTB sector have adapted their business model to keep up with the trend, including Rocky Mountain. The brand’s general manager Charles J Russell told BikeBiz: “The area that is growing most rapidly is the urban or commuting sector. We are predominantly a mountain bike brand, but we have responded and continue to respond with our own approach to this sector.” A flat MTB market hasn’t hurt the trade in general either, according to BTAC

executive director Janet O’Connell: “Hybrid and road are showing the most growth. The mountain bike sector continues to be static and is seeing a decline in lower priced models. Our data collection programme shows a trend by consumers toward higher quality bikes, which is very positive for the IBD sector.” Micasport president Lutz Brode is also optimistic about the future of the sector. He told BikeBiz: “I would say that road, higher end road and hybrid are popular currently in Canada. Consumers appear environmentally sensitive and therefore look to alternatives to motor power. The economy is on fairly solid ground.“ Turn to page 46 for an indepth report on the Canadian cycle market.

BIKEBIZ.COM

18th - 22nd July 2010

W O N R E T S I G E R E PR Why? Following the huge popularity of our February iceBike* show, Madison is combining several mid-year launch events, into one big â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;must attendâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; event, iceBike* Winter!

Where is it? iceBike* Winter will be based at our Milton Keynes distribution centre.

What Can You Expect To See? Bikes: The new 2011 ranges from Saracen, Ridgeback, Genesis & Commencal Apparel: Spring/Summer 2011 ranges from Pearl Izumi & Shimano. New ranges from Madison, PRO, Giro & Bell. Parts & Accessories: The must have winter essentials from Blackburn, Electron, Light & Motion, Elite, CycraGuard, Respro & Hydrapak, as well as a wealth of new products from Shimano, OGIO, Profile Design and more...

When? Sunday 18th July: 11.00am - 4.00pm Tuesday 20th July: 9.00am - 5.00pm

Wednesday 21st July: 9.00am - 5.00pm Thursday 22nd July: 9.00am - 5.00pm

In addition to the main expo on the Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of the show we will also be hosting evening barbeque parties as well as our annual company bike ride on the Wednesday night. All customers and members of the press are invited to join us and discounted hotel room bookings are available upon request.

for more information and to register visit

www.icebike.co.uk

NEWS

FreeGo enters the

Bobike takes a front seat with Greyville

New electric bike specialist is now seeking dealers nationwide for four model range European distributors also sought “We’re unique in the electric market for many reasons,” says managing director John Heath By Mark Sutton

Distributor to bring easy-to-fit range to UK’s cycle dealers By Jonathon Harker CHILDREN’S bike seat brand Bobike has been exclusively picked up by Greyville Enterprises in the UK and Ireland. One of Europe’s leading suppliers of kid’s bike seats, Bobike seats are built in the Netherlands and use a threepoint mounting system, making them easy to fit and then removable without the need to break out the tools. The Bobike range of seats has not been available in the UK for almost 12 months and the move will see the new Maxi Tour and Maxi City child seats available on these shores for the first time. In total Greyville will supply five Bobike models, including front and rear-mounted seats. The front-mounted Mini+ is suitable for children from nine months, and up to 15kg. There is also an optional windscreen available and choice of colours. The rear mounted Maxi+ and new-to-theUK models Maxi City and Maxi Tour are suitable for

children from nine-months old and up to 22kg. The Junior is another rear mounted seat ideal for commuting and for children from five to ten-years old weighing 20 to 35 kg. Greyville told BikeBiz: “All Bobike child seats are manufactured in Holland and this makes the supply and logistics simpler so the seats will be more readily available for dealers over here.” The firm also revealed that it will back the brand with a media and in-store promo campaign. “Greyville will be launching a strong consumer marketing campaign across a number of media channels aimed at supporting dealers. There will also be a wide range of accessories available and stylish point-of-sale display stands for appointed dealers.” Tel: 01543 251328 Email: sales@greyville.com

A NEW FIRM has appeared on the ever-competitive electric bike scene with what it says are some “very attractive and unique” reasons for dealers to become involved. FreeGo, run by John Heath, has been in development for several years and is now ready to launch into the market. “We’re now looking for retailers nationwide to get in touch should they need a hassle-free electric bike solution,” said Heath. “We’ve been developing the line for two years alongside our dedicated staff in China who are working exclusively on FreeGo and are fine-tuning the detail. We were never going to launch these bikes without 100 per cent confidence in the

product’s reliability. That’s why there’s been a several-monthlong test period before this announcement.” A straightforward warranty and turnaround promise is one of the key selling points Heath

send out an entirely new bike. I think that’s something that reflects the confidence we have in the bikes. Maintenance is, however, quite simple thanks to a junction box located near the handlebar. Many repairs will

“If we can’t repair a bike within five days, we’ll send the customer an entirely new bicycle.” John Heath, FreeGo believes will attract many to the FreeGo brand. “If we can’t repair a bike within five days we’ll simply

Avid shaves further grams off its AVID HAS announced a ‘weight weenie’ satisfying new version of its XX World Cup disc brake. Offering exactly the same modulation and stopping power as the standard model, the newly created brake will run minus the firm’s adjustable pad contact feature, shaving 12 grams per wheel. This results in a total system weight of just 276 grams for a front post mount, 160mm rotor set up.

NEWS

fray simply require a tweaking here, something which either our dealer development director Martin Lawrence will educate customers about, or alternatively, there’s always our helpline.”

Guards and racks are fitted to some models as standard

European distribution, as well as stockists in Ireland, are sought for the brand, which currently works from a 37,000 square foot warehouse in Southampton. “We’re carrying strong levels of stock of each of the bikes, including variations such as the low step-over frames for women,” said Heath. “If dealers are curious about stocking electric bikes, we recommend swinging by our booth at the Earls Court Cycle Show come October for a discussion.” Lawrence has been recently appointed to deliver sales and mechanical training on the road and discuss stocking up with potential dealers. He can be contacted on 07856 339037. www.freegoelectricbikes.com

XX World Cup brake

The featherweight package should arrive at the end of the year

The design still utilises a forged magnesium construction for the lever body and calliper. It is anticipated that the lighter model will not hit retail until the end of the year, though SRAM sponsored athletes are expected to be using the brakes as soon as September. Fisher Outdoors carries the range of SRAM brands in the UK, including Avid. 01727 798345

BIT OF BLING: Tinchy Stryder, right, is a fan of the low rider cycle look

Cult bike shop sends cycles to Stryder and Bieber By Jonathon Harker The ‘A’ list lure of Ride Low’s bicycle range shows no sign of abating with recent celebrity converts Justin Bieber and Tinchy Stryder picking up low rider bicycles from the Manchester city centre shop. The modern musical duo are the latest in a long line of high profile names supplied with bicycles from the store – including Kate Moss and David and Victoria Beckham. Ride Low specialises in importing low rider bikes and parts into the UK, selling product under the Ride Low brand name across Europe. Georgios Demetriou, who owns the store alongside brother Stelios, told BikeBiz: “It’s fair to say that Ride Low has supplied a long list of celebrities which is great for the brand and for the cycle industry too. “During our five years we have established ourselves as the ‘rock ‘n roll’ of the bicycle

“During our five years in business we’ve established ourselves as the ‘rock ‘n’ roll’ choice of the bicycle world.” Georgios Demetriou

industry. We also supply bikes to film and TV crews and our bikes have been featured on MTV and other music channels, helping promote a whole load of other music vids. “Ride Low have been selling low rider bikes and making custom rides for a whole tribe of ‘A’ listers. We have made bikes for Kate Moss, Ian Brown, David and Victoria Beckham, and Bryan Adams. We’ve also supplied a whole load of Premiership players including Shaun WrightPhillips, Jamie Carragher and many others.” “A low rider bike is the bike to be seen on for those people who like to stand out in the crowd.” Aside from Ride Low’s huge selection of low rider and custom bike parts, the importer and retailer is currently offering a low rider classic chrome 20inch (pictured top left), available to the trade for £200 and retail customers for £300. www.ridelow.co.uk

CHAIN REACTION

An improved

offering Bex Hopkins, editor of Bike Envy.co.uk and former DH and XC MTB racer, shares her thoughts on how far female cyclistfriendly gear has come, and why there is still some way to go… IN THE EARLY ‘90s women just made do with small sizes of men’s gear. That included bikes as well as clothing; we didn’t really have much choice. Any female-specific gear we had was hard to source and usually picked up on our travels to the USA, or we’d tailor men’s gear to fit. It must be said that we didn’t exactly look great in this gear, or very feminine. Short or petite women had almost no choice at all. Finding size three cycling shoes was like searching for hen’s teeth or rocking horse poo. By the turn of the millennium we were being treated to bikes with a female bias, some suffering from the ‘shrink it and pink it’ syndrome but others breaking ground and providing bikes that actually fitted us and worked better for smaller and lighter riders. The last ten years have dealt women riders a pretty good hand, with a good choice of bikes and better than ever support from retailers in stocking the products we need and, in most cases, their front line staff

10 BIKEBIZ JULY

knowing what we need too. It’s important to remember that often women need a bit more nurturing to get us started, but once hooked, we are as committed to buying gear and riding as our male counterparts. We don’t need to be patronised or treated with kid gloves, just straightforward advice and facts without too much marketing hype or technical frivolities please. It’s easy to miss some of the basics when you’re getting started, even obvious points like how adjusting a saddle can make it more comfortable and that we don’t all need a big squidgy sofa for a saddle. Sometimes just tipping the nose down a couple of degrees can really help. Retail leading the way On a personal note, I adore that my male riding buddies turn green with envy over the stylish and technical outfits I get to ride in, and we have to give www.minx-girl.com a big nod for pushing that forward. That also applies to the big guys like

“Why should my bike weigh the same as my hubby’s, when he is 25 per cent bigger, heavier and stronger?” Bex Hopkins

Wiggle and Evans. We hear that another cycle retail chain is setting up a women’s section online, which we look forward to. My dream is for all womenspecific bikes to be designed and built to weigh less, so they work better for our (often) smaller size and weight. Why should my bike weigh the same as my hubby’s, when he is 25 per cent bigger, heavier and stronger? Women don’t tend to break bikes or

wheels, despite often riding hard too, so I’m hoping it won’t be too long or too expensive for my dream to realise. So, has the cycle trade done enough to appeal to women riders? Well judging by the number of women and girls we see out riding, we think things are continuing to swing in our favour and we plan on telling the girls all about it on our new website www.bikeenvy.co.uk.

Targeting the female cyclist market BIKEENVY is a new website created by former SheCycles.com editor Bex Hopkins, with Janet Birkmyre. Hopkins is a former downhill and XC mountain bike racer, and Birkmyre is a road and track racer. BikeEnvy.com includes information about what to

wear and ride and how to get the most out of riding experiences, with reviews and product information. The site also features news from around the globe, race reports, health and fitness tips, rides, social events and a forum. www.bikeenvy.co.uk

BIKEBIZ.COM

LEADING THE TREN The world’s leading trade fair and business platform for bicycles, equipment, clothing, travel and more.

Friedrichshafen, Germany

September 1 – 4, 2010 www.eurobike-show.com

DEMO DAY 10

August 31, 2010 www.eurobike-demoday.com

NDS 10

INDUSTRY OPINIONS

Boom time for UK manufacturers? Following reports of a thriving manufacturing sector in the UK, and a still weak pound, Jonathon Harker asks the cycle industry for their perspective on whether the sector is smashing expectations – or otherwise…

“I fear that UK manufacturing is not in a position to ‘smash’ a great deal at present. I believe strongly in British manufacturing’s capability, ingenuity and competitiveness, but do not believe that from one year to the next UK manufacturing can ‘turn around’. We remain one of the strongest manufacturing economies in the world (I think currently number six) but we have neglected this sector for some time and there is no quick fix. If UK manufacturing is to really become World Class, make up the ground it has lost and then look to compete with Germany, USA and China there is plenty of work to do. We need to rebrand ‘Manufacturing’ as a career so it becomes aspirational once more (most 14-19 year olds see manufacturing as grubby, low salary work, which it is anything but) and in parallel put in place outstanding education to bring on the next generation of workforce, while also developing and nurturing the manufacturing we currently have. “And how tough is it being a manufacturer in the UK at the moment? We have been very fortunate to be working in a growing sector and have seen strong demand through what has been a tough recession. My belief is that if in the UK we focus on bulk (expensive to transport from China),

BIKEBIZ.COM

degradable (such as food that needs to be produced close to the point of use) and innovative (world beaters, best in class that we are good at) manufacturing we have a lot to play for. The future for our sector looks promising but the global competition is getting better all the time so we cannot rest on our laurels.” WILL BUTLER-ADAMS, MANAGING DIRECTOR, BROMPTON “I think that UK manufacturing is still in for some tough years ahead. With the relocation of industrial heartlands abroad over a decade ago, manufacturing in the UK has undergone radical transformations. “UK based manufacturing companies simply adapted or vanished. This has led to companies embracing the manufacturing advantages of the Far East, while utilising the wealth of experience and expertise derived from many decades trading within the industry. “If you asked me personally, do I think that UK manufacturing will ever recover fully, then the answer is no. I don't think this is doom and gloom, however. More a natural migration of manufacturing due to growing foreign markets. “Companies such as Clarks have risen to these challenges and as a result are still in

business and expanding. There does seem to be more optimism in the industry this year, and we are seeing the signs of recovery and growth. Markets and market demands however are increasingly fluid and growth is directly linked to this ability to adapt and cater for these requirements. At Clarks we have been listening to our customers, and working increasingly closely with them, which has paved the way for continued product development and innovation. With new ranges including a grips range as well as hydraulic hoses through to bottle cages, Clarks has diversified and we are continuing to grow our core business in both OEM and aftermarket areas.” PAUL TOON, PRODUCT DESIGN CLARKS CYCLE SYSTEMS “The vast majority of bicycles produced for Europe and the USA are manufactured in Taiwan and China, and labour costs in these countries have been steadily rising. “Add in the uncertainties of China’s currency exchange mechanism and you start to see a trend which will continue. The UK is becoming more competitive in comparison, and this certainly factored in our decision to move a significant portion of Gocycle production over from Taiwan to the UK two years ago.

“Simply, we felt we could produce the product in the UK for equal or less than the cost to produce it abroad, but have improved control of quality, service, and delivery. “Gocycle is a hi-tech electrically powered hybrid vehicle – different from a traditional bike; this literally means it requires better

this demand is due to the supply chain re-stocking to more realistic levels after reducing stocks over the previous year. “It is difficult being a UK manufacturer. I think the number of companies manufacturing parts here illustrates that. However, we still believe we have a lot to offer in terms of quality and innovation

technology, engineering expertise and quality control than traditional welded tube bike production. Gocycle has been designed for automated production, and the UK is way ahead of Asia in this area.” RICHARD THORPE, FOUNDER OF KARBON KINETICS AND DESIGNER OF GOCYCLE

and our biggest challenge is to continually try and improve every aspect of our operation to be as efficient and as competitive as possible. I don’t believe we are suddenly going to find our labour rates on par with Asia, but we feel as long as we can continue to innovate and improve then there is an advantage to controlling the manufacturing process in-house here in the UK.” REES WILLIAMS, COMMERCIAL MANAGER, RENTHAL

“We have seen a significant increase in demand compared with this time last year. However, we feel that a lot of

BIKEBIZ JULY 15

NEWS

Press office

BikeBiz takes a look at some of the products tested and rated within the pages of the cycling consumer press…

Ride BMX

The Bicycle Buyer

What Mountain Bike

PRODUCT: Federal Lacey PRICE: £279.99

PRODUCT: Tifosi CK7 Audax Classic PRICE: £794.99

PRODUCT: Specialized Hardrock Comp Disc PRICE: £450

“The original and striking graphics have been drawn-up by Elwood Ruffle... and combined with the Ox Blood colourway make up what has to be the best looking release this year. Lately it seems that Dan Lacey can’t put a foot wrong and that’s certainly the case with this frame too.”

“It’s hard to find fault in the Tifosi’s appearance. The look is reminiscent of a classic road bike...The Tifosi is pretty, a spanking ride and it’s a bargain. People in the market for an audax, touring or winter trainer are well advised as to check out the Tifosi. Why pay more?”

“The Hardrock Comp Disc neither looks nor rides like a budget bike. It’s fast, light and engaging, because Specialized hasn’t compromised the frame or fork...With better brakes and tyres, this would be snapping at the heels of the Decathlon Rockrider 8.1.”

Publisher: Factory Media Cost: £3.50 Pages: 164

Publisher: Factory Media Cost: £3.95 Pages: 132

Publisher: Future Publishing Cost: £4.20 Pages: 212

16 BIKEBIZ JULY

BIKEBIZ.COM

In No St w oc k

The Dawn of a New Era for Electric Bikes

SRP

£1195 Inc VAT

RECRUITING DEALERS - NOW! Salisbury LPX

Lithium Polymer Battery

SRP

£765 Inc VAT

Windsor LPX

Lithium Polymer Battery

SRP

£765 Inc VAT

Lynx LPX 20”

Lithium Polymer Battery

SRP

£765 Inc VAT

01279 821243 www.

.co.uk

email: info@PowaCycle.co.uk Akhter House Perry Road Harlow Essex CM18 7PN JN-1470 15.4.09 Prices subject to change without notice. E&OE

BIKEBIZ.COM

BIKEBIZ JULY 17

BEST BUY FOCUS

Buying into the electric market Simon Jessup, GreenTech manager for Best Buy UK, tells Jonathon Harker about the new-to-theUK retailer’s ambitions and planned impact on the cycle industry… A CONSUMER electronics store stocking bikes? When the first of many planned Best Buy stores opened its doors at the beginning of May in Thurrock, Essex, the cycle industry and general public got its first glimpse of the hitherto unseen retailer’s unique electric bicycle offering. Promising to develop the e-bike market in the UK, the retailer has brought a new angle to a sector that has already been said to be ‘on the brink of big things’. “We do believe that the electric bike sector will become more popular and are working to drive the sector forward,” GreenTech manager for Best Buy UK Simon Jessup tells BikeBiz. “We’re focused on offering a wide range of products, making them easy to see and try out, as well as accessible and affordable through financial services. On top of their green credentials, they offer exemption from road tax and can be run at low cost.” “There is transition taking place in electric vehicles, with more consumers exploring how they can help with their own leisure or commuting needs.

18 BIKEBIZ JULY

“We’ve already seen a healthy level of interest from customers here in the UK and with expert and impartial advice from our Blueshirts, we can help bridge any gap from that interest to the knowledge they need in order to understand if electric transport is right for their life.” So, is the next stop domination of the UK electric bicycle market? Jessup reveals how Best Buys sees the market: “We want to help customers to make smart decisions about technology and energy use so that they can lead more sustainable lives. At the same time we are always searching for the latest and greatest technology. “These days, people are looking to cut fuel and insurance and travel costs, so we’re excited to help our customers discover new ways to make affordable, environmentally efficient transport a reality. Obviously we will be measuring this emerging market and the likelihood of our customers to adopt electric vehicles in their lives, as well as our ability to meet that demand. Success and our future

“Best Buy is committed to showing customers how the latest tech can benefit their day-to-day lives...” £349.99 The lowest price e-bike stocked by Best Buy.

8,000 The number of jobs Best Buy is planning to create in the UK over the next five years.

£49.99 The cost of delivery and setup of an electric bike to a customer’s home by the Geek Squad. In-store set up is free and set-up takes approximately 30 minutes.

6 The number of UK Best Buy stores launching in the UK this year. All will stock electric bikes.

ambitions for the market will be determined through these measures.” The retailer is not just dipping its toe into the market. Five further Best Buy stores are due to arrive in the UK before winter, all of which are due to stock the full GreenTech range of products – including everything from energy management products to solar chargers and electric vehicles. Jessup tells BikeBiz that the physical retail offering will be bolstered by an ecommerce site launching later in the year at www.bestbuy.co.uk. ELECTRIC REPAIRS WON’T SCARE OFF CONSUMERS? One of the obstacles to e-bike market growth has often been cited as a fear of expensive and complex maintenance and repairs. So, how will the retail giant plan to tackle that concern? Jessup spills the beans: “When it comes to electric transport, offering a full-service solution is important to us. Best Buy’s Geek Squad – the 24 hour technology support and advice service – can set up and assemble free in-store to ride

straight away, or arrange delivery of any brand new electric bicycle fully set up for as little as £49.99. We also offer financial services products to help make electric transport affordable for our customers. We are looking into further developing services for this product area in the future.” Best Buy’s intentions for the electric bike market came as a shock to many, but could the retailer have an even bigger surprise up its ample sleeves for the cycle trade? Would the retailer, for instance, consider stocking non-electric bikes? They would, after all, fit in with the ecological angle of the retailer’s GreenTech areas. “Best Buy is committed to championing and offering our customers the latest and greatest technology, as well as demonstrating how our customers can use innovative new technology in their every day lives. This includes how people can use electric vehicles as another mode of transport that helps save money and save energy – and this is our area of focus,” Jessup concludes.

BIKEBIZ.COM

CATEGORIES Independent Retailer Online Retailer High Street Chain Distributor - Bikes Distributor - P&A Consumer Mag

Consumer Site Bike Brand P&A Brand Product Innovation Retailer Account Manager Rising Star

Visit our website for a full list of the brands and products we have to offer - www.hotlines-europe.com For all dealer enquiries please phone us on 0131 319 1444 or email us on sales@hotlines-uk.com

ACTSMART: RIDE IT AWAY

Ride it away ActSmart explains its brand new cycle finance promotional tool, available to its Gold and Platinum subscribers in the cycle industry… IN THE FOUR months since Black Horse exited retail finance and ActSmart launched its scheme with Moneyway, the number of retailers taking advantage and increasing their sales has grown every month. There are over 400 retailers now participating in the scheme with annual finance sales over £20m and growing at a rate in excess of 30 per cent compared to 2009. Market research indicates that scheme sales can be far greater and the next stage in realising this opportunity for ActSmart members is increased consumer awareness. Increase your sales With cycle finance retailers have got a powerful sales tool at their fingertips. Their customers can get the bike and accessories they want without breaking the bank. Retailers get access to a fast, flexible solution to help win more business and maximise customer spend. National identity Ride It Away has been designed to make cycle finance instantly recognisable for consumers. The identity of Ride It Away is the

BIKEBIZ.COM

result of sector research and high demand from members. In-store visibility With consumers recognising the brand outside of retailers’ stores, they need to recognise it instore too. Ride it Away provides a great merchandising package delivering a consistent message to customers whilst being visually attractive in-store. Online shop search With over 10,000 unique visitors a month coming to The Cycling Experts website, it is important to let them know Ride It Away is available. The find-a-shop feature lets the customer know which stores offer ride it away cycle finance. The comprehensive search also feeds other popular websites, enhancing consumer traffic figures to c.250,000 per month. Brand exposure Ride It Away will be promoted at national trade and consumer shows and featured in trade and consumer press throughout the year, establishing the brand and cycle finance as a key sales tool for bicycles and accessories.

Dedicated Support The ActSmart cycle finance scheme has received very positive endorsement from users to date, with reduced subsidy rates and exceptional acceptance rates. As the scheme continues to expand, Julie Sheward (inset) has been appointed by Moneyway as national account manager, providing dedicated cycle finance support and advice to increase sales. In addition, Ian Wilson will be working with Sheward to ensure Moneyway are delivering the service to retailers. Supplier support ActSmart has gone a step further and created a scheme that allows ACT supplier members to participate with their retail partners. Suppliers can create consumer promotions for selected products and assist retailers to fund these promotions via subsidy contributions. When subsidy funding is shared, costs can be significantly reduced and linked consumer promotion can greatly benefit all parties. ActSmart has received positive feedback from

Julie Sheward

a number of supplier members who view cycle finance as an effective way in which to promote bicycle sales in partnership with their retailers. Compliance ActSmart has undertaken rigorous examination to ensure that all Ride It Away marketing initiatives conform to FSA regulations, so retailers can avoid the risk of prosecution whilst benefiting from consumer promotion and supplier support.

Retailers using their own pointof-sale material are recommended to undergo similar FSA validation. Ride It Away is available to all ActSmart Gold and Platinum subscribers in the cycle industry, regardless of turnover. For more information and to see the whole ride it away POS range visit www.actsmart.biz/ cycles/finance or call 0845 618 7256

Key Benefits

Enhanced sales Gives retailers’ cycle finance scheme a national identity In-store merchandising Online Ride It Away shop search facility Brand exposure at consumer and trade shows/events Coverage in consumer and trade press Dedicated support from Moneyway Bicycle supplier support and promotion Complies with FSA regulations

BIKEBIZ JULY 21

0RQJRRVH 0DXULFH &\FOLQJ $FWLYH $SULO Â´7KH 0DXULFH LV D FODVV\ FKDS UHVSHFWDEO\ HTXLSSHG DQG FODVV\ ZLWK LW 7KH ULGH LV D EODVW DQG D Ã&#x20AC;WWLQJ WULEXWH WR WKH %0; URRWV RI 0RQJRRVHÂµ

&DQQRQGDOH 6L[ &DUERQ &\FOLQJ 3OXV %LNH RI WKH <HDU $SULO Â´6XSHUE QLPEOH EHDXWLIXOO\ EDODQFHG KDQGOHV FRQÃ&#x20AC;GHQWO\ 7KH ZKROH PDFKLQH ULGHV OLNH D WUXH VXSHUELNHÂµ

&KDUJH 'XVWHU +L 0%8. -XO\ Â´$ JUHDW TXDOLW\ VXSHUEO\ OLYHO\ IUDPH ZHDULQJ D JUHDW FORDN RI FRPSRQHQWVÂµ

+HDG6KRN /HIW\ :KDW 0RXQWDLQ %LNH $SULO Â´6WULNLQJ OLJKW DQG LPSUHVVLYH SHUIRUPDQFH RYHU VPDOO ULSSOHV RU GURSSLQJ GRZQ OHGJ\ VWHSV WKH QHZ '/5 LV DZHVRPH 7KH /HIW\ FDQ EH ORFNHG RXW WR EXUQ XS VPRRWK WUDLO RU URDG VHFWLRQV MXVW WKH MRE IRU PDUDWKRQ UDFHUV DQG ORQJ ULGH DGYHQWXUHU H[SORUHU W\SHVÂµ

*7 &;L %LF\FOH %X\HU $SULO Â´$Q H[SHUW OHYHO F\FORFURVV ELNH GHVLJQHG WR EH UDFH UHDG\ DW D QRW WRR ZDOOHW FULSSOLQJ SULFH 7KLV PRUH WKDQ Ã&#x20AC;WV WKH ELOO IRU DQ DOO ZHDWKHU DOO WHUUDLQ PDFKLQH DQG IRU VHULRXV URDGLHV ZDQWLQJ WR VWD\ FRPSHWLWLYH WKURXJK WKH RII VHDVRQ WKH &;L LV ZHOO ZRUWK LQYHVWLJDWLQJÂµ

&KDUJH 3OXJ %LF\FOH %X\HU $SULO Â´7KH FOHDU IURQWUXQQHU LQ WKH EDWWOH RI WKH VLQJOHVSHHGV ,WÂ·V QRW RQO\ RQH RI WKH EHVW VHOOLQJ RQ WKH PDUNHW EXW DOVR RQH RI WKH ELJJHVW VHOOLQJ ELNHV RI UHFHQW \HDUVÂµ

&DQQRQGDOH 6OLFH +L 0RG 7ULDWKORQ 3OXV *ROG $ZDUG 0D\ Â´7KH 6OLFH +L 0RG ZLOO EORZ \RX DZD\ $HUR HIÃ&#x20AC;FLHQF\ ORZ ZHLJKW DQG XOWUD HIÃ&#x20AC;FLHQW SRZHUWUDLQ UHVSRQVH ZLOO SXW \RX PLQXWHV DKHDG RI \RXU H[SHFWDWLRQV 2XWVWDQGLQJO\ IDVW \HW EHDXWLIXOO\ VPRRWK WKH 6OLFH )RUFH LV D WUXH WDVWH RI HOLWH SHUIRUPDQFHÂµ

*7 =DVNDU (OLWH :KDW 0RXQWDLQ %LNH 0D\ Â´6PRRWK OLJKW DQG VZHHW KDQGOLQJ VSHHG PDFKLQH WKDWÂ·V KDSS\ WDFNOLQJ PDUDWKRQV RU GRZQ WKH ORFDO ZRRGVÂµ

e: sales@cyclingsportsgroup.co.uk Tel: 01202 732288

BRAND SPOTLIGHT SHOTZ

SportAssist CEO Steve Raven

Great Shotz! Nutrition and energy brand Shotz targets cyclists and athletes alike. Jonathon Harker speaks to Shotz distributor SportAssist to find out why the brand has the High Street fixed firmly in its sight... What differentiates SportAssist from other distributors? We have a science based operation. The team spends time testing and developing new innovations and working with athletes. We have a sport science laboratory on site where we study cyclists, triathletes and other sportsmen and women to understand what performance gains can be made by using our products. We then use the data for product development. We are passionate about the High Street. This is where we want cyclists to find our products and so we spend time developing them, sharing information with High Street retailers and work to drive consumers into these stores. Our CEO, Steve Raven, is constantly emphasising that our marketing strategy is about being ‘big on the High Street’. It is tough to balance a competitive retail price and maintain a full sustainable longterm margin for our dealers, but this is at the forefront of our distribution policy. Can you tell us the history behind the Shotz Brand? It was originally developed for endurance cyclists and triathletes in 1995, but now is used in all sports and activities. Shotz products are formulated using research from independent studies on sports performance for an unbiased approach to the design and manufacture of each product. Food technologists use it

BIKEBIZ.COM

to create products with premium quality nutrition. The Shotz crew is fussy about the type of ingredients used – for example the very low or no sugar content in each product. The Shotz Energy Gels and Electrolyte Tablets are manufactured in pharmaceutical grade factories that exceed normal food standards. The Shotz brand is respected by world-class athletes and active lifestyle enthusiasts, and represents superior product quality, state-of-the-art performance nutrition science and unparalleled customer care. How has the brand grown? Its growth has been competitive and we’ve had to be innovative with our marketing. The Karl and Todd campaign in 2009 was very successful and we still get people commenting on it today. We spend a lot of time handing samples to cyclists and athletes and discussing the products with them. Once they’ve tried our products and get good results, they’re generally customers for life. We’re currently running a voucher scheme where consumers can sample our energy products with participating retailers. It’s seeing fantastic results. Which products are performing beyond expectations? The star performer has to be the addition of a second Caffeinated Energy Gel Cola Vanilla which has 80mg of caffeine as well as

“We are passionate about the High Street. This is where we want cyclists to find our products and we work to drive customers into these stores.” Simon Bradeley, SportAssist

30g of complex carbohydrates. The electrolyte products (Lemon and Orange Vanilla) have continued to shine and appeal beyond cyclists and sportive riders, to holidaymakers and music festival enthusiasts. So what are the key corner stones of the Shotz brand? There are a few areas to focus on. Firstly, the athlete needs to be put in control. We’ve seen a lack of flexibility and innovation with brands that don’t give the athlete any control over the balance between hydration and energy consumption. All athletes are different and factors such as weather and distance play a part in creating the perfect nutrition solution. That’s why it’s

Shotz Energy Gels and Electrolyte products appeal to holidaymakers and music festival lovers, as well as cyclists and sportive riders

important to have a package that can be tailored to each one. Secondly, palatability is essential and we spend hours testing our products with athletes. One crucial factor we have discovered is that what tastes great sat in front of the TV may not taste that good when competing and training. We’ve come up with multiple taste and texture combinations so we should have something for everyone. And thirdly, portability is key. Having a solution that can be taken anywhere without the need to prepare powders is vital. How can dealers get involved with Shotz and SportAssist? Many dealers are regular riders themselves and so we offer samples to our new accounts and prospective dealers and they are always welcome to request samples before any commitment is made. Prospective dealers can register online at www.assist.co.uk, and then an account manager will work with the retailer to maximise sales and profitability. Is there anything new happening in the future? All we can say is keep your eyes and ears open for team Assist. Through 2010 and 2011 we will be assembling a very exciting racing team for the new season, and we have some very strong sponsors outside of our brands who wish to join us in this project. www.shotzuk.com

BIKEBIZ JULY 23

BRAND SPOTLIGHT HOTLINES

Crème de la

Crème With Szymon Kobylinski’s existing brands – NS Bikes and Octane One – both already established within the Hotlines portfolio, the distributor is smiling like a cat that’s got the Crème, having brought a third on board. Mark Sutton attends the UK trade launch… HELD in the heart of London's fixed gear scene in what was more or less a glass box, it's hardly surprising Hotlines had to stick a notice stating 'invitation only' to the door of Crème's London trade launch. With a bike shop and soonto-be Crème stockist next door, passing trade several times skidded in its tracks to glance into the showroom filled with the new brand's 18 models, which comprehensively cover both men and women. For most passing it would have been the striking blends of chrome and shiny powder coated paints that caught the eye, though for those lucky enough to get a closer look at the line up, the attention to detail on each build is key to Crème's appeal. On the higherend models in particular, some of which will see aftermarket frames available through Hotlines post-Eurobike, shoppers will see hidden cable-routing as standard, stylish saddles from both San Marco and Brooks, low-maintenance internal gearing only and Tange tubing, all stylishly lugged and presented with a top-quality scratch-proof paint finish. "We wanted people to take away our bikes and not have to worry about any maintenance," says Kobylinski. "These bikes are for everyday people who don't necessarily ride bikes, for people who don't need carbon and clever components. The range has been tested with non-bike people and has gone down brilliantly."

BIKEBIZ.COM

And it's a non-biker behind the design work too, adding some outside perspective to Kobylinski's vision for Crème. "Our designer who has carefully planned the colours and the chrome touches is not from the bicycle business. Previously he has designed within the kiteboarding world, so

“We want people to take away our bikes and not have to worry about maintenance. These bikes are for people who are not necessarily cyclists...” he has a really outside-the-box way of thinking about bike design." Having taken just one year to produce the line between seven dedicated staff, said to have "worked some very long days" to get Crème's catalogue of bikes to production, the first shipment is now due in stock at Hotlines by the time this magazine hits desks. Other territories are said to have already ‘gone a little crazy’ for Kobylinski's third brand. "We have customers in Japan who are super keen to receive bikes at the first opportunity. In our home country – Poland –

the locals are enthusiastic about our bikes, while south of us in Germany we also have strong dealer bookings. The UK is a massive territory for us, however, and the retailers here appear to have placed strong pre-orders based on the catalogue shots alone." In London, at least, it’s the fixed gear bicycles that have got many in a spin. "Our fixed gear (Vinyl) line are supplied with some really stylish stainless Dia Compe brake mounts should the buyer want to run stoppers, as well as a supplied brake. What's more, and perhaps a key selling point, is that we also provide two styles of handlebar with the bike, including a riser bar in the box, meaning the customer can tailor the riding position, all while maintaining the colour scheme right from the first pedal. If that wasn't enough, we also throw in leather straps for the pedals." The range is essentially split into two price points (dubbed solo and doppio) and spans three styles – the aptly named CafeRacer, the HolyMoly (town style bikes) and the Vinyl (a line of fixed gear builds). The retail price list starts at £519.99 and tops out at £849, which will see the customer take home a stylish Tange tubed, seven hubgeared, dynamo-rigged bicycle complete with racks and mudguards. If you're interested in becoming a Crème stockist, contact Hotlines sales team on 0131 319 1444.

BIKEBIZ JULY 25

MYSTERY SHOPPER

Coventry and Rugby

Rugby tackled Okay, so Rugby and Coventry’s retailers weren’t so much tackled, more like gently prodded by a Mystery Shopper eager to discover which bikes are easily smuggled aboard public transport. Was your store one of those guilty of playing hide and seek with our man of mystery...

26 BIKEBIZ JULY

Coventry Cycle Centre

Halfords

WITH A Heron logo proudly displayed above the shop entrance, Mystery Shopper wrongly anticipated that Coventry Cycle Centre would be one of many stores dedicated to the Raleigh brand. However, once in store there was a refreshing and diverse choice of brands covering most price points and sectors. Met by an assistant straight away, I proceeded to explain that my commute is to entail both train and bus journeys, to which the assistant stated nothing but a folding bike would suit my needs without causing me grief on transport. Going into further detail, the staff member proceeded to explain the various wheel sizes of folding bikes and their ability to fit into a small space, as well as covering which would get me from A to B fastest. Both tyres and gears were briefly discussed. The assistant wrapped up his sales pitch well, explaining that the store was able to order in various bags tailored to the folding market. Disguising the bike in a bag was sold as a ‘sure fire way aboard transport.’ A job well done from the first visit of the day.

DIFFERING slightly from most double-deck Halfords stores, this branch boasted a ground floor layout with signage detailing where to find the bicycles. If only the staff had proved as easy to track down as the bikes. Despite walking within a metre or so of staff members arbitrarily playing with shelf fittings, it was ten minutes before I’d grabbed an assistant’s attention. This fleeting interest in me was short-lived though, with only a brief mention of one Apollo bike, without explanation of why I should be interested in this particular model. When prompted, a folding bike was pointed at, though not talked through in any detail. Nor were any add-on components or accessories mentioned. The one piece of information gathered was that this would be “my cheapest option and should do the job for short distance rides.” Mystery Shopper could see plenty more staff who appeared to be available to handle my query, though it was my feeling that a typical customer wouldn’t give a second chance here. So out I went.

BIKEBIZ.COM

MYSTERY SHOPPER

Thornton’s Cycles THORNTON’S was located out of town and despite being the last visit of the day and nearing the closing hours on a Friday afternoon, appeared busy. Plenty of staff were on hand greeting at the entrance and thus it wasn’t long before I was approached. The assistant began his sales pitch well, leading me straight to the folding bikes, stating that public transport accepts these at all times. Once I had quoted an estimated mileage, I was prompted to look at a BMX sat next to the line of folders. Informing me that these would also work for commuting, the assistant began to become a little shaky on his logic and quickly reverted back to the more sensible folding options, demonstrating the fold on one model in my price range. Leading me over to the counter, I was told to look at the Fisher Outdoor website for Dahon stock. The temptation to correct his supplier error was great, though would no doubt have blown my cover. Luckily, it wasn’t long before the staffer corrected himself.

Hawk Factory Cycles

Bikes Etc

ACCORDING to signage, Hawk Factory Cycles appeared to deal with both trade and consumer customers, offering bulk buys, something Mystery Shopper hasn't seen previously on travels. The store was literally in Halfords’ back garden, though sold mostly bikes up to the £500 mark, roughly what the big H specialises in. Two staff were barricaded behind a counter on entry, but both were initially busy, so Mystery Shopper allowed five minutes before spotting one heading for the shop floor. The staff member headed in the direction of where I was browsing, at which point I gestured toward the folding bikes. He said “hello” and walked right on past. As first impressions go, this was confusing to say the least, nonetheless, I continued to browse. After a further five minutes the staff member returned and again passed by without offering assistance. The folding bike selection was limited to super lowend stock, so without any further reason to hang around Mystery Shopper left – thoroughly dissatisfied.

ONLY BEING allowed out of his cage once a month, Mystery Shopper was struck with envy on approach to Bikes Etc. Perched on a stool repairing a bike out in the sun, this retailer was literally among the passing trade and happily chatting to any potential custom. Due to his sun-soaked position Mystery Shopper was met straight away. The staff member explained that his store deals largely in repair and rejuvenation, though could order in many of the leading brands suited to my demands. In fact, it was, perhaps boldly, claimed that any of the bikes within these key ranges could be in store inside 24 hours of ordering. Having held my attention with discussions about bike bags and transport issues, I left feeling that the majority of my queries were answered honestly and accurately. Mystery Shopper was pleased to note that Bikes Etc’s workshop appeared busy, showing that the having a business model largely revolving around repairs and rejuvenation does appear to be lucrative, as reported previously in BikeBiz.

BIKEBIZ.COM

Summary THE CRITICISMS of Halfords and one independent this month are fairly blunt, but then again, if a customer knows what he or she wants, so too will they be if your store fails to service their needs professionally. And by blunt I don’t mean they’ll hang around to yell at you like BikeBiz ‘constructively’ does, they’ll simply walk out and take their cash elsewhere without a second thought. On both occasions I could well have been ready to buy, if only someone was actually on hand to sell the bike to me. Basic customer service is something many stores nationwide need to invest some time into. Much like those who take space at trade shows only to spend the time chatting among themselves, there’s little point in your presence unless an effort is made to show your customers some TLC.

BIKEBIZ JULY 27

28 BIKEBIZ JULY

BIKEBIZ.COM

MOBILE MECHANICS

A TRAVELLING mechanic risks losing money versus a bike shop, because of the travel. However, in a busy shop enviroment in London, it is difficult to operate a workshop effectively without

letting it drain on the resources of the shop itself. Let's say you have four mechanics, that can service five to six bikes a day. That means you have to have 20 bikes in storage a day. As everyone is aware, on top of the services, you have numerous other jobs -

including punctures, warranties and more simple repairs. Let's say this is 10 bikes. So, each day the flow of bikes into a large London workshop would be 30 bikes. This takes up a large amount of space on top of the space required by the mechanics in the first place. Now this would work okay if 30 bikes came in each day and 30 bikes went out at the end of the day, but obviously it doesn’t work like that. Space costs a lot of money and impacts on the amount of stock that can be held for the shop. On this basis, I've always thought a mobile mechanic would be an asset to a busy workshop; sorting out any of the odd jobs and then referring any larger jobs back to the main workshop. Getting the main workshop to work on services and larger repairs would increase productivity and allow more services to be booked in. Andrew Butler Go Outdoors, Sheffield

MANY OF OUR graduates from Cycle Systems Academy operate as mobile mechanics, and it is how we started out in London. We still offer the service and it continues to be very popular. I believe that quality and standard of service for mobiles is as variable as that of bike shops. Any negativity from bike shops about mobile mechanics is somewhat short-sighted, in my opinion. I'd say that in general we all benefit from the increase in cycling services in our area. Cycle parking, mobile mechanics, new cycle lanes etc. can all get people back on their bikes. Once people are back on their bikes, they are likely to spend money at the local bike shop also. Mobile mechanics are also less likely to stock a wide

variety of specialist parts, and so will turn to the local cycle shop for parts needed for certain jobs. If a bike shop suffers due to a mobile service in their area, they are probably doing something wrong in the first place. The increase in cycling is only set to continue and there is room in the marketplace for the independent mechanics, however they trade. I would say a larger threat comes from outside of the industry, as major, big money contracts are awarded for new cycling projects. They are increasingly awarded to big companies from outside the bike trade. Serco operating the London Cycle Hire scheme, BMW providing bikes to the Olympics and Adecco building and running the Leeds station cycle hub are good examples of this. Forget the mobile mechanic guy down the road, big business is encroaching on our patch and is a far bigger threat. Sean Lally Cycle Systems Academy, London

“In a busy shop environment it’s difficult to operate an efficient workshop without draining shop resources.” Andrew Butler

Tools on tour Carlton Reid asks, what do IBDs think about mobile mechanics? Good that somebody is taking up the slack, getting cyclists back on their bikes. Or bad that somebody, without premises, is nicking business...?

“Some IBDs are wholly unsympathetic. ‘Paper qualifications’, in their eyes, have nothing on time served in store...”

BIKEBIZ.COM

AT TIMES, cycling is a feast or famine affair. On a wet Monday lunchtime in November chances are I can get my local bike shop to fix my bike there and then, or at least have it ready for pick-up later that day. Try the same in the summer and I’d likely not be so lucky. In fact, I'd probably go on a waiting list. Two-week long waits are not unheard of in this business. Great for bike shops, perhaps: lots of demand. But bad for consumers, especially those with a charity ride to do three days hence or, even worse, a daily job to get to and from and for which a bike can't be booked in, it's needed the very next morning. Not all bike shops have workshop backlogs, but many do. And this is where mobile mechanics are stepping in to the breach. The training agencies offering CyTech

qualifications churn out not just mechanics for bike shops, but mobile mechanics, too. ‘Have van, will travel’. I've talked to some mobile mechanics to find out how they're doing and why they started their businesses. I also sought views from bike shops: some could see why custom that might otherwise have gone to them is now going to mobile mechanics. Other IBDs are less sympathetic, wondering about paper qualifications, but no time served in a bike shop. I also wanted to find out if mobile mechanics were as seasonally-dependent as bike shops? Do mobile mechanics have tons of work in the spring and summer and then hardly any work at all in a wet winter? And, if home-visit mechanics are a threat to bike shops, could bike shops fight back by offering their own customer bike pick-up service? Many already do.

BIKEBIZ JULY 29

MOBILE MECHANICS

I SET UP my own business when I left a big green bike shop chain after running some of their workshops for a few years. I’m CyTech 3 qualified and many of my customers are city people. They’re happy to pay me around the same as they’d pay most London shops. I’ll discuss their needs over email, arrange a date and then drive into the city, set up in

expense of getting it working. By doing this I have never yet been in the situation where I’ve trekked across town only to have the customer say ’it’s not worth it’ and I go away emptyhanded. However, I don’t have a problem with suggesting that customers go elsewhere. If they’ve got a full-sus mountainstyle-bicycle they bought from a catalogue eight years ago, I’m

“Many of my customers are happy to pay me the same as they’d pay most London bike shops...”

MANY bike shops underestimate the value of repair customers. They are only interested in sales, and then there is the staff problem. If you have enough mechanics to cope with the busy times, then you have way too many to occupy in the winter. It’s all about supply and demand. In the past couple of years we have run a booking-in system and it has been one to two weeks for a repair at peak season; mainly because of storage rather than manpower. This year we have taken a

“Storage rather than manpower can be key to extended turnaround times...” Ruth Hargreaves JD Cycles different approach and endeavoured to turn around all the small jobs same day,

therefore eleminating the storage problem. And repairs are now available within a couple of days for 99 per cent of customers, whether they are exisiting or not. And all our senior/management staff are working a six-day week; all the mechanics are on overtime, if they want it. We have a mega-busy service centre with five full-time mechanics, and part-timers in addition. Ruth Hargreaves JD Cycles, Ilkley

Pete Owen, Rat Race Cycles their car park and service all bikes brought to me that day. The customer can usually tell me the brand and age of the bike and what they’ve been using it for. I’ll happily chat to them and run through the solutions and the likely costs. I’ll detail each of the problems and the cost of each solution in parts and labour, and thus time. As a consequence I rarely work on a BSO and, if I do, the owner is prepared to pay for the

happy to send them to their local for someone else to give them the bad news. Like bike shops, it can be a very seasonal trade, but if you keep your core set of winter commuters and year-roundtraining-type customers, you can ameliorate this a little. I don’t try to ‘nick’ anyone’s business, I honestly believe I’m providing a service that bike shops can’t or won’t. Pete Owen Rat Race Cycles, London

I STARTED MY mobile service 18 months ago. I won't say it wasn't hard at the beginning - I felt like giving up at times, but didn't. If you want to make loads of dosh then this isn't the easiest way, but if you want to make a reasonable living and are prepared to put in the work then the rewards are there. I provide collection and delivery free of charge in a five mile radius of my base. Outside of that I make a charge, which is enough to cover fuel costs

website is a great source of business. Supporting local cycling events and charity rides is great advertising. And getting your van professionally signwritten is the best advertising I have got as it is seen anywhere. The 'fun' bit I found was getting suppliers on board as some didn't want to know if you weren't a shop. I now have three or four really good supportive suppliers who understand my needs and really help out. I think there is

Rob Ford, mechanic at Newcastle Cycle Centre, takes out the shop’s van to become a mobile mechanic at Dr Bike events for large, local employers

“I still do a lot of leaflet drops, as well as supporting local events in order to promote my business...” Laura Pringle Wheely Good Bicycles and is dependent upon the distance. I am upfront on this with my customers and always show it as a separate charge not hidden in all the other costs. No-one has yet complained about the charge. Some mobile mechanics have a flat rate call out fee - I don't as I think this puts people off and I don't believe in charging people for nothing. I spent a lot of time, and still do, leaflet dropping and the

30 BIKEBIZ JULY

a big boom in cycling coming and there will be a lot of work out there. Once business gets busy you can organise your day so that you aren't here, there and everywhere. Like any business start-up, you have to put in more than you are getting out initially. Trade members should feel free to contact me via my website. Laura Pringle Wheely Good Bicycles, Chorley, Lancashire

“When customers ask about new bicycles I recommend their local Independent...” Tony Sanger, Bikes Bytes

I’VE BEEN running a mobile service for ten years now. Yes, I have insurance, am VATregistered, and have the right tools and suppliers. My customers range from people in rural locations whose only transport is their cycle, as well as large family/company fleets. I must add a big thanks to bikesin-boxes, internet companies and three national cycle retailers. Is it profitable? Yes, and I’ve found that people are prepared to pay for the service. When customers ask about new cycles,

I WAS made redundant from my previous job. As a keen cyclist I very much wanted a job that involved cycle repairs so I financed myself through Cytech Level 2 maintenance course. The idea for a mobile bike mechanic business came to me when I was in a bike shop and heard a customer being quoted a wait of nearly three weeks to get their bike serviced. I felt sure that there was a market for a more flexible service that would fit around the customer's schedule. Customers have commented positively about the flexible service I can offer particularly in relation to picking up and dropping off bikes to fit around their working day. Some of my customers would not be using their bikes if they had to take them to a shop as they find fitting work and family commitments in with shop opening times and waiting lists very difficult. Jonathan Foreman Bike2Fix, Newcastle on Tyne

I recommend them visiting their local independent shop. This happens mainly after they have purchased a cycle from a multiple or internet supplier. I tend to over-estimate what may be required and this soon sorts out the people who want a service and not just the cheapest price for the job. Most people in outlying villages realise the time/effort saved by not having to cart the family fleet to town. Tony Sanger Bikes & Bytes, Sheffield

BIKEBIZ.COM

INTERVIEW CUBE

Square your Sales Now established as a very keen competitor to the UK’s favoured brand catalogues, Cube has been working at full steam this year. UK account manager Dan White tells Mark Sutton why he’s keen to embrace the demand for the manufacturer’s product in this country and why he thinks 2011’s potential for growth could far overshadow this year’s progress…

Tell us a little about Cube’s history: Cube Bikes was founded in 1993 by student Marcus Pürner. He started sourcing frames from the Far-East and trading in Europe to fund his way through his university studies, and was working from just a corner of his parents’ furniture warehouse. Today, Cube Bikes are found in no fewer than 34 countries worldwide and is rapidly becoming a major player in the specialist bike market. For the UK and Ireland, the brand is distributed by Cube Bikes UK in conjunction with One-Way Bike Industry BV, Cube’s distributor for Holland. Where are Cube Bikes manufactured, built and tested? We are proud to say all our bikes are developed and tested in and around the Bavarian Alps and the factory in Waldershof, Germany. This gives us some of the most demanding terrain on which to test our products; plenty of mud and lots of fast technical descents and climbs. I can’t think of a better place to test bikes for the UK and European markets. We have some of the world’s best terrain on which to decide if a new product makes the cut.

32 BIKEBIZ JULY

We build most of our frames in the Far East. We then ship them back to our Waldershof factory and have our guys do all the quality checks, reaming, facing and assembly. This way we can maintain total control of the finished product to ensure the highest quality standards are met while remaining strongly competitive. How many bikes now feature in the Cube catalogue and into what categories are these split? We currently have 171 models, including spec and colour options. On our website (Cube.eu), these are divided into six categories: full suspension, hardtail, road, tour, ‘Woman Like Series’ (WLS) and kids. To complement this we also have a strong range of parts, clothing and accessories. With such a vast product portfolio, we firmly believe we have the perfect bike for anyone who walks into a dealership. How can retailers interested in stocking Cube make contact? Give the office a call on 0031 180 441 350 or send us a mail on info@Cube-bikes.co.uk. We will then arrange a meeting. For the UK, there are three account

Geometry, tolerences and frame components are checked over with each batch

BIKEBIZ.COM

INTERVIEW CUBE

managers on the road and three sales support staff based in the Rotterdam office. We are already talking to a number of shops in new areas for 2011 – demand has meant that we have not been accepting new accounts for the 2010 range for some time, but we are already very excited about 2011. Are there any criteria or stock commitments needed from new dealers? Dealers must have retail premises open to the public. We run a pre-order system, but also permanently carry around 4,500 bikes of free stock. Our stock situation changes on a daily basis due to replenishment from the German factory. A bike could be built in Germany on the Monday, delivered to our Dutch warehouse on the Wednesday and delivered to our UK Cube dealer on the Friday. This flexibility allows us to react quickly to our dealers’ needs. What payment options are available to retailers? We have 30-day credit lines with settlement discounts. Where are after-sales service and warranty issues handled? After sales service is handled by our office-based support staff dedicated to the UK market. Jeroen, our warranty manager, takes care of the warranty issues. We maintain regular callcycles to visit all our dealers and provide in-depth staff training. 2011 will see the introduction of our new dealer programme, named the ‘Cube Academy’. What kind of lead-time do you have shipping bikes from the Netherlands to the UK? All orders are shipped on a premium 48-hour service with UPS and each has a full tracking facility. Orders placed before 4pm are shipped the same day. Where are Cube’s bikes designed and tested, and does any proprietary technology feature within the catalogue? All bikes are designed by our own engineers in the ‘Cube Innovation Centre’ (CIC) in Waldershof, Germany. There are several design features unique to Cube and the recent media testing outlines much of this, for example our unique ‘Frame Save System’ (FSS). However, our current DIN Plus Quality and safety controls are really quite special. The Din Plus testing far exceeds other

BIKEBIZ.COM

Secondly, our ‘Din Plus’ testing ensures we only use the best components. Thirdly, our colour schemes are hugely popular. We use colours on many of our bikes that other brands simply do not attempt – for example our ‘Teamline’ colour scheme is extremely popular, as are our gloss metallic finishes with mirrored font. Finally, Cube offers fantastic value for money across the entire range of bikes.

Dan White, one of three UK account managers European safety standards. All products and components we use must meet this standard. We are one of very few brands that can claim all their products meet this high standard.

What marketing plans do you have in place for the brand going forwards? We will continue to keep things simple. We will continue to produce great bikes at great

“We build bikes for the European markets only, meaning each will carry loads of mud clearance and geometries to suit local terrain...” Dan White Dealers can visit the Innovation Centre section of our website for more details. Cube’s territory has expanded in recent years – how has this been made possible? The growth of Cube across Europe has been overwhelming over the last ten years, but the last three have just been incredible. The quality of the product, product design and recent test results are directly related to our performance. So many riders want to be riding a different bike from the next guy on the roads and trails. Quite simply, we have forward thinking products with premium specs, designed and tested in the Alps by time-served passionate cyclists and German engineers. The UK market has been geared towards the US for too long in my opinion. I know many journalists were stunned when they tested the products. Recent reviews around the Super Litening are a fine example of this. For example, Cycling Plus recently said: “This is quite simply one of best handling road bikes we’ve ever tried.”

prices, which we find to be more effective than any marketing plan – regardless of budget. We simply would not be able to offer the same value if we were to put a team on the Tour, for example. We prefer to market on a more local scale, such as the BikeBiz Industry Awards, and by supporting our dealers and supplying them with the

material they need to sell bikes. We will maintain our strong presence, both editorial and advertorial, in the major cycling press, and we will be at selected cycling events. 2011 will see improved dealer support and even better value on our bikes. Can you assist dealers with point of sale and marketing material if needed? We can provide dealers with POS from Cube catalogues and pens, through to Cube pop-up tents, clocks and posters. 2011 also sees the introduction of a new range of staff clothing. The brand has performed well in consumer press tests – why do you think this is? Firstly, we offer great products. We build bikes for the European markets, which means loads of mud clearance and geometries that suit the local terrain.

Does Cube have any plans to expand? Obviously, we want to stay on top of our current growth. Chris Astle (UK South East account manager) and Moniek Rotmensen (internal UK account manager) joined our team in the second quarter of 2010 and we will need further recruitment in the near future. Our German colleagues are working relentlessly to meet the increased demand across Europe and there’s always plans for growth in all areas of the business. How involved does Cube get with design trends, or niche bicycle types? Cube’s styling is yet to be matched by any other brand. As I said, we use colours and styles that others simply don’t dare. Our bikes are designed with performance in mind, and with performance comes endurance. Because our bikes are built to last, so must the styling, so there is little point in using niche products that are likely to go out of fashion next season. We prefer to focus our attention on building great looking bikes at great looking prices and offering features that truly benefit the rider. info@Cube-bikes.co.uk Product testing isn’t just limited to the track. Cube’s bikes undergo strict lab tests

BIKEBIZ JULY 33

2010 SRAM Red Teams From 3 teams in 2009 to 6 professional cycling teams in 2010! SRAM has doubled the teams, doubled the riders, doubled the possibilities of yet another record breaking season. Here they are:

Team RadioShack (USA) - Top riders: Lance Armstrong, Andreas Klöden, Levi Leipheimer

Cervélo TestTeam (SUI) - Top riders: Heinrich Haussler, Thor Hushovd, Carlos Sastre

FRAME: Trek / GRUPPO: SRAM RED www.teamradioshack.us

FRAME: Cervelo / GRUPPO: SRAM RED / WHEELS: Zipp http://testteam.cervelo.com

Team Astana (KAZ) - Top riders: Alberto Contador, Oscar Pereiro, Alexander Vinokourov

AG2R La Mondiale (FRA) - Top riders: Cyril Dessel, Rinaldo Nocentini, Nicolas Roche

FRAME: Specialized / GRUPPO: SRAM RED / WHEELS: Zipp www.astana-cyclingteam.com

FRAME: Kuota / GRUPPO: SRAM RED www.cyclisme.ag2rlamondiale.fr

Team Saxo Bank (DEN) - Top riders: Fabian Cancellara, Andy Schleck, Frank Schleck

Team Milram (GER) - Top riders: Gerald Ciolek, Linus Gerdemann, Fabian Wegmann

FRAME: Specialized / GRUPPO: SRAM RED / WHEELS: Zipp www.team-saxobank.com

FRAME: Focus / GRUPPO: SRAM RED www.team-milram.de

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

WWW.SRAM.COM

BRAND SPOTLIGHT KANSI

The unfolding potential of commuter cycling... A thriving commuter market has made folding bikes ever more attractive for firms in the cycle trade. Fisher Outdoor’s Martin Hawes tells Jonathon Harker about the genesis of Kansi, and what’s next for the brand… What sparked the creation of Kansi? It was created by a group of riders who realised that folding bikes were actually more relevant to their busy lifestyles than they had ever previously acknowledged or appreciated. The existing folding bike options on the market didn’t appeal to them, so they decided to invent their own with ride quality and style being key to their designs. Fisher has been able to spec the bikes for the UK market and has implemented an exemplary spares programme that minimises service issues that may otherwise lead to downtime. In this, we’re confident that we are providing a superior quality and reliable product that will maximise riding time for end users. This has been one of the defining reasons why we have seen the brand so readily accepted at dealer level. What considerations were made in the design? Most importantly this is a bicycle for bike riders. It has to weave through traffic and along cycle lanes. It has to cope with manhole covers, potholes and kerbs. Geometry is key here and, as such, it was carefully designed to offer the best possible solution and ride-ability. Also, it has to fold small enough to fit in a cupboard or to

BIKEBIZ.COM

carry on to a packed train, so detailed care and attention was given to the folding design. The result? This is a folding bicycle that rides like a bike – it banks when it turns rather than twitches. It responds when it is pedalled and the cockpit is optimised for a wide range of heights and body shapes. It should

may just be the one to change their minds. Kansi is establishing itself as the brand that opens the market up to a far wider audience. Is there a single USP or particular qualities that mark Kansi out as unique? The Kansi box, the geometry and the ability to fully service the

“We have been approached by retailers, press and consumers all eager to find out more about the brand. Word is certainly spreading fast.” Martin Hawes, Fisher Outdoor Leisure be, and is, an absolute joy to ride – not a compromise between a bike and a storage solution. As a new brand, how will Kansi establish itself? Since its first pre-production appearance at Expo 2010 in February, we have been approached by retailers, press and consumers, all eager to find out more about the brand. Word is certainly spreading fast. You will see a marketing and PR campaign over the coming weeks through all the usual channes. Also the Kansi website has been launched and has already generated a lot of enquiries from consumers who said they’ve never wanted a folding bike before, but that this

the brand, so no problems with trying to sell last year’s model. We have a fantastic supply chain established with the brand and short lead times. Many parts are being held as regular stock items, so spares backup is excellent. For the consumer, not only do they get a great bike, but the Kansi box is incredible. By simply registering the bike, they can extend the warranty to three years, and they will also receive a complementary Kansi box to use if they want to. It equips the owner with a customising kit that radically changes the personality of the bike in very simple but effective ways.

How will after-sales support be carried out? We have a dedicated warranty dept for our customers and the consumer should be in contact with their dealer for service and aftermarket parts. In short, my three-word answer would be ‘effectively and efficiently.’ What are the dealer benefits of stocking the brand? High margins and excellent spares support, as well as no internet sales. We see Kansi having substantial brand loyalty among end users, thereby keeping them coming back for more. www.kansi.co.uk

hinge, make this range stand out. This is why the bikes are currently two-tone painted. Who else is able to do this on a folding bike? Will you be concentrating your efforts on consumers or retailers in particular? And how will you pull them in? Both. We believe that retailers and consumers are equally crucial to the brand’s success. For retailers we insist that the bikes are picked up in-store only. This is not an internet brand and we strongly believe that the ownership experience should start with a close relationship between the retailer and consumer. The margins are high and for IBDs, one of the biggest benefits is that there is no model year to

BIKEBIZ JULY 35

CYCLELIFE LICHFIELD Cyclelife Lichfield Freedom Cycles is co-owned by Gary Coulson and Phil Whiting. Gary and Phil’s wife Debby run the store and employ a part timer to cover busy periods and holidays. Phil is not occupied with the sales and repairs side of the business but is involved with Gary in the overall decision making. Gary spent ten years in the RAF as a technician followed by eleven years as a new car salesman. During the latter years he saw the car trade flatten and a rise in interest in cycling. Being an avid cyclist and with his sales experience gained in previous employment his interest in opening a bike shop began. The idea was not just to run a bike shop but offer the complete cycling experience, involvement with the local community, advice on the right bike, family rides in addition to sales, service and repairs. He had no idea how to get things underway so he started

and other Raleigh employees Sam Birkin and Lewis MacClelland who gave up their free time to help prepare the shop in readiness for opening ”. Debby in particular is extremely focused on marketing the store. They place monthly adverts in the local press as well as taking part in all National campaigns which include flyers delivered to residences in the locality and over one hundred full page adverts per year. in the cycling press and other lifestyle magazines. They have also taken advantage of discounted rates offered for group advertising eg. Yell.com. One of their customers is Matt Gee one of the Raleigh Avanti Team Riders. He is a local lad with loads of potential and respected by other local riders. Freedom Cycles took the opportunity to sponsor Matt which has been a great advert for the shop. The store is partnering with the local Council to provide Cycle Proficiency testing in the area. The council are funding the training for both Gary and Debby to become instructors. When asked what advice Gary would give to prospective franchisees he said “You will not find another franchise that gets so much support from a manufacturer. Everything is so unbelievably easy with Raleigh. Neither of us had a great knowledge about bikes but Raleigh know everything and can teach everyone eg. We had no experience of how to merchandise a shop but the Raleigh staff took us through this step by step. Listen to your local rep, he will advise on product and promotions. Be sure you want to run your own business, do not

be afraid to ask for help and be prepared to work hard. It is not difficult to be happy in business when you have the back up”. Plans for the short term future include cycle hire and building reputation and profit. Long term aims are to open a larger second shop. To top off a fantastic first year Freedom Cycles were presented with the New Cyclelife Retail Partner of the Year 2009 award at the annual Raleigh Heron Club Gala Dinner. “We were over the moon. It was great to get the recognition from Raleigh for all the hard work we had put in. The award meant a lot to us”. Final thoughts from Gary are “I don’t go to work anymore, I get up to go out and play”.

by contacted various manufacturers – Giant, Falcon and Raleigh. The decision to go with Raleigh rather than another brand was down to the attitude and enthusiasm of Raleigh staff. Being local to the area they already had thoughts on the best locations. The old offices at Lichfield Bus Station were available and were thought to be ideal for the business. With a huge number of potential customers passing through the bus station everyday and with parking to the front of the shop it seemed the perfect opportunity. “The support we have received from Raleigh has been excellent in particular we would like to thank Paul Wignall

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

New store opportunities We are looking for independent bike dealers in various locations throughout the UK to join the Cyclelife Partner network. Target Towns – Aylesbury, Bath, Bedford, Brighton, Catterick, Lancaster, Lincoln , Newcastle, Norwich, Oxford, Warminster, Watford, Target Locations –Cornwall, Derbyshire, Devon, Dorset, East Anglia, Gloucestershire, Isle of Wight London, North Nottinghamshire, Somerset West Midlands, Worcestershire, Scotland, Wales, For more information please contact Paul Wignall at Raleigh on 07730 666647 or email paulwignall@raleigh.co.uk

www.cyclelife.com

BIKEBIZ AWARDS 2010

0 1 0 2 S D AWAR

How to win a BikeBiz Award The BikeBiz Awards return on Wednesday October 6th. This year the categories have been tweaked slightly and the number of awards has been increased, honouring the companies that have had an outstanding 12 months. With lobbying now open – and due to close on Wednesday July 14th – we explain the criteria for each category and how to go about winning one of the coveted awards…

Platinum Sponsor

Event Partner

BIKEBIZ.COM

ON WEDNESDAY July 14th lobbying ends for the 2010 BikeBiz Awards. So, depending on when you are reading this, there are only a few days to make your voice heard and ensure that the right companies are finalists for the UK cycle industry awards. If you’re now wondering how exactly this lobbying process works, then wonder no more... Over the course of the next five pages we’ve got an in-depth guide on how to win a BikeBiz Award, detailing what type of companies are eligible for what kind of awards, the judging criteria and how you can make your opinion heard. When the lobbying process ends, the finalists will be decided and revealed at the end of July. And after that it’ll all be in the

hands of at least 50 industry executives who will deliberate, cogitate and hopefully not come to blows as they decide who is deserving of the accolades and pick out their winners. Those winners will of course be revealed at the BikeBiz Awards event at Sway Bar, Great Queen Street, London on Wednesday October 6th. Speaking of which, this year’s event has got the weighty support of cycle manufacturer Cube Bikes, Platinum Sponsor, and integrated EPOS and Ecommerce solution provider Citrus-Lime – Event Partner for the 2010 awards. “As a multi-national company we are delighted to be supporting the BikeBiz industry awards,” says account manager

Dan White. “It’s great to mark the hardworking, forward thinking companies within the industry and we are all looking forward to the evening.” Citrus-Lime MD Neil McQuillan enthuses: “CitrusLime is proud to sponsor the BikeBiz Awards 2010, recognising the achievements of the industry in the past year.” “We’re delighted to be supporting an awards programme that celebrates excellence as it complements Citrus-Lime’s commitment to provide IBDs with the best Integrated EPOS and Ecommerce solution on the market.” So don’t delay, take a look over the next few pages and let us know who you think deserves a BikeBiz Award before July 14th.

BikeBiz Award Categories 2010

Independent Retailer Online Retailer High Street Chain Distributor – Bikes Distributor – P&A Consumer Magazine Consumer Site Bike Brand P&A Brand Product Innovation Retailer Account Manager (voted for only by retailers) Rising Star (a business that has grown/developed significantly in the last 12 months)

Finalists for each award will be announced on BikeBiz.com on July 30th.

BIKEBIZ JULY 37

BIKEBIZ AWARDS 2010

The Venue

The Sway Bar Situated a short walk from Holborn London Underground station, the Sway Bar is the setting for the 2010 BikeBiz

Awards. You can find the swanky bar at 61-65 Great Queen Street, London, close to Somerset House.

The Categories Independent Retailer Who is eligible for this award? This award is open to any specialist cycle retailer. Entrants for this category must have ten or fewer stores and must not carry out their retail business exclusively over the internet. How is this award won? BikeBiz will take soundings from the industry and consider any direct lobbying from retailers, suppliers or general readers before announcing a set of Finalists on Friday July 30th. The winner is voted for by the Judging Panel, which will consist of at least 50 industry executives taken from all sectors of the business. Members of the jury vote in confidence and are only revealed after voting is complete. They cannot vote for themselves or associated companies.

38 BIKEBIZ JULY

Judges will consider the following criteria: Customer service Product knowledge Range and in-store merchandising How do I make my opinion heard? All BikeBiz readers can put forward a particular independent retailer simply by emailing their nomination to Jonathon.Harker@intentmedia.c o.uk by Wednesday July 14th with a brief summary of why you think the retailer has had an outstanding 12 months. Last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s winner: Condor Cycles Online Retailer Who is eligible for this award? This award is open to any retailer, offering product to consumers through the online

channel exclusively, that has a significant online offering of bicycles and accessories. How is this award won? BikeBiz will take soundings from the industry and consider any direct lobbying from retailers, suppliers or general readers before announcing a set of Finalists on Friday July 30th. The winner is voted for by the Judging Panel, which will consist of at least 50 industry executives taken from all sectors of the business. Members of the jury vote in confidence and are only revealed after voting is complete. They cannot vote for themselves or associated companies. Judges will consider the following criteria: Reliability Range User interface

Commitment to an orderly marketplace How do I make my opinion heard? All BikeBiz readers can put forward a particular online retailer simply by emailing their nomination to Jonathon.Harker@intentmedia.c o.uk by Wednesday July 14th with a brief summary of why you think the retailer has had an outstanding 12 months.

suppliers or general readers before announcing a set of Finalists on Friday July 30th. The winner is voted for by the Judging Panel, which will consist of at least 50 industry executives taken from all sectors of the business. Members of the jury vote in confidence and are only revealed after voting is complete. They cannot vote for themselves or associated companies.

Last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s winner: Wiggle High Street Chain Who is eligible for this award? This award is open to any High Street chain stocking bicycles and/or accessories.

Judges will consider the following criteria: Customer service Product knowledge Range Commitment to an orderly marketplace

How is this award won? BikeBiz will take soundings from the industry and consider any direct lobbying from retailers,

How do I make my opinion heard? All BikeBiz readers can put forward a High Street chain BIKEBIZ.COM

SUPER LIghtweight, TIGHTLY WOVEN YARNS and POCKETS Full of proﬁt. Dare 2b’s new SS2011 collection is available for order now. Your customers will be eager to get their hands on this range of dynamic, high-tech kit. Leaving you to get your hands on all the proﬁts. Contact us now on sales@dare2b.com or call 0161 749 1348.

welcome to our mountain

BIKEBIZ AWARDS 2010

simply by emailing their nomination to Jonathon.Harker@intentmedia.c o.uk by Wednesday July 14th with a brief summary of why you think the chain has had an outstanding 12 months. Last year’s winner: Evans Cycles Distributor – Bikes Who is eligible for this award? Any distributor of bicycles active in the trade. How is this award won? BikeBiz will take soundings from the industry and consider any direct lobbying from retailers, suppliers or general readers before announcing a set of Finalists on Friday July 30th. The winner is voted for by the Judging Panel, which will consist of at least 50 industry executives taken from all sectors of the business. Members of the jury vote in confidence and are only revealed after voting is complete. They cannot vote for themselves or associated companies.

Finalists on Friday July 30th. The winner is voted for by the Judging Panel, which will consist of at least 50 industry executives taken from all sectors of the business. Members of the jury vote in confidence and are only revealed after voting is complete. They cannot vote for themselves or associated companies. Judges will consider the following criteria: Speed of service Order fulfilment Customer service Product condition After sales support Commitment to an orderly retail marketplace How do I make my opinion heard? All BikeBiz readers can put forward a particular P&A distributor simply by emailing their nomination to Jonathon.Harker@intentmedia.c o.uk by Wednesday July 14th with a brief summary of why you think the P&A distributor has had an outstanding 12 months. Last year’s winner: Zyro

Judges will consider the following criteria: Speed of service Order fulfilment Customer service Product condition After sales support Commitment to an orderly retail marketplace How do I make my opinion heard? All BikeBiz readers can put forward a particular bike distributor of bikes simply by emailing their nomination to Jonathon.Harker@intentmedia.c o.uk by Wednesday July 14th with a brief summary of why you think the bike distributor has had an outstanding 12 months. Last year’s winner: Madison Distributor – P&A Who is eligible for this award? Any distributor of bicycle parts and accessories active in the trade.

Consumer Magazine Who is eligible for this award? Any consumer-facing bicyclebased magazine.

The Awards night also provides the trade with chance to share a beer

sectors of the business. Members of the jury vote in confidence and are only revealed after voting is complete. They cannot vote for themselves or associated companies. Judges will consider the following criteria: Compelling editorial Circulation development Design Independence and integrity of reviews How do I make my opinion heard? All BikeBiz readers can put forward a particular consumer magazine simply by emailing their nomination to Jonathon.Harker@intentmedia.c o.uk by Wednesday July 14th with a brief summary of why you think the magazine has had an outstanding 12 months. Last year’s winner: Singletrack

How is this award won? BikeBiz will take soundings from the industry and consider any direct lobbying from retailers, suppliers or general readers before announcing a set of

BIKEBIZ.COM

Consumer Site Who is eligible for this award? Any consumer-facing bicyclebased media website.

BIKEBIZ JULY 41

BIKEBIZ AWARDS 2010

Last year’s BikeBiz Award winners, voted for by the cycle industry, included Singletrack, Madison, BikeRadar.com, Evans Cycles, Zyro, Condor Cycles and Wiggle. Will any of these fine fellows pick up an award this year? You decide...

You can lobby for this year’s BikeBiz Awards right up until the lobbying deadline of July 14th

42 BIKEBIZ JULY

BIKEBIZ.COM

BIKEBIZ AWARDS 2010

All BikeBiz readers can put forward a particular P&A brand simply by emailing their nomination to Jonathon.Harker@intentmedia.co. uk by Wednesday July 14th with a brief summary of why you think the P&A brand has had an outstanding 12 months Product Innovation Who is eligible for this award? This award is open to any cyclerelevant product launched in the last 12 months.

All BikeBiz readers can put forward a particular consumer site simply by emailing their nomination to Jonathon.Harker@intentmedia.co. uk by Wednesday July 14th with a brief summary of why you think the site has had an outstanding 12 months. Last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s winner: BikeRadar Bike Brand Who is eligible for this award? This award is open to any bicycle brand. How is this award won? BikeBiz will take soundings from the industry and consider any direct lobbying from retailers, suppliers or general readers before announcing a set of Finalists on Friday July 30th. The winner is voted for by the Judging Panel, which will consist of at least 50 industry executives taken from all sectors of the business. Members of the jury vote in confidence and are only revealed after voting is complete. They cannot vote for themselves or associated companies. Judges will consider the following criteria: Commercial success Innovation Marketing Performance How do I make my opinion heard?

BIKEBIZ.COM

All BikeBiz readers can put forward a particular bike brand simply by emailing their nomination to Jonathon.Harker@intentmedia.co. uk by Wednesday July 14th with a brief summary of why you think the bike brand has had an outstanding 12 months P&A Brand Who is eligible for this award? This award is open to any bicycle parts and accessories brand. How is this award won? BikeBiz will take soundings from the industry and consider any direct lobbying from retailers, suppliers or general readers before announcing a set of Finalists on Friday July 30th. The winner is voted for by the Judging Panel, which will consist of at least 50 industry executives taken from all sectors of the business. Members of the jury vote in confidence and are only revealed after voting is complete. They cannot vote for themselves or associated companies. Judges will consider the following criteria: Commercial success Innovation Marketing Performance How do I make my opinion heard?

How is this award won? BikeBiz will take soundings from the industry and consider any direct lobbying from retailers, suppliers or general readers before announcing a set of Finalists on Friday July 30th. The winner is voted for by the Judging Panel, which will consist of at least 50 industry executives taken from all sectors of the business. Members of the jury vote in confidence and are only revealed after voting is complete. They cannot vote for themselves or associated companies. Judges will consider the following criteria: Creativity Uniqueness Impact on the sector Popularity How do I make my opinion heard? All BikeBiz readers can put forward a particular product simply by emailing their nomination to Jonathon.Harker@intentmedia.co. uk by Wednesday July 14th with a brief summary of why you think the product has had an outstanding 12 months. Retailer Account Manager (voted for only by retailers) Who is eligible for this award? Any manufacturer or distributor account manager who regularly deals with cycle retailers is eligible for this awards. How is this award won? BikeBiz will take soundings from the industry and consider any direct lobbying from retailers, suppliers or general readers before announcing a set of Finalists on Friday July 30th. The winner is voted for by the Judging Panel, which will consist of at least 50 industry executives taken from all sectors of the business.

BIKEBIZ JULY 43

BIKEBIZ AWARDS 2010

The UK cycle trade gathered in numbers at last year’s BikeBiz Awards for a chinwag and to see first-hand just who would be going home with one of the industry awards

Members of the jury vote in confidence and are only revealed after voting is complete. They cannot vote for themselves or associated companies. Judges will consider the following criteria: Product knowledge Depth of advance information Customer care Communication How do I make my opinion heard?

Cycle retailers can put forward a particular retailer account manager by emailing their nomination to Jonathon.Harker @intentmedia.co.uk by Wednesday July 14th with a brief summary of why you think the account manager has had an outstanding 12 months. Rising Star (a business that has grown/developed significantly in the last 12 months)

Who is eligible for this award? Any business from the bicycle industry is eligible. How is this award won? BikeBiz will take soundings from the industry and consider any direct lobbying from retailers, suppliers or general readers before announcing a set of Finalists on Friday July 30th. The winner is voted for by the Judging Panel, which will consist of at least 50 industry executives taken from all

sectors of the business. Members of the jury vote in confidence and are only revealed after voting is complete. They can’t vote for themselves or associated companies. Judges will consider the following criteria: Growth over the last 12 months Performance over the last year Reputation

How do I make my opinion heard? BikeBiz readers can put forward a particular business by emailing their nomination to Jonathon. Harker@intentmedia.co.uk by Wednesday July 14th with a brief summary of why you think the business manager has had an outstanding 12 months.

The countdown has begun… FINALISTS FOR each award will be announced on BikeBiz.com on Friday July 30th, and will be listed in a special finalists feature in the September edition of BikeBiz. Following the all-important judging process (see page 37) the cycle industry is invited to come along to the 2010 BikeBiz Awards event at the swanky

44 BIKEBIZ JULY

Sway Bar, Great Queen Street, Holborn, London on Wednesday October 6th. Tickets to secure entry to the event will be available solely to the trade and will cost only £10 per head. Tickets will be allocated on a first-come, firstserved basis. As well as access to the 2010 BikeBiz Awards themselves, and

providing chance to network with the movers and shakers of the cycle industry face-toface, the ticket also furnishes bearers with three free drinks vouchers and access to a buffet.Entertainment and casino tables will also be provided on the night after the Awards have been given out to the industry winners.

2010 S D R A AW To buy trade tickets, please email Carly.Bailey@ intentmedia.co.uk or call her on 01992 535647.

Carly Bailey can also supply details on available sponsorship opportunities at the BikeBiz Awards 2010.

BIKEBIZ.COM

/QNkS채VHSGNTS채/TMBSTQDR

2TODQRONQS /KTR

3NTQHMF /KTR

"XBKNBQNRR /KTR VVV BNMSH SXQDR BN TJ

"NTMSQX /KTR

TERRITORY REPORT CANADA

North of the border While average Winter temperatures in its capital Ottawa can plummet to a decidedly frosty -17°C, the Canadian cycle market is anything but frozen. Jonathon Harker finds there’s more to the country than mountain biking and maple syrup…

“Since bikes are part of discretionary spending, an improving economy bodes well for our industry and surveys of IBDs show optimism...” Janet O’Connell, BTAC

46 BIKEBIZ JULY

WHILE CYCLING has, to a large extent, avoided the casualties seen in other industries during the global recession – unlike the financial, retail and housing sectors – the trade has, in some territories, suffered more than others. Notably, the US cycle market has taken something of a beating from tighter purse strings, seeing imports at their lowest since 2002 at the start of 2010. Happily though, the Canadian cycle market is, according to industry statistics, one of the territories that has bucked the credit crunch, with figures from the Bicycle Trade Association of Canada (BTAC) revealing that the IBD marketplace for bicycles

grew by almost $30million at retail in 2009. Generally Canada has not felt the recession as keenly as other territories, which has been to the benefit of the country’s cycle industry, says the BTAC’s executive director Janet O’Connell. She tells BikeBiz: “We didn't face the same economic downturn as most other major economies [in Canada]. People held off on major purchases – like cars, but were buying smaller items – like bikes.” O’Connell adds: “Cycling in Canada benefits from a stronger economic climate, an awareness of the environment and also of health and fitness issues. There is also an increasing awareness

of the importance of cycling at local levels of government. The growth in awareness makes bikes an attractive option.” Kona founder Jacob Heilbron has a slightly more guarded outlook on the current state of the Canadian cycle trade, however, warning that the market has challenges to overcome. Heilbron tells BikeBiz: “BTAC’s extrapolated statistics reports represent less than 75 per cent of all suppliers [ED: There’s more on the BTAC figures in the boxout], so I don’t believe the situation is as rosy as some believe. While retailers and suppliers are relatively stable, there was a significant

oversupply of bikes into the Canadian market in 2009. The inventory levels are finally retreating to normal levels.” CANADIAN CHALLENGES Heilbron also points to the need to drive consumer demand for higher quality, and more expensive bikes. He says: “The strong Canadian dollar is keeping prices low for consumers here. At the same time, demand hasn’t increased considerably, while the costs of operating in Canada continue to go up every year. The challenge for retailers and suppliers is to direct their customers into better quality, higher priced bicycles.

BIKEBIZ.COM

TERRITORY REPORT CANADA

STATS AND IBDS FIGURES collected by the BTAC reveal that while bicycle unit sales dropped slightly for Canadian IBDs in 2009 (by 7.55 per cent), values increased with dollar sales up 13.77 per cent. Average Unit Prices (AUPs) were up in almost every category and sub-category, with a 23.07 per cent increase for 2009. According to the results, the road sector posted yearon-year growth in units of 14.83 per cent in 2009, with the hybrid sector growing 2.63 per cent in units and the youth bike market flat at -0.84 per cent. Value comparisons were hugely positive, however, with road up a huge 32.96 per cent, and significant gains for hybrids (up 15.41 per cent), and the youth sector (up 10.25 per cent).

“The federal government went into deficit during the last couple of years after 15 years of surplus, so the tax structure will once again become more onerous. The provinces of Ontario and British Columbia have been sales tax exempt for bicycles but are bringing in a harmonised sales tax (HST) which will drive up the cost to the consumer by seven per cent after July 1st.” O’Connell sees increased competition and changing local communities as a challenge for the Canadian cycle trade: “Big box moving to higher priced models to compete more with IBDs, also MEC (Mountain Equipment Co-op), youth obesity and continuing battle to get more bike-friendly communities.” And there are other even more familiar challenges that will strike a chord with the UK trade. Rocky Mountain Bicycle’s general manager, marketing and sales Charles J Russell elaborates: “The main challenge for a manufacturer/distributor is the same as it is for the bicycle

BIKEBIZ.COM

Consumer confidence BTAC exec director Janet O’Connell says of the results and their impact on the trade: “Our data collection programme shows a trend by consumers toward higher quality bikes, which is very positive for the IBD sector.” The BTAC estimates that its figures come from data from 90 per cent of IBD bicycle suppliers. Inventory was significantly higher than in 2008, but dropped through Q4 2009, affecting Average Unit Prices and probably represents end-of-year clear outs. The organisation notes, however, that inventory figures are taken from some suppliers only, and may not represent an accurate picture of the entire Canadian marketplace. Statistics reproduced with the kind permission of the BTAC.

shop: margin. Like most consumer goods there is always downward pressure on pricing. The other area that is challenging is inventory. We want to make sure we provide the right amount of inventory to support the demand in the marketplace.” Russell adds that aside from local challenges, the market close at hand has been a boon for a company like Rocky

our dealers across Canada. This support has allowed us to grow our brand outside Canada to a point where sales are almost the same as they are domestically.” While Canada is well known for its mountain bike market, the growing industry has seen a shift in popularity, with other sectors currently providing the most growth, says Janet O’Connell: “Hybrid and Road are showing the most growth. The

“We are a domestic supplier to the marketplace, started in Vancouver near 30 years ago. We get fantastic support from our dealers across Canada.” Charles J Russell, Rocky Mountain Mountain: “We are a domestic supplier to the marketplace. Rocky Mountain Bicycles started in Vancouver, building mountain bikes almost 30 years ago and we get fantastic support from

mountain bike sector continues to be static and is seeing a decline in lower priced models.” For a company that specialises in mountain bikes, that shift is clearly something Jacob Heilbron, Kona founder

that has to be responded to, as Rocky Mountain’s Russell notes: “The area that is growing most rapidly is the urban or commuting sector. We are predominantly a mountain bike brand, but we have responded and continue to respond with our own approach to this growing sector.” LOOKING AHEAD The apparent strength of the Canadian market is, the industry naturally hopes, a solid foundation for future growth while the globe recovers from its economic woes. However, Kona’s Jake Heilbron has some reservations about the local market’s short term future: “Canada has traditionally been two to three years behind the times when it comes to our economy. The last few years say our country has a solid financial outlook. History says we’re due for a fall. The only reasonably accurate prediction I would make is that Canada's soccer team won't move higher in the world rankings than our current #63.” But while some industry voices are nervous about the future, and also about making predictions, others have a more positive outlook. One such respected industry voice is that of the BTAC exec director Janet O’Connell. She concludes: “As the global economy continues to improve, Canada should be at the forefront. “Since bikes are part of discretionary spending, an improving economy bodes well for our industry and our surveys of IBDs show strong optimism for the industry.”

CANADA ESSENTIAL FACTS: POPULATION: 34,130,000 (2010 estimate) CAPITAL: OTTAWA GDP: (per capita) $38,668 THE PUNDITS: Janet O’Connell, executive director, BTAC Jacob ‘Jake’ Heilbron, founder and COB, Kona Charles J Russell, general manager, marketing and sales, Rocky Mountain Bicycles

BIKEBIZ JULY 47

PEOPLE AND RECRUITMENT Send your recruitment news to

mark.sutton@intentmedia.co.uk

Cube bolsters UK team with two new recruits Ian Collins takes on role at Renthal following factory visit Longserving Butler leaves Paligap Dale Hall succeeds role Cube boosts telesales support

48 BIKEBIZ JULY

CUBE Cube UK has appointed a new account manager for the Southern region and additional telesales support for UK customers. CHRIS ASTLE started his career during his marketing studies with the energy drinks company Red Bull and is a keen cyclist. “After completing my studies I am delighted to be working with such a successful brand, and I look forward to being part of such a close-knit team,” he said. Astle can be reached on castle@cube-bikes.co.uk. MONIEK ROTMENSEN also began her new position with the company on April 1st. Rotmensen joined the telesales team in the Dutch office and, alongside Wildrik, is the main

Chris Astle contact for UK customers for inquiries and ordering. Moniek has been a fanatic road cyclist since the age of eight and has previously been on the Dutch national team. Cube’s sales manager, BART VAN DEN BIGGELAAR, said: “We

Moniek Rotmensen are extremely excited to have such enthusiastic and talented individuals joining the team to maintain and improve our strong growth in the UK market. The extra support now available will be highly recognised by our UK dealers.”

PALIGAP ANDREW BUTLER is leaving Bristol-based distributor Paligap after nine years as sales director and one of the owners of Paligap. Day-to-day running of the sales team will now be overseen by DALE HALL. Hall rejoined Paligap in January, having run his own business in the motorcycle industry for four years. He’ll become sales manager, looking after the internal and external account management team. Everyone at Paligap wishes Butler all the best for the future. Andrew Butler can be contacted via his email address: Mr.andrewbutler@hotmail.co.uk. RENTHAL IAN COLLINS has joined UK bicycle parts

BIKEBIZ.COM

PEOPLE AND RECRUITMENT

People & Recruitment is Sponsored by Halfords

manufacturer Renthal, which is distributed by Ison. Ian has nearly 20 years experience working in the cycle industry in a career that has spanned retail, race team mechanic, distributor sales, warranty, marketing and the media. His last role was a twoyear stint as technical editor for Future Publishing’s MBUK. Ian was first introduced to Renthal in May last year, when he visited the offices and production facility in Stockport to cover a feature for MBUK magazine, staying in touch with them for the next 12 months to help out with technical advice. After leaving MBUK at the end of 2009, there was a chance meeting in a bike shop with

BIKEBIZ.COM

visited them and to now be involved at the forefront is hugely exciting for me. Renthal have huge plans for growth in the cycle industry and it’s an awesome opportunity for me to contribute to that progression.”

Ian Collins Renthal’s Rees Williams and Mike Mohacsi, just as they were seeking a full time employee to head up the Cycle Products division. Collins told BikeBiz: “I was seriously impressed with the Renthal operation when I first

HOTLINES The distributor has appointed KRIEN DAWSON into the new role of UK national sales manager. Dawson joins Hotlines after years of experience gained in the international bike trade, bringing strategic thinking (and wild ideas, according to Hotlines), focusing on the sales and needs of the most progressive IBDs in the UK. Dawson is relocating from the French Alps – where he has been based for seven years – for the

Krien Dawson new position. Born into Holland’s bike culture, Dawson has grown up riding bikes. Although Dawson has spent recent years abroad, he’s no stranger to the UK bicycle business. He started working in the industry in busy Oxford

commuter shop BeeLine before moving on to Bristol MTB shop Mud Dock. He then went on to join Madison and rose to become Shimano product manager during his stint there. Most recently, Dawson has been product and then general manager with French brand Vario Bikes and more recently with the European arm of Mountain Cycle. “Krien Dawson has been appointed to the newly-created role of UK national sales manager to enhance all levels of our business internally and externally,” explained ILLY ANASTASI, Hotlines’ general manager. Krien can be contacted at krien@hotlines-uk.com or via the office on 0131 319 1444.

BIKEBIZ JULY 49

50 BIKEBIZ JULY

BIKEBIZ.COM

RETAIL ONLY

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

RETAIL COMMENT “SO MANY retailers are scared off by the ever-changing BMX market when they needn’t be, we’re here to help.” Those are the words of one bicycle motocross distribution head honcho keen for retailers to embrace a sector conquering new peaks each and every year. It is, however, an intimidating niche to take first steps within, assuming none of your staff are involved in any form of freestyle. It seems many fear the fickle nature of the typical customer and his or her brand (or even rider) loyalties. Furthermore, there are also hundreds of mix and match colours available, as well as specialist and online competition to contend with. For those brave enough, though, there is a massive opportunity to reap the rewards given the scale of this ‘new era’ of BMX. With a little guidance from distribution staff, who are typically BMX/jump riders themselves, there’s very little chance you’ll be sat on stock for long. The resurgence is no doubt largely down to most UK towns now having some kind of facility to support freestyle BMX or skateboarding. Then again, no shortage of hard work has gone into reviving the scene by the country’s dedicated distributors, which week-in, week-out are investing in promotion, sponsorship and ‘jams’ – all of which are drawing new

“Getting personally involved with the local scene is something that no amount of advertising can match when developing store loyalties...” audiences to cycling. Even the dedicated retailers are getting involved. Some are opening skate parks, some knock out video content of shop riders, others are taking on distribution contracts, while almost all are heavily involved with mingling among the local scene and getting to know their customers. Take this month’s profiled dealer, for example. Having opened a long overdue BMX store in London, owner John Dye has his own components brand, sponsors a team which promotes Volt BMX outside the city and is a regular at the local skate park. The latter point, Dye says, is ‘rewarding’ and something no amount of advertising could match in terms of developing a loyalty to his businesses. Granted, having an up close and personal relationship with some of the more ‘difficult’ customers won’t be everyone’s cup of tea. However, the majority of riders in the sector are in their teenage years, a bracket that one BikeBiz forum poster recently stated “often make more sense than their crazy parents, even if they are occasionally incoherent”. Most are easily influenced too. Show them your store’s commitment to 20-inch bikes and components and you could soon be setting the local trends. Support a local talent or two and this promotion is further enhanced. Mark.Sutton@intentmedia.co.uk

IN THIS MONTH’S ISSUE STORE PROFILE: VOLT

London’s first dedicated BMX store, run by Bicycle Union brand-owner John Dye, gets a grilling from BikeBiz...

BMX SIMPLIFIED

Continuing the 20-inch theme, BikeBiz asks around the UK’s various distributors for a few stock recommendations...

CYCLE COMPUTERS

Flick to 59 for a run-down of the latest performance and entry-level cycle computers...

IBD PROFILE

Volt BMX

Danger, Danger,

High Volt-age! Address: 2 Cazenove Road, London Opening Hours: 10am until 6pm, Monday to Saturday

Telephone: 0207 275 8660 Web: www.voltbmx.com Email: info@voltbmx.com

Many 20-inch enthusiasts will remember John Dye from his days at Cyclone Cycles, others may know him as the founder of the Bicycle Union brand. Now, he will be known as the proud new owner of London’s only BMX dedicated store. Mark Sutton swings by to hear all about his latest venture…

“I think we’ve created a smooth atmosphere that seems to be drawing riders from all over the city, as well as the surrounding area.” John Dye

BIKEBIZ.COM

HAVING TAKEN on a derelict retail space without a roof last October, the early days of London’s first BMX specific store were spent rushing together some sort of structure on which to build John Dye’s vision of what a BMX store should look like. Hundreds of teabags later and with plenty of handyman work from shop rider Jimmy Rushmore, Volt stands out on an otherwise dull Stoke Newington street. “The building had been derelict for over 17 years and was a total shell,” says Dye. “Everything you see in-store was built by United and Bicycle Union rider Jimmy Rushmore, who also kindly lends his name to our five-man shop team. Rushmore has just this month scored the cover of Ride BMX UK magazine, too” Now settled and with word spreading around London’s BMX riders, the store is doing well for an upstart, especially given that

Dye confesses he had little idea of what to expect from his own store. “I was working with Cyclone Cycles for over 11 years, though the first month or so was still quite a scary experience as we didn’t know what to expect. I think we’ve created a smooth atmosphere that seems to be drawing riders from all over the city, as well as the surrounding area. We are BMX focused, though for the most part we won’t turn away repair jobs, so we do get passing trade too.” Volt’s atmosphere is slightly reminiscent of the old Cyclone days, with a few chairs set out for waiting customers and some reggae music lending an upbeat vibe to the store. However, a few quid off purchases in exchange for making a brew or three, as Cyclone occasionally did, may have to wait until the business has settled further. “We’ve been trying to organise a BMX jam for a while

now to promote our business further, though we’re not having much luck with being granted permission by the local council,” explains Dye. “This is just one of many ways I’m hoping to get the Volt name out there, along with magazine promotion and also through our shop riders.” Internet sales are something that Dye anticipates will become a far bigger part of the business as word gets out. However, it’s trade within the city that has mainly spurred Volt’s creation. “A couple of big-name riders have moved into the area from the north, which has really boosted the already strong London BMX scene. A few skate parks have also sprung up in recent years, many of which are within a borough or two of Volt – namely Camden and Finsbury Park’s concrete offerings. While the sun’s out we make a point of hitting these after a hard days work and mixing with the locals.”

Bicycle Union

Dye has more to promote than just his store, though. As well as being a regular contributor to Ride BMX UK, he’s also the mind behind the now global Bicycle Union brand, which is carried in the UK by 4Down Distribution. This means that, even in the days before Cyclone Cycles, a large part of Dye’s schedule was and still is dedicated to the design and manufacture of the brand’s catalogue of hard and soft goods, which can be seen over on www.bicycleunion.com

BIKEBIZ JULY 53

BMX BIKES AND ACCESSORIES

Pull some sales stunts The facilities are there to support BMX, the Olympics is just round the corner, thus the 20-inch sector has plenty going for it. Mark Sutton picks up some hot tips from a variety of wholesalers on which products are turning heads…

Seventies IT’S BEEN A busy year so far for Seventies, new brands have come on board, its sponsored riders have placed well in contests and again dealers will have benefited from a 30,000 copy print run of the distributor’s catalogue. Amongst the perks of dealing with Seventies, dealers will find strong margins and competitive retail pricing, large stock quantities for peace of mind, protected territories, free shipping on orders of two bikes or more, as well as flexible

payment terms. One of the newly added brands within Seventies’ stable is The Make. Having been knocking out soft goods and DVDs for many years, the firm has branched into hard goods such as sprockets, bars and frames. The team issue frame is called the Cat ‘O’ Nine Tails and is available in black, green or grey and with 20.5 or 21-inch top tube lengths. Retail price is £239.99. Onto complete bikes, Seventies can provide builds from Subrosa, Hoffman, Kink and finally, a 26-inch ‘beach cruiser’ from Macneil. Kink’s 2011 stock is now arriving at Seventies in a number of drops and one key price point is met by the £274.99 Curb. Improved from last year’s model, the Curb now features the all popular 25/9 gearing and a 20-inch top tube for the younger rider. The Curb is available in black, teal or pearlescent white. 0845 3103670

Cycling Sports Group AS ONE of WeThePeople’s most popular models, the £599.99 Volta gives dealers a good return on sales. The Volta is one of the two elite bikes from Wethepeople. This is an off-the-shelf pro bike and is kitted out to live up to it – larger 8.2-inch tall bars, a 21-inch 4130 CrMo frame, Wethepeople tyres and increasing amounts of high-end éclat parts. These include the ‘Unit’ U-brake, ‘Swift’ brake lever, éclat X-Odus double wall welded rim on the back, éclat ‘Gonzo’ pivotal seat and ‘Surge’ plastic Pedals. Not to forget the 48-spline Salt pro crank. High specced bikes mean wellbalanced weights and the Volta comes in at a reasonable 23.8lb. CSG is having plenty of success with the budget line of Xposure components too, proving there’s a healthy market for upgrades at various price points. The £19.99 Clutch Stem

from Xposure is a front load stem made from 6061 Aluminium with cold forged side cut-outs and a centre bore for maximum weight saving. What’s more, it’s available in four colours and only 303 grams. If your customer wants something a bit more top-end, then the Eclat catalogue is well worth a look. The Gonzo pivotal seat, for example, has been redesigned from the ground up to prevent breakage. Up top, the front of the seat is shaped with a slight downturned nose end to reduce the stresses of harsh landings; while underneath, the saddle features thicker, redesigned struts for the same reason. 01202 732288

The UK’s largest Cycle Show returns to Earls Court from October 7th to 10th 2010. Call Upper Street Events on 0207 2886443 for booking details.

BIKEBIZ.COM

BIKEBIZ JULY 55

BMX BIKES AND ACCESSORIES

Moore Large THERE’S BEEN plenty of changes with Haro over the last 12 months and with the appointment of new USA based BMX brand manager, Allan Cooke, the 2011 range is looking sharp. Moore Large’s Haro Bikes brand manager Adam Garner has selected and tweaked the models best suited to the UK market, as well as taking on board trade feedback on previous ranges. The 2011 range see focus on one complete series of street/freestyle BMX bikes. The brand’s latest focus is on one series of bikes that are available in different top-tube lengths from beginner to pro. Whatever budget your customer has to spend, Haro will be able to offer the sizes you need in stock. Heading into 2011, Moore Large’s catalogue will see a very similar range of race bikes from the Micro Mini to a

Scoop

Cruiser, as well as an all-new ‘Pro’ Model. Moore Large continues to support a UK-based Haro race team. 2011 Premium Products complete BMX bikes will also be available from

Madison

Big BMX

SHIMANO is back making an impact in the world of BMX racing components. Two crucial parts received a tweaking and improvement for 2010/11. The hubs, while not visually different from their predeceasing model, actually get a new, faster engaging micro ratchet freehub system with an anti-pop body for reliable gate starts. Each also features a new stronger steel axle. As these were introduced as running changes, the hubs are in stock now and shipping to dealers. Front hubs will cost £94.99, while rear cassette hubs cost £199.99. Shimano has also developed new cranks, retailing at £299.99. These will be arriving a little later on in the year and feature a re-profiled spider, which primarily helps drop 85 grams in weight, but keeps the legendary levels of rigidity and stiffness that DXR cranks are reknowned for. The cranks also feature a narrower Q-factor for smooth pedalling and optimum power transfer. 0208 385 3385

Split Second

01934 743888

SPLIT SECOND Imports has been distributing BMX bikes and parts since 1993. The firm currently carries four BMX brands; Ruption, Stolen, Eastern and Blank. Stolen is an English-owned, brand, which is based around responding quickly to trends. The Stolen ‘Stereo’ complete, with 25/9 gearing, matt frame/anodised rims at £279.99, is one of the best sellers this year. The ‘Score’ and ‘Cheater’ models are also the only bikes currently in the BMX industry which offer 22/8 micro-gearing.

56 BIKEBIZ JULY

September. The range includes a new Key price point model between the ‘Solo’ and ‘Duo’ and also a new brakeless design. 01332 274200

ALIENATION has only been running for the last three years and is widely known for being a rim manufacturer, due to its OEM commitments. The brand now also has a catalogue of components. Scoop currently has stock of a range of limited edition 7up Delinquent Rim in five powder coated colours. These rims, often specced in custom builds, are made from a

HAVING HIT stores in April, the Big BMX is touted as something more suited to those needing something more comfortable than 20-inch wheels having hit adulthood. Using 26-inch wheels, it’s not strictly a BMX, though uses roughly the same geometries seen on more traditional BMX bikes. Big BMX founder, Carl Tatum, comments: “The Big BMX is extremely versatile. The short seat tube and long seat post allow it to be ridden comfortably and safely by both adults and children.” Due to the lack of unnecessary components on the bike, the Big BMX is very lightweight and low maintenance. One selling point is based around the bike’s ability to be customised. The front end easily accepts a suspension fork, should the rider wish to go off road. The 135mm cassette hub is also compatible with a derailleur gear system. 0800 783 8278

Groove BMX

01279 451677

RETAIL and newly-formed distributor Groove BMX of Harlow has recently linked up with a Swedish components brand called 42BMX. The highlight of the catalogue has to be the brand’s unique ‘plastic pedal’. The thin, yet wide platform has a sandwich construction with a low-friction inner core, coated with a stronger plastic outer body. The bearings differ slightly from most pedals, using stronger, untraditional inner components.

Coyote Sports

0161 727 8508

COYOTE SPORTS offers a wide range of BMX and freestyle-suited products, including brakes, stunt pegs, wheels, helmets and many more products. The comprehensive range of wheels includes ten and 14mm 48-spoke wheels in black or silver, as well as pairs of coloured BMX wheels carrying a micro ninetooth driver. 10mm front and 14mm rear wheels are available in shades including black, white, purple, yellow and blue.

BIKEBIZ.COM

BMX BIKES AND ACCESSORIES

high-grade of alloy 7003. The latest rim addition is the Skylark, an aero shape rim, which Scoop has been having trouble keeping in stock, due to the demand, especially for the new anodized purple shade. Scoop is hoping that the next big product to hit the market will be the brand’s new sliding pivotal seats. Alienation has come up with the way to make the pivotal fit more people and fine tune that seat to just the right position by adding a

sliding rail that still allows the same angle positioning as a regular pivotal. Scoop also carries a line of King Kong items covering gloves, shin and knee pads, ankle guards and helmets. King Kong’s Silver Back knee pads are slim and designed for wearing underneath trousers. Anatomically shaped, the padding provides maximum security combined with maximum freedom of movement. 01462 650741

Reece Cycles BIRMINGHAM BMX stockist and supporter of the race scene, Reece Cycles carries the largely successful Free Agent brand. Backed by competition winning racers, the brand has heavy input from riders at the top of their game. One such model with this professional input is the Team Limo, the very same bike used by Olympic Gold Medalist Maris Stromsbergs. A fully pro specced bike off the peg, it features a 6061 hydro-formed frame and Free Agent’s own alloy/cro-moly composite forks.

Raleigh Ison ISON REPRESENTS KHE Bikes which has produced some of the more cuttingedge product to come to market in recent years. The superlight folding tyre is one example of this and is widely used by many top pro riders. They are the lightest folding BMX tyres available and come in street, dirt and park-suited versions. KHE also has a fantastic range of complete BMX bikes with a spec and price to suit all. Ison’s in-house brand Gusset also has some quality parts for the BMX market such as the Pigmy 853 three-piece cranks. Basically, they are stronger than

Snap Distribution

cro-moly cranks but weigh in much lighter at a featherweight 481g for the arms due to the use of Reynolds 853 tubing. ODI’s Longneck ST grips claim to be the world’s best-selling BMX grips and now come in a host of colours. Just launched are the Longneck XLs, which are a whopping nine-inches long, meaning they can be cut to size. ODI also has a full range of lock-on grips, including the Stay Strong Stephen Murray grip. TSG is popular among BMX riders who use protection. Now the firm has launched the ground-breaking Kraken, which features a flexible inner that actually conforms to the rider’s head. 01353 662662

01424 420033

SNAP DISTRIBUTION is the Source BMX shop’s distribution arm and exclusively carries Intense BMX, Intense BMX tyres, Sinz, Sinz Elite and Twenty in the UK. Snap’s Rich Moore tells BikeBiz: “We strive to make life easy for our dealers via our website which offers product specs and photos, as well as real-time stock levels and online ordering for next day delivery. We’re always on the look-out for new accounts so please get in touch if you’d like to discuss becoming a stockist.”

BIKEBIZ.COM

Mint

ADVANCED BMX component maker Affix continues to grow in the market for 2010. Aftermarket Affix components will soon be seen on 2011 BMX completes by Norco, KHE, Deluxe, Stereo Bikes, Mongoose, SE Bikes, GT and Diamondback. The now famous patented stem clamp system, designed by renowned manufacturer KHE, has been joined by a range of professional level hubs. A rear cassette hub (RRP £79.99), a front Tiny hub (RRP £39.99) and a rear freecoaster hub (RRP £129.99) all carry the quality and innovation of the complete Affix range. With a micro nine tooth driver and a 14mm hollow alloy axle, the Affix

01274 418608

AS ONE OF the fresher faces on the UK BMX scene, Mint is already making strong progress with the UK’s retailers, especially since picking up the Coalition brand. The distributor’s main selling point, however, remains Stereo complete bikes, which given the demand for BMX completes, places Mint in a strong a position. Stereo’s range is pretty tidy too, covering a variety of price points - £299 to £619 – the builds are slap bang in the best-selling price points.

Shiner

Onto freestyle, the manufacturer knocks out some equally capable product. The Stilletto is just one of the jump-ready bikes in the line-up and, as with most modern BMX bikes, carries 25/9 gearing. The ‘Jalapeno green’ bike is loaded with modern design tweaks, such as a pivotal saddle set up, touch double wall Weinmann Goliath rims and a mid BB. Free Agent also manufactures a 24inch wheeled freestyler called the Devil 24. Essentially this is just a big BMX and carries a similar spec to the Stilletto. A pdf of the Free Agent catalogue is downloadable on the brand’s website at freeagentbmx.com. 0121 622 0180

freecoaster is a must have item for any rider with a taste for riding in reverse. Sealed bearings are standard, making this a professional level hub packed with technology. The complete Affix range is available from Raleigh UK. 01773 532600

0117 955 6035

SHINER DISTRIBUTION handles race brands SE Racing, Redline, (which now manufacturers freestyle bikes) and the entire Verde BMX line. Cinema Wheel Co, from the owners of Verde BMX and the DUO brand, has also joined Shiner. The firm’s aim is to produce quality, affordable wheels and wheel components that can withstand the demands of today’s riding. For more details and info about becoming a Cinema Wheel dealer, please contact toby@shiner.co.uk.

BIKEBIZ JULY 57

58 BIKEBIZ JULY

BIKEBIZ.COM

CYCLE COMPUTERS

OK computer Whether it’s checking your incline, your heart rate or even working out how the hell you’re going to get home, cycle computers are established tools of the trade for leisure, commuter, road and virtually every other type of cyclist under the sun. Jonathon Harker examines some of the latest products…

Cateye CYCLE INDUSTRY stalwart Cateye has been in the business since the ‘40s, and unleashed its first cycle computer way back in 1981. Available to the trade through Yorkshire-based distributor Zyro, Cateye offers up a range of wireless and wired cycle computers – as well as its wide ranging cycle light lines. New from the firm on the cycle computer side is the V3 Triple Wireless, priced at £109.99 SRP, providing digital speed, heart rate and cadence. This wireless cycle computer is capable of processing speed, distance, heart rate and cadence information using cross talk-free 2.4 ghz digital wireless technology.

Cateye’s V3 measures current, average and maximum heart rate and cadence, as well as diet-enhancing calories expenditure. The V3 displays all that info clearly and simultaneously, providing cyclists with all the essential data at a glance. The V3 Triple Wireless has a range of additional features too, from a 99 lap counter and data review to countdown distance functions. It automatically recognises a second bike and includes an all-important backlight for low-light conditions. For more on the V3 and the rest of the Cateye range head on over to Zyro’s trade site www.zyrob2b.co.uk or call on the number below. ZYRO: 01845 521 742

CycleOps CYCLEOPS’ Joule cycle computers, from Saris – and available via distributor Paligap – was designed for cyclists who train with power. The cunning cycle computer range can be used as is targeted and specific as required by the rider, promising to provide the precision and effectiveness necessary to perform at all times. The Joule offers up an intuitive and customisable dashboard for managing all the metrics a cyclist could want. At any given time a rider can see power, heart rate, speed, time and various other basic data. The Joule cycle computer also provides a series of eight reports that, according to Saris, have never been available before. Each of those aforementioned reports have been

Garmin

ETC

GARMIN IS one of the best known brands in cycle computing and its Edge 500 is now available with a more neutral black fascia via distributor Madison. Developed with Garmin’s sponsored athletes, including Team Garmin Slipstream, this bundle includes the Edge 500 head unit and ANT Plus cadence with heart monitor sensors, all for £199.99 SRP. The 500 is half the weight of the Edge 705, with a smaller unit size and pareddown navigation tools to focus on GPS assisted training data. The Edge 500 itself is a unique GPS-enhanced cycle computer that provides extensive and accurate data, making it an invaluable training buddy. Completely wire-free, it is easy to install and tracks the movements of the rider using one of those trusty high-sensitivity SiRF GPS receivers. The large screen can be backlit

AT THE value end of the market ETC, also available from Moore Large alongside Knog (see page 60), offers a range of bicycle computers. The Nine-0 22-function computer comes in three different colours; red, black and white. The models offer automatic start/stop and power on/off, km/mile options and all are packaged with resin-protected sensor and bracket. The Nine-0 computers are small, strong and boast waterproof structures with two rows of LCD display – and all for a mere £19.99 RRP. The Nine-0s also measure current speed, odometer, scan, speed pacer, two-bike memories, odometer bike half, temperature, calories and a handy backlight. Moore Large also stocks a comprehensive range of Sigma computers and heart rate monitors, with the 2010 range available. For

at night for easy viewing and customised so the cyclist doesn’t have to sift through irrelevant data to get to their required info. It is also compatible with third party ANT Plus-enabled power meters. A special limited edition of the Edge 500 – replete with Team Garmin colours – comes complete with a free Team Garmin replica jersey. This bundle, priced at £279.99 SRP, also includes an ANT Plus cadence sensor and heart rate monitor, boasting all the features of the standard Edge 500. MADISON: 0208 385 3385

created with the help of experts and cyclists to ensure the data is relevant and grouped logically, making it easier and quicker to summarise rides. Each report details rides in the context of how they compare to previous rides over key physiological time frames like two weeks, four weeks, eight weeks, six months and a year. The reports are available before, during and after rides, providing info when it is required. CycleOps and Paligap offer up the Joule 2.0 and 3.0, with the former (pictured) priced at £399 RRP with the heart rate strap, or without for a mere £359.99 RRP. For more details on pricing, and the differences between the models, contact Paligap on the number below. PALIGAP: 01179 823 673

more details on those, or on the ETC O-Nine cycle computers, contact the Derbyshire-based distributor directly at the email address below. MOORE LARGE: sales@moorelarge.co.uk

The UK’s largest Cycle Show returns to Earls Court from October 7th to 10th 2010. Call Upper Street Events on 0207 2886443 for booking details.

BIKEBIZ.COM

BIKEBIZ JULY 59

CYCLE COMPUTERS

Knog THE QUIRKY Knog brand, available from Moore Large, manufactures a wide range of cyclespecific product, not least of all a set of cycle computers under the N.E.R.D name. Bringing the inimitable Knog style to the sector, the N.E.R.D computer range includes nine and 12-function products. Both follow in the footsteps of Knog’s unique lights with wraparound silicone casing, making setting up the device an incredibly simple task. The wireless transmitter makes use of the same silicone strap casing, with only a wheel magnet requiring the attention of a trusty screwdriver. It’s just as quick to remove too, so when cyclists lock up their bikes they can remove the N.E.R.D at speed and with ease.

O-Sync THE O-SYNC Mini series – available from distributor Extra – is pitched as the small ‘big one’, which at first appears a cryptic description, until you look at the features of the Eurobike 2009 Gold Award-winning product. Despite a compact construction and an ultra-light weight (a mere 18gm) the Mini has a huge two-row, easy-toread display with a simple ‘push on’ and ‘easy touch’ activation that makes flicking through the nine functions a breeze. The Mini is available as a wired computer (the Mini Save) – for £21.99 RRP – or wireless (the Mini Feee) at £29.99 RRP.

Timex TIMEX’S GLOBAL Trainer was designed to be sturdy enough to handle an Ironman triathlon and tough stage races. Featuring GPS to track speed, distance and pace, the Global Trainer also has optional heart rate and cadence sensors and can be used with third party power sensors using

60 BIKEBIZ JULY

The silicone casing also acts as waterproof protection for the head unit and transmitter. There is not a single button on that head unit – instead the screen acts as one big button where the face can be pressed to scroll through the functions. The nine-function N.E.R.D covers speed, clock, average speed, max speed, trip distance, relative speed gauge, total ride time, auto scan and odometer. The 12-function also sports a multi-bike selection (accumulated speed and distance data for two different bikes can be stored), distance per day and display backlight. Retail prices are £53.99 or £59.99 for the 12-function version. MOORE LARGE: sales@moorelarge.co.uk

Also up from O-Sync is the Macro series. The feature-packed range all feature a large ‘edgeless’ display for readability and more space for data. A three-button-control allows easy navigation through the functions which cover everything from time, speed, distance, odometer, lap time, temperature and much more. A ‘bikefast switch’ allows easy switching between two pre-configured bikes and an optional remote control allows hands-free scrolling through the functions, such as on a cyclists’ aerobars or beside the shifters. The Macro all offer up a whopping 200 hours of recording memory too. EXTRA: orders@extrauk.co.uk

ANT+ wireless tech. It records up to 100 GPS waypoints to help cyclists find their way home or create custom routes. A customisable display shows up to four windows of information so riders can monitor pace, distance, split time and heart rate all at same time. Resistant to 50m (or 165ft in old money) the Global Trainer also comes with desktop software that makes it easy to customise and manage training sessions, compatible with PC and Macs. ANT technology eliminates cross talk with other heart rate monitors and custom heart rate target zones help maximise performance – whether the rider is aiming to burn fat or train for a race. Handily, visual and audible alarms alert the user to when they fall out of the zone. For more details on the Timex Global Trainer, head over to Assist’s site. ASSIST: www.assist.co.uk

Memory Map THE ADVENTURER 2800 is ready to use straight out of the box and, according to Memory Map, consistently outperforms rivals, making it the ideal choice for those after a GPS device to display real time positioning on detailed full colour topographic maps. It’s a bold claim, but the Memory Map Adventurer 2800 comes packed with features, and all in a featherweight 135g package (including battery). A full colour 2.8 inch touch-screen is high res for a vibrant and sharp display. The Adventurer 2800 has a 50channel high sensitivity receiver which provides a fast lock as soon as the unit is switched on and promises to keep the signal strong and clear, even

Sigma Sport SIGMA SPORT’S Rox 9.0 is the firm’s topof-the-line all-singing, all-dancing (so to speak) heart rate monitor and bike computer. Available to the trade through distributor Greyville, the Rox 9.0 is a feature packed cycle computer with, according to Sigma Sport, just about every feature you could possibly imagine. Besides measuring altitude, inclination and temperature, the newly developed digitally encoded three-channel wireless STS (Sigma Transmission System) makes it possible to use several

Topeak TOPEAK’S Panoram V10 – available through Extra – is a ten-function computer with a large, easy-to-read display with three lines of information at a glance. Priced at £22.99 RRP for the wired version (and £42.99 RRP for the wireless – the V10x) the V10’s large single button is easy to operate, even with chunky gloves. A versatile multi-angle mount allows for perfect placement for a clean cockpit. Weighing a mere 24g for the computer only, the V10 also sports an auto sleep feature to prevent needless battery drain.

in those pesky built-up and wooded areas. The unit comes with selected British National Parks included on Ordnance Survey Landranger 1:50,000 mapping. And as if that wasn’t enough, the 2800 comes with 10,000km2 of Digital Map Shop credits – allowing consumers to choose their own areas of mapping for anywhere in Great Britain. Naturally the Adventurer 2800 is both weatherproof and rugged, much like the fine readers of BikeBiz. MEMORY MAP: 0844 811 0950

sensors, such as pulse measurement, speed and cadence transmitter – and all at the same time to boot. No tools are required to install the Rox 9.0 in true Sigma style, making setting up simple, linear and quick. Coming complete with a Sigma docking station and Data Center software, it covers trip data, average/maximum heart rate and heart rate zone information. That info can be clearly displayed in a graphical form and evaluated in detail on a PC, providing vital data on performance and the info needed for cyclists to identify where and on what they can improve on. You can find out more about the Sigma Sport Rox 9.0 by contacting Greyville through www.greyville.com, email at sales@greyville.com or phone. GREYVILLE: 01543 251328

Also up from Topeak is the Panoram V10c, with all the functions of the V10 but with three additional cadence features. Naturally the 13-function computer includes a wired speed sensor and wireless cadence sensor as part of the package. Measuring current and average speed, the V10c notes maximum speed, trip distance, average ride time, low battery indicator and a 12/24hr clock. Featuring a speed pacer indicator the V10c provides data on current cadence (RPM), average cadence (RPM) and maximum cadence (also RPM). The V10c retails at £62.99, available from Extra. EXTRA: orders@ extrauk.co.uk

BIKEBIZ.COM

BIKEBIZ MAY 13

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

Cycle Systems responds...

No place for pipes and beards? “I just have to put pen to paper regarding the back page of the June issue of BikeBiz and the Cycle Systems Academy advert…” FOR THE past 25 years I have, I believe, been one of those people who have been instrumental in bringing the cycle industry into the 21st Century. I have been the ACT president for many years, I have written pages of articles about the cottage industry image we once were viewed. Mr John Somers is no doubt a very nice person, but a pipe in the mouth, smoking, is certainly not a

healthy image. With the scruffy beard, the profile picture, I have to assume, was taken so that the 1940s brown overall could not be seen. All that is missing is the oily rag and dirty hands! Is this the image of a modern cycle dealer or a mobile repair man for the industry in 2010? The area in which he works [Chesham] is full of wealthy upper class homes,

Mercedes, Porches and Ferraris on the drives. These people are no doubt too lazy and tight to take their bikes to the local cycle shops, thus require a mobile repair service, but please! Cycle Systems Academy needs to change the image. Or, just let Cytech take over who, after seeing this ad, must be laughing out loud. David Wilsher, Mission Cycles

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 receive Oxford’s super duper new Magnum U Lock with £1,000 anti-theft guarantee.

62 BIKEBIZ JULY

Email: Jonathon.Harker@ intentmedia.co.uk

THANK YOU David for your informed feedback. We decided to use portraits of our students for a couple of reasons: firstly, to show the people ‘behind the brand’ who travel through the doors of our Academy to change their lives/careers or improve their skills. We find them inspiring. And the fact that they come in all shapes, sizes, ages, and with varying degrees of facial hair, we hoped made the photos interesting. Secondly, we are passionate about helping our graduates in any way we can, whether through job placement, finding them paid work, help with setting them up in their own business, or just giving them

media exposure – which an advert on the back of BikeBiz of course gives. With regards to the image of bike mechanics – we feel equally that cycle mechanics should be taken seriously as a profession. We do our bit towards helping achieve this in two ways – make them good (i.e. our Academy) and pay them well (i.e. our service arm.) And if Cytech is having a laugh at our adverts – well surely that’s a good thing? A little humour goes a long way. PS – By the way John, who is a sensitive chap, has gone and had his hair cut. Julia Lally, Director, Cycle Systems

From the Forum... Regulation needed for Bike Fit studios? “GOT A phone call from a customer last Saturday afternoon. He had taken the 58 cm pro-geometry Madone 5.2 that he bought from us a year ago to such a studio in Milton Keynes where he had been charged £185 in order to be told that we had actually sold him a 56cm bike which was too small for him, being 6ft 1inch tall. This because the half-wit fitters-mate who ‘helped’ him looked the model up on the Trek website and couldn’t understand the sizing diagram! He actually reached the conclusion that the Madone frame size is measured along the top-tube, FFS. As a believer in the benefits of a good bike-fit I now wonder if some sort of regulation is needed and if the ACT should consider it? Plainly, there are

some cowboy outfits out there and that won’t do the rest of us any good at all. We are fortunate that the customer called us and didn’t just take their word for it.” Freewheel “Of course these places are going to find fault, that’s how they make a living. We have had similar cases ourselves with a customer leaving £140-plus parts to be told his top tube is too short and he needed a longer stem. Upon seeing the bike again it had the same length stem on it as when sold. After seeing the ‘footage’ of his fitting we could see his riding style was making the bike look too small. Instead of fixing the technique, the customer was sold a £90 stem.” Big Al

BIKEBIZ.COM

BIKEBIZ JULY 63

2pure 0131 448 2884 www.2pure.co.uk

Eurobike Ltd 01332 774796 www.eurobike.uk.com

DISTRIBUTOR

Otagocyclesport 07939 543016 www.otagocyclesport. co.uk

Seventies 0845 3103670 www.seventies.co.uk DISTRIBUTOR

DISTRIBUTOR

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

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

Fat Spanner 07966401165 www.fatspannerworld. com

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

DISTRIBUTOR/MANUFACTURER

MANUFACTURER/DISTRIBUTOR

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

Paligap Ltd 01454 313116 www.paligapltd.co.uk

DISTRIBUTOR/IMPORTER

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DISTRIBUTOR

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

DISTRIBUTOR

Parklife (Havant) Ltd 02392 475895

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

IMPORTER/DISTRIBUTOR

Pashley Cycles 01789 292263 www.pashley.co.uk

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

MANUFACTURER/DISTRIBUTOR

DISTRIBUTOR/MANUFACTURER

Peter Dobbs Design and Print Services 01482 224007

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

MANUFACTURER/DESIGN & PRINT SERVICES

EPOS

DISTRIBUTOR

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

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

Qoroz 01453 889204 www.qoroz.co.uk MANUFACTURER

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

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

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

Trek Bicycle Corporation 01908 282626 MANUFACTURER

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

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

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

DISTRIBUTOR

Saddleback Ltd 01454 299965 www.saddleback.co.uk

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

DISTRIBUTOR

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

EVENTS AND EDITORIAL PLANNER

Editorial Planner

UPCOMING EVENTS

SPOTLIGHT

TOUR DE FRANCE Saturday July 3rd-25th Holland, Belgium, France

August

www.letour.fr

COMPLETE BIKES BICYCLE LIGHTING Editorial Deadline: July 9th

July 2010 Advertising Deadline: July 14th

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

SEPTEMBER 2010 Children’s Bikes and Accessories Carrier Racks Cycle Show Preview Editorial Deadline: Aug 6th Advertising Deadline: Aug 11th

OCTOBER 2010 Clothing and Accessories Cycle Show Special Editorial Deadline: Sept 3rd Advertising Deadline: Sept 8th

NOVEMBER 2010 Stocking Fillers Trailers and Trailer Bikes Cycle Review BikeBiz Awards Review Editorial Deadline: Oct 8th Advertising Deadline: Oct 13th

TOUR DE FRANCE Saturday July 3rd – 25th Holland, Belgium, France www.letour.fr

EUROBIKE 2010 Wednesday Sept 1st – 4th Friedrichshafen, Germany www.eurobike-show.de

BIKERADAR LIVE 2010 Saturday July 10th – 11th Brands Hatch, Kent live2010.bikeradar.com

INTERBIKE 2010 Wednesday Sept 22nd – 24th Las Vegas, USA www.interbike.com

ICEBIKE* WINTER Sunday July 18th – 22nd Milton Keynes www.icebike.co.uk BIKE EXPO Tuesday July 22nd – 25th Muenchen, Germany www.bike-expo.com BIKE DEALER CAMP Thursday July 29th – 31st Deer Valley, Utah bikedealercamp.com

August 2010

DECEMBER 2010 Review of the Year Retail Survey Core Bike Preview Wheels, Tyres, Inner Tubes and Pumps Editorial Deadline: Nov 5th Advertising Deadline: Nov 10th

JANUARY 2011 Lubricants and Tools Cycle training Core Bike Special Editorial Deadline: TBC Advertising Deadline: TBC

FEBRUARY 2011 Cycle Safety Frames and Forks Editorial Deadline: TBC Advertising Deadline: TBC

THE BIBLE IS BACK! BIKEBIZ.COM

September 2010

LE MANS 24-HOUR CYCLE RACE Thursday August 21st – 22nd Le Mans, France www.24heuresvelo.fr AUSBIKE – AUSTRALIA CYCLE TRADE EXPO Saturday August 21st – 23rd Melbourne www.ausbike.com.au

October 2010 INTERMOT 2010 Wednesday Oct 6th – 10th Cologne, Germany www.intermot-cologne.com BIKEBIZ AWARDS 2010 Wednesday October 6th Sway Bar, Great Queen Street, London Carly.Bailey@ intentmedia.co.uk BIKE BRNO Thursday October 7th – 10th Brno, Czech Republic www.bvv.cz/bikebrno-gb CYCLE SHOW 2010 Thursday October 7th – 10th Earls Court, London www.cycleshow.co.uk X IN THE CITY Friday October 22nd – 24th ExCeL Centre, London www.xinthecity.co.uk

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

For additional copies please contact: Lindsay.Banham@intentmedia.co.uk BIKEBIZ JULY 65