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ISSUE 127 AUGUST 2016
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p35,36,37 Press Camp
p10 Eurobike
p29,30 Buzzbike
Carlton Reid takes us on a trip to Deer Valley, USA to attend an unusual product launch...
The return of the European juggernaut is just around the corner, Kieran Howells reports...
A new cycle scheme is poised to sweep London, Kieran Howells finds out what the brand is all about...
Brexit
p13
How will Brexit affect the cycling industry? Carlton Reid tells us everything we need to know‌
p63 BIKE
p47,49,50 Get Cycling
p41,42 Brixton Cycles
p65 CMAs
A new cycle-specific channel airs in the UK
We find out about a brand opening up cycling for all
Our dealer profile this month is the famed London store
Team BikeBiz have something very special to announce...
NEWS
Pashley Cycles celebrates 90th anniversary with launch of two Special Edition Bicycles
ENGLAND’S LONGEST established bicycle manufacturer, Pashley Cycles, has launched two special edition bicycles – The Speed 3 SE and Roadfinder SE – to commemorate its 90th anniversary. Classically styled and fitted with modern components, the two bikes celebrate a 1920s aesthetic. Pashley has followed in the path set by “Rath” Pashley, when he founded the business in 1926, concentrating on making unique, quality cycles for
a broad range of customers, from consumers to industry and commerce. “We recognise our heritage, but we are not stuck in the past; we are continually creating new products for the various markets and customers around the world that we serve. We are a forward-looking business, with a great team of people who are working towards our continued success,” says Steven Bell. www.pashley.co.uk
Ritchey complete bikes now available to UK dealers
RITCHEY HAS a four-model line-up of complete bikes for road, cross and MTB, all with high-quality steel frames. The Timberwolf, P-29er, Swiss Cross Disc and RoadLogic are now available to UK retailers direct from Ritchey Europe. The framesets have had great success in the last 18 months, getting fantastic reviews around the world, but there has been a call for complete bikes to complement this frame business. Ritchey parts and accessories continue to be BIKEBIZ.COM
EDITOR’S COMMENT EUROBIKE 2016 is almost upon us, and we can hardly contain our excitement. The event, which promises to be an essential in any cycle aficionado’s agenda, should prove to be a wheel-ey good time for all [mic drop]… Just contemplating our rapidly approaching visit to Friedrichshafen has proven an effective distraction from the parliamentary tension to which we’ve been witness in recent weeks – but I suspect I’d do better to leave the political chitchat to Carlton. Although we’d hardly confess to navel-gazing, we’ve actually had a crammed July. Adjusting to a whole new editorial team is no small feat for a magazine: hats off to the BikeBiz squad! And it’s just as well that the start of this summer was one of the wettest on record, or there might not have been a magazine at all. It’s no surprise to us that while we’ve been slogging it in-office, you guys have been taking advantage of the improved July weather – we want to see your cycling trip photos! So, tweet your images, followed by #britishcyclingtrips, and we’ll compile the greatest into next month’s edition of BikeBiz. Bonus points for mud-sodden cyclists. Double bonus points for innovative – or dodgy – quick-fixes whilst on the road. hferguson@nbmedia.com Hayley Ferguson, Editor.
available from long-time UK distributor Paligap. In addition, Ritchey will start to give consumers the opportunity to test ride these bikes at different events and locations across Europe. A new section of the Ritchey website has been launched that shows demo centres, bike retailers and events where Ritchey bikes can be tested, and this is starting to fill as dealers are appointed rides.ritcheylogic.com BIKEBIZ AUGUST 5
NEWS
Final phase begins in rejuvenation of historic Herne Hill Velodrome
THE PAVILION works have been made possible by an agreement between current leaseholders British Cycling and the Herne Hill Velodrome Trust, the future leaseholders of the track. On completion of the new
facility, the trust will take over the day-to-day operation of the track, working with the clubs that already support and use the venue. The new pavilion will include function rooms with a viewing gallery, a bar and
“…there will be a series of events throughout 2016 and 2017.”
refreshment area, plus bike storage facilities and a new grandstand with bench seating. To celebrate the 125th anniversary of the Herne Hill Velodrome, there will be a series of events throughout 2016 and 2017
highlighting the history of the sporting venue. A new logo has also been designed to emphasise both the history and the soon-to-be-completed modern velodrome facilities and offering. hernehillvelodrome.com
Muc-off supply chains for Olympic team in Rio MUC-Off will be working with British Cycling in a partnership that will see the British bike care brand treat and supply all bike chains for the Great Britain Cycling Team. As part of the partnership with the governing body for cycle sport in Great Britain, Muc-Off will supply over 75 chains to athletes including the likes of Sir Bradley Wiggins, Mark Cavendish, Laura Trott and Liam
Executive Editor: Carlton Reid carltonreid@mac.com
Sales Manager: Richard Setters rsetters@nbmedia.com
Sales Director: Mark Rankine mrankine@nbmedia.com
Editor: Hayley Ferguson hferguson@nbmedia.com
Production Executive: Warren Kelly wkelly@nbmedia.com
Managing Director: Mark Burton mburton@nbmedia.com
Staff Writer: Kieran Howells khowells@nbmedia.com
Content Director: Andrew Wooden awooden@nbmedia.com
Marketing & Circulation bike.subscriptions@c-cms.com
Design: Dan Bennett dbennett@nbmedia.com
Events Director: Caroline Hicks chicks@nbmedia.com
Phillips, to name but a few. The unique hand treatment process that each chain goes through at the Muc-Off head office in Dorset will reduce friction with a power saving of up to six watts over conventional lubricants. The brand says each chain is painstakingly speed graded and run-in under load during which data is taken to assist in optimisation.
Editorial: The Emerson Building, 4th floor, 4-8 Emerson Street, London. SE1 9DU Tel: 0207 354 6002 BikeBiz is mailed FOC to 4,000+ trade addresses every month ISSN 1476-1505
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CYCLE
SHORTS British cycling firms eye Dutch market British cycling firms are set to discover the Dutch market with the help of British retail giant John Lewis’ top buyer. The firm’s head of homeware and accessories, Anna Rigby, will join a trade mission aimed at helping even the smallest firms find high-value customers in the competitive Dutch market. www.enterprisenation.com/ goglobal
TRANSPORT MINISTER OFFICIALLY OPENS UK’S LARGEST STATION CYCLE HUB TRANSPORT MINISTER Robert Goodwill officially opened Cambridge station’s new £2.5 million CyclePoint at a special ceremony last month. Abellio Greater Anglia’s new complex offers 2,850 safe and secure spaces undercover, in a dedicated facility, covered by CCTV, open 24 hours a day, free of charge. The cycle hub is the biggest facility of its type at a UK rail station. It has more than tripled the cycle parking capacity at the station and is expected to encourage greater bike usage in the city. Spread over three floors, it also has a retail outlet operated
by Rutland Cycling, providing maintenance, cycle hire, accessories and sales, making the
“There’s never been a better time to be part of the Cambridge cycling scene.” Sally Middlemiss, Director, Rutland CyclePoint a true cycle hub and strengthening further the sustainable transport options in a city where there is already a high
propensity to cycle. Sally Middlemiss, director of Rutland Cycling, told BikeBiz: “We’re delighted to open our tenth store as part of the UK’s largest public bike park. We’d like to thank our suppliers and excellent store team for delivering this groundbreaking project. There’s never been a better time to be part of the Cambridge cycling scene and we’re looking forward to playing our part in making cycling even more accessible for the many people who choose to make cycling part of their everyday lives.”
CUBE Bikes to attend The Cycle Show in September 2016 with biggest ever UK presence CUBE BIKES will be attending The Cycle Show 2016 with their largest ever display outside of Eurobike. The Birmingham NEC will play host to the 15th Cycle Show from 23-25 September 2016 and is the UK’s biggest cycle-specific show. To celebrate ten years of CUBE Bikes in the UK, CUBE will be attending with a huge 400sqm presence, as well as partnering with Bosch E-Bike
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Systems to offer a comprehensive indoor test track. The huge stand will be showcasing CUBE’s new range of 2017 bikes – covering all model ranges. CUBE will also bring their complete range of parts, accessories and clothing as well as offering staff training for their dealers throughout the show.
FLAB expands presence at J.E James Since launching the partnership just last month, the retailer has placed six more orders with the brand to be placed in the family-run business’s three stores in Rotherham, Chesterfield and Sheffield. fatladattheback.com
E-bike sales to reach $24.3billion by 2025 A new report from Navigant Research shows that globally, e-bikes continue to be the highest selling electric vehicle, with nearly 35 million unit sales forecast for 2016. According to the new report, global e-bike sales are expected to grow from $15.7 billion in revenue in 2016 to $24.3 billion by 2025.
Buzzbike exceeds Crowdfunding target Buzzbike, a new cycle scheme set up to offer free bikes to members (get the full lowdown on Buzzbike on pages 29 and 30), has raised £410,000 on Crowdcube for 28.08% equity.
Corrections Our apologies to the good people of Giro for printing some incorrect imagery in our July edition. For a full look at the correct images, check out the brands page in this edition (p.19) We're also extending our apologies to Velo Vixen, who were incorrectly named the creators of the Georgia in Dublin Leggits. To clarify, this is an external brand!
For breaking news visit:
www.bikebiz.com BIKEBIZ AUGUST 7
GREENOVER
Variety is the spice of life! Devon-based Greenover Sports specialises in the distribution of action sport goods across the UK and Europe. Best known for their distribution of some of the world’s leading pro stunt scooters, including Grit, Crisp, Lucky and Phoenix, Greenover have recently secured original scooter brands District and sister brand Dominator. REGARDED AS a diverse supplier, Greenover have begun representing a number of other leading action sport brands, covering everything from roller skates, to skateboards, to kids’ scooters, and most recently, balance boards. They also distribute top-end Canadian Rocky Mountain mountain bikes, and Belgian road brand Thompson Bikes. Owned by Dan Maker, the business is run alongside brothers Grant and Luke Maker. We asked youngest brother Luke how Greenover Sports has evolved over the years. It’s been a while since we’ve heard from you guys. Bring us up to date with all things Greenover. We’ve taken on new and exciting brands, as well as growing the scooter lines that we started with in 2010. Since then, our focus has always been on diversity, and securing brands for which we have a passion. You started in the scooter market: how is the industry right BIKEBIZ.COM
now, and where does the future lie? The scooter trade is still growing. We have a strong marketing and social media focus on the sport, and create our own buzz from sponsored riders, including Jordan Clark, who recently reclaimed his winning title at the ISA World Finals in Barcelona. We keep our brands fresh with regular design improvements; with recent appearances at events such as the Nitro Games, we’re
happened organically. If the right product is out there and we think there is a market for it, then we give it 100 per cent. Here at Greenover, we have a great team with a good eye for up-and-coming products that we feel can benefit and grow, not only our business, but the business of our customers. We are always looking for the latest product or trend that will boost trade and compliment our current offering.
“We didn't set out to cover everything in the industry, it happened organically.” Luke Maker, Greenover continuously striving to raise the profile for our brands and for the scooter industry as a whole. You clearly have a very diverse product portfolio, tell us why you have decided to cover all these disciplines? We didn’t set out to cover everything within the industry, it
Of all the brands that you cover, what is the one that customers couldn’t live without, and why? If I had to pick one right now, it would be Globber. These children’s scooters should be on every shop floor! Not only does the product offer a fantastic range and design, but the quality and finish, in my opinion, offers the best value for
money in this category. The new 5in1 scooter has only been available since April, and has already won Best New Toy at the Baby and Nursery Toy Awards, and the Nuremberg Toy award. Any exciting new products or brands to tell us about? We have recently taken on the Thompson Bike brand, which is very exciting, as it gives the customer the ability to select their own wheels, group sets and custom paint job. These are easily selected on the new purposebuilt website, all built-in to one price – an extremely competitive one! Rocky Mountain have also released the new Pipeline, the ultimate 27.5+ ride for any aggressive trail. Additionally, we’ll be stocking more Iskute Balance Boards from September onwards. We've been working hard with our suppliers to improve the design and specs, and to create a product that is the best in class! For further information please contact info@greenoversports. com or call +44 (0)1803 558885 BIKEBIZ AUGUST 9
EUROBIKE 2016
Eurobike 2016 September is fast approaching, and the indsutry is once again gearing up for Eurobike. Kieran Howells takes a look back over some of the creative things we saw at the 2015 event...
WITH AN exhibitors list in the thousands, an event space the size of a small country, and attendees flocking from the four corners of the globe, it’s hard not to be enthused by the return of the continental juggernaut that is Eurobike. As always, BikeBiz will be in the thick of the action, digging out the latest in tech, cutting-edge bike releases, and announcements from some of the industry’s biggest players, along with extensive test rides and demos. In anticipation of the grand event, we thought it appropriate to take a look back at a few of the best things we saw last year. Whilst witnessing the vast sea of fascinating and innovative products on display, picking out noteworthy contributions can be a herculean task. However, folding bike giants Brompton helped us out by introducing the fruits of their collaboration with Darkside Scientific to the public. Using a sprayable electroluminescent 10 BIKEBIZ AUGUST
coating developed by Lumilor, the duo developed a luminescent bike frame that activates when an electric current is passed through it. The concept version BikeBiz saw was operated by a switch in the fold of the bike. Over at the Scottish Pavilion, we discovered an idea that could potentially change countryside cycling for the better. Grease Monkey Cycles’ freestanding
nightmarish cycling breakdowns in remote areas? We’ve seen the industry embrace the call for variation on the traditional bike chain with the introduction of belt-driven units, but Hungarian brand Stringbike were offering a slightly different approach at Eurobike. As the name suggests, the drivetrain on Stringbikes is, in fact, composed of string. Stringbike uses strong,
“It’s hard not to be enthused by the return of the juggernaut that is Eurobike.” bicycle repair station promised 24/7 bike care for cyclists, with tools and QR links to “how to” videos that demonstrate common repairs. The robust units can be accessibly placed anywhere, and are bollardesque in appearance. Could this idea spell the end of
durable and flexible rope – the kind used in heavy-duty sailing equipment. The makers conceded that the string certainly won’t last as long as a chain, but the bikes come with spares hidden inside the seat post, and who knows what the future holds for this technology.
Last, but by no means least, Cobi’s – short for connected biking –innovation has been generating a buzz. The device manages everything from automatic low light bike lighting, to communication, to offline GPS navigation, and much, much more. An interesting feature was the app’s theft alert, which sends the user’s phone into a frenzy when the mounted sensors feel any unwanted attention on the bike. The device will work with any Bluetooth-capable smartphone carrying the brand’s app, and what’s more, the unit will fully charge your phone up to four times, whilst on the move. Eurobike 2016 runs from August 31st to September 4th, and once again takes place in Friedrichshafen, Germany. If our accounts of last year aren’t enough to get you exited for this year, check out our dedicated Eurobike supplement, free with this issue. www.eurobike.com BIKEBIZ.COM
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BREXIT
BREXIT: How will leaving the EU impact on the bicycle business? We’ve heard both sides of the Brexit debate, but what does the news mean for the cycling industry? Carlton Reid talks us through what the next few years could look like in Brexit Britain… ALEXANDER BORIS de Pfeffel Johnson may have given his second name to London’s hire bikes (even though it wasn’t he who created the concept), and led the impetus for the installation of the Cycle Superhighways, but it’s his leadership of the Brexit campaign that might have the greatest eventual impact on the bicycle industry. Should the disentanglement from the EU go ahead – and given that there has been no formal actioning of Lisbon Treaty’s Article 50 this is far from certain – there will be many months, perhaps even years, of political and economic turmoil. If, as many experts predict, the economy tanks there will be stiff challenges ahead for a bicycle industry already in the doldrums internationally. Looking on the bright side, there’s also the possibility that cycling could do well out of a faltering British economy – with petrol prices expected to rise people will shun cars and hopefully get on bikes instead (BSOs mainly; sales of high-end bikes will stagnate); and manufacturerexporters, such as Brompton, will prosper from a weaker Sterling. However, most of the UK cycle industry relies on imports, which will become more expensive in the near future. Any further softening of the domestic currency will hit hard, almost certainly leading to BIKEBIZ.COM
price hikes for consumers. (Prices for 2017 bikes are being worked on right now, and suppliers will factor in the likelihood that volatile markets will settle down, but if they don’t suppliers who gamble incorrectly will be stiffed.) UK cycle exporters – such as Pashley, Brompton and a few others – may benefit from a sluggish pound, but this could be offset by a slackening in domestic demand. UK auto makers have already predicted
roads and vanity projects such as HS2) was always very much on the cards. Anyway, Local Enterprise Partnerships – LEPs – which are now largely in charge of transport spending, have shown little interest in providing for cycling. Not that the installation of cycling infrastriucture is going to be a priority for any post-Brexit government. In fact, the only priority will be Brexit – parliament will be tied up with Brexit-related
“There will be many months, perhaps even years, of political and economic turmoil.” that they expect Brexit will reduce their profits by billions of pounds, and cut new-vehicle sales by nearly a million units over the next three years. Some bicycle campaigners once dreamed that a Boris-led Government would build Londonstyle cycle infrastructure across the country, but even if Johnson had reached the job he has been striving for all his adult life, the creation of a bike-lane utopia would have been unlikely. Johnson would have been in charge of a right-wing libertarian government that believes fervantly in “localism”, and cutting public spending on transport (on anything other than
legislation for some years, and little else will get decided upon. Brexitalia will dominate the political agenda for a minimum of two years, and could even take most of the political oxygen for the next five or even ten years (trade negotiations take many years of work). In a Brexit-dominated future it’s likely that it’ll be harder to move British goods and people through Europe – this will make it more difficult for UK exhibitors to attend, say, Eurobike. There would be borders to cross, and duties to pay. Bit of a nightmare, really. The markets believe that the travel and leisure sectors will suffer
mightily from Brexit. Cycle holiday companies which currently take FUK clients to overseas destinations will be adversely impacted. Expect at least some to go to the wall, and quite quickly (there’s nothing like a run on the pound to quell interest in a holiday abroad). Airline stocks have been trading poorly since Brexit (Easyjet’s shares fell more than 18 percent after the airline said leaving the EU would contribute to a fall in revenues), the RAC and the AA have warned that the 31-year low on sterling will mean petrol prices are likely to rise, and the Halfords share price fell through the floor, dropping from over 400 pence per share to 311 soon after Brexit. It may be short-term volatility but if it continues it may force the company to rethink its expansion plans. With overt racism on the rise and the social fabric of the Former United Kingdom (FUK) unravelling the plight of a relatively small industry selling fewer products is small beer but, as this is a bicycle trade paper, we have to point out the likely impact of Brexit on our industry, and like for many other industries, it’s a grim one. With the industry already down by at least 10 percent year on year (and some bike shops and suppliers are down by much more than this) any further reduction in demand caused by a Brexit-induced slow-down will be tough to ride out. BIKEBIZ AUGUST 13
CANYON Forking out for a CT machine is cheaper than a fork recall
Why isn’t the industry scanning composites for flaws? Canyon of Germany scans composites for flaws, most of the rest of the industry doesn’t. We should be worried about that, argues Carlton Reid. EVEN IF they’re crafted in state-ofthe-art manufacturing facilities not all carbon cycle products are perfect. Some dud ones will slip through. A carbon frame with a porous bottom-bracket shell will likely snap, crackle, or pop, but it won’t fell the rider because the rest of the frame will stay intact. However, a faulty fork isn’t so forgiving. It’s for this reason that Canyon of Germany spent £400,000 on its first CT scanning machine – it could be cheaper than a fork recall. According to Raoul Luescher of Carbon Bike Repair of Australia, common problems with composite parts include: Q Delamination Q Unbond Q Porosity Q Void Q Cracks Luescher uses ultrasound equipment to work out where repairs to the matrix are required. “I am not aware of any of [cycle] factories doing ultrasound scans of production frames or parts,” Luescher told BikeBiz. “The data interpretation on a typical frame is not straightforward. I have 14 BIKEBIZ AUGUST
discussed this with factories in the past, but they are looking for a “go or no go” solution. This is not simple with the shapes and laminates used in a cycle frame. “The current fatigue tests are based on the properties of steel and aluminium,” says Peter Eland, technical service manager for the Bicycle Association of Great Britain. “There are differences in fatigue behaviour between metals, but the differences between metals and
the current standard, but still fail in use. “This sort of failure was identified in seatposts by some of the major companies producing composites, and they swiftly changed their in-house fatigue testing to be more stringent,” says Eland. New tests proposed by WG8 – which includes tech experts from Shimano, SRAM, Trek, Accell Group, and Mavic – will include the effect of temperature on composite
“The current tests are based on properties of steel and aluminium.” Peter Eland, BA composites are much more significant. The key factor is that impacts have a far more significant effect on composite materials than they do on metals. But low-cycle impact loads were not really considered when the [original] tests were agreed.” This means that a composite component could very likely pass all of the fatigue testing specified in
rims, which have to withstand burst pressure from the tyres when heated through braking (or being left in a car in the sunshine). There will also be compositespecific tests for steerer tubes and composite saddle rails. WG8 will make its recommendations in a Technical Report due out soon, and this will eventually become part of the ISO standard for bicycles.
Currently, all factories should already be testing to the imperfect ISO 4210 as a minimum. But such tests are only ever conducted on samples. Canyon’s CT scanning is done on every carbon fork, as I saw when I visited the Koblenz assembly plant in June. Lab technicians take five photographs for every part and frame scanned. It takes between two to four minutes for every test. The technicians check for delamination, wrinkles, and the proper wall thicknesses – the CT scans are checked next to the CAD drawings. Between 0.5 to 1 percent of scanned products are rejected in Germany, and this will be the second time they will have been scanned. Every okayed product is labelled with a QR code laser-etched on the underside so that it can be married up to the scan photographs should any flaws be reported by consumers. Such an assurance of quality – and safety – is a major selling point, which is why it can only be a matter of time before most other brands pressure their Asian factories to offer the same sort of NDI testing. BIKEBIZ.COM
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GIRO
Giro The brand reports on increasing sales in-store, and on redirecting consumer behaviour with purposeful retail presentation
A BRAND synonymous with high-quality cycle helmets, Giro has seen incredible success since diversifying into footwear and clothing in recent years. In an increasingly challenging climate for IBDs, Giro’s Brand Manager Stuart Hayes tells us of an exciting trend that is emerging across stockists in the UK. Retailers stocking Giro apparel, softgoods, and footwear alongside helmets are seeing their helmet sales increase significantly. Creating gamechanging and iconic products is no doubt part of the success, but the emerging trend suggests a major part of the increased sales is attributed to how the range of products are presented at retail. The purpose behind Giro’s innovation is always to enhance the riding experience, achieved with a philosophy of blending science and soul in the development of new product ideas. To create compelling collections, Giro use complimentary colour stories and graphics across the entire line, the inspiration drawn from cycling culture across all styles of riding. With categoryBIKEBIZ.COM
defining accessories in helmets, footwear, apparel and softgoods, Giro provides head-to-toe solutions for all consumers, allowing riders to truly outfit themselves in a coordinated way. Since going to retail with this head-to-toe model, Giro have identified that not only does a retailer’s turnover increase when categories of complementary
consumers are inspired to consider additional products that complement their main purchase. It is proven that basket values go up and helmet turnover increases when a retailer sells multiple categories from Giro.” FIGURES TAKEN YTD 2016: Overall Giro turnover increase year-on-year
“Statistics show that ranging head-to-toe collections in-store drives sales across all categories” Stuart Hayes, Giro Brand Manager products are displayed, but sales of the core categories also increase as customers choose to buy across the whole collection. According to Hayes: “Statistics show that ranging head-to-toe collections in-store drives sales across all categories, not just an increase in added styles. Even if the representation is a simple colour lockup that demonstrates how the products might look together,
Q Single category retailer:14.9% Q 3 category retailer: 51.6% Q 4 category retailer: 111.4% (helmets, shoes, apparel & softgoods) Giro helmet turnover inrease year-on-year: Q Single category retailer: 13.7% Q 3 category retailer: 28.1% Q 4 category retailer: 66.2% (helmets, shoes, apparel and softgoods) Many stores choose to merchandise
all brands together in categories, so customers can weigh up the different styles on offer. This is a functional sales technique, but it doesn’t always inspire customers. The retail space should be a showcase for the products on offer: somewhere the brand can be experienced. In a changing retail climate where service, community and experience are key to the success of IBDs, we need to understand what compels a consumer. Good ranging decisions and merchandising are incredibly powerful tools; they allow retailers to convey product stories more effectively, strengthening both overall sales and upsell potential. Distributor Zyro offers retailers merchandising solutions that allow accessories to be presented together as collections, rather than standalone products, across Road, Urban, MTB and Venture markets. For more information on the complete Giro product line and for details about merchandising solutions, please contact your Zyro account manager. www.zyro.co.uk BIKEBIZ AUGUST 19
MYSTERY SHOPPER
Kingston After a month off, Mystery Shopper is back with a vengeance. This month we headed to the idyllic Kingston upon Thames to check out what the popular bike-centric town has to offer.
SPECIALIZED CONCEPT STORE Optimally situated minutes from Richmond’s main travel hub, the large 3D lettering outside the Specialized store drew us in. As we headed straight for the bikes, a youngbut-knowledgeable employee was quick to offer his assistance, and after asking us a few questions, the employee set to work searching out a bike that fitted our needs, and walked us through the various models. The shop was impressive, and the service impeccable. We would shop here again.
EVANS A little further down the same road, we dipped into the Kingston branch of Evans. We were approached almost straight away by a young man who offered his assistance. He directed us to a small-but-varied range or bikes, and whereas we did have to push the young man to answer a few of our questions, he was perfectly pleasant and did offer up the basic information we wanted (even if he did have to check the bike labels once or twice).
STAR STORE
SUMMARY THOSE LUCKY enough to live in Kingston upon Thames have an impeccable collection of bike shops in their fair town, and whereas a few of today's stores may have edged out the competition in previous months, Sigma Sport went above and beyond the call of duty to become our star store this month.
20 BIKEBIZ AUGUST
NEIL’S WHEELS Neil's Wheels was very well-stocked for its compact size, and still managed to feel welcoming. We were greeted and offered assistance instantly. When presented with our brief, a young man took us to look at the shop’s small range of mountain bikes. He was helpful and informative, but the range they had in stock was low-end, and lacking in variety. Regardless, the employee did all that he could to help us, and even showed us some other options online.
SIGMA SPORT Sigma Sport is a sought-out destination for keen cyclists. The sleek and inviting shop exterior and sheer mass of the space ensures the shop is noticed. We were offered assistance instantly, from a very friendly and extremely well -nformed assistant who literally walked us through every bike in the shop within our budget, and every other significant piece of information we needed to make an informed purchase. We left very impressed.
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PLATINUM
D-LER FREE PRODUCT PLAN The i-ride Platinum D-LER Programme is a place for loyal dealers, where by signing up to a selection of brands from our portfolio, we reward you with free product throughout the season. This is in addition to the other incentives such as guaranteed lowest prices on all of our brands, extended credit, free carriage on every order, and many other beneďŹ ts. Our platinum dealers are currently enjoying ÂŁ1772 of free product from the following premium brands:
Talk to your i-ride rep about joining the Platinum D-LER Programme now.
EXTRA ENERGY
The Electric Evangelist Carlton Reid travels to a remote corner of former East Germany to profile Hannes Neupert who has been plugging e-bikes for 24 years. TANNA, IN the German state of Thuringia close to the border with Czechoslovakia, is not easy to get to from the UK. It involves a flight, a long train journey and then a 20-mile trip in a car to reach this rural part of the former East Germany. While it’s geographically remote, it’s the epicentre of the e-bike world because Tanna is home to ExtraEnergy, a non-profit consultancy that has been plugging battery-powered cycling since 1992. The organisation was founded by visionary Hannes Neupert, an expert on LEVs –“light electric vehicles”. (He gave me a lift to the train station in an electric car, naturally.) Neupert’s Das Powerbike of 2000 was the first book about electric bikes, some time before the industry started taking e-bikes seriously. The 43-year-old is also the author of The eBike Book of 2013, a more up-to-date hardback. Neupert’s ExtraEnergy is, in effect, an electric-bike institute, a centre of both excellence and education. Born and schooled in Stuttgart, some 220 miles from Tanna, Neupert returned to the Thuringian village in 1999, nine years after German reunification. His parents, born and raised in Tanna, moved back with him, taking over a 22 BIKEBIZ AUGUST
complex built by Neupert’s grandfather. ExtraEnergy is run from the family’s extensive landholdings in the village, with the consultancy employing eight people in buildings converted from what was a small factory, and surrounded by houses owned and lived in by the extended Neupert family. As well as the consultancy business and testing lab run from Tanna, the former factory also houses an electric vehicle museum with 1200 e-vehicles, including a folding e-bike produced for BMW
already fascinated by batterypowered propulsion. While his children dot around the enclave on muscle-powered bicycles, Neupert is convinced that electrification is the future. In 2010 he told a Light Electric Vehicle conference that traditional bicycles would go the way of the dodo: “Electrification will kill the mechanical bicycle within a few years like it has killed many other mechanical products. Bicycles … will remain as historical items hanging on the wall.” He described the pedal-powered
“Electrification will kill the mechanical bicycle within a few years.” Hannes Neupert and used by athletes and officials at the 2012 London Olympics, and a tiny solar-powered e-car, made by Maserati in 1973 at the height of oil crisis. Adorning one wall is the remains of Lotte, a solar-powered airship which flew across Australia in 1993, built by Neupert as part of a college project. Tucked away in a corner is a Mad-Max-style cargocarrying electric recumbent, also built by the teenage Neupert,
bicycle as likely to become a “fossilised cult object” similar to the washing mangle, the mechanical typewriter and the mechanical camera. He has since softened this view, admitting that “analogue” products also have a future, but remains convinced that the majority of consumers would rather be battery-boosted up hills rather than tax their muscles alone. “Any
analysis of development trends over the last 100 years shows a strong and unmistakeable trend towards electrification,” he asserts. And he’s very much in favour of the suck-it-and-see form of promotion for electric vehicles. ExtraEnergy’s road show takes a testing track – including ramps – around Europe to demonstrate the latest e-bikes’ capabilities. Tanna is also the world’s leading location for e-bike testing, a service that ExtraEnergy offers to manufacturers and to newspapers such as Der Spiegel. ExtraEnergy fits e-bikes with power and stress sensors, GPS units and other tech, and then test riders take them on set courses over the Thuringian hills and through local towns. It’s very possible that the benchmark tests you see on the e-bikes in your shop will have been conducted in Tanna. And the next generation of e-bike enthusiasts are also being manufactured in this otherwise sleepy backwater. While I was there a group of students from a Munich school – “they’re techno kids,” said Neupert – were being shown the history of e-bikes in ExtraEnergy’s museum. “The future is electric,” smiled Neupert. BIKEBIZ.COM
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REGIONAL SPOTLIGHT
NORTH ENGLAND
& SCOTLAND In our August Regional Spotlight, we’re setting our sights on the United Kingdom’s beautiful North. Hayley Ferguson reports…
CYCLING IN SCOTLAND: BEYOND THE MAMIL SALLY HINCHCLIFFE AFTER ALMOST two decades of devolved government, Scotland is growing increasingly distinct from its southern neighbour. The nation prides itself on being built upon equity and fairness, and Cycling UK’s activities north of the border have reflected just that: working to broaden cycling’s reach beyond the few fit males who have historically formed the core of the UK cycling population. In the last few years, thanks largely to efforts of Suzanne Forup, Cycling UK has worked to get groups who traditionally have not cycled in the saddle. For instance, the Belles on Bikes programme has grown from a single group in Glasgow to 11 affiliate groups running women-only rides across Scotland. Play on Pedals aims to teach every child in Glasgow to ride a bike, giving children in some of the most deprived areas of the UK an opportunity their suburban peers BIKEBIZ.COM
take for granted. The recentlyopened All-Ability Bike Centre in Edinburgh offers inclusive cycling opportunities on Edinburgh’s traffic-free path network, giving some people their first taste of independent mobility. Cycling UK Scotland has certainly not neglected the campaigning side, which is the real key to getting more people of all kinds on
to bikes. An early supporter of Pedal on Parliament, which has put funding for cycling firmly on the Scottish political agenda since 2012, the initiative has funded training days for campaigners. It was also a leading force behind We Walk, We Cycle, We Vote, an umbrella campaign of more than two dozen organisations – including all the major cycle
campaigns – which presented a united front during the May Holyrood elections. Thanks to these common and concerted campaigning efforts, investment in active travel overall is growing even in straitened times. It now stands at an estimated £7.74 per head – well above the figure in England – with the SNP committed at the last election to maintaining or exceeding that level. After a few false starts, the nation is now also starting to look to its northern European neighbours, and to invest in the sort of segregated infrastructure that makes cycling accessible to all. Scotland has a long way to go before it recovers its place as a cycling nation – after all, it is where Kirkpatrick Macmillan legendarily invented the pedal bicycle. But as this hard-won investment in active travel begins to take effect, Cycling UK is working to ensure that no potential cyclist in Scotland is left behind. BIKEBIZ AUGUST 25
REGIONAL SPOTLIGHT
SHAND, AN ADVENTURE BIKE COMPANY BASED IN Livingston, near Edinburgh, Shand Cycles has been producing hand-built bikes in Scotland since 2003, when Steven Shand first decided to turn his frame-building hobby into a business. Now a team of six, Shand creates bikes inspired by the challenges of Scottish weather and landscape, broadly affecting the thinking behind the brand, and subsequently its growth over the last five years. Russell Stout, co-owner and overseer of paint production and marketing at Shand, comments, “We like to say: ‘it’s not about the bike, it’s about where that bike can take you.’ Where we ride, with open access to trails, we were always looking at the crossover between mountain bike and road bike with a bit of touring thrown into the mix as well. More and more people are moving on from sport cycling, and trying things that take them further afield on and off the beaten track – we make bikes that can help them do that.” All bikes at Shand are built from scratch using tubing from British and Italian manufacturers Reynolds, Columbus and Deda. All bikes are currently built to order with each frame being fabricated, painted and assembled at the Shand workshop in central Scotland. There are currently six models in the lineup, ranging from the Skinnymalinky road bike to the Tumshie Fat bike. Other models include the Stoater Allroad bike and Bahookie 29er, and most models are available with the German manufactured Rohloff Speedhub option for virtually maintenance-free riding. There’s even a 650B+ MTB being added to the lineup this summer. While stock bikes are available, customers can opt for custom geometry and any paint scheme they desire, Stout confesses that they “love to make hand-built bikes, but it’s not just about the craft.” The company, “really want people to go out and use and abuse these bikes.” “Most sales are within the UK, but around 20 per cent are from overseas, with Germany and Scandinavia being the main markets, followed by the US and Canada. We also get surprising
26 BIKEBIZ AUGUST
“It’s not about the bike, it’s about where that bike can take you.” Russell Stout
orders from places like Singapore, and just last week we were asked to quote for shipping to Reunion Island. It does amaze us sometimes just how far afield people who have heard of Shand can be.” This is no doubt down to the combination of marketing activities in which the company engages, from brand advertising in print and online, to social media activity making the goings-on of the workshops and the latest customer builds known. However, despite the average monthly sales roughly doubling so far in 2016, the company can find manufacturing in the UK challenging at times. “It’s great to have a full order book, but as a small setup punching above our weight, it can be difficult managing the balance of customer
service with a hands-on production process,” says Steven Shand. “We strive to build the best bikes we can, but we can’t afford this to be at the detriment to customer service – it’s an area we’re working hard on improving, especially if we want to grow the business from where we are now.” Shand also cites other challenges for the business. “Profit margins within the cycle industry are typically slim, and that’s even more of a challenge when manufacturing in the UK. Our bikes are relatively expensive, but having conducted market research earlier in the year, customers and potential customers do see that our bikes offer value for money. They understand what they’re paying for, although not everyone can justify the price tag.”
It’s abundantly clear that Shand are very much intending to grow the business. “It’s great that we’re starting to be recognised for the bikes that we make, and we have ambitions beyond where we are now, but unfortunately these are very much tempered by cash,” says Stout. “We’re committed our manufacturing base being here in Scotland,” he continues, “but if we think it’s been hard to get where we are now, it will only be more of a challenge to scale production that will make the business properly sustainable. That’s why we’re starting to look at options for imported frames to sit alongside the frames we make here. We specialise in steel, so imported frames will likely be carbon fibre or titanium, and we really need to look at whether we market and sell these under the Shand brand, or a sub-brand backed up by the experience and integrity that the company has gained over the years.” Shand already imports a number of components and parts such as finishing kit and carbon forks used on some of their steel models, so they have a good network of suppliers and can identify partners who can help bring their designs to life. The designs are likely to be quirky and have the Shand trademark stamp of functional design and versatility about them. “We really appreciate what the likes of Open Cycles are doing,” says Stout “and we often wonder why there’s not a UK version of Salsa here in the UK / Europe. There’s certainly scope for a business like that with a British slant – we like to imagine that one day, we can be that brand, either independently or as part of a bigger organization.” Stout wraps up by telling us that “it can sometimes be seen as little arrogant in Scotland to be ambitious, but if growth makes us more accessible and brings our bikes to a wider audience, then why not? We’ve a lot of planning to do, and outside investment will undoubtedly be required – we’re ready for the next phase and very much looking forward what it might bring.” www.shandcycles.com
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BUZZBIKE
Creating a Buzz There’s a new company in town, and they want to give the people of London a free bike. With a whirlwind of excitement surrounding the cycle scheme, Kieran Howells talk to Tom Hares, co-founder of Buzzbike, about changing the face of city cycling. What are your histories in the cycle trade? We’re new to the cycle trade; I personally come from an advertising background, leading Apple’s advertising as managing director of their ad agency Media Arts Lab. My business partner, Andrew Nunn, is a chartered accountant and former strategy consultant at KPMG. We’ve been able to bring our expertise from our advertising and marketing backgrounds to come up with a truly innovative way to fund free and sustainable transport in our capital city. Where did the idea for Buzzbike come from? I was struck by the increasing congestion and pollution in London and the rise of cycling in the capital. We also knew that marketing was going through a fundamental change with brands under pressure to engage BIKEBIZ.COM
customers in new and meaningful ways. We realised that bikes represented a significant gap in the £1bn UK outdoor advertising market, not just in London but globally, and that it could do some good for the world along the way. Can you explain the scheme for our readers? The Buzzbike platform differs from
city (riders are signed up using their home and work postcodes). An app for Buzzbike members creates targeted rewards for the rider and a deeper connection with the advertiser. Our typical rider agreement is one to two years, and then riders will receive an overall package including the bike worth around £1,000. For fairness, we ask that
“Buzzbike is a new model for city cycling.” Tom Hares, co-founder a cycling scheme. Riders do not pay for anything but gain 24/7 use of a beautiful single speed bike. Brands support the scheme with Buzzbike’s striking, fully-branded bikes becoming the platform for the brand’s campaign and their messages in targeted areas of the
our members ride on average 12 times a month – averaged over two months. If there’s severe weather, as happens sometimes in Britain, we can be flexible; as we can if a rider suffers illness and needs a break. Our goal is to motivate and engage using our technology, not
to force behaviour. What do you think the validity of an idea such as Buzzbike says about the current London cycling scene? London is undergoing a cycling revolution. The combination of social and economic factors, combined with better infrastructure is certainly helping; 25% of rush hour traffic in central London is from bikes, and in some areas of London during peak hours, cyclists outweigh cars in terms of volume. Transport aside, as we know, there is a huge culture surrounding cycling and we think we can engage with that through our offering for our members with brands. What are the benefits of a scheme such as Buzzbike over the Santander cycle scheme? I think a lot of people will naturally compare Buzzbike with the BIKEBIZ AUGUST 29
BUZZBIKE
The striking new Buzzbike frames are sure to cause a stir...
Santander Cycle Scheme. However, Buzzbike is really an entirely different proposition; you are not restricted by docking stations nor have you got any time limitations. Not to mention that it’s completely free to the user. Instead, with Buzzbike, you get a beautiful bike to use 24/7. The Cooper bikes themselves are much more lightweight and suited to regular riding, these are bikes you’d want to own. We’re also naturally targeting London commuters who live and work in London - whereas one of the key user groups of the Santander Cycles are tourists. You recently launched a crowdfunding campaign, why did you choose crowdfunding and how has it gone so far? Like many brands, we wanted to crowdfund because of the opportunity it brings to engage with several different investors and to build a community around the company. We need a certain amount of working capital to produce the bikes at scale, so are 30 BIKEBIZ AUGUST
fundraising now to enable a larger scale London launch in early 2017. At writing (29/06/16), we’re at £250,000 of our £350,000 goal so are optimistic! Do you have plans to expand to other UK cities? Yes, and indeed other international
working with Buzzbike to create a new London cycle scheme, and the rest is history. We’re very proud to be partnered with such another iconic British brand and look forward to being able to offer our riders their amazing products. At each stage of developing Buzzbike we wanted to make sure
“London is undergoing a cycling revolution.” Tom Hares, co-founder cities. We’re starting sensibly but as the model grows, in conjunction with brand support, we’ll look to move into other areas to continue to support our brand advertisers’ objectives geographically, and to serve the wider national and international cycling community with high quality bikes, for free. How did the partnerships with Hiplok and Cooper come about? Brooks approached Cooper bikes when they heard about them
we were choosing the most ideal partner for each aspect of what we do. Hiplok perfectly fit that criteria because they care about design and quality. We were introduced to Hiplok by David George who runs the amazing Bikmo. Do you plan on expanding the range of bikes beyond those produced by Cooper? Over time we will look to offer Buzzbike to a wide range of urban cycling audiences. This may mean
we’ll look to explore variations on the design of the bike. How much interest have you received from the public so far? We’ve had thousands of sign-ups from riders who want to be part of the scheme. And pleasingly, we’ve had lots of interest from brand advertisers, which will bring this all together. Do you think that cycle schemes such as Buzzbike will permanently change the way we perceive city cycling? I think Buzzbike has the potential to change the perceptions of city cyclists; it’s a new model for cycling. I hope, being free to ride, that we can help do our bit to make the wonderful activity of cycling even more accessible, and to help solve London’s congestion and pollution issues. We want to build the world’s largest urban cycling community, so are ambitious about this change. For more information on Buzzbike, please visit http://buzzbike.london BIKEBIZ.COM
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RETÜL The brand was founded in 2007
The brand partnered with Specialized in 2012
Fit for the future: Retül technology 2016 and beyond Retül, a market leader in data-driven bike-fitting technology and riding technique optimization, is poised for an exciting second half of 2016. Kieran Howells reports… SINCE 2007, Retül has been focused on delivering the most accurate, real-time data to both riders and fitters, enabling adjustments that result in the most comfortable and efficient bike/rider interface possible. In 2012, Specialized partnered with Retül, whose technology and tools have been incorporated into the Body Geometry Fit program, bringing together the leaders in fit process and fit tools in order to provide the most comprehensive fit solution available. Retül continues to focus on creating the best tools for fitters and riders, as well, including the Müve SL fit bike, Vantage Motion Capture System with V7 software, Angül fit stem, and Custom Fütbeds. And to serve riders BIKEBIZ.COM
around the globe, Retül tools and technology are also available to all retailers. The brand has announced three important additions to its product offering this year: 1. Custom Body Geometry Footbeds.
device that helps riders choose the best saddle for their anatomy. Knowing that the number of retailers offering fit services will always be limited due to the inherent cost and time, Retül will
“Retül continues to focus on creating the best tools for fitters.” Mark Murphy, Specialized 2. Updated V7 Software, including updated biomechanical ranges, simpler definitions and measurements, and additional measurements. 3. A digital saddle width measuring
drive the adoption rate of its fit system and technology to more retailers and fitters. The goal is that, with more fits completed using Retül technology, more information is gleaned about riders’
needs. This helps to develop innovative new ways of bringing the technology to all riders. And with tools like the digital saddle width measuring device, Retül is providing data to riders that helps them learn more about themselves and, in turn, make more informed decisions. Retül is confident this can be a springboard to more projects that empower the fitter and retailer to help riders choose bicycles and equipment that align with their goals, as well as their bodies’ needs. Specialized UK will host a “Fit for the Future” panel and discussion in September, and it’s open to all interested retailers and fitters. For information on how to attend, contact: mark.murphy@specialized.com BIKEBIZ AUGUST 33
E D O AI RC 500
RIDE FASTER, HARDER, STRONGER. The Aircode had a great first year, taking Thibaut Pinot to third place in the 2014 Tour de France. For 2016 the Aircode has been reworked and improved to be even lighter. To achieve this our engineers optimized the carbon lay-up, reducing the number of layers in the seat tube and head tube, whist keeping the same levels of stiffness, appreciated by FDJ riders. The Aircode also uses PowerBox technology for pedalling efficiency, and semi-integrated front brakes.
PRESS CAMP 2016
UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH INDUSTRY ICONS AT PRESSCAMP, UTAH Carlton Reid visits Deer Valley, Utah, to take part in the eighth annual PressCamp
BREAKFAST WITH CanadianDutchman Gerard Vroomen, founder of Cervélo, lunch with Giordana’s Giorgio Andretta, responsible for the popularisation in America of many of Italy’s cycling brands, and dinner and a beer with Ridley’s Richard Wittenberg, a 30-year veteran of the industry (previous jobs: management roles at Cannondale, Pacific Cycle, and Brunswick Corporation). On top of that, a ride on Tony Ellsworth’s personal 29er. PressCamp is a sociable gathering, where you get not only to meet with industry icons, but to bump into them day after day. It’s not like a trade show, where eyes dart to spot the next person to glad-hand – the threeday PressCamp held annually in Deer Valley, Utah, is intimate. Editors get to spend quality one-on-one time with company folks in their condo rooms. If the allotted 45-minute sessions in the morning and just after lunch aren’t enough, they can make time in the afternoons to either meet again or – better yet – go out riding with the BIKEBIZ.COM
industry figures in question, on the bikes introduced earlier or with the products being launched, some of them in prototype form. Because there are only so many hours in the day, PressCamp can’t expand – there are only so many condo sessions that can be fitted into a three-day event. This keeps the event tight, and Small is
Beiden in a hot-tub, beers in hands. The eighth annual staging of PressCamp saw product introductions from 3T, Alpinestars, Blue, Camelbak, Cannondale, Ellsworth, Fabric, G-form, GT, Giordana, Pinarello, Open, Ridley, Ryders, Smith Optics, Stages Cycling, Sugoi and Sombrio, and Thule.
“Editors and company representatives live next to each other, cheek by jowl.” Beautiful. PressCamp takes places in a luxe condo complex (in the winter the Silver Barron Lodge is a ski lodge because Deer Valley is first and foremost a ski resort); editors and company representatives live next to each other, cheek by jowl, for the duration. Some even bathe together. In fact, this is now a PressCamp staple, with the passing of the years now noted by the annual photo of Singletrack’s Chipps and Camelbak’s Seth
Q 3T/OPEN 3T, the Italian components brand owned by Rene Wiertz (who resurrected the company in 2007) and Gerard Vroomen, was at PressCamp to get editors riding on the fat-tyred Xploro gravel bike. As you’d expect from Vroomen the square-tubed Xploro is a gravel bike with a twist: it’s aero. It was tested to be aero not at 30mph but at 20mph, the more likely slower speed of a gravel bike (when it was placed in the wind tunnel the test
bike was dotted with fake mud, too). Shod with 27.5 x 2.1-inch WTB Nanos the Xploro – 3T’s first-ever full bike – has the frame of a road bike but the traction of a mountain bike. It has a thru-axle front and rear. The Xploro features asymmetrical chainstays and can fit either 700c or 650b wheels. When shod with 40mm knobby gravel tyres (and two water bottles) the Xploro is said to be faster than the equivalent round tube bike with 28mm road tyres and without bottles. Vroomen said the Xploro was made to his design, but he didn’t oversee every moment of its production. However, he controls everything on the bikes produced for Open, his own-brand bike company. Open will only ever have 100 retailers worldwide, he told BikeBiz. “The only reason I made this [Open] frame is because nobody else is making this sort of frame,” he said of the Open gravel bike also on display at PressCamp. “The Open dealer focuses on what their customers want, not what BIKEBIZ AUGUST 35
PRESS CAMP 2016
Alpine Stars now have an expanded selection
Blue Competition showed off their Norcross SL and Prosecco EX
3T/Open were at PressCamp to get editors riding on the Xploro
Cannondale’s SuperSix Evo frame has been reworked to accomodate discs
Camelbak is distributed by Zyro in the UK
their accountants want,” said Vroomen. “People like buying from people; and people like innovators.” Q ALPINESTARS The cycling collection at protectionbrand Alpinestars of Italy is the fastest-growing part of the company, said PR man Giulio Neri. The brand now has an expanded selection of elbow pads, knee guards, back protectors and neck braces. The Paragon Evolution Vest has built-in back protection, can fit a hydration bladder, and slips beneath a riding jersey. The Level 1 CE-certified ergonomic spine protector, made from EVA “memory” foam, is removable. Also in the Paragon range is a line of lightweight XC elbow and knee pads. The elbow guards weigh just 250 grams for the pair. Alpinestars also redesigned its DH longs and shorts. Made from lighter and stretchier fabrics, the new line features heavier Cordura panels on likely contact points. There’s also a “solid base of carry over items,” 36 BIKEBIZ AUGUST
Fabric has ramped up its P&A offerings, with a greater selection of tools
said Nero. Q BLUE COMPETITION CYCLES Blue was at PressCamp to show the Norcross SL and launch the very keenly priced Prosecco EX carbon gravel bike. This is equipped with Shimano Ultegra Di2 and R785 hydraulic STI levers, and is set to retail for $2,699. The Prosecco features the company’s housebrand Aerus 30mm deep alloy wheels. There are also thru axles front and rear, flat mount brakes, internal cable routing and skinny seat stays. The Prosecco EX will have Hutchinson 28c Nitro 2 tyres. This was Blue’s third time at PressCamp, and is now under new ownership. One of the previous owners defaulted on a payment to frame maker Asahi Enterprises of Taiwan (which also makes for Planet X and Vitus) and, in 2012, struggled to continue – two new owners also struggled so, in 2014, Tommy Chen, president of Asahi, bought the brand. Chen was at PressCamp with longtime Blue sales manager Orli Chinea. Blue is now best
known for its tri/TT bikes but also has a line of Axino road bikes, Norcross CX line and Crew MTBs. Q CAMELBAK Camelbak is to phase out the Antidote reservoir and replace is with the Crux, which has a lid that because of the new “pickle-jar” closure is easier to open and close – it also has a longer, pan-handle grip. The hose is also wider, increasing water flow by about 20 per cent. The bite valve has also been improved – it now has a 135° angle on the bite valve instead of 90-degree. CamelBak has also redesigned the Mule pack which has an improved reservoir compression webbing system, to be cinched in as the reservoir is depleted. The Kudu remains in the line with 12 and 18 litre versions and continues to be the only pack with built-in spine protection; a smaller 8 litre version will also be available. The US company is also introducing floppy flasks. The Quick Stow Flask is a small reservoir-style
pouch with the Podium lockable bottle bite valve on top. There will also be an insulated version, the Quick Stow Chill. Q CANNONDALE Cannondale’s SuperSix Evo frame has been reworked to accommodate discs and features a thru-axle fork. The new women’s Apex gravel bike, companion to the Slate (both have one-by build kits), is in aluminium and built with 650b wheels and can accommodate tyres up to 42C. The new hardtail Cujo is 27.5-plus bike with a 120mm fork. The new Quick “fitness” upright bikes feature a 55 mm fork offset, and a slacker head angle than previous models for a more stable ride. Q ELLSWORTH Ellsworth, founded by suspension guru Tony Ellsworth, is back in business. It was bought from BST Nano in 2015 by Jonathon Freeman, who previously worked in commercial real estate and high tech. Tony Ellsworth is the brand’s BIKEBIZ.COM
PRESS CAMP 2016
G-Form’s bib shorts have built-in hip protection
Ellsworth is back in business: “I love my job!” Tony Ellsworth told us.
GT’s bikes are specced with 32c gravel tyres for 2017
Pinarello’s new bikes include the Dogma F8 Disk and the new gravel Gan GR Disk
Giordana Andretta with her father Giorgio Andretta, brand founder
vice president of product development. “I love my job!” he told BikeBiz. The company’s flagship is the $6,500 Rogue Sixty, a 27.5 carbon fibre full-suspension all-mountain machine. This has 160 millimetres of travel front and rear, with a virtual pivot point that Ellsworth said is the best in the industry. It is available with either Shimano SLX 1x, XT 1x , XTR 1x or SRAM XO1 1x. Also in the line is Enlightenment 29 and 27.5, and the carbon Epiphany 29er which also comes in 27.5+ and alloy versions. Freeman said Ellsworth was a “legacy brand” with a lot of awareness among older consumers. A mountain biker since the 1990s he had been seeking for a company to acquire and heard about Ellsworth at a business networking event. Wild Horses of Switzerland is the brand’s distributor for Europe. Q FABRIC Fabric has ramped up its P&A offerings, with a greater selection of tools. Joining the Chamber are BIKEBIZ.COM
multitools with six, eight and 16 tools called the Six Tool, Eight Tool and Sixteen Tool. The top models has spoke wrenches, a Mavic spline, a chain tool and, of course, a bottle opener. CSG’s innovative, Nick Larsen-led brand also has four new mini pumps, and two floor pumps including a high-end one finished with wooden flourishes. Fabric is also expanding into USBrechargable LED lights – the FL300 has a 300 lumen headlamp with a flashing strip that can turn the headlight into a tail light. There are also 30, 150 and 500 Lumens models. Q G-FORM Protection brand G-Form has a bicycle division staffed with some former execs from CSG USA, including Bill Rudell, who was marketing and PR for Cannondale for 18 years. He is now G-Form’s sales and marketing manager for the cycle division. G-Form isn’t bulky armour, it’s lightweight padding built into washable compression sleeves. The padding
hardens in impact. As well as shin, spine and ankle guards G-Form has a bib short with built-in hip protection. Q GT The Grade gravel bike wowed editors last year and is now part of GT’s expanded “Enduroad” line. For 2017 the bikes are specced with 32c gravel tyres instead of 28c. The Grade Carbon Tiagra has the same frame as the Ultegra model, but comes with Shimano Tiagra shifters and front and rear mechs. The Grade Carbon Ultegra is equipped with 6800 Ultegra, including the crankset and hydraulic disc brakes. The wheels are Mavic Aksium disc. GT also has some legacy bikes, including the 26 Performer, which features the same geometry as the original freestyle bike from the 1980s. Q GIORDANA “Hi I’m Giordana!” Giordana Andretta, that is, born in 1979, and so was the clothing brand named
after her. She was here at PressCamp with her father Giorgio Andretta, founder of the brand. “Giordana’s star-sign is Sagittarius, that’s why our logo is the Sagittarian archer,” Andretta said. Giordana sprang from Gita Sporting Goods, founded in Canada in 1971 and which went on to import key Italian brands to North America, such as Sidi, Colnago, Diadora and Pegoretti. Giordana clothing is “born in USA, made in Italy,” said Andretta. The brand owns and operates its own factory in Montecchio, Maggiore, Italy, not too far from the Campagnolo HQ in Vicenza. Giordana also makes its own chamois – one of the new ones is impregnated with cooling, antibacterial aloe vera – “you don’t need to use chamois cream,” said Andretta. New from Giordana is the Monsoon rain jacket made with eVent’s wind- and water-proof membrane. In fact Giordana is majoring on eVent. Almost all of Giordana’s extensive line of BIKEBIZ AUGUST 37
PRESS CAMP 2016
Ryder produce sports glasses with clarity, anti-fog coating and contrast
Smith Optics released the Route and Rover helmets
Ridley launched the Noah SL Disc at PressCamp
Stages Cycling now produce carbon models of their power meters
clothing for next year includes flashes of orange, Q PINARELLO Gita Sporting Goods is also the US distributor for Pinarello, and the Italian brand had its own condo and 45-minute session at PressCamp. New bikes include the Dogma F8 Disk and the new gravel Gan GR Disk, including a model with 1cm elastomer dampening rear suspension. (Pinarello prefers “disk” to “disc”.) The frame is made, in part, with T900 high modulus carbon fibre. Q RIDLEY Belgian bike brand Ridley launched the Noah SL Disc at PressCamp. Based on the Noah SL, the fork and rear triangle for the disc version has been redesigned. The loads of the disc brakes and thru axles also required new lay-up schedules formulas for the carbon frame to handle disc-brake stresses and torques. An internally routed hydraulic line through the body of the frame and BIKEBIZ.COM
Of interest to retailers will be Sugoi’s 60-day comfort guarantee
through the left blade of the F-Split fork keeps a clean, aerodynamic design. Mounting is via the new Shimano flat mount system. With 160mm rotors braking power is said to have been increased by 15 percent compared to the caliper brake version. 12 mm thru axles are used front and rear with the rear end now being 142mm wide versus the standard road dimensions of 135mm. Q RYDER Vancouver’s Ryders Eyewear is producing sports glasses with clarity, photochromic lenses, anti-fog coating, sharpened colour to aid contrast – or “pop” – and frames that don’t impede vision, or harm during a crash. Ryders was founded by Canadian mountain bike pro Brent Martin in 1986, and is now owned by Essilor International S.A., a French ophthalmic company, second only to Luxxotica, the Italian glasses giant which owns Oakley and Ray Ban.
Thule showed its growing line of handlebar bags, saddle bags, panniers, and rucksacks
Q SMITH OPTICS The protection brand that recently moved to Portland, Oregon, from Sun Valley, Idaho, has released the Route and the Rover helmets. (I told the company that Rover is a great name for a cycle helmet as the world’s first modern bicycle was the Rover Safety bicycle of the mid-1880s.) The Route is a road helmet; Rover is for MTBers. Each comes in a non-MIPS and MIPS versions, and both are equipped with Koroyd thermallywelded honeycomb material that absorbs impact energy. Neither are “aero” but then both are also much cheaper than the Smith Optics Overtake road helmet. Q STAGES CYCLING Team Sky riders use Stages power meters, which have strain gauges embedded in the back of the left crankarm. The company is now introducing carbon models, FSA 386 EVO and GXP models for SRAM cranksets.
Q SUGOI/SOMBRIO Sugoi and Sombrio shared a condo. Sugoi showed the women’s RS Training jersey and Evolution bib and the mens’ Century jersey and bib. Many of the pieces in the forthcoming line feature the use of retroreflective inks, billed as Zap by Sugoi. Of most interest to retailers will be Sugoi’s new 60-day “comfort guarantee” which will allow purchasers to try the product for up to two months and return it if it’s not as comfy as promised. Q THULE As well as its line of US-specific trailer bike hitch carriers, Thule showed its growing line of handlebar bags, saddle bags, panniers, and rucksacks, including the $200 Legend GoPro Backpack which has integrated mounts both front and rear and can carry up to three GowPro cameras in memory foam cut-outs. It also has a hydration reservoir compartment. BIKEBIZ AUGUST 39
DEALER PROFILE
R DEALE ILE PROF
Brixton stocks a massive range of fixed gear and hybrid bikes.
BRIXTON CYCLES
Brixton Cycles
Address: 296-298 Brixton Rd, London Tel.: 020 7733 6055 Web: www.brixtoncycles.co.uk Facebook: facebook.com/BrixtonCyclesCC/
With one of the longest and most prolific cycling histories in London, Brixton has built a community based on honesty and inclusivity. With a group of new staff members and the newly opened Look Mum No Hands coffee shop thrown into the fold, Kieran Howells couldn’t turn down the chance to pay a visit. Could you give us a brief history of Brixton Cycles? When the shop opened in 1983, we were in another location in the center of Brixton called Coldharbour Lane. It was a tiny shop, just enough room to swing a cat. We were there for six years, and then we moved next door in 1991. We were there for ten years, and then we moved from Coldharbour Lane to Stockport, and we were there for fifteen years, which leads us to our current location on Brixton Road – we’ve been here for just about four months. How are you finding the new space? We love the space; it’s a third bigger than the old shop, and the location is really great. We’re in a really good spot, with massive windows showing off our beautiful interior. We have a brand new coffee shop run by Look Mum No BIKEBIZ.COM
Hands. It’s still early days, I think reality will hit when the bills start kicking in, then we’ll see where we are, but we had to move. We were in dire need of a bigger space.
really amazing. We had a big launch event and 1,500 people donated. We literally wouldn’t be here without them. We are eternally grateful to those people.
“I think reality will hit when the bills start flying in.” Lincoln Romain, Brixton Cycles
You guys crowdfunded the move, how did that process come about? I didn’t fully understand the whole concept of crowdfunding. To me, it felt like we were just asking for money, which I didn’t like. But actually the people who donated were people who knew us, who loved us, and wanted us to be around. Once I got past that complex, it just became a rollercoaster. The reaction was
Why do you think that people were so keen to keep you going? We have a massive community around the shop, and people respond to that really well. I think a big thing for us is inclusivity. There’s no niche or clique here. Everybody’s welcome, and now we have this beautiful café to come and hang out in, we hope more people are going to come and enjoy it with us.
So how many people now work for Brixton Cycles? There are now 15 people working here. We’ve hired a whole new wave of employees who are really getting to grips with the social media and online element of the business, on top of us older members of staff who have been here for years. There’s no big boss watching over you, each member of staff has to manage their own time and it’s not for everyone, but the new staff members we have are exactly what this place needs. Do you do bike fitting in-house? It’s something we’ve talked about recently, but no, not yet. The way we’ve done it in the past is just by our own eyes and experience. We can see by looking at someone if they are comfortable on the bike, but with regards to a proper technical fit, it’s not really our audience. It’s kind of the domain of performance and racing bikes and BIKEBIZ AUGUST 41
DEALER PROFILE
The shop has its own range of colourful jerseys
we just don’t do many of those. We do hope that in the future, expert bike fitting will trickle down to everyone, mainly for health reasons, if someone has back problems or injuries it can be really beneficial. Do you find that the commuter market is a big seller round here? Yes, we find a lot of business comes from the commuter market, although we do stock a good range of Bromptons and I guess sales for them come in waves. Sometimes they can fly off the shelf, but sometimes they can sit here for ages. It’s really quite easy to cycle straight into central, so I think that negates the need for a folding bike like a Brompton. We’re sitting in the brand new Look Mum No Hands coffee shop, how did that collaboration come about? When everything went sour in our last place, and we started looking for a new space, we put it out there 42 BIKEBIZ AUGUST
that we were thinking about including a coffee shop in the new space. We got an e-mail from LMNH owner Sam, saying he’d love to collaborate with us. We’ve known those guys for a really long time, and we’ve been friends for years so we said yes. It just seemed like a natural thing to do. It’s early
exiting ideas that we aren’t ready to go public with yet, but we’re looking at doing things that other shops just aren’t doing. On the more conventional side, book clubs, film clubs, showing rides here etc, with this space there is so much potential. It’s just visualizing and realizing the potential. We’ve
“We have a massive community around the shop.” Lincoln Romain, Brixton Cycles days. It’s not as busy as we both would have hoped, but we think that’s down to the move. It’s a working progress and we’ll see how it goes. Do you have any more events planned, or plans for the pace as a whole now? We have a million ideas. We’ve been talking about some very
got a book launch coming up, and there’s an old school biking event happening. There are so many amazing things on the cards. So you do a club ride, is that right? The club started as a part of the shop, but it’s just got so big that it’s really a separate entity. In years past, the shop just couldn’t be a
destination to start or finish rides, but now it’s a lot easier to end here and chill out with a coffee. If someone comes in and wants to go for a ride, they’re welcome to join. All they have to do is turn up to two rides, and they can join the club straight away. It’s an inclusive, supportive environment. What do you think are the main things bike shops can do to keep afloat? I think that you have to gauge a lot more from the people who visit you. One of the things we’re fighting constantly is the Internet. You can’t beat the Internet for price. The way you can beat it is knowledge, knowhow and experience. Knowing how to fix bikes well, or the knowledge we have from years and years of work in the industry is something the Internet just can’t replicate. BIKEBIZ.COM
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GET CYCLING
Get Cycling: opening up cycling to everyone
GET CYCLING York-based cycling initiative Get Cycling has the commendable mission of making cycling accessible to everybody, including the disabled population. Hayley Ferguson investigates. GET CYCLING, a not-for-profit community interest company, has the broad aim of making cycling accessible to everybody. Starting out in 2000 with a lock-up and a van's worth of bikes, they've trailblazed interesting new ways to get people pedalling. “We’d bring along a few mainstream bikes, a few ‘fun’ bikes, and always at least one disability cycle,” Mick Allen, disability retail manager, tells us. Funded by local authorities, businesses, and schools, Get Cycling also aims to encourage the public to partake in, and educate themselves about, disability cycling in its many forms. With an extraordinary range of bikes from which customers can choose, including, but not limited to, tricycles, hand cycles, wheelchair transporters, and recumbent bikes, Get Cycling BIKEBIZ.COM
consider themselves to be slightly removed from the mainstream bike trade. “We’re an events company at heart,” Mick remarks. Following the 2009 recession, Get Cycling's local authority clients tightened their purse strings. To survive, they took a gamble and diversified, opening a small bike
Cycling entered this sector of the market at an important moment in time: "There's a greater sense these days of the importance that physical exercise plays in maintaining good health, and this is even more crucial for people with mobility issues. And of more than 1000 UK-based bike shops, fewer
“We'd like every bike shop to provide bikes for disabled people.” Mick Allen, Get Cycling shop to serve the local community. The apparent popularity of their disability-specific bikes and trikes was brought to the forefront of the venture – Mick admits to an initial scepticism about the demand for specialist bikes of this sort. Get
than ten have any real specialism in the provision of bikes and adaptations for people with disabilities.” This statistic sheds light upon the widespread gap in knowledge amongst cycling professionals
about merchandise designed specifically for the mobilityimpaired community. By all accounts, the problem extends not only to low stock availability, but also to unfamiliarity with disability cycling on the whole. Get Cycling Disability’s customers often report that mainstream bike shop staff members whom they approached before visiting the facilities in York were unsure as to where an appropriate machine could be found. Because industry specialists are so often apprehensive about recommending parts that are safe for disabled cyclists to use, it is Get Cycling Disability’s hope that industry experts catering to a non-disabled clientele will recommend their services to customers whose needs cannot be met in-store: “In the longer term, BIKEBIZ AUGUST 47
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GET CYCLING Blurring the lines between mainstream and disability cycling
we’d like every bike shop in the land to have the confidence and expertise to provide bikes for disabled people! Until that time, we’re just happy when shops send enquiries to us.” Although they don’t assemble the cycles themselves, Get Cycling Disability does go above and beyond to track down the most suitable machine for every customer. “We’re not in the business of marketing, we’re in the business of ticking boxes!” The company’s mission statement is “bums on seats”, and it goes without saying that 100% inclusivity can mean sourcing product from the far corners of the Earth. Bringing cycles in from Europe, Taiwan, the USA and Canada, they stock a large number of refurbished bikes as well. “Cost is invariably the greatest barrier for many of our customers, so offering refurbished BIKEBIZ.COM
disability bikes is a way of making these things available to people who would otherwise not be able to afford them.” Many families cannot afford to invest in a specialised machine that falls into the higher price bracket; on the other hand, keen disability
sold this year was priced at just under £6000. Because of their custom-made nature, it’s rare for any two disability bikes to be exactly the same. Tricycles, for example, may be built with the wheel pair on either the front or back. This occurs
“Get Cycling go above and beyond to find a suitable machine for every customer.” cyclists are willing to drop the same amount of cash on the right bike as non-disabled cyclists would. It’s fair to surmise that a large price range is key when dealing with varying levels of expertise – more affordable children’s tricycles retail at around £150, while the most expensive solo recumbent tricycle
in part due to manufacturing – the placement of wheels depends on what is in stock. Front trikes have, in addition to increased stability, the benefit of allowing the user to see how wide a gap between cars is. The company’s social enterprise structure benefits from its absence
of shareholders, allowing staff to invest time and money in unconventional solutions, such as magnetic pedals tailored for prosthetic legs, which make use of powerful earth magnets in the shoe and pedal. Because a range of clientele’s needs are met in-store, the bikes are made to cater to the rider’s specificities. Reduced mobility, vision, and even cognition, in the case of dementia patients who are able to accompany their carers on “companion cycles” – purpose-built tandem quads – at the Get Cycling facilities, are all conditions that are addressed by the company’s merchandise. For riders who can't use a bike or trike independently, several quads are available for purchase. If their mobility problems render the operation of quads unfeasible, both wheelchair tandems and transporters are still BIKEBIZ AUGUST 49
GET CYCLING Pictured: Happy customers riding specialised bikes
viable options. A tandem is designed to accommodate a customised heavy-duty wheelchair that can be either separable or non-separable, while a transporter, which “clicks” onto a conventional chair, is ideal for multiple users. Low-bar bikes have also proven to be popular, and in fact are very common in Germany and Holland amongst the elderly population, who may not be comfortable swinging their leg over a higher bar but are still keen to get on the road. Get Cycling tend not to be very involved in the performance and sporting market. “There are lots of organisations promoting this end of things, but not us. We are aimed squarely at the utility, ‘everyday’ end of the spectrum. There’s nothing wrong with competition, if that’s what people want to do. But for us, if the disability market is 5% performance, we’re happy to 50 BIKEBIZ AUGUST
concentrate on helping the remaining 95% of the population who just want to ride, for transport, for fitness, or just for fun. The best case study is this is our GC ROAM TwinBike sociable tandem quad. This is the machine that has had the greatest impact on the quality of people’s lives. “Having said all that, one of our
in the saddle after being affected by an accident or illness. Experienced riders are likely to want to take their machines into nature: it is for this reason that the bicycles and tricycles are built sturdily. “Pretty much every bike or trike that we sell has the capacity to be taken off-road. None of them could reasonably be classified as a
“Often, just one machine stands as the answer to someone's needs.” Mick Allen shop’s local customers is a former competitive hand-cyclist who now races wheelchairs – he’s the current South African record holder for his discipline.” Of course, the staff at Get Cycling can’t help but enjoy helping dedicated cyclists get back
genuine mountain bike, but with fatter tyres and lower gearing, there’s no reason why our machines cannot be ridden on dirt. As might be expected, low weight is a sought-after quality for serious cyclists in this market. “Brands like HASE are wonderfully
light and high-tech, but as we all know, quality doesn’t come cheap. Very often, just one machine stands as the answer to someone's particular set of needs, and sometimes, by virtue of their size and complexity, these things are not very lightweight.” More often than not, Get Cycling Disability is the only connection between the manufacturer and the end user. “Our favourite manufacturers are those who welcome the feedback that we give them in our efforts to deliver better products to our customers. Many of the products that we sell are our own exclusive versions of existing models. “We never underestimate the power of our bikes to transform people’s lives. As cycling enthusiasts, it’s a genuine privilege to be able to help so many people so profoundly.” www.getcycling.org.uk BIKEBIZ.COM
RIDING ON THIN AIR
Riding On Thin Air
The trip has been in the planning stages since October
The three riders are aiming to raise upward of £5,000
With a £5,000 charitable donation as their goal, Liam Ackerman, Tom Owen and Zak Saucede are on a mission to make a record-breaking Amazon delivery. Kieran Howells investigates… Tell us what inspired you to start this journey Liam first visited Manali during his time at university, whilst trekking through the Himalayas. He spent time in a local orphanage, leaving with the desire to return and make a difference in these children’s lives. Eight years later, after leaving the army, it was time to go back. He approached Tom and I about cycling the Manali to Leh Highway: the second highest road in the world. Tom and I signed ourselves up to this huge adventure last September, and booked our tickets in October to truly firm up our commitments! Endurance sport seems to bring out the best in people, and it inspires others to donate hardearned cash. I now know why so many people convert to cycling at some point in their lives, and that says a lot about the sport and its accessibility. Amazon are sponsoring this trip – how did they get involved? Liam had been an operations manager at Amazon Logistics for two months when he approached 52 BIKEBIZ AUGUST
them to incorporate our ride with the highest Amazon delivery in the world. They’ve donated three Kindles, which we will deliver to the Shey Lamdon School on our arrival. Numerous other companies have supported us with kit and equipment, including Snugpak, Visijax, Revolights, Highway Cycles, Hope, Fox – Mojo, and Bambike!
We hear you’ve got some unusual bikes for this trip... Liam will be riding on a very special bike. When he was in the Philippines, he met Bryan McClelland, who builds bikes from bamboo and owns Bambike. Liam shared our plans with him, and they both agreed it would be great for Liam to ride on one of Bryan’s bikes. Bamboo, when treated
“Bamboo, when treated correctly, is incredibly strong and very light.” How much preparation and training has gone into the project? A vast amount of preparation! Liam has been a fantastic planner, pulling strings from all sorts of directions. We have been organising since October, from the general day-today rides, to the food and drink we need, to the technical knowledge necessary for maintenance issues, to our electronic devices being solar-powered throughout so we can document our journey.
correctly, is both incredibly strong and very light. Bryan’s team in the Philippines have worked incredibly hard to produce a frame that can stand up to the challenging Manali-Leh highway. The Bambike craftsmen have reinforced all key joints (bottom bracket, head tube, and so on) to make the frame ideal for the terrain. Bryan’s business model centres on sustainability and incorporating local skills and craftsmanship to make a unique
product. I hope that this ride will be the ideal platform to demonstrate that a bamboo bike isn’t just a novel idea, but an excellent alternative to aluminium or carbon fibre that can withstand the toughest of expeditions. What is your fundraising goal for the trip? When we set up our page, we set £5,000 as our target. The charity that we are donating to, Himalayan Children, are working with the Shey Lamden School to build extensions on their current facilities, specifically a new outdoor shelter that allows the children to be protected from the harsh Himalayan weather conditions. How can people donate to the cause? People can donate through our page: mydonate.bt.com/ fundraisers/ridingonthinair, to help us reach our target. www.facebook.com/ridingthinair www.twitter.com/ridingthinair www.instagram.com/ ridingthinair BIKEBIZ.COM
CYCLE SHOW 2016
Cycle Show 2016 The UK’s leading bicycle exhibition, Cycle Show, will closely follow Eurobike 2016, taking place between September 23rd and 25th. Trained towards cycling enthusiasts of both professional and amateur persuasions, this Birmingham-based show represents all aspects of the sport, providing more than 250 exhibitors with a stand. BikeBiz caught up with event director Chris Holman of Upper Street Events, the company responsible for Cycle Show.
How full is the floor plan to date, and have there been any new key additions? This year’s plan is now over 90 per cent full. Stand options are getting quite limited, but we’re still open for business, and there are also some new promotion options available, like advertising on the big screens. From a trade perspective, Zyro-Fisher, Avocet, 2Pure, NRG4, Bosch, and Orange are among the big new exhibitors at the show, but there are also some really interesting smaller companies and brands represented this year, like Crud and Shand Cycles. In recent years, Chicken Cyclekit have booked a number of stands for the brands that they manage, in addition to their own. They’ve added Miche and KMC to the line-up this year, so Chicken’s trade 54 BIKEBIZ AUGUST
village is looking healthy! Madison have really upped the ante this year, sponsoring the e-bike village with Shimano Steps; they also have a stand for their bike brands, in addition to the two for the accessory brands. We’re really pleased to have Ridley, Saracen, Genesis and Ridgeback at the NEC for the first time: they’re all fantastic brands that offer something new for our visitors to see, with the added bonus of great team riders and athletes to appear at the show as well. We shouldn’t forget to mention that CSG are at the show with Cannondale this time. The CSG team actually had a few Cannondales on the Fabric stand last year, and they found that people were constantly asking about them. Our visitor research shows this is a brand visitors always
want to see, so that’s great news for the show. We’re also pleased to announce that BMW are a key sponsor of this year’s show – they’ll have cars in the entrance and the exit, plus a stand showcasing their range of bikes, which includes a Bosch-powered Cruise e-bike. From a retail perspective, why attend? The overwhelming feedback from last year’s show was that it had never looked better, with brands and distributors really making a big effort on their presence at the show. In terms of getting business done, there aren’t many absences from the distributor line-up, so it’s a great opportunity to discuss trade and to finalise orders. We also have some new entrants to the UK market, such as Megamo from Portugal, Simplon from Austria, and
Orbita from Spain, so it’s definitely worth seeking them out if you want to add something different to your brand line-up. The latest list is on the site now, at: www.cycleshow.co.uk/exhibitors What’s new for 2016? The VeloVixen Women’s Cycling Den is something that’s been long overdue at the show; we’re very grateful to Phil and the team for working with us to make it happen. Alongside the VeloVixen megastore at the NEC, they’ll be hosting back-to-back interviews and Q&As with female riders, bloggers, brand managers, frame builders, and other celebs from the thriving women’s cycling scene. Isla Bikes’ first visit will tick yet another box – they will be running an indoor children’s test track. Again, they’re a brand that visitors BIKEBIZ.COM
CYCLE SHOW 2016
Whyte’s eC7 with STEPS produly on display with Shimano
regularly ask for, so there’ll no doubt be long queues waiting to ride the bikes and speak to the Isla team. We’re also working on an exciting new indoor e-MTB track in partnership with Bosch and Cube bikes, which we’ll be able to tell everyone about very soon. Are there more electric bikes for 2016? The e-bike village has certainly grown significantly since the fairly modest first version in 2013, and it’s bigger again this year. The e-bike track was actually the busiest one at the show last year, with over 2,500 riders – it was evident that a significant number of visitors had come to the show specifically to try electric bikes before buying. We’ve seen a notable boost this year, with the major stand presence BIKEBIZ.COM
and sponsorship of the area by Shimano Steps. Bike shops looking to stock electric bikes can come along and speak to the Madison team about the benefits of Steps and the Express Warranty Service, which will cover any after-sales issues in the UK. The ACT and Cytech are also running a session on the trade day about their new electric bike maintenance course, and will have a stand for the duration of the show to demonstrate all their courses. Are any big name cycling celebrities set to be present? Our creative director, Mick Bennett, is using his contact book of riders to secure potential medallists from Rio. Ed Clancy and Joanne Rowsell will both be at the NEC, so fingers crossed that they’ll repeat their 2012 successes and come armed
with golds again. Chris Boardman is also scheduled to be on the Boardman stand on the Friday. In 2012, we had TV crews from the BBC, ITV and Sky filming live at the show; it was a real bumper year with a big uptick in visitor numbers. They’re keen to interview the riders and industry figures like Chris, who can talk about the sport and the business side of cycling in real depth – it’s great to have him at the show. There are lots of others lined up, but we’re definitely looking forward to Rob Warner and Steve Behr, who will be on the Protect Your Bubble Stage on Friday. After their triumphant Core Bike debut, they’ll be jointly taking a retrospective look at Rob’s career, complete with classic Stockfile images, including the story behind the infamous crash shot of Rob from his Twitter
account. Another MTB legend, Martyn Ashton, will be coming along on Saturday – it’s always incredible to see the size of the crowd that comes to hear what he’s been up to. Roughly how many trade members are coming along nowadays? The total trade attendance last year was very similar to 2015, with 3,660 visitors, with 1,712 of which were from IBDs or multiples. How can a brand interested in exhibiting book space? They can contact the Cycle Show sales team at cycleshowteam@ upperstreetevents.co.uk, on 020 7288 6733 or via the online enquiry form, available at: www.cycleshow.co.uk/enquire BIKEBIZ AUGUST 55
CITRUS-LIME
Citrus-Lime Retail Talk: Managing Price Points Citrus-Lime return this month to discuss how to fend off the worst effects of discounting products at the end of the season, and the virtues of monitoring online sales… END-OF-season discounting is almost inevitable, but it’s worth considering what tools we have at our disposal to help minimise the overall effect on the profit of the business. If stock is held at the correct level then there should be less ‘aged’ stock to clear at the end of the season; the name of the game is to be first to market with a product, and then to aim to stay on point with price. This will ensure sure you are competitive right through the season. Keeping the right levels of stock is easier said than done. Ongoing key actions: monitor sales, price point and achieved margin If you have an abundance of a certain product, for example, and the profit margin is healthy, you have some scope for discounting in order to boost sales with a small price reduction. The plan here is to reduce the price only a little early on, which will minimise the risk of having to lower it significantly at a later date. If you get your products online as soon as you have them in stock, they will be purchased at a faster rate. The sooner they are available to sell, the more will be bought, and the fewer you’ll have kicking around at the end of the season.
56 BIKEBIZ AUGUST
We’ve been cooperating with Working Class Heroes, with whom we’ve been researching the effects that minor price changes can have. Below is an example of where a small adjustment in price makes a big difference. This demonstrates the importance of competitive pricing implemented by someone who understands margin and sell-through. CASE STUDY: PRICE CHANGES WCH set up the majority of this summer season (SS16) stock at full price, and removed sale pricing on AW15. They maintained a selection of deal products which had been purchased on a promo at a reduced cost. On April 5th 2016, the company started running extensive price reviews, looking at where it made commercial sense to both decrease and increase price points. For example, they ensured that on key brands and lines they matched the market price – at times, this has been a difference of several pence, but nevertheless has driven sales. They also began increasing items to the full prices that the lowest price competitor had sold through, and increasing price points on items which were selling well. We then compared this 14-day period to the previous fortnight, and the results were as expected. For reference, we also confirmed that stock value online hadn’t increased significantly – if more stock is for sale, more will be sold. Stock on hand had increased by 2.5
per cent, as more summer stock was arriving; this slightly exceeded the rate of sale. There is only a very small window when the stock position is static in this manner. HIGHLIGHTS: Q Site revenue up by 121.52 per cent; Q E-commerce conversion rate up by 49 per cent; Q Traffic from Google Shopping up by 61 per cent; Q ROAS (return on advertising spend) rocketed, even as our bid
strategy spent more per click as ROAS increased (we were asked to work to a 600 per cent target at this stage of the season when margins were high); Q The impact on gross margin was only -2.7 per cent. In essence, as the price pointing was completed by someone with commercial experience, there was not a substantial drop in margin; Q Website margin before price monitoring 39.7 per cent. Q Website margin after price monitoring 37.0 per cent.
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ELECTRIC BIKES
Increased commuter power As with the e-bike market as a whole, electric bikes designed around the needs of commuters or city dwellers are fast becoming serious contenders to the conventional pushbike. In this month’s e-bike feature, Kieran Howells caught up with two of the UK’s leading e-bike companies, Volt and Batribike, to discover their opinions on the rise of the commuter e-bike, and what the next steps are for those looking for some extra power on our city streets. Can you tell us the history of your company and how you got involved with e-bikes? The directors of VOLT have always been cycle and technology enthusiasts, and on a trip abroad in 2006 recognised e-bikes as an emerging market. Immediately we could identify with the benefits that this new technology would bring to so many people, and decided then and there to explore the potential of building our own betterdesigned versions. The aim was to put an emphasis on designing electric bicycles that don’t look ‘too electric’. With regards to your business, how has the commuter market changed in recent years? The commuter market is a popular sector for us, and e-bikes simply improve the way people commute. We often see commuters embracing e-bikes as a better alternative to their existing commute. They can get to work sweat free, and on the way home enjoy getting some fresh air and some good exercise. Long commutes are also not a challenge, you can easily commute 20 miles a day on an e-bike, and we often see people commuting further! Do you think there is a massive demand for folding e-bikes in the commuter market? There is a large demand for folding e-bikes in the commuter market, because they can be taken onto the underground or train at any time of day, and this sits well with commuters who use both transport methods in their journey. The folding bike is also very quick and easy for riding around cities and navigating small paths, nipping in and out of traffic etc. What do you think are the next steps for the e-bike market? The obvious transformation will BIKEBIZ.COM
‘The ephasis was on designing bikes that don’t look too electric’
be the number of people who use e-bikes. Currently in the UK it’s only a small percentage of sales compared to conventional bikes, but this is changing rapidly and we are seeing a very positive movement toward people choosing e-bikes over conventional. The UK
Do you think the new London cycling superhighways will encourage more people in the capital to use a commuter bike? I think they will improve the relationship between cyclists and drivers in London and will make London a much safer cycle
“E-bikes simply improve the way people commute.”
The Volt Metro and Metro LS lines are commuter oriented folding bikes.
James Metcalfe, Volt has been slow to take on e-bikes, but on the continent e-bikes are beginning to match conventional bikes sales, and over growing in market share very quickly. The UK is beginning to demonstrate the same, but is a few years behind on demand.
zone. The barrier to cycling for many people in London is the safety issues surrounding it. The superhighway can only benefit cyclists and I believe it is a very positive step forward for London and cycling. www.voltbikes.co.uk
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BIKEBIZ AUGUST 59
ELECTRIC BIKES
The Falcon has a centre motor that gives great hill climbing ability
Q&A with Batribike Can you tell us the history of your company and how you got involved with e-bikes? It all started quite by accident over ten years ago. At that time my sister-in-law was having some knee problems so my brother-inlaw, Steve, purchased a couple of electric bikes. They were disappointed in the quality of the product and the aftersales support from the manufacturers. They could see the potential and future in electric bikes, and asked Steve’s brother Ralph and myself if we would like to create a joint business, producing our own electric bikes, and so Batribike was born. Between us we have a varied background in engineering and management, and those early years have given us a passion for being the best in our field and to give the best dealer support. With regards to your business, how has the commuter market changed in recent years? 60 BIKEBIZ AUGUST
Initially, from our point of view, there were very few electric bikes in the commuter market, the majority of sales were in leisure. But that may be because we built our business in the motorhome and caravan sector, and therefore saw fewer commuters. Over the last few years we have seen a change in this, with more customers looking at electric bikes as a viable means of commuting. Electric
Do you think there is a massive demand for folding e-bikes in the commuter market? Folding electric bikes are a large part of our business; whether there is yet a massive demand for them in the commuter market I am not sure. However the demand is growing and consumers are coming to see the benefits and advantages of electric assistance in a small and compact package.
“Commuters are seeing the advantages of electric assistance.” Sue Coulson, Batribike bikes have come a long way in ten years, designs are more bike-like, batteries and motors are lighter and more efficient, and this makes them much more attractive to a wider market.
What do you think are the next steps for the e-bike market? Consolidate and build on what we have already achieved. I think we still need more public awareness about e-bikes. As an industry it is easy to be totally absorbed and to think that everyone knows about
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electric bikes, but there are still lots of people out there who have either misconceptions about or no idea of what they are or how they work. I think, going forward, it is important as an industry that we provide a united front on ensuring that all e-bikes sold meet the latest standards and regulations. As a member of BEBA and now the BA, we have fought hard to get regulations clarified and are proud that our bikes meet these requirements. Do you think the new London cycling superhighways will encourage more people in the capital to use a commuter bike? Without a doubt, we are already hearing that the cycle lanes are being well-used. Figures of 650,000 trips by bike a day in London are being mooted. This is really encouraging and shows that infrastructure is key. www.batribike.com BIKEBIZ.COM
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BIKE CHANNEL Ubaldini with his Pinarello
A TV Revolution In 2012, Filippo Ubaldini launched the BIKE Channel in Italy – after immeasurable success, the idea was brought over to the UK in early 2016. We talk bikes, the channel’s roots, and plans for expansion with BIKE’s CEO and founder.
What first brought your attention to the fact that other sports channels were too broad in scope to satisfy the demand for cycle-specific content? My experience as a former MD of Discovery Channel and Scripps Networks allows me to intercept market opportunities. Today’s audience is no longer passive. They want choice over what to watch, and content that is tailored to their passions. We offer thematic material on-air, but soon will be expanding online as well. This will allow passionate cyclists not only to watch a more lean and dedicated offering, but also to watch whenever they want, and however they want, on whichever device they want. Yes, there is a gap, and I am excited to bring this content to, and share this passion with, the largest pay TV audience in Europe. Our business model is about valuable consumer-orientated product placement, which allows our clients’ brands and products to come to life. Our USP is also listening to our clients’ needs and creating bespoke productions from corporate spots to tailored productions, catering to their product needs. I’m happy to say we have already sold our first shows to BIKEBIZ.COM
leading UK distributors and brands. The channel has around in your home country of Italy for four years. What inspired expansion into the English-speaking market? We learned many lessons in Italy. We started as a pay proposition like the football channels – it didn’t work. Then, with Sky Italy’s support, BIKE became accessible to all 5
Your professional background is in media, but tell us about your passion for cycling, too! Do you compete professionally? My cycling passion started in my early twenties as an amateur MTB, competing in various regional and national cup competitions in Italy. I then discovered golf, worked my handicap down, and after a decade found my true passion, which is
“Today’s audience is no longer passive – they want choice.” Filippo Ubaldini million Sky Italy subscribers. We were able to break even within eighteen months. This allowed us to unleash commercial offerings tailored to the industry, and sportive coverage, bike lab shows, and reality TV shows, which then offered our audience the opportunity to live the products from a consumer angle. We’ve successfully closed the gap between retail and consumer with an instructive, entertaining, and motivational approach in all of our content. This is the formula for success in the UK market.
road cycling. I do not compete professionally, but will never miss out on the UK’s Dragon Ride, Tour of Yorkshire and the Fred Whitton Challenge, as well as Italy’s Nove Colli, Maratona des Dolomites and Grand Fondo Stelvio Santini. Hopefully, now that I am living in the UK, I’ll be inspired to compete in others. You first conceived of the BIKE Channel whilst cycling. Have you always had your best ideas in the saddle? I strongly believe that cycling is a
“positive think tank”, in which you are absorbed into a sort of fatigue mode that unlocks stress while seeing things in a clearer and more creative way. Yes I have made many important decisions while cycling! How many bikes do you have, personally? I have three bikes between Bath and Milan: a Pinarello Dogma 2 (the one I was riding when I had the vision of founding BIKE Channel) a Canyon Ultimate CFSL for my day-to-day commute to the office, and my sportive bike, which is a Cipollini NK1K. But I’m blessed to be introduced to a constant evolution of bikes and gear in my job; it’s a nice problem to have! I live in Bath, and am on the road all week. Weekends are dedicated to exploring the cycling area of Somerset; the UK has such beautiful regions, there’s lots to discover. Any plans to head across the Atlantic? Yes, having been approached by various big players, we are evaluating several different scenarios. www.bikechannel.co.uk BIKEBIZ AUGUST 63
Staying visible on your bike is generally top of the safety list. With over 70% of accidents happening at junctions and roundabouts, cyclists need to stay visible from all angles. The new Brightside light shines a bright amber light from the SIDES of your bike so when your other lights aren't facing the motorist, our light shines a familiar coloured warning to attract their attention. The device is USB rechargeable with a 20 hour run time. Now there is no reason for now you see me, now you don't! RRP £29.99 Maximum trade price £15.00
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CMA 2016 CATEGORIES…
CMA 2016
Q Magazine of the Year Q Website of the Year Q Specialist Writer of the Year Q Writer – Print Q Writer – Online Q Best Mainstream Print Coverage Q Best Mainstream Online Coverage Q Best Broadcast Coverage Q Best Cycling Podcast Q YouTuber of the Year Q Blogger of the Year
They’re back IT’S THAT time of year again… We can officially announce that the Cycling Media Awards, hosted by BikeBiz publisher NewBay, will return for a triumphant 2016 event, located once again at the grand Islington Metal Works in central London. The event, which is set to take place on November 10th 2016, will be the third instalment of the now-established Cycling Media Awards, with two very successful previous years in the bag. We are delighted to confirm the return of bike insurance brand Cycleguard as a main sponsor of the event. The brand has been an active presence in the cycling industry for many years, and is a keen supporter of celebrating those in the world of cycling media. Also joining us for the night as our official media sponsor will be BIKE Channel, whose English
The prestigious Cycling Media Awards are returning in 2016. Kieran Howells gives us the lowdown on what we can expect at this year's event…
free-to-view channel was recently launched; they have been very busy securing key LIVE events such as Gent-Wevelgem & Tour de Romandie, and creating original shows such as City Guides and the upcoming reality series, The Coach, for the UK market. Filippo Ubaldini, President and
forward, will be striving to encourage and engage with more user-generated content across our channels. There is so much great content out there waiting to be discovered.” The winner of the award will get a chance to promote their content across BIKE’s on-air distribution on
“There's so much great content out there waiting to be discovered.” Founder BIKE Channel, says: “We are thrilled to partner with the Cycling Media Awards this year, and do our part in celebrating the successes of these industrious partners. We are also looking forward to sponsoring the YouTuber of the Year Award, and going
Sky, Virgin and Freesat, and will also be able to take advantage of media training alongside BIKE Channel’s top on-air talent. The 2015 event saw some 140 people from the industry and media in attendance, and featured a host of memorable moments,
such as the posthumous acceptance of Singletrack employee Jen Hill’s award by her husband, following the popular cycling expert’s sad passing earlier in the year. Amongst those in attendance were representatives from BikeRadar, who was presented with the Website of the Year Award, Cyclist, who snapped up the Best Use of Photography Award, and The Guardian, who were honoured with the Best Coverage by a National Newspaper Award. The 2016 event will feature awards in categories for bloggers, print writers, photographers, and for the first time ever, Youtubers, amongst a host of other great categories selected by a panel of cycling’s most respected names. www.cyclingmediaawards.com
WHO WON IN 2015? Q Magazine of the Year – Rouleur Q Website of the Year – BikeRadar Q Best Use of Photography – Cyclist Q Steve Worland Award for Best Specialist Print Writer – Jenn Hill, Singletrack Q Best Specialist Online Writer – Steve Jones, Dirt Q Best Coverage by a National Newspaper – The Guardian Q Best Coverage by a Mainstream Magazine – Women’s Fitness Q Best Coverage by a Mainstream Website – Eurosport BIKEBIZ.COM
Q Best Broadcast Coverage – Red Bull Q Best Cycling Podcast – The Telegraph’s Cycling Podcast Q Best Vlogger/Best Use of Video – Global Cycling Network Q Cycling Advocate of the Year – Chris Boardman for British Cycling Q Blogger of the Year – Danny Williams, Cyclist in the City Q Writer of the Year – Jo Burt, road.cc Q Photographer of the Year – Marshall Kappel, Rouleur Q Cycling Media Legend – Chipps Chippendale, Singletrack BIKEBIZ AUGUST 65
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MTB & ACCESSORIES
Mountain Bikes and Accessories In true British Summer tradition, the weather is brisk and the mud is plentiful. What better time is there to get on your mountain bike? Kieran Howells looks at some of the best new products hitting the market...
GIANT
www.giant-bicycles.com
ISON DISTRIBUTION
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The new Hail mountain bike from Liv is designed for serious trail riding. Featuring 160mm of suspention, a lightweight frame, and the popular 27.5” wheel size, the brand also says that the bike is ideal for enduro racing. Retail price yet to be announced.
New from 15-year-old Canada-based company Banshee (distributed by Ison), comes the Rune. Decked out with 27.5” wheels, and 160mm of travel, a frame will set you back £1574.99. Ison’s in-house builds start at £2649.99.
HOTLINES
PALIGAP
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Lapierre has said that the secret to its new carbon full suspension mountain bike is its lowered center of gravity. The battery has been moved down against the motor, centralising the mass for greater manouverability. (RRP, TBC)
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www.paligap.cc
The Nail Trail 7’s long, low and slack geometry combined with the trail ready spec and option of 29” or 27.5” wheels mean that the bikes are suitable for a range of dirt riding.The Nail Trail 7 is available from Paligap and retails at £1,400.00
BIKEBIZ AUGUST 67
MTB & ACCESSORIES
ASSOS www.assos.com H.Rally Boxer S7 bicycle shorts are designed as inner shorts for the H.Rally Cargo cycling shorts. They are made of a light and breathable Type.460 fabric, and feature supporting Impactpads on the hips. The shorts feature external seams to avoid chafing, and a soft elastic waist band for added comfort. The shorts retail at £110.00 in th UK.
ZYRO
www.zyro.co.uk
The Montaro MIPS helmet features a Roc Loc Air Fit system to increase ventilation, whilst also improving the helmet’s fit. It’s also fitted with hydrophilic, anti-microbial pads that can absorb up to ten times their weight in sweat. The MIPS system allows full goggle integration with strap grippers on the back of the helmet and a POV Plus visor which can easily be lifted to fit goggles. The top of the helmet features full camera mount integration for recording rides, with a break-away mount interface. The helmet is available from Fisher Outdoor Leisure and retails at £129.99
RALEIGH
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Following on from 2016’s successful launch of the HEIST hard tail range, Diamondback have now included a 27+ wheel HEIST, featuring BOOST spacing mixed with slack geometry; this bike is designed to tackle its way through intermediate trails. The bike also features 120mm travel, Rockshox Recon Soloair forks, Schwalbe Nobby Nic tyres and Shimano XT 20 speed drivetrain. Available direct to dealer, the bike retails at £725.00 01773532694
68 BIKEBIZ AUGUST
SCOTT SPORTS www.scott-sports.com The Scott Grenade Pro II kneepads combine the malleable, shockabsorbant D3O material wrapped in a tailored, ultra-tough, vented neoprene construction to produce comfortableyet-durable protection. The pads retail at £79.99 and are available from Scott Sports.
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CLAUD BUTLER
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HOTLINES
The all-new Special Edition Alpina has been designed to offer increased performance and good value. At £349.99 (Alpina 21HD) and £379.99 (Alpina 24HD) these 650B models offer 100mm travel forks, Shimano hydraulic disc brakes, a Shimano chainset and an alloy butted 6061 frame. The bike is available for distribution directly via Claud Butler.
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ZYRO
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The Altura Protector Progel short is a performance-engineered base-layer short with ErgoFit 3D patterning and molded EVA hip protection zones for those unwelcome crash days. Altura Dry fabric technology delivers enhanced moisture management whilst the Altura ProGel 3D pad keeps the “boys” comfy during long rides. The shorts also include integrated silicon grip detailing for enchanced fit and form. The shorts are available for distribution through Zyro, and retail at £54.99.
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Leatt has expanded its product range to include an assortment of gloves, including the DBX 4s. The brand used Armourgel technology, which protects the user from impacts, and ultra-thin Nanogrip palm material, known for its durability, wearability and grip. The gloves retail at £40.00
www.moorelarge.co.uk
According to Forme, the Lathkill is “ultimate trail machine.” The bike features 140mm of travel for fast descents, and utilises leading RockShox Pike forks and a Reverb Stealth seat post. Externally, the bike’s eye-catching artwork is based on the contour lines of the Yorkshire dales. RRP, £2600.00
BIKEBIZ AUGUST 71
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FORKS
Mountain Bike Forks This month Hayley Ferguson dives into the world of mountain bike forks, and digs out some of the coolest new products to hit the market from the likes of Hotlines, Moore Large and Madison…
SILVERFISH: DVO DIAMOND RRP £799
HOTLINES: MANITOU MATTOC PRO II RRP £625
This 140-160mm trail and enduro race fork with 35mm stanchions has an industry first compression bladder cartridge, dynamic tunability and Off The Top (OTT) adjustable negative spring. The product is available in 650B and 29” wheel sizes, and in both black and green.
With the introduction of a toolless 15mm thru axle, and the IVA (Incremental Volume Adjust) system, the Manitou Mattoc Pro II runs less air pressure than its predecessor. The fork is available in 26” and 27.5” and three colour ways.
SILVERFISH: FORMULA 35 RRP £899 35mm stanchions offer stiffness without compromising the fork’s weight: a mere 1,790g. With Internal Floating Technology (IFT) and a Compression Tuning System (CTS), this product is modifiable to personal preference. The Remote Cartridge Control (RCC) permits handlebar control of the fork compression, so it can adapt immediately to changes in riding terrain.
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BIKEBIZ AUGUST 73
FORKS
GREYVILLE: SR SUNTOUR AION SF15 LOR 27.5” RRP £299.95 Over recent years, SR Suntour forks have seen ongoing development. With 100mm travel and a 15mm axle with quickrelease lever, this mid-range fork is ideal for serious trail riding. Weighing in at 1,967g, the Aion is air-sprung with pre-load adjust and low and high-speed compression.
MOORE LARGE: SR SUNTOUR DUROLUX R2C2 20QLC 27.5” RRP £549.99 The Durolux has a World Cup-proven R2C2 cartridge and an upgraded 36mm chassis for 27.5” wheels and 160/180mm travel. Designed to attack freeride tracks, the product includes lubrication ports, fender, 180mm direct brake mount and QSP construction. The fork starts at 2,250g including the 20mm 20QLC2 axle.
MADISON: DT SWISS ODL CARBON SUSPENSION FORK, ONE PIECE MAG TEAM EDITION 29” 100MM RRP: £849.99 This sub-1.5 KG cross-country rapier has a 100% Swiss-made Tailored Fibre Placement (TFP) carbon crown – the lightest of its kind. The 32mm stanchion race fork’s Adjustable Open Drive Lock (O.D.L.) damping offers instant access to the optimum suspension settings through a bar-mounted two-in-one lever. One Piece Mag (OPM) lowers use DT’s signature rear bridge technology, giving a significantly stiffer structure and improved tyre clearance whilst also shielding seals from spray and mud build-up. A Negative Coil Spring (NCS) system adjusts automatically to rider weight and gives a supple initial stroke, improving comfort and front-end grip. With SKF seals from Sweden fitted as standard and high-quality metal internals, the product has a 100 x 15 mm RWS axle, shock pump, steerer bung and top cap. With a weight of 1,485g, the fork can take the combined rider and bike weight of 110kg.
74 BIKEBIZ AUGUST
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THE DREAM RIDE AWAITS WE’RE EXPANDING OUR GLOBAL DEALER NETWORK AND LOOKING FOR A FEW DEALERS THAT SHARE OUR PASSION FOR FINELY CRAFTED TITANIUM BICYCLES. SEE THE WORLD’S BEST TITANIUM BIKES AT EUROBIKE, BOOTH A1-110
HANDMADE IN THE US | HANDCRAFTED ROAD MOUNTAIN CROSS BIKES CUSTOMSINCE TITANIUMCOLORADO BIKES, FRAME SETS & COMPONENTS TITANIUM 19811981 | SINCE | COMPLETESPRINGS, | STEAMBOAT
2016
FORWARD FEATURES SEPTEMBER 2016 Children’s Bikes, Trailer Bikes, Helmets & Accessories Indoor Training Clothing & Accessories: Winter & Reflective OCTOBER 2016 Regional Spotlight: The Midlands Cycle Show issue: Extra distribution NOVEMBER 2016 Cycling Media Awards 2016 DECEMBER 2016 Retail Survey 2016 Includes the BikeBiz Directory 2017
Regional Spotlight: Northern Ireland & Republic of Ireland
JANUARY 2017 Core Bike Show issue: Extra distribution Bike Place Show Issue: Extra Distribution FEBRUARY 2017 London Bike Show issue: Extra distribution Made in Britain: Manufacturing Special BikeBiz Awards at The London Bike Show MARCH 2017 Innovation Lab special Cycle Media Focus: Magazines & Websites APRIL 2017 Regional Spotlight: Wales & South West
MAY 2017 The UK’s Top 20 IBDs Energy & Nutrition JUNE 2017 Cyclocross Bikes & Accessories Regional Spotlight: London & South East JULY 2017 Women of the Year issue: Extra distribution Cycle Lights Drive Train: Chains, Gears & Cranks AUGUST 2017 Eurobike issue Regional Spotlight: North England & Scotland Includes Eurobike Supplement
Includes Brit List supplement
Want to advertise in any of these issues? Contact Richard Setters 0207 354 6028 or email rsetters@nbmedia.com
Want your company or product to be involved with any of these features? Contact Hayley Ferguson hferguson@nbmedia.com or call 0207 354 6002
THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO RETAILERS, SUPPLIERS AND SERVICES WITHIN THE CYCLE TRADE
DOING MORE TO SUPPORT UK IBDS B2B SERVICES
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HASSLE FREE WARRANTY SERVICES GENERAL WARRANTY
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PRICE MATCHING & FREE DELIVERY b2b.fisheroutdoor.co.uk
2PURE 46c Bavelaw Road, Balerno, Edinburgh, EH147AE Tel: 0844 811 2001 | Web: www.2pure.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
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
PITBITZ LTD Unit 6 Thorpe Drive, Thorpe Way Industrial Estate, Banbury, Oxon, OX16 4UZ Tel: 01295 269333 | www.gazeboshop.co.uk www.thebikeboxcompany.co.uk
I-RIDE 7-8B Mid Sussex Business Park, Ditchling Common Industrial Estate, Folders Lane East, Ditchling, Sussex, BN6 8SE Tel: 01444 243000 | 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 www.santacruzbikes.co.uk
CONTINENTAL North Parade, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, Wales, SY23 2JR Tel: 01970 626777 | Web: www.conti-tyres.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 CYCLEMILES 9 Queen Anne’s Drive, Havant, PO93PG Tel: 02392 455 355 | Web: www.cyclemiles.co.uk MAXXIS TYRES Unit 3 Cobalt Centre, Siskin Parkway East, Middlemarch Business Park, Coventry, CV34PE Tel: 024 7688 9775 | Web: www.maxxis.com DYNAMO COVER Drake House, Plymouth Road, Penarth, CF64 3TP Tel: 0333 358 33 20 | Web: www.dynamocover.com
EBCO 5 Pegasus House, Olympus Ave, Warwick, CV34 6LW Tel: +01926 437700 | Web: www.ebco-ebikes.co.uk
EDCO COMPONENTS North Parade, Aberystwyth, Wales, SY23 2JR Tel: 01970 626777 | Web: www.edco-wheels.co.uk
FISHER OUTDOOR LEISURE LIMITED 8/9 Brick Knoll Park, Ashley Road, St Albans, Herts, AL1 5UG Tel: 01727 798345 | Web: www.fisheroutdoor.co.uk
MDI LIMITED Unit 4, Wellington Point, Amy Johnson Way, Blackpool Business Park, Blackpool, FY42RG Tel: 01253 343090 | Web: www.mdib2b.co.uk
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
If you’d like to find out more or require additional copies please contact rsetters@nbmedia.com or call him on 020 7354 6000
MOORE LARGE AND CO LTD Sinfin Lane Industrial Estate, Sinfin Lane, Derby, DE24 9GL Tel: 01332 274252 | Web: www.moorelarge.co.uk
NORTH SPORTS 38 Kingston Avenue, Neilston, Glasgow, East Renfrewshire, G783JG Tel: 07746 933795 | Web: www.northsports.co.uk
PALIGAP LTD Unit 2 Danbury House, Great Western Park, Armstrong Way, Yate, Bristol, BS37 5NG Tel: 01454 313 116 | Web: www.paligapltd.co.uk
RALEIGH UK LTD Church Street, Eastwood, Nottingham, NG16 3HT Tel: 01773 532600 Web: www.raleigh.co.uk | www.cyclelife.com www.diamondback.co.uk
REECE CYCLES PLC 100 Alcester Street, Birmingham, B12 0QB Tel: 0121 622 0180 | Web: www.reececycles.co.uk
RUBENA Unit N & M, Tyburn Trading Estate, Ashfold Farm Raod, Birmingham, West Midlands, B24 9QG Tel: 0800 281413 | Web: www.rubenacycle.co.uk
SCHWALBE TYRES UK LTD Schwalbe Centre, Hortonwood 30, Telford, Shropshire, TF1 7ET Tel: 01952602680 | Web: www.schwalbe.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
The BikeBiz Directory 2016 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
MANUFACTURERS
MARKETING, PR AND CONSULTANCY
MEDIA AND PUBLISHING
ORGANISATIONS, CHARITIES AND ASSOCIATIONS
RETAILERS, WORKSHOPS AND MAIL ORDER
SERVICES AND TRAINING
THE CYCLE DIVISION Unit 27 Gatehouse Enterprise Centre, Albert Street, Lockwood, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, HD1 3QD Tel: 01484 456137 | Web: www.thecycledivision.com
HARDNUTZ Unit 8 Rocheview off Millhead Way, Purdeys Industrial Estate, Rochford, Essex, SS4 1LB Tel: 01702 530090 | Web: www.hardnutz.com
VELOTECH SERVICES LTD 26-27 Western Road, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, CV37 0AH Tel: 0845 475 5339 | Web: www.velotechservices.co.uk
WINDWAVE Unit D2 and D3 Heritage Business Park, Heritage Way, Gosport, Hampshire, PO12 4BG Tel: 02392 521912 | Web: www.windwave.co.uk
MAVIC Theta Building, Lyon Way, Frimley, Surrey, GU16 7ER Tel: 01276 404870 | Web: www.mavic.com
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
ZYRO LTD Roundhouse Road, Faverdale Industrial Estate, Darlington, DL30UR Tel: 01325 741200 Web: www.zyro.co.uk | www.zyrob2b.co.uk
BIKE SOUP 55a North Wharf Road, London, W2 1LA Tel: 020 7298278 | Web: www.bikesoup.com
THE CYCLE SHOW 58 White Lion Street, Islington, London, N1 9PP Tel: 020 7288 6733 | Web: www.cycleshow.co.uk
ASSOS 57 Farringdon Road, London, EC1M 3JB Tel: 0203 2862225 | Web: www.assos.com
BUFFERA LIMITED Cranbourne House, Cranbourne Road, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, EN6 3JN Tel: +01920 460754 | Web: www.buffwear.co.uk
MAXXIS TYRES Unit 3 Cobalt Centre, Siskin Parkway East, Middlemarch Business Park, Coventry, CV34PE Tel: 024 7688 9775 | Web: www.maxxis.com
MET HELMETS / BLUEGRASS 22-24 Ely Place, London, EC1N6TE Tel: 0207 1937 496 | Web: www.met-helmets.com
MITAS Tyburn Trading Estate, Ashold Farm Road, Erdington, Birmingham, B24 9QG Tel: 0800 281 413 | Web: www.mitascycle.com
X-BIONIC Trerè Innovation s.r.l. Unipersonale Via Parma, 70 C. 46041 Asola (MN). Italy Tel: +39 0376 718623 | Web: www.x-bionic.com
CYCLING SCOTLAND 24 Blythswood Square, Glasgow, G2 4BG Tel: 0141 229 5350 | Web: www.cyclingscotland.org
insuring the UK’s cycle retailers
CYCLEGUARD INSURANCE Southgate house, Southgate Street, Gloucester, GL1 1UB Tel: 0844 826 2297 | Web: www.cycleguard.co.uk
ONE WAY DISTRIBUTION Tel: 0031 10345 3510 | Web: shop.o-w-d.nl
QUELLA Unit 1 & 2 Breckenwood Road, Fulbourn, Cambridgeshire, CB21 5DQ Tel: 01223 782 039 | Web: www.quellabicycle.com
BikeBiz Directory 2016 is now available to view online at
www.bikebiz.com DARE2B Unit 8-9 Mercury Park, Mercury Way, Urmston, Manchester, M41 7LY Tel: 0844 811 2939 | Web: www.dare2b.com
DISTRIBUTION AND WHOLESALE
ROZONE LIMITED Queen Street, Darlaston, Wednesbury, West Midlands. WS10 8JB Tel: 0121 526 8181 | Web: www.rozone.co.uk
DISTRIBUTION AND WHOLESALE
IMPORTERS, DISTRIBUTORS AND WHOLESALERS
IMPORTERS, DISTRIBUTORS AND WHOLESALERS
2WT Ltd 63 Baddow Hall Crescent, Chelmsford, CM2 7BX Tel: 07885 788203 Web: www.2wtuk.com
All-City 6400 West 105TH Street, Bloomington, USA, MN 55438 Tel: 1-888-4AC-BIKE Web: www.allcitycycles.com
2x2 Worldwide Unit 6, Hall End Business Park, Dordon, Tamworth, Staffs, B78 1SX Tel: 01827 331099 Web: www.2x2worldwide.com
Always Riding Ltd Riverside Business Centre, Haldone Place, London, SW18 4UQ Web: www.alwaysriding.co.uk
4 Down Distribution Unit 6 North Ridge Business Park, Haywood Way, Hastings, East Sussex, TN35 4PP Tel: 01424 433 074 Web: www.4downdistribution.com
Amba Marketing (UK) Ltd 5 Budlake Units, Budlake Road, Marsh Barton, EX2 8PY Tel: 01392 829903 Web: www.amba-marketing.com
50cycles Unit M, Little Moor Lane, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 1SF Tel: 01509 217775 Web: www.50cycles.com
Andy BrayAgencies T/A Gearmechhanger.com 36 Middlecroft Lane, Gosport, Hampshire, PO12 3DJ Tel: 07896 124968 Web: www.gearmechhanger.com
Assos 57 Farringdon Road, London, EC1M 3JB Tel: 0203 2862225 Web: www.assos.com ATB Sales Ltd Whitworth Road, St Leonards on Sea, East Sussex, TN37 7PZ Tel: 01424 753566 Web: www.atb-sales.co.uk
A Action Cameras The Light Box, PC127, 112 Power Road, London, W4 5PY Tel: 02089657680 Web: www.actioncameras.co.uk
# 2 Wheel Distribution GmbH & Co. KG Erich Blum Str. 33, D 71665 Vaihingen an der Enz, Germany Tel: +49(0)7042289000 Web: www.2wheel-distribution.com
Action Cameras Limited Unit 36 Park Royal Business Centre, 9-17 Park Royal Road, London, NW10 7LQ Tel: 020 89657679 Web: www.actioncameras.co.uk
2 Wheel Electric Haskins Garden Centre, Mansbridge Road, West End, Southampton, Hampshire, SO18 3HW Tel: 02380476929 Web: www.2wheelelectric.co.uk
FREEGO ELECTRIC BIKES 3 St Denys Rd, Southampton SO17 2GN Tel :0800 077 8711
SEE.SENSE (LIMEFORGE LTD) Sketrick House, Jubilee Road, Newtownards, BT23 4YH Tel: 02891 800536 | Web: www.seesense.cc
Active Life Logistics The Barn, Structons Heath Farm, Great Witley, Worcestershire, WR6 6JA Tel: 01299 890101 Web: www.activelifelogistics.co.uk
2pure 46c Bavelaw Road, Balerno, Edinburgh, EH147AE Tel: 0844 811 2001 Web: www.2pure.co.uk
BIKEBIZ DIRECTORY
All Round Wheels (Wholesale) Ltd Unit 020 Gracechurch Centre, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands, B72 1PH Tel: 0121 354 5451
8
BIKEBIZ.COM
Ansmann UK e-BIKE centre, Unit 12, RO24, Harlow Business Park, Harlow, Essex, CM19 5QB Tel: 0870 609 2233 Web: www.ansmann.co.uk
Atom Cycles Unit 2, Kirkburn Industrial Estate, Lockerbie, DG11 2SE Tel: 01576 203611 Web: www.atomcycles.com
AOB Distribution 57 Exeter Road, Kingsteighton, Newton Abbot, Devon Tel: 07596 100615 Web: www.aobdistribution.com
Autostrada Engineering Forge Farm, Forge Lane, Footherley, Staffs, WS14 0HU Tel: 01543 483155/483225
Assess Todociclismo S.A Mitre 972, San Jose, Guillen Tel: 054-261-4456639
Avocet Sports Ltd Unit 7 and 8 Shield Drive, Wardley Industrial Estate, Worsley, Manchester, M28 2QB Tel: 0161 727 8508 Web: www.coyote-sports.com (B2B) and www.avocetsports.co.uk (Consumer)
Assist Creative Resources Ltd Unit 7 Ash Road South, Wrexham Ind Est, Wrexham, LL13 9UG Tel: 01978 664743 Web: www.assist.co.uk
BIKEBIZ.COM
Axel Imports Ltd 4 Wimborne Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 2BU Tel: 01202 785864 Web: www.axelimports.co.uk
9
BIKEBIZ DIRECTORY
MARKETPLACE BIKES & ACCESSORIES
CROSS IS
TO ADVERTISE IN THESE PAGES PLEASE CONTACT rsetters@nbmedia.com or call 0207 354 6000
BIKES & ACCESSORIES
IN STOCK NOW
COMING Be cyclocross season READY with Clement. With their extensive range of superior quality tyres, there’s a Clement CX tyre for any bike, any condition.
“
CLEMENT PDX CLINCHER > Traction that meets the high mark, with better durability BikeRadar
DISTRIBUTED IN THE UK BY 2PURE/
CROWN GEM 29 x 2.30 // 27.5 x 2.35 | UPGRADEBIKES.CO.UK
BIKES & ACCESSORIES
IN STOCK NOW
BIKES & ACCESSORIES
IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE ONGOING FORK RECALL MODELS AFFECTED: • Full Carbon Racelight T (RT) - 2003/2005 • Racelight T Full Carbon - 2006 • 12K Racelight T - 2007/2009 • 12K - 2009
TAKE ACTION Contact Upgrade Bikes Ltd
FURTHER CONCERNS / INFORMATION: BULLDOZER+ 29 x 3.25 // 27.5 x 2.8 | UPGRADEBIKES.CO.UK
Any further information please call Upgrade Bikes Ltd. 01403 711 611 opt 4 or email info@upgradebikes.co.uk
78 BIKEBIZ AUGUST
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MARKETPLACE BIKES & ACCESSORIES
BIKES & ACCESSORIES
IN STOCK NOW
MISSION COMMAND 26 x 4.0 | UPGRADEBIKES.CO.UK
BIKES & ACCESSORIES
IN STOCK NOW
RAIN RUNNER 700 X 25 // 700 X 28 | UPGRADEBIKES.CO.UK
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 AUGUST 79
MARKETPLACE
TO ADVERTISE IN THESE PAGES PLEASE CONTACT rsetters@nbmedia.com or call 0207 354 6000
BIKES & ACCESSORIES
BIKES & ACCESSORIES
BIKES & ACCESSORIES
BIKE BOTTLES & PROMOTIONAL GOODS
80 BIKEBIZ AUGUST
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MARKETPLACE BIKES & ACCESSORIES
BIKES & ACCESSORIES
GIFT VOUCHERS, TROPHIES & GENERAL PRINT
CLOTHING
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 BIKEBIZ.COM
As worn by Team Mule Bar Girl – Sigma Sport
BIKEBIZ AUGUST 81
MARKETPLACE
TO ADVERTISE IN THESE PAGES PLEASE CONTACT rsetters@nbmedia.com or call 0207 354 6000
DEALER MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
EPOS & ECOMMERCE
EPOS & ECOMMERCE
PRINT SERVICES
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 £92 1000 £120 2000 £165 Origination £30
www top tube stickers up to 20x150mm. 1 colour on clear 500 £105 1000 £145 2000 £190 Origination £20
(IGH 7YCOMBE WWW FREEWHEELIN BIKES CO UK
www.cycle-world.co.uk Serviced By -
Tel. 01479 870 050
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 82 BIKEBIZ AUGUST
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OFF TRACK
OFF TRACK
THE TRADE’S ROUND UP OF STATS, VIEWS AND RANDOMS
NUMBER CRUNCHING
5%
Ever wondered how many members British Cycling has? Or how much of that crippling commuter traffic is made up of cyclists? It’s all here...
cycled of children school to primary 16 0 in 2
28% increase in the number of adults injured whilst cycling since 2004.
£2.5M
25%
spent on the new CyclePoint at Cambridge Station
r traff ic of rush hou don on L in central es b m is fro ik © PIC CREDIT : www.falco.co.uk
62%
According to the Association of Cycle Traders, this was the number of bike shops owners that voted out of the EU
123,029 rs r of membe the numbe y tl n e rr ling cu British Cyc have
BIKEBIZ.COM
BIKEBIZ AUGUST 83
OFF TRACK
IN THE SADDLE
MAMMOTH 4,000 MILE CYCLE CHALLENGE FOR STUDENT BECKY
Chris Hewings, Funked Up How many bikes do you own? Ten in total now, after making a concerted effort to reduce the number from 20+ over the past few years. I ride and race on the road, track and MTB when I have time, so anything less than ten bikes in not acceptable! Where are your favourite places to ride? Off-road, it has to be Coed-Y-Brenin. On-road, anything near Lake Vyrnwy in Wales, or in Ireland, anywhere in Connemara, on the rare day when it doesn’t rain.
AN ART student at Nottingham Trent University is preparing for a 4,000 mile cycle ride across the United States in support of the John Van Geest Cancer Research Centre. Her journey begins on Seattle’s west coast, and will see her travel about 70 miles a day before reaching her destination in New York on the third of October. The first part of her route, which she will undertake along side her brother Ben, will last about three weeks and take her to Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, through Yellowstone National Park, and to Denver Colorado. Becky hopes to raise £4,000 for the university’s John Van Geest Cancer Research Centre.
What’s your role at Funked Up and what does it entail? I’ve recently joined as CEO, and my role is to help the company grow sales into export markets outside the EU via our website, and into retail outlet in the EU and also develop our own P&A line. How long have you been in the trade? 12 years in total, since joining ABG (Merlin/ Litespeed/Quintana Roo) as a Sales rep for the South of England originally. Since then, I’ve worked for brands as diverse as Cube, Parlee, Lightweight and many more, handling anything from sales to retail through to International Distributor Sales and Marketing management. What’s the latest news from Funked Up HQ? We’ll be introducing more frame style options via our successful customiser, which allows consumers (and retailer soon) to build their own bike with a huge number of coloured componentry options, with rapid delivery after the sale is confirmed as we assemble all of our bikes in Dublin. Our new website will launch in the next few months, which we’re excited about. How can the trade get in touch? Any enquiries can be directed to me via email at: chris@funkedup.com
84 BIKEBIZ AUGUST
FRENCH BIKE BUILDERS GATHER AT CONCOURS DE MACHINES 2016 19 FRENCH builders gathered at the three day Concours de Machines 2016 to compete with their custom built bespoke bikes. The last edition of the Concours de Machines, also known as the French Technical Trials, occurred in 1949. The event is the first time in the modern era that such a large selection of French bicycle builders have gathered to celebrate the art-form. The builders met and discussed different projects to push forward the art of bicycle building in France.
BIKEBIZ.COM
OFF TRACK
Stephen Holt, Commercial Director
LAPIERRE ANNOUNCES THE RELEASE OF OVERVOLT AM CARBON THE KEY to the Lapierre Overvolt AM Carbon’s handling is in its lowered centre of gravity. The carbon full suspension e-bike’s battery has been moved down against the motor and rotated forward, centralising mass in the frame for greater manoeuvrability both on the ground and in the air. A slack, 66-degree head angle creates the stability fast descents demand, while at 73 degrees the steeper seat tube pushes weight onto the front wheel for planted, accurate steering on climbs. The chainstays are 5mm shorter than the aluminium bike’s to add further snap to the handling. You can expect to see the Lapierre Overvolt Carbon in stores around September time with pricing TBC. For more details contact Hotlines Europe on sales@hotlines-uk.com
GIRONA CHARITY GALA!
TEAM DIMENSION Data’s Matt Brammeier and Nathan Haas, and Nikki HarrisBrammeier, who rides for Boels-Dolmans, are organising the Girona Gala, with this year’s charity partner as the Qhubeka foundation. The Girona Gala will be a formal gala soiree held at local venue El Jardin, in the heart of the Spanish city’s historic centre. The dinner and festivities will be on the October 22nd 2016. Following the dinner, there will be a live auction of cycling memorabilia, bikes, and many other bespoke pieces. The 2016 event is being presented with additional support from Dimension Data & Deloitte, who have kindly offered services and support to ensure the viability and maximum charity fundraising. For tickets, please visit Africakitappeal.com. For more information, get in touch with Laura Fletcher or Matt Brammeier: thegironagala@gmail.com
BIKEBIZ.COM
GROWING OUR MARKET: CYCLE TO WORK DAY 2016 CYCLE COMMUTING is what Cyclescheme is all about! We want to celebrate the tens of thousands of people who we know ride on Cycle to Work Day, now in its fourth year, and get even more people taking part on the day. We want to inspire a million people in the UK to regularly cycle to work. If we can achieve this, we’ll get more people buying new bikes, new equipment and spending money on servicing and repairs. Cycle to Work Day is our way of achieving those goals. We’ve brought together all of the organisations who advocate cycling in the UK to support the day on Wednesday September 14th 2016, and we’re delighted to announce that Chris Boardman is the ambassador for this year’s campaign. Last year, 460 retailers supported Cycle to Work Day. We’d like even more of you to get involved this year. You can take advantage of this day as well! Get your store involved and registered through pledging on the Cycle to Work Day website. We will then send you details of our promotional packs designed especially for stores to help you take part in Cycle to Work Day. Free bike health checks will attract new and returning cyclists to your store, and getting involved with local employers is a great way to advertise your business. Please join us in this popular celebration of everyday cycle commuting by pledging at www.CycleToWorkDay.org
Stephen Holt is commercial director of Cyclescheme, the UK’s leading provider of tax-free bikes for work. You can reach him on Twitter @cycleschemeltd
BIKEBIZ AUGUST 85
SPOKESMAN
Bicycle Shaped Objects are still bicycles Carlton Reid and his son hired BSOs for a days’ sightseeing in Italy. The bikes may have been crap, but the riding wasn’t. YOU KNOW those stories about clueless foreigners risking life and limb cycling on British motorways? How could they miss all of the motorway signs? How could they be so dumb? Well, I can now sympathise with them because, by mistake, I rode on an Italian motorway, on a Mediterranean holiday by the Tyrrhenian Sea. And I did so with my dead-fit 18-yearold roadie son, Josh. We were riding back in the early evening from Terracina, a coastal resort with some superfine Roman remains (including an extant stretch of the old Appian Way, the first Roman road in Italy). Somehow we ended up on a motorway. We were confused because the road we had been riding on wasn’t exactly a rural backwater – it was marked on our digital map as a cycle route, but we had been sharing it with HGVs and kamikaze double-overtakers. There wasn’t a bike path on this part of the coast – it was ride on a busy road, or stay stuck in our hotel town on Sperlonga 20 kilometres away. When we realised the busy road had now turned into a motorway (and, all of a sudden was very different to the road we had been cycling on, which we thought was the road we’d cycled that morning) we were too far along to turn back. The best way to extricate ourselves involved crossing over six lanes, dodging trucks as we went, and clambering over Armco-motorway barriers, which, I can now attest, are higher than the ones in the UK. Legging it over to a slip road and praying that we’d get around a corner before any thundering trucks
came along, we made it back to the road we should have been on. This was a deeply unsettling and unpleasant experience, and yet the day had started so well. We had our road kit with us – Lycra togs, helmet, clip-in shoes – but
“I may usually ride a high-end carbon road bike but I can slum it, too.” Carlton Reid the resort rental bikes had left a lot to be desired. In short, they were crap, and rusty crap, but they were the only bikes available, and beggars couldn’t be choosers. Mine was a Bianchi MTB, but a cheap, old and nasty one. The wheels wobbled and squeaked, the brakes didn’t brake, and the
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86 BIKEBIZ AUGUST
handlebar had an old-fashioned horn that had seen better days – instead of honking, it sort of burped. Josh had a heavy girls’ pink MTB, but at least his gears worked – mine jumped and stuttered on the slightest incline.
Now, if you think I’m complaining, I’m not. I may usually ride a highend carbon road bike but I can slum it, too. Our day may have been hairy in parts, and the bikes we chose to ride to and from Terracina on may not have passed muster at home, but I’d rather have a rattling BSO than no bike at all. Bikes are
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so incredibly efficient, transporting the traveller in (relative) comfort. Cycling is so much quicker than walking. Your bike shop may be stuffed with mid-to-high-end bikes, but it’s important to remember that all bicycles – even BSOs – can be wonder machines, if we let them. We had paid €20 to hire two BSOs for the day, but they proved nippy enough to get us out of trouble on an Italian motorway, and happily ascended a long, steep hill above Terracina. While this may have been their most adventurous day ever, it was not their first-ever outing – they had clearly repaid their owner many times over for an obviously minimal original outlay. It struck me that hiring out bikes seems like a lucrative business model, if you’ve got the right location. Just not near a motorway, please.
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