Issue 56 | September 2010
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EDITORIAL
Issue 56 | September 2010
NEWS 4-9 CHAIN REACTION 21
BikeBiz examines HMRC’s changes to C2W, Cycle Show consumer ticket sales rocket and more...
DEALER PROFILE 61
EVENTS 74
CYCLE SYSTEMS INTERVIEW
17
Despite getting off to a slow start, C2W is regularly cited as a key driver of bicycle sales in the UK.
BikeBiz catches up with codirector Sean Lally after a busy 12 months...
FOCUS ON…
13
MINTEL BIKE STATISTICS The current value of the UK bike market, the importance of Cycle to Work to retail and much more...
23
CSG UK EVENT REPORT BikeBiz reports back from the distributor’s debut Ride The Revolution event at the CSG UK Poole HQ
BIKEBIZ AWARDS FINALISTS Your guide to the finalists up for the prizes at this year’s awards, taking place on Wednesday October 6th
KIDS’ BIKES AND ACCESSORIES
29
10 S 20
RD AWA
BIKE CARRIERS AND RACKS
63
69
REGULARS BRAND SPOTLIGHT
37 LETTERS
Timex Ironman’s Global Trainer comes under the glare of the spotlight this month
PEOPLE
54
72
One dealer shares his experiences of servicing a bike sold over the internet SPONSORED BY
It’s a sales recruitment frenzy this month for Eurobike, Silverfish, Paligap and Jim Walker
NEW PRODUCTS
58
Sugoi, Scoop, Skins and SKS all feature in this month’s new products round-up
SPOKESMAN
FOR MANY IN the biz the news that Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs had revised its Cycle to Work guidelines was a worrying omen for the future of the scheme. Despite getting off to a slow start when it was introduced over a decade ago, Cycle to Work has been regularly referred to as a key driver of bicycle sales in the UK and also as a sign that Westminster has the genuine will to back the cycle industry. Over the past six years or so, since the DfT helped provide improved guidance and implementation for it, the scheme has seen well-organised providers work with cycle retailers big and small, attracting huge employers and large numbers of would-be cyclists to the world of cycling. Last year we saw over 70 significant companies pledge to the
86
Carlton Reid wonders whether electric bikes really are the next big thing for the industry
Cycle to Work Guarantee and promise to improve cyclist facilities in the workplace – surely a winner for everyone in the bike industry. But at a time when the national deficit is so big it’d make a banker blush, fears for the future of the scheme have been uppermost, prompting the formation of the C2W Alliance. With that in mind the HMRC-imposed changes were not entirely unforeseen. On the flip side of the coin, the fact that Cycle to Work has sorely been in need of some clarification is hard to deny. The value of the bike at the end of the hire period has long been a moot point and August’s developments will help to clear that up at least, if nothing else. Is it really the death knell for the scheme? Cycle to Work has survived objections from the Department of Fair Trading and the culling of its sister scheme to encourage computer selling (see our history of Cycle to Work on page five). And while the HMRC appears to have lessened the amount of savings available to customers in buying a bike through the scheme, is it really significant enough to discourage them from using Cycle to Work? Especially when the scheme is more widely available than it ever has been? The jury is out on how the changes will impact on bike sales, but the whole affair shows that C2W is still a work in progress, a decade after its conception. Meanwhile, don’t forget to snap up your ticket for the BikeBiz Awards night on Wednesday October 6th, the night before Cycle Show’s trade day. For a mere ten pounds you’ll have chance to cheer the winners and to celebrate with a beer and buffet. See you there!
Jonathon Harker, Editor
NEWS SPECIAL: THE FUTURE FOR CYCLE TO WORK
HMRC overhauls divides trade on worth of C2W HMRC takes note of ‘undervalued’ bikes and alters legislation to plug ‘loophole’ “Customers who maintain cycles will be punished for efforts,” claims retail Scheme still “offers savings on the majority of purchases,” says CTC By Mark Sutton and Jonathon Harker
“Employees may end up feeling penalised at the end of the hire period for having looked after their bike.”
HER MAJESTY’S Revenue and Customs has been accused of ‘eroding’ the value of the Cycle To Work scheme with a few subtle, yet significant rule changes. As announced on BikeBiz.com during August, the final payment made by the employee to his or her employer at the end of the lease is now, in the majority of cases, set to be a lot higher – so fewer savings will be made by the customer. The legislation change has, of course, divided trade opinion on whether or not the scheme has a future, or whether this is HMRC’s way of effectively calling time on the tax-free scheme, without explicitly saying so. "Invest in a quality bike with the Government’s Cycle To Work scheme and you may lose all the benefits of saving." That’s just one select thought of a retailer using the BikeBiz forum who is
Richard Grigsby, Director, Cyclescheme
weighing up the pros and cons of continuing running a scheme that has just become a lot less valuable to the majority of customers taking advantage of the savings to be had. The retailer in question is referring to bikes reknowned for passing the test of time – your Bromptons and Gazelles – to name just two brands known for their longevity, which are highlighted as being some of big C2W business losers. Using the ‘A to D grading system’, bikes which are deemed still in good condition are to be worth a greater sum at the end of the agreed hire period, so will incur a higher ‘full market value’ charge. In some cases a high valuation has the potential to wipe the majority of the savings that would previously have been enjoyed by the customer. Richard Grigsby, director of Cyclescheme, which works with over 1,600 independent stores in the UK told BikeBiz: "Overall savings may be affected by the new procedures, and employees
HMRC’s tightening of legislation looks set to cost C2W customers more than first anticipated...
does the figures CYCLE SURGERY'S PR manager Claire Collins told BikeBiz that the firm feels most employers would not seek payment of the fair market value sum, as in most cases the employee will have paid the employer in full during the hire period. As a result of this the employee will continue to receive the transfer of the cycle, but with the added certainty of
4 BIKEBIZ SEPTEMBER
knowing the precise ‘Benefit In Kind’ (BIK) charge they will now incur at the end of the period. The table (right) illustrates some typical examples and demonstrates how the Benefit In Kind (BIK) charge is both limited in scale, relative to the up front saving, and can be significantly mitigated by extending the term of the hire.
Purchase Price
Term (Years)
20% Tax Payer: Total initial tax & VAT saving on purchase
40% Tax Payer: Total initial tax & VAT saving on purchase
20% Tax Payer: individual tax cost at end of term (re-BIK)
40% Tax Payer: individual tax cost at end of term (re-BIK)
£400
2
£165.11
£233.19
£16.12
£26.52
£700
3
£288.94
£408.09
£26.04
£42.84
£1,000
4
£412.77
£582.98
£21.70
£35.70
BIKEBIZ.COM
NEWS SPECIAL: THE FUTURE FOR CYCLE TO WORK
Lib Dem U-turn On Bikes? AHEAD of May’s General Election, BikeBiz contacted the main political parties about their commitment to cycling and the cycle industry. At the time the Liberal Democrat Party pledged its support for bikes and promised that it had no plans to cut pledges already made by the then Labour Government. When quizzed specifically on whether the party would commit to the current Cycle to Work scheme a party spokesman told BikeBiz: “We agree that cycling can help to combat obesity, man-made
climate change and congestion and we have no plans to cut pledges already made by the Government on cycling schemes.” “We recognise that the majority of cycle trips (65 per cent) are commuter trips to work or school with the road network providing the best resource. That is why we will promote cycling competency schemes and encourage better facilities for cyclists and ensure that road traffic law is enforced with equal vigour in relation to cyclists in order to secure the safety of all road users."
may feel penalised for having looked after the bike. But the scheme still represents an excellent way to use a quality bike package. The HMRC does expect valuations to err on the low side and our mechanisms reflect this practical interpretation." Full market value is a key term in this controversial legislation update. HMRC’s wording used to
read ‘fair market value’, which in the view of the Government was leading to ‘unrealistic market valuations’ when the employee settles with his or her employer. Not everyone in the trade feels the scheme is set for expiry, however. CTC senior technical officer Chris Juden is one such advocate of the scheme’s survival. "All that’s happened is that where an employee might previously have made savings on 95 per cent of the bike’s value, one can now make the same savings on ‘only’ 75 per cent of it. So the total savings, per bike, reduce to 79 per cent of their former magnitude." One of the ‘look on the brightside’ attitudes relating to HMRC’s clamp down came from Action Bikes’ Wallington branch owner Chris Inglis who believes the rewording will "sort the real riders-to-work from those who simply take the opportunity to get a nice tax-free bike for occasional leisure use and essentially ‘abuse’ the taxpayer." Partridge Cycles’ owner Shaun Coleman also expressed his belief that the majority of scheme beneficiaries to date have not
Cyclescheme founders Richard Grigsby and Gary Cooper
“Where an employee may have previously made savings on 95 per cent of the bike’s value, one can now only make savings on 75 per cent of it.” Chris Juden, CTC
used the scheme to obtain bikes to cycle to and from work, with most "wasting tax payer’s money" to obtain a cheaper leisure bike. HMRC is already being urged to re-think the legislation tweak by the newly formed Cycle to Work Alliance, set up by Halfords, Evans Cycles and Cyclescheme. The group told BikeBiz: “We’re concerned that this may erode the scheme. The matrix could make it too expensive to purchase the bike after the hire period.” Safety equipment obtained through Cycle To Work purchases is not included in the post-loan assessment.
Cycle to Work: A History 1999
Government introduces the ‘Cycle to Work’ initiative through the 1999 Finance Act.
2003-2004
Booost formed as provider for tax-free home computer purchases. The firm later moves into bike purchases.
February 2004
Halfords offers Bike4Work, promoting the service to health trusts, Royal Xx Mail and local authorities.
November 2004
February 2009
Asda opens Cycle to Work to its 165,000 employees.
September 2009 Rolls-Royce appoints Cyclescheme to handle cycle to work. October 2009
Over 70 major employers, including the NHS and central Government bodies, sign up to the Cycle to Work Guarantee, pledging to support cycling employees through providing bike parking facilities changing facilities, training and more.
The Department for Health commits the DfT to work with the cycle industry to produce guidance on promoting and implementing the cycle buying initiative.
February 2010
Raleigh launches Cycle to Work programme for its nationwide Cyclelife store network.
Cyclescheme incorporated.
May 2010
Cyclescheme sold to Grass Roots Group.
May 2005
Office of Fair Trading calls into question who owns bikes under the scheme.
April 2010
Cycle to Work Alliance is formed by three largest C2W providers: Halfords, Evans Cycles and Cyclescheme.
June 2005
OFT revokes its concerns after pressure from the DfT.
June 2005
DfT rebrands tax-free bike buying initiative as ‘Cycle to Work’.
January 2005
March 2006 February 2007
Government scraps home computer buying incentive scheme but leaves Cycle to Work unscathed. Evans Cycles signs the London’s Metropolitan Police to its Ride2Work C2W scheme.
June 2010
Sainsbury’s launches Cycle to Work initiative with Cyclescheme, affecting 150,000 staff.
August 2010
HMRC revises ‘fair market value’ guidance for the worth of bicycles bought through Cycle to Work scheme.
NEWS
CYCLE SHORTS Pedalabikeaway takeaway Gloucestershire-based Pedalabikeaway is up for sale following the retirement of its present owners. Situated next to traffic-free trails at the Royal Forest of Dean, the cycle hire, café and shop is available leasehold and comes with its own site – www.pedalabikeaway.co.uk. For details of the sale email Fred@pedalaway.co.uk.
Container ship shortage continues According to a BikeEurope report, shipping companies are struggling to meet demands for container ships, leading to price rise fears in the cycle industry. A shortfall in containers is expected to last until mid2011, claimed Dynamar shipping consultant Dirk De Visser.
Cycle Hire hits 100k journeys Two weeks after launch, the Barclays-sponsored London Cycle Hire scheme hit the 100k journeys milestone. Boris Johnson hailed the scheme launch a huge success, seeing almost 14k journeys made on the busiest days. The Hire scheme opened to casual users at the end of August.
Helmets don’t harm cyclist numbers A joint-Canadian University study fuelled controversy when it found that mandatory helmet-wearing legislation didn’t harm cyclist numbers. According to the report, helmet law changes in certain provinces did not change the total of cyclists commuting or riding for leisure, contradicting accepted thinking on the fiery debate.
For breaking news visit:
www.bikebiz.com 6 BIKEBIZ SEPTEMBER
Cycle-SOS gets behind the BikeBiz Awards 22-year old service rebrands and heightens profile through trade awards By Jonathon Harker CYCLE-SOS, the Cyclists’ National Helpline, has signed up to the 2010 BikeBiz Awards as event partner. The news follows the unveiling of this year’s finalists (see page 29) and after CycleSOS’ rebranding last year from a name synonymous with the 1980s era of Live Aid. Despite the new moniker, the firm’s remit remains the same, as Cycle-SOS’ Paul Darlington explained to BikeBiz: “Our mantra has remained consistent: to remove the obstacles, barriers and apprehensions from the uptake of safe cycling.” Aside from offering a free Helpline to cyclists requiring advice on their rights and the obligations of other road users, Cycle-SOS offers consultancy services to organisations looking to implement Cycle to Work or Business Bike schemes, like
health and safety and risk management. Cycle-SOS has worked with the first tranche of Cycling Demonstration Towns since 2005, supporting promotional
2010 S D R A AW Cycle-SOS’ backing of the BikeBiz Awards is a perfect chance to highlight the rebranded organisation, according to Darlington: "We've sponsored the event in order to
“Our mantra has remained consistent since we began: to remove the obstacles, barriers and apprehensions from the uptake of safe cycling.” Paul Darlington
events organised by the public sector and assisting private companies with incentives to launch or rejuvenate workplace travel plans.
increase our profile within the industry. “After almost a quarter of a century, with several hundred thousands of our contact cards
in circulation and a contented band of compensated clients, we believe that we're quite well known to the grass roots for whom we've recovered literally millions of pounds, at no cost whatsoever to them." Cycle-SOS joins Citrus-Lime and FreeGo as Event Partners of the BikeBiz Awards 2010, plus Cube Bikes as Platinum Sponsor. The BikeBiz Awards take place at 7.00pm on Wednesday October 6th at Sway Bar, Holborn, London. Tickets cost just £10 each – and for that attendees get three free drinks, a buffet, casino entertainment, networking opportunities and, of course, the chance to cheer on the award winners. To book your tickets, simply contact Carly.Bailey@ intentmedia.co.uk The Cyclists’ National Helpline: 0808 100 9995 www.cycle-sos.co.uk
Cycle Show consumer ticket sales jump 211% year-on-year CURRENT CONSUMER ticket sales ahead of the October 7th to 10th Cycle Show, held at Earls Court in London, are up 211 per cent up on this time last year, according to the show’s organiser. Event director Andrew Brabazon told BikeBiz late in August: “We have just done a ticket sales comparison, and we have sold 211 per cent more
consumer tickets for the Cycle Show than the same time last year. “I think that this year’s creative adverts have really hit the spot, and when visitors to the show website check out the exhibitors list, website visits are translating into ticket sales like never before. It looks like we will smash our record attendance yet again.”
It was also confirmed to BikeBiz in an interview with Brabazon and his team (seen over on page 45) that less than ten per cent of the exhibition space is now available for sale, though “some key spots are yet to be filled”. In other news, the retail zone, now known as the Cycle Store, has doubled in size on this year’s floor plan, while
the terrace capacity has been increased to accommodate 500. The piazza area, commonly used for private meets and socialising has also increased in size in line with strong demand. If you’ve yet to register for your free trade pass, log on to cycleshow.co.uk/bikebiz. Prospective exhibitors are encouraged to
Andrew Brabazon contact Elizabeth Barile on 020 7288 6443 to enquire about exhibiting opportunities at this year’s show. 020 7288 6443
BIKEBIZ.COM
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the ride of your life British Electric Bicycle Association Member
NEWS
Moda 2011 bike launch roadshows announced Three exhibition dates – Bristol, Manchester and Surrey – planned from late September onwards Two new sales representatives added to boost north and south coverage By Mark Sutton NOW INTO its second season of production, Eurobike has announced a series of road show dates for its Moda brand’s 2011 line launch. The first kicks off at the Ashton Court Mansion in Bristol, with dates at the National Cycling Centre, Manchester and the Lakeside International Hotel in Surrey to follow. Eurobike MD Paul Stewart told BikeBiz: “The Moda bicycle range expands in to more areas with
new models, including a dedicated winter and summer road bike at the £999 critical price point. Along with exciting titanium offerings in both road and MTB, following on from the success of the ‘Legato’ cyclo X bike now available in metallic red, we will offer a race-ready carbon fibre version with the ‘Opus’ model. The search for a frame supplier to work with for the titanium range was not taken lightly and we are delighted with the finished products.” Several titanium builds will be carried by the distributor in the coming season, including a titanium tourer dubbed the Nocturne. Built with a typical British winter in mind, the bike will come with colour-matched mudguards and pannier rack eyes, meaning customers can easily turn the rig into an endurance machine. With all bikes rolling on American Classic
wheels, as standard in the prior line, the 2011 line cuts no corners. Masters added: “Also in the pursuit of lightweight exotica, we couldn’t resist producing a super sleek titanium hardtail MTB using the same elegant curves as the road bikes. At the roadshows we will present the ‘Solo’, a tight fast and uber-light cross-country rocket. The ‘Canon’ and ‘Encore’ remain our benchmark Carbon MTB bikes, benefiting from upgrades from Sram component and Kore carbon finishing kits, as do ‘Rondo’ and ‘Presto’, our aluminium models. We look forward to seeing as many of our customers as possible.” Eurobike customers will also be pleased to hear that two new sales representatives, Ian Reynolds and Dan Scott have been appointed to boost the firm’s representative coverage of both the north and south, respectively.
Eurobike’s Russ Masters welcomes Ian Reynolds (top) and Dan Scott
“The search for a titanium frame supplier was not taken lightly. We’re delighted with the results...” Paul Stewart
Bristol venue: Ashton Court Mansion, BS41 9JN Monday September 27th, 11am till 5pm
Manchester venue: National Cycling Centre, M11 4DQ Wednesday September 29th, 11am till 5pm
Surrey venue: Lakeside International Hotel, GU16 6JR Tuesday October 5th, 11am till 5pm
Evopos web store module now available “Evopos will help you create more sales and operate efficiently. Good information leads to better business decisions...” Dennis Bullen
Barclays Business Systems has announced that its Evopos dealer management software has now become web-savvy with the introduction of a 'Web Store' tool. The firm is now offering a fully-automated online retail store, which recognises stock trade-ins and updates, automatically uploading the
information to the web, from the in-house dealer system, Evopos. Managing director Dennis Bullen told BikeBiz: “It is a full web-store, you can have everything you sell in the shop on it and more. This is possible because of the unique way we can find items in Evopos without knowing the part numbers. For example, web-store
browsers could select clothing, then gloves, then select the range of gloves and then select the size they want, or they could just enter the glove name if they knew what they wanted. Once finished they can pay using payment methods such as PayPal. Their contact details are remembered so next time they buy it’s easier.”
When a customer orders, their details are automatically stored giving the retailer access to their purchase history and contact details on demand. The admin system works with time-saving in mind with simple box ticking controls dictating whether an item is displayed online and whether it is to go in the 'specials' section, should your web store run deals. Running costs are sub £20 per month with hosting as standard. If you're not already a Evopos DMS customer a subscription to the main dealer management system is necessary, which offers full back-up support, program updates and the top-of the range management system.
CYCLE TO WORK ALLIANCE MEETING REPORT
Chris Boardman shows his support at the Westminster-set C2W meeting
Halfords CEO David Wild addresses the gathering
Speak up for bikes Mere weeks before the HMRC revised its ‘fair market value’ guidance for bicycles values bought through C2W – prompting the trade to fear for the future of the tax-free scheme – the Cycle to Work Alliance met for the first time in London. Jonathon Harker reports from Westminster… WHAT DO you get if you put the head honchos of two of the most significant cycle retailers into a room with a bunch of MPs, a cycling Olympian, the associate director of the British Heart Foundation, media types and business leaders? The answer: the first official meeting of the Cycle to Work Alliance. Created three months ago by the three largest Cycle to Work providers in the country – Halfords, Evans Cycles and Cyclescheme – the alliance was established to speak up for the good works of the Cycle to Work initiative. The Alliance held its first meeting one afternoon at the end of July, filling the aforementioned room (Stranger’s Dining Room, House of Commons) with representatives from founder members Halfords, Evans and Cyclescheme alongside MPs – including Julian Huppert, MP for Cambridge and co-chair of the Cycling APPG. He insisted: “The coalition is committed to sustainable travel
BIKEBIZ.COM
and being green. Cycling helps in so many ways.” Halfords CEO David Wild also addressed the room: “Three months ago we decided with some of the most important retailers in cycling to form the Cycle to Work Alliance. We wanted to accelerate the interest in Cycle to Work and to help the Government more successfully achieve the objectives that it has set around health, emissions and easing congestion.” Wild described the Government as being positive about cycling: “It is building on success. It’s always easier to build on something that is already doing well.” “The administrative cost of Cycle to Work is born by the private sector entirely. It’s a great example of collaboration in Whitehall, the public and the private sector.” To underline the positive message about cycling – and specifically the way encouraging cycling can make good on Government health targets –
associate medical director of prevention and care at the British Heart Foundation, Dr Mike Knapton addressed the room. Dr Knapton stressed the benefits of cycling in tackling cardiac-inducing inactivity and
“It is very important that Cycle to Work is not in any way eroded. It is essential.” David Wild, Halfords CEO also psychological conditions like depression. Chris Boardman also lent his voice to the Alliance meeting, telling the attendees: “Regardless of the fact I am now working with one particular retailer, I am very much behind the scheme from a personal
perspective. “I’m glad to see the new Government is behind a culture change for cycling and I hope that won’t be eroded. We have to provide a benefit for consumers to make sure that culture change happens.” “This scheme has been running for ten years. We have to help more people understand what it is. I believe communicating the scheme and explaining it is essential.” The survival of Cycle to Work – ultimately the key objective of the Alliance – was the subject of an impassioned plea from Halfords boss David Wild. He said: “In these times the C2W scheme demands ongoing support. It is very important that the scheme is not in any way eroded. It is essential. “We believe it is the glue that helps Government deliver its objectives of increasing cycling. It has to remain economically attractive to participants and it is very important that the collaboration between the Department for Health, the
Department for Transport and her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs service continues to be a work in unison. “For customers, and frankly for those retailers and those that participate, the scheme has to remain simple and understandable – by doing that there will be a higher degree of participation,” he concluded.
C2W eroded? DESPITE BEING praised as the glue that brings together the Government’s objectives on health, emissions and easing congestion, the future appeal of the Cycle to Work initiative was thrown into doubt with the arrival of Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs new guidance. With the scheme set to cost the consumer more, some sections of the industry fear for the future of Cycle to Work. For more turn to pages 4 and 5.
BIKEBIZ SEPTEMBER 11
MINTEL BIKE MARKET REPORT
The big
picture Market research giant Mintel has just published a major report on the UK bicycle market. BikeBiz provides some exclusive highlights… MARKET PERFORMANCE ● Measuring the UK bicycles market is surprisingly difficult due to a number of factors. Imports fluctuate according to retailer stock levels, and volume sales are difficult to grow due to the lifespan of the typical bicycle and the prevalence of secondhand bikes in the marketplace.
72:28, however this excludes children’s bicycles under 635 mm in saddle height.
● Sales values are subject to deflation in the general leisure market as well as the current inflationary impact of weak sterling on exchange rates.
INTEREST AND PARTICIPATION AT RECORD LEVELS ● The level of interest in cycling has been unprecedented, reflected in highest-ever membership statistics for key cycling organisations such as CTC and British Cycling. Hundreds of cycling events took place nationwide during 2009, and 2010 highlights include the Mayor of London’s Skyride which is set to surpass 2009’s turnout.
● Taking these trends into account, Mintel has used Coliped’s market estimates and trade feedback to estimate 2010 values at £698 million – eight per cent growth since 2008 – and unit sales at 3.6 million, on a par with 2008 figures and a slight decline on 2009. ● The adult to children’s bicycle sales ratio is approximately
BIKEBIZ.COM
● Growth sectors have been road bicycles, due to the popularity of sportives, and traditional/hybrid bicycles, due to commuters and first-time buyers.
● The core consumer dynamics are signalling that cycling is on the increase; more consumers are cycling (regularly and
“Mintel estimates 2010 UK bicycle values at £698 million – eight per cent growth since 2008 – and unit sales at 3.6 million, on a par with 2008 figures and a slight decline on 2009.”
occasionally), more consumers are watching and Googling cycling on the internet. Sport England’s ongoing tracking of participation (Active People Survey) reveals an encouraging 4.46 per cent of the population now cycle at least once weekly – up from 4.26 per cent in 2008/09. ● Two thirds of adults are noncyclists; a combination of lapsed, unmotivated and disinterested consumers. The increase in cyclists on the road should help motivate others, and anecdotal evidence suggests that the more cyclists there are, the safer the roads become. ● Motivations for cycling are primarily fitness and fun. However, commuting has become increasingly popular and even aspirational as those who don’t currently cycle to work are thinking it’s a good idea. Other incentives to cycle include easing
congestion, saving money, and cycling when on holiday. ● Men are the greatest cycling enthusiasts; women seem to identify with mainly the ‘green’ aspect, preferring to exercise indoors as part of a group or in front of the TV. While cycling as a family is the main motivation for the general public, road safety is still a major barrier to take-up. The National Cycle Network is expanding the number of cyclists quicker than it is establishing the infrastructure of its routes. INNOVATION GETS TECHNICAL – IN MODELS, PARTS AND ACCESSORIES ● Each year, new models are introduced to stimulate the interest of the cycling community. Due to a stock shortage in 2009, some 2010 models were brought forward. Within the fragmented supply chain there has been some
BIKEBIZ SEPTEMBER 13
MINTEL BIKE MARKET REPORT
Own-branded stores have raised brand profiles, according to the Mintel report
consolidation, with brands such as Raleigh, Giant and Specialized creating own-branded stores where they can raise their profile. Some are also starting to manufacture and brand their own components. ● Electric bikes, or e-bikes as they are commonly known, may be snubbed by the cycle-snobs but they really are generating excitement in the industry. There has been considerable investment by brands in making them more lightweight, compact, and aestheticallypleasing. Retailers have been making sure they have key brands in stock ready for consumers to catch on, and specialist advisors ready with purchase and repair solutions. ROUTES TO MARKET ● Independent cycle retailers have survived the recession for the most part well. Cash flow is one of the biggest challenges as in other industries, although extra revenue from parts and accessories has been an unexpected boost. While increased sales of bikes have begun to filter through in the last 12-18 months, the high demand for parts and servicing reflects the volume of second-hand bikes which are in use.
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“Independent cycle retailers have survived the recession, for the most part, well. Cash flow is one of the biggest challenges, as in other industries, although extra revenue from parts and accessories has been an unexpected boost.”
● Halfords’ overall portfolio has benefited from bicycles’ growing popularity, and investments in above-the-line advertising and children’s and premium range development have paid off. ● The Cycle to Work scheme has been a huge incentive for consumers to start cycling, and furthermore encourage consumers to spend up to a third more on their purchase. Retail finance schemes have proved valuable in keeping the wheels of commerce turning during the recessionary period. ● The forecast for the cycling market is as good as it gets in the current economic downturn, but its fortunes are ultimately determined by certain factors it cannot control; namely the weather, currency volatility (which impacts on prices) and government funding. However the investments in infrastructure already made by public and private bodies should make cycling a sustainable market for the foreseeable future. For a full copy of the report, email oxygen@mintel.com or call 020 7606 4533
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GLIDE 1 26” wheel, 24volt 10amp Lithium Ion battery , Pedal assist with throttle function, Aluminium frame, forks and components, Super comfort Gel Saddle, 6 speed SHIMANO gear system, Tyres with integrated puncture protection.
RRP - £799.99
GLIDE 2 700c wheel 36volt 10amp Lithium Ion battery, Pedal assist, 3 power modes and throttle function, Aluminium frame, forks and components, Super comfort Gel Saddle, 6 speed SHIMANO gear system, Tyres with integrated puncture protection, Environmentally friendly battery chemistry.
RRP - £999.99
Falcon Cycles Bridge Street, Brigg, North Lincolnshire, DN20 8PB T: 01652 656000 www.claudbutler.co.uk
16 BIKEBIZ SEPTEMBER
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INTERVIEW CYCLE SYSTEMS
Star Systems Cycle Systems has packed a lot into the last 12 months, from helping form the Cycle Star Alliance to forging strong links with London’s flagship cycle projects. Co-director Sean Lally explains all to Jonathon Harker…
“The rebrand has been useful, and we are now nationally known for high quality mechanic training and corporate cycle services.” Sean Lally
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Cycle Systems has trained the London Cycle Hire staff – is that an ongoing relationship with Transport for London? We shall have to wait and see. It is actually a relationship with Serco, which is running the scheme for TfL. We certainly are keen to help this exciting scheme be a huge success. It’s almost a year since the Cycle Systems rebranded and that the Academy launched. How have they been received by the industry? Have they both been successful? The rebrand has been useful, and we are now nationally know for
high quality mechanic training and corporate cycle services. Our graduates continue to impress us too, whether that’s by setting up their own innovative businesses, such as Wayne Starling from Urban Bike Gear and Go Further Cycling or fitting into high-end bike shops across the country. Or even taking up work in far flung places such as Australia. In each case, the City and Guilds qualification was an essential part of their ongoing success. Cycle Systems has been helping shape that City and
Cycle Systems’ relationship wi th Serco has se key role in Barc en it play a lays London Cy cle Hire scheme
BIKEBIZ SEPTEMBER 17
INTERVIEW CYCLE SYSTEMS
“My personal opinion is that the bicycle industry has to ‘green up’ and also ensure fair and safe working conditions for all those involved in manufacturing...” Sean Lally
Guilds syllabus – how is that progressing and will it be an ongoing project for the future? A new entry level, level one and level two syllabus is about to go live, with a level three in the pipeline. It shall be ongoing as we seek to establish the City and Guilds qualification as the trade standard, and ourselves as the natural ‘go to’ people for quality cycle mechanic training.
workplace cycle solution, all the way from inception to delivery.
How closely has Cycle Systems been involved with the Cycling Star Alliance? The Cycling Star Alliance continues to move forward, with the CSA competition winners – Imperial NHS trust and Cancer Research – working with us on year-long case studies of corporate cycle commuting. Cycling Star Alliance members, such as Cycle Hoop, Broxap and Cycle Systems, have won major contracts and of course Cyclescheme has had a huge boost with its recent takeover. The Cycling Star Alliance remains the premier independent
How does Cycle Systems go about being ethical and carfree as a business? Innovative solutions such as the ‘elephant’ trailer from Cycling Star Alliance members Carry Freedom (see picture top left), and our ‘Long John’ freight bikes move kit around. On the green side of things it is easy to source eco-tricity, recycled paper, non-toxic inks etc. My personal opinion is that the bike trade has to ‘green up’ and also ensure fair and safe working conditions at point of manufacture. A fairtrade mark for bikes and kit, if you like.
Forging trade partnerships seem to be a key focus for Cycle Systems. How important are they for ongoing success? I would say very important. As the market develops we can draw on one another’s strengths, skills and contacts to make two plus two equal seven!
I personally feel very uncomfortable not knowing if my bike frame or components were made in a sweatshop or not. Finally, what’s coming up next for Cycle Systems? We are very excited to be expanding nationally, and also to be building productive partnerships in the bicycle industry to help service new markets from which we can benefit. So watch this space for updates and news!
Another major project for us is the online mechanical tutorials, with the transmission topics being launched soon on www.cycle-systemsacademy.co.uk, and also on www.bikemagic.com and www.roadcyclinguk.com. I’d also like to say a big thank you to Al from Madison for the loan of the Di2 bike for this. Additionally, I’d like to say congratulations to Cycling Star Alliance member Specialized on winning the Tour de France.
London hearts bikes SHORTLY BEFORE going to press Cycle Systems revealed that it would be playing a key role in London’s other headline cycle initiative, the Cycle Superhighways. The organisation won contracts for bicycle servicing and National Standards cycle training on the new London-set Superhighways. Transport for London’s novel programme aims to help businesses on the route promote cycle commuting, with £5,000 allocated for them to spend on either visiting Bike Doctor mechanics, on-road cycle training or cycle parking facilities. Cycling Star Alliance
18 BIKEBIZ SEPTEMBER
member Broxap won the contract for supplying the cycle parking facilities. Mechanics and cycle instructors from Cycle Systems joined London Mayor Boris Johnson to launch the Superhighways in July. Cycle Systems co-director Julia Lally says: “We are thrilled to have been selected by Transport for London to deliver this important Smarter Travel programme. While other players have come into the corporate cycle service market, we remain a trusted and proven supplier for important, large and pioneering contracts. Our training Academy
is allowing us to scale up our operation and retain the high quality of service our clients now demand.” Sean Lally adds: “The fact that City and Guilds or an equivalent qualification was required for all the mechanics for this contract, and indeed many other smaller ones we are seeing, really shows how bike mechanics is being taken more seriously and that certain standards are now expected of suppliers. Any company wanting to compete in the marketplace now needs trained and qualified staff, and I am convinced we have the best facility in the UK to train them.”
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CYCLELIFE DROYLSDEN, CYCLEMATE Jamie Staff MBE member of the World Record breaking British Sprint Team trio at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, officially opened Cyclelife Droylsden, Cyclemate in September 2009. Cyclemate is jointly owned by Neil Walker and Anthony Hayden. Anthony’s background is motor mechanics whilst Neil’s previous employment was in the print industry. Neil however, does also have an impressive cycling history, he began racing at age 14 becoming the British Criterium Champion in 1987. He still competes weekly in the ACT Track League held at the Manchester Velodrome riding for Team Yasumitsu Schlapp. The decision to open a bike shop was due to the lack of a cycle store in the Droylsden area. Neil, Anthony and many acquaintances had to travel further afield for bikes, parts and accessories. They realised there was a gap in the market prompting them to make enquiries into setting up their own business. They opted to join Cyclelife as a franchisee to get the benefit of joint funding from Raleigh for the shop fit and signage as well as access to Raleigh’s excellent brand portfolio.
The shop has been open for almost a year and business is good due in part to marketing initiatives in the local area – adverts in newspapers, leaflet door drops, cycle to work schemes and the sponsorship of a local race team. They also take advantage of huge discounts that are available to Cyclelife dealers with Yell and Touch Local. Neil says ”the advantage of being a Cyclelife Partner is: • The Raleigh brand • Being part of a network to increase marketing awareness • Advice and assistance from other Cyclelife partners • Support from Raleigh and in particular my Account Manager Mike Harrison There is no disadvantage in being part of the Cyclelife network”. Future plans for Neil and Anthony include looking at opening a second shop. Finally, when asked to sum up how he
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
felt about Cyclelife he said “I would recommend joining the Cyclelife network for the excellent backing and support”. In fact Neil has passed several enquiries from prospective franchisees to Raleigh in the past few months. Neil and Anthony are extremely pleased with their first year of trading and are looking to build on this success in year two.
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
CHAIN REACTION
Xxx
The Freego Story Having been the recipient of a container full of ‘non-starter’ electric bikes prior to FreeGo’s creation, founder John Heath understands very well many dealer’s reluctance to become involved with the market. Here he explains how his brand aims to reverse the perception that the electric market will always stutter along… FREEGO ELECTRIC bikes are the culmination of three years of intense research into the electric bike industry. After ordering a container of bikes that were poorly made, it became apparent that for a customer to buy anything that resembled quality, in many cases the price was prohibitive. After being 'caught' once, I (founder, John Heath) became more determined to deliver a top quality electric bike to the market at prices that are very affordable. So FreeGo Electric Bikes was born. Freego employs its own Chinese staff, not agencies, people who really buy into the culture of quality and reliability. With the right people in place, the right manufacturer was sourced, a manufacturer who could build quality electric bikes, consistently, not just samples. The UK market has been very cautious of electric bikes. 'Unreliable, overpriced, can't get the spares' – this is the typical perception of the trade. The Freego warranty really does answer those questions, unreservedly and with no
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hesitation. The Unique FreeGo warranty says simply this: ‘If during the first year the Freego Electric Bike malfunctions and cannot be repaired within five days, a brand new replacement bike will be given’. An industry first, we believe. No other manufacturer will offer such belt and braces warrantees. This is a true reflection of the confidence that Freego has in its products. The battery warranty is 24 months, not the usual 12 months, the frame's is four years, while all other components are covered for 12 months. The FreeGo brand is aimed at the top-end of the market, but at affordable prices. The Hawk range is all aluminium, holds a 36v lithium ion battery, with a low, medium and high motor control adjuster. It has aluminium wheels, front suspension, lights, rack, six-speed Shimano gears, available in step through or cross bar derivatives, for only £799 at retail. The Kingfisher is the bike designed and aimed right at the heart of Government's Cycle to Work scheme, being the very best specification available. In
“I was determined to deliver a top quality electric bike to market at prices that are very affordable.”
addition to the Hawk, it has twin disc brakes, 250-watt brushless silent motor, quick release fully adjustable handlebar and stem. This gives riders complete personal comfort, no more back aches or shoulder aches. It is available in mountain bike, cross bar or step through, all for £999. FreeGo electric bikes use only 36v lithium ion and lithium polymer batteries, neither 24-volt, nor lead acid batteries are used. FreeGo is able to keep production and costs low because it only has productive people– from the chairman, Eric Lane, through to managing director John Heath and new business director Martin Lawrence – everybody is
productive and has a defined role within the organisation. Freego Electric bikes come in a variety of colours, not just the usual black and silver; even in limited edition colours, such as the recently announced 'pink champagne', 'shimmery blue' and 'midnight black'. Currently FreeGo Electric Bikes are actively recruiting dealers in the UK and Europe, not just existing bike shops either. Mobility shops are welcome to make contact as FreeGo electric bikes make a great bedfellow alongside mobility scooters. FreeGo offers 30-day credit facilities and will always be there for our dealers, however small or large they are. FreeGo Electric bikes can be seen at the Southampton International Boat show in September, where the firm will unveil its new compact, a new small electric bike that goes from bike to luggage in five seconds; it serves as a superb stowaway on boats and is ideal for the regular commuter. In October, exhibition space will also be taken at Cycle Show.
BIKEBIZ SEPTEMBER 21
CYCLING SPORTS GROUP
Radio gaga… Last month’s event was Cycling Sports Group’s debut house-show and few knew what to anticipate so soon after Dorel’s takeover. Nonetheless, buyers from retailers large and small flocked to Poole during the week-long show. Mark Sutton reports on the two new label additions, investments in brands and more…
Less than a year after Dorel’s move to acquire Hot Wheels, Russell Merry’s men (and women) put on Cycling Sports Group UK’s first house show...
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ANY ORGANISED rides planned for the CSG show in Poole last month may have been rained off, but the distributor is on a roll, nevertheless. Less than a year on from Dorel's move to acquire Hot Wheels and the Cannondale brand owner, alongside Russell Merry's men (and women) put on the firm's first ever house trade show, which if footfall is anything to go by has been well received among CSG’s customers. “Our brand managers are telling me they’ve seen quite a diverse line-up, with both larger firms and smaller independent stores kindly making the journey to our Poole distribution centre," says joint managing director Russell Merry. With many samples freshly delivered, this was an opportunity for many unable to make Eurobike to get a firsthand look at the investment placed in each and every brand's
2011 catalogue. Take, for example, popular bike brand Charge. The Duster frames have shaved 25 per cent off the frame weight thanks to some super-skinny Prestige tubing. Brand owner Nick Larsen told BikeBiz: “It’s not been easy to achieve this weight saving; there were a lot of design tweaks to spread stresses on the frame evenly and to get the bikes through a super-strict CEN test. But the finished product is really something to look at. What’s more, we’ve tested these quite heavily, even against prior models and titanium models, and nearly all our
testers are saying these ride like a titanium frame, if not better.” Though not heavily publicised before the event, two new brands, both courtesy of the long-standing link-up with WeThePeople, were on show. These are Radio Bikes, an entry level BMX brand to sit below WeThePeople's minimum price pints and also Almond Footwear, designed by the very same minds behind the bikes, with input from two UK-
based BMX riders. Read on for just some of the show’s product and news highlights: ALMOND Almond has been a fairly well kept secret for a little while now, only emerging on a handful of BMX-dedicated websites in the months before the UK debut at CSG’s warehouse. The four models shown are nearing the final sample stages, though many professional BMX riders have been testing the brand’s product for some time now, including Jared Washington who is the first to receive a signature model. Having spent the last two to three years in the design and development (much of which was spent sourcing a factory capable of producing the desired quality), Cycling Sports Group UK now think availability to the
BIKEBIZ SEPTEMBER 23
CYCLING SPORTS GROUP
trade will come in early spring. There will initially be four models boasting three colourways each. RADIO AND WETHEPEOPLE Another very well kept secret from Klaus and Harry at WeThePeople is the creation of a budget-friendly brand to sit below WeThePeople – namely, Radio Bikes. BMX brand manager Chris McArdle explains: “WeThePeople have always sought to offer ona-budget BMX bikes of a considerable quality, though the WTP name is associated with performance quality product. That’s where Radio comes in, spot on the £200 to £350 price points which are so popular with beginners. To begin with we’ve got a three bike range to sell, each in two colours, though all carrying the 25/9 gearing that’s so popular with kids wanting a respectable BMX." Radio bikes will be kitted out with Salt components, while WeThePeople’s main line now carries an enhanced version of the Salt brand – Salt Plus – offering the weight savings plus the performance of higher-end parts. "We've picked up on a few trends in recent years, which are all considered on Radio’s bikes. Things like wider tyres and larger pedal surface areas are all taken into consideration in each bike's spec,” adds McArdle. CHARGE 25 per cent lighter tubing aside, Charge’s Nick Larsen was
enthused by the debut appearance of some Charge branded 120 tpi gumwall tyres, which will appear in much of the range going forwards, thanks to the firm opening a new mould. “We think these are the only 120tpi gumwall tyres around," says Larsen. "And they'll be available as aftermarket tyres too. It’s not cheap opening a new tyre mould, but we think the investment has paid off nicely and the Charge tyres really look great on the bikes they're carried on.” Charge’s Cyclocross line has become increasingly important this year with the addition of the £799 Filer Mid, which is described by Larsen as the perfect commuter and cyclocross cross breed and multitasking bike – an area which he feels is taking off in the UK. Recent press interest has revolved around Charge’s Hob, a unisex town bike that has gone down a storm with the mainstream fashion press. This, alongside the Steamer – Larsen's cruiser and ‘dutch’ style crossbreed – again drew plenty of attention. Larsen told BIkeBiz that Eurobike attendees should look out for a 700c version of the Steamer at the show. GT Riding high on the back of the announcement that CSG will cease supplying Halfords the GT brand and focus on
independent channels, the brand was prominently displayed. Stock of most models arrives from the beginning of this month, particularly cheaper lines such as the Aggressor and Avalanche lines. These budget models have been given a spec boost, despite a near negligible price increase this year. This is mainly thanks to the return of GT's parts brand AllTerra, specced on much of the low-tomid price bikes.
“Our brand managers have told me that both larger retailers and smaller independent stores have visited the show.” Russell Merry Product manager Ashley Clark was quick to highlight some of the progression in much of the higher end bikes to BikeBiz. “Within the Zaskar range our carbon frames are totally new this year and have lost a whopping 300 grams thanks to a more expensive weave
of carbon which is force optimised to remove and trace of bubbles or defect." The urban lines have received some impressive touches too, with rubber bumpers now carried on top-tubes as standard, meaning no accidental scratches. The decals carry a nice touch too with the use of 3m Scotchlite reflective material used in the graphic work. Two 29-inch wheel models are also now on offer in the GT catalogue at £649 and £799. GT’s BMX line remains largely unchanged aside from the speccing of Xposure stems, brake levers and sprockets on higher-priced models. The range begins at £219 for the Slammer and tops-out with the £500 fueller. MONGOOSE The Mongoose Salvo turned heads at Press Camp and did the same in Poole. The new adjustable suspension travel system is the bike’s unique selling point and utilises your ‘bottle cap’ bearing covers, giving the linkage a customisable edge. Despite not costing the world, the entrylevel full-suspension bike packs a punch with an SLX derailleur and a claim to 'never need to adjust the shock's air pressure with travel adjustments'. Three variations are
available – a comp, sport and elite model, with the elite costing just £1,000. As usual, anything fixed gear related turned heads and the Mongoose Maurice was no exception. Suited to fixie freestyle, the geometry is designed around tricks, as are the components. Take the stem for example, the clamp placement is based around the barspin trick and a rider's tendency to catch their knees as the bars rotate. The £369 model comes in four colours, though CSG only displayed two of these and it was not able to be confirmed all four would hit the UK. XPOSURE Merry hinted to BikeBiz during the show that he feels “Xposure could be the UK’s largest volume BMX components brand thanks to keen pricing and the wild, standout colour range”. As this year’s catalogue goes, there's not a massive amount to shout about, though behind the scenes Chris McArdle showed BikeBiz some coloured ED finish bars that are could make it to production in the coming years. Sporting an almost translucent coloured finish, the rust-resistant bars are cheaper to produce than the current powder coated handlebars and look twice as stylish. Mcardle also told BikeBiz that Xposure's price points may advance past budget components in the future, though is unlikely to go as far as performance parts.
GT’s Fury DH World Cup model. Just frames will be available from CSG.
24 BIKEBIZ SEPTEMBER
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Tic ket s Lim drinksonly ited vouche £10 ava rs • Casin eac ilab o • Buf h ilit fet y
Inc lud es 3
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
MYSTERY SHOPPER
Bury St Edmunds
Sweet and sour Mystery Shopper’s visit to the home of British Sugar, Bury St.Edmunds, was largely very positive, with a sweet sales pitch from Halfords, a guided tour from Revel Outdoors and a very personal service from Hardcore Hobbies. Sadly, the visit was ever so slightly soured...
26 BIKEBIZ SEPTEMBER
Hardcore Hobbies
Mick’s Cycle Centre
AS A SPECIALIST for BMX and skate goods, Hardcore Hobbies wouldn’t have been able to supply the freeride bike sought elsewhere on the day, so Mystery Shopper took this opportunity to replace a few spokes on the 20-inch steed. The resident BMX expert soon spotted me in store and quickly set about finding the correct length of spoke, of which two sizes were required on both the front and rear wheels. Without any hesitation the correct sizes were quoted and supplied, showing the shop’s clear expertise in its field. Perhaps more impressive, though, was the interest shown in myself as a customer. Kicking off a conversation about what kind of riding I took part in, the assistant told me about a few local skate parks and spots worth checking out, as well as discussing the store’s shop team. Hardcore Hobbies staff gave the impression that they were highly passionate about their niche and the local riding scene, all the while displaying the technical knowledge needed to run a successful business.
THE FIRST impression of Mick’s Cycle Centre is of a well kept, tidy store that’s highly presentable. However, on this occasion Mystery Shopper arrived with what appeared to be unfortunate timing and was greeted by the store assistant having a semi-heated argument with a customer on the phone. Sadly, this set the tone for the visit and having wandered an empty store for ten minutes seemingly having been ignored by the two staff on hand, Mystery Shopper went to leave. Thankfully though, I was stopped on the way out. The experience wasn’t redeemed quickly, with Mystery Shopper’s brief of a well-built freeride bike appearing to baffle the assistant to begin with. Once it had been established the bike would be used for heavier off-road use, the Specialized Rockhopper series was recommended, though little detail was provided as to why I should go for these bikes. Mystery Shopper took away a few website addresses and a bit of information on what various price points would buy me in terms of longevity. Otherwise the assistant’s tone was largely dismissive.
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MYSTERY SHOPPER
Halfords HALFORDS has pledged to put ‘people in the know’ and Mystery Shopper is happy to confirm that appears to be happening in the retailer’s Bury St. Edmund’s store. Displaying customer service rarely seen in chain stores, or even some independents, the clearly busy mechanic stepped away from the job in hand to help. He explained that as a smaller Halfords branch no Boardman bikes – best suited to my brief – were in stock, though could be ordered in by what turned out to be a heavily plugged Reserve and Collect system. Seemingly knowledgeable beyond his years, it was clear the staffer was an enthusiast and discussed very fine spec details, even showing an example of a splined bottom bracket, having been told Mystery Shopper has a habit of rounding tapered systems. Upgrades were discussed as I explained I’d likely modify the bike over time, though he stressed that early investment would pay off in the long term. As Halfords visits go, this was by far the best of Mystery Shopper’s time on the road.
Cycle King
Revel Outdoors
DESPITE BEING the largest Cycle King store BikeBiz has sent the man of mystery to, this store was no less a sea of wheels than any other Cycle King branch. Having browsed stock for a few minutes, missing a key model in the process, Mystery Shopper approached the counter, listening in on a conversation about a recent fight on the way to the counter, which could be intimidating to some shoppers. Once greeted, I was pleasantly surprised to find the assistant to be polite and honest in his advice, though he did undersell the store by confessing that local Revel Outdoors would satisfy my brief better. Leading me to one model in the window matching my brief perfectly, the staff member explained that this build would be a good base to build on and perfect for someone looking to get back into off-road riding. Providing one of the best Cycle King experiences of Mystery Shopper’s travels, the assistant rounded off his sales pitch with precise explanations of current components, detailing what would likely need replacing, should my riding progress to include heavier usage.
SPOTTED FROM quite a distance down the street, Revel Outdoors has a stunning, open glass front, displaying a selection of sleek bikes highlighting the store’s speciality. Once inside the large store, an assistant greeted Mystery Shopper on entry, largely thanks to a well placed counter in line with the entrance. Providing a guided tour of the bikes in store satisfying my brief, the assistant neglected to ask my budget, which I found gave some scope of what various price points in the top end will buy you. When a price closer to £1,000 was quoted, the staffer was happy to discuss various brands with the aid of several catalogues, stressing that any of the bikes could be ordered. Key to his pitch was the comparison between price points and an emphasis placed on investment and quality, as well as specific details such as warranty coverage and reliability. Mystery Shopper left with a business card with key models scribbled on the rear, as well as a good lasting impression thanks to the assistant’s willingness to offer “further help and support once I’d given a purchase further thought”.
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Summary DARE I SAY IT... Halfords was the most impressive of the visits and capable of satisfying my brief. The assistant had his sales routine absolutely spot on, making him perfect for the shop floor. It was also encouraging to see such a depth of technical knowledge and understanding of product. Hardcore Hobbies, though unable to supply a freeride bike for obvious reasons, offered a new level of personal service, sparking up conversation about must-visit local riding spots while attending to my query. Sadly, I feel Mick’s Cycles had been caught on a bad day thanks to an irate customer on the phone. Nonetheless, Mystery Shopper was made to feel unwelcome by the dismissive tone of the female assistant who laughed at one customer explaining their brief. Following that, there would have been little chance of a sale or return visit.
BIKEBIZ SEPTEMBER 27
BIKEBIZ AWARDS 2010
Event Partner
Platinum Sponsor Event Partner
Event Partner
0 1 0 2 S D AWAR
Your guide to the finalists Judges, it’s over to you: BikeBiz is calling on the UK bicycle trade to put on its judging hat and be our very own Simon Cowell (or Cheryl Cole if you prefer). In other words, the time has come for you to take your pick of the very best in the bicycle business from the list of finalists. You already know the names, but we’ve sweated blood to provide you with a reminder of why they have been nominated... THE ONLY NIGHT that celebrates the UK bicycle business is now just weeks away. Wednesday October 6th will see the trade gather at Sway Bar, Great Queen Street, London to discover the winners of the prestigious BikeBiz Awards 2010, praising the very best in the biz. With 12 awards up for grabs and more bike brands, companies, publications and retailers than you can shake a stick at, here’s a guide to the companies that you, the cycle industry, selected to be your finalists for 2010...
Independent Retailer PENNINE CYCLES Pennine Cycles is making its third appearance as a finalist in the BikeBiz Awards and has a long-standing bike heritage, founded way back in 1946. Current owners Paul and Sandra Corcoran (the latter of whom BIKEBIZ.COM
angle, specifically for ‘nonsporty’ traditional upright cyclists. After attracting a wealth of attention from the national press, Bobbin moved to a small
The categories...
Independent Retailer Online Retailer High Street Chain Distributor – Bikes Distributor – P&A Bike Brand P&A Brand Product Innovation Consumer Magazine Consumer Site Retailer Account Manager (voted for only by retailers) Rising Star (a business that has grown/developed significantly in the last 12 months)
Pennine Cycles reached the finals of the Yorkshire Woman of Achievement 2010) have been in charge of the business for ten years, during which time the firm has built on its rich history. Pennine Cycles itself handbuilds bespoke Pennine framesets on site in Bradford, Yorkshire, and is part of the SME network, Bradford University Management Centre and contributed to the Director Support Network.
A keen participant in Bike Week and local Cycle Fest, and sponsor of the VC Bradford cycle club, Pennine Cycles boasts an international reach and is a participant in the UKTI Passport to Export Programme. BOBBIN BICYCLES Set up in March 2007 by directors Sian Emmison and Tom Morris, Bobbin Bicycles aimed to approach bike sales from a new
retail space in Islington in September 2008, setting up what the firm describes as Britain’s first bicycle boutique. The rest, as they say, is history. Turnover tripled, customers queued to get into the shop and Bobbin upped sticks to a bigger space in September last year. The retailer is now a big player in the cycle chic movement, with 80 per cent of customers women, and further expansion is planned before the end of the year. IBDs looking for another reason to root for Bobbin may be interested to know that they turned down an approach from Tesco to appear in a TV ad. RUTLAND CYCLING Established since the early ‘80s, Rutland Cycling has three shops offering retail, maintenance and cycle hire, and a growing worldwide online business – the latter seeing year-on-year sales rise 315 per cent over the last
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12 months through the recently revamped site. The firm holds the accolade of being number one in the Cytech top 50 (2009-2010), providing customers with top-notch ongoing technical support and bike set-up properly to manufacturer’s guidelines. Customer service is also a priority for Rutland Cycling and its 100-plus dedicated employees. Sporting years of experience and product knowledge, recent surveys have seen 85 per cent rate service as above average. Last year the firm scooped Business of the Year award at the Rutland and Stamford Mercury Business Awards. 18 BIKES Despite suffering a break-in at the end of last year, the North Derbyshire-based 18 Bikes can count the last year as a positive 12 months. From its picturesque location in Hope in the Peak District National Park, the shop has garned national attention, not least by picking up the Singletrack Reader Award in ’09. 18 Bike has, of course, previously been nominated for a BikeBiz Award. Joint owners Simon and Matt Bowns have their fingers on the social media pulse, busily found Tweeting, blogging on their own site or engaging in banter on the BikeBiz Forum. CONDOR CYCLES By the retailer’s own admission, Condor Cycles is having a massive year. The shop has been fully refurbished and expanded and Condor’s warehouse has been relocated to a site three times the size of the old one. It’s almost full too, BikeBiz is told. The firm is seeing continuous production and has an order book still full from last year’s Cycle Show. With a new website among the projects in the pipeline, Condor Cycles is a continually busy cycle dealer.
CHAIN REACTION Winner of the 2008 BikeBiz Award for online retailer, Chain Reaction Cycles has become one of the biggest names in online cycle retail in the UK. The firm is 25 years old this year and started life as Ballynure Cycles in Northern Ireland. The firm went big into mail order when rivals were still thinking locally, then moved online in 1999. Now the firm has 300 staff and is the Royal Mail’s biggest customer in Northern Ireland.
18 Bikes
JAKE’S BIKES Innovatively operating below the VAT threshold, Bristol-based Jake’s Bikes services and repairs bicycles, builds bespoke bicycles to order and offers tuition and training in cycle maintenance. Jake’s Bikes, titularly headed up by Jake Voelcker, also buys and sells used bikes and has a sustainability mantra running through the business, helping as many people as possible to lead a greener and healthier lifestyle by encouraging and enabling them to cycle every day.
Online Retailer WIGGLE Aside from being among the largest and best-known online cycle retailers in the business, the firm has taken on new brands galore. Wiggle merchandising director Paul Bolwell tells BikeBiz: “The past 12 months has seen unprecedented growth at Wiggle with lots of new brands on board such as Fox, SE, De Rosa, Pinerello and many more, coupled with the launch of our first own bike brand, Verenti. Growth has been supported by increasing our employee count by a massive 72 per cent year-on-year. Wiggle continues to support the cycling industry as a whole with a series of 28 cycling events throughout the country and sponsoring a
growing number of athletes both pro and amateur. Wiggle is committed to setting benchmark buying methods such as our 30 day test-ride on all bikes, with some even more exciting changes in store for 2011.” TARTY BIKES The business was established just over six years ago by two University friends and keen riders. Since then the firm has seen substantial growth, moving premises three times and gaining a second warehouse. Despite the current economic climate, the company has seen continued and rapid growth, with a 40 per cent turnover increase between 2008-09 and 2009-10 trading years, and is now importing an even larger range of products and brands. Tarty is reportedly the only trials-specific retailer in the UK which employs full time members of staff (six in total).
Wiggle
J WINSTANLEY This well-established mail-order cycle retailer has been in the business for seven years, predominantly supplying mountain bikes to consumers. J Winstanley also has a huge showroom at its Wigan base where it stocks over 3,000 bikes. Retailing an impressive range of brands, the firm is committed to a speedy mail order service, providing useful technical info and advice and offering a friendly and professional service. JE JAMES Family-run JE James actually boasts large bicycle stores in three towns across Yorkshire and Derbyshire, including Sheffield, Chesterfield and Rotherham. The retailer is famous for turning over huge volumes and a wide selection of cycling goods, holding bicycles in a number of categories, including road bikes, commuter bikes, BMX, mountain
Chain Reaction
bikes, XC, downhill, electric bikes and folding bikes too. RIBBLE CYCLES Preston-based Ribble is undoubtedly one of the oldest firms across all the categories this year, having been established way back in 1897. Despite that long-running heritage the firm has not been slow to form an online retail offering that sees it serve the bike community with product in the road, track, triathlon, MTB and BMX sectors, to name just a few. Also offering special edition road bikes, Ribble builds bikes that have been critically praised.
High Street Chain EDINBURGH BICYCLE CO-OP The growing reach of this High Street Chain – Britain’s longestestablished co-operatively-run bicycle business – saw it open its sixth branch in March 2010 in Sheffield. Aptly enough the new 8,000 sq ft premises were most recently occupied by a car dealership, a move embodying Edinburgh Bicycle Co-op’s slogan: ‘The Revolution Will Not Be Motorised’. The firm has 110 full co-op members, with dozens more staff serving their one-year ‘apprenticeships’. HALFORDS The UK’s largest retailer of bicycles is a formidable, but indisputable, title that Halfords has owned for some time. Sporting over 400 stores, the retailer has worked hard on improving customer service instore and, with marketing hitting national TV and newspapers, the firm is never far from the public eye – making it one of the most public faces of the UK industry. CYCLES UK Combining expert knowledge and high levels of customer service, Cycles UK strives to tailor its offering to customers’ needs. According to the firm, fostering a non-jargonistic but
The Judging Criteria Independent Retailer Judges should consider: Customer service Product knowledge Range and in-store merchandising
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Online Retailer Judges should consider: Reliability Range User interface Commitment to an orderly marketplace
High Street Chain Judges should consider: Customer service Product knowledge Range Commitment to an orderly marketplace
Distributor – Bikes Judges should consider: Speed of service Order fulfilment Customer Service Product condition After sales support Commitment to an orderly retail marketplace
Distributor – P&A Judges should consider: Speed of service Order fulfilment Customer service Product condition After sales support Commitment to an orderly retail marketplace
Consumer Magazine Judges should consider: Compelling editorial Circulation development Design Independence and integrity of review
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BIKEBIZ AWARDS 2010
Edinburgh Bicycle Co-op
Halfords
knowledgeable environment has been the secret of its continued growth over the course of the last twelve months.
well as employing Cytech trained mechanics.
EVANS CYCLES Evans Cycle has been evolving its already strong offering over the past 12 months and shows no sign of slowing. With a strong online offering, the chain is also opening new stores and has extended its opening hours to suit the needs of its customers. Running in-store maintenance courses and cycle training initiatives, the firm has also overhauled its IT systems to provide better information and processes to its staff, providing a better experience to its customers in turn.
HOTLINES With the likes of Lapierre under its hat, Hotlines has seen a staggering 300 per cent growth year-on-year and massive brand acquisition. The firm took on the eye-catching Creme earlier in the year and Hotlines has invested heavily in personnel too in recent months, as well as upping marketing efforts significantly.
CYCLE SURGERY The Cycle Surgery chain has gone from strength-to-strength, this year opening its 20th store (its 11th stand-alone outlet in London). The latest shop in the growing empire is placed strategically near the West End’s Westfield shopping centre and covers 2,500 sq feet. LEISURE LAKES Established over a quarter of a century ago by four brothers in Preston (apparently building the first shop with their own hands), Leisure Lakes has grown into a seven store-strong chain with a dedicated mail order centre. Two generations of the Noy family now work throughout the company, helping Leisure Lakes retain that family feel. The firm offers a VIP club for customers, as
Consumer Site Judges should consider: Compelling editorial Design Independence and integrity of review Reliability User interface
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Distributor – Bikes
MADISON Probably the biggest distributor in the business, Madison still finds time to work with small scale projects like the Lundy Island cause. The firm’s essential IceBike* dealer show went twice yearly this summer, while its raft of bike brands has been well received, perhaps most eyecatchingly with Saracen, which recently expanded to cover the BMX sector. Madison has also joined BikeRadar Live for the first time this year, in a big way too. SEVENTIES Adding Cult and the Make to its growing portfolio earlier this year, BMX-focused distributor Seventies complemented the 36,000 print run of its catalogue with a web ‘flipbook’ this year on its website. Sponsoring around 50 riders, the firm aims to help those retailers sometimes scared off by BMX, as well as serve the ever-growing sector through forging long-term relationships with the industry.
Bike Brand Judges should consider: Commercial success Innovation Marketing Performance
SILVERFISH Adding Spanish bike brand Mondraker to its line-up this year, Silverfish promises good stock levels, fast delivery and a second to none back-up service. Putting on demo days around the country and attending dealer demos to back-up and increase sales locally, the firm also distributes Rocky Mountain as part of its complete bike brand offering. RALEIGH Still one of the world’s best known bike brands, Raleigh has developed its offering to include high-end electric bikes and develop its BMX brand Diamondback – doubling sales for the name in the process. The firm picked up exclusive distribution for BH Bikes at the start of 2010, and now offers a Raleigh-run Cycle to Work scheme to its ever-growing Cyclelife store portfolio. And as if launching Team Raleigh into action wasn’t enough, the firm even brought its historic heron headbadge back into circulation around the globe.
and Summer. The firm also launched its Ride the Revolution dealer show last month.
last year and the addition of four brand new product ranges, including Ibis and Pedro’s.
JIM WALKER Having taken on Campagnolo service centre status with two other distributors in February, the Core Bike stalwart has put its willingness to try new and innovative ways to approach doing business as key reasons behind recent successes. Jim Walker distributes legendary road racer Eddy Merckx’s own brand alongside the likes of Sunn Bicycles and Argon 18.
ZYRO Last year’s winner of P&A Distribution, Zyro is 15 years young and distributes 27 cycling brands, including own-brands Altura, Bodyfit and Tortec. Three sites later and with another much larger multi-purpose site in the works, the Zyro team is now 105-strong. P&A brands like Cateye and Panaracer were with the firm at the start, but were soon joined by the likes of Abus, PowerBar and Genuine Innovations.
Distributor – P&A HOTLINES The ever active distributor is bringing back X-Lite (under the stewardship of Brant Richards and Shedfire) and picked up Leatt in time for the brand to release its first cycle-specific product. With the likes of WTB, Nuke Proof, Ragley, Brand X and X Tools, the firm is increasingly having a hand in the development of brands too. 2PURE The Edinburgh-based distributor recently completed a move to new premises to support its growing P&A business. Boasting distribution of Clif Bar, Crank Brothers, Pinhead and Lizard Skins to name just a few, the busy company has hit something of a growth spurt, reporting 67 per cent like-for-like sales growth
FISHER OUTDOOR LEISURE Sporting world-famous names like SRAM alongside own-brands like bspoke, Kaaboom and many more, Fisher Outdoor Leisure has recently boosted its B2B site for a more in-depth offering to its dealer base. Its annual Expo show upped sticks from Edgbaston to St Albans in the last 12 months and saw record numbers attend the key industry show. MOORE LARGE The busy Derby-based distributor has launched a Road Show for dealers and a brand new website over the course of the last few months. The new site covers both IBDs and consumers too – leading prospective cyclists to their nearest dealer. Moore Large holds a huge range of P&A brands in its portfolio, from evergreen Knog, to Blackjack,
Zyro
CSG UK Offering reportedly the broadest portfolio in the industry, there’s no denying the last 12 months have been huge for the new firm. Born from the Hot Wheels acquisition by Dorel, the firm now has a 37-strong workforce and is set to reach a turnover in excess of £20 million. Its bike brands have blossomed too, including Cannondale, GT, Mongoose, Wethepeople, Charge
P&A Brand Judges should consider: Commercial Success Innovation Marketing Performance
Product Innovation Judges should consider: Creativity Uniqueness Impact on the sector Popularity
Retailer Account Manager (voted for only by retailers) Judges should consider: Product knowledge Depth of advance information Customer care Communication
Rising Star (a business that has grown/developed significantly in the last 12 months) Judges should consider: Growth over the last 12 months Performance over the last year Reputation
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Apex, Limar, Michelin, Lake and many more. ISON With brands like Halo, Indentiti and TSG, Ison has no shortage of top notch P&A brands. The firm moved to a larger base in Ely, Cambridge in the summer of ‘09 to allow it to carry increased stocks, enable more efficient processing and improved service for its many dealers. Other brands under the Ison umbrella include KHE, Kenda and Renthal.
Consumer Mag SINGLETRACK Last year’s winner of Best Consumer Mag was bagged by this privately owned mountain bike magazine. Chipps Chippendale, Mark Alker and Shaun Murray remain at Singletrack after founding the ever-popular title at the start of the century. SHRED Shred used to be the UK’s smallest bike magazine when it launched back in 1996 as a local bike mag. Over the years the title has risen in stature, scope and circulation. In 2002 the mag adopted a free business model, going online in ‘05 and is moving
Cycling Plus
Ride UK 32 BIKEBIZ SEPTEMBER
with the times by working on a Shred App, bringing the mag to the iPhone and iPad. CYCLING PLUS The prestigious Cycling Plus did nothing to knock its hard-earned reputation when it won the PPA specialist consumer mag award in June. The Rob Spedding-edited title saw its last ABC circulation increase an impressive 15.8 per cent year-on-year, its 12th consecutive rise. RIDE UK Factory Media’s BMX-centric title focuses on all aspects of the sector, showcasing fancy riding from around the world and featuring parts reviews, event updates and much more. Profiling up-and-coming BMX talents, offering freebies for readers and approaching its 150th issue, Ride UK has had another impressive 12 months. CYCLING WEEKLY IPC Media’s weekly two-wheeled focused title specialises in breaking cycle racing news from the UK and abroad, providing race reportage, fitness advice, product reviews and inspirational features for cyclists.
Consumer Site ROAD.CC Less than two years old and Road.cc has already hit one million impressions per month, with a monthly unique user figure of 159,276 consumers. (Google Analytics). The site tells BikeBiz: “It shows that the UK road sector is continuing to grow and attract new consumers. “Road.cc is at the centre of this growth with its unique voice, respected product reviews and news stories.” Technical editorial staff headed up by Mat Brett, together with two news editors, steered forward by Tony Farrelly and Dave Atkinson, the commercial expertise of Elaine Curtin will ensure its growth and help the site retain the already established industry respect and support. THE BIKE LIST The Bike List is planning to help over one million riders find their perfect bike this year, with useability a key cornerstone for this online bike choosing tool. Users can select their ride from more than 4,600 bikes by brand, bike type, price, suspension, frame material, gender, age or year. With a simple design,
shorter reach levers and cranks. CUBE BIKES The multi-national company has earned a prestigious reputation in the industry, striving to forge a non-US centric path and seeing what the firm has called overwhelming expansion over the last ten years. Designed and tested in the Alps, Cube Bikes have impressed journalists, retailers and consumers.
Road.CC
Bike Rumour reliable writing and info-packed reviews this new kid on the block is carving itself a niche in the consumer site world. LONDON CYCLIST The site is, BikeBiz is told, currently receiving 60,000 to 70,000 visitors every month and has recently sprouted off an iPhone application called Bike Doctor which has been so far very successful, staying in the top of the Sports category for a long period. The site is pitched as a great place for London’s growing cycling community to meet, discuss and learn. The new Friday comment feature where a question is asked, is proving very popular, inspiring many London cyclists to share their thoughts. BIKERUMOR.COM Bikerumor.com is a quick, easy dose of fresh cycling goodness daily. Covering all the latest bikes, tech, gadgets and gear, Bikerumor delivers the goods in an easy-to-read format with constantly updated content on road, mountain, triathlon, commuter and urban bicycles, plus advocacy and industry rumours. In just two short years, Bikerumor has attracted three quarters of a million monthly pageviews, the site tells BikeBiz, and continues to grow rapidly. BIKERADAR.COM The two-time winner of this award has a fearsomely large readership, grown since the site launched back in July 2007. Appealing to road cyclists, mountain bikers, commuters and everyone in between, the site has seen the successful brand extension of BikeRadar Live, now
in its second year, doing what the site does but in the flesh.
KONA Kona has continued to be an asset for distributor Paligap, not least when sales jumped 40 per cent in value in Q1. The distributor has moved the brand closer through its recent warehouse move, too. Commuter and road platforms have performed well for Kona, with mountain bike sales up for the firm last year, and the Cadabra range selling particularly well for 2010.
Bike Brand LAPIERRE The French brand has been a star performer for owner Accell, according to the firm’s latest financials. It’s been a top performer for UK distributor Hotlines too, generating sales and plenty of column inches – not least with rumours of Lapierre’s TIme Trial bike, which debuted at Dauphine Libere and appeared at this year’s Tour de France Prologue, appearing at retail for 2011. SARACEN The Saracen brand has been a feel-good story in recent months. From its reinvention under the watchful eye of Madison at the end of 2008/start of 2009, Saracen has acquired goodwill and plenty of praise from consumers and the trade alike. Working with IBDs, the brand has grown and will incorporate BMX in 2011 lines, as previewed at IceBike* Winter a few months ago. APOLLO As one of Halford’s leading brands, Apollo is the top selling bike brand in the UK according to the retailer – reportedly every one in three bikes sold in GB is an Apollo. This summer the brand launched eight MTB and seven town and trail bikes for men and women, all developed with superior frame geometry in mind. The women’s models have specific design modifications including different saddles, narrower width handlebars and
GIANT Aside from its expanding Giant branded store programme, which is now also heading into the US, Giant has seen its revenue rocket in the early months of this year, with a 39 per cent rise in revenue in March. The firm also invested in production in January, pouring $15 million into a new facility in China. BROMPTON The ever-popular folding bike brand has successfully faced legal battles to protect its IP this year, but in more positive news has won no less than two Queen’s Awards for Enterprise and has seen its World Championship gain in popularity. The firm also saw founder and director Andrew Ritchie bag an MBE in the New Year Honours list – so, not a bad 12 months for the classic British brand.
P&A Brand HOPE Hope’s ‘designed, tested and made in Barnoldswick, England’ philosophy has been at its core since the firm came into being two decades ago. Producing disc brakes and plenty of other quality bicycle parts, the firm is totally independent, operating from its factory on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales. LEZYNE Offering a broad range of product to the trade, the Lezyne brand includes pumps, hydration, tools, bottle cages, luggage and
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BIKEBIZ AWARDS 2010
now for the third consecutive year) and released a wealth of well received P&A product lines, including 2x10 X0 groupset, X7 2X10 drivetrain, the Rock Shox Sektor fork among others. The firm’s UK popularity exploded in ‘09 too, according to Fisher Outdoor Leisure head honcho Richard Allmark.
Hope plenty more besides. Distributed by Upgrade, the brand has seen phenomenal growth, with turnover multiplying many times since 2008 when Lezyne launched at Core Bike. Now well established, the aesthetically pleasing lines are regularly found at key cycle events. DT SWISS Madison took over DT Swiss distribution in the UK at the start of the year. The firm produces wheels, suspension, components and accessories, all designed for a perfect ride. Picking up the suspension and rigid fork business from Pace Cycles in 2006, the firm started its own carbon production in 2007 and hasn’t looked back. CATEYE The manufacturer of cycle computers, lights and reflectors was founded in Osaka, Japan in 1946 and has been distributed in the UK by Zyro since the mid90s. A keen innovator in bicycle electronics, the firm recently released upgraded LEDs that sport up to 50 per cent more power, overhauling and enhancing CatEye’s popular lines. SRAM One of the most respected firms in the business, SRAM has had another successful year, seeing its product ridden by the winner of the Tour de France (again –
SHIMANO Another one of the best known and respected component firms in the cycle trade, Shimano saw sales in the cycle arena rocket in the first half of 2010. The wellreceived 105 series for road bike components and Deore XT and SLX mountain bike components have helped the firm have a successful year. CLARKS Clarks started 2010 with a bang, releasing a whopping 60 new products to the market. With a new wide range of handle bar grips to complement the growing brakes ranges, Clarks also launched the new Skeletal hydraulic brake, offering the function of a high-end brake at a competitive price. And as if that wasn’t enough, Clarks also created a brand new website for OEM and aftermarket.
Product Innovation GOCYCLE Karbon Kinetic’s creation has come a long way in a short space of time. Bagging Gold at the Eurobike Awards last year, Gocycle appeared at Cycle Show before attracting enough praise to earn it a spot in 33 Evans Cycles stores (60 per cent of the retailer’s footprint) and John Lewis’ flagship Oxford Street store. From taking part in Bike Week, to garnering praise for its design, this British innovation is also available through the newto-the-UK Best Buy chain.
revealed to an expectant trade in June. Providing a method for riders to simply adust a headtube angle, the innovative product allows for six angle adjustments, ranging from 0.5 degrees to 1.5 degrees in one slick package. Set to appear as a stock or upgrade option on a number of 2011 bicycle models from the likes of Intense, Pivot, Santa Cruz and other high-end manufacturers, the Angleset will be available from September. TIMEX GLOBAL TRAINER With a whopping 150 years of watch building experience, and three decades with the Ironman brand, the Global Trainer is Timex’s first entry into the cyclespecific market bringing speed, cadence sensors and compatibility with a range of power metres to cyclists on a watch strap. BIKE REVOLUTION Bike Revolution has made a big impact on the trade with its crime-combating service. In a nutshell it is a free, online service for registering bikes, but the brains behind the operation have gone one step further and have already attracted attention from the likes of the Met Police. The firm has created a growing community of people able to watch out for bikes and check whether they’ve been stolen.
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BIKEHUB IPHONE APP The soon-to-launch BikeHub iPhone App represents the kind of forward thinking that keeps the cycle industry firmly on the right route (ahem) for the future. Paid for with cash from the BikeHub levy, this cunning piece of software allows users to plan their journeys by bike and to pinpoint their nearest independent bike dealer IBD if they need repairs en route, or just fancy looking at some new gear. The app will link up with the also soon-to-launch BikeHub.co.uk.
Bikehub
GoCycle
and the Cobra just slides in. Simples. APLS SUSPENSION SYSTEM, PRONGHORN BIKES The Anti-Power-Loss-System was pitched as providing the best of both worlds for mountain bike suspension. The rear shock absorber is mounted on the top tube, better utilising the rider’s energy and delivering power efficiently to the back wheel when required by the cyclist. The brains behind the APLS sus system is Pronghorn, which ended last year looking for a UK distribution partner, then picked Surf Sales up in March.
Retailer Account Manager GRAHAM BEAUMONT, REECE CYCLES Graham Beaumont of Reece Cycles came highly recommended by a number of retailers, one of which told BikeBiz: “We have found that for any enquiry, warranty, stock, delivery schedules, or invoicing we speak to Graham first, and he always sorts it. He has even been known to courier non Reece bikes between dealers when we have had to transfer stock.” DAVE PAGE, CANNONDALE Dave Page has been Cannondale rep for Southern UK for over eight years for the firm now known as Cycling Sports Group UK. Starting in telesales, Page was soon sent out on the road to provide dealer support face-to-face. DAVE COLTMAN, WALKERS Communication is key to Dave Coltman’s appeal, according to a number of retailers. Calling every week without fail, always ringing back and a being fountain of knowledge have been among his key skills. Coltman has been reported as willing to try and find a product even if it is not a brand that he sells and drops off goods on his calls.
ANGLESET, CANE CREEK Cane Creek’s headtube angle tweaking headset was finally Anyone with a smart mobile phone can read a tagged bike and instantly determine if it has been stolen and contact the owner by email instantly.
SRAM
important rider comfort. The high-performance frame boasts a multi-shaped tubeset for stiffness, slinky aesthetically pleasing lines and race-proven geometry.
LYNSKEY PRO 29 FRAME Joining Hotlines at the start of 2009, Lynskey went on to impress with its revamped titanium 29er frame – the PRO 29. The twisty marvel provides precision handling and stability without sacrificing that all-
COBRA TUBE, FLY BIKES The Cobra is a slither of linear tube designed to fix a flat in seconds. The patented design can be inserted into the tyre without the need to remove and re-align the wheel. Unveiled at the start of the year and with a snake charming print ad to boot, the Cobra can replace a flat in less than two minutes with the help of a good pump, according to Fly. The cyclist takes off one side of the tyre, takes the flat tube off
WILMA RALSTON, 2PURE The Edinburgh-based distributor had one account manager singled out in particular by retailers lobbying for the award – Wilma Ralston. Providing topnotch support to the dealers she works with, Ralston is always on hand for her customers. BEN WASHINGTON, GORE BIKEWEAR Washington is a stand-out retail account manager according to one retailer in particular: “He
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visits us when necessary with new product, and never just for the sake of it. He makes himself available for any staff training required and takes on board constructive criticism. He is always available by phone or email when needed.” RICHARD STATON, MADISON Aside from providing everyday sales support for his dealer base, Staton has also been involved in helping support local racing teams. Station (along with Dave Sharp, also of Madison fame) helped source helmets and shoes for the ActivCycles-Corbridge race team. SCOTT GREENWOOD, OCTAGOCYCLESPORT Otagocyclesport has been steadily growing as a distributor of niche cycle products and one of its team – Scott Greenwood – has been singled out by one of the UK’s premier independent bike dealers as a top performer. Offering a personal and individual service, the man has been top notch at looking after retailers and making them feel important and valued as a customer, BikeBiz is told.
Rising Star WISPER Doubling turnover and being a key founder of the British Electric Bicycle Association are just two of the reasons the firm has made it onto the Rising Star Finalist this year. The firm unveiled the first carbon e-bike at the Earls Court-based Cycle Show last year and Wisper is a keen supporter of the electric bike scene, including the annual Tour de Prestigne electric bike race in North Wales. HAVEBIKE This young company provides cycling services to public and
Wisper
private sector organisations (including a number of emergency services) providing a tailored service to clients’ specific needs. Its fully qualified mechanics undertake onsite scheduled bike maintenance visits for institutions and organisations in the city. Notably the firm works with the London Cycle Hire scheme and even organises corporate mountain bike days in scenic locations just outside London. THE BIKE LIST The Bike List is planning to help over one million riders find their perfect bike this year, with useability a core cornerstone for
this online bike choosing tool. Users can select their ride from more than 4,600 bikes by brand, bike type, price, suspension, frame material, gender, age or year. With a simple design, reliable writing and info-packed reviews, this new kid on the block is carving itself a niche in the consumer site world. ENIGMA TITANIUM Having carved a reputation for building high quality titanium bikes since the firm first went into business four years ago, Enigma Titanium has since added a steel bike range to its portfolio in the last 12 months, all handcrafted in its Sussex workshop. Reportedly the only UK manufacturer that can build with titanium, the firm has its sights set on becoming a world class British brand to compete with the most prestigious names in the industry. GREEN OIL From humble beginnings in a garden shed with a single chain lube and basic machinery, Green Oil has ramped up its game significantly over the past 12
months. From opening a factory in Wales to produce its award winning range and expanding the line-up to five products, the firm uses ecologically sound methods and produced the world’s first fairly traded bike product – the EcoSponge. The last 12 months have even seen the firm gain a foothold in other countries (from Moldova to the USA) and has doubled turnover. The firm also supports local cycle events in the UK. Green Oil recently bagged a spot on BBC Breakfast news, boosting its growing reputation.
Green Oil
Only a tenner a ticket! For a mere £10 you can come along to the BikeBiz Awards night at Sway Bar, 61-65 Green Queen Street, London, close to Somerset House and Holborn tube station. As well as chance to hob nob
34 BIKEBIZ SEPTEMBER
with the trade you get three free drinks, a buffet, entertainment, a casino and chance to grab a prize. Email Carly.Bailey @intentmedia.co.uk to grab your ticket for the 2010 BikeBiz Awards.
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BIKEBIZ SEPTEMBER 35
BRAND SPOTLIGHT TIMEX
High time Iconic watch brand Timex has built on its Ironman product range to produce its first-ever cycle-specific product: the Global Trainer. But what led the firm to ramp up its cycle offering now? Jonathon Harker finds out from Simon Bradeley of Timex distributor Sport Assist… TIMEX IS a firm with a serious heritage in the time business – but how long has the Timex Ironman range been in existence? I am sure most people have owned a Timex product at some point in their life. The Ironman range began in 1984 with our first digital sports watch including chronograph and advanced timing features. Since then Timex Ironman has become a favourite among triathletes and runners and, following the development of our heart rate monitors and the first GPS-based training system, we have been searching for and developing the right technology to enter the cycling market. Timex brings 150 years of watch building and design experience to the table. As part of the development of Timex Ironman we’ve worked with top athletes for over 25 years, developing a range of products that satisfies demanding sportsmen and women. The Global Trainer represents the first serious entry into the cycling market from a brand that’s been at the forefront of sports technology advancements over the last ten years. Timex Group UK MD Gavin Crilly-Mckean got it spot on when he said that the Global Trainer has the right technology to truly enter the cycle market,
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The Timex Global trainer (left)
with feedback saying it hits all the right buttons and more. Whether you’re a road racer, mountain biker or track cyclist, the Global Trainer is a powerful and versatile training tool that enables you to monitor and analyse your performance like never before.
available so we could meet their demands. Knowing what we know about endurance athletes and working with our Timex Multi Sport Team, we now have the right technology to race ahead of the pack with outstanding connectivity and versatility, making this the
Timex builds on established features already developed and one of Ironman’s defining features is its user interface. With Global Trainer this is enhanced with five modes of operation; performance, multisport, review, configure and PC sync.
“We know cyclists are an exacting bunch and we wanted to be sure we had the best technology before we launched.” Simon Bradeley The Global Trainer’s PC sync is one aspect of the multi-faceted device Has the Ironman brand grown with the rise of triathlon? Yes, of course the Ironman range has grown with the triathlon market, but we’ve also seen growth across the board over the last ten years from running, swimming, cycling, team sports and the fashion markets. Why has Timex entered the bike market now? We know cyclists are an exacting bunch and we wanted to be sure we had the best tech
choice product for any cyclist, triathletes or runner. What are the key features? The Trainer can be handlebarmounted with the customdesigned fixing for easy viewing whilst riding, or worn on wrists. Integrated SiRFstarIII GPS uses geostationary satellites for pinpoint accuracy and the ANT+ wireless sensors enable pace, speed, distance, altitude, heart rate, cadence and power to be measured with precision.
The striking oversized design will attract admiring glances too. For such a multi-tasking piece, it looks good and maintains the rugged hardware look that Timex Ironman has developed. What kind of feedback has the watch been getting? Our staff are a demanding bunch of enthusiasts and experts, particularly our sales force comprising of elite and sportive cyclists, triathletes and swimmers. The response from
them has been amazing and I’ve never seen a team so enthused. We’ve taken demo units out on club runs and to events and the response has been incredible. We soft launched the Global Trainer in the US earlier this year. The sales figures have been amazing, out-performing the competition significantly. What incentives are available for dealers? We have a ‘Big on the High Street’ initiative which is key for us as we want to work with dealers to develop awareness of the links between products and performance, and authenticate this with our sports science knowledge. We’ve recently had a New Sports Science Laboratory opened by Darren Campbell MBE to bring sports science and training knowledge to all levels of athletes. We have a mobile version of this lab which we take to stores and clubs to highlight the need for sports science. Since rumours of the Trainer emerged in February we have had an unprecedented number of forward orders from UK dealers. Prospective dealers can contact our team at sales@assist.co.uk or call 01978 664743. From that moment a member of our account management team will work with that retailer to maximise sales and profitability.
BIKEBIZ SEPTEMBER 37
ACTSMART: THE CYCLING EXPERTS
Calling all bike shops A month ahead of its site relaunch, the ACT explains how The Cycling Experts portal is set to enhance its dealer offering… THE CYCLING EXPERTS – ACT’s promotional website – relaunches on Friday October 1st in time for the Cycle Show. The redesigned consumerfacing The Cycling Experts website will help raise the profile of all specialist cycle retailers, commencing with promotion to all public visitors at Cycle Show 2010 at Earls Court. ACT aims to generate increasing exposure and interest in local cycle shops, highlighting the services, products, technical skills and passion for the promotion of cycling available in every local cycle shop. Independent cycle shops have a critical part to play in the growth of cycling and the ACT is promoting The Cycling Experts to assist in getting more people on bikes via quality products and service. CONSUMER PROMOTION FOR YOUR STORE With an ever-increasing number of services available to consumers via specialist cycle retailers it is important to emphasise what each specialist retail outlet offers, including all localised services. The Cycling Experts has dedicated areas promoting the fact that independent retailers are the best place to shop, how to buy a bike, getting started with cycling, and some basic bike maintenance tips. THE PLACE TO BE SEEN Consumer visitation to The Cycling Experts is at record levels and growing exponentially, with
38 BIKEBIZ SEPTEMBER
Cytech, Jobs and the Shop Search being the major attractions. The Cycling Experts features the most up-to-date directory of specialist cycle shops in the UK. All cycle retailers have a basic entry with the option of creating their own extended, unique, promotional listing including: What’s special about your shop Accessory, bike and clothing brands stocked ACT membership Cytech accreditation Other value-added services e.g. ride it away cycle finance, cycle hire etc. Shop photo, logo Employee pictures Website links Opening times The shop listing feeds an increasing number of other popular sites, enhancing consumer traffic to c. 250,000 per month. If you have a website, the listings can help drive more visitations; if you don’t then this is a great way to get online without incurring any costs. Extended shop listings are free to all ACT members and currently cost from as little as £25p.a. for non-members. ActSmart (FOC) Bronze subscription is required to update listings. Simply visit www.TheCycling Experts.co.uk to check your promotional listing. To update details visit www.actsmart. biz/cycles login and click on Add/Edit Promotional Listings.
Now with easy navigation, social media integration and ‘find a bike shop’ featured on every page Home page features the Shop of the Month
Information features all the products and services specialist retailers offer to their locality ACT supplier members who support the specialist retail sector are promoted on every page throughout the site
Find-A-Shop allows consumers to search local shops, services, brands and technical service. Cytech Accreditation, ACT membership, Ride It Away cycle finance, cycle hire facilities, demo bikes, etc, can all be searched
Shop search results are displayed within a radius as determined by the customer, who can ‘enter the shop’ to see the full shop details; opening times, brands stocked, pictures, services offered, direct links to your website and much more
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INTERVIEW PETER DENK, CANNONDALE
Future
shock Carlton Reid takes a spin with Cannondale’s design guru, Peter Denk. The German suspension specialist talks about Simon, Cannondale’s Bosch bike and why bike design is more complex than aerospace design...
“Bikes are at the cutting edge of composites. We use more carbon technology than even Formula 1.” Peter Denk
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PETER DENK might be the technical director for the Cycling Sports Group of America, but he is based in Freiburg, Germany. He works in a 300-year old former carpentry workshop and from his door he can test-ride his bikes on a variety of climbs and descents. “Half a mile from my front door, the trail starts,” Denk tells BikeBiz. “I have to climb for roughly one hour on singletrack and then I can choose between a built downhill trail or natural singletrack. Or I can do two hours climbing and then do a one hour downhill. Or I can do epic eighthour tours all over the hills here.” Denk is noted for his prowess with suspension, but also with carbon fibre, and for making Tour de France road and time trial
bikes. He was the head designer at Scott for 12 years. The 44-year old has been with the Cycling Sports Group since 2009. His business – Denk Engineering – owns a number of suspension patents licensed to Scott, Rock Shox and Fox. To date he has been working only on CSG's Cannondale but in the future will also work on GT and Mongoose. “For CSG, I'm technical director. I have an engineering team of three here in Freiburg. There are 15 engineers working for CSG in Bethel, USA. “CSG engineers come to Germany for one or two weeks and we kick off projects together. The sales team gives me a lot of feedback from dealers, which is really important for me. I combine the feedback
from dealers and sales with what I get when I go to bike festivals, seeing what people are riding, and how they ride. “When I ride locally there will be at least 20 other mountain bikers at the summit. Among those there will be 10 to 15 different bike brands. I listen when people talk about what they like and dislike about their bikes. I try to get a feeling for what is coming next, the trends.” These trends include e-bikes (see box on pge 42) and urban bikes. He lives and works in a mountain biker's playground but, turn the other way, and he's in Germany's bike-friendliest city. When CSG's bike designers spend time with Denk they fall in love with Freiburg; the city and the surrounding hills.
“We're very lucky,” admits Denk. “We have every type of riding right out of our front door.” The hardtail Flash was the first Cannondale bike produced from Freiburg. “We didn’t need to make the lightest frame. For Cannondale, a stiff frame is more important. The next step with a hardtail was to bring comfort. This comfort makes the Flash fun to ride. Riders are able to put more energy into their legs instead of their upper bodies.” The frame on the Flash was beefed up in critical areas. “We added big aluminium drop-outs. Mount 140mm calipers directly to a carbon mount and the caliper gets very hot. When the bond reaches 80 degrees celsius the bonding strength is only 50 per
BIKEBIZ SEPTEMBER 41
INTERVIEW PETER DENK, CANNONDALE
cent. On a downhill section where it’s very technical. Where you don’t have lots of speed to cool your discs, but you have to brake a lot, your disc brake gets to 300-400 degrees, and your caliper goes up to 100 degrees. You can pull out the brakes from the bosses. As a designer you have to know your materials.” Denk is self-taught on composite technologies. “There are no books, no university courses where you can learn how to make composite bicycle frames. There are carbon engineers available on the market but if you hire them don't know how to make a bike frame. They can calculate a laminate for you, they can calculate what’s going on in the carbon layers but the problem is how to design a part that works with carbon fibre. “The bike industry is amazingly advanced when it comes to carbon fibre. To design carbon fibre parts for aeroplanes they duplicate metal parts. If we designed bikes how the Airbus A380 is designed our bikes would be 20 per cent heavier. The aerospace industry doesn't use new technologies. They only use technologies that have been on the market for many years. “Bikes are at the cutting edge of composites. We use more advanced carbon technology than even Formula 1. In F1, they put most of their resources in
42 BIKEBIZ SEPTEMBER
aerodynamics, the gearbox and the engine. For them, lightweight construction is important but it’s not first. On bicycles, that’s first. “On a bicycle, we look to lose small amounts of weight. We find one gram here, one gram there. Sometimes half of one gram. “If you look at the kinematics
of making a bicycle it’s very complex. A motorcycle engine has a linear delivery. Cyclists have on each stroke a peak and a low; a peak and a low. That makes it extremely difficult to find a good kinematic for a bicycle. ” THE EARLY YEARS Denk cut his teeth with Pacific Cycles of Taiwan, working for George Lin's company in 1990 as a work placement during his masters degree in mechanical engineering. During his university holidays he
stayed with Lin and produced his first full suspension design. He took these designs to Germany and created a bike company. The young brand had lots of orders but not enough money to fulfil them. “We had orders for say, 2,000 bikes but we could only deliver 30,” explains Denk.
He sold the brand (it still produces bikes for the German market) and Denk Engineering started to do freelance design work for Scott USA of Switzerland. “We designed Scott's first downhill bike just to put bread on the table. But then Scott said 'Whatever you design, whatever it costs, just do it.' That was a dream.” Denk Engineering was responsible for some iconic Scott bikes: Strike, Spark, Genius, CR1, the Plasma 2 time trial bike, the Gambler downhill bike.
The Genius travel management bike is how all mountain bikes will operate in the future, believes Denk. “Two bikes in one is the future. It's not possible to make a geometry that’s perfect for uphills and downhills. But with travel management you can solve that problem. When we came up with the U-turn on Rock Shox people said there was no need. Five years later it’s hard to sell a fork without a climbing device on it.” In the future, suspension setup experts won't be as necessary. Set-up will be intuitive. With the Jekyll, Denk is almost there. “On the Genius 150, the shock is difficult to set-up, even for me. The new Fox shock [on the Jekyll] is a lot easier to set up. “On other shocks you have to adjust pedal platform, sometimes low speed/high speed compression. Even most of my friends don’t know how to set
this up. Mostly they leave it how it is or open it up completely. These don't ride well. With the Jekyll, riders don’t have problems to adjust things. The travel option is self-teaching.” On bike functions that are important, Denk is adamant that disc braking for road bikes is critical. The UCI has okayed the use of discs on cyclocross bikes, now the UCI should do the same for road bikes, urges Denk. “I really want to use carbon rims on my road bike but I can’t do it here, because of rain and downhills. 12 per cent hills can't be descended safely in the wet with carbon wheels. Disc brakes for road bikes is a safety issue. If you race, you need brakes.” The UCI would do well to listen to Denk. He has been proved right in the past and he’s one of an elite number of bike designers who, over the years, have shaped markets.
Cannondale’s Bosch Bike TWO YEARS in development, Cannondale now has an electric bike. It's equipped with a propulsion system produced by Bosch. Cannondale worked with Bosch on the bike side of the development and had a headstart with the technology but Bosch is selling the system to other OEMs as well as Cannondale.
For Denk, a Cannondale electric bike had to be designed to appeal to a younger audience: “The problem with e-bikes is the target group is mostly retired people. Whether you hide the batteries or not, the bike should be a sport bike. People like me and my friends want cool bikes.
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44 BIKEBIZ SEPTEMBER
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CYCLE SHOW PREVIEW REGISTER FREE AT: cycleshow.co.uk/BikeBiz
Showing off! Another year, another huge floorplan to pore over. Leading up to the Earls Court Cycle Show, that’s what show director Andrew Brabazon’s days consist of. Mark Sutton asks how, once again, more cycling content than ever is to be found under one roof come October… CHANCES ARE you’ll have seen at least some of the adverts promoting this year’s Cycle Show, if not the whole series, each depicting a different ‘face of cycling’. From a mud-soaked freerider to a first-time child cyclist, the marketing material promotes the show as a diverse, yet comprehensive tour of the future of cycling. It’ll be a widespread campaign too, driving the message home to tube commuters, cycling mag buyers and even pushed via flyers at the next Skyride, as well as other race events. In fact, the campaign will be more or less unavoidable to anyone with an interest in cycling, which is great news for the exhibitors currently booked in and occupying 90 per
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cent of the available space. That remaining ten per cent, according to show director Andrew Brabazon, is set to sell fast as the deadline to take space draws close. “There are some prime spaces left. People are calling and assuming we’ve only got scrappy positions left, but there’s some key spaces that we expect won’t be around for long.” That’s why Brabazon is encouraging the trade to act quickly if they want to be one of the record number of exhibitors filling Earls Court this year. “Prospective exhibitors can ring our sales girl Elizabeth Barile on 020 7288 6443, or drop her an email on elizabethb@ upperstreetevents.co.uk to discuss what exhibition
opportunities remain. We’re very happy to have broken well past the 200 exhibitors mark this year, with space remaining thanks to a little re-jig of the show features. “It’s a new record for us and I think a sign of how the show has become a firm favourite for cyclists of all kinds. That’s something we’re keen to emphasise as we go forwards – Cycle Show is for everyone, whether they ride unicycles, recumbents, BMX or commute by bike. The show is now more diverse than ever.” Brabazon tells BikeBiz that it’s the small and medium stand uptake that has picked up immensely this year with far more small and perhaps niche companies looking to show their
wares, as well as do trade business. It’s not just the smaller firms placing their faith in the show, however. “This year we’ve seen Fisher Outdoor Leisure increase their stand more than five-fold, while Paligap has booked a large 115sq metre spot. TfL is again at the show, this time with three large stands – a Cycle Hire booth, a Superhighways booth and a very thought provoking ‘changing places truck’, in which cyclists can sit inside a truck and get a first-hand look at what’s visible in the wing mirrors of your typical HGV.” Quirky features are part of the main draw for the show’s consumer audience, though are also a huge support to the exhibitors. The ‘skate park’
BIKEBIZ SEPTEMBER 45
CYCLE SHOW PREVIEW REGISTER FREE AT: cycleshow.co.uk/BikeBiz
The facts and figures
£35 million The figure reached by post-show research showing how much the Cycle Show audience spends on cycling annually.
Cycle Show provides the chance for the trade to meet as well as show off the latest product ranges
200+ The record number of exhibitors who have taken exhibition space this October
6 to 12 year-olds The target age group of a new ‘Go Ride’ installation to be run by British Cycling at this year’s Cycle Show.
5 Seminars scheduled for each day of the show. Some trade discussions are done in partnership with the ACT.
Double The amount of floor space dedicated to ‘The Cycle Store’, previously known as the ‘retail zone’.
5 fold The figure by which Fisher Outdoor has increased its space at Cycle this year.
Approximately 10% The amount of exhibition space still available as this issue goes to press.
Over 200 The number of exhibitors on board this year at the time of press, compared with 182 in 2009.
46 BIKEBIZ SEPTEMBER
returns this year, but with the addition of professional 24 and 26-inch wheeled riders giving it a whirl – upping the show’s appeal with a new roster of big name riders. Elderly and disabled visitors are catered for thanks to Wheels of Wellbeing who will be running rides on the commuter test track, as well as handing out advice. British Cycling has an allages, all-abilities ‘Cycling Skills Challenge’ series, as well as focused sessions with six to 12 year-olds. Four of the organisation’s trained staff will be on site, setting kids cycle challenges and tasks. Women cyclists are once again equally catered for at Cycle Show, with femalespecific cycle clothing firm Minx holding advice sessions for females, as well as providing show tours of the women’sspecific product featured within Earls Court. Sessions with the Minx team, as well as various other show activities are all pre-bookable on the Cycle Show website. Perhaps of more interest to the trade is Brabazon’s confirmation that the ‘piazza’ area, often used to conduct onsite business meets, has been greatly extended this year, providing firms ample space to
“That is something that we’re keen to emphasise. The show is more diverse than ever.” Andrew Brabazon
talk product, distribution and link ups. Furthering the appeal to many exhibitors handling clothing, protection and lighting product, it has been confirmed to BikeBiz that the retail zone, now known as ‘the Cycle Store’, has doubled in size, greatly increasing the appeal to consumers ready to splash their cash. The sale categories remain more or less the same, though tools are now also sold within. Exhibitors may be interested to learn that there’s still sales space within the ‘Cycle Store’ too, for which ‘quick action’ is encouraged should the space be of interest. Exhibition sales: 020 7288 6443 Sponsorship enquiries: 020 7288 6010
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Photo Credit: Graham Watson
DOUBLETAP VICTORY! 1st and 2nd place for SRAM RED and Zipp at the 2010 Tour de France. Alberto Contador (Team Astana) wins the Tour for the second consecutive year while Andy Schleck (Team Saxo Bank) takes second place.
YELLOW JERSEY 18 DAYS IN YELLOW 8 STAGE WINS BEST TEAM WHITE JERSEY
Distribution in the UK: Fisher Outdoor Leisure LTD, www.ďŹ sheroutdoor.co.uk & Saddleback Ltd, www.saddleback.co.uk
2008 GIRO
2008 VUELTA
2009 TDF
2010 TDF
CYCLE SHOW PREVIEW REGISTER FREE AT: cycleshow.co.uk/BikeBiz
The cycle shop is open
It’s business time… Terrace capacity upped to 500 Piazza area expands Electric fever hits THE POPULAR piazza area, commonly used for business meets at Cycle has been extended this year to offer a greater capacity. Brabazon told BikeBiz: “Among the features we’ve extended is this area which many find crucial to taking a breather from the stand or to discuss business away from the bustling show.” The terraces have also been given a rework, meaning 500 seats are now available for main stage shows. “Last year certain seminars had crowds gathering at the foot of the ramp area, as
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well as filling the terraces. This year the capacity should cope much better,” says Brabazon. If electric bikes are starting to catch your curiosity, it's also worth noting that six electricexclusive brands have taken space at this year's show,
including Batribike, Wisper and FreeGo, to name a few. Representatives from the British Electric Bicycle Association will also be at the show and are interested in hearing thoughts on potential up-coming e-bike legislation changes.
PREVIOUSLY known as the Retail Zone, this year's Cycle Store has doubled in size, accommodating more exhibitor product than ever previously. The sales categories remain more or less the same, though those taking space are now permitted to sell tools and pedals, as well as the traditional soft goods, lighting product and helmets on sale in prior years. Brabazon confirmed to BikeBiz that space is still available within the Cycle Store, though warned: "We extended the space thanks to higher demand for space to sell to the public and that demand is still strong. Contact our sales girl
Elizabeth Barile
Elizabeth Barile on 020 7288 6443 for enquiries on remaining plots."
BIKEBIZ SEPTEMBER 49
CYCLE SHOW PREVIEW
Exhibitor List Action Medical Research F14 ActSmart C24 Alzheimer's Society F16 AM and Co Importers (Cycle Store) Amazing Wheels D17 Aroma-Sports E22c Assist E29 Asthma UK F9 ATB C14 Batribike E11 Bernds D13 Bespoke Cycling D15 Bespoke Cycling E1a Bigfish Folding Bikes E8 BikeBiz Magazine S2 Bike Eye D8 Bikegreece B4 Black Sheep Sports Ltd F13 BM7 Displays B8 Bohle UK E37 Boutique Cycles F25 Breeze Blockers F8 Breeze Blockers (Cycle Store) British Cycling E17 Bromley E23 Brompton C21 Buro 9 E21a Butterworth Insurance F15 Campagnolo E36 Cape Town Cycle Tours Trust C1 Carbon Repair Technology C2 Carradice E19 Ciclismo C9 Condor Cycles Ltd E33 Cooper Bikes B2 Cycle Works E22d Cycleurope UK Ltd - Bianchi Division E37 Cyclodelic (Cycle Store) Dakine F19 Demon Frameworks E14a Design Headwear F21c DillGlove Ltd E20c Dreamslide D11 Early Rider E26 EFX Performance UK D31 Embers Merino (Cycle Store) Endura (Cycle Store) Endura E24 Eurozone Brands & Sales Marketing D27c Exodus F11 Explore Exposure Lights (Cycle Store) Extra UK E35 Fishers Outdoor Leisure A2 FLI Distribution F13 Folding Bike Hut C3 Foska (Cycle Store) FreeGo Electric Bikes D9 Garmin B11 Go Cycle C6 Greyville C19 Greyville (Cycle Store) Hope Technology C8 IAM E20b in2dust E2a Italy Bike Hotels C25
50 BIKEBIZ SEPTEMBER
J D Cycles Jim Walker Jolly Wear Juice Lubes Kemper Fahrradtechnik Kidney Resarch Kleinebenne GmbH Kool-Stop Europe Liix Love Velo Lyon Maxi Milani Minx Mobiky-Tech Moore Large Moose Cycling Mosquito Multisport Distribution My Velo Nemesis New Metal Tech ONDA Osporto Trading Co â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Gipiemme Paligap Pashley Pashley as Moulton Peugeot Polaris Polaris Apparel Powacycle Primal Wear Inc Quest 88 Redspokes Ribble Cycle Co. Rose Royce UK Ltd Satmap Sealskinz Sealskinz
D2 D21 F27 F20 D13 F23 D13 C16 D19a E2B C27 B8 B15 A1 C24a C17 F29 C20 E27 F21d (Cycle Store) D30 B7 E30a 22a C12 B6 B6 (Cycle Store) E2c B3 F12a D10 F10 D18 D16 F24 B13 F3 (Cycle Store)
Shiner B17 Sigma C11 Simon A Holt & Co E7 Singer F12 Spencer Ivy F17c Split Second E12 St John Street Cycles E2 Sub 4 C23 Surf Sales (Cycle Store) Surrey Human Performance Institute E21d Target Wheels F22 The Big Paper Bag Co D29b Torm Cycling Cycle Store Torq B10 Triathlon Consultants Ltd (Cycle Store) Twenty 26 E18 Ultimate Sports Engineering and Exposure Lights D26 Ultra Motor E5 Unicycle.com E5b Upgrade (Cycle Store) Upgrade E28 Utility C29 Velotex D10b Vitesse Pro cycle Wear (Cycle Store) Wheels for Wellbeing (WiZZBiKE Foundation) D1 Wiggle C13a Wildoo Limited C31 Windwave D19 Wisper Ltd E3 WyndyMilla B8 ZipVit E30
BIKEBIZ.COM
CYCLE SHOW PREVIEW
7th-10th October 2010 Earls Court, London Guides for girls THANKS TO Minx Clothing, a cycle clothing specialist tailoring cycling specific gear for women, female attendees to the show can be given a guided tour of the show’s girl gear. Show director Andrew Brabazon tells BikeBiz: “The girls
at Minx have kindly offered to share their wisdom on proper bike sizing for girls, as well as give guided tours of the show’s product tailored to females.” Pre-bookable time slots are available on the Cycle Show website – www.cycleshow.co.uk
Register free at: cycleshow.co/uk/bikebiz
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BIKEBIZ SEPTEMBER 51
CYCLE SHOW PREVIEW REGISTER FREE AT: cycleshow.co.uk/BikeBiz
The faces of the
future THESE CHIRPY chaps and chapettes will be unavoidable if you’re in the cycle trade and beyond in the coming weeks. The series of helmet-clad models will appear in a diverse range of consumer magazines – from 20-inch titles like Ride BMX, mountain bike publications such as MBUK, as well as a variety of others covering all aspects of cycle sport, leisure and transport use. The creative adverts will also be prominent on the underground across London, pushing many ‘could-be’ cyclists toward the show. Show director Andrew Brabazon told BikeBiz: "Last year’s characters were a bit of a love/hate affair with our visitors, so
52 BIKEBIZ SEPTEMBER
this year we’ve decided to show the many diverse faces of the Cycle Show. We’re truly universal in our content now and we feel the cyclists used reflect how the show has progressed to offer real reasons to attend for each and every sector.” The show organisers also have extensive marketing planned via regional and national press publications, direct marketing such as email and postal drops, as well as a direct involvement in events such as the Skyride at which ‘street teams’ will be handing out flyers. Brabazon estimates that over five million people will be reached through the various forms of marketing.
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BIKEBIZ SEPTEMBER 53
PEOPLE AND RECRUITMENT Send your recruitment news to
mark.sutton@intentmedia.co.uk
September sees sales rep recruitment galore Eurobike, Paligap and Silverfish all bolster their UK sales presence with a raft of new recruits...
54 BIKEBIZ SEPTEMBER
EUROBIKE Distributor Eurobike has appointed two new sales representatives: IAN REYNOLDS for the North and DAN SCOTT for the South. Reynolds joins Eurobike with an established history in the cycle trade, bringing a wealth of knowledge to the distributor. Reynolds welcomes trade enquiries in the North and can be contacted on 07584 102803. Dan Scott is a keen cyclist, who spent time in retail before studying law and going on to get a degree. Scott is extremely excited about his new role and welcomes trade enquiries for the South of England. Eurobike customers and prospective accounts should contact him on 07584 102804.
Dan Scott, Eurobike SILVERFISH Silverfish has appointed KATE PRING to the role of South Eastern area sales representative. Pring brings with her a strong background in sales and her depth of experience in similar markets is key to her appointment at the Cornwallbased distributor.
Ian Reynolds, Eurobike Sales manager RICHIE ROWLAND said: “Kate is a great appointment for Silverfish and we’re pleased to have her on board with us. “Her previous experience within the surf and outdoor sports industries will ensure she brings a professionalism and enthusiasm to the role that both
Silverfish and our dealers can benefit from. As Silverfish continues to grow, dividing the UK into three territories and increasing our managers on the road is the logical next step, one that we’re confident will allow our dealers to grow with us.” Silverfish UK can be contacted on 01752 843882 for enquires. PALIGAP Bristol distributor Paligap has expanded its sales force to a team of nine with three new appointments to the company. With the new recruits taking on their roles from early August, some dealers may have already have had the pleasure of meeting JAMIE NEWALL, JOE MCNEICE and ROBIN LARCOMBE.
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PEOPLE AND RECRUITMENT
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Jors Opperman, Jim Walker SRP
Newall will cover the South East of England and comes with a proven track record from one of the UK’s premium parts and accessory distributors. He can be reached via email at jnewall@paligapltd.co.uk, or by phone on 07966 273243. Joe McNeice joins Paligap and will cover the North of England and North Wales, and returns to the cycle trade where he worked for a period with 2 x 2. His email is jmcneice@paligapltd.co.uk and his mobile number is 07786 311880. Robin Larcombe joins Paligap from Casamasferre and will cover Scotland and Ireland. He can be contacted via email at rlarcombe@paligapltd.co.uk, or by phone on 07918 685127. DAVID LANE, managing director for Paligap, said: “Paligap’s focus is to ensure we are servicing UK IBDs by having account managers visiting the stores regularly with our portfolio of brands, and with the three new appointments in the field, we feel that the future is very bright within this sector.”
JIM WALKER The warranty and sales teams have been bolstered at Jim Walker with the appointment of JORS OPPERMAN and TONY BARTON. Having worked in the industry for five years Opperman is first point of contact on the phones and is also a qualified wheel builder, and so is able to fix Fulcrum returns, as well as offer help and advice on any Jim Walker product. To speak to the Jim Walker warranty department please call 01323 445155. Joining the sales team – on his second stint at Jim Walker – Tony Barton has come to the firm with 20 years’ experience. “Having just spent the last ten years setting up and running Magura Bike Parts UK, I was looking for a new challenge,” said Barton. “Having previously worked at Jim Walkers back in the late nineties it was great to have the opportunity to work with them again.” Barton will be managing South Wales, Midlands and the North.
£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
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RETAIL ONLY
The trade’s guide to sourcing stock, up-and-coming IBDs and the very latest products
RETAIL COMMENT JUDGING BY internet reports and based on the ‘thumbs up’ given to London’s scheme by the majority of users, despite teething troubles, it seems London could simply be an early adopter of sharing cycling with the masses. Other cities are already tentatively declaring interest in mimicking the part Barclays-funded hire scheme, which can only be positive news for cycling nationwide. Merseyside City Council has reportedly put out a tender calling on interested businesses to submit their vision for a cycle hire scheme on the streets of liverpool. Then there’s Edinburgh, York, Newcastle, Birmingham and an indecisive Bristol City Council. So that’s several of the countries forward-thinking big cities on board then. London’s Cycle Hire was allegedly dreamed up some ten years ago when Ken Livingstone was in office, though the Liberal Democrats are now claiming it was their idea... As put by Road.cc: “One sure sure fire sign that a scheme is working is when politicians across the political spectrum start claiming the credit for its creation.” The ‘Boris Bikes’, though too early to really conclusively say, are being hailed as a success, so, for now let’s assume the scheme will be mimicked nationwide over the coming years.
Cycle sales in cities who’ve run a cycle hire scheme for some time have held steady and in many cases increased... So, what does that mean for cycle retailers? Will bike sales suddenly dip in areas where the only wheels on the road are hired steeds? Afterall, BikeBiz’s own Carlton Reid has snapped empty docking stations in Paris before now and reports having had difficulty tracking down a hire bike, so surely those hired bikes are lost sales? If precedent in Paris, Lyon, Monteal and other cities running similar ‘pay as you roll’ programmes is anything to go by, then no, quite the opposite effect is to be expected. Sales in all of these cities were shown to have either remained steady, or increased - largely down to ‘new’ cyclists trying hire bikes and rediscovering the joy of pedal power. Having tried the heavier hire bikes, the ‘have-a-go’ riders largely went in search of better bikes to call their own. Nothing to worry about then. A rumour found its way to me recently that the owner of a store local to BikeBiz was on his way back from grabbing a bite to eat and decided to cheekily ask customers exiting a neighbouring off licence if they fancied taking up cycling. They said they’d hired a few bikes on a recent holiday and enjoyed the experience. Half an hour later they were the proud owners of shiny new steeds. If only all sales were as straightforward. Perhaps some could be, what’s to lose? Mark.Sutton@intentmedia.co.uk
IN THIS MONTH’S ISSUE NEW PRODUCTS
58
A selection of this month’s new stock from a variety of distribution sources - including Scoop, Skins and more...
CYCLE SURGERY PROFILE
61
BikeBiz catches up with the ever-growing chain and discusses locations, the Snow and Rock tie up and more...
KIDS’ BIKES AND ACCESSORIES
63
The vast majority of stores will carry product to cater for the youth. Flick to 63 for a market round up...
LATEST PRODUCTS
New gear
Featuring some of the latest brand-spanking-new product available to dealers, BikeBiz heads for Cloud 9 and looks at a Rowdy range for kids bikes...
Skins Cycle Pro jersey Direct 01543 420550
Sugoi Versa Direct 07734 206702
Demolition components Scoop 01462 650741
AVAILABLE in a long and a short sleeve, Skins Cycle Pro jersey is one of the more styled compression garments in the firm’s line. The micro polyester and spandex garment is super soft and shapes to the body’s contours. The back panel features a dipped tail with a rubbery insert to stop it riding up your back, while other sewn-in features include well placed high-vis Skins logos. Customers looking to reap the benefits of the garment’s compression properties – designed to increase blood flow to the muscles – are highly recommended to use chest measurements.
WITH WINTER lines being finalised among retailers, Sugoi has announced a new jacket for both sexes. The Versa features a magnetic snap-on set of sleeves, which are designed to be tugged off when the rider gets hot – both sleeves can be easily stowed in rear pockets. Instead of delicate zippers that won’t work the way you want them to, the ten magnets put the sleeves back in place almost by themselves. The Versa boasts brand new light weight Argon fabric and for safety, the jacket also features lots of Scotchlite reflective material to offer 360-degree visibility at night.
SCOOP has just taken stock of Demolition’s new component line, now available in a shade of Purple. The new Denis Enarson Open Bar is part of the drop and, fitting with the current trend for wide bars, is 29-inches wide and 8.25-inches high. Also in the drop is Dennis Enarson’s signature grip, the F1 Sprocket, now equipped with a 48-tooth spline drive built in – removing the need for a crank bolt. Dealers should also look out for the street-ready Demolition Phantom front hub with dome socket tool fittings and hub guard, as well as Chris Doyle’s signature Keystone stem.
Breezer 29ers UK carrier sought (Currently available via ASI Europe)
SKS Rowdy guards Raleigh, Madison, Chicken Cyclekit 01773 532600, 0208 385 3385, 01525 381347
Pro Tharsis trail components Madison 0208 385 3385
NEW FOR 2011, the Cloud 9 is a milestone for Breezer. It’s the first carbon fibre bike from the MTB designer and the crown jewel of the 29er line. Suited to marathon cross country rides, the Cloud 9 comes as a frameset, ‘pro’ build, or as a limited edition build. The frame uses Breezer’s D-Fusion, effectively diffusing stress evenly. Shorter chainstays produce a responsive ride, while the new 3D carbon Breeze-In dropouts offer twice the rigidity of flat dropouts at half the weight. Breezer Bikes is currently seeking a UK distribution partner, though the bikes are available via ASI Europe, based in Stuttgart.
SKS HAS answered every parent’s prayer with the creation of a kids’ bike-suited mudguard covering both the front and wheel wheels. The Rowdy guards use a multi-adjust design, allowing mounting to almost every type of frame, including full suspension bikes. Two different clamp sizes make mounting possible to either the seat post or the frame. Extremely robust materials are used, ensuring the guards won’t fold in the wheel at the first opportunity, too. The Rowdy guards are compatible with tyres fitted to 20 and 24-inch wheels. Retail price is set at £16.00.
PRO HAS thought outside the box with this super high-end groupset, naming it after the highest known mountain range on Mars – Tharsis. The component line is unique to the market, being constructed entirely from carbon and suited to all mountain conditions. By using special lay-up designs and fibertypes Pro engineers succeeded in developing strong, durable and lightweight components. These unique products are topped-off with a trendy mat and nude UD carbon structure with a refined artwork and polished alloy detailing. The components will hit Madison in October.
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Core Brands Core Companies Just one Corebike show “Core bike is the one show every serious bike shop should attend, the variety of product from the many distributors and the heads up on the new season’s product make the show invaluable. Core is the one show that all the shop staff want to come to (in their own time as well!!) maybe it’s the great party atmosphere in the evening or maybe it really is seeing the bike product….. either way if you are only going to one show make it Core or add it into your already heavy show schedule you will not be disappointed!” Steve Gill, Rutland Cycles
COREBIKE JAN 30TH - FEB 1ST WHITTLEBURY HALL Register online at:
www.corebike.co.uk
IBD PROFILE
CycleSurgery
Theatre of dreams Telephone: 0800 298 8898 Web: www.cyclesurgery.com Email: enquires@cyclesurgery.com
With slow, yet steady progression across the UK, CycleSurgery is focusing on existing business as opposed to a random store-opening spree. Mark Sutton talks to MD Dion Taylor about ladies nights, its workshop business and its snow sport crossover… Tell us about the Cycle Surgery/Snow and Rock link-up and its benefits. Snow+Rock acquired CycleSurgery in November 2007. With the growth in the cycle market already underway, Snow+Rock saw this as a great way to become a part of it. The crossover benefits are now being realised where we have set up CycleSurgery concessions within the larger outof-town Snow+Rock stores, in fact it now works both ways. Snow+Rock customers are becoming CycleSurgery customers and vice versa. We also have cross-over benefits in our warehousing and logistics. How many CycleSurgery stores are there and can we expect the chain to expand? We are now up to 20 outlets including the seven concessions in the Snow+Rock stores. For sure, we want to continue to expand, but only when we find the right opportunities and locations.
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CycleSurgery has held women’s specific evenings – do these prove popular? Our first event was in association with Bike Envy and was well attended at our Victoria store. We have two more planned at Kings Cross and Holborn. The informal format worked well; we were amazed how many ladies were hanging on our mechanic’s every word as he went through basic maintenance, like puncture repairs. He enjoyed it too! You’ve got a store or two in some unusual locations, such as Hemel Hempstead’s ski slope – what’s the thinking behind these locations? We believe there is a significant crossover between skiers, snowboarders and cyclists. Snow+Rock have a great track record of retailing at the ski centre. When we saw the extent of the new centre that opened in 2009 and realised how much more appealing an indoor snow facility was compared to the old
“If the Cycle To Work scheme ended, it would not be great for cyclists or retailers.” Dion Taylor, MD
outdoor nylon surface, we knew that it would attract lots of visitors with active lifestyles. Add to this some of the great mountain biking terrain in the area and the decision was easy.
purchase levels, but not as much as the average price increases. Some people are happy to spend more to get the bike and spec they want; some have a fixed budget and will stick to it.
Can you point out both a high and low point for the business in the past year or so? January and February 2010, most of the period was below zero degrees and there was snow everywhere. Not great for our London commuter customers, or cycling in general. Summer 2010 seems to making up for the winter though, with many of the newer stores really starting to earn their keep.
How has the Cycle to Work scheme affected your business? The tax break has been great for business for many years and seems to continue gathering momentum. If it ended it would not be great for cyclists or retailers as there are benefits to be had on both sides.
As prices rise on more or less all bikes, what spend are you seeing typical customers fork out and on what kinds of bike? As we are mainly London based, commuter bikes make up the largest percentage of our sales. With price rises, we have seen a small increase in average
Many retailers are reporting strong workshop business – has the demand for repair been consistent for CycleSurgery? With our brand name the workshop is always going to be key. Turnover in the workshops has been ahead of last year, but we have more stores now so we would expect that to be the case. For existing stores it's a similar level with last year.
BIKEBIZ SEPTEMBER 61
KIDS BIKES AND ACCESSORIES
Child’s play… As the bread and butter of many bike shops, kids’ bikes are carefully considered purchases. Mark Sutton gathers information on a variety of children’s cycles, trikes and accessories for your perusal…
Buffera PROTECTIVE headwear takes many forms, but kids won't wear it unless it’s fun to wear. For this reason Buff has a
wide range of junior styles. Available in Original and Polar styles, Junior Original Buff offers fun, versatility and protection for the head and neck from the sun and wind. Simply by twisting, turning or tying it into a pirate, saharaine, foulard or scarf, Junior Original Buff can be worn in multiple ways. It will wick perspiration away from the skin and is seamless for maximum comfort when worn under a bike helmet. Made with polyester microfibre, Buff headwear is windresistant, small enough to keep in a pocket, machine washable and fastdrying. In addition to a wide selection of junior Buff designs, the range also includes licensed Kukuxumusu, Batman, Disney, Spiderman, Snoopy and Hello Kitty versions. Retail prices start at £13.99. 01707 852244
Gelert SINCE THE launch of both Kidcool and Xcool brands some six years ago, the children's bike range has gone through some major expansion and development. Gelert now has stock of a diverse range covering boys and girls, featuring wheel sizes from 12inches all the way up to 20-inch wheels. There are now 18 individual models available and Gelert says maintaining a healthy dealer margin has been key to the range's development. Beginning with Kid Cool's colourful wooden balance bikes, the distributor's range has plenty of quirky seasonal items as well as beginner bikes. Particularly popular around Christmas are the
firm's aluminium folding scooter line. To back up the bike stock, Gelert also has a wide range of helmets, bells, baskets, streamers and bottles to complement sales. If you're interested in opening a Gelert account, email bikes@gelert.com. 0208 459 9970
The UK’s largest Cycle Show returns to Earls Court from October 7th to 10th. Call Upper Street Events on 0207 2886443 for booking details.
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KIDS BIKES AND ACCESSORIES
Paligap KONA has been producing pint-sized versions of its popular adult models for many years now. For 2011 the firm has reworked the ‘Stinky’ to cater for nine year-olds upwards. Coming with a 13-inch ‘Clump’ frame, the Shimano Alivio-specced build carries a Marzocchi DJ3 100mm fork complete with tough 20mm dropouts. As the signature model of Kona’s hardtail dirt jump collection, the
Hotlines OF THE many new brands to join the Hotlines stable in recent months, ‘Kool Kidz’ is one that's slipped under the radar for some retailers. Designed for children between two and five and aimed at developing children’s motor skills and sense of balance, the bikes are pedal-free and rely on scooting. Learning to balance first will give children a huge boost in confidence when transitioning to bikes with pedals – removing the need for stabilisers/training
Upgrade FINDING A true performance race frameset, designed specifically for junior riders is not easy. Taking a full size road race frame and simply scaling it down is the mistake that many frame builders make. A smaller, lighter rider does not require the same tubing as the average male pro. The KR-210L, designed by Upgrade, uses lighter and smaller diameter chain and seat stays and an SPF thin wall front triangle. This keeps things light and responsive and smooths out the ride for lower weight riders. A shorter top tube is important for comfortable reach from seat to bars, as is a smaller frame height for more
MVSports
wheels, according to the firm. Coming in two different sized models – the Speedster and the Little Speedster – and also a range of bright colours, the bikes are bound to appeal to all children’s individual characters. All versions feature height adjustable saddles, pneumatic tyres and timber construction. Prices start at £89.99 for the natural wood finish Little Speedster and go through to £119.99 for the graphic finished Speedster version. Stock will be available from Hotlines Europe in early September. 0131 319 1444
stand-over clearance. The KR-210L has four sizes from 40 to 49cm and virtual top tubes of 49 to 53cm. It also has short head tubes to minimise stand-over and bar height. Short, small frames with full size wheels can cause toe overlap problems, so the KR-210L has slacker head angles to help avoid this and also lengthen the wheelbase and tame the handling. A custom painted, aero blade, carbon fork with lightweight dropouts completes the package. Colours available are white/blue or white/red metallic and the frameset retails for just £449.99. Centre to top seat tube sizes range from just 40cm and the frame geometry has been carefully tweaked to ensure 700c wheel compatibility. 01403 711 611
0121 748 8065
MV SPORTS has a range of award-winning Ben 10 licensed wheeled products ranging from 10 to 16-inch wheel sizes. For all the Star Wars mad kids out there, MV can also supplies a 'Clone Wars' 16-inch bike complete with graphics taken from the film. And for the girls there is the super chic Moxie Girlz 16-inch bike. With floral decals, shimmering streamers and a two-tone pearl paint finish, it’s perfect girls. Other licensed product includes designs bearing imagery relating to Bob the Builder and Thomas and Friends.
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Cowan is named after freeride pioneer John Cowan and sits bang on the £1,000 price point. Built around a lightweight Clump 7005 aluminium, coming in 12, 14 and 15 inch toptube lengths, the build is an ideal ‘ready to ride’, out of the box solution to those wanting something sturdy enough for trails and street. It’s a singlespeed too, meaning no gears to be torn off by rogue tree stumps. Paligap has an extensive kids’ range in stock, viewable at konaworld.uk.com. 01454 313116
FirstBike
Zyro ZYRO'S DIVERSE parts and accessories catalogue gives retailers a wealth of product suited to small people. Camelbak's one of the quirkier brands when it comes to design. Built for small hands, the Skeeter reservoir backpack is a fun way for kids to take on fluids on the move. With a 290-gram reservoir, the Skeeter's tank carries antimicrobial protection reducing any risk of nasty tummy bugs. Customers will only have to pay £19.99 to keep their kids hydrated on the move via the Skeeter. Also from Camelback the Better Bottle 'Tritan', retailing for £14.99, places 400ml of fluid capacity in the hands of kids. Clever features on this bottle include a 'Big Bite'
0203 002 3883
AVAILABLE IN two styles and a range of colours, FirstBike is a popular balance bike for youngsters from as early as their second birthday. The 'Cross' version has knobbly tyres, in a stylish red/silver/black colour scheme. The 'Street' has standard tyres and is available with a choice of a red, blue, green or pink frame. FirstBike is designed and manufactured in Germany, though is available via a UK supplier who is contactable on 0203 002 3883.
Coyote
valve activated by a integral push-button. The valve self seals, preventing those spillage accidents. The bottles are BPA free and available in four colours. Altura caters for the kids too with a new Night Vision vest in two colours. At £14.99 it won't break the bank, but will keep kids visible, much thanks to the reflective trim used, as well as a Velcro strip that accommodates a separately sold Lightstick LED, also available via Zyro. 01845 521700
01473 652768
COYOTE Sports offers a wide range of accessories for children’s bikes, as well as a number of bike models through the Avocet Sports division. The accessories range includes, bells and horns, Spokey dokeys, 'Dolly' seats, streamers, padsets, bottle and cages, and off course a full range of kids’ helmets. The firm also has plenty of children’s mitts in extra small and small, as well as a stock of smaller mudguards, stabilizers and saddles, all under the Coyote banner.
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KIDS BIKES AND ACCESSORIES
Greyville THE MINI+ from Bobike is Greyville's stock answer to retailers requiring a unique front mounted child bike seat. It is suitable for children aged from nine months old and up to 15kg in weight. Being front mounted it provides children with full visibility so they can enjoy the ride far more. The seat is available is a choice of colours and comes with adjustable foot supports and a three-point safety belt and
Mission Cycles THE NEW Tri Speed Cruiser is the latest innovation to accompany Mission's broad range of tricycles. This revolutionary leisure style tricycle boasts the most advanced chainless design, which not only increases speed, but together with the dual joystick enables easy steering. The magical ingredient of the tricycle is that it is propelled by using a front wheel mechanism. And as it is low to the ground the bike handles with safety considered foremost in its
HTI
buckle. For added protection from wind and other elements there is an additional windscreen and extended cover available separately. The Mini+ can be fitted to bikes with both Ahead and Quill stems and retails from £70.95. The optional windscreen and cover is £27.95. What makes Bobike child seats unique is that that they all use a three-point mounting system, which is easy to fit and once fitted to bicycles the seats can be removed without the use of tools. Bobike are one of the leading suppliers of children’s bike seats in Europe. All Bobike seats are manufactured in the Netherlands where they meet EU safety requirements and are approved according to the EN 14344 safety norm. 01543 251328
design. This is especially useful for the less-abled person. With an adjustable robust frame that makes it suitable and comfortable for a variety of shapes and sizes, it interacts beautifully with the well-proportioned comfortably padded seat that is designed to alleviate pressure from the joints. All of which makes it appealing to both children and adults. This contemporary creation has been designed with the whole family in mind. For fun days out, or simply to use as an accessory to keep fit. 01622 815 615
01253 775611.
FOLLOWING ON from the summer launch of Toy Story 3, HTI has produced a range of licensed wheeled toys showing off the film's stars. The HTI licensed catalogue features 10, 12, 14 and 16-inch bikes, a standard three wheel scooter, trikes, triskates, skateboards, as well as helmet and protective gear to complement any sales. Meanwhile, HTI also continues to enjoy wheeled toy successes with Disney Fairies, Baby Annabell, Spiderman, Baby Born, Fifi and the Flowertots and JCB.
66 BIKEBIZ SEPTEMBER
John Crane
Raleigh WITH A rich history in producing kids’ classics, Raleigh has taken its knowledge of the market and produced a diverse line-up for 2011. The Krush range will be a key line for many retailers this year, offering wheel sizes ranging from 16-inch up to 24. With bikes kitted out to cater for football fans, trendy chicks and a variety of other tastes, retailers can pick and mix to suit their customer's tastes. The 16, 18 and 20-inch Krush builds come equipped with a front brake modulator, non-slip pedals, and easy to pedal single speed gears (16 and 18-inch) or six-speed Shimano gears (20-inch) ensuring a Princess arrives safely and in style. All models are equipped with a cool printed
Moore Large BARRACUDA Bikes’ junior range has never been so extensive. With the new Cuda branding, improved frame design and exciting graphics it offers the perfect package for brightening showroom floors and offering reasonably priced bike stock. All bikes (except BMX range) are built with 6061 aluminium to create that light bike a young rider needs. The Blox range of light-weight pavement bikes are serious, but comfortable, with a natural riding position so the child can enjoy cycling. The bikes are available in 14 and 16-inch wheel. The 20 and 24-inch wheel models follow on from the Blox range and they are all great looking, reliable bikes equipped with Shimano drivetrain components. The new BMX range is perfect for a rider new to the fastest growing
01604 77 49 49
THE FIRST BIKE collection from toy manufacturer John Crane consist of three versions of a wooden framed beginner bike with no pedals. Each First Bike has a padded seat to ensure a comfortable ride and all come with easy grip handlebars ideal for little fingers. What’s more, the chunky pneumatic tyres not only mean a safe ride, but also give a grown-up feel too. There is also an add-on bike stand, ideal for busy retailers who need a hand to make the ultimate in displays for their store.
Polaris
saddle, coloured cables, and a stylish handbag. The 20-inch Krush is available in 11 and 13-inch frame sizes. For the larger wheel size and older child, the 24-inch Krush comes finished in lipstick pink with additional design work on the saddle and wheels to match. The build is finished with 18-speed Shimano gears for easy gear changing and a front brake modulator to stop the child safely. To view the complete new 2011 Raleigh kids’ range visit www.raleigh.co.uk 01773 532600
recreational activity for kids. The range offers five models from your everyday BMX to the starter race bike. The range also includes a jump bike for those riders who are a little more experienced. The Cuda range retails between £109.95 and £219.95. Moore Large also stocks Barracuda Trail-Buddies and TrailGator tow bars. 01332 274200
01246 240218
POLARIS' KIDS clothing range is aimed at children from age five to 12. All garments come in four sizes, small through extra large. All the products have been designed and tested at the firm's new headquarters in Derbyshire. All the winter items feature reflective prints (including the firm’s logo) for increased low light safety. The company also has a new waterproof jacket coming out (Apollo – available in Fluo Orange and Fluo pink) aimed at the commuters of the future. It has a roll away hood, too, so is ideal for wearing throughout the winter.
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CARRIER RACKS
Carry on
cycling From luggage racks to car racks, there’s a broad range of product out there for cycle retailers and consumers to get to grips with. Jonathon Harker takes a look at some of the latest on offer…
Mont Blanc MONT BLANC’S Barracuda, a roof mounted bike carrier, places a bike’s wheels in a moulded profile, holding the bike upright. This means the rider can use both hands when securing the wheel and frame. When the bicycle is attached to the frame holder, the bicycle holder is secured to the load carrier. The Scott carrier, meanwhile, is a stable, easy-to-use roof mounted bicycle holder in a new design. Easily fitted without tools, the Scott takes frame
Zyro MINOURA’S regally monickered King Carrier and King Carrier Junior are among the latest from the Japanese maple wood-finished Gamoh carrier series. Incredibly strong and durable, these steel tubed racks are hand-built to carry substantial loads. The Junior version will carry a slightly smaller load, naturally, fitting anything from 20-inch to 700c bikes. The range starts from £74.99 SRP. Also up from Zyro is the Tortec line, including the Supertour Rear Rack
diameters from 25 up to 80 mm. The wheels rest in adjustable wheel holders and are fastened with strong securing straps. The Scott can be fitted to all standard load bars and aluminium profiles. Also up from Mont Blanc, the Explorer is an innovative aluminium rear bike carrier. Boasting high impact plastic components, the Explorer is light, versatile, stylish and very easy-to-use. You can find out more from Coyote, one of Mont Blanc’s distributors at www.coyotesports.com, or direct from the firm itself. Mont Blanc: 01525 850800
priced at £29.99. This latest addition is even lighter and made from 10mm alloy tubing. Designed for 26-inch or 700c bikes, the rack is ideal for commuting and touring. Tortec also offers the Transalp Rear Disc rack, priced at £29.99 (and in black or silver, like the former too). Specifically designed for bikes with disc brakes, mounting to 26inch and 700c bikes is simple and super quick to mount. Produced from lightweight 10mm alloy tubing and with lower pannier mounting rails, it’s easy to attach a rack pack without interfering with pannier hooks. Zyro: 01845 521705
Maxxraxx MAXXRAXX’S cycle carrying system has proved to be versatile and robust, standing the test of time. The firm tells BikeBiz that satisfied customers replenish or replace worn or lost parts after over a decade of faithful service. Ease-of-use and secure bike attachment have been Maxxraxx’s mainstays. With a unique load capacity – up to five bikes on vehicles with the required nose weight rating – it has
Moore Large THE ETC BRAND has a range of front and rear luggage carriers retailing between £11.49 and £27.99. The brand also offers a range of Grandtour car racks, and all are approved to TUV safety standards and come fully assembled, so no tools are required. Even the straps come threaded through the buckle. The comprehensive range features the full gamut from rear fitting and roof bar racks (with a tandem version available) to towbars and 4x4 racks. Speaking of towbars, the new models from that range include the Deluxe Platform bike carrier and the Deluxe Arm mount, the former coming in a two and three bike version. Easy to mount and dismount, the carrier comes with arms for the second and third bike and a full number plate holder with lights, plus a 13
proved popular with families. Although a wall mounting bracket has always been available to convert the carrying rack into a storage/work-station unit, Maxxraxx has packaged a dedicated two-bike wall storage and work-station product. The included secure wall fixings and integral padlocked security cable provide safe and secure storage, while the unique ratchet tensioned bike holding device holds bikes firm to double up as a handy ready-made workstation. Maxxraxx: 0845 2303 799
pin plastic plug to boot. The two-bike version retails at £279.99 and the three bike at £299.99. The Deluxe Arm Mount, meanwhile, comes in two, three and four bike versions, retailing between £89.99 and £99.99. 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 SEPTEMBER 69
CARRIER RACKS
Upgrade Raleigh
LEZYNE’S NEW Power Rack pushes luggage carrying technology to the next level, says distributor Upgrade. It features oversized-hollow 10mm alloy construction for impressive strength-to-weight ratio and orbital seat stay mounts which allow hassle-free fitting to almost any bike. The new Power Racks are set to be available to the trade around midSeptember, with silver or black anodized finished and retailing at £39.99. An Elite version of the Power Rack is also available featuring a laser-etched flat top-plate and this retails for £69.99. For more details give Upgrade a call on the number below. Upgrade: 01403 711 611
Paligap PALIGAP’S ever-popular Saris rack range includes the Bones 3-bike carrying, you guessed it, three bikes. The eye-catching arc-based design fits over most spoilers and separates bikes on different levels. The injectionmoulded arms and legs are, according to Saris, the strongest there are available on the market. They’re ecologically sound too, built with 100 per cent recyclable, non-rusting materials. Coming in multiple-
colour options, the Saris 3-bike retails at £134.99. Famed designer Fabio Pedrini is the brains behind the rack, which is easy-to-install as well as being aesthetically pleasing. Ratchet straps keep the bikes secure to the rack arms, exclusive anti-sways and articulated rubber feet protect the finish on the car and vinyl-coasted hooks strap securely to the car with spring-buckles, making installing Bones easy. For more, contact Paligap on the number below. Paligap: 01454 313 116
RALEIGH DISTRIBUTES its own range of Avenir car racks. The lineup features stylish, hard anodized aluminium frames, tool-free adjustment, soft touch bike contact points and options to mount on the roof, boot or tow bar of the car. The best seller of the Avenir range is the Montana three-bike boot mount, Raleigh tells Bikebiz. Fitting nearly all car types, the Montana attaches to saloons, hatches and vans. The Peruzzo range is at the value end of the market, constructed from
Madison ACCORDING to distributor Madison, the Thule EuroClassic G5 is the daddy of all bike racks when it comes to towballmounted options. Securing to the towball is achieved via a lever which is easily operated by one hand and in one movement. The smart tilt function enables quick and easy access to the boot
coated steel and designed to last. Tested to the same stringent standards as Raleigh’s premium Avenir range, all of the Peruzzo product line-up come ready-to-fit and have boot or roof mounting options. Raleigh: 01773 532600
while the bikes remain in-situ on the rack. The frame holder is detachable and easyto-move, ensuring top-notch versatility for different bike frames and designs on the market. Available in two or three bike variants, another bike can be added with an adapter. The two bikes SKU is £359.99 SRP, and the three bikes is £414.99 SRP. Madison: 01908 326000
Greyville GREYVILLE carries the Mont Blanc rack range, including the Snowdon – a premium hi-mount rear cycle carrier that can transport three bicycles up to a maximum load of 45kg. Retailing for £87.95, the Snowdon attaches to a car via six UV stabilised, high strength webbing straps, giving the rack secure fitting without causing any damage. All joints are quick release and multiadjusting in order to fit a wide range of vehicles. When fitted there’s no need for a separate number plate holder or lighting board. Weighing a mere 6.62kg, the Snowdon comes with a fixing kit for glass edge rear hatches. Greyville: 01543 251328
70 BIKEBIZ SEPTEMBER
Pendle Racks PENDLE’S BRITISH-MADE range of racks also includes a wealth of options for cycle consumers and dealers. One of those is the Wheel Support four-bike ball mount, ideal for cyclists whether they’re about to blast around a trail centre or set off on an epic mountain tour. The dependable rack is simple to use and is, according to Pendle, the most versatile rack in its range – fitting almost any vehicle with a tow bar and almost any bike. The clever and simple mounting system sees the bike held in place by both tyres and leans against a vertical support, giving it a solid footing. Straps secure the bike to the rack at
these three points. Crucially there are no fiddly, gimmicky bike clamps either. Adjusting to fit the bike in moments, the rack adapts for wheelbase, frame shape and bike width. Including a light unit and much more, the nifty device can be fitted to Pendle’s garage mount for use as a home storage system. Pendle: 01282 699555
BIKEBIZ.COM
BIKEBIZ.COM
BIKEBIZ SEPTEMBER 71
LETTERS PAGE
BikeBiz is keen to publish your opinions, whether they’re from letters, emails or via BikeBiz.com...
STAR LETTER
Mail to: Saxon House, 6A St. Andrews Street, Hertford, Hertfordshire SG14 1JA
Email: Jonathon.Harker@ intentmedia.co.uk
The Forum responds… I have seen this kind of thing too often. My approach is: 1. Point out the faults to the customer and if the bike is new or in warranty then advise them to go back to the supplier to get it sorted. That approach avoids the kind of problem you have got into. 2. Quite often customer will ask me to fix it. Then I offer options...
Letting off steam “I’m afraid this is a bit of a rant…” THERE’S AN online store that sells a current model bike at nearly 50 per cent discount. After being purchased online the bike then came into our workshop as the rear cable disc was rubbing and basically not working. Once in the workshop we also discovered a number of problems; the front wheel was not fitted straight, as the disc won’t actually clear the caliper if positioned correctly;
the front wheel nuts are hand tightened only (as are the pedals); the rear brake cable is kinked and the rear disc brake caliper is totally ineffective at stopping the wheel. We quoted the customer a reasonable price – £160 – to include a new set of quality disc brakes and also to give the bicycle a full checkover and service. This resulted in a call from the internet supplier accusing
us of ripping off the customer... I’m sorry, but does this sound unreasonable to you? I know what to expect on cheap nasty bike shaped objects (BSOs), but this is a £250 bicycle from one of Britain’s top bike brands. Aincat (from the BikeBiz Forum)
a) Set up and service the bike properly, replacing damaged parts (in this case brake cable and outers) and advise customer that it will finish up as good as it possibly can be. On cheaper bikes suggest this is the best option, advising the customer the bike is what it is and the ‘half price bargain’ was not as good as they were led to believe. On a £250 bike with disc brakes there is no real merit in fitting upgrades to any single item. b) Replace low quality parts with something better. This more often
Star Letter Whether it’s a hand-written, sent-through-the-post letter, email or a comment made on the BikeBiz forum, the best letter of the month wins a prize from Oxford Products. This month the lucky winner will receive Oxford’s Ultra Torch 9. Part of Oxford’s top selling range of LEDs and lights, the front light has nine ultra bright diodes, a quick release mounting bracket and comes complete with batteries. The sturdy aluminium body makes it ideal for general purpose use as a compact torch. The rear LED has 3 modes, 7 diodes and a universal mounting bracket.
72 BIKEBIZ SEPTEMBER
happens with expensive stuff where corners have been cut on brakes or chainset/bottom bracket. 3. Take the opportunity to help the customer understand that there is a bit more to choosing a bike than a discount on a price tag. Handled well, this sort of buyer can become a customer of yours and, more than that, so will all of his or her mates. The trick is to send them away with a solution they are happy with and confidence that you are going to sort them out and not let them down. It’s not too difficult because you can put all the blame on the outfit who sold them the bike. I hope you told the internet supplier that you were horrified with what you had seen and that they should be ashamed of themselves? Either that or tell them to f**k off and stop trying to kill your customers. DocB
From the Forum... CUSTOMERS SIZING UP I HAVE BEEN having problems lately with customers entering my shop saying: "can you size my child up for a bike?” The problem being, they come in, you spend all your time and effort sizing the child correctly, then you tell them the size, they then look at you and say “at least I know what size he needs”. Then they go and source the same bike online at the lowest price possible. It’s a waste of time for me, and the customer goes away full of information he would never have got any other
way. Anyone else having this problem, and how do you cope with it? Crucial The first thing I do is put them on the right size bike, and say: “there you go – it’s this size; here’s our selection of bikes to fit your little angel.” If the punter insists on being told the size, we have a simple sytem where a 12” wheel bike is size 1, all the way up to a 22/23” frame adult bike at size 11. Wallkies
BIKEBIZ.COM
2pure 0844 811 2001 www.2pure.co.uk
Eurobike Ltd 01332 774796 www.eurobike.uk.com
DISTRIBUTOR
DISTRIBUTOR
Otagocyclesport 07939 543016 www.otagocyclesport. co.uk
Seventies 0845 3103670 www.seventies.co.uk DISTRIBUTOR
DISTRIBUTOR
Abacus Online Ltd 0151 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
IMPORTER/DISTRIBUTOR
Pashley Cycles 01789 292263 www.pashley.co.uk
Sport Direct Ltd 0845 2693060 www.sport-direct.co.uk
MANUFACTURER/DISTRIBUTOR
DISTRIBUTOR/MANUFACTURER
Peter Dobbs Design and Print Services 01482 224007
Stormfront Technology Ltd 0800 6121044 www.stormfront.co.uk
MANUFACTURER/DESIGN & PRINT SERVICES
EPOS
DISTRIBUTOR
Bohle UK Ltd 01952 602680 www.schwalbe.co.uk
Silverfish UK Ltd 01752 843882 www.silverfish-uk.com
Qoroz 01453 889204 www.qoroz.co.uk MANUFACTURER
Raleigh UK Ltd 01773 532600 www.raleigh.co.uk www.cyclelife.com DISTRIBUTOR
Red Cloud MC 01767 692831 www.redcloudmc.com MARKETING, PR & EVENTS
Reece Cycles PLC 0121 6220180 www.reececycles.co.uk
Trek Bicycle Corporation 01908 282626 MANUFACTURER
USE Ltd 01798 344477 www.exposurelights.com www.use1.com MANUFACTURER/DISTRIBUTOR
Vigour Corporation 0092 524269920 www.vigourcorporation.com MANUFACTURER/EXPORTER
Walkers Cycle Components Ltd 0116 2833885 www.walkerscycles.co.uk WHOLESALER/DISTRIBUTOR
DISTRIBUTOR
Saddleback Ltd 01454 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
EUROBIKE 2010
September 1st-4th Friedrichshafen, Germany
October 2010
www.eurobike-show.de
CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES CYCLE SHOW SPECIAL ISSUE Editorial Deadline: September 3rd
September 2010
Advertising Deadline: September 8th
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
NOVEMBER 2010 Stocking Fillers: Gifts under £20 Trailers and Trailer Bikes Cycle Show Review BikeBiz Awards Review Editorial Deadline: Oct 8th Advertising Deadline: Oct 13th
DECEMBER 2010 Review of the Year Retail Survey Core Bike Preview P&A: Wheels, Tyres, Inner Tubes and Pumps Editorial Deadline: Nov 5th Advertising Deadline: Nov 10th
JANUARY 2011 Workshop: Cleaning, Tools and Training Core Bike Special Editorial Deadline: TBC Advertising Deadline: TBC
FEBRUARY 2011 Cycle Safety Frames and Forks Editorial Deadline: TBC Advertising Deadline: TBC
MARCH 2011 Cycle Media Analysis: Mags and Websites Electric Bikes Editorial Deadline: TBC Advertising Deadline: TBC
APRIL 2011 Bike Security Cycle Fashion: Clothing, Sunglasses, Watches and Accessories UK’s Top 20 IBDs Editorial Deadline: TBC Advertising Deadline: TBC
THE BIBLE IS BACK! 74 BIKEBIZ SEPTEMBER
EUROBIKE 2010 Wednesday Sept 1st – 4th Friedrichshafen, Germany www.eurobike-show.de PALIGAP HOUSE SHOW Sunday Sept 12th – 16th Paligap HQ, Yate www.paligapltd.co.uk MOORE LARGE: ON TOUR WITH TODAY’S CYCLIST Monday Sept 13th – Oct 21st Multiple locations www.moorelarge.co.uk EXPO B’ICI Saturday Sept 18th – 20th Padua Exhibition Centre, Italy www.expobici.it INTERBIKE 2010 Wednesday Sept 22nd – 24th las Vegas, USA www.interbike.com
October 2010 BROMPTON WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP 2010 Sunday October 3rd Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire www.brompton.co.uk INTERMOT 2010, MOTORCYCLE AND BIKE FAIR Wednesday Oct 6th – 10th Cologne, Germany www.intermot-cologne.com
S 2010 AWARD
BIKEBIZ AWARDS 2010 Wednesday October 6th Sway Bar, Great Queen Street, London Carly.Bailey@ intentmedia.co.uk HOTLINES DEALER SHOW Wednesday October 6th – 9th Brick Lane, London www.hotlines-uk.com CYCLE SHOW 2010 Thursday October 7th – 10th Earls Court, London www.cycleshow.co.uk BIKE BRNO, INTERNATIONAL BICYCLE TRADE SHOW Thursday October 7th – 10th Brno, Czech Republic www.bvv.cz/bikebrno-gb 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.COM
BIKEBIZ MARKETPLACE TO ADVERTISE IN THESE PAGES PLEASE CALL CARLY BAILEY ON 01992 535647
The BikeBiz Marketplace offers a complete marketing package of print, online and editorial visibility, allowing companies the opportunity to maintain contact with readers each month without the associated cost of full display advertising. The BikeBiz Marketplace, and its associated online version, has been designed to offer readers a directory of all products and services in the bike trade.
The standard package includes: A quarter page advert in each issue Regular editorial coverage in the dedicated column Company details listed in the online directory with web link Company details listed in the BikeBiz Marketplace Contacts To get your company featured here contact: Carly Bailey on 01992 535647 or
Your presence in this section ensures that your company’s details are easily found, keeping you one step ahead of your competitors.
carly.bailey@intentmedia.co.uk Marketplace Rates: Quarter Page £175 (minimum six months)
BIKEBIZ MARKETPLACE CONTACTS BIKES AND ACCESSORIES
Lumicycle
Madison
01908 326 000
www.madisonb2b.co.uk
Paligap
01454 313 116
www.paligapltd.co.uk
0870 757 2229
www.lumicycle.com
01282 699 555
www.pendle-bike.co.uk
0117 972 4730
www.argoscycles.com
0844 811 2001
www.2pure.co.uk
ATG
01296 737 815
www.atg-training.co.uk
Cycle Systems Academy
0207 6082577
www.cycle-systems-academy.co.uk
Bottle Sport
0845 602 9267
www.bottlesport.com
Wildoo Ltd
08709 771 550
www.wildoo.co.uk
RACKS Pendle
BIKE MAINTENANCE Weldtite
01652 660 000
www.weldtite.co.uk
RESPRAYS & REPAIRS Argos
BMX PARTS & ACCESSORIES Seventies
0845 310 3670
www.seventies.co.uk
REPAIRS & STORAGE 2pure
COMPONENTS Bob Elliot & Co Ltd
01772 459 887
www.bob-elliot.co.uk
Otagocyclesport
07939 543 016
www.otagocyclesport.co.uk
Pace cycles Ltd
01723 867 919
www.pacecycles.com
USE Ltd
01798 344 477
www.use1.com
TRAINING SERVICES
WATER BOTTLES EPOS Abacus
0151 342 9799
www.abacusonline.net
Citrus Lime
0845 603 9254
www.citrus-retail.com
Evopos
0845 644 9424
www.evopos.com
LIGHTING Exposure Lights
BIKEBIZ.COM
01798 344 477
WEBSITE SERVICES I-Bikeshop.com
01709 511766
www.I-bikeshop.com
SimpleEshop
0116 267 5145
www.simpleeshop.com
www.exposurelights.com
BIKEBIZ SEPTEMBER 75
BIKEBIZ MARKETPLACE
COMPANY PROFILE RORY HITCHENS, MD, USE AND EXPOSURE LIGHTS Exposure's 2011 line has now been revealed. What are the major improvements over last year's range? Having grown our firm's name with many sources of LEDs we’ve remained at the forefront of the technology advances and as a result have been able to be one of the first, if not the first in the bike industry, able to utilise new ‘Cree XPG’ LEDs. These are big news because they add 30 per cent extra brightness per LED, but at no extra cost. This means that on its mid-power ten-hour burn time our new line-topping Six Pack packs the same punch as the 2010 Maxx D on full power. That's ten hours of 900-lumen power. With the introduction of the 2011 line, Exposure widens its audience. Explain how: Yes, we'll likely have a lot more interest from dealers in the urban-focused markets this year thanks to two special new lights in the line. The Flash and the Flare are key products for us going forwards as they’re both tailored to the road cyclist, someone we've not previously catered for to a great extent.
TEL: 01798 344477 WEB: www.exposurelights.com
These lights are both to retail for £40 and so target the commuter seeking one high visibility solution for on-road use. The rearfacing Flare will emit 75 lumens and run on both solid and flash functions. It’s more important than ever to be seen on the roads and I think commuters are recognising a bit of investment to be seen is a worthwhile one. The forward-facing Flash will beam 100 lumens. Both will be attachable via an easy-on, easy-off silicon strap, which seems to be a popular system among commuters. How do you plan to grow the business as a whole going forwards? USE is, of course, our root business, though it’s the Exposure brand that’s been doing huge volumes in the past years. Many dealers are coming back to USE having noted the tie with Exposure. We’re working on pushing the Tula Aero bar further this year, lightening the weight again and streamlining the already sworn-by design. Exposure has much more exciting news to shout about, however. We’re diversifying our markets and following progress in our surgical headlamp development, we’re
BIKES AND ACCESSORIES
76 BIKEBIZ SEPTEMBER
now looking into other markets such as diving. It’s long been of interest to us, though we’re now making the necessary breakthroughs to make sure we have top-end product for diving use. We’re hoping for 30 per cent growth, though some of this comes from international business from territories that ‘get’ night riding, namely the USA, Australia and Germany. Why should dealers choose USE over the competition? From a mainstream dealer’s point-ofview I think our brand just became a whole lot more attractive thanks to the Flare and flash. Those lights aside, I believe Exposure to be the highest-turnover mid-to-high end lighting specialist at present. The Joystick remains our best-seller and has become a whole lot more attractive again this year with the new Cree XPG LED advance, yet with no extra cost. I don’t know in depth about competitor margins, though I believe ours are competitive and the dealer support outweighs what most firms can offer, thanks to our UK base.
Pic © Chris Keller Jackso n
“I believe our margins are competitive and that our dealer support outweighs what most firms can offer, thanks to our UK base.”
BIKES AND ACCESSORIES
BIKEBIZ.COM
BIKEBIZ MARKETPLACE BIKE MAINTENANCE
COMPONENTS
BIKEBIZ.COM
BMX PARTS AND ACCESSORIES
COMPONENTS
BIKEBIZ SEPTEMBER 77
BIKEBIZ MARKETPLACE
78 BIKEBIZ SEPTEMBER
COMPONENTS
COMPONENTS
EPOS
EPOS
BIKEBIZ.COM
BIKEBIZ MARKETPLACE
BIKEBIZ.COM
EPOS
LIGHTING
LIGHTING
RACKS
BIKEBIZ SEPTEMBER 79
BIKEBIZ MARKETPLACE RESPRAYS & REPAIRS
REPAIRS & STORAGE
TRAINING SERVICES
TRAINING SERVICES
80 BIKEBIZ SEPTEMBER
BIKEBIZ.COM
BIKEBIZ MARKETPLACE
BIKEBIZ.COM
WATER BOTTLES
WATER BOTTLES
WEBSITE SERVICES
WEBSITE SERVICES
BIKEBIZ SEPTEMBER 81
OFF THE RECORD
I N THE SADDLE
Let’s get statistical… This month we reveal the figures that matter in the Barclays Cycle Hire scheme, the number of consumers who have taken advantage of Cycle To Work, Halfords’ bike sales and a new world record. At the same time, ACTSmart’s latest data shows mixed fortunes for independent bike dealers...
Barclays Cycle Hire: The Facts and Figures Keith Jepson, MD, Max Bikes PR What bikes do you own and where's your favourite place to ride? In my position I always have access to some amazing bikes and I think it's essential to ride my clients' bikes, so I am familiar with them from a marketing and product perspective. The bikes I own at the moment are a Transition Covert, five-inch trail bike, a 2004 Specialized Allez Elite on loan to a friend and a Dawes Galaxy for shopping, commuting and general work horse. I have recently enjoyed riding the new 2011 Whyte suspension bikes, the Wilier Lavaredo and a Marin Black Line Pro for 172-mile charity ride. My favourite place to ride is anywhere with friends, likeminded people and my Dad. I lived in Geneva for a few years so the French Alps have always been a favourite of mine for road and MTB, as well as the rolling hills of Shropshire. What firms does Max Bikes PR currently serve? Our current portfolio includes Marin, Whyte, Wilier, Mezzo and FSA with ATB Sales, Transition Bikes with Surf Sales and the US manufacturers and KCNC through Clee Cycles.
40,000:
£25 million:
The eventual target figure of journeys made daily as a direct result of London’s bicycle hire scheme. The first two days of launch resulted in 14,250 journeys by hire bike.
The value of the sponsorship deal, which sees Barclays branding on each cycle hire bike. It is also rumoured that the blue paint used to paint the cycle lanes is in fact ‘Barclays blue’, though many believe this is a ‘happy coincidence’.
1 in 5: The ratio of journeys made by bicycle in 1904, something London Mayor Boris Johnson has gone on the record to say he wants to see again.
Puncture repair or new tube? New tube out on the trail or road and repair when get home.
82 BIKEBIZ SEPTEMBER
The current percentage of journeys made by bike in London.
15%:
Tell us about your work with the UCI: I have been doing some promotional work with the UCI for cycling events in the UK, working with British Cycling, and also some contract work for specific athletes. The work has involved everything from sourcing product sponsorship, to on-site event management. I worked on the UCI World Cup, Dalby, alongside Farrelly Atkinson and British Cycling, a great event uniting bike brands and teams from all over. What can you offer companies interested in appointing a PR co-ordinator? Max Bikes PR offers a wide range of services from the generating and coordinating of viral strategies for maximum exposure and brand discussion, organising conventional product testing or product placement, working alongside the leading cycling magazines and websites, as well as event and athlete management. We specialise in building bespoke solutions, which work in synergy with the sales strategies of individual companies.
2%:
The figure by which Halfords' first quarter bicycle division sales rose this year. Total online revenue rose by 70 per cent year-on-year.
400,000: The number of people who have taken advantage of the Cycle to Work scheme, according to the Cycle to Work Alliance. BIKEBIZ.COM
OFF THE RECORD ActSmart July retail shop sales analysis
Six monthly growth rate over 5 per cent 13%: The figure by which reported business insolvencies declined through June, according to Experian. The North East had the highest insolvency rate at 0.14% of businesses.
BikeBiz has teamed up with leading cycle trade body ACT and ActSmart to provide exclusive monthly cycle shop sales analysis. Specialist cycle shop sales grew by 3.6 per cent in July vs ’09, but were nearly 12 per cent down on June’s peak season volumes. The six-monthly growth rate now matches 2009, without the benefit of price inflation... Specialist cycle retailer core sales growth vs. previous year
30
‘% turnover growth vs. previous year'
25 20 15 10 5 0 -5
2009 Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
2010 Apr
May
Jun
July
-10 -15 -20 July 2009 – Jun 2010
176 days: The new record for circumnavigating the world by bicycle, set by British Cycling member Vin Cox, 34, a cycling proficiency officer and cyclocross champion. The journey is 18,000 miles long. BIKEBIZ.COM
SPECIALIST cycle shops sales grew for the sixth month in a row in July vs 2009. The 3.6 per cent increase in July took year-to-date core sales growth (stripping out the snow-hit January) to 5.1 per cent, directly in line with February – July 2009 growth. However, currency-driven price inflation was the biggest driver of sales value increases in 2009 and we haven’t (yet) experienced comparable inflation in 2010. Specialist retail sales increased by 4.7 per cent May - July and by 2.7 per cent year-todate, including January. The volume fall-off in July vs June was -11.7 per cent, higher than the -9.5 per cent witnessed in 2009, reflecting the weather-assisted June peak rather than a July downturn. With the forecasters now predicting unsettled weather, sales growth is likely to slow as it did in August and September 2009. 57 per cent of retailers reported sales
increases in July vs only 54 per cent in June, but of those reporting a sales shortfall, 19 per cent reported sales down by over -20 per cent, a significant increase vs June. It remains a very mixed story on the High Street as consumer demand fluctuates across the country.
For more info visit: http://cycles.actsmart.biz/news/ ActSmart: 0845 6187256 BIKEBIZ SEPTEMBER 83
OFF THE RECORD
OFF
k c a r T
• mansell rides out for youth
Jumped up cyclists
Cycling in style, the Rapha and Paul Smith way
Strike a pose DEDICATED followers of fashion and lovers of two wheels had a spot of good news at the end of last month when reports emerged of a clothing house teaming up with a cycle firm. British fashion designer Paul Smith furthered his bikeloving credentials with a fresh partnership with garment manfacturer Rapha. This time Smith
produced an entire collection with the firm, to be stocked in key Paul Smith retailers from October. Sporting highvisibility pink, polka dot patterns and striking colours, the garments will feature the phrase ‘Freedom of the open road’ in Paul Smith’s handwriting. The two have previously worked together a number of times, including for a Grand Depart jersey to celebrate the London Tour de France prologue in ’07.
EVEN BIKEBIZ’S resident dirt-muncher Mark Sutton has yet to brave the phenomenon of lake jumping, but that might just be about to change with the arrival of the second-ever Eurobike Lake Jump on Thursday September 2nd. For the uninitiated the phenomenon is pretty much what you’d expect – the participant pedals up a ramp and promptly falls into the picturesque, but probably still quite chilly, Bodensee lake, Friedrichshafen side. To prove we’re not making this up we’ve grabbed a few pics from last year’s event. Tempted? Less adventurous types may be interested to hear of the Karaoke Show, taking place shortly after the lake jump.
Going, going, gone: Some Eurobike attendees cross the lake the hard way
Mansell speeds into Yorkshire NIGEL MANSELL’S well publicised cycle challenge saw the Former F1 and IndyCar champion ride 1,200 miles around the UK in 13 days – without a days rest – alongside Tour de France stage winner and Paris Roubaix champion Magnus Backstedt and Mansell’s two sons Leo and Gregg. The tenth day of the ‘Positive acks about Youth’ F1 budget cutb am te s ll’ se challenge saw the forced Man to innovate motoring legend appear at the Carlton Lodge
84 BIKEBIZ SEPTEMBER
Fun Day for North Yorkshire Youth. The day was also supported by cycle industry stalwart Zyro, with the distributor donating a wealth of goodies for the day’s ‘Cycling Zone’ initiative. Zyro marketing manager Jane Watson said: “The most fantastic thing about the day was that Nigel, Greg, Leo, Maggie and
the whole Nigel Mansell Cycle Challenge Team, were at the centre of it all. “It’s events like these that make cycling a much more inclusive activity. We were so proud to be involved, particularly as the fun day was on our doorstep and this sort of grassroots activity will hopefully be one of many to come for Zyro.”
BIKEBIZ.COM
OFF THE RECORD
Send your pictures to mark.sutton@intentmedia.co.uk
• cyclists attempt to ride on water • garmin comes over nautical for cowes week
Been mixing bikes with beers? WHILE DRINK driving is, rightly, far from socially acceptable, the same can’t yet be said for cycling while under the influence of alcohol. That might be about to change if the Institute of Advanced Motorists gets its way, which has warned that booze-related cycle crashes are vastly under-reported and that no one really knows how big the problem is. The IAM pointed out that riding a bike while intoxicated and without proper control of it on a road or public space could result in a fine up to £1,000.
IAM director of Policy and Research Neil Greig said: “Many people will have a bit of a wobble on the way home, but while you may be of less risk to other road users than when in a car, you could easily fall into a dangerous situation or cause
someone else to swerve and crash to avoid you. If your cycling does result in a collision you are likely to come off worse. “It is often the case that people who have had a couple of extra drinks will be cycling home in the dark, increasing the danger involved.” Xx
Garmin gets into choppy waters NAVIGATION and cycle computer specialist Garmin braved the rough waters of the English Channel for Cowes Week last month. Ferrying Pic Credit: Rick Tomlinson some lucky folk from the industry to the Isle of Wight-based event, Garmin employed chance the use of an RIB (that’s rigid inflatable to see the racing action up close and boats to the rest of us) where sea personal – and get their hands on some sickness-pill-packing journos had the of the latest Garmin kit.
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“Everyone is very relieved that Chris was not hurt in the car accident in Manchester, and he is continuing with full-time training in preparation for the start of the season.”
BIKEBIZ.COM
Pic Credit: Phil O’Connor
“WHEN YOU hit a ramp fast and you hit its peak and you’re centered and you’re in control and looking down, you feel like you’re flying, like you’re floating on top of the world. It makes me glow until I’m the most alive I’ve ever been.” Matt Hoffman, New York Times, July 29th
Sir Chris Hoy
A British Cycling spokesperson comments on Sir Chris Hoy’s car accident, August 8th “Sustrans supports Cycle Hire, and expanding it to the Olympic Park. But, if even a small portion of the £81 million that Boris has earmarked for Cycle Hire was assigned to the thirteen Biking Boroughs then it could increase numbers of people cycling and give Londoners in other parts of London the chance to benefit from the Mayor’s Cycling Revolution.”
Carl Pittam, director of Sustrans in London, August 6th “Though managing the [cyclist tunnel at Monsal Trail, Peak District] project, they are receiving substantial help from Cycling England, a body itself temporarily funded by the Department of Transport, though I understand that future state funding is not assured. “Couldn’t cyclists themselves be more involved in the funding of Cycling England — some £160 million per annum? Cyclists have a strong sense of
community and are good at organising (as I know to my cost, having once upset them). I’d hazard a guess that as a group they do not represent a particularly disadvantaged section of society. They pay no road tax. Cyclists do already support a range of cycling organisations, out of their own pockets: why not this one, if they want it to continue?” Spectator columnist Matthew Parris hints at cuts for Cycling England and fails to realise road tax was abolished decades ago, August 6th
BIKEBIZ SEPTEMBER 85
OFF THE RECORD
short and
SPOKES
TWEET
Wondering what the Twitterati have been up to this month? Look no further...
E-bikes are no New Dawn Carlton Reid doesn’t want to see EN 15194 - the EU standard for Electronically Power Assisted Cycles – watered down. It would split the bike trade in half, he warns… I GET EMAILED a lot of press releases and, in the run up to Eurobike, the great majority of them were for electric bikes. And many of these were plugging the electric bike as a machine for “young, sporty professionals, not knackered old folks.” I might be paraphrasing a little, but you get the gist. E-bikes are said to be the ‘new dawn’, the next big thing. I don’t buy this. E-bikes will get bigger, that’s for sure. But as big as the mountain bike? Okay, sales of e-bikes are stellar in Germany and the Netherlands, but this is the UK. We have a very different infrastructure for riding bicycles and, despite our best efforts, few Electric bike or bank managers cycle motorbike to work. you decide... German bank managers keep their cars at home and ride to work. Bike riding is mainstream, perfectly normal. In Freiburg – home town of Peter Denk, designer of the Cannondale e-bike, and who I interview on page 41 – there are twice as many bicycles as cars. In the Dutch town of Groningen, 57 per cent of the citizens bike almost everywhere. In Germany and the Netherlands, it’s not odd for older people to ride bikes. Electric bikes are perfect for this older demographic. Yes, we’re seeing more of this demographic in Britain’s bike shops and yes, IBDs must remain vigilant if they’re not to see electric bike sales going to supermarkets. But I don’t yet see how electric bikes will appeal to youngsters. At least not with the current specs. Clean Mobile of Germany says its new e-bike unit “lets users experience higher speed, higher acceleration
and greater range, thus achieving broad user acceptance.” Pound to a penny that e-bike unit won't be street legal in Europe. Restricted to 25kmh and 250watt motors, today's street legal e-bikes aren't zippy enough for most younger consumers. This is why ETRA and others are lobbying in Brussels: they want the EU to allow more powerful motors and faster speeds. Faster, more powerful bicycles with motors aren't new. Just before the First World War, bicycles had motors clagged on to them and motorbikes were born. A new breed of faster, more powerful electric bicycles will be motorbikes, and need to be classified as such. The Sunday Times rang me a few weeks back to talk about the £50,000 Blacktrail electric bicycle from PG Bikes of Germany. It can reach speeds in excess of 100kmh; it has a motor 950 watts over the EN 15194 standard. Its makers may want it classified as an electric bike, but it’s an electric motorbike. To be street legal it will need to be taxed, insured, and riders will require helmets and won't be allowed on cycle paths. Those that want the EN 15194 standard to include faster, more powerful e-bikes are right that such a move is required if e-bikes are to go mainstream. But when bicycle companies spend much of their R&D cash on faster, more powerful e-bikes there will be less cash for motor-free bicycles. Bicycle and motorbike companies split from each other in the early days of motorbiking. Is that what we'll see with bikes and e-bikes?
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A lady just came in the shop with her newborn and while she was holding it the little thing shat all over her. Cottle01 It's amazing what riding through Essex with an 16st copper called 'John' wearing a MetCC skinsuit does for your confidence. LukeScheybeler
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