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JANUARY 2017
ISSUE 132
ISSUE 132 JANUARY 2017
@bikebizonline | facebook.com/bikebiz
F O R
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E V E R Y O N E
p9 Zwift & sure Eric Min, CEO of Zwift, talks about community in cycling, creative inspiration, and how augmented and virtual realities might be the future of indoor training
T H E
B I K E
B U S I N E S S
p15 A chat with Cyclechic
p54 Blaze Laserlight
Cyclechic founder Caz Nicklin explains how she used internet retail to inspire women across Britain to get onto their bikes
Emily Brooke describes how she used her expertise to develop the innovative product that's taking London by storm
Scottish Mountain Biking Conference Carlton Reid heads up to the Cairngorms with Developing Mountain Biking, where he tests out a whole host of mountain biking gear made by various Scottish companies‌
p22
p31 Core Bike Show
p47 The Bike Place
p40 700c
p65 Sector guides
An exclusive show guide to let you know what you need to see
Sean Reynolds forecasts what's set to dominate the show floor
Jon Cockayne illustrates the risks that IBDs are exposed to
Training courses and workshop essentials to know all about
A NEW PLAYER IN THE WORLD OF CYCLING
Optimises cyclist’s cleat position by precise laser adjustment to ensure the effectiveness of pedaling. As a result, improving performance and reducing injuries (tendonitis, back pain, joint pain…) Super-positioning the axis of the foot (metatarsal head of the big toe) on the axis of the pedal. Hence, we have optimised energy transfer (position determined through laboratory research)
1
PERFORMANCE OPTIMISATION
The most important point in optimizing pedaling efficiency remains the point of contact between the foot and the pedal. With the innovation of the new measuring device of ML Cleat® Morphologics, it is now possible to adjust the cleat of the cyclist’s in minutes with laser precision ( MTB and Road ). 2
LASER PRECISION
ML Cleat® of Morphologics, accurately measures the feet of the cyclists based on both the position of the heel (calcaneus bone) and the precise location of the joint of the big toe (sesamoid bone) measured at the same time.
contact@morpho-logics.com
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IMMEDIATE REPORT
It only takes a few seconds to get the measurements of the feet and then transfer the measurements on to the outer sole of the cyclist’s shoe, thanks to the tiny laser beam. 4
INSTANT MOUNTING
After having measured the cyclist’s feet, it is hence very easy to position and secure the hold on the shoes since the axis of the cleat should be at the level of the joint of the big toe. The position of the foot in the shoe will therefore be comfortable and the position of the cleat will be perfect which will then optimize the pedaling efficiency to the maximum.
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NEWS
EDITOR’S COMMENT WHY WE SHOULD CARE ABOUT WOMEN WORKING IN CYCLING
GIANT’S FOUNDING EXECS RETIRE GIANT’S FOUNDER King Liu and CEO Tony Lo have both retired. The new chairperson, Bonnie Tu, is currently the company’s chief financial officer and executive vice president, and Young Liu, the current chief operating officer, will become Giant’s new CEO. King Liu founded the company in 1972; Lo joined the following year. Young Liu, who is the son of King Liu, told a news conference that Giant will remain focused on independent bike shops – it has 12,000 dealers in 80 countries: “People still prefer to buy bicycles at physical outlets as they need professional advice.” King Liu started Giant in 1972 as a departure from his previous business: a typhoon wiped out his eel-breeding farm. The company made just 3,700 bicycles in its first year. Lo was a business graduate from the National Taiwan University and had been working as a marketing manager for a BIKEBIZ.COM
trade association prior to working at Giant. It was Lo who turned a factory making bikes for others into a brand in its own right. This was unusual for a Taiwanese company in the 1980s. “It’s still unusual now,” Lo told BikeBiz in 2012. “We were very early in our own brand. We had lots of ideas about how to make bicycles better, but our customers were not interested. This was very frustrating. They were only interested in delivery and price, not ideas on how to improve things or how to have a long commitment. We were eager to talk directly to the consumer with an own-brand, not just talk numbers of bicycles sold. We had a long-term view, not short-term. “We also wanted to control our own destiny, not always at the mercy of people who said ‘you can have our business but you are one dollar too expensive’.”
EARLIER THIS month, I attended the All Party Parliamentary Cycling Group’s meeting about women and bikes. The talks discussed the many barriers that women encounter in taking up cycling. These may be not only of an infrastructural, but also social and cultural nature. The fact is that statistically, girls are less likely to be encouraged to ride bikes than boys. This leads to adult women who don’t even know how to ride bikes. Let’s not beat about the bush – that’s a big, big problem. There are more women in this country than men. By quite a number, actually. Which means that an enormous chunk of the population is completely inaccessible to the industry. That’s not to say that councils aren’t doing anything to help this – we all know there are schemes in place to teach complete beginners to cycle. But I think the problem runs deeper than that. From my perspective, it starts with getting more women who already ride bikes interested in cycle retail and mechanic careers. Because more women employed in bike shops equals more women walking into bike shops, equals more new cyclists, and a larger customer base. It’s about making people feel included. So, let’s make 2017 the year that we get women excited about working in the trade. Hayley E. Ferguson can be contacted at: hferguson@ nbmedia.com
BIKEBIZ JANUARY 5
NEWS
Maxxis says new B2C website will help IBDs
IN A bid to increase brand awareness and visibility, Maxxis has enabled consumers to purchase its full range of cycle tyres direct from its website. The B2C website will be combined with a postcode search facility that will direct visitors to their nearest Maxxis dealer – tyres available online will be sold at full recommended retail price. In an interview with Maxxis last
month, Amy Cahill, marketing manager, told BikeBiz: “We’re doing this to support the IBDs, in part. We’re not going to be diminishing the value of the brand – [the B2C website] will be one of the most expensive routes through which to buy the tyres. What we’re trying to establish is that if someone’s going to buy online, they’re going to do it regardless. A consumer can come into an IBD
“What we’re trying to establish is that if someone’s going to buy online, they’re going to do it regardless.” Amy Cahill, Maxxis
Executive Editor: Carlton Reid carltonreid@mac.com
Sales Manager: Richard Setters rsetters@nbmedia.com
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and see that they can buy the tyre more cheaply through them. If IBDs can slot themselves somewhere in the middle, and make a good margin, we both ultimately establish that loyalty. We want to help them build their businesses up.” Maxxis has campaigned throughout 2016 to raise both consumer and industry awareness of its full cycle tyre offering. The brand is apparently working closely with its distribution network to offer stockists pricing and merchandising support. Brand manager for the cycle tyre division Stephen Robinson comments: “We’ve invested a huge quantity of resources over the last year in promoting the brand and highlighting the fact that Maxxis isn’t just a single-discipline manufacturer. Providing better product visibility and purchasing choice will help Maxxis products reach new consumers, so our stockists can capitalise on repeat business.” “The launch of the ‘buy now’ button for our cycle tyres marks the start of a really exciting phase for Maxxis,” says managing director Derek McMartin. “We hope that making the complete range highly visible in one place will help further [awareness]. With more stockists now on board, selling an extended range of Maxxis products, as well as a sleek website offering more choice to consumers, 2017 is set to be the year Maxxis builds on its MTB excellence and gathers ground in other cycling disciplines.”
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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6 BIKEBIZ JANUARY
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NEWS
FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @BIKEBIZONLINE
Opinion: “Big-name CYCLE brands are not doing SHORTS enough to help IBDs.”
ZyroFisher adds OTE Sports to brand portfolio Sports nutrition specialist OTE Sports has confirmed that product distribution in the UK and Ireland will now be handled by ZyroFisher. “This partnership is a natural growth for our brand; the support of ZyroFisher will enable us to maximise our potential in the market,” said OTE MD Matt Harrison. Inital stock will be available from the distributor by the end of January.
Boardman centre receives planning permission Boardman Bikes has announced that planning permission has been granted for the new Worcestershirebased Boardman Performance Centre. “This project has been a dream of mine for more than six years and I’m delighted,” commented Chris Boardman. Work will now commence on the cutting-edge facility, which will also house the brand’s new head office, a cycle-specific wind tunnel and a modern physiology testing suite.
Blazing Saddles reopens IN A recent interview with BikeBiz, Fusion Media’s Chris Snook discussed the extent to which brick and mortar businesses are struggling due to steep price cuts from key brands. “More and more IBDs are feeling the pinch when it comes to competing on price. Consumers are now used to extremely competitive pricing; brands and distributors just aren’t doing enough for those shops.” The comments come just a month after high-end componentry brand Shimano made headlines in the US for price slashing up to 40 per cent on components above SLX level. Many in the industry saw the move as a direct result of price slashing culture amongst British distributors, although it is currently unclear as to whether the discounted numbers presented to the American market will have any impact on British pricing. In our recent
BIKEBIZ.COM
annual BikeBiz retailer survey, over 63 per cent of independent bike dealers noted that fairer pricing is the number one issue that brands and distributors need to rectify, whilst 36 per cent noted that price slashing is the most frustrating part of
“More IBDs are feeling the pinch when it comes to competing on price.” Chris Snook, Fusion Media operating a shop. One dealer commented: “Dealers in the UK make next to nothing from selling [some of the big name brands]. That’s why most IBDs struggle with dead stock. I need to make a 25 per cent margin on everything in my shop just to pay the bills, let alone to make any
form of profit. It’s just completely unsustainable.” Snook added that British bike retailers need to diversify if they intend to survive the current trend of online discounting: “The price war is a difficult battle to win and I think that retailers need to focus on individuality and impeccable customer service. IBDs hold a huge number of advantages from knowledge, personality, unique ranges and to an extent, increased flexibility.” Snook concluded that he believes the small size of IBDs can work to their advantage when utilising these qualities to stay ahead of bigger industry players. “A small business can be far quicker to react to changes than the giants. Moving away from price wars, perhaps adopting price match, and focusing on quality service and customer retention are all going to be key over the coming years.”
The previously flood-damaged Blazing Saddles bike shop in Hebden Bridge has now reopened after falling victim to the Boxing Day floods of 2015. The shop moved to its current site in 2001, after an expansion. The new shop redesign included the installation of flood defences, which are now necessary as the owners were not able to secure further insurance.
Tern passes Kickstarter goal Urban bike specialist Tern has successfully completed its UK Kickstarter campaign for a compact Bosch-powered folding bike, the Vektron. After reaching the initial target of $60,000, the campaign went on to raise more than 150 per cent of the funding goal. Tern will release the product though its network of over 150 dealers in the US and Europe. The bikes will begin shipping in Q1 2017.
For breaking news visit:
www.bikebiz.com BIKEBIZ JANUARY 7
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ZWIFT The Zwift demo at the recent Rouleur Classic Show in London.
Every Zwift user can create their own personalised avatar within the system.
Is AR the future of cycling? Kieran Howells talks to Eric Min, CEO and inventor of the revolutionary new Zwift cycling system, about the history of the brand, the future of alternate reality technology and the limitless possibilites of virtual cycling... FOR MANY cyclists, the winter months are a time to retreat indoors, away from icy roads and freezing rain and into the monotonous environment of cycle training studios, whether at home or at a gym. Whereas a conventional stationary bike gives the user a chance to stretch their legs, staring at the same stark white wall for hours on end is enough to leave even the most determined cyclist completely unenthused. Whilst juggling a growing family and a busy career, Zwift CEO Eric Min found himself in this exact situation, but rather than accept the impending boredom, he decided to utilise the latest technology and invest in a platform that would change the public’s riding habits forever. I sat down with Min to talk about training, tech and what the future holds for his company. BIKEBIZ.COM
“The market had already thought of this idea 25-30 years ago, but the technology just wasn’t available.” Eric Min, Zwift
Can you tell us the Zwift story? My background is in financial trading systems, and I’ve been a long-time cycling enthusiast for many years. I’d been doing a lot of business in the corporate world, and I thought “You know what? I’m going to do something far more in line with my passion and aim it at the consumer market.” So I was thinking about what I should do next, and it struck me that living in London, having a young family and not having enough time to get outside meant I was riding quite a bit indoors. I was consuming all the products on the market like crazy to keep me entertained. The lack of innovation and investment that went into creating that experience just seemed crazy. I called up my partner, who isn’t a cyclist, and told him that I wanted to transform indoor riding, and he was immediately onboard. From
there, we continued down this path of asking “what if we were to bring all the elements that we enjoy about outdoor cycling into this new world?” We knew that the social aspect and the competition, whether it was competing with others or competing against your own previous performance, were going to be essential parts of whatever we were going to build. To be fair, the market had already thought of this idea 25-30 years ago, but back then, the [technology] just wasn’t available. It just wasn’t possible to create the experience that people wanted, so the idea fell by the wayside. In the modern age, everything we needed to create this amazing, immersive experience was in front of us; it was the perfect storm. Someone just needed to come in and truly invest in the concept. BIKEBIZ JANUARY 9
ZWIFT
The system keeps users informed via a series of charts
Customised bikes and wheelsets are available in the platform.
Min says the current VR headsets are too bulky to properly use.
What were the three most important things you did to make Zwift work? The three things that were absolutely key for us were social media, cycling, and gamefication. Social media has allowed us to grow organically and virally. Cycling is a great market that people have so much passion for, which is doing so well at the moment, especially in the UK and the States. And gaming platforms are advanced enough these days that you can take those two other elements and completely immerse them in a created world. You can ride with your friends; you can go to places that in reality don’t even exist; you can take your passion wherever you want. What did you take into consideration in designing the platform’s visuals? In the beginning, we decided that it was very important for us to pick a specific location so we could upload data to Strava. We found an island in the South Pacific, where we knew that there weren’t any pre-existing tracks. What we really wanted to do was create our own map. We did experiment with real 10 BIKEBIZ JANUARY
courses; the first real course we made was the Richmond World Championship course. That was a big hit, but the community seems to respond far better to our fictitious world. We did London,
“The community seems to respond far better to our fictitious world. I can honestly say that the virtual roads we’ve created are more interesting than the reality.” Eric Min, Zwift
which was a bit different, because we took people from the roads of London to Surrey. I can honestly say that the virtual roads that we’ve created are more interesting than the reality.
How has the public reacted to the various maps? I think what we’re learning is that the community likes fictitious maps. When we make our own routes, we have unlimited creative license. Currently, all maps are still roadbased; in the future, we could be cycling on anything. The first thing we did when we created Watopia was to make transparent glass tunnels. It’s so much fun, and it’s just never going to be possible in the real world. You just can’t experience that anywhere else. How many people are currently using Zwift? I don’t know the exact numbers, but what I can tell you is that we have 180,000 unique accounts. Not all of them are active and paying right now, but that’s how many people have signed up and used the service. Why did you decide to make it a subscription service? My last business was a subscription service, although those subscriptions were millions of dollars from giant corporations. The reason why a subscription service
makes a lot of sense for us is because we put out updates once a month. The system is constantly evolving. It’s no different to subscribing to Microsoft Office these days. People love our updates, so it’s a model that works for us. It’s not just a one-off product, it’s a living product, so it makes sense to give people the option to carry on benefitting from everything we do to it each month. What does an update to the system look like? We have three different experiences. We have maps, and the maps have expansions much like in a videogame world – that comes as part of the monthly service. Then we’ve got three different modes. You can go on a freeride, you can do a workout, or you can take part in an event. All of those modes happen in the same map space, so we balance the upgrades around them. This month, our upgrades may be based around a new map expansion, or it could be to create new events. There are actually some really interesting things coming with future updates. BIKEBIZ.COM
NEW CLOUD-BASED
SETUP: £499 Licence & Support: £40.80 per month
THERE ARE MANY ROUTES TO SUCCESS. WE SELL THE MAPS.
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ZWIFT
A simple builder helps users create a digital rider.
A range of devices will integrate with the system.
The Zwift Station setup utilises the latest cycle trainers to emulate rides.
Can you tell us a bit about upcoming updates? Well, we’re looking to add completely new maps, so that will be a big development. We’re also close to adding a voice system. That means users will be able to talk to other people using Zwift, and chat whilst on rides. This will massively boost the social element and bring our users closer. It’s really exciting stuff. Group rides traditionally take the same routes every weekend; do you see the same trend on Zwift? When we create a new map, everyone wants to try it. It’s like taking you to Italy for a ride. But once people get used to that map, we find that they start to discover the route that they love. If you’re like me, you’re going to go up the hills more than the straights. Some other guys prefer the flat areas and faster paces. When people find the routes that they love, they really stick to them. The VR market is making vast advancements at the moment. Do you think Zwift will integrate with VR on a greater level? In the future, the market is going BIKEBIZ.COM
to be split between virtual and augmented reality. The big problem with VR at the moment is the form factor; it’s just not conducive to a serious session. If you’re riding for a reasonably long time, you’re going to sweat all over the headset – it’s
“What we’re seeing is communities within the community, building and diversifying by self-regulating.” Eric Min, Zwift
heavy and eventually you’re going to feel that weight. I think that’s probably about two to three years away from being a really viable option. I think the more interesting route is AR. Honestly; my experience is that if you have a 40” screen quite close to you, you don’t
even need a headset. You get dropped right into the action and you’re really immersed in it. Not only are you visually seeing it, but you’re also feeling it through the trainer.
That’s something that we’re so proud of. Seeing people wanting to invest their time into something we’ve created was a giant revelation to me. We’ve used that ethos and built upon it ever since.
What advancements are coming to Zwift sooner? I think the big thing for 2017 is the introduction of the Smartbike; it’s basically the next generation of stationary bikes. It’ll work straight out of the box with Zwift and we’re very exited about that. It will massively simplify and streamline the experience. The other big thing that customers can expect is a form of Zwift specifically crafted for runners. I don’t know exactly when we’ll see it, but it’s coming.
What challenges are you still facing with Zwift? Our biggest challenge is just convincing people to try it. We just want to push people to give it a go, because if you give it a go, you’ll love it. This winter has been a great time for Zwift. Loads of people have realised that when the weather is terrible, you don’t have to stop riding. But, as always, more people need to give it a go.
Was there a specific time when you knew that Zwift had done what it set out to achieve? We have a highly engaged community. We host about 500 events a month – I’d say that our customers create about 95 per cent of those events. What we’re seeing is communities within the community, building and diversifying by self-regulating.
Where can people try out the service? We’re in over 500 bike shops in the UK already, I would imagine that there are 50 studios around the world that already use Zwift. Our vision is to let every health club and every hotel have access to Zwift. Whether it’s cycling, running or on an elliptical machine, our goal is to keep people moving, and without a doubt, Zwift is the best way to do that. BIKEBIZ JANUARY 13
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CYCLECHIC Left: Lavinia Smith, Right: Caz Nicklin
Functional feminine fashion Online companies making it big are paving the way for businesses across all industries. Hayley E. Ferguson talks to Cyclechic’s Caz Nicklin to find out how she harnessed the internet to achieve success in cycle retail… CAZ NICKLIN is definitely not wearing Lycra. She meets me for lunch after a sample sale at the Cyclechic offices; it occurs to me over our meal that she’s a sort of stealth cyclist. In fact, I wouldn’t classify Nicklin as a cyclist at all. Not the armoured-from-head-totoe sort, at least. She’s a person who just happens to love the lifestyle that comes with riding a bike. So much so that, eight years ago, she established a business focused on changing the face of commuter cycling, so that other women could enjoy riding their bikes as much as she does. And not wearing Lycra is a cornerstone of Cyclechic. “In 2007, I was working in television. I lived in Shepherds Bush, and the job I had was in Battersea, so my public transport commute was a real faff. I started thinking that maybe I could cycle it,” says Nicklin. “Not many people were cycling in London at the time. It was very much the Lycra-clad racers. Anybody who cycled was in high-vis. But I thought it could be quite a nice ride, even though I hadn’t been on a bike since I was BIKEBIZ.COM
about 12 years old. It was a baptism with fire, but I was massively inspired. I loved cycling for the practicality, the convenience; I found it to be mood lifting. But I was also really scared of the road, and realised that I wasn’t very safe.” Nicklin was also frustrated with the dated image projected of commuter cycling. It became clear to her that this desperately needed an overhaul if it were to become appealing to more women. “Whenever I researched cycling advice for women, Google would come up with these awful pictures of a few ladies from the 80s. The photos were just hideous, and completely irrelevant to the kind of cycling I did. “Because I didn’t feel very fulfilled in my job, I started blogging about cycling, and the fact that there were no decent accessories. I offered advice about second-hand bikes, and all of the other things I thought would be useful for people to know. Then people started reading it, and getting in touch. I began meeting people who had similar ideas.”
“I ordered a whole box of Bern helmets and started selling them on my blog. Suddenly I had a waiting list.” Caz Nicklin, Cyclechic
Blogging allowed Nicklin to establish a community of likeminded cyclists who wanted stylish accessories, but everything really took off when a box of Bern helmets entered the scene. “I couldn’t find a flattering bike helmet. They were all really square and sporty. It became my mission. Actually, I downloaded a digital version of BikeBiz, and I found out that Ultra Sport Europe had just taken on Bern. Although they were available for snowboarding, the cycle helmets weren’t sold anywhere in the UK. So, I phoned Ultra Sport up, and ordered a whole box of them. Then, I started selling them on my blog. Ladies would come to my flat and try the helmets. Suddenly, I had a whole waiting list. That was when Cyclechic started.” Cyclechic’s core customer base remains fundamentally what it was eight years ago: women who cycle as a sort of mode of transport more than as a sport. Urban female cyclists. The company is geared at enabling women to cycle in their day-to-day lives, and making it a desirable, accessible choice. “It’s BIKEBIZ JANUARY 15
CYCLECHIC
not really about the sport for us. We do sell some Lycra, cycling shorts, jerseys, but we get most interest in the helmets, the panniers, the rainwear, the gloves – the things that you need. You want to protect your head, you have stuff to carry. Our products have to be both stylish and functional.” Despite ample traditionally feminine branding, evidence would suggest that men are not at all discouraged from using the website. “We introduced male products because we were getting so many requests. Now we get guys buying for their girlfriends and wives, but also men who just like to look good, or just ‘like themselves’ on their bikes. “We’re always on the hunt for new, commercially viable, exciting products. That’s how we survive. If we spot something, or are approached, we initially like to meet the people at the company for a chat. That’s how we’ve made some really lovely partnerships and friendships in the cycling world. We’ve worked with Bobbin Bicycles and Sawako Furuno from day one, when we were all in the very early stages of our businesses. We like to collaborate with people who are similar to us.” 16 BIKEBIZ JANUARY
In managing Cyclechic, Nicklin says that an interest in cycling has been very useful. “I don’t know if it’s 100 per cent necessary, but I think it’s important to have passion for the work that you do.” Still, she considers a good eye for products to be her most important skill. “The business came about because we had great products. It’s essential to have an understanding of the market [to which you’re catering], and the products that it needs. That’s the key: caring about the details, and being creative in how you put your brand and your products out there. It’s clear that interaction is also a key to running an online store, though. Because they work in different offices, Nicklin and her business partner, Lavinia Smith, open every day with a phone conversation. “We always have a debrief. There are so many different things it could be. I come in once a week to Dalston, and work the rest of the time in our office in Faversham. But we meet up regularly. Problems can arise when everybody’s too remote. Especially with a start-up, it’s so important that the communication is good. So we always make a point of having the face-to-face. You need to be dynamic as a team.”
“I really enjoyed researching and writing the book, and loved the fact that it helped women get back on their bikes as adults.” Caz Nicklin, Cyclechic
Because Cyclechic is established now, there has been more time to work on new projects. In 2014, Nicklin wrote The Girls’ Bicycle Handbook for publisher Quercus. “They came to me and asked whether I’d like to publish a handbook for female cyclists. I said yes, and that was it really!” Unfortunately for fans of the book, however, there are no companion texts in the pipeline. “It was great for the business. I really enjoyed researching and writing the book, and loved the fact that it is helped women to get back on their bikes as adults. But, I don’t have plans to write another – it would take a lot of time out of my day-to-day.” Now Frame It – a business that helps people get photos out of their phones and into their homes – is her most recent venture. “I came into cycling because I was inspired by the industry; I became an entrepreneur because there was a gap in that market. I was excited by the opportunity it offered. Now Frame It comes from the same place that Cyclechic did – a sense of wanting to act on that gap. I saw that lots of people – including me – were frustrated with having tons of great photos on their phones but not ever doing anything with them. Getting digital photos framed can BIKEBIZ.COM
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be a real faff, so I wanted to make it super easy for people, allowing them to do it directly from their phones and, similarly to Cyclechic, offer them stylish, modern products. We used everything we’ve learnt about online retail over the last eight years to build the business, and in the run-up to Christmas it has really taken off. Come January we will be talking to Angel Investors to really get Now Frame It off the ground in 2017. “Cyclechic has been going for eight years, and we’ve got certain routines in place. Because Now Frame It is in such early stages, it still needs a lot of attention. Now, Lavinia takes care of the customer service and logistics for Cyclechic, but I’m still very much involved in the strategy and long-term objectives, and oversee the press and marketing.” And while they are established in separate industries, the foundation of both businesses is their customer-centricity. “Our mission is to recreate personable customer service online. What I loved about the sample sale today was talking to our customers. They come in, have a chat, you find out what kind of cycling they like. It’s nice to have face-to-face as well.” Marketing also remains a chief priority for Cyclechic. It’s for that BIKEBIZ.COM
reason that the company employs a freelancer, Jude, to take care of their social media. “We actually might be looking for someone else to join the team for marketing next year! We meet up with Jude once a month to talk about all the things we want to promote. It’s all about having conversations. We use our time to discuss the website, looking at analytics, and how people are finding us. We get a lot of direct traffic from people who’ve heard of us [through word of mouth]. There are loads of organic searches. We’ve been on the internet for a while, and the blog dates back to 2007.” Because cash flow is always tricky for independent retailers, a great deal of effort goes into considering which products the team should order, and in what quantity. “When it comes to customers and products in retail, there are a lot of little issues that have to be sorted right there and then. We may not have ordered very much of a product that suddenly gets press coverage. We then have to discuss whether we should get a bigger order. The last thing we want is to sell out.” Nicklin isn’t confident that a company like Cyclechic would have the same impact in other sport
“Cycling is unique: it’s a lifestyle choice, a mode of transport, and a sport.” Caz Nicklin, Cyclechic
industries. “I’m not sure I’ve seen the same trend in other sports. Cycling is unique, because it is a lifestyle choice, a mode of transport, and a sport. It’s had a massive surge in popularity and has become cool and fashionable. So, women have become attracted to it, but are also very safety conscious and cautious. Cyclechic was needed, and came at the right time, with cycling becoming so much more popular while certain barriers remained in place.” Looking to the future, the women at Cyclechic are open collaborations with brands who are interested in developing products for the female commuter market. In particular, Nicklin would like to see someone design a new, stylish bike helmet. “There’s a new brand that’s come out, and they’re very exciting, but also very high-end. We want a middle price point, around £50. A new kid on the block. There are a lot of companies doing high-end stuff, but we always want to offer an affordable version too. There’s always some space for fashionable high-visibility gear, too. We would love for anybody who designs stylish hi-vis to come talk to us. It’s about finding the right products, whether they’re helmets, or bags, or rainwear.” BIKEBIZ JANUARY 19
© PIC CREDIT : Ross Bell
MTB CONFERENCE
Down and dirty with Scottish bike companies What better way to get up close and personal with a bunch of Scottish bike products than to ride with them? Carlton Reid heads to the Cairngorms with Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland. EVERY YEAR for the past nine I have headed to Utah for Bike PressCamp, a chance to ride in the high mountains with company principals and their products. It’s a fantastic way to talk product while actually riding with the bikes or kit in question. There was a similar vibe at the media Ride Out days held before the Scottish Mountain Bike Conference, staged this year in Aviemore (OK, it was wetter and colder than Utah, but with the correct clothing there’s no such thing as the wrong weather, right?) Organised by the Peebles-based Mountain Bike Centre of Scotland and Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland, business incubation services funded by the Scottish government, the two Ride Out days allowed me to roll along with Cat Sutherland of women’s clothing brand Findra, Nick Muddle of chain-lubing start-up Flaér and other bike industry types. We were hydrated by a new sports drink company; protected from the elements with Scottish-made bike togs; and guided through the Highlands by MTB holiday company H+I Adventures. For MTB guru Gary Fisher – keynote speaker at the 22 BIKEBIZ JANUARY
conference – there were also side-trips to see how academia and Scottish Enterprise were teaming up to bolster mountain-bike innovations. He was taken to the University of Strathclyde’s Advanced Forming Research Centre and then to Edinburgh Napier University’s Sport Science department (see photo overleaf of the dapper Fisher in a hi-vis jacket). The Research Centre works closely with Rolls Royce jet engine division and possesses worldleading manufacturing technology that would benefit any manufacturer in the cycling industry, too. Edinburgh Napier has state of the art sports science facilities including an environmental chamber that can simulate being at altitude. The Mountain Bike Centre of Scotland is charged with helping Scottish made mountain- and road-bike products reach the market, and is hosted by Edinburgh Napier University. The Centre has a string link with Scottish Enterprise. There are nearly 200 Scottish companies involved with cycling – including tourism businesses – and in 2015 they generated £257m in sales.
“I developed Suss My Bike because I could never figure out if I was improving my suspension or making it worse.” Alan Mason, Suss My Bike
Q SUSS MY BIKE “Suss My Bike analyses suspension on a bike,” says Suss My Bike’s Alan Mason. “From that data we do some calculations and can generate recommendations for how you might tune your bike better.” While it’s aimed at consumers this is a product that bike shops could use to offer suspension tuning services to customers. The system consists of a small data logger tie-wrapped to the front or rear suspension (or, with two units, both). The data logger sends info via Bluetooth to the Suss My Bike smartphone app. “I developed Suss My Bike because I could never figure out if I was improving [my suspension] or making it worse,” said Mason. “And if you ask your buddies how they set up their suspension they all give you different answers. As an engineer and software designer, I wanted answers, I wanted numbers. So I thought I’d build something, and we ended up turning it into a product. He added: “Most riders dial in the manufacturers’ recommended settings and then never look back. We contend that’s only a starting point, for most people it’s an average starting point, it can be made better. BIKEBIZ.COM
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WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY ABOUT OUR STANDS: Hannie 08/08/2014 We have been waiting on this new clamp system for years where you no longer need to glue in the pads the best has got better. Raimond mertyl 09/10/2013 Best stansds ever, we have used between 2-3 repair every year to cope with our work of servicing Bikes and these stands are not that good so we invested in a Kestrel Model B Stand 2 years ago they cost a little more than the stands we were using but not much more,the Model B Stand Has paid for itself when compared to the others within the first year. we have now taken delivery of three others now and will only use Kestrel when repairing our Cycles. jamie fox 30/07/2013 I have been buying 2 repair stands per year due to them not being able to stand up to the tusk, i am now confident after buying this stand that it will give many years of service. an outstanding repair stand thank you Kestrel. J Spratt 23/07/2013 What a Repair Stand love it.
KESTREL
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© PIC CREDIT : Carlton Reid
© PIC CREDIT : Ross Bell
© PIC CREDIT : Strathclyde University
“Putting Suss My Bike on your bike analyses how suspension reacts to the different kinds of trails you’re riding, and generate recommendations for improving suspension settings. “Yes, you could fit it to your bike, generate the settings, tweak the bike and then when you’re happy take it off and never touch it again. But it can also be left on the bike. I can see many people doing that. Pull it out, have a quick check how your suspension is doing. Movement stops and starts the processor so it can stay on the bike for months on end.” The system currently ships with a “weekend warrior” setting, with an “expert” mode due out soon. Suss My Bike – made in Musselburgh – was originally a Kickstarter product, raising £28,000 and pre-selling 200 units. It costs £169 for single data logger. www.sussmybike.com Q ACTIVE ROOT If you like ginger, you’ll love Active Root. This is an Edinburgh-based start-up created by graphic designer Will Townsend and molecular biologist George Ashley. Combining ginger with a sports drink aims to solve the issue of nausea and unsettled stomachs before, during and after sport. Employee Huw Stradling MSc in BIKEBIZ.COM
nutrition was based on scientifically testing Active Root. This is a powder mix. “As part of my Masters I examined the role of ginger in exercise,” said Stradling. “How did ginger effect gastrointestinal discomfort during intense exercise? Before during and after exercise we found that, compared to normal sports drinks, ginger alleviated nausea, belching, and bloating. The gingerol and shogaol compounds in ginger acts on the gut lining of your stomach and soothes, relieving gastro constriction.” Ashley said: “We use natural unbleached cane sugar which provides sucrose compared to the glocose-fructose combinations used by SIS or Gatorade. We devised a recipe that uses natural ginger powder. It would take a competitor a significant amount of time and money to come up with a similar recipe. It’s a secret recipe. We are a small, friendly British company with great branding and a great USP.” Six sachets retail for £6; a 50-serving 1.4 kg tub retails for £21.99. www.activeroot.co.uk Q QUICKFIRE RACEWEAR This Fife-based manufacturer of knee-pads and full-fingered gloves is branching out into jerseys and a wind- and waterproof shell that has a secret weapon: a Far Infrared
panel in the lower back. The FIR can penetrate 4cms into the skin, for when stopped or when a rider needs warmth after an injury. Set at the lowest level and it adds reassuring warmth and comfort for a long mountain ride; ramp it up and it gives an hour of toasty heat. The FIR technology will also be available in belt-form. Made from a high-end Italian fabric the FIR shell will retail for £150, Quickfire’s Phil Moore told BikeBiz. www.quickfireracewear.com
“The whole gravel/adventure bike thing is ontrend now, but Steven and I have been doing this for years.” Russell Stout, Shand
Q SHAND Started in 2003 by Steven Shand, Shand originally focussed on one-off made-to-order frames, mostly drop-bar off-road bikes but ‘cross bikes, mountain bikes and road bikes too. Russell Stout joined in 2011. “The whole gravel/ adventure bike thing is on-trend now, but Steven and I have been doing this for years,” Stout told BikeBiz at the Macdonald Aviemore Resort hotel complex. He was showing his company’s 650b+ Hoolie MTB and the Drove, a drop-bar 29er mountain bike with Rohloff hub and Gates synchronous belt drive. “This is a dedicated off-road touring bike,” he said of the Drove. “It’s a Tour Divide race bike: three weeks through the Rockies, on fireroads, singletracks, loaded up to the max.” BIKEBIZ JANUARY 24
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He added: “The Rohloff Speedhub is the perfect drivetrain for this kind of long-duration riding – you don’t want to be mucking about cleaning chains or fixing bent derailleurs.” Shand uses tubing from Columbus, Reynolds and Deda. www.shandcycles.com Q FINDRA “Using high quality Italian Merino sportswool, our garments are durable, practical and have natural wicking properties,” said Findra’s Cat Sutherland, a stage racer, bothy rider and bike writer. Formerly with Scott USA, Sutherland is now Findra’s sales and marketing manager. “Findra was launched in 2014 by mountain biker Alex Feechan, a knitwear designer, after she moved to Innerleithen. Most of the women’s bike clothing she could find was either black and pink, or what looked like her children’s pyjamas. She wanted to bring something new to the market. Findra is a very different looking brand.” During one of the mountain bike rides out into the back of beyond Sutherland wore a Findra baselayer and a mid-weight top, as well as a Merino neck gaiter. “I was toasty,” she said. “It’s temperature regulating, and stays warm when BIKEBIZ.COM
wet.” The line was designed for women, but attracts men, too. “We get asked when the mens’ line will be launched? We have no plans for this. Anyway, men don’t want to change anything – the colours don’t shout “women”; if the top fits, men can wear it.” “I met Alex when interviewing her for a piece and she learned of my skill set – the business needed somebody to help them grow. It’s been lovely getting out to visit stores, and it’s really exciting and rewarding to work on the marketing of a brand that’s so young.” www.findra.co.uk Q RIDE IT Founded by Ally Mackay, Ride It designs MTB jerseys, jackets and shorts, including a semi-custom option where customers can add graphics and text to standard items. The company offers no minimum order quantity. “I see mountain biking as one big adventure and we are definitely adventurous in our designs,” said Mackay. “We have some very exciting products in the pipeline, including a riding jacket.” “We also produce custom jerseys for race events organiser Muckmedden (a MTB Enduro event staged in Falkirk). With a unique tartan it’s instantly recognisable and
“I see mountain biking as one big adventure, and we are definitely adventurous in our designs.” Ally Mackay, Ride It
that has got people talking and in turn learning about us. We love being involved in racing and we have some special riders that we provide kit for including Brandon Gonsales, a real future star of downhill after winning the Scottish Championship at his first attempt, and Thomas Mitchell, a fast Enduro racer who is social-media savvy.” “We enjoy sharing pictures of people riding in our kit, particularly custom kit. Mountain biking is an immensely social sport so it’s important to show how passionate we are about that as well as going fast. It also puts a face to the brand which people like.” Mackay, a graphic designer, founded the brand during sick leave after breaking a collarbone riding, followed by complications including an allergic reaction to the metal plate.” www.rideitclothing.com Q FLAÉR Flaér is an on-bike automatic chain performance system which adds special lube to the chain while riding, keeping it clean and saving, says Flaér, up to 12 watts per ride. The lube is dispensed via a pump through a cable attached to the rear mech. The Flaér system adds 121g – 27ml of lube adds another 27g. The company – and the tech – are off-shoots from Scottoiler, BIKEBIZ JANUARY 27
© PIC CREDIT : Carlton Reid
MTB CONFERENCE
which has been lubing motorbike chains with a much larger system for nearly thirty years. Nick Muddle, sales director at Flaér, said: “The company has a good heritage and knows how chains work in hostile environments.” Two systems are available: the Revo Via for road bikes and the Revo Terra for MTBs, and they retail for £250 each. The Terra lube is thinner so it doesn’t pick up as much dirt. “The lubes don’t pick up dirt like a traditional lube would,” said Muddle, “and because it’s being applied constantly it allows the transmission to be super clean all the time. And this improves the efficiency of the power transfer from the pedals to the rear wheel.” Flaér is not a repackaged Scottoiler product. “We have had to miniaturise the product, adding technology, micro-pumps, accelerometers and so on,” said Muddle. “When we started this company we didn’t know how readily we’d be accepted. The results have surprised us. We’ve moved forward three or four times quicker than we’d originally hoped. That’s in terms of building relationships with pro teams and manufacturers. “To begin with the product will be an aftermarket fit. And our 28 BIKEBIZ JANUARY
recommendation will be to get the product fitted by a mechanic in a local bike shop. We’re rolling out the product through the UK dealer network through our exclusive distributor Oxford Products. “We’ve also got a relationship with a World Tour team who will use our product at the beginning of next year. We’ve had the units tested in the wind tunnel – they don’t have an negative impact on the aerodynamics of the bike. Our claim is you can save up to 12 watts over the duration of a ride. This is a conservative estimate. We’ve done tests in the labs and in the real world from taking chains off pro’s bikes. The losses are huge. Some of the figures we’ve seen is a saving of in excess 20 watts. All chains have a background power loss – it sits around five or six watts – but with our system on board you never see it drop below that because the chain is being continually lubed as you ride. “Take Paris-Roubaix for instance. Five or six hours in the saddle. All the pros will have their bikes in perfect working order, but after the first bit of dirt, lube is washed away, stuck to the dirt. With our system that doesn’t happen. At the end of the race the pros will be riding with quite a significant advantage. For a twelve watt saving that £250 is really good value for money.”
Trade distribution is through Oxford Products. www.flaer.com
“We’ve had the units tested in the wind tunnel – they don’t have a negative impact on the aerodynamics of the bike.” Nick Muddle, Flaér
Q VELOEYE Veloeye is a new bike registration and GPS tracking service. Tamperproof stickers are attached to bikes with super-sticky glue and the QR code – and pic of the bike – uploaded to the cloud via the Veloeye smartphone app. Veloeye QRs can be scanned by others with the app, and it can be seen whether the bike is registered as stolen. The system was developed by Mark Lawson and Matthew Rice, whose friend had become the latest victim of bike theft in the UK. “Veloeye acts as a deterrent and a tracking device, said Rice. “We’ve designed the stickers to be a complete pain for even the most dedicated of thieves. Lawson said: “Veloeye is a way for cyclists to pool resources and act as a community to help fight bike theft. We’re simply applying a little community spirit and a dose of modern technology. Rice and Lawson are now aiming to raisw £150,000 to trial a prototype GPS tracker for bikes, which will complement the Veloeye system. The stickers cost £9.99 retail. www.veloeye.com BIKEBIZ.COM
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CORE BIKE 2017
New products to lead the way at Core 2017 Kieran Howells takes a look at some of the biggest names and newest products set to make an appearance at the three-day Core Bike show...
NEED TO KNOW WHERE: Whittlebury Hall, Towcester, Northamptonshire, NN12 8QH WHEN: Sunday 22nd Jan 09:00 – 17;30 Monday 23rd Jan 09:00 – 17:30 Tuesday 24th Jan 09:00 – 16:00 CONTACT: Keith Jepson – Max Bikes PR team@maxbikespr.co.uk Call 07531627433 www.corebike.co.uk
EXHIBITORS Q 2Pure Q ASSOS SBO UK Q Buffera Q Chicken Cyclekit Q Citrus-Lime
BIKEBIZ.COM
Q Cyclescheme Q EBC Ltd Q Endura Q Extra UK Q Felt Bicycles
Q Fox Head Europe Q Gore Bikewear Q Hope Technology Q Hotlines Europe Q i-Ride.co.uk Q Ison Distribution
Q Moore Large Q Silverfish Q SIWIS Q Upgrade Bikes Q Windwave Q Zyro-Fisher
BIKEBIZ JANUARY 31
CORE BIKE 2017
HOT PRODUCTS: Some of the new products on offer at this year’s show… The Felt FR2 is a fully carbon road bike
Xeccon Lights will be available to test at Moore Large
Knog’s new sleek bells will feature in the brand’s offering
TIFOSI bikes will be present at distributor Chicken
THIS MONTH we’re bringing you a comprehensive list of new and exciting products that attendees can expect to see at the 2017 edition of the Core Bike trade show, which returns to Whittlebury Hall in Northamptonshire for its 13th staging. Many of the key names that brought crowds to Core Bike in previous years will return, such as the notable addition of brands like Felt and Magura, alongside the newly-merged distributor ZyroFisher.
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Q MOORE LARGE Derby-based distributor Moore Large has announced ambitious plans for Core Bike 2017. Director of IBD activity Dale Smith said: “We’ll be displaying select brands from our portfolio at Core Bike. Moore Large will be taking over a brand new space in the Silverstone courtyard and this expo will be a taster of what is to follow at our Geared show in February.” Moore Large’s space will be filled with the latest in gravity, enduro, trail, XC, full suspension bikes and components from key brands such as Forme and Suntour. Lighting specialist Xeccon will also feature heavily in the brand output, with its first range of powerful bike lights taking centre stage for attendees to test. 2017 edition apparel ranges will also be on display from the likes of O’Neal, Lake and Sako7.
Q FELT BIKES Appearing at Core Bike for the first time, diverse bicycle brand Felt will reveal two new road bikes series, which build on the success of the popular F range. The new FR series bikes include added clearance for 28mm tyres and precision-tuned compliance. A disc break version will be made available to the public in the spring. The VR series bikes are designed for sportive riding with more relaxed geometry, hydraulic disc breaks and an optional custom mudguard set. Also on display will be the awardwinning Felt IA, which came first in the Women’s World Championships for the last four years running. “Felt Bicycles is delighted to join Core Bike,” commented Fidi Schnoor, head of sales in the UK. “In 2016, we started to support the UK market with our own sales team servicing UK retailers direct. Core
Bike represents a perfect platform to showcase our brand, and to meet with our customers. We welcome Core Bike visitors to have a look at what Felt offers for 2017 and beyond.” Q SILVERFISH Silverfish has enjoyed a successful record-breaking year in both the UK and German markets. The distributor has completed a series of senior hires across the business, most recently including the appointment of Richard Schofield, who heads up the marketing team. With the addition of Pedro’s and Knog to the distributor’s portfolio, Silverfish will now offer a complete accessory range alongside its components, clothing and bikes. As in previous years, Silverfish will be located in the open-plan Bentley's Suite. BIKEBIZ JANUARY 33
CORE BIKE 2017
HOT PRODUCTS: Some of the new products on offer at this year’s show… POC clothing will be on display from 2pure
Clarks componentry: available from 2pure
Citrus-Lime’s new app is available now
Lizard Skins grips designed for Danny MacAskill
Pedro’s Bio Grease is a non-toxic lube
The Lake MX228 cycling shoe
Q ZYROFISHER Altura released the Sportive 97 range earlier this month to celebrate 20 years of business. The brand will bring the limited run products to the Core Show. The Sportive 97 bib short features limited edition graphics and a ProGel 3D mold construction pad, which is specifically designed to increase comfort, whilst staying cool and dry on longer rides. ProGel technology has been utilised across the Altura range, where it also features on the 2016 Podium Elite bib short, and the Peloton II bib and waist shorts. Elsewhere in the ZyroFisher portfolio, Bell is gearing up to display the new 2017 Zephyr road helmet. The Zephyr features a sleek low-profile design, with an integrated MIPs and a Float Fit system. The Super 2R helmet has been a popular mainstay of the Bell range, and with the new 3R, the 34 BIKEBIZ JANUARY
brand is sure the legacy of the classic design will benefit from a modern update. The 3R has been subtly reshaped both internally and externally to accommodate the adjustable Float Fit system which is now easier to adjust and more secure for off-road riding. 2016 was a busy year for CamelBak, which released a broad update to its range, including utilising new materials for cleaner, healthier, and stronger liquid storage. The improved Crux reservoir delivers 20 per cent more water per sip due to a faster water flow system. Improvements to the unit include wider tubing and a new leak proof on/off lever on the popular big bite valve. Q CITRUS-LIME Integrated retail solutions company Citrus-Lime will return to Core Bike again in 2017, with a new cloudbased POS product to show
retailers. The brand has said that the new software, which was built by the Citrus-Lime team from the ground up, is far better suited to the needs of the cycle trade. The company also plans to use the show as a platform on which to discuss streamlining the supply chain process to increase profits with retailers and suppliers. “It’s a brilliant opportunity in an informal environment to see all the right people, products and services. From new retailers seeking their first trade accounts to seasoned pros having a catch up with their reps, it’s all about building relationships for the greater good of the cycle industry,” said business development manager David Gaule. Q 2PURE Lizard Skins will showcase the new signature MacAskill grips at Core Bike, which are designed and
ridden by mountain bike icon Danny MacAskill. The new signature model is the first single-sided lock-on grip to be created by the brand, and will be available for attendees to sample along with an extended range of MTB and road gloves. Feedback Sports will be on-hand to discuss the company’s new range of tools, which have been developed with the help of professional cycling teams and shop mechanics. The new Resistance Pro range will be the main talking point for the POC team, along with the recently announced Octal X helmet. “After a challenging year, it’s great to see so many new products coming to market for 2017. We are very lucky to have brands that are constantly innovating, and Core Bike is and always will be a great platform to launch 2pure into a positive sales year,” said 2pure managing director George Bowie. BIKEBIZ.COM
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A F FO R DA B LE R E LI A B LE Q UA LIT Y E - B I K E S Electric Bikes are the fastest growing sector in the UK cycle industry! EBC offer a comprehensive range across 3 Brands (EBCO-Pulse-Corratec) with retail prices from £899 to over £4,000 all backed up with the spares and aftersales service that EBC has become famous for. Featuring industry leading motor systems from Bosch, Shimano and TranzX. Visit us at Core 22nd-24th January 2017 (SUZUKA ROOM) to see how we can help grow your e-bike sales!
ZL•2 & ZR•2
The Pulse ZL/R-2 is an affordable, reliable quality e-bike for the leisure rider or everyday commutes. The ideal introduction into the world of user friendly electric bikes.
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Verdict ZL/R•2: Well-built sub £1000 city bike with a smooth motor and decent spec.
ZL•5 & ZR•5
ZF•4
All the benefits of the ZL/R-2 but with a TranzX Front hub motor making way for Shimano’s renowned Nexus 7 Speed rear hub gear system coupled with the addition of a larger 400wh battery.
Where space is an issue the ZF-4 folding e-bike comes into its own. A contender for boat, caravan, and motor home enthusiasts, or just fun leisure riders.
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Exclusive distributor of Pulse Bikes 5 Pegasus House, Olympus Avenue, Warwick, CV34 6LW, England T: 01926 437700 E: service@pulse-ebikes.co.uk
www.pulse-ebikes.co.uk
Specialist Distributor Category Finalist 5 years running
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Electric Bikes are the fastest growing sector in the UK cycle industry! EBC offer a comprehensive range across 3 Brands (EBCO-Pulse-Corratec) with retail prices from £899 to over £4,000 all backed up with the spares and aftersales service that EBC has become famous for. Featuring industry leading motor systems from Bosch, Shimano and TranzX. Visit us at Core 22nd-24th January 2017 (SUZUKA ROOM) to see how we can help grow your e-bike sales!
URBAN CITY Designed for easy commuting or just leisure riding our Urban City range uses the latest technology with industry leading motor systems from Bosch, Shimano and TranzX matched to quality components resulting in a range of e-bikes that will give your customers miles of enjoyable reliable trouble free e-cycling.
A comprehensive range of Urban e-bikes from £1399 to £2399 TREKKING Designed for longer journeys featuring high capacity frame fitting batteries and wider gear ratios. Industry leading motor systems from Bosch and TranzX and high performance components built to cope with all that the most extreme terrain can offer. A wise choice for the more adventurous rider.
Trekking e-bikes from £1,800 to £3,000
URBAN SPORT Stripped back to the bare minimum to make it as light as possible so it performs to its extreme. This sleek Urban Sport e-bike features the Bosch performance motor and a high performance equipment package.
Urban Sport e-bikes from £2,299
MOUNTAIN With off road e-mountain bikes gaining momentum EBCO will launch a range of 2 Bosch equipped off road hardtails Spring 2017
Mountain e-bike (price guide) £2,200 to £2,500
COMPUTER DIAGNOSTICS NOW ON ALL EBCO 2017 MODELS FOR MORE ACCURATE CUSTOMER INFORMATION AND WORKSHOP SERVICING.
Exclusive distributer of EBCO Bikes 5 Pegasus House, Olympus Avenue, Warwick, CV34 6LW, England T: 01926 437700 E: info@ebco.co.uk
www.ebco-ebikes.co.uk
Specialist Distributor Category Finalist 5 years running
2PURE
2Pure’s core values adorn the walls of the headquarters
Distribution: pure and simple Turning ten earlier this year, Scotland-based distributor 2pure has seen the industry change a great deal. Hayley E. Ferguson talks to managing director George Bowie about adapting to suit an evolving trade… How is distribution in the cycle industry changing? Do you see parallels with distribution in similar trades? The cycle industry is adapting to consolidation and changing consumer habits. As a distributor, the next two to five years will be challenging, and will require us to be very flexible to our methods, and relationships with our brands, vendors and customer base. At 2pure, we have spent the last three years investing our skills, systems, technology and relationships to ensure we are ready for the changes ahead. I don’t feel that our industry distribution is that aligned with automotive, but it is maybe a little with the motorcycle trade. In general, automotive is a branded franchise that survives off servicing and rebates, selling custom options to customers. Aftermarket sales BIKEBIZ.COM
“We’ve spent the last three years investing our skills, systems, technology, and relationships with our brands, vendors, and customer base.”
within the automotive industry are primarily driven around spare parts rather than accessories. In cycling, you have a plethora of everyday accessories available to the consumer outside of spare and replacement parts, and it’s dominated by two major component brands. Dealers have the option to buy bikes and P&A from a wide selection of distributors, which is not the case in automotive. There’s a lot of change and uncertainty in the industry at present: we feel that we’re wellplaced to adapt to that, and are always willing to have a discussion about new ways of doing business.
George Bowie, 2pure Have you had to refocus your brand portfolio in any way over the last few years? On both the cycle and active sides of the business, we have reduced
our portfolios’ widths to offer more focus to our key brands. Naturally, there are still categories that we’d like to be involved in, especially where we think that we have relevant experience and can add value. Are there any new partnerships with brands that you can tell us about at the moment? We always want to be involved in building a successful brand in partnership with the brand owner: sometimes you can be involved right from the launch of the brand, but at other times you can start a relationship with an established one looking for a new home in the UK – perhaps because of a change in circumstances. These things often take time. There are certainly some discussions underway, and some of them might lead to a new relationship. BIKEBIZ JANUARY 37
2PURE The 2Pure sales team
Managing director George Bowie
Barry & Robyn COREbike 2015
Team Of 2009
COREbike 2015 Team
What’s your company ethos? Our philosophy is to look behind the brand to the people making everything happen, and to seek out people who are on an interesting path – it’s easy to build something great with the right mindset! Our thinking has always been geared towards ensuring our brands are well-distributed across the country and easily accessible by the customer. We offer attainable buy-in packages with margins that we believe to be fair and rewarding for the dealer, and position products to appeal to customers by offering good value. Our brands become part of our family, and we work together as partners to achieve joint goals rather than simply stockholding their products and pushing them into the market. It’s by aligning with partners who share the same goals we find the 38 BIKEBIZ JANUARY
most success – it sounds obvious but it’s not always the norm to find brands who share this ethos. Earlier this year, 2pure celebrated its tenth birthday – what have you learned from the last decade, and how did you celebrate the milestone? It’s probably best to say we have developed a lot of skills during this time. We have always invested in technology. Our ERP system can run a company of 20 times our size; however, over the past ten years, we’ve started using more of its functionality to improve our systems, which has allowed us to be able to meet blue chip customer requirements, as companies like Dixons, John Lewis, and Boots do. These skills have helped us to provide better service levels to all our customers. They have also
“Our thinking has always been geared towards ensuring our brands are welldistributed across the country and easily accessible by the customer.” George Bowie, 2pure
allowed us to expand into what we call the “active category supplying specialty run” in sports and outdoors. That said, it’s not just about systems, it’s also about people. We have developed a great team at 2pure, and most importantly, they have developed strong relationships with our brands and our customers. All these components have enabled us to diversify our business and prepare us for the next ten years. We’re actually too busy to celebrate in this calendar year – we can’t even squeeze in our Christmas night out, so we’ve booked a Pre-Core Bike Show ApresChrismas Party to get us all fired up for 2017. We’ll probably go for a ride, walk or run together and share an experience, knock on some pub doors in Edinburgh, then book the next morning off. BIKEBIZ.COM
ELECTRIC BIKES
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Innovators in the cycle market for 26 years Corratec continue to build high level quality e-bikes in their German Bavarian factory. The success of the Urban and Trekking range continues for 2017. The Excitement for 2017 is the extended off road program where boundaries have shifted with 5 high level hardtail models complemented by 3 full suspension bikes featuring Corratec’s award winning inside link technology upgrading the range to a whole different level.
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Specialist Distributor Category Finalist 5 years running
700C
Creating bespoke solutions IBDs are unique, but retail insurance policies aren’t always mindful of the risks they may encounter. Hayley E. Ferguson finds out from director Jon Cockayne what IBD-tailored insurance product 700c has to offer… TELL ME about the core team working for 700c Insurance. What motivated them to get involved in the cycle industry, and to launch this brand? There are more than a dozen of us on the team, and we are part of an organisation that is 220 in total. We specialise in other niche areas too. Launching 700c was the result of a combination of things. We’re always on the lookout for opportunities, and were conscious of the emergence of boutique, independent cycling retailers. We did some homework and established that the market was a growing one. We came to the conclusion that we could add to what was out there. Given that a lot of our team are enthusiastic cyclists, people were happy to lend their support and ideas over the period of three to four months to ensure we developed a great product for IBDs. 40 BIKEBIZ JANUARY
Why did you choose to work with Hiscox, and how have they supported you in making 700c a reality? They had a preexisting interest in the cycling world – plenty of their employees are keen cyclists, and they run what’s becoming a very well known cycling event biannually. They see cycling as an area where they can differentiate, and talk to the customers to tailor policies to their needs. We already had a relationship with Hiscox, and there was a meeting of minds. They’re an award-winning insurer in the retail market, and a very strong brand. They’re quick to respond to claims. They’ve helped us financially in setting up the website and laying the ground. We also have a relationship with Bikmo in the sense that we share a common interest. If we’re approached by anyone who needs individual bike cover, we refer them onto Bikmo, because fundamentally, we’re commercial insurance providers.
How has diversification of businesses opened them up to different risks, and what do you do to counter that? IBDs aren’t just shops, nowadays. They provide services that extend beyond selling bikes. Unfortunately, in this day and age, when you do anything, there’s a risk attached to
“IBDs do things that aren’t necessarily mirrored by basic insurance. Now they work offsite, provide repairs, and help out at sportives.” Jon Cockayne, 700c
it, and people recognise that they need to do something about that. Fundamentally, an IBD is a
retailer, and there are insurance products that could be sold to any retailer, but some need special consideration. It’s about the services offered in-store, from maintaining bicycles to making parts. IBDs do things that aren’t necessarily mirrored by basic insurance. It’s not just about handing over cash, now they work off-site, provide repairs, help out at sportives. None of that is typical of a retailer. We feel our product is very much geared toward creating a bespoke solution for that particular niche. We talk to IBDs about the risks they are exposed to and ensure these are reflected to underwriters so that everything is accounted for. Obviously this varies from shop to shop. That’s why getting to know the customer and their business is vital. Liability cover needs to address all claims attached to a business – IBDs need insurance policies that appreciate every aspect of what they do. BIKEBIZ.COM
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BIKEBIZ AWARDS www.bikebizawards.com
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Finalists revealed for the BikeBiz Awards THE FINALISTS for the 2017 BikeBiz Awards have been announced. This year’s awards event is in collaboration with the Telegraph’s London Bike Show – winners will be revealed on Thursday, February 16th at the Aloft London Excel. CyclingUK will act as the night’s charity partner, while Cycle Republic will sponsor the IBD category, and Citrus-Lime will take the role of event partner. A limited number of additional sponsorship opportunities are still available – contact Richard Setters via rsetters@ nbmedia.com to find out more. Trade tickets are available to buy now, priced at £49 each. Click here to find out more.
Q SPECIALIST RETAILER: + BikeTreks + Cycle Republic + Cycling Made Easy + Giant Brand Stores + Machine + Rutland Cycling + Swinley Bike Hub + Volt E-Bikes BIKEBIZ.COM
Q INDEPENDENT BIKE DEALER: + Blazing Saddles LTD + Brink + Criterium Cycles + Cycling 2000 + J E James Cycles + Life On A Bike + South Downs Bikes + The Bike Factory + Tweeks Cycles + Velorution Q MAINSTREAM RETAILER: + Cotswold Outdoor + Decathlon + Go Outdoors + Halfords + Ikea + Sports Direct Q RETAIL EVENT: + Bespoked + Hargroves Cycles QE Cycle Fest + Icebike + JE James Cyclefest + London Bike Kitchen – WAG nights + Rouleur Classic 2016 + Spin + Velorution Q ONLINE STORE: + CycleChic + ProBikeKit.com + Sigma Sport + Tredz + VeloVixen + Wiggle/Chain Reaction
Q P&A DISTRIBUTOR OF THE YEAR: + Extra + Hookit + Ison Distribution + Madison + Moore Large + Raleigh UK + Seventies LTD + Silverfish + Upgrade + ZyroFisher Q BIKE DISTRIBUTOR OF THE YEAR: + Chicken Cyclekit + CSG + Electric Bike Company + Moore Large + Raleigh + Silverfish + Sportline + ZyroFisher Q BIKE BRAND OF THE YEAR: + Boardman + Cannondale + Forme + Islabikes + Kinesis UK + KTM Bike Industries + Liv + Marin + Mason + Volt Bikes Q SPECIALIST DISTRIBUTOR: + Chicken Cycle Kit + Hookit + Mission Cycles + The Electric Bike Corporation
+ Vielo Sport + Volt Bikes
+ Veloforte + Xeccon
Q SALES TEAM: + Chicken Cyclekit + CSG UK + Madison + Moore Large + Raleigh + Silverfish + Upgrade + ZyroFisher
Q INNOVATION FROM A NEWCOMER: + Beeline + Bodytrak + Flaer + Kitbrix + Timber! + Veloforte
Q MARKETING TEAM: + 2Pure + Hotlines + Moore Large + Red Cloud + Shift Active Media + Silverfish + Upgrade + ZyroFisher Q P&A BRAND OF THE YEAR: + Evoc + Giro + Knog + Lake + Lezyne + Lizard Skins + Maxxis + Muc Off + SRAM + Tannus Q BREAKTHROUGH BRAND: + EDCO + Freddie Grubb + Kitbrix + Lios Cycling + Lumos Helmet + Starling Cycles
Q CYCLING ADVOCACY ACHIEVEMENT: + Bike Works + Brake (Charity) + CycleScheme (Cycle To Work Day) + Cycling UK + LCC + Sustrans Q NON-CYCLING BRAND: + Adnams + Ford + Monster + Redbull + Skoda + Sky + Yodel Q RETAILER SERVICES & TRAINING: + 700C + Cytech + ATG Training + Better Health Bikes + BikeRight! + Citrus-Lime + CycleScheme + Outspoken Training + The Bicycle Academy + Velotech BIKEBIZ JANUARY 45
THE BIKE PLACE
NEED TO KNOW VENUE: Silverstone Race Circuit, Northampton OPENING TIMES: Sunday, January 29th – Tuesday, January 31st 2017 CONTACT: info@thebikeplaceshow.co.uk
Gearing up for the show In anticipation of the seventh annual Bike Place retail show, Kieran Howells talks to organiser Sean Reynolds about the history of the event, the biggest new names to appear and why you need to be there this year... WHAT INSPIRED you to set up the Bike Place show? The Bike Place was founded in 2010. The first show was at Turweston aerodrome with ten exhibitors. At the time, Core was closed to new exhibitors and there were a number of brands which decided they should just do something themselves, instead. The first year included exhibitors such as Jungle, Ultra Sport, Evolution Imports and Velobrands. 2011 saw us move to Silverstone and we have continued to grow from there: we now need three halls to accommodate all 70+ exhibitors with over 200 brands. Why should people make the effort to come out to the Bike Place with such a packed-out event calendar? Retailers should go to trade shows; it’s about getting your mojo back and looking forward to the new season with renewed enthusiasm. The exhibitors at the show make a big effort to build their stands, stock them with the newest and best products that they represent, staff them, and ensure that the retailers come away understanding more than what is happening in the four walls of their stores. It’s a time to cement relationships, make new ones and see the latest, newest, fastest kit in BIKEBIZ.COM
a relaxed environment – without the interruptions of shop visits. It really allows retailers and suppliers to partner and plan for the year ahead and get the season into full swing. What have been the biggest milestones of the last seven years? We keep surpassing them. Using Silverstone as a venue must be one. It’s small enough that we can have an easy-to-navigate layout, but big enough to accommodate some of
up. Coming from a sales background, I had to learn a lot about marketing when we started the event, and each year we keep pushing forward with new ideas and building a greater understanding of what retailers and exhibitors expect, and what they respond well to. At the end of the day we want everyone to come away with vaulable knowledge and stronger industry relationships. That’s what will keep the show going for the next decade.
“Retailers should go to trade shows – it’s about getting your mojo back.” Sean Reynolds, The Bike Place
the larger contractor-built stands like you would expect to see at Eurobike or The Cycle Show. Expanding into the third hall and producing a printed show guide this year is also pushing the show forward. Do you think that you’ve learned important lessons from past show failures? There will always be people who want to bring you down, but there will be more that want to help you
Will e-bikes make a greater appearance in 2017? Love them or hate them, e-bikes make up a large section of the industry. We will have 12 electric bike brands at the show including Kalkhoff and Focus. Over 30 e-bike brands will appear in total. What are you particularly excited to see at the 2017 show? We have so many new brands emerging and spreading their wings, I guarantee that you will find
something brand new that will help to grow your business in 2017. Environmentally friendly products from lubes to helmets, more and more we are becoming aware of the impact cycling has on the environment, and it’s important that our industry acts upon that knowledge and is sustainable. We will have a live interactive recruitment board for the first time, so if you are looking for a new position or searching for a new employee, this is the place to come. In previous years, the Bike Place has hosted guests like Josh Bryceland and Guy Martin: who can we expect to see this year? We have two special guests confirmed so far, Steve Peat is bringing some pork pie from Yorkshire to share with everyone on the Jungle and Santa Cruz stand, and in true café style, Colin Sturgess is baking cakes for Kuota. What is the basis of a successful trade show for you? It’s about more than just looking at some new products; it’s about ideas, enthusiasm, the future, vision and relationships. You’ll leave feeling energised and confident about the season ahead. We look forward to seeing our friends at Silverstone for another great year. BIKEBIZ JANUARY 47
01772 459 887 t.co.uk
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29th – 31st January 2017 Silverstone Race Circuit – Northampton Find your Local stockist at: www.bob-elliot.co.uk or contact us on: sales@bob-elliot.co.uk Tel: 01772 459 887
THE BIKE PLACE
Q KALKHOFF Kalkhoff will make its first appearance at the Bike Place in 2017. The brand was established in 1919 and has been a leading comfort and trekking brand in Europe for over 95 years. Urban, comfort and e-bikes are the backbone of the brand. The popular Agattu and Pro connect ranges will be on display at the show.
Q ORANGE Orange has announced that a limited edition show special will be launched at the show and will only be available to order whilst inside the venue. The brand recently announced the Alpine 6, which replaces the much-loved Alpine 160 in the range. The new frame is the Alpine 160 reengineered, and Orange has revamped every aspect of the bike’s performance.
original Bickerton Portable Bicycle, the world’s oldest folding bike brand has gone back to some of its first principles and added the newest available technology to create the new Bickerton Argent. The bike is inspired by Harry Bickerton’s original 1971 design. The Bickerton Argent pays homage to the rectangular frame and hinge abutments, but adds modern design, materials and technology to make a strong and stiff bicycle.
Q ORBEA Orbea will be presenting its ranges in specialist bundles. Its MTB, road, kids, e-bikes and commuter offerings will be presented on dedicated mini-stands. The brand hopes that dealers will benefit from an uncluttered focused range by range overview of the product that is at the centre of Orbea’s success.
Q VELOBRANDS Velobrands will bring a range of Pole bikes from Finland to display for the first time in the UK. The range will include the Pole Evolink 140. The distributor will also be debuting Koo eyewear. Specialist Huck Norris will be on the stand to discuss the new products.
Q GREENOVER Greenover will bring the Ace of Play balance bike to the show for 2017. Specially designed to be lightweight and easily manouverable, the bike enables toddlers to develop their coordination, balance and confidence to move onto their first big bike or scooter. Rocky Mountain’s popular Slayer model will return to The Bike Place
BIKEBIZ.COM
Q BICKERTON ARGENT 45 years after the inception of the
with an all-carbon overhaul. The bike is designed to perform on the most aggressive Enduro World Series tracks whilst also thriving on bike parks and mountain lines. The Slayer’s downhill capability and pedaling response are developed to retain control and speed in rugged terrain. Q COOKE Cooke Components will be at the show yet again in 2017, following hugely successful shows in 2015 and 2016. The company will bring new signing Supacaz – as used by world champion Peter Sagan – as well as the expanding VEL range of components and accessories. The Veltec wheel range will also be at the Bike Place, alongside a number of new products that are yet to be announced. These will include some exclusive limited editions from Supacaz. www.thebikeplaceshow.co.uk BIKEBIZ JANUARY 49
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DEALER PROFILE
R DEALE ILE PROF
BRICK LANE BIKES Address: 118 Bethnal Green Rd, London. E2 6DG Tel.: +44 (0)20 7033 9053 Web: www.bricklanebikes.co.uk Facebook: facebook.com/blblondon/
London’s fixed-gear pioneers This month, Kieran Howells talks to Brick Lane Bikes owner Feya Buchwald about the history of her iconic shop, the gentrification of East London and the ever-changing face of London’s cycling culture... TEN YEARS ago, fixed-gear bike fanatics Feya Buchwald and Jan Milewski foresaw a change in London’s cycling scene. Having witnessed the first signs of fixie culture on the streets of Shoreditch, Bethnal Green and Dalston, the couple decided the time was right to invest in the local area and open London’s first fixie-specific bike shop. “We moved in to the area before Shoreditch became such a hub of youth culture and creativity; we were probably one of the first shops to cater to that crowd,” comments Buchwald, as we sit by the busy counter of the shop, surrounded by a grotto of frames, hubs and tools. As we discuss the bikes, it’s clear to see why fixed-gear riding struck such a chord with young people in the area. The bikes are simple and BIKEBIZ.COM
easy to fix. They also roll with ease over London’s primarily flat streets, upon which gears are simply not necessary. The bikes also provided a canvas for a generation intent on making their mark in creative and colourful ways. “Fixies were simply what we were personally interested in riding; there’s very little to go wrong on them – plus they look fantastic. You can customise them like you would a full race bike, but the parts are cheaper and more functional.” The shop immediately saw the benefits of Hackney’s creative boom. Customers from all over London poured to the regenerated area to revel in the independent boutiques, pop-up bars and eateries; at the forefront of the new cultural hub was Brick Lane Bikes. “We knew from the beginning
that location was going to be key, and we knew Shoreditch [was right[ because that’s where we used to hang out. We actually had a stall in the market selling bike parts – this is where we knew cycling culture
“From day one there was a demand in this area for Brick Lane Bikes.” Feya Buchwald, Brick Lane Bikes was thriving and growing, even before the boom. From day one there was a demand in this area for the shop. People took to the idea almost immediately; it really wasn’t
a struggle to get people through the door. We carried such beautiful and hard-to-find parts that people made the shop a destination.” Brick Lane Bikes quickly became known for its treasure trove of rare parts, a reputation that it enjoys to this day. Far from a conscious decision, this shift towards independent and vintage suppliers came as just another stage in the organic development of the shop. “Originally, we just couldn’t get parts by mainstream retailers. Spitalifields was about to open and there was an Evans and a Cycle Surgery in the market, so a lot of the big distributors told us that we couldn’t get parts from them because we were too close to those giant chain stores.” This frustrating blow pushed the owners to source components BIKEBIZ JANUARY 51
DEALER PROFILE
outside of the conventional suppliers – they discovered that their target consumers felt more inclined toward the alternatives anyway. “A lot of the fixie market is about aesthetics and representing yourself through the designs on your bike. People don’t want big branding and huge logos all over their rides,” says Buchwald, pointing to a particularly colourful rim that is hanging behind the counter. “They want beautiful, customised rides and people still come here to get them.“ In its second year of trading, the shop found itself with a massive following and a need for parts that just didn’t exist on the market. Instead of searching for a potentially unsustainable supplier further afield, Buchwald and Milewski decided to start creating parts themselves under the BLB moniker. “We quickly found that we’d made a name for ourselves in fixed-gear circles. We started getting messages from shops in 52 BIKEBIZ JANUARY
places like Berlin and Paris asking how they could stock our parts. We decided that if we were going to produce parts, we might as well sell them to other shops and help the scene grow in Europe.” After a year of packaging and shipping products out of the shop’s basement, the success of the BLB range grew too much to handle in-house. After much deliberation, the owners made the controversial decision to remain a completely independent brand; distribution company Big Mama was created and the shop continued to expand the range as demand grew. “We sat down with some of the companies that we were working with and decided to do it ourselves. It got so popular that we had to move Big Mama to a warehouse space elsewhere in London. Redevelopment has become an issue for many residents in Hackney. The independent boutiques that once filled the streets are slowly being replaced with high-street
chains and luxury shopping outlets. But Buchwald doesn’t see this as a damning sentence for Brick Lane Bikes. “I don’t think it’s a big threat to us. What it is doing, however, is change the area into a more mainstream destination; the kind of bikes that we sell are having to progress with that change. Hackney
“People don’t want huge branding all over their bike.” Feya Buchwald, Brick Lane Bikes is still a big hub of cycling. I don’t think the community has left, I think it’s just widened slightly.” I’m keen to ask Buchwald whether the shift in buying habits has affected her passion for the bikes. “Custom builds are still a core element of our shop. Does that tend to be the
outcome of most sales? I don’t think so anymore. We’re selling more complete bikes than ever and we have to accept that.” As we sit and talk in the main space, it seems evident that despite all the changes that the business has seen both internally and externally, the shop floor has remained essentially untouched. “I guess it speaks volumes to the accidental nature of our growth,” says Buchwald. “The stock may have changed, but we’re literally the same shop we’ve always been. We’ve never even redecorated!” With so much history behind the name and a flourishing distribution business taking up more and more of Buchwald’s time, where does she see Brick Lane Bikes in 12 months? “We have no plans to expand, but we never have and look where we are now! We’ve made it ten years without having to compromise on who we are, I think we’ll still be here in another ten years.” www.bricklanebikes.co.uk BIKEBIZ.COM
BLAZE LASERLIGHT
Blaze’s Glory story
Safety is one of the highest priorities as a vulnerable road user, especially night time visibility. Laura Laker finds out how data helped Emily Brooke, developer of the Blaze Laserlight, design this solution… WHILE SOME would say we’ve had enough of experts, a small company, which invented one of the most exciting cycling products in recent years, has data, and experts, to thank both for its existence, and its meteoric rise. In October, Transport for London (TfL) announced the rollout of the Blaze Laserlight across London’s fleet of 11,500 bikes. The partnership between this start-up, founded in 2012 by the Laserlight’s developer, Emily Brooke, and Santander Cycles, is unprecedented – but perhaps not unexpected when you look at the hard facts. Blaze devices project a green laser bike icon 6m on the road ahead: the idea is to increase a rider’s footprint on the road. Following a year-long trial on 250 of London’s hire bikes, started in September 2015, three quarters of people polled said they felt safer with the lasers. Of course, TfL didn’t stop at subjective safety, and for Brooke the most interesting part of the trial was the data obtained from independent tests at the Transport Research Laboratory 54 BIKEBIZ JANUARY
(TRL). Brooke is no stranger to evidence-gathering. A former Oxford physics student, she switched to product design at Brighton, where she came up with Blaze – and “talking to people who knew more than [her]” – made the product that’s now taking the cycling world by storm. In the Shoreditch office she and her team recently moved into, complete with unpacked boxes and a few upside-down city hire bikes, she tells me her Blaze journey began after riding Land’s End to John O’Groats one summer when, inevitably, her mind turned to problem-solving. “I wanted to see what the biggest problem for cyclists was,” she says. “Straight away, it was [clear that was] personal safety.” After her Brighton University tutor questioned her idea for brake lights on bikes, Brooke set about trying to prove him wrong. She spent six months in what she describes as a “statistical deep dive”, looking at collision data and road safety reports, and talking to experts, including a driving
“I wanted to see what the biggest problem for cyclists is – straight away, it was clear that it was personal safety.” Emily Brooke, Blaze Laserlight developer
psychologist and a bus company, and realised the danger was not behind, but in front of the rider. “One stat which stuck out, which still amazes me, is that 79 per cent of cyclists who are hit are going straight ahead when someone runs into them,” says Brooke. “That’s the blind spot we all know – the second one is a car pulling out from a junction in front of a bike. In both of those situations you, the cyclist, can see them, but they can’t see you.” It was then that Blaze Laserlight was born: a laser and bike light within one casing. It was voted Innovative Product of the Year by Total Women’s Cycling in 2015, then Serco, the company that runs the London hire scheme, called them up suggesting a trial. Blaze provided a laser-only product for the trial, while it was put through rigorous, independent testing at the TRL. The reason for the trial was pragmatic: cycling numbers drop in winter, putting pressure on other, already strained, transport modes. BIKEBIZ.COM
BLAZE LASERLIGHT
Of users surveyed, almost half said they were more likely to use Santander Cycles at night with the Laserlight fitted. Says Brooke: “We know the innovation sounds wacky, but we know it’s effective; we ride around with one every day. Our customers tell us they feel more visible, safer. It makes a vehicle see you before they would otherwise, it makes a pedestrian see you before they would otherwise but it’s really hard to prove.” “We waited for the TRL report with baited breath.” After testing the product’s visibility to drivers of buses, cars, vans and HGVs in different conditions and on different road surfaces, the 92-page TRL report concluded significant reductions in vehicle blind spots. It also found: “The Blaze Laserlight provided superior visibility over existing LED front cycle lights and over the existing LED-only configuration present on the London hire scheme bicycles.” It went on: “The percentage of maximum visibility at night to bus drivers improved from 72.4 per cent with just the existing LED lights to 96.2 per cent with the Blaze Laserlight. “The improvements for other BIKEBIZ.COM
“I’ve got to this point today by asking as many questions as I possibly can of people who know a lot more than I do.” Emily Brooke, Blaze Laserlight developer
vehicles was 65 per cent to 97 per cent for a van, 78 per cent to 83 per cent for a tipper lorry and 56 per cent to 66 per cent for a car.” With the lights being rolled out to all of the 11,500 bikes over the next nine months, Emily and her team aren’t resting on their laurels just yet. The company now has 12 staff, including an in-house designer and engineer, who are busy working on products for city bikes and consumers. Blaze recently launched the burner – a “fully waterproof” LED back light with a magnetic bracket and a light sensor, so it comes on automatically in low light (as do hire bike models). A trial on New York’s Citi Bikes, a cycle hire scheme with 6,000 bikes over 600-odd docking stations, was also announced. Looking to other hire schemes, Brooke believes the Laserlight’s in-built distance tracker could prove useful for targeted maintenance – though TfL says this function won’t be turned on for the London bikes, which are serviced every year, regardless of mileage. “Because we can track to the nearest metre how far each bike has been, we have a setting on the device they can read off to say ‘right, these bikes have done 900 miles, bring them in, these six have
done 500, leave them out’,” says Brooke. “We’re now talking with other cities to work with their hire schemes, and do more than just the laser and the lights, but also data, because [maintenance] is a big part of the expenditure.” Ultimately, she believes the secret to her success is a mixture of things – a lean, young team, her curiosity, and a tangible invention. “I’ve got to this point today by asking as many questions as I possibly can of people who know a lot more [than me].” She adds: “It’s quite rare to find a radical innovation, and I believe it is a radical innovation, but it’s quite easy to talk about, and to show.” “We do cycle safety, which is such an important issue that so many people want to talk about. It’s always at the front of people’s minds, especially in London, and we do get a lot of press and that’s been very good, historically, for people to hear about us and what we’re doing. “It’s seen as a positive thing. It’s quite easy to scaremonger and talk about the fatalities and the dangers and the risks of cycling. “Our philosophy, our mission, has always been to get more people on bikes, and that’s still what we want to do.” BIKEBIZ JANUARY 55
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CITRUS-LIME
If you can’t join them, beat them David Gaule sheds some light on leaping out from the crowd in retail, with ideas that apply across the board... So you’ve got yourself a bike shop… how did that happen? I can almost certainly guarantee you didn’t think to yourself “I’ve got a real passion for retail and my in-depth market analysis tells me the cycle sector is the most likely chance of success.” Not that you don’t have the necessary business acumen – I’d never be so rude – or that cycle retail isn’t fertile ground for growing success, but I suspect that choice was primarily motivated by a passion for riding or a particular aspect of it. Most bike shop owners have worked in someone else’s bike shop at some point, so you’ll probably have a strong opinion of what works and how you want to do things differently to the person you once worked for. Given the right circumstances in what can be a fairly lucrative sector, you can get pretty far on just that passion and prior experience alone. The question is: are you content with surviving as a local shop, working with likeminded people, and being surrounded by your favourite shiny things? You may want to portray that humble, approachable image to your customers, but are you happy with BIKEBIZ.COM
just that? If you want to push your success beyond that, you need to look at the wider scope of retail concepts and strategies. There are few other businesses that combine retailing big ticket items, P&A and FMCG with providing a professional technical service. And whilst cycle retail is a very unique beast, there are various generic methods in retail that work in almost every sector. Have you got a business plan? If you made one to pay lip service to the bank when seeking capital investment, but it’s now gathering dust on a shelf – not cool. That plan is the blueprint to your success. The exciting bits like your company name, brand identity, and logo are always the easiest parts, but don’t let the [boring] stuff like the retail-specific strategy fall by the wayside. You won’t find all your answers in one place, but there’s a wealth of sources out there – books, retail sales trainers, retail consultants, merchandising specialists, EPOS and ecommerce providers. Don’t do things better. Do better things. Unless you’ve got hordes of disposable capital, you’re unlikely to be able to negotiate the kind of margins that allow you
to realistically compete productfor-product with the big online retailers. So if you can’t join them, beat them. Let’s be clear, I’m not advocating violent disorder at trade shows! Choose your brands carefully. You don’t necessarily need to stock that popular brand – there are equivalent alternatives. Also, consider that success does
“Don’t do things better. Do better things” David Gaule, Citrus-Lime not require you to be a one-stopshop for all things cycling. We all know that overdistribution and discounting leads to price wars, low margin and ultimately the devaluing and death of brands; check how your suppliers market their brands, who they supply them to and how those other retailers present them. If possible, stock niche or exclusive brands, or particular product ranges. As with any buying process, this requires accurate forecasting and
subsequent depth of stock. From here, you can build great relationships with your suppliers, grow brands and achieve better margins over time. Another important aspect to focus on is continued monitoring of the honest (and sometimes brutal) truth of the numbers. Really get to grips with your data and investigate what’s working well for you. Often 80 per cent of your profit is delivered by 20 per cent of your product range. If you can identify that 20 per cent and make adjustments to make it work even harder for you, you’re onto a winner. If you need more cash flow to make those adjustments (for example, in depth of stock), keep a keener eye on stock turn, clear out the products that are underachieving and reinvest that capital elsewhere. Your business is like any bike – the better you know it, the more tailored it is to the task, and the more honest you are about your own abilities with it, the more likely you will be able to steer it to success. If you’re a real pro, you’ll even be able to throw it through some risky decisions and still come out the other end rubber-side-down! BIKEBIZ JANUARY 57
GET STAFFED!
WWW.BIKEBIZ.COM/JOBS
IS WHERE THE TRADE GOES FOR THE LATEST JOB OPPORTUNITIES Contact: rsetters@nbmedia.com or call +44 (0)207 354 6028
INFRASTRUCTURE Q £155M PER YEAR FOR FIVE YEARS ON CYCLING - That’s 5.5 per cent of TfL’s budget on cycling – or double the previous budget - Equates to £17 per person per year.
Q LIVEABLE NEIGHBOURHOODS – akin to the Mini Hollands programme; plan to be announced next year; all London boroughs will be able to bid for funding.
Q TRIPLE THE LENGTH OF PROTECTED CYCLE ROUTES - built by former mayor, Boris Johnson.
Q AT LEAST 20 MORE QUIETWAY ROUTES
Q LINKS BRIDGING KEY GAPS IN EXISTING CYCLE ROUTES - based on TfL research, to be published in the coming months . Q A NEW CYCLING AND WALKING BRIDGE - linking Rotherhithe and Canary Wharf.
London’s mayor doubles cycle spend for 2017 Poor infrastructure is one of the biggest barriers to cycling across the UK. Laura Laker investigates what’s being done to improve the situation by those campaigning for better cycling in London… ON DECEMBER 4th, London mayor Sadiq Khan announced he’d double spending on cycling to £154m per year, in a concrete financial commitment to two-wheeled transport at a scale never before seen in the UK. For scale, this £17 per head per year on cycling is on a par with what cycling nations Denmark and the Netherlands spend. The money will triple the length of protected cycle routes built by former mayor Boris Johnson, and will introduce “Liveable Neighbourhoods” and at least 20 Quietways – back street cycle routes away from motor traffic. That London needs cycling is incontrovertible: with the ability to move thousands of people per hour on a relatively small stretch of tarmac for relatively little investment, it is the transport mode to take on the city’s rapidly growing population (increasing 10,000 per month). With air pollution at lethally high levels, getting people out of cars is critical. However, the cycling infrastructure shift will provide BIKEBIZ.COM
“One of the mayor’s big manifesto commitments was to increase the amount of money going into cycling.” Val Shawcross, Deputy Mayor for Transport
plenty of challenges, and deputy mayor for transport Val Shawcross is on the front line. I spoke to Shawcross outside TfL headquarters in London the day the plan was announced. She has worked on Transport for London’s (TfL) five-year business plan, which sets out the city’s transport projects and budget, since May. “One of the mayor’s big manifesto commitments was to increase the amount of money going into cycling and to deliver some really important schemes,” Shawcross told me. They will continue “some of the more successful elements” of Johnson’s programmes, including Cycle Superhighways and Quietways, leaving behind other elements including, hopefully, the “bikelash” on multiple fronts, from the taxi lobby, the Canary Wharf Group, local residents, London’s boroughs, and within TfL itself. Khan, Shawcross and the new cycling and walking commissioner, to be announced imminently, will have their work cut out for them.
Both Quietways and Liveable Neighbourhoods will rely on cooperation from boroughs, which own 95 per cent of London’s roads. Most Quietways have so far ended up as low-quality, heavily compromised schemes by boroughs reluctant to restrict motor traffic. Meanwhile, the Mini Hollands – outer London schemes designed to encourage more walking and cycling – were hampered by local opposition. Shawcross believes engaging with communities, and focussing on the wider benefits, not just for those who cycle, will help limit this bikelash. “I think we’ve all learned some lessons…and I think one of the things we’ve learned is that you do need to try and break down this ‘us and them’ approach; this is not about cyclists versus the rest of the world.” “When we talk to the community about Quietways it isn’t simply what can we do for cyclists; these are your streets, how can we make them safer, pleasanter, cleaner and therefore better, for cyclists and BIKEBIZ JANUARY 59
INFRASTRUCTURE
better for pedestrians as well?” “I think we’ve learned that you need to do consultation early on, if you just slap it on the table and say ‘this is what we’re going to do to you’, people understandably react.” She says one of people’s big concerns is motor traffic, something cycling schemes can help address. Waltham Forest’s Mini Holland, which among other things blocked residential roads to rat running motor vehicles, halved local traffic – there are now around 10,000 fewer vehicles a day in Walthamstow Village. However, Waltham Forest’s bikelash is not something anyone wants to repeat, and the rebranding of the ‘Mini Hollands’ as ‘Liveable Neighbourhoods’ seeks to remove the sense the scheme is being imposed from afar, or that they will only benefit cyclists. The London Cycling Campaign was responsible for getting mayoral candidates to commit to tripling cycling infrastructure, on the basis Johnson’s Cycle Superhighways were all constructed in the final two years of his mayoralty. Simon Munk, the LCC’s infrastructure campaigner, told me 60 BIKEBIZ JANUARY
the programme is “totally achievable”, and by getting people on side early, schemes can be built more quickly. “We’re hugely excited about the scope and scale of the scheme and the budget, and we think that represents a really big marker that shows Sadiq Khan and Val Shawcross are very serious about cycling,” he says. “If they start to spend more time in engagement we think that’s a good thing. The issues that have dogged cycling thus far in London has been this horrific bikelash, where we see the Mini Hollands and Cycle Superhighways attacked again and again.” He says having successful London schemes to point to will help people see cycling as a bona fide addition to the city’s heaving transport system. A recent TfL report showed more than 8,000 cyclists now use two new Cycle Superhighways (E-W and N-S) in the morning peak. London’s 32 boroughs are among those still to convince, however, and that’s where the LCC’s sights are now firmly set. Munk says boroughs should no longer be able to build “crazy”
“We’re hugely excited about the scope of the scheme and the budget, which shows Sadiq Khan and Val Shawcross are very serious about cycling.” Simon Munk, LCC
contraflow cycle lanes on busy and narrow streets, without doing anything about the fast-moving traffic coming in the other direction, as on Westminster Council’s “Quietway” on Wardour Street in Soho. “Schemes like that shouldn’t be moving forward, no-one should be accepting that,” he said. He hopes TfL will help “shame” those boroughs who won’t help move the cycling agenda forward, and that those most reticent to change will face more pressure as other boroughs move forward. The LCC has also suggested TfL shouldn’t fund schemes that aren’t up to scratch. LCC is now bringing its pressure to bear, targeting those councils who have “spent decades resisting”, and making the case that they need to change. Ultimately, this is a pivotal moment for London, one the rest of the UK will be watching. Cycling could be a viable, mainstream mode of transport for hundreds of thousands of short journeys every day, if the infrastructure, and long-term investment, were there. If London can do it, the rest of the UK really has no excuse. BIKEBIZ.COM
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ELECTRIC BIKES
E-bikes: more battery for your buck With technology blooming at an astounding rate, Kieran Howells considers how the latest developments will impact the e-bike market… WE SPENT the better part of 2016 hearing about the rapid growth of the electric bike market. Investment from trusted household names and respected brands like Brompton and Bosch has changed the public’s perception of e-bikes, but it’s not just brands that are changing the image of these vehicles. Innovations from the likes of GoCycle and Shimano which have hit the market are paving the way for the next generation of electrical assist bikes, which, judging from the current trend of smaller, more powerful batteries and intuitive engines, will not just grab the attention of the commuter market, but also of the country’s longdistance cyclists. The standardisation of lithium-ion technology is a central factor in the current influx of e-bike sales. The compact batteries, which are similar to those used in conventional mobile phone designs, are able to retain an BIKEBIZ.COM
enormous quantity of charge compared to traditional lead acid batteries (similar to those found in cars). Lithium-ion batteries are capable of running from 500 to 1,000 charge cycles, compared to the 200 to 300 of a traditional battery. Modern designs are becoming increasingly standardised on the latest generation of e-bikes, with li-ion batteries featuring on 96.5 per cent of European e-bikes sold in the past year. The move to more reliable and longer-lasting battery technologies has assisted in dispelling the damaging image of unstable and frequently inoperable e-bikes, which has tainted the market in previous years. In fact, the technology is moving away from the traditional bulky lead acid designs so quickly that a new kind of battery is already in the works. It was recently revealed that American scientists working for the
“With a supercapacitor battery installed, bikes could take as little as seconds to charge.”
University of Central Florida have made a breakthrough in the development of a new highperforming battery that has the potential to last over 20 times longer than a traditional lithium ion battery. The new technology utilises materials called TMDs to create supercapacitor devices, which take very little time to recharge and last up to 30,000 cycles. Although the technology is far from ready for sale to the general public, the ramifications for the electric bike market are huge. With a supercapacitor battery installed, bikes could take as little as seconds to charge, and last for over a week of significant use, making them ideal for e-mountain and touring bikes. The batteries also have the potential to be far more stable than current li-ion batteries, which will drastically reduce the chances of combustion or any other potential imperfections. BIKEBIZ JANUARY 63
kebiz
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p19 Zéfal factory tour
2017
FORWARD FEATURES
p9 Zyro-Fisher
p41 Carlton in Leicester
The brand talks about the aftermath of the giant merger.
p49 Highway Cycles
Our resident guru heads to the 2016 Advocacy Conference.
ISSUE 127 AUGUST 2016
JUNE 2017 - Cyclocross Bikes & Accessories JULY 2017 - Women’s Specific Bikes & Accessories - Cycle Lights - Drive Train: Chains, Gears & Cranks
p56 Managing Stock
Our dealer profile of the month goes to the historic shop.
Citrus-Lime talk us through stock management.
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E V E R Y O N E
AUGUST 2017 - Includes: Eurobike Guide supplement - Mountain Biking: Bikes & Protective Clothes
I N
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B I K E
B U S I N E S S
p10 Eurobike
p29,30 Buzzbike
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 everythin g we need to know…
SEPTEMBER 2017 - Child’s Bikes, Trailer Bikes, Helmets & Accessories - Clothing & Accessories: Winter & Reflective
p63 BIKE
p47,49,50 Get Cycling
A new cycle-specific channel airs in the UK
p41,42 Brixton Cycles
We find out about a brand opening up cycling for all
p65 CMAs
Our dealer profile this month is the famed London store
Team BikeBiz have something very special to announce...
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ISSUE 128 SEPTEMBE R 2016
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F O R
MAY 2017 - The UK’s Top 20 IBDs - BMX: Bikes, Parts & Accessories
p29-33
03 BB126 EditCover_final.ind d 1
p35,36,37 Press Camp
APRIL 2017 - Cycle Fashion: Clothing, Eyewear & Accessories - Electric Bikes
p67 Women’s products This month we look at the best new products created specifically for women.
Team BikeBiz heads to East London to check out one of the hottest events in the calendar.
Carlton Reid takes us on a trip to Deer Valley, USA to attend an unusual product launch...
MARCH 2017 - Cycle Media Focus: Magazines & Websites - Innovation Lab special
B U S I N E S S
Founder Alicia Bamford tells us why she started an independent clothing company.
You spin me right round
F O R
FEBRUARY 2017 - Urban bikes: Hybrids, Folding Bikes, etc - London Bike Show issue: Extra distribution - Made in Britain: Manufacturing Special
B I K E
p42 Queen of the Mountains
Team Bikebiz take a trip to France to see how Zéfal keep production quality high.
E V E R Y O N E
I N
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p42 Illuminating
OCTOBER 2017 - Road Cycling Bikes & Accessories - Cycle Show issue: Extra distribution
B I K E
B U S I N E S S
p13 Pashley at 90
Moore Large sheds some light on Xeccon, including the brand’s history, and where the future lies for this not-so-new lighting company.
p26 Pro-Brexit
As they enter their 90th year of trading, we take a look back at the defining moments in Pashley’s history, and find out what’s in store for this iconic brand.
Industry expert David Wilsher offers a counter-opinion to Executive Editor Carlton Reid’s Brexit article published in the August edition of BikeBiz.
Rental arithmetic Is a rental business a viable addition to a bike shop? cycle hire industry’s biggest We talk to three of the names to get the answer...
p53,54,55
NOVEMBER 2017 - Stocking Fillers: Gifts under £20 - Triathlon: Bikes & Gear DECEMBER 2017 - Retail Survey 2017
p67,68 Getting kids on bikes
We investigate what’s going on in children’s cycling.
p20,22 Making connections
p73,74 Winter wear
We head to CSG’s HQ to get the latest from this distributor.
Delve into the world of winter warmers in our sector guide.
p29,30 It’s a mystery
This month, our mystery shopper is at large in Essex.
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JANUARY 2018 - Workshop: Cleaning, Tools & Repair Spares - Core Bike Show issue: Extra distribution - Bike Place Show Issue: Extra Distribution
ISSUE 129 OCTOBER 2016
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p17 The NEC Cycle Show
T H E
B I K E
B U S I N E S S
p29 Assos overhaul
We spin our wheels at the biggest UK-based bike show of the year!
p47 E-bikes extended
We get chatting with Assos CEO Phil Duff about roots, the changing of hands, tackling sexism, and the Olympic kit.
In our extra-long e-bike section, we interview the Electric Bike Corporation, and get the scoop on Batribike’s launch.
Eurobike, at last! Team BikeBiz (finally) make the annual pilgrimag e to Friedrichshafen on the Bodensee in Germany , where we see a whole host of weird and wonderful things…
p9-14
p41 Citrus-Lime
Grant Hadwin’s back to tell us about marketing at peak times!
p54 The Lycra Virgin
p37 Mystery Shopper
One reader examines the finer points of first-time Lycra use.
Our mystery shopper takes their covert operation to St. Albans.
p52 New Products
Kieran Howells walks us through the latest and greatest in bikes.
03 BB129 EditCover_final.ind d 1
ISSUE 130 NOVEMBE R 2016
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Want to advertise in any of these issues? Contact Richard Setters 0207 354 6028 or email rsetters@nbmedia.com
F O R
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p9 The Vegas show Didn’t make it to Interbike? We visit Las Vegas to check out which brands are causing a stir in the American market.
B I K E
B U S I N E S S
p20 Original ellipticals
p15 What’s new at the NEC?
Sales manager Chuck Day tells us about the unique ElliptiGO bikes, and why inventor Bryan Pate chose to start the company.
We head to Birmingham, where England’s biggest cycling celebration has the latest products to hit the shelves on display.
Rising republic Our exclusive interview with managing director Peter Kimberley about the promising future of the Cycle Republic…
Want your company or product to be involved with any of these features? Contact Hayley Ferguson hferguson@nbmedia.com or call 0207 354 6018
p23
p31 It’s a mystery...
Our mystery shopper
heads to
p53 Electric legislation
p45 Wom
p60
SECTOR GUIDE
Workshop tools and cleaning We’ve rounded up some of the tried-and-true products you need to have on-hand to keep things running smoothly in the workshop – from cleaning to tools, these bits and pieces have got you covered.
WICKENS & SODERSTROM NO6
PARK TOOL CM-25 PROFESSIONAL CHAIN SCRUBBER
Jungle Products
Madison
Wickens & Soderstrom has created No.6 Bike Polish, in partnership with Delphis Eco. Designed to be tough on grease and dirt but gentle on your bike and the environment, No.6 provides “a streak-free lustre in seconds”, leaving a protective micro layer without sticky residues. Non-petroleum, inert and biodegradable.
BIKEBIZ.COM
The CM-25 is a shoplevel version of Park’s CM-5.2 chain scrubber. Its tough aluminium body is built to withstand the rigours of daily use and features a brush/sponge replacement cartridge, designed to keep it running smoothly.
PRO GOLD DEGREASER & WASH
TOPEAK UNIVERSAL CHAIN TOOL
Extra UK
Extra UK
Separates and suspends oils and soils. Concentrated degreaser and wash cleans grime and oil from all kinds of surfaces. Carbon-friendly. Dilutable by up to 75 per cent. Comes in a 16oz spray bottle.
Durable chain tool. Designed to be reliable and hard-wearing over many years. Hollow handle unscrews for easy storage. Tough heattreated cromoly construction. Compatible with all chains except Campagnolo 11-speed hollow pin chains.
BIKEBIZ JANUARY 65
SECTOR GUIDE
MUC-OFF X-3 CHAIN CLEANER
ZyroFisher
This patent-pending ergonomic design boasts a heavy-duty construction to clean chains “in seconds”. With chains carrying an ever-increasing price tag, ZyroFisher believes it makes sense to make them last, and has designed the X-3 Dirty Chain Machine to provide an easy way “give your chain a good scrub.”
FINISH LINE SPEED CLEAN Madison Dry degreasing technology which doesn’t leave residue, designed to ensure the rider doesn’t have to rinse the bike and components after use. It doesn’t require extra tools or brushes, and is designed to leave the drivetrain ready for lubrication.
CUBE TOOL SMART Oneway Bike Industry CUBEtool Smart includes only the essentials for fixing your bike while you’re out and about, designed to save both bulk and weight while ensuring that the user can get home. Allen keys: 3mm, 5mm, Philips screwdriver, Torx 25, tyre lever, spoke wrenches 14g, 15g, Shimano Mavic, chain tool.
FENWICK’S PROFESSIONAL SERIES
ZyroFisher
With a top-to-bottom rebrand, the Fenwicks Professional Series is designed, tested and then manufactured in the UK. Products are specifically designed to work with one another. Environmentally friendly, “easy-to-use” lubes, cleaners, degreasers and greases that “don’t make a mess”.
BIKEBIZ.COM
CASQUE 9 VULCANET Casque 9 designed to clean and disinfect your kit, destroying odours and quickly evaporating. It works for any gear in contact with sweat zones: helmets, boots, gloves, jackets, trousers, etc. This product is designed to be safe on your skin, so there is no need to worry about irritation.
BIKEBIZ JANUARY 67
UK DISTRIBUTION FOR THE BEST BRANDS IN MTB
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SECTOR GUIDE
TCD FINESSE PRODUCTS The Cycle Division Cycle Division’s relaunched Finesse Products range of oils and cleaners have a new formula for the Multi Lube, designed to be more consistent as well as more friendly to the environment.
TERN TOOL
premiumbikegear.com
WD-40 BIKE RANGE
Raleigh
The Tern Tool has been designed to ensure cyclists are never left on the roadside. It boasts 19 tools, including a 15mm wrench for tightening axle nuts and pedals and a 6mm wrench for adjusting various parts on the bike. The included neoprene cover can be slipped onto the body handle. It folds into a flat, compact size and with the integrated strap it stores discreetly under the saddle.
WD-40 BIKE is a range of care products designed to help look after bikes all year round, whether they’re road bikes, BMXes, all-out Downhill racing machines, high end cyclo cross bikes or e-bikes. The WD-40 BIKE range is designed to help minimise unnecessary wear and tear by effectively cleaning, lubing and protecting bikes.
DUCKSMART EARTH MOVER
VELOMANN WORKSTAND
Moore Large
Greyville Enterprises
Trigger spray offers choice of foam or spray action. Earth Movers foaming technology has been developed to offer a longer cleaning contact time, and, according to the company, you can “see dirt, grease and grime breaking down before your eyes.” Safe to use on paintwork, carbon fibre, disc brakes, aluminium and titanium; environmentally friendly.
Illustrated is the RWS-F which stands for Race Work Stand – Folding. “Does exactly what it says on the tin”. It is designed to offer the flexibility to work with or without either or both wheels fitted, plus a 360-degree rotation. It is fully heightadjustable and has been designed to fold away neatly for easy storage.
BIKEBIZ.COM
BIKEBIZ JANUARY 69
SECTOR GUIDE
Training Courses Getting staff members qualified can improve the quality of work, and ensure you are protected from legal technicalities. These are some of the UK’s most renowned courses.
VELOTECH MODULAR TRAINING FOR CYCLE MECHANICS www.velotech-cycling.ltd.uk/training.shtml The Velotech programme is hands-on and modular, designed to allow training to commence at any level and for candidates to potentially break from training at any point in order to consolidate it with experience. Velotech works directly with manufacturers to ensure that information supplied is accurate and not simply an interpretation of manufacturer’s instruction leaflets. Training is in ongoing development, having been delivered for eight years. It is now available at over 20 venues nationwide.
RYAN BUILDS WHEELS WHEELBUILDING MASTERCLASS www.ryanbuildswheels. co.uk Training delivered by a master wheel builder from Bristol, specialising in bespoke, handbuilt wheels. Ryan Builds Wheels offers full day courses to teach the craft of wheel building to willing students, with the philosophy that anyone can learn to build wheels. Students are able to learn using highquality tools, and can purchase spokes, rims and hubs directly if they’d like build their own set of wheels to take away. Courses are held in central Bristol and run from 10am till 6pm. The cost is £150 per day, per person.
CYTECH www.cytech.training Developed over 25 years ago and owned by the UK cycle industry via the ACT, Cytech is the internationally recognised training and accreditation scheme for bicycle technicians. It offers a comprehensive range of technical courses encompassing the basics of cycle mechanics right through to dealing with the most advanced and high-tech components and parts. With training centres in the UK, South Africa, Australia and Canada, Cytech has delivered over 11,000 technical courses to the cycle trade and enthusiasts worldwide.
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ANOTHER EXCLUSIVE BRAND FROM GREYVILLE Following the successful re-introduction to the UK market last summer as part of the Greyville range Airbone is looking for further growth in 2017. These compact and powerful pumps are designed and manufactured in house and are available in a selection of bright colours with excellent packaging. Check out our website with its easy to use B2B ordering system
GREYVILLE ENTERPRISES
0845 1661983
www.greyville.com
sales@greyville.com
In association with
2pure 46c Bavelaw Road, Balerno, Edinburgh, EH147AE Tel: 0844 811 2001 Web: www.2pure.co.uk
Fibrax Ltd Queensway, Wrexham. LL13 8YR Tel: +44 (0)1978 356744 Web: http://www.fibrax.com
Moore Large and Co Ltd Grampian Buildings, Sinfin Lane, Derby, Derbyshire. DE24 9GL Tel +01332 274281 Web: www.moorelarge.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
Jungle Products Ltd Unit 3, The Cedar, New York Mills, Summerbridge, HG3 4LA Tel: 01423 780088 Web: www.jungleproducts.co.uk and www.santacruzbikes.co.uk
North Sports 38 Kingston Avenue, Neilston, Glasgow, East Renfrewshire, G783JG Tel: 07746 933795 Web: www.northsports.co.uk
Continental North Parade, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, Wales, SY23 2JR Tel: 01970 626777 Web: www.conti-tyres.co.uk
EBCO 5 Pegasus House, Olympus Ave, Warwick, CV34 6LW Tel: 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
M & J Distributors Ltd Unit A, Hanix Buildings, Windmill Lane, Denton, Manchester, M34 3SP Tel: 0161 337 9600 Web: www.mjdist.co.uk
Pitbitz Ltd Unit 6 Thorpe Drive, Thorpe Way Industrial Estate, Banbury, Oxon, OX16 4UZ Tel: 01295 269333 Web: www.gazeboshop.co.uk and www.thebikeboxcompany.co.uk
Mealor-Clarke Cycle Spares Ltd Unit 1, Eastlands Road, Leiston, Suffolk, IP16 4LL Tel: 01728 830 055 Web: www.mealorclarkecyclespares.co.uk
Raleigh UK Ltd Church Street, Eastwood, Nottingham, NG16 3HT Tel: 01773 532600 Web: www.raleigh.co.uk and www.cyclelife.com and www.diamondback.co.uk
Met Helmets / Bluegrass 22-24 Ely Place, London, EC1N6TE Tel: 0207 1937 496 Web: www.met-helmets.com
Reece Cycles plc 100 Alcester Street, Birmingham, B12 0QB Tel: 0121 622 0180 Web: www.reececycles.co.uk
The BikeBiz Directory 2017 is out now, providing the industry with a must-have guide to the UK’s retailers, distributors, manufacturers and related businesses. If you’d like to find out more or require additional copies please contact rsetters@nbmedia.com or call him on 020 7354 6028
DISTRIBUTION AND WHOLESALE
E-COMMERCE AND EPOS
EVENT ORGANISERS, HOSTING, HOLIDAY AND HIRE
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
Stolen Goat Unit C1E Threshold Way, Fairoaks Airport, Woking. GU24 8HU Tel: 01483 361146 Web: www.stolengoat.com
The Cycle Division Unit 27 Gatehouse Enterprise Centre, Albert Street, Lockwood, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, HD1 3QD Tel: 01484 456137 Web: www.thecycledivision.com
Zyro Fisher Ltd Roundhouse Road, Faverdale Industrial Estate, Darlington, DL30UR Tel: 01325 741200 Web: www.zyro.co.uk / www.zyrofisherb2b.co.uk
MANUFACTURERS
MARKETING, PR AND CONSULTANCY
MEDIA AND PUBLISHING
ASSOS 57 Farringdon Road, London, EC1M 3JB Tel: 0203 621 1555 Web: www.assos.com
Buffera Limited Cranbourne House, Cranbourne Road, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, EN6 3JN Tel: Tel +01920 460754 Web: www.buffwear.co.uk
Met Helmets / Bluegrass 22-24 Ely Place, London, EC1N6TE Tel: 0207 1937 496 Web: www.met-helmets.com
ORGANISATIONS, CHARITIES AND ASSOCIATIONS
RETAILERS, WORKSHOPS AND MAIL ORDER
SERVICES AND TRAINING
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
700c Cycle Shop Insurance Plough Court, 37 Lombard Street, London. EC3V 9BQ Tel: 0333 433 0827 Web: www.700cinsurance.co.uk
Cycleguard Insurance Southgate House, Southgate Street, Gloucester, GL1 1UB Tel: 0333 004 3444 Web: www.cycleguard.co.uk
Oneway Distribution BV PO BOX 12, 3000 AA Rotterdam Tel: 0031 10345 3510 Web: shop.o-w-d.nl PowerBar UK The Hive, 51 Lever St, Manchester. M1 1FN Tel: +44 (0)161 641 0056 Web: www.active-nutrition-international.com Pinhead Components Inc Jasper Ave, Edmonton, Alberta. Canada. T6K OK6 Tel: 1-780 465530 Web: www.pinheadlocks.com Red Industries Borough House, Berkeley Court , Borough Road Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire ST5 1TT Tel: 01782 824026 Web: www.redindustries.co.uk
Bike Rental Manager c/o H W Fisher & Co Acre House, 11-15 William Road, London. NW1 3ER Tel: +33 4 66 03 14 32 Web: www.bikerentalmanager.com
Citrus-Lime Limited Lantern House, The Ellers, Ulverston, LA12 0AA Tel: 01229 588 628 Web: www.citruslime.com
Rozone Limited Queen Street, Darlaston, Wednesbury West Midlands. WS10 8JB Tel: 0121 526 8181 Web: www.rozone.co.uk
Visijax Cotesbach House, The Precinct, Main Street, Cotesbach, Leicestershire, LE17 4HX Tel: 07810 838934 Web: www.visijax.com
The BikeBiz Directory 2017 is available to view online at
www.bikebiz.com
MARKETPLACE BIKES & ACCESSORIES
2PURE/ COREBIKE 22-24 JAN
TO ADVERTISE IN THESE PAGES PLEASE CONTACT rsetters@nbmedia.com or call 0207 354 6028
BIKES & ACCESSORIES
MONZA ROOM
TURN BY TURN NAVIGATION. In a tiny unit. £94.99
#LezyneGPS PROUDLY DISTRIBUTED BY UPGRADE BIKES LTD. INFO@UPGRADEBIKES.CO.UK | 01403 711 611
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74 BIKEBIZ DECEMBER
EVERYTHING WE DO IS BY LEZYNE
BIKES & ACCESSORIES
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MARKETPLACE BIKES & ACCESSORIES
BIKES & ACCESSORIES
TURN BY TURN NAVIGATION. High resolution colour display
ADVANCED CYCLING COMPUTER
£139.99
£129.99
#LezyneGPS
#LezyneGPS
PROUDLY DISTRIBUTED BY UPGRADE BIKES LTD. INFO@UPGRADEBIKES.CO.UK | 01403 711 611
PROUDLY DISTRIBUTED BY UPGRADE BIKES LTD. INFO@UPGRADEBIKES.CO.UK | 01403 711 611
EVERYTHING WE DO IS BY LEZYNE
BIKES & ACCESSORIES
With the latest technologies and interactive features.
EVERYTHING WE DO IS BY LEZYNE
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 DECEMBER 75
MARKETPLACE
TO ADVERTISE IN THESE PAGES PLEASE CONTACT rsetters@nbmedia.com or call 0207 354 6028
BIKES & ACCESSORIES
BIKES & ACCESSORIES
BIKES & ACCESSORIES
BIKE BOTTLES & PROMOTIONAL GOODS
76 BIKEBIZ DECEMBER
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MARKETPLACE BIKES & ACCESSORIES
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CONTACT - info@use1.co.uk
CONTACT - info@use1.co.uk
Become a stockist of award winning product Book your Demo Night Ride and Order your POS
Become a stockist of award winning product Book your Demo Night Ride and Order your POS
BIKE FRAME LABELS AND GENERAL PRINT
DEALER MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
BIKEBIZ.COM
BIKEBIZ DECEMBER 77
MARKETPLACE EPOS & ECOMMERCE
TO ADVERTISE IN THESE PAGES PLEASE CONTACT rsetters@nbmedia.com or call 0207 354 6028
FRAME RESPRAY, REPAIR & BUILD SERVICES
GET YOUR COMPANY FEATURED IN THE BIKEBIZ
Contact: Richard Setters 0207 354 6028 rsetters@nbmedia.com
78 BIKEBIZ DECEMBER
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OFF TRACK
OFF TRACK
THE TRADE’S ROUND UP OF STATS, VIEWS AND RANDOMS
NUMBER CRUNCHING Ever wondered how much insurance companies shell out for replacement parts, or how many Tannus Tyres have been sold worldwide? It’s all here...
£500,000
The sum spent by Bikmo replacing bicycle parts and accessories as of yet
400,000 The number of Tannus Tyres currently sold worldwide
£1182.79
in donations recently raised by the Islabikes team
50 0
r of free The numbe cycling y it commun by Scottish events held Big Bike e initiative Th 016 2 Rev ival in
1981
The year that Brompton started manufacturing bikes in London
BIKEBIZ.COM
BIKEBIZ JANUARY 79
OFF TRACK
IN THE SADDLE
Jazz Walia, Tannus Tyres
Tell us about the bikes that you own. Do you have many? I’ve completely run out of space in my garage and garden, so as you can guess, I own a lot of bikes. My first bike was a Raleigh Arena, which I shared with my brother in the early 80s – I still have it! I have a fair few CHILL branded bikes, as I own the company, and I have a couple of Create fixies. CHILL took over the Create brand last year. There are exciting times in store for CHILL bikes. I also own a few old classic bikes, which I like to collect; the list goes on. Where are your favourite places to ride? London, of course. I truly believe that the city is the best place to ride in England. If we were going to talk about particular places in London, I would definitely say Shoreditch and Brick Lane. There are vast and scenic open country lanes to ride around my home in Essex over the summer.
80 BIKEBIZ JANUARY
What has your biggest business achievement been? I’m pleased to say there have been quite a few. The first was when I had the opportunity to design my own range of bikes – CHILL. I had the privilege of working alongside the creators of Tannus Tyres. Combining the bikes with the airless tyre and having celebs such as Boy George pose with them was amazing, and now currently having one of the biggest biking firms in the world work collaboratively with Tannus is a huge achievement. My family and I also get involved in a local East London and Essex charity bike ride, which takes place in May. The local community gets together to help raise money. It’s a great day out and the kids love it – anybody’s welcome to join us, as long as you have a bike. It’s been running for the last 15 years. I got involved about ten years ago. Every year we’ve raised around £10k.
What’s your role at Tannus, and what does it entail? I am the European distributor for Tannus Tyres and the global marketing director, working under the London-based company Brand it Guru. Our branding and marketing
“I’ve completely run out of space in my shed and garden, so as you can guess, I own a lot of bikes.” strategies help promote Tannus Tyres, and our aim is to raise worldwide awareness in the cycling industry for these great products. On a day-to-day basis I sit at my laptop and boss everyone about, but I can’t resist sharing a funny video or joke with the team when I’m supposed to be getting work done.
How long have you been in the trade? I feel like I have been in the trade my entire life. Realistically, it’s been 16 years, and they’ve flown by. I’ve noticed with each year, we’ve got bigger and better. With Tannus, we can only go from strength to strength. What’s the latest news from Tannus? We’re hoping to introduce a userfriendly mobile app next year for those who want to stay up-to-date on the goings-on at Tannus. We are continually improving our products to make them better and more reliable than they already are, so expect to see a lot of innovation in the year ahead. How can the trade get in touch? People can contact the European Tannus team via our website: www.tannus.co.uk or over email at: info@tannus.co.uk.
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OFF TRACK
HERNE HILL VELODROME NEARS COMPLETION
Stephen Holt, Commercial Director
HOW TO TURN A “NOT TODAY, THANK YOU” SALE INTO “YOU’VE SOLD ME ON IT!”
WITH THE imminent completion of the Herne Hill velodrome, officials have confirmed that the refurbished cycling hub will reopen within the next month. The restorations were funded by the Marathon Trust, Sports England, the Mayor’s Fund, and Southwark Council, and carried out under the instruction of Hopkins Architects, who designed the famous 2012 Olympic velodrome. The official Herne Hill Velodrome Trust charity has negotiated a 99-year lease for the building, the procuring of which triggered the initial lobbying that led to the complete restoration of the historic site. It was announced in December that a crowdfunding campaign set up by the trust had successfully raised over £75,000 in just seven days. Crowdfunder managing director Philip Geraghty commented: “This is an incredible project for the cycling community, it just shows what can happen when hundreds of people believe in something. £75,000 in one week is likely to go down in history as one of the fastest-funded sports projects in the UK.” The Friends of Herne Hill Velodrome Trust chair Phil Wright added: “We’re extremely proud of all the great Herne Hill riders of the past and we’ve got plenty more on the way. Herne Hill in 2016 offers all kinds of cycling to all kinds of people. We like training future stars, but we love making proper cyclists out of whoever comes through those gates.”
YOU KNOW that cyclist who goes into a bike shop to look at new bikes, then turns you down even if they need lights, locks, helmet or clothing, because they think the extras will tip them over their budget? Whether that cyclist hesitates and makes an excuse about bringing those accessories home or not could be down to whether they’ve heard of the cycle-towork scheme. It’s January, and though the traditional sales will be ending soon, Cyclescheme is a year-round sales opportunity. It’s available to everyone who’s thinking of getting on their bike for the first time, or for the thousandth. Now is the time to make the most of people getting up to £1,000 through cycle-to-work to start commuting by bike in 2017. You could always make one of your 2017 resolutions selling more cycling packages, particularly helmets, locks, lights and clothing – they are great for incremental sales at a higher value than is typical. We wish you a happy and prosperous New Year from everyone at Cyclescheme.
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
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SPOKESMAN
Faking it: a series Cheap? Carlton Reid asks: “Could it be fake?” The BikeBiz special on counterfeit bikes and parts is required reading... BACK IN April I wrote a series of 20 articles on fake bike parts, fake frames and fake sunglasses. These articles were all placed on BikeBiz at the same time, but they haven’t been published in the print mag because they’re too long – 25,000-words would take up the full mag. However, for offline reading convenience they can be found on a PDF, a Kindle file, an eBook and a Word document. Calling it “essential reading” Simon MacMichael of Road.cc said the “Faking It” series was the “most in-depth analysis of the nature, extent and impact of counterfeiting on the bicycle industry we’ve seen to date.” It was a “brilliant read,” said Ian Hughes, UK distributor of German carbon-bike brand Storck. “Excellent articles,” wrote Josh Hon, CEO of Tern Bicycles of Taiwan, on Facebook, adding “I’m even learning some stuff.” Victor Major of Belgium’s high-end Velocite carbon-bike brand said the series was a “true epic.” “It’s like binge viewing on Netflix,” suggested Mark Alker, publisher of Singletrack Magazine. “Why wait for each article when you can plough through the entire box set in one go.” He added that the all-in-one-go publication of the 20 articles and in multiple formats was “very on-trend journalism.” To cater to the short attention spans of today’s readers most website articles have be to short and snappy so it was great to forget all that, and really get my teeth into a subject. Think of the articles as chapters in a book and
download them in one fell swoop for your Kindle or iPad. Cream, Competent or Cowboy – which factories are faking it? Who is making fake carbon frames? Alibaba and the 40 fakers – Who’s retailing the counterfeits? Chinese websites and apps offer “factory-direct” prices for bigbrand carbon bikes and parts.
BIKEBIZ INVESTIGATES When a fake isn’t – open molds vs the knock-offs No-name versus brand name. When is a Pinarello not a Pinarello? When it’s a Chinarello Some roadies proudly ride fake Pinarellos, but how good are the “Chinarellos”, ? Snap, crackle, and pop – do fake bikes and parts crumple? Some fake frames and counterfeit parts are built tough; some aren’t. How can you tell which are which? “I bought a fake” – who’s
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82 BIKEBIZ JANUARY
buying the knock-offs and why? People who buy fakes may think they’re getting a bargain, but is it a Faustian one? Tribute bands and the Shadowlands – a design professor’s take on IP theft A crash course in “intellectual property” and Platonic idealism with Professor Steven Kyffin.
Faking bikes is as old as cycling – knock-offs are nothing new Folks have been faking bicycles since 1817. Fake China – where copyright means copy-it-right In a culture where imitation is said to be the sincerest form of flattery the fakes won’t fade away anytime soon. Tiger watching the Tigers – Specialized’s Andrew Love fights the fakers Andrew Love is Specialized’s
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in-house IP investigator. Whack-a-Mole Inc. – the lawyers clobbering the counterfeiters Preventing Chinese factories from churning out counterfeit goods is a tale of take-downs and sanctions. Fake folders – how Brompton and Strida tackle the copiers Counterfeiters don’t just target carbon frames, they also make steel and aluminium folding-bikes. Sham chamois – never mind the quality, feel the width Three apparel companies share their views on fake cycle clothing. Fake sense of security – counterfeit helmets are not for headbangers Put a lid on it, just not a fake one. “They’re just bits of plastic” – why cyclists buy fake Oakleys Of all the counterfeit cycle products available the most ubiquitous are Oakley sunglasses – “Foakleys”. Moles, meet the mole-catchers – officialdom takes on the counterfeiters Law enforcement agencies, governmental organisations, bureaucrats and trade associations all play their part in tackling IP theft Don’t mess with the mafia – is it dangerous to expose fakers? Tussling with the Triads is not to be recommended, says bike boss. On your marques – what can manufacturers do to foil fakers? There are overt, covert, legal-eagle and forensic authentication systems that can help. Get real – How and why to avoid buying a fake Low price too good to be true? http://www.bikebiz.com/news/ tag/faking-it
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REGISTER NOW for all the latest news and updates 21st - 22nd February 2017 Location: Arena:MK, Milton Keynes, MK1 1ST The iceBike* and Sportline Show is returning to Arena:MK, every year the impressive portfolio at Madison and Sportline shows what it has to offer to the trade and 2017 is no different. Madison is pleased to reveal that some of its biggest brands have confirmed their presence at iceBike* for February 2017 including major players Shimano, Lazer, PRO, Park Tool and new brand, Cycliq. Register online at
www.iceBike.co.uk K EY BR A N D S EX HI BI T I N G I N C L UD E
iceBike* is a trade show hosted by Madison and Sportline