NOVEMBER 2015
ISSUE 118
F O R
E V E R Y O N E
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T H E
B I K E
B U S I N E S S
ISSUE 118 NOVEMBER 2015
@bikebizonline | facebook.com/bikebiz
F O R
I N
E V E R Y O N E
p17 Immediate family Immediate Media’s group MD Julie Harris shares the plans for its vast cycle mag and site family with BikeBiz
T H E
B I K E
B U S I N E S S
p6 & 23 Gong-a-thon It’s Awards season so we’ve not just got the winners of the BikeBiz Awards but also a look ahead to this month’s Cycling Media Awards
p35 Back to the Future Leicester shop Future Cycles has a nifty line in retro bike and P&A refurbs. We paid them a visit...
SHOW’S OVER As the cycle show season finally draws to a close, we bring you highlights from Birmingham and Las Vegas
p11-13 & p39-44
p32 Stat’s amazing
p51 E-cargo a go-go
p58 You better watch out
p65 Tri harder
Bike statistics are as rare as hen’s teeth, but we found these
An electric grant will charge up this cycle delivery business
...Santa is on his way, so we’ve got these stocking fillers for you
We present some of the sector’s newest triathlon bikes and gear
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NEWS
Immediate Media brings in a new MD of Sport DAVID MAHER-Roberts has been appointed as managing director of Sport at Immediate Media, BikeBiz can exclusively reveal. Based full time in the company’s Bristol offices, Maher-Roberts will be responsible for Immediate’s Cycling and Triathlon portfolio across all platforms, including Cycling Plus, MBUK, Cycling News and BikeRadar, among others. He will report directly into group MD Julie Harris. Maher-Roberts has a background in print and digital having spent 11 years at Future as a board director responsible for the company’s European expansion (via M&A and licensing) and led the global launches of GamesRadar & TechRadar. Prior to that he founded Future’s content marketing agency Future Plus. Since leaving he’s developed product and business strategies for PE and VC-backed digital media & tech firms.
Julie Harris said: “I am delighted to appoint David. At Immediate we are transforming the magazine media business delivering content and experiences wherever our superengaged consumers want them – in print, online, events and beyond. David brings a wealth of experience, particularly in high growth digital businesses and will take the Sports division to the next level – I’m delighted to welcome him to Immediate.” Maher-Roberts added: “The next three years are going to be super interesting for media companies as mobile becomes one of the more important devices for consumption. I am convinced our strategy of focusing on specialist interest content across multiple platforms and the company’s unique culture is a winning formula and I am delighted to be joining at this time.”
TAIPEI SEEKS CREAM OF THE CROP THERE’S NO shortage of new bikes, brands and P&A in the increasingly crowded cycle market, so the judges of the Taipei Cycle d&I Awards look set to have their work cut on for the forthcoming fifth edition of the prize giving. The Awards are run by the International Forum of Design (iF) and all hopefuls have until December 18th 2015 to register for the 2016 Taipei Cycle Awards. Last year’s Gold Award winners included Topeak’s Transformer pump, which doubles as a bike stand. Other products receiving a gold award included a Bluetooth-enabled pump from Airace (the iGauge iVolice Road). The 2016 winners will have the doublewhammy of being presented at the Velo-City Global conference, also running in Taipei, in the days up to show (Feb 27th to March 1st). The Gold Award for Young Enterprise will be given for the second time, for companies established after January 1st 2012 only. Taipei Cycle Show runs March 2nd to March 5th. More details at www.taipeicycle.com.tw
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EDITOR’S COMMENT THINK CAR How easy is it to buy a car? Work out how you’re going to finance it, how big a one you want, the insurance...then walk into one of the usually branded dealerships you’ve doubtless got nearby. How easy, then, is it to buy a bicycle? Just the same as buying a car? In theory...yes. Right? Because you don’t need me to tell you that it really could do with being as easy as possible. The industry is full of enthusiasts, which might – just might – work against it sometimes. In the drive for innovation and ’The next best thingTM’ there’s a real smorgasbord of bike brands to choose from (there’s more of that topic on page 82) and in our excitement for new wheel sizes – my colleague tells me there’s talk of a 26+ wheel iteration in the works, God help us – there’s so much product out there and so many choices that you need to have worked in the trade for the last five years or be an avid (and I do mean avid) reader of cycle mags and websites to be abreast of whether a 29er or 27.5+ is going to tick your boxes. It’s likely that enthusiasts are your core customers, so they probably do know the exact wheel and bike configuraton they want, but to draw in new customers we need to step back and put ourselves in their shoes now and then. Diversity in cycling is an issue, and I put it to you that part of the reason is it’s nerdiness can make it appear tricky from the outside. It needn’t be and we need to make sure that message is plain for new riders.
BIKEBIZ NOVEMBER 5
NEWS
Black Friday yet to win over UK bike trade DESPITE INCREASING headlines being devoted to it, the Black Friday sales day phenomenon has some way to go to dominate the UK bike trade. While a number of well known cycle retailers – like Rutland Cycling, Bike Republic, Halfords and Velorution – have run sales as part of the Black Friday trend over past years, a straw poll run by BikeBiz has found a limited amount of interest in the US-founded sales day, taking place annually on the first Friday after Thanksgiving - this year on November 28th. The majority of retailer respondents to the BikeBiz poll said they would not be taking part in the Black Friday phenomenon (64 per cent). Just over a quarter said they
were planning to capitalise on Black Friday by running sales and special offers for the day, while just under ten per cent said they were undecided about taking part in the sales day, traditionally seen to signal the Christmas consumer buying season in North America. Perhaps the limited enthusiasm for Black Friday can be partly attributed to a retail event targeted at small, local shops that dominate in the cycle trade – Small Business Saturday. This year the grassroots scheme runs on December 5th - with download packs, posters and more to help retailers make the most of the initiative and encourage consumers to visit family businesses, local shops, small manufacturers and similar.
WILL YOU RUN SALES AND SPECIAL OFFERS ON ‘BLACK FRIDAY’? NOT SURE YET
YES
NO
Executive Editor: Carlton Reid carltonreid@mac.com Editor: Jonathon Harker jharker@nbmedia.com Production Executive: Elizabeth Parker eparker@nbmedia.com
YES 27.27% NO 63.64% NOT SURE YET 9.09%
Read all about world gears up
ON THURSDAY November 12th at the Islington Metalworks, London, the winners of the second Cycling Media Awards will be revealed in the presence of the UK’s cycle writers, broadcasters, bloggers and photographers. Last month the finalists for the 2015 Cycling Media Awards were revealed online, including for the new categories: Photographer of the Year, Writer of the Year and the big one – the Cycling Media Legend accolade. A broad range of magazines and websites were nominated, including Cycling Plus, Cycling Weekly, Singletrack, WMB and Singletrack alongside the likes of BikeRadar, PinkBike, 2014 winner road.cc, Sportive. com and Total Women’s Cycling, among others. Finalists for ‘Best use of Photography’ include BikesEtc, Conquista, Cyclist and Rouleur. It’s not just the cycle specialist press in the running for the CMAs – there are also mainstream magazine and website awards, with Esquire, GQ, Women’s Fitness, BBC, Eurosport, Huffington Post and more making the shortlist, and for best coverage by a newspaper, including
Deputy Editor: Mark Sutton msutton@nbmedia.com
Account Manager: Richard Setters rsetters@nbmedia.com
Design: Dan Bennett dbennett@nbmedia.com
Publisher: Mark Burton mburton@nbmedia.com
the likes of The Guardian, London Evening Standard, The Times and more. Podcasts (including the Bike Show and Cycling News Podcast) and Broadcasters (including BBC, Eurosport, ITV and more) are to be celebrated too. There are individual writer, blogger, vlogger and photographer awards also, singling out the high achievers – see the full list of finalists for the Cycling Media Awards 2015 at www.cyclingmediaawards.com. The CMA night itself brings together all the finalists and numerous cycle media personnel in one room for the awards and networking. Cycleguard is the host of the drinks reception on the evening, while Cycle Alert is sponsoring the Cycling Advocate category. A limited number of additional sponsorship opportunities are available – contact Richard Setters via rsetters@ nbmedia.com to find out more. For general enquiries about the Cycling Media Awards 2015, email cma@nbmedia.com. Trade tickets are available to buy now, priced at £79 each. To buy a ticket visit www.cyclingmediaawards.com
Marketing & Circulation bike.subscriptions@c-cms.com Editorial: Saxon House, 6A, St. Andrew Street, Hertford, Hertfordshire. SG14 1JA BikeBiz is mailed FOC to 4,000+ trade addresses every month ISSN 1476-1505
© NewBay Media 2015 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or any information storage or retrieval system without the express prior written consent of the publisher. The contents of BikeBiz are subject to reproduction in information storage and retrieval systems. Printed by Pensord.
6 BIKEBIZ NOVEMBER
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NEWS
FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @BIKEBIZONLINE
it: Cycling media for second CMAs
CYCLE
SHORTS Chain Reaction sales up at £154 million Despite sales increasing six per cent year on year, chain Reaction’s profits have dipped slightly. Citing technology overheads eating profit, the firm only made £300,000 less year on year.
Corratec e-bikes back in UK with EBC E-bike specialist distributor EBC has scooped up the UK and ROI rights to Corratec Bikes. Corratec brings to the table a catalogue offering urban, urban sport, off-road hardtail and full suspension builds. Retail prices span £1,999 through £3,999.
Upgrade recalls ‘03 to ‘09 Racelight T fork A recall has been issued for all Racelight forks spanning 2003 to 2009. Replacement Kinesis DC07 forks will be issued to those that return theirs to Upgrade.
The Bike Place set for Silverstone – January 31st to February 2nd A once again larger Bike Place trade show will return to Silverstone race track on January 31st next year. New exhibitors confirmed include EDCO wheels, Kiddimoto and Shore Lines distribution.
Drinks Reception Partner
Award Partner
Black Diamond sells POC for $65 million Private equity firm Investcorp has acquired POC Sports for USD $65 million from outdoor equipment brand Black Diamond. It was just three years ago that POC was last bought out.
2015 CATEGORIES FOR THE CYCLING MEDIA AWARDS Magazine of the Year Website of the Year Best Use of Photography Steve Worland Award for Specialist Writer – Print Specialist Writer – Online Best coverage by a Newspaper Best coverage by a Mainstream Magazine Best coverage by a Mainstream Website Best Broadcast Coverage
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Best Cycling Podcast Best Vlogger/Best Use of Video Cycling Advocate of the Year Blogger of the Year Photographer of the Year CMA Writer of the Year The Cycling Media Legend category (decided by the BikeBiz team in consultation with a panel of industry experts.)
Fox and ENVE add demo units at BikePark Wales BikePark Wales has entered into a new partnership with Enve via exclusive UK distributor Saddleback to become Europe’s only Enve demo centre. Additionally, the existing Fox demo centre at BikePark Wales has been overhauled with a full range of Fox 34 and 36 forks in various wheel sizes and travel options as well as Fox Float Evol, Float X and X2 rear shocks to suit all popular bike models.
For breaking news visit:
www.bikebiz.com BIKEBIZ NOVEMBER 7
OPINION
No More ‘Maybe Next Time’ Cancer sucks. It’s often horribly indiscriminate and as such affects a large portion of us in one form or another. Here Singletrack Publisher Mark Alker explains why a shock close to home means he’ll no longer waste anymore time on regret. IT’S TAKEN the shock of coming to terms with the fact we are going to lose a Singletrack family member soon to make me realise I’m not living my life the way I should be. The awful news that our deputy editor Jenn has just months to live has been a huge shock to us all. Cancer is shit. Yes, there are things we can do with our lives to mitigate the chances of getting it, but that doesn’t stop it being so shitty and randomly selecting someone who has, to all intents and purposes, looked after themselves so much better than I have looked after myself. For me it’s made me face up to some realities about my own life and lifestyle that I need to address. But not for the reasons you may think. Yes, I need more vegetables and I need to lose the habitual late night sojourns to the fridge, but it’s actually the way that Jenn has decided that she’s going to deal with her remaining time that has really had a profound impact on me. She’s going to have adventures and she’s going to enjoy hearing about our adventures. That is what she told us all here at Singletrack when she discovered that her fight against lung cancer was only months away from coming to an end. And it made me think. A lot. I drive a desk every day although I helped found a magazine about having adventures on bikes because I liked riding bikes so much. That’s broken, that is. Life is so precious and every breath not spent making the most of it is a waste of oxygen. So I’m going on an adventure on my bike that I’ve been putting off. I’m going to Verbier in Switzerland because it’s my favourite place to ride. I’ve been there on and off for over a decade and each time I’ve looked up at the climb from the bottom of the
8 BIKEBIZ NOVEMBER
A twitter hashtag coined on the Singletrack forum is now widely used by those out on the trail. Contribute at #ForJenn
valley to the summit of Mont Fort and thought about how it would be great to actually ride from the bottom to the top and back down again without lifts. And every time I’ve thought that I’ve pulled out the ‘maybe next time’ card. I’m 44 years old now and I am starting to wonder how many ‘next times’ I’ve got left. That’s not out of a fear of dying so much a fear of passing by the point where I can actually realistically do this thing and ending up looking back and feeling regret that I didn’t do it when I could. There is no greater waste of emotion than that of regret. In truth I’ve been ‘planning’ this adventure for six months, if you can call talking about how it would be a nice thing to do, ‘planning’. It’s been on the calendar one week, then off it the next because things looked too busy. But last week I decided this thing was actually going to happen. The valley floor is at 800m and there is a glacier at the top of the mountain with one of the highest restaurants in Europe next to it at 3,000m. Right now the lifts are shut,
but the season is changing from summer to autumn and is dropping colour bombs all over the valley. According to Lucy at Bike Verbier, who is my host and adventure advisor, it’s the most spectacular time of year. So I’ve done no training, I’m weekend ride fit at best and the bike I’m going to ride is the one I have to hand. I’m going to ride from the bottom to the top and then back down again in one go. 50km in all, topping out at 10,000 feet. How ‘epic’ it is depends on your frame of reference, but it most certainly is by mine. It will be the biggest thing I’ve done on a bike pretty much ever. 7,500 feet up in one long 25km go followed by a rather gnarly descent back down. Seeing as I work at Singletrack we are going to make sure it’s photographed and written up, which adds an extra layer of incentive to get it done. I hope Jenn takes comfort from all our adventures over the coming months – it’s something I’ll be doing for myself as much as for Jenn. And for that and for the change in my personal outlook on life I will always be indebted to her.
Since the beginning of September we have been selling limited edition issue 100 mugs and signed prints of the cover created for us by Jo Burt. From each sale we’ve been donating the profits to Jenn’s chosen charities, Cancer Research UK and Macmillan Cancer Support. But we have also been selling shares in the original artwork itself to both our readers and the industry. We will be mounting the original artwork in a frame and the names of all the shareholders will be printed on the mount inside the frame. There are two corporate level share options for businesses within the bike industry. For £500 we will display your company name along with your logo on the mount and send you a signed print of the artwork to keep. For £1000 you will also get the option to host the painting at your company office or shop for one month and get a signed A3 print of the artwork. So far we’ve raised over £12.5k in total. If you’d like to donate and own a share in our issue 100 cover artwork then please get in touch with Sarah in our office. sarah@singletrackworld.com or 01706 813344
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Welcome to the road. It’s you versus your route. Always challenge your limits. Each pedal stroke, every breath, brings you closer to your goal. Redefine your best. New autumn winter range now in stock.
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CYCLE SHOW 2015
Whyte’s eye-catching T-130C Works build
OD Designs new modular trackside racking
TRIED AND TRENDING With the trade calendar largely wound up for the year, the Cycle Show presents a first chance for many consumers to see what brands have been busy working on. But there’s a few labels also using the show’s trade day as a first look for UK dealers, as Mark Sutton found out… Q WHYTE BIKES It’s hard to know where to start with Whyte, such has been the level of re-invention by Ian Alexander and those at ATB. Catching the eyes of those with a fondness for semi-aggressive trail thrashing, the new T-130 C Works is something Whyte has spent a lot of time perfecting. Having gone single ring, the bottom bracket area is vastly changed and bolstered for a massive torsional stiffness. It’s an incredibly clean package, with internal routing for everything and a shortened 420mm chainstay that’ll give it an agile feel. Last year’s best-selling T-130S become the LX and maintains its price, with a lot of tech trickledown to make this a stunning value build at £2,299. Alexander described this bike as “Whyte’s most successful full BIKEBIZ.COM
suspension bike in the past decade.”The T-160 is now touted as “very enduro specific”, with its lengthened wheelbase and a tiny 32mm Easton stem that places the bar just 0.9mm away from the steerer tube. A works build will come in at £4,000, but the platform is available from just £2,800 for the RS build. On the hardtail front, the 905 platform has received a dropper post upgrade that gains internal routing, as well as a longer wheelbase. Alexander said of the 2016 line: “The independent retailer has an opportunity here to talk to the customer about real value for money from the frame upwards. That’s important as we’ve really refined the foundations to be as good as they can be. They’re more advanced than they’ve ever been and UK focused in their design.”
On the road front, caliper brakes are entirely banished in favour of discs, which are described by Whyte as “the future.” But not for the reasons you may think. “It’s actually allowed progression in geometry. The bikes are now longer, slacker and confidence inspiring. And you can go faster because you’re confident you can brake later,” says Alexander. “The next limiting factor for us now is adding grip and building on tubeless tyre technology and lower tyre pressure capability. Tyre technology is racing away at present. It’ll be even better next year, which is exciting as a designer. Interestingly, the 10-42 cassettes we’ve run for years and really pushed are now produced by SRAM.” Key points on the bikes themselves are a TRP HY/RD upgrade for the Suffolk, Dorset and women’s Devon,
“something you’ll not find often at the £999 price point,” says Alexander. Security skewers also feature as standard on these builds, further adding value. What’s more, there’s now internal dropper post routing on all cyclocross builds, pointing to the race scene’s curiosity about how the MTB mainstay can benefit. Q OD DESIGNS Having provided some of the demo racking for the Cycle Show, OD Designs was keen to place its racking in front of as many eyes as possible. Newly added and now in production, the firm has introduced the Trackstand – an aluminium foldable and stackable unit that clasps the bike’s chain and seatstays, elevating the rear end and holding the bike upright. What’s BIKEBIZ NOVEMBER 11
CYCLE SHOW 2015
MissGrape, now available via ITS
Transition’s carbon Patrol
Sam Hill’s stylish signature Nukeproof platform
Fresh builds galore from Orro
more, the £32.40 Trackstands are modular, meaning they’ll fit together making them ideal for shop floors or trackside. Sandy Gilchrist, Ireland’s track coach, is said to be hauling these racks around the world as his first choice at present. Q TRANSITION Now in stock with Windwave, Transition’s carbon Patrol has landed. There’s a frameset at £2,599 and three builds from GX at £4,399, X01/ X1 at £5,049 and XX1/XO1 at £6,049.
Throughout the range you’ll now find triple butted aero bladed spokes, as well as low friction Japanese double sealed cartridge bearings. A particular highlight, especially for those looking for a winter bike option are the 4 Season Dura wheels. These tubeless-ready options offer a rim brake track that’s carved with deep grooves that’ll shift muck and thus have greater longevity. At just £229 and weighing 1,696 grams, you’re also getting a sleeved rim, unusual at such a low price.
Q HUNT WHEELS Already a popular wheel upgrade choice, in part thanks to endorsement from Mason Cycles, Hunt has a much expanded catalogue available via ITS for 2016. Jumping from four to 12 wheelsets in one model year, Hunt now offers four carbon rimmed options, two of which are suited for disc brakes, as well as three brand new alloy options.
Q MISSGRAPE Again available from ITS, newly added bikepacking label Missgrape offers a number of water resistant options for long days in the saddle. All Italian-made, these include the Cluster 13 and 20 seatbags, retailing at £99 and £109, respectively. A top-tube hung frame bag is also part of the range, coming in at £69 and available in three sizes.
12 BIKEBIZ NOVEMBER
Expect these and more to be in stock with ITS by the time this magazine hits doormats. Q NUKEPROOF Noting its popularity as an aftermarket parts brand, Nukeproof has taken steps to “better blend in” with people’s bike choices, toning down some of its branding and shaping its product around modern bike style. The pedal line is an example of this subtle styling, with the logo having shifted to the inners of the pedal body. There’s three now in the range, starting with the Horizon Composite at £39.99, also available as an alloy build at £79.99. Sam Hill’s striking signature pedal is one for those looking for a lightweight pedal to last at £164.99. A new 780mm carbon bar joins the line having survived a 680 kilo break test, which Nukeproof says elevates the brand to having the “second
strongest bar on the market, but with great compliance and all for £99”. Nukeproof’s own infinitely adjustable dropper post is now based around an air cartridge and features a black station to suit more bikes. For external routing, customers will pay £135 and internal £165. Q ORRO Noticeably broader in its Cycle Show booth occupation, Orro has really expanded its offering in 2016, with new bike sand build kits, as well as some limited kit. Fitting with the demand for gravel road builds, Orro has introduced the Terra, at the C2W scheme friendly £999. It’s kept nice and simple, with a press fit bb30 bottom bracket and a strong value 24t carbon fork adorned to a 6061 triple butted foundation. Topping the line, the Gold ‘signature’ is the new flagship with its quite unique triangular down tube. BIKEBIZ.COM
CYCLE SHOW 2015
Kool Stop now has retro pad designs
Cube’s new women’s road race platform
With plus size on the way, Halo has the Vapour 50
Coming in at £3,299, this spread toe carbon build comes with a Token C55 wheelset (itself retailing for £1k) and Dura Ace 900. A frameset is also available at £1,500. A women’s specific build joins the line-up too in the £1,349 Yara. Previewed alongside was a clothing line previously under the Orro banner, but now under a separate brand entirely, dubbed Fox Wilson. Q CUBE Cube’s off-road advances have been well documented since the first showings of the 2016 line earlier this year. But one build that has slipped under the radar until now is the new women’s Axial WLS GTC SL. Retailing at £1,599, plenty of value is packed into the brand new build, with Fulcrum Racing 77 wheels and a full 105 groupset. Got a customer looking for a top sportive build? This may be it. 14 BIKEBIZ NOVEMBER
ODI’s cleverly designed Elite Pro
The Chiba glove from Funkier
Outside of bikes, Cube was keen to show off its shoe catalogue, which it says has seen some significant attention. With insoles tailored for every different size, there’s no trimmed down messy inserts here. For those shoes sporting a carbon base, Cube says it’s not cutting corners here either, with a higher than normal carbon to resin ratio promoting stiffness. Q KOOL STOP Have a customer that’s into their retro builds? Kool Stop now has a pad line inspired by the classics of old, so that even the finer details match up to the history books. Q ODI Further designing out any hint of grip rotation, ODI has added the Elite series in three diameters, each costing £22. The surface itself is designed to combat wear in areas prone to faster
BimpAir’s compressed air unit charges while you ride
deterioration, while a clamp at one end, paired with a rubberised end holds things tight. Q HALO With plus size tyres testing the market at the moment, Halo has become one of the few brands (at present) producing a 50mm wide wheel. Though a prototype at present, the Vapour 50 is expecting to retail at around £300 a pair. To sit alongside, Halo has added the Vapour 35. Also sold at £300 the 35 x 19mm tubeless clincher, weighs in at 1,930 grams a pair. Q FUNKIER Bob Elliot has joined the ranks of brands offering brilliant white under highlights garments – including gloves, a jacket and more. Launched to go head-to-head with Proviz’s offering, the £109.99 WJ-1322 softshell jacket offers wind and rain protection, paired with
underarm venting, silicone waist grippers and elasticated cuffs. The Chiba matching glove comes in at £29.99 and will similarly light up when light is shone on the surface. For the ladies, a 2016 highlight is the S-980 W-C12 winter bib tights. Available for a very reasonable £59.99, the halterneck style bib tights carry an Italian made pad that is antibacterial and has strong moisture wicking. Q BIMP AIR One of the more unusual contraptions shown to us during Cycle Show was a device from BimpAir. The system offers a different approach to traditional inflation devices, harnessing energy from the rider’s output to charge up a compressed air capsule. Intrigued about riding without ever worrying about quick inflation should you need to get home quick on a slow puncture? Check out BimpAir.com. BIKEBIZ.COM
IMMEDIATE MEDIA
Immediate results It’s been 18 months since Immediate Media acquired some of the UK’s best-known cycle magazines and websites. Now the dust has settled, Jonathon Harker speaks with Group Managing Director Julie Harris about all the changes of the past year and gets a look at the plans ahead… IMMEDIATE MUST have seen some massive changes since it took on the cycling titles in May last year. Has it been a logistical challenge to bring it all together? Absorbing such a big new part of the business is obviously a huge undertaking, both from a physical and organisational perspective. First of all we created a new Sports Division within Immediate and merged the cycling brands with our existing 220 Triathlon brand, creating new cross brand opportunities as well as economies of scale for both. We also built the facilities to enable our brands to flourish, including world-class bike testing facilities and bespoke photo and video studios. All these enabled us to power our developments within the space and allow us to do bike testing on an industrial scale. Given Future’s BIKEBIZ.COM
business was in Bath and we have a large Immediate office in Bristol, it was a convenient move for most, and our focus was minimising disruption for those effected. Immediate is all about fostering one winning culture and since the
strategy and feel part of the Immediate business and culture. And there’s been reorganisation in terms of senior personnel...? I am delighted that we can announce our new MD for Sport,
“Absorbing the cycle titles was a huge undertaking.” Julie Harris move we have put seven members of the new sports team through our integrated leadership programme. We have worked hard through regular “All Hands” meetings, Immediate events and Bristol specific gatherings to help ensure the team know the company
David Maher-Roberts. He will be responsible for the Cycling and Triathlon portfolio across all platforms and joins full time on November 9th. David has a background in both print and digital having spent 11 years at Future where he was a board
director responsible for European expansion (via M&A and licensing) and led the first global digital launches of GamesRadar and TechRadar. He has the perfect mix of digital and print experience as he has since worked in several roles developing innovative product and business strategies for digital media and tech firms globally. Meanwhile experienced publisher Alison Worthington has joined to oversee our Sport print titles, including Cycling Plus, Mountain Bike UK and Procycling. Alison brings 14 years of experience at Immediate in editorial and publishing roles. She will also drive Immediate’s Sport events strategy including the National Triathlon Show which has been completely re-imagined and is taking place at the Olympic Velodrome in April 2016. Stuart Forrest, digital BIKEBIZ NOVEMBER 17
IMMEDIATE MEDIA publisher of RadioTimes.com is interim digital publisher of CyclingNews.co.uk while publishing director Dave Clutterbuck focuses on BikeRadar. We are also really excited to welcome Will Findlater as global editor-in-chief of BikeRadar. Will joins from Haymarket where he was editor-inchief of market leading, multiplatform technology brand Stuff. How does the cycle portfolio fit in with the Immediate portfolio? At Immediate we only focus on special interest. We are a content and platform business but at the heart of everything we do are passionate, engaged communities who build their interests around our market-leading brands. We focus on the things our consumers really care about, what they spend their time and money on. Cycling, and the highly engaged consumers who interact and participate within it, is a perfect fit for Immediate and plays to the company’s strengths and expertise: and we see huge opportunities for development. These are international, market leading, highly profitable print and online brands with an influential, upmarket audience. The cycling media world has vastly changed even since last
18 BIKEBIZ NOVEMBER
May, with well-known mags moving online only. Could that happen to your cycle portfolio? How do you approach the print and digital balancing act? For us as a company we don’t view it as print versus digital, but rather our businesses are built around the needs of our consumers. The reason we have outperformed all our major competitors is a broad based strategy that works across multiple platforms. Wherever our communities are, we will be. In
publishing boundaries, both in terms of platforms and a growing international footprint. Immediate is now the world’s biggest cycling media company with an audience of 4.4m road cyclists and 3.3m mountain bikers engaging with our brands every month. We see huge opportunities in digital and in online video and we are rapidly growing our footprint there – we have two global power brands in BikeRadar and CyclingNews that have immense growth potential.
“The sky really is the limit for this business.” Julie Harris
print we remain very strong and we are serving a still healthy demand for magazines and are passionate about those brands and the deep engagement they have with consumers. Despite a plethora of rivals and new launches, Cycling Plus is head and shoulders ahead of its rivals, outselling its nearest rival by nearly 2:1. Meanwhile we dominate the mountain biking sector holding a combined 70.5 per cent share of the market, with flagship title MBUK occupying a 50.6 per cent share alone. But print is just one measure as we cross
Is there room for huge sites like BikeRadar and Cyclingnews to grow further? We have world leading global digital brands who have shown consistent growth and we believe have even greater potential. BikeRadar is the world’s largest and most comprehensive source of cycling products and news. Featuring over 25,500 product reviews, the site caters for intermediate road cyclists and mountain bikers. The site is constantly innovating with brand extensions including a training platform – BikeRadar Active, a new beginners section – On Your Bike and the integration of mapping functionality. We also think there is a huge untapped audience of female cyclists. We recently launched BikeRadar Women and we are developing how we can target and grow this potentially huge audience that has been underserved by the industry to date. We have a significant in-house production team in Bristol working on our video content, which has now generated around 2.5 million views per month and almost 260,000 subscribers just on BikeRadar’s YouTube channel. It will only become more important as a medium. Meanwhile Cycling News is the place to go
for news about the world of competitive cycling. The Tour De France showed how powerful a website it was as it out-scooped all the national and international sports sources with a string of exclusives. The riders on the Tour and the circuit trust our expert team. Our users know this and is why we have seen impressive growth. For the July we had 3.2m users, up 30 per cent year-on-year. You’ve said that the cycle portfolio is moving into a new phase of development. What kind of plans can you share? We are very excited about the launch of the National Triathlon Show at the Olympic Velodrome in April. We will run our first Cycling Plus Sportive alongside it and will be developing a more experiential part to our business to connect consumers with the brand and with our key clients. We continue to invest in our digital brands, both here and overseas, and we are developing new products and services for our highly engaged consumers. Additionally, we are launching one of the biggest in-depth studies into the market to reveal trends and the behaviours of different groups of cyclists which we will be unveiling at a conference in the next few months. Where do you see your cycle portfolio in five years time? Cycling is a great sport to be in, it fits perfectly with the Immediate story and it’s only going to become bigger. We have ambitious growth targets and with the backing of private equity we are confident we have made and are making the investments to hit them. We see ourselves at the heart of the cycling eco-system, which gives us a unique perspective on the market, the participants, the consumers and the opportunities. We don’t see ourselves as Publishers, we see ourselves as global experts, connectors and providers within the cycling economy. When you look at it through that lens, the sky really is the limit for this business and we intend to work with and partner as many other great brands in this industry as possible to accelerate that growth.
BIKEBIZ.COM
BIKE SHOP SALES TRAINING
Colin Rees Sales Trainer and business consultant E: Colinrees7 @gmail.com P: 07540 351530 W: colinrees7. wordpress.com
It might be hard to take a tough line with customers asking for a discount, but done in the right way it will benefit your retail business, says sales trainer Colin Rees… MOST PROFESSIONAL sales people at the top of their game detest the attitude of a customer who asks for a discount – and rightly so. They don’t ask in Sainsbury’s and they wouldn’t think to ask the taxman so why do they ask a retail shop owner? The answer is simple: They think they can get it. I have said before in these pages, the industry is it’s own worst enemy. By shops continuing to give discounts for the outmoded reasons of thinking they will lose the sale to a competitor, it becomes a self-perpetuating black hole. It is said that a customer who has a complaint tells on average nine other people. I wonder how many people they tell when they get a big discount from a bike shop or worse still, free goods? It is certainly the case that some business will be lost if a shop stops giving discounts overnight. What has to be considered is how much net profit does that actually 20 BIKEBIZ NOVEMBER
represent? I find some managers think in terms of margin’ (gross profit) not net profit after all the costs are taken out. So, at the end of the day, a discount could represent a loss and one has to do the maths to know properly. If that is the case, then saying no to a discount request – which ends in the customer going to a competitor – will effectively damage the competitor more than
I’ve previously talked about human nature and the expectation that customers are probably expecting ten per cent. I used the example of a discount of £50 against a £500 bike but would they have been satisfied with £25 or even £20? As with all things in selling, it’s all about how you do it. It may be too much to decide overnight to stop giving discounts, sure. So taking it from the top,
“Do you have a policy on what to say when asked for discounts?” Colin Rees it will your business. One for the accountants I suggest. However, being realistic, the entire industry is unlikely to follow the suggestion of stopping discounts overnight all at once so what then can we do to mitigate the effect?
what can we do about it? First, do you have a policy and do all your staff know what it is? The best route is to only give discounting responsibility to one person, the manager. That centres the activity and at a stroke, reduces the overall amount you are giving away. You
will audibly hear staff breathe a sigh of relief. Next, ban percentages. They are terribly damaging and give away more than is necessary. Decide what your discount is, say five per cent maximum given in pound notes, perhaps put on the counter. If you were the customer, would you take it if the manager did that? Psychologically, that action is negative but makes people realise what a discount is. We have to get out of his mind it is just something you ‘knock off’. It is an actual wad of cash, so show him (it’s all about how you do it.) Next, ban giving anyone free goods. Again, it is psychologically bad to condition someone to think they can get free goods. ‘Give’ them at cost or ‘give’ them something off but never anything for free. Suddenly, everyone expects it because someone got it. You may decide to institute the principle of not ever giving a discount unless you get something back. “I could give you something off if you buy two, sir?” Lastly, before even considering a discount, create barriers in the customers mind so he has to ask you more than once. Statements such as: “We would only consider a discount for a (bigger sum) product, sir.” Or: “The manufacturer’s margin on that product doesn’t give room for a discount, sir, what else could you buy?” Constructing these statements is a science. You must not give the indication you are willing to pass anything over except when you get more from them. The key to this is staff training as only that way do you have a chance of changing attitudes. One way a favourite bike shop client overcomes the discount question every single time is by saying “There is not enough margin in that product to give a discount but I can show you a cheaper product?” If you train your staff how to deal with discounts which invariably they hate giving, having first decided your policy, your bottom line will definitely increase, you will not upset customers or lose sales and overall, your world and your wallet will be a better place. As I said; ’it’s all about how you do it’. Can you train your staff to smile as they say ‘no’? BIKEBIZ.COM
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BIKEBIZ AWARDS WINNERS Pre-Awards hob-nobbing at this year’s BikeBiz Awards
And your winners are… You lobbied in your hundreds for the BikeBiz Awards 2015 and our 70 trade judges had some tough decisions to make. BikeBiz rounds up the winners from the best-attended BikeBiz Awards yet… LAST MONTH almost 200 members of the cycle trade squeezed into the Crowne Plaza Hotel at Birmingham’s NEC to celebrate the achievements of the cycle retail industry. The room represented a real cross-section of the bicycle industry, from general managers of global distribution giants, international online retailer head honchos and representatives from the nation’s biggest cycle BIKEBIZ.COM
retailers to independent retailers, start-up brands, advocates and training companies, among many others. They were all there to see who had won the cycle industry prizes – the BikeBiz Awards – all lobbied for and judged by the trade themselves. In fact this year BikeBiz received more emails and calls lobbying to make companies finalists than ever before. And having two brand
new awards – for Breakthrough Brand and Cycle Cafe – opened up the awards to an ever broader cross-section of the UK cycle industry. Sadly they couldn’t all be winners. It was the job of 70 industry personnel to judge the awards, with people from right across the bike trade giving us their input and perspective. Thanks to our sponsors who made the 2015 Awards possible
– including Platinum Sponsor Cycleguard and the three Individual Award Sponsors: Cycle Republic, Rozone and Stique. A big thank you to everyone who came along on the night and also of course to everyone who took part in the lobbying and judging process. We’ll do it all over again next year, but until then, let’s celebrate the winners of the BikeBiz Awards 2015... www.bikebizawards.com BIKEBIZ NOVEMBER 23
BIKEBIZ AWARDS WINNERS INDUSTRY ROUND TABLE: BikeBiz gathers the industry together...
INDEPENDENT BIKE DEALER: TWEEKS CYCLES “Thank you all for voting for us, it’s a massive honour from our industry peers. This is really an award for our staff.” Simeon Pereira-Madder
SPECIALIST RETAILER: HARGROVES CYCLES
CYCLE CAFÉ: LOOK MUM NO HANDS
“It’s a privilege to be standing up here on behalf of Hargroves Cycles. A lot of people’s hard work went into this.”
“Brilliant. Thank you very much!” Sam Humpheson
Andy Hargroves
MAINSTREAM RETAILER: HALFORDS “We really appreciate this. It’s great to accept the award, especially on behalf of all our colleagues. Thank you.” Emma Thomas BIKEBIZ.COM
WORKSHOP SERVICES: JE JAMES “This really mean a lot. It shows that by offering a unique customer experience and service, local independent businesses can thrive and excel alongside national companies.” Mark James BIKEBIZ NOVEMBER 25
BIKEBIZ AWARDS WINNERS Over 70 trade judges honed down the hundreds of finalists
RETAIL EVENT: HARGROVES CYCLES: QE CYCLE FEST “Craig’s built this event for the last five years and it’s a weekend for people to have a lot of fun. Lots of people’s hard work goes into this. ” Andy Hargroves
IN-STORE EXPERIENCE: JE JAMES “We have invested quite heavily in the shops and improve them all the time. But it’s important to have the right staff too.” Chris James
ONLINE STORE: CHAIN REACTION CYCLES “To win this award is a huge privilege. It’s another proud moment in our company’s history.” Michael Cowan (award picked up by Simon Cordner)
Damian Mason picks up the award for Upgrade
BIKE DISTRIBUTOR: CYCLING SPORTS GROUP UK “It’s always nice to win these, thanks very much. Thanks to our fantastic staff and our great customers.” Russell Merry 26 BIKEBIZ NOVEMBER
P&A DISTRIBUTOR: UPGRADE BIKES “Making it four years straight that we have won an award, we are totally elated. It represents where we are and the hard work put into supporting our trade customers.” Rory Hitchens BIKEBIZ.COM
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BIKEBIZ AWARDS WINNERS Upgrade Bikes are all smiles for their latest BikeBiz Award
SPECIALIST DISTRIBUTOR: STORCK
“We’re incredibly proud of this award. It means a huge amount to both Trevor and I. We couldn’t have done it without the support of Markus and Helena Storck and our dealer partners.” Ian Hughes
BREAKTHROUGH BRAND: FABRIC
BIKE BRAND: LIV
“I want to say thank you to our fantastic team in Frome and to CSG’s support in helping us build the brand.”
“We’re delighted with the award, Liv is a young and exciting brand that is committed to women. Liv is empowering female cyclists.”
Nick Larsen
Collette Clensy
P&A BRAND: GIRO
SALES TEAM: ZYRO
“Thanks very much, it goes without saying there’s a lot of people behind the brand and thanks to the retailers who have supported Giro.”
“I want to say a real heartfelt thank you to everyone who voted for us.” Andy Budd
Jon Sherwood BIKEBIZ.COM
BIKEBIZ NOVEMBER 29
BIKEBIZ AWARDS WINNERS
MARKETING TEAM: MADISON/SPORTLINE “We’ve got a really talented marketing team here and it’s fantastic to work with them and be a part of that.” Mike Jenner
RETAILER SERVICES: CYCLESCHEME “Winning an award voted by your industry peers is always special and to consistently be recognised across the last four years for the value we bring is even more pleasing.” Daniel Gillborn Joe Green picks up the award for Sustrans
TRAINING: ATG TRAINING
ADVOCACY ACHIEVEMENT: SUSTRANS
“Thank you on behalf of everyone at ATG. Thanks to ActSmart too. We dedicate this award to Richard Smith who passed away tragically this year.”
“It’s immensely satisfying to be recognised, especially considering the shortlist. Sustrans staff and volunteers work tirelessly and this is a testament to their efforts.” Malcolm Shepherd
Jon Adams
THANKS TO OUR JUDGES Alan Rogan, ATB Sales
Gordon Way, UltraSport
Kimberley Keay, Pedal PR
Rory Hitchens, Upgrade Bikes
Alex Daw, Spin the Cycling Festival
Graeme Freestone King, Velotech Cycling
Lauren Vanderplank, Moore Large
Rozone
Andrew Budd, Zyro
Grant Hadwin, Citrus-Lime
Lee Wickens, Wickens & Soderstrom
Rule 5 Bikes
Andrew Hargroves, Hargroves Cycles
Gretta Cole, Velorution
Mark Alker, Singletrack
Russell Cutts, Russell’s Bicycle Shed
Anthony McCrossan, Cyclevox
Hannah Freudenberg, Polaris
Mark Almond, Red Cloud Marketing
Ruth Hargreaves, JD Tandems
Ben Hillsdon, Shimano
Iain Pollit-Walmsley, Coyote Sports
Martin Pounder, Merida
Sandra Corcoran, Pennine Cycles
Ben Sach, Mikes Bikes
Irene McAleese, See.Sense
Matt Skinner, Shift Active Media
Scott Dougal, British Cycling
Charles Foulks, Halfords
James Chamption, Madison
Matthew Barker, Zyro
Scott Hillyard, 2x2
Chris Needs, Derby Cycle
James Heath, UBYK
Mick Murphy, Mickey Cranks
Shelley Childs, Cambrian Tyres
Colin Rees, Quest
Jane Owens, SealSkinz
Nick Hussey, Vulpine
Shelley Lawson, Frog Bikes
Craig Surgey, Hargroves Cycles
Jo McAleer, Met
Nigel Moon, Specialized UK
Sian Emmison, Bobbin Bicycles
Cycleguard
Jon Sherwood, Zyro
Oliver Green, Polaris
Simon Ellison, Zyro
Dave Williams, JE Wiliams & Son
Jonathan Sharpe, CTC
Paul Varney, Black Rocks
Stephen Robinson, Maxxis
David Evans, Spin-PR
Julie Ellison, Zyro
Paul Wilson, Polaris
Steven Rutherford, North Sports UK
David Murray, CTC
Keith Bradley, KB Cycles
Peter Hodges, SweetSpot
Sue Coulson, Batribike
Dickon Hepworth, Jungle Products
Keith Murray, Scott Sports
Ray Wookey, Cycling Made Easy
Tom Hutton, MTB Guiding
Dom Mason, Mason Cycles
Kieran O’Shea, Decathlon
Richard Land, Wiggle
Trevor Hughes, Storck Raddar UK
30 BIKEBIZ NOVEMBER
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STATISTICS
18 Cycling is the number three ranked sport in the UK among under-18s and adults, behind swimming and running
Almost a fifth of the population have taken part in cycling in the last 12months
In the UK the participation rate for children is higher than for adults
1.84 million UK cyclists ride at least once a week
+35YRS
Almost 40% of UK cyclists are males over 35 32 BIKEBIZ NOVEMBER
Of the 8.7m cyclists in the UK 81% (or 7.08m) are adults
+80%
Road cycling is the most dominant form of the sport with over 80% of cyclists taking to the asphalt
The competitive & sportive cyclist is male dominated at over 80% BIKEBIZ.COM
STATISTICS
Bikes by numbers Who said the UK bike trade has no statistics? That would be us, but the lack of sales statistics doesn’t mean there aren’t any valuable numercial nuggets for the trade – this selection from Sports Marketing Surveys Inc...
40% 60%
The UK has 5.2m “core cyclists” (who cycle at least once a month) or 10.5%
The split of participants by gender is good for cycling and more evenly split than many sports, with a 60:40 male-female ratio
+35YRS
Cyclists are most likely to also participate in the triathlon sports of swimming, running and jogging; followed by skiing BIKEBIZ.COM
Almost a fifth of participants are females over 35
93% of cyclists list health and fitness as a reason for participating in the sport BIKEBIZ NOVEMBER 33
FUTURE CYCLES
The shop is a treasure trove of vintage bikes and P&A
Tim Hudson (right) is co-director of Future Cycles with Mark Gannon
BACK TO THE FUTURE Carlton Reid visits Future Cycles of Leicester, a social enterprise profiting from selling what the big boys don’t. BIKEBIZ.COM
FUTURE CYCLES of Leicester has carved out a niche selling refurbed vintage cycles and parts. It started life as a mechanics’ training scheme and also operates a seven-days-aweek cycle parking facility in Leicester’s Town Hall on behalf of the city’s council. Based in the cafe-and-boutique St Martin’s Square in the city centre Future Cycles is a social enterprise founded in 2010. It employs eight people, most of whom were previously long-term unemployed. It sells new bikes and modern accessories – there’s a huge wall of Muc-Off products, for instance – but it also thrives from selling
refurbished bicycles from the 1950s through to the 1980s, when British bicycles were made in Britain, and were built bombproof. The directors of the business are Tim Hudson and Mark Gannon. They have traded in the same premises since the beginning. “We started here six years ago,” said Gannon. “We started in this half of the shop, and later expanded. We started as training only – to keep hold of the premises we were told to pretend to be a shop. So we started pretending to sell things and it turned out we sold things and then more things. We ended up changing our training BIKEBIZ NOVEMBER 35
FUTURE CYCLES Since it opened six years ago, the shop has expanded in the unit next door
area to another location, and this shop became fully retail only. “We did well and started renting the unit next door, which had been empty. We had the wall knocked through. “About the same time we were asked by the city council to tender for taking on the Bike Park, a cycle parking facility.” Both sides of the business are close to each other, with repair jobs wheeled across from St Martin’s Square to the imposing Town Hall. (Leicester also has a City Hall – the city council runs both.) “We started out with me as the only full-time employee,” continued Gannon. “Now we have eight employees. Most of them have come to us from schemes for the long-term unemployed. “The niche we’re in is vintage refurbs, usually old three-speed bikes. We make them work, clean them and give them a bit of a polish. A lot of people would rather have a quality older bike than a new Bicycle Shaped Object from a supermarket. “We get them from a variety of sources, but mostly private collectors. There’s one chap we 36 BIKEBIZ NOVEMBER
know who’s got four barns full of thousands of bikes, including what must the country’s largest stockholding of Moultons. “Sometimes we get bikes in part exchange, and we also advertise the fact we’ll rescue old bikes. We call these “zombikes”, bikes brought back from the dead. It might not be economical for
get to us but we’re now mostly selling to people in Leicester. Occasionally we’ll eBay stuff if it’s of special interest or it’s something we’ve ended up with a lot of. So, if we’ve got five or six similar types of bicycles one or two may go on eBay. “We’ve found a niche where we don’t have to compete with the big
“How many bikes made now will be serviceable in 50 years?” Mark Gannon, Future Cycles customers to repair and refurbish these bikes themselves but we’ve got plenty of manpower thanks to the training schemes we run.” Unlike some other vintage refurbishment business which sell online, nationally and internationally, Future Cycles sells most of its vintage bikes in Leicester itself. “We mostly sell local,” said Gannon. “When the fixie craze was at its height we did get people travelling from all over the place to
boys. We have lots of hard-to-find stuff, things that you don’t find for sale much any more. Two glass cabinets either side of the shop are groaning with old parts, yet in surprisingly good condition, many of them still in original packaging. Price stickers on the parts demonstrate that this isn’t second-hand tat, it’s collectible parts and accessories. Placing his nose near the merchandise, Hudson said: “We’ve got some still-in-the-box Chater-
Lea cranksets, with chainrings that have never been mounted. “We’ve got boxed Campy pedals and Alfredo Binda leather toe-clip straps still in original packaging. We’ve got square-tapered bottom brackets. We’ve got a nice vintage Chorus bottom bracket, all still wrapped up; Pifco electric horns; Lucas dynamo lamps. “If people are doing their own vintage refurbs this is the kind of stuff they find very hard to get. On eBay you can’t see it properly, you can’t touch it. Here you can. We’re selling stuff you can’t buy on Wiggle or in Evans.” Gannon, a former semiprofessional rugby player, added: “We also sell new bikes. We sell more Dawes ladies bikes than we do gents.” “The old three-speeds are relatively maintainance free, they’re built like tanks and they go for ever. They were also made by people being paid a decent wage. If all you’re doing is pootling around town, or to and from university, they’re ideal. “How many bikes made today will still be serviceable in 50 years’ time?” BIKEBIZ.COM
INTERBIKE
Luckily this new wheel size was just for tourist photos...
That’s Intertainment From the rugged ridges of Bootleg Canyon to the far less terrifying Mandalay Convention Centre, Mark Sutton scours North America’s largest cycle trade showing and turns up plenty of interesting product and opportunity for transatlantic business…
Approximately 190 members of the media attended the 2nd annual Media Preview event on the eve of Interbike at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center. Thirty five brands, including Campagnolo, Cannondale, SRAM, 100 per cent, Rolf Prima, Pedego and more were on-hand to show their latest innovations at this private
Bootleg Canyon Demo attendance was FLAT, but it was evident retailers were there to ride, with empty racks almost immediately on both days. BIKEBIZ.COM
Retail store attendance rose 4% year on year. However, buyer attendance was slightly down.
The overall footprint at Interbike was approximately 328K net square feet, representing the largest show to date.
More than 35 brands had bikes available at The Circuit test track, and attendees made more than 5,200 visits to the track, completing over 8,700 individual test rides. BIKEBIZ NOVEMBER 39
INTERBIKE
NEWS SHORTS
EASTERN BIKES IS BACK BMX brand Eastern Bikes has been revived having closed up its operations late in 2014. The brand had a booth showing BMX bikes and pub-runner style big wheel BMXs at the show.
9POINT8 DROPPERS TO OFFER 200MM? Okay, so the 200mm dropper from 9Point8 isn’t set for production just yet, but Interbike was a platform for gauging interest in just how much travel is the ceiling. At present the firm has posts ranging 75mm to 150mm and claims their effort will become the lightest long-travel solution available if and when it comes to production. All 9Point8 posts are internally routed and mechanical. The firm is currently talking to distributors worldwide and could soon appear in the UK, with prices said to be “comparable” with other top-end dropper options.
MARZOCCHI STILL IN PRODUCTION, BUT SEEKING A BUYER No further progress at the time of writing on Marzocchi’s future, but the brand did confirm at Interbike, even with its presence there, that production is going ahead. There’s even some new product with an internally routed ‘Espresso’ dropper post joining the 2016 catalogue. This will be a closed air cartridge unit, set for availability in 30.9 and 31.6 diameters, both offering 125mm of travel. 40 BIKEBIZ NOVEMBER
NEW TRENDS? Pete Buhl, Beeline Bikes
Q MOBILE MECHANIC APPLICATIONS Touted as the ‘Uber of bike mechanics’, Pete Buhl’s Beeline Bikes business has in recent months seen an explosion of interest. (And it’s not the only mobile mechanic franchise current making waves, Veloyo already operates in Europe, including central London) “We’ve had 1,000 applicants in the US since June when we decided to franchise the business,” says Buhl. “Though we’ve only seven franchises currently on the road, those who have stumbled across us can see the sense in our model, especially at a time when direct sale brands are becoming so prominent. We’re looking at some ‘last mile’ deals with a number of labels at present.” Buhl’s model relies on a mobile application on which those who need repairs can schedule a driver within a certain radius to drop by to carry out the work. “A franchise agreement covers a specific territory,” explains Buhl. “It’s a quite comprehensive service even for the franchisee, with our own training camps ensuring everyone’s up to speed on the latest bike tech, as well as a link up with Ford to supply the fitted out European Transit van (24 feet long). We even handle the supply chain for spare and new parts, acting as a distributor in order to gain stronger trade prices, spanning over 80 key labels.”
Camelbak’s Palos 4LR
Kopin’s Solos smart glasses
The training supplied consists first of 30 hours of online tutoring, followed by a compulsory two weeks on site with Beeline’s own tutors. So, what are the costs involved? “It’s simple enough, there’s a $10,000 franchise fee upfront that covers training. The vehicle and fitting come in between $40/50,000. Once set up Beeline takes an eight per cent royalty on topline revenue, the rest is the franchisees’. Applicants can apply at beelinebikes. com/franchise.” When probed on international expansion, Buhl said: “It’s not out of the question down the line.” Q SMART GLASSES 2016 will probably mark the year where consumers begin to put aside early adopter fears and splash some cash on wearable tech. It’s become a whole lot more appealing too, with Recon’s Intel acquisition resulting in a whopping £220 price cut. Existing customers who paid full price will even be reimbursed the difference with proof of purchase. The Jet now retails at just £359.99, making it seem great value when you consider it’ll display any info your cycle computer can and with free shades. Kopin chose Interbike to show of its entry into the smart glasses arena. Already a developer for military applications, Kopin’s Solos glasses are claiming to be the world’s smallest and lightest Smart Glasses.
Using a microscopic height adjustable Vista display, the right eye has easy, yet unobtrusive, access to key information, ranging ride data, to mobile app information. Though just 4mm, the tiny projector casts a virtual 5-inch display when the glasses are worn. Like Recon’s Jet product, the Solos uses ANT+ connectivity that will talk to smartphones and devices. Furthermore, a tiny speaker near the ear will adjust volume in accordance with the ambient noise around you. Q ENDURO BUMBAGS Camelbak reckons there will be plenty more of these packs on the trail in years to come and has brought to market their own take. The Palos 4LR is a lightweight alternative to the backpack that will give the rider a 1.5 litre capacity bladder, with the remaining 2.5 litres dedicated to storage. A clip out tool section adds to its appeal. Q DROPPER POSTS FOR CYCLOCROSS AND BEYOND? Droppers are useful for any occasion where you’re descending and so it’s little surprise to note a few brands moving into cyclocross adjustable posts. KS is one such label, introducing the Zeta remote post for cyclocross and road – first in 30.9 and 31.6, but soon also in 27.2.
KS’s Zeta dropper for CX
BIKEBIZ.COM
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The high quality single freewheel, is available in 1/8”and 3/32” versions and from 16 to 22 teeth.
matching colour single cranksets available
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A one stop shop for all parts and accessories. As well as offering the usual children’s bikes to mountain, touring, city, BMX, men’s bikes, women’s bikes, sports bikes and specialist lightweight racing thoroughbreds. We also offer an extensive range of parts and accessories from brakes, bottles and baskets to wheels and workshop equipment.
claudbutler.co.uk
BIKEBIZ.COM
Claud Butler creates all these and more, and into each go the care and craftsmanship you would expect from a company with over a century of experience, an enviable reputation for quality and an Olympic pedigree. Telephone 01652 656 000 for our latest catalogues
BIKEBIZ XXXXXXX XX
INTERBIKE
INNOVATION Precision derailleur adjustment with Otto
Elastomers inside Redshift’s new vibration dampening stem
Vittoria’s new ‘carbon tyres’
An Interbike favourite - the new 429SL
Lifebeam tech is now available aftermarket via Lazer.
Q OTTO This one’s not necessarily particularly trade relevant (assuming your mechanics have proper training), but if you’ve a customer who insists upon doing their own work, recommend them Otto’s derailleur alignment tool. Using an app, the camera and a plastic wedge, the app can determine to the finest of margins how far each screw on the rear of the derailleur needs to be turned to achieve perfect shifting. The kit, including free app, will retail at $39 and “covers 95 per cent of the 9,10 and 11 speed cassettes on the market”. Q REDSHIFT We flagged Redshift last year for the firm’s innovative efforts to give time trialists greater versatility in their riding position via a dual position seatpost – soon also to become available in carbon. This year is much the same story. Enter the Shockstop Stem, an elastomer clad unit that will absorb BIKEBIZ.COM
the small and more importantly large impacts like potholes. Already Kickstarter-funded and with sales tied up on the booth at Interbike, Redshift offer various densities of elastomer so you can fine tune the comfort. 90, 100, 110 and 120mm lengths are set to land by April. What’s more, shops can take stock of Redshift products direct from the source via sales@ redshiftsports.com. Q VITTORIA Vittoria now has carbon fibre bike tyres. Well, sort of. Dubbed Graphene Plus, the new line from the rubber label utilises a thin, almost transparent layer of carbon in the structure. Why, I hear you ask? The compound apparently offers a ten per cent better heat dissipation, is 15 per cent lighter and has 26 per cent more material strength. If you’re doing bunny hops or hitting potholes regularly, a 18 per cent improved impact strength is also part of the package. With all things
considered, Vittoria say these roll faster than any tyre they’ve made previously, saving 32 seconds over 50 kilometers at 10 watts of power in a test against its nearest rivals. Graphene is said to be the lightest material known to man, so stick that feather in your weight weenie customer’s cap. Q PIVOT 429 SL Scooping the Interbike ‘Mountain Bike of the Year’ award, the Mach 429SL is Pivot’s new DW Link based full suspension platform that the label are describing as the more affordable baby of the Mach 4 and 6. The brand expects this to be its best seller in 2016. Both 27.5 and 29-inch versions are to be available, depending on the size chosen. Q LAZER LIFEBEAM AFTERMARKET Lifebeam, the bio-sensing headbelt that has in the past only featured on select Lazer helmets, is now set for aftermarket availability through the
brand. Retrofittable to any Lazer helmet with the right channels (you could probably sneak it onto many more lids on the market), the headbelt is the brainchild of an Isreali company that began life reading the vital signs of pilots, astronauts and special forces personnel. The unit features an optical sensor that picks up blood flow measurements at the forehead and according to the brand, will in the near future be able to read nutrition levels on the move before recommending exactly when to up your dose. A transmitter stored at the rear of the helmet relays that data back to you via bluetooth or Ant+, meaning it’s compatible with phones, Garmins and much more. The unit will run for around 14-16 hours per charge. Within Lazer’s own portfolio, the tech will be fitted to the high-end Z1 road lid, the mid-level Genesis and in the near future the Blade and Magma entry-level helmets. BIKEBIZ NOVEMBER 43
INTERBIKE
BRANDS SEEKING UK DISTRIBUTION Swiftwick is a compression specialist
Coast cycles Quinn ‘cargobike’
Brooklyn Bicycle Co
Ellsworth is looking at a UK return
Q COAST CYCLES Impressing us with its short wheelbase take on a cargo bike, Singapore’s Coast Cycles have quite a variety of bikes on offer for everything from commuting, road and various takes on mountain biking. It was The Quinn that caught our eye, however. With a 1.5 metre wheelbase, this unusual take on handling your cargo will fit into most lifts, perhaps making it the only cargo bike suitable for those in blocks of flats. It’s belt driven for low maintenance, utilising a Nexus 3-speed hub. Things get really interesting at the frame, which has a split top tube capable of housing a decent sized messenger bag without interfering with your pedal stroke. On the down tube there’s mounts for an X-Bionic motor, should the customer fancy pedal assist too. It’s already won a Red Dot Design Award, so expect to see this label cropping up more in the future. Q SWIFTWICK Everyone loves a ‘performance 44 BIKEBIZ NOVEMBER
enhancing sock’ and US-Based Swiftwick is currently without UK representation. That’s something they’d like to change. 98 per cent sourced in the States, the compression sock label blends nylon and olefin hydroplastic to create a sock that ‘mechanically wicks moisture’. We didn’t quite understand that bit either, but it seems to work – our samples have come out of the wash almost dry. What’s more, the brand is highly environmentally conscious, using no chemicals at any stage of the process, even during colouring. Q ELLSWORTH Describing Germany and the UK as key areas to re-establish itself, Ellsworth is keen to get back on the map in Europe. With a two year goal to bring all of its production back to its US base, the brand even spoke of plans to bring carbon manufacture back on-site. When it does finally return, the brand will be a very different animal to its prior stint here, with the introduction of gravel bikes from this month, as
well as a mountain bike line focused around 27.5, plus size tyres and 29ers. Q BROOKLYN BICYCLE CO Ryan Zagata’s stylish city bike label Brooklyn Bike Co has always been an independent dealer-only label and now they’ve eyes for the UK market. The budget friendly to mid-level catalogue has a good base, with all bikes boasting sealed bearing hubs, puncture resistant tyres and some nice design details throughout. The range even tilts slightly in favour of women’s builds if there’s a gap on your shop floor. The brand estimates that 70 per cent of its range are for ladies. What’s more, it’s not just bikes, much of the accessories adorning the bikes come aftermarket, including stylish luggage crates, grips and soon bags. Q K’UL CHOCOLATE Sports nutrition is undoubtedly tastier than it has been in the past, but it’s still no chocolate. Except
now it is, with Miniapolis label K’ul debuting its take on tasty body boosters at Interbike. K’ul (the Mayan word for energy) sources its product from Ecuadorian farms and is keen to reposition chocolate as a superfood. Six flavours are already available from the start up company – packing in blends of real fruit, nuts and much more. Tailored for athletes, the packaging is airtight and waterproof and designed for convenience on the move. If it melts, there’s even a slit opening to squeeze out the goodness. And yes, it’s delicious. Q MONKEY FINGERS An interesting accessory this one. Essentially just a tough bungee cord, the innovation is all in the attached bracket, which allows the cord 6 to 60-inch adjustability. It might come in handy as an add-on sale to some bike racks or as extra security for luggage carriage. 100 bungee POS units are available and the firm is open to either distribution or dealer-direct enquiries. BIKEBIZ.COM
Find your Funkier stockist at- www.bob-elliot.co.uk or contact us belowsales@bob-elliot.co.uk, TEL- 01772459887
VVLS08
VVLS3203
VVLS09
VLS09 1000 Lumen Rechargeable LED Front Light
VVLS3110
VLS08 2000 Lumen Rechargeable LED Front Light
“SolarRide� Hybrid Solar Powered LED Front Light
3 CreeŽ LED Wide Angle 220° Rear Light
ANOTHER EXCLUSIVE BRAND FROM GREYVILLE Technically right up there with the best, Velomann Lights include some really advanced features such as Hybrid Solar Power, 220 Degree Lighting and CreeÂŽ LEDs. This extensive range of lights are available ex stock via our easy to use B2B ordering system.
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0845 1661983
www.greyville.com
sales@greyville.com
Bike Frame Stickers Visit our new website
Get your name around, remind your customers where they bought their bike or accessories and where to take it for a service. Any size, shape up to 60x40mm, 1-3 colours include laminate so no scratching. 500 ÂŁ92 1000 ÂŁ120 2000 ÂŁ165 Origination ÂŁ30
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www.cycle-world.co.uk Serviced By -
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LONGHAM, 01202 590414 RINGWOOD, 01425 470835
Sales - Service - Setup - Repairs
Gomm Road, High Wycombe, Bucks, HP13 7DJ
Telephone: (44) (0) 1494 530761 email: sales@adcal-labels.co.uk
adcal-labels.co.uk/labels/bicycle-retailers
Produc t Code
03028
RETAIL ONLY THE TRADE’S GUIDE TO SOURCING STOCK, UP-AND-COMING IBDS AND THE VERY LATEST PRODUCTS
RETAIL
STATS
30 The number of days new consumer protection measures allow a customer to return faulty goods.
TIPPING POINT FOR BIG CHANGES? OPINION ONE MONTH, three trade shows, spanning Friedrichshafen to Las Vegas and wrapping up domestically in the Midlands (more on that one on page 14). It’s an intense period at any level of the chain, with retail trying to squeeze the last few sales out of summer and simultaneously prepping for Christmas, while the rest of us often have to think even further ahead. But there’s one inescapable topic at present, that’s cropped up almost globally on our travels and that’s the ongoing speculation over what the future of the cycling business BIKEBIZ.COM
looks like from various perspectives. Many that I’ve conversed with on planes, trains and in media lounges are nodding toward Trek’s recent announcement perhaps as a tipping point in how online and bricks and mortar will finally get along. (Trek weren’t the first to roll out Click and Collect, but chatter seems to have intensified since John Burke’s speech to US dealers). Trek’s President indicated the strategy has been on the radar for
“One of my father’s business maxims was we play offense.” some time, telling a gathered crowd “One of my father’s business maxims was, ‘we play offense.’ So, we sat around and watched the online thing and that’s been OK — it’s been a great learning experience. Now it’s time for us to play.” That statement alone, paired with similar moves from other labels
suggests we’re in another period of rapid change to meet modern buying habits. As with past goal post shifts, those that move with the times and react fastest tend to be those that thrive. Having a USP above and beyond also helps. Some of the most impressive and often successful retail businesses we’ve seen in recent times have seemingly gone into the future and forged buying fashions and offshoot business trends all of their own accord. One of the more intriguing offshoots I’ve stumbled across of late is the Veloyo and Beeline Bikes services. Think Uber, but franchised for bike repair. This is of course a potential threat to a retailer’s often lucrative workshop business, but could also be viewed as an opportunity as these firm’s territories are still small. Read about Beeline within this month’s Interbike report (page 43). I’m interested in your thoughts on the recent changes, so please feel free to share your perspective via msutton@nbmedia.com
0.2% The rise in retail sales during August, according to the Office of National Statistics.
E-bike section: p51 NEW PRODUCTS: A round-up of some new cycle products available this month.
p48 SECTOR GUIDE: Bottles and cages p54 SECTOR GUIDE: Stocking fillers p58 SECTOR GUIDE: Triathlon gear p67 BIKEBIZ NOVEMBER 47
RETAIL ONLY
NEW PRODUCTS
From colour refreshes to technological upgrades and another spin on the wearable bike lock product from Hiplok, allow BikeBiz to take you through some of the latest arrivals in the market…
WAHOO ELEMNT GPS COMPUTER kevin@wahoofitness.com
BERN WATTS HELMET SPLIT COLOUR UltraSport Europe
Fitness app and equipment specialist Wahoo has diversified with its first GPS cycle computer, dubbed the Elemnt. The computer packs ANT+, Bluetooth Smart, and WiFi connectivity that allows riders to view key ride metrics, navigate a route, track fellow riders’ locations in real-time as
HAVING CEMENTED itself as one of the UK’s favourite commuter lids, Bern has expanded the colour palate available in the Watts range. The low profile head protection comes in three shell sizes and fit is customised with the micro adjustable ‘Crank Fit’ system. Certified for bike, snow
and skate, the Watts will fit a wide profile of customer. For colder days, simply snap out the washable summer liner and pop in the optional Winter knit for optimal warmth.
114.3 mm
well as receive en-route call, text and email notifications, all on its large-format, highcontrast display. The Elemnt’s innovative QuickLook LED indicators provide visual indicators for critical alerts and data. Fully programmable, the indicators can be set to display speed, heart rate and more.
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68 05
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MIO CYCLO 200 Raleigh Revealed at Eurobike, the latest addition to the Mio catalogue is the Cyclo 200, retailing at £149.99. Water resistant and with ten hours of performance per charge, the 200 offers turn-by-turn GPS, a ‘Surprise me’ option that will choose a route for your customer 48 BIKEBIZ NOVEMBER
HIPLOK FLX Fisher Outdoor Leisure at random and pre-installed OpenStreetMaps. The device sports a 3.5-inch flat screen and intuitive interface with six large buttons. Via the desktop application the user can manage route history and share with friends. This tool also allows the user to download routes and search for tracks.
Need a lock for your 100 mile epic, but don’t want something that’ll give you back problems? Hiplok’s new FLX might be just the trick. As with other security from the brand, this cable lock is wearable – easily clipping to a jersey pocket. That’s far from all though – the brand has snuck in a cheeky
LED light making it worthy of any quick café-to-café jaunt. Hiplok also added Superbright covers to its chain product, which when struck by headlights will glow an eyecatching bright white.
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Sponsored by
ELECTRIC BIKES
WHERE’S THE MONEY GOING?
Electric cash goes to delivery firm Outspoken goes electric in Norwich and Cambridge to electrify bike delivery service OUTSPOKEN DELIVERY is going electric thanks to a cash injection from the Department for Transport. Outspoken Delivery – a firm using cargo bikes and electric vehicles to make deliveries fast, efficiently and with low impact on the environment – is to use the new funding to bring electric assist cargo bikes into its fleets in two of the three locations it operates in (Cambridge and Norwich – it also operates in Glasgow). The cargo e-bikes will mean the firm can use bikes for more of its growing workload as well as hire them out to locals and businesses put off by the high costs of electrically assisted cargo bikes. “Now we’ve got electric assisted cargo bikes we can make more deliveries by bike,” director Rob King told BikeBiz. “But we don’t use the bikes all the time, so we can also offer them out to hire to locals and businesses, giving them chance to try them. “They’re expensive and large so not everyone has space to house them. Someone could hire them weekly to do their food shop.” BIKEBIZ.COM
Outspoken also runs training courses and won a Landor Cycle Planning Award for ‘best behaviour change campaign’ for Bikeability Plus in Peterborough. It works with businesses too – and it plans to use those links for the hire service. “There’s a real appetite for what we do. It’s our tenth anniversary and we’ve grown every year and expanded into Glasgow and Norwich. Business is strong but it took a while for companies to understand what we can offer
through online shopping and the last mile of delivery is a big headache for them.” Which is where Outspoken comes in: “We’re low impact and we drive down emissions. “It’s really exciting. It’s a young industry. Some of these cargo e-bikes are like family cars.” King isn’t kidding – one of the three models Outspoken is bringing in is the Radkutsche Musketier – a cargo trike that can carry up to 300kg (661pounds). “It’s so big
“There’s huge potential. We’re talking to big logistics firms.” Rob King, Outspoken them. Now our local businesses get it and we handle around 10,000 packages a month in Cambridge alone. This is likely to grow considerably with the new bikes. “There’s huge potential. We’re talking to big logistics firms at the moment. There’s a lot of volume
you could do a student flat move in one go,” King explains, handy for student hot spots Norwich and Cambridge. Outspoken is also bringing in Copenhagen’s Butchers & Bicycles cargo trike and the twowheeled cargo bike Maderna Truck. www.outspokendelivery.co.uk
34 FULL bids were received by the Carplus Shared Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle (EAPC) Programme, funded by the Department for Transport. The cash is intended to support e-bike schemes with a view to develop new products and the potential for shared electric bike schemes – particularly in hilly towns and cities where riding bikes is more challenging. Also in their sights were tourist areas, low income districts where electric bikes could provide transport and hire bikes to encourage people onto bikes for the first time. Among the successful schemes were: z Bristol: 24 e-bikes at four workplace hubs in self service card opened bike lockers, available to employees in office hours and residents for weekends and evenings. z Exeter: 22 e-bikes at railway stations integrated with business parks. z Oxford: adding 16 e-bikes to the popular one way bike hire scheme run by Hourbike run with Oxfordshire Council. z Ryedale: providing 12 e-bikes for tourists exploring the areas of Malton, Pickering and the Howardian Hills. z Rotherham: Expansion of 70 electric bikes to the Journey Matters bike scheme. z Isle of Wight: 25 Red Squirrel Bikes e-bikes located at visitor centres in Newport, Ryde and Cowes for tourists and public sector employees. z Hebden Bridge: 15 e-bikes including cargo bikes for residents, local businesses and tourists to hire from the Hebden Bridge Alternative Energy Centre. z Housing developments: 18 electric bikes at trial sites in Sustainable Ventures in the east of England. z Eastbourne: 20 e-bikes connecting the hilly route between Brighton University and Eastbourne railway station. z Plymouth and surrounding area: Adding 20 electric bikes to a hire fleet of 60 bikes aimed at tourists. BIKEBIZ NOVEMBER 51
Sponsored by
ELECTRIC BIKES
E-bikes rescue motorbike brand CLASSIC MOTORBIKE brand Francis-Barnett closed its factory doors in Coventry 50 years ago but thanks to e-bike company Batribike the brand has returned to the city in electric bike form. Launched as the Coventry Transport Museum last month, the Francis-Barnett vintage-style e-bike features heritage green paint work and retails at £1,499. The project has been two years in the making and the bikes are being handfinished in Lincolnshire. “Our design team has worked hard to ensure every detail of the bike honours the vintage styling and values of Francis-Barnett’s wonderful machines of yester-year,” said Batribike MD Steve Coulson. “Francis-Barnett was known for its stylish, yet unfailing workmanlike machines that would be built to both make a design statement and reliably get you to work on time. We really wanted to incorporate both the design and steadfast reliability into our new bike, and the result has surpassed all of our wildest dreams.” Francis-Barnett was a Coventrybased, British motorcycle manufacturer founded in 1919,
The team launched the bike with a nostalgic show
by Gordon Inglesby Francis and Arthur Barnett, developing a range of bikes, the last of which left the factory in 1966. Andrew Longfield, the new owner of the Francis-Barnett brand, added; “Seeing this amazing brand be brought right into the 21st Century, whilst maintaining the heart and soul of the original company,
has been a dream come true. The team at Batribike have done an incredible job.” Available at independent e-bike and bike retailers across the UK, the new vintage Francis-Barnett electric bike costs £1,499. With a maximum speed of up to 15.5 mph (25 km/h), the new bike can reach between 28 and 60 miles depending on the
level of pedal assist selected. Built with a strong aluminium alloy frame, seven speed Shimano Nexus Hub Gears, 26-inch Puncture Resist Tyres, in-built security through Datatag UV “Stealth” PRO Cycle System and finished with quality vintage accessories, the brand said. www.batribike.com 01427 787774
Whyte now backing electric A FIRST foray into electric bikes comes from Whyte, with the debut of a Shimano Steps mid-motor clad build at the Cycle Show. Dubbed the Coniston, a men’s and women’s frame are available, both selling at retail for £1,999. Whyte has put its own spin on the build, moving the motor over to allow better drivetrain alignment, offering a 1x10 set up that should shift very smoothly.
The Coniston is available in men’s and women’s frames
52 BIKEBIZ NOVEMBER
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BOTTLES AND CAGES
Fluid logistics Bottles and their cages are simple products. Sometimes they’re thrown at customers as a cheap add-on, while others are sold as the must-have hydration accessory. Mark Sutton rounds up everything from the cheap and cheerful to the techy and lightweight
PALIGAP 0844 811 2001 Canada’s Axiom Gear makes a full range of quality cages to suit all budgets. From a simple composite cage, through to the minimalist stainless steel model. With great margins on all Axiom products, and many unique designs, Axiom has every base covered from commuting to world-wide touring.
CHICKEN
GREYVILLE
01525 381347
01543 251328
The Zefal Pulse Fibre Glass cage is flexible and resistant, perfectly holding bottles over the roughest of terrains thanks to a re-enforced polyamide structure. Retailing at £5.99, the Pulse Fibre is available in eight colours and with strong dealer margin.
The UP2U Bottle Cage from T-One is an excellent example of the imaginative design now coming from the T-One’s R & D department. The action’s in the name – it’s up to you how to use. Bottle can be placed in conventional vertical position or by reversing the cage 180 degrees the bottle can slot in from either left or right. In addition the height is adjustable for a convenient fit whatever the frame size.
MOORE LARGE
MADISON
01332 274200
01908 326000
The perfect add on sale with any bike purchase, One23’s resin Fluid cage is just £6.99 and has curves to complement any modern bike design. Black, blue and red shades are available via Moore Large.
One of the more interesting options for lugging fluid around is Elite’s Candea – a bottle that incorporates a low energy MicroLED. Upping any cyclist’s side visibility, this 650ml unit is a no brainer if your customer’s after something a little different from the boring bottle.
54 BIKEBIZ NOVEMBER
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BOTTLES AND CAGES
OXFORD
PETER DOBBS
01993 862 300
01482 224 007
Among the cheapest bottles on the market and offering a large volume 750ml serving, Oxford’s Hydra750 comes in at just £4.99. This, paired with the £6.99 Hydra Cage, will see your customer kitted out for little over a tenner. The composite cage weighs in at 34 grams, so despite the low price it won’t be weighing anyone down...
Custom printer Peter Dobbs has plenty for the cycle trade and one such promotional item is the water bottle – available in three styles – 500ml, 750ml finger grip and 750ml teardrop style. These are all available in various colours and able to be custom printed for your business here in the UK. Custom quantities start at just 50 units.
FISHER OUTDOORS
UPGRADE
01727 798345
01403 711 611
If your customer considers their bike a ‘weapon’ for races, then they’re going to need the fastest looking and lightest gear around. Step in Zipp with its 18 gram SL Speed carbon cage. Optimised for both side or top entry, it’s ideal for eyes on the road cycling.
Leyzne’s Flow Cage SL is a composite matrix cage with a design optimised for loading a bottle from right or left side, specific to the cage. The low profile design and ovalised mounting holes make this cage ideal for compact frames with minimal bottle clearance.
WILDOO
01908 374555
For over 12 years Wildoo has been the exclusive UK supplier of custom printed premium cycling bottles made by EU-Bottle. The range now includes the Classic, Bigmouth, Max and Promo series in a range of colours and sizes. The minimum order quantity is just 150 pieces with a typical order lead-time of four to six weeks.
56 BIKEBIZ NOVEMBER
ZYRO 01325 741200 Considered one of the market’s top performance options, the 2016 Podium from Camelbak improves again, with fresh design and four new children’s versions. A combination of the spillproof lockable Jet Valve and Hydroguard protected bottle make this a cyclist favourite.
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STOCKING FILLERS
2PURE
ASS SAVER
ASSOS
www.2pure.co.uk
ass-savers.com
www.assos.com
The Axiom Corker is a compact mini tool featuring 10 tools (including a corkscrew), while the rosewood siding give it a weathered, vintage look.
Ass Savers are hot on collaborations and their latest is with women’s cycle channel Voxwomen. 100 per cent of proceeds go to the channel and Iris.
It wouldn’t be Christmas without Chamois Creme, right? This helps prevent bacterial and fungal infections on the skin. Merry Christmas!
CORDEE
DAWES CYCLES
ENDURA
01455 611 185
0121 748 8050
www.endurasport.com
Velopress’ Fat Tire Flyer is by one of the founding fathers of mountain biking – Charlie Kelly – who guides readers through the rise of MTBs.
This retro puncture kit comes in a steel tin, packed with tyre levers, patches (six), glue and sandpaper. Dawes also has Floral bells under the £20 limit.
In the bleak midwinter it’s blummin’ cold, so how about these Xtract Armwarmers, available in high-vis green, yellow or pink.
FISHER OUTDOOR LEISURE
HELP FOR HEROES
I-RIDE
b2b.fisheroutdoor.co.uk
www.horizonsocks.co.uk
www.i-ride.co.uk
The Wash, Protect, Lube Kit can be a handy hint to a loved one that their bike doesn’t necessarily have to squeak/be caked in mud all the time.
These Help for Heroes socks feature Airtex cool vent tech for breathability and Coolmax padding to keep feet dry. Available via Horizon.
The E-Version multi-tool is CNC machined with tool bits made from chrome vanadium. 15 functions are packed in to this handy bit of kit.
58 BIKEBIZ NOVEMBER
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STOCKING FILLERS
BIKEREGISTER
BUFF
CHICKEN
www.bikeregister.com
www.buffera.co.uk
chickenb2b.co.uk
The bike marking scheme now has some options for bike shops to stock, including Permanent and Covert marking kits.
There are retro prints and many more on offer from Buff, pictured here in its Microfibre Hat product, featuring Merino wool and Polartec.
This natty Vittoria Corsa CX Belt comes with a Zip Bottle in an ideal Christmas package. There’s a 27.5+ version in the works, probably.
Killer stocking fillers EXTRA UK
The majority of bike shops are planning to bring in extra stocking fillers product options ahead of Christmas. Jonathon Harker takes a look at what will be in cyclists’ stockings this Yule-tide...
www.extrauk.co.uk Rattling can drive you mad in the saddle, but help is at hand with RRP’s Valveguards, which promise to eliminate the pesky noise.
ISON
JIMBAG
KATIE’S BIKES
www.ison-distribution.com
www.jimbag.co.uk
katiesbike@gmail.com
Surly’s Jethro Tule is crafted from stainless steel, polished to a high lustre, with an offset box wrench and leverage-enhanced bottle opener.
Made in Great Britain and established in Manchester, JimBag has a range that includes the eye-catching Duffel.
Katie’s Bikes has jewellery made from bike chains for men and women, like the Play Hard bracelet (£15) and the Simple Links Earrings (£15).
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BIKEBIZ NOVEMBER 59
STOCKING FILLERS
RALEIGH
MADISON
MOORE LARGE
www.raleigh.co.uk
www.madisonb2b.co.uk
www.moorelarge.co.uk
It’s a Christmas faux pas to not buy socks for at least someone, so why not these from Lusso, retailing at £8.99, with lycra support for the arch.
The Infini Wukong looks amphibian or extra terrestrial, but either way the two LED unit is a handy light that is ideal for kid’s bikes.
If it isn’t cold by Christmas, you can guarantee it will be by January, so these Outeredge M470 gloves will be welcome additions to a cycle stocking.
MUC OFF
OXFORD
PETER DOBBS DESIGN
Via Fisher
www.oxprod.com
01482 224007
Encourage customers to keep their loved ones smelling sweetly with Foam Fresh, ideal for helmet liners or soft material that touches sweaty folk.
The Ultratorch 100 is a USB rechargeable headlight that features tough alloy construction and four modes to play with.
Peter Dobbs Design and Print Services has a wide range of promo items to help drive systems, like a no-brainer voucher and card for cycle nuts.
PRIMAL ARM2
SILVERFISH
SMALL PICTURES
www.primaleurope.com
www.silverfish-uk.com
www.smallpicturesandprojects.co.uk
Primal’s Kismet women’s arm wamers RRP at £20, proving you can be stylish while fending off the bitter, bitter cold of winter time.
The RaceFace beer hammock carries six standard drinks cans (it doesn’t have to be beer, you lush) in a handy hammock-style carrier.
Small Pictures has a wealth of stocking fillers, including the Bikesexual mug (pictured) for £9 and the Psyclepath Framed Print (£19.95).
60 BIKEBIZ NOVEMBER
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Cycleguard Partnership scheme – sign up today! Keep your customers cycling… and more importantly keep them cycling with you. Our goal, like yours, is to keep our customers happy, and cyclists cycling. At Cycleguard we arrange insurance cover for thousands of cyclists, and over the past 15 years we have worked hand in hand with hundreds of Independent Bike Dealers just like yourself. Contact us today and find out more about our Insurance Partnership Scheme:
cycleguardsupport@thistleonline.co.uk
01452 222120 Cycleguard is a trading style of Thistle Insurance Services Limited. Lloyd’s Broker. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority A JLT Group Company. Registered office: The St Botolph Building, 138 Houndsditch, London EC3A 7AW. Registered in England No 00338645. BIKEBIZ.COM BIKEBIZ XXXXXXX XX VAT No. 244 2321 96.
Are you fed up with online price shagging? Our brands are not for sale online so you keep your margins Dealers sought for:
Please contact us: Impact Cycle Trading Ltd 0208 123 5314
info@impactct.co.uk
STOCKING FILLERS
SNUGPAK
SUNWISE
UPGRADE
www.snugpak.com
www.sunwise.co.uk
www.upgradebikes.co.uk
Snugpak’s Microfibre Antibacterial Travel Towel now comes in ‘blaze orange’ in addition to the current olive and blue, in two sizes.
British eyewear brand Sunwise has the ‘Breakout Turquoise’ sunglasses. They’re impact and water resistant with a light and flexible frame.
Lezyne’s Classic Pedal Rod is a workshop-quality offering with two 15mm offset wrench openings, and of course there’s a bottle opener too.
VAUDE
WHITBY AND CO.
BOBBIN BICYCLES
www.vaude.com
www.whitbyandco.co.uk
Via Moore Large
Vaude claims this is the lightest saddle bag on the market. We’ve not been around with the scales, but at 39gms it is in with a shout at the title (£10).
Nite Ize’s Buglight has up to 22 hours battery time to pump out the LED light – effective up to 50 feet and with a one mile visibility, we’re told.
Bobbin’s expanded accessory line has a number of Stocking Filler items like its many bells, which may or may not jingle festively.
WILDOO
X-BIONIC
ZYRO
www.wildoo.co.uk
www.x-bionic.com
www.zyrob2b.co.uk
VeloPac’s range of PhonePacs and Musettes has been updated, with a clear window for photos now on the PhonePac2 (£6.50).
The black front section of these X-Bionic socks connects with the widemesh airconditioning channel, cleverly boosting ventilation to the feet.
Genuine Innovations’ Hammerhead Inflator is a kit bag essential, while CatEye’s Loop 2 lights both come under the £20 stocking filler threshold.
BIKEBIZ.COM
BIKEBIZ NOVEMBER 63
New cycling show launching in Scotland! STS
I L C Y C L L A R O F T I S I V T S U AM WHEN: March 11-13, SECC Glasgow Over 100 exhibitors & great show deals Indoor road & mountain bike tracks Exclusive kids’ test track Show theatre, stunt displays and lots, lots more
PERFECT DAY OUT FOR ALL CYCLING ENTHUSIASTS Log on now to register your interest
www.scrops.co.uk To find out about exhibiting at the show call Ross on 0141 353 2222
TRIATHLON
Tri, tri again There’s plenty of triathlon TV coverage aerodynamically cutting into the schedules, no doubt bolstering interest in the sector. Jonathon Harker looks at some of the tri gear available to stock...
WHAT ABOUT THE INSURANCE? Now your customer’s got the triathlon bikes and gear, what about protecting those purchases? Over to Triathlonguard: “Introducing Triathlonguard, a leading brand in the provision of specialist insurance for triathletes, designed by triathletes, and a sister brand to Cycleguard Insurance. “Our close consultation with triathletes, including British professional Harry Wiltshire, as well as those in the triathlon industry, has helped us to develop an insurance solution to meet the needs of the UK’s triathletes. “Triathlonguard’s range of flexible cover options also means you can create the cover you
CHICKEN CYCLEKIT
EXTRA UK
chickenb2b.co.uk
www.extrauk.co.uk
Selle Italia’s Iron Tekno Flow saddle has been around a while, sporting a revolutionary design developed with pro riders, which positions riders further forward and gives greater pressure relief for longer events. The honeycomb centre section is designed to provide ventilation to dry out your shorts to give optimum comfort and the thinner nose gives more thigh clearance.
Fizik’s Tritone 5.5 saddle aims to improve performance on any triathlon or time trial bike, designed specifically to increase hip rotation and help performance when in an aerodynamic position on the bike. The comfort of this nose-less saddle is derived from specificallydeveloped foam density and the front indentation. The carbon braided rail reduces weight and ups stiffness.
MAXXIS
MET
www.maxxis.co.uk
www.met-helmets.com
The Maxxis Padrone TR is constructed with a carbon fibre bead for the all-important secure seating on the wheels. The Padrone TR can be set up as a tubed or tubeless option. Featuring ONE70 technology providing the user with one hundred and seventy tpi, the weight comes in ready for a triathlon, at 260g for a 700x23c.
The Drone is Met’s 100th helmet. Inspired by jet aerodynamics, it brings a saving of 10 watts at 50km/h, we’re told, compared to its predecessor. Met also provides the open aero road helmet Rivale, saving 3 watts at 50km/h and weighing 230g for the medium. Then there’s the Manta HES, with strategically placed Airflow Converge vents and NACA crown vents to keep heads cool.
BIKEBIZ.COM
want. Allowing you to train and compete, whether in the UK or abroad, with the peace of mind that your kit is protected, making life easier. “For a quote or to find out more visit www.triathloninsurance.co.uk or call 0345 450 6985 to speak to one of our team.” ABOUT TRIATHLONGUARD Triathlonguard is a trading style of Thistle Insurance Services Ltd. Lloyds Broker. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. A JLT Group company. Registered office: The St Botolph Building, 138 Houndsditch, London EC3A 7AW. Registered in England No 00338645, VAT No. 244 2321 96.
BIKEBIZ NOVEMBER 65
TRIATHLON
MOORE LARGE
MUC-OFF
01332 274200
Via Fisher Outdoor
Lake’s tri line-up includes the TX222, part of the TX series of ultra-light fast drying and comfortable shoes with a quick foor entry and exit. The 100 per cent carbon fibre sole is available in a three-hole cleat pattern. Alpina’s Elexxion TT helmet (£129.99) has an in-mould shell and is no stranger to the wind tunnel. It comes with sealed antibacterial pads, four vents and weighs 320g.
B2B.FISHEROUTDOOR. CO.UK
ORBEA
Muc-Off’s new line of rider care products includes the Amino Ultra Endurance, retailing at £24.00. According to the brand, the Amino Ultra Endurance helps riders go further for longer by naturally fighting against lactic acid build up that you face in the saddle on long rides. Fisher Outdoor is Muc-Off’s trade distributor.
www.orbea.com
The new Ordu M10i-LTD promises nothing has been spared in the quest for speed, with an all-new Ordu-layup frame, Dura-Ace Di2 group, Vision cockpit and carbon wheels. Ordu means “moment” in Basque. RRP is £6,799.
SONIC
soniccycles.co.uk
The new CITEC Disc8000 Ultra, at 745 grams, is certainly amongst the lightest tubular disc wheels around. The clincher version comes in at a weight of 845 grams and each disc wheel is handmade. RRP is £1,550 and Sonic has trade discounts this winter.
BIKEBIZ.COM
SILVERFISH www.silverfish-uk.com The Spiuk Aizea tri helmet is an aero helmet with a variety of configurations for every type of race. The one piece, in-mould helmet has two interchangeable length tails (£189.95). Easton’s acclaimed EC90 AERO 55 clincher wheels are ideal for tri use thanks to aerodynamics and certified road tubeless compatibility without requiring rim strips. At 1580g they retail at £1,099.99
SPORTINE
www.sportline.co.uk
Ridley’s Chronus borrows tube shapes from its top class brother, the Dean Fast. Wind tunnel tested and approved, the Chronus helps riders compete whether in time trails, duathlons or triathlons. Find out more via Sportline.
BIKEBIZ NOVEMBER 67
TRIATHLON
SRAM
STORCK BICYCLE
Fisher & Raleigh
www.storck-bicycle.cc
SRAM RED eTap is the brand’s electronic shifting system, featuring ‘advanced shift logic’. Argoblade levers and large SRAM eTap paddles help riders stay in control. Elsewhere the Zupp Vuka Aero bar uses SRAM’s Exogram tech and a new removable centre cap, placed in front of the stem, adding five per cent stiffness to the aero bar and integrating seamlessly with the airfoil, they say.
Storck has expanded its tri bike range with all-new price points. The new range is based around the awardwinning Aero2 IS, voted as the best handling bike 220 Triathlon has ever tested. The new Storck Aero2 Comp, Pro and Platinum have been upgraded to take mechanical and electronic cable routing. Prices start at £3,119 through to £8,449 for the Aero 2 platinum with Di2.
UPGRADE
www.upgradebikes.co.uk
XLAB
New for ‘16, the PS 1.0 ISM saddle (£164.99) is an update to the popular TT saddle, with the same 15-series padding and sloped front arms but with sleek new cover and graphics. Meanwhile the Reynolds Aero 58-72 wheelset (£2,100) has a ‘DET’ rim shape for improved handling.
multisportdistribution. co.uk
ZEFAL
BOOM BOOM ATHLETICA
www.zefal.com Z Light Front Pack is a bag which mounts on the front of the frame. Ideal to transport small repair material and nutrition (like bars). It allows to have a fast access to the content during your race. It mounts on all the frames, without tools. Zefal is distributed by Bob Elliot and Chicken CycleKit to the UK bicycle trade.
68 BIKEBIZ NOVEMBER
The Gear Box Kit is a convenient clincher repair kit with a modern ‘carbon’ finish gripped box that fits securely in cages for a reliable storage case, with rattleproof padding for a noiseless ride. It comes with the XLAB Tri Tool Kit, tyre levers, Speed Chuck inflator and patch kit. XLAB also offers the Kompact, moving bottle weight over the stem to preserve cockpit space.
BoomBoomAthletica. com BoomBoom Athletica is a British luxury women’s activewear brand. The Front Row Leggings combine a sophisticated edgy silhouette with a discreetly shaped CyTech chamois. The very high compression enhances performance while mesh inserts improve breathability. They are designed for triathlons, cycling, spin classes and brick workouts.
BIKEBIZ.COM
AT TIME OF WRITING WE HAVE SIX BOOKINGS CONFIRMED
G LEFT IT LATE NOTIFYIN PREVIOUSLY WE HAVE ME SO R FO NT ME DISAPPOINT PEOPLE RESULTING IN ……………
………………………
T US ASAP IF INTERESTED, CONTAC MID-MARCH 2016 LAST BOOKING DATE -
INDIAN FACTORY TOUR
Monday 25th April to 1st May 2016
The Itinerary 2016 00hrs or near. part Heathrow evening - 21: De 6 201 ril Ap h 25t n Mo DAY MINUS -1: on Jet Airways. Their good time to get every-one in gs kin boo all get to e I hop ple to bring masses back s each way it will enable peo kilo 46 of nce wa allo e gag bag classic bike! with them. Take note of the ernoon - drive round and to Hotel Clarks Inn. Aft lhi De ive Arr ril Ap h 26t office where DAY 1: Tue ent. We will take you to an liam par ian Ind of ses hou India Gate and ge rate for your money. you will get a higher exchan e Utter Pradesh. Evening fre it Atlas Cycles, Sahibabad, DAY 2: Wed 27th April. Vis cinating day. Travel Mahal. This is a full and fas Taj The it Vis ril. Ap h 28t r DAY 3: Thu ance. by mini-bus. Guide in attend na. Evening free as Cycles, Sonepat, Harya DAY 4: Fri 29th April. Visit Atl shopping, or what-ever. t Circle, centre of Delhi for ugh nna Co ril. Ap h 30t t Sa 5: DAY market. Just got to show urant. Visit Chandi Chowk sta Re sy bas Em The at ch Lun cinating and amusing. Visit Masses to see and buy. Fas ps. sho ’ air rep e ‘bik the you Akshardam Temple. the amazing and beautiful home. Arrive und 10:00hrs India time, for aro at tel Ho t par De y. Ma DAY 6: Sun 1st UK time. London Heathrow 17:30hrs n 25th April if we fly out on night of Mo tly fec per out rks wo It : TRAVEL DATES Sun 1st May, arriving e) Tue 26th April and return (arriving 10:30hrs India tim e. Heathrow 17:30hrs UK tim anged for little extra cost a few more days? Easily arr . COSTS: £880 Want to stay six weeks before departure per person, the remainder We need a deposit of £250 rance fee costs. B) and all transport and ent (B& el hot ht, Flig D: RE VE COSTS CO low Chilli (close to pay for the meal at The Yel to this m fro ent fici suf e I can sav quality of food, not d is excellent and despite Foo g. nin eve t firs the on ) Clarks Inn ra £80 m supplement will be an ext expensive. NOTE: Single roo
BRING BACK A CLASSIC! Atlas Cycles manufacture two million, per year, of the bikes you see below. I have negotiated a sale for you, if you want one, to purchase at £75.00. We were selling these at £265.00 in the early 1990’s and sold a total of 250 around the UK in a year. Available in gents as shown in the photo below or ladies loop (1920’s style). They will be well packed ready for transport by air and can be carried on Jet Airways at no extra cost. A small deposit will be required to confirm the order, recognising Atlas will be boxing them up solely for us. We will collect them the day before departure. Baggage allowance is 46 kilos and I was able to bring two back in May 2015 free of cost. One box will be half your allowance. Coming as a couple? - buy one of each - ladies and gents. That will still leave you a lot of allowance left to buy other goods… Curtains, bedclothes, cameras, quality jewellery and many other items. Quality is excellent but surprisingly cheap. Atlas Cycles (Haryana Ltd). Goldline model Factories at Sahibabad, Utter Pradesh and Sonepat, Haryana.
The Bike-Inn For full itinerary and details contact: Alf@webbline.co.uk Telephone: 01406 371273
www.bike-inn.co.uk Leaders in bicycle maintenance instruction since June 1991
www.webbline.co.uk Supplier of quality bicycle tools. 140 lines stocked
If you’d like to find out more or require additional copies please contact rsetters@nbmedia.com or call him on 01992 535647
In association with
atg training for your future...
ATG TRAINING - HEAD OFFICE Future Centre, Smeaton Close, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP19 8SZ Tel: 01296 737815 Web: www.atg-training.co.uk
ANSMANN UK e-BIKE centre, Unit 12, RO24, Harlow Business Park, Harlow, Essex, CM19 5QB Tel: 0870 609 2233 Web: www.ansmann.co.uk
CYCLEGUARD INSURANCE Southgate house, Southgate Street, Gloucester, GL1 1UB Tel: 0844 826 2297 Web: www.cycleguard.co.uk
CYCLEPLAN The Royals, Altrincham Road, Manchester, M22 4BJ Tel: 08000 92 92 68 Web: www.insure4sport.co.uk/cycleplan proudly presents
BIKE SOUP 55a North Wharf Road, London, W2 1LA Tel: 020 72982784 Web: www.bikesoup.com
BOB ELLIOT AND CO LTD Unit C4 Binary Court, Matrix Park, Western Avenue, Buckshaw Village, Chorley, PR7 7NB Tel: 01772 459 887 Web: www.bob-elliot.co.uk
BUFFERA LIMITED Cranborne House, Cranbourne Road, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, EN6 3JN Tel: 01707 852244 Web: www.buffwear.co.uk
BTR DIRECT LTD 148 Portland Road, Hove, East Sussex, BN3 5QL Tel: 01273 205945 Web: www.btrdirect.co.uk
CYCLING SCOTLAND 24 Blythswood Square, Glasgow, G2 4BG Tel: 0141 229 5350 Web: www.cyclingscotland.org
EBCO 5 Pegasus House, Olympus Ave, Warwick, CV34 6LW Tel: Tel +01926 437700 Web: www.ebco-ebikes.co.uk
DARE2B Unit 8-9 Mercury Park, Mercury Way, Urmston, Manchester, M41 7LY Tel: 0844 811 2939 Web: www.dare2b.com
EVOLUTION IMPORTS 27 Widmore Road, Bromley, Kent, BR1 1RW Tel: 0208 290 0807 Web: www.evolutionimports.
CONTINENTAL North Parade, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, Wales, SY23 2JR Tel: 01970 626777 Web: www.conti-tyres.co.uk
FAT BOY IMPORTS Unit 10, Weavers Corner, Hampson St, Horwich, BL6 7JH Tel: 07966 401165 Web: www.fatboyimports.com
CUSTOM SPORTS CLOTHING LTD Tel: 07875 095 793 Web: www.customsportsclothing.com
FISHER OUTDOOR LEISURE LIMITED 8/9 Brick Knoll Park, Ashley Road, St Albans, Herts, AL1 5UG Tel: 01727 798345 Web: www.fisheroutdoor.co.uk
FROG BIKES Tel: 01784 557300 Web: www.frogbikes.com
HARDNUTZ Unit 8 Rocheview off Millhead Way, Purdeys Industrial Estate, Rochford, Essex, SS4 1LB Tel: 01702 530090 Web: www.hardnutz.com
HOTLINES EUROPE LTD Unit 17 The Loan, Viewforthbank Industrial Estate, South Queensferry, EH30 9SD Tel: 0131 319 1444 Web: www.hotlines-uk.com www.hotlines-europe.com
I-RIDE 7-8B Mid Sussex Business Park, Ditchling Common Industrial Estate, Folders Lane East, Ditchling, Sussex, BN6 8SE Tel: 01444243000 Web: www.i-ride.co.uk
JUNGLE PRODUCTS LTD Unit 3, The Cedar, New York Mills, Summerbridge, HG3 4LA Tel: 01423 780088 Web: www.jungleproducts.co.uk and www.santacruzbikes.co.uk
LEATHERMAN Aynam Mills, Canal Head North, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 7BY Tel: 01539 729573 Web: www.whitbyandco.co.uk
M & J DISTRIBUTORS LTD Unit A, Hanix Buildings, Windmill Lane, Denton, Manchester, M34 3SP Tel: 0161 337 9600 Web: www.mjdist.co.uk
MARA MEDIA Unit 5 Teach na Rosann, Annagry, County Donegal, Rep of Ireland Tel: 353 (0) 74 954 8935 Web: www.maramedia.ie
The BikeBiz Directory 2015 is out now, providing the industry with a must-have guide to the UK’s retailers, distributors, manufacturers and related businesses. DISTRIBUTION AND WHOLESALE
E-COMMERCE AND EPOS
EVENT ORGANISERS, HOSTING, HOLIDAY AND HIRE
MAVIC Theta Building, Lyon Way, Frimley, Surrey, GU16 7ER Tel: 01276 404870
MEALOR-CLARKE CYCLE SPARES LTD Unit 1, Eastlands Road, Leiston, Suffolk, IP16 4LL Tel: 01728830055/01728605970 Web: www.mealorclarkecyclespares.com
MERIDA BICYCLES LTD Unit 13, Nottingham South and Wilford Industrial Estate, Ruddington Lane, Wilford, Nottingham, NG11 7EP Tel: 0115 981 7788 Web: www.merida.com
MOORE LARGE AND CO LTD Sinfin Lane Industrial Estate, Sinfin Lane, Derby, DE24 9GL Tel: 01332 274252 Web: www.moorelarge.co.uk
MANUFACTURERS
MARKETING, PR AND CONSULTANCY
MEDIA AND PUBLISHING
ORGANISATIONS, CHARITIES AND ASSOCIATIONS
RETAILERS, WORKSHOPS AND MAIL ORDER
SERVICES AND TRAINING
RALEIGH UK LTD Church Street, Eastwood, Nottingham, NG16 3HT Tel: 01773 532600 Web: www.raleigh.co.uk www.cyclelife.com www.diamondback.co.uk
CYCLE SHOW, THE 58 White Lion Street, Islington, London, N1 9PP Tel: 020 7288 6733 Web: www.cycleshow.co.uk
RED CLOUD MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS Delfan, Llangyniew, Welshpool, Powys, SY21 0JS Tel: 01938 810873 Web: www.redcloudmc.com
VELOTECH SERVICES LTD 26-27 Western Road, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, CV37 0AH Tel: 0845 475 5339 Web: www.velotechservices.co.uk
REECE CYCLES PLC 100 Alcester Street, Birmingham, B12 0QB Tel: 0121 622 0180 Web: www.reececycles.co.uk
WALKERS CYCLE COMPONENTS LTD 22 Holywell Road, Leicester, LE2 8SG Tel: 01162 833885 Web: www.walkerscycles.co.uk
SCHWALBE TYRES UK LTD Schwalbe Centre, Hortonwood 30, Telford, Shropshire, TF1 7ET Tel: 01952 602680 Web: www.schwalbe.co.uk
WELDTITE PRODUCTS LTD Unit 9 Harrier Road, Humber Bridge Industrial Estate, Barton-on-Humber, Lincs, DN18 5RP Tel: 01652 660000 Web: www.weldtite.co.uk
SEE.SENSE (LIMEFORGE LTD) Sketrick House, Jubilee Road, Newtownards, BT23 4YH Tel: 02891 800536 Web: www.seesense.cc
WINDWAVE Unit D2 and D3 Heritage Business Park, Heritage Way, Gosport, Hampshire, PO12 4BG Tel: 02392 521912 Web: www.windwave.co.uk
SILVERFISH UK LTD Unit 3C and 3B Woodacre Court, Saltash Parkway Industrial Estate, Burraton Road, Saltash, Cornwall, PL12 6LY Tel: 01752 843882 Web: www.silverfish-uk.com
ZYRO LTD Roundhouse Road, Faverdale Industrial Estate, Darlington, DL30UR Tel: 01325 741200 Web: www.zyro.co.uk / www.zyrob2b.co.uk
cc
PALIGAP LTD Unit 2 Danbury House, Great Western Park, Armstrong Way, Yate, Bristol, BS37 5NG Tel: 01454 313 116 Web: www.paligapltd.co.uk
PARKLIFE (HAVANT) LTD Unit 5, Butterick Building, New Lane, Havant, P09 2ND Tel: 02392 475895
PEAK DEVELOPMENT 2 Flanders Park, Hedge End, Southampton, Hants, SO30 2FZ Tel: 01489 796979 Web: www.peak-uk.com
POWACYCLE Akhter House, Perry Road, Harlow, Essex, CM18 7PN Tel: 01279 821243 Web: www.powacycle.co.uk
SQUIRT Unit 10 Quadrum Park, Old Portsmouth Road, Peasmarsh, Surrey, GU3 1LU Web: www.in2dust.co.uk
THE CYCLE DIVISION Unit 27 Gatehouse Enterprise Centre, Albert Street, Lockwood, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, HD1 3QD Tel: 01484 456137 Web: www.thecycledivision.com
BikeBiz Directory 2015 is now available to view online at www.bikebiz.com
;OH[ PZ H YLHS X\V[L MYVT H YLHS <2 IPRL ZOVW V^ULY SHZ[ `LHY MVSSV^PUN H MV\Y OV\Y IPRL ZWLJPÄJ ZHSLZ [YHPUPUN JV\YZL the most popular session ever conducted in our industry.
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BikeBiz is keen to publish your opinions, whether you send them via email, Facebook, Twitter, BikeBiz.com or post…
Straw Poll: How does your shop approach Christmas? 100%
80% Q 44.44% Run a Christmas savings club. Q 11.11% Bring in extra staff for Christmas.
60% 88.89%
40% 66.67%
20%
66.67%
Q 66.67% Offer more ‘stocking filler’ product options for customers.
STAR COMMENT This month the lucky winner will receive a Commuter X4 personal illumination system…
Q 66.67% Add signage outside the shop/ decorate windows. Q 88.89% Hold bike stock right up to Christmas Eve if customers request that.
44.44%
@bikebizonline
11.11%
0% IT’S BEEN a bit of an odd year for the cycle trade, not reaching the highs of 2014 according to anecdotal evidence, but 2015 isn’t over yet – there’s still the small matter of Christmas. Not only is there chance to stock up on stocking filler-type gift ideas (see page 61) but there’s also a number of ways bike shops can gear up for the festive season, which led us to the topic for this month’s straw poll. We asked bike shops what they did for the Christmas season. For the respondents of our poll, Christmas is judged to be worth some extra effort, with over half bringing in stocking filler product options for customers. Decorating the store and windows was a no-brainer for over 50 per cent of the poll-takers too. Bringing in extra staff was not so popular, however, with just 11 per cent choosing to take on extra heads to cope with added demand. Christmas savings clubs continue to be popular at cycle retail, with just under half of the respondents saying they offer the service to their customers. And while it may be a strain on precious square footage, holding bike stock right up until Christmas Eve is an incredibly popular service that most retailers offer for their customers.
Some of our readers shared how they will be approaching the period, with one telling us they were running a 12 days of Christmas competition on Facebook, offering up prizes to customers to generate publicity and interest. Another retailer revealed they would be participating in a ‘shop local’ competition organised by the council. The communityminded store also said they’d be participating in Small Business Saturday (December 5th), attending local events and helping local fundraising in the run up to Christmas. However retailers seem less likely to participate in Black Friday. The US phenomenon, centring on the Friday following Thanksgiving and unofficially marking the start of the Christmas shopping season, has been picking up more media coverage and UK retail participation in recent years, but it appears that UK IBDs have not been swept up in the phenomenon – judging by our poll at least. Just over a quarter of respondents said they’d run sales and special offers on Black Friday, while over half said they wouldn’t with just nine per cent undecided. Perhaps they’ll be focusing on the aforementioned Small Business Saturday instead? Have you got anything to add? Please send in your comments to BikeBiz@nbmedia.com
“The blogs were worth it! @HuffPostUK nominated in the Cycling Media Awards. what an honour @BikeBizOnline.” Stephen Hull (@stephenbhull, editor in chief of Huffington Post UK) “We’re proud, honoured & grateful to have been nominated for the Best Use of Video @BikeBizOnline @cyclemediaaward” geebeebee media (@gbb_media) “Nominated for Photographer of the Year @ the Cycling Media Awards. Some amazing photographers in there. Very chuffed.” Simon Gill (@simongillphoto) “So proud of the @voxwomen team @Kim_Blythe @LoisDowsett @lauracwinter @integreality – nominated for these awards.” Anthony McCrossan (@antmccrossan) “Hovis homages classic ‘boy on a bike’ TV advert < Cool. ‘73 kid looks healthier...” Jitensha Oni (@jitensha_oni)
MARKETPLACE BIKES & ACCESSORIES
TO ADVERTISE IN THESE PAGES PLEASE CONTACT RSETTERS@NBMEDIA.COM OR CALL 01992 535647
BIKES & ACCESSORIES
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74 BIKEBIZ NOVEMBER
BIKES & ACCESSORIES
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MARKETPLACE BIKES & ACCESSORIES
BIKES & ACCESSORIES
BIKES & ACCESSORIES
BIKES & ACCESSORIES
FREE SHIPPING
on all parts via www.madisonb2b.co.uk
Hangers, BB solutions, Bearing presses, Sealed bearings and Workshop solutions 6USPUL OHUNLY Ä UKLY! www.wheelsmfg.co.uk
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BIKEBIZ NOVEMBER 75
MARKETPLACE
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BIKES & ACCESSORIES
BIKE BOTTLES & PROMOTIONAL GOODS
COMPONENTS
CUSTOM CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES
CUSTOM CLOTHING
CUSTOM BOTTLES
CUSTOM SOCKS
CUSTOM CAPS
CUSTOM MUSETTES
CUSTOM PHONEPACS
Wildoo is the only UK based supplier that can offer a full range of quality custom cycling products.
www.wildoo.co.uk info@wildoo.co.uk 01908 374555 76 BIKEBIZ NOVEMBER
As worn by Team Mule Bar Girl – Sigma Sport
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MARKETPLACE BIKE FRAME LABELS & GENERAL PRINT
COMPONENTS
DEALER MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
EPOS & ECOMMERCE
BIKEBIZ.COM
BIKEBIZ NOVEMBER 77
MARKETPLACE
TO ADVERTISE IN THESE PAGES PLEASE CONTACT RSETTERS@NBMEDIA.COM OR CALL 01992 535647
RACKS
TYRES & TUBES
Made in Europe, the Mitas by Rubena range of all-weather MTB tyres are built for fast, demanding and extreme terrain. Available in racing, sport, enduro, radical and tubeless constructions, these tyres are will keep you rolling, whilst providing plenty of grip when required.
CHARYBDIS
HIGHLANDER
KRATOS
SCYLLA
ZEFYROS
For dealer opportunities and pricing information, call the UK Trade Distributor Bike Tyrestore on Freephone 0800 281 413 or email sales@biketyrestore.com www.mitascycle.co.uk www.rubenacycle.co.uk
WEBSITE SERVICES
78 BIKEBIZ NOVEMBER
WEBSITE SERVICES
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OFF TRACK
OFF TRACK
THE TRADE’S ROUND UP OF STATS, VIEWS AND RANDOMS
NUMBER CRUNCHING Ever wondered what helmets sportive riders prefer? Or how much Brompton’s export business has grown? Well then you’re in luck...
3/4 Three-quarters of riders at 2014 UK sportive events owned a helmet by one of the top five brands (Bell, Giro, Kask, Met, Specialized).
%
%
1 - 34
The world’s 10th Brompton Junction store opened in Tokyo last month. Brompton revealed at the opening that the Asian market has grown from one per cent of its business to 34 per cent over the last ten years.
3,6 0 0
and a half Over three MTB ff-road and lsh thousand o the We s wrote to ‘Trails enthusiast support of in t n e m rn Gove thumbs up Here’s a big brands . s’ le a W r fo e iz to the bik ot from BikeB g o h w s e ss e and busin . o to behind it
150 MILES Wiggle has completed its 150-mile distribution centre move from Portsmouth to Wolverhampton. The new site is roughly three times the size of the previous facility (30,000m2).
42YEARS
l v intage wil of a certain rs a rs e ye d a 2 4 tr n e e Bik it has be r a e h n to o d ic ‘Boy a be appalle ran its class rand has t rs fi is v o since H bread b 1973). The TV bike’ ad (in to the ad with a new harked back turing three kids on a being campaign fe g to escape bikes, ridin ors. stuck indo
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Paul Elliot, Marketing Director, Bob Elliot What bikes do you own and where do you ride? I own just one bike for the moment, a 26” MTB. Finding the time to take on another discipline is the biggest challenge but one I am keen to explore! I ride local to home in the main, as there are some great trails very close by. I live near to the West Pennine Moors and I have some nice quiet climbing roads with great views and some exciting trail descents right on my doorstep. Describe your role at Bob Elliot: I am office-based in the main and take care of the dayto-day running and the marketing side of the business. I produce our full colour catalogue each year, and maintain and populate our popular B2B website together with producing offers and promotions. Over the last few years my role has also taken me to lots of countries around the world meeting suppliers and customers alike, with my most recent addition being the Taipei Show. Which brands are standing out for you? Our exclusive brands continue to go from strength-tostrength. Clothing is a big part of our business, whether it be apparel, shoes or gloves and mitts. Our relationships with these suppliers (Funkier, FLR and Chiba) continue to grow. Trends which exist here seem to be neon colours and more recently for winter full-reflective products which we now have offerings in our Funkier jackets and Chiba gloves. Our portfolio offers many consumable items as well. During the season when workshops and servicing is busy – these are areas which always perform strongly. What projects are keeping you busy? I have been focused on helping prepare for Cycle Show but the next big project is promoting our 2016 catalogue, set to be on shop desks in April. How can bike shops and the trade get in touch? Through social media, email, our website, calling the office or speaking to any one of our eight field reps. Tel: 01772 459887, Web: www.bob-elliot.co.uk
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BIKE UK of Clifton, Bristol has become the first retailer to install a Velopost post box, after a successful pilot in Destination Bristol. What’s Velopost? It’s a pedal-powered alternative to the Royal Mail, delivering and collecting letters by bicycle for businesses and organisations. Velopost operates in Bristol, Bath and Edinburgh and barring an electric Nissan Note for big jobs and Bristol to Bath trips (and vice versa), exclusively uses bicycles. bike-uk.co.uk
ABC IS FABB THE EDINBURGH ABC (All-ability Bike Centre) has received £50,000 of Scottish Government funding to deliver an inclusive programme of cycling activities to give people their first taste of independent mobility. Transport Minister Derek Mackay joined representatives from the CTC and FABB Scotland (national youth organisation for disabled young people) to launch it. The project is building on the success of the ‘Blazing Saddles’ cycling project for people with disabilities and will have a full range of adaptive bikes and an expert team to support, guide and advise participants to build their confidence in the saddle. www.facebook.com/ EdinburghABC twitter.com/ Edinburgh_ABC
‘DO YOU WANT CHOCOLATE SPRINKLES WITH THAT?’ Game changer: It’s not good enough to have a café in your cycle shop anymore. Now you have to have a world famous pro cyclist serving your coffee. Actually Jens Voigt was putting in a one-time-only shift at Cyclefit’s new Manchester store to celebrate the launch of the new outlet, in the trendy Northern Quarter of the city. The truth is, the store isn’t going to offer coffee now Voigt has left, with the owners not wishing to be bad neighbours to the café next door.
© PIC CREDIT : Carlton Reid
IN THE SADDLE
BIKE UK PUSHES THE ENVELOPE
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Daniel Gillborn, Director
A GREAT DAY TO TALK BIKES THE CYCLE SHOW’S recent trade day was a great opportunity for us to talk with the retailers who partner with Cyclescheme. Our retailer network is key in offering choice to customers and with a maturing market, our retailers through products, brands, and the channel of delivery underpin the cycle to work product. We are always striving to do more to support the network in providing that choice, how to promote the scheme further, and become the go-to retailer in your community, these are all topics that we are frequently asked about. So how can you make the most of this….by using the tools on the B2B, you can view reports to tell you who
the top employers are to target in your local area. You can access a marketing suite with lots of promotional material, including items that can be edited to add your own store logo and name. It is also useful to keep an eye on employer events happening in your area too, as these events are valuable opportunities for lots of new participants coming through your store’s doors. Those dealers who give great choice to our customers are the ones who supported Cyclescheme’s win at the BikeBiz Awards. It is recognition such as this which drives us to deliver everevolving services to our employers and employees. A big thank you to everyone who voted for Cyclescheme.
Daniel Gillborn is director of Cyclescheme, the UK’s leading provider of tax-free bikes for work. You can reach him on Twitter @cycleschemeltd
QUOTE UNQUOTE For more on these stories, head to www.BikeBiz.com
“We will hold Ministers to their promise to produce a meaningful Cycling and Walking Investment strategy.” Lillian Greenwood MP, Shadow Secretary for Transport
Sponsored by the brands of Moore Large 01332 274252
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TR ADNET ACCOU
’S INSIGHT CYCLE TRADER
Chris Waters, Cyclescheme HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN AT CYCLESCHEME? Four years. HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED IN THE INDUSTRY? 15years, including 11 brilliant years at the best retailers I could persuade to give me a job. Folding bikes, triathlon, road...selling and riding with our customers and colleagues, many of whom remain friends. WHAT’S THE BEST THING ABOUT WORKING IN THE CYCLE INDUSTRY? Meeting nice people who have succeeded with businesses and product they are passionate about, if I’m being altruistic. Getting lots of shiny bits for myself, otherwise. WHAT ARE THE BEST AND WORST PARTS OF YOUR JOB? The best part of the job is helping to get new and returning cyclists on good quality bikes from their local bike-shop and ensuring a wider customer base for the years to come. The worst parts involve public transport which, as Cyclescheme is a low CO2 company, I remain stoic about. WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON AT THE MOMENT? Today is logistics planning as I will be visiting and talking to bike shops next week out on the road, and the following week I will be at a distributor sales event [dealer day] doing more of the same. The topics at the moment are training for retailers on our B2B site, and to make sure everyone can sound great when talking about Cyclescheme. Linked to this is online marketing and how to ‘sound’ great to Cyclescheme customers online. Obviously this will lead to better Cyclescheme revenue for their businesses and more new cyclists using their services. HOW CAN THE TRADE GET IN TOUCH? Email the Retail and Events Team rae@cyclescheme. co.uk or come and chat if you see me at a distributor show.
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I blame Dom Carlton Reid asks whether a lacklustre 2015 has been due to fewer customers or too many competitors? I DON’T really blame Dom but his creation of the really rather wonderful Mason Cycles highlights something about the cycle market that could be one of the reasons for the less than stellar sales results so far in 2015. I’m not knocking the immense amount of hard work – and design nous – that Dom Mason put into the launch of his eponymouslynamed bike brand but, relatively speaking, it’s cheap and easy to create a bicycle brand (relative, that is, to creating a refrigeration haulage business or similar). For brands other than Mason, naturally, it can be a case of ordering a container of bikes, knocking out a logo and setting up a website. There are few barriers to entry. And for all the talk of a depressed market there are an awful lot of start-up companies, some of them fizzing with ideas. This is a Good Thing, keeping the market fresh. But the purchaser of a Mason bike, say, might have previously been minded to buy a bike from an equally wonderful but longer established brand. It’s probable that Dom isn’t bringing many new people into cycling – he has created a bike brand for enthusiasts that joins a long list of existing bike brands. The cake – people who are in the market for bicycles – might, in fact, be growing but with so many slices available, each slice, each bike brand, each bike shop, is getting a reduced portion size. The thing is we don’t actually know much about the actual size of the cake – the UK bicycle industry is poorly served with statistics. There aren’t enough recent startups to have adversely impacted
“It has to be admitted that, given its size, the bike industry has an astonishing number of bicycle brands.”
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the market in 2015 but over the long-term it’s got to be admitted that, given its size, the bike industry has an astonishing number of bicycle brands. Freshness is good, of course, and the entry of new players can stimulate new ways of doing things but there’s also a lot of duplication. This is freemarket economics at work and I’m not advocating that we should somehow restrict the number of bicycle brands (or bike shops) – yeah, like that would ever happen – but it does go some way to explaining why trading conditions could be so tough at the moment. The market may also be contracting (we just don’t know for certain) and it might have been unrealistic to think that 2015 could have ever been as good as 2014 which, by most accounts, was an exceptionally good year for the UK bike industry.
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The partitioning of the cake into ever thinner slices is also evident with the entry of – or least increased focus on – new product categories. Plus size wheels, gravel bikes, fat bikes and the rest may not be creating new demand but just adding layers of complexity and perhaps even confusion to the retail offering. Faced with so much choice some would-be customers might be paralysed with indecision. Darwinian free market economics says that when there is a surplus of suppliers the weakest will go to the wall. Bike companies seem to be a quite resilient bunch but if the market is static or contracting there has to come a point when secondand third-tier brands and companies – old ones as well as new – start disappearing. And of course, Mason Cycles will prosper.
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©2015 SRAM LLC photo :: © Wil Matthews
PAIN IS IN THE EYE of the beholder This is Jeremy Powers. He is grimacing because he is in pain. His legs are on fire because he needs to be the first into the turn. He doesn’t care how fast he’s going. Not because he’s crazy. But because he knows his SRAM HydroR disc brakes can help him to control his speed, no matter what. So Jeremy rides as fast as he can. Always.