BikeBiz February 2012

Issue 73 | February 2012
21st - 23rd February 2012
There’s still time to Register!
See what’s new from the likes of Shimano, Giro, Saracen, GoPro and Park Tool
Not to be missed, special profit-boosting offers only available to iceBike* visitors
Daily schedule of business-enhancing seminars from top industry experts
including one-to-one sessions
Mix business with pleasure and party the night away with great entertainment,
food, drink and friends
More brands, space and reasons to visit iceBike* 2012
Visit www.icebike.co.uk to register now!
EDITORIAL
Issue 73 | February 2012
NEWS 4-5
Cycle retail chains expand despite increasingly tougher
times on the High Street, while the ACT rebrands...
MYSTERY SHOPPER
BikeBiz’s own incognito reporter
investigates the retailers of Nottingham
SPONSORED BY
FOCUS ON…
12
CORE BIKE 2012 REVIEW
33
The brands, the new products, the exhibitor debuts,
the seminars and the free lunches. We report on all
the goings on at Whittlebury Hall this year
ICEBIKE PREVIEW
29
Madison’s show extravaganza returns in Feb.
For a hint of what to expect, read on...
EXPO PREVIEW
25
Fisher’s house show takes place at Sopwell
House this month. We take an early look...
OUTDOORS
Our new and improved Outdoors
section kicks off this month
53
FOLDING BIKES
REFLECTIVE GEAR
59
HELMETS GUIDE
64 LETTERS
BikeBiz takes a look at some of the best helmet
options available for retailers to stock
PEOPLE
67
50
70
Who will be the proud winner of our Star Letter
Prize from Oxford Products? Find out on page 68
SPONSORED BY
2pure and Cycling Sports Group UK swell their
numbers with fresh-faced recruits
NEW PRODUCTS
62
Homit makes a noise with its bike alarm, while
Yeti’s SB66c also attracts retail attention
CAN YOU THINK of a single industry
that retails a product that benefits
from government incentives or maybe
even subsidies?
Let’s see... there’s the electric car
industry. Buyers of an electric powered
automobile can expect a discount to
the tune of 25 per cent.
Wow. If only the cycle industry had
something like that, eh? The lucky
blighters. Some kind of incentive for buyers, maybe looking
to spread the cost of a bicycle over one to three years?
Of course, the cycle industry does benefit from its very
own incentive, and has done for over a decade now.
Consumers can get up to a 40 per cent discount through
cycle to work (take THAT electric car industry!) and they can
spread the cost over a year and up to three years.
We’ve all heard the regard the cycle to work initiative is
held in by the industry, even those of us who’ve had little
first-hand experience of it. How many have pointed to it as
one of the key reasons behind cycling’s current popularity?
But maybe the time for the scheme to really shine is at
hand, now while household spending is being reined in?
Cycle to work has played a crucial role
in bike retail over the last decade, but
it could really do the business during
these austere times.
OK, as we all know, cycle to work has taken a bit of a
knock. Two rule changes in little over one year has worried,
confused and taken a bit of the fun out of the it.
Thing is, those have now been taken into account and we
still most definitely have a worthwhile initiative. Has cycle
to work been eroded? You could argue so, and it’s temping
to moan about the changes to cycle to work, but, in the
final analysis, we’ve still got cycle to work in our corner. And
if we’re not getting the best of it then maybe it’s time to
think again about how we approach it.
One distributor chief was chatting to me about the
subject at one of the recent house shows. He spoke
glowingly of one local retailer that has been banging the
cycle to work drum to potential customers more or less
continuously in the form of radio adverts.
It’s not a perfect initiative. Of course it isn’t. But even the
original version’s definition of market value was enough to
confuse the minds of our greatest intellects.
But as the market tightens up, particularly in the middle
range, it’s time to use the tools we have on offer – whether
it’s cycle retail finance or cycle to work – and it’s also time
to shout about them to the bike buying public. They can
save petrol and get their hands on a (decent) bike without
straining their wallet. Who wouldn’t be happy about that?
Jonathon Harker, Editor
SPOKESMAN
86
BSO sellers have been after a slice of the bike
retail action since the 1800s, writes Carlton Reid
EVENTS 74 OFF TRACK 84 MARKETPLACE 75
NEWS
CYCLE
SHORTS
ITV4 secures Tour
Live coverage and highlights
of the Tour de France have
been secured by ITV4 until
2015. The channel sealed the
deal with the most famous
bike race on the planet on
January 9th. Last year’s live
coverage peaked at an
878,000, with the audience
up 30 per cent year-on-year.
Ison celebrates 20
years in the biz
The distribution firm has been
celebrating with its dealer
customers to mark its 20th
year in the business. There’s
more on Ison in our Core Bike
review on page 33.
Cycle boom on the
way this year
According to The Observer’s
last edition of January, 2012
is to be the year of the bike.
An investment banker and
Wiggle’s boss said cycling is
virtually recession proof,
adding that the Olympics will
be a huge sales driver.
Cycle Network
welcomes Android
Sustrans’ National Cycle
Network app is now available
to Android users. So far the
app has been downloaded
50,000 times by iPhone users.
Bobbin to sell
Globe store
In order that it can expand its
supply business, Bobbin
Bicycles is looking for a buyer
for its award winning Globe
Store in London – the only
bike shop to feature on Time
Out London’s top shops list.
Bobbin is launching in New
York in spring following a
showing at Interbike.
E-bike-promoting
E4 launches
Electric bike trade group E4
(nothing to do with the TV
channel) has been formed by
EBC, Storck Raddar, Hero Eco
and Wisper to promote the
electric bike market. The
organisation told BikeBiz that
the formation does not spell
the end of BEBA – the British
Electric Bicycle Association.
For breaking news visit:
www.bikebiz.com
4 BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY
Cycling props up
the High Street
Bike shops target growth while other retail
sectors struggle to continue trading in 2012
by Jonathon Harker
IN A MONTH that saw numerous retail
businesses go to the wire, cycling’s High
Street chains have revealed plans to expand
in the face of the toughest prolonged
economic period in years.
Already this year Past Times, La Senza and
Peacocks have fallen into administration,
following Hawkin’s Bazaar, Barratts and D2
Jeans in December 2011.
Despite being just one month into 2012,
Cycle Surgery has revealed it will be opening
at least three new shops in the UK this year,
while Evans Cycles is also due to open at
least one more shop in the near future.
“At Cycle Surgery we continue to set
ourselves new challenges, goals and
objectives,” commented Cycle Surgery
marketing manager Jonathan Sharpe. “During
these challenging economic times, we
continue to experience strong growth, and
are pleased to be able to open new stores in
key locations.”
Evans Cycles’ director of marketing and
ecommerce Ben Hart commented: “We've got
a confirmed store opening for 2012 in
Edinburgh set for this spring. There are no
other confirmed store openings at present
but we are assessing opportunities –
economic and trading outlook permitting –
but the plan is to keep expanding our retail
footprint in a sustainable way.”
The growth of Cycle Surgery has seen it
reach 27 stores (see inset) from just six
London outlets in 2007. In 2010 the brand
combined with Runners Need and
Snow+Rock following a Management Buy
Out, backed by LGC Capital.
In January, Edinburgh Bicycle Cooperative
revealed it was planning to double in size in
five years, increase turnover to £20 million by
2017 and increase staffing to nearly 300.
MD Jeremy Miles told The Scotsman:
“There are a lot of changes going on at the
moment, there are a lot of private equity
firms coming into the cycling industry. The
real opportunity is in places like London,
Birmingham and Bristol.”
Despite their continued positive exploits
on the High Street, both Cycle Surgery and
Evans Cycles noted the continued importance
of other retail channels.
Sharpe said: “Cycle Surgery’s growth
developing and improving our e-commerce
and multi channel media platforms, ensures
our online customers receive the best retail
experience possible.”
“The plan is to keep
expanding our retail
footprint in a
sustainable way.”
Ben Hart, Evans Cycles
Nemesis to bring Motorola
brand to IBDs
FOLLOWING A launch partnership with Evans
Cycles, the MotoACTV product line will be
made available to IBDs from March 1st.
Mobile electronics brand Motorola’s new
MotoACTV line of GPS fitness music devices
and accessories will be brought to
independent retailers through Nemesis.
‘Fusing music and fitness’, MotoACTV’s
product range starts with an 8GB device (at
£249.99) which can be mounted on
handlebars or can be worn as a sports watch
(right) for full data sensor data capture and
musical motivation. A high performance heart
rate monitor and speed cadence sensor are
among the accessories available.
“We are extremely excited about the
opportunity of bringing this premium
electronics brand to the UK,” enthused Roger
Cook, business development
manager at Nemesis.
“There is massive
potential with the strong
growth of the UK
fitness market
increasing the
demand for this type
of product.
“Our knowledge
and expertise of
distributing cycle and
electronics equipment
combined with MotoACTV’s
quality and design are a
perfect match.”
0870 7775530
[email protected]
BIKEBIZ.COM
NEWS
Rubena Czechs into the UK
UK CYCLE RETAILERS:
IN NUMBERS
Fresh distribution deal sees brand ramp up presence on these shores
Halfords – 462 (inc Republic of Ireland)
Evans Cycles – 46
Cycle Surgery – 27
(including newly announced stores)
Cycle King – 24
Cycles UK – 16
Leisure Lakes – seven
CZECH REPUBLIC tyre and tube brand
Rubena is coming to the UK through a
new distribution deal with Bike Tyrestore.
The distributor is best known for
supplying the motorcycle trade and
through the Rubena deal will be looking
to forge closer links to the cycle sector
and bicycle retailers in particular.
Rubena produces tyres for all types of
bicycle, from commuter to MTB, all
made in Europe, where the firm enjoys
Evans’ Hart commented: “The other area
of focus for us in 2012 is our multichannel
offering – more products and more services
online. We launched a mobile site in
December and plan to integrate this closely
with our online offering in-store for the
coming year. “We are also focusing on service and
customer satisfaction across the business,
whichever channel a customer comes into
contact with us,” Hart added.
significant market share, BikeBiz is told.
The brand is keen to replicate success on
the continent in the UK and Ireland.
“This is a major development for us,”
explained Bike Tyrestore UK sales
manager Adam Rous.
“We will use all our marketing and
distribution skills to launch Rubena into
the UK market, and aim to match the
tyre brand’s leading status in other
European countries.”
Both Rubena and Bike Tyrestore
promise they will deliver that significant
marketing backing to raise the profile of
the brand’s broad range of multidiscipline tyres and tubes.
Cycle retailers can get hold of the
Rubena tyre and tube range via Bike
Tyrestore via online ordering or
freephone 0800 281 413. Accounts can
be applied for at the website below.
www.worldofbiketyres.com
New look for changing ACT
THE ASSOCIATION of Cycle Traders
(ACT) is rebranding following a
broadening of its business.
Launched at the London Bike Show
and Core Bike trade event in January, the
new branding has come about following
a widening of the ACT’s membership and
business.
The organisation said that it remains
IBD-focused, but its membership now
includes consumer-facing and supply
businesses. Through its relationship with
The Experts, it is increasingly engaging
with consumer promotion, driving
custom to its member base.
“ACT is now a different business and
accordingly warrants a new identity,”
director Jonathan Harrison told BikeBiz.
“An identity that better reflects its width
of interests and wider engagement with
cyclists and potential cyclists throughout
the UK.”
The new branding, which was tested
during Q4 and selected by the ACT
“ACT is now a different
business and
accordingly warrants a
new identity that
better reflects its
width of interests.”
board, reflects the different business
types, consumer age groups and genders
that ACT is encouraging into cycling and
the IBD. A new mini website can be
found at www.theact.org.uk
Harrison commented: “The ACT
operates with ActSmart to develop its
business support activities and the new
logo was developed to clearly
differentiate the two entities whilst
recognising the on-going partnership.
“ActSmart is a small business support
organisation dedicated to the
development of speciality retailing,
which actively works with Government
business agencies and was an active
participant in the Mary Portas High
Street Review.
“ActSmart has plans to progress into
its fifth and sixth partner markets during
2012 and retains its branding and
commitment to the specialist retail
community,” Harrison added.
www.theact.org.uk
SHOW PREVIEW | TAIPEI CYCLE
Taipei Cycle
goes silver
Jonathon Harker previews the 25th Taipei Cycle show,
one of the year’s most essential international bike exhibitions...
NOW IN its 25th year, Taipei Cycle is set to
draw the world’s bicycle industry to the
halls of Nangang Exhibition Centre from
March 7th to 10th.
Trade shows rarely resist the temptation
to state they’re increasing in size, but Taipei
has gone one better by revealing its
increased space for 2012 has not only been
filled well in advance of the show, but it
has not been enough to meet demand. So,
in 2013, it will be dedicating yet more
space for exhibitors eager to showcase their
wares. Impressive stuff.
This year a whopping 1,089 exhibitors
will be taking up 3,284 booths at the show,
which is an expansion of around 230
booths. Demand has grown beyond that
which can be offered by 1F and 4F of the
exhibition hall, so Nangang’s sixth floor and
outdoor area have also been opened up for
the show this year.
At Taipei the COLIPED-organised EU
Pavilion will return for the 20th time
(featuring a number of UK companies),
while exhibitors from a total of 36
countries will appear at the show.
running between the two. 12 comfortable
luxury buses have been assigned the task
(www.twtcnangang.com.tw).
So if your hotel is in Taipei City or Taipei
County, go online and pre-register. Then the
service team will contact you and ensure
you receive a free buyers kit when you
arrive at your hotel.
TAIPEI TIME TRAVEL
Making your way around all those extra
exhibitors is going to take more of your
precious time. Thankfully the organisers
have thought of that and have introduced
some measures to make your trip easier.
If you register before your arrival you
can have your entrance badge delivered to
your hotel (for free). Transport between the
Nangang Exhibition Centre and Taoyuan
International Airport has been improved
too, with a near-non-stop route now
CYCLE PRIZES
This year the organisers have also upped
the ante by teaming up with the world
famous iF design forum for Taipei’s first
trade awards (D & I Awards). Over 60
entries were received by November and at
time of print we’re still waiting to see how
many got in before the January deadline.
Entries have been made in four
categories – Bicycles, Components, Clothing
and equipment for cyclists and Accessories.
Last month an independent panel of jury
6 BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY
All new exhibitors undergo Taipei Cycle’s
own special initiation ceremony
IN BRIEF
WHERE: TWTC Nangang
Exhibition Hall, Taipei, Taiwan
WHEN: Wednesday March 7th
to 10th 2012
begun the evaluation process, during which
they selected the five best entries for a
Taipei Cycle Gold Award. All the winners will
be revealed at the Awards Ceremony,
scheduled to take place at the show on
March 7th 2012.
Taipei Cycle runs alongside the Taipei
Sports Textile and Accessory Expo, and it's
the accessory market that is going to
receive greater focus at this year’s show,
we’re told.
And while new product and business
opportunities will be the primary reasons to
attend as always, Taipei Cycle also runs
alongside the International Bicycle Design
Competition, the International Bicycle Trend
Forum and in the same month as the Tour
de Taiwan. Those following the great e-bike
debate can also head to the Taipei Power
Forum-Electric Two-Wheeler Symposium,
taking place on March 8th at Room 401.
WHAT: Taipei sprung into
existence 25 years ago following
the success of TaiSPO (Taipei
Int’l Sporting Goods Show) –
then in its 14th year. Within a
decade the show was hosting
533 exhibitors to use 1,539
booths, during which time the
Taiwan Bicycle Exporters’
Association had formed (in
1992) to promote Taiwan-made
bicycles to the world. By 2007
the event was Asia’s largest cycle
show, according to the
organisers.
Last year Taipei Cycle saw a
record 948 exhibitors from 36
countries take up 3,060 booths.
ORGANISER: Founded in 1970
to help promote foreign trade,
the Taiwan External Trade
Development Council (TAITRA),
is a non-profit trade promotion
organisation. It is jointly
sponsored by the government,
industry associations, and several
commercial organisations.
URL: www.taipeicycle.com.tw
BIKEBIZ.COM
CONTROL
IS AT THE TIP
OF YOUR
FINGERS
THE
FINISHING
TOUCH
www.ultegradi2.co.uk
MERCKX SUFFERED ON THE HARSHEST ROADS SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO
Geometry Perfected by the Legend to Deliver Ultimate Rider Comfort and Endurance
EMX-1
Power Under Control
The EMX-1 utilizes high grade HM24 Carbon Fibre combined with our
proprietary CL+ Lay-Up computer modelling to optimize force transfer
by each carbon layer. This way comfort, responsiveness and weight can
be optimized.
105 Bike £1999 SRP
“balanced and purposeful with a solidness that
could only come from the mind of a pro rider”
Facebook.com/irideuk
Twitter.com/irideuk
Prestige | Cycle | Brands
Proudly Supplies Eddy Merckx Cycles in the UK
From £999 to £13,000 SRP
Scan for Video: The Technology Behind The 2012 Eddy Merckx Collection
CHAIN REACTION | MERCHANDISING APPAREL
Apparel can sell…
no, really!
So how do you ensure apparel sells in your store, you may ask? It is the
goal of Mercedes Ross, as in previous years, to make that an easy task at
iceBike* later this month. Apparel is always a difficult department and
there are a few basic things that can be done to make the area successful...
“If they can’t see it, then
they can’t buy it. That’s
why mannequins and
fixtures and fittings are so
important in the store.”
Mercedes Ross
BIKEBIZ.COM
YOU MUST make the category a well-rounded,
one-stop shopping environment, and really it
should contribute to the bottom line if it is
taking up both cash flow and valuable retail
space.
There are four areas we will be covering at
the seminar at iceBike*:
Identifying your customer: who is really
walking through the door, and who is buying, or
has the potential of buying apparel? When a
category is slow there is always a large
discrepancy between who the retailer thinks is
buying product and who actually is buying. That
is why I look at this first; my goal is to satisfy
the consumer already walking through the door
first. Then look at categories that may have
potential for an increase – let’s say the tri
market or women’s apparel.
Mercedes Ross will be
at iceBike* which runs
from Feb 21st to 23rd
www.icebike.co.uk
Creating an actual section and what that
really means. Separating Men’s and Women’s
apparel when possible, and utilising mannequins
to identify that separation visually. Fixtures and
fittings play a critical roll in how product is
placed, and product placement determines sales.
The shopping environment is so critical to
creating sales in apparel, as it is a spontaneous
purchase for the most part. My saying is ‘if they
can’t see it they can’t buy it’, because seeing it is
the first step to wanting, and wanting creates
the purchase decision. That’s why mannequins
and fixtures and fittings are so very important,
as they have an effect on how the product is
seen. This brings us to product placement: how
product is placed can create add on sales or
completely kill sales, it just depends on the
‘merchandising’ – and product placement is
merchandising.
How you buy. A beautiful cake baked with
salt instead of sugar may be beautiful, but it
doesn’t get the job done: the job of tasting good.
Likewise if you have great fixtures, but your buy
and selection is horrible, you won’t sell any
apparel. Knowing how much space you have to
bring product into has an effect on how you buy
the product. If product is crowded and the
consumer can’t see most of it your apparel sales
will suffer. Strategically buying for your space
and customer is how you create the successful
department. Most problems are ‘not enough
space’ and ‘too much stuff’; although I can’t
create more space, buying for the space you
have is the first step.
The end of the ‘buy cycle’ is closeout. How do
you do this productively, and what tools do you
need to be successful at freeing up those buying
pounds? Ah, the dreaded sale items, a necessary
evil, but you must hold yourself accountable,
whatever the reason things didn’t sell: the
weather, you bought too much, wrong colour...it
doesn’t matter why. What matters is cash flow
and making room for items that are new when
they come in. I can’t stress enough how
overcrowding kills sales.
It’s been a year since I last spoke at iceBike*,
so I would love to hear from those of you that
applied some of these ideas from last year’s
seminar to see if they had a positive effect on
apparel sales. We will be covering things
mentioned above in greater detail later this
month.
If you are planning on attending my seminar
at iceBike*, come prepared with the following
important bits of information so I can be of
more assistance and address problems specific
to your location:
Sales figures as compared to the rest of your
store: what percentage of the sales does the
apparel department contributes to the bottom
line? Things I include are apparel, socks, gloves,
shoes, helmets.
Bring pictures (on your phone is fine) of the
apparel section; show specifically the fixtures
and fittings you are currently using. Is everything
tagged? If on hangers are there size rings? Are
you using forms or mannequins?
According to your bike sales (i.e: road,
mountain, commuter, kids) what kind of
customers are walking through your door?
Knowing what their wallet looks like helps define
this demographic and their affluence.
The seminar will also include a hands-on
portion where we will venture into the trade
show hall and actually look at how some of
these theories look in the apparel booths.
BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY 9
NEWS
Latest distribution moves
Extra alerts the trade to Hornit Decade Europe suits up with Australia’s Unit Clothing Hotlines now
shares distribution duties for DT Swiss Fli Distribution hooks up with KTM’s to bring range to the UK
complete wheelsets, forks, shocks and
accessories. As of February 1st, Dalby
Forest-based Pace Cycles will take charge
of all service and warranty work for every
type of product in the line.
0131 319 1444
by Mark Sutton
EXTRA AND HORNIT
Did you hear any piercing sounds
intermittently ringing out at the London
Bike Show? Thought you were going mad?
Not so, the Hornit cycle alarm has
found a home with Extra.
Touted as the world’s loudest cycle
horn, the handlebar-mounted unit emits
short 140 decibel bursts that are designed
to be heard by any vehicle on the road.
Invented by Tom De Pelet, the product
is a response to cyclist’s fears that there is
very little that can be done to alert
motorists to their presence when danger
is imminent. Mayor of London Boris
Johnson is said to be among the users of
the alarm.
The unit comes supplied with a silicon
trigger that can be placed alongside
shifters, or anywhere on the handlebar.
Stock is already with Extra.
01933 672 170
10 BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY
DECADE EUROPE AND UNIT CLOTHING
Decade Europe will distribute Australian
clothing label Unit from the start of Feb.
Decade Europe GM Matt Yeo said: “As
well as having some of the coolest
designs out there, Unit Clothing is worn
by the world’s best motocross, BMX and
mountain bikers. It’s already massive in
the USA and Australia, so we think it will
be well received by action sports fans in
the UK. We can’t wait to offer the range
to dealers.”
01792 469811
HOTLINES AND DT SWISS
DT Swiss has announced distribution and
service centre alterations to its UK
business. Effective immediately, Madison
will handle the spoke, nipple, hub and rim
distribution, while Hotlines takes on
FLI AND KTM
Fli Distribution has announced a link up
with KTM that will see the bicycle range
become available to the UK trade.
Though the brand is best known for its
motorbikes, KTM has been making
bicycles since 1964 and sells over 160,000
bikes annually in 30 countries – though
the UK has always struggled to gain
access to the bikes.
Fli is now calling on customers old and
new to consider the bike brand for their
shop floor, stating that the ‘margins are
exceptional’ and that online discount
stores will not be supplied. Demo bikes
will also be available.
0161 304 8555
BIKEBIZ.COM
BIKEBIZ.COM
BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY 11
MYSTERY SHOPPER | NOTTINGHAM
SPONSORED BY
Rouleur Ltd publishes the acclaimed cycling magazines Rouleur and
Privateer. These are sold exclusively through subscription and IBDs only
Independent’s
In the past chain stores have
surprised Mystery Shopper
with some surprisingly strong
performances, challenging the
notion that personal service
doesn’t exist within larger
companies. Would that be the
case in city with as strong a
heritage of independent cycle
business as Nottingham?
Mystery Shopper does the
rounds…
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
12 BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY
Freewheel
Evans Cycles
IT'S ALWAYS encouraging to be met within a minute or
so of entering a store and Freewheel’s female assistant
came forward quickly as her colleagues handled other
trade.
Giving the assistant a wide budget of between £400
and £800 to work with, I was pleased to be sold the
advantages of investing in a bike and its longevity – all
justified with reasons aside from simply the weight.
Pointing to a Trek on sale from £900 to just a shade
under my upper budget limit, she began to discuss the
vibration dampening properties of a carbon fork specced
at this price. Further to this, it was explained that at the
lower end of my budget I'd get Shimano's unbranded
groupsets, which would be of a lower quality in both
performance and wear life.
I left with a business card with the bike's model
penned on the back, which some may go on to use as a
tool to buy online. However considering the discounted
price and extremely strong sales pitch an impulse buy,
or the chances of my return would have been greatly
improved.
LOCATED ON a busy street, this branch of Evans had high
footfall at the time of our visit, forcing Mystery Shopper to
stalk another customer around the store.
With a stroke of luck, the genuine customer was in the
market for a road bike, similar to the one sought by
Mystery Shopper in every way aside from the price.
Coming in with a budget of around £2,000 the customer
was immediately led to the shop floor computer to
browse the store's website. Odd, considering the available
stock in store. Nonetheless the eavesdropping continued.
Demonstrating to the customer the width of Evans' stock,
the assistant dropped in further questions on intended
use and mileage, seemingly changing his
recommendations based on each answer received.
Perhaps a little too much time was spent in front of
the screen, but the customer didn't seem to mind. It's not
the first time I've witnessed Evans' staff rely on the luxury
of shop floor computers to sell bikes. It does, however,
neglect the best bit of introducing a customer to a bike –
the touch and feel that so often bonds a prospective
buyer to a purchase.
BIKEBIZ.COM
MYSTERY SHOPPER | NOTTINGHAM
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]
Rock'n Roll Bikes
BACK IN retail following five years online, Rock'n'Roll bikes
is fairly new to the Nottingham scene.
The first notable difference between this store and
many others is the ‘thinking outside the box’ interior
design. The window display was funky enough, but go
inside and you'll be greeted with 'jail bars', presumably
installed to provide enough space for customers to slip in
and out, but prevent any bikes going missing.
Immediately greeted on the shop floor, the salesman
cleverly tempted my investment upwards, pointing out the
cost of upgrading a bike piece by piece, bolsetering this by
using a bike at £1,000 to emphasise the value for money
of a strong investment, should I become an enthusiast.
The end of year discounts were evident on many of the
bikes, but a 'sweetener' was offered should I choose to
return and buy here. The details of this deal were withheld
until that date, however. Intruiging.
Forme was sold primarily on its value for money over
competitors, even ahead of the shop's own Guess brand.
The pitch was backed up by bigging up bike designer
Adam Biggs, himself a professional rider.
day
Halfords
Langdale Lightweights
NOT THE most typical layout for a Halfords, this store
was situated on a busy road leading into Nottingham
and despite a dedicated autocentre just down the road,
seemed to be catching plenty of trade from petrolheads
with modified cars parked at funny angles outside. Inside
the theme continued with the car department busy.
In the bike area, however, an idle salesman walked
past me twice in the same spot without making any
attempt to offer assistance. I could hear customers
enjoying a detailed chat with an assistant in the car
accessories area so went in search of assistance here.
As feared, when we'd arrived at a selection of
Boardman and Carrera road bikes, the knowledge of the
nitty gritty thinned. This isn't to say the assistant was
defeated though, as he produced knowledge of Halfords'
aftercare packages and value for money aspects on the
higher priced Boardman, steering me toward the higher
price models in the process.
This pitch may not have sold to the enthusiast rider,
but to anyone looking solely for value for money it
might have done the trick.
BLOWING MY chances of a full test of this store's
capabilities with a quoted budget of £800, Mystery
Shopper thought he'd have to think on his feet to keep
this one going. Langdale specialises in the exotic and
super high-end road scene and thus my price point
wasn't catered for given that no reconditioned bikes were
currently in stock. That didn't, however, stop the sole staff
member trying to assist. Asking how urgently I'd need the
bike, she offered to take my name and number in order to
'look around for something suitable for me'.
As I mentioned that my current research of a bike
had been internet based, I was told to be wary of bikes
bought online, advice that was justified by the need for
a proper sizing up and test ride experience.
After some discussion, especially considering the
increasingly slim chances I'd be able to hand over cash
here, a shop a few miles away was mentioned, followed
up with "if you don't have any luck, check back here and
we'll see what we can do."
Brilliantly helpful, despite my request falling outside
Langdale's niche.
BIKEBIZ.COM
Summary
PERSON TO PERSON interaction can't be beaten, even
with the fancy shop floor gadgetary available to Evan's
staff. Ultimately, the assistant's role is to find the best
bike for their customer's needs and while this may have
been achieved in some form by Evans' website, the
independent stores created a desire to impulse
purchase, or place a deposit there and then.
I was convinced Freewheel was worthy of the star
store award throughout the day, but for me, new kids
on the block Rock'n'Roll bikes matched the
comprehensive knowledge of Freewheel and had the
edge when it came to closing the sale.
BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY 13
THE LONDON BIKE SHOW | HIGHLIGHTS
The RT8 TT rim
hydraulic brake, Yeti’s
carbon SB66C plus
assorted goodies from
the show
To ExCeL or not to ExCeL…
That was the question leading up to the London Bike Show as the trade wondered whether it was worth
the journey with so much else going on in January. Mark Sutton spent a day doing the rounds…
USE AND EXPOSURE
With the Boat Show next door it was fitting
that Exposure would show visitors the
underwater capabilities of some of its specially
developed lights. Visitors were treated to the
introduction of a prototype dynamo light
system capable of emitting up to 650 lumens
at its peak. The technology is already at the
stage where it lasted through 24 hour
endurance events as part of product testing.
A range of packages will be available when
this unit hits production, including three and
four LED versions. The housing seen at the
show will also change to a slimmer unit
resembling the Diablo light, BikeBiz was told.
What’s more, once the rider has stopped
pedalling, there will be some charge remaining
that will continue to be delivered at 450
lumens, making this light ideal for quick breaks
on the trail.
From USE, there’s a hydraulic cyclocross
brake on the way, dubbed the CX-11 disc, but
details are as yet thin on the ground.
MADISON
Madison again occupied a sizeable chunk of
space, with the organisers apparently joking
that the distributor has its own postcode at
ExCeL. Who’s joking? Madison Mainstreet
became a reality and the stands offered the
latest from each bike range, Madison’s own
brand clothing line and much more.
Changes to the Saracen line drew BikeBiz’s
attention and it was soon explained that the
14 BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY
The Bike Show shared
space with three other
events at ExCeL
Suits you sir: Brooks
shows off its new bags
Mantra line had undergone a revamp, among
other additions. The new Tuff Trax Comp Disc
features a front and rear set of hydraulic brakes,
something the minds behind the brand believe
to be unmatched by the market at £399.99.
A 160mm Ariel was also revealed, offering a
direct solution for the increasing numbers
looking to mix it up with some downhill enduro
riding. The rear triangle is also beefed up to
handle such abuse. A frame, with shock, will
cost £1,199.99 and a gravity Dropper 125mm
seatpost has the added bonus of a handlebar
mounted remote for quick adjustment.
Saracen also now has an entry-level downhill
bike in the Myst Pro, costing just £2,499.99,
bringing it in well below the team build used by
the professionals.
CHICKEN CYCLEKIT
Sadly the news from the Chicken Cyclekit booth
was marred by the theft of a rare Cinelli Strato
Carbon at the show.
The standout £5,500 build, complete with
Campagnolo Bullet wheels and a Super Record
Groupset, is believed to have been taken at
around 4pm on Sunday.
Chicken Cyclekit director Cedric Chicken told
BikeBiz: “As you see from the image it is
unmistakeable [see above] – somebody will be
offered it, no doubt. We are offering a
substantial reward if it is found.”
If you have any information, or are offered
the bike, please contact Chicken Cycles on
01525 381347 as soon as possible.
ATB SALES
ATB’s stand revolved largely around Whyte and
its 29er and cyclocross bikes. ATB’s Andy
Jefferies told BikeBiz: “Cyclocross has taken off
in a big way, so we’ve developed a line of bikes
spanning £799.99 to £1,299, all built around
the same frame. To date, orders have been
incredibly strong and ahead of forecasts, so
next year we’ll need a more substantial order to
meet the demand here.”
Last year’s launch of the R7 in the commuter
space largely prompted the move into drop bars
and knobbly tires, offered best by the Saxon
Cross, which comes ready built for cyclocross.
Jefferies continued: “The UCI’s allowance of
disc brakes opened further potential for us to
develop this space. We wanted to make a
workhorse at a reasonable price that came disc
brake equipped. We’ve now got a full line with
plenty of clearance on the frame – it’s a great
base to build on for anyone considering
cyclocross, though it’ll handle well in urban
spaces too.”
Each build comes specced with a gear range
of 11-30, though the frame can accommodate
any cassette.
Three Whyte 29ers are now with ATB,
featuring Whyte’s own adjustable dropout
which allows the rider to adjust the range of
the dropout by up to 20mm. The seattube
bends around the rear wheel to allow a short,
responsive back end and clearance, while a 69degree head angle keeps things responsive up
front.
BIKEBIZ.COM
THE LONDON BIKE SHOW | HIGHLIGHTS
EXTRA
Thanks to the addition of ‘The Hornit’ bike
alarm, the Extra stand was drawing curious
glances from the show floor. More can be
found on this ahem… alarming, new product
on page 58.
Brooks, meanwhile, continued to push things
aside from saddles with new bar tape, bags and
coats taking centre stage. You may have heard
of the ‘Criterion’, a Timothy Everest
collaboration, super high-end cycling jacket
with tweed lining, water and wind proofing
credentials. Well, now there’s a ladies version,
so if any of your customers have £830 burning
a hole in their pocket, these could be worth
pointing out.
A selection of new bags join the Brooks
catalogue too, including the pictured £260
treated cotton rucksack, which has a 30 to 43
litre capacity and is fully waterproof. Other
additions include a Gym Bag, various other
carry bags and leather bar tape in ten colours.
UPGRADE
Upgrade’s main news was the appointment of
a new national sales manager – more on that
on page 46.
Kenesis has made the much-loved Decade
frame available as a complete bike, with
Upgrade stocking two build kits. These are a 2
x10 SRAM X5 spec, retailing for £1,220, or
SRAM X9 spec for £1,599. The rest of the build
will be made up of FSA finishing kit, WTB
tubeless wheelsets and X-fusion forks. The
Decade features DMR’s Swapout dropout
should the customer prefer a singlespeed rig.
Upgrade also told BikeBiz that it has just
taken stock of Pivot’s carbon 5.7, available as a
frameset for £2,099 at retail.
EUROBIKE
Moda continues to be the main focus for
Eurobike, as Russ Masters told BikeBiz: “It’s a
very significant brand for the business. We’ve
BIKEBIZ.COM
had one chap come down to the show simply
to view a Stretto before buying one himself.”
On the back of the news that the UK
workshop can now build bikes with
Campagnolo, as well as SRAM and Shimano,
Masters let us in on another secret.
“We’re currently working with a
Staffordshire-based carbon fibre expert to
create our first fully UK handmade carbon fibre
frames. Eurobike managed to secure some
additional funding through the Government’s
small business subsidies and that’s allowed us
to set up the tooling to create something very
special. We expect around 300 units will be
made in sizes 52 to 56 and we’re looking at
having samples by June and production soon
after, perhaps July.”
Another snippet of news, Eurobike has also
secured distribution for Moda in France.
ENDURA
The London Bike Show saw the debut of
Endura’s Urban Range, which is perfectly suited
for city cyclists, combining functionality with
subtle, contemporary, office-compatible chic.
The new Photon Jacket was flagged up
thanks to its 2.5-layer waterproof breathable
fabric. This latest member in Endura’s family of
cycling jackets is extremely lightweight and
ultra packable for a fully waterproof,
completely seam-sealed jacket.
The Photon features a slimline inner storm
flap with a wrap over zip guard and is available
in a men’s and a women’s version in a range of
colours. A lightweight ‘Emergency softshell’
also joins the range, which offers a value for
money, slimline solution for when the clouds
open unexpectedly.
MAGURA
The buzz around Magura’s now announced RT8
TT hydraulic rim brake for road was having a
good go at swallowing any other developments
from the brand, which remained tight-lipped
Endura debuted its Urban
range, mixing up
functionality with officecompatible chic
Madison had its own
postcode at the London
Bike Show. Literally
on anything in the pipeline during the show.
If you want to know more about the RT8 TT,
go on the internet and type in ‘Magura
Cervelo’ for a good few million relevant
search results.
Since scrapping the Julie and Martyr lines
last year, Magura’s MT series has taken over,
with the MT2 at entry level (£99.99) and
MT8 taking top spot. The £299.99 MT8
weighs in at just 278 grams, including the
fluid and bolts.
Magura UK’s Jeremy Crook told BikeBiz:
“We’re the only company in the world to
layer short strand carbon fibre to its
maximum strength capabilities. Magura has
developed its own machine to give a multidirectional layup, meaning we can tailor a
product to be tough where it needs to be.”
Retailers can benefit from just one set of
pads spanning the entire range, meaning
just one replacement SKU need be stocked.
SILVERFISH
New products galore for Silverfish, including
Yeti’s carbon SB66C – the lighter brother of
the aluminium SB66A. It’s the same 6-inch
travel ‘superbike’, with a tapered headtube,
142 bolt thru rear axle compatible dropout
and is based around the same Switch
suspension technology. It costs a bit more
though, retailing at £2,599.
Spiuk revealed a new tri shoe, as well as a
new 31-vent Nexion helmet in nine
different colours. The Sector is Spiuk’s 680
gram tri shoe, offering a heat molded inner
lining and glass fibre sole, all woven into
some High Flow 2 Fabric, which offers great
ventilation and breathability.
Mondraker drew plenty of interest too
thanks to the Borne 1 city bike (£999). With
an eight-seed Alfine hub, ergonomic grips
and Shimano hydraulic brakes front and
rear, this is one of three in the born line,
now available to retail.
BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY 15
WWW.ROADCYCLINGSHOW.COM
ROAD CYCL NG
SANDOWN PARK 21-22 APRIL 2012
DON’T MISS the UK’s
newest bike show
n
io
at n
rm zo
fo a
in ab
g r 46
in B 1 8 b@
ok ew 98 w
bo ndr 66 dre om
nd A 7 n s.c
ta ct 07 l: a w
r s nta el: ai ho
Fo co T E-m tcrs
NFORM
‘How to’ Seminars
Bike Set-Up
Ride Positioning
Diet & Fitness
Training Advice
Preparing for a Sportive
#"! """ "
"&%$#"!$ "$ "
&$#% $# """
"""!"
""
""
"%#$"!"
$ " &%$#%# " " NDULGE
New Road & TT Racing Bikes
New Sportive & Commuter Bikes
New Kit & Accessories
Collectors Fair & Retail Bargain Bonanza
NTERACT
Trial the Demo Bikes
Ride the Sportive
Check Out the Club Zone
BOOK NOW
& GUARANTEE
A GOODY BAG!
roadcyclingshow.com
£12 advance online booking
£15 on the door
£10 Seniors (65+)
U16’s go FREE
(with paying adult)
Promoted by
18 BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY
BIKEBIZ.COM
SHOW REVIEW | ZYRO OPEN HOUSE
1
3
2
4
5
Open House Party
Zyro opened the door to all its customers at this year’s Open House event.
Jonathon Harker reports on the show’s new products, brands and high-end offerings…
FIRST UP, one of Zyro’s newest additions – SQ
Labs (5) – takes a different approach to
saddles. No two backsides are the same – “a
saddle must fit like shoes”, the brand says – so
SQ Labs has devised a simple way of
measuring the space between the seat bones,
which thankfully doesn’t involve a tape
measure and screens. Instead a simple seat
(available to stores through Zyro) and a sheet
of cardboard mark the distance between the
bones (once a customer has sat on it). Then a
quick check on a chart reveals the ideal saddle
shape. All of which is impossible to do online,
so SQ Labs is a natural fit for physical stores.
The custom specialist also takes into account
the natural sway movement with saddles that
rock with the rider’s pedalling motion. The SQ
line-up also includes grips, which vary again
depending on the discipline.
XeNTiS’ (1) high-end wheel offering
(unusual capitalisation and all) is another of
Zyro’s new brands – a logical choice for the
distributor while the high-end of the market
continues to flourish despite the downturn. The
Austrian handmade line-up includes wheels for
road, MTB and tri, where it is perhaps best
known. ZeNTiS uses its own patented brake
surface which, it says, sees no wearing while
providing top performance in wet and dry
conditions. There’s the attention to detail
BIKEBIZ.COM
you’d expect in a range that sees prices hit
£1,599.99 (for the TT clincher and tubular
carbon) with great lengths gone to, to ensure
the spokes are straight (using a XeNTiS devised
link). As with SQ Labs, there is focus on IBDs
with ‘Buy it local’ POS is available via Zyro.
Zyro’s Bodyfit (2) range has a brand new
logo and fresh designs created in-house. The
firm is looking to broaden the appeal of the
entry-level brand, not least with the
introduction of the Classic saddles, complete
with copper rivets and in the case of the
Classic Spring Deluxe, huge old-school spring
action. The firm also hinted at future
development of the performance range.
Meanwhile, Tortec’s (7) line-up is
broadening. Also designed in-house by Zyro,
the new lines includes the Epic Stainless Steel
rack, pitched at touring cyclists with
substantial loads to bear. It cunningly uses a
triangulated frame for added stability, for a
maximum load of 40kg.
The brand has also created a fancy sleek
new Air Cage, made from a lightweight thermo
composite and available in three colours,
priced at £9.99 each.
Last year’s Sufferfest promo was a success
for Minoura, the firm told the journos at
Rudding Park. But this year the firm has
developed a cunning plan to bring power
training to a broader audience while
simultaneously giving existing users more
reasons to use Minoura. The heart of the
system is a £6.99 app – ‘Live Training’ for the
iPhone, Pad or Pod. Linking up (via an ANT+
dongle) with Minoura’s V-series, plus multiple
speed, cadence and heart rate sensors, the
consumer can map his or her training, recreate
rides by downloading a GPS file or share data
via links to social media. As one of the very
few apps that is trainer specific, the line-up is
set to offer consumers something a bit
different. An Android version has not been
ruled out, we’re told.
Panaracer has a new 29er option in the
Driver Pro, ideal for all-mountain, XC or race,
while the relationship with cycle superstar
Cedric Gracia continues to bear fruit with CG
Downhill 26 x 2.50.
Fenwicks (6) has taken a long hard look at
its range and redesigned its packaging. Most
importantly of all, the names of its products
have been revised to simple, product names.
Smaller versions of the Foaming Chain Cleaner,
Disc Brake Cleaner, Suspension Lube Spray
have been introduced to allow riders to pack
more into their tool kits. The firm has also
created an eye-catching new chain lube range
under the ‘Stealth’ label. The road lube
provides, well, stealthy performance
Fenwick’s new Stealth
range caused a stir at
Open House
6
>>
BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY 19
SHOW REVIEW | ZYRO OPEN HOUSE
7
8
10
>>
12
Etxeondo’s feather-light
Bib Shorts form part of
the Spanish brand’s highend apparel line-up
20 BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY
9
9
being amazingly quiet and displaying
exceptional longevity, we were told. The tough
MTB Stealth Lube is suitable for all weathers
and, like the road version, is priced at £9.99.
CatEye (8) has released a wealth of new
computers, ranging from refreshes to brand
new iterations, including the Fit Computer.
Rolling a pedometer and cycle computer into
one simple, clean white unit, the natty device
is expected to appeal to fitness and female
markets, retailing at £69.99, complete with
wheel sensor.
The firm also has a patriotic take on the
cycle computer in time for the London 2012
Olympics. The popular Strada Wireless is now
available in Team GB colours and priced at
£49.99. The wildly popular V-Series line saw
250 per cent growth last year and has been
upgraded, while the Strada Compact is among
the computers given a fresh look.
Another of Zyro’s new brands, Hamax (9)
child carriers now sport a new lightweight
fastening bracket, available both separately
and incorporated within the new ranges. The
secure fixing indicators have been revamped
and there’s also a lockable version of the
bracket on Hamax’s top end products.
Other tweaks promise to make the seats
easier to use, including a new chest buckle
that can be fitted with one hand, and also
when the child already has their helmet on. An
inflatable air cover has been launched to up
comfort levels and other new accessories
include rain covers and spare bar options so
Hamax seats can be fitted to virtually any
type of bicycle.
With parents understandably keen to garner
advice on the child seat ranges before they
buy, the range is again being touted as a
natural fit for physical High Street retailers.
The folks behind Altura (10) have been
working hard on branding over recent months,
resulting in fresh logos, a new website, a
sportive series, glossy videos and more.
New commuter-aimed jerseys in the Metro
range have been introduced with trousers and
¾ lengths made with strong stretchy fabric
that definitely won’t look out of place off the
bike. Also new in the Metro range is the short
sleeve jersey – again designed to look just as
good off the bike as on – in the polo style, the
collar of which does up with a handy magnet
while riding.
Other additions to the range include the
Ergofit comp shorts – a waist version of the
bib shorts aimed at those new to road cycling,
who are maybe put off with full-on bib shorts,
developed following requests from dealers.
There’s plenty more, of course. Head to
www.altura.eu to find out more.
12
According to Bryton (3), there’s plenty of
potential in the GPS market yet to be tapped.
Now a year into its relationship with Zyro,
Bryton has moved its full range of computers
in, including the Rider 40, designed specifically
for competitive road cyclists. But it is Rider 20
that the firm is pinning high expectations to.
The cheapest cycle GPS device in Bryton’s
range, it retails at £99.99, or £139.99 with a
Heart Rate Monitor.
The last of the new brands, Spanish high
end apparel focused Etxeondo (12) hasn’t
really had much of a crack at the UK market
despite over three decades under its well
tailored belt. But all that is set to change with
Zyro and the enthusiastic brand is keen to
make an impression on these shores. Another
of the high-end brand acquisitions hoped to
do well in our tough climate, the range
includes feather-light bib shorts (119g for a
size medium) and Zyro is looking for a select
number of retailers to stock the range. Find
out more from the firm directly.
Elsewhere, Prologo has the new Scratch Pro
Plus saddle, Powerbar is launching a new
hydrogel in June and Camelbak’s lumber
reservoirs take the weight of water off those
weary shoulders. For more on all these and
more, contact Zyro on the number below.
01845 521742
BIKEBIZ.COM
BRAND SPOTLIGHT | WELDTITE
Pure and
simple
Weldtite’s eight-strong
Pure line-up is to be
exclusively distributed
in the UK by Fisher
Outdoor Leisure
Weldtite has expanded
its product offering to
include an ecologicallyfriendly range of
cleaners, lubes and
protectors. Weldtite’s
Chris Jenkinson explains
the new, green line-up
to Jonathon Harker…
Was the decision to release a ‘green’ range
in response to market demand?
Although market demand played an important
part in our decision process, this was not the
main reason for developing the Pure range.
Over the last few years we have noticed
that our consumers are becoming more
sophisticated in their choice of maintenance
products. Creating a green range of product is
not a magic solution to sales, but we believe
that it will help Weldtite stand out in the
marketplace, whilst also making a difference to
the environment.
Can you explain the Pure brand philosophy?
The Pure range of bicycle maintenance
products – including all cleaners, lubricants and
protectors – has been developed to achieve
excellent functional performance whilst
minimising any impact to the environment.
All the Pure products are 100 per cent free
of petroleum-based solvents and maximise the
use of sustainable ingredients derived from
natural and renewable resources, whilst also
being fully biodegradeable by internationally
recognised standards.
In addition, and wherever possible, we have
minimised the amount of packaging and only
used materials which have been recycled or are
recyclable. With this in mind we have also
included a 200ml Bike Wash concentrate to
help maximise the environmental benefits of
reduced packaging and transport costs.
Furthermore it is our intention to continue
to develop the Pure range of products adding
further items over the next few years.
22 BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY
How wide is the range at present?
The range currently include eight products – a
one litre Bike Wash, a 200ml Bike Wash
Concentrate, a Bike Protector, a Bike Degreaser,
a Performance Bike Oil, a Wet Lubricant, a Dry
Lubricant and a Bike Grease.
“Creating a
range of
products
that
performs
while also
being green
has been a
challenge.”
Is there a ‘hero’ product or two?
Although initially the whole range is selling well
it appears that the main product our customers
have been waiting for was an eco-friendly bike
cleaner. The Pure Bike Wash and concentrate
are currently championing the range, but the
Wet Lubricant is also proving to be very
popular during the current winter season.
And you’ve just signed an exclusive
distribution deal...?
This is correct. Weldtite has agreed an
exclusive distribution deal with Fisher to
market the new Pure range of eco-friendly
cleaning and lubrication range.
Although it is available to purchase now,
retailers will have the opportunity to view the
brand in its entirety at the Fisher Outdoor
Leisure Expo show on February 20th and 21st
in St Albans. All items in the range will also be
available as samples so that interested
customers can take them home to test them
out for themselves.
Will there be any incentives for dealers to
stock the range?
There are always show offers at the Fisher Expo
show and although the exact deal has not
been agreed it will certainly be beneficial for
the retailer to purchase the Pure products
during their visit.
And will there be Pure-specific point of sale
options available to dealers?
When launching a new range it is always
important to display the products well in order
to maximise sales and for the Pure range we
have created a dedicated counter display box
which is made from recycled cardboard. The
display comes free with every stock pack order
and includes 50 promotional leaflets explaining
about each product that will certainly help to
promote the range in the retailer.
Will the range be marketed outside the
bike shop?
Currently the main marketing focus will be
directed towards the bicycle industry, but it is
planned for the future to promote the range
for use in alternative areas such as the motor
cycles and scooters
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Here at Weldtite we have been making superb
bike related cleaning and lubrication products
for literally decades. Creating a range of green
products to perform really well whilst being
totally environmentally friendly has been a real
challenge. However after two years of
development the Pure range is now available
and it meets all of the above quality assured
criteria. It works and we’ll stand by it!
Weldtite: 01652 660 000
Fisher Outdoor Leisure: 01727 798 345
BIKEBIZ.COM
www.rubena.eu
For trade package and everything about Rubena contact
SHOW PREVIEW | FISHER OUTDOOR LEISURE’S EXPO
Expo-losion of new brands
Five new brands, revamped offerings and chock full of new bike product. This year’s Fisher Expo is set
to be a busy one, Fisher boss Richard Allmark tells Jonathon Harker…
Fisher Outdoor Leisure
boss Richard Allmark
answers our questions
Fisher is bringing five new brands to Expo
this year – can you name them all yet, or
will we have to come along to see?
I’ll tell you about them now, but you should
definitely come and take a look! There is some
great new exciting ‘stuff’! The first two we will
be launching – and this is a global first-see –
are Eastway bikes and Union 34 luggage –
both brands will demonstrate some fantastic
innovation and style specifically developed for
the active commuter market and all product
developments have been driven out of
consumer and retailer demand. Miss our show
and you’ll miss out on being first in the queue
for getting your customers something new
and exciting.
I must also mention that we will be relaunching Kansi folding bikes at Expo, now
developed with leading manufacturing
processes and quality controls. Come and talk
to us and we’ll explain exactly what that
means – they really are fantastic.
The other three brands have already been
announced: DZR shoes, Carrera sunglasses and
Yepp childseats. DZR is an innovative and
dynamic brand of clipless pedal compatible
casual shoes which are making waves amongst
urban riders. We’ll have the new range at Expo
and visitors will be able to see what the buzz
has all been about. Carrera sports glasses
(owned by the Italian eyewear manufacturer
Safilo) is a brand with a huge amount of
heritage and this is coupled with great
technology and style.
Finally ‘Yepp’ child seats, which are backed
by a great deal of R&D and heritage from their
parent company GMG. Since their launch they
have won numerous design awards and are
really challenging the child seat category in
terms of comfort, safety and design. We think
this is something the category has been
lacking and we’re delighted to be able to
launch this innovative brand at the show.
There’s a great story behind the Yepp designer
so please come along and meet him, you will
be impressed.
And what kind of seminars can dealers
expect to find at Expo?
We have a digital agency, Cimex, coming in to
do a seminar called ‘Smart Online Retailing
Ideas for the Independent Specialist’. This will
be invaluable advice for any IBD with, or
developing, an online presence. We will also be
talking about Kansi, going through the changes
to the bikes and the plans for 2012. The SRAM
Tech Centre will also be doing daily workshop
training. As well as these seminars, there will
be technical talks on the stands throughout
the show talking about new technology and
products such as LOOK Keo power pedals and
the TACX genius turbo trainer to name a few.
This year you’re also offering SRAM
workshop training – what will that involve?
Our experts from the SRAM Technical Centre
will be giving seminars on popular
maintenance topics such as bleeding Avid
brakes and Reverb seatposts and also Rock
Shox Lower Leg Servicing. Getting the
knowhow from experts will help dealers to get
the inside track and add value for their
customers, so we encourage stores to bring
their mechanics along to the show. Dealers
can check fisherexpo.co.uk for timings but
they will be run on every day of the show to
ensure everyone can benefit.
Has SRAM been a key performer for Fisher
again over the past 12 months?
In January we added Zipp to our portfolio and
then we regained exclusivity on all SRAM
products. It was a real vote of confidence from
such a big brand. With some exciting new
developments coming in 2012 we’ll see SRAM
gain further market share and of course this
means growing the profits of IBD who stock
the products. SRAM lead times are excellent
so all IBDs should take advantage of our good
stock levels. We can now confirm that the
>>>
BIKEBIZ.COM
BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY 25
SHOW PREVIEW | FISHER OUTDOOR LEISURE’S EXPO
DZR shoes (top) is a new
signing for Fisher; Zipp
(above) is part of Fisher’s
SRAM offering; Look’s
2012 range of bikes (left).
They will all be on show at
Sopwell House this month
>>>
new SRAM Red will make its debut
at the show so dealers can get up close and
personal with this ground-breaking product.
Once again SRAM has shown itself to be at
the cutting edge of development and we are
thrilled to be able to share this with our
customers. FK Day, the president of World
Bicycle Relief and SRAM’s executive VP will
also be our keynote speaker on Monday
evening which is something I am very excited
about. WBR is a charity that Day helped set
up and is making a difference to the lives of
people in Africa through the power of bicycles.
He will be joining us on our Sunday afternoon
charity ride and at Expo all day Monday.
We’ve had mixed reports on how tough
2011 was in the bike trade. How did you
and your customers fare?
We’ve continued to grow our business in 2011
even though the market conditions were far
from ideal, something we are really proud of.
We’ve done this by building on our
excellent portfolio, offering customers better
value for money, improving our operations
(albeit with a few teething problems) and by
having an industry-leading sales team. We
know that in this economic climate, coupled
with factors like the Cycle to Work changes,
many IBDs found it tough in 2011. In response
26 BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY
we’ve done a number of things to help, such
as the introduction of our ‘Essentials Range’.
We took a category approach to everyday
bike shop essentials by offering lower prices
on bread and butter items. It’s been a great
success and we will be expanding it in 2012.
What kind of special offers and incentives
will be available for attending dealers?
We will have great deals and some enticing
offers available at the show for all who attend,
with some show-only special offers. Everyone
will also receive a goody bag as well so
nobody leaves empty handed.
The charity ride is back again this year –
has it been increasingly popular?
We started the ride in 2010 as the sales team
wanted to go riding with their customers
during the show, as well as it being a great
way of raising money for good causes. It has
proved popular so it’s returning for 2012.
Anyone can bring their bike on the Sunday
and join VIPs and Fisher staff for a leisurely
spin across the Hertfordshire countryside from
2pm. We will have refreshments along the way
and showers for afterwards, plus a secure lockup for bikes will be available. If you need
another reason to come along, we will be
raising money for World Bicycle Relief.
What is coming up next for Fisher?
We have been continuously working on
enhancements to our Warehouse Management
System, which will make our customer’s
ordering and stock holding processes easier.
Notwithstanding last minute technical
issues, our new B2B will also be launched at
Expo. It’s fast, it’s clever and it’s for you! As we
push ahead with our new product
development initiatives Kansi, Eastway and
Union 34 will all continue to provide the
market with best in class products. By this
autumn/winter season the ranges will be even
bigger and better.
The SRAM Tech Centre is going from
strength-to-strength and you can expect to
see the guys out on the road with technical
support at major events throughout the
season. The STC is also consistently running at
turnaround times within 48 hours, which is
quite an achievement, and they continue to
run free hands-on training seminars for SRAM
dealers. To date almost 100 IBDs have been
through these training sessions with
overwhelmingly positive feedback, so come to
the show and get a taste of what the STC
team can do for your business.
Our Taiwanese office is up and running
which is going to improve our business from a
logistical and product development
perspective – it’s onwards and upwards from
here. We also have some great athlete
sponsorship lined up including the Cycle
Premier team and Chris Akrigg as well as
athletes like Oli Beckinsale, Wendy
Houvenhagel and Vicky Holland who are
gearing up for the Olympics this summer. With
the exposure the games will bring plus
initiatives such as the Summer of Cycling, I
believe that 2012 will see a big boost to the
sport and we’ll all see benefits to our business.
Any final thoughts?
I’d like to thank all our customers for their
business over the last 12 months and we look
forward to seeing as many of them as possible
at the show. Please come and say hello and
let’s talk about how to be successful together
in 2012!
www.fisherexpo.co.uk
BE OUR GUEST
Fisher Outdoor Leisure has been working
on Expo’s hospitality offering, Allmark
explains: “Giving visitors to our show a
warm welcome has always been a top
priority for us. We want every account to
meet with their sales rep, talk to the other
Fisher staff and get an opportunity to
enjoy the hotel facilities where the show
is being held. The spa is open to anyone
who has booked a room so it’s a great
chance to enjoy some well-earned R&R
too. We will of course be providing some
top-notch entertainment in the evenings
with some special guests from across the
cycling spectrum.”
Dealers are welcome to bring their
families along to Expo too, Allmark says:
“They absolutely are. We want our
customers to enjoy the facilities and see
the show with their partners and
children.”
Fisher’s Expo runs from Monday
February 20th to Wednesday 22nd at
Sopwell House, St Albans, AL1 2HQ
www.fisherexpo.co.uk
BIKEBIZ.COM
PREVIEW | ICEBIKE
Madison’s Winter warmer
IceBike* Summer has rolled around again, hopefully signalling the imminent arrival of warmer
weather. Whether that materialises or not, retail will plan its purchases in anticipation of sunshine.
Mark Sutton talks to the event planners about product highlights, guests and seminars.
WITH PERHAPS the most diverse line-up of
adventure sports brands available, much of the
UK bicycle business will be rounding on
Madison's Milton Keynes headquarters come
February 21st through 23rd.
It's no wonder the distributor is popular too,
with a whole host of big name brands bringing
exciting product to market – from GoPro's world
famous helmet cameras to the staple of any bike
shop, Shimano.
As is often the case with IceBike, product
debuts are abundant and Shimano's Tech Zone
will provide a must visit for anyone with a
workshop business. Brand managers and experts
will be on hand to go over any technical queries
and discuss improvements to its product in
recent years, such as the introduction of IceTech
and Shadow Plus.
According to Madison communications officer
Ian Carter: "Last year we had 1,100 dealers
attend from over 450 shops. In terms of offers,
I’m afraid we can’t give out the offers prior to
the event, but needless to say there will lots of
exclusive show offers."
Fans of Madison's complete bike offering, for
both skinny and big tyres, will be pleased to hear
there's plenty to look forward to. The highlights
come in the form of the Cervelo mid-season
launches, a redesigned Saracen Ariel with 160mm
of travel becoming available and a first chance to
see the new Fortitude 29er and CdF (little
brother to the Croix DeFer).
For more on the latest developments from
Genesis see page 28.
BIKEBIZ.COM
“Last year we
had 1,100
dealers
attend from
over 450
shops...”
Read more on one of
IceBike’s guest speakers
on page 9
Madison's own branded mountain bike-suited
clothing line has undergone a thorough testing,
having adorned the increasingly unavoidable
Madison Downhill Team. The summer and winter
lycra lines will also make an appearance.
Sticking with clothing, Pearl Izumi's new
Kissaki shoe will debut, as well as the entire Giro
footwear catalogue, which now spans both men's
and women's models for on and off road,
bringing with it some unique footbed comfort
technology.
If, like BikeBiz, you're increasingly taking note
of the opportunities available to retail in the
outdoor sector, checking in with Easton
Mountain Products', which plans to debut a
brand new 1KG tent dubbed the Kilo, will be time
well spent.
As is often the case with IceBike*, there will
be a number of guest exhibitors too. ATG Training
will be present, giving those in search of Cytech
accredited training a chance to ask questions on
anything from funding criteria, to what each
course module covers. Bookings for courses can
be taken at the show.
Meanwhile, Gait analysis specialist MAR
Systems joins the party on the back of a trade
trend for proper bike fitting and tailored analysis.
In addition, Mar Systems will also be displaying
their new analysis software that has been
specifically designed to calculate the ideal bike
set-up for any rider.
There's still time to register for the show, so if
you've yet to express an interest in visiting, or
accommodation visit www.icebike.co.uk
ICEBIKE* SUMMER SEMINARS
HIT SPEAKERS Mercedes Ross, a
merchandising expert and all-round
industry expert Jay Townley return to
IceBike, hosting often quickly filled
daily seminars.
Townley has a three day schedule
packed full of fresh content based
loosely around trends crossing the
Atlantic. Day one kicks off with a
lecture on 'discontinuous change, which
discusses responding quickly to local
trends as and when they emerge.
The second day discusses the
'inflexible supply chain' and lead times.
Townley discusses how to simplify the
ordering process, working with suppliers
in order to achieve the best for your
business.
On the final day, Townley will discuss
moving with the times as online retail
becomes a whole new, frightening
beast. Social media and competing
with the likes of Amazon will be
discussed.
BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY 29
BRAND SPOTLIGHT | GENESIS BIKES
Next
Generation...
Genesis bike designer Dominic Thomas
explains to Mark Sutton why he
chooses to ignore market trends, other
brands’ developments and carbon fibre
to concentrate on clean, simple designs
built with the UK in mind…
What exciting things can dealers expect to
see at iceBike* this year?
We are showing a whole host of 2013
prototypes on the stand, including High
Latitude (Latitude 29er), Mantle (basically core
29ers), Fugio (an 853 Cross Race bike),
Equilibrium Titanium, Volant (road bikes) and,
fingers crossed, a final production prototype of
the Grapil suspension bike. It is a great chance
to see what we have been working on and to
give us some much appreciated feedback.
What design inspirations have gone into the
2012 line-up?
We concentrated on the same basic design
principles that have always been key to
Genesis and that is to create bikes that are
functional and let the function be the main
focus of the design, keep them as utilitarian as
possible and to avoid trends like the plague. A
bike shouldn’t be a ‘statement’ and risk going
out of fashion in two minutes. Primarily it’s a
tool, whether for commuting, touring, racing,
exploring the woods, or just getting lost on.
Intended use starts the design idea, but you
have to throw durability, reliability, comfort,
affordability and versatility into the mix. Once
all these things are thrown into the pot and
considered you come out with a great product.
I make a conscious effort not to look at what
other brands are doing as there is far too much
marketing rubbish in the market. I think it’s
only when you ride lots that you can dream up
new bike ideas, or indeed just ways to evolve
or tweak existing products.
What challenges/testing have you put this
year’s line through in the prototype stages?
Perhaps our biggest launch of 2012 has been
the Fortitude 29er models. These are the first
29er bikes we have introduced and as you’d
expect, a lot of testing has gone into these
products to make sure that we’ve got it right.
The original prototype of Fortitude was
ridden for a good six months before the final
frames were ordered. Testing was extensive and
ranged from two hour blasts in my local riding
spot (North Downs) right through to piloting the
bike singlespeed for 24 hours solo at Mountain
Mayhem. For most of the six months I rode the
prototype singlespeed so that I could
concentrate on getting the geometry dialled. Not
having the distraction of gears allows you to
focus on the feel of the bike and nothing else.
30 BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY
Any UK-specific
design features?
All of our bikes are
designed with the UK in
mind, meaning they’ll last in most climates.
Genesis is a rider’s brand and our bikes are
designed to be ridden hard with the minimum of
maintenance and fuss. On our cross and road
bikes we feature eyelets so that mudguards can
be fitted easily, an essential for winter
commutes. On our MTBs we always give plenty
of tyre mud clearance as this is very important. A
good example of this is with our Fortitude 29ers
where the prototype had 430mm chainstays, but
I felt the mud clearance wasn’t enough for
sloppy winter rides. Sure it rode great with the
super short stays, but the bike design was
compromised. In production I added 5mm to the
chain stays to improve clearance, so they’re still
relatively short in 29er terms, but we now have
plenty of space for mud to pass through. Another
neat touch was to roll and flatten the seat tube
to give even more mud clearance between the
rear tyre and the seat tube.
We use Alfine hubs on several bikes. It has
worked well for us and it’s something that UK
customers definitely buy into.
Which other events and shows will the
Genesis range be present at this year?
Our big UK consumer event of the year was the
London Bike Show. I was unsure how the show
would be and whether we would get the right
type of customers there, but it was great. One
of the best UK shows I’ve been to for years.
Speaking for Genesis alone, we had loads of
enthusiasts stopping by the stand who were
eager to see our new models in the flesh, or
just keen to talk bikes with us. I found it a
really positive experience.
Our other big show of the year is Eurobike.
It’s a great show and it takes our little brand to
a much wider audience. We will also have a
presence at some races this year including
Mountain Mayhem and Bristol Bikefest.
Which materials have been used in this
year’s catalogue? Still Reynolds tubing?
We use lots of Reynolds steel throughout our
range, it’s a fantastic material to make bicycles
from. It’s really strong so tubes are small in
diameter and thin walled which gives the frame
a comfortable, but engaging ride. I’m not a big
fan of hydroformed alloy frames and often I see
manufacturers using overly formed shapes to
make a bike look more aero or sporty.
Steel is expensive, so we use alloy on our
entry-level mountain bikes, but we don’t overly
form the tubes – we use round straight rounds
tubes that only look slightly chunkier than our
Latitude steel frames. We also use titanium on
our high-end bikes. It does everything that a
good steel ride does, but a fair bit lighter,
however it’s a fair bit more expensive! I am
currently considering some exciting ideas on
how we can utilise Reynolds 953 stainless steel
within our range.
“It’s only
when you
ride lots that
you can
dream up
new bike
ideas.”
What price range do the bikes span?
They range from a £549 entry-level Core 10
MTB, through to £3,199 for the Latitude
Titanium. Two very different bikes, but equally
important to our range. Our best-sellers are the
Croix de Fer and the Day One Alfine. Both retail
at £1,099 and are in many ways our most
versatile bikes. The good news for dealers and
consumers is we’ve launched the ‘CdF’, which is
a cheaper version of the Croix de Fer with a
Reynolds 520 frame, Avid BB5 brakes and a
Sora groupset, all for £899.99.
What differentiates the models at various
price points over competitors?
For our core MTBs, we always offer a really
great frameset, a frame that can happily be
upgraded over time. Beyond that we always
make a point of offering a good fork and good
hubs. These are bits that usually fail first on
entry-level mountain bikes.
What margins can retailers earn?
We have four levels of dealer commitment
depending on how much product they buy
from us, but many can expect to make
between 32 per cent and 38 per cent margin
on our entire model range.
BIKEBIZ.COM
CORE BIKE 2012 REVIEW
Whittlebury
wonderland
CoreBike put on another highly praised trade show last month,
drawing hoards of retailers to Northamptonshire. For those who
missed out Mark Sutton provides a guide to the show’s highlights…
EXTRA
Accelerade provided
taste tests of its new
recovery satchets
BIKEBIZ.COM
ONE OF the busier stands
throughout the show, Extra
introduced a number of products
from Topeak, Alpine Stars,
mudguard brand Curana and
Accelerade.
If your customers are part of
the gadget-savvy crowd, addicted
to Twitter, or simply want a firm
fixture for their phone in the
saddle, look out for Topeak’s
steerer tube mounted iPhone
case, fixed down with the
replacement of the current
headset’s top cap.
Topeak also displayed its
digital ratchet for the workshop
professional – a unit that will
read the torque and is supplied
with all allen keys from 3mm to
8mm, sockets from 8mm to
15mm and T40, 30 and 25 heads.
Further to that, new
mudguards appeared from the
brand. The DeFender RC1 and
RC11 package provides roadies a
compact solution to protecting
all tyres up to 700c x 25c. A
polished underside prevents dirt
build up from sticking.
Curana mudguards also joined
the party, bringing with them a
line of Eurobike Award-winning
guards for 700c, 26 and 28-inch
wheels crafted from a rigid
aluminium and spanning widths
from 30 through 65mm.
Accelerade was one of many
energy brands offer taste tests,
giving the trade a chance to
sample its new 4:1 carbohydrate
and protein mix in both Tangy
Orange and Fruit Punch flavours.
Look out for the Endurox R4
(pictured far left) line under
Accelerade’s recovery line.
>>>
BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY 33
CORE BIKE 2012 REVIEW
>>>
UPGRADE
Green Oil now offers a
custom labeling program
with the purchase of a
large tank
IF YOU missed the show, grab a
brew, because Upgrade have
plenty to keep tabs on, including a
new brand addition that’ll settle
your disc pad stock nightmares.
Race Winning Design, or RWD, for
short, are a Yorkshire developed
and tested ‘friction specialist’
company with a strong
background in motorsport.
With a mountain biker in the
company, however, it was
inevitable that this company
would branch out. Upgrade took
notice and has now exclusively
nabbed the brand. Two styles of
pad are available, organic or
sintered, spanning a number of
the main cycling manufacturers.
Rory Hitchens of Upgrade told
BikeBiz: “They’re specialists in the
field of braking and only that,
you’ll not see them manufacture
anything that doesn’t revolve
around friction. Upgrade will have
some great POS units holding 36
units, 18 of each type, which
dealers can pick and choose to
suit their business.”
Reynolds drew crowds with the
RZR wheels, now the flagship in
the range. Big claims come with
the new aero wheels, which for
the 92mm deep version, is said to
be the world’s ‘fastest production
wheelset’ and for the 46mm deep,
the world’s lightest production
wheelset’. These claims are said to
be backed by the A2 windtunnel
in Daytona where many of the big
manufacturer’s go to shave
resistance off their gear. At £5,000
for a wheelset, the 46 is sub 900
grams and the 92, sub 1,500
grams. A demo programme is now
available to the 40 stockists
around the country where
consumers can be loaned the
wheels ahead of a purchase.
Other bullet points from the
Upgrade stand include Lezyne’s
light range now offering a helmet
mount, Tektro producing a mini
version of its road levers for small
hands, or kid’s bikes. Further to
that, stock of X-fusion arrives in
April, including a range of three
height adjust seatposts,
comprising the less common 27.2
measurement, on top of 30.9 and
31.6 measurements.
DMR is also rumoured to be
producing a magnesium version of
its £100 Vault pedal, complete
with a titanium axle and a weight
saving of around 70 grams. Look
out for this brand’s efforts to
touch base with its loyal following
in 2012, likely through a series of
pump track events. BikeBiz will
have more details on this soon.
BUFF
Buff also showed off
some new socks at
Core Bike
34 BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY
GRADUALLY BRANCHING out from its core
business, Buff has new fashion goods, ecoconcious t-shirts and plenty of things made
from discarded plastic bottles and plants.
There’s a new logo in the pipeline too,
marking the firm’s 15 years of trading.
Now manufactured largely in Portugal,
Buff’s catalogue has grown significantly in
recent years and this year will be no
exception, with a continued focus on athlete’s
clothing and a few new goods that wouldn’t
look out of place on the catwalk.
Of those fashion-friendly goods, the new
Infinity Buff is a scarf-like garment that wraps
around the neck twice and hangs stylishly off
the wearer, while offering much the same
protection of the neck as a traditional Buff.
It’s weaved from Tencel eucalyptus fibre too,
which is a bit different. Stock is due in
February and three versions will be available
selling at £23 for a plain design, £26 for a
printed and £41 for a double-sided garment.
Sub-brand SueMe is raising its game too,
with a project it calls ‘off set yourself’.
Products falling under this banner will be
supplied with a packet of seeds tying into the
product’s fibre. So for the Beech underwear,
expect to find three seeds in the
biodegradable packaging, so instead of
binning this, you can just plant the box in the
hope of growing your own tree.
The t-shirt range is largely made up of soft,
anti-bacterial bamboo fibre. Four designs are
available at £22.50 a pop.
BIKEBIZ.COM
CORE BIKE 2012 REVIEW
I-RIDE
DUTCH COMPANIES Agu and
Cordo debuted a number of new
and unusual products for the
urban cyclist at Core.
Most interesting to touring
specialists is the addition on the
Cordo CQC CRD panniers,
designed to lock down to the
pannier rack via a hard plastic
centre console. Supplied with a
key, the double pannier system
retails for £80 and is available in
white and red. For picnic lovers,
the brand also offers the ‘Hipnic’,
a fully kitted out picnic pannier
bag, with cool bag centre and
plates and cutlery all concealed
in a front pocket.
The main draw in the room
could have been the prominently
displayed De Rosa Protos, a show
exclusive and a first for the UK.
This Super Record equipped build
was just one example of the four
build packages available spanning
Dura Ace and Campagnolo.
Stiffness is key to the 800gram frame design, with
oversized downtubes and clever
work at the junctions ensuring all
pedal pressure drives the bike
forwards quickly.
Northwave continues to
impress with its footwear
product, bringing in the experts
from sister company Drake
Snowboards, which lends its
Dyneera Speedlace Winch system
to the cycling shoes. An example
is the Extreme Tec, which secures
the lower part of the foot with
this winch-activated lace, while
the upper is secured with a
buckle, allowing the shoe to
adapt to the curvature of the
foot for comfort. What’s more,
the heat-treated Dyneera fibre is
stronger than its steel BOA rival
and will not stretch over time.
Token has been busy over the
past few months, chosing Core to
show an intriguing ‘egg box’ of
headsets, dubbed the Heggset.
The egg box is simply an optional
point of sale extra, but it can
hold 12 of the units, available in
black, gold, blue and red. Retailers
should also look out for upgrade
kits, such as the new ‘Bling Box’.
In other news, Argon 18 are
now offering complete bike
builds, with an E-80 with SRAM
Rival now available from £1,699
at retail, among other bikes.
Thompson has plenty in
the pipeline; here we
have a new direct mount
stem and shiny faceplates
for stem customisation
HOPE
HOPE’S TRAVELS over the past few months
have seen plenty of potential product leaks,
yet it’s never certain which are ideas and
which are production models.
This product spied for the first time at Core
is a production model, however. Though it
doesn’t have a name as yet, Hope has created
a one-piece single ring and bashguard
combination for four arm cranks, as well as a
‘micro chain guide’, also confirmed for
production. These could both be available as
soon as April.
More details emerged on the pedal, again
set to land around April time. Projected to sell
for £150, this two bushing design is machined
from one lump of aluminium and since the
London Bike Show at ExCeL has undergone a
slight change to allow servicing via one end
of the axle.
Hope’s flagship R8 light also dazzled,
outputting a whopping 2,000 lumens from
eight Cree LEDs.
BIKEBIZ.COM
>>>
BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY 35
CORE BIKE 2012 REVIEW
>>>
E.Thirteen’s new pedal
with replaceable plates
SILVERFISH
IT WAS new gear galore on the
Silverfish stand and thanks to the
end-to-end cover of marketing
man Pete Drew, we’ve plenty to
talk about.
First up and of particular
interest to retail, Cove now has
stock of seven complete bikes,
meaning customers can now
have their Stiffee ready to ride,
right after a small tweaking in
the workshop. Let’s see if that
sentence makes it past
proofing…(Ed: it did)
Race Face has a new crank at
either end of the market,
introducing the Chester crank
with external splined BB. For
many hundred pounds more
(£549.99), customers can take
home the new carbon version of
the Six crank. The Six C is a full
hollow carbon unit with a steel
insert for the pedal thread.
Sticking with RaceFace, a new
high rise version of the Atlas bar
is now on sale with a 1.125 inch
rise, or available in a flat
alternative.
E.Thirteen has been busy too,
showing its unique take on what
a freeride pedal should be with
the LG1+. Made from the same
CORDEE
Italian racing fans rejoice;
Campagnolo’s history
and a guide to the
country’s most iconic
racing bicycles from one
publisher
36 BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY
CORDEE’S ROOM can be
summed up with the phrase
‘something for everyone’. A
simple £5 packet of Top Trumps
perhaps drew the most
excitement from trade
members eager to pit
their Chopper against
other classic bikes in
the card deck.
Games are won
and lost on
comparisons of
weight, price,
gears, year
produced, number made
and more.
For those with creative
customers, a great countertop
book would be the new Feed
Zone cookbook for athletes. It’s
not shy of including some of the
tough material as its bashguards,
this pedal has a replaceable, clip
on body for each side of axle,
which is then bolted down by the
pedal pins. The LG1+ will be
available in black and white.
Formula had an expanded
product line on show, but the
highlight came from the RD
brake – a world first of sorts, in
that it’s ovalised piston and pad
combination offers 18 per cent
greater braking force than it’s
rounder counterparts.
SEALSKINZ
more calorie filled delights,
either, offering a good mix of
food groups in its recipes,
including the two most
important, cheese and bacon. At
£17.95, The Feed Zone is
not only a
comprehensive
cookbook, but
something for the
kitchen-savvy
cyclist open to
experimenting with
DIY energy bars.
Stock is due with
Cordee in March.
Italian racing and
brand fans are catered for too in
the form of both Campagnolo’s
history book and a guide to
Italian Racing bicycles, a current
best seller. Both are £30 at retail.
NOT A huge amount to report
here, given the wide plethora of
changes brought in last year, yet
SealSkinz did introduce some
items of interest at Core, as well
as a logo revamp to give the
brand a stronger identity on all
packaging.
SealSkinz has introduced a
£45 performance orientated
cycling glove for the roadie. Both
waterproof and windproof, this is
an ideal garment for winter rides
and should last a few seasons
too, offering a Pittard’s leather
palm and stretchy outer fabric.
Two new cycling caps,
including a Belgian style cap
with lowered neck warmer
features, as does a new child’s
beanie designed to match the
kids gloves.
>>>
BIKEBIZ.COM
Whatever you would need to enjoy your
ride more, BBB has high quality product
and excellent value for money. From helmets that are good enough to be worn by the
pro riders from teams that compete in the Tour
de France to our test-winning DiscStop brake
pads, there’s something for everybody.
That’s why we feel we can say BBB is All About Cycling.
www.bbbcycling.com
Since 1954, Colnago has been defining
the cutting edge of road racing technology;
from classics such as the Master to modern
milestones like the C59 and M10.
Colnago was the first manufacturer to take full
advantage of the possibilities offered by exotic materials such as carbon fibre. Together with Ferrari and
the Politecnico di Milano they created the Concept and
the C35, the forerunners of today’s C59 and M10.
www.colnago.com
Full Speed Ahead produces world class
products for cyclists all over the world.
As the prime supplier for several Pro Tour
teams, Full Speed Ahead is deeply involved in
research and development of products at the
highest level of competition, resulting in worldleading products such as the K-Force range.
www.fullspeedahead.com
At Marzocchi we’re passionate about
bikes. Since 1949, every mountain bike or
motor bike product we have built has come
from our desire to design the most sophisticated, high tech suspension products for the ultimate riding experience.
All Marzocchi’s aftermarket products backed up with
an industry leading 3 year, no-nonsense warranty.
www.marzocchi.com
WE’RE ALSO EXHIBITING
Disc brake solutions for
every need.
To register for the Core Bike show visit www.corebike.co.uk
High quality, affordable
tools for cycling
enthusiasts.
Lightweight, armoured,
compression-less bicycle
cables from the future.
For more information on Windwave’s products please visit www.windwave.co.uk
CORE BIKE 2012 REVIEW
>>>
CHICKEN CYCLEKIT
OEM interest in the
Monolink system is
growing
DRAWING INTEREST to its
exhibition with a Campagnolo
EPS-equipped Deda Absolluto RC
rigged up to a Jet Black trainer,
Chicken Cyclekit offered test
rides, a first chance for many to
hop aboard a bike built with the
rapid firing electronic system.
There was plenty more for the
speed freaks to ogle too,
including a number of handlebars
that look like they may have
been inspired by glidy
underwater creatures.
The first of these is Deda’s
Bandito bar, retailing for £599.99.
This, as the price indicates, is
exclusively for the serious time
trial athlete. Finished in a matte
carbon effect, this 540-gram bar
ISON DISTRIBUTION
has an adjustable lift angle, vents
for airflow running through the
centre of the stem and is in stock
with Chicken in three sizes – 100,
110 and 120 by 42.
Also created with
aerodynamics at the forefront of
its inspiration, Cinelli’s Ram 3
handlebar (pictured centre) now
has a T700 monocoque carbon
fibre body, reduced palm area,
improved channels for resting
thumbs and weighs in at 410grams. The Ram 3 retails for
£434.99.
Meanwhile, Cinelli also has a
new 6061 aluminium bar for the
fixie crowd, called the Mash
Bullhorn, at 40cm long and
weighing 290-grams.
POLARIS
Gusset’s Nitro pedal, set
to retail for £80
GUSSET HAS been busy quietly
developing its jump and race
offerings, presenting a prototype
or two at Core Bike.
Spotted among the new bits
was a sample BMX race style
stem, shown at Core in four
colours and machined down to a
lightweight 218 grams. Changes
are still to be made, but the
designer behind the stem told
BikeBiz: "It’s designed to fit with
everything else in the range,
with coherent angles and design
values."
Also spotted is Ison’s answer
to the increasing competition on
the jump pedal front – the Nitro
– set to retail for £80,
undercutting it’s main rivals,
38 BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY
again in four colours. You might
have missed it thanks to its
small size, but ODI has some
new fork bumpers, compatible
with Boxxers, Fox 40 and soon
Marzochhi’s downhill forks. At
£14.99, these will firmly fix to
the uppers and prevent any
nasty marks or dents.
In another of Ison
Distribution’s three rooms,
Minneapolis brands All City and
Civia proudly displayed a few
new bikes to their hometowninspired line. One of these is the
new Space Horse – a hybrid
cyclocross and urban bike,
designed simply to be whatever
it’s rider wants it to be – sporty,
or practical.
MOVING ON from its early
semi-rigid flight bag, Polaris now
offers a 10.5-kilo hardcase
alternative.
Made in the UK, the £475
plastic unit is custom moulded
to hold a frame of up to 64cm
and with an integrated seatpost
of a height up to 60cm. Inside,
two separated wheel
compartments are found either
side of the main chamber. The
frame is suspended via a series
of straps in transit, preventing
any dings to the case getting a
dig at the bike. A key lock,
internal padding and wheels on
the base further add to this
case’s credibility for transporting
a bike in safety.
The brand’s footwear
catalogue continues in its quest
to offer competitively priced
cycling footwear, from low-cut,
lightweight road shoes, through
waterproof boots for mountain
bikers and walkers. An example
of the latter is the £115
shredder boot. Hosting a Vibram
sole and a waterproof liner, this
is a boot as capable of trekking
through the undergrowth as it is
cycling, much thanks to a
recessed cleat system bedded in
among the boot’s tread.
Bang on £50, retail price,
shops with a big urban following
should also look out for Polaris’s
Radar backpack from the RBS
(Really Bright Stuff) range. This
30-litre unit is bladder
compatible, reflective, has a
transparent rear light pocket and
pockets on the belt, ideal for
quick grab items like keys and
energy gels.
>>>
BIKEBIZ.COM
FEEDBA
CK SPOR
TS
FEEDBACK
SPORTS
PRO ELITE
CRANKBROTHERS
CRANKBROTHERS
COBALT
C
OBAL
LT 3
The standard for a full function,
pro-quality, portable repair stand.
Now available to fit all popular
MTB sizes.
SHOT
CLIF SHO
T
GELS
As part of our commitment to
supporting independent bike
shops we now have products that
are exclusively available to IBD’s.
Quick energy to athletes while
racing and training.
PEDRO’S
TŰLIO
LIZARD SKINS
CUSTOM LOCK ON’S
Provide
a standar
mechanism
ool.
POC
TRABEC
CORE BIKE 2012 REVIEW
>>>
HOTLINES
Spank’s new Spike pedal
(above) and Sun Ringle’s
Charger 29er wheel
NO ONE could have passed
through Hotlines’ stand without
spotting the bike porn taking
pride of place – both the Lapierre
Aero Storm time trial road bike
and Ratio’s first foray off-road,
it’s Anthrax 29er.
Though Ratio is still a
relatively new brand, the fully
rigid carbon Anthrax takes on the
many years of experience
shaping carbon that founder
Pancrazio Centola has gathered
from his time at the likes of 3T
and Deda Elementi. Hotlines also
carries stock of much of the
aftermarket components line,
including the new 750mm
carbon Zenit handlebar specced
on the Anthrax.
The Anthrax frame comes
finished in raw, for £1,199, or the
Ratio finish for £1,299. A
matching rigid fork is also
available at £425 and £449 for
the respective finishes.
Elsewhere, yet sticking with
the big wheel theme, Sun Ringle’s
Charger 29er Pro debuted and
was touted by the distributor as
the answer to the occasionally
weak wheels supplied on 29er
completes. At £499 a pair, this
versatile wheel is interchangeable
to most hub standards, while
remaining tough enough for
BIONICON
Lizard Skins can
customise these boxes for
your store
40 BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY
top end, introducing the £99.99
Spike pedal with angle body
outers to provide both a wide
platform and one that’s less
likely to catch as riders cut it
close through rock gardens. Five
colours are now in stock and the
12mm profile pedal runs on
sealed cartridge bearings and
bushings combined.
2PURE
Bionicon’s versatile
chainstay guide
BASED ON the idea that the
geometry and suspension of a
bike should be adjustable in the
saddle, Bionicon has developed a
proprietary system that mounts
to the bar and can adjust the
available travel on the move,
making their bikes ideal for
hacking up and over mountains
all day long.
Connecting the fork and the
rear shock via some clever air
chamber development, the rider
can flick between 160 and
80mm of travel on the move, all
the while the steering remains
neutral and responsive.
No special tools are needed
to service the system, simply a
spanner and allen key will do.
Visitors to the stand were also
tinkering with the brand's shiny
aggressive trail use. Lynskey is
still having great success in this
territory too, with its Helix tubed
big wheel titanium frame
becoming a best-seller, alongside
the £1,300 sportive frame that’s
gathering momentum outside
the UK. Spank has also joined the
many brands looking to corner
the freeride pedal arena at the
new chain guide, which claims
to work well even on triple ring
set ups thanks to a few well
placed hinges. Geared towards
the trail rider, the C.Guide zip
ties onto the chainstay and
encloses the links in a hard
plastic shell to prevent the chain
ever falling off.
Bionicon, though largely
selling direct, can work with
retailers on a commission for
sales basis. Contact them
directly for more details.
TRAVELLING DOWN from
Scotland, 2pure understandably
used Core to show off more or
less its entire catalogue of
brands, introducing dealers to
promotions from Lizard Skins,
foolproof wheel security from
Pinhead and the much
anticipated Ibis Mojo SL-R.
Lizard Skins has introduced a
countertop customisation box,
available to all 2pure dealers. The
presentation case holds a pair of
sample grips and ten varied
lockrings – which shops can have
customised with their logo for a
commitment of just 50 units.
Pinhead debuted three sizes
of locking wheel nut. The £27.99
package secures one wheel with
a custom key and specially
moulded bolts.
Drawing the crowds was the
appearance of Ibis’ SL-R, which
has just landed in stock with the
distributor. This evolution of the
award winning Mojo carries a
refined down tube and improved
cable routing, even for those
speccing a height adjustable
seatpost with bar-trigger. Now
tipping the scales under five
pounds, the weight has reduced,
yet stiffness is higher at the
junctions and a tapered steer
and 142mm axle are natural
evolutions from the prior Mojo.
2pure also chose Core to
debut POC’s VPD 2.0 line,
demonstrating the inner
workings of the shock absorbing
pad with two rubber balls, one
bouncy, one impact absorbing.
Offering greater tear resistance
over the original VPD, this line
won’t deteriorate over time,
offering continuous shock
absorbtion throughout its life, as
well as staying supple when not
under threat of impact.
BIKEBIZ.COM
CORE BIKE 2012 REVIEW
PALIGAP
PALIGAP GAVE the Challenge
tyre brand its debut under its
distribution umberella at Core –
pointing dealers toward some of
the brands handmade tubulars,
including a clincher compatible
model – the Grifo 32.
BioLogic displayed one of the
more interesting items – its
unique Pango folding helmet,
which almost flatpacks for ease
of storage in a backpack. The side
panels of this unit fold down and
click into a rigid position, while
the back folds inwards when
collapsed. It’s not heavy when
compared to a standard helmet
either, at just 500 grams.
Available in black or white,
Paligap has stock now.
Placing ABD in a dedicated
room, Paligap flew in a brand
expert from Australia to talk to
dealers about the Team Issue XXL
frameset, among other bikes and
aftermarket bits from the
freestyle brand. The Team Issue is
ABD’s answer to the fastest start
possible out of the gate, with
large chainstays and a 15mm
axle providing and incredibly stiff
back end, while a BB30 bottom
bracket, combined with
E.thirteen race crank will further
transfer all pedal force directly to
the ground.
Kenesis K7 alloy, the highest
grade quality available from the
manufacturer, is used and the
frame crank and rear hub
package will retail at £620.
The race BMX bikes and dirt
jump mountain bikes seen at
Core Bike land with the
distributor in May.
WINDWAVE
Challenge Tyres, now
found in Paligap’s
catalogue
SADDLEBACK
New POS from Nokon
and a new £59.95
universal cable kit, too
MARZOCCHI CONTINUES to
progress, introducing its 29er
Corsa line, starting at just £350.
Above this prices are yet to be
confirmed, though Dan Jones of
Windwave told BikeBiz: “There’s
some pretty technical internals
within each meaning the
performance is up there with the
best. You’ll find a hollow forged
crown mid-range and carbon
crown and steerer at the top-end.”
All three price points will come
with bar-mounted remote lockout
and a newly developed stronger
lower leg hints at a higher quality
product going forwards.
Nokon has committed to
cutting down the number of SKUs
needed by dealers, introducing a
£59.95 cable package that will do
any job, be it gears, or brakes. A
new ten-piece foam slatwall board
BIKEBIZ.COM
is now carried by Windwave for
dealers buying in a certain quantity.
Perhaps the most interesting to
retail, however, was the behind
the scenes goings on with FSA. A
Windwave-based UK service
centre is in the works right now,
with Russell Harding appointed to
take charge.
Sticking with FSA, dealers with
Windwave accounts can now be
supplied with two headset ‘finder’
tools, to determine which
standard is needed for workshop
jobs. Valued at £33.90, the tools
and accompanying poster chart is
available on request.
New recruit Harding was also
using Core Bike to demonstrate
the efficiency of the BB386 Evo
standard, a platform that reduces
the number of SKUs carried by
retailers fitting cranks.
ANOTHER NEW bike bag brand
has joined the fray, with
Saddleback taking on Sci Con,
bike bag sponsors to pro tour
teams including Liquigas, Garmin
and Radioshack.
At £375, the Aerocomfort plus
allows for the bike to be
transported with just the wheels
removed and stored in a
separated interior compartment.
An internal aluminium frame
allows the bike to be fixed down
to prevent movement, while the
underside features a patented
roller system for ease of
movement at the airport.
Saddleback will also carry a
range of spares, as well as
smaller luggage gear and various
saddlebags.
Catching the eye of many
passing through was what many
assumed to be some sort of
disco dancing shoe. It was, in
fact, Bont's UCI banned Crono
shoe – a time trial shoe that
looks like it'd fly if thrown. This
295-gram carbon fibre shoe has
a 3.6mm stack height and is
heat moldable.
Elsewhere, Ceramic Speed
Bearings have been repackaged
to be more attractive at retail,
while the Chris King brand now
has a Campagnolo compatible
freehub body.
Meanwhile, For Goodness
Shakes has brought a
concentrate solution to market,
that when mixed with water,
becomes a sports drink. Stock of
this solution, dubbed Nectar, is
already available and a fuel tank
will cost £25 and produce 40
servings.
Sci-Con bike bags and
other items are now
found with Saddleback
BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY 41
BRAND SPOTLIGHT | RALEIGH
The iconic Heron
logo makes Raleigh
one of Britain’s most
recognised brands
Get yer’ Chopper out!
To mark 125 years since Sir Frank Bowden first opened a Nottingham cycle workshop, Raleigh is busily
launching several initiatives to re-invigorate the iconic Heron. Mark Sutton talks to Ben Hillsdon about
the past, present and future of the renowned Nottingham cycle firm…
IT WAS 1887 when Frank Bowden first began
trading on Raleigh Street in Nottingham. As
prescribed by a doctor, Bowden was told to take
up cycling to improve his health, a
recommendation that ultimately paved the way
to the creation of one of the UK's most
celebrated businesses and not just within cycling.
Raleigh is such an iconic brand these days that
the Heron stands out as the only cycling badge
among 500 other firms listed among the 2010
Superbrands index – an annual look at which
labels are most recognised and respected by
consumers in the UK.
It is fitting then, that to celebrate the occasion
the cycling superpower is calling on anyone
who's ever owned a Raleigh to submit a photo of
their pride and joy – be it a Chopper or a Princess
– Raleigh.co.uk/myRaleigh will be hosting the
likes of Chris Hoy, Cliff Richard, Ewan McGregor
and the former race team alongside their bikes,
among others. Prizes will be available at random
for submissions and retailers will be provided
with point of sale material tying in with the
website launch and competition.
To commemorate the landmark year, dealers
will also benefit from a line of special edition
bikes spanning road, comfort and revamped
classics featuring the iconic crest with the 125
marking. Some may already have spotted this
marking adorned to the headtubes of SP Race
bikes, Classic De Luxe, Clubman, Superbe, Sojourn
and Caprice models.
Mark Gouldthorp of Raleigh said: “This new
commemorative logo is part of a big drive for us
to remind our customers of Raleigh’s heritage
and iconic style, as well as our pedigree in
designing quality bikes for bike riders the
world over for the last 125 years.”
Today the Eastwood head office represents a
much larger business than solely Raleigh and its
sub brands. Takeovers and distribution
BIKEBIZ.COM
“Events like
last month’s
dealer show
confirm that
the trade
takes a keen
interest in
Raleigh’s
business...”
Raleigh dealers can
order this
commemorative 150page book
agreements have turned the firm into a goliath
of the UK bicycle business, representing over 30
labels in the UK and with last year's addition of
the world's largest volume folding bike brand,
Dahon, the business is looking fresh faced at the
start of 2012.
Raleigh's Ben Hillsdon told BikeBiz: "We've
been speaking to dealers that we've not had
contact with for some time thanks to brand
additions over the past year or so. Events like last
month's dealer show confirm that the trade
takes a keen interest in Raleigh's business, be it
as a Cyclelife retailer, or simply a stockist of a
few of our brands."
Investing in once again placing a Raleigh race
team on the pro circuit during 2009 has reaped
rewards too, with Bernie Sulzberger picked to
race in the UCI Tour Down Under, while Graham
Briggs, national champion in 2011, has now been
appointed to boost the squad.
In a further nod to its heritage and the
success of Raleigh's first race team in the ‘70s at
events like the Tour de France and the Milk Race,
among others, a commemorative 150-page
history book has just been published and will be
made available to Raleigh customers.
Moving along from the race team's heyday,
Raleigh's manufacturing business began to take
on a new shape, with the Nottingham workforce
pioneering ground-breaking inventions, such as
liquid frame brazing, frictionless dyno hubs and
three-speed Sturmey Archer hubs. The ‘80s did
however see a breakdown in UK manufacturing
and gradually Raleigh's domestic production
crept abroad.
By the late ‘90s Raleigh had taken over
Diamondback, itself a big player, particularly in
the BMX world, but increasingly also popular
among mountain bike enthusiasts. Full
suspension models like the Sortie and the
Mission are testament to this. This acquisition
was to see the Raleigh business offer higher end
mountain bike product as the sport gained
momentum, meanwhile offering the BMX
product for which the brand was best known.
To the present day and the company
continues to evolve. Offering dealers the bread
and butter items that sell day in, day out, RSP
set out in 2008 initially offering just lights and
cycling computers. Last year saw the brand really
branch out with the introduction of road
components, yet within a competitive pricing
structure.
Sister brand Outland continues to expand on
the mountain bike side, again providing
everything from titanium skewers through ‘wood
grain’ effect pedals and new silicone grips that
are currently proving a success with off-roaders.
Hillsdon concluded: "2012 will be another
progressive year for RSP as we look to branch
out further and develop our computer range,
perhaps beyond the current £149.99 upper limit
where things start to get really exciting. A
packaging revamp is also due ahead of the 2013
product launch, set for autumn this year. Raleigh
will also be out in force at a number of sportives
and shows this year, placing us in front of the
consumer much more than in previous years."
www.raleigh.co.uk
BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY 43
Standard high quality bicycle
components such as Shimano
Alfine 8 hubs on the Alpino range
Hollow tech main bearings on
our top models
Who are we?
A UK based business who have been at the forefront of the electric
bicycle industry for seven years. Builders of electric bicycles who
have earned a reputation for quality and service that is second to
none. One of the most recognised names in the world for quality
Electric bicycles.
What do we offer?
A great range of 9 reliable electric bikes that retail from £999.00 to
£1,999.00 with good trade discounts. Superb back up and service
department in Cheltenham available five days a week to answer
technical questions.
Comprehensive inventory of bikes and spare parts, normally
delivered within 24 hours. Easy to maintain electric bicycles with
modular plug and play electronic components.
We are looking for progressive
bicycle retailers who....
Are ready to engage in this exciting, growing and profitable sector of
the bicycle industry. Would like to open their business to a far wider
customer base in their local area. Are able to expand the lucrative
service side of their business.
Wisper 906Alpino 28”
Wisper 806Alpino 20” folder
If you would like to discuss this important
new sector in the UK bicycle industry
please call Douglas on 01590 681553 or
email [email protected]
for further information.
British Electric
Bicycle Association
Member
Wisper 706Alpino 28”
www.WisperBikes.com
SHOW REVIEW | THE BIKE PLACE
A brand
new Place
The Bike Place drove into the show calendar last
month. Jonathon Harker took a pit stop at
Silverstone to see the fledgling event first-hand…
THE BIKE Place is now into its second
year as a bicycle trade-only show. In 2011
there was just the one location, but this
time round the emerging event divided its
time over Harrogate and Silverstone.
BikeBiz joined the show in its second leg
at the famous F1 racetrack.
As revealed on BikeBiz.com, Magura
brought the RT8 TT hydraulic road brake
to the show, where discounts were
available. Built for time trial and triathlon
bikes, Magura collaborated with Cervelo
on the aerodynamic road brake, which
sports a quick release button within the
brake lever for rapid wheel changes. The
firm also showed off the 2012 fork line, as
well as the rest of the MT hydraulic disc
brake series.
Wildoo’s Pro Custom Bike Bag debuted
at the show. Using an aluminium chassis
into which the front and rear dropouts
mount, the bike is secure during transport
and the bag can be customised. The firm’s
custom bottles and clothing ranges were on
show, the latter of which has been strong
for the firm, seeing turnover up 35 per cent.
A key player behind the Bike Place
show, Surf Sales brought the likes of
Powa Gloves, Electra, Transition and
Dakine to the show, as well as a newly
signed four-model fixie range featuring flip
flop hubs, so they can be fixie or
singlespeeds, with geometry tweaks from
the distributor, and at affordable prices
too, we’re told. Now in its second season
with Surf Sales, Kali helmets have grown
beyond full-face helmets and use spiky
composite effusion plus tech, which
places high and soft density foam which
creates a crumple zone and spreads the
force of an impact over a greater area. It’s
also light weight, handily. There’s now
carbon helmets for £265 and a carbon
composite £200 RRP, both with significant
margins, Surf Sales said.
The 2x2-distributed Montague range
includes the new Boston, the latest
addition to the full-sized folding bike line.
The robust ride has low maintenance
requirements and has reviewed well in
tests, while there’s also a new version of
the Paratrooper (the Pro). 2x2 has also
newly signed German brand Liteville,
which was received well at the London
Bike Show, we’re told.
On the Cyclesense stand, Koga’s World
Traveller has won an award from a Dutch
46 BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY
trade show, which goes nicely with the
Eurobike Gold Award. Cyclesense also
showcased the FollowMe Tandem
Coupling line-up, which is easy to fold up
when not in use.
i-skute’s Grit scooters proved such a
runaway success last year that the
distributor has struggled to keep up with
demand. There’s more stock rolling in now
though, with new colours in the works.
iSkute’s in-house helmets – under the
name Code – were on show in prototype
form too.
The Honzo 29er is a key model in
Kona’s 2012 range, which as a whole has
benefited from new blood in the product
design team. The times are interesting for
the brand as it carves out a new space for
itself since making the move to go direct
to dealers last year. It told BikeBiz it is
looking to team up with quality
independent dealers and has been working
with retailers in establishing a grass roots
team in the UK.
As distributor for Velocite, Red Cloud
showcased the four road-focused bikes
with the Helios Aero leading the line-up,
thought the brand is looking to expand
the MTB side beyond 2012. With its
marketing and PR background, Red Cloud
is offering free marketing advice to
stockists. The busy firm is also retail agent
for Whack Job and has recently teamed
up with Neil Batt’s Riph Raph to provide
services for events, launches, sportives and
much more.
i-five stocks skateboards, and heated
MTB grips from AME, which have six
settings. The firm also brings Capix
helmets to the trade, a brand that started
in the skate market and has grown to
focus on the bike sector too. Vox’s lifestyle
shoes are another highlight from the firm.
Other show bits and pieces included
Orange revealing to BikeBiz that it was
targeting a surer footing in the south of
the UK, Ram-bikes.co.uk made its first
UK trade show appearance, while
Tabletop Distribution, an arm of Alan’s
BMX shop, now has six brands and is
selling into around 40 shops. Burgtec was
another brand at the Bike Place, the latest
move on its journey to a predicted bigger
presence in the market since starting out
just five years ago with pedals for the
down hill market.
www.thebikeplaceshow.co.uk
Kona’s Honzo
29er (left) and
Kali helmets
(right) at the
Bike Place
Velocite’s road
line-up (above)
and Wildoo’s Pro
Custom Bike Bag
BIKEBIZ.COM
RRP: £299.99
Black Satin
NOW
AVAI LA BLE
through
CORVETTE
Unlike its four-wheeled counterpart, this Corvette is tailor-made for low-speed cruising.
Featuring our Cup Holder Cruiser steel frame that’s been burnished for the top shelf
and a singlespeed coaster brake drivetrain, this cruiser is ready to rumble on any drag.
RRP: £799.99
Mens - Sterling SIlver
C YC LI NG
S PO RTS
GRO UP
Ride through life on a bike backed by 115 years of Schwinn quality.
SPORTERRA ELITE
All-New Schwinn Sport Hybrid triple-butted aluminium frame & carbon fork for an
efficient and super-smooth ride. Shimano XT/Alivio components with 27-speed drivetrain
for fast shifting. Continental Contact tyres for extra durability and custom-finished brake
levers for extra style.
RRP: £599.99
Black
RRP: £1199.99
Black
FASTBACK COMP
SLICKER
Featuring the new Fastback triple-butted aluminium frame with smooth welding & carbon
fork for a fast, comfortable ride, Shimano 105 components with 20-speed compact
drivetrain for outstanding value and performance, and a custom-designed A-class
wheelset for added performance and durability.
A simplified road bike with singlespeed style, the all-new Slicker features a Reynolds 520 chromoly
frame and 9-speed drivetrain. An outstanding choice for urban cyclists who need a few extra gears to
handle undulating terrain.
Web: cyclingsportsgroup.co.uk Tel: 01202 732288
ACTSMART | AT THE SHOWS
We’ve got a problem…
…is iceBike*the solution? Although the ACT is the largest UK cycle trade organisation with over 1,900
retailer and supplier members – and with recognition as a progressive trade organisation – the
association has been struggling to get its message across to dealers, admits the ACT…
OVER THE past several years ACT’s offering to
cycle retailers and their supply partners has
grown exponentially, beyond core savings into
sales tools, national promotion and recognised
retail initiatives, all focused on developing
bicycle business sales, profitability and resource
savings too.
During the same period the cost of
membership has stood still. In fact, the cost of
ACT membership hasn’t changed for over six
years. What’s more, via the Association of Cycle
Trader’s partnership with ActSmart, we now
offer a growing range of services and
promotion to businesses free of charge.
If membership and benefits are growing
what’s the problem? Not enough businesses
are taking advantage of all that is on offer to
them. Cycle businesses are so busy that they
are missing out on benefits that are readily
available to them.
Although everything is published and
accessible online, face-to-face interaction is
the best method to get our full offering across.
However, a sales force isn’t viable if we want
to keep membership costs low.
SO WHAT TO DO?
Every business that visits Madison’s iceBike*
event will be offered a free ACT Surgery to
discuss how they can make more of their
membership, even if they are Bronze free-ofcharge members.
48 BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY
The Surgeries will cover everything – new,
old and forthcoming – to do with ACT
membership, for example WorkRiders, the new
online cycling to work programme that
showcased to a great reception at the London
Bike Show. It is retailer, employer and
employee-friendly and ACT retailers pay no
administration fees. Come and talk to Ben
Pinnick, who created WorkRiders, and find out
how and why cycling to work is being reborn.
Experts Gift Cards are launching at iceBike*
too. They’re an exclusive in-store gift card
solution available to all members, including
Bronze, guaranteed to increase sales and
customer retention.
Ride It Away, the cycle trade retail finance
solution, will also be covered at iceBike*. It
helped boost cycle sales by over 30 per cent in
participating stores in the second half of 2011.
Cytech, bicycle industry training and
accreditation scheme for cycle mechanics, now
offers an online entry level qualification (50
per cent off at iceBike*) and launches its retail
training programme at the show. ATG Training
will also be on hand to talk about their Cytech
training courses, apprenticeships and to answer
any technical queries.
Want more? We’ve got plenty more to talk
about. So visit the Association of Cycle Traders
stand and spend just ten minutes of your
iceBike* visit talking through how we can help
your business.
ACT AT ICEBIKE*
Make sure you visit the ACT at iceBike* to help
solve your problems – it’s good to talk
A free ACT Surgery will take just ten minutes out of
your visit to iceBike*
iceBike* runs from February 21st to 23rd. Register
today at www.iceBike.co.uk
For more information visit www.actsmart.biz
or call 0845 618 7256
The ACT is following
up its presence at the
London Bike Show and
Core Bike with a stand
at Madison’s iceBike*
For more information call
ActSmart on
0845 618 7256
www.actsmart.biz
BIKEBIZ.COM
PEOPLE | RECRUITMENT
Send your recruitment news to
[email protected]
Ian Manning prepares for Upgrade
[email protected] should any dealers
want a chat with an Upgrade representative.”
Manning is a cyclist himself and has
previously raced cross country, though
nowadays has a wider interest, dabbling in
track, road and cross country.
Jeremy Crook, Magura
MAGURA UK JEREMY CROOK has joined
Magura UK, just in time to be thrown in at the
deep end ahead of the RT8 TT launch.
The former Chocolate Distribution man will
now be working alongside Neal Hunt to deliver
UK sales support. Crook is contactable on
[email protected], or via 07837 486925.
Upgrade’s Ian Manning
UPGRADE IAN MANNING has joined
Upgrade Bikes as a national salesperson. It is
his second stint in the business, having
previously worked with Kona and Respro.
Manning told BikeBiz: “Having been in the
music business for the past ten years it’s
refreshing to be back and I’m contactable on
SPIKE Shred Magazine is to split from its
parent company and see the formation of new
company, Spike. Spike will handle all of the
activities for Shred Magazine, as well as Shred’s
growing events and publicity activities.
Joining Shred founder Steve Toze is SIMON
YOUNG, who has become a director of Spike.
Young formerly held the position of general
manager at what is described as the UK’s top
performing Specialized Concept Store.
“It’s great to be more directly involved with
Shred,” Young enthused. “As a passionate lifelong mountain biker myself I am really keen on
getting more people out and enjoying riding
mountain bikes, and Shred will be a great tool
for that, especially as we’ll be working in
Sales / Workshop Mechanic
Pauls Cycles Ltd Norfolk
Pauls Cycles Ltd is an independent and successful cycle store located in Dereham,
Norfolk with a busy retail store and growing mail order business which requires a
Sales Assistant / Workshop Mechanic.
Skills / Experience Required
The right candidate should be self-motivated and enthusiastic, work efficiently
on their own and as part of our existing team to a high standard, providing
good customer service skills.
Previous experience in a busy bike shop or workshop is essential for this position.
Cytech training or equivalent is desirable as well as reasonable IT skills.
As a retail business open 7 days a week you will be expected to work some weekend days.
We sell and service a large range of cycles from budget to very high end
performance bikes, you will need to be knowledgeable on such a range.
You are expected to be presentable, confident and able to work on all types of cycle.
How to Apply
Applications for this post should be submitted by post only.
Please enclose your current CV along with your current salary to:
Pauls Cycles Ltd, Unit A 13 Yaxham Road, Dereham, Norfolk, NR19 1HB
Application Contact - Paul Meachen
50 BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY
BIKEBIZ.COM
PEOPLE | RECRUITMENT
Crook breaks into new role with Magura UK Young recruit for recently founded firm Spike Argent
and Hughes step into new positions at Cycling Sports Group UK Davidson takes on sales role at 2pure
Spike director Simon Young
conjunction with a National Trust partnership
for 2012. It’s not that often you get a chance
to do your dream job, so this is a rare
opportunity to help shape a magazine that
truly reflects what inspires us to ride and also
to provide some unique events of the kind we’d
like to do ourselves.”
CSG Following three years working in CSG’s
warranty department, LOGAN ARGENT has
moved to the role of product manager.
Working closely with US product managers,
Argent will be responsible for tailoring the
specification of GT, Mongoose and Schwinn
bicycles for the UK market.
Argent will also assume product
management duties for Cannondale bicycles,
and on the development of Lefty and
Headshock suspension forks in the UK.
He can be contacted in the office on 01202
732288 or by email on
[email protected]
Meanwhile, CHRIS HUGHES has joined
Cycling Sports Group UK as marketing co-
BIKEBIZ.COM
ordinator following a long spell in bike retail.
Hughes told BikeBiz that he was “looking
forward to promoting the Cycling Sports
Group’s range of bikes and P&A brands in the
press, especially getting stuck into our new
triathlon apparel brand Sugoi and Charge’s new
range of 29er bikes.”
Hughes can be contacted in the office on
01202 732288, or by email on
[email protected]
2PURE 2pure has announced the addition
of SCOTT DAVIDSON as Northern territory
sales manager.
In the role, Davidson will be responsible for
the sales of all 2pure brands to Scotland,
Ireland and Northern England.
Prior to joining 2pure, Davidson was with
Raleigh as West of Scotland territory manager.
He has a strong background in BMX and still
races, as well as helping up-and-coming youths
at the Western Titans BMX club in Glasgow.
Davidson can be reached on 07730 099 927
or at [email protected].
BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY 51
52 BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY
BIKEBIZ.COM
OUTDOOR & FITNESS
The guide to the wider outdoor industry news, products, announcements and events
Outdoor industry
gathers in Munich for
ISPO Awards 2012
Who won the top prizes in the
awards that honour Innovations in
action, ski, outdoor and performance
sports? Turn to page 55 to find out...
Plus: Triathon businesses create
industry association (p54)
And: GPS-enabled ski goggles
revealed at CES Las Vegas (p55)
G
VENTS • SAILIN G
E
•
G
IN
IN
A
R
T
• CLIMBING • KING • SWIMMING • RUNNIN N
N
O
L
H
T
IA
R
T
•
TRIATHLO
UIPMENT
ING • WAL
•
Q
P
E
T
M
•
N
A
E
C
G
M
•
IN
IP
G
H
U
T
IN
Q
O
E
D
L
C
& SNOWBOAR
WBOARDING
• CLOTHING •
SURFING • SKI BA • KAYAKING • CAVING G • SURFING • SKI & SNO ING • CAVING
DIVING • SCU RAINING • EVENTS • SAILIN G • DIVING • SCUBA • KAYAK • CLOTHING
TS • SAILING • WALKING
N
CLIMBING • T LKING • SWIMMING • RUNNIN
E
V
E
•
G
IN
IN
IMMING
ING • TRA
CAMPING • WA
RUNNING • SW
IPMENT
HLON • CLIMB
OUTDOOR & FITNESS
Triathlon sector unites
to form pro-tri body
New association says ‘2012 promises to be the biggest ever year for tri’
By: Jonathon Harker
THE TRIATHLON industry has united to
form a new trade body – the Triathlon
Industry Association (TIA).
The new grouping brings together UKbased manufacturers, distributors and
suppliers of swim, bike and running
products.
Fittingly, the triumvirate of David
Townsend of TCR Shows, Paul Shanley of
Tri247.com and Gary Roethenbaugh of
triathlonbusiness.com have been the
driving force behind the formaton of TIA.
They will coordinate, manage and establish
the Association until the election of a
Members Board at its first AGM.
“We received nothing but positivity for
the initiative from a variety of businesses
and this has been reflected by the number
of advance sign-ups we have had,”
Townsend explained. “Without exception,
people we spoke to acknowledged the
need to develop a collective voice
in recognition of the maturity of
the industry.”
The TIA has four key areas where it will
aim to bolster the growing tri business:
To act as a central representative body
to put forward the industry’s views to
media, government, parliament and Europe
Ongoing research, statistics, analysis and
other relevant market information
Networking and business
development opportunities
A forum for the exchange of noncompetitive information
Founding members include Aqua Sphere,
Chain Reaction Cycles, Clif Bar, Dean
Jackson, Orca, Speedo, TCR Shows, TFN,
Tri247.com, triathlonbusiness.com, Xtra
Mile Events and ZipVit. Joining fees for the
TIA are £350.
www.triathlonindustryassociation.org
Flurry of buy outs in the Outdoor biz
JD Sports acquires Blacks Howies buys back business from Timberland Sports Direct closes on Hot Tuna
OVER THE last month a number of key
acquisitions and buy-outs have taken
place in the outdoor sector, including JD
Sports’ £20 million purchase of retail and
brand owner Blacks Leisure Group.
Black’s portfolio includes around 100
Blacks shops and 200 Millets outlets, and
according to reports the performance of
all of these stores will be assessed by the
new owner before deciding which store
will be retained by JD Sports.
A statement from JD said: "Following
the elimination of any underperforming
stores and other cost reduction initiatives
we believe the business can be run
successfully as independent fascias within
the [JD Sports] group."
January also saw reports emerge that
Welsh clothing brand Howies has cut its
ties with VF Group, which bought out
Timberland Group last year.
Howies said it had been gradually
working on buying back its business to
become a standalone unit again
throughout 2011.
54 BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY
Elsewhere in the outdoor sector,
surfmaker brand Hot Tuna has been
closely courted by Sports Direct. Hot Tuna
has been in the market for a buyer since
November 14th 2011. For the year ended
“Following the
elimination of any
underperforming
stores, we believe the
business can be run
successfully.”
June 20th 2011 (announced December
30th), sales were “disappointing” resulting
in an operation loss prior to exceptional
items of £0.86 million. Sports Direct is
expected to acquire Hot Tuna’s assets and
IP, joining Direct’s Dunlop, Slazenger,
Karrimor, Donnay and Everlast brands.
BIKEBIZ.COM
OUTDOOR & FITNESS
ISPO winners revealed
in Munich
Cycle, climbing and ski tech win the top
honours at international ISPO show
By: Jonathon Harker
NEW PRODUCTS
FOUR COMPANIES scooped the top
prizes at the ISPO Munich show Awards
last month, honouring the action, ski,
outdoor and performance sectors.
On Monday January 30th 18 award
winners, in addition to the four overall
winners, received prizes, including for Eco
Responsibility.
Now Snowboarding received the top
accolade of Overall Winner in the Action
Segment, while Dupraz Sports D2 bagged
the Overall Winner in the Ski Segment.
Climbing-centric Edelrid Cable Vario’s via
ferrata set won the Overall Winner
Outdoor Segment prize.
Among the overall winners was a
cycle-relevant product – the HIOD One
by Swedish firm Free2Move. Using
Bluetooth technology, HIOD allows
cyclists to communicate while riding,
beating 26 applicants and eight finalists.
“Every one of the applications
submitted was high quality,” said Tobias
Gröber, head of Business Unit Consumer
Goods Exhibitions at Messe München.
“But the Overall Winner products are
outstanding. Their innovation, design and
performance have the potential to make
a powerful impact on the market and
NEWS IN BRIEF
US gets new outdoor
show and mag
The Action Outdoor & Bike Expo is
being launched in Atlantic City, New
Jersey, taking place from August
22nd to 23rd 2012. The new show is
being organised by a new US mag of
the same name – both are owned by
National Business Media.
Stewart steps down
from Nike
Nike’s VP for corporate affairs Lindsay
Stewart is to retire, with Hilary Krane
to replace him. The move means
Krane is the first woman to have
joined Nike’s executive. Krane will
also take his place as a director of the
World Federation of the Sporting
Goods Industry (WFDGI).
Crocs sales hit $1
billion high
transform it.”
Overall Winner Action Segment:
NOW Snowboarding
Overall Winner Outdoor Segment:
Edelrid Cable Vario via ferrata set
Overall Winner Ski Segment:
Dupraz Sports D2
Overall Winner Performance Segment:
HIOD One by Free2Move
Applications for the ISPO AWARD
2013 can be submitted from September
1st 2012 and the deadline for entries is
January 11th 2013.
www.ispo.com
MARATHONER VEST
Camelbak’s latest is pitched at the marathon training
and trail running markets, providing hands-free
hydration. Sporting a lifetime guarantee, it uses the
Antidote Lumbar Reservoir with Quick Link System. It
includes a safety whistle, quick stash overflow storage
and all-important reflectivity, while it has been
designed to carry additional hydration, extra layers
and nutritional supplements.
www.zyro.co.uk
According to reports, Crocs has seen
sales exceed a whopping $1 billion
for the first time. New styles and a
broadened children’s shoes range –
including shoes that change colour in
the sun – were thought to be key
factors behind the rise.
ISPO sees strong
crowd numbers
The Munic-set ISPO trade show saw
around 80,000 trade members visit
over the four days. The show, which
includes the ISPO Awards (see left),
reportedly saw a rise in people
travelling to the show from the UK,
France, Switzerland and Italy, among
others.
London welcomes the
Ledge Trade Show
GPS-ENABLED SKI GOGGLES
At the Consumer Electronics Show in Vegas last month, Recon
Instruments revealed it had developed a kit for GPS-enabled ski
goggles with compatibility for a Polar Heart Rate Monitor. The
cutting edge tech sees Android-powered Micro Optics Display
(MOD) Live near eye display provide skiers with instant info and
chance for developers to produce associated product.
www.reconinstruments.com
London Edge and London Central
returned to London’s Olympia
National Hall, this time with the
Ledge Trade Show. The Ledge saw
key brands in the action sports sector
showcase their wares in the capital.
Slow start to winter
marrs Amer results
Quarter four results for Amer saw a
10 per cent decline in sales in the
winter and outdoor business. An
unseasonably warm start to winter
took some of the blame for the
results, which saw sales reach ¤375m
in the winter and outdoor categories.
Got any outdoors news you’d
like to see in these pages?
Then let us know at
[email protected]
BIKEBIZ.COM
BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY 55
56 BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY
BIKEBIZ.COM
RETAIL ONLY
The trade’s guide to sourcing stock, up-and-coming IBDs and the very latest products
RETAIL
COMMENT
THINKING IT best to save any retrospective comment on
the staggeringly busy month of January might have been a
bad shout. It’s now deadline day and we’ve an entire
magazine packed full of show coverage to review, if we’re
to say anything useful this month.
Luckily for us, none of the regular as clockwork trade
events disappoint on the new product front. So with just
hours left until the ink dries on these very pages, allow me
to pick some of the more impressive product highlights
spied throughout the past month.
Cordee (Core Bike, page 36): Not all retailers will carry
stock of cycling literature, but for those who do Cordee has
some great product this year – ranging from cook books
tailored for atheletes that’ll sell year round, to looks at the
heritage behind Italian racing bicycles. And is there a cyclist
out there that wouldn’t enjoy a game of Top Trumps
centered around iconic bikes past and present?
Eurobike (LBS, page 15): It may not be a physical
product as yet, but we couldn’t resist breaking the news
that Eurobike is this summer set to take stock of a
“None of the regular as clockwork
trade events disappoint, so let’s have
a few highlights...”
ate
Harrog
ham
Notting
mpton
Northa
ns
St. Alba
Keynes
Milton
London
Staffordshire-made Moda carbon fibre road frame, made
with unique tooling that the distributor believes will add
volumes to the fanbase of the otherwise UK-built brand.
Magura (The Bike Place, page 46): Unless you’ve spent
all of 2012 abiding by a New Year’s resolution to stay off
the internet, you won’t have missed the RT8 TT hydraulic
rim brake launch. Well, Magura had a sample at The Bike
Place show, earlier than expected. The unit won’t be
available as an aftermarket unit in 2012, though, with
Cervelo holding exclusivity on its P5 for one year.
Unior and Dare2B (Raleigh trade invite... we ran out
of space): Such is the chaos of the January calendar, we’ve
had to leave a round up of Raleigh’s show for the March issue.
It was, however, well attended by the brand’s faithful and new
accounts alike. Unior impressed many with the sheer scale of
its tooling catalogue, as well as a new tool chest package that
would do even the most enthusiastic mechanic many years
of service. Dare2B also joined Raleigh’s stable.
Exteondo (Zyro Open House, page 18): New to Zyro
and very keen to make an impression on our tastes when
selecting cycling clothing, Exteondo hails from Spain and
focuses on high-end cycling apparel. Looks good to us.
Next month we’ll be at Fisher’s Expo, Madison’s iceBike*
and plenty more, so we’ve got you covered if you’re finding
darting around the country is all getting a bit much.
[email protected]
IN THIS MONTH’S ISSUE
FOLDING BIKES
59
Commuter-favourite folding bikes are in focus here, from the
established players to a few new upstart brands
NEW PRODUCTS
62
New shoes from Lake, a hard-core iPhone protector,
dynamo lights and a handlebar map holder...
HELMETS
64
Whether commuters, MTBers, road lovers or whatever the
discipline, there’s a helmet ready to be sold to them
BE SEEN...
(NOT SEEN OFF)
THE PACIFIER
THE DESTROYER
1200 LUMEN
1600 LUMEN
Kit Includes: Charger / Battery pack / Bar & Helmet mount
KIT:£129
THE ILLUMINATOR
450 LUMEN Front
£159
Kit Included
KIT: £89
THE ILLUMINATOR
450 LUMEN Rear
Some say that our lights are so bright that you can use it to direct international shipping into
port from 200 miles inland. Ok, that’s not quite true, but they are brilliantly bright with a simple
set up and best of all won’t burn your wallet in two. Three choices of bright LED light perfect for
making yourself visible on a winter commute or night time trail epics thanks to their lengthy run
times. No need to compromise.
www.nitelightsuk.com
[email protected] | 01803 752225
LIGHT: £79
Illuminator rear available
in kit £120 /Illuminator front
and rear kit £179
VISIT US AT THE BIKE PLACE SHOW:
January 26th to 27th – Harrogate Great Yorkshire Show Ground | January 29th to 30th – Silverstone Race Circuit
SECTOR GUIDE | FOLDING BIKES
Small wheelers
If your customer is a commuter, short on space or just a folder fan, there’s a wealth of product
available for cycle retailers. Jonathon Harker lists some of the latest options…
Brompton
Dahon
BROMPTON’S FIRST new
handlebar configuration in seven
years – the H type – was
revealed at the last Eurobike.
Joining its M, S and P Types,
the H Type was developed
following requests from taller
riders and those requesting a more
upright riding position. The height
of the grips from the ground has been
raised by 60mm compared to the classic
M type. Forward reach to the grips from
the saddle has increased by around
13mm.
The added height and reach has been
achieved by spacing the handlebar hinge
30mm further away from the headset.
The hinge protrudes further than on
other models because of the change, but
the highest point on the folded bike
remains the saddle – so H Types will fit
into all existing transport bags and
covers.
The weight increase over an M Type is
approximately 100g, dependent on the
model, the firm says.
DAHON’S BROAD range of well
established folding bikes includes the
Vector x27. Replacing the Speed Pro
TT, the Vector X27h is stronger, stiffer,
and faster, says Dahon. The folding
road bike is designed for serious
cyclists who want a portable training
bike that they can take anywhere in
the world. The patented hydroformed
frame, with larger diameter tubing and
a substantially taller hinge in order to
increase frame strength. The Vector
x27 also sports a high gear range
courtesy of a SRAM/Shimano
drive train, delivering the hill
climbing gears of a mountain
bike and the big ring gears of
a road bike: 28” – 121”. It also
features the Dahon Special
Edition Schwalbe Durano
tyres.
At the other end of the
spectrum, Dahon’s Eco C7 is
pitched at the entry level folding
bike market. It features a sturdy
Brompton’s new Mini O Bag also
launched towards the end of last year.
The bag is the second product from its
cooperation with Ortlieb, which was
launched last year. Like the O Bag, the
Mini O – which is significantly smaller
than the rest of Brompton’s luggage
range – is designed for Brompton’s front
carrier system. Foam inserts, available
separately from Ortlieb, turn the Mini O
into a tailored camera bag, which can
also be used for sunglasses, wallets, etc.
Contact: 020 8232 8484
Fisher Outdoor
Leisure
FISHER OUTDOOR
Leisure’s own brand
Kansi launched back
in 2010 and we
hear the line-up is
being relaunched at the
forthcoming
Fisher Expo show
at Sopwell
House, St Albans,
on February 20th22nd. Beyond that
the firm is tightlipped about the new
revamped range.
A spokesperson for the
distributor comments: “As well
as the opportunity to talk about the
improvements we have made to the
bikes and quality control processes
there will also be a chance to see how
your business can benefit from
Avocet
becoming a stockist and our plans for
the year ahead.”
Contact: 01727 798 340
AVOCET STOCKS a number of folders
for the UK’s cycle retailers, one of
which is also an e-bike. The new Viking
Freedom e-Bike 20-inch Wheel is
available with free delivery and training
anywhere on the UK mainland (for the
first order only).
Built on the success of the first
Freedom e-bike, this new improved
version is pitched as an excellent
choice for those looking to commute
with more ease, as well as looking after
the environment. At its heart is a
250 watt motor and three-mode
controller giving the Freedom an
assisted range of 30/35
kilometres (dependent on
terrain). Other features include
a new adjustable handle bar
stem, powerful ‘v’ brakes, 6speed Shimano drive train,
mudguards and light set.
As mentioned above, Avocet’s
offering extends beyond e-bike
folders, with three Easy Street folding
aluminum frame, Shimano drive train,
and durable components. Dahon prides
its range on quick folding and naturally
the same is true of the Eco C7, taking
a mere 15 seconds to fold. Last year
the bike was upgraded with a Radius V
handlepost and Fusion integrated fork.
Dahon is available to the trade
through Raleigh.
Contact: 0800 096 9060
bikes in stock for 2012. The Easy Street
is available in three-colours (white,
silver and black) all with a Hi-tensile
Town Folding frame and low stepover
top tube. It has a Shimano 6-speed,
with a Rotational gear lever and a
Shimano 6-speed freewheel, 20-inch
alloy rims, powerful alloy ‘v’ brakes
with alloy brake levers and chrome
Riser handlebars. Find out more at the
contact details below.
Contact: 0161 727 8508
>>>
BIKEBIZ.COM
BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY 59
SECTOR GUIDE | FOLDING BIKES
>>>
Tern
LAUNCHED IN Taiwan last summer, the
Tern folding bike brand has 21 bikes in
its line-up, including 21, 20-inch, 24inch and 26-inch 'transportation' bikes
under the names Verge, Link, Eclipse,
Castro and Joe. Arriving in the UK mid to end
of February is the Tern Link
C7 (£375.00). The Link
features patented
DoubleTruss
technology which
turns the rear
half of the
frame into a 3D
truss so the ride
is more resistant
to torsional
forces, stiffer and
with better power
transfer from pedals to
the rear wheel. The frame
also features a FBL (Four-Bar
Linkage) Joint, with a forged and
precision-machined lever designed to
offer a smooth surface for fingers. All
other hardware is stainless steel for
durability. Other features include a
quick locking Q-Lock Handlepost and a
Luggage Socket.
60 BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY
The Tern Verge Duo (£775.00)
features N-Fold technology for a faster
fold, and an OCL joint, for a safe and
durable frame joint. By making the
hinge taller and moving the pivoting
surfaces outward from the centre axis,
overall strength and stiffness has more
than doubled, the firm says. It also
sports a Physis Handlepost.
The versatile Tern Link
P24H (£800.00) can
tackle road and offroad environments
alike, while the
Eclipse P9
(£850.00) is
pitched at life in
the city, whether
commuting or
handling some
weekend shopping
whatever the weather.
The Joe P24 (£675) is
robust and burly enough to
stand up to the abuse of potholes,
curbs and other urban everyday trials.
Tern is being distributed through
Evans but retailers should direct
enquiries and orders through
Cyclemotion’s Mark Bickerton.
Contact: [email protected]
Tel: +44 (0)1580 755633
Moulton
MOULTON SAID it
believes the smallwheeled bicycle
has a vital role to
play in the
growing
commuter cycle
market, and
there are some
great foldable
and separable
bicycles on the
market. For those
who don’t know, it
was back in 1962 that
car suspension guru Dr Alex
Moulton launched the fullsuspension small-wheeled bicycle.
According to Moulton, its bike models
(including separable frames) are more
easily transported on trains and in cars
than big-wheeled alternatives.
The British-built range features
economical entry-levels to silverbrazed versions polished to a high
mirror finish. Speaking of which, the
Moulton 60 Limited Edition bikes
come with individually numbered head
badges (there are only 191 of them)
and the Moulton ‘F’ Frame in stainless-
steel. The fork is
stainless steel with cast (stainless)
crown, stainless steel dropouts and
silver soldered by hand.
Meanwhile Moulton’s AM 20-2 is
the latest version of its smooth riding
AM bicycle, with cleaner lines, smaller
pack size and reduced weght. The
NiCrMo Spaceframe features a shorter
seat tube (and extended Moulton 953
seat pillar) and improved mounts for
carriers and bottles.
Contact: 01225 865895
BIKEBIZ.COM
PRODUCTS | NEW RELEASES
New gear
This month BikeBiz has collected fresh apparel, the
latest iPhone case, maps, frames, dynamo lights plus the
latest custom fit shoe from Lake...
Lake CX331: Moore Large
THE ALL-new CX331 offers the first internal
carbon fibre Thermaform heel counter and is
Lake’s second custom fit model.
Just like its predecessor the CX401, you can
heat the CX331 in a standard oven, after which
the rider manually shapes the shoe around their
heel for the ultimate custom fit.
The CX331 features the ultra rare – but
precision fit – Boa dial closure with power zone
in the forefoot and Kangaroo leather, which is
lighter, stronger and more durable than your
everyday standard leather.
01332 274200
This model retails at £249.99, sitting below
the CX401 and a mountain bike version is
available also. This MTB version retails at
£249.99 with the same 100 per cent carbon
fibre sole and mountain race rubber, with mud
studs included too.
Lake’s CX331 and its mountain bike-focused
CX401 is available to the trade via Derby-based
distributor Moore Large. Call them on the
number above or get in contact via their official
site below.
www.moorelarge.co.uk
Orange Black Gold Five: Orange Bikes
ORANGE HAS revealed a limited edition Five,
subtly refined into a tasteful black and gold
colourscheme.
Further to the design revamp, the Black Gold
Five model, which is limited to a mere 100 bikes,
will come in cheaper than the original version,
retailing for £2,699.99.
Factory level Fox suspension is specced up
front, with the Kashima coated RP23 and FIT
RLC offering buttery smooth travel at minimum
weight. The 2012 front end is matched to a
Maxle swingarm, stepping up the stiffness. Avid
brakes, RaceFace cranks and a ten-speed
transmission further raise this already bestselling trail bike’s credentials.
The only optional extra on the Orange Black
Gold Five is the addition of a Rock Shox Reverb
seatpost for quick saddle height adjustment on
the move. Orange is set to have stock from
February 6th available to dealers. There’s plenty
more on the limited edition bike over on the
official Orange site. Alternatively, give them a
ring on the number above.
www.orangebikes.co.uk
Exposure dynamo light: Direct to retail
THOUGH NOT QUITE in production at the time
of press, Exposure has revealed that it has got a
dynamo powered bike light in the brand’s
production pipeline.
Shown in prototype form at the London Bike
Show at ExCeL in January, Exposure’s model will
be available in three and four LED versions and
will be compatible with the majority of hubs
that are currently found on the market.
Exposure tells BikeBiz that the current
prototype has handled a 24 hour event with
ease, pumping out an impressive 650 lumens on
Tank iPhone case: Direct to retail
BIKEBIZ HAS plenty of iPhone cases flagged up
to us as being cyclist friendly, often with much
justification – Case Mate’s Tank is an exception,
however.
Having been tested with hammers, it’s safe to
say the polycarbonate exterior offers fair
protection against impact. The case has been
designed to exceed US Military specifications for
device protection, including offering coverage
against sand and dust, rain and vibration.
According to the firm “sixty seven per cent of
breakages to iPhones are down to screen cracks,”
62 BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY
01768 890700
01798 344477
maximum output, the same as the Maxx D on
medium setting.
What’s more, once the rider has stopped
pedalling, the light will continue to emit light at
around 450 lumens for up to ten minutes.
The model being showcased at the London
Bike Show will not resemble the production unit,
which BikeBiz was told will resemble a Diablo
light size and style wise.
We’ll bring you more on Exposure’s brand
new dynamo light range as we get it.
www.exposurelights.com
www.case-mate.eu
something which the roller shutter protects
from, unlike much else on the market at present.
The product was in fact designed with the
principals of a motorcycle helmet in mind,
primarily focused on impact resistance, with the
added bonus shock absorption properties of a
silicone interior.
At £44.95, it’s at the more expensive end of
the scale for these kind of products, but for
those keen to keep things in working order the
case is available in black, green/orange,
black/pink and white/pink.
BIKEBIZ.COM
PRODUCTS | NEW RELEASES
MapDec map holder: Direct to retail
PREFER PAPER maps to new fangled computerbased ones? Or maybe just like orienteering via
mountain bike? If that’s the kind of customer
you get in store then MapDec has something
suited for your shop.
The A4 MapDec currently shipping retails for
£38. Cleverly, the holder has been designed to
leave enough space on the handlebars to mount
bike lights, and also to rotate, so that the map
can be kept orientated as appropriate.
In fact, careful thought has gone into this
product elsewhere too. For example, the MapDec
Hornit bike alarm: Extra
HORNIT, FIRST shown to BikeBiz at the
Birmingham Cycle Show, is no ordinary bike horn.
Most bells and horns are designed to be heard
on towpaths, with very few powerful enough to
alert road traffic to your presence. The Hornit
isn’t shy of this at 140 decibels, claiming to be
the loudest horn of its type in the world. A fully
believable claim, if the stunned crowds around
the BikeBiz stand in early October are anything
to go by.
The inventor of the product, Tom De Pelet,
created the handlebar mounted device as a tool
BBB Thermolayer: Windwave
THERE ARE VERY few items of cycling clothing
that BBB can’t offer the cycle retailer looking to
up their firepower in this department.
Winter goods are particularly well covered by
the brand, with garments such as the new
Thermolayer base layer offering a staple product
that’ll sell well throughout.
BBB’s winter underwear combines two main
features. It keeps you nice and toasty for optimal
comfort during exercise.
A blend of polyamide and polypropylene
fibres keep riders warm and comfortable, while
Yeti SB66c frame: Silverfish
SILVERFISH GOT its hands on a Yeti SB66c for
the London Bike Show, giving the carbon frame
its first outing to trade and public alike, taking
up a fair few column inches across the bike
media spectrum.
Already available in an aluminium version
(under the SB66a title), the six-inch rear travel
‘superbike’ Yeti frame is based on Switch
suspension technology. It also carries a tapered
headtube and features 12 x142mm bolt thru
compatible dropouts at the rear of the frame for
maximum rigidity.
BIKEBIZ.COM
www.mapdec.com
can be used with home printed A4 maps on
waterproof paper, or inside a standard A4 Ortlieb
map case.
The MapDec map holder also comes neatly
packaged for cycle retailers and can be posted at
the cost of a Royal Mail large letter. It’s
potentially a great little add on sale product for
cycle retailers with an adventure racing or cycle
touring following.
For trade enquiries contact
[email protected] or go via their website at
www.mapdec.com
01933 672 170
for road going cyclists to prevent careless drivers
ignoring their presence – citing some 17,000
road deaths between cars and cyclists as reason
enough to take being noticed very seriously.
A silicon bar mounted trigger is supplied with
the unit, as well as a small allen key for fitting
and two AAA batteries, with which the device is
said to keep going for some six to 12 months
under normal use.
Mayor of London Boris Johnson is said to be
among the device’s fans.
www.extrauk.co.uk
02392 505320
the moisture wicking will keep cyclists from
feeling overheated or clammy.
The garments have a seamless body
construction for maximum comfort. Seams that
don’t exist, can’t itch. Meanwhile in high-warmth
areas designated fine mesh inserts provide
superior ventilation.
The ThermoLayer is available in short, or long
sleeve versions for men and women with sizes:
XS/S, M/L and XL/XXL available. Find out more
about the full range at the site below.
www.windwave.co.uk
01752 843882
The aluminium version can be converted
between thru-axle and quick-release.
The frame is set to cost £2,599 at retail and
the chassis is said to weigh in at around 2.7kg
with rear shock.
Dealers should also look out for the SB-95 – a
forthcoming 29-inch wheeled version of the
much hyped frame.
As ever, find out more about Yeti’s frame lineup from distributor Silverfish on the site below
or the number above.
silverfish-uk.com
BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY 63
SECTOR GUIDE | HELMETS
Protect your business…
…by protecting your customers, whether they are wobbly beginner cyclists, or hill bombers with a
tendency to clip passing trees. Mark Sutton asks a variety of the industry’s distribution sources
about the vast array of helmets they’ve got to offer their customers…
Eurobike
CASCO HAS increased its
commuter helmet range for 2012
following the success they have had in this area of the
market with helmets such as the E.Motion.
Now included in Casco’s urban commute range are the
Urban-TC and TC Plus models, which are directly aimed at
the urban commuter as an all year round fashionable lid.
The new Fun-Generation helmets and the Activ-TC are
also new and aimed as a sporty recreation/commuter
helmet.
Alongside these new models the ever-popular E.Motion
has had an upgrade and comes in two versions – the
Cruiser and AirControl – both in various colours.
One thing that Casco has built into these helmets that
will be of particular interest to the commuting customer
is the new MyStyle feature. This is a two-fold system that
allows customisation of the coloured bands running
across the top of the helmets, which are also reflective.
As well as this, Casco includes a rain cover that fits
quickly and easily on the top of the helmet via the band
customisation holes.
01332 774796
Zyro
ONE OF
Abus’s many
areas of
expertise is
helmets and
2012 sees the
introduction of
a ‘Pro’ version of
its best-selling Tec-Tical headgear.
The Tec-Tical Pro is extremely
lightweight at only 245 grams, achieved
through the multi-shell in-mold
production process. The inside EPS is
softer and lighter, whilst the outer EPS
is tough to protect against impacts.
Size adjustments are made via a half
ring system and a combination of
machine washable removable padding.
64 BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY
Madison
Raleigh
ALL TO be seen at this month’s iceBike*, Giro has a
number of new helmets for road, commuter cycling
and off road – all of which come in small, medium or
large sizes.
The first of these is the Reverb at £49.99. This inmold helmet features a removable cap style visor, nine
vents and a not too outrageous style that fits in with
urban cycling.
The second of the bunch, Giro’s Savant at £59.99,
carries the Roc Loc 5 fit system and a slim shape,
complete with 25 streamlined vents. Again, thanks to
an in-mold construction, the weight is kept low, while
the EPS liner is both confortable and functional.
Last of all, Giro’s Feature helmet, at £69.99, is an
evolution of the trail riding helmet. Offering a dropped
back end, the unit offers slightly more coverage than
your average helmet, with vents that radiate heat up
and out.
0870 034 7226
With both own branded and Uvex helmets in its
catalogue, Raleigh has plenty to offer the retailer.
The Raleigh Extreme, costing £25.99, has evolved
further this year. The new fully in-mould construction
model has 22 airflow vents and a multitude of other
features, such as a detachable visor and soft touch
webbing.
The all new I-Vo
from Uvex is a
beginnerfriendly,
allrounder
with a
retail
price
of £39.99.
Offering two shell
sizes, bug net, 24 vents,
an IAS fit system, stylish
gloss finish and light
weight, the I-Vo should
appeal to a broad section
of the cycling community.
Also from Uvex is the XP
City offering extended coverage
around the back of the head to protect this vulnerable
area, whilst stylish design features and an easily adjusted
fit, thanks to the height adjustable IAS-3D fit system,
complete the package. Reflectors and the specifically
designed City LED rear light (sold separately) offer
additional visibility in city traffic.
0800 096 9060
Soft touch straps are easy
to adjust, even when
wearing gloves, thanks
to practical slider
closure. Sizes for this
£99 model span 54 to
58cm for small/medium
and 58 to 62cm for
medium/large.
For kids, Abus has a new bit of
protective gear dubbed the MountX,
retailing for just £34.99. The MountX is
a junior version of the HillBill. Following
the same design principles, this is a
performance kids/youth helmet
benefiting from in-mold technology.
Designed with 15 vents, including bug
mesh, this helmet will keep the child
cool and safe. Two sizes are available to
get a perfect fit.
01845 521700
Fisher Outdoor
MET HELMETS have had an overhaul
for 2012 and there are key new items
in the range.
For mountain bikers the Terra is a
sporty looking trail riding helmet as
worn by Enduro legend Jerome
Clementz. The retail price is set at
just £64.99 and it comes in five
striking colours.
The popular Veleno has
also had a redesign and
now includes a soft touch
finish, Micro Dial retention
system and Kevlar straps
for only £89.99.
For the younger riders
the cool Gamer helmets
have five more funky designs
alongside the best-selling Crackerjack.
Both come with a LED rear light as
standard for only £29.99.
With great stockist deals and
competitive margins available, dealers
are encouraged to speak to their Fisher
Outdoor representative about
becoming a MET stockist.
01727 798345
BIKEBIZ.COM
SECTOR GUIDE | HELMETS
Windwave
Coyote
BBB’S HELMET
catalogue spans a
diverse price range
and a wide range of
disciplines for kids and
adults alike.
At the higher end many models
feature a BBB-unique internal
SpiderWeb structure with aluminium
and carbon reinforcements form the
chassis. The new FlexClose system
available on Falcon, Fenix, Everest and
Moco helmets allows for an even more
snug and easy-to-adjust fit.
At this performance price point, the
£109.95 Falcon and Everest models
feature an in-mold shell construction,
which gives maximum protection for a
minimum weight.
Designed for maximum air flow and
hosting 23 air vents, both the Falcon
and Everest carry adjustable straps with
the new easy to use FlexClose
COYOTE SPORTS has a complete
range of cycle helmets covering kids,
youth and adult helmets, as well as
specialist BMX and downhill helmets.
With the exclusive addition of the
Tour de France product portfolio of
cycle accessories comes a new
range of 2012 Tour de
France helmets in the
bright yellow
associated with the
tour. Again, these
span everything
from road
helmets, right
through kids
and BMX
specific designs.
For full price
details and
specifications
visit
Bob Elliot
WITH ACCESS to Lazer’s helmet line, Bob
Elliot can supply cycle trade accounts
with everything from lids for BMX types,
through to more sporty looking lids for
on and off-road, kids helmets and full
face units for downhill.
New into stock is Lazer’s urban
CityZen, a fabric coated lid with visor
that really doesn’t look much like a
adjustment system and washable antibacterial pads.
At £74.95, both the Fenix and Moco
share many of the features of the top
of the range counterparts, but at a
more affordable price. Here you’ll find
in-mold construction with 23 air vents,
adjustable straps, anti-bacterial pads
and the new FlexClose adjustment
system.
023 9250 5320
helmet at all. 11 disguised vents mean
the rider shouldn’t get too hot in the
saddle and two adjustable fit sizes are
available, each carrying the brand’s
‘Turnfit’ dial. Costing £44.99, the CityZen
fits medium (55 to 58cm) and large
heads (59 to 61cm).
For those freestyling on their bikes,
look out for the Armor helmet, retailing
at £49.99 and available in seven colours.
01772 459887
Moore Large
LIMAR HAS introduced a
special edition
helmet, the XCT, available
in vibrant
green, orange
and
‘titanium’ all
with a matt
finish. The
helmets feature
special design details such as metallic
logo plates and fabric labels.
Combining a mix of aesthetics and
function, the X-CT is suitable for
various types of riders and will retail at
£59.99. The claimed world’s lightest
cycling helmet, weighing just 160
www.coyote-sports.com, or contact
the sales department via email at
[email protected] or by
telephone on 0161 727 8508.
0161 727 8508
grams, has just had a slick re-design in
the form of the new generation
Ultralight +. The Ultralight + is yet
more aerodynamic, aggressive
and ventilated. Road and
MTB versions are
available, retailing
at £129.99.
Also brand
new to
Limar’s
collection is
the 515, a
superlight
in-mold helmet for the recreation or
sportive rider. The helmet weighs just
230 grams and features Limar’s bidirectional sizing system. The 515 is
available in a total of four designs,
retailing at £29.99.
01332 274252
Hardnutz
Oxford Products
Hotlines
HARDNUTZ helmets target the
fashion conscious while
retaining a high regard for
quality and safety. Catering for
kids, teenagers and mums and
dads alike, each street helmet
is made with a high impact
ABS outer shell, an EPS liner
and comes with 12 vents. Each
is fitted with washable pads
and comes with a thicker,
second set to mix and match
to create the best fit. Dial fit
retention spans the line,
ensuring a snug fit, while a
rubber trim and black material
cover the EPS liner.
0845 0175509
FOR THE customer whose main
concern is being seen on the
roads, Oxford’s F15 Flou
helmet offers strong
value for money at
just £14.99.
Made from shock
absorbing EPS, the
helmet is coated in
a super bright, easy to
clean shell, hosting a
number of vents to improve airflow. Exceeding the CE EN1078
standard for safety, the helmet provides good coverage and is
adjustable to fit many head shapes and sizes via a dial retention
system and chin straps.
For other models in the Oxford Products line, see
www.oxprod.com.
01993 862300
CRATONI HAS over 40
helmets carried by Hotlines,
spanning numerous styles,
including wind tunnel
tested TT designs for the
second shavers out there.
The C-Smart (£44.99) is ideal for anything from trekking to
urban cycling. Carrying 14 air vents, reflectors and a removable
visor and supplied with it’s own carry bag, this unit ticks several
boxes for even the most picky customer.
Kids helmets start at £25.99 for the C-kid lids and span price
leaps of £5 as the designs get more intricate. Adults helmets
begin at £44.99 for both the C-wild and C-Smart models, while a
X-up BMX style lid is also offered at this price. The
aforementioned time trial helmet, the C-Pace tops the range at
£219.99. The C-PACE comes with a detachable visor with both
tinted and clear lenses.
0131 319 1444
BIKEBIZ.COM
BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY 65
GERMAN BICYCLE TECHNOLOGY
HAVE YOUR OWN!
HM CARBON FRAME
STIFF AND RESPONSIVE
YET COMFORTABLE
EASTON AERO WHEELSET
FASTER BY FAR
FULL SHIMANO ULTREGA GROUPSET
SMOOTH RELIABLE SHIFTING
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
SECTOR GUIDE | REFLECTIVE CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES
Eye-catching cycling
Come rain or shine, winter or summer, cycle commuters want to be visible to traffic when they’re on
their bikes. Jonathon Harker looks at some offerings promising to keep them seen, and heard, plus
some other essentials for cycling to and from work...
Brompton
BROMPTON stepped into the clothing
sector last year with its Oratory Jacket
boasting bespoke tailoring with hightech durable materials. The Eurobike
Gold Award winner is on its second run
currently and is due a makeover in the
next few months. We hear it will be
accompanied by a female jacket and
one or two other items of apparel.
Brompton also has a number of
commuter accessories on offer and will
this year launch some
accessories in March,
including an
innovative tool kit.
020 8232
8484
Buff
Cambridge Design
Partnership
THE REFLECTIVE Buff is based on the
original Buff but with the added benefit
of two retro-reflective strips to up
levels of visibility. Made from 3M
Scotchlite these strips appear brilliant
white when illuminated by vehicle
headlights and so make the wearer
clearly visible. The Reflective Buff also
benefits from all the features of the
Buff Multifunctional Headwear range. It
is seam-free, highly breathable and
wind resistant, worn around the neck,
or even under a helmet. The Reflective
Buff (priced at £14) promises to keep
the cyclist warm, comfortable and
protected.
01707 852244
THE SUITPACK rucksack provides a crease-free
solution to cycle-commuting, CDP says. Still at
prototype stage, the compact rucksack uses a patented
roll-fold concept. Designed to hang easily from
locations wherever required, it allows easy-access to
the clothes and toiletry and shoe compartment, with a
novel folding system. The Partnership is interested in
speaking with potential partners about branding and
development, and on to the manufacture and
distribution phase of the product’s development.
www.cambridge-design.co.uk
Fisher Outdoor
MASTER LOCK has launched a new winter
commuting-friendly version of the Street
Fortnum D-Lock. It has light reflective
yarns woven into the shackle cover sleeve
to ensure that riders can be seen when the
lock is attached to the bike. The lock has
all the features of the standard Fortnum
including a Gold Sold Secure rating, fixing
bracket and lifetime guarantee. The lock
retails for £44.99.
Distributor Fisher says there are some
great value reflective bungees in the range
providing added safety for panniers. The bungees come in 30cm and 80cm lengths.
01727 798 345
Coyote
Sports
COYOTE SPORTS’
product portfolio of
reflective wear covers
a full range of Wowow
reflective 3M Bands,
tabards and
waistcoasts in both
junior and adult sizes.
For more economical
requirements Coyote
also has a range of
reflective wear without
3M. The distributor also stocks a wide range of
reflective wall tyres with puncture proof or without.
For full price details and specs visit www.coyotesports.com or contact the sales department at
[email protected]
0161 727 8508
Extra
Hotlines
IF YOU VISITED the London Bike Show or Core there’s
a good chance you’ve heard the Hornit cycle horn in
its 140dB glory, designed to alert lorries, cars and
pedestrians to the presence of a bike. The Montane
Featherlite Velo, an ultra-light, endurance riding
jacket boasts full body reflectivity (£54.99), while the
Ergon BC3 backpack has a 25-litre capacity with a
helmet holder and hydration bladder compartment,
all for £149.99 – and all from Extra.
01933 672170
THE IXS CHINOOK
Commuter Jacket
retails at £64.99 and
contains the
commuter essentials –
reflective elements
and weather resistant
materials, including
waterproof taped seams while also being windproof
and breathable. It’s super-light and comes in a sporty
shape. Likewise the IXS Nepean Pro Rain Short
(£49.99) helps commuters get by in all weathers,
complete with reflective elements to aid visibility.
Hotlines also stocks the Ciclosport CM 4.1
Computer (£21.99), a wireless bike computer without
buttons developed especially for easy handling –
handy when negotiating the rush hour. It measures
current and average speed, daily and total kilometre
totals and auto start/stop.
0131 319 1444
>>>
BIKEBIZ.COM
BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY 67
SECTOR GUIDE | REFLECTIVE CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES
>>>
Moore
Large
PROVIZ has a
unique light
emitting and
reflective range.
The waterproof
jacket comes
with four electro
luminescent
strips (powered
by a small
battery pack) and is available for men and women in
two colours – Proviz yellow and black (£69.99). Five
fluorescent yellow Proviz helmets are also available
with integrated back lights. Meanwhile the Hi Vis
Rucksack includes electroluminescent strips and comes
in day-glow fluorescent yellow. It has a 28 litre
capacity and retails at £44.99. The waterproof rucksack
cover features an electroluminescent warning triangle
and retails at £29.99. Light-emitting vests and hi-vis
gloves are recent additions in the Proviz line-up.
[email protected]
Oxford
Polaris
THE BRIGHT TOP
Active is a top
selling product
within Oxford’s
reflective rider
wear range. It is
highly reflective
and suitable for
a wide range of
activities
including
cycling, ATVs
and motorcycling,
running, horse riding and general walking. One of the
key features of the Bright Top Active is the high
quality material made by Reflexite, meaning it has
passed the BSEN1150: 1999 standard.
Oxford also supplies the Bright Cover (RRP
£34.99) designed to fit over the cyclists’ rucksack for
maximum visibility. The cover comes packaged in a
small reflective bag for convenience, and is quick
and easy to fit. Contact Oxford on 01993 862 300
or at [email protected]
POLARIS’ QUANTUM fully waterproof lined cycle
jacket comes in yellow, orange or black. It is
manufactured from Hydrovent fabric – a fully
waterproof and breathable material – and features a
high level of reflective print detail and piping for
night time security.
The RBS Radar Pack is
also pitched as being
ideal for commuting,
with multiple reflective
graphics on all sides.
Designed for comfort
with spacer mesh for
airflow and foam for
cushioning in all body
contact areas, there’s
also a zipped main
compartment with
multiple organiser
pockets and a
secure LED
pocket.
01246 291100
Raleigh
Biologic
THE MOON RANGE offers a range of
products suitable for all types of cycling
use, not least commuting. The Shield
rear light uses one Cree XPE LED
generating 60 lumens in three constant
modes and two-flashing modes. A toolfree fitting bracket is included for this
USB rechargeable compact light (RRP
£44.99).
The XP500 uses one Cree XML LED,
which generates 500 lumens over five
modes (three constant, two flashing).
It’s USB and mains chargeable and
comes with helmet and handlebar
brackets (RRP £119.99).
Raleigh also brings the RSP light
range to the trade, many of which are
suitable for cycling to and from work.
One of the most commuter-friendly
lights in the range is the Urban,
featuring eight high performance LEDs
– four are rear facing, with two facing
either side to increase all-round
visibility makes this light a must for the
regular commuter. It’s available for
£24.99.
0800 096 9060
BIOLOGIC’S INNOVATIVE Post Pump (£35.00) ingeniously combines a
seatpost and powerful floor pump which goes over 100 psi in less than half
the strokes of the best mini-pumps, says Biologic. It’s suitable for all bikes
with 27.2 mm or 33.9 mm seatposts.
The brand also offers the ReeCharge Case for iPhone. Due in the UK by
March, this rugged, weatherproof case (£88.00) completely encloses and
protects the iPhone yet still allows full access to the touch screen and
apps. Even better, it integrates a powerful lithium polymer battery that
helps the iPhone battery keep up with your most epic outings – ideal for
those using Biologic’s own Bike Brain app (free or £1.30 for the Pro
version). The brand also includes an iPhone Bike Mount and Cipher
Cycling Gloves, the latter of which can be used to operate touch screen
devices. Other range highlights include the Pango Folding Helmet
(£88.00) and Pollution Mask (£18.00).
The Biologic range is available to the trade via Paligap at
[email protected] or on the number below.
01454 313116
68 BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY
Zyro
ALTURA’S NIGHT Vision range includes
the Evo jacket, a high spec waterproof
with removable LED light stick in
addition to the reflective trim, available
in men’s and women’s styles in a
variety of colours. The Evos’ ‘little bro’,
the best selling Night Vision Waterproof
jacket, is priced at £69.99. The new HiVis Orange colourway introduced for
AW11 has now been added to the
summer line-up, featuring in the Night
Vision Short Sleeve jersey. For very wet
weather the Night Vision over trousers
offer protection, features and additional
visibility. The range also includes the
new Night Vision Evo vest, windproof
jackets, gloves, socks, tights, bib tights,
panniers, pannier and rucksack covers,
helmet covers and long sleeve jerseys.
[email protected]
Dare2b
ALREADY PRESENTED to its trade customers,
the Dare2b range will start to be available instore from February. That range includes the
Night Hawk Jacket. The lightweight garment
weighs less than 495g (based on size L) and
has a water repellent finish. Featuring
taped seams, mesh lined and with mesh
lined back vents, the Night Hawk (RRP
£80) also boasts adjustable cuffs and
shockcoard hem. Also available is the
men’s Rotation Jacket. It sports 360degree refective detail for enhanced
visibility as well as two handy pockets
– one on the chest and one rear stow.
In terms of POS, Dare2b is providing it for in-store promotion, featuring the
colours and reflective technologies.
0844 811 2939
BIKEBIZ.COM
AVAILABLE FROM FEBRUARY 2012
EXCLUSIVELY FROM FISHER OUTDOOR LEISURE
WE ARE BIKE MAINTENANCE
weldtite.co.uk/facebook • weldtite.co.uk/twitter
Dutch Cycling Accessories By
Reply Canvas
Pannier Sets
from £49.99 SRP
AGU TAKEAWAY JACKET
Waterproof/WindProof
Breathable Poray Coating
Packable in Supplied Bag
Reflex Detailing
£44.99 SRP
CORDO ZUIDKAAP BAG
Laptop Padded
Pannier Fittings
5 Reflex Points
Vecro Fastening
Transvaal Lockable
Pannier Sets
from £74.99 SRP
Genuine Cane
Bar Mount Baskets
from £22.50 SRP
£49.99 SRP
Excellent Trade Stock-in Deals Available
Facebook.com/irideuk
Twitter.com/irideuk
Proudly Supplies Cordo Luggage in the UK
From £5.99 to £79.99 SRP
Scan To See The Collection
BIKEBIZ.COM
BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY 6z
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...
Mary should get on her bike
Should the ‘High Streets Review’ have given more
weight to making shopping zones bicycle-friendly?
RETAIL TROUBLESHOOTER Mary Portas was
commissioned by the Government to
compile a retail report to lure retailers back
to the High Street and breathe life into the
maligned shopping centres. Among the
finding of the report, published at the end of
2011, was that High Streets need to be
pedestrian-friendly
and that towns and
cities have free or
cheaper car parking.
One BikeBiz reader
questions whether
shopping by bike
should have been
given greater focus in
the report…
DEAR BIKEBIZ
How about Mary Portas doing a couple of
days shopping on a bike? She could shop on
her own or with a group in various scenarios.
That way she could visit High Streets and
see how bike friendly they are – whether
there are bike lock points near the shop, or
whether customers are welcome to take the
bike in with them. A weekly family shop at a
major supermarket would also be a good test
for shopping by bicycle. Maybe they could
hire out trailers for their customers?
Generally, using a bike is often far quicker
than a car, and much more convenient when
you consider that when you drive a car you
have to find a car parking space, pay for the
space (if you have the correct change) and
then walk to your
destination,
regardless of how
far that may be.
The bike is,
pretty much, doorto-door. With
panniers and a
backpack, it is
possible to do a
small shop very
quickly on a bicycle
and retailers would be wise to accommodate
this where they can.
Locking points can be installed outside
shop fronts and I’m sure that cyclists would
use certain shop more often if they had a
locking point installed and a ‘cyclists
welcome’ sign. The retailer would quickly
recoup the cost.
Tom Lynch, submitted via BikeBiz.com
Mary Portas’ High
Street report took
cars and pedestrians
into account, but
where was the
mention of bicycles?
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
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
LUSSO
JOHN HARRISON
Tel: +44 (0) 161 724 5222
Email: [email protected]
W: www.lusso-clothing.co.uk
And via Bob Elliot Agencies (01772
459887) and Mackadam Factors
FISHER OUTDOOR EXPO 2012
Monday 20th to 22nd
Sopwell House, St Albans
www.fisherexpo.co.uk
February 2012
FISHER OUTDOOR LEISURE
EXPO 2012
Monday Feb 20th to 22nd
Sopwell House, St Albans
www.fisherexpo.co.uk
MADISON ICEBIKE* 2012
Tuesday Feb 21st to 23rd
Madison’s Distribution Centre,
Milton Keynes
www.icebike.co.uk
SEOUL BICYCLE EXHIBTION
Friday February 24th to 26th
Seoul, Korea
www.seoulbikeshow.com
MOORE LARGE: TODAYS
CYCLIST SEMINARS
Tuesday Feb 28th to Mar 2nd
Moore Large HQ, Derby
[email protected]
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
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
May 2012
IRISH CYCLING SHOW 2012
Saturday May 19th to 20th
Simmonscourt Pavilion, Royal
Dublin Society, Dublin
[email protected]
June 2012
YORK CYCLE SHOW
Saturday June 23rd to 24th
The Racecourse, York
www.yorkcycleshow.co.uk
For more cycle trade dates: www.bikebiz.com/events
THE BIBLE
IS BACK!
74 BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY
How long has the company been
established?
It all started around 30 years ago with
a roll of cloth and two sewing
machines – me the cyclist (John
Harrison) and my wife Dorothy, a
machinist, desperate to make a decent
and comfortable pair of cycling shorts
that didn’t cost the earth.
After racing for many years for Great
Britain in the World Championships,
Peace Race and Tour of Bohemia I
finally got a decent pair of shorts and a
comfy bum.
Can you tell us about the range?
Our range consists of four styles of
shorts and five styles of bib shorts
ranging from budget to pro rider with
the latest gel inserts, full range of S/S
and L/S Jerseys, winter thermal
breathable waterproof clothing. There’s
a full range of thermal tights and bib
tights, arm and leg warmers for winter
and summer, overshoes, gillets, wicking
base layers, skull caps and balaclava.
We’ve got capes – lightweight,
foldaway and transparent jacket, full
range of ladies and children’s winter
and summer garments manufactured in
the UK. All our fabrics are sourced from
Europe and we only use the best of the
Italian cycle inserts, trying to keep the
carbon footprint as low as possible.
What is your best seller?
Our best seller in the summer is the
pro gel bib shorts which retails at
£59.99. For winter, it’s the Max Repel
Bib Tights, which are also £59.99.
Does the range change every season
or more gradually?
We like to change our range
approximately every two years, but the
best sellers just seem to need a nip and
tuck every now and then – like the Pro
gel bibs and Repel range. But for the
2012 range we have had our biggest
shake up yet and changed over 50 per
cent of the garment range.
How should dealers get in touch?
Dealers can ring us direct and ask for
John or Doreen, or go through Bob
Elliot Agencies and Mackadam Factors.
For additional copies please contact:
[email protected]
BIKEBIZ.COM
BIKEBIZ MARKETPLACE
TO ADVERTISE IN THESE PAGES PLEASE CALL CARLY BAILEY ON 01992 535647
The BikeBiz Marketplace offers a complete
marketing package of print, online and
editorial visibility, allowing companies the
opportunity to maintain contact with
readers each month without the
associated cost of full display advertising.
Its associated online version, has been
designed to offer readers a directory of all
products and services in the bike trade.
Your presence in this section ensures that
your company’s details are easily found,
keeping you one step ahead of your
competitors.
THE STANDARD PACKAGE INCLUDES:
A quarter page advert in each issue
Regular editorial coverage in the dedicated column
Company details listed in the online directory
with web link
Company details listed in the BikeBiz
Marketplace Contacts
Marketplace
Quarter PRataes:
ge
To get your company featured here contact:
Carly Bailey on 01992 535647 or
[email protected]
£175
(minimum
six months)
MARKETPLACE CONTACTS
BIKES & ACCESSORIES
LABELS
Bob Elliot & Co Ltd
01772 459 887
www.bob-elliot.co.uk
Adcal Labels
01494 530761
www.adcal-labels.co.uk
B&W International (Cases & Bags)
01539 751125
www.bike-cases.co.uk
Kinesis Bikes
01403 711 611
www.kinesisbikes.co.uk
LIGHTING
Madison
01908 326 000
www.madisonb2b.co.uk
Exposure Lights
01798 344 477
www.exposurelights.com
Seventies
0845 310 3670
www.seventies.co.uk
USE Ltd
01798 344 477
www.use1.com
The Cycle Division
0845 0508 500
www.thecycledivision.com
01444 243 000
www.zipvitsport.com
BUZZRACK
01539 751125
www.buzzrack.co.uk
Pendle
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
NUTRITION
BIKE MAINTENANCE
Zipvit
Green Oil
01403 711 611
www.upgradebikes.co.uk
Weldtite
01652 660 000
www.weldtite.co.uk
COMPONENTS
Lezyne
01403 711 611
www.upgradebikes.co.uk
Pace cycles Ltd
01723 867 919
www.pacecycles.com
Paligap
01454 313116
www.paligap.cc
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
CLOTHING
0161 724 5222
www.lusso-clothing.co.uk
Wildoo Ltd
01908 374 555
www.wildoo.co.uk
DEALER MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
BIKEBIZ.COM
Argos
SALES TRAINING
Quest
Cycle Systems Academy
WATER BOTTLES
0845 644 9424
www.evopos.com
EPOS
Citrus Lime
RESPRAYS & REPAIRS
TRAINING SERVICES
Lusso Clothing
Evopos
RACKS
Bottlesport
WEBSITE SERVICES
0845 603 9254
www.citrus-retail.com
SiWis Limited
BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY 75
BIKEBIZ | MARKETPLACE
BIKES & ACCESSORIES
BIKES & ACCESSORIES
76 BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY
BIKES & ACCESSORIES
BIKEBIZ.COM
BIKEBIZ | MARKETPLACE
BIKEBIZ.COM
BIKES & ACCESSORIES
BIKES & ACCESSORIES
BIKES & ACCESSORIES
BIKE MAINTENANCE
BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY 77
BIKEBIZ | MARKETPLACE
BIKE MAINTENANCE
BIKE MAINTENANCE
CLEANERS:
WE’VE GOT IT
PUNCTURE REPAIR:
The ultimate range of mechanic
approved total bike cleaners
The world’s most comprehensive range
of two wheeled puncture repair kits
• Dirtwash Bike Cleaner Cleans safely with minimum scrubbing
1 Ltr Spray 03028 5 Ltr Refill Tub 03031
• Chain Degreaser Machine Chain driven four sided brush action
Machine and 75ml bottle of Citrus Degreaser 06017
• Popular Kits 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 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
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, reliable patches for quick repairs
Carded Patches 04006 Carded 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
MADE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM BY
WE ARE BIKE MAINTENANCE
WE ARE BIKE MAINTENANCE
COVERED
• 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
www.weldtite.co.uk
COMPONENTS
78 BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY
WE’VE GOT IT
COVERED
www.weldtite.co.uk
COMPONENTS
BIKEBIZ.COM
BIKEBIZ | MARKETPLACE
COMPONENTS
COMPONENTS
LIFETIME GUARANTEE
CycleOps Turbo Trainers
www.paligap.cc
COMPONENTS
BIKEBIZ.COM
2001-2011
10th
Anniversary
COMPONENTS
BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY 79
BIKEBIZ | MARKETPLACE
CLOTHING
CLOTHING
j^[Ykij
e
if[Y_Wb c
_iji
DEALER MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
80 BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY
EPOS
BIKEBIZ.COM
BIKEBIZ | MARKETPLACE
BIKEBIZ.COM
LABELS
LIGHTING
LIGHTING
NUTRITION
BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY 81
BIKEBIZ | MARKETPLACE
RACKS
RACKS
RESPRAYS AND REPAIRS
SALES TRAINING
ff!
o
0
nd
ya
uar fee
ebr f the
F
in of
rse 00
cou et £1
g
n
g
ini to
tra is ad
es
sal se th
a
Sales training can easily double your business. If every
u
k
Boo u can customer who comes in to buy an accessory goes out with two, you
yo
0
£1
Extra profits,
immediate results...
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.
82 BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY
BIKEBIZ.COM
BIKEBIZ | MARKETPLACE
TRAINING SERVICES
WATER BOTTLES
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
Employment opportunities
On-going support and community
Become part of a global growth industry.
Telephone 0207 6082577
Mobile
07786 636771
[email protected]
E-mail
www.cycle-systems-academy.co.uk
Website
in association with:
HAVERING
C O L L E G E
The Cycle Systems Academy is very proud to be sponsored by:
WEBSITE SERVICES
To get your company
featured here contact:
Carly Bailey on
01992 535647
or [email protected]
BIKEBIZ.COM
BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY 83
OFF TRACK
OFF
k
c
a
r
T
• bobbin rides into reality tv
Trek joins the Action
TREK HAS teamed up with children’s charity Action Medical Research in a two-year
partnership to support the charity’s RIDE100 and DIVA100 cycling events in 2012 and
2013. Those events will include new rides in the Midlands and Scotland, alongside the
established South East ride in Sussex. To find out more about the worthy charity – which
uses a huge number of cycle events for fundraising – head to www.action.org.uk/cycling
Iron Mountain proves
no obstacle to riders
TUMBLEUP2LIFE was organised for the first time
on May 2nd 2011, where cyclists pushed
themselves to the limit and climbed the Iron
Mountain in Wales as many times as possible in
just one day.
Some managed to reach the top a staggering
15 times. Why did they do a crazy thing like
that? To support Cancer Research UK, raising an
impressive £10,000.
On May 5th 2012 charitable, and quite frankly
mad, cyclists will attempt the feat again. Find out
more at http://tumbleup4life.wordpress.com
I am Half Iron Man
WE’RE ALL handsome athletic
types here at BikeBiz, but our
designer’s little brother, Martin
‘Wol’ Bennett, put us to shame
on completing the Challenge
Wanaka Half Iron Man in New
Zealand last month in a time of
5:36:15.
Congrats!
84 BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY
Music to my
(g)ears #3
Bobbin has featured in
trendy TV show Made in
Chelsea (left) and also in
in a Mark Ronson pop
video (right)
THE COMPETITION to find bike companies featured in pop videos is hotting up,
with Bobbin Bicycles stepping up to the mic this month.
The whole of Mark Ronson’s aptly named Ride My Bike video is, says Bobbin,
an ode to Bobbin. In fact Bobbin supplied many of the various bicycles on
display in the elegantly coiffeured pop impresario’s video.
And as if that wasn’t enough, TV reality-ish show Made In Chelsea filmed
Millie chatting and riding along on her – you guessed it – Bobbin Bicycle.
Two fine screen claims to fame there, but are there any other bike companies,
brands or shops that have also graced our screens in a modern-ish pop video or
zeitgeisty TV show? Let us know at the usual address.
BIKEBIZ.COM
OFF TRACK
Send your pictures to
[email protected]
• pendleton follows yellow brick road • trek teams up with children’s charity
It’s dark and cold?
Get on your bike!
SIGNING UP for events like sportives helps encourage cyclists to ride more when it
is dark, cold and wet outside, according to a Northern Rock Cyclone survey. Fortythree per cent of respondents said they get out and ride more when they have an
event coming up, whatever the weather.
The 2012 Northern Rock Cyclone weekend runs over Thursday June 28th to
Sunday July 1st, though frankly that’s taking diabolical liberties with the word
‘weekend’: www.northernrockcyclone.co.uk
quote
unquote
“Politicians often tell other politicians to
get on their bike, but this time we mean
it. If we pass tough laws, we have to
practice what we preach.
“So I am making a New Year’s
resolution to cycle and walk to work more
often and I am inviting Alex Salmond to
join me on a bike ride around Edinburgh
to highlight the need to cycle more.
“I know he is a busy man, so I’m happy
to fit my diary around him. I am looking
forward to Alex Salmond’s response.”
Labour Central Scotland MSP Mark
Griffin challenges Alex Salmond, First
Minister of Scotland, to raise the profile
of cycling in Scotland, via Scotsman.com
Pendleton walks
into new Dorothy roll
HOW’S THE New Year
resolution coming
along? According to a
study from Hovis, the
average diet lasts just
15 days, so if you had
planned to lose a few
pounds your resolution
may already be a
distant memory.
Hovis, with the help
of cycle superstar and
Off Track favourite
Victoria Pendleton, is
encouraging dieters to
ditch the likes of the
Atkins’ regime and
have a hearty (Hovisbased) breakfast
instead to discourage
morning snacking.
Quite why they
dressed Pendleton up
as Dorothy from The
Wizard of Oz to deliver
the message remains a
mystery. A half-baked
idea maybe?
Sponsored by the brands of
Moore Large 01332 274252
“We are always looking for new suppliers across the
globe offering better value in order to maintain our
competitive position. Cambodia emerged as a suited
supplier for bicycles.
"We believe it offers a real alternative to the
Chinese option. The South East Asian country could be
the first step of moving production as we are also
exploring opportunities in other nations in this region."
“Cambodia offered cheap labour costs and duty
rates, so we provided him some technical help to build
that factory.
"We started buying bikes two years ago, in relatively
small volumes at first but it has got bigger over time.
It’s an example of finding the right partner, supporting
them with our technical help and moving to a
significant level of production.”
Halfords CEO David Wild, via BikeEurope.com
For more on these stories, head to www.BikeBiz.com
BIKEBIZ.COM
BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY 85
OFF TRACK | SPOKESMAN
SPOKES
Indie bike shops
versus BSO sellers
Quality independent dealers have been fighting mass merchants
since almost the beginnings of bicycle retail, finds Carlton Reid
I’M WRITING a book about the US and UK cyclist
organisations of the 1880s and 1890s which lobbied for
good roads – and got them – before the motorcar came
along and stole their thunder.
To research Roads Were Not Built For Cars I’m poring
over bicycle trade journals. Bicycle retailers have been
fighting against sellers of cheap
Bicycle Shaped Objects for at
least 120 years. Tescos muscling
in on your sales isn’t a new
phenomenon: the cycle
retailers of the 1890s also
railed against the supermarkets
of their day. When Specialized
and other IBD-channel brands
talk about protecting
independent dealers, they’re
echoing the concerns and
sales pitches of similar bike
brands in the 1890s.
Outing Bicycle said in an 1897 ad: “We don’t want
our machines disgraced by associating them with sour
kraut, pig iron and cheese sandwich dealers.”
An editorial in US weekly trade magazine Cycling Life in
the same year also railed against department stores,
saying it was necessary to “check the evil before it
becomes too great for suppression.”
The magazine recommended the creation of a
“separate classification to the bicycle sold by the
department stores and thereby distinguish it from
other machines.”
Just as bike sales over the the internet have impinged
on modern dealers, the bike shops of the late 1890s faced
similar challenges. In 1895, Sears, Roebuck & Co. of the
US was producing a 532-page mail order catalogue.
Today, Chain Reaction Cycles sends bike kit all over the
world; in the 1890s, so did Sears Roebuck & Co. It claimed
it was “The Cheapest Supply House On Earth” and that
“Our Trade Reaches Around The World”.
The late 1890s were a golden age for bicycles. When
the middle classes started buying bicycles in big numbers,
the number of specialist bicycle retailers increased to
cope with demand. In 1897 America manufactured one
million bicycles; England made 600,000.
Bicycle shop owners made
a tidy living up to 1897. After
this the ‘bicycle boom’
imploded and profits
collapsed as department
stores and mail order retailers
started selling bicycles at
knockdown prices. In 1897,
the standard price for a
bicycle was $100; by 1900,
Sears Roebuck & Co. was
selling a bicycle for as low
as $7.50.
Yet despite the marketwarping power of the early mail order giants – they were
the Amazon.com’s of their day – not all bike shops went
under. Take comfort from the fact that Pearson Cycles of
Sutton, West London and Howes of Cambridge have seen
it all before, and are still trading, and are still owned by
the same families. Pearson Cycles was founded as a
blacksmiths in 1840; Howes Cycles started life in 1860
as wheelwright.
Pearson Cycles is still in the same building as the
original blacksmith’s forge, albeit much renovated.
Brothers Guy and Will Pearson – the fifth generation from
the family to run the shop – recently opened a new
branch, a few miles away in Sheen.
“We have a slow roll-out programme; one store every
150 years,” Will jokes.
www.roadswerenotbuiltforcars.com
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
86 BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY
TWEET
short and
Wondering what the Twitterati have been up
to this month? Look no further...
Victoria Pendleton's new range
of bikes will be available to buy
online at Halfords.com from 22nd
March and in-store from 29th
March
@Halfords_uk
Asked about the steering wheel
on his dick, the Pirate answered,
"Arrrr.... It's driving me nuts.”
@exframebuilder
The Red Bull / Charge "Dirt
Weavers" event in Somerset in
August is going to be amazing. Great
to have @rockshox and
@dirtmag onboard.
@chargebikes
I love when people pop over, say
"I'm an idiot!" and then
leave with no explanation.
@PolarBottle
Just been trying to convince
Keith from the prodigy
that 29'ers aren't evil...
@CSGUKadamw
SUBSCRIPTIONS
UK: £50 Europe: £60 Rest of World: £90
BikeBiz is published 12 times a year by Intent Media – Saxon House,
6a St. Andrew Street, Hertford, Hertfordshire SG14 1JA
Intent Media Subscriptions Department
PO Box 35, Robertsbridge, TN32 5WN
Tel: 01580 883848, Fax: 01580 883849
If you or one of your colleagues would like to
request a subscription to BikeBiz, please email
[email protected] or call 01580 883848.
Please note that this is a controlled circulation title and
subscription criteria will be strictly adhered to.
Intent Media is a
member of the Audit
Bureau of Circulation
and the Periodical
Publishers Association
© Intent Media 2012 No part of this publication may be reproduced in any
form or by any means without prior permission of the copyright owners.
Printed by The Manson Group, AL3 6PZ.
SERVICE
POWERED BY SRAM
Good products deserve good service. RockShox suspension products gets serviced
by the SRAM Technical Centre in the UK.
The SRAM Technical Centre (STC) program offers dealers and OEMs the option of
going directly to a dedicated SRAM facility for service and warranty support.
FOR ALL BRANDS: SRAM - ROCKSHOX - AVID - TRUVATIV - ZIPP
ALL CATEGORIES: MTB - ROAD - WHEELS
SRAM DSD - DEALER SERVICE DIRECT
TECHNICAL CENTRE
SRAM Technical Centre UK
Unit 1, Millside Park, Crouch Lane
Winkfield, Windsor, SL4 4PX
Open Monday to Friday: 08:00 to 18:00
Tel: 0843 487 8815