bb123-april-2016

DON T RIDEBLIND

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INTRODUCING THE NEW

CONTACT YOUR ZYRO ACCOUNT MANAGER ON 01325 741325 FOR FURTHER DETAILS.

THE ESSENTIAL COMPANION FOR EVERY STRAVA USER

Cateye Smart Computers allow riders to harness the power of their ride data during their ride, instead of only being able to access it afterwards.

Don’t ride blind, ride Cateye Smart Computers.

ONE MONTH FREE STRAVA PREMIUM MEMBERSHIP WITH YOUR PURCHASE

AP

RIL 2016

ISSUE 123 BIKEBIZ.COM

F O R E V E R Y O N E I N T H E B I K E B U S I N E S S

BIKEBIZ.COM BIKEBIZ XXXXXXX XX

CONTACT YOUR ZYRO ACCOUNT MANAGER ON 01325 741325 FOR FURTHER DETAILS.

ONE MONTH FREE STRAVA PREMIUM MEMBERSHIP WITH YOUR PURCHASE

INTRODUCING THE NEW

THE ESSENTIAL COMPANION FOR EVERY STRAVA USER

SRP: £59.99 / €84.99

SRP: £79.99 / €109.99

SRP: £49.99 / €69.99

strada SMART

PADRONE SMART

PADRONE SMART +

COMPACT & SLIM CLICK-TEC INTERFACE COMPATIBLE WITH POWER,SPEED & CADENCE SENSORS

BIGGER SCREEN THAN THE STRADABUT STILL REMAINS SLIM & SLEEK SIMPLE NAVIGATIONCUSTOMISABLE DISPLAY

BACKLIGHT FUNCTION SECOND BIKE RECOGNITION

SIMPLE NAVIGATIONCUSTOMISABLE DISPLAY

FEATURES INCLUDE: SPEED, DISTANCE, TIME, CADENCE, ALTITUDE, PHONE BATTERY INDICATOR, CALLS/TEXTS & EMAIL ALERTS WHEN CONNECTED TO SMART PHONE.

FEATURES INCLUDE: SPEED, DISTANCE, TIME, CADENCE, ALTITUDE, CALLS/TEXTS & EMAIL ALERTS WHEN CONNECTED TO SMART PHONE.

FEATURES INCLUDE: SPEED, DISTANCE, TIME , CADENCE & ALTITUDE.

p43Go WestWe pull together pundits for their views on the cycle industry in Wales and the South West.

p17Go EastNew kit, fresh products and brand spanking new innovation from Taipei Cycle Show 2016

p35Go LargeMoore Large has gone through a spate of internal changes, held its Geared Show and is lining up new Lake releases…

p54What’s cooking?Exiting things are happening at the London Bike Kitchen...

p13Get a grip on iceBike*We round-up the newsfrom iceBike* 2016

p67Baggage handlerLuggage is our focus in this month’s sector guide

p9,10, 61, 63, 64Flogging FashionWe talk about the latest and greatest in cycle apparel

F O R E V E R Y O N E I N T H E B I K E B U S I N E S S

APRIL 2016ISSUE 123 @bikebizonline | facebook.com/bikebiz

NATIONAL MAN OF

MYSTERY We can’t be sure where he’s been, but one thing is for sure: BikeBiz’s national man of mystery is back in the saddle...

p30

NEWS

BIKEBIZ.COM BIKEBIZ APRIL 5

Relief for commuter brands and dealers

OPEN SEASON ON NORTH AMERICA

THE UNITED States has increased the threshold for duty-free imports mid way through March, opening the door for UK retailers to build business with the territory.

Both Wiggle and Chain Reaction Cycles have moved to take advantage of the opportunity, with strong messages on their US portals, informing customers of that they can now import $800 of goods without being hit by tax. The previous threshold was just a quarter of that total, at $200. Parcel broker ParcelHero said it predicted a ‘boom’ in shipping to the territory.

THE FUTURE of the salary sacrifice cycle to work initiative looks more solid following George Osborne’s March Budget statement.

While the national headlines mostly concentrated on sugar tax, ‘Brexit’ and then a row over disability benefit, the finer details revealed the continuation of

cycle to work despite concerns about the growth of salary sacrifice schemes.

“The government’s intention is that pension saving, childcare and health-related benefits such as Cycle to Work should continue to benefit from income tax and NICs relief when provided through salary sacrifice arrangements.”

EDITOR’SCOMMENTCUSTOMERS DON’T WANT TO LOOK DAFTAFTER A FATAL encounter with a bath, my phone has ceased to work. Now I’m on the hunt for a new one, which has turned out to be less straightforward than I expected. It turns out I don’t have a clue about what’s new in the world of smartphones. For instance, I’ve found Lumia’s approach to numbering their phones to be deliberately awkward. For example, the 550 is more recent than the 950.

If you are a phone boffin or work in the industry then this all seems obvious. Of course the Lumia 550 came after the 950, you fool, you may be thinking. Will my confusion stop me buying a new phone? Ultimately, no, because I believe I need a new one (itself a triumph of marketing, as the old one still just about does the job).

So how will I choose my new phone? I’ll research it online, partly because I don’t want to walk into a phone shop and look stupid when they ask me about nano sims and Quad-Core processors. This is a problem for bricks and mortar shops, as research online can lead to a

purchase online. It’s a particular challenge for a shop looking to bring in

customers who know they are lacking in knowledge and don’t want to look daft.

It’s easy to get wrapped up in Lumia 550s, or 2.8-inch 27.5+ tyres, but what really matters is that the

Lumia 550 is a pretty new smartphone and does most things you want a smartphone to do. And a 2.8-inch 27.5+ tyre will

give you a pretty smooth ride. Striving to sell

benefits rather than concentrating on

the nerdy finer details can only be a good

thing for the trade. jharker@nbmedia.

com

6 BIKEBIZ APRIL BIKEBIZ.COM

BikeBiz bolsters team with new Staff Writer

A DEBATE over the future of independent bicycle dealers has been sparked after one shop revealed it was cutting staff, blaming online prices that are “at or less than trade”.

Cadence Sport, near Burton-on-Trent in Staffordshire, is owned by Adrian Timmis, a former Team GB cyclists, Olympian and rider in the Tour de France. Now a trained bike fitter, Timmis took to social media to share the shop’s plight – that despite a successful reputation and service he is having to let two staff members go.

On Facebook, Timmis said: “The current retail climate is changing fast, with a lot of online prices at or

less than our trade, which is hard for your local bike shop to cope with – this is the main reason that I can’t justify three full time wages any more, we’ve built a successful reputation and service, but this on its own doesn’t pay the bills.”

“I think people were shocked by my decision to let Ped and Steve go because from the outside cycling looks like it is still booming, which it is, which for a sport I love this is great, but peoples’ buying habits have changed with the internet.”

On BikeBiz.com there’s been a mixture of comments, with some arguing that many local bike shops fail to add value for consumers and

others arguing that local bike shops need to be more welcoming places.

However, other bike shops have added insight into their situation. One (Neil69cyclist) said he’s not ‘blaming the internet’ for retail woes but instead “blaming the industry for not getting a handle on its distribution channels” – a failure that is feeding a “two tier system”.

Speaking to BikeBiz, Schwalbe UK pinpointed the problem of cheap product entering the market from European wholesalers, attracted by a favourable exchange rate, further affecting IBDs capacity to offer competitive pricing (page 27). For more on the story, search for #supportlocalbikeshops

KIERAN HOWELLS has joined BikeBiz as staff writer.

Based out of the Hertford office, Howells has been with BikeBiz since February working on BikeBiz magazine and writing daily news for the website www.BikeBiz.com.

Editor Jonathon Harker said: “It’s exciting to bring new blood into the team and Kieran has already had a positive impact, contributing stories in what was our second highest online traffic month ever, in February. “Kieran’s a skilled writer and an

enthusiastic team player. It’s a pleasure to welcome him to BikeBiz.” The industry can contact Kieran Howells with news via email: [email protected] or by phone – 01992 535646. You can also find him on Twitter: @kieran_howells

Executive Editor: Carlton [email protected]

Editor: Jonathon [email protected] Staff Writer: Kieran [email protected]

Design: Dan [email protected]

Sales Manager: Richard Setters [email protected]

Production Executive: Elizabeth [email protected]

Content Director: Andrew Wooden [email protected]

Events Director: Caroline [email protected]

Sales Director: Mark [email protected]

Managing Director: Mark [email protected]

Marketing & [email protected]

Editorial: Saxon House, 6A, St. Andrew Street, Hertford, Hertfordshire. SG14 1JATel: 01992 515 307

BikeBiz is mailed FOC to 4,000+ trade addresses every month

ISSN 1476-1505

NEWS

© NewBay Media 2016 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or any information storage or retrieval system without the express prior written consent of the publisher. The contents of BikeBiz are subject to reproduction in information storage and retrieval systems. Printed by Pensord.

WIGGLE WOE FOR LONDON BIKE SHOPSCyclists in the capital can now get their bike serviced and repaired courtesy of Wiggle Bike Service & Repair. Cyclists living within the M25 can book seven days a week at Wiggle’s website and arrange for their bikes to be collected, repaired or serviced, and then returned to the same or different address, inside three days. The service is being offered in partnership with havebike, a firm that specialises in similar ‘collect and return’ bike services and maintains fleets for the Met Police and Santander’s Hire Bikes in London. Servicing and repair have long been held up as examples of something local bike shops can offer that online bike retailers can’t. Even the optimistic will admit that this move by the giant, which recently acquired rival Chain Reaction Cycles, will impact on bike workshops in the region.

Use it or lose it: #supportlocalbikeshops

Go Outdoors ramps up cycle presence

TWO HUNDRED and forty jobs will be created by Go Outdoors with a new national cycle concept store expansion programme this year.

Following the success of its own bike brand, Calibre, the firm said it will be creating in-store workshops and offering bike fitting and servicing in concept stores.

Go Outdoors CEO Chris Matthews said: “We saw over

100 per cent increase in bike and cycling equipment sales in our trial stores signalling that our customers are crying out for great bikes and equipment at great prices.

“The creation of these expansive cycling departments meets customers needs and looks to position GO Outdoors as the go-to retailer for all cyclists below pro. With research from Sport England showing that

over 2,000,000 adults in England are now cycling at least once every week, it seems that the nation’s obsession with cycling is set to continue.

“Thanks to this increased investment into cycling, we have the opportunity to bring expertise, passion and, most importantly fantastic cycling equipment at great prices to local communities.”www.gooutdoors.co.uk


NEWS

CYCLE SHORTSBicycle import growth falters in 2015Statistics presented by the Bicycle Association have revealed that bicycle import growth has not been sustained in 2015. HMRC data revealed that unit values fell from £130 in Q1 2014, to £109 in Q4 2015.

Work starts on cycling A-road upgrade projectHighways England has started work on the cycleway, which carries the A574 over the M6. The safety barrier is also being improved and additional lights and cycle signs are being installed on the approaches to the bridge.

Vulpine follows £1million crowd funding with new MDCycling company Vulpine this month announced a number of changes to the brand, including the appointment of Jonathan Baker as managing director. Founder Nick Hussey will remain in the business full time as creative director. LCC survey says roads are too dangerous for young cyclistsA new survey by the London Cycling Campaign shows that 69 per cent of respondents who have children think that London’s roads are far too dangerous for children to cycle.

Trek is planning a cycle mechanic school for EuropeFollowing the launch of its School of Certified Service in the US, Trek has confirmed plans to launch additional schools in Europe and APAC. The US facility features over 2000 square feet of educational space.

TFL announce plans for ‘Dutch-style’ Superhub at Waterloo stationTFL is working with Network Rail and the Department for Transport to deliver around 5,000 more cycle parking spaces as part of a new facility at Waterloo station. TFL said the plans aim to relieve pressure on the tube and bus networks.

Daily bread…daily tubes

For breaking news visit:

www.bikebiz.com

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @BIKEBIZONLINE

SUPERMARKETS PLACE daily essentials like bread deep into their stores, in some cases at the very far end, in the hope that you’ll pop in for a loaf and be prompted to buy something else on the way in.

What are your bread and butter items? Tubes? As an experiment, how about moving your tube stocks deeper into your store and put other tempting items

Got good advice and tips? Let us know and we’ll share them. [email protected]

2016 GIRO HEAD TO TOE PRODUCTS

Contact your Zyro

HEAD TO TOE

Account Manager for further details.

Covering all categories of riding in a collection of products for every consumer. Giro apparel allows riders to truly outfit themselves in a co-ordinated way. Linking seamlessly with Giro footwear and helmets, using complimentary colour stories and graphics across the entire line. Huge upsell potential, as customers choose to buy across the whole collection.

Statistics show that ranging head to toe collections drives more sales across all categories.


INDUSTRY OPINIONS

Shifting cycling apparel

There’s plenty of expert knowledge in the cycle industry. Here we connect you with some of brands in the apparel sector. Jonathon Harker collates the words…

What’s the biggest recent development (technical or otherwise) in cycle apparel?

“For me it’s a shift in attitude to the women’s market. More manufacturers are acknowledging the growth in the women’s market and are fi nally designing women specifi c clothing and accessories. In doing so they are treating women as valued customers and are actually having a positive impact on participation. This in turn is actually helping to sustain growth in the market. However, what is lacking is the support for these products at retail. Women have to actively seek out the apparel that they want to wear because shops just won’t take a ‘risk’ on stocking unfamiliar or women-specifi c lines.”HANNAH MYERSCo-founder and Creative Director, Flare Clothing “One trend I have been happy with is the rise of the ‘tailored’ look in bike clothing. Sometimes you don’t want to go out looking like you are in the pro peloton or working on a road repair. The increase in looks and colour pallettes aping high fashion should be encouraged as it helps us cyclists look like normal people on a bike and not an uber nerd! Making

cycling more accessible by making the accessories around it more accessible is key.” MARCO LIBRIZZISales Director, 2pure

“Fabric, in particular yarn, developments are driving the changes within the Altura Collections.

We are working very closely with leading fabric mills to develop performance yarns and fabrics that offer superior performance for cyclists.

The Altura Product Creation Team are developing fabrics that offer lightweight performance for our

Altura Road Category, combined with moisture management, breathability, UV protection, antibacterial and/or protection from the elements. For all our premium knit items, we are focussing on yarn developments where the yarn is treated, rather than a fabric treatment that washes out.

Our Altura Commuter Category is dominated by our NightVision garments where we focus on outerwear garments that deliver superior levels of waterproofi ng and, even more important, superior breathability. Our garments deliver a minimum level

of waterproof protection rated at 10,000mm with a breathability level to match. This is always a challenge as our QC testing levels are based on Japanese quality levels which are rated as the highest on a global scale. Our new NV360˙ technology, with Flow Zone refl ectivity, offers the rider enhanced visibility in key dark zone areas of a garment. Our aim is to provide the commuter with 360˙ visibility during low light conditions.

Durability is our primary focus within the Altura Dirt Division, with our mountain bike garments crafted from fabrics that extensively lab

tested to withstand tensile tear strength levels and, of course, heavily tested by our riders.”CLINT VOSLOOAltura Brand Director, Zyro.

“The aesthetic of apparel has changed dramatically over the last few years. The growth of the market has seen more brands establish themselves. This competition is healthy as it challenges product creation, allowing creativity and innovation to thrive. It breaks the mould of what was originally accepted as conventional and the end result is exciting.

Nowadays, there is so much choice available. Whether you go for pro team kit style or a more refi ned look, there’s something for you. The attention to detail in the fabrics and cuts have improved so much that dressing for the bike is now a pleasure.”STUART HAYESGiro Brand Manager, Zyro

Marco Librizzi talking POC

Altura’s Podium Elite jersey


INDUSTRY OPINIONS

What kind of help do you offer bike shops with merchandising apparel?

“We offer a modular system, which allows retailers to merchandise apparel alongside Giro helmets, footwear and softgoods. Colour stories carry through the entire line and consumers choose to buy accessories that coordinate with the rest of their kit. This has huge potential for up sell and allows retailers to demonstrate complete head to toe outfi ts to their customers.”STUART HAYESGiro Brand Manager, Zyro “Our sales teams are regularly visiting bike stores to work with staff on training and merchandising and, wherever possible, we work towards ‘owning’ our brand space in-store through POs and merchandising. This helps the brand and the retailer.”CLINT VOSLOOAltura Brand Director, Zyro.

“We (POC/2pure) offer full bespoke shop fi tting to retailers who buy into the brand. We also have a concise range of helmet display solutions and clothing rails that keep the POC aesthetic strong within the store.”

MARCO LIBRIZZISales Director, 2pure

“When our product is presented properly it sells really well, so we are developing a merchandising support package for key accounts. We will come in store, set up PoS and help staff understand the product technologies and the Flare brand. The next step for us will be to work closely with a few retailers to create a ‘shop in shop’ concept. Our customers are really loyal so we know that this investment in both time

and money that will benefi t all parties.”HANNAH MYERSCo-founder and Creative Director, Flare Clothing

NEXT MONTH: BRAKING NEWS

JOIN THE DISCUSSION:[email protected]

We’ll be asking the trade for their take on brakes in the May edition of BikeBiz magazine.

Do you want to take part? Whether you represent a big brake brand, a little brake brand, a shop, or just have a view on brakes that you think should be heard, we are all ears.

Shifting cycling apparel

Flare founder Hannah Myers

The Flare Roost Downhill jersey

Giro’s Transfer collection puts performance details into everyday styles


S H I M A N O P E D A L I N G D Y N A M I C S

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ICEBIKE*

Getting to grips with If you’re after a refresher of the new gear at iceBike*, then you’re in luck. Jonathon Harker takes you through some of the fresh product from Sportline and Madison…

RETURNING TO Arena MK for the second time, iceBike* packed in the trade and – at the weekend – consumers too.

Amongst seminars, a team launch and one-off deals, the products themselves proved big draws for bringing in the punters.

Those with long memories will remember that Quad Lock first lauched back in 2011 on Kickstarter. The smartphone mounting system was picked up by Madison two years ago, featuring a dual stage lock – you push and twist to lock it in – that has been tested out with a 100kilo dumbbell (though that would probably slow your bike down). The design has been revised and includes a Go Pro adapter and a lever that’s even easier to operate.

Outside bikes, Quad Lock offers an armband that almost uniquely allows the runner to take the phone off while running. There’s a car mount too – a potential upsell for bike shops. The out front mount (£29.95) helps keep the bar clear.

Outdoor Tech’s portable speakers straddle the outdoor and cycle markets, and more besides.

The Buckshot Pro Bluetooth speaker is a three-in-one solution, bringing light and charging capacity for phones to the mix too.

Ideal for the festival and camping season, the range is rugged, shock proof, colourful and fun. The Los Cabos headphones were launched just before Christmas and these Bluetooth cans include options to take calls when in use. Other highlights include the Big Turtle

Shell – a waterproof, dust proof, shock resistant wireless speaker. Big in its LA and US homeland, Outdoor Tech interest is building in the UK, we’re told.

For those not in the know it may come as a surprise that the market for Respro’s face masks is significant in the UK, but frankly, it probably shouldn’t – iceBike* kicked off just a couple of days after a big pollution story broke in

the national news, focusing on the health implications of polluted roads. Of course exports to territories like China (and Poland) are strong for the brand which started out in 1993. Runners are also buying into the range, which now stretches far into fashion and style, with a big variety in looks.

Fat bikes and e-bikes have impacted on the Thule line-up, which had a trio of updated

product from Thule; the ProRide, ThruRide and VeloSpace. ProRide, now around seven years old, has been refined: It now comes in black (a proven seller with other Thule SKUs performing well in the colour) and with pump buckles that are easier to use. Those combined with fixed cross straps reduce vibration, capacity is now 20kilos and a torque function prevents over-tightening. A fat bike adapter will

cover any wheel up to five inches. Stock of this revamped best seller is now available.

The ThruRide will be available by the time this magazine lands. Fitting 12-20mm thru-axles, it locks them into place with the minimum of fuss. It’s a method becoming more popular, Thule tells BikeBiz.

And onto that growing e-bike market. Thule’s VeloSpace can take up to 60kilos of weight and you can tilt it to make access easier. In fact there is lots of flexibility with the VeloSpace. There are pump buckles, a tray for heavy bikes and the Hercules coupling promises to keep it manageable for users. With not very many options out there for electric bike users, Thule has put plenty of R&D into this area to make it easy for the wider demographics using assisted bikes to operate – you won’t have to be Geoff Capes to use ‘em, in short.

Aztec has new shapes in the disc brake range and a new SRAM Red pad, making the brand one of a few aftermarket sources for the system. There are Shimano flat mount replacements too, plus a new BMX pad, reinforced with Kevlar. There’s

Continental is testing the water with a tube

vending machine.


Kryptonite Gravity Wheelnutz

Lazer’s modular Revolution

Respro masks: available in a vast range of designs


ICEBIKE*

an intriguing round rotor from Aztec too. Irregular shapes do not make for great breaking, the brand says, and you’d be hard pushed to find the motorbike industry using the design, so Aztec has developed a round rotor that reduces fluttering and juttering, with performance improvements and good price points.

Light + Motion has tweaked its packaging and brought out some new products, with a price drop or two to make it more competitive. The Electron R100 rear light has dropped to £34.99 and the Urban 350 is more aggressively pitched too, at £39.99.

There were pre-production samples at the show of Light and Motion’s new Seca. It has cut the number of LEDS from six to four, but now using more powerful LEDs. Overall is it lighter and waterproof now. It pumps out a whopping 2,200 lumen.

The 800 lumen Imjin is replacing the Stella, adding 300 lumens in the process. Smaller and waterproof, it will be at a similar retailer price. There’ll be a new mount option available too, taking the light off the bar and into the stem space.

Losing bike lock keys can be irritating, expensive and lead to recriminations with your loved ones. Kryptonite’s Gravity range sidesteps that possibility. If you haven’t already seen them after they debuted at Eurobike, the WheelNutz come in three sizes (M9, M10 and 3/8) and as a pack. They’re fitted upside down and when upright an internal pin drops, securing them the wheels to the frame (you’re still going to need a bike lock, of course). Kryptonite is

anticipating that WheelNutz will be popular and will be available in the market in March.

Onto Finish Line, which has new Mechanic Grip Gloves aimed at those difficult fiddly tasks. Finish Line believes it’s a bit of a gap in the market, bridging the space between rubber gloves and more bulky affairs. They are lightweight, reusable and durable enough to be washed. The upper side is breathable too – and all for £6.99 RRP. They currently come in two sizes (S/M and L/XL) though another size may be in the works. The brand also has a new absorbent mat which comes in two sizes; 3x5ft and 1.5x4-feet. Aimed

at workshops and home mechanics, it absorbs several litres of fluid, even holding oil. It is polybacked and is patent pending.

There’s been plenty of Mule Bar changes, based in part on customer feedback, who said that the portion sizes were a touch over generous, so the brand is now offering 40g bars rather than 50g. The price has been shaved down to £1.49 and there’s been a move back to the aluminium based packaging, extending the shelf life of the bars. The brand had been using compostable wrappers, but, the brand argues, you shouldn’t really be chucking packaging away willy nilly, regardless of whether it will biodegrade after 20 years. Mule Gel has been revamped too, with

the natural energy gel now coming in refill packs (a format popular in Europe). Mule Bar is a value added brand, the firm was keen to impress upon BikeBiz, complementing the likes of Madison bedfellow Science in Sport.

Compressport is popular with the pro tour teams (nine of them use the brand’s products) and through compression they reduce muscle vibration which helps cut down on the risk of injury and aids faster recovery, we’re told.

The cycling gillet is selling good numbers in triathlon shops, while a black version of the popular jersey will be available to the trade in spring/summer.

Our interest was picqued at the mention of an on/off underwear concept – this turns out to be a clever idea of having holes that open when you stretch and then close when you come off the bike, aiding with ventilation while riding and building warmth while off the bike. With apparel that is smart enough to even help with posture and respiration, there are plenty of features likely to grab the attention of serious riders.

Garmin’s Varia Vision fits onto any glasses (on either side) and in multiple sizes. It’s not as intrusive as you might expect, BikeBiz found when it tried it out. Meanwhile the Varia tail light uses actual radar technology to keep an eye on vehicles behind the rider.

iceBike* saw the launch of Madison’s own helmets, mirroring the apparel range while featuring a crash replacement scheme and two year warranty. With dedicated MTB and road helmets, the Zenith is among the highlights, retailing at £79.99 and with 20 air vents.

Sticking with helmets, Lazer’s new MX7 full face helmets were on show, as sported by the Madison Saracen DH team. The modular Revolution helmet has customisable colours and a removable chin guard, and a MIPS version for £119.99 (£99.99 without).

Elsewhere the A/W Pearl Izumi range was shown off, as was Continental’s literally broadening range and vending machine.

Finally, a brief few words on Sportline’s bike selection. Most of the new models will be ready for the summer show, but we did gain a few nuggets of information, including the fact Genesis’ Datum has been so popular it has completely sold out, surpassing expectations. Saracen’s all-rounder Manta Carbon has been selling well too, while the Myst – fully developed by the team – is landing in June. Saracen has dipped into e-bikes with the Juiced, using Shimano Steps and is – possibly – the beginning of a wider line of assisted rides from the brand. RRP is north of £2,500.

A new addition to Madison’s bike line-up is Wishbone. This junior brand is big on ethically sourced materials like recycled wood and includes a three-in-one offering for £170, including a trike, bike and balance bike in a single neat package that can be modified as the child grows up.www.madisonb2b.co.uk

Mule’s natural energy gel is now available in

refillable tubes.

Light and Motion had pre production samples on display

Garmin’s Varia Vision fits onto any glasses

LED rear action from Lazer


TAIPEI CYCLE SHOW

FRESH GOODS FROM THE FAR EAST

LEZYNE ADD VOLUMEThe new Pressure Overdrive (SRP $129.99, £TBC) is a floor pump that can charge large volume chambers and dump volume of air rapidly to inflate tubeless tyres to seat onto rims. It can be used as a high pressure floor pump to top off MTB tyres or inflate road tyres. Constructed with alloy, steel and solid wood and featuring a long braided high pressure hose, the Pressure Overdrive is fitted with an ABS-2 chuck connector with a presta/schrader bleed value. Test samples will be available later this month, after SOC.

Also new from Lezyne is a fatter volume version of the popular micro floor drive. The XL (SRP $59.99, £TBC) caters for the expanding plus-size and fat bike tyred riders. To be carried in a backpack, it comes in one flash colourway: Black anodised/gold.

WTB: GRAVEL, PLUS-SIZEAND TUBELESS WTB launched its Exposure 700x 30c and 34c tyres at Taipei, for road tyres that “quicken the pace, yet hold it together when a ride veers away from smooth surfaces”.

The brand also provided a first look at its versatile and fast Riddler 700 x 37c and 45c tyres, bringing the Riddler tread pattern to gravel explorers or cyclocross race bikes.

The Horizon Road Plus tyre promises supple plus-size traction and unruffled riding characteristics, featuring a smooth centreline and all-weather herringbone pattern with cornering channels. Road Plus adds a high volume, tubeless 650b wheel and tyre in place of a 700c. With the 650b x 47c Horizon Plus having the same overall diameter as a 700 x 28c tyre, it only requires a little more chainstay clearance than a traditional road tyre.

BROMPTON EXPANDSPREMIUM SHOWINGWith exports to the Far East making up a considerable chunk of Brompton’s sales, it was no surprise to see new product being shown off from the London brand at Taipei. Two new premium offerings were shown off, including a new limited run Nickel Edition and a Stardust Black paint finish. With the Raw Lacquer, they make up the folding bike brand’s most premium offerings yet.

The Nickel Edition has a production run of 1,500, all using polished 50 micron high-phosphorus electroless nickel plating that boasts “exceptional anti-corrosion resistance” that is usually reserved for mining and deep-sea drilling equipment, we’re told.

The Nickel Edition will incorporate black components (wheel rims, spokes and seat post). The bike will be available with an S, M or H Type handlebar, 2 or 6 speed, in steel with Black extremities or as a superlight option with titanium fork and rear frame. RRP will be between £1,310 and £1,538 (a Superlight Nickel Edition will be available in the UK RRP between £1,855 and £2,158).

The new Stardust Black paint finish uses tiny metallic flakes applied to the entire frame and has a gloss finish. There’s also a new luggage range available from Brompton, with 16 new styles added to the range.

PRAXIS CRANKED UPAs spotted at Taipei Cycle Show, the brand new Praxis Lyft carbon MTB crank is getting its official public unveiling at this month’s Sea Otter Classic.

Pricing is TBA for the crank, which is hoped to launch June 1st.

It comes in 170 / 175 lengths and features Direct Mount rings via a three-bolt interface. It will come with either 49CL rings, or 52CL ‘boost’ and the weight will be in range of the competition, like Race Face’s NEXT SL or SRAM’s XX1, we’re told.

A secondary version ‘Lyft HD’ will also be launching for more burley riders. It will have a heavier carbon layup and a thicker spindle for those feeling they need it (the HD will only come in a 170 length).

The Lyft and Lyft HD will use the new ‘M30 THRU’ BB’s to install in BSA, BB90/92, BB30 and PF30. These use a preload ring instead of the M30 Wave Washer.

MORE THAN 8,000 trade buyers from over 100 countries flew into Taipei for its Cycle Show last month, with new products the main draw, alongside meetings

and factory visits. Our pundits tell us that thanks to the advent of social media and spy shots, a fair portion of the really juicy product previews are now shown behind

closed doors, but there was still a good amount of product debuts in the halls of the Nangang Exhibition Centre, in some case sneak previews ahead of

California’s product debut-fest Sea Otter Classic.

Taipei Cycle Show 2017 will take place March 22nd to 25th.www.taipeicycle.com.tw

Pumps, tyres, folders, cranks…Taipei Cycle Show had plenty of new product packed into the halls of Nangang. Jonathon Harker collates some of the fresh gear heading to the UK trade.


MAXXIS’ OFF-ROAD EXPANSIONMaxxis announced a series of new MTB tyre additions including the Ikon+. Aimed at the large size trail bike market, the Ikon+ builds upon the success of the XC tyres but adds optimised new sizes and tread heights, increased volume and a larger contact patch.

The Rekon+ was developed with Maxxis’ intermediate 3C Maxx Terra compound. Designed for singletrack XC trails, the new tyre features increased treadwear and rolling resistance. The new design boasts a wide knob design in the centre of the tyre for precision breaking, whilst the L-shaped side knobs give riders extra traction in off-road situations.

The ForeKaster is a tyre designed for all-season weather. The duel compound, mid-height tread pattern has a hard, longer lasting centre and softer gripping shoulders so there’s increased mud clearance. It has been developed using Maxxis’ EXO technology for resistance to abrasion resistant, lightweight and flexibility.

DAHON NEW TECHUpdates among the 2017 bike range include the Visc D9, with a dynamic new frame shape and 16” wheels for a lighter, small folding size and speed on the road. The Visc has been kitted out with 20” wheels since its launch in 2013, and the 2017 Visc D18 retains the 20” option and original frame shape for those familiar with the set up. The Speed D30 is also new to the lineup; the classic Dahon frame shape is equipped with drop bars and 30 speed via a SRAM Dual Drive system. Schwalbe Durano tyres and Shimano Tiagra brakes also feature. There’s a lot of new technology from Dahon too, including the new Curl folding pedal which tucks up and away to partly envelop the crank, so it’s ten per cent smaller than your average folding pedal.

BICKERTON BACKWITH STERLING 45 years after the inception of the original Bickerton Portable Bicycle, the brand has launched the Sterling.

Inspired by Harry Bickerton’s original 1971 design, the Sterling pays homage to the rectangular frame and hinge abutments, but adding modern design, materials and technology to make a super-strong and stiff frame; so strong that it more than doubles the requirement for the ISO test, we’re told. The brand said it is a rock solid ride, with an easy, quick fold. Combined with ergonomically curved handlebars and brand new “Vantage geometry”, the bike delivers “an outstanding ride, with an upright and comfortable riding position”.

Mark Bickerton told BikeBiz: “We’re very excited. It’s a new frame platform that has been based on the design ideas we had at Bickerton 40 years ago, added to with modern materials and expertise.”

TERN UP FORFIFTH ANNIVERSARYFolding bike brand Tern is marking its fifth anniversary this year – and branching into non-folding bikes with the Roji (meaning ‘alley’ in Japanese).

Developed with Japanese design studio Kitt Design, Roji is a city-styled bike with 650C tyres, simple 1x8 gearing and geometry spec’d for urban riding and “Asian body-types,” the brand said.

The range comes in four models, the urban-styled RIP and Clutch, and the classically styled Rally and Gleam.

Mr Bickerton himself with the new Sterling The Brompton Nickel Edition, complete with new anti-corrosion nickel coating

TAIPEI CYCLE SHOW


Showrooms Nationwide Tel: +44(0)161 749 1348Email: [email protected]

OPINION

WHETHER YOU’RE an Apple addict or Microsoft man, the retail environment for consumer electronics is something to behold. Who hasn’t been drawn into a store whilst their ‘significant other’ shops? These stores are basically adult crèches. The retail model behind these outlets may be incredibly sophisticated but is based on a key principle, why they want, not what they want.

A bicycle retailer will battle to consolidate stock, reduce SKUs and keep focus. A computer store may have the same laptop with possibly three permutations. The last time I was in an Apple store I counted thirty laptops on display, but only three models. Imagine an IBD with that store environment.

Whilst in that same Apple store pretending I was the next Mark Ronson I was approached by a sales person who asked me a question, “Do you work in the music industry or just a keen amateur?” Now flattery aside, this is a ground

breaking question. He wasn’t asking what, he was asking why. Do I need this piece of hardware as a necessary evil for my job or as a keen hobbyist? I could have been playing on Photoshop, Quark (if it still existed) or anything, the same binary question would still have qualified me.

So how is this of interest to the cycle trade? Well, here’s the pinch: We are all so focussed on categorising what people ride we’ve stopped asking why, and it’s the emotional why that will connect with a customer rather than the empirical what.

As a cycle marketeer I ask my clients why their targets want their

products, not what. Do not look to engage with your customers on a technical level, that will follow. Engage with them on an emotional level. We pigeon hole the adrenaline rider as the downhill nutter, but who’s commuted in London and not felt their heart quicken as a white van pulls alongside, and it’s the

adrenaline that keeps them riding to work. A dull desk job can be livened up by a seat-of your pants commute. Equally, a mountain biker may be more interested in riding to get fitter rather than exploring and hucking.

Road or off road is better replaced with endorphin or adrenaline. Below this will sit a

myriad of permutations, but it’s the why you ride, not what you ride that needs to be the question that triggers the categorisation of riders.

So we need to look at our marketing on every level. It’s evolution, not revolution but when looking at store layout, graphics, advertising or PR, the tone of voice needs to to be based on why, not what.

At a recent media ride out for a well known cycle brand I took some heat from the client for setting a ride that was, shall we say, a bit sketchy. Now what they didn’t know (but I did) is the journalists all erred on the side of the short-sharp-shock of adrenaline rather than the miles of endorphin, despite it being a road event. So why they rode was key to giving them the experience they wanted, which gave us the coverage we crave. Surely the same should be said for finding out why customers ride, not what they ride, to make the emotional connection and shift the products.

“It’s the why you ride, not what you ride that needs to be the question that triggers

the categorisation of riders.”Dave Evans, Spin PR


Spin PR is a specialist marketing and PR agency serving the cycle and outdoor industry. For more information visit spin-pr.com

Is the bike trade overlooking the emotional connection to cycling and getting bogged down in the technical

specifics? David Evans of Spin PR thinks so…

ASK WHY, NOT WHAT

RETAIL INSURANCE

THE BIKE crime battle is fought on many fronts. It’s not just about consumers getting a decent lock and remembering to use it, it’s also thieves targeting bike shops and bike shows – who could forget the £100,000 haul of bikes nicked from one bike retailer en route back from the London Bike Show back in 2014?

While there is no magic wand to stop bike crime, and hiring a bunch of bouncers for your shop is cost prohibitive, there are ways in which retailers can help protect themselves, not least with a new insurance product from cycle-specialist Cycleguard. We spoke with Cycleguard’s head Adrian Scott for the details of its new Cycleguard Retail product…


Bikes don’t just get nicked from the street or sheds – they also get pinched from bike shops and even shows. Cycleguard has a new product

that might be able to help. Jonathon Harker gets the details…

businessRisky


RETAIL INSURANCE

Did Cycleguard create the product in response to demand from shops, or did you see a gap in the market? It was a combination of the two really. We are speaking to dealers who are part of our Cycleguard Partnership Scheme on a daily basis and we could see that there was a need for something specific for the cycle market. A cycle retailer isn’t like a standard shop, their day-to-day business offers a variety of services in addition to bike sales, and this means that a typical shop insurance policy may not provide adequate cover.

Have you shown it to any bike dealers yet? If so, what has the response been like?Yes, we have spoken to several dealers about the product and how it is tailored to their business and it has gone down really well. What has been important is that the product has been created specifically to meet their needs, but is still competitive against a standard shop policy.

There are quite a few cycle-specific elements – is it fair to say there’s not much else available that serves the cycle trade so specifically? There are a few other products out there created for the cycle trade,

but not offering the unique proposition we have put together specifically for cycle retailers.

There’s a discount for businesses with training to Cytech level 2, which sounds very forward thinking indeed − are there any other headline cycle-specific elements you’d like to highlight? Demo bikes and hire bikes are covered too? From the outset, we wanted to provide a product that catered specifically for a typical

independent bike dealer so we have several unique covers in our product to really mean something to dealers, so yes, cover for demonstration and hire bikes are part of our standard product.

Other aspects included specifically for the market include ensuring customers bikes are covered whilst being worked upon or serviced in retailers’ workshops, as well as those dealers who display their stock outside their shop. These elements are included as standard, as they are the risks that

a dealer is exposed to daily.

There’s cover for exhibitions too − what prompted you to include that? Was that always something you were going to offer? We’ve heard a few horror stories of bike shops having stock stolen at events…From our early product research stage, it was clear that dealers are using exhibitions as a great way to develop their businesses without realising that stock taken to these events are not covered under their

standard policies. We always had it in mind to provide this cover but our research as well as hearing about some of the recent stories about stock at events really hit home how vital it is to have this aspect as a core part of our insurance offering.

You offer risk management surveys − are they mandatory? Are they designed to help shops minimise risk of theft? We do offer risk management surveys, and these are mandatory

dependent upon the amount of stock you are looking to insure. Having access to these really help businesses to identify and assess the risks that they are exposed to day-to-day. We understand that most businesses are independent retailers so haven’t had the opportunity to have a risk assessment carried out on their business before, but we believe it is something that should be considered to help ensure adequate cover is in place

How can dealers find out more about the product? Dealers can call 03442 254 347, where our team will be happy to answer any further questions about the different levels of cover, or to provide a quote on commercial insurance. They can also email us at [email protected] where we can forward more detail on the covers retailers have told us matter.

What else does the trade need to know?We currently offer a discount to retailers who are part of the Cycleguard Partnership Scheme, so if you are already a member, make sure to call us for a quote. If you haven’t joined yet, contact us on 03442 254 347. www.cycleguard.co.uk

“The product has been created specifically to fit their needs.”Adrian Scott, Cycleguard

ABOUT CYCLEGUARDCycleguard is a trading style of Thistle Insurance Services Ltd. Lloyds Broker. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. A JLT Group company. Registered office: The St Botolph Building, 138 Houndsditch, London EC3A 7AW. Registered in England No 00338645, VAT No. 244 2321 96.

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SCHWALBE UK

Straight talking SchwalbeSchwalbe UK isn’t beating around the bush. Marketing manager Dave Taylor talks online discounting, supporting IBDs and taking on the competition. Jonathon Harker reports back from Telford…

WHEN SCHWALBE UK opened its tailor-made Telford HQ in 2008, it believed the 5,300sq ft warehouse would be good for at least a decade. The rubber specialist had, however, underestimated and just five years on, it added north of 2,000 sq feet to its present size of around 8,000 sq ft warehouse.

There’s space to grow again too, should it be needed, as BikeBiz is shown out through the back door (was it something we said?). It’s also the first time we’ve seen a brand have its very own piece of woodland on-site.

Thanks to that speedy expansion – and demand outstripping supply – that expanded warehouse hasn’t had chance to reach full capacity, until this year. BikeBiz can confirm the vast warehouse now looks pretty well stocked, and Schwalbe marketing guru Dave Taylor confirms it’s full, save for a couple of more obscure product SKUs.

“We’re well stocked, our wholesalers are – and retailers are too, hopefully. Lead times will be a

lot shorter this season,” Taylor – son of Philip, co-founder of Schwalbe UK’s earlier incarnation (see overleaf) – tells us.

Schwalbe UK has had a steady two or three years following a boom from 2008 to 2012 (coinciding with that new HQ).

“Bike imports are just steady and have been for a while,” Taylor rues. Schwalbe tyres are popular in OEM,

so the number of new bikes impacts on the firm.

Exchange rates have also been making their mark on the cycle business in the UK.

“We only supply wholesalers,” Taylor stressed. “We don’t go direct to retailers or consumers.

“The exchange rates are currently working in the favour of European wholesalers, some of

which are turnover – rather than profit – focused.”

That’s why there have been some ‘bargains’ available to consumers in the UK recently. The European imports helped contribute to the tough 2015.

“We understand IBD frustrations with online,” Taylor admits. “We do have some control with our brand but we rely on wholesalers and

there are some things that we cannot control.

“Ultimately, we can’t stop consumers going to Pro Bike or other European online retailers. Wiggle and CRC can source product from Europe too.

“We understand IBD frustrations with imports and price and we try to do as much as we can to make them competitive.

“We are IBD focused and always have been. We run initiatives for IBDs and can run promotions for them only. We want people to go into their local bike shop.”

In 2012 Schwalbe launched a London edition tyre as part of an IBD-only promo. And in 2014 bricks and mortar dealers alone were offered limited Durano Etape editions from the brand.

Schwalbe UK now has a four person sales promotion team navigating the country, each with 500 retailers to cover and making visits to shops every day. But Schwalbe wants to go further than simply promoting its own product.

“We want to help IBDs with their businesses. We can share best practice with them. Pro-active retailers are doing well. If we can help pass advice on then that is better for everyone. Then hopefully IBDs will remember our guys as they have helped.

“The UK cycle market is still maturing. We’re not like the German or Netherlands markets.

“We want to help IBDs with their businesses.”

Dave Taylor, Schwalbe



SCHWALBE UK

That’s where we want the industry to be, ultimately.

“IBDs can focus on the things that online can’t do. In a shop the manager might use the tyres himself. He understands the product and people spend more because they come into the shop for his advice.

“We can’t force people to shop on the High Street. But if you don’t have IBDs, the market can’t mature.Even if consumers buy bikes online, they will have to go to an IBD. It is guaranteed footfall into stores.”

Taylor questions the wisdom of joining in price wars: “If IBDs are going to compete only on price then they will lose. If they compete on value added and service then they have a good chance but it does take courage to lose a sale and stick to a certain margin. There are answers to these market problems – everyone can compete. We’ve seen a lot of shops focus on workshops and expand the space they dedicate to servicing in stores. That’s an area that proves people need IBDs.”

Basing a business on turnover alone is not a long-term strategy, Taylor emphasises: “We want Schwalbe to be a margin maker. We want it in the supply chain. We

understand retailer frustrations, but it is many times more exasperating for us. We only have one brand and retailers have lots.”

COMPETITION Schwalbe is a market leader in Europe and Germany, but the challenge of competing with other well-known tyre and tube brands is one Schwalbe UK is fully focused on: “We don’t have the financial clout to splash out on huge

marketing sponsorships, so innovation is something we concentrate on. Ten per cent of Schwalbe’s global turnover is spent on R&D, which is a significant proportion.”

Schwalbe’s factories only produce tyres for the brand, with the main facility in Eastern Jakarta and another newer factory in Vietnam, which produces entry level tyres and tubes to ease the pressure on the former.

A key new launch for Schwalbe is the Durano DD (Double Defense).

It’s aimed at the fast commuter market which is, Taylor explains “a phenomenon in the UK and US.

“Drop bar bikes can be on commuter bikes now. Ten years ago it used to be all about hybrids and flat bars. The Durano DD is synonymous with the UK.”

The fast commuter tyre sports a highly visible reinforced sidewall, using tech from the MTB range. “People like to see the sidewall protection,” explains Taylor. “It’s

like riders who want to see a particular grip pattern, regardless of the fact it’s the same compound – it’s aesthetic and psychogical.”

There’s a national campaign and a long-term plan to take market share: “We want to be the leader. We know it will take time. The marketing campaign is robust – it will be in the majority of the consumer mags and we’ll have a bus back campaign in several cities.

“We don’t want a flash in the pan. We want to gain momentum. It’s a proven compound we’re using

in the range. Stock is ready to go and we sold through last year.”

IBD concerns are uppermost in Taylor’s mind, returning to the topic as BikeBiz finishes up the visit.

“The pendulum swings and the exchange rate will change, and then European wholesalers won’t be looking to the UK.

“The industry itself drives prices down. From the top of the company, Schwalbe is margin focused. We set prices we believe give a good margin to our wholesalers and shop customers. We won’t jeopardise this strategy. We’re a daughter company to the Schwalbe group and we have to match the margin.”

Fast changing models have their draw backs too, Taylor says: “There’s lots of pressure for IBDs and distributors to carry stock for new bikes and models that will have moved on in a few months. The 12-month model year doesn’t really exist anymore for bikes or P&A brands. We’ve all been guilty of it. There’s a pressure on IBDs to hold stock and then there’s more pressure to educate consumers.

“But there’s a real appetite for the new in consumers and that’s a good thing for the industry.”www.schwalbe.com/gb

Xxxxx xx xxxx xxxxxx xxxx xxx xxxxx xxxxxx xxxx xxx xxxxx

WHEELCHAIRS AND AIRCRAFT HANGERSBEFORE IT was called Schwalbe UK, the business – Double J – started in 1985, supplying tyres for bikes and mainly wheelchairs (making up around 70 per cent of the business). Refurbishing wheelchairs was also a significant chunk of the business.

In 1990 it opened a site in Shrewsbury in a former aircraft hanger to accommodate the growing business. Five years later the Bohle family bought the company as a subsidiary.

The firm had dabbled with going direct to retail, but soon turned to wholesalers – a route to market it sticks with today – and that’s when the business picked up.

The firm outgrew the hanger and upped sticks to a purpose built site in Telford (its present location) in May 2008, part funded through its own profits and through its parent company. Capacity was meant to last ten years, but the firm ended up increasing space just five years.

Current MD Phil Taylor has been at the firm since the beginning, setting it up back in ’85 with his brother. Marketing manager Dave Taylor is one of his two sons at the business – Mike Taylor is warehouse manager. Extending the family theme still further, commercial director Geoff Hodgson’s son Kyle is purchasing manager at Schwalbe UK.

“Basing a business on turnover alone is not a long-term strategy.”Dave Taylor, Schwalbe

Just in timeDrivetrain

componentswww.sunrace.com www.sturmey-archer.com

Working together like Clockwork

MYSTERY SHOPPER


CambridgeThis month our Mystery Shopper returns and takes to the streets of Britain’s cycling capital to discover

the best bike shops the city has to offer.

CYCLE KING MILL RDLOCATED JUST a short walk from Cambridge Station, Cycle King is reminiscent of all long-standing bike shops in that the unassuming and slightly shabby exterior is quite easily overlooked. This however in no way represents the attentive service I received upon entering. Almost immediately I was welcomed in and offered assistance, which I accepted and set out a criteria of my needs. An attentive and knowledgeable employee walked me through a range of appropriate bikes and price ranges. When quizzed further the employee was happy to discuss the benefits of e-bikes, although the shop only had one in stock, and talked me through the different payment options available including the national cycle to work scheme, which they participate in.

THE BIKE SHED MILL RDSLIGHTLY FURTHER into the city lies The Bike Shed. With an eye-catching red exterior, the boldly branded storefront does well to entice the consumer in. Upon entering, it’s obvious that owner Steve dedicates a decent amount of his trade to repairing and servicing bikes, making this a good destination for those with a hard-to-fix issue. I was greeted swiftly by Steve and asked a series of questions to gauge what bikes would accurately suit my needs, which I claimed was a commuter bike with causal weekend use. I was shown a reasonable and varied range of hybrid bikes from the small but well stocked selection of bikes for sale. I was encouraged to spend at the top end of my price range as Steve said: “You’ll pay the difference in repairs in the long run.” Very sound advice.

“After 15 minutes of

browsing and doing all I could

to look like I needed help,

I finally relented and asked one of

the eight-plus employees in the shop for assistance.”

SUMMARYCAMBRIDGE HAS a vast and rich history in cycling. The city’s efforts to keep residents travelling on two wheels has bred a community of well-informed dealers keen to deliver a top notch service to experts and novices alike. Whereas the smaller chains and independent shops can’t compete with the glossy interiors and hard-to-match deals of the larger chain stores, the impeccable service and reasonable pricing of a shop like Rutland Cycles, who just edged out the stiff competition in becoming our favourite shop of the day, means a consumer is likely to get fair deal on a bike well suited to their needs.


MYSTERY SHOPPER

PRIMO CYCLES JESUS LN CONVENIENTLY LOCATED in the city centre, Primo Cycles houses a deceptively vast interior on a low-foot traffic side street. Because of this, the shop has big and bold exterior branding to make it easy to find. I was approached after just a few minutes of browsing by an amiable shop assistant who was both authoritative and enthusiastic in answering my queries. When presented with my commuter criteria I was again recommended a range of hybrid bikes from the shops’ vast selection although as the assistant pointed out, their range of bikes were all in the relatively high end price range. I was impressed by the assistants’ knowledge of e-bikes, although there were none for sale, and the cycle to work scheme, which he recommended and upsold.

EVANS CYCLES CHESTERTON RDTHERE IS little doubt that this outlet-style Evans Location is one of the biggest bike shops in Cambridge, but as I found out, bigger doesn’t always mean better.

Whereas the selection of bikes on sale was vast and impressive, after 15 minutes of browsing, and doing all I could to look like I needed help, I finally relented and asked one of the eight-plus employees in the shop for assistance. The young man who helped me was friendly, but lacking in knowledge. When presented with my criteria, he recommended a casual commuter a ‘fixie’ bike, which I don’t feel was appropriate. He also advised me that Evans wouldn’t have e-bikes available until April this year. This was definitely the weakest sales pitch of the day.

RUTLAND CYCLES CORN EXCHANGE STTHE RECENTLY acquired Rutland Cycles location on Corn Exchange St resides in the heart of the city, close to the prestigious King’s College. I was welcomed in by an approachable young salesman who listened to my criteria and presented a selection of hybrid bikes that he claimed would suit my needs. He demonstrated a good standard of knowledge by explaining the benefits of hybrid bikes and comparing them to other bikes in the shop, taking into account my price range in his selections. Whereas he did upsell the higher end models, he also championed the cycle to work scheme and recommended I enquire about it with my employer. He was happy to discuss e-bikes, but warned me of high price tags and confirmed that they wouldn’t suit my needs.

STAR STORE


POWERBAR

Raw Power!PowerBar talks with Kieran Howells about its rich history in the sporting world and celebrating 30 years in the business...

2016 marks 30 years of the PowerBar brand, what have been the highlights of that time?During the last 30 years, a lot of powerful moments have happened. We started in 1986, introducing the first energy bar in the market. As of 1987, many riders at the Tour de France used the bar as secret weapon. Tour de France teams like HTC, Omega Pharma and BMC have celebrated their biggest successes with PowerBar. Since 2001 we’ve helped over one million athletes at Ironman events to hear those magic words: You are an Ironman!”

As the industry changes and evolves, how does PowerBar stay ahead of changing trends? We use several sources of innovation to remain the leading endurance sport nutrition brand. Constant feedback from athletes in our “PowerBar Nutrition Lab”, strong cooperation with our sport nutrition scientists and integration of our Pro Athletes in product developments enable us to get superior products out there. The reinvention of our Energise Bar is a great example. Before we started the kitchen development, we had some intense sessions with athletes in our Nutrition Lab. As an outcome of that, we knew what strengths we must keep and which aspects we need to improve.

How did the partnership with Ironman come about? Nutritional support was neglected during the early years of the triathlon sport. Legend has it participants of the first Ironman World Championship even drank beer on the run course. Nowadays nutrition has become a defining factor in the athletes’ success when competing in an Ironman, with participants burning up to 10,000 calories during their race. PowerBar and Ironman have developed a

great relationship since 2001 and we are looking forward to maintaining this partnership with them in the future.

What new developments can we expect from the brand over the coming months? The most anticipated development is definitely the new recipe formula of our primal Energise Bar. They are much easier to chew, which is one of the most desired improvements by athletes. They come in five great flavours with a broad variety of fruity, salty and savoury tastes.

Having a host of world class cycling talent publicly endorsing

your products must be useful for product development, what kind of feedback do you receive from your athletes? Our motto is ‘By Athletes, For Athletes’. In our Nutrition Lab, PowerBar closely involves athletes during all stages of product development, from discussing new ideas to home use tests of first prototypes. Once new products are nearly ready for market, our PRO athletes and talents come into play. They give us an unvarnished view on how our products perform under physical stress at top levels and help us put the last finishing touches to the products. Thanks to this approach we can offer products

that support both professionals and everyday athletes.

Where are PowerBar products manufactured and how do you keep the production quality high? Most of our products are produced in our own facility in Germany. For the others, we work with long-term partners in Europe, which we regularly audit to ensure our high quality standards. We have very strict raw material requirements and every production batch is checked for its sensory and microbiological quality and safety.

What are the benefits to the dealer of stocking the PowerBar range and what kind of promotional tools do you have available for dealers? Constant product innovations and flavour rotations bring new sales impulses. To establish new product formats we offer special cash counter displays for the POS and promote our innovations over all media & event touch points throughout Europe. Each year we offer a selection of promotions (e.g. bottle on packs and multipacks for bars & gels) for the seasonal start in March and for special events like the Tour de France.

What products in the PowerBar range are particularly beneficial to cyclists? Cyclists have a big advantage. They have the potential to store PowerBar products in drinking bottles or in their jersey pockets. So they can choose for themselves what they like best during a ride to keep their energy levels high. However, we recommend having an eye on the carbohydrate intake a cyclist should consume per hour. For a two to three hour bike ride for example, your carbohydrate fueling should be approximately 60 grams. www.powerbar.eu/en

“Since 2001 we’ve helped

over one million athletes at

Ironman events to hear those

magic words: You are an Ironman!”

Powerbar’s flavours now include Gingerbread and Salty Peanut

Hammering the competition...

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MOORE LARGE

No small change for Moore Large A reorganised internal structure, Click and Collect, house brand consolidation…Moore Large has been busy. Sales director Dale Smith explains all the big changes to Jonathon Harker…

Last year was challenging all round, it seems, but how have things gone since then? So far the early signs of what’s to come in 2016 are more encouraging and dealer’s receptions to new products at Geared and Core have been good. We’re hoping to have a strong trading year. Like many others, 2015 began well for us, but a poor second half of the year prompted some overdue changes to the business. It’s a good thing, as it has prompted us to look inwardly at what we can improve upon.

Have any brands in particular been strong performers lately?Brands with a strong focus on consumables such as Jagwire, Kenda and KMC have performed consistently well, as has the Super B tool brand, proving that workshops are definitely more resilient to downturns in the market. But what’s also encouraging to see is the continued growth in our performance brands. American Classic and Lake are two that specifically stand out as our dealer base for both brands grew in 2015 in part due to the high quality

and innovation within the products but also because of the strong dealer support packages we’ve put in place. On the bicycle side, Bobbin was a real highlight, with many of the bikes pre-sold before they even arrived in to our warehouse. A complementary range of accessories and another strong line up for 2016 including some new models, will almost certainly see us build on the success of last year.

This year was the first time that Moore Large has been at the Q1 Core Bike show, following the appearance at Core Bike Live in the summer. How did that go? For me, Core Bike is the industry show to be at. The organisers have done a great job over the years to attract a growing number of attendees, despite keeping a tight control on which distributors they partner with, proving that quality over quantity is definitely the key.

I would suggest that for most dealers it’s the one date in the diary they do their upmost to attend, which for us means seeing not only a lot of familiar faces but also a good number of new ones too. The biggest challenge for us at Core Bike is having to focus on only a few of our brands, given the restrictions on space, when there’s a good reason for us to take all of them. That’s why this year, we continued with our own week long

“Geared” event, which opened the doors of our impressive head office showroom and gives our customers a much broader introduction to our brands and what’s new for 2016.

What’s the reaction been like to the new brand signings? Very encouraging… Retailers seem very open minded to new products and brands, despite the saturation of brands on offer in the UK. The key to that in my opinion is finding

a point of difference, something new to talk about that offers dealers and consumers alike, real benefits. Polygon, O’Neal, Infocrank and Sako7 are four such additions for us, which has not only been well received by existing Moore Large customers but has also opened up doors to new ones too. Despite these brands being relative newcomers to the UK, there’s already recognition amongst key retailers, which is a compliment in itself to the brands.

There’ve been some changes behind the scenes at Moore Large – can you take us through them? The most relevant part of the reshuffle sees us establish an IBD focused department, combining what was historically separate teams for both bicycles and accessories, to now become more of a customer specific department. Now under one roof, the product teams and shipping teams have a closer working relationship. Marketing will be one central department looking after bikes, accessories and overall delivering a stronger corporate message. Our

O’Neal is one of Moore Large’s latest signings

“Quality over quantity is definitely the key.”Dale Smith, Moore Large



telesales and customer services departments all now work out of the same office, making the best use of the skills and experience available to us whilst improving efficiencies and enhancing our customers’ experience. I will now be responsible for all bike and accessory sales to the IBD and fellow director Paul Stewart will take responsibility for sales to National Accounts.

As well as our comprehensive P&A range, our accessory area managers will now carry the entry level and pavement bike brands of Bumper, Cuda and Freespirit as well, making the most of the multiple contact points and call frequency they have every day, based on their smaller geographical areas. The bicycle area managers, of which there are fewer, will then be able to concentrate on a more select range of Premium bicycles brands including Forme, Moda, Bobbin, Haro and Peugeot to name a few. Focusing on achieving product placement in stores across each of the major towns and cities in their areas and developing closer working relationships with committed dealers.

We are also consolidating our house brands, so our marketing messages cover a greater chunk of product. This starts with a brand consolidation for ETC that will

absorb One23, BMX brand Savage, Apex Helmets and Outeredge Clothing over the coming year. In bicycle terms, you will see a greater emphasis from us with the Forme brand. With plans already underway to introduce lower entry level price points and a complementary range of P&A, we see significant growth potential with what is already a great brand.

How will they help the business and your customers? All the changes help us improve our overall service to retailers and relationships with our customers. Added value after the sale has become a key incentive for stockists. For example, on Forme bikes we provide six month free insurance (to the end consumer) on bike purchases, as well as a program of complementary extras for the retailer bundled in with a purchase.

Marketing will be a stronger element to the business including a significant investment into new websites to be launched later this year. The headline costs of this

investment are considerable but we’re confident the benefits over time will be priceless and at a time when our competitors may be looking to scale back their investments, I believe it’s a real signal of intent on our part to futureproof our business.

On the road, reps will be kitted out with a new real-time iOS based on and offline ordering system to streamline the sales process. The

new B2B portal will certainly help the retailer become more self-sufficient. We’re in a customer-centric world and dealers must be able to manage their accounts effectively at a time that suits them. The new site is a step in that direction with the ability to track deliveries, see live stock information, print invoices, pay off accounts amongst many other features, there will also be multiple access levels to allow the retailer to have their staff log on with pre-set privileges. The layout will be able to be manipulated to the retailer’s preferences and should they choose to, you’ll also be able to use the system as a sales tool with

sensitive information removed. The B2C website revamp will come shortly after the launch of the B2B and will be built around driving footfall to our retailers. This will offer a Click and Collect service to consumers with retail partners set to benefit from the changes. It’s down to the customer to choose their pick up point (retailers within a 20 mile radius of the customer). We find that we receive a lot of traffic to our sites delivered via multiple marketing activities but with so much choice available in the current market, we’ve been completely reliant on the consumer following up our introduction to committed stockists to realise the sale.

With Click and Collect, we can actively facilitate the purchase and deliver the goods direct to the consumers’ preferred choice of IBD, for collection at a time that’s suitable to them. We realise the benefits in our marketing activity with a sale, the consumers gets the product they want, at the time they want, from their preferred IBD collection point and the dealer gets an enthusiastic customer through the door and the lion’s share of the profit for their part in completing the transaction.

What are Moore Large’s ambitions for 2016? We set ourselves a pretty ambitious goal at the start of 2015, to double our business in five years. That was shortly before the industry suffered an uncharacteristic dip which has made that goal all the more challenging. We’re convinced though; that the recent adverse trading conditions will bring about their own opportunities and those distributors that are best placed to take advantage of those opportunities will enjoy the benefits they bring. We have a strong team of employees, are well financed and have a broad customer base. We have some fantastic branded partners, and one of the industry’s most comprehensive product portfolios. Now is not the time to take the foot off the pedal (excuse the pun), we have continued to invest in the business and are prepared to make changes as the market dictates, to futureproof our company and make sure we focus on our individual goals.b2b.moorelarge.co.uk

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“Dealers must be able to manage their accounts effectively.”Dale smith, Moore Large

Bobbin is proving an extremely good seller for Moore Large

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1. Competitive pricing and greater depth in colour from Dare 2b.

2. The ever-popular Proviz has a new version of its Reflect360 jacket, now in black and navy (p71) and the firm also has a new pair of gloves using its super reflective material.

3 & 4. There are new colours in the Alpina range plus updates for the likes of the full-face King Carapax. Adult-style lids for kids are also available.

5. Knog’s Pop lights will be joined by the freshly Kickstarted ‘Oi’ bike bell.

6. Azonic is one of Moore Large’s more recent signings, sitting with sister brand O’Neal, Onza and Polygon giving Moore Large its most comprehensive MTB offering yet.

7. Haro is aiming to have one of the most complete BMX ranges out there, from kids bikes through to the heritage line (below).

8. New neon colours have been launched in the OnGuard range.

9. The competitively priced InfoCrank power meter (£1,149) is getting a higher profile thanks to a five-year partnership with British Cycling.

10. Haro is continuing to mine the retro BMX sector, appealing to adults who perhaps couldn’t afford it back when they were nippers, but now have more disposable income to splash out on the brand, including re-issued Freestylers.

& American Classic has a new Smokin’ Gun Wheelset in 29 or 27.5 in a tubeless rim profile that’s 43mm wide with a 40mm inner. The brand also has the new tubeless compatible 420 Aero 3 wheelset.

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LAKE

NO MEAN FEET

How was 2015 for Lake? Walk us through the developments of the last 12 months. Although the bicycle market suffered a particularly challenging trading period over the last half of 2015, we still saw growth from the top-end Lake shoes, due to increased sales of the custom fit carbon models.

In the autumn of 2015 Lake launched three additions to the MTB range; these were completely new models specifically for the downhill and enduro segments of the market. With these new models Lake now has a suitable cycling shoe for all disciplines of MTB.

Last year, Lake announced the ‘Lake Stockists Programme’ to be introduced in early ‘16. How has this been going so far? Initial response to the Lake stockist programme has been fantastic. With this new initiative ‘Official Lake Stockists’ receive 20 per cent discount off standard trade prices, a special order service, staff purchase scheme, access to unique models designed by ML for the UK market, custom orders for the CX402, which can be made in thousands of colour combinations and relevant instore POS solutions

including ovens and custom fit training for ‘Elite Lake Stockists’.

Since we last spoke, Lake introduced the MX331CX cyclo-cross specific shoe to the range, how was the new shoe received? The shoe has been received very well and is an excellent choice for riders at a mid to high end level. Changeable studs depending on the underground condition are the

USP of these shoes, you can insert aggressive spikes that offer greater amount of traction in slippery, muddy or hard packed conditions. Although designed specifically for cyclo-cross, they also make a great MTB race shoe, but it is the cyclo-cross market where they have really taken off.

What are the advatanges of using the distinctive Lake BOA lace system as a cyclist? It offers a great mechanical and

clean closure that closely mimics Laces. Laces are the superior closure system, however they often get in the way, come untied or make it difficult to reduce the bulk to streamline a shoe. Boa equalises the pressure on your forefoot much better than buckles or straps, which were traditionally used for higher end shoes.

There are now more footwear brands on the market than ever

before. How does Lake stay ahead of the new competition? Lake is one of the only brands that specialises in cycling shoes and nothing else. They also offer a selection of completely unique models. They have a reputation built on quality and fit. Fit is superior to other brands as they only use leather materials and offer wide fits and half sizes as well as Speedplay options. Also, the mouldable sole and heels in the two top end models are unique.

The Lake range is certainly comprehensive, what products go down particularly well with bike dealers? It really depends on the type of shop, but with the Lake range being so comprehensive, we have it covered − everything that a shop may specialise in, from entry level to elite. Plus, the unique models covering waterproof, cold weather, mouldable and cyclo-cross are always popular choices with the retailers.

How does Lake enforce quality control throughout the production process? Lake has its own team to do that based in Asia. The Lake team look after the production process and quality control to make sure that everything done conforms to the brands high standards.

What developments can we expect to see arriving from Lake over the course of the next 12 months? In the 2017 collection, Lake will renew four existing models. The brand will also introduce a completely new extremely light shoe, so watch this space…www.lakecycling.com

“Lake now has a suitable cycling shoe

for all disciplines of MTB.”

Kieran Howells talks to Lake Product Manager David Jack about the company’s latest

innovations, and what we can expect over the next 12 months.

BRANDPROFILE

Our regional spotlight heads to the picturesque tourist hotspots of the South West and Wales… and finds there’s a lot more to the regions than holiday makers. Jonathon Harker examines the areas…

SOME OF the biggest employers in the bicycle business, start ups, world-renowned trail centres, retailers, distributors and brands…There’s an argument to be made that Wales and the South West regions are punching above their weight. There’s no sign of that changing either, with Frog to open a factory in South Wales near Pontypool, to the opening of Swansea’s newest bike shop – Pilot House Cycles – to a new bike mechanic training centre in Bristol (Life Cycle UK).

We’ve gone to a mostly random selection of the companies that are operating in Wales and the South West for their trade stories and insights into the regions…

FIBRAX: CRYOGENICS, WITHOUT THE FAFF

FIBRAX EMPLOYS nearly 300 staff in Wrexham NE Wales. It runs 24 hours a day, is a supplier to the automotive industry and hand makes most cycling components onsite, like its best selling silicon frame protectors.

The Wrexham site has a large R&D department with ten design engineers

and QC lab, boasting an onsite rapid prototyping and cryogenics facility.

“Over the past decade we’ve noticed a surge in the need for our rubber and plastic injection moulding facility and this has shifted our business to be over 90 per cent polymer manufacturing,” Ellis Blackman, cycle sales manager, tells BikeBiz.

“Our factory in Wrexham is well placed to recruit staff for our ever

expanding polymerises department. Most of our staff live within walking distance of our factory.”

The location is also handy for testing, with the help of One Planet Adventure and Alf Jones Cycles of Gresford.

“I have seen MTBing and road cycling develop, both with lots of clubs. It’s hard to say what dominates. On one hand Llandegla brings a lot of people in – you’ll regularly see riders travelling from Manchester and Liverpool here but the road scene is huge, just ride down any of the lanes from Cheshire and Denbighshire and you’ll be greeted by hundreds of nods and waves from road cyclists. Being in Wrexham means it’s easy to head into Cheshire for a relentless fast but flat ride, or, head up into NE Wales for some 25 per cent climbs or some flowy and long descents.”

According to Ellis: “We have made products for all of the big companies.We don’t make pretty things, we make products that work. No faff.”


WALES & THE SOUTH WESTWALES & THE SOUTH WEST

REGIONAL SPOTLIGHT

“Most of the staff live in walking distance of

the factory.”Ellis Blackman, Fibrax

REGIONAL SPOTLIGHT


ONE PLANET ADVENTURE: TEN YEARS IN LLANDEGLA

North Wales-set One Planet Adventure celebrated its tenth anniversary last summer with a big party. There’s been much to toast, with visitor numbers growing from 45,000 in its first year to around 170,000 annual visitors.

“We are always amazed at how far people travel to come and ride here,” company director Jim Gaffney tells BikeBiz: “The vast majority come from the Midlands, Cheshire and the North West, but we have visitors coming from all over the country. With North Wales offering such great mountain biking both natural and man made, Llandegla makes the perfect gateway, so we do find that quite often visitors from further a field

are visiting us as part of a bit of a tour of North Wales venues.

“We are located within the 650 hectare Coed Llandegla Forest in North Wales, so we have more than 40kms of purpose built MTB trails, graded green right through to blacks, with a skills area and pump track too. We have something for everyone, from mum, dad and the kids, looking to have a fun day out exploring the

forest on two wheels, to weekend warriors looking to test their abilities and release adrenalin.

“We have a classroom which we use for hosting our popular MTB skills courses. It is somewhere private to undertake briefings and analyse video feedback on the big screen. We often hire the room out for corporate clients and groups who want to combine a meeting with a blast on the trails afterwards.

“North Wales has always had a strong MTB scene. It has certainly moved with the times and the abundance of purpose built trail centres in the area, combined with the outstanding natural terrain we have on offer mean it’s so easy to get involved.”

GETTING PRIMAL IN DEVONDEVON BUSINESS Primal has plenty to shout about, having just signed up as partner to Velothon Wales and seeing a turnover rise in 2015 of 58 per cent.

“Primal re-branded in August and there’s no doubt that our new look and feel has been key in increasing our turnover,” James Smith, Primal director, explains. The brand has concentrated on producing products different to what’s already available in the market, Smith says, bringing colour and (gasp) fun: “We’ve also introduced a new lifestyle range which has attracted a whole new audience for us.”

Primal recently experimented with a pop up store in partnership with Plymouth bike retailer Rockets & Rascals. “We find it’s incredibly important to work with local businesses, particularly those that have a strong link with cycling. We all have similar goals with the main being to get more people out on

their bikes and enjoying being a part of the cycling community. It was a successful weekend for Primal and we’ll certainly be looking to do more with local businesses in the future.

“Cycling is massively popular in

Devon – there’s constantly local campaigns to increase participation within the sport, whether that be to encourage people ride to work or try their hand at racing. It’s recently been announced that walking and cycling routes in

Plymouth will receive a boost of almost £5 million to encourage people to leave behind their cars in a bid to cut congestion and pollution. There’s also more and more cycling events popping up in the area.

“We hope to play a part in continuing to activate more people to take up the sport.”

Like other brands featured in this article, Primal benefits from fantastic rides for product testing in Devon and generally the benefits outweigh negatives like long travel times to major cities, Primal’s director says.

“We’ve got plenty of new kit coming through for 2016 including our QX5 range, currently being used by Team Raleigh GAC. We’ve also just launched a limited edition ‘80s range, which includes the Wuz-Zappenin jersey which is sure to bring a bit of personality into the peloton. And we have one of the largest ranges of women’s cycling clothing and we’ve updated this for 2016 with a variety of different colours and designs in a women’s specific fit – and they’re not all pink.”

“The abundance of trail centres

mean it is easy to get involved.”

Jim Gaffney, One Planet Adventure

Happy Trails.

“It’s important to work with local businesses, particularly those with a

strong link with cycling.”James Smith, Primal

REGIONAL SPOTLIGHT


CYCLE SOLUTIONS:GOVERNMENT SUPPORTBUT BRIDGE TAKES A TOLL£31MILLION cycle retail group Tredz, Cycle Solutions and Wheelies operates out of Swansea, South Wales, and first started life as a bike shop, opened in 1989 by brothers Keith and Mike Jones.

The Welsh government has backed the firm with the Business Wales Programme, reveals Cycle Solutions director Steve Edgell: “They provide support in different areas from helping source premises to supporting with innovation technology and recruitment.”

While set in Swansea, the business provides C2W schemes throughout the UK. More locally, Wales benefits from having eight universities. Edgell explains: “They are home to almost 160,000 students studying a range of subjects that are relevant to our business. From the engineers in the workshop, to our call centre

operators, our business requires a wide range of skills and it’s important we have a pool of talented and skilled potential employees to choose from.

“The cost of living in the area is relatively low, and wages are reflected resulting in reduced resource costs compared to businesses that have set up in other parts of the UK. Recently, South Wales has seen an increase in companies setting up their first outlet outside of London, in Cardiff. They’ve flocked to Wales for the reduced business rates, to capitalise from the skilled workforce and as a cost effective option for expansion.”

While proud to be a Welsh company, Edgell admits there are some challenges, including “the cost of the toll bridge and the congested transport infrastructure

which links to the SW and London.” However the Welsh Government

has plans to build a new section of the motorway south of Newport.

“As part of this initiative, the M4 corridor will start promoting the use of cycling as an alternative to the car for journeys of up to three miles, by providing new, and improving existing infrastructure.”

Recruitment for top IT talent hasn’t always been easy: “There’s a skills gap in the digital industry.”

PALIGAP Paligap’s HQ is just up the road from Bristol in Yate.

MD David Lane tells BikeBiz: “We have an amazing cycling scene. For the dirt fans we have the Cotswolds or slightly further afield the Mendips and Quantocks. We’re also still riding the wave of the OneSW project which treated us to ten cycling hubs throughout the region – including trails at Ashton Court and Leigh Woods. Top quality singletrack just five minutes from Bristol city centre is a real treat, which is why we’ve sponsored the trails since day one. There are also some fantastic tarmac rides and a huge network of traffic-free cycle routes including the Bristol to Bath railway path, the Bath Two Tunnels route or the Colliers Way and some great, challenging road rides. The cycling scene has always been strong in our area but we’ve seen a huge growth in the last few years, with Bristol growing year on year as a hub for cycling.”

This year Paligap undertook a big marketing change: “It wasn’t a decision we took lightly. We’re

having a year off from trade shows and putting all of our efforts into working closely with dealers to get customers into stores and investing in quality products. We want to spend more on our great shops and less on designing booths, hotel bills and coffee. So far it’s been brilliant. We’ve visited more dealers than ever and we’re spending more time where it

matters.” The ambition is growth for 2016, but not at the cost of value for money. ““I’d like to add a massive thanks to all of our dealers for believing in our products and investing in top quality bikes and equipment.”

KIDDIMOTO: IT’S ALL GOING ON IN THE MENDIPSKIDDIMOTO HAS 13 staffers based in Somerset, surrounded by the Mendip Hills. From there the team manages the entire business, from R&D, new products, sales…you name it.

Simon Booth, founder of Kiddimoto, says: “Kiddimoto is promoting balance bikes, gloves and helmets more and more to pre-schools. We intend to drive a generation to get on their bikes.”

Access to a nearby sea port is one of many advantages to operating in the region, Booth tells us, while recruitment is competitive: “It’s trickier to find the right level of experience.

“There is a relatively strong market in the South West and a good number of quality IBDs. There are definitely more families cycling in the countryside, on bridal paths and designated cycle paths. And there has also been a noticeable increase in MAMILs over the past couple of years.”

“Companies have flocked to Wales for the reduced business rates.”Steve Edgell, Cycle

Solutions

“The decision wasn’t one we took lightly.”

Dave Lane, Paligap


300

160,000 STUDENTS

2%

280 RETAILERS

The number of staffat Fibrax

Wales has eight universities and almost

160k students.

of primary schoolchildren cycle to school

in Wales

Cyclescheme works with 280 retailers in Wales and

the South West

REGIONAL SPOTLIGHT

SILVERFISH: CREDIT THE LOCAL CLUBS

“THE RIDING scene is hugely varied,” Silverfish South West territory account manager Rob Stobart tells BikeBiz. “We’re lucky to be blessed with incredible MTB terrain and challenging, road riding. I’d say that the quality can easily rival anywhere in the UK.

“These natural resources only paint part of the picture. The biggest influence on the South West scene is perhaps the many dedicated event organisers and clubs. They’re the lifeblood of

what goes on here. Organisations such as Mid-Devon CC, Fully Sussed, Spike Events, Twentyfour 12 and many others have worked tirelessly for years.

“With the obvious absence of large conurbations such as those found in the SE and the Midlands, SW retailers don’t have the same level of demand for commuting bikes as other territories might although there is, of course, a market. In most instances this allows the stores to be far more dedicated to fewer disciplines.”

Richie Rowland, national account and brand development manager said: “Silverfish has enjoyed year on year growth since our inception in ‘99. With new brands being added to the portfolio – most recently Pedro’s – as well as growth within our current brands, market leading dealer support and marketing we plan to see this growth continue.”

Rowland concluded by alluding to a brand new and bespoke operating system that will further enhance levels of customer service and support from the distributor.

CYCLESCHEME: COMMUTING IS STRONG IN SWCYCLE TO work provider Cyclescheme is one of the many bike businesses based in Bath – an area chock full of cycle media firms, for example.

According to the firm, the commuter market isn’t quite as weak as you might expect in the South West region, which doesn’t have quite as many large cities as other regions (as Silverfish notes; left).

Commercial director Stephen Holt tells BikeBiz: “We’re proud to work with 280 cycle retailers in Wales and the South-West of England.

“It’s the strength of cycling retailers and towns with a strong cycle commuter culture – such as Bristol, Bath, Exeter and others – with great bike shops that make the South-West a superb place to base our business in.”

Like the rest of the nation’s cycle to work providers, Cyclescheme was buoyed by the recent Budget statement, which said that the Chancellor wasn’t looking to axe it.

“Dedicated event organisers and clubs are the

lifeblood of what goes on in the South West.”

Rob Stobart, Silverfish

RED CLOUD: THE YEAR OF WELSH ADVENTURE

RED CLOUD founder Mark Almond writes: “Visit Wales has dubbed 2016 the ‘Wales Year of Adventure’ to help drive adventure tourism. Whilst MTBing is a key part of this initiative, Wales has long been an adventure for the cycle industry companies based here.

“Wales is blessed with some of the most breathtaking natural scenery in the UK and is an established destination for cycling tourists. However, as with most things in life, nothing is completely perfect. Not even Wales. Ask any Welsh-based business, regardless

of sector, what challenges they face and the answer usually starts with the word ‘communications’.

“Outside the concentrated North and South populations, slow broadband and patchy mobile signal cause ongoing issues. Things are improving, albeit slowly.

“That said, the industry is thriving west of the border. Quality retailers are making their mark across the UK, from Wheelies to the likes of Cranc Cyclesport in Carmarthen.

“Distributors and brands are also finding a Welsh home for their businesses. The combination of the

natural setting and economic benefits of a Welsh HQ coupled with improving communications have seen a number of high profile brands make Wales their home. These include Cambrian Tyres, Torq, Mojo, Fibrax and many more.

“Welsh event organisers continue to meet consumer demand for safe, challenging and fun events as well as some of the industry’s promo needs via sponsorship and event support. The UK Enduro Series, the Welsh Gravity Enduro and Velothon Wales, for example, are real draws.

“Trail centres continue to be popular. The success of Coed y Brenin, Afan and Coed Llandegla and others is widely known, 2015 saw the rise of the MTB DH Bike Parks, notably the Revolution Bike Park who, in 12 months saw their uplift bookings almost double.

“Industry support companies continue to expand in Wales. Cycle Industry marketers Red Cloud Marketing & Communications has seen unprecedented growth in the last 12 months. The eyes of the international cycling community are moving strongly towards Wales.”

REGIONAL SPOTLIGHT


CSG: GT ZASKER CELEBRATES 25 YEARS CSG UK is rolling out a number of special events to celebrate GT’s Zaskar in 2016, marking 25 years since it launched. The bike has scored World Cup victories in cross-country, slalom, trials, and even downhill and this year the 2016 line is UK-specific, much revised, and builds on those 25 years of success.

GT started the celebrations early by working on a 25th Anniversary frameset which was delivered at the start of 2016 – hand-built from carbon and limited to just 100 units globally, the matt black Zaskar Anniversary frame sports die-cut graphics resembling brushed aluminium and a numbered decal on the seat tube indicating the frame’s limited status. CSG brought over a handful to the UK to use in magazine features and special contests including in MBUK. This was shortly followed up by another contest at The Bike Place show at Silverstone, and then again for Joe

Public at the London Bike Show.The few journalists who were given test examples also started penning reviews, including Andrew Dodd

from Factory Jackson: “Really, the Zaskar inspired a whole generation of riders in the UK. And it’s great to see it’s still here – and still just as

versatile,” raved Dodd. Singletrack Magazine is also giving the frame some focus in its anniversary year: “What can you say about the Zaskar that’s not already been said? It’s one of the most iconic mountain bikes in the world and has been ridden to championships in every discipline. It’s also been ridden by a who’s who of the mountain bike world. A classic!’

So too, has BikeRadar: “If you want to cut away all the crap and just go for a razz with your mates, nothing beats a hardtail Zaskar.”

The Zaskar isn’t just limited to the edition carbon frames. The main upgrades in the new complete range have been made for the British market, including larger and gnarlier tyres, wider handlebars, shorter stem, longer forks, and a 1x gearing system. The UK Zaskar is less cross-country and more trail-oriented, and starts from £849 and goes up to £1,899 for the Carbon Expert.

Revolution Bike Park has seen bookings double in 12 months

It’s not just limited edition frames that are part of Zaskar’s anniversary line-up

“Nowhere is perfect. Not even Wales.”

Mark Almond, Red Cloud

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Raimond mertyl09/10/2013Best stansds ever, we have used between 2-3 repair every year to cope with our work of servicing Bikes and these stands are not that good so we invested in a Kestrel Model B Stand 2 years ago they cost a little more than the stands we were using but not much more,the Model B Stand Has paid for itself when compared to the others within the fi rst year. we have now taken delivery of three others now and will only use Kestrel when repairing our Cycles.

jamie fox30/07/2013I have been buying 2 repair stands per year due to them not being able to stand up to the tusk, i am now confi dent after buying this stand that it will give many years of service. an outstanding repair stand thank you Kestrel.

J Spratt23/07/2013What a Repair Stand love it.

Get the job done


ROZONE

WHERE’S THERE’S MUCK, THERE’S BRASS

There’s now over 1,000 Rozone Smartwashers in bike shops across the land. Beth Jones explains to Jonathon Harker how the firm is proving a boon to workshops blighted with dirty bikes and parts…

Rozone’s Smartwasher is safe for any part of the bike, the brand says.

JUDGING BY the number of hand car wash outfits operating in BikeBiz’s locality, there’s plenty of cash in cleaning. Like cars, bikes have been known to pick up a spot of dirt too, as any bike workshop will confirm, and it was frustration with filthy bikes that led one famous cycle café and workshop to contact Rozone and jump start the company’s cycle trade presence.

“Our national accounts manager, Robin Lewis, followed an enquiry from Sam [Humpheson] at Look Mum No Hands, and placed a Smartwasher on a two-week free trial at the Old Street shop,” Rozone’s Beth Jones tells BikeBiz. “Sam and his technicians loved it. A solution for the bike industry was found. We now have over 1,000 Smartwashers operating within the UK bike industry.”

Rozone has been tackling complex cleaning problems since it formed in ’91. The company’s USP is using water or safer solvent solutions, rather than relying on potentially hazardous chemicals to ditch the dirt.

Before the Smartwasher, commercial grade parts washers for the bicycle industry were thin on the ground, with bike workshops stuck with traditional solvent part

washers or a shelf full of consumer-grade products.

“These aerosols, sprays, rags and brushes aren’t cheap and they can stink out the shop, cause a mess and end up in the waste bin,” explains Jones. “A pressure washer at the back of the shop doesn’t turn out a very well cleaned bike either and then you have to dispose of the dirty, greasy water.

“Traditional solvent part washers usually involve expensive service

contracts and they are only good for cleaning unfinished metal parts. Today’s bikes are mostly not metal.”

Rozone’s bioremediating (more on that later) parts cleaning machine – the Smartwasher – reduces the use of harsh toxic chemicals, helping bike technicians work more safely while being less harsh on the environment.

The Bike Smartwasher is safe and effective for any part of the bike, be it the frame, forks, plastics,

carbon or even vinyl saddles. “It cleans the whole bike without any dismantling,” says Jones. “The mobile washer is quick and easy to wheel under a bike hanging on a stand and washes the entire bike with the drive train operating. The flo-thru brush and flexible nozzle allow you to reach every nookand cranny.

“We timed a professional grade drive train wash – we cleaned the rear cassette, chain, front chain

rings, dried it off and in less than five minutes it was remarkably clean, lubed and ready to go…at £15 to £25 a go, how much money could you generate per week offering this cleaning service?”

In just a fraction of the time, Rozone says, the Smartwasher cleans more thoroughly (and for less than £1 per wash).

“Using it in your Silver and Gold Service packages will save you time and increase throughput.” The eco-friendly ‘Bioremediation’

process uses industrial-strength cleaning solution Ozzy Juice, which is a pH neutral, non-hazardous water-based surfactant degreaser that can be used on any part of a bike. It safely cleans painted parts, coated parts, chrome, rubber and plastic.

Jones says: “Bike shops are a retail environment – you don’t want nasty smells, harmful fumes and flammable hazards. The Smartwasher does not generate any bad smells, harmful fumes and is non-flammable. It contains no hazardous chemicals and has the added benefit that it is heated to 40°c so is much more pleasant for the technician.

“We’ve had a fantastic response from the trade. Rozone works with a wide range of retailers and offers a free trial option on the Smartwasher – to date, you can count on one hand those that have returned from trial unwanted. That says it all.

“The Smartwasher really does what it says – it degreases, so when cleaning the wheels, protect the hub or re-grease/lubricate it after cleaning.”

Enquiries should be directed to 0121 526 8181. www.rozone.co.uk

“We now have over 1,000 Smartwashers operating in the UK.”Beth Jones, Rozone


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DEALER PROFILE

What’s cooking?With the bike scene in East London booming, Kieran Howells heads to Hoxton to find out what eactly the London Bike kitchen are doing, and how they are challenging cycle culture one customer at a time.. HACKNEY, EAST London, is as about as close to an epicentre for London’s biking culture as it gets. Nestled deep in the heart of Hoxton, fronted by a wholly un-assuming shop façade, lies one of the gems in London’s ever changing bike scene. The London Bike Kitchen is a different kind of bike shop, aimed not at profit margins, but instead aimed at progression, sustainability and a real passion for riding.

In 2009, Californian cycling enthusiast Jenni Gwiazdowski bought a bike frame with the intention of gaining the skills needed to build it up into a functioning bike, and was shocked to find no such aid available in the whole of the Capital.

Many friends noticed the old frame, and offered to build the bike up, but her goal of fixing the bike herself remained resolute. The frame lay forgotten in the corner of her home until a fellow Californian told her of a popular concept in America called a bike kitchen, in which budding cyclists are free to utilise tools and shop space to fix

their bikes, with the support and tuition of on-hand experts. Impressed with the concept, Gwiazdowski decided to bring the idea to London.

Located on the edge of the famed New Era Estate, the shop experienced a rocky start. “The first year was really difficult. We were only open on weekends and I still had my day job, and so I worked all week and then worked here at the weekends, but then it really started to pick up momentum,” said

Gwiazdowski. The issues peaked when the land was sold to a property developer. “We were going to get evicted, and then Russell Brand got involved and saved the day!” After the famously publicised opposition to the developers plans, the estate was

sold to a housing organisation, securing the shop’s tenancy.

Four years on, the shop is going from strength to strength. In March, the shop started a crowd funding campaign to expand the current space, which measures just six meters by four, and open a second room dedicated solely to teaching bike building and maintenance. “It’s rammed in here! We’re trying to teach this one person how to completely take apart their bike and put it back together and then

there’s all these people coming in and it’s unfair on the student, so what we want to do is create a second classroom so that student gets a way better experience.”

The London Bike Kitchen team complement the shop’s general business with a host of classes,

targeted at encouraging as many people as possible to take up cycling. “We’re doing things almost every single day of the week. On Monday nights we’ve either got worker meetings or our ‘Woman and Gender Variant’ nights. That’s kind of seen as a stepping stone for people who aren’t generally encouraged to pick up tools, to get used to this kind of workshop environment,” said Gwiazdowski. “We welcome people behind the curtain. They’re shocked when we pick up a hammer and say, you’re going to fix your bike with this!”

There’s no doubt that with the recent increase in popularity of cycling culture, shops like The London Bike Kitchen are a welcome sight on London’s streets. Gwiazdowski’s all-inclusive ethos is refreshing, and her message is simple: “We just want more people to ride bicycles. As a bike shop we are ambassadors to that world, so we need to be accessible. We have a lot of power and we shouldn’t abuse that. You want more people to come back? Be nice!”www.lbk.org.uk

“We were going to get evicted, and then Russell

Brand got involved...”Jenni Gwiazdowski

DEALERPROFILE

INFO: LONDON BIKE KITCHENAddress: 28 Whitmore Rd London, N1 5QA

Tel: 020 8127 3808Web: www.lbk.org.ukTwitter: @LDNBikeKitchen Specialism: Bike building and repairing lessons.

Sponsored by

ELECTRIC BIKES


Electric Transport Shop thinks outside the box

BRIGHTON UNIVERSITY recently announced its commitment to sustainable transport to and from campuses for both students and faculty in the form of a fl eet of ten new e-bikes located at Eastbourne train station.

Vice-Chancellor and Professor Debra Humphris commented: “The issue around sustainable transport and sustainable living is absolutely imperative for not just this nation but for every nation on earth, and the University of Brighton is strongly committed to sustainability.”

The scheme was the product of a bid by Associate Professor Anne Mandy, from the university’s Centre for Health Research, who was awarded a grant of £36,000

to fund the project by the non-profi t environmental transport organisation Carplus. Southern Railway and Eastbourne Borough Council are collaborating with the university on research based on the scheme, and will evaluate the benefi ts of furthering the utilisation of e-bikes in the area.

The scheme is set to be implemented in stages, with staff members the fi rst to be given the opportunity to utilise the service, after completing an e-bike training course (offered by the University). The second system will also be open to students, who will then be able to rent one of the ten bikes for various periods of time. Associate Professor Mandy commented that sustainability

was one of the university’s core values: “The University’s travel plan shows that 43 per cent of staff and 21 per cent of students travel to university as single drivers in their cars. The strategy is to reduce single occupancy vehicle transport by ten per cent for staff and seven per cent for students by the end of 2016.”

Local MP Caroline Ansel expressed her support for the project, stating that e-bikes could revolutionise cycling in the Eastbourne community: “It’s an excellent pilot and I commend the University of Brighton for bringing it to Eastbourne. Where we lead, others may follow. It’s good for the environment, good for fi nances and good for lifestyle. In every way, it’s a real winner.”

IS MARKETING focusing on mothers considered ‘thinking outside the box’ for the UK bicycle industry?

Cambridge’s Electric Transport Shop based a promotion around Mother’s Day last month, offering ten per cent off all low step, women’s and unisex e-bikes in the build up to the Sunday celebration.

The promo kicked off with the statement: “Mother’s day isn’t normally associated with e-bike special offers and we think that should change.

“Why not help them [mums] where it counts most? Getting from A-to-B. Many mums cycle and many could cycle more, and many more could cycle, if they haven’t done before.

“Remember electric bikes change lives and studies show that you get 80 per cent of the health benefi ts of cycling a normal bike and women in particular cycle much more.”

The retailer told BikeBiz: “The offer was a success and we are likely to run it again next year. We offered it because we believe electric bikes are bringing bicycles back to mainstream transport and the purchasers are making lifestyle choices.”In addition to Cambridge, The Electric Transport

Shop has branches in London, Oxford, Bristol and York. The York branch is currently operating out of a pop-up store at York Designer Outlet after being hit by Storm Frank and fl ooding from the rivers Foss and Ouse. The shop reportedly saw at least 80cm water at one point.

“Why not help mums where it counts most?”Electric Transport

Shop

Brighton Uni rolls oute-bike fl eet for students

Mother’s Day payday

Ducati steps into pedal assist

THE PROFILE of electric bikes is being raised further with the introduction of assisted cycling into housing projects around the UK.

While that may seem a long way from the bicycle retail trade, the prospect of ‘normalising’ electric bikes is expected to be welcomed by bike shops, brands and distributors working in the sector.

Andrew Jones MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Transport supported a new electric bike scheme launched last month to help give tenants of Orwell Housing greater access to transport.

The MP said: “Electric bikes are a great way to encourage new people to get into cycling and I hope this interesting scheme encourages more people to take it up. Cycling helps cut congestion and is a healthy, affordable transport option.

“We want to double the number of journeys made by bicycle. That is why we are also investing over the next fi ve years in cycle training and infrastructure.”

Compass Bikes – part of the DfT’s Shared Electric Bike Programme – is a six month trial promoting electric bike uptake in community groups across England. It will provides 18 electric bikes to enable residents to travel free at point of use by electric bike.

The bikes will be located at Orwell Housing Association sites in Ipswich, Felixstowe & Lowestoft. The scheme is managed by Sustainable Ventures with an additional two schemes in Chesterton, Cambridge and Hook Norton, Oxfordshire.

Compass Bikes will gather data on usage levels, journey types and attitudes towards electric bikes over the trial period.

The project is one of eleven projects selected by bike sharing organisation Bikeplus to fi nd out how electric bikes can have an impact on congestion, air quality and active travel and funded by the Department of Transport.

Andrew Wordsworth, MD of Sustainable Venture Development Partners added: “Too often, exciting technologies like e-bikes are inaccessible to the majority of people because of their high upfront costs, which is a real shame. I believe e-bikes will prove a popular and convenient means of low carbon travel for the community.”

Antonia Roberts, Bikeplus manager, said: “Bikeplus is keen to know what contribution shared electric bikes can make to sustainable transport and fi nd out what sort of people are attracted to electric bikes in different contexts, and why.” www.compassbikes.co.uk

MOTORCYCLE BRAND Ducati has announced a new range of four e-bikes that will be available through independent bike dealers in the UK.

The new line-up of urban and mountain bikes are aimed at the cycle to work scheme. Manufactured by Bianchi, the e-bikes will feature Bosch’s Performance Package: a 250W motor and the 400Wh battery.

At time of press, pricing is not yet published but pre-orders are available, with initial deliveries arriving this month.

Approved dealers will be added to the website in the interim. These will be IBDs and Ducati Showrooms exclusively.

POS is in production now and there are more details on the four models at the offi cial site:www.ducatibicycles.co.uk

“Too often, exciting tech like e-bikes are inaccessible due to high upfront costs.”

Andrew Wordsworth

Compass Bikes trial to promote electric bike use in community groups across England, starting in the East

Housing projects go for electric

BIKEBIZ.COM58 BIKEBIZ APRIL Sponsored by

ELECTRIC BIKESELECTRIC BIKES

SKS-GERMANY.COM

ROADALLROAD MOUNTAIN

CLIP-ON MUDGUARD SETS

Double hinged quick releasefitting system with elastic straps. Also fits aero forks/framesNo additional adapters required

Available in two sizes – up to 25 mm and XL up to 32 mm tyre width

Perfect custom fitting thanks to stainless stays that adjusts for both length & angle the angle of the stays. No need to bend anymore.

Preassembled stainless stays for additional stiffness

RACEBLADE PRO

The SKS Raceblade Pro takes clip-on full coverage mudguards to the next level, offering complete adjustability for the perfect fit.

You never know what the British weather will bring, so your customers can now Clip on, Clip off with the leading mudguard brand in the market.

Covered by a 5 year warranty, SKS Raceblade Pro are disc brake compatible. 2 sizes available: Raceblade Pro, up to 25mm; Raceblade Pro XL, up to 32mm.

New for 2016

New preassembled super-thin front & rear mud flaps

G E R M A N Y

Contact your Zyro Account Manager for further details.

CYCLE FASHION & APPAREL

Readyto wear

From hats to overshoes and everythingin between, there are a lot of potential sales

to be had from the broad cycle apparel sector.Jonathon Harker lists the options…

ASSOS

0203 2862225

Assos has released its fi rst female-specifi c S7 bib shorts, a women’s version of the shorts that provide ‘Royal Comfort’ while on the bike. Also new is a summer jersey for men, featuring integrated skinFoil, full mesh back and seamless arms with a new cut in the shoulder. Assos has a comprehensive repair and warranty offering and there’s a crash policy too – get the details direct from Assos UK.

BUFF

www.buffera.co.uk

For s/s 2016 there are new Coolmax, Insect Shield and Merino wool hats from Buff, plus the 3/4 Merino wool Buff. The hats follow a successful introduction in a/w ‘15/’16 and offer up to 95 per cent UV protection.

KATIE’S BIKE

[email protected]

Accessories from recycled bike chains is the unusual offering from Katie’s Bike. The line-up includes Bike Chain Key Chains, Diamond Bike Chain Pendant and even Inner Tube Wrist Cuffs. There’s cycle-themed product suited to men and women folk alike in the expanding line-up.

FISHER OUTDOOR

b2b.fi sheroutdoor.co.uk

Troy Lee’s Ruckus Short comes fi tted with a chamois pad, inseam zippers and an ergonomic MTB specifi c cut. There’s a matching Ruckus Jersey that has a slimmer fi t for 2016, performance 100 per cent polyester fabric and fl at swams with mesh side panels. Look, meanwhile, offers Ultra Bib tights that have welcome windshield inserts on the knees.

ION

GREENHORNET DISTRIBUTION.CO.UK

Ion’s bikewear includes the Tee LS Helia (pictured), revised this year to improve wear comfort. The torso front section is made from Drirelease Jacquard Mech fabric which offers the look and feel of cotton, yet dries four times faster and is highly breathable. The Bikeshort Blade are loose fi t shorts made from elastic 2Way stretch fabric and are inspired by surf wear.



KIDDIMOTO

www.kiddimoto.co.uk

Child-focused Kiddimoto is best known for balance bikes and their ilk, but it also has a range of accessories – including cycling gloves – that promise to be comfortable, functional and have that all important appeal to juniors. Pictured is the Skullz glove.

PALIGAP

www.paligap.cc

Ale’s new range is a blast of colour for the spring and summer. Handmade in Italy by APG Group, the Ale range includes the PRR Camo Jersey, with an ergonomic fi t, micro perforated material for breathability and carbon fabric to help the material dry faster. There are men’s and women’s versions and of note is Ale’s sponsorship of the Ale-Cipollini-Galassia women’s pro team.

MADISON

www.madisonb2b.co.uk

The Sportive full zip jersey is built for hot conditions. Custom built for Madison Genesis pro race team, this pro-level jersey has welded seams, pre-curved shape, lightweight arms and silicone gripper. There’s plenty of Lazer eyewear available too, including the Krypton. Compatible with the M2 magnetic, it has interchangeable lenses, panoramic optics, repellent lens coating and more.

MOORE LARGE

b2b.moorelarge.co.uk

Moore Large has expanded its presence in the fashion/apparel category for 2016. Sako7 socks are US-manufactured, daringly designed and are durable, wicking, drying and air permeable. The distributor now also has O’Neal in the portfolio, now offering enduro and trail-specifi c offerings to its DH and BMX line-up. Finally, Alpina’s eyewear is now available in the pro line, performance and ambition ranges.

KEELA

www.keela.co.uk

Keela’s Saxon Jacket is a technical lightweight waterproof jacket made from Flylite Aqua fabric. The adjustable hood fi ts over helmets and sports refl ective piping. The women’s version (Storm) has a tailored cut and the jackets are used by Tweed Valley rangers, we are informed. The Men’s comes in XS-3XL, the Women’s in 8-20. The three colours are lime, cobalt and black (£84.95).

LYON OUTDOOR www.lyon.co.uk

Julbo has been in the eyewear business since 1888. From France (would you believe) the brand produces the Aero – lightweight glasses that feature Grip Tech for total hold without snagging hair. Its standard and photochromatic lenses are well received.


BICYCLE THREADING TOOLS

We have been in the bike trade with our own (four) bike shops since 1971. We have been teaching bike mechanics as full day courses since 1991 – five years before Cytech. We are considered the leaders in teaching the trade.

ALL OTHERS FOLLOW US – YOU WANT A BUSINESS IN THE BIKE TRADE – EMAIL US!

LOOK US UP: WWW.WEBBLINE.CO.UK EMAIL US: [email protected]

BOTTOM BRACKET TAPS:British 1.370” (34.8mm) – 24 tpi £42.00 pair | Italian – 36mm – 24 tpi £22.50 – single

Raleigh – 1.370” (34.8mm) 26 tpi £46.90 pairThese are high quality cutting taps with six cutting edges [Not just ‘clearing’ taps]

DIES FOR BTM BKT CUPS:24 tpi - £32.00 pair | Raleigh 26 tpi - £34.50 pair | Steerer dies. – 1” and 1 1/8”

1” x 24 tpi - £29.50 each | 1.1/8” x 26 tpi £32.00Cuts fine accurate thread on steering columns

where none exists or recuts existing damaged threads.

Pedal taps – 9/16” x 20 tpi - £17.50 | Pedal spindle dies – 9/16” x 20 tpi - £19.5010mm x 1mm – Gear hanger - £8.50 | 6mm x 1mm - canti-lever bosses £4.50

5mm x 0.8mm – m/gd eyelets, etc £3.50

All taps and dies are H.S. Steel. Not just ‘clearing’ taps and dies

Webbline taps and dies are made to our specifications.

We visit the factory every year to ensure the standards we set are adhered to.

We guarantee the highest quality and accuracy of all our products,

selling to USA, Canada, Europe and Australia.

Jungle Products LtdNew York Mills, SummerbridgeHarrogate, HG3 4LA01423 780 088 [email protected] | jungleproducts.co.uk

UK DISTRIBUTION FOR THE BEST BRANDS IN MTB


SEALSKINZ

www.sealskinz.com/UK

Sealskinz’ Bobble Hat is, as you might expect, totally waterproof, windproof and breathable. In the classic, knitted style it comes with a feature-rich pom-pom bobble (just kidding). The hat is close fi tting for warmth and comfort as is the micro fl eece lining. There’s a stretched roll-over cuff and the Hat is suited to a multitude of uses, whether adventuring, socialising or something else in the cold.

TRION:Z

www.trionz.com

Copper Skin:Z is a range of compression wear that features embedded copper fi bres in true Trion:Z style. Body mapping tech has been used to sculpt fabric to areas under the greatest demands, including the knees, elbows and calf supports. 100 per cent fl ex movement is allowed for, supporting and keeping the body warm while in action on the bike.

ZYRO

www.zyrob2b.co.uk

The Podium Elite jersey (£74.99) uses Altura Dry moisture management tech, and Altura Draft Venting. Strategic retrorefl ective trim boosts visibility and the matching Podium Elite Bib Shorts (£99.99) mirror much of that tech.

Also from Zyro, Giro offers lots of ‘colour stories’ and chance to coordinate outfi ts in the saddle. The Chrono (road), Truant (MTB) and Venture (gravel and adventure) collections offer head-to-toe looks for riders.

RALEIGH

01773 532694

Exclusive to Raleigh, Lusso is UK-made. Best sellers are the Aero-55 Bib Shorts, featuring a four-layer HD foam pad. Bibshorts top out with the Peloton Pro while the Aqua Repel is the best selling rain jacket.

Uvex variotronic eyewear is available from Raleigh too, featuring a built in light sensor that takes just 0.1 seconds to react. Supravision anti-fog coating and UV protection is included in the long list of features.

ULTRASPORT EUROPE 01332 813 156

Smith’s PivLock Arena are ergonomic face fi tting glasses designed for extreme conditions. There is hydroleophobic lens coating, TR90 frame material and carbonic TLT lenses featured – and they are available in a huge range of colours.

VAUDE

01665 510660 (CDA)

Vaude’s Tirano Padded Jacket for women is a fashion-conscious hybrid cycling jacket. Advanced Primaloft Silver Insulation Exo-padding is used in the upper half of the jacket. If it’s cool, the insulation kicks in and protects from the wind. The lower half is made of a Merino wool blend, used for its clever breathability properties.


IF YOU DON’T DEAL WITH US YET THEN WHY NOT GIVE US A TRY – CONTACT DETAILS BELOW…

0845 1661983 www.greyville.com [email protected]

An extensive selection of mid range parts and accessories well priced to offer excellent value for money and good margins for dealers. Available for next day delivery on our easy to use B2B ordering system.

ABE-21501 Acor External Bottom Bracket

(Shimano® Compatible)

ABR-21504Acor Hydraulic Disc Brake Set

(Incl. Rotors & Post Mount Adapters)

ASM-2901 Acor 1.1/8” High-Rise Ahead Stem

(31.8 mm x 50 – 120 mm)

ABR-21103Acor Dual Pivot Caliper Brake

(Short Reach, Allen Key Fitting)

NO VAT TO PAY. All import duties and VAT paid by us. We de-registered from VAT when we sold our last shop.

THESE ARE THE BIKES THAT LAST 50 YEARS!

Webbline imports | [email protected] | Telephone: 01406 371273

Ladies and Gents roadster Arriving UK early April

Royal blue. Gold lining - frame, chaincase, mudguards and rims(Sample picture sent prior to shipping. Gold lining not shown in pic)

Gents - 28” wheels | Ladies - 26” wheels

Single speed coaster brake rear Sturmey Archer front drum brake

Trade price, inc carriage: £130.00 Suggested retail: £195.00

£10.00 reduction for forward orders with 10% deposit

LUGGAGE

Pack Your Bags

Kieran Howells gets to grips with the latest in on-the-go storage options, from panniers to

frame bags, and everything in between...

DAWES CYCLES

www.dawescycles.com

The new Dawes Universal Canvas Pannier (RRP 44.99) is a versatile bag intended to be used as both a pannier and a shoulder bag. The pannier is comprised of weather resistant treated canvas outer material and features refl ective detailing on both sides. Two mesh side pockets complement the 16-litre capacity main pocket.

ENDURA

www.endurasport.com

The carry on compatible Endura Roller Flight Deck Bag (RRP £99.99) boasts a telescopic handle and shoulder straps, making it easy to manoeuvre on the go. It features handles on the top and side, and wheels on the underside. The bag includes a removable shoe bag, and a dedicated dirty kit section. The bag features two external pockets for your essentials.

AXIOM

www.axiomgear.com

The Aero DLX 45 (RRP £95.00) features Rixen and Kaul Vario adjustable hooks. The Monsoon DLX is constructed of ultrasonically welded polyester, ensuring strength and durability on long rides. When used as a pair, the bags have a collective volume of 45 litres and way just 1360g. The bags roll-down closure system ensures the contents will stay dry.

BROMPTON

www.brompton.com

The Brompton Game bag features a non-removable strap that is secured by a popper when attached to a bike. The bag is constructed from treated waterproof fabric, and is handmade in the UK. The bag is secured with leather button clasps, which cover two exterior zipped pockets. Inside, it features a dedicated padded laptop pocket that complements the main interior space (RRP £295.00).

HENTY www.henty.cc

The Henty Tube Backpack comes in a range of fi fteen, twenty and twenty-six litre variants, and includes a vast a range of wearable options. The bag is comprised of two main compartments, the larger of which has welded seams making it both waterproof, and perfect for shoes or wet clothing. The second allows the user to safely transport dry clothes separately (RRP £80 to £105.00).


LUGGAGE


OXFORD

www.oxford-shop.co.uk

The Oxford Aqua 12 (RRP £39.99) is a lightweight 12-litre capacity backpack, made from tough tear resistant PVC tarpaulin. The bag sports a roll top design with electro-welded seams.

RALEIGH

www.raleigh.co.uk

The Triple Pannier from Raleigh (RRP £49.99) features seven compartments including a removal zipped backpack, a storage net and a rear boot pocket. The pannier has a capacity of 68 litres.

ORTLIEB

www.ortlieb.com

The new Ortlieb Commuter Daypack (RRP £120.00) is comprised of a laminate-coated cotton blend with a weather-proof roll top seal design, making it lightweight and durable.

VAUDE

www.vaude.com

The Aqua Back Plus (RRP £130.00) is made from waterproof treated fabric, and features heavy-duty fasteners. The easy release clips make it easy to pair up for 51 litres of storage.

VELOPAC

www.velopac.cc

The RidePac (RRP £30.00) is a compact padded bag, designed to house the user’s essentials. The main internal pocket is divided into a zipped pocket, a card holder and a phone pocket.

LOOK CYCLES

www.lookcycle.com

The Travel Bag features a myriad of compartments and storage, including two front pockets and two separate central compartments separated by a mesh divider. (RRP £124.99)

ZIPP

www.zipp.com

The Zipp Speed Box fi ts conveniently into the users bike frame and is ideal for storing nutrition products or valuables on long rides. Made from water resistant fabric, the bag features solid moulded EVA construction and water resistant zips (RRP £24.00).

BOBBIN

www.bobbinbikes.co.uk

The Freelance (£95.99) is constructed from waxed cotton, and has a combined volume of 18.8 litres. An adjustable buckle on the front ensures the bag can always be tightly sealed.

CAMELBAK

www.zyrob2b.co.uk

The Palos 4LR (RRP £69.99) has a total internal capacity of four litres and is manufactured from lightweight treated nylon. The bag can be adapted to integrate a hydration pack.

GET STAFFED!

IS WHERE THE TRADE GOES FORTHE LATEST JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Contact: [email protected] call +44 (0)207 354 6000

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This month we take a look at some of the lastest products in safety and security from Garmin and Kryptonite Locks, and the latest in wearable tech from SealSkinz and Proviz...


NEW PRODUCTS

PROVIZ REFLECT 360+www.provizsports.com

Building on the successes of the original REFLECT360 jacket launched in 2014, the 360+ (£109.99) was designed using a new enhanced waterproof and breathable outer material with taped inner seams to keep the wearer dry. The jacket appears grey in colour, but when put under an external light source,

the outer fi lm appears ultra refl ective, warning surrounding cars of the cyclists’ presence. The jacket features two outer chest pockets, which are designed to work as vents in the summer, one inner chest pocket and a large back pocket. Two 30cm under arm zippers can also be opened for additional ventilation.

SEALSKINZ HALO OVERSHOE www.sealskinz.com

THE HALO (RRP £30.00) is a lightweight enclosed overshoe that is designed to provide additional protection from the elements whilst riding. The Halo has an open-underfoot design, making it appropriate for most kinds of cycling. The shoe is made predominantly from SealSkinz’ own patented

StretchDry technology, with additional silicone leg gripper and easy pull-on loop. It also features an added level of safety whilst riding in the dark in the form of a clickable 4lumen hi-powered LED fl ashing light that is designed to integrate into the rear of the shoe to warn drivers of the cyclist’s presence.

GARMIN VARIA RADAR TAIL LIGHT www.garmin.com

NEW FROM Garmin comes the Radar Tail Light. The light is somewhat of an innovation in bike lighting as it integrates radar technology to warn cyclists of vehicles approaching from up to 140 meters behind. A series of eight powerful LEDs on the rear unit warn cars of a cyclist’s presence ahead

by altering beam strength and changing to a fl ashing pattern based on the cars proximity. The integrated Lithium-Ion battery will function continuously for up to fi ve hours of continual use on two hours of charge time. The unit retails at around £143.99, or can be bought in a bundle with the Varia head unit for £199.99.

KRYPTONITE GRAVITY WHEELNUTZwww.kryptonitelock.com

THE ANTI-theft market will always be a ‘one to watch’ for new product development, and this new deceptively simple unit from Kryptonite doesn’t disappoint. The unit features a gravity locking system that guards the users wheels from theft. The unit is built around a pin drop system that engages

when the bike is fl ipped upside down and allows the wheel to be removed. Once the bike is righted, the pin disengages and the wheel is effectively locked in place. The set is designed for ease of use, meaning it takes little effort to tighten and release the bolts. The Kryptonite WheelNutz retails from £30.00.

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THE ESSENTIALGUIDE TO RETAILERS, SUPPLIERS AND SERVICES WITHIN THE CYCLE TRADE

MOORE LARGE AND CO LTD Sinfin Lane Industrial Estate, Sinfin Lane, Derby, DE24 9GL Tel: 01332 274252 | Web: www.moorelarge.co.uk

NORTH SPORTS 38 Kingston Avenue, Neilston, Glasgow, East Renfrewshire, G783JG Tel: 07746 933795 | Web: www.northsports.co.uk

PALIGAP LTD Unit 2 Danbury House, Great Western Park, Armstrong Way, Yate, Bristol, BS37 5NG Tel: 01454 313 116 | Web: www.paligapltd.co.uk

RALEIGH UK LTD Church Street, Eastwood, Nottingham, NG16 3HT Tel: 01773 532600 Web: www.raleigh.co.uk | www.cyclelife.comwww.diamondback.co.uk

REECE CYCLES PLC 100 Alcester Street, Birmingham, B12 0QB Tel: 0121 622 0180 | Web: www.reececycles.co.uk

RUBENA Unit N & M, Tyburn Trading Estate, Ashfold Farm Raod, Birmingham, West Midlands, B24 9QG Tel: 0800 281413 | Web: www.rubenacycle.co.uk

SCHWALBE TYRES UK LTD Schwalbe Centre, Hortonwood 30, Telford, Shropshire, TF1 7ET Tel: 01952602680 | Web: www.schwalbe.co.uk

SILVERFISH UK LTD Unit 3C and 3B Woodacre Court, Saltash Parkway Industrial Estate, Burraton Road, Saltash, Cornwall, PL12 6LY Tel: 01752 843882 | Web: www.silverfish-uk.com

2PURE 46c Bavelaw Road, Balerno, Edinburgh, EH147AE Tel: 0844 811 2001 | Web: www.2pure.co.uk

ANSMANN UK e-BIKE centre, Unit 12, RO24, Harlow Business Park, Harlow, Essex, CM19 5QB Tel: 0870 609 2233 | Web: www.ansmann.co.uk

BOB ELLIOT AND CO LTD Unit C4 Binary Court, Matrix Park, Western Avenue, Buckshaw Village, Chorley, PR7 7NB Tel: 01772 459 887 | Web: www.bob-elliot.co.uk

CONTINENTAL North Parade, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, Wales, SY23 2JR Tel: 01970 626777 | Web: www.conti-tyres.co.uk

CYCLEMILES 9 Queen Anne’s Drive, Havant, PO93PG Tel: 02392 455 355 | Web: www.cyclemiles.co.uk

DYNAMO COVER Drake House, Plymouth Road, Penarth, CF64 3TP Tel: 0333 358 33 20 | Web: www.dynamocover.com

EBCO 5 Pegasus House, Olympus Ave, Warwick, CV34 6LW Tel: +01926 437700 | Web: www.ebco-ebikes.co.uk

EDCO COMPONENTS North Parade, Aberystwyth, Wales, SY23 2JR Tel: 01970 626777 | Web: www.edco-wheels.co.uk

FISHER OUTDOOR LEISURE LIMITED 8/9 Brick Knoll Park, Ashley Road, St Albans, Herts, AL1 5UG Tel: 01727 798345 | Web: www.fisheroutdoor.co.uk

PITBITZ LTD Unit 6 Thorpe Drive, Thorpe Way Industrial Estate, Banbury, Oxon, OX16 4UZ Tel: 01295 269333 | www.gazeboshop.co.ukwww.thebikeboxcompany.co.uk

I-RIDE 7-8B Mid Sussex Business Park, Ditchling Common Industrial Estate, Folders Lane East, Ditchling, Sussex, BN6 8SE Tel: 01444 243000 | Web: www.i-ride.co.uk

JUNGLE PRODUCTS LTD Unit 3, The Cedar, New York Mills, Summerbridge, HG3 4LA Tel: 01423 780088 | Web: www.jungleproducts.co.uk www.santacruzbikes.co.uk

M & J DISTRIBUTORS LTD Unit A, Hanix Buildings, Windmill Lane, Denton, Manchester, M34 3SP Tel: 0161 337 9600 | Web: www.mjdist.co.uk

MAXXIS TYRES Unit 3 Cobalt Centre, Siskin Parkway East, Middlemarch Business Park, Coventry, CV34PE Tel: 024 7688 9775 | Web: www.maxxis.com

MDI LIMITED Unit 4, Wellington Point, Amy Johnson Way, Blackpool Business Park, Blackpool, FY42RG Tel: 01253 343090 | Web: www.mdib2b.co.uk

MEALOR-CLARKE CYCLE SPARES LTD Unit 1, Eastlands Road, Leiston, Suffolk, IP16 4LL Tel: 01728830055/01728605970 Web: www.mealorclarkecyclespares.com

MERIDA BICYCLES LTD Unit 13, Nottingham South and Wilford Industrial Estate, Ruddington Lane, Wilford, Nottingham, NG11 7EP Tel: 0115 981 7788 | Web: www.merida.com

If you’d like to find out more or require additional copies please contact [email protected] or call him on 020 7354 6000

DISTRIBUTION AND WHOLESALE

E-COMMERCE AND EPOS

EVENT ORGANISERS, HOSTING, HOLIDAY

AND HIREMANUFACTURERS MARKETING, PR AND

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ORGANISATIONS, CHARITIES AND ASSOCIATIONS

RETAILERS, WORKSHOPS AND

MAIL ORDER

SERVICES AND TRAINING

THE CYCLE DIVISION Unit 27 Gatehouse Enterprise Centre, Albert Street, Lockwood, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, HD1 3QD Tel: 01484 456137 | Web: www.thecycledivision.com

WINDWAVE Unit D2 and D3 Heritage Business Park, Heritage Way, Gosport, Hampshire, PO12 4BG Tel: 02392 521912 | Web: www.windwave.co.uk

ZYRO LTD Roundhouse Road, Faverdale Industrial Estate, Darlington, DL30UR Tel: 01325 741200 Web: www.zyro.co.uk | www.zyrob2b.co.uk

BIKE SOUP 55a North Wharf Road, London, W2 1LA Tel: 020 7298278 | Web: www.bikesoup.com

THE CYCLE SHOW 58 White Lion Street, Islington, London, N1 9PP Tel: 020 7288 6733 | Web: www.cycleshow.co.uk

ASSOS 57 Farringdon Road, London, EC1M 3JB Tel: 0203 2862225 | Web: www.assos.com

BUFFERA LIMITED Cranbourne House, Cranbourne Road, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, EN6 3JN Tel: +01920 460754 | Web: www.buffwear.co.uk

DARE2B Unit 8-9 Mercury Park, Mercury Way, Urmston, Manchester, M41 7LY Tel: 0844 811 2939 | Web: www.dare2b.com

FREEGO ELECTRIC BIKES3 St Denys Rd, Southampton SO17 2GNTel :0800 077 8711

HARDNUTZ Unit 8 Rocheview off Millhead Way, Purdeys Industrial Estate, Rochford, Essex, SS4 1LB Tel: 01702 530090 | Web: www.hardnutz.com

MAVIC Theta Building, Lyon Way, Frimley, Surrey, GU16 7ER Tel: 01276 404870 | Web: www.mavic.com

MAXXIS TYRES Unit 3 Cobalt Centre, Siskin Parkway East, Middlemarch Business Park, Coventry, CV34PE Tel: 024 7688 9775 | Web: www.maxxis.com

MET HELMETS / BLUEGRASS 22-24 Ely Place, London, EC1N6TE Tel: 0207 1937 496 | Web: www.met-helmets.com

MITAS Tyburn Trading Estate, Ashold Farm Road, Erdington, Birmingham, B24 9QG Tel: 0800 281 413 | Web: www.mitascycle.com

ONE WAY DISTRIBUTION Tel: 0031 10345 3510 | Web: shop.o-w-d.nl

QUELLA Unit 1 & 2 Breckenwood Road, Fulbourn, Cambridgeshire, CB21 5DQ Tel: 01223 782 039 | Web: www.quellabicycle.com

ROZONE LIMITEDQueen Street, Darlaston, Wednesbury, West Midlands. WS10 8JBTel: 0121 526 8181 | Web: www.rozone.co.uk

SEE.SENSE (LIMEFORGE LTD) Sketrick House, Jubilee Road, Newtownards, BT23 4YH Tel: 02891 800536 | Web: www.seesense.cc

VELOTECH SERVICES LTD 26-27 Western Road, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, CV37 0AH Tel: 0845 475 5339 | Web: www.velotechservices.co.uk

WELDTITE PRODUCTS LTD Unit 9 Harrier Road, Humber Bridge Industrial Estate, Barton-on-Humber, Lincs, DN18 5RP Tel: 01652 660000 | Web: www.weldtite.co.uk

X-BIONICTrerè Innovation s.r.l. Unipersonale Via Parma, 70 C. 46041 Asola (MN). Italy Tel: +39 0376 718623 | Web: www.x-bionic.com

CYCLING SCOTLAND 24 Blythswood Square, Glasgow, G2 4BG Tel: 0141 229 5350 | Web: www.cyclingscotland.org

insuring the UK’s cycle retailersCYCLEGUARD INSURANCE Southgate house, Southgate Street, Gloucester, GL1 1UB Tel: 0844 826 2297 | Web: www.cycleguard.co.uk

The BikeBiz Directory 2016 is out now, providing the industry with a must-haveguide to the UK’s retailers, distributors, manufacturers and related businesses.

BikeBiz Directory 2016 is now available to view online at

www.bikebiz.com

BIKEBIZ DIRECTORY 8 BIKEBIZ.COM

IMPORTERS, DISTRIBUTORS AND WHOLESALERSDISTRIBUTION AND WHOLESALE

BIKEBIZ.COM 9 BIKEBIZ DIRECTORY

IMPORTERS, DISTRIBUTORS AND WHOLESALERSDISTRIBUTION AND WHOLESALE

All-City 6400 West 105TH Street, Bloomington, USA,MN 55438 Tel: 1-888-4AC-BIKE Web: www.allcitycycles.com

Always Riding Ltd Riverside Business Centre, Haldone Place, London, SW18 4UQ Web: www.alwaysriding.co.uk

Amba Marketing (UK) Ltd 5 Budlake Units, Budlake Road, Marsh Barton, EX2 8PY Tel: 01392 829903 Web: www.amba-marketing.com

Andy BrayAgencies T/A Gearmechhanger.com 36 Middlecroft Lane, Gosport, Hampshire,PO12 3DJ Tel: 07896 124968 Web: www.gearmechhanger.com

Ansmann UK e-BIKE centre, Unit 12, RO24, Harlow Business Park, Harlow, Essex, CM19 5QB Tel: 0870 609 2233 Web: www.ansmann.co.uk

AOB Distribution 57 Exeter Road, Kingsteighton, Newton Abbot, Devon Tel: 07596 100615 Web: www.aobdistribution.com

Assess Todociclismo S.A Mitre 972, San Jose, Guillen Tel: 054-261-4456639

Assist Creative Resources Ltd Unit 7 Ash Road South, Wrexham Ind Est, Wrexham, LL13 9UG Tel: 01978 664743 Web: www.assist.co.uk

Assos 57 Farringdon Road, London, EC1M 3JB Tel: 0203 2862225 Web: www.assos.com

ATB Sales Ltd Whitworth Road, St Leonards on Sea, East Sussex, TN37 7PZ Tel: 01424 753566 Web: www.atb-sales.co.uk

Atom Cycles Unit 2, Kirkburn Industrial Estate, Lockerbie, DG11 2SE Tel: 01576 203611 Web: www.atomcycles.com

Autostrada Engineering Forge Farm, Forge Lane, Footherley, Staffs,WS14 0HU Tel: 01543 483155/483225

Avocet Sports Ltd Unit 7 and 8 Shield Drive, Wardley Industrial Estate, Worsley, Manchester, M28 2QB Tel: 0161 727 8508 Web: www.coyote-sports.com (B2B) and www.avocetsports.co.uk (Consumer)

Axel Imports Ltd 4 Wimborne Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 2BU Tel: 01202 785864 Web: www.axelimports.co.uk

#2 Wheel Distribution GmbH & Co. KG Erich Blum Str. 33, D 71665 Vaihingen an der Enz, Germany Tel: +49(0)7042289000 Web: www.2wheel-distribution.com

2 Wheel Electric Haskins Garden Centre, Mansbridge Road, West End, Southampton, Hampshire, SO18 3HW Tel: 02380476929 Web: www.2wheelelectric.co.uk

2pure 46c Bavelaw Road, Balerno, Edinburgh, EH147AE Tel: 0844 811 2001 Web: www.2pure.co.uk

2WT Ltd 63 Baddow Hall Crescent, Chelmsford, CM2 7BX Tel: 07885 788203 Web: www.2wtuk.com

2x2 Worldwide Unit 6, Hall End Business Park, Dordon, Tamworth, Staffs, B78 1SX Tel: 01827 331099 Web: www.2x2worldwide.com

4 Down Distribution Unit 6 North Ridge Business Park, Haywood Way, Hastings, East Sussex, TN35 4PP Tel: 01424 433 074 Web: www.4downdistribution.com

50cycles Unit M, Little Moor Lane, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 1SF Tel: 01509 217775 Web: www.50cycles.com

AAction Cameras The Light Box, PC127, 112 Power Road, London, W4 5PY Tel: 02089657680 Web: www.actioncameras.co.uk

Action Cameras Limited Unit 36 Park Royal Business Centre, 9-17 Park Royal Road, London, NW10 7LQ Tel: 020 89657679 Web: www.actioncameras.co.uk

Active Life Logistics The Barn, Structons Heath Farm, Great Witley, Worcestershire, WR6 6JA Tel: 01299 890101 Web: www.activelifelogistics.co.uk

All Round Wheels (Wholesale) Ltd Unit 020 Gracechurch Centre, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands, B72 1PH Tel: 0121 354 5451

MARKETPLACE TO ADVERTISE IN THESE PAGES PLEASE [email protected] or call 0207 354 6000


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Ever wondered how the recent rocky period in the cycle trade has impacted companies like the Tandem Group and Dorel? It’s all here...

NUMBER CRUNCHING

Women and Cycling Conference 2016Towards 50:50 by 2020

WACC2016 - an event for anyone that loves to ride their bike

Working towards women’s equality

in cycling

wecycleuk.orgwF /wecycle C /WeCycleUK L @WeCycle_UK

Registration from 10am

The Courtyard Theatre Hereford

4th May2016

Join Dr. Sheila Hanlon and the team for presentations on

Wheels For Wellbeing Isla BikesCycle BoomInclusive Design and InfrastructureLondon Bike Kitchen20’s Plenty For Us#ThisgirlcanBicycle BalletCycle BradfordYork Bike Belles SustransCTC Space For CyclingWomen’s Cycle ForumBicycle advocacy Community engagement

Register now atwecycleuk.org

With thanks to our partners

240 JOBS

Go Outdoors has revealed a

national cycle expansion plan,

creating 240 new jobs for a

programme of cycle concept stores.

Go Outdoors said it had seen a

100 per cent rise in bike and

cycling equipment sales

in trial stores.

$1 BILLIONOver the year, revenue decreased for Dorel by US$53m (5 per cent) to US$1billion in 2015. A relatively strong US

dollar impacted on the results for the group, which owns GT, Schwinn and Cannondale, among other brands.

$800 The minimum value of imports into the US that are subject to

duties has risen from $200 to $800, much to the delight of UK-based online bike retailers…

OFF TRACKTHE TRADE’S ROUND UP OF STATS, VIEWS AND RANDOMS

Tandem Group, owner of Dawes and Claud Butler, saw revenue in its bicycles and mobility division down four per cent. Revenue overall was up ten per cent on the previous year, at £34.4m.

-40,000There are around 40,000 fewer shops

today than in 2006 and around 15 per cent of retail sales are conducted

online. Those sobering statistics came courtesy of a new report from

the British Retail Consortium.

50/50 BY

2020Women’s Equality UK has a goal of making cycling 50/50 men

and women by 2020. The organisation is

co-hosting the second national Women and Cycling Conference in Hereford on May 4th

4%

OFF TRACK


What are your favourite places to ride? I am a downhiller by trade and at present the Alps and

Whistler have to be right at the top of my ‘have ridden list’.

I do favour an epic trail ride every now and then, however

the old bucket list is growing daily… too many amazing

places to ride, not enough time.

How many bikes do you own?

If you were to ask my girlfriend she would say far too many!

What’s your background in the bike business? It’s the only trade or business I have ever worked in. I

fi nished school and jumped at the chance of working at my

local bike shop, which I did between racing for many years,

so bikes are in my blood. However when I realised I could

not keep up with all the rapid kids coming up through the

ranks I decided to pick up a camera and document the

sport I love. Somewhere in-between that I was lucky enough

to land a job at the coolest bike brand on the planet, and

here I am.

What does your role involve at Specialized UK?I currently head up public relations for all things mountain

bike for Specialized UK, as well as looking after MTB

sponsorship and collateral creation. I moonlight as the

in-house photographer and videographer too – ‘Jack of all

trades’ and all that…

What projects are keeping you busy?One of Specialised’s mantras is ‘Innovate or Die’ so we are

always pushing forward and staying fresh so we are always

busy, except when I am on the Specialized lunch ride, then

it’s a different kind of game face!

How can retailers get in touch?Email, on the phone or pop in and come grab a coffee…

We are always happy to chat!

020 8391 3502

IN THESADDLE

Justin Sullivan, PR specialist, Mountain Biking, Specialized UK

WINDMILL SAILS TO VICTORY

FENWICK’S TO CLEAN UP AT THE TOURS

WINDMILL WHEELS of Wymondham, Leicestershire scooped the top prize of a competition launched at Core Bike by 2pure and Unior competition. The shop landed a fully equipped workbench as a prize. When he heard that he’d won, Windmill’s owner, Jack Frisby, fi rst thought it was a practical joke. Now installed at the shop, the workbench will help to accelerate the growth of the shop, Frisby said. windmillwheels.co.uk; www.2pure.co.uk

FENWICK’S HAS been appointed Offi cial Bike Cleaning Partner to the Tour of Britain and the Aviva Women’s Tour. As part of the three-year deal the broomwagon in both Tours will be Fenwick’s branded, showcasing the bike cleaning brand to hundreds of thousands of spectators at the roadside in both events across thirteen days of world-class action. The offi cial sportives of both events will bring Fenwick’s samples to riders and the brand will also partner the Pearl Izumi Tour Series televised town and city centre races, which will take during May and June.

LIMBLESS VETERANS charity Blesma received a cash injection of £38,000 thanks to Team Felix RAAM and an epic Ride Across America. The team, made up mainly of veterans including Davie Timmins QGM – a former soldier and Blesma member – started the race on June 20th 2015 in Oceanside, California. The team then rode in a relay non-stop for

3,000 miles ending just seven days and twenty hours later in Annapolis on the east coast. Former Royal Logistics Corps Lance Corporal Davie Timmins QGM lost an eye in Afghanistan while serving with a bomb disposal team. Blesma is a charity for all limbless service men and women, their widows and dependants. blesma.org

© PIC CREDIT : Duo Design Service

FELIX RAAM TEAM RAISES £38K


OFF TRACK

The Cycle to Work Alliance’s recent survey found

that 62 per cent of bike retailers thought that the

scheme was either important or very important to

their business.

This shows that you as bike retailers recognise

the contribution that the cycle to work scheme

makes to your businesses. This survey also

highlights that many of the retailers involved

in delivering the scheme are small, regionally

based businesses with a small workforce. These

small businesses are the lifeblood of our local

economies. From introducing new customers to

these bike shops to guaranteeing repeat trade

and ensuring that customers return for servicing,

it is clear that the scheme plays a critical role in

ensuring the success of these businesses.

As a founding member of the Cycle to Work

Alliance, Cyclescheme is extremely proud to work

with you.

Stephen Holt, Commercial Director

WHY YOU VALUE THE CYCLE TO WORK SCHEME

Stephen Holt is commercial director of Cyclescheme, the UK’s leading provider of tax-free bikes for work.

You can reach him on Twitter @cycleschemeltd

TEAMS TO COVER ALL TERRAINS

ONE PRO GOES CONTINENTAL

TWO-STORE local bike retailer All Terrain Cycles is following up its 2015 season successes with new road and MTB/cyclocross teams for the coming season. Following the sad death of DH enthusiast Tom Rodgers, the retailer re-named its race team The Ride in Peace Team. This year’s 25-strong team includes up-and-coming stars such as Chris Emsley, Ed McParland and Duncan Moralee who came second in the 2015 Nationals Masters Road Race. www.allterraincycles.co.uk

UK-BASED One Pro Cycling team, managed by Becky Frewing, is currently tackling the Spring Classics, but it has able support on the cobbles from a raft of brands, including FSA, Prologo, Altura and Vittoria. In its debut season as a Pro Continental team, Altura has used 3D ErgoFit patterning technology for bespoke pieces for each team member. Vittoria’s Tubeless Corsa Tyre has been employed over the famous cobbles, while FSA and Prologo have been used too. www.oneprocycling.com

WICKENS & Soderstrom is sponsoring Transition FMD Factory Racing’s World Cup DH MTB team. Made up of some big names from the circuit, like Elite riders Tahnee Seagrave and Neil Stewart, as well as Junior riders Kaos Seagrave and Joe Parfi tt for the 2016 season, Wickens & Soderstrom will supply lubes, greases and bike cleaners for the team. There’s more information on Transition FMD Factory Racing team at www.fmdracing.com

SHOUTABOUT IT!HAS YOUR bike shop got into the local paper lately?Have your staff been raising cash for charity? Have you beenrunning a community project?Maybe your staff made a storming window display that deserves some exposure...?

Let us know and we can share your news in ourOff Track section here. Send your pictures to usat [email protected] and we’ll get you intothe next edition.

IT’S ALL DOWNHILL FOR WICKENS & SODERSTROM


SPOKESMAN

IN LAST month’s column I wrote about Wiggle’s acquisition of Chain Reaction, and highlighted that mergers, while fascinating for navel-gazing industry-watchers, don’t create new customers. We need to grow the pie, I suggested, recognising that this is easier said than done. But I could have added there is a way for the industry to expand the market, and it doesn’t necessarily need new money but would involve diverting some of the cash that’s currently spent on market-share grabs.

The usual way the bike industry benefi ts from market expansion is by accident – in the 1970s the burgeoning environmental movement helped kick-start a bike boom that took the industry by surprise (in the US, Schwinn sold out of its annual production run of 1,225,000 bikes before the end of May 1971) and in the 1980s the industry was again surprised when the that’ll-never-sell mountain bike got millions of new people on bikes.

London’s recent and still ongoing bike boom has many causes, but little of it can be ascribed to anything the bicycle industry did to stimulate demand.

It doesn’t need to be like this. Spending on advocacy is an investment, not an expense. And advocacy can build up a market sustainably over the long-term. Cycle advocates tend to be highly-intelligent, energetic and focussed individuals. It’s madness not to partner with them, to harness their energy, their drive and benefi t from their gimlet-eyed obsession with detail.

Many of the current unpaid promoters of our products are burning the candle at both ends, working tirelessly in their free time to get more people on bicycles. It’s shocking, really, that the industry stays largely aloof from such a passionate and committed volunteer army. It’s not as though we haven’t been warned. Trek’s CEO has been banging the let’s-support-advocacy drum for many years. John Burke has been urging the global bicycle industry to do

more for advocates since 2007 when he gave a famous talk at the Taipei International Cycle Show.

And, again in Taipei, he continued the theme at this year’s Velo-city conference, asking how many of his fellow industry leaders were “actively involved in creating a more bicycle-friendly world.”

Burke claimed there are “very few bicycle companies that really support the bicycle movement.”

Bike companies would sell more bicycles if there were more places

for folks to ride ‘em, said Burke: “The number one way to grow the business – and to have an impact on society, health, environment and congestion – is to create a bicycle-friendly world,” said Burke in 2007.

He revealed that for every £100 of sales, bike companies typically spend £3.90 on marketing, £1.60 on R&D but just ten pence on advocacy. (It’s likely higher now, but not much.)

Most of the bike industry’s marketing is aimed at existing cyclists, persuading them to switch brands, or buy yet another “quiver” bicycle from the latest product niche. And while it’s fun for category managers to niche-spec – an electric folding fat groad-trike with plus-size wheels any one? – it adds unnecessary complexity at the retail coal-face, and does next to nothing to entice newcomers.

If the industry really is spending just a few tenths of a percent of its turnover on bicycle advocacy it should come as no surprise when we keep tumbling down the troughs that follow every peak. Instead, we should do what Burke has been urging us to do and that’s fully fund the advocates.

And I don’t just mean advocates for protected cycleways. Cycling is a broad church and mountain bike trail-building advocacy, and similar, is also very much deserving of the trade’s support.

Naturally, with so many good causes to support, so many advocates to keep in clover, we could spread ourselves too thinly but right now we’re hardly spreading ourselves at all. This needs to change.

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“Spending money on advocacy is an investment, not an expense.”

Carlton Reid

Funding cycle advocacy isan investment in our futureWhy do we woefully neglect the volunteer army who work to expand our customer base, asks Carlton Reid

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