BIkeBiz August 2014

Issue 103 | August 2014

NEW

THE SMARTS IN CYCLING

NEW

INTRODUCING THE NEW

BRIGHT. SMART. SAFE.

Connect. Ride. Share. Featuring a Mirror Mode, the Strada Smart displays ride data tracked on your phone and alerts you to calls and emails. Our Sensor Direct Mode also pulls data wirelessly from the Bluetooth速 Smart speed, cadence, heart rate or power sensors, even when your phone is not available. Sync to training and social cycling websites post ride via Cateye Cycling App; all data sends quickly while you recover. Enjoy your ride. We got this.

PRODUCT IN STOCK NOW,

TO ORDER CALL ZYRO SALES ON 01325 741325, WWW.ZYROB2B.CO.UK

EDITORIAL

Issue 103 | August 2014

Could the station be your new BFF?

NEWS 6-7

Eurobike, Brodco and the Awards, plus our Cycle Shorts round-up of stuff you should have seen on BikeBiz.com

ALLEZ SALES? You may have spotted that the Grand Depart took place in the UK. We ask the trade how it impacted on sales...

FOCUS ON…

15 THE SPORTLINE SHOW

27

A bumper edition of bike launches this month saw BikeBiz head to Milton Keynes for the latest on Ridgeback, Genesis, Saracen, Ridley...and Rapide

I-RIDE & LOOK 11 &37

TREK WORLD

Twice we went to the Olympic Velodrome, to see the latest from i-ride and then LOOK

Silverstone hosted trade, media and public bike previews from Trek

E-BIKES

Sponsored by

How will futuristic spectacles Google Glass affect your ride?

43

47

OUTDOOR & FITNESS

A look ahead to the Outdoor Trade Show at Stoneleigh Park

31

MTB

LIGHTS

55 DEALER PROFILE

61

51 COMMUNITY

BikeBiz heads to the seaside to chat with the brains behind Brighton’s VeloCafe

69

Our readers share their thoughts, criticisms and banter and we collate them here SPONSORED BY

GADGETS

65

52

A round-up of some of the latest cycle related fare winging its way to the UK bike market

Train stations represent a huge opportunity, seeing many commuters who really should upgrade their bike. hanging around the locked up bikes. Which brand of locks dominate? What type of bikes are prevalent? You’d expect commuter-ish bikes, but you might be surprised.

If you’ve got more time to linger at the train station, there is a gaping wide hole of opportunity here. Where else do you find legions of cycle commuters each and every day of the week? It’s a wonder your local train station hasn’t approached you already, frankly, offering you some advertising space near the bike parking spaces where you could inform commuters that they can upgrade and get a nice but not necessarily nick-able bike from you with zero per cent finance, cycle to work, etc.

How about handing out some leaflets at the station at rush hour, informing cycle commuters about that great offer you’ve got on lights (page 61) as the nights begin to draw in? Or a check to make sure their bike is ready for winter?

While I’ve got my thinking cap on, is there not also an opportunity for train stations to make a bit of extra money on bike parking? Maybe offering a premium lock up option that boasts better security, maybe CCTV, and charging a fiver a week, targeted at those who want to bring their expensive bike to the station?

All these opportunities going to waste…

Jonathon Harker, Editor

Three sector guides this month (we spoil you), including a look at gadgets for cyclists

NEW PRODUCTS

I‘VE SPENT the last month or so looking at some very nice shiny new bikes. You probably have too. Not just expensive ones (though I’ve seen plenty of those), but plenty priced comfortably below the cycle to work threshold. I’ve seen fat bikes, CX bikes, hard tails, single speeds, carbon bikes, steel bikes, folding bikes (actually not so many of those)…well you get the idea with that.

Every working day I cycle to my local railway station, from where I catch the train to BikeBiz Towers (actually not that tower-y) in Hertford. While I lock up my own rusty ride, my gaze inevitably wanders to look at the other bikes locked up by earlier commuters. In truth it looks like they got there much earlier than me. Maybe decades. If ever you are looking for a collection of rust-covered, rickety-looking museum pieces, I suggest you head to your local station. I suspect this is not something unique to Stevenage.

I’m no snob (you would be under no illusions if you saw my commuter bike), but I look at these bikes at the station and salute the riders for their bravery and stubbornness. It’s a testament to their perseverance that they’ve continued to commute on such a ramshackle collection of bicycles. Bravo.

It’s not a bad place to do some research about your local bike market, so long as you can avoid suspicious looks for

SPOKESMAN

82

Carlton Reid – aka Archbishop of Canterbury lookalike – says cycling is a broad church

OFF TRACK 80 NUMBER CRUNCHING 78

Prestige brands from i-ride.co.uk

BIKEFIT

Your perfect ride deserves the ďŹ nest equipment

NEWS

1,800 journalists will arrive at this year’s Eurobike

Friedrichshafen will be invaded by the bike industry in August

Cycle industry’s largest trade show will be a major draw for the worldwide press, including mainstream media, says event organiser

by Mark Sutton THE ORGANISERS of Eurobike are anticipating 1,800 international and domestic journalists to journey to the exhibition when the show kicks off come August 27th.

With space long sold, a 1,300 strong list of exhibitors will be showing their wares, with a long list of firms also submitting goods for consideration in the Eurobike Awards, the outcome of which is set for deliberation during mid-August by a panel of international experts and editors.

Wolfgang Köhle, Eurobike’s press spokesperson, told BikeBiz: “As well as some 1,800 media from specialist and mainstream publications, our expectation for 2014 sits at roughly 45,000 international trade visitors, (40 per cent domestic and 60 per cent international) as

well as another 20,000 enthusiasts on the final Saturday.”

As far as trends for this year’s show go, organisers are anticipating the electric, fat bike and cyclocross markets to continue to turn heads, explains Köhle.

“In general customising and design bikes are proving trendy, while evolution in integrated design and e-bike technology is moving forward too.

“The success of e-bikes and pedelecs in the central European market and the prosperous future of this kind of alternative means of transportation leads to the fact that more and more people – from automotive industries, to city planners, to research and development institutions – are really start to look into this area with interest.” www.eurobike-show.com/eb-en/

Car use declines, cycling doubles in a decade So will government divert funds to cycling?

by Jonathon Harker LAST MONTH saw a number of reports backing the view that Brits are turning away from using their car.

Bristol City Council’s commuting report ‘2011 Census Topic Report, Who Cycles to Work?’ found that driving to work is no longer the norm in the city for the under 40s, with 57 per cent walking, cycling or using public transport. It also found that cycling to work has doubled in a decade.

While 74 per cent of Bristol residents cycling to work are men, it found the number of women cycling to work had doubled (2.3 per cent to 4.6 per cent).

In a separate report, the National Travel Survey from the Department for Transport, it was found that the average distance of car driver trips between 1995/97 and 2013 had decreased 12 per cent.

Signficantly, this period extends beyond the latest economic decline, indicating Brits were cutting back on car use before the recession began to bite, or even began.

It wasn’t all good news for cycling though, the National Travel Survey found that bicycle trips still only made up between one and two per cent of journeys, indicating that utility cycling is still yet to

6 BIKEBIZ AUGUST

take off in the UK, in percentage terms at least as the population grows.

Questions over government spend on roads, typically centred on motorways, were raised as long distance trips make up just five per cent of the total number of car trips in the UK, according to the DfT. Sustrans’ take on the situation was typically robust. Policy director Jason Torrance, said: “People are making fewer car trips than ever before but road building is on the increase, proving the government’s transport agenda is completely out of touch.

“The £24bn allocated to road building and improvements up to 2021 towers over investment to improve walking, cycling and public transport options in local communities, but yet of the lowest income households 48 per cent do not have access to a car.

“With the average trip just seven miles the bike provides the perfect alternative to driving, but government must provide dedicated local investment in cycling that transforms our roads and makes it possible for people to choose alternatives to the car.” www.sustrans.org.uk BIKEBIZ.COM

NEWS

Brodco made the first bike shed to get the seal of approval from the Police

CALLING ALL CYCLING RETAILERS. BROADEN YOUR HORIZONS AT THE SUMMIT OF THE OUTDOOR TRADE...

OTS 2014.

WHAT COULD BE NEW TO YOU?

Theft-busting bike shed scheme launches With cycle security never straying far from the headlines, Brodco believe they have a consumer solution that can benefit bicycle retailers

Outdoor Trade Show Stoneleigh Park Exhibition Centre Warwickshire CV8 2LG (SatNav Postcode) outdoortradeshow.com Enquiries: 0161 437 4634

by Jonathon Harker BRODCO, CREATOR of the first walk in bike shed to get the seal of approval from the Police, is launching an affiliate scheme for cycle retailers.

The Daylight Secure was awarded Secured by Design certification by the Association of Chief Police Officers and is secured just by closing the door. The 6x4 Daylight Secure holds three bikes, while the 6x8 will hold six comfortably.

The sheds are made of TPR – which uses 68 per cent waste plastic that can not normally be recycled.

Brodco’s Simon Broderick told BikeBiz: “When we gained the police approval at BIKEBIZ.COM

the start of the year we did a press release which was picked up by a few sites.

“We’re now launching an affiliate scheme for cycle retailers. Any retailer that wants to sign up will receive a unique code to identify them, and materials to display in store to hall promote it. Depending on the size of the shed that’s ordered, the retailer will receive £60-100 commission, and their customer will receive a special bundle of accessories worth over £80 (1 x Bike Hook, 1 x Bike Tidy & 1 x Hand Tool Rack, all from our TidyUp range).”

For more details head contact the firm on 0117 327 0326. brodco.co.uk/bike-shed

BIKEBIZ AUGUST 7

Opening times: 9am – 5pm (halls open until 6pm) Tuesday 9th September: Wednesday 10th September: 9am – 6pm (halls open until 7pm) Thursday 11th September: 9am – 5pm

@OTS2014

OTSShow

FREE PARKING & ENTRY

DIRT FACTORY

Whatever the weather…

You may have read about an exciting new project underway in Manchester called The Dirt Factory.

Danny Makin, the man behind the idea says, “We are not here to replace the outdoors – we can’t do that.” But they may be about to bring the outdoors inside for those rainy days…

An early artist’s impression the Dirt Factory

IT SEEMS such an obvious idea. I’ve been climbing, skiing and snowboarding indoors in Manchester. I’ve visited the British Cycling Centre to ride and spectate at the BMX and velodrome tracks, there’s indoor karting and you can even go sky-diving indoors! So why don’t we have an indoor mountain bike facility?

Dirt Factory will provide perfectly sculpted and permanently covered trails throughout the year. Giving UK riders what we see as an essential facility for winter months when the

to the UK. Look at the success of Ray’s Indoor Mountain Bike Park, Burlington Bike Park and numerous others. These all offer predominantly wooden trails inside huge warehouses, except Burlington – that’s dirt.

86,000 square feet is a lot of space (the average football pitch is just 64,000) and with over ten metres of height you won’t be worried about bumping your head either.

Innovative use of recycled shipping containers will allow us to build height into the trails,

“We’ve investors already taking a keen interest, including Bikeparkitect owner Erik Burgon who has pledged £50,000 of pumptrack...”

Danny Makin, The Dirt Factory days are short, when the trails are saturated through rain, or after work when you don’t have much time to travel to a trail centre. The opportunity to ride whenever you feel like it, whether you want to practice some key bike skills, or just have some fun, that’s what we’re about.

The plan we have in place will accommodate all types of mountain bike and BMX, aimed at all abilities. The key is to make it fun but also progressive and non-intimidating. We will have indoor flow trails, jumps, foam pits, a variety of pump tracks and many other features.

Looking across the pond can sometimes give an indication of developments which will spread

8 BIKEBIZ AUGUST

creating speed and flow for proficient riders, whilst also giving opportunities for retail and storage units within the containers.

The proposed Dirt Factory experience will be more than just the ride and there are plans for a raised alpine style cafe and bar overlooking the trails. It’s more than just having a place to ride indoors. A large number of our visitors will be Dirt Factory spectators. Our facility will be a fantastic place for friends and family to eat, drink, and watch riders on the tracks below.

We also hope these visitors will be encouraged to pick up a bike and access some tuition from the in-house coaches, or even from their friends and family. It doesn’t stop there

The Dirt Factory Team

either, we have plans to run a bike crèche for the under 2’s, that way parents can ride the dirt whilst their children are getting the hang of the balance bikes.

The Dirt Factory team has already met with industry sponsors and a number of high-profile potential investors including Bikeparkitect owner Erik Burgon. Erik has pledged his personal support and provided a letter of intent to supply Dirt Factory with a Bikeparkitect Modular pumptrack worth £50k. It looks a lot of fun and easy to put together too.

The Factory won’t be as easy to put together as one of Erik’s modular tracks though, we need industry support. We would love to hear from people who want to know more about getting involved. Industry sponsors – we need you!”

This is a huge opportunity for key sponsors and investors. We’ll be offering the perfect space for brands to demonstrate their products.

We envisage stocking hire bikes and demo fleets from both regional and international brands. We are also offering prime retail space set among the trails, which could offer everything from custom designed frames and race kit to craft beers and possibly even a haircut.

So there you have it. With the right brands behind the team, we will attract more investors and turn mine and many other riders indoor riding dreams into a reality. Let’s just hope it’s before the clocks go back and winter takes hold! www.dirtfactory.org www.facebook.com/Dirtfact @dirt_factory

BIKEBIZ.COM

rapidebikes.co.uk @Rapide_bikes

Endurance Geometry 30T/24T carbon frameset Internal cable routing Shimano Di2 compatible Shimano Ultegra 11 speed mix Continental Ultra Sport II 25c tyres Fulcrum Racing 7 wheelset SRP: ÂŁ1799.99

NEW FROM THE POWERBAR INNOVATION FACTORY ®

Ironman? Tour de France? Or just a Sunday training ride? PowerBar® products have been providing athletes the power to push through boundaries for over 25 years. In 1986 PowerBar® developed the world’s first energy bar, we haven’t stopped pushing since and neither should you. Millions of athletes all around the World use PowerBar® products to fuel their goals and dreams, from first timers to professional athletes our products are always close to hand.

NEW

FIRST ENERGY WAFER + C2MAX

NEW

ZERO CALORIE SPORTSDRINK + 5 ELECTROLYTES

NEW

FIRST ENERGY SMOOTHIE WITH C2MAX

www.PowerBar.co.uk To find out more about the new PowerBar® products please contact: Fisher Outdoor Leisure on 01727 798 340 (for all England, Scotland & Wales enquiries) or Life Cycle on +353 1 843 3712 (for all Ireland & Northern Ireland Enquiries)

I-RIDE 2015 PREVIEW

Stars and Strips I-ride continues to slowly develop its portfolio and with the recent addition of the BikeFit label, now offers dealers an avenue to the complete high-end sales package. Mark Sutton toured the Lee Valley Velodrome trade event to find out more about the 2015 strategy…

The talk at the Velodrome centred more on Orro clothing, but further bikes are on the way...

STRIP ORRO Never in doubt as a brand that would sell quickly, Orro’s main talking point wasn’t so much the bikes, most of which are pre-sold to the accounts lucky enough to secure them, but the clothing set for launch at the Cycle Show.

Charles Chambers the label’s designer told BikeBiz: “By September we’ll have a pair of jeans that have done six months worth of wash tests and come out the other side with no trouble. Unlike many other options on the market we’ll be fully bonded so there will be no stitching leaks and they’re quite breathable too thanks to the Shola denim used. All that for £90 and we’ve used chlorine free dyes.”

Back to the bikes and BikeBiz was told of another road build, as well as a singlespeed steel bike aiming at around the £500 mark currently in the pipeline.

New to the stable, ex-Science in Sport co-founder Tim Lawson has created Strip, a race day and cycle skin care brand.

Lawson explained: “If you’ve come through the club system you probably already know the importance of chamois cream, sun blocks and the like. But for all the beginners currently taking to cycling there needs to be an easy way for them to learn about the perks of using creams in store, we’ll be working hard on developing that.”

As a result there’s already some tidy point of sale countertop units, as well as a £49.99 race day package designed to open out and present the range of products.

It’s not just skincare goods within either, Lawson has tucked in some other race day essentials such as a pack of wipes and even a tin of racecard pins.

All the products are alcohol free and ingredients include natural oils from coconut, which are naturally antimicrobial.

BKOOL With a revamped trainer boasting a stronger skewer and extendable feet for increased stability, BKool’s new platform is going after the rider who wants to immerse themselves in virtual rides.

Having even taken into account the momentum carried from a downhill into uphill gradient, the trainer is about as realistic as they come, pairing what’s on the screen with the resistance, even allowing the user to tweak a rides difficulty in the BKool editing studio.

There’s voice chat and Spotify connection too, allowing the rider to either put on some tunes, or connect with other users from around the globe, even allowing the rider to join a group ride on a circuit many thousands of miles away. With over 500,000 rides already uploaded there’s no shortage of routes, all of which can be shown in 2D, as a video or map on screen. The trainer’s smart electronics will also sense the surface texture and adjust accordingly, making it an ideal realistic training tool for cyclocross riders, among others.

It’s quieter than the prior version too, as well as becoming compatible with all Mac, Windows and tablets running iOS or Android.

For your local wholesaler, contact us:

www.oxprod.com info@oxprod.com 01993 862 300

3T The first thing many would have noted on the 3T booth was a thick legged, full carbon 29er fork with some very tidy and subtle indentation in the carbon allowing for perfect cable routing toward the disc mounts.

On the road front you’ve new Aero Road bars in three versions, each offering internal routing through the carbon. Look out for the Team (£225), Team Stealth (£269) and a limited edition high modulus version (£300) in the i-ride catalogue.

I-RIDE 2015 PREVIEW INDUSTRY OPINION ALPINE STARS

BIKEFIT

With fresh samples having just landed, those who made it along to the multi-stop Velodrome tour would have been among the first to see the new apparel and protective gear.

For the enduro rider there’s fresh shorts and jerseys, including the new Drop line, offering a £45 short sleeve or £59.99 long sleeve garment that’s both lightweight and heavily ventilated. Within the jersey you’ll find stash pockets that double as goggle wipes and plenty more practical features. The matching Drop shorts will retail at £89.99 and come reinforced in all the key areas.

With so much high-end product on board it was only a matter of time before I-ride began to offer a bike-fitting product.

BikeFit’s methods work from the feet upwards, building the foundations and working up through the knees, pelvis and shoulder positioning. As such you’ll find a range of tools to accurately measure the customer when they’re in the saddle, as well as laser guides.

Courses with I-ride also begin in October. Email you representative for more details on how to sign up.

Fresh samples had landed just in time for the preview – two of which you can see here

ARGON 18 & DE ROSA FULCRUM Aesthetically Fulcrum’s 2015 catalogue is going to turn heads, but as you’d expect the real treat is in the detail.

The Racing Zero series has expanded from one wheelset to three, with the Zero, Zero Night and Zero carbon. A big plus for the dealer will be the reduction in price over last year’s Racing Zero. Each wheelset also runs on ceramic bearings, offering low friction.

Top of the range, the Zero carbon clincher is a totally new wheel, choosing to pair aluminium spokes with a full carbon rim. The result, we’re told, is a boost to the stiffness of the wheel. A tubular version is also set to go on sale when stock lands in October and November.

On the entry-level front, Fulcrum has also added a new Racing 5 and 7, both with increased rim widths and no increase in weight over the prior wheelsets.

We’re expecting plenty of disc clad road bikes come Eurobike, that’s a given, but Argon 18 surprised us with the addition of a disc version of its popular Krypton, which your customer will soon be able to get hold of for £1,399. The mid-range De Rosa Idol (pictured bottom) also now comes with a disc option.

For those in search of something a bit sleeker, check out the new Argon 18 Nitrogen aero road build, priced from £3,499 (Ultegra) and hitting £4,149 and £4,999 with Di2 and Dura Ace upgrades.

The new Nitrogen, starting from £3,499

De Rosa’s discclad Idol. £2,999 with Ultegra

12 BIKEBIZ AUGUST

BIKEBIZ.COM

READY TO BREAK TRAIL The Mattoc is a nod to all the trail builders who make this sport possible, and we set out to design a fork that is as exacting as its namesake. We built it for riders who like to earn the right to use gravity. A fork that provides efficient pedaling and yet can handle any terrain you throw at it, making it an ideal platform for enduro riding.

MATTOC l PRO Weight Lbs / Grams: 4.14/1877 Travel: 140, 150, 160, 170 (26”) Spring: DH Air Bottom Out: Adjustable HBO and Rubber Bumper Steerer: 1.5 Tapered Aluminum Compression Damping: MC2 Rebound Damping: Cartridge TPC Adjustments: Externally Adjustable Air, Compression (High and Low Speed), Hydraulic Bottom-Out, Rebound Leg Diameter: 34mm Wheel Size: 26”, 27.5” Brake: Post Mount 180mm Axle: QR15 Usage: AM, Enduro

manitoumtb.com

Pro - £649.99 I Expert - £574.99

COVERAGE WITHOUT COMPROMISE.

COVERAGE WITHOUT TO LEARNCOMPROMISE. MORE ABOUT THE FULL BELL HELMETS RANGE

VISIT ZYROB2B.CO.UK FOR FURTHER INFORMATION. TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE FULL BELL HELMETS RANGE VISIT ZYROB2B.CO.UK FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.

PROTECT YOUR HEAD AT BELLHELMETS.COM RIDER: ALLAN COOKE

PROTECT YOUR HEAD AT BELLHELMETS.COM RIDER: ALLAN COOKE

PHOTO: ADRIAN MARCOUX PHOTO: ADRIAN MARCOUX

FEEL THE FEEL THE FLO .

W FLOW.

ANALYSIS

The crowds came out for the Grand Depart, but was it all quickly forgotten by locals?

Allez sales!

Did the Grand Depart boost sales? Have the Commonwealth Games galvanised the public to get on their bikes? Jonathon Harker gathers the evidence…

THE AGE old question of whether sporting success and high profile sporting events leads to increased participation – and sales – is perhaps more pertinent than ever in 2014, the year that saw the Giro d’Italia in Ireland and Northern Ireland, the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and – of course – the Tour de France in England for its first three stages.

British success in Le Tour has been thinner on the ground than had been hoped when plans were first forged for the Grand Depart in Yorkshire, Cambridge and London, not least due to Bradley Wiggins’ non-selection, but also with Mark Cavendish and Chris Froome crashing out (at time of press, Geraint Thomas is still in full working order).

Nevertheless, the sense of excitement for anyone visiting the stages was palpable, as BikeBiz can confirm. Reams of media coverage, front pages and the prospect of world famous road riders racing often yards away from bike shops must have translated to increased footfall in shops and online visits, surely?

THE BIKE SHOP PERSPECTIVE Cambridge packs a lot of cycle heritage into a relatively small city and Ben Hayward Cycles is one of a few bicycle businesses to have been operating there for over a century. Located along the Tour route on Trumpington Street, BikeBiz visited the shop within hours of the peloton riding through.

“Bikes as transport has a great history here, but sport cycling doesn’t have as much heritage in Cambridge,” the shop told BikeBiz. “But it is growing and more people are seeing that it is possible to get around by bike as a transport alternative. On the whole, the city has got behind the Grand Depart, with several people

BIKEBIZ.COM

S & G Cycles saw tourist numbers up during Le Tour’s Grand Depart

“We find there’s always a ‘Tour effect’ on business.”

Ben Hayward Cycles

really driving it. You see the city on the TV and having the tour has been great for tourism.

That’s the real benefit.

“We find there’s always a ‘Tour effect’ on business and you would expect it to be bigger this year. We have been busy, but the competition is getting greater – there are more people selling bikes.

“Clubs are doing great things at the moment and are gearing up to taking on new riders.

We’ve got some great local triathlon clubs in particular, and the schools are too. Lots of schools have tri clubs and some good coaches.

“I’ve been working here for 28 years and I’ve seen a lot of peaks and troughs over the years, but it seems that it’s getting harder to plan.

It’s up and down all over the place and harder to predict. Having the right stock is tough – there’s either too much or too little.”

THE HIRE SHOP PERSPECTIVE Also located in Cambridge is one S & G Cycles, a workshop specialising in second hand sales, hire bikes and repairs. So had Le Tour generated any sales or hires, up to and including the day it swept through?

“There have certainly been more people in who are here for the Tour, especially over the weekend,” the staff told BikeBiz. “Repairs are actually down today [on the day of the tour] as many colleges have given staff the day off!

“Some people have followed the Tour and have come down from Yorkshire. We were busier over the weekend before the Tour came to Cambridge for that reason.

“The Tour de France is obviously really popular, but we find it is forgotten pretty quickly. It all helps though.

“Generally we are busy all year. We’ve had no drop off in bikes repairs, though that has made up for lack of hires. Last year’s summer was great and weather is the thing – sunshine brings the customers in.”

THE ONLINE PERSPECTIVE What about online retail? Like those with bricks and mortar stores, it’s hard to determine whether sales have derived from the added focus on cycling from the Tour de France, Commonwealth Games and Giro, or in fact just from the good summer weather, but one firm – MetaPack – has nevertheless recorded significant rises in sales in 2014.

While not the most familiar name in the bike trade, MetaPack software is used by some hugely significant players including Wiggle, Rutland Cycling, Evans Cycles, Halfords and Sports Direct.

Comparing sales for June 10th to July 13th this year and in 2013, MetaPack’s data revealed a national average increase of 28 per cent in volumes of cycling products shipped from online retailers to UK consumers.

Specifically, bicycle helmet sales were up 27 per cent following the Grand Depart.

MetaPack has local data too – in the Yorkshire cities and towns, the percentage increases are slightly above average, including in York (50 per cent), Harrogate (33 per cent) and Huddersfield (32 per cent).

Ultimately, quantifying the impact of these sporting events is near impossible, but – from the online side particularly – there are strong signs that sales got a shot in the arm from the likes of the UK Grand Depart. Either way, we’ll keep on speculating. Share your thoughts at BikeBiz@intentmedia.co.uk

BIKEBIZ AUGUST 15

LAUNCH REPORT

Singing the bike blues

Cambridge hosting Stage 3 of Le Tour was too big an opportunity to miss for The Light Blue brand and Ison Distribution. Jonathon Harker reports back from a special bike launch…

WHAT BETTER place to preview a Cambridgedesigned bike line, than at an event celebrating the start of Stage Three of the Tour de France, right in the heart of a great cycling city like Cambridge?

In case you don’t know the story, in 1895 John Albert Townsend started making bicycles in Cambridge for wealthy students and the Light Blue bicycles were born. The name comes from the historic sporting colours used by the world famous Cambridge University. The rivalry between the light blue colours of Cambridge and the dark blue of Oxford are perhaps most famously seen in the annual Thames-set Boat Race. Just don’t mention this year’s race result.

Fast forward 119 years and The Light Blue previewed its 2015 range at St.Catharine’s College, mere yards away from where the world’s finest rode in Le Tour on a blazing hot Monday afternoon.

With the big 120-year anniversary just around the corner, The Light Blue – via distributor Ison – will be offering complete bike options, using a semi-custom specification and build system. The latest ranges come two years after the launch of The Light Blue Kings line,

many of which were on show at the event.

For Spring 2015, however, The Light Blue is adding a new retro style frame and three new contemporary sports frames, all of which are using Reynolds tubing.

The Light Blue St Johns is classed as a ‘retromodern’ sports frame. Made with modern Reynolds 720 tubing, it sports mudguard eyelets and rack mounts and the frame lends itself to sportives, commuting and light touring.

Also new is The Light Blue Wolfson, a lightweight tig welded Reynolds 853 frame, geared up for sportive riders, featuring variable size sports geometry, ample clearance for wider tyres, hidden mudguard mounting points and carbon forks.

Meanwhile the Light Blue Robinson is a lightweight tig welded Reynolds 725 tubed sports road bike. The Robinson is disc brake compatible, variable size sports geometry and ample clearance for up to 32C tyres.

Finally, the Light Blue Darwin is being touted as the ‘modern evolution of touring and lifestyle bikes’.

Ison Distribution MD Lloyd Townsend said: “My great grandfather started making the

16 BIKEBIZ AUGUST

“I felt a burning desire to reinvigorate the brand.”

Lloyd Townsend, MD, Ison

Light Blue bikes way back in 1895, and I felt a burning desire to re-invigorate our original brand as it approaches 120 years of age.

Having the world’s most revered cycling race starting a stage in Cambridge itself is perhaps a once in a lifetime event. It seemed quite fitting to hold a preview of the Light Blue 2015 range to an audience of friends and colleagues that have helped this small Cambridge bicycle business develop.

“The Light Blue bicycles are designed in Cambridge with the type of attention to detail that four generations of living and breathing bicycles brings. They are made with proven materials and manufacturing techniques to an ethos that puts customer satisfaction at the top of the page.

“The ranges include City bicycles for urban transport, and Sports bicycles for fitness and leisure riding.

“I am looking forwards to working with a small network of IBDs that want to become stockists of The Light Blue bicycles.”

Find out about the expanding range directly from Ison Distribution: 01353 662 662 or at www.thelightblue.co.uk

BIKEBIZ.COM

welcome the other to side of the wall HALL b5 STAND 606

Sales telephone: 01332 274 252 www.moorelarge.co.uk

Only the D lock has passed the Sold Secure test.

Secured by Design Master Lock® has successfully achieved accreditation with the Association of Chief Police Officers’ flagship project for reducing crime, Secured by Design.

For further information visit: www.masterlock.eu and www.securedbydesign.com facebook.com/masterlockuk twitter.com/masterlockuk

Speak to your Fisher Account Manager or phone Telesales onUK 01727 Distributed in the by 798345 Visit Fisher b2b.fisheroutdoor.co.uk Outdoor Leisure www.fisheroutdoor.co.uk

GO-RIDE

Go-Ride has been sponsored by Bike Hub since February this year

Bike Hub support’s British Cycling’s National Youth Forum The industry-supported Bike Hub levy is helping British Cycling empower young people to have their say on the future of cycling.

TWELVE YOUNG volunteers now sit on British Cycling’s National Youth Forum. They will play a key role in shaping the future of cycle sport.

Six of the volunteers are returning for a second year on the forum and will work alongside six new volunteers. All twelve will develop opportunities for their peers and provide the chance for others to ride, race and volunteer.

British Cycling’s Go-Ride programme is a network of cycling clubs, which provide a fun and safe way to introduce young riders to the world of cycle sport. Go-Ride is supported by the bicycle industry’s Bike Hub fund. The aim of the National Youth Forum is to empower young people, who will influence British Cycling initiatives and the programme’s future.

During the first year, the National Youth Forum representatives focused on developing cycling in schools, providing more opportunities for women to get involved in cycling and widening the scope for riders under 23 to get involved.

BIKEBIZ.COM

“With support from Go-Ride, it’s possible I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

Laura Trott

The returning representatives have now secured the added responsibility of specific roles, such as chair and treasurer, to drive the group forward.

The twelve volunteers will meet on a quarterly basis with British Cycling. The first session took place in June at Manchester’s National Cycling Centre, where the group set out the aims for the upcoming year.

John Mills, British Cycling director of coaching, education and development, said: “We are frequently overwhelmed by the strength of the young volunteers at cycling clubs across the country. It was extremely difficult to select just twelve young people to represent the National Youth Forum, which is testament to the hard work and dedication of so many volunteers.”

Laura Trott, a world champion who first started cycling at a Go-Ride Club, said: “Without support from the volunteers at my Go-Ride Club, it’s possible I wouldn’t be where

I am today. They are all doing a fantastic job and are making a real difference to the sport.”

The number of young people taking part in cycling as a sport is soaring, says British Cycling. The Go-Ride programme has provided over 400,000 opportunities for young people to get involved with cycle sport over the past 12 months. Over 60 per cent of riders on the Great Britain Cycling Team started out at Go-Ride Clubs.

Go-Ride has been sponsored by Bike Hub since February this year. Bike Hub was created to “safeguard the future of cycling”.

Contributors voluntarily donate £1 per £1,000 of goods invoiced and this is matched by the manufacturers, distributors and wholesalers thereby creating a total contribution of £2 per £1,000. In this way, Bike Hub has raised over £350,000 per year from the bicycle industry and from independent bike dealers for the last ten years. www.britishcycling.org.uk/go-ride

BIKEBIZ AUGUST 19

CYCLE SHOW

BIG BRAND

BONANZA

It’s all about the returning acts at this year’s Cycle Show, which once again has sold floor space in record time. Mark Sutton speaks to the organisers about which labels the trade should visit this year…

THE CYCLE Show returns shortly and this year’s edition is, as you may have guessed, bigger than ever before, with floor space having once again sold in record time.

Held from the 26th to 28th of September at the NEC in Birmingham, the show welcomes back a number of big name brands in the world of cycling, as well as celebrating some of the latest and most innovative new brands in the industry. The trade, as usual, are invited exclusively on the opening Thursday to meet with brand managers minus the distraction of consumer crowds.

Dassi and Beacon will join Boardman as the three bike brands set to make their Cycle Show debuts this year, while big guns including Pinarello, Colnago, Trek, Cube, Bianchi, Raleigh and Condor will be all be returning. What’s more, all three of the leading component

20 BIKEBIZ AUGUST

Beacon, Boardman, Trek, Colnago, Raleigh, Shimano... the list goes on

manufacturers – Shimano, Campagnolo and SRAM – will have a considerable presence and new product previews.

This year’s show is set to have the largest array yet of cycle clothing and accessories, including first-time exhibitors Vulpine who have been in the news lately with collaborations with Sir Chris Hoy and the House of Fraser.

Some of the latest developments in cycling gadgetry and wearable technology will also be showcased, with the appearance of Madison ensuring that GoPro, Recon and Garmin will be two of the many brands demonstrating their latest game changing features at the NEC. Continental Europe’s labels will be well represented too, with the first appearance in the UK from labels such as Hersh, an Italian bike manufacturer and Sicleri, an Italian

cycle clothing brand. Expect to find plenty of brands looking to make ground and link with distributors in the UK market.

A number of UK distributors and suppliers will also be exhibiting for the first time in some years or even debuting in 2014, including Fisher Outdoor Leisure, Extra UK, Paligap, Silverfish UK and Spitfire Distribution, who’ll join the likes of the returning Chicken Cyclekit, Yellow and ATB Sales.

Once the meetings are done, the same cycle tracks that gave consumers the chance to get to grips with the fresh models will be open to all who like to let the product do the talking.

If you’re planning on being amongst the first to see the product on the trade day on Thursday September 25th (and why wouldn’t you?) get yourself registered at over at the official site: www.cycleshow.co.uk/trade

BIKEBIZ.COM

JOIN US AT THE UK’S #1 CYCLING EXHIBITION

CYCLESHOW.CO.UK/BB *Registration is free in advance and £13 per person on the door

Show supporters

Keep up to date:

@CycleShow

facebook.com/CycleShow

Ian Bibby Madison Genesis Pro Team

REGISTER FOR YOUR FREE TRADE PASS*

Get instant cover online or call our UK based Customer Service Team on:

08000 92 92 68

Proud Sponsor of

Quote this offer code when you call: BBAD084

MOUNTAIN ELITE LINK SHIFT KIT Easy to Install, Ultra-Flexible, Lightweight Performance This new aluminum link housing is the ultimate combination of durability and attention grabbing looks.

Available in Black, Red, Silver or Gold, our Link Kit GHOLYHUV VRPH PDMRU EHQHÂżWV ,WÂśV FRPSUHVVLRQOHVV ZKLFK PHDQV SUHFLVLRQ VKLIWLQJ EXW LW DOVR DOORZV IRU tight bends without kinking during tricky cable runs. ,WÂśV DOVR OLJKWHU WKDQ WUDGLWLRQDO VKLIW KRXVLQJ ZKLOH EHLQJ PRUH GXUDEOH 5RDG (OLWH /LQN 6KLIW .LWÂśV DOVR available.

For more information visit jagwire.com.

www.moorelarge.co.uk

22 BIKEBIZ AUGUST

BIKEBIZ.COM

BIKEBIZ AWARDS

Will Mojo Suspension be back on the stage this year? It’s up to you...

road.cc were happy about their win

The British Cycling team gather at the Awards

JUDGEMENT ITV grabbed a cycle coverage prize in 2013

DAY As the countdown to the 2014 BikeBiz Awards continues and more sponsors come on board, we’re on the look out for judges. How about it?

t J9BH )5FHB9F

BIKEBIZ.COM

t )@5H=BIA )5FHB9F

t 5H9;CFM GDCBGCF

LOBBYING FOR the BikeBiz Awards 2014 is over. Finito. It is no more. All further lobbying emails will be politely turned away from the door.

So what happens next? We’ll be announcing the finalists very soon and this is where we turn again to you, reader.

Since its inception, the BikeBiz Awards have been judged by a wide variety of people from the bike trade. The more the merrier, in fact, and this year will be no different.

Judging couldn’t be simpler and involves no time out of the office/shop/ wherever it is you work. We’ll email you with a list of the finalists, plus a PDF with some info on each of them, then you pick those you believe are most deserving. No, people cannot vote for themselves or the company they work in for this judging period, as that would be silly.

Just drop us a line at BikeBiz@ intentmedia.co.uk saying you want to be a judge and we’ll send you that list of finalists. Just don’t say you weren’t asked.

BIKEBIZ AUGUST 23

BIKEBIZ AWARDS INDUSTRY OPINION CYCLEPLAN GOES PLATINUM Cycleplan has signed up as Platinum Sponsor for the BikeBiz Awards 2014.

Cycleplan are insurance specialists, offering cover for all types of cyclists and all types of bikes. They recognise the needs of your customers and can tailor policies to suit their individual requirements. This includes insuring multiple bikes on one policy; no postcode premium for city-based cyclists; worldwide cover for cycling abroad and insurance for all those extra accessories.

“Cycleplan is designed specifically around the needs of today’s vast array of different cyclists.

From commuters and recreational cyclists to road racers and triathletes, we can give them peace of mind,” said John Woosey, Cycleplan managing director.

“Since we launched at the end of 2013 we’ve been blown away by what is happening in terms of innovation and commitment to raising the bar right across the cycling trade at a time when the industry as a whole is booming. We’re pleased to sponsor the BikeBiz Awards and their recognition of the best in the business.” www.cycleplan.co.uk NUUN JOINS THE AWARDS Meanwhile nuun has signed up as category sponsor for the awards.

The active hydration specialist has been at the forefront of the sector for over a decade and the brand was the creator of the original hydration tablet. Established by competitive cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts, nuun produces hydration tabs that are highly portable, with no sugar, light flavoured and providing essential electrolytes for active folk.

“With the first three stages of the Tour de France just having freshly ripped their way through our green and pleasant lands, British cycling couldn’t be in a more exciting and buoyant position,” said nuun’s Lizzie Baillie. “nuun active hydration is thrilled to be as much a part of this industry today as it was 10 years ago (nuun was indeed invented by a cyclist out on a ride one day in the rolling hills of Vermont) and is very excited to be supporting the 2014 Bike Biz Awards.” www.nuun.co.uk CYCLE-SOS COMES TO THE TRADE’S AID And that’s not all, long-term supporter of the Awards Cycle-S.O.S has again got behind the cycle industry prizes this year.

This year, Cycle-S.O.S is Event Partner for the BikeBiz Awards.

For those not already in the know, CycleS.O.S is a national helpline for cyclists, staffed with specialists providing help and advice to those that have suffered an accident. The team of cycling lawyers have over 20 years experience in helping victims of bicycle accidents make a bike accident claim and have won millions of pounds for thousands of cyclists over the past two decades. www.cycle-sos.co.uk The BikeBiz Awards 2014 take place on Wednesday September 24th at the Crowne Plaza Birmingham NEC, just a stone’s throw from the NEC exhibition hall setting of Cycle Show.

24 BIKEBIZ AUGUST

BIKEBIZ AWARDS 2014 CATEGORIES

Last year the Upgrade team really perfected their cheesy grins

Bike Distributor of the Year P&A Distributor of the Year Specialist Distributor Independent Bike Dealer Star Store Specialist Retailer Mainstream Retailer Workshop Services Best Retail Event In-Store Experience Online Store Bike Brand of the Year P&A Brand of the Year Sales Team Marketing Team Retailer Services Training Cycling Advocacy Achievement

havebike wear tuxedos so you don’t have to

Will Cyclescheme win this year too? You decide, if you vote

18bikes earned a prize last year

NEED TO KNOW What? The BikeBiz Awards Why? To celebrate the cycle industry, from retail and distribution, to brands, advocates and more When? Wednesday September 24th, the evening before Cycle Show’s trade day Where? Crowne Plaza Birmingham NEC

TOP 5: TIPS FOR THE BIKEBIZ AWARDS 1 Get your speech ready 2 Don’t worry about a tuxedo or formal dress…unless you work for havebike (it’s tradition) 3 Don’t eat before you come as there’s a tasty hot food selection on the night.

4 Practice your ‘I’m not disappointed at all that I didn’t win’ face in the mirror before leaving 5 Most of all, before the night, remember to vote. Email us at BikeBiz@ intentmedia.co.uk and we’ll get you on the list of judges.

Singletrack take to the stage

BIKEBIZ.COM

QUARQ POWER METERS OFFERING YOU MORE!

QUARQ POWER METERS NOW SOLD AS CHASSIS ONLY FROM £899SRP* AND 30% DEALER MARGIN 9 ##41!#7

9 %!3(%1 /1..& )- !++ #.-$)3).-2 9 ,-)#!+ %#(-.+.'7 -. -%%$ 3. 1% #!+)"1!3% 6(%- 26.//)-' #(!)-1)-'2 9 )-$)#!3.1 3. #.-&)1, #1!-* 23!342 9 "!33%17 (.412 .& 1)$)-' 3),% 9 !+5)- ) /(.-% // %!27 3. 2%15)#% !-$ #!+)"1!3% 9 2%1 %/+!#%!"+% !33%17 -%5%1 31!)- 6)3(.43 /.6%1 9 .1*2 6)3( !-7 ® $%5)#% !5!)+!"+% 6)3( ! #.,/!#3 .1 23!-$!1$ 2/)$%1 9 %!+%1 31!)-)-' /1.5)$%$ 3. !++ 4!10 %,. 3.#*)232 !3 3(% %#(-)#!+ %-31% RIKEN 8 ELSA 8

RED22 8

BB30 UPCHARGE 8

Contact your Territory Account Manager for more information

Distributed in the UK by Fisher Outdoor Leisure www.fisheroutdoor.co.uk

City Lights HDS12 2.4w front hub

The current generation of Sturmey-Archer hub dynamos will add power to your sales. The 6v range includes front hub models combined with 70 and 90mm diameter drum brakes and now there is also a single side model for recumbents.

The new type HDS12 2.4w version is for bikes where only the headlamp needs to be powered.

making cycling easier making cycling safer www.sturmey-archer.com www.sturmey-archerheritage.com

Sealed cartridge bearings are standard and all models are CE and EN compliant.

X-SDD single sided for recumbents

SPORTLINE SHOW REPORT

Rapide changes Bike retailers and media got to see the latest from Genesis, Ridgeback, Ridley and Saracen – as well as an entirely new brand – at Sportline’s summer bike launch.

Jonathon Harker reports back from Milton Keynes…

Rapide You may have spied a few samples at The Sportline Show earlier this year, but Sportline’s summer bike launch saw Rapide unveiled in full for the first time. Coming from the designers behind Ridgeback (and using a former Ridgeback brand name), the line-up has been two years in development and initially features nine bikes; two for juniors (both at £400), with seven road bikes filling out the remainder of the line-up.

So why the creation of a new brand? The bikes weren’t felt to fit into the Ridgeback family, the brand told BikeBiz. The adult bikes are split into the RL and RC series. Three bikes make up the RL line, with a frame using in-house geometry and coming in with six sizes, focused on a endurance/all-day riding style.

As with Ridgeback, Shimano features on the bikes, which range from £649 to £899 in the RL series. That RL line-up led to the creation of the

carbon bikes in the range (RC series). The RC1 hits the £1,200 price point, is Di2 ready (as with the whole range), while the RC3 is the flagship of the line-up and will feature on the primary marketing for Rapide. At the top end, the RC4 has a full Di2 set up and hits £2,999.99. Like Ridgeback, there’s a lifetime warranty on all the frames and a focus on affordability.

Naturally the range will extend beyond the nine bikes over time and there will be first samples of a broader line-up at the next Sportline Show. Dealers have reportedly reacted well to first sight of the range, with the junior bikes apparently causing the biggest stir thus far.

Ridgeback

You’d think that after launching Rapide, the Ridgeback design team would be putting it’s feet up, but there’s been no such luck for them as the Ridgeback line-up has undergone some significant changes this year, not least with Tradition – a range of ‘Dutch-style’ step through bikes. A long-held ambition for Ridgeback, the colour coded range features Schwalbe tyres, a custom fork and an eye-catching price tag – £349 – putting it in direct competition with a number of brands including Bobbin. Set to be available at the end of September, the range comes in three colours and will be tweaked again before production.

Advance has seen one of the biggest changes in the Ridgeback range, not least in look, with both new graphics and colours. The freshened up range now sports CX tyres and lengthened head tubes. The Flight line-up has been tightened to three models (five last year), with some price savings made in the range and a move away

BIKEBIZ.COM

from the black, silver and grey of last year (though there are still muted colours for security conscious London customers). The brighter range has garned good feedback, BikeBiz was told.

Last year the boys Dimension bikes sold out. Keen to follow up on that, Ridgeback has developed the junior range with a complete redesign, focusing on keeping weight low and on everyday use.

Elsewhere, Ridgeback has refined some of its lines. Naturally the Rapide is no more (it has now incorporated into the Metro range). Avenida now includes the World Panoramic Deluxe, which has gone down well with UK and French dealers in particular, we hear.

Onto Scoot, which has been a Ridgeback stalwart since 2007. The popular learner bike range is huge in North America in particular and this year sees the range available in nine eyecatching colours.

Sticking with juniors, further refinements see the Dual Track and Track merged, so now only the Dual Track name is being used.

BIKEBIZ AUGUST 27

SPORTLINE SHOW REPORT INDUSTRY OPINION

Genesis Genesis’ fat bike, the Caribou, has lost weight… from its price tag. The 2015 version of the ‘proper fat bike’ is £300 cheaper, down to £1,199. There’s also an eye catching junior version this year (pictured right).

The Longitude is a new addition for Genesis.

This fully rigid 29 compatible bike is based around the same idea as the Adventure line, pitched at the touring/expedition market. This ‘ready for anything’ bike is £999.99.

Croix De Fer has been expanded, now with a complete range with an easy to understand lineup that starts from £849. The black and white paint job has returned (on the 20) due to popular demand, while a limited orange and grey paint job is also in the range mix.

Equilibrium was Genesis’ foray into a road disc bike last year and having easily sold out the team has launched a dedicated range around the genre, topping out at £2,999 for the Equilibrium Ti (disc titanium). Mudguard compatible, £1,099 is now the entry level for the range, putting disc brakes into the price range of more consumers.

Away from discs, Equilibrium now features

Campagnolo for the first time (in the 30 and 20 models – though Shimano options are available).

Popping up in the Genesis line-up this year are some new materials, probably most notably KVA MS3 – a more affordable alternative to Reynolds 931, cheaper because it is produced in larger quantities and used in other industries.

Also new this year is CDA. This drop bar alloy range has the same look as the Croix De Fer and boasts bigger and bolder tyre specs, with a simple and clean, practical look.

What else? The Volant has similar colour trends to last year, with prices aimed at those who have been inspired by the likes of Froome and Wiggins but don’t necessarily have the knowledge of bikes to go with that enthusiasm.

RRPs start from £599 (Volant 10) and rise to £799.99 (Volant 30). All feature carbon forks and have fitments for mudguards and racks.

Not content with all that, Genesis has also launched the Bridge sub-brand, an urban and accessible line pitched at those new or newish to cycling. Then there’s Volare, which was new last year, and this time ‘round the range sports wider rims to accommodate the trend for a wider tyre.

And all that’s just for starters.

Ridley With Eurobike only a few weeks away, Ridley was wisely waiting for the uber bike show to reveal most of its new launches to the cycle world. The brand did, however, choose to show off its not inconsiderable 13-bike strong CX range at the Sportline Show. For 2015, disc brakes feature strongly, including for its ‘do all’ bike, the X-Bow AllRoad 20 Disc. Pitched as a chic commuter with colour matched mudguards and brown faux-leather bar tape and saddle, this bike nips under the allimportant £1,000 cycle to work watershed.

Saracen

Onto Saracen, which has now been with Madison, or rather Sportline, since 2009, with re-establishing the brand with the IBD remaining the priority.

The successful Saracen team riders are big testers for the brand, not least the junior grass roots riders. Those looking to emulate the team have the Myst Pro, which is what the team uses, give or take – the back end has been modified for more mud clearance and there’s a new seat tube in one piece (£2,999). Then there’s the Myst Team – a full factory top flight race bike, in a paint finish similar to the team’s (£4,899).

The Mantra Trail Carbon (£1,499) is brand new to the Saracen line-up. Featuring the same highly rated gear and set up, it sports 120mm travel, internally routed cables, an internal dropper post and the focus remains on the fun of the ride. The Elite Carbon features a colour and finish inspired by the F1 McLaren team.

According to Saracen, it was the first UK firm to produce a 650B bike (at a time when only Norco was offering one worldwide). It wasn’t easy getting hold of tyres, rims, etc to fit the bike but now it’s in its third season – the Kili Flyer.

It’s mostly just cosmetic changes this year, with a more raw finish, and is pitched as the ultimate

28 BIKEBIZ AUGUST

trail bike for UK customers. It’s pricy, but it’s also future proof, the firm says.

Hack is in its second season, its name coined by the sales team who simply described it as a bike for ‘hacking around town’ which then stuck. The frame is lighter now we’re in year two, while prices are down – the Hack 1 is the opening price point bike at £749.

Another bike introduced last year was the Tenet.

Sporting decent mudguard clearance, forks have been upgraded to carbon tapered, offering more value for the rider. The Tenet 3 comes with discs.

Sticking with the road, the Avro is an interesting development. Named after the manufacturer behind the Vulcan Bomber, the Avro is how Saracen sees the road bike, taking on MTB learnings. Using specially machined hubs, a paired down and lighter version than those used in the MTB ranges, the bike is Di2 and hydro ready and features wider rims (£1,799).

The popular and functional Urban Cross has seen some subtle frame improvements and now looks more aggressive. Elsewhere the kids range sports lighter tyres.

To find out more about those or all the many other bikes we didn’t have space to feature here, head on over to www.sportlineb2b.co.uk for all the details.

BIKEBIZ.COM

RECOGNISING EXCELLENCE WITHIN THE UK CYCLE TRADE

Wednesday 24th September 2014 t Crowne Plaza, NEC PARTNERS & SPONSORS

t Event Partner

t Platinum Partner

t Category sponsor

For more information on trade tickets and sponsorship opportunities,

please email Carole.Eagles@intentmedia.co.uk or call 01992 535647

Jens Voigt ©Joolze Dymond

“SHUT UP CHAIN” Sort Out Your Bike With The Latest Products From Finish Line Ì ONLINE LUBE SELECTOR: www.finishlineusa.com/products/lube-finder.php F I N I S H L I N E P R O U D LY S U P P O R T S

SHOW PREVIEW

The lure of Outdoor This year’s Outdoor Trade Show promises product debuts, UK show debuts and plenty for the cycle trade to get their teeth into. Jonathon Harker reveals all…

The F-Lite Merino range debuts

Superfeet’s Carbon insole

BIKEBIZ.COM

THE OUTDOOR Trade Show (OTS) is back this September, running from Tuesday 9th to Thursday 11th at long-term home of Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire.

The signs are good for this year’s edition, with the 100 exhibitor milestone broken back in May (ahead of last year), with significant new exhibitors like Regatta Outdoors, as well as the UK show debuts from FixnZip from the US and Unikia from Norway, plus a brand new UK company Smashii.

The organisers tells BikeBiz that new products appearing for the first time include rucksacks from Bagman, sun protection products from Sunproof, climbing gear from Out There Gear, marine products from Meridian Zero, outdoor accessories from Eskimo Agency, survival innovations from Blizzard and camping products from Gateway Leisure, among others.

CALLING CYCLE RETAILERS The Outdoor Trade Show is reaching out to cycle trade as well as pure outdoor sector vendors. The bike industry is represented by exhibitors like 2pure (Ninepointnine), Buffera, F-lite, Silva, and X-Socks (Ardblair Sports), while there’s also over 115 companies offering outdoor product for those considering dabbling in the wider market.

That cycle crossover means OTS is an increasingly significant destination for the trade, says organiser Marta Williams: “We are

delighted to have taken so many bookings at this stage from such a fantastic mix of brands. The show has become very relevant for cycling brands that want to present their range to a new customer base, and is a must attend for all cycling retailers looking for crossover products.”

Registration is now open for the trade. Filling out an online form at www. outdoortradeshow.com provides free access to the event.

BASE BOOSTER F-Lite’s new Merino TEC 240 base layer collection will launch at the Stoneleigh Show, combining the advantages of the natural functions of merino wool with the performance properties of superfine polyproylene yarn.

The lightweight range offers body mapping for wicking properties and performance and includes mens and women’s long sleeve tops (RRP £79.99) and long tights (RRP £59.99).

You’ll find those at the SMG Outdoor stand (337 indoors and Grass Block 53-3 outdoors.

Snugpak will launch a new range of products for the outdoor and bushcrafts markets at this year’s OTS, including the Stasha (RRP £39.95) – a lightweight shelter that packs away to a small size so it can easily be stashed away in a pocket. Featuring looped webbing and grommets in each corner so it can be staked out or attached with four

guy ropes, it can be configured in a different number of ways, including an improvised bivvi, thanks to the two plastic snaps which allow it to be folded. Snugpak will also launch a new Quart System (all weather sleep system) and adds the new “Cave” tent to its collection. You’ll find Snugpak at stand 41 (indoors) and 53-6 (outdoors) Over on stand 15, Superfeet will be showing the newest member of its insole selection – Carbon, with a full range of samples at the show.

Superfeet’s lightest performance insole, Carbon provides a low volume performance insole with stability. It is touted as Superfeet’s strongest and thinnest insole which is designed to work in low volume shoes where performance is key, even in the tightest of performance footwear. Superfeet will be exclusively giving all retailers who visit the stand a free test pair of Superfeet insoles.

Beyond product there will be stands from the likes of ActSmart and the Outdoor Industries Association. The latter will be found in the new Networking Hub area. Chief exec Andrew Denton and the team will be on hand to answer queries from existing members and speak to those interested in joining the association and supporting the Britain on Foot initiative.

Find out more via organiser MCS on 0161 437 4634 or via the site: www.outdoortradeshow.com

BIKEBIZ AUGUST 31

The BB30 Bearing Removal Tool

Visit weldtite.co.uk for terms and conditions

Ask your wholesaler for details

36 BIKEBIZ AUGUST

BIKEBIZ.COM

SUPER B

SuperB tooling Super B may not be the best-known tool brand in the business, but Moore Large has plans in place to change all that. Product manager Steve Palmer tells Jonathon Harker the story behind Super B… What is Super B’s background?

Super B has been producing hand tools for 20 years and focusing on the pro bike tool field for over ten. The thought that goes into each tool’s design is phenomenal and their unique innovation and technology makes them a world-leading bike tool manufacturer.

They focus on R&D and quality-control in production. With the latest equipment and fully qualified team, they closely monitor every step from manufacturing, production, finished products to packing until the products are sent to us. Between 20 and 30 new products are launched yearly. Super B’s mission is to constantly upgrade the appearance, function, quality and efficiency of bike tools, whilst expanding the service network.

The brand isn’t new to the UK, they just dipped under the radar due to limited distribution and weak marketing. We researched before taking on exclusive distribution and the brand was recognised by mechanics working in the trade and the products regarded as excellent due to their quality and thoughtful design… but the brand was not so well known by the rest of the industry!

off a bottle? We got it… all the way through to an electric bike workstand lift (due 2015). The experienced mechanic is catered for with frame, cutting and measuring tools. Wheel builders are covered with a wide choice of different spoke nipple wrenches, a spoke tension master and precision wheel truing jigs. The home mechanic can turn ‘pro’ with folding stands, that are durable for the workshop, but if you want extra sturdy there is the comprehensive workshop range too. Basically, the range covers everything from workstations to storage, remover tools to setting tools and everything in between. If your bike needs fixing Super B will have the tool to do it.

The range is split into the Classic and Premium ranges. What are the differences?

Both Classic and Premium have limited lifetime warranties, demonstrating the brand’s commitment to quality. The Premium range includes more specialist workshop tools for technical repairs like frame alignment, cutting and facing tools, but also enhanced durability and increased comfort for more frequent users.

Are there any incentives for bike shops to stock Super B for their own workshops?

The depth and usability of the range will make mechanics lives easier. The quality and lifetime warranty is also a major incentive. Tools will last longer, reducing overheads over time. We also have some great stock-in deals for dealers.

We have three packages available offering combinations of increased off-line discount, vouchers for Super B Premium, half price or FOC boxes of tyre levers and free workshop aprons, shirts and banners.

How wide are the ranges?

The scope is vast: Need a tool to take the top BIKEBIZ.COM

Are there any particular top sellers?

Definitely, there’s clearly a need for the dependable products – the kind of thing that when you need them, you need them. Chain rivet extractors, crank extractors, cable cutters and the Hex Key Sets, which are so shiny you almost want to display them rather than use them! The spoke keys are a loved product for wheel builders and the freewheel and cassette removers seem to be a firm favourite.

Above:Super B’s vast array of tools are split into the Classic and Premium ranges

“We researched before taking on distribution and found mechanics who regarded Super B as excellent. But the brand was not so well known by the rest of the industry!”

Steve Palmer, Moore Large

Are there any POS options for dealers?

We have a great free standing and rotating Super B display tower which doesn’t take up much floor space. We have slat wall headers, shirts and aprons for the workshop...all of which are offered as part of a stocking-in package.

Eurobike is just around the corner – can you give us any hints about launches there?

We’ve seen a few exciting things proposed, but our lips are sealed. In the short space of time we’ve been their distributor we’ve already had input and given feedback on a number of exciting new products. At Moore Large we have some very experienced mechanics in our technical centre that are a great source on what works and what’s needed. They are living and breathing bicycle tools.

What kind of marketing support is in place?

Moore Large has invested in a consumer marketing campaign to raise awareness and to make sure products sell through. This year saw our first Super B race servicing for consumers, which we intend to roll out across more events next year. Moore Large and Super B fixed 70 bikes at the 16th Mountain Mayhem. Labour was provided free of charge by the skilled Super B mechanics and there was a nominal charge for parts, (if needed) from Todays Cyclist.

At our tech centre we host accredited cycle mechanic training, American Classic wheelbuild and service training, corporate introduction to cycle mechanics and SR Suntour service training which gives mechanics the opportunity to see the tools in action.

Interested dealers should contact their area manager or the sales team on 01332 274252 or sales@moorelarge.co.uk

BIKEBIZ AUGUST 33

PROFILE

Tough tarpaulin material has been used in the luggage range

It’s in the bag

With development having taken place alongside retailers, it’s hardly surprising Altura’s new luggage has been so well received. Mark Sutton talks to David Wallace, Altura Luggage Designer and Brand Manager about the range’s qualities…

What was your inspiration for the designs?

The number one criteria for these bags was always ease of use. We wanted our bags to convert to panniers quicker and easier than our competitors. We also needed our range to be affordable – it’s quite easy to get carried away when designing and end up with an overly complicated design. To keep it commercial you need to balance features with costs.

classic small Speed Seatpack) up to £124.99 (our hardwearing Orkney 56 Pannier pair).

How has the press received the product?

The feedback from the press both at Cycle Vision and the time since this has been very positive. The most satisfying feedback we have had has been from the public and customers who have commented on social media and product reviews. Our research suggested that there was a market need for bags that worked on and off the bike, and we were confident we had some pretty special and unique products.

You’ve built in a few innovative features?

When fitted on the bike it is vital that the straps don’t interfere with the wheels, so a lot of time was spent designing solutions that allowed the safe storage of straps while still being as easy to use as possible. The straps on the Morph are stored behind a movable panel that cradles the webbing straps and holds everything neatly against the outside of the bag, while the Meta features a shoulder strap that buckles into place inside the bag so there’s no need to disconnect the straps. Both are packed with features for organising kit: padded laptop and tablet compartments, fleece lined pockets for phones/sunglasses, pockets for bike tools, key hooks and more. The Meta also has a sleeve pocket for a U-lock.

There are also high visibility rain covers with both bags which also improve visibility to other road users. The covers also feature rear facing LED attachment loops for improved safety. We actually included two LED loops on each rain cover because we figured that even if the rain cover is fitted the wrong way round, you’ll still have an LED loop in the right place.

What price range does the luggage span?

The Versa products are £69.99 for the Meta Messenger style bag and £74.99 for the Morph Backpack, both are currently in stock. The full Altura luggage range goes from £12.99 (our

It’s not just larger volume units – there’s saddlebags too, is that right?

For 2014 we have updated the Speed Seatpacks. These easy to fit packs are available in small, medium and large (£12.99, £14.99 and

What’s special about the materials used?

We chose tarpaulin material as it’s very tough, abrasion resistant and easy to clean. I consulted a number of local bike shops to get their opinions on some of the early prototypes and the tarpaulin was really well received which meant we felt confident using it.

34 BIKEBIZ AUGUST

“Number one criteria for these bags was always ease of use.”

David Wallace, Altura

£16.99) and feature a full opening zip for easy access with a convenient internal mesh storage pocket, ideal for tyre levers. We have increased the amount of reflectivity on the packs with piping and side and rear graphics.

We have also introduced a new model called the Explore; built around an innovative Rixen Kaul mounting system that allows the pack to quickly attach directly to the seatpost on the bicycle. To remove the pack from the bike you simply press the quick release buttons on the side. The bag features the same easy to use zip opening as the Speed seatpacks but also has an expanding section that increases the capacity by around 40 per cent, so they’re ideal for touring and leisure use.

Why choose Altura Versa bags?

Most other convertible pannier bags tend to be compromised products that aren’t very comfortable off the bike, or ideal panniers on the bike because the bags need to perform two very different functions. Our approach was to redefine this category and set a new benchmark with easy to use, practical solutions.

How do they compare weight wise?

Not all of our competitors state their product weights, but considering the capacity of our bags I would say ours are competitive with the market. One of the benefits of our Versa range is that the customer doesn’t need to buy heavy (and pricy) brackets or special mounts to fit them to their bikes. www.zyro.co.uk/altura

BIKEBIZ.COM

MADE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM BY

WE ARE BIKE MAINTENANCE

44 BIKEBIZ AUGUST

BIKEBIZ.COM

LOOK 2015 LAUNCH

The 675 light frame comes in at sub 900 grams

Is it me you’re LOOKing for?

One of many brands this year to forgo the usual Eurobike launch procedure, LOOK gave dealers the chance to see 2015’s builds ahead of schedule. Mark Sutton reports on the Lee Valley Velopark event…

LOOK is an understandably proud label, with the heritage and success stories to back the bikes.

But as 2015’s catalogue re-emphasised the manufacturer isn’t letting past success influence future sales forecasts too heavily, relying instead on putting its two Tunisian factories to work on new innovations to take the bikes forwards.

Trickled down technology is heavily evident in the mid-range this year, adding an extra element of value and performance.

The retailer is set to benefit too, with Fisher Outdoor having collaborated with LOOK to introduce new point of sale material.

LOOK brand manager, Tim Bayley explained to the gathered crowd: “The independent dealer is central to Fisher Outdoor’s strategy for LOOK. Getting face-to-face with the customer is essential and the 2015 line bears new patents and innovations that need to be understood and delivered to the consumer by a specialist.”

Among the new patents are subtle ways of disguising the ugly bits of Di2 kit and a more efficient way of handling internal cable routing through component parts. There’s also a new registered method of manufacture on its carbon frames whereby on the top end models the carbon will be as smooth on the inside as you’d find on the visible side, ultimately meaning less defects or chances of something upsetting the weave.

Innovations like the ZED Crank will also be pleasing to those bike fitting, with adjustable length built in, meaning less SKUs to carry. If you’re the

BIKEBIZ.COM

The integrated Shimano di2 junction

“The independent retailer is central to Fisher’s strategy for LOOK” Tim Bayley, LOOK

shop fitter, the second generation e-Post will also make life easier, with just a single 90 degree turn of an allen key required to completely loosen the post to make a quick height adjust.

The strength of LOOK’s carbon engineering credentials is further boosted with the Continuous Fibre Design that sees the fork made from a single piece, as opposed to the traditional method of piecing the steerer and two legs together. You’ll find CFD on all models from the 675 upwards, as well as microsites for this and the 795 to enable dealers to virtually show off the bike’s many technological advantages. Registered dealers are listed here too.

On to the bikes and the key launches start with the 566, pitched as Look’s luxury sportive bike and available built with 105 or Ultegra. Built using a new larger cross section top tube, the manufacturer claims to have added lateral stiffness to the tune

of ten per cent. Pair that with an increased head tube stiffness (by some 25 per cent over the prior model), as well as tidied aesthetics with better cable integration and the 566 already looks stronger year-on-year. There’s a reduced RRP to take into account too.

Next up, the 675 and 675 Light at £2,999 and £3,499, respectively, offer dealers another sportive option and a more race bred build in the Light. The standard model uses a 3K carbon weave, with the frame tipping the scales at 1,150 grams. If your customer forks out the extra, they’ll take home a frame with full carbon dropouts, resulting in a weight of just 900 grams. Again the Light’s price has shaved £300 off last year’s retail price. A full 695 Ultegra di2 11-speed build, including the ZED crank and Aero stem, can be bought for £4,999, or as a frame only option for £2,799.

Top of the pile retailers have both the 795 (standard brake configuration) and 795 Aero. With aero sections carved into the frame, this one’s spent some serious time in the wind tunnel, with all component additions carefully considered. One of the first things you’ll notice on the 795 Light is the brakes embedded within the fork legs, another of Look’s new design patents. There’s also a top tube stash point for your customer’s di2 battery.

The e-Post 2 is an important part of the build, weighing in at 139 grams and coming compatible with monolink or railed saddles and offering vibration dampening via an elastomer. www.lookcycle.com

BIKEBIZ AUGUST 37

INTERVIEW

The Academy has taught over 300 people since its 2012 launch

Measure twice, cut once The art of building a bike is one that shops perhaps used to embrace more. But could there be a resurgence in those hand making? Mark Sutton asks the Bicycle Academy’s Andrew Denham…

Tell us a bit about the Academy, who founded it and where the idea started: I came up with the idea for a new kind of bicycle frame building school in November 2010, where teaching was the focal point.

Rather than the typical ‘build your own frame’ experiences offered elsewhere I wanted to focus on equipping students with a deeper understanding and the skills needed to build high quality bikes on their own. After a lot of hard work, plenty of help and a successful crowdfunding campaign I opened the doors to The Bicycle Academy in July 2012 and we’ve taught over 300 people, from all over the world.

What courses are currently on offer?

We teach a seven day standard frame building course and ten day advanced frame (and fork) building courses where students come away with a beautiful bespoke bicycle, a wealth of knowledge and genuine proficiency at each skill.

We also teach a five-day classic frame building course where students learn the core skills of frame building by building a standardised bicycle frame which we donate to charity.

Our one day one-to-one masterclasses are also very popular with people looking to focus on a particular skill; we teach TIG welding, fillet brazing, lug brazing, fitting and design and bench fitting and get great results in each case.

What skills can you teach as part of a standard and advanced course?

We teach a wide range of skills on both courses including frame design and fitting, bench fitting (measuring, marking, cutting and shaping), fillet and lug brazing, along with all the other specifics of fabricating a bicycle frame such as fixtures, alignment and finishing. We don’t

38 BIKEBIZ AUGUST

use machine tools so everything is taught using hand tools as this provides the very best foundation for frame builder and ensures that our students are able to go on and build again without needing to spend a fortune on unnecessary tools. Along with a fork build, our advanced course includes three days of one to one tuition, which gives students an even greater depth of experience and understanding.

Have any famous names in frame building come out of the Academy?

Yeah, we’ve taught a number of builders at the start of their framebuilding career such as T&B workshop, Toad Cycles, Grim Cycles and Sven Cycles, which is great. Also, we’re proud to be selected by professional builders who want to further improve their skills, such as Donhou Bicycles, Paulus Quiros, 18 Bikes, Johnson Frameworks (Norway), Ellipsis Workshop (Russia) and Mars Cycles (USA).

“We’re proud to be selected by professional builders who want to further their skills.”

Andrew Denham, The Bicycle

How has business been so far this year?

It’s great – over the past year our reputation has spread thanks to wonderful reviews from our students, and their work being praised by renowned builders. In the past few weeks alone we’ve taught people from Peru, Japan, Norway, USA, Hungary and Italy, along with many from across the UK. Our teaching methods really set us apart as our students leave with the understanding and skills to make great frames on their own, and we don’t restrict them to particular joining methods or frame designs.

You mentioned that some frames from the academy go to charity – tell us about this: Once completed the frames will be distributed to NGO’s who work with remote communities

to provide transport in various African countries. Our Africa Bike programme has been running since we started, so we’ve amassed around 200 frames, meaning that the next phase of the project (finishing, painting and shipping) is just about to start, something that we’re all very excited about. The principle of the course is that some people want to learn how to build bicycles before making their first, so by offering a course where they can learn the skills whilst making a bike for someone else they can concentrate on learning, rather than being anxious about the bike they are building being their perfect bike. Although perhaps counter intuitive, the format works incredibly well and has been very popular.

How can a student sign up for a course?

To book a course just email Abbie booking@ thebicyclecademy.org, or give her a call on 01373 473767. We typically have around 60 people booked on consecutive courses, which equates to around four months before the earliest date we can offer, but we do get the odd space, so it’s always worth asking. We take a small deposit at the time of booking and students can spread the payments after that.

And what about Academy Tools?

Over the past few months we’ve been working to develop our own range of frame building tools, all designed here at The Bicycle Academy. We unveiled some of the prototype products at Bespoked, to a great reception, and are close to launching later this summer. The first products include a modular frame building jig, workshop aprons and oak tube blocks that we made in collaboration with Brooks England. www.thebicycleacademy.org

BIKEBIZ.COM

FOOTWEAR Introducing the most comprehensive footwear range ever from Giro. With a total of 31 models covering every requirement and price point from £69.99 to £300. Models are available in men’s and women’s sizes, with additional half size availability at the higher-end. Consumers with high volume or wide feet are also catered for, with 3 road and 2 MTB ‘HV’ models available.

For more information Please visit WWW.ZYROB2B.CO.UK

LUPINE DEALERS WANTED

LEVERETPRODUCTIONS.COM

40 BIKEBIZ AUGUST

BIKEBIZ.COM

PROFILE have in general been good for the bike rental industry. It just gets more people used to bikes, and yet still remains a means of transport, compared to a recreational bike that you might rent from a shop.

Bike Rental Manager was created to take the hassle out of rentals

What about the benefits of the software?

It takes the hassle and stress out of rentals. On the face of it, it’s really simple: You just rent people bikes, right? But in reality making sure the right person gets the right bike on the right day is much more challenging. If the phone rings and someone says, ‘have you got five mountain bikes for next Thursday’ you need to be able to say yes or no very quickly otherwise you waste your time and your potential customers. Even better the customer is checking your availability and booking online while you sleep. That’s a lot easier said than done. Fundamentally BRM manages your reservations, fleet, customers, transactions, invoices, and maintenance, all online, accessible anywhere.

The booming rental market Bike hire sounds a simple concept on the surface, but under the surface it is a logistical challenge that tests even the most organised. Doug Stoddart shares his first-hand knowledge of the bike rental market, and his Bike Rental Manager creation, with Jonathon Harker…

RENTAL FORMS a backbone for many bike businesses, but handling bookings, co-ordinating maintenance and making sure bikes are in the right place at the right time is no mean feat. One hire business – Village Velo – decided to take matters into its own hands and create bespoke software to help run rental bike hire. The brains behind that software – named Bike Rental Manager – is one Doug Stoddart. BikeBiz caught up with the man during the busy rental season…

How did you end up running a rental shop?

Pre-bike shop it was all suit and tie jobs for me. I started with Accenture (Andersen Consulting back then) – a big American computer consulting firm who taught me all about how to build large robust computer systems. Then I moved to an investment bank, a much more serious environment, where I was building some of the first online trading systems. Overall I did ten years of corporate IT life in London, but I had always wanted an active, outdoor life. In ‘03 I quit the rat race and bought a run down villa in South France to renovate and run cycling holidays from.

Did you start work on BRM as soon as you got into the bike business?

Our bike rental business, Village Velo, started

BIKEBIZ.COM

with just four bikes, mainly supplying clients on our cycling holidays. We grew the fleet yearly and now have around 55. Initially, like most people I talk to in the business, we had a spreadsheet…or, rather, several spreadsheets.

I was even quite proud of them! But as the business grew I was spending more time ‘fixing’ the spreadsheet and not actually doing real work. After an fruitless search for suitable software I started to program BRM version 1.0 from the back of the shop. I knew there had to be a better way so I started from the ground up, building exactly what I needed. I knew I wanted to eventually sell the software so I started talking to a few bike rental shops. I had my first client within four months of writing the first line of code. Since that day my clients have helped shaped the software. There was clearly enormous demand for this thing.

Have you seen bike rentals grow?

Yes, I think bike rental has grown and there are a few drivers for that. Firstly there are more cyclists now than eight years ago. Secondly it’s getting more expensive to travel with bikes, especially trans-atlantically. Finally people are realising that renting bikes is so much more convenient than travelling with their own, and they get to try out a different kind of bike. I think city bike schemes like Boris bikes

“As the rental business grew I spent more time ‘fixing’ spreadsheets rather than doing real work.”

Doug Stoddart

Is being able to make bookings online really a big deal for consumers?

Yes, and I would say demand is increasing steadily; ignoring that is to risk getting left behind. BRM Clients that are using online booking are seeing a steady flow of reservations and it is just one line of HTML to put it on their website! You just have to take a look at any ecommerce statistics to see where the trend is going. People are increasingly making decisions and purchases online, and more and more from mobile devices. But this is a good thing for the supplier as it’s a lot easier to let software handle all those repetitive conversations and let your staff concentrate on excellent customer service. However I always say online booking really just represents the ‘tip of the iceberg’.

The majority of my clients buy BRM because of the benefit it brings to the ‘back office’ – ie simply to facility the business of bike rental.

Has the software changed over the years?

The fundamental concept has not changed since day one (over four years ago), whereby it supports the ‘rental life-cycle’. People book bikes, then they use the bikes, finally bikes are maintained. It is there to facilitate this simple life-cycle taking place as efficiently as possible many times in a season. This holistic approach to supporting rentals, encompassing bookings, service delivery and maintenance has not changed. However, yes, many features have been added: For example, barcode scanning of bikes and emailing customers their reservations to name just a couple – these alone can save hours of time per week.

Can you tell us about your new CTO? Yes, we’re delighted to have got Mark Negus on board. Mark has been working in mainstream software development for over 20 years so brings a wealth of deep technical knowledge and management experience. The creation of his role will allow me to concentrate on building the business while he manages the continued development of the software.

We’re very lucky to have him, and I consider it a testament to the distance that BRM has travelled in its short life that we were able to attract him to the business. www.bikerentalmanager.com www.linkedin.com/pub/dougstoddart/3/291/67

BIKEBIZ AUGUST 41

HAMA X

CARESS

COLLECTION

Hamax of Norway

HAMA X

CARESS

CARESS The Caress provides comfort and security for the most important passanger you will ever have.

• Exciting new models for 2014 • Comprehensive range for every need • Suspension in every rear seat for unbeatable comfort and safety • Multiple carrier bar options • In-store POS available

SRP £129.99

CARESS with

CARRIER ADAPTER

NEW

SRP £139.99

CARESS

OBSERVER FRONT SEAT

NEW

SRP £79.99

CALL ZYRO SALES ON: 01325 741 325

SHOW REPORT

Anya Elite saddle (left); Blendr Elite stem (middle); Superfly (right)

Cali (left); Electra (middle) and Bike Fitting (right)

Trek convention With Electra now on the menu, Trek is serving up an increasingly diverse range to its customers.

Jonathon Harker delves into the latest at Trek World…

AMAZINGLY, TREK managed to hold a bicycle launch in the home of motorsport without fisticuffs breaking out between cyclists and motorists. So much for the war on the roads, eh?

In fact it wasn’t the first time the brand had successfully hosted Trek World at the increasingly swanky Silverstone motor racing circuit (BikeBiz had to pause on the way in to make way for a helicopter landing). The location is a good fit, not least because Trek has been channelling findings from its strong pro racing presence into its consumer ranges, not unlike the world of motorsports.

Trek’s exclusive RE:aktiv tech takes this connection one step closer, but more on that later.

Visiting before the hoards of consumers got their mitts on the new ranges, BikeBiz was taken through the ranges by Trek marketing guru Chris Garrison, who quickly pointed out that the term ‘bike launch’ isn’t strictly correct – it’s more of a showcase as Trek has now eschewed the traditional bike market year launch pattern, to prevent rush discounting before the new ranges come out, among other reasons. In short, new bikes come out when they are ready, so since January Trek has launched the Boone, Lexa, Domane and Silk BIKEBIZ.COM

among others. P&A works a little differently, or seasonally, but in terms of bikes, here was a combination of the mostly new and the very new.

Silverstone was the setting for Trek World

INTO THE BLENDR But what about the product? First on the agenda was a look at Blendr, Bontrager’s first steps into the ‘wearables market’, the kind of area currently being ploughed by Nike+.

The Blendr Elite stem has a central deeper channel to accommodate mounts for iPhones, GoPros and the like. It is Ant+ and Bluetooth compatible and you can clip it directly for a clean look, leaving less on the bar and bringing in some added organisation.

Bontrager’s philosophy of developing product not just in perfect wind tunnel conditions has been utilised in its new TT helmet, capable of handling wind at different angles and orientation. Bontrager has also been piling research into saddles in conjunction with the University of Wisconsin, taking account of pressure mapping to pinpoint how stance in the saddle affects where most of the pressure is.

Bontrager is at pains to stress its saddle aren’t just an OEM piece slapped on and the firm is attempting to cater for as many types of riders as possible, with each saddle addressing a different need. Now it believes it has the complete package. Cut outs now feature in its saddles, after a period of resisting them, featured in the Paradigm and Ajna Elite.

The brand has been doing its shoe homework too and there’s lots of new product in the category. It’s an interesting market, with BikeBike told that Bontager’s shoe volumes are up and it is taking a bigger share of the market by the year. Stylistically Bontrager isn’t being shy this year, bringing out ‘electric salmon’ for a limited edition CX shoe. New is the XXX MTB shoe, featuring BOA closure and a synthetic upper, which replicates the same properties as kangaroo leather, but without the loss of shape…and death of marsupials. There’s armouring in the shoe too.

The Tri focused Hilo is four years old and this year sees a new version, this time with no carbon sole but remaining super stiff. The XXX Road has had added stiffness while the XXXLE takes the ‘see and be seen’ principle and runs with it – the high-end shoe has high vis on the outside and a more subtle but still reflective material on the inside of the sturdy shoe.

ELECTRA-L ROLL The Electra acquisition is a big story for Trek, giving it a credible offering for the leisure market. Electra’s Skip Hess has been in the UK talking to team Trek about the brand and tactfully pointing out that with a leisure market numbering around 40m in the US, Electra is probably not in such a ‘niche’ market after all.

Trek call it the benchmark for the leisure market, an area it has attempted to crack in

BIKEBIZ AUGUST 43

SHOW REPORT INDUSTRY OPINION Electra (left); Fuel (middle); Lush (right)

TT helmet (left); KRX for juniors (middle); Lexa (right)

the past. Trek boss John Burke had his eye on Electra for some time and, when Electra was ready to sell, pounced on the stylish company.

Electra gets to benefit from Trek’s considerable manufacturing and supply chain skills, while Trek has access to that potential broader market.

But is the UK ready for Electra, where it has only dabbled in the past? Understandably Trek says yes, underlining the point that Electra isn’t just about cruisers. The surprisingly vast product catalogue has city bikes, old school Pashley competitors, cargo bikes, single speed retro bikes, urban bikes…

In short: “Electra complete the market for Trek. There’s huge scope in the UK.” Handily Electra doesn’t subscribe to the model year principle either.

“HAVE WHAT THE PROS HAVE” Onto more familiar territory, Trek has taken a simplification approach to the, let’s be honest, ever so slightly muddied waters of MTB wheel sizes. Trek’s ‘Smart Wheel Size’ principle aims to help with picking the right wheel size for your riding style and size of the rider. For trail bikes, 29ers are pitched a fast and confidenceinspiring, while 27.5 is pitched as playful and quick. For helping choose XC sizing, Trek is explicit – smaller riders challenged to fit on a 29er should go with the next biggest wheel size, 27.5. Simples. It solves a problem for retailers too, cutting down on the number of

44 BIKEBIZ AUGUST

bike editions they have to stock – rather than two versions of everything, and it’s better for customers as they don’t have to decide what size they want – it’s about fit over marketing hype, Garrison tells BikeBiz. Elsewhere in the range, Superfly is focused on consumers that know what they want, so there’s a 29er or 27.5 mirror image being offered

by Trek.

The women’s-specific Skye boasts a WSD (Women’s Specific Design) saddle and forks, with wheels options carrying through the Smart Wheel Size philosophy. Cali is Treks’s high-end, race-ready hardtail, also coming in carbon options, for which there has been a lot of demand, we hear.

On a wider point, Trek is keen to emphasise that its design team has been picking up tips from the world outside of cycling (apparently there is one), sending its designers off the Euro Fashion Weeks.

Fuel EX’s full-sus MTBs have been revamped and the rear shocks of which use DRCV (that’s Dual Rate Control Valve) to even out the big hits. It’s a technology that, in a nutshell, aims to hit the middle ground with two separate air chambers, small and large volume, for consistent use of full travel.

Speaking of tech, that RE:aktiv mentioned at the top of this article is indeed also used

by Formula 1 teams. Exclusive to Trek in the bike world, RE:activ is being used on Trek MTB

Tornado’s coming: Trek’s bespoke art piece combines prototype frames for the superlight Emonda

suspension to repond instantly to big impacts and provide uncompromising damping, after three years in development.

Back to product and Remedy now has a carbon version and the range is now split between Fox and Rockshox forks.

The super light Emonda range drew a crowd at Trek World, with a nifty ‘Tornado’ piece of artwork – made of prototype frames (see left) – with the uber light SLR weighing a staggering 690g.

For the Domane there are disc and nondisc options for the comfortable ride, while the Silque builds on 11 years of research into women’s specific product, taking note of points like women’s centre of gravity being different to men’s, with less weight in the rear accordingly.

Elsewhere the Lexa is in new colours, while the Crossrip’s muted line-up is pitched at the colour shy commuter market.

Juniors have the likes of the new KRX, a lightweight fast frame with a confidence boosting stand over clearance.

Before we sign off it would be remiss not to mention Trek’s bike fit efforts which it has invested heavily in, with a new pressure mapping service available for fitters. The firm admits the challenge is to educate consumers about the difference between a £80 and £180 fit, but for more on that or any of the many bikes we didn’t have room for, head to www.trekbikes.com BIKEBIZ.COM

We have the solution!

Finding the right gear hanger is from now on child’s work!

Enjoy on our website the easy and friendly menu for 120 gear hangers. These are available from stock at wholesalers, razor-sharp priced and including special hangers for TREK, Specialized, Cannondale and Giant.

Choose!

Find!

Fit!

Hall A5 Booth 302

www.marwi-eu.com/gh

BIKEBIZ.COM

BIKEBIZ AUGUST 45

46 BIKEBIZ AUGUST

BIKEBIZ.COM

Sponsored by

ELECTRIC BIKES

The future of electric bikes?

While many in the trade (and some in consumer-land) are still struggling with the concept of electric bicycles, technology and innovation are marching ahead regardless (keep up grandad). Enter the Visiobike…

Riders will be able to unlock and turn on their Visiobike before they’ve got in the saddle, via the futuristic Google Glass spectacles.

The Czech minds behind Visiobike have even included a GPS tracking system. Like many other innovators, they’ve gone down the crowd-sourcing route, on Indiegogo. Find out more at www.visiobike.com

Riders will also be able to monitor speed and battery charge – or even change motor assistance level – all without using their hands. And then there’s Google Maps integration….

The clever bike includes a ‘VisioCam rear view system’, also linking up with Google Glass and is currently in beta testing. That camera will, if it detects an accident, save the last three minutes of the ride, should you need.

Volt to electrify Gadget Show Gadget Show stalwart Jon Bentley on an e-bike bender

THE VOLT Alpine X will be getting a Gadget Show outing in October.

The electric assisted mountain bike was put through its paces in Yorkshire at a 4x4 adventure centre.

Gadget Show presenters Jon Bentley, Amy Williams MBE, Jason Bradbury and Ortis Deley tried out the bike, with Bentley riding the Alpine X around the forestry trail for the test.

The bike features a high torque CST 250W Bafang motor and a sizeable 36V 16Ah Lithium Polymer Battery. Tune in in October on Channel 5 to see how the bike fared in the test. www.voltbikes.co.uk

Amy Williams OBE took part in the trial

BIKEBIZ.COM

BIKEBIZ AUGUST 47

WHERE BRANDS COME TO LIFE Are you looking for new partnerships that could transform your business? BLE 2014 is the only event in Europe where you can meet hundreds of leading brand owners and discover thousands of the hottest brands, characters and images available for license.

Whether you are a retailer, licensee or sales promotion professional a visit to BLE 2014 will open up a world of new opportunities and partnerships.

Don’t miss this chance to spot the next big thing for your business.

See brands come to life at BLE 2014. Register for FREE today, visit www.brandlicensing.eu Organised by

Organisers of

Official Publication

Sponsored by

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

RETAIL COMMENT Why we should all embrace BMX There’s a lot of talk lately about how to engage kids in cycling, utlimately growing little acorns into the mighty oaks that are regular recreational and sport cyclists. Forgive me if you’ve heard it in this humble column before, but I think it’s time the wider industry embraced what BMX has to offer. From time to time I get the feeling the rest of the industry doesn’t always ‘get’ the sector and that’s okay, I personally didn’t ‘get’ road cycling until I gave it a go. Now I’ll regularly take the scenic route home just to see how much a steep gradient can make me wheeze.

So without further ado, here’s several reasons why I’ll advocate bicycle motocross for both personal and business reasons long after the day when I can no longer cope with the rigors of riding 20-inch wheels:

“Though important in its own right, it’s a feeder territory for the rest of the industry, where kids are engaged easily and become lifelong cyclists.”

The basic skills for cycling can simply be developed faster on the racetrack or skate park on a smaller, more agile bike.

The motion of pumping a lip or landing, or carving a berm is of course fun on any bike, but the lower centre of gravity inspires confidence in beginners. In recent years I’ve seen a handful of pump tracks emerge within school grounds.

Nothing will breed a generation of healthy cycle-enthused kids better than those making this investment. Perhaps we could all be planting the seed in the headteacher’s mind at the next PTA meeting? Or could some Bike Hub spend be offered to open-minded educational facilities to offer more than just cycle training in order that when the Bike It officers move on the school continues to provide an incentive to cycle?

Which leads me onto my next point and one central to retail. BMX riders, sadly, but no different to the rest of us, do eventually grow up and branch out. As a case study; within my own large pool of riding companions, more than half have bought fixed gear bikes, which, much like BMX, is a feeder territory to bigger and more expensive trinkets. Halve the pool again and you’ve got riders buying high-end road bikes for touring and commuting. The result is BMX riders turned big-spending roadies, mingling on the Dulwich Dynamo and keeping the pace with already strong legs. They’ll go on to feed into other sub-categories and spend their hard earned on cycle tourism and sports nutrition as the bug bites harder.

Encourage all customers, no matter what they wheel through the door and your business will reap the rewards down the line.

Mark.Sutton@intentmedia.co.uk

IN THIS MONTH’S ISSUE DEALER PROFILE: VELOCAFE

53

Increasingly a go to destination for tourers, industry and corporate parties, we speak with Brighton’s VeloCafe.

NEW PRODUCTS

54

BikeBiz rounds up the month’s latest product releases, both new to market and due for delivery shortly.

LIGHTING GOODS

61

Here it comes... the dreaded admission that winter is ‘round the corner. We look at the goods to light up the night.

50 BIKEBIZ AUGUST

BIKEBIZ.COM

DEALER PROFILE: VELO CAFE

All aboard the espresso train Opening Times: 8am - 6pm Telephone: 01273 270707

Web: www.velo-cafe.co.uk Email: bn1cafe@velo-cafe.co.uk

Facebook: /VeloCafeBN1 Twitter: /TheVeloCafe

Location: Velo, Rose Walk, The Level, Brighton, BN1 4ZN

Not even in business a year, Brighton’s Level-based VeloCafe is already making waves as a cycling social hub and events venue with a reputation for good food. Mark Sutton catches up with co-owner Nigel Lambe...

ANOTHER CYCLING store turned coffee store, eh? What’s different about this one I hear you ask? That was of course our first question too and, as it happens, this might be the first business of its type to do things in reverse, adding to its now seven branch strong chain of coffee shops with Velo Cafe. The growth may not stop here, either, we’re told.

“The park here at The Level has been massively rejuvinated in recent times, so we had to enquire about the space,” explains co-owner Nigel Lambe. “I, like others within the business, just so happen to be a cyclist too. As we all know, the amount of cyclists down south is swelling given our terrain alongside a great seafront, but there’s also a massive influx of long distance riders from London frequently in the area. A hub for good food and cycle repairs seemed logical.”

Already the choice of the likes of Upgrade Bikes (see the cover of BikeBiz’s July magazine), among others, for photoshoots and events, the bright, spacious building is increasingly bringing in corporate business from within and outside the cycling industry.

“We’ve 20 staff in this branch alone and over 100 on the books across our seven shops, so we’re ready to cater for events of all shapes and sizes. Some of your readers may already have been in for the Brighton Big Dog afterparty, or the event we held as part of the Tour of Britain. We’ve had DJs, book signings BIKEBIZ.COM

and all sorts going on in here, as well as our usual in-house catering. We’ve even managed a six-course silver service dinner.”

It’s not all about the events that turn a profit though, explains Lambe.

“We’re one of many British Cycling affiliated cycle clubs in Brighton, but our five weekly shop organised rides are all about fun, not competition. Since we opened we’ve seen curious first timers come in, get bitten by the bug and now you’ll find them off in the hills challenging Strava times. Our sales of nutrition goods, espresso aside, do seem to be rising as a result.”

It’s not uncommon for as many as 90 riders to show up on a weekend morning pre-ride, according to Lambe, the business benefits of which will be obvious to all. As much as a third are female too, bucking the trend for male dominated rides. Furthermore, Velo Cafe will have staged its first mountain bike meet ups by the time you read this, potentially adding another chunk of business.

With such a large and still growing pool of locals, you’ll see a VeloCafe team in the next RideLondon event. Made up of cyclists from all backgrounds, but none professional, the goal is to raise £10,000 for the Rocking Horse Appeal, the official fundraising arm of the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital.

Though bike sales are not part of the business model, within the cafe you’ll find some

“We’ll have a team of locals in the next RideLondon.

Our goal is to raise £10,000 for the Rocking Horse Appeal...”

Nigel Lambe, co-owner

interesting bikes suspended from the ceiling, including the Dolan used by the now Rapha Condor JLT sponsored Felix English en-route to a stunning surprise victory against Chris Hoy in the 2010 track championships in Poland.

A Brighton local, English used to train just down the road at the still widely used Brighton velodrome.

The non cake and coffee related sales have been picking up, with local clothing specialist Morvelo having designed the shop’s jerseys, now widely seen around the South. There’s the usual repair items too, but like many other retailers, the margin is coming from the workshop, says Lambe.

“We don’t have any ambitions for bike sales just yet. It’s largely inner tubes and nutrition goods, as well as the odd branded up water bottle as far as physical item sales go. Something that has resulted in a few extra sales has been our free basic bike maintenance classes for beginners. They’ll often grab a bite to eat while they’re here.”

So, what does the future hold for the Brighton business?

“The first Velo Cafe has been such a success that we’ve plans for a second opening this year and further expansion going into next year,” concludes Lambe. Perhaps it’s the espresso, but there’s certainly no sign of the business resting on its laurels.

Www.velo-cafe.co.uk

BIKEBIZ AUGUST 51

NEW PRODUCTS Send your product details including a hi-res photo and brief description of the product.

Email mark.sutton@intentmedia.co.uk. Or call Mark on +44 (0)1992 535646 for a chat.

New Gear This month we’ve a great selection of spares from Marwi, fresh Renthal stems, protien shakes from Daionic, Giro’s new Synthe lid and a smart computer from Cateye...

Daionic sports nutrition

Replacement gear hangers

Renthal Apex stems

Marwi – Various distributors

Ison Distribution – 01353 662662

MARWI HAS recently added to its portfolio a selection of over 120 replacement gear hangers compatible with all the major manufacturer’s best selling machines.

With a user friendly website, the firm is now easily able to supply numerous spares, which are easily found with clear pictures and dimensions for each at marwi-eu.com/gh.

Made from 6061 cold forged aluminium, the mostly anodized silver hangers are designed to ensure your customers frame isn’t damaged in the event of a derailleur impact. The hardness matches the level that ensures that external forces or impacts will not bypass the gear hanger and damage the frame’s dropout.

For workshops, a special assortment box has been put together with the 20 most common gear hangers and supplied in the lid is a drawing 1:1 for all within.

Current stockists of the hangers include The Cycle Division, Reece, Parklife, Raleigh, Motor and Sport, Centro Ltd.

IF YOUR customer is weighing up their options when buying a new stem for their off road rig, have them check out the new Apex line from Renthal, available in 10mm increments from 40mm reach to 90mm.

The Apex’s construction comprises a fully CNC machined 2014 aluminium body and 7075 aluminium clamps. An oversize centre bore, extensive 3-D machining and external webbing maximise structural strength and stiffness and minimise weight.

The clamping system is a new introduction, with a design that allows the removal of material without compromise of stiffness, particularly important as handlebars get wider.

Weights range from 118 grams for the 40mm, to 158 grams for the 90mm. Each carries a six-degree rise.

Giro Synthe

Cateye Strada Smart

Trioni – 01239 683 108

Zyro – 01325 741200

Zyro – 01325 741200

NEED AN alternative label to sit within your sports nutrition stocks? Diaonic is a protein shake that packs in 36 grams of protein into the 33ml ready-made serving.

With both strawberry and chocolate flavours, the milk-based nutrition is jammed full of extra nutrients that aid the recovery process post workout. The semiskimmed formula builds in whey proteins, which not only repair, but can assist in building muscle tissues.

What’s more, the £2.49 drink carries no added sugar or aspartame and is now available to independent cycle retailers via dan@trioni.com.

THERE’S NOT been some bad looking lids hit the market this year and the new Synthe from Giro is no exception.

At £199.99, it’s at the performance end of the spectrum, building in aerodynamics and plenty of cooling power, having been tested and designed around wind tunnel use.

At 250 grams for a medium size, it’s a featherweight that offers a snug fit through highly adjustable straps.

There’s a dock for sunglasses too.

Giro believe that this lid could be as close as is possible to the cooling feel of riding with a bare head, having used its proprietary heat-sensing headform in order to surpass its previous benchmark.

Seen adorning the heads of the BMC and Katusha racing teams at the Tour, the Synthe could be a sought after lid when it lands with Zyro during January 2015.

THE STRADA Smart is dubbed by Cateye as a revolution in the cycling computer market. Using the power of your Smartphone, iOS or Android, the neat Strada head unit will mirror to your handlebars the data being provided by the phone, which is safely stored away in your pocket or bag.

Cateye has developed a new Cateye Cycling App (free from the App store and Google Play) that uses the phone’s GPS capability, This will talk to the Bluetooth sensors on your bike/chest strap then mirror that data to your Strada computer. The data recorded by the App is then one button press away from Strava or your other favourite social media.

Uniquely the Strada Smart head unit will also work without the phone in sensor direct mode, like a normal cyclo-computer.

What’s more, the unit is remarkably small and incredibly good value at just £69.99 for the head unit only. See www.zyro.co.uk/cateye for more details.

52 BIKEBIZ AUGUST

BIKEBIZ.COM

BIKEBIZ.COM

BIKEBIZ AUGUST 53

Master LockÂŽ keeps on developing innovative security products to deliver enhanced performance and complete peace of mind.

The new foldable lock is designed to be very practical to handle, exible to use, compact to store and easy to carry in its pouch. www.masterlock.eu facebook.com/masterlockuk twitter.com/masterlockuk

Speak to your Fisher Account Manager or phone Telesales on 01727 798345 Visit b2b.fisheroutdoor.co.uk

MOUNTAIN BIKING

On the trail of sales The some healthy signs in the market, not least the rise of enduro, mountain biking might not quite be what it used to, but it’s still going strong. Jonathon Harker lists some stocking options…

CLAUD BUTLER

CUBE

The Cape Wrath range from Claud Butler is 29er based. The double butted hydroformed frames have been redesigned completely to include tapered head tube, oversized seat tubes and hydroformed seat and chain stays to offer a more compliant ride. All five models are Shimano geared and disc equipped, starting with the 21speed Cape Wrath 1 which has Tektro mechanical discs and a Suntour fork at £399. The range then progresses to 24 and 27 speed hydraulic braked models and tops out at the Cape Wrath 5, which has a Shimano Deore 20 speed 2 x10 drivetrain, Shimano hydraulics, an RST Ariel TNL air fork, Schwalbe Rapid Rob tyres and Claud

Controversy alert: According to GfK figures, Cube is the best selling MTB brand in the UK. One of those best selling ranges is the Stereo product family, including some models equipped with Bosch 2 – all of the Stereo Hybrid models, in fact. The Bosch Power Pack 400 has been especially developed for MTB e-bikes and is semi integrated into the frame for a clean look. In total there are three different 27.5” Stereo Hybrids and two different 29” models.

With Cube’s Agile Ride Geometry and cleverly positions motor, the centre of gravity is close to the bottom bracket for nimble handling and the short chain stays deliver extra agility and

Butler’s Exile house brand finish kit. The Cape Wrath 5 retails at £799.

The bikes are offered in 17, 19 and 21” sizes and are in stock now. For more details or if you are interested in becoming a sales partner, please contact Claud Butler on 01652 656000.

EXTRA UK

FISHER OUTDOOR

RRP’s new Enduroguard mudguard can be used as both a front and rear mudguard.

You simply snap off the round holes either side of the RRP logo and a ‘seal guard’ feature is an enhanced bulge to give additional protection to fork seals.

It comes in two sizes – standard (for forks 80mm to 120mm travel) and large (forks from 130mm to 200mm travel).

Designed, manufactured and packed in the UK, the Enduroguard uses a custom thickness of polypropylene as the off the shelf options were either too thick (1.2mic) or too thing (0.8mic) – the custom size sits exactly in-between.

Find out more from Extra 01933 672 170

SRAM’s new X1 groupset is due in stock the first week of August, with what we are told are really strong pre-orders. It’s a sign that the MTB market is really starting to evolve, the company believes, with many events strongly featuring SRAM’s X1 drivetrains.

The integrated drivetrain, engineered in Germany, has been designed for a wide variety of rider and trail, featuring a simple, smart and synchronised design that provides confidence in the face of any terrain – from cross-country racing to allmountain adventure, SRAM says.

Then there is the RockShox RS-1 – an all-new 29er specific fork. It’s in stock

FLI DISTRIBUTION One of the highlights from KTM’s new 2015 MTB range launching in August is the Aera Comp.

MBUK said the Aera “doesn’t just pack in a carbon frame but a quality fork and wheels too”. It’s part of a 30-plus mountain bikes range that promises something to suit everyone. The Aera Comp, comes in 27.5 or 29” wheel sizes and features a carbon fibre frame and top quality spec with components from Shimano and Mavic. A great seller in 2014 set to continue for the 2015 season, says FLi, which adds: “With a retail price of under £1,500 the KTM

BIKEBIZ.COM

playfulness to the rider’s experience. The Stereo Hybrid series is available with 120mm and 140mm of travel both with different wheel sizes. The superlight high performance frame of the 120mm models are equipped with 29” wheels and have a total weight of only 3875g.

The 140mm Stereo Hybrids have 27.5” wheels and a total frame weight of only 3815 grams. www.cube.eu/uk/cube-bikes

now and offers what it says is best in class weight, stiffness and performance. Coming 25 years after the original RS-1, the fork features a chassis design which integrates the fork’s steerer tube, crown and legs into a single carbon mainframe. The all-new Accelerator Damper combines small bump performance with an efficient lockout, while Predictive Steering sees a reimagined interface between hub and dropouts. This has enabled SRAM to create an inverted fork light enough for XC racing and stiff enough for trail riding. 01727 798 345

HOTLINES

brand continues to allow IBDs to compete with the direct selling brands.”

For more information on the KTM range contact FLi Distribution by email info@flidistribution.co.uk or call on 01484 535544

The Lapierre Zesty Trail bike range pledges to offer all round capability in a 29” platform. Combining all the best characteristics of the specific OST+ 120mm geometry, Lapierre has developed a bike with great pedalling efficiency and low weight that creates a go-anywhere, do-anything feel out on the trails. Four of the models in the range are available with the clever e:i shock and are all spec’d with a 120mm fork. The Zesty Trail 429 (pictured) comes with Fox

32 Float CTD forks, Race Face Turbine cranks, Race Face wheels, Formula RX brakes and a custom SDG Duster all for under £2,600.

More info available via 0131 319 1444

BIKEBIZ AUGUST 55

MOUNTAIN BIKING

ISON

SPORTLINE

Banshee has a range of aggressive, hard hitting and durable bikes featuring adjustable geometry. There’s the Spitfire – a 140mm rear wheel travel bike with slack geometry, playful characteristics and a wealth of shock and rear axle options, including both 26’’ and 27.5’’ wheel sizes. Then there are the Phantom and Darkside, both new for 2015. The Phantom is a 105mm rear wheel travel 29’’ bike that packs a punch. Banshee engineer Keith Scott designed this bike with his signature suspension system, the KS link, featuring a bottomless feel that keeps the bike planted and

Saracen’s Kili Flyer Team is a bike for all trails and seasons. This flagship model runs 120mm travel and retails at £3,699. For 2015 the Kili Flyer development team has introduced a new carbon fibre front triangle that has been one year in development and shaves 600 grams. All Kili Flyers feature the signature Tuned Ride Link (TRL) suspension platform which is based around a single pivot for stiffness and uses a linkage to drive the shock, all of which adds up to efficient pedalling on the up and a ‘plush, bottomless’ feel on descents.

In camp Genesis, the Longitude for 2015 is a half-fat adventure ready rigid 29er,

MET Met’s light full face Parachute helmet is back. Retailing at £169.99, it weighs in at less that 700g (m) and is suited to enduro – riders can tackle climbs and descents with the same helmet. The latest version of the Safe-T smart occipital retention system is featured, as is a rib system to keep the goggle strap in place, a removable helmet cam mount, GEL 02 front foam pad and more. The Homothetic Embedded Skeleton (HES) is designed to handle an impact where the

composed on rough tracks, despite its short travel. The Phantom has two shock options and build kits coming soon.

Meanwhile, the Darkside is a modern day ‘park’ bike. This bike has 180mm of bottomless rear wheel travel and makes the perfect UK downhill race.

01353 662 662

pressure on the helmet skull is uneven.

The HES spreads the pressure built up by compression at the impact point and dissipates the force of the impact over the whole shell.

Also via Met is the Bluegrass range, including the Red Wolf £24.99 gloves. Featuring silicone grip prints on fingertips of index and middle finger, the glove construction features bodymapped dual panel palm and durable overlay on the thumb crotch.

All enquiries should be directed to met.uk@met-hemets.com

PALIGAP The Novato, California brand has redesigned the Attack Trail and Mount Vision, the latter pitched as the ultimate trail bike. Using the 140mm Isotrac suspension, the Mount Vision has been designed to climb with maximum efficiency, but also allows the rider to have the confidence to descend to the best of their ability.

The Attack Trail is the purpose built enduro and all-mountain machine. Using the third generation Quadlink suspension system, the Attack Trail is at home on singletrack and the worldwide Enduro stage.

The Attack Trail and Mount Vision are

RALEIGH

SILVERFISH

With Raleigh getting closer to SRAM, with the components brand sponsoring the DH team, there’s plenty of SRAM-specced product in the line-up. The new 2015 Diamondback range (available September) has Pro, Expert and Stockist buy-in levels for dealers, including extended credit.

The 2015 range features new 27.5” model names – Lumis, an XC Trail Carbon range and the Myers (the Myers 1.0, £1,000, pictured), a range of 27.5” long travel aluminum hard tails designed for the hardcore trail/enduro rider, the Mission full suspension range continues with three models, now with a 27.5” wheel.

Spanish brand Mondraker – offering a speedy carbon 29er to one of the lightest production DH bikes, among others – has seen strong IBD sales and picked up WMB’s ‘Trail Bike of the Year’ for the Foxy R. For 2014 Evil Bikes are available as completes, not just frames. Meanwhile, Cove has two new models offering 650B wheels and high trail performance. The 650B titanium Hummer has adjustable dropouts, full titanium construction and 44mm headtube, while for a bit more bounce the redesigned Hustler is the perfect trail partner with140mm of rear travel and ability to take up to a 160mm fork.

Also new for 2015 is a cyclocross model, the Contra CX £999, intended as a versatile ‘cross bike for those who want an all-round speed machine. Components come courtesy of WTB and Avid. Pricing levels range from £290 to £4,250 and stock is expected from September. info@raleigh.co.uk

VELOCITE

ZYRO

Launched in the UK back in 2012, Velocite is available exclusively through VIP Bikes Ltd. The all hardtail range is available as frame only for custom builds and comprises alloy and carbon frames.

The alloy Flux is available in XS and S (26 inch wheel), M (27.5 inch wheel) and L/XL sizes (29 inch wheel) as Velocite believe in keeping geometry optimised across all sizes. The media acclaimed carbon Flux is available in XS, S and M sizes – all with 26-inch wheels.

Ride quality and strength is optimised across the range making these ideal trail hardtails or XC race machines. Optimised

ABUS’ Hill Bill (£89.99) uses AST for added stability and a half ring system (and the extra-light Zoom SL wheel) for a refined and comfortable fit. 12 air inlets and seven outlets keep the rider cool too.

Giro’s Terraduroo MTB shoes (£129) balance the needs of allmountain riding with on and off the bike performance in a lowprofile design.

Magura offers electronically controlled lock outfunctionfor its TS8 Elect 100 Forks Tapered

56 BIKEBIZ AUGUST

for 100mm forks, RRPs are £525 for alloy and £1,195 for the carbon with strong margins and marketing support available from VIP Bikes.

See www.velocite-bikes.com or call VIP’s Kevin Brown on 07540 783081

retailing at £999. Specced to cope with mountain touring, Shimano’s 29er compact triple 40/30/22T has been combined with a wide range 11-36T cassette to help take on all terrains. Meanwhile TRP’s Spyke mechanical disc brakes with dual piston action bring things to a halt for a fully laden ride. Sportline: 0870 034 7226

available in lightweight carbon Monocoque or hydroformed alloy, with prices starting at £1,500 for the Mount Vision, and £2,000 for the Attack trail for 2015.

The Marin range also covers everything from the trail full-sus 29er Rift Zone to the 27.5” wheeled Rocky Ridge hardtail.

To find out more about the Marin Bike call 01454313116

Yeti’s SB75 takes the proven Switch suspension DNA and sits it on 27.5in wheels for a refresh of the evergreen flex stay and swing link simplicity of Yeti’s affordable trail bike. Updated versions of the SB66 and SB95 alloy bikes also carry Switch suspension technology, splined ISCG compatible bottom brackets and changeable dropouts.

01752 843882

29-inch, with eLECT locking the forks automatically depending on the riding situation. SKS offers the new mini pump – Aeron Mini, £22.99 – and the floor pump in the 6.0 Aircon (£34.00), as well as a X-Blade II 28-29” rear mudguard (£19.99).

And not forgetting Altura, which offers its popular Shield Baggy Short (£59.99) and Thermocool Baselayer (£44.99) for when it gets a bit nippy. www.zyrob2b.co.uk

BIKEBIZ.COM

DISTRIBUTED BY:

GREYVILLE ENTERPRISES

BIKEBIZ.COM

v v v v v

2)),&,$//< /,&(16(' %< 0$59(/Ã&#x2039; 6,1*/( ',$/ +($' $'-8670(17 3$''(' &+,1 675$3 (1 &(57,),(' 6,=( &0

8&# 888 (3&:7*--& $0. Ã&#x2022; &."*- 4"-&4!(3&:7*--& $0. Ã&#x2022; 1)0/&

BIKEBIZ AUGUST 57

R-100 FODVV OHDGLQJ RXWSXW XQLYHUVDO Ă&#x20AC; WWLQJ IRU aero and round seatposts

introducing the WZHQW\ Ă&#x20AC; IWHHQ range

R-100 - rear 100 lumen up to 28hrs output RXWSXW PRGHV ² KLJK à DVK SXOVH light can be angled down to illuminate the road behind you aero seatpost compatible with angle adjustment ZLGH DQJOH à DW WRSSHG EHDP GHVLJQ WR EH VHHQ IURP DOO angles yet not dazzle srp £49.99 EHP490

) IURQW

) IURQW

high output benchmark ZLWK FODVV OHDGLQJ IHDWXUHV

high output with usb charging DW DQ DIIRUGDEOH SULFH

srp ÂŁ69.99 EHP450

srp ÂŁ39.99 EHP471

for 2015 electron relaunches as an affordable performance orientated range of lights contact your madison sales representative for more information

LIGHTING GOODS

Light up the night It pains us to say it, but selling season for lighting goods is beginning. Gone are the long days of summer, but that won’t stop many getting out and about. Mark Sutton rounds up some key lighting gods for the season ahead…

Sport Direct Within Sport Direct’s extensive catalogue you’ll now find AWE lights, which are all based around a USB rechargeable platform. Among the line you’ll find one of the UK’s first true 360-degree USB linear In-Line technology light sets.

Models include the AWE NanoFire, an exceptionally compact USB light measuring only 55 x 18 x 15mm which is ideal for city/short distance riding and/ or helmet attachment for high visibility.

The AWE USB range features include 10-100 lumen output, tri-positional heads, visibility ranging up to 1,000 meters, a healthy battery life, fast recharge times via USB/USB2 computer or plug adapters (USB2 cable included), quick release

Moore Large One of the more popular lighting labels seen out and about is Knog, found exclusively with Moore Large.

Loaded with a colossal 550 or 170 lumens of light, the Blinder Arc 5.5 and 1.7 are on strong choices for the commuter looking to be seen. Weighing in at a mere 150 grams and 100 grams, respectively, both are equipped with the

BIKEBIZ.COM

Zyro Having both Blackburn and Cateye lights on board makes Zyro a top choice for many stocking up for the winter months.

Blackburn in particular has delivered a well priced range this year with numerous options under £20 and several more performance units to sit above. The Local 50 is a strong example, coming in at £16.99 and offering 50 lumens on high and 25 on low, with a 26 and 50 hour output, respective of the mode.

For just a penny under £30, customers can upgrade to the micro-USB charged 100 lumen capable Central front light. With an extruded aluminium shell, heat is dissipated nicely, while the rider can see how much juice is left in the tank via a LED fuel gauge.

01325 741200

Leveret brackets, as well as the inclusion of a rechargeable Lithium-ion battery.

Prices range from £29.99 to £49.99 and stock is available now.

Email info@sport-direct.co.uk for more information.

latest XM-L2 Cree and XB-D Cree LEDs. With a focused elliptical beam of 16° vertical and 24º horizontal, both lights give riders full vision at night, while being visible to others at over 1000m.

With four light modes and a burn time ranging from 1.4 hours on the brightest mode to 18 hours in flash mode, the arc 5.5 and 1.7 are excellent choices for the customer who is taking their lighting purchase seriously.

Moore Large also carry house brand One23, which offers a healthy line of USB rechargeable lights. The Atom range will prove really popular, with a selection of two and three mode LED lights for front and rear, which go up to 40 lumens for the Atom Pro Front.

01332 274200

Now in its second year with Leveret, Lupine continues to build a strong line of powerful lighting goods.

With the range topping Betty R pumping out 4,500 lumens, lupine lays claim to having the brightest light on the market. The Wilma is second in command at a whopping 3,800 lumens and the Piko and commuter favourite PikoTL are both 1,200 lumens.

Two new models join the catalogue this year too, with the introduction of the 800 lumen Neo, costing £150 and weighing in at just 45 grams. This is joined by a rear light, also costing £150.

Both land with Leveret in September and will also be available as a bundle package.

Shops have no minimum order and a demo fleet of lights are available on request. Shops can earn five per cent off their opening order. leveretproductions@btinternet.com

Chilli Tech Designed exclusively to clip to the rear of a helmet or rucksack, Chilli Technology’s universal LED comes in at just £19.99 and creates a highly visible beam of red light.

No tools are required to fit the unit thanks to easy to use straps. The accessory flashes three times per second, or runs on continuous, giving motorists a moving focal point that simply cannot be missed.

020 33718081

BIKEBIZ AUGUST 59

LIGHTING GOODS

Madison

Sonic Cycles Sonic Cycles is now handling one of the more unique lighting products out there, offering dealers the Magnic light.

Said to be the first contactless dynamo bike light that works on pure aluminium wheels, the tiny 60 gram light will generate never-ending bright light without any batteries, without wheelcontact, without cables, and without noticeable resistance.

The patent pending concept works using ‘Eddy Currents’, whereby the energy is drawn from the rotating bicycle wheels without any physical contact,

and thus without friction. Instead, eddy currents created by strong magnets generate electricity to power the lights.

“The Magnic Light generator is tailored to the LEDs used, which reach almost 50 per cent of the theoretically possible values- while good old standard systems barely attain 10-25 per cent,” explains Sonic Cycle’s Helmut Berns.

For a chance to see the lights in person, visit stand 330 at the Prudential Bike Show at ExCeL come August 7th to 9th.

020 7243 2848

USE

further through the range automatically altering power output when needed. New TAP and Capacitive Switching improve functionality when quick mode selection is required. TAP recognises a tap to the light-changing mode instantly for uninterrupted riding. Capacitive switching turns the whole back cap into the function button so mode selection is nice and effortless.

Along with the new OSD displaying ride information, the lights are at a new level of intelligence to improve usage. All these developments are backed up with big increases to outputs that’ll light up the night for your customer.

01798 344477

USE has seen continual and significant growth since the birth of Exposure Lights and is currently moving from its home of the last 20 years as a result. The South Downs National Park provides an excellent base for manufacture and test riding, as does the sub-marine areas that the firm’s expansion continues to lead. The new premises, one hill over, will house improved machine shop, testing, production and offices. The move coincides with the launch of the 2015 Exposure Lights range, which incorporates a raft of new technology.

Improved Reflex Technology will spread

Dealers with a Madison account have both Electron and Light and Motion from which to select stock.

A notable unit from Electron this year is the 100 lumen R-100 rear light, which is not only aero post compatible, but comes with a GoPro compatible bracket.

Onto Light and Motion and you’re looking at some serious output from the Urban 350 and Vis 180 Micro commuter combination. With both units chargeable via USB, it’s a perfect package for the office worker looking to stand out on the

Paligap Portland Design Works, or PDW as it’s better known, has some excellent options for lighting up the night. One such example is the Aether Demon at £35.

With four modes, spanning 3.5 hours on full to a whopping 175 hours at ten per cent power, the pulses available from the Nichia brand 0.5 watt LED are hard to describe, moving between sequences of fades and bright bursts of power with the steady burn available for those less showy commutes.

Spec wise, the Li-ion battery is powered via a USB charger for convenience. The socket is well protected from the elements with an integral rubber bung.

A cheaper alternative is the £20 Spaceship 5, a five LED front light capable of 100 hours on low.

01454 313116

Raleigh RSP has become key to Raleigh’s lighting stocks, with a deep line of lighting for the commuter and some bright enough to take off track.

New models for this year include the Spectre front and rear, which offers 40 and 15 lumens, respectively. Enclosed in a weatherproof aluminium case, it’s USB rechargeable, making it ideal for office worker types.

BIKEBIZ.COM

road, much thanks to the 360-degree coverage provided by the pair.

01908 326000

Further up the line you’ll find the new Visio, which packs a 300 lumen punch via one CREE LED. With such a strong beam coming from the front light and 580 mAh lithium battery, there’s good side visibility on both static and flashing modes too.

01773 532600

BIKEBIZ AUGUST 61

LIGHTING GOODS

Lightrider

Upgrade With a mission to bring affordable rechargeable LED lighting to the masses, Leyzne’s £15.99 KTV Drive lights offer 180-degree visibility on a budget.

With pairs available for a £29.99 package, your customer could take home an ultra-compact machined aluminium unit that is lightweight, durable, and extremely weather-resistant. Recharging of the 50-gram light is done via a simple USB connection and a nine and a half hour burn time can be achieved if being used sparingly.

Extra Topeak has been in the lighting game for longer than most and so you can expect a certain level of quality and particularly in recent years, plenty of clever innovation too. With the current iGlow range, retailers have a range of lights starting at £24.99 for the Mini Rocket and progressing through the £29.99 Defender, the £36.99 Aero Wedge and finally the front and rear Defender at the £59.99 price point.

As the name suggests, the Aero Wedge is a 98-gram saddlebag designed to clip onto the saddle rails, but with the added bonus of providing rear illumination.

Again, the Defender is, as the name suggests, a mudguard with similar lighting features built in. iGlow illumination combines an LED safety light with select accessories for extra night-time cycling safety. The lights can be switched to constant or blinking mode on all products.

01933 672 170

62 BIKEBIZ AUGUST

The performance buyer will take more of an interest in Leyzne’s Macro Drive Duo at £69.99. Capable of emitting 400 lumens and with a burn time of up to 10 hours, the USB rechargeable unit comes with universal fittings for helmet mounts in the box. Macro Drive Duo builds on the highly popular Macro Drive LED with a great new rear light feature built in for only an additional £10. You can toggle to the rear light mode and choose the desired setting. The light then remembers that setting each time your turn back on.

01403 711 611

Pitched as the only light to illuminate the rider as well as the road ahead, Lightrider has both a rear and forward facing beam on each of its lights. The rear facing beam is shielded from the rider’s eyes, but still maintains a sufficiently good beam on the rider’s clothing.

Available in two versions – an AA battery powered and a USB rechargeable

version – each model is available as a set, supplied with a half watt LED rear light. The cost of the battery powered unit comes in at £29.99, while a USB rechargeable light will cost £39.99. Both offer 110 lumens of light running in at four hours on full beam and 20 hours on flashing mode.

Plenty more information on the clever lighting goods can be found at the official site – www.lightrider.co.uk

2pure Niterider’s line spans lights from £9.99 single LED handlebar lights, right up to £550 helmet lights, covering countless price points in between.

As small but necessary emergency lights go, there’s a handful at the base of the Niterider range, hitting £12.99 and £14.99 too, offering an extra LED for each jump in price.

Around the best selling price point you’ll find the £36.99 Mako 150 and cherry bomb combination, which offers a 150-lumen Mako light offering three settings, as well as a 5W rear light visible for up to one mile away.

New toward the upper end of the range is the Pro 3600 Enduro, on par

in brightness terms with the top of the range Pro 3600 DIY. The Enduro is a streamlined package with four factory tuned brightness settings, capable of churning out the full 3600 lumens over an hour and a half, or a still mighty bright 1,800 lumens over three and a half hours.

0844 811 2001

Fisher Outdoor Smart is one of the world’s biggest manufacturers of cycle lighting and is synonymous with innovation, quality and reliability from the base of the range upwards.

The manufacturer takes no shortcuts in the build process, and problems that can affect the performance of a cycle light have been solved using the highest quality technologies.

According to Smart, only Grade A circuitry is used, and the LEDs are of the highest standard, as well as the finish and build quality.

01727 798345

BIKEBIZ.COM

LAVA

USB RECHARGEABLE SAFETY LIGHT

Available as a front or rear unit, the LAVA’s micro size belies its 60 lumen output.

A rechargeable Lithium-Polymer battery ensures hassle free commuting. Offered in 6 different colours, the Lava is sure to brighten up your ride.

4 light options: Super bright / Boost / Constant / Flashing Rechargeable Lithium-ion polymer battery via micro USB 2.0 (lead included) Integral belt / bag clip Battery protector circuit Low battery indicator Water resistant £19.99 each (front or rear) / £34.99 Twinpack

Available colours:

BICYCLE GADGETS

Go go gadgets Cameras, smartphones, GPS…there’s no end of technological essentials for the modern cyclist.

Jonathon Harker lists some of your stocking options…

FillUps These pocket-sized units are essentially extra batteries for your ride. They recharge anything – mobile phones, LED lights, Garmin/ GPS, GoPro or anything USB charged – in case of a low charge while in the saddle.

They are pocket sized – just three inches tall – and have 500 charge cycles.

Created by Chris Hale, a young

entrepreneur from Yorkshire, the FillUps retail at £30 each. info@mobifill.co.uk

Fisher Outdoor Leisure It is the St Albans distributor that is bringing the Garmin VIRB action camera range to the UK cycle trade. The VIRB is a true HD 1080p action camera that combines durability, enhanced HD video recording and easy-to-use features.

Fisher tells BikeBiz that the robust unit is currently be loaned out to Kye Forte who has promised some amazing footage.

The display lets you easily setup shots, playback video and adjust menu settings without detaching the camera from its mount. To start filming, simply move the over-sized slider switch forward.

You can record at 1080p for up to three

Chilli Technology The Cycle Helmet Action Cam 120 HD is on offer from Chilli Technology. Retailing at £69.99 this slim camera records in 720p, with a 2.5hr recording time. It weighs in at just 60 grams and features a 120-degree lens. One touch recording with vibration record confirmation keeps things simple for riders, while the casing is weather proof and shock resistant. An 8GB SD card is included.

020 33718081

GoPro

hours with the rechargeable lithium-ion battery and video enhancement features like Digital Image Stabilisation and Lens Distortion Correction keep footage looking fine and dandy.

01727 798 345

GoPro’s popular series of action cameras is currently topped out with the Hero3+ Black edition. Providing 4K video and 12MP stills, Wi-Fi is built in as is Auto Low Light and SuperView, the latter a video mode that captures an immersive wide angle perspective. It’s the smallest and lightest GoPro yet and boasts a 33 per cent increase in image sharpness thanks to a sharper lens and 2x reduction in imaging artifacts. The minds behind GoPro have also paid attention to audio, with wind-noise reduction technology.

For a less expensive option (the Hero3+ Black Edition is £359.99), the Hero3+ Silver is £279 (with up to 1080p60fps, 10MP) and the Hero3 White Edition

Maptaq

Moore Large

The Quadlock is touted as the ‘ultimate smartphone mount’. Attaching to your bike while cycling (or your arm while running) the Quadlock uses a clever Twist, Lock and Go system. It allows riders to mount their smartphone in an instant and the Dual Stage Lock (patent pending) provides confidence that the device is securely attached without resorting to lanyards or straps. Because of the cunning Twist, Lock and Go system, the mounting interface is pretty slimline. There are specific versions for iPhone 5/5S, iPhone 4/4S, Galaxy 4 and a universal edition.

Find out more at info@sontec.bike or 01603 510752

Brand new from Knog is the Qudos Action – pitched as the world’s first highpowered action video light. The stylish unit packs a 400 lumen punch and has been designed for the GoPro Hero3/ Hero3+, Sony Action Cam or any action camera with GoPro conversion mounts.

Including a GoPro mounting bracket and two mount screws, the cold shoe bracket included also provides a versatile two-in-one solution for use with digital SLR cameras and tripods. What’s more, it is waterproof up to 40m and has a colour temperature of 5000k. Weighing 150g this cunning offering is available via Moore Large.

01332 274200

BIKEBIZ.COM

(1080p30fps, 5MP) at £199.

Madison: 0870 034 7226

BIKEBIZ AUGUST 65

NEWS

Paligap The Bryton Rider 60 GPS cycling computer is now available from Paligap. New to 2014 Bryton has produced this sleek cycle computer which it says is the ultimate GPS unit for road and mountain biking. You get a three-inch touchscreen display with eight customisable data pages, road explorer map with turn-by-turn voice guidance through your Bluetooth headset. Road explorer maps are preloaded in the Rider 60 so the rider just clicks and selects the country of their choice with no installation or activation required. The Bryton Rider 60 will also work with a power meter and you can upload your rides wirelessly to Bryton Bridge. Available in two versions and both with an optional OS map, there’s more detail at Paligap.cc or on 01454313116

Peak Development Peak brings the heavy-hitting Sony Action Cam AS100VR and Live View Remote Kit to the market. Retailing at £299 the Action Cam is the latest wearable Full HD video camera from Sony. Its slim design and splash-proof body means there’s no longer need for an additional protective case, although a 5M

Panasonic This summer Panasonic has upped its game in the action sports camera market with the A500. Available in orange or grey, the A500 is priced at £379.99 and shoots 4K video. Weighing 31 grams for the camera unit (128 for the main unit), it is dustproof and waterproof (to

waterproof case with builtin mic for audio is included.

The new Sony BIONZ X processor delivers Full HD image quality in the prograde XAVC S format at 50Mbps. Sony’s Advanced SteadyShot Image Stabilisation compensates for many kinds of blur, from running and cycling to the rapid vibrations from a motorised vehicle. Plus, with the included waterproof Live View Remote, riders can check on the action via a wrist mounted colour monitor (Dick Tracey eat your heart out). No cables are needed, thanks to its built-in Wi-Fi. Sony’s free-to-download PlayMemories software offers a number of features that let you put together an impressive and unique final cut including the ability to create map views with GPS data overlay.

01489 796979

Rokform Rokform has released a number of new products including a new Bar Mount and cases for the new Samsung S5, the latter in black, red/black and white/ grey and retailing at £34.99.

The Bike Mounts are split into the Pro and Sport Series. The Pro is designed for intense riding, with an aluminium T6 6061 construction and a Rokform Magnetic Phone Case included. The Sport Series features rugged TPU construction, is easy to install (no tools required) and a ‘positive locking mechanism’.

Bike shops interested in taking stock should email hello@rokformuk.com or call 01923 274790

Samsung Techwin

Ultrasport Europe

This one isn’t so much a stocking option, but still of interest to bike shops and other business holding stock of expensive items. Samsung Techwin has launched a 1080p HD WiFi Smart Home Camera. It can be viewed through a smartphone or tablet, so any retailer can keen an eye on their bikes away when from the shop. There’s no monthly fee and the camera costs £139.

Motion or noise will make it spring into action and there’s a two way talk option. It records and plays up to 64GB of video, with an optional Micro SD card and records more than seven days of continuous video even if the network fails.

More info at www.samsungtechwin.com

The Contour +2 provides crisp 1080p HD video, GPS data and a wireless mobile app that turns smartphones into remote controls. Riders can preview their shots, change camera settings and less interesting, but no less important, checks on memory and battery status all on the fly. The instant On-Record switch keeps things simple, while a 60-meter waterproof case expands the filming possibilities. Contour and Ultrasport also offer the Roam2, a super easy to use camera that is waterproof without a case.

New is the Boombot Rex from Boombotix, an ultraportable bluetooth speaker. With full fidelity stereo and bass woofer, this fashionable yet rugged offering is ideal for cyclists who can simply clip it onto their person or attach to handlebars. It also works as a hands-

66 BIKEBIZ AUGUST

10ft/3m) there are plenty of optional extras like a wind jammer – that fluffy chap – for a clear soundtrack while shooting in windy conditions. Tripod mounts, clip mounts and multi mounts are also optional extras.

More info over at www.panasonic. co.uk/A500

free phone so riders can answer and make calls with the push of a button on the speaker, ensuring their phone can be tucked away safely in their pocket. The noise-cancelling microphone is ideal for on the road calls.

01332 813 150

BIKEBIZ.COM

PROV

E

F L E RS

U O Y

AWARDED BEST

ACTION

CAM 2014

Cam tion c A 0VR S& AS10Wi-Fi, GP ote with View Rem Live

TIPA AWARDS

Includes Live View Remote Slim, splashproof design is adventure ready

170 o Wide-angle Carl Zeiss lens

Chart your adventure with a GPS Overlay

13.5 Megapixel Still Shot

Steadyshot

High Speed REC (120fps / 240 fps)

Interval Still Recording

M CH O ES UN T T

SU C CU TI P ON

CAPTURE VIDEO THE WAY YOU WANT TO with a wide range of Mounts and Accessories

WATER

WATER

PROOF TO

PROOF TO 60M

HA M ND O LE UN B T AR

HE M AD O BA UN N T D

W AT E CA RP SE RO O F

60M

ALSO AVAILABLE

HA D RNOG ES S

AS30V Action Cam with Wi-Fi & GPS Steadyshot 170 o Carl Zeiss lens

m .co k m u .co k9 -uk pea 7 69 ak s@ 79 .pe oor 9 w td 8 14 : ww : ou 0 w e t: BIKEBIZ.COM

BIKEBIZ AUGUST 67

Professional Bike Tools

t: 01332 274200 e: sales@moorelarge.co.uk www.moorelarge.co.uk

68 BIKEBIZ AUGUST

BIKEBIZ.COM

COMMUNITY SPONSORED BY

BikeBiz is keen to publish your opinions, whether you send them via email, Facebook, Twitter, BikeBiz.com or post…

The Mighty 14 RRP £19.99

‘Why is no one joining the dots?’

STAR COMMENT This month the lucky winner will receive a precision engineered tool for on the go and workshop use, for a wide variety of repair tasks

We’ve run a series of articles and responses over recent months focusing on this question: “We’re selling lots of expensive bikes to the same few customers. Should we be worried?” Judging by the number of responses we’ve had, the topic has clearly touched a nerve. In that series we ran a piece from respected bike industry analyst Jay Townley last month, who discussed the decline in the US road bike market and warning the trade to adapt and reach out beyond bicycle enthusiasts (read his full comment in BikeBiz August, issue 102). In turn, Townley’s comments sparked even more responses on BikeBiz.com focusing on the enduring topic…

1

JAY’S NUMBERCRUNCHING is impressive, and the figures are really staggering. What I miss is some sort of vision.

The situation in the USA is very similar to that in the UK compared to some European countries in the sense that ‘cycling’ usually means ‘sportive cycling’, and the bicycle is generally considered a tool for exercise rather than a convenient mode of transport. This is reflected in the type of bicycle that dominates the shop windows, the adverts and the sale talk. But, while this emphasis on cycling-as-a-sport persists, there is at the same time a strong campaign on the way (at least in the UK) to promote a general take-up of everyday cycling by the masses.

Somehow I would expect a bicycle guru to point out this mismatch. Why is the bicycle industry not involved in this campaign? Obviously bicycle manufacturers and retailers are not acting out of charity for the greater good of the country, but in this case they don’t seem to see the enormous business possibilities of a shift of emphasis in the type of bicycle they are selling. I find it really striking how articles on BikeBiz about sales figures and worries about the future of the industry can appear alongside articles about improvements in infrastructure, bicycle-promotion, etcetera, without anyone linking up the dots. This disjuncture is personified in Britain by cycling champion Chris Boardman who, admirably, is calling for encouraging ‘normal cycling for normal people’ while at the same time promoting the sales of his high-end racing bikes.

Industry is usually conservative and reluctant to try out new products. Research and development are expensive

and don’t always produce results. Fortunately the ideal multipurpose bicycle that will do the shopping, take you to work, is suitable for holidays, any weather or topography and comes in a huge range of shapes and sizes, already exists.

It has been tried and tested for three decades by millions of people in the Netherlands. The Dutch have constantly improved on the design of these ‘hybrids’ and are now producing very comfortable bicycles that are a pleasure to ride. They are equally suitable for headwinds or hills and could become a huge hit with the British public, if only they had the chance to try and buy them. They could be the answer to the British (and no doubt American) flat bicycle market.

Berno

2

BERNO, I don’t know who you are, but you are spot on with your comments. You have been more than polite with your reference to an ‘industry guru’ missing the point. They are the ones who have supposedly been directing the industry for many years, but they continue to give out their ‘industry centric’ verbiage that indicates they have not listened to the greater buying public and are still not listening.

All most people want is a simple, comfortable, efficient, low-maintenance bicycle that will get them from A to B, for either transport or recreation. Instead, they are constantly told they need a Ferrari, instead of the Camry or Volvo they really want, because there are a lot of ‘Ferrari Dealers’ out there who need to make some sales. Keep up the messages Berno, it may eventually get through.

Dezina

“Wow! 82% of people think that #Bikeability should be on the National Curriculum.”

Outspoken Training (@OutspokenTrain) “Tour de France has inspired a quarter of Brits to get on their bikes according to @ sustrans http://fb.me/3J1kxXetx” @BikeRegister “Great initiative by @BikeBizOnline – the Cycling Media Awards: http:// www.bikebiz.com/news/read/cyclingmedia-awards-celebrating-excellence-injournalism/016517 …” @scottdougal “Ooh ooh! @BikeBizOnline have the new @TeamRaleighUK road bikes: http:// www.bikebiz.com/news/read/raleighlaunches-road-bike-range-at-tour-defrance/016620l … That red Reynolds steel Maverick my next winter bike” @nickrearden “Delighted to announce our #bike lights are going to be sold in Halfords http:// www.bikebiz.com/news/read/lightriderbeams-into-halfords/016615 …” @lightriderlight ““Relentless expansion”. Sounds a little bit Orwellian! But we’re now in @ houseoffraser Fancypants…” @vulpinecc

COMPANY PROFILE AND EVENTS

Click & Collect

IS CORE

COMPANY PROFILE ADAM ROUS UK SALES MANAGER RUBENA BICYCLE TYRES

Tel: 0800 281 413 Fax: +44 (0) 0000000 Email: adam@biketyrestore.com W: www.rubenacycle.co.uk

Citrus-Lime offers its take on the rising importance of C&C and why it is vital to any multi-channel retail offering…

CUSTOMERS’ expectations are changing and to stay ahead every multi-channel retailer needs to adapt to meet these needs. Multi-channel delivery options or the ‘any product, anywhere, anytime’ scenario is something that a growing number of customers are expecting. It has become a key part of the multichannel approach, as it promises customers the convenience of browsing and purchasing online and picking up items at their leisure at locations for their choice.

Click and collect bridges the gap between bricks and mortar stores and online retail, overcoming the difficulties perceived by most online shoppers by eradicating delivery costs and inconvenient delivery times. This makes click and collect a very appealing option for customers and is an easy win for retailers innovative enough to try it.

The perception of the smaller independent retailer is that this is something that only the big High Street retailers can offer. This is wrong, it ‘can’ and ‘should’ be built into every ecommerce project, especially when selling high value items such as bikes. It will improve conversion as the customer looks to purchase allowing them to add extra items whilst they pick up the original item. It also makes the purchasing decision an easier one as they will get to see the product before they walk away with it, however, when they are collecting the product if they decide that it is the wrong size, and as the purchasing decision has already been made it’s an easy sell for the retailer to sell them an alternative product instead.

THE BIBLE IS BACK! 70 BIKEBIZ AUGUST

The psychology of the customer is that they have made the trip so they will walk away with something even if it is not the original product purchased.

Currently there is only a small percentage of online retailers offering this service so in my eyes this shows there is an opportunity for the more innovative retailers to stake a claim on this type of customer.

Market research has shown that this type of purchase is growing with some of the UK’s biggest retailers showing an incredibly large improvement to online sales over Christmas 2013 with this improvement due to purchases made with click and collect.

MAIN BENEFITS OF CLICK & COLLECT: Q Item pick up ‘when’ it’s convenient Q Item pick up ‘where’ it’s convenient Q Item pick up ‘how’ it’s convenient Q Up sell options Q Improve conversion rate Q Completing the Multi-Channel Shopping experience and finally delivering the kind of online shopping experience the customer deserves.

Citrus-Lime has always felt the reasons why customers buy online are price, customer service and fulfilment so making the fulfilment options as convenient as possible for the customer means you can compete with any business online.

Retailers can get in touch with CitrusLime to talk about adding Click and Collect to their Citrus-Store Ecommerce via the site www.citruslime.com or 01229 588 628.

In association with

How’s business?

Things are going really well and we’ve smashed all the targets we originally set ourselves when we embarked upon this venture back in the early part of 2012. We doubled our sales in 2013 and already this year we’re 12 per cent up on 2013’s figure YTD, so things are pushing ahead nicely.

What lines are currently popular?

Rubena has always been strong in the MTB sector and on that front X-Caliber and the new-for-2014 Highlander are proving to be really popular.

We sponsor the Savage Skills cycle stunt team and they have complete confidence in both of these tyres to give them the grip necessary for their routines. Also the Harpie is being using by Alex Metcalfe in the British 4X Series, Pro class and he’s had a puncture-free season so far. This type of feedback helps sales.

And you offer a tyre for most of the cycle disciplines out there?

Yes we do. We have an extensive selection to suit MTB and cross, extreme MTB, BMX and city bikes.

Our road race selection is ‘slim’ at the moment but this is an area upon which Rubena is focussing its efforts.

There’s a new consumer site?

We’re really pleased with it and the stats for both rubenacycle.co.uk and our new Facebook page suggest that we’ve got it about right. It

encompasses the latest in web design and it was important to us to keep it topical and fresh-looking so, as well as Rubena-specific content, we also include national and international cycling news, tyre reviews, team and rider updates and competitions.

The Stockist area of the site offers trade customers the chance to include a logo, contact details and web address on the stockist locator and we’re encouraging customers to send in their news, promos and the like so we can help drive traffic into their showrooms.

Is building the brand still a priority?

Building the brand in this country and Ireland is definitely a key priority.

We pretty much started with a blank canvas as very few in the UK had heard of Rubena. We fly the Rubena flag as much as possible by way of supporting riders in different disciplines and we also support the Essex-based Mud, Sweat & Gears MTB series. We’ve exhibited at The Cycle Show for the past two years and are looking forward to a return visit this year in September.

Our trade advertising with BikeBiz will now be supported by some consumer advertising too and we’re working the social media platform. You then need the product to be credible, and we are totally confident that it is.

We’re looking for stockists in a number of areas. Anyone interested should call me (Adam Rous) on 0800 281413 or email adam@ biketyrestore.com

For additional copies please contact: Carole.Eagles@intentmedia.co.uk BIKEBIZ.COM

BIKEBIZ MARKETPLACE TO ADVERTISE IN THESE PAGES PLEASE CALL CAROLE EAGLES ON 01992 535647

MARKETPLACE CONTACTS BIKES & ACCESSORIES Kinesis M&J Distributors Ltd Madison The Cycle Division

01404 711 611 01613 379 600 01908 326 000 0845 0508 500

BIKE FRAME LABELS & GENERAL PRINT Peter Dobbs 01482 224 007

BIKE MAINTENANCE Clarks Cycle Systems Weldtite

01827 382 800 01652 660 000

CARRIER BAGS & MAILING BAGS Peter Dobbs

01482 224 007

www.upgradebikes.co.uk www.mjdist.co.uk www.madisonb2b.co.uk www.thecycledivision.com

peter.dobbsdesignandprint@ hotmail.co.uk

www.clarkscyclesystems.com www.weldtite.co.uk

peter.dobbsdesignandprint@ hotmail.co.uk

CLOTHING Wildoo

01908 374 555

www.wildoo.co.uk

COMPONENTS Pace Cycles Ltd Sonic Cycles USE Ltd

01751 460 599 0207 2432 848 01798 344 477

www.pacecycles.com www.soniccycles.co.uk/b2b www.use1.com

BIKES & ACCESSORIES

BIKEBIZ.COM

DEALER MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS Evopos EPOS & ECOMMERCE Bike Rental Manager Citrus Lime Seanic Retail Software

0845 644 9424 +33 686 451 310 0845 6039 254 01926 338 932

www.evopos.com www.bikerentalmanager.com www.citrus-retail.com www.seanicretail.co.uk

RACKS Pendle

01282 699 555

www.pendle-bike.co.uk

TYRES & TUBES Rubena

0800 281 413

www.rubenacycle.co.uk

WATER BOTTLES Bottlesport

08456 029 267

www.bottlesport.com

WEBSITE SERVICES SiWis Limited

01709 511 766

www.siwis.co.uk

GET YOUR COMPANY FEATURED IN THE BIKE BIZ MARKETPLACE BY CONTACTING: Carole Eagles on 01992 535647 carole.eagles@intentmedia.co.uk

BIKES & ACCESSORIES

BIKEBIZ AUGUST 71

BIKEBIZ | MARKETPLACE BIKES & ACCESSORIES

BIKES & ACCESSORIES

BIKES & ACCESSORIES

BIKES & ACCESSORIES

72 BIKEBIZ AUGUST

BIKEBIZ.COM

BIKEBIZ | MARKETPLACE BIKES & ACCESSORIES

BIKES & ACCESSORIES

BOTTOM BRACKET SOLUTIONS

33 integrated, CNC machined aluminium complete BB Solutions

Â&#x2039;

Bearing presses, Hangers and Sealed bearings

Â&#x2039; Now with double sealed Enduro bearings Â&#x2039; 6USPUL )) (KHW[VY Ă&#x201E; UKLY! wheelsmfg.co.uk

BIKE FRAME LABELS & GENERAL PRINT

BIKE MAINTENANCE

disc

pads Ă? Ă&#x2122;H HK L KI K Ă? Ă&#x201C; IĂ?

HK HK IL Ă? - Ă? H L I Ă? !"Ä&#x201C; I HĂ&#x153; K IĂ?

KHL H H

VX (LK H K

VRX Ă&#x161;I L

VRS I K K IL

Online: Ä&#x20AC; H K Ä&#x20AC; I Email: L IR H K Ä&#x20AC; I BIKEBIZ.COM

BIKEBIZ AUGUST 73

BIKEBIZ | MARKETPLACE BIKE MAINTENANCE

The ultimate range of mechanic approved total bike cleaners Dirtwash Bike Cleaner Cleans safely with minimum scrubbing 1 Ltr Spray 03028 5 Ltr Refill Tub 03031 Citrus Degreaser Specially formulated to degrease oily parts 400ml Aerosol 03002 75ml Liquid 03017 1 Ltr Refill Tub 03022 250ml Spray 03023 Disc Brake Cleaner A heavy duty disc brake cleaning spray 250ml Aerosol 03042 Cleaning Kit Sprocket Brush 06012 Softwash Brush 06023 Cleaning Brushes: Set of 2 06020 Set of 3 06013 Chain Driven Degreaser Machine 06017 G String Gear Cleaning Strings 06006

WE ARE BIKE MAINTENANCE

MADE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM CARRIER BAGS & MAILING BAGS

BIKE MAINTENANCE

The most comprehensive range of two wheeled puncture repair kits Puncture Repair Kits All the basics needed for simple puncture repair Box of 25 Popular Kits 01012 Box of 25 Popular Kits, printed with dealerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s details 01025 Box of 25 Cure-C-Cure Kits 01003 Box of 25 CureC-Cure Kits, printed with dealerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s details 01026 Box of 10 Motorcycle Repair Kits 01004 Box of 12 Narrow Profile Repair Kits 01006 Box of 10 Kits with Tools 01007 Box of 10 Kits with Tools and Inflator 01024 Box of 25 Airtite kits 01016 Red Devil Self Seal Patches Strong, reliable patches for quick repairs Carded Patches 04006 Carded Kit with Tyre Lever 06011 Carded Kit 01021 Dispenser (25 Kits) 01022 Display Jar (36 Kits) 01023 Flat-Fix Kit 01020 Jetvalve Tyre Inflation System Instant C02 inflation for all valve types Carded Inflator 07008 Carded C02 Cylinder 07007 Box of 5 C02 Cylinders 07009

WE ARE BIKE MAINTENANCE

MADE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM CLOTHING E M TS TH TO LIS S U A C ECI SP

Custom Cycle Clothing Ĺ&#x201D; /P TFU VQ DIBSHFT Ĺ&#x201D; -PX NJOJNVNT Ĺ&#x160; GSPN KVTU QJFDFT Ĺ&#x201D; 1SJOUFE UP ZPVS PXO BSUXPSL

Custom Sports Bottles Ĺ&#x201D; 7BSJPVT TJ[FT DVTUPN QSJOUFE VQ UP DPMPVST Ĺ&#x201D; -PX NJOJNVNT Ĺ&#x160; GSPN KVTU CPUUMFT Ĺ&#x201D; 4DSFX PO DBQT XJUI TQFDJBM TPGU QVMMJOH TQPVUT

NEW! Custom Velopac Protective Smartphone Cases Ĺ&#x201D; $VTUPN QSJOUFE VQ UP DPMPVST Ĺ&#x201D; -PX NJOJNVNT Ĺ&#x160; GSPN KVTU VOJUT

wildoo.co.uk info@wildoo.co.uk 01908 374555 74 BIKEBIZ AUGUST

BIKEBIZ.COM

BIKEBIZ | MARKETPLACE COMPONENTS

COMPONENTS

COMPONENTS

COMPONENTS Built For Speed R1 Aerobar & TR2 clip on Aerobar, designed for ultimate aerodynamics and adjustability to maximise power and speed.

use1.com

BE PART OF EXPOSURE BECOME A STOCKIST EMAIL: info@use1.co.uk

use1.com

BIKEBIZ.COM

BIKEBIZ AUGUST 75

BIKEBIZ | MARKETPLACE DEALER MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

EPOS & ECOMMERCE

Calendar management . Barcode scanning True multi-user support . Point of sale Online booking . Integrated maintenance Client database . Transaction histories

EPOS & ECOMMERCE

76 BIKEBIZ AUGUST

EPOS & ECOMMERCE

BIKEBIZ.COM

BIKEBIZ | MARKETPLACE RACKS

TYRES & TUBES

THE WINNERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CHOICE â&#x20AC;&#x201C; MADE IN EUROPE Comprehensive range of high-quality tyres and tubes covering all disciplines from road to MTB. #!$ ' ' ) , $% * ' ' , '% ! % "& " % % ' % & & &($$#%' RUBENA SYRINX AWARDED TEN OUT OF TEN BY CYCLING WEEKLY ( " ,% "+ " %# & #% ! + !(! ' " #(' # ' " " % "' , " , % ) * %" " , % #!! " # ' ,% "+ ',% & % ! " $(" '(% % ' % ! & " ' " ' ',% & &'#" & " % $ "'# #("' ' ! - " #" ( ' ' ' * & .&($ % %#(" ',% 0

To ďŹ nd out more about dealer opportunities and Rubena pricing structure contact Rubena UK Trade Distributor BIKE TYRESTORE. % $ #"

/ ! & & ',% &'#% #! *** %( " , # ( / *** *#% # ',% & #!

WATER BOTTLES

BIKEBIZ.COM

WEBSITE SERVICES

BIKEBIZ AUGUST 77

OFF TRACK

In association with BIOFLEX

Cycle network journey

growth spurt Martin Pounder,

With more cycle trips being made there’s no wonder cycling continues to draw the attention of the nation, which it turns out has some ideas about how to grow cycling still further.

Read on for your monthly dose of bike stats…

Sales Agent (South West), Merida What bikes do you own and where’s your fave place to ride ‘em?

I currently own a big 7 CF3000, Merida’s intelligent 27.5 carbon hardtail, and a team issue 0.nine in old school 26. I am, however, currently without a road bike as we’re waiting for the 2015 launch. As for places to ride them it has to be Afan, and Cwmcarn.

50 million Proving the nation can’t get enough of cycling, new figures from the National Cycle Network revealed a seven per cent rise in usage, the equivalent of an extra 50million journeys (Source: Sustrans).

Tell us about your new role at Merida?

I have taken on the role of area manager for the South West covering everything from Swindon down to Land’s End, with the initial priority being on building the area, and offering dealers the best service we can provide – with the role at some point hopefully turning into a technical training role on a national basis.

Anything in particular in the catalogue that dealers should look out for this year?

An honest answer would be everything, the 2015 range is stronger again than 2014, with quite a few shocks in place for people who have never heard of Merida.

You seem to be a big fan of social media – is it simply a case of promoting the products you love?

I have been a huge fan of social media from Facebook to Instagram, and Twitter. It’s a great way to get your product out, dealers to see what you do and a bit of what you can offer. Having great content has always been a bonus. You’ll always find me under MLP1963 across each social platform.

How can a retailer get an appointment with you?

Anyone interested in Merida can contact me either via the office on 0115 981 7788, via email on martinpounder@ meridaUK.com, or call me on 07790 322341.

Any particular territories in need of a Merida presence?

The brand is always interested in expanding, and growing its presence here in the UK. Just give us a call.

Can we expect any big developments from Merida come Eurobike time?

Lots to expect from Eurobike, including a Reacto team bike in alloy at a cycle to work friendly £1000.00, a One Twenty in 650b, and a Ride Carbon Disc.

78 BIKEBIZ AUGUST

BIKEBIZ.COM

OFF TRACK

£50 Data from Sports Marketing Surveys Inc reveals that one quarter of a sample of UK sportive riders paid less than £50 for their helmet. The firm found UK sportive riders paid an average price of £68.77 for their helmet, meanwhile Oakley was the number one eyewear brand in a sample of UK sportive riders. The top three brands accounted for 35% of the total sample. (Source: Sports Marketing Surveys Inc.)

40%

According to a Halfords poll, dedicated cycle lanes on every road is the top way to encourage more cyclists. 40 per cent of respondents wanted more lanes, while 30 per cent said more places to park and lock bicycles would encourage more cyclists (Source: Halfords).

109 Department for Transport figures for 2013 put the number of cyclists killed on the road at 109, an eight per cent decline year-on-year, although cyclist fatalities have fluctuated between 100 and 120 for the last six years.

Walkers accounted for 398 fatalities on the road.

10,000 Do you sell bicycles through eBay? There’s a good chance you do if you are reading this – the online marketplace reckons it has 10,000 businesses pedalling bicycles through its huge web presence.

BIKEBIZ.COM

Daniel Gillborn, Director

Less than four weeks to Cycle to Work Day LAST MONTH I urged you all to take part in Cycle to Work Day and ‘pledge’ to offer Free Bike Health Checks. This month, with less than four weeks to go, the message is still much the same, but I’m delighted to say that we now have over 300 retailers on board which is fantastic news! But we do not wish to rest on our laurels, so if you haven’t yet visited www.cycletoworkday.org and pledged your support there is still time.

We truly believe Cycle to Work Day is one of only a few events in the national calendar that celebrates cycling in its most simple, universally relevant form.

Cycle commuting touches every part of our industry, and the Cycle to Work Day campaign provides a muchneeded focal point for us all to work together to raise the profile of cycling to work in the UK. By getting behind Cycle to Work Day and running in-store events, reaching out to local employers or creating news at a local level, we hope that retailers will find it easier to make a splash in their community.

2013’s event even saw a independent bike shop get TV coverage with a Top Gear-style race between a car, bus and bike – it really is a chance to think outside the box and make yourselves known.

I’ll provide a comprehensive analysis of Cycle to Work Day once the event has taken place and we’ve had time to digest all of the events and success stories from the campaign. In the meantime, I wanted to keep you all updated with our retailer plans that I laid out to you earlier this year. One of which, is the Cyclescheme B2B. We are still in the pilot phase of this exciting new development which brings together a whole host of new improvements including expanded shop profiles on our website, a new event administration tool and enhanced information on our employer clients. It is early days, and we are using this pilot phase to get input from stores, but initial feedback is very encouraging. One retailer in particular remarked: “So handy. We will be using this a lot. It’s really useful to be able to quickly find an employer and see the certificate limit. In the past we had to send employees away to ask their employer.”

Not a bad start, I’m sure you’ll agree.

Daniel Gillborn is director of Cyclescheme, the UK’s leading provider of tax-free bikes for work. You can reach him on Twitter @cycleschemeltd BIKEBIZ AUGUST 79

OFF TRACK

From bike to boardroom

1 Way Up heads to MTV

THE YORKSHIRE stages of Le Tour have inspired a Yorkshire tailor to create the Owen Scott TdF Cycling Suit. Retailing at £795, the suit has the all-important padded double seat, with an eye-catching yellow lining and features detachable fluorescent pocket flaps, trouser turn ups and back collar provide vital road visibility in darker conditions. Nanobloc finish over Huddersfield cloth keeps liquids rolling off. There are 36 different colour patterns and there’s more info at www.owenscott.co.uk or 0113 2 446 091

TAKING A break from a Yorkshire-themed Off Track this month, 1 Way Up is a new BMX documentary that has already hit the cinemas and will feature on MTV this month. From Oscar-winning producers, the film tells the story of Peckham BMX – and how one man, CK Flash, managed to take a small backyard BMX track, located on one of the roughest estates in Peckham, and turn kids from severely underprivileged backgrounds into world champion BMX racers. It’s a great story and worth catching up with on MTV. Read more at www.peckhambmx.co.uk/1wayup

You can watch 1 Way Up on MTV this month

80 BIKEBIZ AUGUST

BIKEBIZ.COM

OFF TRACK

Sheep Cam A EWE-nique idea? Or just a baa-dly conceived plan? You can blame Sony for those puns – the firm recruited sheep from Harewell Hall in Harrogate for a Tour de France-inspired publicity stunt.

Said sheep filmed footage using Sony’s AS100VR ActionCam (RRP £319) and put the included SteadyShot image stabilisation tech into practice. While the ActionCam is more typically set up on bicycles, there’s seemingly no limit to its application. Arguably, this PR stunt was nothing more than a sheep trick aimed at pulling the wool over the eyes of journalists. I thank you.

More info at www.sony.co.uk

Serial cyclist #1 YORKSHIRE-SET soap Emmerdale (circa 4m viewers) hasn’t been shy about getting behind the Tour de France, enlisting none other than local bike shop Pennine Cycles.

The Bradford shop’s managing director Paul Corcoran and director Sandra Corcoran also managed to star in the soap alongside special edition Pennine bespoke bikes yellow dotty and green. Paul said: “We had a great morning filming on the outdoor set and very proud to be approached by Emmerdale which has been lots of fun.”

#2 BUT THAT wasn’t enough for the soap which featured in a celebrity cycle ride from Manchester-set Coronation Street to Emmerdale. Covering 60 miles, local sports clubs, schools and volunteers joined soap stars to highlight the importance of volunteering in sport. Not sure about their idea of energy drinks, mind.

Find out more here: itv.com/localheroes

quote unquote

Sponsored by the brands of Moore Large 01332 274252

“THE POSITIVE recommendations made by the [Transport] Select Committee are good news, but we need our government to go one step further and make the commitment to at least ten pounds per head funding to make safe cycling with in the United Kingdom with immediate effect, not six years from now.”

Jon Snow, CTC president

“I AM delighted that MPs have once again backed what CTC has long been calling for – cross-departmental leadership, clear cycle-friendly design standards and serious longterm funding commitments are essential if Britain’s longoverdue ‘Cycling Revolution’ is finally to get underway.”

CTC’s campaigns director Roger Geffen Read more at: tinyurl.com/ nlja6gb

For more on these stories, head to www.BikeBiz.com BIKEBIZ.COM

BIKEBIZ AUGUST 81

OFF TRACK

SPOKESMAN Blessed are the peacemakers All forms of cycling are valid and to be cherished, argues Justin-Welby-lookalike Carlton Reid ITV’S The Cycle Show has been getting a hammering on social media. Some cycle advocates took the programme to task for featuring too many “niche” events, such as L’Eroica Britannia, and author Simon Warren labouring up Winnats Pass. (And not just with comments like “could you show a bit more of this and a bit less of that” but thunderous how-dare-you take-downs). Likewise, at Q&A screenings of Bicycle, the 90-minute film documentary, audience members have taken a pop at the director for including a greal deal of “niche” cycling (for “niche” read “sport”) and not enough “mainstream” cycling.

One person’s “mainstream” in another person’s “niche”, of course, and it’s pretty much impossible to please everybody. At the end of the day, programmes like The Cycle Show and films like Bicycle, are all forms of entertainment, they are not party political broadcasts.

There were similar gripes aimed at the Yorkshire Grand Depart of the Tour de France, with complaints that TV coverage of men in Lycra wearing polystyrene lids and riding lightweight carbon bikes would do for transport cycling what Formula 1 does for driving to work – diddly squat.

I’m not entirely sure what the complainers want from the broadcast media. A TV series featuring wall-to-wall die-ins and demands for separated cycle infrastructure? OK, I’d watch it, but would a car-driving audience? Populist, lowest-common-denominator TV tends to pitch supposed polar opposites against each so – instead of nuanced arguments about why cycle infrastructure would be win-win the usual slop we’ve given is along the lines of BBC’s The War on Britain’s Roads which pitched motorists and cyclists against each other as though they were two tribes.

I’ll watch anything with bikes in it – BMX, DH racing, bicycle polo, Joff Summerfield’s

Cycling is an incredibly broad church and, just like with any religion, there are schismatic sclerotic individuals who will try to tell you their particular position is the One True Faith. It’s great that they’re zealous about their speciality but, really, claiming primacy may impress acolytes but it isn’t very accommodating to pluralism.

My academic background is in the study of religions (early Christianity to be exact – I don’t just look like the Archbishop of Canterbury I can debate like him, too) and I reckon there’s an awful lot of religiosity knocking around in cycling, with those who espouse moderate positions often damned as heretics. (Earlier this year, one of the most

“Cycling is a broad church. Let’s celebrate cycling in all its glorious forms.”

penny farthing descent into Death Valley (find it on YouTube, it’s great), the road national championships, John Bishop’s Australia, messenger races, a programme about Beryl Burton, a business profile of Brompton.

I’m a roadie who tours on a MTB and takes my unicycle to Go Ride sessions on a cargo

bike. In the ‘80s I used to (cheekily) slipstream behind Mike Burrows in time trials when he was testing out his first carbon monocoque aero frames. Mike might be a go-faster guru, responsible for Giant’s Compact Road concept that everybody copied, but he rides to work on his heavy, un-aero, utilitarian 8Freight.

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

Design: Dan Bennett Dan.Bennett@intentmedia.co.uk

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

Production Executive: Alice Sanz Alice.Sanz@intentmedia.co.uk

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

Publisher: Lisa Carter Lisa.Carter@intentmedia.co.uk

Sales Executive: Jake Adams Jake.Adams@intentmedia.co.uk

Marketing & Circulation bike.subscriptions@c-cms.com

Editorial Saxon House, 6A, St. Andrew Street, Hertford, Hertfordshire.

SG14 1JA BikeBiz is mailed FOC to 4,000+ trade addresses every month ISSN 1476-1505

LATEST NEWS STRAIGHT TO YOUR MOBILE | BOOKMARK US: MOBILE.BIKEBIZ.COM 82 BIKEBIZ AUGUST

single-minded of the eschatological thoughtleaders told me I was “in the way of mass cycling in the UK”).

Apparently, the Christian God will forgive murder, incest and rape but won’t forgive non-belief: “Truly I tell you,” Jesus is reported to have said, “people can be forgiven all their sins and every slander they utter, but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; they are guilty of an eternal sin.”

There’s another part of this paragraph in the Gospel of Mark that’s more rational, and more practical: “If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.”

Instead of knocking TV programmes and film documentaries that feature certain cycling specialities but not others, let’s celebrate cycling in all of its glorious and myriad forms.

SUBSCRIPTIONS UK: £50 Europe: £60 Rest of World: £90 BikeBiz is published 12 times a year by Intent Media – Saxon House, 6a St. Andrew Street, Hertford, Hertfordshire SG14 1JA Intent Media Subscriptions Department PO Box 35, Robertsbridge, TN32 5WN Tel: 01580 883848, Fax: 01580 883849 If you or one of your colleagues would like to request a subscription to BikeBiz, please email bike. subscriptions@c-cms.com or call 01580 883848.

Please note that this is a controlled circulation title and subscription criteria will be strictly adhered to.

Intent Media is a member of the Audit Bureau of Circulation and the Periodical Publishers Association

© Intent Media 2014 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or any information storage or retrieval system without the express prior written consent of the publisher. The contents of BikeBiz are subject to reproduction in information storage and retrieval systems. Printed by Pensord.

ROAM FARTHER. Fast climbs and fast descents—from sun up till sundown. Truly made for the modern mountain biker, ROAM wheels use a special balance of low-inertia design, weight and strength to excel on a wide variety of terrain. They’re durable enough for hours in the saddle, yet light enough for race day.

PERFECT BALANCE Wherever the trail leads, ROAM 40 is ready to go. Aluminum rims with TAPER CORE™ profile bring lighter weight and higher dent resistance.

The DOUBLE TIME™ hub delivers strong, swift engagement. And the durable SPEEDBALL™ bearings are precision machined for performance you can trust. With a smart balance of weight, inertia and stiffness, ROAM 40 makes sure you’re always ready to roam.

SRAM ROAM 40 WHEELS ARE AVAILABLE IN 26", 27.5" AND 29" OPTIONS

Photos: Sven Martin, Adrian Marcoux © 2014 SRAM LLC

SRAM.COM/WHEELS

The Rapid X brings safety to the next level. Sleek and bright, this USB rechargeable, 6-mode, water-resistant light offers superior side visibility with multiple mounting options. Also includes a Battery Auto Save function which automatically changes your light from solid to ďŹ&#x201A;ashing then gives you a full hour to make it home safe and sound.

PRODUCT IN STOCK NOW,

TO ORDER CALL ZYRO SALES ON 01325 741325, WWW.ZYROB2B.CO.UK