Issue 49 | February 2010
There’s Still Time to Register! See what’s new from Shimano, Pearl Izumi, DT Swiss, Giro, Bell, Park Tool and all of Madison’s other market leading brands Not to be missed, profit boosting special offers only available to iceBike* visitors Daily schedule of business enhancing seminars including exclusive presentations from US bicycle retail guru, Jay Townley Mix business with pleasure and party the night away with great entertainment, food, drink and friends. More brands, more space, more reasons to visit iceBike* 2010
Visit www.icebike.co.uk to pre-register now
karaoke / casino / two storey exhibition structure live music
Show Stopping Exclusives World launch of the new full suspension and urban ranges
Launch of the new AW10 Shimano Cyclewear range & See the new SPD Sportive RT81 shoes & matching A600 pedals
Your first chance to see the new Autumn Winter 2010 line
The first chance to see the new T1 track frame in the flesh
Exclusive world launch to two hot new products
free wi-fi / comp food & drink all day / warehouse tours
Our first showing of the new DT Swiss suspension & Tricon wheels
Your first chance to see and try the new Elite e-Motion rollers
The launch of our entirely new saddle range & New clothing lines
Check out the new Commencal Ramones
Top secret ‘Sneak Peak’ of 2011 models
View the full range of Gore Ride-On cable systems
When 23rd - 25th February 2010
Where Madison Distribution Centre 74 Alston Drive Bradwell Abbey Milton Keynes Bucks MK13 9HA
EDITORIAL
Issue 49 | February 2010
NEWS 4-6
German brand Rose ramps its up UK efforts and the ACT/ActSmart teams up with Moneyway...
INDUSTRY OPINIONS 42
OFF THE RADAR 13
EVENTS 65
ICEBIKE* PREVIEW
16
We take a look at the product and seminars planned for Madison’s IceBike* event later this month
The jam-packed show season inevitably means precious hours will be spent out of the shop, leaving dealers with tough decisions to make.
FOCUS ON…
20
MYSTERY SHOPPER BikeBiz’s undercover reporter investigates the bike shops of cycle-centric city Oxford
22
FISHER EXPO INTERVIEW Ahead of Fisher Outdoor Leisure’s upcoming Expo 2010 at Sopwell House, BikeBiz speaks to CEO Richard Allmark
CORE BIKE 2010 REVIEW
25
Seven pages dedicated to the product, innovations and trends of the Core show, plus pics of the industry competing at Rollapaluza
PROTECTIVE CLOTHING
FRAMES AND FORKS
53
56
REGULARS BRAND SPOTLIGHT
14
LETTERS
67
KCNC shows off its credentials, with the looks, value and performance to take on the big boys
Tips for bike shops coping with lean months, and the snow sparks debate on the Forum...
PEOPLE
OFF TRACK
46
68
Future unveils a global line-up and Eurobike Distribution brings two new recruits on board
Pendleton uses her loaf and two cyclists get stuck in Paddington station for charity
NEW PRODUCTS
SPOKESMAN
66
Chicken Cyclekit reveals the latest Nalini pro team kits, plus a new range from Moore Large
THE CYCLE TRADE is well and truly in the thick of show season. In this edition of BikeBiz we’ve got no less than 15 pages dedicated to previews, reviews and guides to some of the key bike trade events taking place up and down the UK. And while there’s plenty of slinky new kit to talk about and feast your eyes on, it’s also a busy period that is, as ever, set to stretch dealer’s resources thin. The jam-packed show season inevitably means precious hours will be spent out of the shop, with dealers facing tough decisions on what show, or shows, are essential and which are not. And it’s not just a predicament for retailers. Trade shows and open days can be cash-hungry events that dent distributors’ wallets, and added to the cost of shows (consumer and trade) later in the year, they’re a sizeable
Carlton Reid says why the trade needs to emphasise the positives of cycling
70
additional expense, recession or not. But perhaps the most pressing concern of all for show organisers is ensuring that dealers attend their events. Show-specific deals and incentives are some of the key methods of drawing in the crowds, and they’re proof of the importance distributors put on the shows. And it’s not hard to see why trade shows are so heavily invested in. What better way is there for distributors to let retailers get their hands on the latest products and initiatives on offer? Financially, the pros of getting everyone to come to you to outweighs the cons, despite initial bills. And when else will retailers get chance to provide feedback to manufacturers, reinforce product knowledge and get a handle on the burgeoning trends of the season? Perhaps one of the biggest benefits of the trade show is the chance it provides for the trade to get face-to-face with the names and voices they phone, email and dare I say bitch about on the forum every day. The cycle trade rightly places a high value on meeting up in the flesh, cementing relationships and getting the kind of feedback that you can only really get in person. So despite the numerous benefits of social media, whether it’s Twitter, Facebook or MySpace, it seems you just can’t beat a good old fashioned trade meeting. One of my overriding impressions from the shows, other than the fact that the trade knows how to sink a drink or two, is the passion and enthusiasm that industry has for cycling, and not just for making money, which not even liberal doses of cynicism can seem to dampen. And that’s part of why the cramped show season is here to stay.
Jonathon Harker, Editor
NEWS
German brand Rose hopes to UK, Italy and France are key to firm’s expansion plans Visit www.rose.de for more on the bike catalogue By Jonathon Harker THE INCREASINGLY attractive UK cycle market has led centuryold German bike brand Rose Versand to ramp up its presence
on British shores. Rose Versand’s expansion will bring several key models from the Rose and Red Bull ranges to UK consumers, with sales orders initially handled by the German website
www.rose.de. Marketing and aftersales support will, however, be handled by newly formed Rose UK, headed up by Andrew Mayne. Mayne, a former Future Publishing employee, told BikeBiz: “Both myself and my colleague Finlay Paton are delighted to be working with Rose Versand GmbH, as it's been a company we've admired for many years. “It’s bike brands, Rose and Red Bull, are synonymous in Europe with style and Innovation, and I'm sure their launch into the UK market will only add to the excitement that currently surrounds this territory,” he added. Rose Versand, one of Europe’s largest online mail order businesses, is to use a new 20,000
BikeBiz Bible: Don’t miss out in 2010 EVERYONE IN the cycle trade is being urged to submit their details to the new edition of the BikeBiz Bible or risk missing out on their free-of-charge inclusion in the bike industry A to Z. The Bible is returning to print for the first time in five years following relentless demand from the trade for the essential resource. As with previous editions, the BikeBiz Bible will include a comprehensive listing of all the bicycle companies in the trade, including distributors, retailers, manufacturers and cycle-relevant organisations. All will be listed free-of-charge in the inclusive resource. Bike companies are warned, however, that just because they were in the last edition – published in 2005, it doesn’t mean they’ll necessarily be in
4 BIKEBIZ JANUARY
For free-of-charge listing, BikeBiz simply needs your business name, category, address, telephone and website details.
the 2010 edition and they are urged to send their details in for inclusion. To ensure you have a free-ofcharge inclusion in the BikeBiz Bible, simply email your company details to BikeBizBible@intentmedia.co.uk, including: Company name, address, telephone number, web address (if applicable) and the category which best suits your business (retailer, distributor, manufacturer, etc). To find out about advertising opportunities in the Bible contact Carly Bailey on 01727 535647 or at Carly.Bailey@intentmedia.co.uk. The Bible will be sent to all BikeBiz subscribers with the June edition of the magazine. BikeBizBible @intentmedia.co.uk
“Rose and Red Bull are synonymous in Europe with style and innovation. I’m sure the launch in the UK will only add to the brand’s reputation.” Andrew Mayne, Rose UK metre square purpose-built logistics area to facilitate its increased presence in key European territories – including the UK, Italy and France. The Janitor is set to be one of the key models in the Rose range, coming in five different specifications, while the Pro SL bikes will be central to the Red Bull line-up. The Rose Versand business is still in the hands of the family that launched the business back in 1903 and has split into the 6,000 metre sq Biketown retail store and the Rose Versand mail order business. Rose UK: 01225 852554
Don Wright RIP CYCLE TRADE veteran Donald Hilton Wright passed away on Tuesday January 19th. For many years Wright was the bike trade's representative on standards committees. Wright was chair of CEN Technical Committee 333 since 1999 and was an expert on UK and European bicycle standards, working closely with Bicycle Association consultant Alan Cater. Dahon agent Mark Bickerton said: "I have been a member of the Bicycle Association for about 25 years, so knew Don over much of that period. "He was a thoroughly nice man, with an incredible ability for the technical aspects of bikes and his work for the bike industry is a very important part of the framework around which the industry works. "He represented the UK industry on BS and CEN
committees for many years. His contribution to the technical side of the bike industry will be appreciated by those that knew him, for a long time to come. And those in the industry who did not know him may never know how much he contributed." This view is echoed by Chris Juden, CTC's Senior Technical Officer: "Today’s cyclists, unknowingly, have Don largely to thank for the fact that they don’t have to worry about something like their forks snapping off. "I met Don through his chairmanship of the BSI committee on cycle standards and he was by far the finest chairman of any committee I’ve served on.” Don Wright's family request that wreaths are sent from the family only but that, in their stead, donations can be made to the Macmillan Trust via a JustGiving website.
BIKEBIZ.COM
NEWS
bloom in Britain Xx
Firm steps in after Lloyds-owned Black Horse bolts from retail finance world
The Red Bull bike brand is not associated with the drinks brand, in case you were wondering...
By Jonathon Harker
BEBA asks DfT for time THE BRITISH Electric Bike Association has urged the Department for Transport to give electric bike manufacturers the chance to catch up with potential new regulations following the beginning of a consultation period on the sector. The recommendations come following the DfT’s opening of two separate consultations on electric bikes designed to bring UK rules in line with European regulations. The first seeks views on law changes to accommodate small electric personal vehicles on roads and cycle tracks, while the other concerns the specifications of electrically-assisted pedal cycles.
Current UK rules were set in 1983, while European construction regulations were revised in 2002, causing potentially off-putting confusion in the electric bike sector. The DfT’s consultation document said: “Failure to align could result in legal challenge to our national rules by the European Commission.” BEBA has submitted its response to the DfT and, in the event of UK e-bike regs changing, it has asked the DfT to introduce them slowly: “BEBA would recommend a 12-month phase-in period. EABs have a long build-time – anything up to three months plus up to one month – shipping if
Moneyway is the way forward for the ACT/ActSmart
manufactured abroad. Both manufacturers and retailers would have little time to sell their product if the phase-in period is less than 12 months.” BEBA also advised that culling tough restrictions on throttles could be damaging: “The proposal to abolish throttles would add restrictions and as such reduce the market. A throttle broadens the appeal of EABs (Electric Assisted Bicycles) and gives travel independence to the less able bodied and elderly in society.” According to BEBA, at present approximately 21,000 electric bikes are sold in Great Britain each year.
THE ASSOCIATION of Cycle Traders (ACT/ActSmart) has designated Moneyway as its new retail finance partner from the start of this month. The appointment follows Black Horse’s decision to leave the retail finance market – first revealed on BikeBiz.com last November. The Lloyds-owned firm’s decision to stop offering retail finance was a short-term blow to the 350 members of the ACT/ActSmart who used the service. The UK cycle retail finance market is worth c£30million and the ActSmart scheme has been growing at a rate in excess of 30 per cent during the past year. Black Horse will stop accepting new business on Friday February 26th 2010. The ACT chose to appoint Moneyway after a number of approaches from alternative providers, and after a thorough review based the decision on Moneyway’s proven track record, flexibility, vision and top-notch support services. “The retail finance landscape has changed dramatically as a result of the credit crunch, making it an increasingly low profit, high risk business for finance providers,” the ACT/ActSmart’s Mark Brown told BikeBiz. “In this context we have put together a highly competitive deal for the industry which gives retailers and their suppliers a platform to grow their business for the long term.” Members of the association are being contacted with full details of the new scheme – including improved subsidy rates – to switch their retail finance business to Moneyway. The finance provider’s head of lending, David Nield, enthused over
the deal and emphasised Moneyway’s compatibility with the cycle trade: “We are delighted to have been selected by ActSmart and to be working with its retail members. “Unlike other retail finance providers, our growth focus is in the leisure sector where we help retailers finance their customers’ passion as opposed to their everyday needs. The cycle market, therefore is perfect, and sits well with our market-leading music finance business. We look forward to working with both retailers and suppliers in taking forward this business to new levels and helping our partners increase their sales.” Through the new partnership, a unique new service will allow suppliers to support dealers with retail finance promotions. Moneyway won’t be restricted to previous Black Horse users. Any retailers looking to use the scheme should contact the ACT/ActSmart. ACT/ActSmart: 0845 618 7256
Mark Brown
NEWS
CYCLE Eurobike distribution laces up SHORTS with Swiss footwear brand ATG and Cycle Systems still negotiating The January issue of BikeBiz covered a story regarding Cycle Systems teaming up with ATG Training. The piece said that the deal had been made between the two companies, but currently the planned team-up is yet to be settled. BikeBiz apologises for any misunderstanding. Budding mechanics aiming to achieve Cytech accredited training should contact ATG Training through the ACT/ActSmart.
Pacocha is on the Radar Future’s BikeRadar.com site has appointed Matt Pacocha as US online editor for the site. Pacocha replaces US editor Gary Boulanger and will be primarily responsible for overseeing and managing content originating from the States. Pacocha previously worked at Velonews.
Coalition gets fresh distribution deal with Mint US BMX brand Coalition is heading to the UK via Mint BMX Distribution, with stock set to arrive on these shores before this issue hits desks. Coalition has brought a new direction to its product lines with new components, new colourways, relaunched website and also a new US and UK team.
British Cycling chews the F-At Farrelly Atkinson (F-At) is set to organise the Expo area of the first round of the forthcoming 2010 UCI Mountain Bike Cross-Country World Cup. The Dalby Forest-set first round of the Cup, presented by Shimano, is taking place in England for the first time in over a decade. F-At is exclusively organising and selling stand space within the Expo area.
For breaking news visit:
www.bikebiz.com 6 BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY
Year-old Suplest shoe brand brought in to complement recent Hincapie clothing deal Moda set to have 28 models lined up for 2011 catalogue By Mark Sutton DISTRIBUTOR Eurobike will take stock of a brand new footwear brand from late February. Suplest, which is based in Berne, Switzerland, is still in its early years of trading, yet already has a well-rounded catalogue of footwear suited to road racing, triathlon and cross-country. The manufacturer also does a number of add-on accessories, such as Suplest branded socks and jerseys. The rider-run firm caters largely to the high-end of the market and as such adopts plenty of technology and luxury materials such as a micro fibre that adapts to the foot. Anatomic design is central to each shoe model and as such there are no unneeded pressure zones. Alloy buckles combined with Velcro strap adjustment give the rider comfort that’s easily adjustable. Carbon outsoles also feature on top-of-the-range models.
Russ Masters and James Ryan proudly show Moda’s tip-top models Meanwhile, the distributor is making plenty of progress with its own brand Moda, telling BikeBiz that next year the range will more than double to include 28 different models. Director of sales Russ Masters told BikeBiz: “Something I’m particularly excited about at present is a new limited edition road bike that will be available to our dedicated dealers from the
“Going into 2011, the Moda catalogue expands to include triathlon and titanium builds.”
end of February. Just 300 of the limited edition Stretto model will be available and back orders are already coming in. “Going into 2011, the Moda catalogue expands greatly and will eventually in clude a titanium build and two carbon triathlon models. These should be available from around September. What’s more, like our existing range, these are will all be hand-built in the UK.” Two new staff members, James Ryan and James Watling, have also recently joined the distribution firm. For more on their stories, see page 46. Eurobike: 01332 774796
Your Cycling City needs you CYCLE retailers have been invited to get more closely involved with the Cycllng City and Town programme in an effort to further boost cyclist
numbers locally and, in turn, cash in on the additional business. The scheme originally ran across six towns until January 2008, when the
Goverment pledged £140m to roll the programme out across a further 12 areas in England. Almost £23 million is being invested on encouraging more people to ride in the Gloucester area, and the initiative organisers there have called on local bike shops to lend their support to get more bums on saddles. Two thirds of the cash is to be spent on cycling infrastructure, with the remainder being spent on marketing. Cycle Gloucester’s Cycling City Officer Darren Little told BikeBiz that one of the key areas where cyclist numbers are being boosted is in the workplace and that’s
a vital area where retailers can get involved. Little said: “One of the next workplaces we’re visiting is the Ministry of Defence in Bristol. Evans Cycles is hoping to come along with our visit – and there are eight to ten thousand people working there – so there’s a great opportunity to add to cyclist number there. “Vouchers and discounts are one of the key ways for shops in the trade to get involved in the project. Another way is by donating competition prizes. Hopefully, when other stores see how the likes of Evans have been getting involved, that’ll inspire stores in the area to get involved.”
The initiative saw cycling increase by 27 per cent in the project’s first three years. The success of this second phase won’t be measured until the project ends on March 31st, 2011. Two and a half million adults and children could benefit from the scheme. Little added: “Cambridge is a great example, not so much in terms of infrastructure, but in the culture of the place, which is supported by the university. Exeter is another city that is doing great things. It has had funding for Cycling City status for six years now, and we’ve had ours for just over a year.” Cycle Gloucester: 01454 864056
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CHAIN REACTION
It’s time to dump the jargon Cycle companies still talk like trainspotters and there’s a long way to go to communicate effectively with mainstream consumers, says award-winning consumer journalist and copywriter Simon Munk…
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ACTIVE Braking Pivot… Functional Advanced Composite Technology… Quad-Link Suspension… the cycle trade loves jargon. Bandy around a new trademarked bit of tech, slap on an acronym and the punters lap it up. That’s if your market is nerdy blokes in Lycra. If you want your market to include the mainstream consumer – commuters on hybrids, hip kids on fixies, mums on ebikes – then the last thing you want to do is blind them with science. SHOW, DON’T TELL At last year’s Cycle Show, designed to attract mainstream interest in cycling, there was little evidence that parts of the industry understand how to engage with the mass-market consumer. While it was a storming success in terms of visitor numbers, how many people actually came to buy a bike and left any wiser? I write about cycling (as well as consumer technology, video games and more) for national newspapers, mainstream magazines and a host of websites. I also know bikes – I’ve been riding and tinkering with
them for decades. I even know the jargon – I have to, to spot what’s new and exciting and cover it. Yet I was mystified by the show, and so were several fellow cycling consumer
“If you want your market to include the mainstream consumer, then the last thing you want to do is blind them with science.” journalists I know. What chance, then, the dads, grannies and teenage non-hardcore out for the day? Row after row of nearidentical bikes with nothing to differentiate themselves. Stands with brochures full of buzzwords, but no information labels on the bikes themselves. Some stands – the public face of many major cycling companies – reminded me of the average bike retailer. Bike shops are the public face of the entire industry for most consumers. Many are a modern-
day trainspotter’s paradise: uninformative and unwelcoming to anyone who doesn’t wear the right clothes and speak the lingo. START MAKING SENSE From one end to the other, it’s time for the industry to learn to communicate with consumers on their terms. The jargon has to go. What’s desperately needed is clear, simple communication on the merits of cycling in general, and the merits of the individual bike or piece of kit you’re trying to sell in particular. My local IBD, one of those who seem to get it right, once summed up a new ‘hardcore hardtail’ mountain bike as “just fun for messing about on”. That’s the right idea – it told me what I
needed to know about both the pros and cons of the bike. And all in six simple words. So, how to grab a share of the mainstream? Start talking sense. I would say this – I’m cofounder of a new copywriting agency of three award-winning consumer journalists who love cycling and the outdoors – but what’s needed across the entire industry is more consumerfacing savvy. It might make perfect sense to employ an ex-pro racer as your marketing manager if you spend all your time talking to whippets. But it’s time to start talking to more mainstream communication experts if you want to talk to more mainstream audiences.
Copywriting for cycling FROM something as simple as the information cards printed to display alongside bikes at shows and in shops, to instruction manuals, marketing brochures, press releases, websites and adverts – written communication in the cycling industry could be much clearer and better. And the answer is simple.
Magic Number Creative is a small copywriting-and-more agency formed by three award-winning consumer journalists. By using a freelance, out-of-house agency like us, it's possible to get high-quality written materials to deadline, at a relatively low price. magicnumbercreative.co.uk
BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY 9
RALEIGH NEWS ROUND UP
Raleigh kicks off 2010 biz with a bang Cyclelife incentive bolstered with C2W programme CYCLELIFE stores will gain access to a lucrative Raleigh-run Cycle to Work scheme as of this month. Unveiled and explained to dealers at a January Heron Club meet, the distributor’s programme charges just five per cent on bikes sold, but with the added perk of a further five per cent discount on all Raleigh models sold. These terms apply on all business referred by the dealer, whereas the fee is ten per cent if the referral came from another. What’s more, participating does not forbid stores from taking part in other facilitators’ schemes. For full details on Raleigh’s own C2W scheme, visit www.cyclelife-c2w.com.
BH Bikes joins the Heron’s nest ONE OF Europe’s oldest bike brands, BH Bikes, has joined forces with Raleigh in an exclusive distribution deal for mainland UK territory. The Nottinghamshire distributor will initially focus on a range that includes 16 road bikes and 18 mountain bikes. The MTB range starts at £419.99 for the disc brakeequipped Over-X 5.7 and the road bikes start at £549.99 with the Volan Touring. The crowd pleaser at Raleigh’s recent Heron’s Club show was certainly the rangetopping G5 road bike. This build has a stunning 810gram frame with extended aero seat tube and is available specced with a range of groupsets including Shimano Ultegra, Dura Ace and Sram Red. José Miguel Aracama of BH Bikes Europe says of the deal: “I am really pleased to have
Raleigh dips into high-end electrics RALEIGH has declared its interest in the electric bike market, announcing that it is to bring in a model called the Dover Deluxe Premium. This will be the first model to be launched in the Raleigh e-bike range, which could potentially expand further. The Dover Deluxe Premium is powered by a Panasonic 26v 10Ah Lithium battery, through the 250w brushless crank
mounted Panasonic motor unit. Retail price has been set at £1,799 and the model will be available in both a 45cm/17.5-inch low step frame, and a 53cm/21-inch crossbar frame. The Panasonic system, as fitted to the bike, is renowned for durability and performance; it drives through the bike’s own gears instead of the conventional hub motors The new Dover Deluxe Premium e-bike from Raleigh
10 BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY
On the back of January’s Heron Club meet, Raleigh made several announcements set to boost business in 2010. Mark Sutton and Chris Keller Jackson find out more...
found on many others. The battery weighs in at 2.4kgs, with a standard recharge time of five hours for a full charge. As it is lithium it can be topup charged as required. The bike has three pre-set modes of assistance, high power (25mile range) medium power (35-mile range) and economy (50-mile range). It is a pure pedal-assist only system, using Panasonic’s patented noncontact torque sensor. Raleigh has taken on an e-bike specialist in Lloyd Clarkson, who will set up the dealer network of Raleigh authorised e-bike centres and whose staff will be trained specifically on the e-bike range. For authorised stockists there will also be an in-store unit, and a comprehensive marketing plan to educate consumers and drive them toward stockists.
developed our relationship with Raleigh and I am very confident that with Raleigh’s support and strengths in the UK, we can together grow the BH brand and bring it to the
attention of the core of UK cycling enthusiasts,” Stockists are now actively sought across the UK and all those interested should contact Raleigh on 01773 532600.
Road and mountain bikes will be the focus for Raleigh and BH Bikes when they team up
Team Raleigh launched in Nottingham to a fanfare
© Chris Keller Jackson DURING January at Eastwood Hall, the new team Raleigh was launched as a competitive force within the domestic road-racing scene and selected continental races for 2010. David Duffield presented ten riders and their team manager, ex-Kenesis boss Chris Truett, to a packed audience, signalling a resurgence and a re-focusing of effort to give dealers confidence in the brand’s passion going forwards.
It’s not just the roads that Raleigh’s talent will be taking to as the new decade dawns either. A stalwart of the Trials display scene, Martyn Ashton, and young and talented upstart Sam Pilgrim, are joined by Rowan Johns and Kurt Brain as Team Ashton Diamondback herald in a new season with what already looks like a full calendar with over 40 events planned for 2010, as well as an ever growing range of signature bikes.
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BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY 11
OFF THE RADAR
Women’s sport suffers as men’s cycling flourishes Cyclingnews US editor Laura Weislo looks at the state of the two sides of cycling and suggests a way that male and female athletes can all get the support they need... CONSIDERING that we’ve been experiencing what’s supposed to be the worst economy since the great depression, cycling seems to be doing pretty well – or is it? With less sponsorship money and manufacturers cutting back on what they give to teams, are the rich simply richer and the poor gone out to get real jobs? Looking at men’s cycling, things seem to be better than ever. Two new teams have entered the upper crust of the sport. Team Sky seems ready to take over the world of cycling with the biggest budget and most powerful media presence in cycling history, and RadioShack has the power of Lance Armstrong and a sizeable bank balance in its favour. There are still 18 men’s ProTour teams and 21 Professional Continental teams, so from all indicators the top level of cycling has remained largely unaffected, even if some teams are doing more with less. The economy has really hit hard in women’s cycling. Most people are unaware that a top women’s team runs on less than one tenth of the budget their male counterparts receive. If you
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took the salaries of the top ten female racers in the USA and added them together, it might be what a mid-pack rider on a Pro Continental team makes. That’s because the women’s teams follow the rules of the lowest level men’s pro teams, which have no requirement for a minimum salary. The result is that very few of the world’s top female cyclists earn a wage and so women’s teams have been vanishing. While Team Sky is living large and driving Jaguars, the reigning Olympic champion and twotime winner of the World Cup, Nicole Cooke, doesn’t have a team that can pay her a salary. And it’s not just her, but former World Champion Amber Neben, former German champion Trixi Worrack and other top riders too. Imagine if Alberto Contador, David Zabriskie and Heinrich Haussler couldn’t find a team or were riding for free. Women’s teams are run by people who dedicate themselves to the support of women’s cycling, not because it’s their job, but because it’s their passion. In the USA, people like Michael Engleman (USWCDP),
“The economy has really hit hard in women’s cycling. Most are unaware that a top women’s team runs on less than one tenth of the budget their male counterparts receive.”
Dave Verecchia (Vanderkitten), Lisa Hunt (VBF), Nicola Cranmer (Proman) and dozens of other dedicated people dig into their own pockets and work their hearts out to help women’s cycling. Aside from salary, another problem has been the loss of several high-profile UCI women’s races like the Montreal World Cup, Grand Tour du Montreal, Tour de PEI and likely the Rund um die Nürnberger Altstadt, Grande Boucle Féminine Internationale and Tour de Berne. What’s the solution? I call upon the men’s side to share the
wealth, much like HTC-Columbia and Cervelo do, and carve out a fraction of their budgets to support a women’s team. Ask Bob Stapleton how it’s done – he’s been dedicated to running a successful men’s and women’s squad for years. But why can’t more teams do the same? It’s great that RadioShack and Garmin are supporting men’s development teams, as this too is an important part of the sport. But you could fund an entire women’s squad with what these two teams spend on hospitality, and there are current female champions who have nothing.
Laura Weislo, editor of Cyclingnews, is extremely passionate about helping to promote women’s cycling
BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY 13
BRAND SPOTLIGHT KCNC
Bling is in… …as is saving a few quid where possible. Mark Sutton talks to Clee Cycles owner and KCNC distributor Andy Jones about how the brand has the looks, the value and the performance to take on the big names… So you have a deal with KCNC, how did that come about? We were retailing KCNC products three years ago as we considered them to be interesting in design, very competitive in weight compared to carbon items, and much better value for money. We tried and tested the parts and found them to perform as well. We had a small shop and website specialising in mountain bike and cross-country racing and quickly realised there was a market for these parts. Then, the UK distributor folded meaning we had no supply, so we approached KCNC directly and it agreed to supply us. We continued to retail, then decided it was worth pushing its products in the UK, so agreed a distribution contract. This is our second year of distribution and the brand is establishing a good reputation. Where does the brand originate from? Ken Chang Industries was manufacturing high-quality alloy components for some big brands over ten years ago, yet the business has diversified into own-brand products. Ken is the driving force behind the company, and the chief engineer, so it’s essentially a Taiwanese family business. Its skills are in CNC machining, and Ken has a passion for lightweight designs and components. This led him to introduce a house brand – KCNC. The firm now specialises in machining ultra lightweight products from aluminium, scandium and titanium alloys. Will you be importing the entire catalogue? The range is extensive and includes BMX, jump, freeride, DH, lightweight cross-country and road parts. We’re currently focusing on the lightweight range as we feel it’s the area where the brand can excel. We will import the entire range if demand arises.
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There are some unique products among the MTB parts. Do these come at a price? Ken likes to design things from the ground up, so a number of products are unique in that sense. The products of most interest have been the Scandium bars, which are incredibly forgiving, as well as light and strong. Sticking with scandium, the KCNC mountain bike stems come complete with Ti bolts. Then there are the scandium seat posts that are lighter than nearly all carbon posts on the market.
“We’re currently focusing on the lightweight range as we feel it’s the area where the brand can excel.” Andy Jones, Clee Cycles The cranksets are truly exceptional. They weigh in lighter than the Shimano XTR model and are nearly as stiff. KCNC’s units are available as a 2x9 or ten, or a 3x9, narrow Q-factor, and retail at £275 in black. New models will be available soon in anodised black, gold and red with solid looking, but light ‘Blade’ chainrings for road and off-road use. The new Radiant external headsets use the cups as the bearing surface to save a few extra grams. The cups and cones are machined from stainless steel and given a titanium nitride treatment resulting in the gold colour and retail at a competitive price of £64.99. How has the brand performed sales-wise to date? Sales have improved massively over the last couple of years, as is to be expected with a quality topend range that is new to the UK.
What stores are taking stock? The smaller IBDs that have customers looking for weight savings for competition bikes, or just something that looks a bit different. The range of anodized colours seem to be making a comeback, and some lower value items such as jockey wheels, headset spacers and bolts can really add a classy finish to a custom bike. The draw is excellent value for money compared to other brands. We’ve kept prices competitive during the last 12 months to try and keep the brand alive during the economic downturn – this has been maintained for 2010 with no price rises. Smaller components seem orientated toward ‘tricking out’ bikes. Are the products popular with fixie and BMX riders who are synonymous with custom builds? They have, but no more than with other styles – it seems bling is in. Why should road specialist stores take note of the KCNC Campag or Shimano alternative parts? The main difference is weight saving for less money. Both quality and pricing are exceptional value when compared to the big brands. Roadies looking to save every gram appreciate the products, whereas others just like to be different. The brakes have been featured in consumer mags – did the press give good feedback? The reviews were mixed. Mostly very good and concluding that the unit was of an excellent quality, looked the part and was competitive. A couple said, correctly in my opinion, the power wasn’t as good as some of the heavier brakes on the market. KCNC has taken this on board and is now redesigning the caliper arms to stiffen them without significantly increasing the
Clee Cycles: 01746 712882
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AN ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO RETAILERS, SUPPLIERS AND SERVICES WITHIN THE CYCLE TRADE
For advertising opportunities contact: Carly.Bailey@intentmedia.co.uk or call 01992 535647
To be included in the 2010 BikeBiz Bible please email your business details to: BikeBizBible@intentmedia.co.uk
ICEBIKE* PREVIEW
Ready to roll... Several exciting product revelations have been announced ahead of this month’s iceBike*. Mark Sutton discusses some of the highlights with Madison marketing director Will Fripp…
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MADISON has begun 2010 with a spring in its step, given the takeover of DT Swiss distribution from Pace Cycles. The brand’s ever increasing presence in the suspension market is just one of the many aspects the distributor will be highlighting during iceBike*. Having made firm progress expanding its portfolio, there will be generous helpings of previously unseen and largely redeveloped products on display when Madison’s house show rolls around again this month. Having made a strong commitment to the Pearl Izumi brand, hiring dedicated staff to handle its development, much of the new clothing and accessories line will be on show and ready for order. So, new product aside, are there any concrete, last-minute reasons to sign-up for iceBike*?
Marketing manager Will Fripp believes that a trip to Milton Keynes is invaluable and won’t leave anyone out of pocket. “Visiting iceBike* will pay for itself for virtually all dealers
“Besides, many come along just for pleasure. We put a lot of effort into the event to make it comfortable, fun and entertaining – especially for the evenings.”
“Visiting iceBike* will pay for itself for all dealers simply by them taking up a few special offers. These will be offers on items most dealers need every day.” Will Fripp, Madison simply by them taking up a few of the special offers. These won’t just be offers for products out of dealers’ main range plans, but will be offers on items most dealers need every day. With so many market-leading brands under one roof, it would be disadvantageous to miss it.
If you’re yet to become a Madison customer, and are curious about what the distributor could offer your business, invites have been extended to all ‘bricks and mortar’ trade members. “We have built a new website for show registration that also
allows for non-account holders to request attendance,” says Fripp. “Our automated system allows our national sales manager to approve them. This year, more than ever before, we have had lots of requests from new bricks and mortar retailers.” Although tight-lipped over the development, Fripp hints that visitors may get to see the next development stage of the already much applauded Madison B2B website. “We will have four B2B terminals in use at the show and our eCommerce manager will be on hand to discuss and have one-to-one sessions with any customers. We are hoping to have a big new development for our B2B live in time for the show. I can’t discuss exactly what this is yet, but it follows our standard B2B premise of customers being able to do
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ICEBIKE* PREVIEW
Dennis Reid will be appearing at the show
anything they can with Madison through normal communications – just online.” Attendees needn’t wait until they’ve arrived back home to place orders though; in fact, orders at iceBike* will be positively encouraged through a number of one-time specials. “This year’s special offer pack will be our strongest yet,” adds Fripp. “There will be two types of offer in the pack, denoted by differing coloured papers. One will be show-only offers, all of which are simply crazy in terms of value and have to be ordered at iceBike*. The other will be fantastic offers that give a few days more than the end of the show, allowing dealers more time to stock check.” It doesn’t seem that long ago that the trade was invited to the first batch of 2010 previews, but guess what – iceBike* will serve as a sneak preview for many
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2010 prototypes from Commencal, Genesis and Ridgeback. The second wave of Saracen’s ‘rebirth’ is also due, with first looks at the Kili and Urban bicycles. Previously, some of the main on-site attractions, shiny bits and bikes aside, have been the seminars with key industry retail experts. Seat-filler Jay Townley will take to the stage once more, as will Dennis Reid, whose appearance has been sponsored by the ACT. Both speakers will be presenting different content each day – so Madison customers should look out for an email newsletter detailing their topics. This content will also be updated, along side schedules and news, on the event’s website – www.icebike.co.uk.
BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY 17
MOORE LARGE SEMINAR PREVIEW
Moore Large will be presenting its latest ranges to bike dealers across the UK on March 2nd
One of the recent brands Moore Large has taken on board is Oyama, providing compact folding solutions for the avid biker
Largin’ it Moore Large’s third seminar event takes place in a few weeks. Jonathon Harker finds out what attending dealers can expect to see… ON THE BACK of a host of new announcements, Moore Large is once again throwing open the doors of its Derby HQ to present the latest ranges to cycle dealers from across the country. Taking place next month from Tuesday March 2nd to Friday March 5th, Moore Large’s inhouse show – branded Today’s Cyclist – will also keep up its tradition of presenting a series of short seminars on new products, marketing strategies and more. The seminars are set to take place over two of the days (2nd and 3rd) and will see key speakers from Moore Large’s global suppliers. Guests from Australia, America, Italy, Portugal, Denmark and Taiwan will be on hand to provide the latest insights into their brands and plans for 2010. BRAND NEW The event will see the official launch and the first chance for many dealers to get their hands on some of the new brands Moore Large has recently taken on board, including Blackjack
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“Forme targets the fitness and commuting sector of the market. It is a house brand, allowing us to offer very attractive pricing for all parties involved.” Adam Biggs, Moore Large wheels, Forme and folding bike brand Oyama. The Rodimanufactured Blackjack line of premium wheels covers the road, cross country, freeride and downhill sectors. The wheelsets will already be in stock by the time this issue lands, retailing from £179.99 to £359.99, assembled using latest generation formula hubs and offering a range of sleeved, pinned or welded rims. Meanwhile, Forme will see Moore Large take on road and fitness cycles from the brand. The competitively priced range – retailing from £450 to £1,000 – will be on hand for attending dealers to view. The introduction of Forme is part of the
ESSENTIAL INFO Seminars run on March
2nd and 3rd. Showrooms open on
March 4th and 5th. Refreshments will be
available throughout the seminar days. For more information, dealers should contact their area manager or sales team. E: sales@moorelarge.co.uk T: 01332 274252 W: www.moorelarge.co.uk LOCATION: Moore Large HQ Sinfin Lane Industrial Estate Derby DE24 9GL
distributor’s move to raise the profile of its IBD bicycle division, following the bagging of Basso in 2008. Brand manager Adam Biggs explains: “Forme targets the fitness and commuting sector of the market. It is a house brand, allowing us to offer very attractive pricing for all parties involved. “Within such a saturated market, we aim to promote the brand successfully by offering optimal dealer support, solid stock levels, superior aesthetics and the fact that it’s developed by a British company.” The Oyama range, revealed last month, includes 11 models across four ranges: Urban 66, Classics, Pure and Sports. Moore Large says that its lack of representation in the growing folding bike sector was behind the signing. With prices ranging from £299.95 to £899.95 here in the UK, Oyama promises safe, fast, light and compact folding solutions. Oyama is already being distributed across Europe, including Belgium, Spain, Germany and Greece.
Aside from those new brands, there will be plenty of new lines and ranges from Moore Large’s existing names like Haro, Onza and Izip. All three of those are set to attend the seminars, discussing technical product features, brand history, positioning and marketing strategies. Not only providing dealers with a unique insight, the seminars will also give retailers chance to see and try the products for themselves. Dealers will get a chance to ask questions and give feedback to key representatives from each brand. Premium accessory lines will also be in attendance at the seminar days, including Knog, Kenda, Lake, Limar, Tifosi, Vanguard, Onguard and OK Baby. Throughout the event, there will be four presentations on the hour, every hour, across five different seminar rooms, providing dealers with the chance to choose which sessions are most appropriate to them and fit in as much as they would like.
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MYSTERY SHOPPER
Oxford
University challenged? There’s more to Oxford than spires, students and Inspector Morse, as Mystery Shopper found out when he asked the town’s retailers for their advice on folding bikes…
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Bike Zone
Beeline Bicycles
LOCATED CLOSE to the main shopping strip and one of Oxford’s many colleges, Bike Zone is well placed to pick up passing trade from shoppers and students alike. Inside the modestly sized store, bike labelling was good and the well-placed counter meant that shoppers could be quickly greeted and helped by staff. One of the sales assistants took me through the features and materials of the two folding bikes the shop stocked, and I was advised they were easy to operate. After asking about their popularity, the staff member informed me that they were extremely sought-after, but that shoppers are effectively paying an extra £100 or so than one would normally pay for an equivalent nonfolding bike. He advised me that technically, more can go wrong with a folding bike, but in terms of their forte – fitting into limited spaces – they were hard to beat. The friendly staff member was happy to go through features at length, explaining various parts to me, and offered a catalogue so I could read about the models in stock. He also suggested a test ride – if I came back with a photo ID.
OCCUPYING A large footprint on a busy thoroughfare leading into Oxford, Beeline Bicycles stocked bikes from the mid to high end. After browsing the ranges in the vibrant, busy store, Mystery Shopper was informed that Beeline didn’t stock folding bikes. But despite that fact – and that the shop wasn’t going to make any money from me – the sales assistant was happy to chat about the pros and cons of them, a measure of the high-level customer service the shop provided. He said Beeline didn’t stock folders for a variety of reasons. They were slow sellers, and the decent models were all relatively expensive and off-putting for those looking to dabble in the genre. He said that the store chose not to cover a broad range of bikes, but rather concentrate on a smaller selection and do that well, adding that folding bikes might be more popular in areas like London. He then recommended a local store that stocked a wide range. Despite the lack of relevant product, the store earned top marks for taking time to provide advice on folders, and for the obvious enthusiasm of the sales assistant.
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MYSTERY SHOPPER
Warlands OFFERING perhaps the best range of folding bikes on the day, Warlands – aka Botley Road Cycles – is set close to Oxford’s train station. I was asked if I needed help on entering the bustling store. Warlands provided good bike signage and recommended Brompton bikes as ideal in terms of comfort and longevity, while also warning me that the manufacturer’s bikes were quite expensive. The motivated sales assistant offered to fetch a bike to demonstrate the folding mechanism. He also assured me about the quality of the build by showing a ten-year-old model that had recently been in for a service. Assuring me that it was sturdy, the staff member went on to discuss Dahon as a major alternative to the Brompton, which was crucially not as expensive. Overall, Warlands provided a good range of folding cycles with decent customer service.
? Cycle King
Cycloanalysts
OXFORD’S Cycle King is another large bike store serving the city’s cycle shoppers on a busy road near the town centre. The shop features eye-catching sale signage outside – something that was followed up consistently throughout the shop. Cycle King also had a large display of bikes outside, hinting at the huge selection of product indoors, which led to what can only be described as a fussy interior. After walking around the shop and then asking for assistance, the staff were happy to help and go through the store’s folding range. Cycle King stocked a good number of folders – though not from as well-known names as some of the other stores on the day. The bikes were also placed at lower price points – largely in the £200 to £250 category. The sales assistant encouraged Mystery Shopper to spend more money on an improved model, telling me that an extra £25 would buy a bike made from a lighter and non-rust material. The employee also assured me that folding bikes are popular, when I said I was weighing up whether to opt for one or not. Overall the shop stocked a good, if value, range of folders, with decent unhurried advice on offer.
SET ON the same thoroughfare as Cycle King and Beeline, Mystery Shopper was greeted and offered help soon after entering the Cycloanalysts store. The shop stocked a couple of models – both of which, I was assured, were good quality folders. The two on offer, one of which was a Giant model, were reduced due to being from older ranges. I was informed that they would soon be ordering in 2010 models and could request one in for me if I wanted them to. I grilled the sales assistant on whether folding bikes would be more likely to ‘go wrong’ than non-folding, ‘normal’ bikes. The employee said that it may be true for some models, but not for those the store stocked – decent models with a higher price and long guarantees (the Giant model boasts a five-year guarantee). Before leaving the store, the proactive staff member gave me a catalogue of product information to take away and read at my leisure. Having gone through the bike features with very little prompting and answering a testing question or two, the sales assistant rated highly, as did the store.
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Summary MYSTERY SHOPPER visited two other stores in the city: JJB Sports, which didn’t stock folders and where it was hard to get the attention of the staff, and Oxford Cycle Workshop, which sold some recycled bikes, but sadly was shut on the day of the visit. Overall, the bike shops of Oxford provided a consistently good level of customer service, with most offering appropriate product. All questions were answered, with friendly advice and sales assistants willing to take the time to go over features and the pros and cons of folding bikes. Consequently, it’s tough to rate one store as a stand-out over the others. In terms of folding bikes, Warlands had a deeper product range than most, but had Beeline actually stocked folders, it could have pipped the store for its quality and knowledgeable service.
BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY 21
FISHER OUTDOORS INTERVIEW
Show business With Expo just around the corner, Fisher Outdoor Leisure CEO Richard Allmark tells Jonathon Harker what the distributor has in store for bike dealers at the show and throughout 2010…
It’s been another busy year for Fisher Outdoor Leisure, from signing new brands like Kaaboom, to bringing out new ranges from established brands like SRAM XX. What have been the highlights? It’s very difficult to single out highlights, because so much of the brand portfolio performed incredibly well in 2009. Norco has had its biggest ever year in the UK and sales of Tacx, LOOK and Smart have gone through the roof, but if I had to name one brand that’s really exploded I’d say SRAM. With the ongoing road market share growth, the launch of SRAM wheels and latterly the amazing response to XO colour and XX groupsets, it’s been a fantastic year. Of course we’re delighted with the initial success of the Kaaboom cleaning range and 2010 will see the brand take an even greater market share. With bspoke, Kansi and new brand Vavert, it seems that Fisher is continuing to get behind the commuting sector. Is that a fair assessment? I think that’s a very fair
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assessment and wouldn’t it be more bizarre if we weren’t? We want to work even more closely with our retail customers and end users to ensure that our brands are providing the right commercial benefits as well as always being in tune with commuters’ needs. Kansi, bspoke and VaVert are three brands very capable of doing this. Despite parting company with Dahon, Fisher has kept within the folding bicycle market
will set it aside as a brand for riders – and we’ll make sure we keep them on their bikes. The ‘collect in store’ policy for Kansi also demonstrates that Kansi is an IBD service-driven brand, which is great news for the specialist sector. Regarding Expo, the event has moved to St Albans this year. Was the decision largely down to practicalities – because it was nearer to Fisher HQ? We had a couple of good years
“I really urge all of our customers to come and spend some time with us at Expo. It’s a great opportunity to plan ahead together.” Richard Allmark, Fisher Outdoor Leisure with Kansi. Is that a sign of how important Fisher sees the folding bike sector? Not only do we see the folding bike category as important, we think that it can be managed better. The brand values inherent in Kansi mean the retailers’ and end users’ experience of Kansi
at Edgbaston, but the time to bring Expo home was upon us. Expo will now take place at the Sopwell House hotel which is a beautiful hotel only five minutes from Fisher HQ. During Expo we will be running trips to our offices and warehouse, where I’ll personally be showing people
around and demonstrating the benefits of the significant investments we’ve made in the past 24 months. I really urge all of our customers to come and spend some time with us at Expo to understand how we plan to move our businesses forward and how we can support each other within real partnerships. This is a great opportunity to plan ahead together. What are some of the other key reasons and attractions for dealers to attend? It’s always easy to talk product, product, product – but come along to Expo to see for yourselves as there will be an enormous amount of gear to view, including the new Kansi folding bikes, the range of VaVert accessories and Airace pumps. It’s also the first opportunity to view all our spring/summer clothing ranges in their entirety, see the new SRAM wheels and view the entire model range of Norco and LOOK bikes for 2010. On top of all of this, at 10am on Sunday morning we will have a charity cycle ride around the
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FISHER OUTDOORS INTERVIEW
beautiful Hertfordshire country lanes in order to raise funds for the Stephen Murray foundation. The more participants the better – including some of the BikeBiz team, I hope. Will there be any incentives and special offers for attendees? As always, Expo will be packed full of brilliant profit boosting promotions/offers – available only to people attending. Can you reveal who will speak at the seminars? We’re pleased to welcome a number of external speakers to Expo this year. Cycle Systems (aka Bike Doctor) will be running technical seminars; we’ll have an external marketing company offering ideas to drive business; Sustrans will be presenting – highlighting BikeIt’s achievements as well as celebrating 15 years of the National Cycle Network; and finally Cyclescheme will be there to present and talk about what is has been doing nationwide. Representatives from all these organisations will also be free
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for one-to-one talks for the duration of Expo 2010. Will there be any cycling celebrities at Expo 2010? Aligned to our recently announced sponsorship of the Dirt Norco racing team and the Endura Racing team, we will have riders from both teams there, and we’re very pleased to welcome international stars Jamie Staff and Steve Peat. What are the biggest challenges ahead for Fisher in 2010? I honestly believe the biggest challenges we face in 2010 are the ones we are setting for ourselves. We are setting new standards of excellence in all matters related to our customers’ experience with us and this is something we really want to engage with all of our customers on. The brand-building activities we engage in every year are always stimulating and challenging, but I do find the wonderful plans we have for Kansi and Norco in 2010 particularly exciting and I will be
keeping very close to the development of these brands over the coming years. It’s very difficult to comment on whether or not the economy or exchange rates will further impact on the industry, but the positive external factors are all still very much alive and stimulating our businesses in a positive way. Is there anything you’d like to tell the trade? I would just like to add that the Fisher business has really changed for the better. Fisher is continuously evolving and improving. We understand that continued change is crucial in a fast maturing industry – and through our investments we will show we are totally committed to supporting the specialist cycle retail network. I know very well that during our change process we didn’t hit all the right
notes with some of our customers, but if you take a look now, you’ll find a new Fisher – a Fisher hungry and willing to take the opportunities the market is presenting to us all – so why not take them with us?
Fisher has a lot of exciting products coming up in the next year – how many do you have on order?
BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY 23
CORE REVIEW
COULD BE A CORE-KER: After a day’s business, Core sits the trade down for an evening meal and some entertainment
Core Bike races ahead Serving as a retail refresher to a portion of the trade’s 2010 catalogue, Core Bike has fast become an essential calendar date. Mark Sutton and Jonathon Harker provide a room-by-room run-down of some of the show’s product highlight and a few surprises too…
2Pure THE long-awaited, revised Crank Brothers Joplin Four seatpost finally made an appearance at Core and is now in stock at 2Pure. For this mark four design, the internals have been completely redesigned from the previous model. The post now has four inches of drop and no side-to-side movement, something that has never quite been perfected in previous designs. A model adjusted via a handlebar switch is now available for £234.99 retail, while the under-saddle adjusted model, and the more popular of the two, comes in at £199.99. Clif Bar has developed a new protein bar, which contains 20 grams of the muscle building stuff. Dubbed the Builder’s bar, the post-workout snack comes in three flavours – choc peanut, mint-choc and plain chocolate.
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A newly developed electrolyte drink mix was also on test with the trade for the first time. Containing no artificial flavourings, the drink mix is designed to hydrate primarily and provide carbohydrates. A POS system is available with various Clif bar stock-ins. Redesigned Lizard Skins gloves were attracting plenty of interest. The new Glove, available as a mitt or full-finger glove, carries beefed up stitching in all the vulnerable places and will retail for £18.99 and £22.99 respectively. Perhaps the highlight of 2Pure's product and the one most likely to empty wallets was the new Ibis HD, which sits above the Mojo SL and top of the six-bike range. The frameset is far more freeride-capable thanks to thick carbon fibre sections and a tapered steerer. The frame weighs in at 6.2 pounds, while a top-end complete build will hit the scales around 26.5 pounds.
BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY 25
CORE REVIEW
Chicken Cyclekit FOR THE most part, Chicken Cyclelkit’s brands had a number of previously unseen items on show, from new women’s and kid’s builds from house brand Tifosi, to returning retro saddles from Selle Italia. Time had a new shoe of particular interest to those dealing in tailored clip-in pedal combinations. The new iClic Fibreflex shoe works with five separate clip in pedal designs. The shoe itself has ‘Q-Factor adjustment; providing a more lateral foot position on the pedal. Costing £82.99 a pair, they wont break the bank either. New track specific components were all over the Chicken stand too, with Miche having developed its
Buffera THE SUE ME brand features an evolving range that is continually tweaked and improved upon. Consequently, the brand isn’t confined to bringing out new ranges with the traditional season timing, and at Core the latest versions of the firm’s range were on show. Offering tees, hoodies and accessories, the Sue Me slogan ‘what goes around comes around’ is a mission statement, with the firm looking to use natural, sustainable materials, and taking care of its workers, but without jumping on the ‘ethical bandwagon’. Sue Me’s Tees are made from a combination of organic cotton (30 per cent) and bamboo viscose (70 per cent) for an ultra comfortable material, moisture absorbance and some allimportant natural give. The brand revealed that it’s planning to create a sport-specific Sue Me line, though this will not likely to appear for
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track crankset, chainrings, seatposts and more in a variety of colours. These will all land with Chicken Cyclekit around midFebruary. Selle Italia has listened to the demand on the streets too and as a result has brought back an old track favourite saddle. Costing £66, the saddle is exactly the same in design as the 1990 favourite. Higher in the range and also a vintage favourite, Selle Italia’s Turbomatic saddle will also be in stock soon, costing £116 at retail. Nalini’s clothing caught the eye of many with a range of stand-out, colourful designs and tour-team specific jerseys. Bianchi dealers in particular were flocking to the stand to check out the Bianchi-specific collection, which is in stock now and receiving strong orders. Nalini manufactures seven out of the 20 international tour team’s clothing.
Citrus Lime NOW established at Core, Citrus Lime’s stand was busier than ever, with its tailor-made bike store solutions The Workshop Module, launched in the last year, was part of CL’s key offering at the show. The system aims to make the administrative side of the the workshop a far simpler business, allowing dealers to calendar each job and track it from order to collection to deliver and record each part used and the amount of labour. The system also automatically emails or texts a customer once the workshop task is complete. By cutting down on the red tape, the Workshop Module aims to trim the time and mental effort used to run the
workshop, cutting costs and providing more time to look after customers. With the workshop an increasingly important part of dealers’ business, the module is proving worth its weight in gold to those with little time to follow up with customers. The module provides easy access to customer contact details, with key information – including how often the customer visits and how much they splash out – to hand. An Outlook-style calendar with drag and drop functionality and SMS support the module which is, according to Citrus Lime, future-proof as it is based on the Microsoft Point of Sale system. As well as providing demonstrations at the show, the Citrus-Lime team can provide online demonstrations for interested dealers.
some time. Aside from the Sue Me brand, Buff’s range of Merino lines proved to be a continuing success for the firm, stoking dealer interest and prompting more enquiries, due in part to the Buff range’s wide appeal across the outdoors markets. Buffera is also offering new point-of-sale material for stockists too, with an eye-catching ‘inspired by nature’ stand available to dealers now.
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DESIGNED, TESTED & MANUFACTURED IN BARNOLDSWICK ENGLAND
The new benchmark XC brake
Complete brake only 281g (inc. all ямБxings) www.hopetech.com 01282 851200
28 BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY
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CORE REVIEW
Fox HAVING moved the design department from sunny California to Canada, the Fox team has become far more aware of the cold and wet weather that the UK suffers with more or less all year round. This has lead the clothing specialist to diversify product away from its
traditionally summery products and into waterproofs and thermal items. However, the highlight of the Fox room had to be the brand’s £280 full carbon, full-face helmet. A knee pad costing around £45 at retail will also be available shortly from the firm. Fox confirmed to BikeBiz that it is still seeking new dealers in lessercovered territory and would be keen to speak with potential stockists.
Hope MACHINED finishing kit caused the most hype on the Hope stand, with the Eternity seatpost finally being made available for order. The Hope-designed and built post is CNC machined from 2014 T6 and utilises a two-bolt clamp with incremental adjustment. The main tube is made from an altium alloy and anodised and laser etched, giving it a tough surface and a virtually unmatchable corrosion resistance. One size, a 400mm length post, is available. Hope also brought along its line of stems covering MTB, road, freeride,
Cordee THE RANGE and depth of books for the cycle market was a bit of an eye-opener for many at the Core Bike Show.
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Cordee’s debut at the event hoped to tackle that misconception and underline the fact that the firm is a one-stopshop, so to speak, for a broad range of cycle books. The show looked to be a crucial way to raise awareness of the increasing numbers of bikerelated books available to the market. Ordnance Survey maps continued to grab much of dealers attention at the show, with nifty point-ofsale counter top units going down well, according to Cordee. The firm also showcased its metre shelf selection, containing the top-selling books from the ranges as a guide for visiting dealers. The diverse titles ranged from the likes of name-driven titles like
Chris Hoy’s autobiography and Lance Armstrong’s It’s Not About the Bike, to road bike maintenance guides and the humorous Crap Cycle Lanes. For dealers stuck for space in store to dedicate to books, the counter-top-units provide a useful alternative.
Cannondale’s Lefty, as well as the Fox 40 and Rock Shox Boxxer specific build. All are CNC machined from solid billet in Barnoldswick, anodised, laseretched with the Hope logo and built from 2014 T6 aluminum. The one-piece top clamp assembly, suited to both the Fox and Rock Shox top-end DH forks, is designed to keep the front end low and the steering accurate. Two variations are on offer, with a 40mm design for the Fox 40, while the Rock Shox Boxxer specific measures 35mm. Each takes over an hour to fully machine. Both the direct mount and top vokes come as standard with titanium hardware to save the grams.
Most of all though, Cordee was keen to press the message that the cycle book market is packed with untapped potential for UK dealers, with a number of solutions available.
BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY 29
CORE REVIEW
gear, old and new. Gusset has developed a one-piece bar and stem combo, which is sure to go down well with those looking to cut the grams where possible. Debuted at Core, Gusset also had a freestyle bar, dubbed the ‘Flik’, which has been designed around the trend for super-short bars. TSG has joined Giro in offering inmolded freestyle helmets, two of which were on show at Core and weigh next to nothing compared with traditional designs. The unique ‘Kraken’ was also on display. This design applies no pressure to any area of the head, utilising a ‘cracked’ inner shell, which adapts to the rider’s head shape.
Ison ISON’S exhibition was loaded to the brim with new product and also a blast from the past in the form of a vintage Light Blue track back carrying a 100tooth sprocket in aid of the turn of the century back in 1900. Renthal had one of the more innovative products in the room, showing off a new take on the bicycle grip. Manufactured from Kevlar, the new lock on model will be available in either a soft, medium or hard compound and is sure to be a hit with those looking for something unique to grip on the trail. Identiti broke the news that it has developed a new full-suspension frame, though details are still to be announced. The prototype model was on show, however is only in testing stages at present. Fixed gear components were one of the distributor’s main focuses, with both Gusset and Halo showing a variety of
Jim Walker JIM WALKER-DISTRIBUTED Eddie Merckx bikes included new womenspecific lines for 2010, including the AFX and AMX, both aluminium and within the price bracket for Cycle to Work. The Merckx range also includes the carbon EMX-3, which has already garnered praise from the cycle press. The DeRosa brand, meanwhile, relaunched the flagship Merak carbon, together with the King 3RS, featuring a mix of Toray’s 46T and 60T fibres for enhanced rigidity, comfort and weight. Customers also get the chance to customise geometry, BB selection and headtube angles. Elsewhere the Sunn brand shone out at the show, with great value hardtails,
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downhill bikes, XC, freeride and all mountain. The award-winning Kern and the Radical BOS-equipped frameset also featured. Triathlon-focused brand Argon 18 showed off the E-80, E-112 and E114 for the TT sector, alongside the superlight carbon Gallium Pro, gallium, aluminium Radon and Krypton. The Electron, meanwhile, is a track-focused cycle, while the cyclocross market is catered for with the carbon Arsenic.
Merida AS BIKES GO, the Merida Time Warp is a good looking ride. The triathlon and time-trial frame has what the firm terms the ‘Holy Trinity’ of features – strength, stiffness and a light weight. The Merida O.Nine is the successor of the Carbon FLX, created using hard technical data from a ‘black box’ device, which provided essential data used for the improved O.Nine, a bike that Merida describes as the world’s fastest, stiffest and lightest. Having picked up a Eurobike design award last year, Merida is brimming with confidence about the Birzman product range. With product fit for the workshop and consumer, the brand’s catalogue includes ten-function carbon multi-tools, ultra light mini pumps, tool chests, and that award-winning Dragonfly chain tool, with the range designed to take advantage of the workshops increasing importance. Such
is the demand for the product that several tools were reported ‘missing’ during the course of the show. The Alpina range of helmets and eyewear were also a focus at Core, with the helmets sporting an allround-the-head fit – rather than just a front and back fit – for added comfort.
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CORE REVIEW
SealSkinz LIKE CORDEE, SealSkinz enjoyed its debut showing at Core this year. As well as a chance to showcase its range, SealSkinz also launched five new cycle products at the event, including the eye-catching winter Handle Bar Mittens. Tapping into the
Extra BURLEY’S own Taylor Reynolds showed off the latest from the brand at the Extra stand, including the new D Lite. With new and improved features, including a more comfortable seat and enhanced aesthetics. Burley’s lines are currently used at Center Parcs. The One child Solo model now has improved suspension, while the Urban commuter marks a new segment for Burley. Jango’s folding range was being demoed to dealers seeking a folding brand. Boasting quick folds (half folding in a mere two seconds) the bikes are narrow and lightweight, meaning that when folded, Jangos are easily carried. Five models make up the range. Extra had representatives from Cane Creek over for the show who were keen to emphasise the low stock-
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‘80s vibe, the lobster construction mittens use SealSkinz’ patented Xxx waterproofing with breathable membrane technology. The mittens also boast an extended cuff for additional protection with a reflective trim on the back and a digitised palm for grip and durability. The mitten is joined by the new Peaked Beanie, with an added peak to additional protection from pesky rain and low sunshine. Available in black and a variety of sizes, the beanie has a micro fleece lining and the breathable garment is water and wind proof. Three revised products were also launched at Core: the SealSkinz Winter Cycle Glove, the Extra Cold Weather Cycling Glove and the Activity Sock. It also stocks a number of other ranges for the cycle market and beyond, with cross-overs into the various outdoor industries. Each and every product includes that SealSkinz tech with a seamless three-layer construction – an outer, a waterproof highly breathable membrane, plus an inner lining. The brand, with its manufacturing base and HQ in King’s Lynn, Norfolk, has also relaunched its ranges in easier-to-understand categories – now essentially following the seasons.
Paligap MUC OFF tells BikeBiz that it has teamed up with the Force India Formula One team this season, providing a nice marketing boost for the firm. In terms of product, the firm showcased a new Cycle Cleaner Spray that can be topped up with refills, cutting down on packaging and set to arrive in stock this month. Torq’s range of performance nutrition is joined by an Organic Mango variation of the Torq Bar, and a Banoffee flavoured Torq Gel. BikeBiz can confirm that both – first seen at Cycle Show last October – taste as advertised. Saris’ new no-fuss Solo got an outing at Core, too. The simple, easy assemble rack boasts injectionmoulded arms and legs, super-strength and all for a mere £45. The Cycle Ops’ Joule computer range was also showcased. The training-centred products provide customisable dashboards for riders to manage their data as they wish. Also from the Cycle Ops stable, the PowerTap range featured at Core, utilising cunning wireless technology that lets them link up with products from other manufacturers like Garmin. Even more cleverly, the info is coded and so won’t get mixed with data from other nearby wireless machines. Other Paligap highlights included
new road and MTB wheels from Richie, and the impressive new carbon Litespeed models. Quintana Roo’s new triathlon range garnered plenty of attention too, with Eurobike gold award winner CD01 featuring the lowest drag coefficient ever. Clothing from Sombrio and Kona included handpicked UK relevant product, while Kona’s bike range now includes three UK specific rides – the Bolt, Blink and Buffer.
in needed to cover any headset requirement, whether old or new to market. Despite being a relatively new standard to market, 28 different configuratons are already exist for tapered headsets. Cane Creek solves all possible combinations with just four top cups and six bottom, lowering the required stock commitments.
BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY 33
CORE REVIEW
Silverfish IN STOCK now at Silverfish is RaceFace's new light freeride crank, the SixC. The superlight, yet no compromise build weighs in at 760 grams for a triplering package, while a double ring and bashguard package is also on offer and weighs 730 grams. That's not all of the new product from RaceFace either. Fixed gear riders have been granted a tough crank dubbed the Decadence, which can be paired up with the brand's new styled and coloured Turbine chainring. Both Shimano and Truvativ Turbine rings are also soon to be available. Finally from RaceFace, Core Bike provided the brand with an early chance to show off its new downhillsuited Atlus stem. Through a bit of clever machining the stem's reach is extendable from 30mm to 50mm. Generating the most interest in the Silverfish suite was newly onboard brand Evoc. The German baggage manufacturer surprised
Windwave TAKING PRIDE of place at the entrance to Windwave's stand was the newly announced and Core-debuted Traitor Cycles fixed gear bikes. The samples of these bikes had only arrived with Windwave a few days prior to the show's kick off, though the few models that were on show were enough to see order requests placed at the Core Bike event. Windwave marketing manager Dan Jones told BikeBiz: "Traitor's range will begin at around £600, which will buy the customer a Reynolds or Columbus tubed bike. Frame and fork kits begin at around £299 and we'll see Traitorbranded aftermarket components trickle through during 2010." Colnago's focal point was a singlespeeder too. The Master frame and fork set, due to retail for £1,549, had
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many with its range, which covers everything up to padded bike bags capable of hosting even the burliest of builds. Unique to Evoc's top-end backpack product is a 'spine plate', designed to hold the rider's posture within its limits in the event of a crash. As you'd expect, Evoc's packs are loaded with features, including fluid storage and dispensers, helmet straps and plenty of extra storage. The range will be in stock at Silverfish from late February. The Sock Guy took a large presence at Core Bike too, having flown in from the States to introduce a number of new items, including arm warmers and shoe covers. A key advantage to retailers with all Sock Guy product is that, due to the mix of materials blended with Spandex, stores need only carry two sizes.
been built to show off some of FSA's top-end kit, as well as a smattering of Windwave's other product. FSA's vintage-styled Gimondi crank was just one of items laced to Colnago's top of the line track frameset. Marzochhi's 2010 line was also on show, though the main changes here were not immediately noticeable. The 2010 line, however, has shaved weight and thanks to three quality control checks before a batch leaves the factory, the forks all now carry a three-year warranty. What's more, the range should require less servicing as brand owner Tenneco has ordered each fork to carry more oil than ever before, meaning service times are extended. Lucozade took an entire room at Whittlebury hall, bringing along one of its sports scientist staff to discuss with dealers how the line can assist cyclists in training. New to the brand was a line of
Upgrade IF YOU'RE seeking an alternative to basic Shimano and Sram gearing stock, Upgrade has come to the rescue with a new brand, shown for the first time at Core. Microshift is a Taiwanese brand, brought in to offer retailers a competitive solution to mainstream groupset stock, minus the compatibility issues. The range sits mid-level in terms of performance, though Upgrade staff have tested how effective it is in competitive situations and have reported it will also stand up to sustained all terrain use. Lezyne surprised many at the show by venturing into hydration backpacks and panniers. Beginning at £39.99, Lezyne's answer to a hydration backpack on a budget offers a two-litre capacity and a whole host of innovative storage and clever features.
Included on all chest buckles is a handy built-in whistle designed for attracting attention on the trail. The remaining three models, ranging up to £94.99, all carry flexible aluminium strips, which are designed to mould around the rider's shape. The three-litre tank capacity of the Great Divide backpack gives weekend warriors a great solution to longdistance ventures. Storage for tools, laptops and on-the-trail snacks is more than taken care of. Tourers and commuters are looked after with Lezyne's new product, too. The Rack Caddies come complete with a rain cover and will retail for £39 to £54 depending on the capacity.
recovery product designed to restore an athlete post exercise. All product is now packaged as cycle friendly, with a bottle cage sized hydration drink now available.
BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY 35
CORE REVIEW
Rollapaluza Here are just some of the gurn and grimace highlights from Core’s evening entertainment. 2pure’s Marco Librizzi stormed to glory, clocking 49.88 over a1,000 metre sprint in the final. Meanwhile, of the two ladies brave enough to put pedal to the metal, Anna Nicoola took the win with 26.26 over 500 metres.
BLOOD, SWEAT AND BEERS: Ison’s Lloyd Townsend (right) hits top gear as an eager crowd hurls encouragement and banter towards those brave enough to entertain the masses
GURNING LIKE A CHAMPION: (Below left to right) Chocolate Distribution’s Jeremy Crook, Windwave MD Peter Nisbett, women’s category runner-up Louise Mahe and 2Pure’s champion Marco Librizzi
36 BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY
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38 BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY
BIKEBIZ.COM
A TALE OF TWO RITCHIES
The curious story of a historian, a designer and a gong A profile of Andrew Ritchie. Both of them. By Carlton Reid... YES. There are two Andrew Ritchies. They both ride Bromptons. One got an MBE in the Queen’s New Year Honours List and the other is seeking 100 folks interested in a book on bicycle history. And one of them is mentioned heaps of times in a book about bicycle history. Confused? Read on. Andrew Ritchie, MBE, is the British designer of the Brompton, gonged in the New Year Honours list for his service to bicycle manufacturing. Dr Andrew Ritchie has a PhD from the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow and now lives in America. Both Andrew Ritchies were at Cambridge University in the 1960s. They were in different years and studied different subjects, but they met once in a pub. After that, their paths divided again, but both are big into bikes. Andrew Ritchie, MBE, designed them,
creating the Brompton bicycle, the cult classic that the Evening Standard said recently went from ‘geek chic to the bike every commuter wants’. Andrew Ritchie, MBE, is also the star of a history book about the Brompton, by A to B Magazine’s David Henshaw – Brompton Bicycle has just been published by Excellent Books. Dr Andrew Ritchie, on the other hand, has produced a bicycle history book and is seeking 100 micro-investors to get it off the ground. His book Quest for Speed is a revised version of his doctoral dissertation, “Bicycle Racing and Recreation: Sport, Technology and Modernity, 1867 – 1903.” He’s after 100 investors to pay £25 a piece
Dr Ritchie’s book, Quest for Speed, examines early bike history
Andrew Ritchie, MBE, on one of his famous Brompton bikes for Quest for Speed ahead of publication. “If I can count on at least 100 people to subscribe, I will have $4,000 to design, lay out, and print a small first edition. Each subscriber will receive a signed, numbered copy,” says Dr Ritchie. There’s even a historic precedent: Karl Kron wrote Ten Thousand Miles on a Bicycle in 1887, a compendium of early, high-wheel, cycling history, and self-published it, sending it out to pre-paid subscribers who each paid Kron one dollar. The early history of the bicycle industry plays a key role in the book. There was an “inextricable relationship between bicycle sport and the emerging modern bicycle industry,” says Dr Ritchie. “Designers, manufacturers, advertising and marketing personnel and the cycling press
“There was an inextricable relationship between bicycle sport and the emerging modern bicycle industry.” Dr Andrew Ritchie were engaged in a new style of commercial activity dedicated to the sport and pastime of cycling.” You can contact Dr Andrew Ritchie at jabritchie@hotmail.com. BROMPTON HISTORY Andrew Ritchie – the MBE, not the PhD – left university in 1968 with a degree in engineering. He first applied this knowledge in
the nascent field of computing, but soon realised he preferred the idea of being self-employed and, before long, found himself working as a landscape gardener in London. While plying his green trade out of the back of an ancient Morris 1000 van in 1975, a chance meeting with a backer of the fledgling Bickerton folding bicycle changed the direction of his career again. Ritchie improved on the design and produced a prototype. From the outset, the prototypes bore a strong similarity to the final design. Prototype one had larger 18-inch wheels and the handlebars were very different, folding downwards on either side, but the rear wheel folded under the bike just like every Brompton produced since. By the time a second prototype had appeared, all the Brompton
BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY 39
A TALE OF TWO RITCHIES
features were in place, with the first machines weighing almost 15 kilograms. Rather than hinge back on itself in the centre of the frame, like most traditional folders, Ritchie had come up with a novel concept that resulted in a compact folded machine. The rear of the frame was hinged near the chainwheel, allowing the rear wheel to fold forwards under the main frame tube, while the front wheel – pivoting towards the front of the frame and the headset – swung gently back to nestle against the folded rear wheel. Ritchie’s plan at this stage was to interest an established company in taking up the idea under licence. As happened with the Moulton bike, Raleigh showed interest but was not convinced a big enough market existed for such machines. Now, of course, Brompton is the largest bicycle builder in the UK and Raleigh no longer makes bikes in the UK. Going into production by himself, Ritchie pre-sold the first 30 bikes to friends and family. The first factory was opened in 1981
40 BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY
close to Kew Gardens in London. At the Cyclex exhibition in April 1987, with fresh investment from audio entrepreneur Julian Vereker, the Brompton won the Best Product award. One of the award judges, Peter Lumley, didn’t think the the top prize should go to a machine which you just simply fold up and chuck in a car boot. However, Cycle Trader editor Neil Murray, another of the judges, said: “The point is that it’s a machine that will sell to non-cyclists, thus expanding the
“Years of knockbacks, refusals and false starts never dented Andrew’s determination to make the Brompton a reality.” Will Butler-Adams
Left: Dr Andrew Ritchie graduated from the University of Strathclyde. Right/above: The popular Brompton, by Andrew Ritchie, MBE
market. There’s nothing like a Brompton, so it won.” IBDs placed orders. By November 1987, the company had moved into a railway arch in Brentford, West London, and by the following March trickles of bikes had begun to emerge from the factory, with the volumes gradually increasing to sixty a month. Today, the company makes one hundred bikes a day. Last year Ritchie won the Prince Philip Designers Prize for his lifetime contribution to design. The prize is run by the
Design Council and is the most prestigious award for design in Great Britain. Speaking after the award, Andrew said: “I’m not finished yet”. Although he stepped down as managing director of Brompton Bicycle in April 2008, he continues to work on the design and quality of the Brompton in his capacity as technical director. Will ButlerAdams, his successor, says: “This award was a well-deserved recognition for a man who has dedicated his life to the fine perfection of the folding bicycle. Andrew never gave up on his belief that he had conceived a product that would add real value to people’s lives. Years of knockbacks, refusals and false starts never dented his determination to make the Brompton a reality.” Over 175,000 Bromptons have been sold across the world. The Brompton is available in 27 international markets. Famous owners include Jerry Hall, Katie Melua, Will Self, Top Gear’s James May and Bill Oddie. The company is growing at 25 per cent a year. Seventy per cent of its output is exported.
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INDUSTRY OPINIONS
Snow joke! Amid school closures, staff absences and the media over-reaction, the spell of snow that hit the UK over the Christmas period seems to have had a tangible effect on the cycle trade. Jonathon Harker and Mark Sutton ask the questions… “The frosty weather did interrupt my schedule of store visits for a brief spell. When the roads are as inaccessible as they became, there’s no way we can make some of the prescheduled demos organised with potential customers. “Effectively, this means a few days out from the business and time lost; however, most is easily recouped.” GRANT HADWIN, CITRUS LIME “In the South West, where Silverfish is based, the snow’s impact was condensed into a few days and the majority of staff made the trip into work. To the relief of many of our customers, the delivery firms we use still performed despite the poor conditions. There were only a few delays the further north a package had to go. “As it turns out, December was the biggest month’s turnover ever in terms of mainstream sales for Silverfish, meaning by the time the bad weather hit, most were well stocked, or needed to place more ‘winter orientated’ orders. Going forward we anticipate sales to remain strong as we take further 2010 stock. “Riding wise, plenty of guys in our office were turning out for rides despite the cold snap; in fact some of the best rides we’ve had all year were on the
42 BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY
snow-covered trails. It turns a regular route into something entirely new.” DAN MAKER, SILVERFISH “Sales went through the roof. Sales for our winter and other ranges just went manic and it was our busiest week ever. “When I spoke to our London accounts, it seems they suffered a dip in sales. I put that down to the fact that many of the workers in the capital commute in and obviously there was disruption for people getting into London, who weren’t at work and able to buy product in lunch breaks, and so on. Sales in the North were huge though, while the market went beserk in Scotland. But even for those that did suffer a dip in sales, I think the subsequent demand would have made sales up. After the snow cleared, a lot of people went on to spend and buy what ever they’d missed out on. For our ranges, I think that people thought that they didn’t want to be caught out again and bought gloves and winter wear so they would be prepared for the next time. “We had some very minimal courier issues during the bad weather, but all-in-all the snow has given us fantastic sales.” ANDY EVANS, SEALSKINZ
Grant Hadwin “This time last year the trade was nervous about what the future held economically. Those fears never turned into a reality and we’ve actually had more orders at this Core Bike show than we had last year. We grew by a huge percentage over the
Dan Maker course of 2009, and a number of decent bike companies in the industry did too. “We got through that economic uncertainty and snow isn’t going to make any real difference to that.” CHRIS CARTER, MERIDA UK
“The snow had an effect, for sure. There were a couple of dead weeks around the Christmas period when staff couldn’t get in. Since then, though, there have been some sales spikes and that’s hopefully going to even it out and make up for lost trade. “Pot holes have sprung up as a result of the bad weather too, and that is bound to have a positive effect on the number of repairs and sales of spares for cycle retailers.” BEN GABY, PALIGAP
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BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY 43
ZYRO OPEN HOUSE
1
House bound Jonathon Harker headed over to the luxurious Rudding Park hotel set in the picturesque, if slightly misty, Yorkshire countryside to see what Zyro’s Open House offered up… NOW in its eighth year at Rudding Park, Zyro’s Open House dealer event provided the chance to get up close to manufacturers, exchange ideas and take a look at the latest product. Boasting innovative tech, the odd Eurobike design award winner or two and bestsellers, there was plenty to see. (1) ABUS
2
3
German industry stalwart Abus has a wealth of new locks, helmets and bags. First up the limited edition and Lyria femalespecific bag range hits an area not blessed with a wide range of product. The five-litre Handlebar Bag and 12 litre Purse both feature reflective floral décor and sport retractable handles for added security during rides. The Urban Exclusive office bags aped suitcases for a business-like look. Trendy colours are found in the Dryve range of urban luggage. The Dryve panniers also include an integrated steel cable loop for extra security. Abus’ helmet range saw new lines including the new Smiley for kids, the reflective red Urban-I, the Scraper Urban and Win-R allrounder helmet, all targeting the urban and commuter markets. The pinnacle of the helmet range is the new lightweight Tec-Tical performance helmet, at only 250g with 23 vents. The Combination Chain lock is available in new colours to take advantage of the lifestyle side of the market. The firm also focused on the popularity of folding locks, highlighting the Bordo Granit X-Plus – a perfect partner for Dahon. (2) ALTURA Own-brand Altura is, Zyro director Simon Ellison tells BikeBiz, itself a result of the feedback from dealers via Open
44 BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY
House event over the years. The welded waterproof Night Vision 20 Pannier is a new addition, with reflective trims raising visibility for cyclists. Priced at £49.99, the Night Vision comes in grey or orange. The new Fuse Panniers provide a premium option, while the range has also expanded with new briefcase panniers. Product labelling has also been refreshed with images explaining products to customers. Altura’s new clothing lines include the Apex Baggy Shorts are among the new lines on show. Altura promises that the MTB-focused baggies are engineered to stand up to allday abuse with stretchy crotch and rear panels for comfort, all for £79.99. The Apex is joined by the Quantum X – for men and women – and the Flexx – a key baggy for the brand. The Flexx comes with and without a liner short, and the full stretch outer fabric is ideal for longer rides. The handy zip on/off sleeves of the Transformer Windproof made it a highly versatile garment, transforming from long sleeve to short in a few moves. Finally, the broad new Ergofit premium road range featured, with two levels of Bibs at £79 and £99, Jersey and Mitts.
specced versions of competitors, according to Ashima. (4) CATEYE 2010 brings new computers and lights from the CatEye brand. The growing commuting sector has spawned the handily named Commuter Computer, including a big screen and an ETA function, helping workers plan their journey better, and CO2 offset info. Commuters can compare their rides and with no other rival commuter product on the market, the product generated much interest. The device also ties in with CatEye’s free-to-use worldcommute.com site, where users can measure and log the amount of CO2 and money they’ve saved via cycling. Also new, the Adventure Wireless combines a 14-feature computer with an Altimeter. CatEye’s extensive light ranges have been refreshed, too with the arrival of Orbit lights – requiring no tools to install, the wheel lights up cyclist visibility from the side – addressing the high number of side impacts. There were also previews of new high-end lighting due for autumn 2010. (5) GENUINE INNOVATIONS
(3) ASHIMA After two years with Zyro, Ashima tells BikeBiz that it aims to take the brake market by the scruff of the neck and become a market leader in the UK. Ashima had new innovations and product to show at Open House, including the PCB, or Pancake Brake System. This pistonless hydraulic brake system is a world first, extremely light, and set to arrive in the spring. Ashima has also launched a new cable range available to dealers in the spring. Split into three levels – Reaction, Action Plus and Action – the former at the premium end of the range, while the mid Action Plus range is comparable to the higher
Not a lot of people know this, but Genuine Innovations manufactures equipment used in the medical world, where accuracy really is a matter of life and death. The firm makes its cycle product ranges on the same production line, including the new Air Chuck Elite – an uber light mini inflator that weighs a mere 17g – 25 per cent less than its predecessor. Also up from GI is the new Cartridge Cross – a clever way to carry four cartridges on the go for £14.99, and the Cartridge Cover for shielding hands and fingers from a cold Co2 cartridge. Also new is the Mountain Pipe – a CNC machined all-alloy hand pump with a CO2 inflator built in.
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ZYRO OPEN HOUSE
4
6 (6) DAHON New to Zyro, the famous folding bike brand was on hand at Open House for dealers to get to know the range. The Mu Uno is one of the key lines from Dahon and was revealed as one of the most successful product launches last year due to high demand. Priced at £479.99, the Mu Uno folds in a less than ten seconds. 2010 will bring some saucy new tech from Dahon, including the IOS XL – pitched as the ultimate urban bicycle. Boasting Shimano Alfine hub and hybraulic disc brakes, the IOS XL includes the Dahon Valo light and Biologic ReCharge – a nifty device that stores energy from the dynamo hub and charges any USB device – including the iPhone – while the cyclist rides. The Biologic accessories will also form part of the Dahon offering, including the innovative space (and weight) saving Postpump Seatpost and much-talked-about Bike Mount for the iPhone. Another headline grabber comes in the form of the Boost – a light, compact electric bike with sophisticated Torque sensors that add power in proportion to the force applied to the pedals. All of this completes a 27 model line-up to cater for all cyclists’ needs, with the inclusion of 16, 20, 24, 26inch and 700c wheel bikes that fold in the range. (7) FENWICK’S Fenwick’s Total Professional Bike Care System was presented as a complete solution for any rider and the trade, with a range now covering cleaning, degreasing, lubricating and assembly products for at home or in the workshop. Among the new lines for Fenwick’s are the Complex Synthetic Grease and Copper Slip Tubs. The former is a synthetic, water resistant, multipurpose PTFE assembly grease for wet-duty performance, while the latter –
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an anti-seize compound – protects metals from corrosion, aiding sealing and assembly. Fenwick’s also launched its Disc Brake Cleaner and Dry Degreaser, Frame and Shock Finishing Spray and its Professional Lubricant Spray, the latter with twice as much lubricant content as the nearest competitor. The firm’s FS Foaming Degreaser is sprayed directly onto the drive train and chainrings, left to do its work, agitated with a cloth and then rinsed off with water for a contaminent-free finish. The firm also has bespoke POS available. (8) PANARACER Panaracer is set to give the MTB market extra focus, partly through links with Cedric Gracia, who has input his technical knowledge into the range as well as providing eye-catching marketing. They have developed a brand new rubber Combo Compound used across the CG range. The soft-on-the-inside compound helps knobs grip and is tougher on the outside for durability and speed. The range is Zyro’s first licensed product. The firm is also rolling out new packaging, letting customers get their mitts on the tyre before they buy. The firm says that 2010 will bring a media blitz, the likes of which it hasn’t taken part in for two decades. The well-received line will be joined by a further six tyres, set to be unveiled at Eurobike time. Panaracer also launched a white version of the Pasela TG, sidewall colours to the EVO3 Road Range, Minits 20-inch Fast Tyre for Dahon and great pricing. (9) R&K The growing commuter sector has led to a need to transport items by bike, and the growing Rixen Kaul line-up reflects that, with a classic Wicker Basket on offer alongside the Shopper, Shopper Plus and Mesh Baskets. A host of further products are
set to arrive in the UK soon. Notably, the R&K range includes some potential tie-ins with Dahon, including the new Caddy fitting bracket for folders. (10) POWERBAR The best-selling Energisebars now come in two new flavours – Banana Punch and Cherry Cranberry Twister. Both boast C2Max carb formulation and use real fruit – keeping the Powerbar commitment to not using artificial colours, flavourings or preservatives in its products. Also new, the Natural Energy range provides at least 96 per cent natural ingredients with complex carbs for slow digesting and long lasting energy. In strawberry/cranberry, cacao crunch (chocolate chips) and sweet ‘n’ salty seeds and pretzels, which is said to be the first savoury bar of its kind. The brand will enjoy visibility at this year’s Tour de France in its role as official Energy Bar, Sports Beverage and Gel partner. It will be present at each stage winner presentation.
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TORTEC Zyro’s own Tortec includes a tweaked and improved upon range, and is currently one of the fastest growing brands in the Zyro portfolio. Tweaks include new rack designs that accommodate increasingly compact frames. The Velocity Rear Rack boasts a sleek and compact design that keeps panniers close to the wheel for better cornering. New product the Competition Bottle Cage is set to provide a secure hold and no-rattle fit. Other new racks include the Transalp rack for bikes with disc brakes, along with the new Explorer seatpost mounted rack. Tortec’s expanding range also includes saddles – with comfort saddles at entry to mid price points on offer for dealers. Bodyfit is heading into Tortec for the first time this year.
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BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY 45
PEOPLE AND RECRUITMENT Send your recruitment news to
mark.sutton@intentmedia.co.uk People & Recruitment is Sponsored by Halfords
Eurobike bolsters team for future growth Ryan and Watling in at distribution company Future strengthens international Cyclingnews.com team JAMES RYAN AND JAMES WATLING UK distribution outfit Eurobike has picked up two new staff members to assist in the firm’s growth. The first is new marketing manager James Ryan, who as an avid mountain biker himself has had plenty of input on the off-road rigs within the Moda catalogue. Ryan previously spent three years working for a Derby-based cycle store, as well as holding a web management role for three years. Eurobike’s director of sales said: “I knew James prior to setting up Eurobike and knew of his background. We’re lucky to have someone with his expertise in design and media on board. Not to mention that he’s worked in a bike shop for three years, so knows his way around a bike.”
46 BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY
James Ryan James Watling has also joined the distributor’s workforce and is now serving as a sales representative for the South and London area. GREG JOHNSON AND LAURA WEISLO CyclingNews.com is to be bolstered with the appointment of two new staff, each at opposite ends of the globe. In the
US, Laura Weislo has been appointed regional editor, while Greg Johnson becomes Australian regional editor. In these newly created roles both Weislo and Johnson will coordinate the very best US and Australian racing coverage and work directly with Cyclingnews.com’s senior editorial team in the UK. Commenting on the appointments, Cyclingnews.com’s managing editor Daniel Benson said: “Both Laura and Greg have been fundamental members of the team over the last few years. “These new roles emphasise both their growing responsibilities and our commitment to providing our readers with the world’s best cycling coverage. Despite a
Greg Johnson challenging market, we’re proud to be leading the way in expanding our ability to produce the best cycling news.” Of her appointment, Laura Weislo said: “I’ve really enjoyed the past three years with Cyclingnews and am honoured that Daniel has placed such faith in me to name me as regional editor. I’m looking forward to
another successful season with our excellent United States staff and contributors.” Greg Johnson added: “The creation of a new position within Future’s Australian office is indicative of the company’s commitment to the sport of cycling within this region. “Cycling in Australia has undergone immense growth in recent years, in no small part due to our riders’ success at races like the Tour de France and the various International Cycling Union World Championships. “I look forward to working with those in the Australian cycle industry to increase the exposure of our domestic races, and the next generation of talented Australian cyclists, to our international audience.”
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BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY 47
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RETAIL ONLY
The trade’s guide to sourcing stock, up-and-coming IBDs and the very latest products
RETAIL COMMENT
JANUARY FLEW by, didn’t it? The ACT reports a split picture on how well retail performed during the lead up to Christmas; in fact, it’s almost a 50/50 split between yearon-year gains and falls in turnover. CoreBike once again served as a brilliant refresher to which brands distributors are looking after and additionally, as a platform for staggered product launches and brand addition announcements. Slipping by virtually without mention though, was the beginning of the EU’s consultation with its 27 member states on anti-dumping duties. Every five years these duties are reviewed, while every ten years member states can request no change, alteration, or abolition of the charges. European manufacturers have long complained that the Far East frequently circumvents these duties through a number of loopholes and ‘backhanders’. It’s in the interest of these firms to appear competitive, so the EBMA will be once again pushing for duties to remain and be
“At present, no industry figure dare put their money on the EU’s decision. When ‘bets’ have been placed in the past entire companies have disappeared...” strictly imposed. Abolition would result in the Far East, particularly China, becoming a whole lot stronger. As explained by CSG co-owner and BA member Russell Merry: “In my opinion, abolition of these duties could monumentally shift the manufacturing landscape. The whole industry would have to review its sourcing strategy. Those firms that react to the changes best will have the upper hand. Abolition would, without doubt, open up the market to other factories. Come July 15th, when the final decision is made, the EU trade may be looking at China as a significant supplier of complete bicycles.” At present, no industry figure is daring to put their cash on what the outcome will be. When money has been bet on EU decisions in the past, entire companies have disappeared in a matter of weeks. The industry now has until April 15th to make its case for or against changes in dumping duties. European manufacturers, alongside the EBMA, will be looking to deliver body blows to Taiwan’s ‘A-team’ ahead of the final July 15th announcement. European manufacturing has gradually been gaining momentum in recent years, as price rises for EU-made goods have been far lower than those coming from the Far East. From a retail perspective, however, goods manufactured in the Far East still offer the greatest value, margin and often turn over faster. Whatever the outcome, this one’s sure to get heated as deadline approaches...
IN THIS MONTH’S ISSUE IBD PROFILE: 18 BIKES
51
The Peak District’s best-known bike shop gives BikeBiz the inside story on its framebuilding venture and more...
HELMETS AND PADDING
53
Flip to page 53 for a look at which distributors carry the market’s leading protective gear brands...
FRAMES AND FORKS
56
Perhaps the most important stock choices for those offering custom builds, BikeBiz provides a frameset rundown...
Carbon Matrix frame Shimano Alfine 8 gears Shimano Alfine disc brakes Vogue magnesium air forks Remote lock out Velo saddle and carbon post Sealed bearings Carbon Matrix cranks
Only rust proof components LCD computer Tektro comfort brake levers Alexrims 36V LED front light Carbon handle bars Bikes & spares always in stock Electric motor?!
Are you an IBD? If you have time may we talk to you about our electric bikes?
For more information about our range of electric bikes and how they may fit into your 2010 business plan please contact Douglas on:
British Electric Bicycle Association Member
01590 681553 or
UKSales@wisperbikes.com
www.wisperbikes.com
IBD PROFILE
Rollercoaster retail
Telephone: 01433 621111 Web: http://18bikes.co.uk Owners: Simon and Matt Bowns
Opening times: Monday to Tuesday 9.30 to 17.30, Thursday 9.30 to 20.00, Friday to Saturday 9.30 to 17.30, Sunday 10.00 to 16.00
The Peak District’s favourite bike shop, 18 Bikes, has had numerous highs and lows spanning the past 12 months. Mark Sutton talks to the shop’s Simon Bowns about winning (and narrowly missing out on) awards, a devastating break in and earning national recognition… 18 Bikes is a pretty big name in the UK bike world – how is it that you came to be so well regarded on the scene? Well, I’m flattered at that. We’re a tiny shop, so I’m extremely chuffed to achieve national recognition. I think it’s partly brand led, offering what other shops don’t stock, along with our lovely location providing great riding on the doorstep. You recently bagged a Singletrack Reader Award. How did that feel? It was certainly a surprise, especially when the previous winner was nominated. We’d actually been planning a daft ‘always the bridesmaid, never the bride’ campaign, so now Matt will have to find another excuse to wear a dress. You had a rocky end to last year with the break in – what happened? Have you recovered many of the stolen items? Some scabby oiks nicked four demo bikes and a rail of clothes. Both insurers were fantastic, but
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it wasn’t a great time, no. Nothing has been recovered yet and I’m not holding my breath for any returns. How do you market your business? Are you logged into your @18bikes Twitter account all day...? Web-based promotions mainly, word of mouth and working closely with local businesses too. Twitter has surprised me with its success. It won’t replace talking to real people, but it’s another method of communication. We’ve had several reps arrange visits via Twitter, so it’s not just the customer side of things. How has business been over the past year? Business has been steady, rather than growing as much as I’d have liked. But all things considered, we’re happy. I can never predict when it’ll be busy at present. How’s the online shop performing? Has it been worthwhile doing business over the web?
items and ‘Magic Money’ is great for taking deposits. You featured in the recent ACT top 50 – are all staff Cytech qualified? We are indeed. We’re young, so it’s free – why not? Thanks to Matt and all at ATG.
“We’re a tiny shop, so I’m extremely chuffed to acheive that recognition.” Simon Bowns, 18 Bikes It’s good and growing, although I have got no dreams of competing with the big guys on that front. Having the web store works well for unusual and one off
What’s it like working with two different C2W providers? More business and less margin. Cyclescheme is very good at what it does, but, in my opinion the percentage it takes a bit rich. Other countries have done direct schemes. How is 18 Bikes’ side venture of frame building going? Will this eventually expand beyond frame manufacture? Our frame is being CEN tested and should be done by the time this issue of BikeBiz arrives. We’re working on some nice paint and graphics options and should be good to go very soon. We’ll obviously offer custom builds in line with our current offerings on other frames.
Gone in 60 seconds… Lycra or baggies? Baggies. But with Lycra underneath. I have no figure for Lycra. Best product of the past five years goes to... This may be a boring suggestion, but I think Hope is onto something with its Hoops range. Can you recall a high point of being in business? Winning and being nominated for awards is a high point. Also, it is a bit of a cliche to say it, but when customers say thanks it is great, and always rewarding. And a recent low? The break in at the end of last year. Enough said. Do you recycle or bin old bike parts? We take it all to the scrap man for a few quid.
BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY 51
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HELMETS, EYEWEAR, PROTECTIVE CLOTHING
Use protection The cycle safety sector is an important, and potentially lucrative, business. But with a huge volume of products on the market, choosing what to stock is a serious and tricky task. Jonathon Harker takes a look at some of the latest products on offer in the segment…
Fox FOX’S V3R carbon helmet 20008 is CPSC and ASTM approved for off-road riding and features strong, lightweight carbon fibre and Kevlar construction. Rear venting provides maximum airflow and a wide eye port provides optimal vision for riders. The helmet’s mouthpiece, comfort liner and cheek pads are all removable for cleaning. The Flux w (20011) is a version of the popular trail mountain MTB helmet with a softer
Riding High UK AXO is currently looking for dealers interested in stocking its Massive range. Some of the highlights from the protection line-up include the Massive Back Protector. Hitting the £75 price point, the protector includes a 3D mesh lining and double elastic belt with velcro and adjustable straps. The LMC System allows the protector to adapt to the natural movement of the back. The torso also gets protection from the Massive Protector Jacket, priced at £199.99. The breathable mesh jacket features a shorter back protector, lumbar belt support and is neck bracecompatible. The jacket also boasts a
UTAG THERE’S a wealth of products available to protect riders, but there’s also a handy product for cyclists in the unfortunate instances when an accident takes place. UTAG is a device for carrying personal information in the event of an emergency situation which is already being sold into the motorcycle market – and appeared at the Earls Court Cycle Show at the end of last year. The UTAG is designed to be the first point of reference in an emergency, with
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touch for female riders. A deeper rear profile of the EPS shell offers more coverage than a traditional XC helmet, while 20 ventilation ports provide top-notch airflow. But it’s not just the head that needs protection. Fox has the Launch Pro Knee, providing hard shell knee protection with an ergonomic soft fit. The Kevlar Launch Pro delivers comfortable, stay-put coverage throughout pedalling – helping riders focus. The Titan Sport Jacket provides complete plastic plating of key contact areas with a full mesh main body and a bunch-free fit. Fox: foxeurope.com
slim comfortable design allowing greater freedom of movement. Those joints are taken care of too, with the Massive Elbow Protector, featuring three independent plastic shell constructions for excellent mobility. Retailing at £34.99, it’s CE certified according to EN1621-1:1997 regulations. For £44.99 the Massive Knee Protection features adjustable padding, and, like the elbow protector, three independent plastic shell constructions. Axo’s large range of protective gear is aimed at a variety of markets, including the motorocycle sector. Its ranges include helmets, goggles, boosts, gloves, armour and pretty much anything else you can think of.
the rider’s emergency contact details, blood type, key medical information and more in the USB device. The UTAG can be worn as a traditional dog tag or a zip pull, while the UTAG Sport can be worn as a wrist band or a safety neck chain. The ‘ICE Card’ can be carried in a wallet or purse. Garnering positive feedback at the Cycle Show from commuters and mountain bikers alike, this clever device could provide essential information in post-accident scenarios. Utag: www.utagice.com
Muc-Off MUC-OFF has produced a cleaner specifically for eyewear products – the Optix Pack. Containing a PH Neutral Formula in an easy to use 35ml container,
the cleaner leaves a streak-free finish and comes with a tough EVA case for contaminant-free storage. Ideal for cleaning on the move, the pack was created specifically to remove dust, dirt, grime, snow, sweat and oily residue. It comes with a premium quality microfibre cloth which has been specifically designed to clean delicate finishes. The Muc-Off Optix case is made from EVA and ensures the cloth is kept contaminate free. A carabiner ensures the pack can quickly be added or removed from your ride pack. The Optix Pack is priced at £9.99, with the 35ml Cleaner retailing at £2.99 (with 250ml re-fill priced at £7.99). Muc-Off: Various
The helmets range stretches from the MM Carbon MX to the VRX MX helmet. The VRX is constructed with a composite fibre shell and includes removable anti-allergy, anti-sweat washable lining and double ring chin closure. The Wild X Goggle lines provide essential eye protection for riders. Complete with a shock resistant PU frame, the Wild X Goggle also includes a spare lens, triple density foam padding and an anti-scratch and anti-fog polycarbonate lens with tear off pins. Axo tells BikeBiz that dealer enquiries are welcome. Riding High UK: 01458 850921 info@axo-sport.co.uk
Zyro THE NEW Smiley helmet from Abus is a super lightweight helmet perfect for babies – ideal for heads, necks and shoulders new to wearing helmets. Its flat back means it fits well with child seats, while a large reflective patch heigthens visibility. There are enough vents to keep your baby’s head at the right temperature, and bug mesh to stop flying critters. The Arica is pitched as the ultimate all-rounder helmet, with new colours for 2009 styled specifically for women.
It has 14 cooling air vents, a detachable peak colour matched to the helmet, a rear red LED light and a dual compound ZoomPlus adjustment system for ease of use and a stable fit every time. Zyro’s Tec-Tical offers value for money and is reported to be the most technically advanced helmet in the range, designed to be lightweight and meet the demands of XC and road cyclists. Zyro also offers the Urban-I and Raxtor helmets, ideal for commuting. Zyro: 01845 521700
BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY 53
HELMETS, EYEWEAR, PROTECTIVE CLOTHING
Oxford Products
Madison
PARENTS always have the protection of their little ‘uns high on the agenda. Fortunately, Oxford Products has the Little Angel and Little Rocket on hand. Both sport kid-friendly features, like a wipe- clean shell, and a ‘dial-a-size’ device that adjusts to tighten and release – perfect for growing children. Meeting and exceeding CE EN1078 approval, the Angel and Rocket are both made from shock-absorbing EPS and include an adjustable quick release chin strap with soft anti-abrasive chin padding. The Little Angel and Little Rocket also boast a bug net for bug-free ventilation.
MADISON’S own hi-vis reflective vest is a snip at £19.99 SRP that exceeds EN471, class one, level one. This bright yellow and orange material has reflective silver stripes and an easy-touse zip. An LED light loop and an extended tail boost visibility still further when riding. Madison also offers the Stellar Fluro Yellow Waterproof Jacket for £64.99 SRP. This light, breathable and waterproof reflective
Raleigh RALEIGH supplies Uvex’s eyewear and helmets to the trade and new for 2010 is the FP3 series – the helmet of choice of Mark Cavendish. Featuring double in-mould and integrated roll bar technology, the FP3 series feature the IAS 3D+ fitting system, anti-bacterial/anti-allergenic and vented pads.
Moore Large TIFOSI Optics eyewear protects those precious peepers, and with a lifetime guarantee and 100 per cent UVA and UVB protection to boot. The comprehensive range covers interchangeable, fototec, single lens, women’s, metal, RX/prescription, polarised and kids’ models. Designed with the Optics series in mind, Tifosi’s lenses were built with high impact resistance and optical clarity, hydrophilic adjustable temple and nose pieces, which increase
Kask KASK’S Italian-made cycle helmets, distributed through Active Life Logistics, are the choice of Team Sky. The brand has a history of designing and
54 BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY
The Bomber is a BMX/skateboard-specific helmet. It has top-notch ventilation and a super-lightweight design. Furthermore, it features a shock-absorbing EPS with a stylish easy-clean micro shell top. Also from Oxford Products, is the F20 Lightning II – a lightweight sporty helmet, with standard Oxford features, such as the dial-a-size fitting system, anti-pinch chin strap and shock absorbing EPS. Oxford Products: 01993 862 300
The 2010 Uvision Super Pro features the impact resistant Makrolon lens – which gets shot tested with a ball bearing travelling at 45mps. The Uvex lenses are shatterproof, scratch resistant, and 100 per cent optical correct – achieved using decentred lens technology. They also provide all manner of ray protection – UVA, UVB, UVC and IR rays. The Uvision Super Pro comes complete with hard travel case and micro fibre pouch. Lastly is Raleigh’s own helmet, the Extreme III. Ideal for youths and adults alike, it boasts in-mould construction, 17 cooling vents, a nexus chin buckle, sealed inner pads and soft touch webbing. Raleigh: 01773 532 600
grip when wet, and tough Grilamid TR-90 frames that are practically indestructible. The Tifosi Optics RX Adaptor offers an economical option for the wearer to incorporate his or her prescription into selected Tifosi Optics styles. Italian brand Limar has introduced what it reports is the world’s lightest helmet. Last year’s Pro104 weighed just 180g, but the new Ultralight Pro104 weighs in at 170g. Retailing at £109.99, the Pro104 is out now, whereas the Ultralight is available in March. Moore Large: sales@moorelarge.co.uk
producing safety helmets for those who enjoy mountaineering and work in the building and construction industry. This has given the Kask brand the experience to put rider protection at the top of its priorities when designing cycling helmets. With details like a unique hinged adjustment system allowing for size alteration and ventilated, non-stick pads, the helmets fit and security shine through. Twenty-four large air vents and an easy-clean leatherette chin strap also feature. Visibility has been heightened on the helmets, through reflector stickers on the back and on each strap. Active Life Logistics: David_Jack@btconnect.com
Gelert GELERT is bringing the Canyon helmet range to the trade, together with Canyon’s 25-year strong product development and robust margins. The comprehensive adult range now covers all price levels from entry (the Sierra) to the massively light (Race), in-mould helmet ever made at less than 185 grams.
is ideal for commuters, boasting a technical kit, hi-vis Scotchlite reflective panels for added security and is light on weight while being big on build quality. It keeps riders warm, dry and comfortable no matter what. Also in the offering is Giro’s new superlight road race Prolight helmet, costing £149.99 SRP. Scheduled for a grand launch at this year’s iceBike*, it will give dealers the chance to see the helmet in the flesh and experience it firsthand. Madison: 0208 3858885
For children there are the colourful Kidcool models combining strong and vibrant graphics covering all sizes and the Xcool models move through to youth’s sizes in four powerful designs. Many new in-mould helmets have been added to the 2010 line-up including Excel (blue), Mirage (yellow), Koda (silver/black) and Bryce (blue). Canyon helmets feature individually created colour graphic shells to suit all riders. All models have up-to-date multi-fit sizing systems. Gelert: 0208 459 9970 bikes@gelert.com
Fishers THE MET Cameleonte and Super Buddy promise to uphold the brand’s quality and reliable reputation. The former is an in-molding shell construction with a reflective sticker at the rear and lockable side straps. For those looking for a kids’ helmet that offers exceptional value without compromising on safety, then the Super Buddy fits the bill. This twin shell construction is secure and easy fitting, with non-pinch straps. The Bloc range of eyewear is designed for high adrenaline, high speed, and highly testing conditions.
Shiner BRISTOL-BASED Shiner has been in the business for over 30 years and was one of the first to import skateboard products into the UK back in ‘76 with brands like Lotus, Kryptonics, Gullwing and Sims. Three years later, Shiner diversified into the BMX market – which remains a key focus for the firm. Shiner stocks protection ranges from Bell and Bullet. The Bullet Pro Elbow Pad retails at £16.00 and comes in small,
The Bloc Scorpion and Stingray models offer the best eye safety and clarity with 100 per cent UV protection. Meanwhile, the Troy Lee brand provides helmets and protection via the D2 Beta helmet and SE elbow pads, which possess tapered lycra sleeves making them comfortable and secure with no need for straps. Fisher Outdoors: 01727 521700
medium and large and is available in black. Touted as one of the best value pads on the market, the Bullet range also includes wristguards, knee pads and helmets. In that latter category, Bullet has the patriotic Flip Union Jack helmet, the gloss black helmet and the Bullet flat black helmet. Meanwhile, the Bell helmet range includes a number of models, including the Faction (white), Streetcreep, Roskopp, Sungod and Slasher. Shiner: 0117 955 6035
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BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY 55
FRAMES AND FORKS
In the frame… As the two most expensive components, a store’s frame and fork stock may be limited to just a few of each. Here, Mark Sutton talks to a handful of distributors, who pick the cream of their crop...
Upgrade FINDING a true performance race frameset designed specifically for junior and female riders is not easy. Upgrade has been working with Kinesis International to develop the KR-210L frameset with this in mind. The KR-210L uses lighter and smaller tubing, keeping things light and responsive for lower weight riders. A shorter top tube is important for comfortable reach from seat to
Ison ISON stocks frames and forks from Identiti, Salsa, Surly, All-City, Light Blue and KHE, covering most types of cycling from BMX to MTB to Road (and just about everything in between). One of the highlights for 2010 is Identiti’s singlespeed-suited frame, the Persona. The Persona is built specifically for the current riding style of Fixed Gear Freestylers. Features include full cro-
bars, as is a smaller frame height for more standover clearance, something the KR-210L accounts for in its design. Four sizes are available via Upgrade from 40 to 49cm and virtual top tubes of 49 to 53cm; it also has short head tubes to minimise standover and bar height. Small frames with full size wheels can cause toe overlap problems, so the KR210L has slacker head angles to avoid this, lengthen the wheelbase and tame the handling. An aero blade, carbon fork with lightweight dropouts completes the package. Upgrade: 01403 711611
moly tubing, integrated headset and unique Taper-Lock dropout system. Pair it up with the new Identiti FFX forks for a tricked out Fixed Gear frameset. Complete bikes will soon also be available. Salsa also has two exciting new frames for 2010: the Ti Ala Carte and the Ti El Mariachi. Designed by Salsa and built by Lynskey to produce the finest Salsa XC Mountain frames ever, both frames will feature a new style of
Wildoo WILDOO is the UK sales agent for Xpace, one of the leading Chinese carbon frame producers. As a manufacturer, Xpace is not well known, but many UK dealers will have Xpace-made frames in their shops without knowing it. The 2010 range, which is now in stock at Wildoo, includes road, TT, track and MTB frames. Frames can be supplied either raw or fully stickered and painted with own-label branding. Xpace-built frames have smooth, wrinkle-free internal walls, which deliver
graphic and a high spec finish. The Ti Ala Carte has the classic proven Salsa geometry, but is now compatible with 100mm forks and the Ti El Mariachi has Salsa’s well-proven 29er geometry. Prices are as yet to be confirmed, but will no doubt be competitive with existing quality 26 and 29-inch Ti XC Frames. Ison: 01223 213800
Hot Wheels
Cannondale CANNONDALE’S eyecatcher, the Lefty, has been made available to everyone, Cannondale frame owner or not, for 2010. This is thanks to a £80 conversion kit, including headset. Cannondale’s Mike Cotty explains to BikeBiz: "The Left For All has a special one-inch 1/8th steerer tube
56 BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY
and accompanying headset kit that is designed to enable any Lefty in the range to be fitted and enjoyed on a mountain bike other than a Cannondale. It is not so much of a revamp of the fork, (although there is a lot of new and unique technology in the 2010 product) but effectively a steerer conversion kit for the Lefty." Cannondale: +41 61 487 9380
greater strength and reduce the risk of stress fracture failures. By ensuring the frames are finished to thorough standards, the manufacturer has some of the highest strength to weight values in the business. Wildoo: 08709 771550
BMX INNOVATORS WeThePeople has produced the Scorpio fork for 2010. This fork is different from the rest of the crowd, using a super-strong investment casted dropout and end cap as one. They’re heat-treated and built
with 4130 crmo. They also have a CNC machined steerer tube and a crown that requires no bearing runner. It’s finished with a lightweight 7075-T6 top bolt and weighs a mere 2.13 lbs. If you’re looking to commit to stock of a few BMX frames, the WeThePeople ‘Warriors’ is in-demand at present, much thanks to the collaboration between two established riders to bring about its creation. Both Mike Brennen and Max Gaertig thought up some of the design features of this frame, which boasts having some of the tidiest investment cast dropouts available on any frame. The geometry is fairly standard, making the Warriors a great choice for the rider looking for a frame to last many years. Hot Wheels: 01202 732288
BIKEBIZ.COM
FRAMES AND FORKS
Jungle Products THE much-desired Niner brand comes into the UK via Jungle Products. The Niner Air 9 Carbon frame is compatible with both singlespeed or geared drivetrains, and the ‘CYA’ bottom bracket allows easy switchover via adaptors. The cable routing runs internally, but with the twist of entering via the styled magnesium head badge. The frame itself is built through true monocoque construction, with carbon dropouts built into the rear
Moore Large BASSO’S 2010 frames are now in stock at Moore Large. The firm has been producing handmade custom framesets since 1977. Every frame has strict quality control tests and seven layers of paint, resulting in a supremely well-finished product, which is both anti-scratch and anti-UV. Basso also uses sophisticated ‘four-leaf clover’ technology for a reactive and precise ride, with the comfort to match. Still the best-selling model in the Basso line up is the Astra carbon fibre frame, which is available in six different colour options weighing 870 grams and retails at £1,599.99. The Astra is dedicated
Raleigh THIS Diamondback/Ashton Effect 24inch wheeled frame is the result of having the feedback of Martyn Ashton on board. The intention was to create a bike capable of technical trials riding while still retaining the ability to excel on street obstacles and skate parks. Finding a comfortable compromise between being a BMX and a MTB frame, the frame sets the rider up for those 45-inch side hops, but will handle just as well through a backflip. Alternatively, and costing slightly more, the Diamondback/Ashton
Silverfish SILVERFISH has several brands among its stock to cater for any customer with a taste for off-roading. Evil bikes has this year brought out three frames – a downhill model, a cross country rig and a street or dirt-suited hardtail. The Faction Hardtail is designed for aggressive riders who demand precise and progressive geometry. The sub 6Ib, heattreated, triple-butted 4130 cromoly frame features a Campy-style integrated headtube, ISCG 05chain guide mounts and Evil’s legendary HVS dropouts. HVS dropouts allow for precision adjustment of chainstay length without
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triangle mold. A built in post-mount rear disc brake fitting makes for a lighter and stronger fixing than a conventional IS mount, also eliminating the need for adaptors, while ensuring proper brake alignment. JUNGLE: 01423 780088
to the most demanding riders and offers a new headset (1.1/5-inch sized), which helps improve power while reducing stress in the head tube. For more on the range, contact adam.biggs@moorelarge.co.uk. Moore Large: 01332 274200
Closure was developed alongside major MTB Dirt Jump/Slopestyle player Sam Pilgrim. This is the frame on which Pilgrim ‘shut-down’ the competition riding the prototype for Team Ashton Diamondback. Raleigh: 01773 532600
compromising shifting or brake set-up, all with the added security of vertical wheel entry to keep the wheel from slipping. Retail price is £479.99. Silverfish can also supply Turner Bikes frames, Rocky Mountain’s catalogue, Cove’s tounge-in-cheek titled range as well as now being able to supply three Mondraker frames. One of these is the podium topping Summum downhill frame. Silverfish: 01752 843882
Mojo MOJO IS the UK wholesaler for Fox suspension product, which has become popular with freeriders. Fox and Shimano developed the 15mm quick release system to improve the lives of cross-country and all-mountain riders and it’s sold through better than ever expected. The tool free thru axle makes for fast wheel changes and increased stiffness to weight ratio. The 15 QR offers a lighter
Pace THE PACE 104 is ideal for customers seeking a frame to complement their cross-country bike. Trademark Pace innovations include the new for 2010 Slideout System, enabling the rider to run single-speed, geared, or with an Alfine type Hub. Built from Reynolds 853 steel, the 104 has TIG and fillet brazed joints and a geometry designed around performance and comfort. Cross-country aside, Pace manufactures a perfect solution for those wanting a
Seventies KINK’S top of the line ‘Issue’ frame is now in stock at Seventies. As the signature frame for Sean Sexton, no corners have been cut, making this 100 per cent Seamless Japanese Sanko 4130 Chromoly build a popular choice among 20-inch riders. To boost the frame’s strength credentials, the Issue is post-weld heattreated, resulting in a very strong frame for its 4lb 12oz weight. Other standout features
Surf Sales SINCE its Cycle Show launch, Surf Sales has been linked with a number of retailers keen to get on board with the Transition bike brand. Designed with the manners of quick, lightweight trail bike, Transition’s Covert features a Fox RP23 large volume or DHX 5.0 Air shock, which takes care of rougher trail, alongside a one-piece CNC’d rocker link to increase stiffness. The World Cup level DH race-ready TR450 has adjustable geometry to suit any track, incredible stiffness for
system weight than a 20mm thru axle and greater stiffness than a standard 9mm open dropout. Fox’s Fit dampers are another highlight of the suspension firm’s product. The fit damper originally designed for the demanding rigors of world cup downhill racing is now redesigned to meet the needs of cross country, trail and all-mountain riders. Found on the RLC and RL models throughout the brand’s 32 mm fork line, the fit’s decreased weight and improved performance make the new damper an important part of the recipe for your lightweight bike needs. Mojo: 01633 615815
manoeuvrable XC build, capable of being trashed around as a bike with a more jump-friendly geometry could be. The 325.5 all-mountain frame features Pace’s own anti-Chainsuck system for when your customer desires to run a triple chainset and I.S.C.G Mounts, or alternatively Hammerschmidt setups. And with its unique ‘Slideout System’ the rider can choose to run either single-speed or gears. It’s equally at home in the Trail Centre or for those long epic weekends. Pace: 01723 867919
include tapered seat and chain stays, Mid BB, an integrated head tube and removable brake mounts. The £349.99 issue is available with a choice of 20.5, 20.875 or 21.1-inch top tubes. If you’re looking for forks, Hoffman’s new Bama should be a consideration. Made from 100 per cent heat-treated 4130 Chromoly and weighing 33oz, these forks feature 4mm CNC machined dropouts, tapered legs, a one-piece machined steerer tube with integrated bearing race and as aluminium top cap. Retail price is £109.99. Seventies: 0845 3103670
cornering, great pedalling efficiency, and suspension that is easily tuneable. All bearings are pressed directly against post-welding machined bearing seats inside the linkages, eliminating misalignment. Surf Sales: 01303 850553
BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY 57
Cross Country World Champion 2009 Nino Schurter, Team Scott-Swisspower
SRAM®, RockShox®, Avid® and Truvativ® came together to create something even more powerful: the first ever complete 2x10 MTB group set - XX™. Brakes so powerful - shifting so fast - BB30 cranks so strong to withstand the highest level of World Cup racing - put together as a lightweight but fully featured package for anyone to experience a new level of perfomance under 2300g.
XX information: www.sram.com/xx
© 2009 SRAM, LLC
Distribution in the UK: Fisher Outdoor Leisure LTD, www.fisheroutdoor.co.uk
THE FIRST 2X10 MTB GROUP SET
BIKEBIZ MARKETPLACE TO ADVERTISE IN THESE PAGES PLEASE CALL CARLY BAILEY ON 01992 535647
The BikeBiz Marketplace offers a complete marketing package of print, online and editorial visibility, allowing companies the opportunity to maintain contact with readers each month without the associated cost of full display advertising. The BikeBiz Marketplace, and its associated online version, has been designed to offer readers a directory of all products and services in the bike trade.
The standard package includes: A quarter page advert in each issue Regular editorial coverage in the dedicated column Company details listed in the online directory with web link Company details listed in the BikeBiz Marketplace Contacts To get your company featured here contact: Carly Bailey on 01992 535647 or
Your presence in this section ensures that your company’s details are easily found, keeping you one step ahead of your competitors.
carly.bailey@intentmedia.co.uk Marketplace Rates: Quarter Page £175 (minimum six months)
BIKEBIZ MARKETPLACE CONTACTS BIKES AND ACCESSORIES Madison
01908 326000
www.madisonb2b.co.uk
Paligap
01454 313 116
www.paligapltd.co.uk
BIKE MAINTENANCE Weldtite
Argos
0117 972 4730
www.argoscycles.com
07540 351 530.
colinrees@live.co.uk
ATG
01296 737 815
www.atg-training.co.uk
Cycle Systems Academy
0207 6082577
www.cycle-systems-academy.co.uk
SALES TRAINING 01652 660000
www.weldtite.co.uk
Bob Elliot & Co Ltd
01772 459 887
www.bob-elliot.co.uk
USE Ltd
01798 344 477
www.use1.com
Evopos
0845 644 9424
www.evopos.com
Citrus Lime
0845 603 9254
www.citrus-retail.com
01798 344 477
www.exposurelights.com
COMPONENTS
Colin Rees
TRAINING SERVICES
EPOS
WATER BOTTLES
LIGHTING Exposure Lights
RESPRAYS & REPAIRS
Bottle Sport
08456 602 9267
www.bottlesport.com
Wildoo Ltd
08709 771 550
www.wildoo.co.uk
SimpleEshop
0116 267 5145
www.simpleeshop.com
I-Bikeshop.com
01709 511766
www.I-bikeshop.com
WEBSITE SERVICES
RACKS Maxx Raxx Trading Ltd
0845 230 3799
www.maxxraxx.co.uk
Pendle
01282 699 555
www.pendle-bike.co.uk
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BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY 59
BIKEBIZ MARKETPLACE
COMPANY PROFILE ARGOS RACING CYCLES
Can you tell us about Argos’ history? Argos Racing Cycles started trading in 1974. Initially we built frames for the US racing market and then branched into the UK racing scene. The workshop remained busy in the ‘80s, with time trial racing being particularly popular. We then expanded into frame respray, repair and renovation and moved to new premises in Bristol – still our home today. The popular frame building and respray/repair service did well throughout the 1990s. More recently we’ve seen more overseas clients use our specialist classic renovation service. We can renovate vintage frames to their former glory and features like chrome plating, lug lining, period decals and colours can be provided to create an authentic look. Frames from the ‘50s and more recently the ‘70s are currently most popular. How is business? We have noticed an increase over the last 18 months. More people are looking at the bike as a viable alternative to the car. Incentives like C2W have opened the sport to those who might be priced out. We’ve also noticed an increase in older bikes coming in that haven’t been
TEL: 0117 9724730
used for a while. These are often renovated and re-built as a more costeffective alternative to a new purchase. Can you tell us about Argos’ services? Our frame respray and repair service is popular with riders who wish to give new life to much-loved frames. When busy, up to 35 frames will be worked on. We work closely with many UK importers to offer approved repair and respray services to their existing clients. Respray and decal reproduction services have an average turnaround of two to three weeks; more complicated respray and repairs would take slightly longer. Many specialist repairs can be undertaken, from replacing tubes in steel frames to replacement bottom bracket thread fitted to nearly all frames. We offer resprays to steel, alloy, carbon and magnesium frames, and we also build frames – all our new build frames are built to order and made to measure. A typical order will take ten to 12 weeks to complete. All riders are measured using our unique adjustable jig. This device enables us to determine the ideal frame dimensions required. Once a suitable
BIKES AND ACCESSORIES
60 BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY
EMAIL: sales@argoscycles.com WEB: www.argoscycles.com position has been found, we then focus on the rider’s position under pressure. By adding rolling resistance we see how the position may change under high input. Alongside bespoke frame building we provide a custom build option. It enables clients to select exactly the components they require and we can source any components the customer desires. Can you tell us about your staff? Our master frame builder, Garry Needham, has been building bicycle frames for 30 years. He started under his father’s (Arthur Needham, founder) supervision and has built frames for top time trialists to world explorers. Garry will guide any clients through the process of ordering a ‘Made To Measure’ frame, from the measurement session to building the final product. This enables us to provide consistent quality and high level of customer satisfaction. Which frames/bikes do you cater for? Cyclocross, Road Race, Audax, Touring, Cyclosportif, off road (hardtail only), time trial, ladies-specific, track and fixed road, commuting and S and S couplings for the folding option.
“We also offer a specialist classic renovation service, restoring vintage frames to their former glory. Frames from the ‘50s and more recently the ‘70s are currently most popular.” Argos Racing Cycles
BIKES AND ACCESSORIES
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BIKEBIZ MARKETPLACE BIKE MAINTENANCE
COMPONENTS
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COMPONENTS
EPOS
BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY 61
BIKEBIZ MARKETPLACE
62 BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY
EPOS
LIGHTING
RACKS
RACKS
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BIKEBIZ MARKETPLACE RESPRAYS & REPAIRS
SALES TRAINING Extra profits, immediate results... Sales training can easily double your business. If every customer who comes in to buy an accessory goes out with two, you just doubled your accessory sales. If every customer who comes in to buy a £500 bike goes out with say an £1000 bike, you did it again! If you have trouble getting the simplest techniques over to your staff so they sell well consistently, we will come to your shop and help you. Four hours later, every staff member will be confident in closing sales every time. Full literature is provided plus a handy guide “How to keep your staff selling” is FREE to every owner/ manager who books a course. Basic, advanced and managerial courses are available.
“I am amazed. All the staff got really turned on by Colin's ideas, they keep coming up and asking me why I'm not closing sales!” “I reckon I covered the cost of the training in the first afternoon. Everyone tried so hard. Totally recommendable.” “I really am impressed with this training. I have seen a marked improvement in confidence from the younger members and everyone is selling more. Don't know why every dealer in England isn't knocking on your door.” “The training was so easy to follow even I could understand it. I really like the way the techniques are explained so simply, anyone can do it.” One fee, no extras, progress guaranteed: Email colinrees@live.co.uk now, or call 07540 351 530 for full details. Colin Rees: specialist cycle sales training in the bike trade for 14 years.
TRAINING SERVICES
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TRAINING SERVICES
BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY 63
BIKEBIZ MARKETPLACE WATER BOTTLES
WATER BOTTLES
WEBSITE SERVICES
WEBSITE SERVICES
64 BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY
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BIKEBIZ MARKETPLACE WATER BOTTLES
WATER BOTTLES
WEBSITE SERVICES
WEBSITE SERVICES
64 BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY
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EVENTS AND EDITORIAL PLANNER
Editorial Planner
UPCOMING EVENTS
SPOTLIGHT
FISHER EXPO 2010 Sunday February 7th-9th Sopwell House, St. Albans
March 2010
www.fisherexpo.co.uk
MEDIA AND MAGAZINE FOCUS ELECTRIC BIKES FOLDING BIKES Editorial Deadline: Feb 19th 2010
Advertising Deadline: Feb 23rd 2010
To advertise call Carly Bailey on +44 (0) 1992 535647, or email her at carly.bailey@intentmedia.co.uk For editorial contact Jonathon Harker on +44 (0) 1992 535646, or email him at jonathon.harker@intentmedia.co.uk
APRIL 2010 Bike Security Saddles, Posts, Grips & Bottles Clothing and Accessories Top 20 Independent Bike Dealers Editorial Deadline: Mar 12th Advertising Deadline: Mar 17th
MAY 2010 Energy and Nutrition Women’s Products 30 Under 30 Editorial Deadline: April 9th Advertising Deadline: April 14th
February 2010 FISHER EXPO 2010 Sunday February 7th – 9th Sopwell House, St Albans www.fisherexpo.co.uk TWOO Thursday February 11th – 14th Basel, Switzerland www.twoo.ch VELOBIKE 2010 Friday February 12th – 14th Kiev, Ukraine www.velobike.kiev.ua TRIATHLON CYCLING AND RUNNING SHOW 2010 Saturday February 13th – 14th Sandown Park, Esher, Surrey www.tcrshow.com
JUNE 2010 EPOS focus Cycle Luggage Gears, Brakes & Chains Editorial Deadline: May 7th Advertising Deadline: May 12th
JULY 2010 BMX: Bikes & Accessories Cycle Computers: Heart Rate
ICEBIKE* 2010 Tuesday February 23rd – 25th Milton Keynes, UK www.icebike.co.uk
Monitors, Navigation and more Editorial Deadline: June 4th Advertising Deadline: June 9th
March 2010
AUGUST 2010
SEPTEMBER 2010 Children’s Bikes and Accessories Carrier Racks & Panniers Editorial Deadline: Aug 6th Advertising Deadline: Aug 11th
THE BIBLE IS BACK! BIKEBIZ.COM
OUTDOORS SHOW 2010 Friday March 26th – 28th NEC, Birmingham outdoorsshowextra.co.uk
April 2010 SEA OTTER CLASSIC 2010 Thursday April 15th – 18th Monterey, USA www.seaotterclassic.com ACTIVE BIKE AND TRIATHLON SHOW 2010 Wednesday April 21st – 24th ExCeL, London www.activebike.co.uk 2010 MTB WORLD CUP Saturday April 24th – 25th Dalby Forest, Yorkshire www.britishcycling.org.uk
May 2010 BIKE ASIA 2010 Friday May 21st – 23rd Singapore www.bikeasia.org
June 2010
Bicycle Lighting Complete Bikes Editorial Deadline: July 9th Advertising Deadline: July 14th
TAIPEI CYCLE SHOW Wednesday March 17th – 20th Taipei, Taiwan www.taipeicycle.com.tw
MOORE LARGE 2010 PRODUCT SEMINARS Tuesday March 2nd – 5th Derby www.moorelarge.co.uk
BIKE WEEK 2010 Saturday June 12th – 20th Nationwide www.bikeweek.org.uk
To be included in the 2010 BikeBiz Bible please email your business details to: BikeBizBible@intentmedia.co.uk or check for more details on Twitter: @BikeBizMag
For advertising opportunities contact Carly Bailey: 01992 535647 BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY 65
LATEST PRODUCTS
New gear
This month Direct releases its Juice Lubes to the UK trade, while Moore Large takes stock of the new Vangard Windflex range...
Abus Combination chain lock Zyro 01845 521700
UK Mountain Biking series Vertebrate Publishing Cordee: 01455 611185
Santini Fisher Outdoors 01727 798345
2010 sees the Abus locks offering expand with the introduction of the fashion and function friendly combination chain in three colours. At £34.99, it provides level seven security, placing it mid range and affordable for bike security. As one of the few combination chains available, the system is both tough and highly resistant to weathering. The lock’s USP is the resettable code, which is altered easily when unlocked. Constructed from seven millimetre square chain links, each lock comes covered in a fabric sleeve to prevent it scratching paintwork. These come in shades of black, cyan and coral red.
WITH the imminent release of Cotswolds Mountain Biking (www.v-outdoor.co.uk), Vertebrate Publishing has finished its series of guidebooks focusing on the UK’s biking hotspots. Twelve guides on different areas of the Cotswolds are available via Cordee. The series took six years to complete, and while there are a few obvious gaps, which are being worked on, most of the best mountain bike routes have been featured. They also feature OS mapping. Photography remains important and specialist mountain bike photographers are featured throughout each edition.
AS OFFICIAL jersey sponsors to the UCI World Championships, Italian manufacturer Santini designs and manufactures some of the most technically advanced apparel available to the all-season cyclist. Santini products are for everybody and every weather condition and are available all year round with a new stockist replacement scheme introduced by UK distributor Fisher Outdoors. New to Santini is Primo (pictured), and vintagestyled breathable jerseys with full-frontal zip. For stock or to take advantage of 3/6/5 schemes’ great stock levels, contact Fisher on 01727 798354.
Nalini pro team kits Chicken Cyclekit 01525 381347
Juice Lubes Direct 07807 077491
Vangard Windflex range Moore Large 01332 274200
CHICKEN CYCLEKIT has taken stock of a number of UCI pro team kit designs, including team colours from Astana, Euskatel, Cofidis, and shortly, Columbia. Each team colour is available as either a single jersey, retailing at £59.99, or a bib short, retailing at £74.99. All jersey designs feature three rear pockets, a full-length frontal zip and high-wicking, 100 per cent polyester construction for comfort. Furthermore, the bib short comfort features are enhanced with padded antibacterial chamois and silicon leg grippers. Contact Gary Turner on 01525 381347 for more information or to order this custom apparel.
NOW ON sale to the UK trade, Juice Lubes’ catalogue of lubricants, cleaners and various other ‘juices’ are ready for order. A three-tier stock is available, giving a slighter greater margin for greater commitments. The firm’s made a pledge to not deal with online outlets, believing in the long-term value of independent businesses. Free delivery comes as standard too, making your store margin go further. Consumer magazines have rewarded Juice Lubes well in their reviews, with MBR rating the brand’s Fork Juice 9/10 for its lubrication qualities and value for money. Juice Lubes has hinted it’ll soon be seeking distributors.
MOORE LARGE has taken stock of the new Windflex range from Vangard. The catalogue features four styles: zip collar, rollneck, long-sleeved and short-sleeved turtleneck. The range is made from unique four-way stretch fabric, with exceptional elasticity and high moisture transport. Windflex is 100 per cent waterproof and at the same time breathable. The material’s quick drying and provides comfort at all times. The garments are packed with technology, including Vangard’s own moisture transport system. For more on Vangard, visit www.vangarduk.com.
66 BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY
BIKEBIZ.COM
LETTERS PAGE
BikeBiz is keen to publish your opinions, whether they’re from letters, emails or via BikeBiz.com... Mail to: Saxon House, 6A St. Andrews Street, Hertford, Hertfordshire SG14 1JA
Email: Jonathon.Harker@ intentmedia.co.uk
From the Forum... STAR LETTER
Snow attendance this winter We recently had a member of the local traders association in the shop compiling an attendance register of the shops open and how many staff had managed to make it in. It is quiet on the High Street and the school opposite me is closed, not to mention the skate rink that I’m on. Winter Olympics anyone? WFQ
Boost profits in the new year MANY dealers I meet tell me about the massive downturn they expect at the start of 2010. Many will have bought bikes before Christmas and most High Street retailers have the same low cash flow problem – hence, the sales. Sales can help, but there are other ways to make sure the cash keeps rolling in. It all begins with being more proactive in going out for the business rather than waiting for it to come to you. It’s been long known that the more a business communicates with its customers, the more likely they are to remember that business when they next have
a need. British households are bombarded with flyers from the local pizza shop. Is the industry missing a trick? Clearly, there is not going to be much impact issuing flyers for new bike sales in January, but let us not forget the profit driven by the workshop. Dealers need to consider extending the free six-week safety check by establishing a regular, paid-for, six-month service period as being the very best way to extend the life of the bike and enhance the riding experience. A sticker is put on the bike with the customer’s permission, an entry is made in the diary next to the till; both
list the day the next service is due. The bike is booked in on the day put aside for second service bikes. When the bike is complete, the next due date is agreed and noted as before for six months hence. Remember to include the shop phone number on the label as well as the due date. If all these services are scheduled for times when sales cash flow is tough, then that problem just disappeared. These and many more ideas are included in the training course ‘Running a profitable repair shop’. Colin Rees, Cycle specific sales trainer 07540 351 530
This might sound unduly harsh, but I rather think that there is no excuse for a bike shop employee not to be at work when it is snowing. I cycled seven miles through a foot of snow but where are all my colleagues? They drive into work and they have all phoned for the second day running to say they cannot get make it in. henney1 The whole attendance debate throws up a few dilemmas for shop owners. I got an update from one of our payroll suppliers and it said, in essence: “No show no dough.” ChrisCompton
That sounds like a fantastic way to boost staff morale. Spunky My point is that the customers make my business. The staff are an intrinsic part of that business, but ultimately the customers pay my and their wages and we are obliged to provide a service. Imagine the scenario: a customer makes a Herculean effort to come to the shop to pick up his repair that he’s taking away on holiday the following day and then arrives at the shop and it’s closed when most of the other business around are open. What’s his impression? It’s not a question of ‘dumping’ on them but highlighting the terms of their contract – if they make the decision not to come to work, why should I foot the bill? If I decided that I wanted to close early and let them travel home that’s my decision. How many self-employed people battled to work through the weather? ChrisCompton
Star Letter Whether it’s a hand-written, sent-through-the-post letter, email or a comment made on the BikeBiz forum, the best letter of the month wins a prize from Oxford Products. This month the lucky winner will receive a selection of designs from Oxford’s now expanded range of Comfy (three pack) micro-fibre neckwarmers.
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BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY 67
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OFF
k c a r T
punches are thrown at zyro
Best of 2009 Red Bull
Cyclists go off the rails in Paddington COMMUTERS are used to being stuck in traffic on the way to work, but in January a pair of cyclists got stuck for a whopping 11 hours – and never got out of Paddington station for the duration. Thankfully it was all in a good cause: the children’s charity Make A Wish Foundation. Dean Wood and Samantha Williams took part in the stationary feat, thought to be the first ever charity cycle ride in a train station. The duo, from Borehamwood, pedalled among commuters to raise money for an international cycle in aid of the cause. Wood said: “I wanted to incorporate cycling into our fundraising efforts to
kick start my training. As for doing it in Paddington station, it is something a bit different – I have never heard of anyone having done it before. “Lots of people have been stopping to chat, so the commuters haven’t been ignoring us. I think that’s because cycling in a train station is such an unusual fundraising activity. “I chose the Make A Wish Foundation because when I first heard about it I was really taken aback by what the volunteers do. It is such a good cause. It would be lovely if we could raise as much money as we can.” To find out more about the worthy cause, visit www.make-a-wish.org.uk.
Open House is a complete knock out LAST MONTH fists were flying at Rudding Park Hotel – the location for Zyro’s Open House event. Happily, the blows being traded were purely virtual – on the Nintendo Wii. Jane Watson, Zyro marketing manager, sparred with BikeBiz’s own Carly Bailey and Singletrack journo Matt Letch (right). Virtual boxing and bowling were just some of the activities on offer to the trade as retailers and brand personnel
68 BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY
relaxed after a packed schedule of seminars, where the latest products and ranges were shown and discussed (turn to page 44 and 45).
© Marcelo Maragni/Red Bull Photofiles DESAFIO DE MORRO >> Rio De Janeiro slums, Brazil Taking urban street racing to a whole new level, Red Bull’s Desafio de Morro carved a route through the notorious slums of Brazil’s capital, Rio de Janeiro. The UK’s Dan Atherton even managed to scoop third place in surroundings incredibly dissimilar to your average downhill route. Filip Polc from Slovakia stormed to the top of the podium while onlookers and commentators summed up it is here. There are 3,000 stray just how crazy the feat was. dogs in the Favela, bullet holes all over Speaking on Channel Four, Phil Young the shop, raw sewage on the course and said: “You’ve know idea how off the hook 100 armed police for security – unreal.”
© Kay Clauberg/Red Bull Photofiles
<< FLOW COMBO Koblenz, Germany Having a taste for exploring opportunities among the less mainstream sports, Red Bull took a historic German location and organised a flatland competition dead bang in the middle. The format was simple; sixteen teams of two riders were to perform routines for a panel of judges, overlooked by hundreds of spectators who had draped themselves over and around a huge statue of German emperor Wilhelm. Contest winners Matti Röse and Camillo Guiterrez were awarded tickets to compete in the world’s premiere flatland contest, the King of Ground in Japan.
ROAD RAGE >> Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy Having first been cancelled in 2006, following reports of being ‘too dangerous’ by Malibu’s city fire chief, Red Bull’s Road Rage concept lay unexplored until 2009. A suitable route was discovered in Olaf Pignataro/Red Bul France and a date l Photofiles and (c)DomDaher/Red Bull set during Photofiles September. Former Tour de France champion, Frederic Moncassin, Check out the took the win, navigating the windy reading on the speed gun. (pictured, mountainside route at blistering speeds. above).
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OFF TRACK
Send your pictures to mark.sutton@intentmedia.co.uk
• pendleton pedals for hovis • paddington station hosts cycling fundraiser
photofiles
Pendleton gets a slice of the action
‘RESERVOIR DOGS’ >> Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK Ride magazine linked up with Red Bull toward the end of 2009 with a view to well and truly conquering new heights using improvised obstacles. Packing a handful of Seventies’ sponsored talent onto a train up to Newcastle, the vision was to propel any rider up for the challenge as high into the sky as possible, utilising a motorbike and the worn walls of an abandoned reservoir. The resulting November cover of Ride shows Sebastian Keep a good ten feet out of the twenty foot transition.
OLYMPIC cycling champion Victoria Pendleton recreated the iconic 1970s Hovis advert last month, as part of a three-year deal to represent the brand. The British cycling star took to the cobbled streets for six hours to film the ad, homaging the original commercial, which was directed by Gladiator director Ridley Scott. Hovis boasts a long history of supporting cycling. Back in 1889, the bread firm produced a series of cycle road maps and more recently sponsored the London Freewheel ride.
ll Photofiles .com /Red Bu uw pa er tg ru ©
quote
Sponsored by the brands of Moore Large 01332 274252
unquote “If you’ve ever seen a fixedgear ‘schluff’, it’s a horrible sight – more so even than a traditional ‘schluff’. “A traditional ‘schluffer’ stands next to the bicycle, but the fixed-gear ‘schluffer’ continues to straddle the bicycle and pushes himself – or herself – along with one foot while the other remains in the toe clip rotating along with the crankarm.” BikeSnobNYC, January 20th “Sky Sports News is doing its level best to cover cycling as a
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dramatic action-packed thrill ride... The facts we know are that in cycling, there can be long periods of inactivity where very little happens and the TV viewer is best served by relaxing with a cuppa to watch the scenery or get their ass off the sofa and do some miles themselves.” jimmythecuckoo blogging for Road.cc, January 19th “Whenever I talk to other people about cycling, particularly women, I get the same story – they just don’t
Victoria Pendleton, who will be training in Perth, Australia, before the World Cycling Championships in Copenhagen in March, said: “I’m really looking forward to working with Hovis and being its ambassador for a range of healthy-living and eating campaigns.” The gold medallist added: “I hope my work for Hovis will inspire a new generation of girls and boys on bikes, who enjoy cycling as much as I did when I was younger and maybe even inspire some champions of the future.”
feel safe enough on the roads. That really has to change if we are to encourage more people to travel by bike.” Rachel Wood, BikeForAll.net, January 20th
David Bull, Unicef
"For the last 30 years, Lino Gastaldello had turned around the fortunes of the 103-yearold Italian brand [Wilier]. Whilst Lino was still involved, the company has been successfully run in recent years by his sons Enrico, Michele, and Andrea. He was much loved and respected and his loss will be deeply felt.
His passion for his company and especially for their racing activities was immediately obvious the first time we met him. We extend our heartfelt sympathy to Lino’s family and to all our friends at Wilier.” Derek Farrant, owner and MD of ATB Sales, January 26th "This is a bold and innovative gesture by Charlie.” Unicef's UK exec director David Bull on seven-year-old Charlie Simpson’s £75k charity cycle ride for Haiti earthquake victims, January 25th
BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY 69
OFF TRACK
OFF
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punches are thrown at zyro
Best of 2009 Red Bull
Cyclists go off the rails in Paddington COMMUTERS are used to being stuck in traffic on the way to work, but in January a pair of cyclists got stuck for a whopping 11 hours – and never got out of Paddington station for the duration. Thankfully it was all in a good cause: the children’s charity Make A Wish Foundation. Dean Wood and Samantha Williams took part in the stationary feat, thought to be the first ever charity cycle ride in a train station. The duo, from Borehamwood, pedalled among commuters to raise money for an international cycle in aid of the cause. Wood said: “I wanted to incorporate cycling into our fundraising efforts to
kick start my training. As for doing it in Paddington station, it is something a bit different – I have never heard of anyone having done it before. “Lots of people have been stopping to chat, so the commuters haven’t been ignoring us. I think that’s because cycling in a train station is such an unusual fundraising activity. “I chose the Make A Wish Foundation because when I first heard about it I was really taken aback by what the volunteers do. It is such a good cause. It would be lovely if we could raise as much money as we can.” To find out more about the worthy cause, visit www.make-a-wish.org.uk.
Open House is a complete knock out LAST MONTH fists were flying at Rudding Park Hotel – the location for Zyro’s Open House event. Happily, the blows being traded were purely virtual – on the Nintendo Wii. Jane Watson, Zyro marketing manager, sparred with BikeBiz’s own Carly Bailey and Singletrack journo Matt Letch (right). Virtual boxing and bowling were just some of the activities on offer to the trade as retailers and brand personnel
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relaxed after a packed schedule of seminars, where the latest products and ranges were shown and discussed (turn to page 44 and 45).
DESAFIO DE MORRO >> © Marcelo Maragni/Red Bull Rio De Janeiro slums, Brazil Photofiles Taking urban street racing to a whole new level, Red Bull’s Desafio de Morro carved a route through the notorious slums of Brazil’s capital, Rio de Janeiro. The UK’s Dan Atherton even managed to scoop third place in surroundings incredibly dissimilar to your average downhill route. Filip Polc from Slovakia stormed to the top of the podium while onlookers and commentators summed up it is here. There are 3,000 stray just how crazy the feat was. dogs in the Favela, bullet holes all over Speaking on Channel Four, Phil Young the shop, raw sewage on the course and said: “You’ve know idea how off the hook 100 armed police for security – unreal.”
© Kay Clauberg/Red Bull Photofiles
<< FLOW COMBO Koblenz, Germany Having a taste for exploring opportunities among the less mainstream sports, Red Bull took a historic German location and organised a flatland competition dead bang in the middle. The format was simple; sixteen teams of two riders were to perform routines for a panel of judges, overlooked by hundreds of spectators who had draped themselves over and around a huge statue of German emperor Wilhelm. Contest winners Matti Röse and Camillo Guiterrez were awarded tickets to compete in the world’s premiere flatland contest, the King of Ground in Japan.
ROAD RAGE >> Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy Having first been cancelled in 2006, following reports of being ‘too dangerous’ by Malibu’s city fire chief, Red Bull’s Road Rage concept lay unexplored until 2009. A suitable route was discovered in Olaf Pignataro/Red Bul France and a date l Photofiles and (c)DomDaher/Red Bull set during Photofiles September. Former Tour de France champion, Frederic Moncassin, Check out the took the win, navigating the windy reading on the speed gun. (pictured, mountainside route at blistering speeds. above).
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OFF THE RECORD
SPOKES
IN THE SADDLE
Planning positively for the future of UK cycling Carlton Reid gets a frosty reception from a group of travel planners when he suggest that you can’t sell cycling by being negative... RECENTLY I’ve given a couple of presentations. One was to a friendly crowd; the other was to sea of morose faces that, while not exactly hostile, included a few in the audience who gave me a hard time. The friendly crowd was a cycle campaign group. Sixteen people turned up on a wet, dreary Friday night to listen to my bikey bon mots. It was like talking to friends, a fireside chat rather than a formal presentation; it was real-life ‘social media’, a to-and-fro conversation. I had got the ball rolling by talking about how, to promote cycling, we need to stress the warm and fuzzy stuff, not dwell on safety stats, helmets, Lycra, city streets clogged with two-ton vehicles out to kill. I was gently chided for this by a couple of members of the group. They argued my happy-clappy image wasn’t reality. I was able to counter – loud murmurs from everybody else in the room helped – with the point that the car industry has sold its wares for ever and a day with just such jiggerypokery. Empty roads. Sunshine. Beautiful people. (‘Nicole?’ ‘Papa?’). In effect, this is how the whole of marketing works. Sell the positives, ignore the negatives. The second group I presented to was a bunch of travel planners. These folks are charged with getting people out of cars and on to buses, bikes and shanks’ ponies, but an awful lot of them, unwittingly, focus on the downsides of the alternatives to the car. I stressed a similar, warm-and-fuzzy message about cycling to this audience. On travel planning literature, I suggested, don’t picture cyclists wearing fluoro jackets, helmets and Lycra. That’s stressing that cycling is a niche transport option – tribal, wacky, open to ridicule. [Disclaimer: I wear this stuff]. Don’t suggest companies spend a small fortune on installing showers for cyclists. Keenies, commuting in from miles and miles away in bike clothing, might benefit from work-place sprucing-up facilities, but the
every-day, short-hop commuter cyclist needs no such facilities. Such amenities are not provided to workers in Amsterdam or Copenhagen; it’s simply not necessary. Boy, did I get some stick. Partly for dissing on showers, mostly for daring to suggest cycling is not overtly dangerous and should be normalised. Some of the travel planners told me afterwards they’d enjoyed my talk, and they would modify how they promoted cycling, stressing the positives rather than the barriers. The majority, I fear, will continue to promote cycling as a hair-shirt option, something for the brave and something for fine weather. Those bike shops in contact with their local travel planners might want to pass on some positive urban lifestyle images. There are plenty available from suppliers. We need to sell cycling not with ‘safety’, but with emotionally uplifting images and messages.
Sub-Editor: Gemma Messina Gemma.Messina@intentmedia.co.uk Production Executive: Abby Fanger Abigail.Fanger@intentmedia.co.uk
Deputy Editor: Mark Sutton Mark.Sutton@intentmedia.co.uk
Design: Kelly Styles Kelly.Styles@intentmedia.co.uk
Advertising Manager: Carly Bailey Carly.Bailey@intentmedia.co.uk
Business Development: Dave Roberts Dave.Roberts@intentmedia.co.uk
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What bikes do you own? My main road bike is a Principia utilising one of the original Danish built alloy frames. My latest is a Cube cross bike – not that it’s improved my results! Finally, two old classics: a ‘70s Jack Hearne that I was given and my pride and joy mid-eighties Major Nichols. I’m hoping to enter it in this year’s L’Eroica ride in Tuscany.
Tell us a bit about your business background: I’ve spent the last 14 years in corporate sales with Volkswagen cars in Solihull and Birmingham. Over the years I built up many transferable skills in the business and customer relations, which I can bring to the cycle industry – combining my job with a passion for cycling.
Editor: Jonathon Harker Jonathon.Harker@intentmedia.co.uk
Editorial Production Manager: Helen French Helen.French@intentmedia.co.uk
product promoter, Schwalbe
You’ve just joined the Schwalbe team... My title is UK sales promoter, but product promoter might be more accurate as I won’t be selling products directly – that will be through our network of wholesalers as before. I’ll link with Schwalbe and the retailers to provide product information and support, along with tech backup and promotional assistance.
EDITORIAL: 01992 535646 | ADVERTISING: 01992 535647 | FAX: 01992 535648 Executive Editor: Carlton Reid Carlton.Reid@intentmedia.co.uk
Tim Ward,
Managing Editor: Lisa Foster Lisa.Foster@intentmedia.co.uk
Publisher/MD: Stuart Dinsey Stuart.Dinsey@intentmedia.co.uk
Why should retailers choose Schwalbe? It’s a long-standing, family-run business that is passionate about one thing: bicycle tyres. Unlike some other brands, we are not the bicycle tyre division of a larger organisation that does everything from a tyre for a tea trolley to one for a Jumbo Jet. The focus is purely on bicycle tyres, along with associated tubes, small scooter tyres and wheelchair tyres. Schwalbe is all about product range quality, innovation, dealer loyalty and an enthusiasm for all things bikes and cycling.
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