Rider 20 - BikeBiz

Issue 74 | March 2012
Rider 20
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EDITORIAL
Issue 74 | March 2012
NEWS 4-5
The latest from the British Electric Bicycle Association,
product announcements from Shimano, and more...
MYSTERY SHOPPER
Our undercover reporter quizzes retailers
in the Chilterns’-own High Wycombe
SPONSORED BY
FOCUS ON…
10
CYCLE MEDIA
28
BikeBiz invites all the main cycle media publishers
to have their say on the state of the market in
print and the ever growing online scene...
SHOW REVIEWS
14
Coverage from the shows at Moore Large,
Fisher, Madison and Raleigh, from page 14
CHAIN REACTION
7
Marketing by SMS has a high hit rate, writes
this month’s guest columnist
OUTDOORS
BikeBiz quizzes the organisers
behind snow trade show Slide
43
E-BIKES
CYCLE COMPUTERS
50
DEALER PROFILE
48
London’s There Cycling targets non-cyclists. We
sit down with the dealer this month
PEOPLE
41
57
LETTERS
60
One BikeBiz reader shares their thoughts on The
Times’ #cyclesafe campaign
SPONSORED BY
The latest recruitment and people movement
news is compiled over on page 41
NEW PRODUCTS
54
Rubena tyres and i-ride’s new light line Gemini
are among the products featured this month...
IN THE LAST issue we led with a story –
‘Cycling props up the High Street’ –
about how cycle retail, in particular the
chains, are thriving on the High Street.
A positive bit of news I’m sure you’ll
agree, but it’s actually all the more
amazing when you consider how
embattled the High Street is right now.
Our contacts in the outdoor sector
have revealed an altogether tougher
trading environment, but in the wider retail world there was a
point at the start of the year where you couldn’t open a
newspaper for a story about a retail chain going under.
Why am I returning to the topic? Well, one of the joys of
the internet is how easy it is for readers to give you
feedback. When the story went online it drew out a number
of responses from readers keen to tackle the topic.
One of which (http://tinyurl.com/74x68jg) went along the
lines of “so the big cycle shops with online support are doing
well at the expense of the smaller ones. What joy...”
It’s a fair point. Why should an independent retailer be
overjoyed at the growth of competitor chain shops?
It leads to the question ‘how well have IBDs fared in the
last 12 months?’ That is, I fear, a question akin to how long
“The bike trade is, currently, one that
other retail industries look upon with
envious eyes.”
is a piece of string. I spoke with probably one of the best
sources available who confessed that they had only limited
information on the topic.
So in the absence of more accurate stats the performance
of the chain stores is one of the few indicators we
reasonably have to judge cycle’s retail performance, aside
from company statistics and import data.
But what are the prospects for IBDs in the face of chains
getting stronger? In other industries we have seen
independents swallowed up by chains, with perhaps no
greater example than the supermarkets. So the same is set
to happen in the bike trade?
The comparison is, of course, false. Selling bikes is nothing
like selling onions and bananas. A bike is a special, plannedfor purchase where service and guidance is all important. But
with chains making a concerted effort on the service side,
will that begin to eat into the profits of a nearby IBD?
That is the $64,000 question. Do chain stores represent a
more attractive option for your average customer? Or are
punters more interested in good advice and guidance on
purchases, regardless of the name above the door? It’s a
moot point maybe, but one thing is certain: The bike retail
scene is currently a competitive, lively marketplace and
whether we like to believe it or not, it’s one that other retail
industries look upon with envious eyes.
Jonathon Harker, Editor
SPOKESMAN
78
Carlton Reid asks: “Does a high profile campaign
about cycle safety put people off cycling?”
EVENTS 64 OFF THE RECORD 76 NUMBER CRUNCHING 74
NEWS
CYCLE
SHORTS
Cavendish backs
The Big Pedal
Cycle superstar Mark
Cavendish has got behind the
Bike Hub-supported children’s
cycle competition. Run by
Sustrans, the school cycling
battle runs from March 5th to
23rd 2012.
VW to sponsor Sea
Otter Classic
Car manufacturer Volkswagen
has become title sponsor for
the US-set Sea Otter Classic
show, taking place April 19th
to 22nd 2012 near Monterey,
California. VW also partners
Bikes Belong.
Three US cycle
orgs merge
Speaking of Bikes Belong, the
organisation has merged with
the League of American
Bicyclists and the Alliance for
Biking and Walking. Why did
they merge? To improve their
effectiveness in increasing
bicycle use in the US.
Icebike visitors
jump 15 per cent
year on year
Trade visitor numbers to the
February IceBike show jumped
15 per cent year on year,
according to Madison
managing director Dominic
Langan. 856 retailers and 85
press made the journey.
Specialized backs
Cycletta series
Women’s cycling series
Cycletta is to receive backing
from Specialized. The bike
brand will supply staff who
will be on hand to lend their
mechanical skills and cycling
advice to the riders.
More firms sign
up to growing
e-bike association
BEBA membership swells and holds first AGM
by Jonathon Harker
THE BRITISH ELECTRIC Bicycle Association
(BEBA) has held its first Annual General
Meeting in February in Coventry as guests of
the Motor Cycle Industry Association (MCIA).
The MCIA has become an affiliate of BEBA
following interested motorcycle dealers eager
to take advantage of the growing sector.
A spokesperson told BikeBiz: “BEBA has
grown to more than twenty members over
the last twelve months and is becoming the
voice of the UK electric bicycle industry.”
The association is taking part in what has
been a controversial campaign to change EU
law on what can be classed as an e-bike,
advocating an increase in power but also the
acceptance of throttles – a move opposed by
the Bicycle Association, among others.
BEBA explained: “BEBA continues to
support ETRA in its work within Europe to
change what is accepted by law as a pedelec.
By recommending an increase in power
available and making the use of a full throttle
acceptable BEBA are hoping to make cycling
more inclusive and not simply the domain of
the young and fit. The law relating to
pedelecs in the UK currently differs slightly to
the law in Europe, BEBA have been working in
parliament to end the confusion and hope to
make a statement during March.”
Contrary to rumours, the creation of E4, a
new electric bike trade group targeting the
trade, has had no impact on BEBA. E4
constituents include EBC, Storck Raddar, Hero
Eco and Wisper. David Miall of Wisper
explained to BikeBiz: “There has been a little
#cyclesafe stays in the headlines
THE TIMES-INSPIRED #cyclesafe campaign has
proved to be more than a flash in the pan
since it appeared on February 1st, inspiring
local councils and even rival newspapers to
sign up to it.
The campaign has also helped build
momentum for the 77-MP strong
Parliamentary debate on cyclist – and road –
safety later in the month.
Find out the latest on the #cyclesafe
campaign on BikeBiz.com.
If you’re reading the digital edition, or on
our iPad edition, you can find the latest news
on The Times’ debate here –
http://www.bikebiz.com/news/tag/the-times
SRAM XO and XX
grip shift due
SRAM has gone back to its
roots with a new gripshift to
sit under the XX and XO
banners. The 2x10 product
will feature three rows of
internal ball bearings, Gore
RideOn cables, a clamp to
secure and could land with
Fisher Outdoor Leisure as
soon as April.
For breaking news visit:
www.bikebiz.com
4 BIKEBIZ MARCH
BIKEBIZ.COM
NEWS
What’s next from Di2?
Alfine
confusion in the industry recently regarding
the relationship between the new sales group
E4 and BEBA.
“E4 is a group of four like-minded electric
bicycle businesses who are working together
to create sales by holding road shows for
both dealers and final users. BEBA promotes
the use of electric bicycles in the UK
generally and is concerned with improving
policy and legislation for all stakeholders in
the industry.”
FEW COULD HAVE predicted the
next location for Shimano’s Di2
technology with any certainty – there
were rumours that it could trickle down
the road groups as far as 105, or perhaps
end up on MTBs. It is in fact touring
favourite, the Shimano Alfine gearhub, that
has received the battery powered shifting
makeover.
The premium city touring component
group will feature much the same
technology as Dura Ace and Ultegra,
becoming more durable than prior
mechanical systems and boosting how
responsive the shift feels. Next to the barmounted switch is a info display that
indicates gear and battery life status.
Like the mechanical Alfine, both eight
and eleven speed versions of the hub are
to be available. Differing from the original,
however, is the introduction of both flat
bar shifters or a STi shifter for drop bars, in
which the shifter will sit in the right hand
brake. Madison, distributor in the UK for
Shimano, seem
impressed. Shimano
representative Chris Snook told BikeBiz: "I
think it shows a positive step forward from
Shimano and shows they are taking
developing electronic gears seriously. The
benefits of Di2, with its weatherproof
capabilities matches the Alfine platform
perfectly as a near maintenance free
platform which can be used on road bikes,
cross bikes, mountain bikes and
commuters. Ultegra Di2 has shown that
this technology is now becoming available
to a wider market and technologies
derived from that platform such as the ETubing means that the system is far easier
to retro fit to existing frames, meaning
your current Alfine frame Genesis Day01,
for example, is ready to be upgraded."
Next to the electronic switch Shimano
developed especially for drop bar bikes, an
Alfine dual control lever for integrated Di2
shifting and braking. With this option it’s
possible to create a road style internal hub
geared bike. Snook added: "Alfine Di2 is the
first electronic flat bar setup that we have
seen make it into wide production, so read
into that what you will for the future."
Though a 2013 product, the first batch
of eight and eleven-speed hubgears could
be with Madison as soon as September.
York Cycle Show trade
packs now available
YORK CYCLE SHOW has made its trade
packs for this year’s show available to
download from the show website.
Earlier this year, chair of the York
Cycle Show Committee Paul Hepworth
confirmed to BikeBiz that trade prices
would be held and that this year will
stick with the wristband system to help
footfall through the trade area.
Hepworth said: “Most Traders and
Exhibitors are located within a secure
enclosure. Within the enclosure, we offer
spaces inside the main marquees, or
outdoor pitches where the trader brings
their own tentage.
“The public are admitted upon
payment of an entry fee to the
Knavesmire site which gives them access
to all our attractions and the trade show.
www.yorkcycleshow.co.uk
CHAIN REACTION | SMS MARKETING
gear their bikes up for the more challenging
cycling conditions. With this in mind Swinnerton
Cycles dispatched a simple mobile marketing
campaign with a low cost service offer.
“Winter Service Check – 1 Week only. Brake &
Gear Check only £20.00. Book now on
01782747782. Only 100 Spaces Available.
Swinnerton Cycles.”
After just two days, the workshop had booked
over 42 services, generating revenue of £840. In
addition to this, customers also spent
considerable sums on cycle accessories such as
gloves, batteries, lights, etc. The text campaign
cost just £126, so for every pound spent on the
mobile marketing campaign they generated an
absolute minimum of six pounds.
One of the clear strengths of using bulk SMS
is that it is so cost-effective. There are no setup
costs or monthly fees. Users simply purchase as
many text credits as they need for their
campaign. Also there is no minimum order so
people that are new to SMS marketing can dip
their toe in the water with a very low budget.
To find out more about how text marketing
could help your business, visit Text Marketer's
website. While you are there, you can set up a
free account which comes with ten free text
credits, so you can try the service before
spending any money.
Setting up an account with Text Marketer is
free and there are no setup or monthly fees, or
even a contract. Dealers can use the promo code
CHAIN when you sign up and you will receive
100 free text credits.
Alternatively, simply text CHAIN to 88802
and Text Marketer will set up your account with
your 100 free text credits.
Text Marketer can be contacted by telephone
on 0117 205 0202.
www.textmarketer.co.uk/signUpGoogle
Text the nation
Ever considered SMS, or phone text, marketing? One bike
shop saw a 600 per cent return when they gave it a go,
according to Text Marketer’s Henry Cazalet…
“One Text Marketer
customer used mobile
marketing to encourage
customers to book their
bike service during the
winter. After just two days
they’d booked in 42
services generating over
£800 in revenue.”
Henry Cazalet, Text Marketer
6 BIKEBIZ MARCH
BULK SMS provider Text Marketer has seen a
growing number of bike shops using SMS as a
way of communicating with customers. For
many bike shop owners, using SMS is the most
effective way of getting an offer into consumer’s
hands.
SMS enjoys an astonishing open rate of over
98 per cent (see boxout). Compare that with
email open rates of around 20 per cent, and it's
easy to see why so many bike shops are turning
to mobile. On top of that, a customer receiving
a promotional text message is five times more
likely to respond than someone receiving a
piece of direct mail. (Source – Mobile Marketing
Association.)
One Text Marketer customer, Swinnerton
Cycles, used mobile marketing to remarkable
effect. During the winter months many cyclists
How many emails do
you delete without
reading? Research
indicates a whopping
95 per cent of all SMS
texts are read
OPEN ME
ACCORDING TO the Mobile Marketing
Association, over 95 per cent of text messages
delivered are read, the vast majority within
five minutes. For emails a 25 per cent open
rate is considered high.
Text Marketer estimates that only 30 per
cent of businesses in the UK use SMS as a
means to get in touch with their customers
(or potential customers). So why aren’t we all
inundated with vast quantities of SMS like we
are with email? The difference is that business
SMS messages have to be paid for.
Another benefit of SMS marketing is that it
works across all platforms and all makes and
models of mobile phones.
Studies from mobile analyst Portio
Research have revealed that in the US, Asia
and Europe SMS usage is growing, despite
increased competition from Facebook,
BlackBerry Messenger, Twitter and other
messaging services.
BIKEBIZ.COM
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DISTRIBUTION NEWS
Yepp joins the Fisher fold
Child seat brand picked up by Fisher Raleigh layers up with Dare2B i-ride shines light on Gemini
by Mark Sutton
FISHER AND YEPP
The St Albans distributor has signed
multiple-award winning Yepp child seats,
which have scored prizes from Eurobike
and Red Dot, as well as a Netherlands
Baby Innovation Prize in 2011.
The brand has been garnering all this
praise for an eye-catching line of child
seats for bicycles. Made from a similar
material as Croc shoes, the products are
durable, comfortable and easy to clean, as
any Croc wearer will be aware. The range
includes innovative add-ons, like wind
screens and soft guards to protect the
head of a child nodding off. Five-point
harnesses prevent persistent children from
standing up on the seat, while the bracket
– which stays on the bike – is easy to
separate from the Yepp seat and fit onto
another bike that has a bracket. The Yepp
range comes in five colours and they are
in stock now. 01727 798 340
8 BIKEBIZ MARCH
RALEIGH AND DARE2B
Revealed to those who attended the
Eastway dealer days, Raleigh has picked
up clothing brand Dare2B.
According to Raleigh, most garments
have a strong 50 per cent margin and
there is no minimum buy in quantity.
Point of sale material will be available for
certain commitments, however.
The Dare2B catalogue offers head to
toe coverage at varying price points, from
£10 for fast-wicking baselayers, to the
upper side of £100 for performance
jackets. 0800 096 9060
I-RIDE AND GEMINI LIGHTING
I-ride has announced its distribution of
Gemini lighting product, with stock
available for order now.
Based in Hong Kong and with offices in
Vancouver, the lighting gear brand was
founded by mountain biker Chris Lai. The
product itself is largely based around
bright Cree LEDs and rechargeable Lithium
Ion batteries, with protection against
overheating built in to the machined
aluminium body of each model.
Tom Marchment of i-ride said: “We
have been really impressed with the
performance of Gemini Lights on our
night rides. In addition, we are amazed at
just how much is included for your
money; bar, mount, head mount, helmet
mount, spare lenses and extension cables
are all in the box.
“The Gemini lights range is also strong
from a commercial point of view with
outstanding branding, packing and pricing
structure.”
Promotion of Gemini will also be
strong, i-ride promises, with plans in place
for advertising and media coverage to
raise the profile of the brand in the UK.
There is also an introductory offer from
i-ride for dealers, with extremely
competitive margins, as well as a
competitive staff price.
I-ride told BikeBiz of a 1,700 lumen,
triple Cree light in the pipeline, dubbed
the Olympia. We’ll have more on that new
iteration when we get the pricing and
availability info.
01444 243000
BIKEBIZ.COM
st
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From 1 March to 15 May 2012
WITH THE PURCHASE OF A PAIR OF
WHEELS OR HELMET, MAVIC WILL
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*With the MP3 “crash replacement” program your Mavic product
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Discover more about MP3 and the selection of
product included in the offer at participating retailers.
Further details, eligible products and conditions
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MYSTERY SHOPPER | HIGH WYCOMBE
SPONSORED BY
Rouleur Ltd publishes the acclaimed cycling magazines Rouleur and
Privateer. These are sold exclusively through subscription and IBDs only
High
Flyers?
Or Wycombe Wanderers?
Mystery Shopper met a
mix in High Wycombe –
from seasoned
salespeople, through to
assistants that we feel
may have been positively
encouraging us to buy
online…
The winner of Mystery Shopper will
receive Star Store Status and will win a
display, magazine and book bundle
from Rouleur Ltd – purveyors of
exceptional cycling literature
10 BIKEBIZ MARCH
Halfords
Cycle Care
PRIOR TO being met by an assistant in this branch,
Mystery Shopper spotted what appeared to be grips on
display punched through the centre with security tags.
Interesting.
You’d have expected this to have set the tone for the
visit, though surprisingly a young assistant in the bike
department approached me browsing a folding Carrera,
asking if he could help before going on to make a strong
case for the store’s last remaining Dahon.
Playing on the low stock availability, the helper said I
should be quick if I wanted to grab this model, touted as
‘probably the best folding build available via Halfords’, at
present. This was backed by comparisons against the
lower priced folders. It was flagged up that the Dahon
has a magnetic closure system, so I’ll not need an
annoying bungee cord as would be the case elsewhere.
Size and weight constraints were also discussed with
good justification for the higher priced Dahon.
Furthermore, two bikes were pulled from the racks with
a rough demo on the ease of fold for each. Can’t fault
this visit, despite first impressions.
THANKS TO a counter next to the entrance, Mystery
Shopper was spotted immediately, with the assistant
kindly offering to get the store’s only folding model
down from a suspended rack, despite it being relatively
tucked away.
Though the staff member didn’t go as far as to
demonstrate the fold, it was explained well, minus the
mention of the bike’s folding pedal.
Impressively dropping in a mention of the shop’s policy
to always offer a first free service and tune up, I was
reliably informed that any work that needed doing could
be carried out in-house, though the helper did outline the
low maintenance of the build once set up properly.
Aside from touting the after sales service, I didn’t really
leave feeling as if I had been ‘sold to’, more an impression
that I had just been given friendly advice and an
earmarked catalogue – which is perhaps a dangerous
game to play given the tendency of many to use such
material for online reference.
BIKEBIZ.COM
MYSTERY SHOPPER | HIGH WYCOMBE
SPONSORED BY
Rouleur Ltd publishes the acclaimed cycling magazines – Rouleur and Privateer. These are sold
exclusively through subscription and IBDs only. For information please contact: [email protected]
Freewheelin’
JUST A door or two down from a Halfords Metro in the
centre of town, it was encouraging to see Freewheelin’s
lone staffer keeping busy as Mystery Shopper arrived.
With a workshop on the shop floor it took just a minute
or two prior to being seen. Having spotted no folding bikes
I left the brief open to ‘cycling in London’, to which the
assistant prioritised security and theft concerns. Though
some new models were flagged up, the chat quickly moved
on to second hand considerations. Pulling two
reconditioned bikes from the rear of the shop, I was told
that only the trained eye would recognise anything worth
stealing on this bike, which despite a plain appearance, was
‘a stealthy steel workhorse’ that’d be ignored by thieves,
but would be fantastic for city cycling.
Furthering the already strong inkling that this might be
the better of the day’s visits, the assistant used my earlier
mentioned budget to upsell extras, which could be
bought with change left over. It was explained that in
value for money and practical reasons, going down the
reconditioned and upgrade route would be the most
sensible to satisfy my brief. I couldn’t have agreed more.
Rad BMX
O2W
TUCKED AWAY on a large industrial estate, Rad BMX isn’t
the easiest of stores to find and you can’t help but feel
better trading could be had on the High Street, given
that all other local bike shops took an interest in the 20inch sector.
Being tucked away from the world didn’t stop Rad’s
owner from being one of the best salesmen Mystery
Shopper has encountered to date, though. Clearly an avid
rider himself, the assistant made recommendations on
everything from tyres, grips to bike DVDs from personal
experience.
With each question points were made for or against
products, all valid and well reasoned. Enquiring about
ever-more specific products, Mystery Shopper was
directed away from product that “didn’t match up to a
competitor’s offering” on a quality basis, but with value
for money discussed too.
Notably, the helper was easy to get a conversation
going with and this helped no end in solidifying my trust
in the store. A good salesman really is worth their weight
in gold.
THE ONLY store in town to display bikes on the street as
well as in store, On Two Wheels, or O2W, had plenty to
stop passing trade.
Another store with a front door facing counter, it took a
little more time to be seen, though due only to the high
footfall at the time of the visit. Catching an assistant next
to a previously unseen folder, Mystery Shopper was
advised this Dahon was the last to be available here
thanks to a distribution shake up. I therefore began to
question about spares should I opt for it, to which some
unsure answers were produced. It was at this point that I
was directed to the Probike brand, for which just one
example was in stock, though more were flagged up. In
the short term, this was the surest bet the store could
provide me with and I was handed a catalogue. The range
and spec of the Probike line wasn’t discussed in great
depth, though the assistant made some strong points on
value for money, as well as talking about security issues. I
was encouraged to look at the brand’s website and return
with a chosen model to order in. Again, could encouraging
me online be a costly move for this independent?
BIKEBIZ.COM
Summary
TWO THINGS that stood out in this visit is the
importance of a counter overlooking the front door and
how one strong salesman is worth 1,000 mediocre staff.
Firstly, a counter in plain view of the door is good
practice (where possible) for store security, as well as
placing staff directly in front of the customer at all
times. If you don’t have a meet and greet policy, at least
acknowledge a customer from the counter. Rad BMX
and Freewheelin’ highlighted how one staff member can
give a shop an identity. If your advertising budget is
slim, word of mouth can work a treat for a store’s
reputation, assuming staff are consistent.
BIKEBIZ MARCH 11
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SHOW REVIEW | MOORE LARGE: TODAYS CYCLIST
New products and POS
from Knog (above left)
and Forme (top right)
What’s new at Todays Cyclist?
The revamped Derby showrooms of Moore Large were host to bigger crowds than ever before and
chock full of product. Jonathon Harker joined the throng at the Todays Cyclist seminars…
Knog’s Blinder
has benefited
from feedback
garned from its
silicone lights
launch six years
earlier.
14 BIKEBIZ MARCH
MOORE LARGE’S Todays Cyclist show in the
final days of February played host to product
debuts and seminar presentations from
product managers and principles from the
brands in the distributor’s portfolio.
Knog’s own Hugo Davidson was amongst
those bringing dealers up to speed with the
latest from the quirky brand, which has scored
a sizable business grant from the Australian
government. Any British brands up for a grant
from the coalition?
Already a highly visible player in the lights
market, Knog has upped its game in the sector
with the Blinder range. It was six years ago
that Knog released its silicone light range and
since then, Davidson tells BikeBiz, all the
feedback has been channelled into the Blinder
range, itself a year and half in development.
The front and rears set you back £4.99 each
with 80 lumens in the front, 44 in the rear.
They’re USB chargeable and use a lithium
polymer battery, possibly a first for the trade,
says Knog.
Knog’s Blinder range doesn’t mean an end to
the silicone line-up, however. The firm has
sought to differentiate positioning for the
Blinder line-up, which uses an aluminium
anodised frontage.
A New York artist has been drafted in to put
together the marketing for Blinder, marking a
bit of a departure from Knog’s in-your-face, yet
tongue-in-cheek marketing. Packaging has
been designed so dealers can take them out of
the box and demonstrate them without
knackering their all-important display. It is
recycled too.
Knog’s locks were also a key attraction at
the show. POS innovation include the ‘Deli’
which hangs Knog’s Sausage locks like, well,
sausages in a deli, saving a ton of space and,
says Davidson, boosting sales in some dealers
by three to five times more. Re-jigged
packaging also means the Sausage locks have
shed much packaging.
Lake’s international sales manager Patrick
van der Heijden highlighted two lines in
particular from the Lake portfolio. In fact the
brand is set to be one to watch. Van der
Heijden tells BikeBiz that following Lake’s
acquisition by a Dutch investor (who is to
concentrate on Lake before it eyes further
purchases, BikeBiz learns) the firm is
determined to knuckle down to the task of
becoming the ultimate high end brand of its
type, “using the best materials” and with
plenty of innovation. The ink is barely dry on
the deal – being signed six weeks prior.
Speaking of materials, Van der Heijden
informs BikeBiz that if you’re after high
performance leather, kangaroo is the type of
choice. The leather is used in Lake’s custom
cycle shoe CX401. Using the Boa lacing system
and that highly expensive kangaroo leather, the
CX401 is, of course, mouldable to the wearer
after five minutes in a 90 degree oven (not a
microwave, informs Van der Heijden). Simply
take out (with gloves), insert foot and do a
minimum amount of moulding. And you can
always have another go if you want thicker
socks under the shoe, etc.
Another existing product from Lakes being
put under the nose of dealers is the MTB boot.
It’s not sexy, claims Van der Heijden (it takes
all types), but it really does the job with a
highly grippy natural rubber sole and double
closure to keep the wet away from the foot
(Velcro and Boa lacing). The firm is also touting
custom shoe designing. One of the very few
brands to offer this, Lake can, customise shoes
with club colours, union flags (see pic above) or
whatever takes your fancy.
Like Lake, Science in Sport (SiS) has also
been purchased in the last 12 months. This will
herald some significant changes in packaging
and POS, but a cagey SiS staffer swore us to
secrecy on any details beyond that. It’s all
happening in April, so look out for that.
The show also saw 4ZA, of Ridley fame,
plying its wares. It’s been a bit of a whirlwind
for 4ZA, which as you no doubt are already
BIKEBIZ.COM
SHOW REVIEW | MOORE LARGE: TODAYS CYCLIST
Forme has 40 models this
year (top left); Vangard’s
retro cap (centre)
Lakes unveils custom
shoe offering (below);
Limar’s helmets (right)
aware has been launched as a standalone
brand. Central to the ethos is the all-important
three tiers of product: Stratos, Cirrus and Cirrus
Pro. Whatever the tier, the product will match.
So, if your customer only wants to stretch to a
Cirrus Pro saddle and is sticking with Cirrus
bars they won’t look out of place together on
the bike.
Simplicity is part of 4ZA’s brand ethos too.
Sober, simple graphics and a vow to not create
a ten saddle range, for example, choosing
instead to pack all the features in to a few
products. The wheels have, product manager
Yannick Christians tells us, been particularly
popular with dealers at the show.
Vangard is a company that puts moisture
management at the heart of most of its range.
While fashion has been pushed behind
performance for Vangard (though stylish
baselayers are thin on the ground, to be fair)
the firm has decided to break with tradition
for a special retro line of shirts, jackets and a
cap. Why? Because the Giro D’Italia, no less, is
starting in Denmark and Vangard’s own
humble home town this year. Aside from the
retro lines – which “attracts old riders and 20
somethings alike” – Vanguard has a new line
of Merino base layers.
Moore Large’s British bike brand Forme
goes from strength-to-strength. Launched in
BIKEBIZ.COM
March 2012 the brand started with 35 bike
models, hit 40 this model year and next year
will reach 56 models – a significant gain for
such a young brand. “That’s what is required
to make it a creditable brand,” the firm says.
Next year we can expect to see a premium
youth range and the brand’s entry into the
29er canon. Road bikes will expand too –
hitting price points as high as £4.5k for the
very top end.
Value for money, a lifetime guarantee and
the brand’s British credentials (with frames
named after local tracks and areas) are all
selling points Moore Large is keen to
emphasise. If you’re in doubt as to their
popularity, stock arrives in March and they’ve
already sold out of them.
ML is looking for bigger commitments from
dealers, “now the brand is better established
and people are asking for it by name”. The
distributor is investing in POS – mats, t-shirts,
hoodies, you name it – to make an impact
with the brand. The icing on the cake has been
a nomination for the Bike of the Year from
Cycling Plus. Will it win? Tune into Future’s
mag later this month.
Kenda is celebrating its 50th anniversary
this year and – incredibly – its 35th year
working with Moore Large. Can any other
distributor claim to have worked with one
brand for as long as that? Answers on a
postcard, please.
To celebrate ML is offering dealers a free
tube for every tyre ordered in the basic range,
a move heartily welcomed by dealers at the
show. As for new product, Kenda is produced
‘mid-range tyres’ for mountain bikes.
Limar has tinkered with its ‘world’s lightest
helmet’ 104, renaming it the Ultra Light+. It
retails at £129.99, comes in a MTB and road
version and weighs 175g for the medium (53
– 57). Limar’s eyewear is now in second year
with ML too. A concise range is available with
stockist deals – contact Moore Large for more
details on those.
Polisport’s new seat designs will be
available only to its exclusive distributors, and
with a widening range ML has grasped the
mantle with the brand. The new Guppy Maxi
and Mini are packed with features including a
five point belt which can be adjusted at groin
level and cushion. Style sets are available so
colours can be customised to a degree too.
Polisport’s Koolah line is the new entry-level
seat with high-sided protection on side and
details like big foot straps for kids, while brown
and cream colour options are available within
the range. For more details or to find out what
else was at the show call the firm directly.
01332 274252
ML is now stocking a
wider, exclusive range
from Polisport
BIKEBIZ MARCH 15
SHOW REVIEW | ICEBIKE*
Thought that Madison’s
showroom layout looked
good? Seminar speaker and
merchandising guru
Mercedes Ross took charge
Ice* should be so lucky
Falling toward the end of the show calendar, Madison’s iceBike* drew crowds like never before.
Mark Sutton did the rounds. From product through seminars and special guests, it’s all here…
MADISON CLOTHING
Madison’s new POS for its clothing line drew
flocks of retailers curious about the eyecatching
backlit panels, debuting at the show.
Commitment tiers are yet to be confirmed,
though Madison clothing brand manager Chris
Whitaker told BikeBiz: “Dealers have responded
very well throughout the show. This has been
the most positive response we’ve had to both
the POS and clothing.”
Plenty of new flouro gear made an
appearance, bulking up the brand’s commuter
catalogue with gillets, jackets and jerseys.
Madison’s also experimenting with new fibres,
introducing bamboo undershorts among other
goods. In a men’s and women’s cut, the
undershorts are backed with Madison’s limited
lifetime warranty. With strong thermal
properties, the anti-bacterial fabric quickly wicks
moisture to the surface, making it ideal for long
jaunts in the saddle or triathlons.
KRYPTONITE
Before telling us about a bundle of new chain
locks, Kryptonite pointed us to two new
brackets designed to hold d-locks in transit. The
first is the H-bar carrier, designed to fit
handlebars as small as 22mm, to 32mm in
thickness. What’s more, this bracket will carry
the majority of u-locks on the market. Hook
BIKEBIZ.COM
and loop straps keep the unit firm and free from
rattle. A frame-mounted version, costing £12.99
is also available.
New to the range and due in stock end of
April are new chains in various lengths hitting
each level of Sold Secure. Weighing in with a
Gold Sold Secure rating are the Evolution chains,
available in short, standard and long lengths at
£44.99, £64.99 and £89.99, respectively.
Landing with Madison late March, a
spokesperson told BikeBiz: “The shorter versions
act as a flexible u-lock and the chain locks into
the head with a dead bolt effect, so it’s a real
solid unit.” Retailers should also look out for the
‘Keeper’ chain, coming in with a Silver rating
and comprising 7mm four sided chain links
made from 3T manganese steel.
HYDRAPAK
A hidden delight of the Hydrapak stand came
from a not so typical water bottle, the brand’s
Gel Bot. This unit has a separate internal tube to
hold gel, which is released when you push the
nozzle down and squeeze. While the nozzle is
pulled open only water can be released.
Another unique variation on the water bottle
came in the form of the ‘Soft Flask’, a £12.99
collapsable flask with patented bite valve. A
Hydrapak spokesman told BikeBiz: “Many of our
components are compatible with product from
Dakine, Soloman and even Camelbak, including
our reservoirs, themselves unique thanks to our
‘Shapeshift’ spine ziploc system – in a nutshell,
this eliminates the side to side sloshing of liquid
while in the saddle.”
SARACEN
It was prototypes galore on the Saracen booth,
which also hosted the team launch as the final
day of show came to a close. The three builds
shown were a 100mm Kili 29er, a 120mm Zen
29er and a new cyclocross rig.
Five builds of the Kili 29er are planned,
spanning £550 through £1,500, while the Zen
rides much like the 140mm Ariel, according to
brand manager Simon Wild. He told BikeBiz:
“You’ll really notice the rolling resistance lessens
with these bikes, they make you feel fit. The
120mm Zen is trail friendly, light and fast
enough for long rides.”
Of the cyclocross rig, Wild said: “This is the
mountain bikers cyclocross bike. It’s carrying a
shorter stem, is more upright and has rack
mounts should anyone want to use it as a
workhorse. What’s more, it’ll take a 30.9 gravity
post, for quick saddle height adjustment.”
Guideline prices for this model weigh in at
£800 for a dual mechanical disc spec, or for
SRAM RED, £1,300. Both will be
available around September time.
Kryptonite has new locks
at each step on the Sold
Secure ladder
>>
BIKEBIZ MARCH 17
SHOW REVIEW | ICEBIKE*
GUESTS:
SEMINARS AND CYCLE FITTING
Blackburn’s new fully
waterproof panniers
were a big hit
Easton gave those
dabbling in the outdoors
trade plenty to look at
>>
SCIENCE IN SPORT
Nutrition giant Science in Sport has
introduced the ‘Intropack’ for dealers struggling
to make inroads in sports nutrition.
At £13.50, the box packs in £19 worth of gels,
powders, energy and recovery bars and a water
bottle. This pack will include the soon to be
rebranded Go and Rego product, undergoing a
design makeover for April launch.
Madison’s new point of
sale (below) and Nutrak’s
tyre range (above)
GAMUT
Gamut introduced a new single ring bashguard
and chain guide to supersede the P20 and P40.
Largely revamped, the design carries an
aluminium insert and redesigned, reduced weight
backplate. There’s no lower roller either, with
Gamut opting for an O-ring design, which chains
simply slide over with no noise and little friction.
O-ring spares are supplied in the box, though can
also be obtained from most hardware stores.
The new model lands with Madison in April,
comes in 100-grams lighter than the P30 and is
34 and 36-tooth compatible.
WHEELS MANUFACTURING
Now boasting 163 gear hanger replacements
having added another for the new Cervelo s5,
Wheels Manufacturing continues to provide
dealers a one stop shop for frame spare parts.
The firm is, however, diversifying its offering,
introducing converters for BB30 and press fit, to
Shimano compatible, as well as adaptors for
Campagnolo and BBright frames. UK prices are
to be confirmed, though the BB30 and press fit
adapters will cost between 30 and 50 dollars and
the BBright, around 50 dollars.
18 BIKEBIZ MARCH
Hangars for Giants TCR line, Willier’s latest
bikes and the Merckx EMX5/7 are now available.
BLACKBURN
Taking pride of place on the Blackburn stand was
the new line of luggage, from saddlebags,
through full size panniers.
The new Barrier, perhaps the highlight of the
bunch is Blackburns 100 per cent waterproof
welded seam 29-litre pannier – costing just
£59.99 at retail. As with all Blackburn luggage,
the Click Fix system features, tying it to the
brand’s pannier rack product. Reflective accents
adorn the front panel, while either side of the
bag features a cut out for clipping rear lights.
The Barrier saddlebags cost £14.99 and £19.99.
PARK TOOL
It was new products galore on the Park Tool
stand, which was manned by brand expert Roger
Olsen, flown in from the US for iceBike*.
A total of 15 new products join the catalogue,
including Campagnolo Power Torque adaptor
sets, new crown race cutting adaptors, steel core
tyre levers, DT Swiss and Mavic compatible spoke
wrenches, thru axle adaptors for truing jigs and
much more.
The highlight for workshops has to be one of
the simpler products in the catalogue, however.
Park has upgraded its Nitrile workshop gloves
and, as demonstrated by Olson, these will stretch
as far as the elbow without disintegrating, as is
often the case when working with budget
counterparts from most hardware stores. All
new tools are backed by Park Tools’ limited
lifetime warranty.
SOME FAMILIAR faces were back again this
year, along with fresh additions. iceBike*
veteran Jay Townley returned to give a talk
on what he calls ‘digital Darwinism’.
In short, Townley’s speeches centred
around ensuring your business isn’t left
behind by society and technology, as
together both seemingly jump light years
into the future with the help of new
gadgets and services, be it social media, or
QR scanners linking customers up to price
comparison websites.
Townley told BikeBiz: “It’s not a good
idea to bury your head in the sand with
these things. We’re in a part of history
where online is experiencing a big
transitional change and those that
embrace advances can do good business,
or at least raise their profile. Others who
don’t, I fear, will drop off the face of the
earth as time ticks on. There are now four
generations using Facebook, not just the
younger generations, a common
misconception. With an up to date
website, keeping tabs on social media
activity, offering handheld device
compatible services and selling a package
that can’t be found online, retailers can
stay ahead of the game.”
Making a debut appearance at iceBike*
and drawing crowds of intrigued retailers,
Gait analysis specialists from MAR Systems
were demonstrating the art of precision
bike fitting.
Jonathan Hedges of Mar told BikeBiz:
“Bike fitting is an excellent way to get the
upper hand over the big boys online.
Independent retail can give a personal
fitting with our software package from as
little as £85 per month. This online
software takes into account the customer’s
measurements and delivers the best base
bike solutions in an easy to understand
traffic light system. We can bike fit for
comfort, sport or competition use, as well
as alleviate most aches and pains using
analysis.”
Hedges also explained the benefits in
terms of SEO, for those using video to
assist in bike fitting. He added: “We have a
direct upload to YouTube function and
since search engines are hot on video and
PDF content, stores assisting their
customers via video analysis can make big
gains online with just a few links.”
For more information on MAR, see
www.mar-systems.co.uk.
Jay Townley (left) and
Mar’s Jonathan Hedges
(right) at iceBike*
BIKEBIZ.COM
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EVOPOS | EPOS AND E-COMMERCE
EvoPos-sible
The Evopos team is led by
managing director
Denis Bullen (right)
Looking for business management software? Evopos says it has one of the best. Mark
Sutton discusses the trade-specific management system with MD Denis Bullen...
IT’S AN INESCAPABLE fact that retail is
a different animal to that of ten years
ago. Far from the days of stock checking
in tattered notepads, the front line now
has a plethora of digital tools to keep
tabs on everything from supplier stock
to staff days off.
Evopos has been working within the
electronic point of sale business for
near 30 years, focusing largely on the
motorcycle and cycle retail businesses
– two markets with similar needs when
it comes to managing sales and repairs.
MD at Evopos Denis Bullen explains
that technology advances in the past
few years have signalled some of the
most drastic and exciting changes to
managing a business at point of sale for
many years, as well as heralding a new
age of online retail.
“There’s never been a better time to
get your business online, if you aren’t
already. The real benefit with our web
store module is that it’s really easy to
edit and maintain yourself, key for
newcomers to web sales,” said Bullen.
“This means no expensive technical
support costs every time you need to
update the site. The whole process can
be learned extremely fast due to the
systems great ease of use. It’s brilliant
for increasing sales with no real cost.”
Workshop logs are managed by the
firm’s ‘Organiser’ module, effectively a
workshop diary that allows the user to
view all bookings, prior completed jobs,
BIKEBIZ.COM
creating a service history profile for each
and every customer.
With mobile technology now
providing most of the luxuries associated
with a desktop computer, Evopos has
developed a platform which allows a
store owner to use their smart phone or
tablet device to create sales orders, find
and contact anyone on their database,
or view detailed sales reports from
anywhere on the planet.
Among the fans of Evopos software
for use in cycling retail is Compton
Cycles owner Chris Compton. He told
BikeBiz of his experiences using the
software to date.
“When we were given the
opportunity to upgrade our Epos to the
new Windows operating system three
years ago I felt confident that the team
at Evopos would make the transition as
smooth as possible. It was installed and
we were back up and running on the
same day. We now have the facility to
identify our most profitable sales lines
our best customers, our workshop
profitability, our fastest and slowest
moving lines in moments.”
As a guideline cost, dealers can be set
up with management software from £35
per month, or £100 if a web store is
included in the package. Prices do vary
from store to store, however, so for a
quote, contact Evopos on 01202
875996.
www.evopos.com
EVOPOS IN 60 SECONDS
What module additions or
upgrades are in the pipeline?
Currently we can offer a free ecommerce site with every
Evopos system. We also offer a
low cost alternative for £75.00.
Many companies have web
sites and e-commerce sites
that do not link to their POS
systems. We have an E-Link
module that allows most sites
to integrate seamlessly with
the Evopos stock systems,
which we intend to expand so
anyone with any bespoke or
off the shelf web site can link
with the main Evopos system.
What aspects of the Evopos
program are particularly well
suited to cycle retail?
The workshop module is
particularly useful, especially
being able to log individual
engineers on and off jobs as
necessary – It makes the
whole process more efficient
and managed.
How can Evopos
accommodate the workshop
and hire businesses out there?
Evopos has specialist modules
designed for both jobs.
What are the costs associated
with taking on Evopos and
what hardware or software is
included?
Specific costs will vary
depending on the often unique
needs of the dealer. A single
system can cost as little as
£35 month, complete with the
service contract, though.
There is no extra charge for
annual support, which is
normally quite expensive.
Evopos will be at
CoreBike 2013
What back up is in place
should a dealer experience
technical problems?
We offer a full service contract
with every system a dealer
subscribes to at no extra cost.
This includes telephone and
remote log in as necessary.
This service sorts out 99 per
cent of all problems.
Will you be present at any
trade exhibitions this year?
We will be present at the Core
Bike show next year.
BIKEBIZ MARCH 21
SHOW REVIEW | EXPO 2012
Amongst Carrera’s
offerings is a nifty
folding frame. Cool, eh?
Rise MTB wheels were
among the many SRAMbased Expo attractions
Hit for six
Eastway is Fisher’s new inhouse brand, named after
the East London track
BIKEBIZ.COM
IN-HOUSE brand Eastway – named after the
old East London cycle track – was among the
brands debuting at Expo. In fact it was more a
preview, with prototypes on display after only
months in development, marking the first time
the brand had been on show. The final versions
are set to arrive in stock from June.
But what about the bikes? The Eastway
range encompasses bikes for roadies,
commuters and cross racers. Top of the line-up
is the RD 1.0 D, a carbon road bike
unconventionally using disc brakes. Further
down the line the range switches to aluminium
frames, while similarly there is a hierarchy in
the components used as the range progresses
in retail price.
If you were at the show and passed on your
feedback, you might well have a hand in future
developments for the bikes which will be,
likely, branching further into mountain bikes
too, the distributor tells BikeBiz.
Another brand new to the Fisher fold is
Carrera Eyewear. Carrera has a lifestyle and
sport division and has arms that reach into the
likes of sailing, running and golfing, but the
firm is aiming to raise its profile in the UK and
US alike, having appointed a major US
distributor and Fisher in the UK. Alongside an
More new brands than you can
count on one hand, plus revamps
and fresh ranges. Jonathon Harker
reports back from Fisher Outdoor
Leisure’s St Albans-set Expo 2012…
Alongside SRAM Red and
the brand’s broad
product range, Expo saw
the portable SRAM tech
centre offer sessions for
workshop mechanics.
investment in sponsorship, the brand is
bringing a seven-strong product range through
the distributor initially. Prices range from
£89.99 to £159.99 and glasses come with
interchangeable lenses. Models at the higher
end incorporate Carrera’s patented nose clips,
which adjust vertically as well as horizontally,
for “the best fitting sunglasses”. Open, virtually
frame-free lenses are available alongside fullframed versions, as are quirky folding
sunglasses (pictured top).
Multiple-award winning Yepp child seats,
have scored prizes from Eurobike and Red Dot
as well as a Netherlands Baby Innovation Prize
in 2011. The brand has been garnering all this
praise for an eye-catching line of child seats
for bicycles. Made from a similar material as
Croc shoes, the material is durable,
comfortable and easy to clean, as any Croc
wearer will be aware. The range includes
innovative add-ons, like wind screens and soft
guards to protect the head of a child nodding
off. Five point harnesses prevent persistent
children from standing up on the seat, while
the bracket – which stays on the bike – is easy
to separate from the Yepp seat and fit onto
another bike that has a bracket. The Yepp
range comes in five colours and is in stock
>>>
BIKEBIZ MARCH 23
SHOW REVIEW | EXPO 2012
Eastway’s RD 1.0 (left);
Yepp, complete with
sleep guard (below)
Yepp child seats,
Weldtite’s Pure and
Union 34 (left-to-right)
>>>
now. The brand was created by the man
behind BoBike who actually left the bike
industry for two decades, after which he
returned and came up with the Yepp concept.
Another new in-house brand for Fisher is
Union 34. Pitched at urban cyclists the range
includes luggage initially, with clothing – too
new to appear at Expo – in the works
including hoodies amongst other garments.
But back to the luggage, the line-up is for use
on and off the bike. For example the Stripe
rucksack has an intelligent fixing system
linking it to Union 34’s own seatpost bracket
(or to a rack). When taken off the bike a pad
means the rucksack is comfortable when on
the back too.
The water resistant range has high vis
waterproof covers that can be pulled over the
bag for inevitable rainy conditions. The Union
34 luggage range is available to customers
from April.
Fisher’s other own brand – folding bike
range Kansi – has been given a welding
upgrade, providing top quality connections as
part of a brand relaunch.
US-based DZR shoes was actually dreamt
up in the Alps and boasts shoes made of either
leather or vegan-friendly material. Lots of
24 BIKEBIZ MARCH
design has gone into the DZR soles, Fisher tells
BikeBiz, not least with its co-moulded power
plates – metal reinforced Nylon shanks so the
shoe can handle plenty of force on the pedal.
Despite that strength the range has been
designed to be able to be worn off the bike,
with enough flex in the sole to be suitable for
walking. Likewise cleats are recessed enough
not to click incessantly while the wearer is
walking. The DZR line is available in April.
Aside from brand revamps and new arrivals,
fresh products from existing brands were also
in the Expo mix, including Virtual Reality
software from Tacx. Compatible with all Tacx
trainers, and being shown off at Expo with the
Genius – the software includes four virtual
worlds for cyclists to get to grips with.
Cunningly avoiding the solitude of training,
the software allows riders to compete against
online rivals worldwide. Not only that, virtual
private races can be set up online too.
Elsewhere, SRAM Red was an obvious
attraction, as was SRAM’s tech centre sessions
for mechanics and other interested parties.
The recently launched RISE MTB wheels also
made an appearance, with the carbon 60s
retailing at around £1,500 and the aluminium
40s for less than £500. There is also an
extended 29er line-up from the brand.
Other news from the show saw a revised
line of packaging from Vavert, now cleaner in
design and eco-friendly too. In conjunction
with that, Fisher is expanding its Essentials
campaign, making use of that new packaging.
The distributor is pushing the bread and butter
line of products at ‘everyday low prices’.
And finally, a few words on Fisher’s new
business-to-business site. Soft launched at
Expo, any dealer who wants to can now log on
to the site and use it. The boffins at the
distributor tell BikeBiz that navigation has
been improved and that its much faster than
the old B2B site.
A key point about the new site is pricing
information. Dealers can now see promotional
pricing online and even get their sales history
data from the site too. Fisher is looking for
dealer feedback, so don’t be shy.
There was much more at the St Albans-set
Expo that we haven’t got space to cover here,
including the Weldtite manufactured Pure
range (pic above), the official 2012 GreenEDGE
Team Kit from Santini and more. Find out
more about all of those from Fisher Outdoor
Leisure directly, on the number below.
01727 798 345
Union 34 is Fisher’s new
luggage range (above);
Kansi has relaunched
with new welding (below)
BIKEBIZ.COM
topeak.com
For wherever your
travels take you.
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Built for the road or trail less traveled. A wide roll-top
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UK Distributor | Extra UK | www.extrauk.co.uk
BRAND SPOTLIGHT | OXFORD PRODUCTS
Oxford’s warehouse is
about to more than
double in size (left); The
firm is heading to Taipei
to boost its export
business (right)
Cameron praises Oxford
It’s not everyday David Cameron heralds your company for its achievements in business. Jonathon Harker
talks with Henry Fletcher about why the Prime Minister singled Oxford Products out for praise…
FOLLOWING A WIN at the inaugural West
Oxfordshire Business Awards, Oxford Products
received a congratulatory letter from Oxford’s
local MP, a certain David Cameron. So why all
the praise for the company, which works in the
cycle and motorcycle trade?
Growth has certainly played its part. So
impressive has its recent successes been that
the firm has had to buy up land next door and
secure planning permission for a vastly larger
base. In fact, Oxford Products’ current 45,000
square foot distribution facility in Witney,
Oxfordshire will double in size between now
and November.
“The last 12 months have been incredibly
busy on all fronts,” Oxford’s Henry Fletcher
tells BikeBiz. “Our business grew by 17.5 per
cent in 2011. Sales have grown strongly since
2006, from £7.6m to £18.3m in 2011.
“Cycle makes up 13 per cent of our turnover
and grew by a spectacular 48 per cent. Even
better, profits remained in line with turnover to
support this growth.
“Over the last two months, our product
team has been working furiously. As a result,
our cycle product range has improved
dramatically and nearly every single item has
been re-sourced and re-packaged in modern,
slick and also environmentally conscious
corporate packaging.
“Cycling is our biggest area for growth and is
receiving the appropriate investment. In the
UK, we’re working hard with our wholesale
partners to push the brand into as many stores
as possible.”
The company, which also serves the
motorcycle industry, has been increasingly
BIKEBIZ.COM
Oxford Products is
opening an American
arm (see inset, right)
“Cycling is
our biggest
area of
growth and is
receiving the
appropriate
investment.”
tailoring its offering to cycle retailers due to
that growth, BikeBiz learns.
Fletcher says: “Most of our recent work has
been focused on getting the product and its
presentation right. Since the acquisition of
Sprint CPA we have had a vast product range
which needed re-sourcing, re-packaging and
presenting in an easy-to-use brochure. To put
how busy we have been into context, we are
about to launch our third brochure in 18
months… it will be yet another big leap
forward for us.
“We have also developed a huge range of
shop display equipment which will go hand-inhand with the newly packaged product range
to make our products sell themselves.
“We’ve got fresh brochures, a fresh range,
fresh displays… we have effectively created a
new cycle accessory company, but with all the
experience of the last thirty nine years in
business. Yes, we celebrate our 40th
anniversary next year.”
Have any product areas or ranges been key
to Oxford’s successes, asks BikeBiz?
“With everything undergoing such a high
growth rate, it’s sometimes hard to pick out
the stars,” muses Fletcher. “Our biggest areas
of growth have been in lighting products and
helmets. Sales of both have at least doubled in
the past year, due to better products and
smarter packaging. However, we are still seeing
significant growth in our more established
ranges, such as locks and luggage, and our new
range of pumps is literally selling itself.”
New product ranges in the works include a
new sub-range of products for BMX, called
“DarXide”. With distinctive grungy packaging
and a more restrained use of the Oxford logo,
the various pedal, grips, tyres and parts are
proving popular with the firm’s customers.
Looking ahead, Fletcher forsees investment
in product and people. “Our priority is to
capitalise on the tremendous product range we
have made available and to place it in as many
stores as possible. Our warehouse is bursting
with stock; so much so that we will be
doubling its size by the end of the year.
Meanwhile, we continue to plough investment
into product development, our Continual
Improvement Programme, which ensures that
our service matches our products, and in
excellent new people who will add weight to
the company’s forward momentum.”
01993 862 300
OXFORD PRODUCTS ACROSS THE POND
Oxford Products has taken the jump over
the Atlantic and opened a US facility in
Jacksonville, Florida.
Oxford has previously seen its products
distributed in the States by third parties
with varying degrees of success, it admits,
hence the creation of a wholly owned
subsidiary in the US. Headed up by Eric and
Karen McFarlane, stalwarts of the
motorcycle industry, the couple will be
quitting Scotland for the venture. Karen
McFarlane said: “It’s a huge challenge and
we simply cannot wait to get cracking
stateside. Leaving home in Scotland won’t
be without its wrenches, but we’re ready for
a new challenge and Oxford’s support and
enthusiasm has been immense.”
BIKEBIZ MARCH 27
MEDIA SPECIAL | CYCLING PRESS
Shred is now digital
friendly in all formats, as
well as producing a
thicker magazine
Cycle press cuts fine figures
Be it digital or print, the consumer-facing cycling press is vibrant and keeping pace with the constantly
evolving media business. Mark Sutton pins down some publishing head honchos for their story...
FACTORY MEDIA – As this magazine hits
desks it’ll be spot on a year since Factory Media
acquired Road Cycling UK and mountain biking
website Bike Magic.
That takeover, according to director James
Carter, has allowed the publisher’s business to
keep up the pace on the steady, yet consistent
growth in the firm’s five year history.
Carter told BikeBiz: “We’re covering the
majority of cycling now. BMX is
comprehensively looked after with Ride UK,
Dig magazine, BMX Basics and race site BMX
Talk, as well as Freedom, the leader in the
German market. RCUK spans road, cyclocross
and everything in between, while Dirt and Bike
Magic do a great job in off-road territories.
Although Bicycle Buyer has been put on the
backburner for now, we feel that Mpora Gear
fills that space, giving consumers a place to
share information and reviews on product.”
From one acquisition to another, Factory
itself has seen a majority stake investment
from the Forward Internet Group. According to
Carter, this will help the publisher expand the
ambitions of its 25 online platforms all falling
under the Mpora.com umbrella.
Carter said: “Forward bought out the VC
backing that was held by Foresight Group and
plan to quickly accelerate the business through
a host of technical advances on multiple
platforms including the web, mobile and Apps.
Forward are online experts in understanding
audience behaviour and among their brands
are popular utilities site uSwitch.”
28 BIKEBIZ MARCH
Verified figures seen by BikeBiz show the
Mpora.com domain to have received some
2,426,851 unique visitors in the month from
January 16th to February 15th.
Factory Media now has
25 online platforms,
one of which is Dirt
MBR’s average net
circulation per issue
was 28,204
SHRED –Steve Toze’s A5 magazine continues
to gain fans, upping its frequency to six issues
annually and improving the quality of the
paper stock in the process. Toze told BikeBiz:
“We are still keeping the iconic style and paper
print size that people like, but for the digital
offering we have made some further
improvements. We’ve continued and developed
our popular Shred App, which now has even
more functionality and an Apple NewsStand
presence. Further to that, we’ve also tweaked
the Shred Store for enhanced ease of use.”
The publisher’s partnership with the
National Trust continues to flourish – a deal
which sees the organisation supporting the
editorial team’s activities during events.
”With more resources in place, we are
striving to lay down new features and content
for the website and social media feeds on a
regular basis. When we’re not doing all of that,
we run running and triathlon events, as well as
Cyclocross and MTB events in conjunction with
our National Trust partnership. All of these
activities are publicised and co-ordinated in a
holistic and symbiotic fashion by SpikePR,
Shred’s parent company.”
THE RIDE JOURNAL – Much loved magazine
and varied collection of stories from around the
globe, The Ride Journal continues to gain fans,
launching the latest issue at popular London
cycle café Look Mum, no Hands!
Publisher Philip Diprose said of the latest
issue: “Having grown yet again it is now almost
200 pages. We’ve got riders in the cold, from
Alaska to Oslo. Riders in the heat from
Nullarbor desert to Mallorcan mountains.
Absolute beginners, through to weekend
warriors. Plenty of pro-riders, a Guinness record
holder, a world champion and even an Olympic
gold medal winner. Pieces to inspire the head,
the heart and the legs of every type of rider.
Whether you are a seasoned rider, or new to
the game, big wheeled, small wheeled, dirt,
track or tarmac. Hell, we’ve even got a rider
being chased by a police helicopter. I think
we’ve got something for most people.” Also notable is the new line of branded
cycling apparel for fans of the journal, made by
Morvelo and available to order via the
magazine’s website – theridejournal.com –
itself due a revamp soon.
Diprose added: “The Ride Journal continues to
be the first and hopefully the best genre
defying, all wheel size embracing, globally
covering, journal of riders tales. The final
product is tweaked from issue-to-issue but the
formula and passion remain the same: to cover
the soulful stories that encapsulate what it
means to be a rider. After a longer than usual
break we are back with issue six and the
seventh will be due in time for Christmas, with
a bit of luck.”
BIKEBIZ.COM
MEDIA SPECIAL | CYCLING PRESS
The Ride Journal continues to
gorw in popularity and
pagination - the next issue
going above 200 pages
SINGLETRACK – Following on from last
year’s BikeBiz Award, Singletrack is in the
hotseat again, this time a candidate in the
Specialist Media Show’s awards. The
recognition is based around the publisher’s
strategy for the future and investment in print
subscriptions and retail packages.
As the bike markets most prominent
independent, Singletrack continues to broaden
its loyal following and recognises this with
both a dedicated retail package and a very
tech savvy approach to subscriptions. The
latter, end-user focused deal sees subscribers
able to access the magazine in any format – be
it tablet, PDF download or the trusty hard copy
– all for a one-off subscriptions fee.
Publisher Mark Alker told BikeBiz: “In short
we are subscriber focused with a bias towards
bike shops as opposed to newsagents.
Specifically, we are offering all formats on all
platforms to all subscribers. Subscribe once –
get the lot! That’s eBooks too.”
Subscribers are already granted access to
exclusive website content and for 2012 the
publisher is adding more options exclusively for
subscribers through its website. A recent
example of what is to come would be
Singletrack’s ‘Light Trap’ story that offers
subscribers downloadable wall paper for their
computers or tablets.
Verified analytics shown to BikeBiz show
that in the month of January singletrackworld
.com received 698,175 unique visitors over
1,614,216 visits. 20 per cent of that traffic
stemmed from mobile sources.
Of particular interest to bike stores are the
two stockist models now available. The
traditional SoR model remains in place, though
a Premier Dealer package, said to be worth
£1,000, is now on offer for a monthly
subscription fee of £35. With this model,
retailers receive ten copies per issue, resellable
at £5.95 per issue. An online advertising
package worth £480 per year is included, as is
free POS material, a premier dealer listing in
print and online, the option to sell Singletrack
subs in store with commission and a one off
Premier Dealer editorial article hosted online.
Alker added: “Despite changes in High Street
buying habits we’ve increased our direct
subscription sales by over 20 per cent in the
last 12 months. The printed magazine has now
been redesigned from the ground up and is
printed on super high quality paper taking it
from an already hefty 380g per issue to well
over 580g. We’ve taken the opportunity to
spread our editorial wings too, with more of
the quality, in-depth features we’re known for,
a broader contributor base and a refreshing
take on the way we tackle product testing.”
IPC’s Cycling Weekly held
steady with just a very
slight dip
Mpora’s empire is set to
grow further with FIG
investment
THE ALBION – Having just completed
volume one, The Albion is now an established
magazine in the BMX trade and continues to
offer free distribution via cycling stores.
Publisher Tim March told BikeBiz: “The
Albion has been well received by readers,
distributors and advertisers. The free model
has worked for us and the BMX industry as a
whole. Kids are getting into shops to pick
their mags up and in the process this has
created a buzz all over the BMX world. We
are now pleased to announce that we are
launching The Albion in the USA. Exciting
times, scary times but most of all, fun times.”
FUTURE The cycle media goliath has seen
the digital side of its business become
increasingly important, growing 41 per cent
according to its Interim Management
Statement for Oct 1st to Feb 8th. While print
sales remain challenging, Future said it expects
digital revenue to maintain a ‘vigorous growth
rate’. But while print is generally in decline
across the board, the ABC’s revealed growth for
MBUK (2.6 per cent) and a modest rise for print
giant Cycling Plus (see page 29). Other recent
developments from Future include the creation
of a streamlined one-stop-shop for bike and
product reviews in its Sports Product and
Testing Hub, launched last year.
ROAD.CC – Trade-voted cycling website of
2011 Road.cc has been experiencing
phenomenal growth in the past year
according to site editor Tony Atkinson.
“It’s been like being strapped to a rocket,”
said Atkinson. “2010 was a great year: We
doubled traffic on every metric and topped
everything off by winning the BikeBiz
Consumer Website of the Year award… and
then we did it all again in 2011. And 2012?
Well, traffic has jumped again – January was
our biggest month on the site ever with visits
up exactly 100 per cent year-on-year. At the
BIKEBIZ.COM
BIKEBIZ MARCH 29
MEDIA SPECIAL | CYCLING PRESS
Rouleur’s business now
spans events,
magazines, books,
online and more
BikeBiz Award-winning website Road.cc (above)
start of February we surged past 300K unique
users and by mid-month we hit 340K with
page views and visits showing correspondingly
similar levels of growth.”
The forum continues to gain in popularity,
something Atkinson says is key to “creating a
sense of community.” Further, the launch of a
Fantasy Cycling game has thickened the
stream of regular visitors further.
“We’ve also launched our Buy It Local
buttons, because we think it’s important to
show that online media can support IBDs; and
we are going to be launching some other
exciting new things later this spring. We will also
be concentrating hard on being first with cycling
news, and making our reviews and technical
coverage even better – those things that helped
make our name,” added Atkinson.
Analytics figures seen by BikeBiz confirm in
2011 the site saw 4.7m visits, two million of
which were uniques, generating 14m page views.
VELOVISION & ELECTRIC BIKE MAGAZINE
Peter Elands’ two magazine stable of VeloVision
and Electric Bike Magazine continues to move
with the times, with both titles now
downloadable via an iTunes app and also
offering android compatibility.
At just over a year old, Electric Bike Magazine
has just published its fourth issue, with a print
run of 10,000 copies, most of which are
distributed through partnering bike shops FOC.
Publisher Eland told BikeBiz: “Advertiser
support is growing, particularly in Electric Bike
Magazine. Given our dedication to the sector
and offer of editorial reviews of our supporter’s
bikes, I think we offer something quite unique.”
Both titles are now published three times per
year, though growth permitting, Eland will look
to increase the frequency in time.
CYCLE COMMUTER – Cycle Commuter is a
twice annually distributed magazine published
by the contract publishing arm of Farrelly
Atkinson, the minds behind Road.cc.Hitting the
30 BIKEBIZ MARCH
customers buying into the Cycle To Work
program, the 35,000-plus copies are evenly sent
out across the six month shelf life, with the
spring/summer issue landing in April and the
autumn/winter landing from October. Magazine
distribution is backed by a hefty road show
presence from Cyclescheme. Elaine Curtin of
Farrelly Atkinson told BikeBiz: “Content is
focused on empowering new cyclists with
product and practical advice on cycling to work,
written by Dan Joyce. He also supplies product,
maintenance and tech info content to the
community section of cyclescheme.co.uk.”
Cyclescheme’s
magazine, produced by
the contract publishing
arm of Farrelly Atkinson
ROULEUR – As revealed in BikeBiz’s
December edition, Rouleur is branching into
events, further broadening the publisher’s
business. Sadly, at the time of press things are
still hush hush on what we can expect from the
Rouleur Gruppo event, but what we do know is
that it’ll target road cycling fans and will tie in
with the London Nocturne over the weekend
starting June 8th – itself attracting 11,000
spectators and the cream of British racing.
Publisher Bruce Sandell told BikeBiz that it’s
been subscription sales driving his portfolio
forwards over the past three years and that a
slow down is not anticipated.
“Our mix is roughly 60 per cent subscriptions
with the remaining 40 per cent split equally
between web sales and retail, said Sandell. “The
magazines are not time sensitive and are
extremely collectable – so we have a thriving
back issues business, every issue sells out. This
year we’ll spend on subscriptions marketing to
further grow our base – our demographic of 35
to 50-year-old affluent men is a perfect subss
audience. They are settled and have money.”
Magazine publishing aside, cycling books
continue to sell well with Rouleur backing and
due this spring is an illustrated version of Need
For The Bike by Paul Fournel. This launch will be
followed in the autumn by the sixth instalment
of the Rouleur Annual, along with a new book
on a yet-to-be-named legend of road cycling.
On to digital developments, both Privateer
and Rouleur became available on Apple’s
newsstand late in 2011 and are said to be
performing well sales wise.
Sandell told BikeBiz: “In April 2012, we will be
launching a three tiered subscription offer (print
only, digital only and print and digital) – in
addition we will have upgrades for our print
subscribers where, for a small fee, they can
upgrade their subscription to print and digital.
Rouleur’s subscriber survey back in October
2011 identified that 45 per cent of subscribers
already owned iPads – we expect this to be
significantly over 60 per cent now, which is well
above average for a UK-based magazine. This
highlights the potential of the tablet for our
audience. We will launch some one-shot digital
mags later this year and also will be offering
enhanced advertising for our customers.”
IPC – Just prior to Christmas IPC made the
announcement that it was to launch the Road
Cycling Show, set for Sandown Park on April
21st and 22nd this year. In a link up with TCR
Shows, organisers of the Traithlon Show and
Running Show, IPC will work alongside ex-Cycle
Show director Andrew Brabazon to bring about
a wholly road orientated show. The show will be
a mix of trade and retail and the organisers are
working with manufacturers, distributors and
retailers to offer visitors the chance to see, test
and buy the key models from many ranges.
Seminars with some of the country’s top riders
and cycle industry experts will also be taking
place throughout the weekend as well as a
focus on grass roots cycling in the Club area.
Keith Foster, publishing director for IPC’s
cycling titles, said: “We’re very pleased and
excited to launch this show. With the huge
growth in cycling in the UK, especially London,
we feel the time is right to take this opportunity.
Feedback from the trade has been very positive
and we look forward to working with TCR and
the industry in creating the best road cycling
specific show in the UK.”
BIKEBIZ.COM
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SHOW REVIEW | RALEIGH
Teaching an old bike new tricks…
It’s been a busy period for Britain’s best known Heron, which recently celebrated its first125 years in the
bicycle business. For those who may have missed Raleigh’s many recent road shows, Mark Sutton
checks in at the Nottingham headquarters for the latest scoop…
Zero is High 5’s take on
the current disclosable
tablet trend (above)
AS DOCUMENTED in last month’s BikeBiz, with
125 years in the trade under its belt, Raleigh is
celebrating its heritage and its business this
year. Those who made it to the first of the
dealer-targeted roadshows may have had been
papped alongside a classic of their choice – a
Grifter, Chopper, or perhaps a tandem for
couples who’ve enjoyed the pleasures of
cycling together aboard a Raleigh.
This was part of the current ‘Me and My
Raleigh’ campaign, live on the distributor’s
website at present. This nostalgic reminder
bears little resemblance to the Raleigh of
today, however, with distribution central to the
Nottingham’s firm business, alongside a retail
franchise and a stubborn refusal to give up all
in-house manufacturing and building to the Far
East. On that note, here’s a round-up of the
brand and product developments you may
have missed.
DARE2B
A new addition to the Raleigh portfolio, many
will be familiar with the Dare2B brand which
has quickly grabbed a slice of market share in
cycle clothing.
32 BIKEBIZ MARCH
Catering extensively for the budgets of
beginners, as well as offering a few advanced
pieces, the line starts at £10 for a fast-wicking
base layer, covering more or less head to toe
with affordable and largely reflective clothing.
At the performance end of the market,
things remain competitive, with the firm’s
stretch fabric cycling jackets selling for £100
and coming packed with details that ensure
that cyclists will be comfortable, visible and
will enjoy the perks of headphone ports,
among other small features.
2012 sees the introduction of the brand’s
first stab at fluorescent jackets in bright yellow
and pink shades, including ladies’ specific cuts.
Dealers are looking at around 50 per cent
margins on most garments and there is no buy
-in minimums, though there are rewards for
commitment, as well as point of sale material.
SKS
SKS continues to broaden its catalogue and
while not exclusive to Raleigh, certain items
have been given a revamp solely for the
Nottingham distributor’s catalogue. A one-off
white version of the Velo 42 mudguard is
among these unique items and is currently
selling very well to the fixie enthusiast.
We’ve talked about the Raceblade Long in
BikeBiz before now, yet it’s worth reiterating
how strong a product this is for the cycle club
rider. With that extra few inches of coverage
there’s no danger of splattering the rider
behind or in front with muck.
Workshops should look out for the
Professional Shock pump, a do-it-all solution
to maintaining the correct air pressures in forks
and shocks from any brand. POS material is
available for larger stock commitments.
UNIOR
Another impressive notch in Raleigh’s belt,
Unior is a giant of tool manufacturing for more
than just the bicycle trade and one certainly
worthy of the professional workshop.
As demonstrated in the brand’s
comprehensive tool chest package (costing
£1,500) the catalogue of tools available from
Raleigh is likely in the hundreds, the chest
itself holding everything a workshop could
wish for, excluding perhaps some of the newer,
more brand-specific tools.
BIKEBIZ.COM
SHOW REVIEW | RALEIGH
With revamped packaging to better sell to
consumers and a marketing plan for this year,
Unior is looking to make in-roads in terms of
sales with Raleigh and developing its close
relationship with the Trek Pro team.
RSP
There’s much in the pipeline for RSP in 2012.
At just over a year old, the early product
revolved solely around basic road components
with the most expensive item last year
retailing at just £45. This year the horizons are
set to broaden, with performance gear and
carbon prototypes emerging, as well as some
goods landing in stock now.
Among these you’ll find KEO-compatible
and new £44.99 high-end resin pedals, the
latter of which weighs just 244 grams, not too
far off the weight of much more expensive
carbon gear.
RSP also now offers what is said to be the
cheapest solution to adapting to BB30 down
to Hollowtech 2 compatibility, including the
bearings at just £29.99.
Furthermore, the lighting line has
undergone a pricing restructure and LED
upgrade, applied to most models. There will be
a number of new products landing throughout
summer targeted at the commuter and
spanning price points from £10 through £59
for a front and rear package.
OUTLAND
Another highlight on the shelves in
Nottingham is Outland’s foam and silicone
grips, a long lasting, comfortable grip
recognised as a great alternative to traditional
BIKEBIZ.COM
rubber by Factory Media’s Dirt magazine in the
annual Dirt 100.
Meanwhile, sticking with the keenly priced
bread and butter upgrade stock, Outland offers
titanium skewers for £29.99, with the only
branding tidily etched onto the inside of the
alloy levers. Alternatively for the weight
weenie, a carbon lever skewer, weighing a
mere 48 grams per pair, is also available for
just £31.99
DAHON
Now exclusively under Raleigh’s guidance,
Dahon is looking to rebuild its UK business
following a difficult period with many
distribution changes and the backwards and
forth with Tern.
Raleigh has kicked off as it means to go on,
introducing some point of sale units designed
to showcase the folded product. For a buy-in
of five bikes retailers can get hold of one of
these cubes, or two for a nine bike buy-in.
Raleigh’s stock spans £350 through £1,000.
At the top end you’ll find a new addition to
the line, Dahon’s Nuvinci hub-equipped N360.
Using Nuvinci’s unique gripshift system the
bike gradually shifts through the gears, minus
the clicks, offering a smoother advance, much
like the feeling of upping the ante on an
exercise bike, ultimately providing a more
gradual and wider gear range. Avenir folding
bike bags will fit Dahon bikes, though Dahon
branded luggage is in the works.
HIGH 5
The Nottingham dealer show saw the debut of
High 5’s answer to the demand for disclosable
tablets in the range – the Zero line, available
in four flavours.
Each tube contains 20 tablets, a quantity
higher than many competitors’ offerings. Look
out for a new caffeine enhanced grapefruit
version due in April. For those attempting to
introduce their customers to nutrition product,
Raleigh also has a bottle promotion, where for
£4 a customer can take home a water bottle
full of various High 5 samples, including a tube
of Zero tablets.
At the show, examples of
Raleigh’s history took the
stage beside the firm’s
modern offerings
RALEIGH BIKES
“Raleigh’s bike line has a renewed focus on
fashionable bikes that customers associate
with trendy cycling,” according to marketing
man Geoff Giddings.
That’s something that’s evident in the
revamped sit-up-and-beg style bikes, all of
which resemble the kind of eye-catching
bicycles so often used as props in trendy
television shows and movies.
An example is the new women’s Classic DL
at £600 – a Sturmey Archer hub geared
bicycle with a custom cutout chain guard
finished in a flattering shade of red to match
the rest of the bike. A Brooks-style saddle
features here, while on the Gentlemen’s
equivalent you get the authentic product.
Expect to see Raleigh on the road at a
number of sportive events this year. Giddings
added: “We’re looking to touch base with a
modern audience and we’ll have plenty of
bikes on the road for people to have a spin on.
Look out for us at some of the CTC’s bigger
sportives and also at the Forest of Dean event
that’s taking place later this year.”
BIKEBIZ MARCH 33
BRAND SPOTLIGHT | AVOCET E-BIKES
Pedal Power
Avocet’s Glyn Nolan provides Jonathon Harker
with some candid observations on the UK’s
electric bike market…
The Evolution is aimed
at the mid to high-end
customer, commuter
and shopper markets
How large is Avocet’s e-bike range?
We have five electric bikes in our range, the EGO, Freedom, Evolution 1, Evolution 2 and the
Crossbow (see boxout).
You launched the Panther models at Cycle
Show – how have they gone down with
dealers and customers?
We decided not to pursue the Panther project
as dealers were telling us the UK market was
not yet ready for a £2,000 electric bike.
“The e-bike
market has
improved a
lot in the last
two years.”
What are the latest models
available to dealers?
Our latest model is the E-GO. We feel this
e-bike offers the best value for money in
the UK market. They are in stock now,
retail at £699.99, have a simple folding
system and feature a three-mode LED display.
Are Avocet’s models tailored to
different types of consumer?
The E-GO and Freedom bikes are
aimed at the value end of the
market and appeal to the
caravanning and leisure markets as
they are folding bikes. The Crossbow
and Evolution bikes are more mid to
high-end and are aimed more towards
commuter and shopper markets.
How do you support stockists?
We always support our dealers offering free
delivery of their first order by a trained
specialist who will give full training and
demonstrate the bike. We carry a large stock of
warranty parts and have a fully manned
warranty department giving advice and after
sales service to the dealer and end user.
34 BIKEBIZ MARCH
How has the e-bike market developed in the
time you've worked within it?
The e-bike market has improved a lot in the
last two years. We are now seeing good quality
products supported by a good dealer
infrastructure.
The UK is still lagging behind Europe when it
comes to e-bikes and I feel the UK industry is
still at the stage one level whereby the public
are willing to try a £500-£600 bike. When they
have been bitten by the electric bike bug they
will want to trade up and get something better.
It is at that stage they will be willing to spend
more on an e-bike.
So how do you see the e-bike market
progressing over the next few years?
I think the bike hire sector will become
more prevalent in both inner cities
and in the leisure industry. With
more bums on saddles and more
people experiencing the pleasures
that electric bikes provide I can see a
very bright future ahead for the
electric bike market.
The E-GO is
Avocet’s folding electric
bike offering, retailing
at £699.99
And what type of person will
potentially be getting into electric
bicycles?
With the increase in fuel prices, and the
growing congestion in our urban areas, cycling
using the E-GO gives the consumer a viable
and cost-effective alternative to the daily
commute by car.
AVOCET CONTACTS:
General enquiries: 01617278508
Consumer Website www.avocetsports.com
B2B Website www.coyote-sports.com
RIDING WITH YOUR EGO
AVOCET’S ELECTRIC bike range includes not
only the E-GO, but also the Freedom, Evolution
1, Evolution 2 and the Crossbow.
The new Viking Freedom (£799 RRP) is a
step on from the first Freedom e-bike with a
new adjustable handlebar stem. A 250 Watt
motor and three-mode controller are at its
heart and, dependent on terrain, it has an
assisted range of 30/35 km (up to
approximately 21 miles). Other features
include v brakes, six speed Shimano drive train,
mudguards and a light set.
The Crossbow (£1,390 RRP) also sports a
250 Watt motor, but with a five-mode
controller, leaving the Crossbow with a
40/45km assisted range (up to 27 miles). A
power-only button (up to 6km per hour) is
included, while a new back-lit module provides
mode assist, current speed and mileage info to
the rider.
The Evolution 1 is a 26-inch electric bike,
complete with wire shopping basket, sevenspeed Shimano drive train and a three-mode
controller.
The Evolution 2 (£1,370 RRP) is a unisex
version of the female-focused 1. Featuring the
back-lit module, five mode controller and
power up button, the range of the Evolution 2
is 40/45km – or up to 27 miles in old money.
BIKEBIZ.COM
N OW
AVA IL A B L E
RRP: £369.99
Mens - Satin White
through
CY CL I NG
S POR T S
G R OU P
CUTTER
Schwinn Hi-Ten Track steel frame & chromoly/hi-ten fork for a durable and stylish ride
with 46 x 18t singlespeed drivetrain and a flip-flop rear hub that makes it easy to switch
from fixed to freewheel. Equipped with durable tyres.
RRP: £399.99
White
Ride through life on a bike backed by 115 years of Schwinn quality.
HORNET
This is not your average 3-speed cruiser. Featuring plenty of colour matched parts - spokes,
handlebar assembly and fender set to name a few - the Hornet is dressed for success with
our Cup Holder Cruiser aluminium frame and a healthy dose of red accents that will stop
traffic at your local seaside.
RRP: £399.99
Pearl Black
RRP: £399.99
Light Cream
COFFEE & CREAM
3-SPEED
Schwinn Classic Downtown steel frame & fork with timeless style and durability to get you around town.
Shimano Nexus 3-speed internal drivetrain for maintenance-free shifting. Schwinn Classic Downtown
saddle for comfort; also includes fender set & rear rack for extra style and function.
Web: cyclingsportsgroup.co.uk Tel: 01202 732288
ACTSMART | GIFT CARDS
£50
£250
£950
The gift experience
ActSmart is launching The Experts Gift Cards programme this month, so how can retailers use them to
drive sales, attract new consumers and increase customer loyalty? For the answers, read on…
GIFT CARDS now represent a staggering 55 per
cent of all gift sales in the UK. The market
experienced its highest year-on-year sales
growth in 2011 and the UK market is now
worth circa £4 billion p.a. at retail.
Most of the UK’s major retailers already reap
the rewards of prepaid gift cards and with
consumer demand escalating it’s time that
specialist retailers took a slice of the cake.
ActSmart is launching its hotly anticipated
‘The Experts’ gift card initiative in March. The
programme is exclusively available to specialist
retailers in the outdoor pursuits and leisure
sectors.
Retailers will be able to offer their customers
a professionally produced gift card with a low
cost entry point along with national recognition
as part of The Experts gift card retail network.
EVERY RETAILER CAN PARTICIPATE
The Experts gift card programme is available to
every specialist retailer in the UK and has no set
up fee or commission charges. The only cost of
start up is the purchase of the cards themselves.
All participants will benefit from a national
promotional campaign with consumers able to
search for retailers stocking gift cards using The
Cycling Experts business search, which serves an
increasing number of leading consumer cycling
sites like. British Cycling, for example.
There is a plethora of card designs to choose
from at theexpertsgiftcards.co.uk, including
cycle specific and more general, seasonal and
festive options.
PERSONALISED TO YOUR BUSINESS
The Experts gift cards are an ideal way for
retailers to promote their business and brand. A
logo and address details can be printed directly
onto the card so the recipient knows exactly
where to redeem it.
The Experts gift cards have no value until
they’re activated at the till allowing them to
be securely displayed alongside your products
on the shop floor.
Purchases with a gift card are proven to
drive a higher spend than standard
transactions. 81 per cent of gift card recipients
spend on average 50 per cent more than the
card value.
The Experts pre-paid gift cards can be used
to encourage loyalty towards a retailer.
Because the Experts gift cards use a closed
loop system (only redeemable at your
business) it enables retailers to offer rewards
and incentives for returning to the shop.
The Experts gift card programme can also be
expanded to offer exclusive promotions and
special offers driving traffic, increasing
retention and providing a competitive edge.
They are even the perfect answer to Christmas
Club purchases.
Watch out for new
developments using The Experts
gift cards throughout 2012.
WHAT YOU NEED TO DO
IN ORDER to join the Experts gift card network
retailers need to be an ActSmart member – any
retailer can join for free – and have an HSBC
Merchant Services card processing terminal –
preferential ActSmart card processing rates can be
applied.
ActSmart members can then visit
theexpertsgiftcards.co.uk and simply choose your
card designs to get started.
Visit www.actsmart.biz/services/gift-cards or call
ActSmart on the number below to find out more.
Gift cards don’t just
have to be the
preserve of large chain
stores on the High
Street...
For more information call
ActSmart on
0845 618 7256
www.actsmart.biz
36 BIKEBIZ MARCH
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Store Manager/Assistant Manager
Newbury senior technician
Banjo Cycles are looking to recruit a store
manager/assistant manager for it's busy Newbury store.
Due to expansion, we are looking to recruit an
experienced cycle technician to join our team in our
busy Newbury store. With over 5 years experience and
a high level customer service. You should be self
motivated and ready to hit the ground running.
The applicant should have a great deal of Experience
and motivation, to grow the current business, oversee
and motivate up to 5 colleagues and push the business
forward. We are currently looking for someone who
has experience in e-commerce and implementing a till
system.
Our brands are Specialized, Giant, Wilier, Cube and
Colnago. So this is a great opportunity to work with
some if the best brands in cycling.
The right personality will benefit from a great package
and have a real chance to work with a growing store.
Working with Specialized, Giant, Wilier, Cube &
Colnago, we require someone with confidence and a
focus on attention to detail.
We will offer the right person a great level of pay and
the opportunity to work with people who are
passionate about their cycling and who like to make
people happy.
Opening soon: Specialized Concept Store, Newbury
Senior Technician
Senior Sales Assistant
Due to a new store opening, we are looking to recruit an
experienced cycle technician
Due to a new store opening, we are looking to recruit
a Senior Sales Assistant.
With over 5 years experience and a high level customer
service, you should be self motivated and ready to hit
the ground running.
We require someone with confidence and a focus on
attention to detail.
The applicant should have a great deal of Experience
and motivation, to grow the current business, oversee
and motivate colleagues and push the business
forward. We are currently looking for someone who
has experience in e-commerce and implementing a
till system.
We will offer the right person a great level of pay and the
opportunity to work with people who are passionate
about their cycling and who like to make people happy.
The right personality will benefit from a great
package and have a real chance to work with a
growing store.
Sounds interesting? please apply by emailing [email protected] or by calling 07768898340.
PEOPLE | RECRUITMENT
Send your recruitment news to
[email protected]
John takes on RCUK role
FACTORY MEDIA TIMOTHY JOHN has
been appointed managing editor for Road
Cycling UK.Factory Media said the
appointment is to supplement the strong team
in place with a focus on delivering the highest
quality content to performance cyclists.
John joins as a classically trained journalist
with a background in regional papers and is a
passionate road cyclist. His role will include
planning and content production with the
wider team on the site, including editor Richard
Hallett. John and Hallett will both report to
Factory Media director James Carter.
“We are delighted to have Tim on board to
help drive the focused approach to editorial
excellence on RCUK,” enthused Carter. “With
this high quality extra resource in the team I
feel confident we can continue to grow the site
as the UK’s number one destination for those
passionate about performance road cycling.
“The editorial focus going forwards will
service this quality obsessed audience even
better as we drop fringe content like commuter
issues that don’t connect with our core
audiences veracious appetite for performancebased kit and news.”
BIKEBIZ.COM
Timothy John
CTC GORDON SEABRIGHT has taken on
chief executive duties at the CTC as of the
start of March.
Chair of CTC Council David Cox said: “I am
delighted that Gordon is joining us as our new
CEO and look forward to working with him.
Gordon is a keen leisure cyclist and very
experienced in the world of membership
charities, as well as in tourism and event
management. Gordon joins us at a time when
cycling is again taking centre stage in British
national life and his commitment and expertise
are exactly what CTC needs for the future.”
Seabright has worked for a number of high
profile charities and membership organisations.
Previously, he was the acting director general
of The Royal Horticultural Society and the
commercial director of English Heritage, where
he was also in charge of Stonehenge. He lives
in Wiltshire, with his wife and two teenage
daughters.
He said of the role: “I’m thrilled to be joining
CTC at such an exciting time for the
organisation and for cycling. As the UK’s
largest cycling charity, CTC has an enormously
important role to play as the champion for
Harding joins FSA
cycling and cyclists, and I feel very honoured
to be joining the team.”
Seabright replaces the outgoing Kevin
Mayne, who spent 14 years at the helm.
Mayne has now become the director of
development at the European Cyclists’
Federation.
FSA/WINDWAVE Timed with the
opening of FSA’s UK service centre, based at
Windwave’s distribution centre, Russell Harding
has been appointed to run the department.The
service centre will be run by trained staff, and
the first reply on the phone will be made by
Harding who will be available during normal
office hours: [email protected].
BIKEBIZ MARCH 41
GERMAN BICYCLE TECHNOLOGY
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HM CARBON FRAME
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NO COMPROMISES
EXPERIENCE THE NEW RACE LECTOR COMP
Our super lightweight HM Carbon frame, plus the incredibly light and robust Carbon fork form the soul of this dream bike.
It goes without saying that we chose only the best components to finish the build. Shimano Ultegra compact, Easton Aero
wheelset and lightweight components. Pure racing excitement!
Why compromise, have your own GHOST.
RRP: £1999.99
www.ghost-bikes.com
Distributed in the UK by:
www.hotlines-uk.com I Email: [email protected] I Tel: 0131 319 1444
OUTDOOR & FITNESS
The guide to the wider outdoor industry news, products, announcements and events
Snow sports industry
gathers for Slide show
Hardy snow retailers have refused to
flake out despite a difficult year of
trading. BikeBiz catches up with the
industry and the brains behind the
Telford International Centre-set Slide
show to find out more (on page 44)...
Plus: ASI snaps up Montura (p45)
And: New Sub Zero headphones
launched to the trade (p45)
NTS • SAILING
E
V
E
•
G
IN
IN
A
R
G
• CLIMBING • TKING • SWIMMING • RUNNIN N
N
O
L
H
T
IA
R
T
•
UIPMENT
ING • WAL
• TRIATHLO
CLOTHING • EQ& SNOWBOARDING • CAMP• CLOTHING • EQUIPMENT WBOARDING
SURFING • SKI BA • KAYAKING • CAVING G • SURFING • SKI & SNO ING • CAVING
DIVING • SCU RAINING • EVENTS • SAILIN G • DIVING • SCUBA • KAYAK • CLOTHING
S • SAILING
T
N
CLIMBING • T LKING • SWIMMING • RUNNIN
E
V
E
•
G
IN
IN
• WALKING
A
G
R
A
T
IN
W
•
M
•
G
IM
G
IN
IN
W
B
S
P
•
M
IM
CA
RUNNING
IPMENT
HLON • CL
OUTDOOR & FITNESS
Resilient snow trade
turns out for Slide
Attendance slips, but show and industry – despite a very tough 12 months in retail – remain buoyant
By: Jonathon Harker
LAST MONTH UK snowsport industry
show Slide saw over 100 exhibitors bring
over 230 brands to the Telford
International Centre.
Visitor numbers dipped compared with
the previous year – to just under 600 –
but according to the show organisers, key
decision makers made up over 72 per
cent of attendees. Key brands were also in
attendance, including Oakley, Quiksilver
and Adidas, among others.
“Attendance figures are lower than last
year,” organiser Lesley Beck explained to
BikeBiz: “Though our through-the-door
figures were higher on two out of the
three days than last year.”
The show comes after a tough 12
months for the snowsport industry,
largely due to unseasonably warm
weather, Beck explained: “Last winter hit
early and hard, so retailers re-stocked as
much as they could in December 2010
and Jan 2011. Then, winter stopped in its
tracks at the end of Jan 2011 and it
44 BIKEBIZ MARCH
became very warm, very quickly. So
retailers were left with a huge amount of
winter stock that they couldn’t shift.
“This autumn was horribly warm,
especially in England and in fact didn’t get
cold at all until early February. That’s
pretty much an entire year with no
demand for winter product, other than
from committed enthusiasts. So, the
vagaries of the British weather have really
made it tough for wintersport retailers in
this last 12 months.”
Despite the tough year, Beck said the
trade was in good shape, and buoyed by
the cold snap in February: “The good
news is that they’re a tough, committed
bunch and things are balancing out now,
so retailers should start next winter in a
more solid position.”
Post show, much of the ski industry
headed to Kuhtai, Austria to test the skis
that were at Slide. More than 20 brands
were expected to bring over 600 pairs of
skis to attend the Test taking place at the
start of March (5th to 9th). “The specialist
ski press attend the Test, so they can offer
comprehensive equipment guides next
autumn and retailers use the test to
finalise their orders for next autumn too,”
Beck added.
Slide will return in 2013, with dates yet
to be confirmed.
www.slideuk.co.uk
SLIDE RULES
Slide started life as Ski-GB in 1987 and
has undergone many changes to arrive
at its current form.
Organiser Lesley Beck filled BikeBiz
in on the details: “Slide has changed
hugely over the years, but remains the
most important – and only –
wintersport trade show in the UK. It’s a
forward-order show. Back in the ‘90s,
the show was huge, filling more than
10,000 square metres – it’s just under
half that now.
“Exhibitors spent vast sums of
money on stands, building double
decker structures and the show looked
very spectacular. But times have
changed. Brands no longer spend huge
marketing budgets on trade shows, and
Slide has re-invented itself to meet the
current market requirements, offering
value for money options to exhibitors,
who use the show more as a sales tool
than anything else. Due to the timing
of the show, it works best for
accessories, hardware and the smaller
clothing brands, or those who have
more flexible order deadlines.”
The show moved to Telford last year,
boosting exhibitor numbers by more
than 20 per cent.
Slide is owned by the SIGB – The
Snowsport Industries of Great Britain,
the trade association for skiing and
snowboarding. The SIGB has 200
member organisations from retail,
supplier and travel sectors and is led by
a 12-strong committee.
BIKEBIZ.COM
OUTDOOR & FITNESS
Montura climbs into UK
market
Technical and casualwear brand finally
arrives on these shores, courtesy of ASI
By: Jonathon Harker
NEW PRODUCTS
DISTRIBUTOR Ardblair Sports Importers is
bringing the Montura brand to the UK for
the first time.
The European clothing brand has been
available since the ‘80s on the continent.
Made in Italy, the line-up ranges from
casualwear through to technical expedition
apparel, worn by Alpine guides and rescue
teams, according to Ardblair.
“The Montura philosophy is centred
around experience, and their innovative
clothing is designed to enhance the
experience of those that work in, dream
about or are inspired by the mountains,”
said the distributor. “The forward-thinking
Montura designers look beyond the borders
of what is currently available, continually
seeking to find new solutions to existing
problems.
“Montura clothing is imagined, designed,
created and tested, not only by those who
climb mountains, but above all by those
who experience the mountains
passionately; those who attempt to
understand, interpret and discover them
anew every day.”
The range comfortable fleece and casual
jackets, shells, softshells, gloves and beanies.
www.ardblairsports.com
Triathlete-specific
insurance launched
Cyclosure has revealed a new
insurance product aimed at
triathletes travelling abroad who may
not be fully covered. Considered an
‘extreme sport’ in the insurance
world, triathlon is not covered by
most insurance companies, hence
the creation of this new product for
those racing or training overseas.
Anything from annual worldwide
policies to single European trip
offerings are available at
www.cyclosure.co.uk.
Snugpak’s bright idea
Fresh from its OTS Novel Award,
Snugpak has innovated in its
Chrysalis collection by adding a
reading light in the hood for extra
convenience. There are other new
features too, including fresh colours,
improved fabrics and styling. The
sleeping bag range includes five
bags, ranging from comfort rating 7
degrees to Extreme -20 degrees.
The Chrysalis 3, meanwhile, is the
middle range sleeping bag, providing
protection from comfort rating -five
degrees to the extreme rating of
minus ten degrees.
01535 654479
National Trust’s
bumper season
Visitor numbers, and sales at retail
and catering, all substantially
increased for the National Trust in
December, compared with
December 2010. 521,000 visitors
headed to National Trust properties
in December – an increase of 74 per
cent year-on-year. Mild weather and
cheap entry promos helped the Nat
Trust to exceed 18 million visitors for
the first time in its history across 2011.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
MIDLAND SUB ZERO HEADPHONES
We may have had a relatively warm winter in the UK,
but regardless, these Subzero Music headphones from
Midland will provide warm eared phone calls and music
in even very low temperatures. Combining headphones
with earwarmers, a lined soft inner furry cloth and outer
quilted fabric mean the headphones can handle cold
and windy weather conditions. With them you can
listen to music, make or answers calls (it’s iPhone
compatible) or even tune into a PMR446 Transceiver for
two-way communications. A microphone is also
included for £34.95, while colour options include white,
pink, yellow, camouflage, black and red. Interested
retailers can find out more at
http://midland-uk.com
No show for snow
fears proved wrong
HELLY HANSEN PACETRAIL HTXP
Helly Hansen has released its latest trail running shoe – the
Pace Trail HTXP. Retailing at the £100 mark, the durable,
waterproof runner promises to provide a flexible fit with an
outsole that will keep feet rooted whatever the terrain.
Naturally the shoe uses Helly Grip rubber soles and Helly
Wear rubber on the heel to protect feet from stone and
debris. C-Zone silicone gel cushioning provides further
protection for feet pounding the trail, while a mesh upper
ensures the shoes are breathable too.
www.hellyhansen.com
BIKEBIZ.COM
NEWS IN BRIEF
Fears that the Alps would see a dip
in snowfall this season have bourn
out to be ill-founded, much to the
benefit of the ski region.
While it was late coming, when
the snow eventually arrive it fell in
huge quantities. According to The
Independent, many resorts in the
Northern French Alps already
reached their season average
snowfall totals just by the end of
January alone.
Got any outdoors news you’d
like to see in these pages?
Then let us know at
[email protected]
BIKEBIZ MARCH 45
46 BIKEBIZ MARCH
BIKEBIZ.COM
RETAIL ONLY
The trade’s guide to sourcing stock, up-and-coming IBDs and the very latest products
RETAIL
COMMENT
ONE OF THE PERKS to the busy start to the year is putting
names to faces and those faces to companies or services.
In our position of constant trend watching we’re
occasionally thrown in at the deep end with the trendsetters,
as well as some of the more seasoned characters of the
bicycle business.
As has been the case for as long as the bike trade show
has existed and thanks to the hospitality of various
distributors, BikeBiz has bagged some one-on-ones with
experts from a diverse range of trade territories and
sometimes beyond – from specialist bike fitting experts,
through experts in modern business management and store
design, among others.
The former of that bunch, Gait analysis specialists MAR
Systems, provided dealers at iceBike* an insight into the
suddenly booming precision fitting sector. As I’d anticipated,
tailoring a bike to any given customer’s body isn’t quite as
simple a process as you’d think – though has incredibly
strong selling points for those making a name for themselves
in the business.
“Surely everyone can bike fit with a
tape measure and a customer
prepared to stand still for ten
minutes? Yes and no...”
Jonathan Hedges of Mar Systems told BikeBiz: "Bike fitting
is an excellent way to get the upper hand over the big boys
online. Independent retail can give a personal fitting with our
software package from as little as £85 per month. This online
software takes into account the customer’s measurements
and delivers the best base bike solutions in an easy to
understand traffic light system. We can bike fit for comfort,
sport or competition use, as well as alleviate most aches and
pains using analysis."
What does it all mean though? Surely everyone can bike
fit with a tape measure and a customer able to keep still for
ten minutes? Perhaps, but this is essentially like a doctors
appointment for the customer and their bike. It’s a check up
to make sure that the two marry well and don’t cause each
other unnecessary grief. The affluent customer with post ride
backache will pay for such a service, if done properly and
backed up by some clever science.
To step into this game on a professional level, investment
in video software, costing up to £3,000, is necessary. This
does, however, bring about perks of its own. Aside from
giving your customers something to look at and working as a
tool for best explaining posture corrections and the like –
videos taken can also work as fantastic marketing for your
new service when shared online.
[email protected]
IN THIS MONTH’S ISSUE
DEALER PROFILE: THERE CYCLING 48
West London cycle retailer There Cycling talks to BikeBiz
about selling classic bikes to newcomers to riding...
NEW PRODUCTS
54
Flick to page 54 for our monthly run down of products new to
market and goods landing with suppliers shortly.
ELECTRIC BIKES
50
Not feeling clued up about electrics? Or perhaps just
unsure where to begin? BikeBiz lends a helping hand...
DEALER PROFILE | THERE CYCLING
There Cycling
Cycling here and There
Location: Boston Road, Hanwell, London, W7 3TR
Telephone: 020 8840 9228
Web:
www.there-cycling.co.uk
Twitter: @ThereCycling
From a bicycle enthusiast and racer background, Jim Kent brought his passion into his own business
when he opened There Cycling with Eliza Gomez. Kent charts his progress to Jonathon Harker…
THERE CYCLING was established February 2011
in West London, targeting a very specific type
of customer.
While including bike shop standards – like
bicycles for sale and a full workshop – the shop
was and is squarely pitched at the ‘non-cyclist’.
To elaborate, There Cycling is aimed at the kind
of customer that doesn’t ‘do the lycra, reflective
thing’, with a quality, unhurried approach.
Jim Kent and Eliza Gomez set the shop up
together just over a year ago. Kent tells BikeBiz:
“I am a big bike fan. I still race a bit in the Vets
and do the odd 10 although I’m more of a
‘joiner in’ than a real competitor these days.
My rule is to attack at least once per race,
including the TTs.
“I don’t sprint any more after a nasty pile up
a couple of years ago. I rode Route 66 in 2001
and the Tour of British Columbia Sportif in
2005. Last year I cycled 850 km to Gourdon in
France in three days.”
Kent then decided the time was right to try
to turn his enthusiasm for the sport into a
business opportunity.
“I looked at opening a bike shop, but the
market is saturated,” he explains. “There is a lot
48 BIKEBIZ MARCH
of narrow differentiation which supports that
view. I then looked at the figures for
participation and noticed that only eight to 12
per cent of people in London cycle despite the
health and economic benefits. This made me
think more about the non-cyclist market,” Kent
elaborates. “The people who don’t define
themselves as a cyclist and are actually put off
by the day-glo and lycra. I found the image of
cyclists is one of the most powerful
disincentives to non-cyclists – along with road
safety and theft.
“We are trying to add value through quality
and fitness for purpose. All our bikes come with
guards, carriers and most with lights. The bikes we
sell fit into the buyer’s portfolio of goods and
reflect the aesthetic and quality of their clothes,
car, furnishings, watches, etc, and make them an
object of desire. So far it is working well.”
Kent is keen to emphasise how separate his
customers are from the typical cycle world:
“Our customers don’t read Cycling Weekly and
they are not in the London Cycle Campaign so
we stay away from this end of it and focus on a
quality machine as a lifestyle (though I hate the
term) product. Women are a big segment.”
“We target the
people that
don’t define
themselves as a
cyclist and are
actually put off
by day-glo and
lycra.”
The kind of bikes the shop stocks are
classic traditional bicycles made in Europe –
‘top quality well built machines’ says Kent.
“We go for bikes that are visually attractive,
resilient, low maintenance, long lasting and
great to ride. An alternative to the ubiquitous
Far Eastern offer.
“We don’t have a folder,” he says, “and I
don’t think electric bikes will catch on. Too
much of the health and green benefits are lost.
“Our offer is quite distinctive. We do Pilen
from Sweden and Taarnby children’s bikes
exclusively in the UK and we have Retrovelo
from Germany. Pashley and Gazelle are more
mainstream but still different enough to
have clear blue water between us and the
mainstream offer. It’s working well. We have
a great range of children’s bikes too, sourced
in Denmark.”
Kent’s ambitions for There Cycling, staffed
by a team of four (including Kent), include
an e-commerce site and a second shop –
both of which are well on the way to being
realised, he tells BikeBiz. Kent is less prosaic
about long term ambitions however, which
are simply to be happy.
BIKEBIZ.COM
SECTOR GUIDE | E-BIKES
Electrifying sales...
Jonathon Harker plugs into the latest batch of electric bicycles promising to shock the UK e-bike
market and make the tills ring in bike shops across the land…
Wisper
WISPER 905SEL is the latest bike to be
offered from Wisper’s e-bike stable. The
905sel, along with the step through
version (705sel) will be available by
spring. Both are fitted with high-end
components including hollow tech
cranks, Tektro hydraulic disc brakes and
Xtacy head set, stem and handle bars.
The 37V 16Ah lithium polymer battery
has an advanced battery management
system. Its 592Wh capacity will drive
the bike over 100 miles in perfect
conditions. More importantly it will
provide 40 to 50 miles of ‘real world’
Avocet
THE NEW E-GO is a folding e-bike with
a quick removal battery to make
charging easy (between three to four
hours), together with a simple folding
mechanism. Complete with LED front
and rear lights the E-Go has a 35 to 45
km range per charge. A straightforward
three mode LED display is included on
the foldable handlebars.
The Crossbow, meanwhile, is pitched
at commuters. A 250 Watt motor and
five-mode controller gives the
50 BIKEBIZ MARCH
power assisted riding. Wisper bikes use
a new hi torque motor from Japanese
Dapu. When coupled to the 592Wh
battery the new Dapu motor produces
high levels of torque enabling riders to
navigate the steepest hills. The system
boasts a diagnostics facility that
locates any problems with the
electronics via the handle bar LED.
Elsewhere, the 806 Alpino is Wisper’s
popular folding bike, driven through
the Shimano Alfine 8 hub. Like the 905
and 705sel, it is made with stainless
steel or aluminium alloys making the
bike a favourite with yacht owners.
www.wisperbikes.com
Crossbow a wider range of up to 45km.
It also features a Dutch-style lock, v
brakes, seven-speed Shimano drive
train, power up button (up to 6km per
hour), mudguards and a light set. A
new back light module provides
information to the rider along the lines
of mode assist, current speed, mileage
and other useful info. The new 20-inch
Viking Freedom has an adjustable
handlebar stem, three-mode controller
and assisted range of 30 to 35kms. For
more on Avocet’s turn to page 34.
0161 727 4051
Cube
CUBE’S OWN EPO range of e-bikes
includes the sporty Epo. Under perfect
conditions, Cube says, the aerodynamic
sear mounted 36V battery (9Ah/324
WH) allows impressive riding distances
up to 100 km (62 miles). Batteries
usually suffer after a certain amount of
recharges, but Cube’s maintain a
capacity of 80 per cent after a
whopping 1,000 charges – or after
62,000 miles – according to the firm.
Charging can be done while the battery
is still on the frame or removed and the
EBCO
EBCO HAS RECENTLY introduced Solex
e-bikes and e-scooters into the UK and
Ireland and is looking for retailers to
stock the brand.
The iconic post war name sold eight
million motorised scooters based on its
49cc engine built into a regular bicycle
frame. It has recently re-launched with
a range of three instantly recognisable
red and black models: Velosolex
(folding e-bike, SRP £1,299), Solexity (a
low-step ebike SRP £1,799) and
Epo’s cables are all connected via a
patented magnetic plug system. 180
mm disc brakes provide the braking
power needed due to those higher
average speeds. Cube has also come up
with a theft prevention measure by way
of the Wireless Control Remote. Sadly,
this is not a Knight Rider/Kitt style
device that you can remote control the
bike home from an unaware thief, but
an entirely more practical device that
renders the bike inoperable if removed.
UK Cube customers can contact the
firm via the number below.
+31 (0)10 – 3403 502
e-Solex (e-scooter SRP £1,999). All
three models have been designed by
world famous Italian design house
Pininfarina, those behind iconic cars
like the Ferraris 599, 458 and California,
the Maserati Quattroporte and the Alfa
Romeo Spyder. The e-bikes are all
powered by Solex’s own 250w
brushless motors combined with highcapacity Lithium Polymer batteries.
For further information contact Paul
Stanforth on [email protected]
or on the number below.
01926 437700
BIKEBIZ.COM
SECTOR GUIDE | E-BIKES
3E Electric
THE RUGGED CITY Light Mk II is pitched
as the ideal e-bike not only for those
after electric assistance with their
pedalling antics, but also with hire
companies. The pedal assist range is up
to 52-miles on one charge. If you’re
riding throttle only, the range is up to 20
miles. Charging time is four to six hours
and the battery has a whopping 2,000
charge cycles, says 3E. 3E Urban is
Hero Eco
HERO ECO is the company that bought
the A2B and F4W brands and assets for
Ultra Motor. Recently appearing on Sky
One’s Gadget Geeks programme, the A2B
Hybrid 24 prides itself on being a smooth
and powerful pedelec, using RFID
technology to turn the bike on and off. It
has a clever digital controller that
Fli
FLI DISTRIBUTION ADVISES that dealers
should make their orders for KTM bikes
sooner rather than later to ensure they
don’t miss out on summer sales. Why so?
Lots of Europe’s dealers made their
orders at Eurobike, hence UK dealers
playing catch up (Fli signed with KTM in
January). KTM’s e-bikes cover 180mm
pitched at commuters and shoppers.
Controls have been kept simple – for
pedal assist, throttle only or both
together – while a carrying rack takes
care of laptop bags and Tesco carriers.
The Sport is the ideal e-bike for
adventurous cyclists, says 3E. With
adjustable front suspension, Shimano
Altus gears and disc brakes, the Sport is
designed to perform on and off road.
Contact Chris Karasavvas on chris@
3eelectric.com or on 033 33 55 1840
interacts with the TMM4 torque sensor
to deliver silky smooth performance
(£1,999). The F4W Peak 36 has also
graced our television screens (on Channel
4’s Home of the Future). The ruggedly
handsome design is, Hero Eco says,
comfortable enough to commute to the
office but flexible enough to tackle light
trails at the weekend. The all rounder
benefits from the option of throttle or
pedal assist (£1,249).
travel freeride MTBs, to 29er hardtails,
though to shoppers and commuter bikes.
Two of the most readily available are
the eFun (£1,799.99 RRP) and the eLycan
(£3,149 RRP). The eFun sports Suntour
forks, Shimano front hub, Bionx rear hub,
Selle Royal Freeway saddle and B&M
lights. The eLycan uses upgraded
components and comes in a fetching
white, orange and black decal.
0161 304 8555
Powacycle
THE PRAGUE LPX e-bike has three
modes of operation – assisted, normal
cycling or motor powered. It makes
use of an intelligent brushless motor in
the rear hub, features Shimano sixspeed gears and helpfully uses
modular components for easy
serviceability.
Also up from Powacycle is the Riga
LPX e-bike. Also using the three modes
AVE
THE AVE E-BIKE range includes a large
number of models, split into the TH, SH,
XH, HM and CH series. In the XH line-up,
the XH5 serves up what AVE calls serious
off-road cycling. Also available as a
Twentyniner, the XH 5 has a Bosch
Raleigh
AMONGST RALEIGH’S SIZABLE e-bike
range is the Dover three-speed Shimano
Nexus. Available in Xbar and low step
frame types, the Dover 3 speed is a
classic cruiser running on 700c wheels. It
has a centre drive 250w motor from
Panasonic and uses internal cables for a
clean look. Raleigh also stocks the Vélo
of operation – assisted, normal cycling
or motor power, like the Prague the
Riga has an intelligent brushless motor
in the rear hub, Shimano six-speed
gears and those all-important modular
components for easy serviceability. The
motor is lightweight with greater than
80 per cent efficiency, the firm says.
Interested dealers should contact
Powacycle through the medium of
emails sales@powacycle or on the
good old fashioned telephone on
01279 821243.
centre drive, Avid Elixir 5 brakes and
Shimano SLX 10g brakes. It is belt drive
ready and features Rock Shox recon silver
R Forks and Schwalbe Racing Ralph tyres.
The TH5 single key lock also uses the
Bosch centre drive, a Shimano Nexus
seven-speed, while B & M LED Daytime
lights are also included.
www.ave-bikes.de
Trail, an e-bike with MTB styling,
meaning the bike will be as happy on
forest tracks or bridleways as it will be
on the daily commute. Running on 26inch wheels, the Velo Trail is available in
either a low-step frame for easy use, or
Xbar for the more traditional MTB look.
Lightweight alloy components help keep
the weight down. It comes with an alloy
luggage carrier incorporating the battery.
0800 0969060
>>>
BIKEBIZ.COM
BIKEBIZ MARCH 51
SECTOR GUIDE | E-BIKES
>>>
Spencer Ivy
SPENCER IVY’S CLASSIC step-though
electric bicycle has a bit of extra push for
when it’s needed via the Panasonic
motor system. The system provides three
levels of assistance and the battery
serves up to 50 miles of power before it
needs recharging. With the Pletscher rear
carrier, child seats and panniers can be
easily attached, the firm advises.
Shimano Alfine eight-speed internal hub
gears and Continental Top Contact
Touring puncture-resistant tyres, with
Storck Raddar
BOTH THE MULTITASK and Multiroad
use Storck Raddar’s drive system – a
rear hub motor system built in
Switzerland. 250 watt, with 60Nm of
torque, the motor has a patented
torque sensor in the motor that delivers
instant power that is silent and super
smooth, says the brand. The battery
pack is a 25.2 Volt Lithium Polymer
pack of matched cells offering 10 Ah hrs
and providing a range of up to 100 km
(the equivalent of 62 miles).
The Multitask SE (non-equipped) is
priced at £2,499, the equipped version
rises up to £2,899.
52 BIKEBIZ MARCH
reflective strip for added visibility come
as standard with Spencer Ivy’s offering.
Additional features include a Shimano
dynamo hub powering Busch & Muller
front and rear LED lights, and a Brooks
aged leather sprung saddle and matching
Brooks leather grips. A Pletscher EasyFix
rear carrier with spring hinges also comes
with the bike, as does an ABUS frame
lock, rear kick-stand and colour coded
chain guard and mud guards.
RRP is from £1,795.00. Enquiries can
be director Spencer Ivy director Va Hua
on the email address below.
[email protected]
The Alloy Multitask Raddar bike is
based on the Storck Alloy Multitask
Hybrid / city bike frame. The Alloy
framed Multitask bike is manufactured
from aircraft quality 7005 Aluminum.
The frame is double welded and
smoothed to provide extra strength.
Storck RADDAR Multiroad With Deore is
£3,169 (or £3,699 with XT). The Carbon
Multiroad is based on the Storck Carbon
Multiroad Hybrid / city bike frame
designed for customers looking for a
lighter and sportier pedelec bike that’s
agile and nimble.
Find out more at [email protected] or on the number below.
01914 932654
BIKEBIZ.COM
PUNCTURE REPAIR KITSBY
The world’s most comprehensive range
of two wheeled puncture repair kits
• Popular Kits Containing all the basics needed for simple puncture repair
Box of 25 01012 Box of 12 01002 Box of 25, printed with dealer’s name and address 01025
• Cure-C-Cure The world famous Cure-C-Cure kits with automotive quality feather edged patches
Box of 25 01003 Box of 25, printed with dealer’s name and address 01026
Box of 10 Motorcycle Repair Kits 01004 Box of 12 Narrow Profile Repair Kits 01006
• Cure-C-Cure Kits with Tools High quality Cure-C-Cure kits with additional tools
Box of 10 Kits with Tools 01007 Box of 10 Kits with Tools and Inflator 01024
• Airtite Kit A quality repair kit at a budget price
Box of 25 01016
• Red Devil Self Seal Patches Strong and reliable patches for quick, clean repair
Carded Patches 04006 Carded Repair Kit with Tyre Lever 06011 Carded Kit 01021
Dispenser with 25 Kits 01022 Display Jar with 36 Kits 01023 Flat-Fix Kit 01020
• Jetvalve Tyre Inflation System Instant C02 inflation for all valve types
Carded Inflator 07008 Carded C02 Cylinder 07007 Box of 5 C02 Cylinders 07009
MADE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM BY
WE ARE BIKE MAINTENANCE
www.weldtite.co.uk
BIKEBIZ.COM
BIKEBIZ MARCH 53
PRODUCTS | NEW RELEASES
New gear
This month BikeBiz shines a light on the latest new
products from i-ride, Madison, Zyro and a wealth of
other fresh kit from Endura, SKS and Rozone…
Gemini Lights
I-ride: 01444 243000
I-RIDE HAS announced it is distributing Gemini
lighting products with stock available for order now.
Based in Hong Kong and with offices in Vancouver,
the lighting gear brand was founded by mountain
biker Chris Lai. The product itself is largely based
around bright Cree LEDs and rechargeable Lithium Ion
batteries, with protection against overheating built in
to the machined aluminium body of each model.
Tom Marchment of i-ride said: “We have been really
impressed with the performance of Gemini Lights on
our night rides. Plus, we are amazed at just how much
is included for your money; bar, mount, head mount,
helmet mount, spare lenses and extension cables are
all in the box. The range is also strong from a
commercial point of view with outstanding branding,
packing and pricing structure.”
Promotion of Gemini will also be strong with plans
in place for advertising and media coverage for the
brand in the UK. There is also an introductory offer
from i-ride, with extremely competitive margins, as
well as a competitive staff price.
i-ride told BikeBiz of a 1,700 lumen, triple Cree light
in the pipeline, dubbed the Olympia. More on that
when we get the pricing and availability info.
Rubena Tyres
Abus Bordo 6000 lock
Endura Pro Nemo glove
Bike Tyrestore: 0800 281 413
Zyro: 01845 521700
Direct: 01506 497749
RUBENA BICYCLE tyres are to become available in
the UK following the appointment of Bike Tyrestore
as the UK distributor.
Having established a strong presence in Europe,
including in its domestic territory of the Czech
Republic, Rubena is looking for retailers on these
shores in need of an all-in-one tyre brand.
Commenting on the Rubena deal, Bike Tyrestore
UK sales manager, Adam Rous, said: “This is a major
development for us. We will use all our marketing
and distribution skills to launch Rubena into the UK
market, and aim to match the brand’s leading status
in other European countries.”
Cycle trade members can contact Bike Tyrestore
on freephone-number 0800 281 413, or via on-line
ordering, found at www.worldofbiketyres.com.
AS BIKEBIZ’S editor will verify, Abus make tough
stuff, strong enough to resist a sustained attack from
some rather large bolt cutters, for the most part.
The latest extension to the Bordo line is the 6000,
available in 75 and 90cm long versions, set to be
priced at £69.99 and £74.99, respectively.
The Bordo is a folding design made up of six
hardened steel bars carrying a two component
coating to prevent damage to bike paintwork. When
folded, the 6000 tucks into a silicone cover which
itself has a belt clip built in for easy transportation.
The lock comes with a Sold Secure Silver rating,
meaning it’s approved by insurers everywhere.
Rewarding margins are said to be available, according
to distributor Zyro.
INSPIRED BY the success of the neoprene Deluge
Zipless Overshoe, Endura has now developed the
matching neoprene glove, the FS260-Pro Nemo
Glove. This latest member of the Endura glove family
is part of the premium FS260-Pro collection of road
cycling clothing and it is suited for the harshest
winter conditions. The double-laminated neoprene
construction with bonded seams makes the FS260Pro Nemo Glove a highly water resistant glove.
The extended cuff is designed to fit under jacket
sleeves to prevent your wrist from exposure to the
cold. It is constructed Velcro-free for a draught-free,
non-abrasive design that is at the same time easy to
put on and off. A grippy palm and thumb plus
reflective logos are also featured. Last but not least,
it should not go unmentioned that the sleek black
style with the dark red inner and inversely placed
icon-prints on the outside are aesthetically pleasing
and should impress customers.
The FS260-Pro Nemo Gloves are available in sizes
S-XL and retail at £27.99.
54 BIKEBIZ MARCH
BIKEBIZ.COM
PRODUCTS | NEW RELEASES
GET YOUR NEW PRODUCTS FEATURES IN
Send your product details including a hi-res photo and brief description of the product.
Email [email protected]. Or call Mark on +44 (0)1992 535646 for a chat
Thule Motion range
Madison: 0208 385 3385
THE THULE Motion is designed to optimise space
efficiency and easy handling, backed with Thule selfdeveloped Power-Click and Dual-Side opening. The
Thule Motion box features a unique Power-Click quick
fit system with an integrated torque indicator which
allows you to fit the box to your roof bars easily and
securely with just one hand.
The Motion box can be opened from either side via
external handles for ease and safety.
The Motion box conforms to strict quality
standards. In a recent test by a major consumer
magazine Thule roof boxes proved to have minimal
effect on fuel consumption making them both stylish
and cost efficient.
Peter Barker, Thule UK business manager,
commented: “The Thule Motion succeeds our very
popular Thule Atlantis roof range. It is a must-have
piece of kit and it will be the most suitable of all the
Thule boxes for the consumer who wants to
transport large or just bulky luggage, and is sure to
redefine the benchmark for cargo boxes in the future.”
Rozone Parts Cleaner
SKS Spaero pump
Qimmiq energy jam
Direct: 0121 526 8181
Various Distributors
Direct: [email protected]
ROZONE, A leader in cleaning solutions, has
launched the PCS100 Benchtop Parts Cleaner. As the
title suggests, this latest bench-top innovation in
water-based cleaning offers workshops a greener
solution to parts cleaning, without the need for
costly service contracts.
Using solvent-free, water-based cleaning fluid
heated to just 40 degrees, the Benchtop Parts Cleaner
uses microbes to break down oil and grease so that it
can then recycle the cleaning fluid. This removes the
requirement for a monthly service contract.
Rozone’s Beth Jones said: “Water-based
bioremediating technologies, such as those used in
our PCS100 Benchtop Parts Cleaner, have improved
significantly over the last ten years which has
prompted a move away from solvent-based parts
cleaning. As this technology becomes increasingly
common place we have found that there is a need
for a smaller Benchtop system for use where floor
space is at a premium, and that many of our existing
customers want a mobile cleaning solution.”
IF YOU were lucky enough to have been at Eurobike
last year and spent time around the SKS stand you
won’t have missed the big banners displaying the
Spaero. It’s only a handpump, but it’s one that SKS is
touting as a particularly big deal.
Providing a flexible pull out hose built into the
pump’s body, the Spaero avoids damage from the
high pressure placed on the pump during inflation.
Components like the screw on valve adapter,
integrated flexible hose, twist lock, dust cap,
aluminium tube and the smooth pressure build-up
make this product pretty much unique for a pump of
its compact size.
Carrying a five-year warranty, the German
manufacturer is confident the unit will last and last,
a quality that the iF design Council agreed with
when handing out its coveted awards this year. The
pump can reach a 73 PSI pressure.
SKS product is distributed in the UK by Raleigh
(01773 532600), Chicken Cyclekit (01525 381347)
and Madison (0208 385 3385).
FIRST INTRODUCED to BikeBiz at the NEC Cycle
Show late last year, Qummiq has taken the issue of
packaging energy gels very seriously, introducing a
‘bend and squirt’ packaging that snaps back
horizontal and self seals when not in use. Ultimately
this means that there’s no need to be tearing of
sachet heads with your teeth while cycling.
At present just a raspberry flavour is available,
though the brand is working on further recipes. This
solution is made up of fruit, vegetables, honey and
contains no artificial colours or flavourings.
Each 12-gram serving delivers a 2:1 ratio of fast to
slow acting sugars, feeding the body consistently for
endurance activities.
Qimmiq is seeking a distribution partner for the
UK market.
BIKEBIZ.COM
BIKEBIZ MARCH 55
Become a stockist – email for free sample issues
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R
ouleu
ur
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Pur veyorrs of exceeptional c ycling literrature
Rouleurr is the hig
highly acclaimed
bi-monthly magazine,
zine, featuring
e
quality
photography and writing depicting the
passion and drama of road cycling.
It has a dedicated follo
o wing from both
discerning cycling fans and the most
influential bike riders in the world.
Privateer is a bi-monthly magazine
fo
or mountain bikers who already
know the obvious;
s; fo
or riders who
have been around the trails, up the
mountain and down the other side
more times than they can count.
In addition to our magazines we
also publish a range of books – all
about the culture of cycling and the
characters around our great sport.
If you are interested in stocking our publications then please contact Andy Hill e-mail: andy @ rouleur.cc tel: + 44 (0)782 537 4642
Rouleur Limited, 1 Luke Street, Shoreditch, London EC 2A 4 PX
56 BIKEBIZ MARCH
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BIKEBIZ.COM
SECTOR GUIDE | CYCLE COMPUTERS
Computer says yes...
Advances in cycle computers and heart rate monitors have come a long way in a relatively short
space of time, as has the demand from athletes to pin down and analyse their performances in the
saddle. Mark Sutton documents what the market has to offer beginners and athletes…
Moore Large
Zyro
CARRYING ETC, Sigma and
Knog computers, Moore Large
caters for all cyclists and
budgets.
The N.E.R.D 5, 9 and 12function computers follow on
from Knog’s unique lights with
wraparound silicone casing. The
wireless transmitter has the same
silicone strap casing and only the
wheel magnet requires the
attention of a screwdriver. It’s just as
quick to remove, so when you lock
your bike up just take the N.E.R.D with
you. The casing also acts as waterproof
protection for the head unit and
transmitter. The head has no individual
buttons, instead the screen acts as one
big button: simply press the face to scroll
through the functions.
The five-function is the latest edition
to the range available in five colours.
N.E.R.Ds retail from £37.99 to £61.99.
ETC computer prices begin at a pocket
money-friendly £10.99, making them
DEALERS HAVE some great product
from both Bryton and Cateye when
choosing cycle computers from Zyro.
Catering for athletes looking for
serious product, Bryton’s Rider 20 and
40 computers retail for £99.99 and
£149.99, respectively. The 20 offers a
large screen and big font size for easy
reading, GPS to record your tracks, laps,
speed, distance and calories burned and
all of those are downloadable to
brytonsport.com. It is easier to install
than a traditional computer, thanks to
the GPS signal, meaning no need for
wheel sensors (sensors can be fitted for
indoor training). ANT compatibility
means users can easily upgrade the unit
by adding HRM and cadence sensors.
Meanwhile, Cateye has two great
sub-£50 units in the Strada Wireless and
Micro. The £44.99 Micro comes with
programmable screen, multi-choice
functions, Click-tech plus, instant
backlight amongst other features, and
will be available in two colours.
ideal for kids who just want to see how
fast they can go.
Even on lower priced models you’ll
often find odometer readings, speed
pacer, dual bike memory, odometer bike
½, temperature, calories and a handy
backlit display.
Contact: 01332 274200
Hotlines
Greyville
WHEN INTRODUCED to the UK trade
not much more than a year ago under
Hotlines, Ciclosport brought with it a
case full of computers in an
interesting point of sale unit. This
demonstrated the width of the
catalogue, which offers a variety of
price points and styles.
With a whopping 44 functions, the
CM 4.4 A HR documents the highs
and lows of each ride with impressive
accuracy and detail. Due to the
optional cadence function one can
easily control the effectiveness of
training. Detail such as the degree of
incline is registered in real time, giving
the rider an ‘in the saddle’ look at
what they’re really up against.
Furthermore, the Altimeter function
on the CM 4.4 A HR registers the
current altitude, home altitude and
maximum measurements. Then there’s
the heart rate monitor within, which
again records each peak and average,
can calculate an optimal training zone
BOTH ON the bike and on the PC, the
£249.99 Sigma Rox 9.1 answers just
about all the questions posed by
athletes.
In addition to displaying the
speed, heart rate, altitude, slope,
rate of ascent and temperature,
the newly developed digitally
encoded three-channel
wireless system makes it
possible to use several
sensors at the same time.
This allows the Rox 9.1 to
display a graphical representation of
the performance, cadence and
expansion. Using the included docking
station and software, trip data can then
be clearly displayed in graphic form
and evaluated in detail on the PC.
Of interest to those looking to push
their limits over a set route, calculating
improvements or declines in
performance, the computer will record
a ghost race, which can then be raced
against and analysed on the computer.
and provide readings for how long the
cyclist stays above their all-important
targeted heart rate.
Each Ciclosport unit is supplied with
a handlebar bracket and sensor, spoke
magnet, transmitter belt and mounting
materials as standard.
Contact: 0131 319 1444
The Strada Wireless’ latest makeover
is perhaps its smartest yet. The eightfunction unit is just 4.5 x 3 x 1cm in
size, yet has a full size screen thanks to
the screen itself doubling up as a button.
Just give it a press and it flicks through
the modes. Using a wireless compact
sensor, it is ideal for those riders wanting
the simplest set up and a discreet
overall appearance.
Contact: 01845 521700
The new power formula from Sigma
calculates the cyclist’s power in the
watts required to move the bike rather
than the power asserted on the pedals.
The watts are calculated using bike
type and position, bike and athlete
weight, athlete height, shoulder width,
speed, incline and cadence.
Contact: 01543 251328
>>>
BIKEBIZ.COM
BIKEBIZ MARCH 57
SECTOR GUIDE | CYCLE COMPUTERS
>>>
Chicken
Cyclekit
CHICKEN CYCLEKIT has been
importing the Italian Velomann
brand of cycle computers for
nearly five years with great
success, the firm tells BikeBiz.
A complete range of
computers is available to suit
any budget, all wireless and
carrying a three-year warranty.
Prices start from £24.99 for a
seven-function wireless model
and span popular price points
up to £149.99 for a 31-function
with PC link up, download and
goals. All Velomann designs come
with a large, easy to read screen and
bracket to suit handle bar or stem
mount.
If you are interested in the brand
contact the Chicken Cyclekit sales
office on 01525 381347, or order
CSG UK
on-line at www.chickenb2b.co.uk from
your PC, or even your smartphone,
whether it is an iPhone or an Android
compatible device.
Contact: 1525 381347
Garmin (via
Madison)
NOW ESTABLISHED as one of Garmin’s
flagship products, the Eurobike Awardwinning Edge 800 touchscreen is for
cyclists who want accuracy and simplicity
when tracking their statistics.
It combines popular aspects of the Edge
500 and Edge 705, adding an touchscreen
interface. New mapping options such as
Garmin’s BaseCamp route planning and
BirdsEye Satellite Imagery make it ideal for
touring and riding on the trail.
Smaller and sleeker than the 705, yet
featuring a larger display, the 800 was
developed alongside Pro Tour team
Garmin-Transitions, who used the
computer to track their training regimes
and monitor progress.
CANNONDALE VASTLY
expanded its accessories line last
year, introducing some new cycle
computers for CSG’s dealers to
sell alongside the main bike
catalogue.
At the top of the line, the
£59.99 IQ400 carries 18functions inside a wireless body.
These functions span everything
from speed readings, from
current to average and
maximum, through to time and
distance readings spanning trip
distance, odometer, a clock and
even more.
Each model in the line has a
low-profile shape and mounts
directly to either a stem or handlebar.
Furthermore, each is backlit and carries
a battery indicator.
The more budget friendly model in
the line at £29.99 is the IQ200. This unit
focuses on speed readings and basic trip
Madison
Cyclists can view Team Garmin’s
featured rides – or download, analyse and
share rides of their own at Garmin Connect,
the free-to-join online community.
Contact: 0208 385 3385
ASIDE FROM the Garmin
brand, which is entirely
dedicated to the production
of computers, Madison
brands Blackburn and Pro
both produce a catalogue of
both the wired and the
wireless computers.
New into stock are
Blackburn’s Atom SL computers,
hitting three price points. At the
cheaper end you’ll find the Atom SL
3.0, costing £39.99 at retail. This slim
bodied, lightweight unit registers the
current, average and maximum speeds,
trip distance, odometer readings, ride
time and features auto scanning. As
with each computer in the line and
Windwave
Raleigh
FOR TWO years BBB has worked on the
hardware and software of the DigiBoard
cycling computer. The pros from cycling
teams requested a computer that could
track heart rates and altitude gains on
long climbs. From that, BBB decided to
add ANT+ compatibility, for
interference and cross-talk free
communication between the computer
and transmitting accessories like heart
rate belts and cadence metres.
BBB developed an easy to
understand menu structure, meaning
functions, like cadence, are not visible
in the menu when not used. The
DigiBoard standard, selling at £89.95
and with 17 cycling functions packs in
enough for the cyclist curious about
YOU COULD BE FORGIVEN for thinking
RSP’s cycle computer offering would
cater solely for the entry end of the
market – not the case, much thanks to
the performance cycling suited EX 4.0,
retailing at £139.99.
Packing a punch for the cash, the EX
range has the optimum model for the
more demanding rider. The product
includes 2.4 GHZ transmission, heart
rate monitor, cadence and altimeter,
among its 33 functions.
For the cyclist looking for something
to simply track a leisure ride, both
Raleigh own-branded and RSP product
will more than suffice.
Raleigh’s ARC017, retailing at £24.99,
carries eight functions, covering speed,
58 BIKEBIZ MARCH
distance measurements, and also
includes a calorie burn estimator.
Contact: 01202 732288
their output, but other models are
available too – including a 22-function
unit a £119.99, a 25-function at
£129.95 and a 30-function unit which
retails at £159.99.
Contact: 02392 505320
indeed all Blackburn goods, the firm’s
lifetime warranty features.
A highlight of Pro’s catalogue and
one of the cheaper products to satisfy
the beginner cyclist is the waterresistant Digi 5ive wireless, available in
black or white and costing just £14.99.
Contact: 0208 385 3385
distance, time, odometer, maximum
speed, average, a clock and scan mode.
Further to this, RSP’s CX3.0 at £29.99
offers similar spec, but also being
waterproof and with a larger display.
Contact: 01773 532600
BIKEBIZ.COM
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BIKEBIZ.COM
BIKEBIZ MARCH 59
LETTERS | YOUR SAY
Mail to:
Saxon House, 6A St. Andrew Street,
Hertford, Hertfordshire SG14 1JA
SPONSORED BY
Email:
Jonathon.Harker@
intentmedia.co.uk
STAR LETTER
BikeBiz is keen to publish your opinions, whether they’re from
letters, emails or via BikeBiz.com...
Cycling is safer
than tennis
Following a Parliamentary debate and high profile campaign from national newspaper The
Times, cyclist safety has become a hot debating topic across the nation over past weeks. One
BikeBiz reader added their thoughts on the discussion…
DEAR BIKEBIZ,
Let’s hope all the current activity and
publicity gets some real change in the right
direction – LCC, Cyclenation, CTC, Bicycle
Association, Sustrans and British Cycling have
been working together to inform the debate.
But we need to strike a balance. Cycling is
already safer than: walking per mile, tennis
per participant and lots of other everyday
activities. Cycling makes huge inroads into
obesity, cardiovascular disease and more –
the health benefits outweigh the risks 20-toone. Cyclists live years longer on average and
it takes thousands of years of cycling per
fatality. It’s safer to cycle than not to.
Even so it needs to be as safe here as it is
elsewhere in Europe. Unfortunately
unwarranted scaremongering deters people
from cycling’s mostly enjoyable healthy
convenience – ironically it’s more people
cycling which is key to better safety. Our
frightened, populist clamour for cycle lanes
might actually make it worse by encouraging
more UK style ‘facilities’. They are of such low
quality they often make it neither safer nor
more convenient.
The London Cycle Campaign’s Go Dutch
project is a great start for high quality
segregation which assists beginners and
experienced cyclists alike. It will also need a
Dutch style cultural shift in attitudes,
priorities, 20 mph default urban speed limits,
collision liabilities and political will to take
space from carriageways not footways. Some
advocates set this against
integrationist/vehicular cycling which they
see as appeasing the status quo. Not so:
they’re complementary approaches with
national standards (cyclecraft) training
enabling people to lift their skills and safety a
notch or two in mixed traffic – even though
some can take it a lot further than others. The
skills are applicable even in 20 mph areas and
on Dutch style cycleways. Let’s use a mix of
whatever works.
What won’t work is high vis and helmet
promotion – look at www.cyclehelmets.org to
learn of an absence casualty benefit, of the
bad science which abounds and of safety data
like the tennis and walking comparisons.
What needs pushing, especially in
promotional pictures, is the Copenhagen style:
no helmets, no high vis and low casualties.
Normal people on normal bikes, making
normal trips in normal clothes.
Apologies to you sporty types who can’t
throw off the fancy gear – ideal as it is for the
serious stuff – just to go shopping: as cycling
ex-Transport Minister Steve Norris said: “I
don’t want to dress up like a spaceman to
ride my bike.”
John Mallows
www.cyclenation.org.uk
(viz BikeBiz.com)
It’s safer to cycle than
not to, writes
John Mallows of
Cyclenation.org.uk
STAR LETTER
Whether it’s a hand-written, sentthrough-the-post letter, email or a
comment made on the BikeBiz Forum,
the best letter of the month wins a
prize from Oxford Products.
This month the lucky winner will receive
the Ultra Torch 9.
Waterproof Front headlight
Anti-shock switch non-slip structure
Quick release Jubilee clip suits
31.6mm handle bars
Batteries included
in association with
The new BikeBiz Bible 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,
contact Carly Bailey on
01992 535647 or email
[email protected]
The BikeBiz Bible is now
available online.
Visit www.bikebiz.com
2PURE
46c Bavelaw Road
Balerno, Edinburgh. EH14 7AE
Tel: 0844 811 2001
www.2pure.co.uk
2X2
Unit 6, Hall End Business Park
Dordon,
Tamworth, Staffs. B78 1SX
Tel: 01827 331099
www.2x2worldwide.com
FAT SPANNER
Tel: 07966 401165
Web: www.fatspannerworld.com
BM7 DISPLAYS
Unit 7, Metro Centre,
Toutley Road
Wokingham,
Berkshire. RG41 1QW
Tel: 0118 977 2814
www.bm7displays.com
BUA SPORTS LTD
Sandyford Office Centre
17 Corrig Road,
Sandyford,
Dublin 18. ROI.
Tel: +353 8799 78859
www.buasports.com
BUFFERA LTD
Cranborne House,
Cranbourne Road,
Potters Bar,
Herts. EN6 3JN
Tel: 01707 852244
www.buffwear.co.uk
C3 PRODUCTS LTD
Tel: 0754 564 2931
www.c3products.com
CARRADICE OF NELSON LTD
Westmoreland Works
St. Mary's Street,
Nelson
Lancashire, BB9 7BA
Tel: 01282 615886
www.carradice.co.uk
THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO RETAILERS, SUPPLIERS AND SERVICES WITHIN THE CYCLE TRADE
CHICKEN, RJ & SONS LTD
Unit B2, Cherrycourt Way
Leighton Buzzard,
Bedfordshire. LU7 4UH
Tel: 01525 381347
www.chickenb2b.co.uk
CHOCOLATE DISTRIBUTION LTD
2 Flint Cottages
Oxford Road,
Stokenchurch
Bucks, HP14 3SX
Tel: 0871 231 9966
www.chocolatedistribution.com
CAMBRIAN TYRES/CONTINENTAL
North Parade,
Aberystwyth
Ceredigion. SY23 2JR
Tel: 01970 626777
www.conti-tyres.co.uk
For additional copies please contact
[email protected]
CYBERTILL LTD
2 Dovecote Court
Stanley Grange, Ormskirk Road
Knowsley,
Merseyside. L34 4AR
Tel: 0800 030 4432
www.cybertill.co.uk
CYCLING SPORTS GROUP
Vantage Way,
The Fulcrum
Poole, Dorset.
BH12 4NU
Tel: 01202 732288
www.cyclingsportsgroup.co.uk
CUSTOM SPORTS CLOTHING
Tel: 07580 495881
www.customsportsclothing.com
DAWES CYCLES LTD
35 Tameside Drive,
Castle Bromwich,
Birmingham. B35 7AG
Tel: 0121 748 8050
Web: www.dawescycles.com
www.dirty-bikes.com
www.barrosabikes.com
EUROBIKE LTD
9 Portico Road
Littleover, Derby.
DE23 3NJ
Tel: 01332 774796
www.eurobike.uk.com
FALCON CYCLES LTD
Bridge Street
Brigg, Lincs.
DN20 8PB
Tel: 01652 656000
www.falconcycles.co.uk
FISHER OUTDOOR LEISURE LTD
8/9 Brick Knoll Park
Ashley Road,
St Albans,
Herts. AL1 5UG
Tel: 01727 798345
www.fisheroutdoor.co.uk
GREEN OIL UK LTD
Green Oil House
12 Rolvenden Gardens
Bromley,
Kent. BR1 2TN
Tel: 020 8313 9074
www.green-oil.net
HIGH FIVE LTD
Unit 4 Ash Court,
Forest Business Park
Bardon,
Leicestershire. LE67 1UD
Tel: 01530 835873
www.highfive.co.uk
HOTLINES EUROPE LTD
Unit 17 The Loan
Viewforthbank Industrial Estate
South Queensferry.
EH30 9SD
Tel: 0131 319 1444
www.hotlines-uk.com and www.hotlines-europe.com
HYKEHAM WHOLESALE LTD
7 Earlsfield Close,
Lincoln.
LN6 3RT
Tel: 01522 801550
www.hykehamwholesale.co.uk
I-RIDE.CO.UK
7-8B Mid Sussex Business Park
Ditchling Common Industrial Estate
Folders Lane East,
Ditchling, Sussex. BN6 8SE
Tel: 01444 243000
www.i-ride.co.uk
Specialist | Cycle | Distribution
DISTRIBUTION
AND WHOLESALE
E-COMMERCE
AND EPOS
ISKUTE LIMITED
Tel: 01803 752225
www.gritscooters.co.uk
JOHN JORDAN LIMITED
Unit 3 Toll Bar Estate
SEDBERGH
Cumbria. LA10 5HA
Tel: 01539 751125
www.buzzrack.co.uk
www.bike-cases.co.uk
JUNGLE PRODUCTS LTD
Unit 3, The Cedar New York Mills,
Summerbridge. HG3 4LA
Tel: 01423 780088
www.jungleproducts.co.uk
www.santacruzbikes.co.uk
KOOL STOP EUROPE
Kool-Stop Europe bv,
Kostverloren 21
NL 9684 TB Finsterwolde
The Netherlands
Tel: +31 597 522 944
www.koolstop.eu
MAVIC SAS
Amer Sports UK,
Theta Building, Lyon Way, Frimley,
Surrey. GU16 7ER
Tel: 01276 404870
www.mavic.com
MDI LIMITED
115 New Court Way
Ormsmirk,
Lancashire. L39 2YT
Tel: 01695 571029
www.mikedixonimports.co.uk
MOJO SUSPENSION HOODOO LTD
2 Rbf Business Centre
Pontymister Industrial Estate
Risca, Newport. NP11 6NP
Tel: 01633 615815
www.mojo.co.uk
MOORE LARGE & CO LTD
Sinfin Lane Industrial Estate
Sinfin Lane, Derby. DE24 9GL
Tel: 01332 274252
www.moorelarge.co.uk
NEMESIS GB LTD
17 Great Western Business Park
McKenzie Way, Tolladine Road
Worcester. WR4 9GN
Tel: 08707 775530
www.nemesisgb.com
PALIGAP LTD
Unit 2 Danbury House
Great Western Park Armstrong Way,
Yate, Bristol. BS37 5NG
Tel: 01454 313116
www.paligapltd.co.uk
EVENT
ORGANISERS
MEDIA AND
PUBLISHING
MARKETING,
PR AND
CONSULTANCY
MANUFACTURER,
STANDALONE
BRANDS
RETAILERS,
WORKSHOP
AND MAIL ORDER
SERVICES
AND TRAINING
POWACYCLE
Akhter House,
Perry Road
Harlow,
Essex. CM18 7PN
Tel: 01279 821243
www.powacycle.co.uk
SURF SALES LTD
Point Break
North Road,
Shorncliffe, Folkestone
Kent. CT20 3UH
Tel: 01303 850553
www.surf-sales.com
PUNCTURE PROOF TYRES
Unit 1,
Barons Court Gardens
Bromsgrove. B61 9ET
Tel: 0844 800 6493
www.puncture-proof-tyres.co.uk
THE CYCLE DIVISION
Unit 27,
Gatehouse Enterprise Centre
Albert Street, Lockwood,
Huddersfield,
West Yorkshire. HD1 3QD
Tel: 0845 050 8500
www.thecycledivision.com
RAM-MOUNT UK LTD
Unit 5, The Lion Cente,
Hanworth Trading Estate,
Hampton Road West
Feltham. TW13 6DS
Tel: 020 8894 1234
www.ram-mount.co.uk
RED CLOUD MC
2 Merlin Drive
Sandy,
Bedfordshire. SG19 2UN
Tel: 01767 692831
www.redcloudmc.com
REECE CYCLES PLC
100 Alcester Street,
Birmingham. B12 0QB
Tel: 0121 622 0180
www.reececycles.co.uk
SADDLEBACK LTD
Unit 10,
Easter Court
Woodward Avenue
Yate, Bristol. BS37 5YS
Tel: 01454 285285
www.saddleback.co.uk
SCHWALBE UK LTD
Schwalbe Centre
Hortonwood 30, Telford,
Shropshire. TF1 7ET
Tel: 01952 602680
www.schwalbe.co.uk
SEVENTIES LTD
Unit 1,
25 Moorhurst Road
St Leonards on Sea,
East Sussex. TN38 9NB
Tel: 0845 310 3670
www.seventies.co.uk
SILVERFISH UK LTD
Unit 3C and 3B Woodacre Court
Saltash Parkway Industrial Estate
Burraton Road, Saltash,
Cornwall. PL12 6LY
Tel: 01752 843882
www.silverfish-uk.com
PARKLIFE (HAVANT) LTD
Unit 5, Butterick Building
New Lane, Havant. P09 2ND
Tel: 02392 475895
www.parklifeparts.com
SONIC CYCLES
PO Box 39804,
London.
W11 4WQ
Tel: 020 7243 2848
www.soniccycles.co.uk/b2b
PELICAN PR
No.1 Holly House,
Mill Street,
Uppermill,
Oldham OL3 6LZ
Tel: 01457 820807
www.pelicanpr.co.uk
STORMFRONT TECHNOLOGIES LTD
Unit 1B,
The Newton Centre
Thorverton Road,
Exeter. EX2 8GN
Tel: 0800 612 1044
www.stormfront.co.uk
THE CYCLE SHOW
Upper Street Events Limited
58 White Lion Street
Islington, London. N1 9PP
Tel: 020 7288 6733
020 7288 6010
www.cycleshow.co.uk
UPGRADE
PO Box 688
Horsham, West Sussex.
RH13 8XQ
Tel: 01403 711611
www.upgradebikes.co.uk
USE LTD
(ULTIMATE SPORTS ENGINEERING)
Unit 6,
Hampers Common Industrial Estate
Petworth,
West Sussex. GU28 9NR
Tel: 01798 344477
www.use1.com
www.exposurelights.com
VELORBIS LTD
Peter Bangs Vej 53
DK 2000 Frederiksberg,
Denmark
Tel: +453 111 0030
www.velorbis.com
WALKERS CYCLE COMPONENTS LTD
22 Holywell Road
Leicester.
LE2 8SG
Tel: 0116 283 3885
www.walkerscycles.co.uk
WILDOO LTD
39 Barton Road
Water Eaton Industrial Park
Bletchley.
MK2 3HW
Tel: 01908 374555
www.wildoo.co.uk
ZIPVIT LIMITED
7-8B Mid Sussex Business Park
Ditchling Common Industrial Estate
Folders Lane East,
Ditchling,
Sussex. BN6 8SE
Tel: 06 283 3885
www.zipvit.co.uk
ZYRO LTD
Thirsk Industrial Park
York Road, Thirsk.
North Yorkshire,
YO7 3BX
Tel: 01845 521 700
www.zyro.co.uk
ORGANISATIONS
COMPANY PROFILE | EVENTS
UPCOMING EVENTS
SPOTLIGHT
COMPANY PROFILE
M&J DISTRIBUTORS
STEVE HENSHAW
Tel: +44 (0) 161 337 9600
Email: [email protected]
W: www.mjdist.co.uk
GADGET SHOW LIVE PRO
Tuesday April 10th
NEC, Birmingham
www.gadgetshowpro.com
March 2012
TORONTO INTERNATIONAL
BICYCLE SHOW
Friday March 2nd to 4th
BLC, Toronto, Ontario
bicycleshowtoronto.com
TAIPEI CYCLE SHOW 2012
Wednesday March 7th to 10th
TWTC Nangang Exhibition
Hall, Taipei
www.taipeicycle.com.tw
BESPOKED BRISTOL – THE
HANDMADE BICYCLE SHOW
Friday Mar 23rd to 25th
Brunel’s Old Station, Bristol
www.bespokedbristol.co.uk
THE EUROPEAN HANDMADE
BICYCLE SHOW
Friday Mar 30th to April 1st
Congress Centrum, Germany
www.e-h-b-e.eu
April 2012
GADGET SHOW LIVE PRO
Tuesday April 10th
NEC, Birmingham
www.gadgetshowpro.com
THE SCOTTISH BIKE SHOW
Friday April 13th to 15th
Glasgow, SECC
thescottishbikeshow.com
SEA OTTER CLASSIC 2012
Thursday April 19th to 22nd
Monterey, California
www.seaotterclassic.com
THE ROAD CYCLING SHOW
Saturday April 21st to 22nd
Sandown Park, Surrey
www.roadcyclingshow.com
May 2012
IRISH CYCLING SHOW 2012
Saturday May 19th to 20th
RDS, Dublin
[email protected]
June 2012
PRESS CAMP 2012
Monday June 18th to 22nd
Deer Valley Resort,
Park City, Utah
https://bikepresscamp.com
YORK CYCLE SHOW
Saturday June 23rd to 24th
The Racecourse, York
www.yorkcycleshow.co.uk
July 2012
DEALER CAMP 2012
Tuesday July 24th to 26th
Deer Valley Resort,
Park City, Utah
www.bikedealercamp.com
For more cycle trade dates: www.bikebiz.com/events
THE BIBLE
IS BACK!
64 BIKEBIZ MARCH
How long has the company been in
the bike industry?
M&J Distributors is a family business
and started trading in March 2004
from its Manchester base by Mark and
Steve Henshaw. We’re handily located,
only two minutes off Junction 24 of
the M60 motorway.
How many products does M&J
Distributors carry?
We stock a full ranges of bicycles and
over 2,500 accessory lines from many
leading brands, all under one roof.
We pride ourselves on good
customer service and there are simple
ways to trade with us – visit the cash
and carry, phone or email your order
for next day delivery or in many cases
we can deliver in our own van. We do
only supply the independent bicycle
dealer, however.
Regular special offers and a keen
pricing policy helps us deliver great
value to our customers. For brochures
and pricelists telephone 0161 337
9600 or email sales
@mjdistributors.co.uk or for directions
and more info at our site
www.mjdist.co.uk
What is currently selling well from
your portfolio?
Accessories are selling through well at
the moment, especially all service parts
and tyre ranges which we are always
adding to.
Have there been any recent
developments with the company?
In the last couple of years we have put
a lot of effort into expanding our parts
and accessory ranges and work hard to
keep good stock levels during busy
months so dealers get the parts and
accessories when they need them
most. We look forward to any new
enquiries from potential dealers.
For additional copies please contact:
[email protected]
BIKEBIZ.COM
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TO ADVERTISE IN THESE PAGES PLEASE CALL CARLY BAILEY ON 01992 535647
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MARKETPLACE CONTACTS
BIKES & ACCESSORIES
EPOS
Bob Elliot & Co Ltd
01772 459 887
www.bob-elliot.co.uk
Independent
01299 400008
www.independent100.com
Kinesis Bikes
01403 711 611
www.kinesisbikes.co.uk
M&J Distributors Ltd
0161 337 9600
www.mjdist.co.uk
Madison
01908 326 000
www.madisonb2b.co.uk
Seventies
0845 310 3670
www.seventies.co.uk
The Cycle Division
0845 0508 500
www.thecycledivision.com
Citrus Lime
0845 603 9254
www.citrus-retail.com
01494 530761
www.adcal-labels.co.uk
Exposure Lights
01798 344 477
www.exposurelights.com
USE Ltd
01798 344 477
www.use1.com
01444 243 000
www.zipvitsport.com
01282 699 555
www.pendle-bike.co.uk
0117 972 4730
www.argoscycles.com
07540 351 530
[email protected]
0207 6082577
www.cycle-systemsacademy.co.uk
0845 602 9267
www.bottlesport.com
01709 511766
www.siwis.co.uk
LABELS
Adcal Labels
LIGHTING
NUTRITION
BIKE MAINTENANCE
Zipvit
Green Oil
01403 711 611
www.upgradebikes.co.uk
Weldtite
01652 660 000
www.weldtite.co.uk
RACKS
Pendle
COMPONENTS
Lezyne
01403 711 611
www.upgradebikes.co.uk
Pace cycles Ltd
01751 460599
www.pacecycles.com
RWD
01404 711 611
www.upgradebikes.co.uk
Sonic Cycles
020 7243 2848
www.citec-wheels.com
Xfusion
01405 711 611
www.upgradebikes.co.uk
RESPRAYS & REPAIRS
Argos
SALES TRAINING
Quest
TRAINING SERVICES
Cycle Systems Academy
CLOTHING
Lusso Clothing
0161 724 5222
www.lusso-clothing.co.uk
Wildoo Ltd
01908 374 555
www.wildoo.co.uk
WATER BOTTLES
Bottlesport
DEALER MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
Evopos
BIKEBIZ.COM
WEBSITE SERVICES
0845 644 9424
www.evopos.com
SiWis Limited
BIKEBIZ MARCH 65
BIKEBIZ | MARKETPLACE
BIKES & ACCESSORIES
BIKES & ACCESSORIES
BIKES & ACCESSORIES
BIKES & ACCESSORIES
66 BIKEBIZ MARCH
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BIKEBIZ | MARKETPLACE
BIKES & ACCESSORIES
BIKES & ACCESSORIES
BIKE MAINTENANCE
BIKE MAINTENANCE
CLEANERS:
WE’VE GOT IT
COVERED
The ultimate range of mechanic
approved total bike cleaners
• Dirtwash Bike Cleaner Cleans safely with minimum scrubbing
1 Ltr Spray 03028 5 Ltr Refill Tub 03031
• Citrus Degreaser Specially formulated to degrease oily parts
400ml Aerosol 03002 75ml Liquid 03017 1 Ltr Refill Tub 03022
250ml Spray 03023
• Metal Polish Unique formula polish suitable for all metals
75g Tube 02007
• Disc Brake Cleaner A heavy duty disc brake cleaning spray
250ml Aerosol 03029
• Chain Degreaser Machine Chain driven four sided brush action
Machine and 75ml bottle of Citrus Degreaser 06017
MADE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM BY
WE ARE BIKE MAINTENANCE
www.weldtite.co.uk
BIKEBIZ.COM
BIKEBIZ MARCH 67
BIKEBIZ | MARKETPLACE
BIKE MAINTENANCE
COMPONENTS
LUBRICANTS:
WE’VE GOT IT
COVERED
The world’s best range of
bicycle® lubricants with
Teflon Surface Protector
• TF2 Spray Leaves a Teflon® film for low friction and high lubricity
450ml Aerosol 03015 150ml Aerosol 03021
• TF2 Performance The ultimate all weather Teflon®-based lube
100ml Bottle 03047 1 Ltr Refill Tub 03048 5 Ltr Refill Tub 03049
• TF2 Extreme For extreme weather and long distance cycling
75ml Bottle 03036 125ml Bottle 03037
• TF2 Plus Specially formulated for chains, derailleurs and cables
75ml Bottle 03034 125ml Bottle 03035
• Bike Grease High performance red grease for on and off road use
150ml Tube02009 3kg Tin03038 150ml Tube & Grease Gun06009
MADE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM BY
WE ARE BIKE MAINTENANCE
www.weldtite.co.uk
COMPONENTS
68 BIKEBIZ MARCH
COMPONENTS
BIKEBIZ.COM
BIKEBIZ | MARKETPLACE
COMPONENTS
CLOTHING
COMPONENTS
CLOTHING
j^[Ykij
e
if[Y_Wb c
_iji
BIKEBIZ.COM
BIKEBIZ MARCH 69
BIKEBIZ | MARKETPLACE
DEALER MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
LABELS
70 BIKEBIZ MARCH
EPOS
LIGHTING
BIKEBIZ.COM
BIKEBIZ | MARKETPLACE
BIKEBIZ.COM
LIGHTING
NUTRITION
RACKS
RESPRAYS AND REPAIRS
BIKEBIZ MARCH 71
BIKEBIZ | MARKETPLACE
SALES TRAINING
TRAINING SERVICES
for
es s t
a
l r op
Extra profits,
cia er sh kings
e
p
S all boo
immediate
results...
m
s rch
a
Sales training can easily double your business. If every
M
customer who comes in to buy an accessory goes out with two, you
just doubled your accessory sales. If every customer who comes in to
buy a £500 bike goes out with say an £1000 bike, you did it again!
A sales training course on your least busy day can realistically double
the sales each staff member produces from your present customer
base. The youngest sales people vastly increase in confidence, the
longer serving ones suddely realise there are modern techniques
they did not know about. It's not about hard selling, its about
understanding the sales process. Four hours later, your sales will
start to increase. Here's what dealers who have had the course say:
"You trained us in the morning, by that afternoon,
I had the course fee back. Amazing."
"I cannot understand why every dealer in the Uk is not banging
on your door. Everyone is so much more confident. Now we have
to work on keeping it that way. Totally recommendable"
"The boys really enjoyed your session the other day and are
trying to prove who can remember the techniques best. The till
is certainly ringing a lot more than it was, thanks Colin"
"You remember I told you I had loads of trouble selling
accessories when I sold a new bike? The first bike I sold after
you came went out with 13 accessories! They cost more than
the bike, I still don't believe I did it. Thanks Colin"
One fee, no extras, progress guaranteed:
Email [email protected] now,
or call 07540 351 530 for full details.
Colin Rees: specialist cycle sales training in the bike trade for 14 years.
WATER BOTTLES
72 BIKEBIZ MARCH
London's first professional cycle mechanic training course.
EAL & City and Guilds Approved centre
Industry Standard QCF qualifications
Apprenticeships & Learner Responsive funded packages
New Level 3 qualification now available
A fully-equipped, professional workshop in Central London
Experienced teachers
Lots of hands-on learning
State of the art training material
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Telephone 0207 6082577
Mobile
07786 636771
E-mail
[email protected]
Website
www.cycle-systems-academy.co.uk
in association with:
HAVERING
C O L L E G E
The Cycle Systems Academy is very proud to be sponsored by:
WEBSITE SERVICES
BIKEBIZ.COM
Independent
2012 Trade Catalogue
Tel 01299 400008
www.independent100.com
OFF TRACK | NUMBER CRUNCHING
I N THE SADDLE
Let’s get
statistical
How much extra cash has the Department for Transport
dedicated to cycle projects? How long will ITV’s deal to
cover the Tour de France last? And how many companies
won Taipei’s inaugural D&I prizes? All these questions and
more are answered...
Mark Trott,
23
UK Cycling Development Manager
at Action Medical Research
What bikes do you own?
I currently own three: A Trek 2300, an Airborne Thunderbolt
and a Trek 6006 MTB. I’ve also just taken delivery of a
Wattbike so I can put in training when time is limited.
Almost two dozen bicycle organisations have teamed up to promote
cycling under a unified ‘Summer of Cycling’ banner in 2012.
Can you tell us a bit about your role at Action?
I’ve been able to play a key role in taking the charity’s cycling
events to a new level. When I started we had just five regional
rides, we now have 23 in the UK and keeping on top of those
keeps me busy. I design routes, recce them and liaise with
local authorities. Support services play a key role too and I’m
also responsible for getting all those on board.
What has 2012 got in store for the charity?
This year is our 60th anniversary, which we share with the
Queen, and we’re looking forward to another good year. We’ve
introduced two more DIVA100 ladies-only rides to our
regional calendar along with some new international events,
namely Ride L’Etape and a London to Paris route for ladies.
How can the cycle trade get involved with your work?
There are clever ways in which we can work together that can
benefit both parties. For us, the key is promotion and with more
trade contacts we can get our message to cyclists. We can offer
trade opportunities to assist events with mechanical support,
product sampling and volunteers. We’re keen to have
participants turn up with a well-serviced bike and could envisage
working with retailers to promote a service package to riders.
Why cycle to raise money?
Everyone loves a challenge and for many people riding 100
miles or more is quite a feat. Our longer-distance events are
recognised as an achievement by potential sponsors. First and
foremost, we are a charity and the money raised goes towards
research into diseases and disabilities that affect babies and
children. Some riders go on to do amazing things for us, taking
on even bigger personal challenges, and we are indebted to
many volunteers that join having taken part in an event.
£13,000
Out of the Saddle, Dean and Russell
Downing’s cycling club, has raised almost
£13k in the 2011 season for charitable
causes. Find out more at
www.outofthesaddle.org.uk
What’s the biggest rush achievable on a bike?
I’ve ridden London to Paris five times and as soon as we have
Paris in sight I feel a rush of emotion and adrenaline. It’s a
huge sense of achievement to make it to the finish line.
www.action.org.uk
74 BIKEBIZ MARCH
BIKEBIZ.COM
OFF TRACK | NUMBER CRUNCHING
300,000
The British Crime Survey found
around 300,000 bikes are stolen
every year in England and Wales.
Only five per cent get returned.
OUR BIGGEST TEN STORIES ONLINE IN
JANUARY
£15
The Department for Transport has released
an extra £15 million for cycle projects.
That’s in addition to the £560m
Sustainable Fund.
1. UCI to enforce saddle tilt rule in 2012
www.bikebiz.com/news/read/uci-to-enforce-saddletilt-rule-in-2012/012388
2. Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt head to Halfords
www.bikebiz.com/index.php/news/read/angelina-jolieand-brad-pitt-head-to-halfords/011681
3. Fat Face owner buys Wiggle
www.bikebiz.com/news/read/fat-face-owner-buyswiggle/012319
51%
4. Steve Worland made redundant by Future
www.bikebiz.com/news/read/steve-worland-maderedundant-by-future/012314
51 per cent of Londoners said the next Mayor can take action to encourage them to
cycle more, according to the LCC’s Love London, Go Dutch survey.
5. KCNC to introduce 12-speed road system
www.bikebiz.com/news/read/kcnc-to-introduce-12speed-road-system/012358
6. Isobel dies as DfT scraps some cycle regulations
www.bikebiz.com/news/read/isobel-dies-as-dft-scrapssome-cycle-regulations/012359
7. Argos Christmas TV advert re-ignites debate
www.bikebiz.com/news/read/argos-christmas-tvadvert-re-ignites-bicycle-shaped-objectdebate/012258
74
The num
Awards ber of Taipei C
ycle D&
won at
th
I
giving.
Five ove e inaugural priz
r
e
all
were an
nounce Gold winners
d at the
show...
8. EU’s electric bike rule changes slammed by
Bicycle Association boss
www.bikebiz.com/news/read/eu-s-electric-bike-rulechanges-slammed-by-bicycle-assocation-boss
2015
In January, ITV signed a new deal to show
highlights and live coverage of the Tour de
France up until 2015.
BIKEBIZ.COM
9. SRAM sticks with cables as new Red leaked
www.bikebiz.com/news/read/sram-stick-with-cablesas-new-red-leaked/012293
10. Wiggle and Chain Reaction make Sunday Times’
Fast Track 100
www.bikebiz.com/news/read/wiggle-and-chainreaction-make-sunday-times-fast-track-100/012305
BIKEBIZ MARCH 75
OFF TRACK
OFF
k
c
a
r
T
• bishop bashed by epic ride
Bishop’s week
of Gore-y hell
Tourers tackle
World Record
THE WORLD Cycle Racing Grand Tour takes place over 106 days and got started last
month. The riders are aiming to set a new record by choosing their own route, though
they’ll all have to travel 18,000 miles (29,000 km) around the world carrying GPS
trackers. The race is hoped to finish before the start of the 2012 summer Olympics (on
July 27th, fact fans). Alan Bate is the current World Cycle Record holder having set a
daily average of 250km despite all weathers and terrain, having beaten Vincent Cox’s
world round effort.
LIVERPUDLIAN COMEDIAN John Bishop has ditched the jokes in favour of a ‘hellish’ cycle
challenge for Sport Relief. At the end of February the joke meister embarked on a week of
cycling, rowing and running over 290 miles from Paris to London. Help came in the form
of Gore bike and running wear, kitting out the comedic challenger with a Countdown
Insulated Jacket, Fusion GT AS Jacket, Ozon WS Long Jersey and Contest Thermo Jersey.
Find out more at www.sportrelief.com/bishop
Facebook fight!
Lovejoy fights
for the right
SOMETHING FOR the Weekend and Soccer AM presenter Tim Lovejoy has
signed up to the Right to Play 2012 Bike Ride. Taking place from June 30th to
July 3rd, Lovejoy is supporting the children’s charity ride, sponsored by
Specialized, despite not being a natural cyclist himself. Follow his training on
Lovejoy’s Twitter feed – twitter.com/timlovejoy – or at
www.righttoplay.com/uk/Pages/2012BikeRide.aspx
In another meaningless battle dreamt up by
overworked bike journos, Facebook pits the three
‘Grand Tours’ of Europe against each other…
1. Tour de France
616,915 likes
2.Giro d’Italia
149,575 likes
3.La Vuelta a España
13,848 likes
Likes
76 BIKEBIZ MARCH
BIKEBIZ.COM
OFF TRACK
Send your pictures to
[email protected]
• lovejoy leaves balls behind for cycling • poc in spooky wood ride-backing
Got access?
IN FEBRUARY, Chain Reaction Cycles teamed up with Access Sport
to put on a series of BMX Roadshows in East London.
Access Sport is a London charity that aims to bring quality
local sports to children in disadvantaged areas. It has a BMX
Legacy Project that aims to build five new community-focused
BMX clubs, together with five new BMX tracks in the Olympic
Boroughs by 2013.
The aim of the project is to link in with the Olympic Velopark
that will be inherited by the Lee Valley Regional Park to allow
young people the opportunity to become involved with cycling in
the Capital. The project is being delivered with the support of the
Greater London Authority, British Cycling and the five Olympic
host boroughs Greenwich, Hackney, Newham, Tower Hamlets and
Waltham Forest. There are more details at
www.accesssport.co.uk/BMXRoadshow
Monarch of
the Glentress
2puredistributed POC
is sponsoring its
first UK event
Swedish kit brand POC is sponsoring its first UK event – the new Glentress enduro –
which takes place on Sunday May 27th, staged at the Forestry Commission Scotland’s
idyllic Glentress. Boasting a huge final descent, running from near ‘Spooky Wood’ back
down to Peebles, the ‘The King and Queen of the Hill’ ride will be part of the ten day
TweedLove Bike Festival in the Tweed Valley. The winner will be crowned the ‘official
ruler’ of Glentress. Find out more at http://tweedlove.com/
quote
unquote
“IN NOVEMBER, Times journalist Mary
Bowers was just yards from arriving at
work on her bike when she was hit by a
lorry. Mary, 27, is still not conscious and is
making a slow recovery in hospital.
Tragically, such an accident is far from
rare. More than 27,000 cyclists have been
killed or seriously injured on British streets
in the past ten years. Cycling should be
both safe and pleasurable. Ministers,
mayors and local authorities must build
cities that are fit for cycling.
The Times has launched a public
campaign and eight-point manifesto
calling for cities to be made fit for
cyclists.”
Sponsored by the brands of
Moore Large 01332 274252
The Times sets out its #cyclesafe
campaign
"I don’t want people to see cycling as a
dangerous mode of transport. It isn’t but
it could safer, and acting to make it so
now, while it has almost fashion status,
will see numbers explode. We are at a
tipping point, a crossroads, a moment
where we could easily become the next
Amsterdam, reducing pollution and
congestion and improving quality of life.”
Chris Boardman, writing in The Times
(February 5th), cautions against
boosted the perception that cycling is
dangerous.
For more on these stories, head to www.BikeBiz.com
BIKEBIZ.COM
BIKEBIZ MARCH 77
OFF TRACK | SPOKESMAN
SPOKES
Does saying cycling is dangerous
harm the bike business?
Carlton Reid wonders about the long-term impact of the “cycling is
dangerous” coverage in The Times...
WHEN THE TIMES was running its cycle safety campaign
at the beginning of February did you notice a rush of new
customers? There’s nothing like a “you will die if you do
this” message to drum up custom.
The cycling coverage is deemed to be wonderful from
the mainstream, including extensive web reporting and a
fair few front covers. It is ground-breaking stuff, for sure.
But what will be the outcome of all this effort? Lots of
shiny new people eager to get on
bicycles, or would-be newbies
scared witless, promising to start
cycling when the Government
has spent the £10bn necessary
to create a 20,000 mile network
of separated cycle paths? Such a
network can be built. It took 40
years in the Netherlands. If you
can wait 40 years for these new
customers, you’ll be quids in.
Mind you, as The Times also
devoted space to showing
would-be cyclists that they
require armour to go cycling
no doubt your February sales
stat may reveal you did a
roaring trade in face masks,
helmets and downhill pads.
Popping down to the shops
on a bike needs a lot of kit
nowadays: “In Britain, going
out to cycle is a little like preparing for battle. There is
body armour and helmets to consider, Lycra and face
masks to squeeze into,” was from a piece headlined
‘Reasons to take to your bike’.
The Tories are said to have welcomed The Times
campaign; Labour called for a Cycling Summit and Julian
Huppert, the LibDem MP for Cambridge, secured a three
hour debate on cycling in Parliament.
All well and good but if politicians think cycling is so
incredibly dangerous will they clamp down on the source
of the danger (motor vehicles), or will they ‘protect’
vulnerable road users by forcing them to wear helmets,
making it compulsory to sport hi-viz jackets and restrict
the use of bicycles to cycle paths that, largely, don’t exist
and when they do exist are currently as about much use
as chocolate tea-pots?
Naturally, the easy option, that would be supported by
the majority of voters, is the latter. But it’s not just
cyclists that need protecting from
speeding traffic, it’s pedestrians
and all other road users, too,
including motorists.
If MPs want to do something
for cyclists, brilliant. But if that
doesn’t involve a massive clampdown on motorised traffic it will
come to naught. Despite what
MPs say I won’t be convinced until
I see the colour of their money.
We’ve been here before. In the ‘90s
Labour and the Conservatives
fought over who could be the most
cycle-friendly, but bugger all got
done. Beware politicians who
promise they’ll make conditions in
this country better for cyclists. The
Times may have kick-started a
debate on cycle safety – an issue
dear to my heart – but dangerising
cycling will have scared many off
their bikes. Now, thundering trucks
passing within inches also scares people off bikes, but will
UK politicians take a long-term view on the transport
problems we face and do what really needs to be done –
to restrain motorised traffic?
It will take politicians with balls of steel to go against
the wishes of the motorised majority. And by dangerising
cycling – and walking – we run the risk of making even
more people take to car. This is not good for health, the
environment, city mobility, or the bicycle trade.
EDITORIAL: 01992 535646 | ADVERTISING: 01992 535647 | FAX: 01992 535648
Executive Editor: Carlton Reid
[email protected]
Design: Dan Bennett
[email protected]
Editor: Jonathon Harker
[email protected]
Managing Editor: Lisa Carter
[email protected]
Deputy Editor: Mark Sutton
[email protected]
Publisher/MD: Stuart Dinsey
[email protected]
Advertising Manager: Carly Bailey
[email protected]
Marketing & Circulation: Lindsay Banham
[email protected]
Production Executive: Kelly Jones
[email protected]
Finance Director: Hilary Cole
Editorial
Saxon House,
6A, St. Andrew Street,
Hertford,
Hertfordshire.
SG14 1JA
BikeBiz is mailed FOC to 4,000+ trade
addresses every month
ISSN 1476-1505
LATEST NEWS STRAIGHT TO YOUR MOBILE | BOOKMARK US: MOBILE.BIKEBIZ.COM
78 BIKEBIZ MARCH
TWEET
short and
Wondering what the Twitterati have been up
to this month? Look no further...
Product description of the
week goes to @BikeBizOnline
who described Bont’s new cycling
footwear as “some sort of disco
dancing shoes” :-)
@prendas
Expo is all packed away for
another year. Looks like we had
a lot more visitors compared to 2011.
Really glad so many of you could
make it.
@fisher_outdoor
Up far to early in the morning.
Off to Madison #Icebike and
Fisher’s expo to look at shiny stuff.
Desperately need coffee!
@cycleworks
@UKmadison clothing getting
very strong reception @IceBike
& starting to snap at the heels of the
big A & E. lots more to come in
that dept!
@Dominiclangan
Someone just pointed out to us
that 2012 is Raleigh's
875th year in dog years!
@RaleighBikes_UK
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© 2012 SRAM LLC
sram.com Distribution in the UK: Fisher Outdoor Leisure LTD, www.fisheroutdoor.co.uk
SRAM RED - 2012 represents the pinnacle of road racing technology and delivers countless performance
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than SRAM RED 2011 Black Edition.
sram.com
I would rate this course off the scale.
All topics were very well covered
& its entertainment value
exceptional. Brilliant fun!
Colin Carroll
UÊÊÊand City and Ո`ÃÊ««ÀœÛi`ÊVi˜ÌÀi
UÊÊIndustry Standard QCF qualifications
UÊÊ««Ài˜ÌˆViň«ÃÊand i>À˜iÀÊ,i뜘ÈÛi
funded packages
UÊÊ iÜÊiÛiÊÎʵÕ>ˆvˆV>̈œ˜Ênow available
We are very proud to be sponsored by:
Checkout our website at www.cycle-systems-academy.co.uk
or call 0207 608 2577 for a chat about what we can offer you and
to arrange a visit to our state of the art workshop in London, N1.
In association with:
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