Issue 67 | August 2011
EDITORIAL
Issue 67 | August 2011
NEWS 4-6 INDUSTRY OPINIONS 22
Tesco plots the second phase of its move into cycle retail and CRC reveals more details on its standalone store...
FOCUS ON EUROBIKE 25
EVENTS 73
MYSTERY SHOPPER
14
Our undercover reporter narrowly avoids being Bard from the shops of Stratford Upon Avon...
FOCUS ON… 19
POWACYCLE The e-bike brand gives BikeBiz a frank interview on the state of the electric market...
ICEBIKE*REVIEW 31
GERAINT THOMAS 39
A summary of some of the products on show at iceBike* July
BikeBiz speaks to the Cycle Show ambassador during the Tour
OUTDOORS Bauer launches a new outdoors mag and Buff and Geigerrig launch new lines
LIGHTING AND HIGH VIS
50 MTB SECTOR GUIDE
61
67
REGULARS CHAIN REACTION
12 LETTERS
Are you a Twitter-phobe? Our guest columnist explains why you should use social media
PEOPLE
52
70
BikeBiz readers provide their take on how best to set up as an independent bike dealer... SPONSORED BY
Two new faces at i-ride, plus new appointments at Hotlines and Scottish Cycling
NEW PRODUCTS
58
BikeBiz lusts after the Cervelo S5, Lake shoes and a host of other goodies
SPOKESMAN
86
The UCI invites Carlton Reid to its HQ to get down to brass tacks...
SO, BIKES HAVE been harder to shift this year. That’s not only the word on the cycle trade streets, but its also the fairly obvious message from the number of sales currently going on around the industry at the moment. It’s a far cry from the summer of ‘09 when the trade was desperate for road bikes, but I guess that’s the quirk of an industry that has long lead times as product is largely sourced from the Far East. Ordering bike stocks must be an increasingly tricky affair. Predicting how the notoriously fickle British weather or market conditions are going to play out over the next 12 months or so is a skill not dissimilar to those displayed by a fortune telling psychic. The good news is that despite the tough start to the year anecdotal reports indicate that sales seem to have made up for a rough winter period or even gone as far as exceeded what they normal would have expected.
The fact that Tesco and Halfords see the cycle market as continuously attractive is a good sign for everyone else in the bike trade. Is such a positive image misplaced? Are bike businesses jsut putting a brave face on it? After all, in the wider world Greece seems set for another bail out, Italy is on the verge of being in serious economic trouble, we’re told, and most economic commentators have run out of ways of saying that economic growth in the UK is about as likely in the short term as an England World Cup win (well, maybe not as unlikely as that). But there are other indications that cycling is still doing thriving. Whether that is Tesco launching its own brand and increasing its cycling efforts (see page 4) or Halfords’ boss reporting that it has seen strong demand for bicycles in the 13 weeks to July 1st. On the face of it, some independent bike dealers might not be too pleased at the thought of Halfords and Tesco enjoying the fruits of cycle retail. But the fact that these two calculating retail heavyweights see the cycle market as an attractive proposition and are doubling their efforts (in the case of Tesco) to be a part of it are a clear sign the market is strong. What you don’t want to read is that Tesco is ditching its cycle retail experiment. And then there is the likes of Lezyne and Brompton, (on pages 5 and 6) who are both expanding their product offerings, rather than battening down the hatches. It may be scant consolation if you’re stuck with too many bikes to shift on a rainy Tuesday afternoon, but there are plenty of reasons for optimism in the UK bike trade.
Jonathon Harker, Editor
NEWS
CYCLE SHORTS Dahon sues Tern Dr David Hon is seeking a restraining order on the company founded by his son and estranged wife. Tern is led by Josh Hon, the face of Dahon for 20 years.
Future UK to cut a tenth of jobs Future Publishing is to cut a tenth of its workforce, equating to 100 jobs in the UK. Group revenues declined five per cent, according to an interim management statement.
Focus leaves Wiggle and goes direct German bike brand focus has parted ways with Wiggle, chosing instead to recruit independent retailers in the UK. Owners of the brand Derby Cycle achieved revenue of EUR 173 million in the 2009/2010 and financial year, 72.6 percent of which was generated in Germany.
Roche to distribute Ciamillo brakes The company behind Sabbath Bicycles, Roche, is to distribute Ciamillo brakes.
Big Pedal Correction Last month BikeBiz inaccurately totalled the number of bike journeys that took place during the Big Pedal earlier this year. We referred to 990 bike journeys, when there was in fact a far more impressive 990,000. The person responsible will be forced to ride 990,000 miles without a gel saddle...
Bikes beat commercial airliner Cyclists in Los Angeles have beaten a commercial airliner in a race. Boarding and airport waiting time was factored in, though the cyclists apparently would have clocked a faster time, regardless. The full story is found on BikeBiz.com when Jet Blue is searched.
For breaking news visit:
www.bikebiz.com 4 BIKEBIZ AUGUST
Online marches on the High Street Following Chain Reaction Cycles’ move to physical retail, speculation on who is next runs rife by Jonathon Harker ONLINE CYCLE retail giant Chain Reaction Cycles is to open a bricks and mortar store at the end of August 2011. The retailer told BikeBiz that it will focus on offering a wide range of brands, value, community and service to its customers. The store itself will be located on the Boucher Road, Belfast and will have a 10,000 square foot footprint. Earlier this year in May, CRC confirmed rumours that it would open a standalone state-of-the-art store later in the year. The business, which began in 1985 with a £1,500 bank loan, is now reportedly the biggest online bike retailer worldwide. Areas within the store will be dedicated for a wide variety of sectors, including commuter/city, mountain biking, BMX, trekking, triathlon and downhill. The product offering will include Shimano, Rockshox, Skins, Ghost, Cube, Nukeproof, Endura and Vitus.
A spokesperson for the firm said: “With an uncompromising level of service from a team of highly qualified staff we will provide bike repairs, servicing, cycle fitting, gate analysis, performance fitting, cycle-to-work, maintenance courses plus online orders and collection. “As well as ample parking our customers will also have an in-store lounge area. We aim to foster a community spirit with a place to meet friends and catch up on the latest gossip about the latest high-tech gadgets.” The firm said the new store will provide customers an unrivalled experience and be the number one stop for cyclists, triathletes, swimmers and runners – whether they’re complete novices or seasoned veterans. Chain Reaction Cycles new store address is Unit 1, Balmoral Plaza, Belfast, BT12 6HR Sources have told BikeBiz that reports of other online cycle retailers making a similar move have been premature, with such moves still a possibility rather than a definite outcome.
Tesco expands successful ‘bike shop in a shop’ scheme by Jonathon Harker TESCO, THE UK's largest grocer, has revealed to BikeBiz that last year's 'bike shop within a shop' has been so successful that it has rolled the concept out to another 16 UK stores. Last year the retailer introduced the concept to around eight of its larger stores around the nation, and since then has introduced the programme to a total of 24 stores. The ‘mini bike shops’ offers bikes built by trained staff – reportedly the first time a supermarket has offered the service. Last year the retailer told BikeBiz it was taking bicycle seriously. The concept revolves around offering Tesco customers an improved cycle offering. A spokesperson told BikeBiz: "The aim has always been to provide affordable biking for the family. They [bike shop within a shop] have been trading well.” "We're very pleased with it and the customer response."
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NEWS
ANALYSIS Chain Reaction’s move to open a standalone physical retail may go against the trend of increasing amounts of retail business taking place online, but the move is not so surprising, according to analysts. "In general it is unusual for online players to try to move into the physical space," Verdict Research's consulting director Neil Saunders told BikeBiz. "It often requires a different skill-set and because of store overheads physical retail is a relatively expensive channel through which to sell. "However, that noted, Chain Reaction’s move does not necessarily surprise me. Firstly, the bike sector is currently experiencing good growth even during the midst of the consumer slowdown; so there are some good gains to be had for players looking to expand. "Secondly, I think bike retail is one of those sectors where stores are useful to demonstrate products, inspire customers and give customer service. Online pureplays without stores will inevitably miss out on some of the opportunities a more interactive store presents. "On top of this, for Chain Reaction a store will also help it grow its brand presence in a credible way. While many bike enthusiasts will be happy to buy online from it, there will be large groups of consumers to whom it is a relatively unknown name. Having a store can build trust and make people more confident of buying online.” Verdict: 020 7551 9750
Retailer launches own bike and accessory brand and takes bike shop concept to another 16 stores Tesco’s spokesperson revealed to BikeBiz: “We've very happy with how the trials have gone and we have now launched our own brand – Via Velo.” Tesco’s brand includes a wide range of accessories, from lights, tyres, bottles and cages, saddles and cycle luggage. Previously independent bike dealers polled by BikeBiz had largely not felt threatened by increased interest in the cycling market from supermarkets. Tesco currently has in the region of 450 stores across Great Britain.
Lezyne ramps up product offering Lights and workshop tools to launch at Eurobike by Jonathon Harker LEZYNE IS significantly widening its product offering to the trade with new lines of lights and workshop tools, BikeBiz can exclusively reveal. The brand, distributed by Upgrade in the UK, is in its fifth year of trading and so far has produced multi-tools, minipumps, floor pumps and hydration packs. Both the new ranges will be available early September and will officially launch at Eurobike. Upgrade said demand for Lezyne LED is expected to be very high and dealers are encouraged to contact the firm soon to secure stock. The brand will launch three models as part of a high-performance LED range. Two year in the making, the USB rechargeable Li-Ion battery high output LED lights are to be competitively priced, starting with the Mini Drive LED, producing 150 lumens with a £49.99 SRP. The Power Drive LED will produce 300 lumens for £79.99 SRP and finally the Super Drive LED produces 450 lumens for £99.99 SRP. “Each component is custom developed to Lezyne’s highest standards,” the firm told BikeBiz. “Extensive testing with light projection in real-world cycling situations helped Lezyne develop their Uniform Power Beam lens and reflector technology customised for cycling. The latest efficient and super bright Cree LEDs in combination with high capacity rechargeable Lithium-ion batteries make Lezyne LED lights the brightest and longest-lasting in their class.” Aside from the brand new LED light range Lezyne’s shop tool range will also
launch at Eurobike, including home workshop tools pitched as being ‘functional and beautiful’. Lezyne revealed that the range has designed to meet the demand of growing
“Cree LEDs and highcapacity, rechargeable lithium batteries are used.” Rory Hitchens, Upgrade
numbers of consumers doing their own home bike builds and regular maintenance on increasingly expensive bikes. The range will include two-way tech – a combination of the CNC Rod (SRP £20.99) universal 32mm hex wrench handle that fits any of the three Forged-
CNC’d steel tools (SRP £12.99). Two of these tools are ‘two-way’, or two functions in one. Tools are purchased individually and can be used with the CNC Rod or any 32mm or adjustable spanner. The EXBBT-CLT tool is an external bottom bracket tool with Cassette Lock Ring tool. The SPLBBT-NBBT tool is an ISS splined bottom bracket tool with eightpoint bottom bracket tool. The EXBBTSOC tool is an external bottom bracket tool for use with CNC Rod or any 3/8” socket drive and torque wrench. The range will also include the Pedal Rod – a heavy-duty shop quality pedal spanner with two 15mm offset openings positioned for optimal leverage, in two versions; the CNC Pedal Rod (SRP £25.99) with CNC machined aluminium, laser engraved handle and the Classic Pedal Rod (SRP £17.99) with its shaped and varnished wood handle. Other highlights include the Chain Rod, a shop quality heavy-duty chain whip tool in two versions - CNC Chain Rod (SRP £29.99) with aluminium handle and the Classic Chain Rod (SRP £20.99) with shaped and varnished wood handle. A three-way Wrench (SRP £15.99) and three-way Spoke Wrench (SRP £7.99) will also be included. Finally the Shop Shock Drive (£69.99) is a heavy duty shock pump for everyday use. Leyzne, with its ‘Engineered Design’ mantra, credits itself for ‘re-inventing’ the hose on mini-pumps and bringing back the benefits connecting to tyre valves this way. Upgrade Bikes: 01403 711 611 B2B site: http://shop.upgradebikes.co.uk
NEWS
Brompton unveils new apparel line Debut Brompton jacket stands up to a thorough water-pistolling at London launch event By Jonathon Harker BRITISH FOLDING bike manufacturer Brompton has stepped into the cycling apparel world with its Oratory Jacket. Three years in the making, the jacket is named after the Oratory Brompton that founder Andrew Ritchie overlooked when he founded the company. Featuring the highly water resistant ‘amphibious cotton, EPIC by Nextec Cotton fabric, the Oratory Jacket is lined with bamboo fabric – printed with a drawing of the Brompton Oratory by Sheffield artist Kid Acne. The jacket includes a number of cycle specific performance features, combining them with the look and feel of a classic two-button jacket. Such features include a pull out high-vis rear panel, fold down cuffs with reflective panels, pit zips for ventilation and even a Oyster card pocket in sleeve. Brompton marketing manager Emerson Roberts said at the launch: “Our aim is to be the personal transport brand of choice. Before the Oratory Jacket there was a choice of a blazer that offered no protection from the elements and wasn’t really suited to a bike, or to wear high-vis gear. “So the jacket addresses a genuine design need. Andrew developed the Brompton bike to be a solution to a need and we hope the Oratory jacket adds to that.” Brompton’s head of design Will Carleysmith said: “It’s a whole new
Brompton’s Oratory was put to the water pistol challenge
market for us. The jacket has been designed to meet the disparate needs of people who want to use a bike in daily life without having to change into or out of garish cycle attire or waterproofs. It’s about giving cyclists greater choice, but also about normalising cycling” The cord jacket is only available in a male version so far, but the firm promised: “It is top of the list to get a women’s jacket out there next.” BikeBiz was told the female version has been designed and is ready to go into production, depending on how well the men’s version is received. Such caution may well prove to be unfounded however, with pre-orders already high, before the jacket has officially launched. The Oratory will retail for £250 and will be available to selected Brompton dealers from September 1st 2011. Stockists include Downland Cycles, Evans, Mosquito Bikes, On Your Bike, SJS Cycles and Velorution. www.brompton.co.uk
Emerson Roberts, Brompton marketing manager (left)
European Commission to renew 48.5% dumping duty on Chinese Bikes By Mark Sutton THE EUROPEAN UNION will maintain the current 48.5 per cent anti-dumping duty on all bicycles sourced from China and delivered to Europe. As reported on BikeBiz.com during July, the trade protection measure, backed by several high-profile Eurozone manufacturers and their representative to the EU, the European Bicycle Manufacturers Association, will be
6 BIKEBIZ AUGUST
extended by three years as opposed to the standard five year extension – largely in concession to Chinese manufacturers and European importers. The three year extension must, however, be approved by European Governments by mid-October. “The anti-dumping measures on bicycles should be maintained,” the European Commission said in a draft decision obtained by Bloomberg News. “It is appropriate to limit the current measures to three years.”
“It is appropriate to limit the current extension to three years...” European Commission statement
A 34.5 per cent duty, first imposed in 2005, still applies to all complete bikes sourced from Vietnam. Import statistics suggest that, despite being the world's largest manufacturer of bicycles, China's share of the European bicycle market is gradually falling, making up just 3.1 per cent in the year through March 2010. In 2007 stats suggested the figure to be around 4.4 per cent. Of the 80 million complete bikes produced annually in China, around 55 million are exported.
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CONTROL IS AT THE TIP OF YOUR FINGERS
THE FINISHING TOUCH www.ultegradi2.co.uk
NEWS
Bike Week escapes chop and becomes bigger than ever Bike trade steps in after coalition cuts More people take part than in 2010 events by Jonathon Harker DESPITE THREATS to its existence, including government cuts to its funding, the nationwide ‘get bums on saddles’ Bike Week event was bigger than ever in 2011. This year a whopping 421,734 people took part across 1,912 Team Green Britain Bike Week events. Those totals are set to rise still further – Bike Week officially took place from June 18th to 26th, but many activities under the banner are still being wrapped up at time of press. Industry levy Bike Hub stepped in to help safeguard the increasingly popular event with a £65,000 contribution following the Governments decision to cull its contribution. Scottish designers Colin and Justin were among the celebrities successfully encouraging more people to take part.
The design duo – Colin McAllister and Justin Ryan – gave their bikes makeovers ahead of Team Green Britain Bike Week to encourage Scots to participate. According to research, a quarter of Scots have unused bikes in garages and sheds in need of minor repairs – including gear tuning, brake adjustments and fixing punctures. The duo said they were proud to get behind Team Green Britain Bike Week. “We live between Canada and Scotland and love how our homeland is finally catching up with our North American cousins regarding cycling. “In Toronto, cycling is easy thanks to bike lanes, picturesque cycle paths and a relaxed attitude from other road users and we’re finding more and more dedicated lanes here, and more cyclists on the road, than ever before.”
Bike Week stalwart CTC’s York Cycle Show saw around 10,000 cyclists attend, including Paralympic gold medalist David Stone.
Bike Week stalwart CTC’s York Cycle Show saw around 10,000 cyclists attend. The show, which has been running since 1945, saw Paralympic Gold Medal cyclist David Stone attend while cyclists had chance to take part in rides and the traditional Grand Cycle Parade through York from the Minster, plus a number of other family-friendly activities. The week also saw bike auction site Going Going Bike team up with East London social enterprise Bikeworks. Customers were encouraged to sell their old bikes via the site and buy a new one, with Bikeworks pledging to make an offer on any bikes not sold by a certain date. This year independent bicycle retailers had the opportunity to take a closer role in a Bike Week Retail Partner promotion, voted for by dealers through an ACT poll. www.bikeweek.org.uk
Final call for the BikeBiz Bible by Mark Sutton
in association with
10 BIKEBIZ AUGUST
BIKEBIZ IS in the final stages of pulling together the 2012 edition of the BikeBiz Bible directory and is calling on any UK businesses that require a listing, or an edit to their current details, to get in touch. Mailing free-of-charge to all existing subscribers with the October print magazine, the directory, in association with Silverfish, compiles around 3,000 bicycle businesses in the main directory, a comprehensive trade events listing, a brand index by distributor, columns from industry stalwarts and more. If your business missed out on last year’s edition, please ensure you email your address, phone, website and business type to mark.sutton@intentmedia.co.uk by August 26th. For advertising opportunities within the directory, including a listing of your firm’s brands within the directory’s brand
index, please email carly.bailey@intentmedia.co.uk, or call 01992535647. This edition will be split into easily searchable sections, each compiled in an a-z format. These categories are: SERVICES AND TRAINING Legal, insurance, Cycle to Work, sales and mechanic training, shop fitters, service centres, printing and prototyping E-COMMERCE AND EPOS ePos, website builders EVENT ORGANISERS, EVENT HOSTING, HOLIDAY AND HIRE Trail and hire centres, conference, cycle tours, event organisers, venues MEDIA AND PUBLISHING Web publishing, blogs, magazine, broadcasting, freelance, books
MARKETING, PR AND CONSULTANCY Consultants, freelance, PR, copywriting services RETAILERS, WORKSHOP AND MAIL ORDER Retail of all shapes and sizes, maintenance both in house and mobile, online sales DISTRIBUTION AND WHOLESALE Importers, wholesalers, dealer/distributors MANUFACTURER, STANDALONE BRANDS, FRAMEBUILDERS AND AGENTS Any brands with own distribution, UK based manufacturers, agents ORGANISATIONS, CHARITY AND ASSOCIATIONS Trade bodies, charities linked to cycling, associations
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Platinum Partner
Event Partners
1 1 0 2 S D R A AW Wednesday September 28th
EARLY BIRD TICKETS For more information on trade tickets and sponsorship opportunities, please email Carly.Bailey@intentmedia.co.uk or call 01992 535647
Offer closes August 31st
CHAIN REACTION | BROADEN YOUR AUDIENCE
Sex Social networking sells People power seemingly works in this digital age where Government’s can be toppled and footballers exposed over the internet. So what good can online services do for cycling and business? Social media leads the way for London’s new breed of cycle advocates, argues Mark Ames of popular blog ibikelondon.blogspot.com... SOURCES OF information on best practice in planning for people on bikes were once few and far between. Campaigning groups might have had a few dusty copies of John Franklin’s Cyclecraft or photocopied reproductions of the ill-fated 1996 National Cycling Strategy lying around, but that was about it. Times have changed, and so has the internet. Now, a new breed of cycle advocates are surfing the world-wide wave. Facebook, Twitter, blogs and YouTube videos have become the campaigning tools of the 21st Century. As a consequence, good ideas spread fast and local best practice has become global; Copenhagen Cycle Chic has spawned a peloton of ‘copycat’ blogs showing the wellheeled cyclists of this world, whilst the videos of utopic cycling conditions in Holland by YouTube film maker Mark Wagenbuur have been viewed over a million times. And campaigns are gearing up for the social media revolution, too. In protest at Transport for London’s dangerous redevelopment proposals for Blackfriars Bridge, the London Cycling Campaign enlisted the help of bike bloggers, Twitter followers and good old fashioned word of mouth to call a ‘flashride’ bike protest across the bridge back in May. Organised in less than 48 hours, over 300 riders turned up to show their displeasure with the proposals. The LCC are following up the action with a Web 2.0 ‘photo petition’ where the public take photos of themselves and their bikes with their digital camera or their smart phones and email them to a Flickr group ready to be presented to the city politicians. There are those who would seek to dismiss social media as just another trend or fad, but the results already speak for themselves. In the
12 BIKEBIZ AUGUST
Mark Ames is a sustainable urban travel advocate. He blogs at ibikelondon.blogspot .com and can be followed on Twitter @markbikeslondon and Facebook at http://tinyurl.com/6 zem4uj
City of London “Cyclists in the City” blog mobilized its online readers in to writing to the City to ask for better bike lanes, reduced speed limits and more funding for cycling in the new Local Implementation Plan. The City is now considering a Square Mile-wide 20mph zone and is looking at routes for new and continuous bike routes. Still not convinced? Then it is worth remembering that social media is now the number one activity on the internet, having eclipsed even pornography. According to Socialnomics author Eric
“If someone has a bad experience in a bike shop they tell their friends - all 2,000 of them, online...” Qualman, if Facebook were a country it would be the world’s third largest. Most 18 to 25 year olds now have internet access-enabled mobile phones; 50 per cent of all mobile activity is on Facebook. If someone has a bad experience in a bike shop they tell their friends – all 2,000 of them, online. If someone has a flag to fly, the rallying point is no longer the union or the debating societies, but Twitter and blogs and Facebook. Street Talks, a monthly London ‘drinktank’ on sustainable transport and a more liveable capital, bridges the gap between online and off. Organised and publicised entirely via the
internet by a loose entity of like-minded campaigners, the talks take place ‘in the flesh’ once a month in a Clerkenwell pub. Recent subjects for discussion have included road traffic justice, Dutch cycling infrastructure, street design and obesity, among other things. The events are usually standing room only and attract a young, forward-thinking professional crowd. And of course the evenings are ‘live tweeted’ too, meaning each talk reaches a much wider audience than just those in the pub on the night. Meanwhile, victims of bike crime are spreading pictures of their lost trusty steeds online in the hope that friends will spot them. You can tell the whole world what your stolen bike looks like before the Police have even sharpened their statement-taking pencils. Indeed, a whole new national cycling campaign calling for quality cycle infrastructure design standards – the soon to be launched Cycling Embassy of Great Britain – came about after like minded people found each other via social media. The question for cycle advocates and bike businesses alike is not whether they should be embracing social media or not, but how well they are going to do it. Just as good news spreads fast online, so does bad. If your attempts at getting on the social media platform are cringe worthy it will go viral to a chorus of ‘LOLs!’ in no time. Done well and it will become the primary future point of contact, source of new revenue and rallying point for consumers and advocates alike. The social media bandwagon is passing; the question should not be whether you are going to be on it or not, but what your place is going to be.
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MYSTERY SHOPPER | STRATFORD UPON AVON
The female of the species... This month we went to Stratford Upon Avon in search of a bicycle for Mrs Mystery. She’s usually rather difficult to please, but her only requests were: “it must be comfortable and have a basket to hold the dog.” Possibly the toughest challenge yet for the BikeBiz Mystery Shopper…
The Cycle Studio
Halfords
IF YOU'RE new in town The Cycle Studio isn't an obvious find, but it seemed well regarded by the many locals I asked for directions, each describing 'a great little bike shop tucked down a side alley'. I discovered exactly that. The multi-tiered store has a good selection of bikes, seemingly organised by level of performance. As such I was quickly sent upstairs by the attentive shopkeep who gave some good suggestions on things to look out for, such as contact points on the bike, that are particularly important to the female buyer. Suggesting that for light tow path use many women prefer the upright stance, as opposed to low and racey, Cycle Studio's assistant quickly rounded on two models in particular, flagging each in a catalogue for me to pass on. Adding to his recommendations, the staffer addressed my concerns about maintenance by discussing the pros and cons of hub-geared bikes, particularly the difficulty in maintaining a hub gear should a puncture occur. Further to this, the helper added that, if possible with my budget, a lighter aluminium frame would provide a more SCORE comfortable ride.
ON THIS particular visit to Halfords, the staff numbers typical of most branches was not at all evident. In fact, it was perhaps ten minutes before a single member of staff was spotted, at the counter or otherwise. Within that ten minutes most would surely leave, or stand at an empty counter for ten minutes feeling like a bit of a lemon… As usual, the displays and shop floor were immaculately presented with helpful point of sale material, redeeming this visit from a rock bottom review. On this occasion, the locks display had an informative graph on suitable use, while the bike tags touted the after care plan offering 'free labour for a year' for £9.99 with any bike purchase. Surely it's not 'free' then… Urban Mover seems to be finding a greater presence within the bricks and mortar stores after a period of exclusive online sales. The Stratford Upon Avon store carried two of the e-bike firm's models. Having been in store 20 minutes without any interaction, despite standing around the counters on both floors feeling like the aforementioned lemon, I left without being seen. As Shakespeare once wrote: SCORE "nothing can come of nothing."
[ 4/5 ]
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[ 1/5 ] BIKEBIZ.COM
MYSTERY SHOPPER | STRATFORD UPON AVON
Summary IF YE OLDE Halfords had done business in the 1500s, Shakespeare would surely conclude that there's method in the madness. If one thing is consistent in the otherwise haphazard world of Halfords it's the point of sale material. Last month we praised an interactive lighting display with detailed point of sale material. This month it's an informative and ultimately clever piece of display that will no doubt see many customers opt for a more expensive bit of security hardware, all thanks to some fancy graphs relating to the Sold Secure standard. As part of the Sport Direct empire I wasn't sure what to expect of Field and Trek. Thankfully, given the specialist nature of much of the product, it appeared that enthusiast staff were manning the fort. Based on this first experience of the chain and the heavy discounting that seemed to be in place on most product, this could be a business worth keeping tabs on if you've a branch in close proximity.
Field and Trek
The Cycle Centre
FIELD AND Trek, though not selling bikes in this particular branch, did have a wide and diverse stock of clothing suited to triathletes, a variety of Camelbaks, mountain biking shoes and much more. They're not bad at selling these bits too, as Mystery Shopper discovered upon enquiring about a Camelbak. Suggesting that for cycling I might be better off with a 'bike specific' model, the assistant explained to me that the snowboarding pack I'd pointed out might be a little bulky for jaunts in the saddle. Offering to pull a cycling pack down from the upper shelves, the helper at first neglected the majority of sale stock, instead rolling with the 'new season' gear of which a few new techy material and storage features were listed, though nothing too in-depth was mentioned in the way of techy spec. Having done more than I’d expected to sell me the full retail price product, the assistant also pointed out some “great sale items”. Online, Field and Trek currently has an extensive bike sale spanning the lower-end of the market and making some SCORE deep cuts to retail prices.
LOCATED A little way out of the town centre, The Cycle Centre made use of a small, but well stocked unit. Two assistants handled footfall well while I was in store, acknowledging me on entry, all while seeing off a prior customer with good grace. Exchanging a bit of banter with the assistant about my brief of 'must carry a small dog', she quickly pinpointed the obvious models in store, explaining that, as these were the last two, a deposit would be advisable, unless I wouldn't mind a wait of a few weeks for a fresh delivery. Explaining to me that the bikes in question were fairly low-maintenance, the assistant handed me a catalogue with a few models earmarked for comparison, though ultimately made a strong recommendation and stated that a proper sizing up would be advisable for both 'Mrs Mystery and her dog'. Add on sales were briefly touched on, with the recommendations centred around safety and security. An outgoing and inviting manner, combined with strong knowledge and a strong sales closure gives The Cycle SCORE Centre a full marks score.
[ 3/5 ]
BIKEBIZ.COM
[ 5/5 ] BIKEBIZ AUGUST15
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BIKEBIZ AWARDS 2011
Eyes on the
prize WHERE?
After a furious bout of lobbying more partners have lent their weight to the 2011 BikeBiz Awards in September, writes Jonathon Harker… HOT ON THE heels of the news last month that Citrus-Lime had become Event Partner for the 2011 BikeBiz Awards, three more companies from the bicycle trade have pledged their support for the UK cycle industry awards. Electra Bicycle Company has become Platinum Partner of the 2011 trade awards. The head-turning bicycle brand, which is distributed by Surf Sales in the UK, has a ‘simple and fun’ mantra, with innovation and attention to detail key to the brand. Electra, which is distributed to over 25 countries worldwide, also prides itself on creating bikes that offer comfort, performance and control to riders. Next up, bicycle manufacturer Koga has been confirmed as Event Partner for the 2011 BikeBiz Awards. The Dutch brand has created innovative, quality bikes for thirty years in a broad range of sectors, including race, mountain, trekking and touring bikes, as well as e-bikes and custom frames.
Cycle-SOS has also provided its backing to the BikeBiz Awards, now in its fourth year (and third as a live event). The firm is the cyclists National Helpline (0808 100 999 5). It’s team of highly trained specialist personal injury lawyers have won millions of pounds for cyclists over the past twenty years. But there’s bad news if you’ve haven’t already got your nomination in as lobbying has now closed. The full list of finalists has been announced online on www.BikeBiz.com and the finalists will be profiled in the next issue of BikeBiz. After that, it’s over to the panel of industry judges to have their say on which of the finalists deserves a coveted BikeBiz Award. Then, finally, the winners will be revealed on the evening of Wednesday September 28th at the Hilton Metropole, NEC, Birmingham – a stone’s throw from the NEC-set Cycle Show, which starts on the following day. For more information on tickets and sponsorship opportunities, contact Carly.Bailey@intentmedia.co.uk
Platinum Partner
WHAT? The categories for the BikeBiz Awards 2011 are: l Independent Retailer l Online Retailer l High Street Chain l Retail Workshop l Distributor: Bikes l Distributor: P&A l Distributor of the Year l Consumer Print Media (Specialist and National Press) l Consumer Website l Bike Brand l P&A Brand l Rising Star l Retail Marketing Initiative
Electra Bicycle Company now heads up the list of bike companies backing the 2011 BikeBiz Awards.
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This year the BikeBiz Awards will take place at the Hilton Metropole, NEC, Birmingham, on Wednesday September 28th, the evening before the Cycle Show begins.
WHO?
Event Partners
For more information on tickets and sponsorship opportunities, contact Carly.Bailey@intentmedia.co.uk
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INTERVIEW | POWACYCLE
To infinity and
beyond Since the last time BikeBiz spoke to Powacycle, the firm has been hawk-eyed observing changes in various European markets. Director of Ahkter’s bike division Wazz Mughal talks Mark Sutton through his plans to conquer demographics, territories and market share… DEALERS FAMILIAR with the Ahkter Group will be aware of that there’s much more to Powacycle than just electric bikes. The Essex firm hails from the computing trade, providing ICT systems for the Ministry of Defence and educational facilities up and down the country. Having created the off shoot Powacycle business just as electric bikes were beginning to catch the attention of bicycle dealers here in the UK, Powacycle has become one of the largest volume e-bike sellers in the country. But as director of Powacycle Wazz Mughal recalls, breaking the UK electric market hasn’t been plain sailing. He told BikeBiz: "The UK is far from selling electric bikes in the quantities many firms do in Europe. In the Netherlands customers won’t bat an eyelid at paying up to 4,000 Euros for an electric bike. What is highend in the UK is mid-range on the continent and emulating mainland Europe’s sales patterns still isn’t likely in the near future. Having said that, business domestically is certainly on the up." Last year, the firm’s ‘top end’ Infineum line sold a very reasonable 2,500 bikes to Dutch consumers, signalling a ramped up presence throughout the Eurozone, particularly in the Netherlands this year. Mughal said: "Over there electric bikes are a hobby, not a necessity, as they often are to the typical UK customer. The demographic is different. The customers are often younger and interestingly, couldn’t care for the ‘speed boost’ that this country’s customer enjoys. The Dutch enjoy just ambling along and as such, we’ve modified our drive systems for bikes shipped there." Domestically, Mughal concedes that numbers of the premium Infineum line sold per year sits around 500, a
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BIKEBIZ.COM
BIKEBIZ AUGUST 19
INTERVIEW | POWACYCLE
fraction of the number of Powacycle builds sold. "We sell around 3,000 Powacycles in the UK annually, with the ever-popular lithium ionequipped Windsor and Salisbury bikes leading the charge at £780 each. These bikes sit around the low-to-mid end of the domestic market and will be joined by two new models due shortly. These will be the Euro-inspired Valencia and Prague bikes, which will hopefully be around by the time we set up our Cycle Show stand at the NEC this year." Infineum’s performance in the Dutch market is already at five-fold the figure sold in the UK, highlighting that many Europeans and low-end e-bikes don’t get along. "We’ve not sold any Powacycles into European territory as there’s not really a low-end market. We’ve observed a maturity in mainland Europe where both dealers and consumers alike are now seeking performance electric bikes. Carbon fibre builds are gradually appearing as concepts and the stigma previously surrounding the sector has entirely disappeared." In a rapidly evolving market Powacycle is right to be thinking on its feet. Creating concepts such as the solar panel recharged electric bike and the modular stackable battery, the firm has a few unique ideas that should ensure it remains at the forefront of electric bike development. "One key selling point that we felt had to be nailed down early was making all the electrics modular. Dealers don’t want to become electricians, nor do they have the time, so all of our wiring and connections are easily replaced, unplugged or serviced with minimal hassle," says Mughal. "We’ve got all modular attachments in stock here at the Harlow headquarters."
>>>
On the subject of rules and regulations, Mughal is happy to give the customer what they want. Where many firms are turning away from throttle usage, Powacycle and Infineum bikes offer both power assist and throttle options on many models. "We’ve developed a new bike, the Continental, that will be able to be purchased with a torque sensor. It’ll add some cost, but increase the life of the electric components and motor. Consumers still ask about throttles, so in the short term at least we won’t phase these out. Again, market-to-market, preferences differ. Yes electric bikes perform better without throttles, but the demand for this style of electric assist is still there." Asked whether he feels the domestic market can reach the exciting heights of our European neighbours, Mughal gives the impression that now the quality control issues of old are no longer hang over the trade anything’s possible. "At home it’s the 50somethings buying into electrics. But times are changing and with each petrol price increase we see a sales spike. Today’s bikes are a lot more presentable and don’t look out of place on any shop floor. Powacycle and Infineum in particular are at the forefront of pushing the desirability of electric bikes. The consumer can now be pitched an Infineum with built in front and rear lights, mudguards, racks, a strong mileage per charge cycle and many more benefits. We even attach a free pump to our premium lines now." Retailers interested in a Powacycle trade account can contact the firm on 01279 821243, or contact Jeffreywang@powacycle.co.uk. Representative visits can be organised by appointment.
Front and rear lights are included on all Infineum bikes
“Times are changing and with each petrol price increase we note a sales spike. Today’s bikes are far more presentable and thus easier to sell...” Wazz Mughal, Powacycle
POWACYCLE BY NUMBERS 1,000: The number of charge cycles averaged from a Lithium Polymer battery used on the Infinium line. This figure is significantly higher than the number acheived from Lead Acid counterparts. 30 miles: The average distance that can be added with power assistance turned on. Zero: The number of Powacycle bikes sold in mainland Europe. The markets found over the channel consider the low-end territory to begin at around £500. Infineum sales more than make up for it though, with 2,500 units per year selling in Holland alone. £780: The cost of the UK’s best selling Powacycle Salisbury and Windsor bikes
MULTI-TASKING: the bungee cord clad rear rack is actually the lithium battery that powers each Infineum. There’s a handy red rear light tucked into the design too.
20 BIKEBIZ AUGUST
BIKEBIZ.COM
INDUSTRY OPINIONS | PROJECT MERLIN
Are bike shops getting
enough credit? FOLLOWING THE news that banks had failed to live up to their ‘Project Merlin’ promise to lend more to small-to-medium businesses, BikeBiz posed the question: ‘Are banks still backing bike businesses’ last month. Chris Boulton, director of Totally Bikes, responds… “Our company, Totally Bikes Limited (www.totallybikes.com) was set up just over a year ago to provide high quality bikes to the triathlon, time trialling and leisure markets. Through self-funding by the founder partners – myself and Matt Hodges-Long we have built a hire stock of nearly 60 bikes and five tandems. Clearly we put some seed capital into the business and due to its success with an ever-growing customer base, have been able to use cashflow to invest in additional inventory. Our relationship with our bank is OK, although we only have limited contact. They certainly aren’t interested in providing a loan to help us grow even though we are an assetbacked business. The last suggestion on how they might assist with debt was for us to apply for a corporate credit card to benefit from the
45-day payment period! As a new business, we have also had issues with our credit card payment platform. We take many credit and debit card payments on-line, as well as faceto-face but the provider has forced us to accept a 30-day retention on monies received. The perverse thing is that we have often processed a payment, the customer has hired the bike or tandem and handed it back and we still have to wait weeks for the cash to arrive in our account. In view of all this, we have just got on with managing the business and continue to grow by using cash-flow, but also adopting more innovative ways of financing a growing hire fleet. We are in discussions with a number of major bike brands about collaboration and are also offering other services which throw off cash to invest in bikes, namely a bike maintenance offer and by retailing bike components and accessories. We have had a great season so far and are completely hired out for many events with an eye now to further growth in 2012. By then
“Banks certainly aren’t interested in providing a loan to help our growth, despite the fact we are an assetbacked business...” Chris Boulton
22 BIKEBIZ AUGUST
Life for retailers is tough in 2011. As if tightened consumer spending wasn’t bad enough, banks are failing to lend as much as they’d pledged. One bike retailer shares his experience… some of our discussions with bike manufacturers should have proved fruitful and our bank may start to get interested. We are also looking for other partners to help grow the hire and maintenance business into other areas of the UK and even Europe by franchising the Totally Bikes brand. Chris Boulton Director, Totally Bikes Limited www.totally-bikes.com
WHAT IS PROJECT MERLIN? On February 9th 2011, the Government and major UK banks – Barclays, HSBC, LBG, the Royal Bank of Scotland and Santander – entered into an agreement designed to support economic recovery. Lending was one of the key parts of the deal (along with pledges on bonuses and transparency). The Bank of England’s first quarterly lending report revealed the banks had fallen short on its pledge by £2.2 billion. They leant around £16.8 billion instead of the £19 billion agreed in February. The overall lending commitment is to lend £76 billion to small and medium businesses throughout 2011.
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BIKEBIZ AUGUST 23
FRE GET E 20 YOU 12 L R ISTI NG!
in association with
AN ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO RETAILERS, SUPPLIERS AND SERVICES WITHIN THE CYCLE TRADE
Choose your category SERVICES AND TRAINING
MEDIA AND PUBLISHING
DISTRIBUTION AND WHOLESALE
Legal, insurance, Cycle To Work, sales and mechanic training, shop fitters, service centres, printing and prototyping
Web publishing, blogs, magazine, broadcasting, freelance, books
Importers, wholesalers, dealer/distributors
MANUFACTURER, STANDALONE BRANDS, FRAMEBUILDERS AND AGENTS
E-COMMERCE AND EPOS
ORGANISATIONS, CHARITY AND ASSOCIATIONS
ePos, website builders
Trade bodies, charities linked to cycling, associations
Any brands with own distribution, UK based manufacturers, agents
EVENT ORGANISERS, EVENT HOSTING, HOLIDAY AND HIRE
RETAILERS, WORKSHOP AND MAIL ORDER
MARKETING, PR AND CONSULTANCY
Retail of all shapes and sizes, maintenance both in house and mobile, online sales
Consultants, freelance, PR, copywriting services
Trail and hire centres, conference, cycle tours, event organisers, venues
COMPLETE AND RETURN THIS FORM TODAY FOR YOUR FREE LISTING IN THE 2012 BIKEBIZ BIBLE: (You only need to complete this form once) Company Name: …………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Website: …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
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Please return this form by email to BikeBizBible@intentmedia.co.uk or by fax to 01992 535 648 or by post to: BikeBiz Bible, Intent Media, Saxon House, 6a St Andrew Street, Hertford SG14 1JA If you have any questions please contact BikeBizBible@intentmedia.co.uk
FOR ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES CONTACT:
Carly.Bailey@intentmedia.co.uk or call 01992 535647
EUROBIKE | SHOW PREVIEW
Devalued Euro? Far from it – the essential trade show has gone from strength-to-strength and is in rude heath for its anniversary year. Jonathon Harker looks at some of what you can expect to see this September…
IT’S THAT TIME again. The twentieth time in fact, for the world’s ‘largest bicycle trade fair’ is now two decades old. The bike trade will descend upon the picturesque Friedrichshafen for Eurobike on August 31st to September 3rd with product launches, previews and much more. But as it’s anniversary year, it’s worth looking back at how the show has grown to dominate the show scene. Europe’s largest exhibition has grown from 35,000 square metres in 1991 to over 110,000 square metres. Trade visitors have increased from 14,505 to 41,482, while nowadays 1,732 journalists from around the globe stalk the corridors to
view product and take your words out of context, when once only 200 did. But enough of the past. What can you expect to see this year? The proceedings will kick off with the fifth Eurobike Demo Day (on Tuesday August 30th) in Ratzenried, where visitors will get to test out the product that they will be viewing later in the week at the show. The Demo Day has grown and grown and this year has been moved to accommodate the swelling numbers. The show properly begins on Wednesday August 31st with a focus on Urban Mobility. 29ers are expected to be
“29ers are expected to be ubiquitous at the show, while e-bikes - probably last year’s most obvious trend - again fill a Zeppelin hall.”
1,732 journalists will attend this year’s exhibition
ubiquitous at the show, while e-bikes – probably last year’s most obvious trend – will have another strong showing, again filling a Zeppelin hall. This year will also see a ‘Bike Tower’ demonstrating how e-bikes can be securely parked and charged at the same time. Eurobike regulars like the party, fashion shows, test tracks, the Eurobike Awards will all return, as will industry panels tackling trade topics. Finally, the event wraps up with the extremely busy consumer day on September 3rd 2011. While it would be a move of epic lunacy to try and preview everything you can expect to see at the show, here is a snapshot of what will appear at Eurobike 2011…
>>> BIKEBIZ.COM
BIKEBIZ AUGUST 25
EUROBIKE | SHOW PREVIEW
>>> PRODUCT FOCUS
ENDURA (B5-204) The Scottish brand is celebrating its 18th birthday this year and to celebrate the two-times Eurobike award winner has a whole collection of new or updated cycle clothing for MTBing and road cycling, with hi-vis commuter wear, a huge accessory range and eyewear. That line-up includes an update of the popular Singletrack Shorts (£47.99). These durable baggy shorts come with a new design, stylish ultramarine contrast zips, matching the brand new black Singletrack Gloves (£25.99). The Convert Softshell Jacket (£99.99) – perfect for Scottish summers, so says Endura – is built for cold or mixed weather conditions. It quickly converts into a gillet by using the shoulder zips. Road is catered for by the Uber Bibshorts (£140 RRP). Uber means ‘above in German’ as we all know, and the shorts are pitched as being far above the norm, not least for using Endura’s in-house developed pad, which was extensively tested by the Endura Racing Pro Cycle Team. The Adrenaline Race Cape (RRP £59.99) is made of transparent, lightweight waterproof fabric that is highly breathable. Eyewear items include the versatile light-reactive Manta, while other items from the brand appearing at Eurobike include additions, updates and new colours for the Hummvee MTB collection, Stealth Waterproof Jacket and many more.
26 BIKEBIZ AUGUST
SUGOI The clothing brand has product for bike, run and tri in its spring 2012 collection, including the new RSE range. It is made with Sugoi’s Revo fabric – a warp knit, built for stretch and recovery. The line-up includes the RSE jersey, sporting 3M reflective piping, flat seams for increased comfort and comfortable stretch with a friction-free fit. The brand’s new Team range – including jersey and bib shorts – uses RS performance in a peloton-inspired graphic. Mixing Gobi and Vector Stretch fabrics the range has four bold colours to choose from. Sugoi has introduced Boa tech for MTB shorts and utilised in the Gustov and Elsa (for women) lines. Ruby is an all-new MTB range designed specifically for women, promising progressive styling in a comfortable semi-fitted design with a choice of three colours. The brand’s large 2012 spring collection also includes the Tuscana jersey. Also aimed at females, it is designed to be teamed up with the RS Bib Short. Finally, Sugoi is serving up Arm Coolers which as well as keeping the rider cool provide sun protection (UPF 50 rated). RS Gloves (for men) and Sonic Gloves (for women) will also appear at the Sugoi booth.
HEBIE (A4 301) Hebie might well be one to watch, promising to improve its UK presence soon. In the meantime, the firm is bringing a number of new products to the Friedrichshafen-set show, including a revamped Viper mudguard range. Now with a ‘modern backbone-look’, function has been improved too. Hebie’s Quicksnap with Bootbag has combined the former’s technical transport side with Bootbag’s penchant for style and fashion. To get the full story head over to booth A4 301.
MUC-OFF (FG A8/2) Those riding bikes on Demo Day will no doubt be pleased to hear Muc-Off will be at Eurobike with a number of new products. One of these is the Dry Shower, which is actually aimed at the rider, not the bike. The innovative new antibacterial body wash is formulated for people on the move, killing odour-killing bacteria to keep riders’ body clean and fresh. Free from formaldehyde, Dry Shower is derived from Coconut, leaving skin silky smooth with a pH-balanced moisturiser, says Muc-Off. Bikes are, of course, catered for too. The C3 high performance Ceramic Lube has been produced after 18months of research, development and extensive testing. This ‘space age’ lube contains Boron Nitrides and Fluoropolymers which provide durability and ultra low-friction performance, resulting in drive train efficiency and slick accurate shifts. Muc-Off is also bringing the X-1 Chain Cleaning Machine to Eurobike. Its heavy-duty design and construction is built to last, with replaceable brushes and scrubber plates. It features six rotating brushes with over 56 contact points to ensure each chain link is cleaned thoroughly and that even the dirtiest chains will be brought back to life.
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EVENT REVIEW | NASS
Proper Bike Co rider Max Wood, turndown
Festival feeling Could bicycle businesses in this country benefit from the bike-savvy crowds at festivals such as July’s Relentless NASS? Mark Sutton travelled down to the west country to investigate the benefits of exhibiting in front of thousands of new customers… CHANCES ARE if you’re in charge of a retail store you’ve considered a presence at local festivals, regional races, or you’ve some involvement with the local cycling club. Getting your store’s name known to customers in the local area is vital for any business, though while cementing relationships with regulars is a given, additional revenue opportunities must be created for any business to thrive. It’s something that month-on-month is mentioned in BikeBiz’s dealer profile article. Each and every store has a story to tell, whether it be mingling among cyclists and non-cyclists alike at events up and down the country, or taking exhibition space to cement a presence in front of the crowds. The latter can work wonders, bringing in customers who would otherwise never come into contact with your brand or store. With that in mind, it’s a tough call to close during business hours, so when is it worth it? There’s a fair few cycling festivals to choose from – the York Cycle Show, Mountain Mayhem, even Singletrack magazine’s Weekender. Then there’s July’s annual Relentless NASS festival held in Shepton Mallet, Somerset – not strictly a cycling festival, but a gathering of enthusiasts who at the very least have a bit of pocket money to blow on a few t-shirts. As festivals go, NASS draws a diverse crowd, largely made up of 16 to 25 year old extreme sports fans – from slacklining enthusiasts, right through the core skate, BMX and motocross fans. From an exhibitor’s point of view it’s the
diversity of such crowds that makes shutting up shop worthwhile. Around 14,800 enthusiasts, athletes and press were on site through the weekend, with exhibitors such as Nike, online extreme sports giant Route One and computer gaming publisher EA taking full advantage of those at a loose end during the daylight hours. It wasn’t just the large-scale exhibitors with endless marketing budgets drawing the crowds, however. Smaller stands were doing some very good business as BikeBiz found. Lukas Barta of upstart Czech Republic components company 34R told BikeBiz why his firm chose to traverse europe for NASS. "Since we are very new brand starting international business this year, it was good for us to come over to introduce ourselves to the BMX riders and public in UK. This market is the strongest in Europe, so it’s very important to reach customers here. As a result of exhibiting at NASS we are discussing a distribution link up with one company. We were satisfied and are looking forward to returning next year." Organisers Sports Vision do plenty to draw the right crowds too, hosting the King of Dirt finals for mountain bike dirt jump fans, while the main arena hosts a large scale jam for skateboarding, BMX and roller blading. There’s even a section for scooter fans, much thanks to this year’s sponsorship by popular brand Razor. For more information on NASS festival or exhibiting in the retail area, contact Sara at Sportsvision.co.uk on 0207 348 5200.
RARE HUBS STOLEN FROM CRUCIAL BMX STAND
“As a result of exhibiting we’re currently talking to a potential distributor for the UK.” Lukas Barta, 34R
28 BIKEBIZ AUGUST
63 retailers and brands made the most of NASS crowds
Approximately 9752 metres of exhibition space is available to exhibitors
THE DOWNSIDE of exhibiting at a festival drawing large crowds is that it’s hard to keep an eye on everyone, as Crucial BMX’s owner Scott Summerhayes found. Despite having a large number of staff manning the stall, several expensive hubs were stolen from the stand, including two super-rare BL Industries iDeal hubs. There’s not many of these hubs in circulation outside Bristol where they are manufactured, so to the trained eye they should be an easy spot. Among the rest of the thieves’ haul were five Profile Mini front hubs, seven Profile Mini rear hubs, as well as two WeThePeople and BSD rear hubs. Crucial BMX was profiled in the June issue of BikeBiz, where Summerhayes told BikeBiz: "Doing large events like NASS are great for raising our shop’s profile. People from all over the country come to these events, so we’re constantly engaging with new customers, which helps no end in promoting the Crucial brand.
BIKEBIZ.COM
EVENT REVIEW | ICEBIKE* JULY
Cool customers From Cervelo’s S5 to Shimano’s Dura-Ace, iceBike* July wasn’t short on product designed to make the trade hot under the collar. Jonathon Harker reports from Madison’s MK distribution centre… AT FIRST GLANCE iceBike* July is smaller than it’s February big brother, but the people in the know say there is actually more new product in the summer version, so without further ado… Straight out of the blocks, staged strategically close to the registration desk was the eyecatching display for one of Madison’s latest brand signings – the GOPRO HD camera. Reportedly the world’s best selling camera of its type, the super lightweight device – just 167g for the camera and case – is small and light enough for customers to take out and forget about, ever ready for the call to filming cycle action. Arriving in three main SKUs – the Helmet Hero comes with a helmet harness, while Motorsports Hero and Surf Hero have appropriate fittings included too. The camera is built for action, so naturally it’s not overloaded with fiddly buttons. GoPro has a number of accessories available, including a battery pack to doubling recording time, an LCD pack providing a viewfinder
BIKEBIZ.COM
option, a tripod adapter and the helmet, chest and surf board mounts are all available separately too, but they are cheaper to buy in those main sets rather than individually. There are a range of new accessory SKUs coming out too. There’s even the option to film in 3D, with a casing that houses two cameras, which films in 3 and 2D simultaneously.
The Adventure range (below)
PACIFIC OUTDOORS’ ranges are pitched as being 100 per cent waterproof, a feat easier to achieve in luggage than clothing, as manufacturers don’t have to worry about breathability. The Pacific line-up is split into three categories; back packs (including city range, messenger bags and commuter fare); dry storage and pannier bags. The dry storage range includes bags of all shapes and sizes for the likes of wallets, documents and cameras (including the D-Pouch), featuring compression valves which squeeze the air out to save space. The Pannier bag range includes expedition (everyday panniers), city (for commuters and city living) and then the lightweight range. The
latter is fairly unusual as it’s a stripped down pannier range where the bells and whistles have been reduced. Pacific pays particular attention to how those pannier loads are born by bikes. Straps are cunningly angled front to back and when tightened pull into the bike, unlike many competitors, keeping the load as close to the frame as possible to aid with balance and poise on the bike. HYDRAPAK’S 2012 line-up includes a number of revised reservoir reversible bladders, which are flat on the back to provide comfort while riding and can bear the weight of an obliging brand representative. Hydrapak’s range now also includes double wall insulated bottles (in pink and blue) and the very popular Reyes backpack range. The firm has also introduced some quirky (mainly monkey-based) graphics to its bottle range. And the number of companies getting a piece of Hydrapak’s technology is increasing, with North Face set to follow shortly.
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BIKEBIZ AUGUST 31
EVENT REVIEW | ICEBIKE*JULY
MADISON’S wide clothing range has a number of new and improved lines like the revamped Stellar waterproof jacket – now sporting a improved cut – and an updated Telegraphe all-round waterproof jacket. All new is the mountain bike range which includes singletrack jerseys, items like the snappily named Flux Deluxe men’s shorts (£84.99), gloves and much more. Women’s ranges have been widened too. Madison also revealed some striking early jacket samples of forthcoming ranges due for release in spring/summer 2012. The firm revealed a Merino base layer is in the works.
>>>
GIRO’S own Simon Fisher explained to BikeBiz about the lengths the company has gone to not just produce ‘me-too’ product, but to forge its own path in just about all of its product lines, from footwear to helmets. The footwear range is still fairly new, but it’s going well, Fisher tells BikeBiz, and the next stage is to broaden the line-up so that appeals to a wider range of customer, with varying sizes of wallet. The firm is at pains to point out that the same attention to detail used in its top of the range footwear has been applied to the whole range, whether it’s taking into account ‘spill over’ – where the side of the foot expands affecting the shape of the show during activity – or giving the Easton engineers tough tasks by making nylon stiff and light – a task they delivered with ‘strutt’ patterning. Giro’s latest helmets were on show too, including the Aeon, used in the Tour of Flanders and in a Roubaix win, and the Selector – which debuted at this year’s Tour. It features an adjustable bottom and replaceable visor, which funnels air through channels within the helmet. The firm has also targeted a potentially massive part of the market – the 65 to 70 per cent who currently don’t wear helmets while riding. By using more widely appealing graphics and looks – including Giro’s own retro logo (as on the helmet pictured right). LIGHT AND MOTION’S line-up is split between performance, multisport and commuter lines. The Seca 1400 is the top of the range option, with six LEDs, a controlled beam pattern, wide-angle light at the base and three settings. The Stella dual light offers one beam for distance, the other as
floodlight, and comes with three modes, plus flashing and race mode – all for £249. Amber side lights feature on a number of Light and Motion’s range, aiming to raise visibility and allay those common safety fears. Much of the range also includes USB micro port rechargeability. SHIMANO’S Di2 tech is now available in the Ultegra, which was for many seen for the first time at iceBike* July. The brand is pretty excited about it, which isn’t much of a surprise with a growing number of pros getting into electronic shifting and saying they won’t be going back. The technology was developed for the Dura-Ace and in the Ultegra is far more affordable. And how has Shimano managed to get the costs down? Shimano’s secrets were explained to BikeBiz at the show, and divulged for you here. The firm has saved money through not using expensive materials like titanium, but most obviously, the system is now in mass production, driving prices down significantly. It’s simple to install too, we’re told. After it’s set up it needs next to no maintenance, unlike its non-electric predecessors. It’s been built in a modular fashion, so replacements won’t be expensive. Run time depends on how often you change gear (which is pretty obvious when you think about it). The firm said it has high hopes for the tech. GENESIS has stepped into a new category, now offering a brakeless, entry-level track bike for just under £600. It sports Japanese graphics (spelling Madison in, erm, Japanese). The brand also revealed its first 29er. The Day One Alfine 11 is at the high-end of the range. Boasting Reynolds 853 and Shimano’s 11-speed Alfine hub, it will retail at £1,699.99. Other new highlights include the Flyer Classic, and the Equilibrium O – an off the peg steel sportive, and a host of others we unfortunately don’t have to room to talk about. The SARACEN success story has taken its next step with a refreshed look since the brand has
The GoPro camera, shown here in its protective case
won the praise of the cycle world again. One of the new additions to the range is a line of childrens’ bikes, using graphics similar to those on the adult MTBs – kids want to look like their parents (‘till they hit their teens anyway). The new graphics can be seen throughout the Tufftrax range too, while the Mantra offroad range now has two new models – the Expert and Elite – at the top of the range. The BMX range has been reclassified as Amplitude to give it more of its own identity, and includes the new Amplitude Terminal. ADVENTURE’S range of bread and butter bikes is available to cycle retailers wherever they’re based, without territory restrictions. They arrive 95 per cent assembled – Madison went to lengths to ensure the factory was Cytech accredited – and come with basic tools so dealers can spend less time on building them. Within the range, the Zooom lines are available in new colours. But there’s no prizes for guessing the C5 took pride of place among CERVELO’S good-looking range. The handy looking bike takes aerodynamics to a new level and interestingly comes ready for electric gear shifting to be installed, should such an option take the customer’s fancy. There’s space inside the frame for the wires, so they won’t affect those all-important air bending curves. In terms of availability, there are three levels; the standard £2,499, the Team bike as used on the Tour for £2,999 and the VWD for £3,999. Available to dealers from November, there has been a strong response as predicted. RIDGEBACK has brought ‘splashes of colours’ to its range this year. The Velocity is available in a Pea Green for example – and the move has been received well by iceBike* dealers. Kids models have been joined by a 12inch bike now – the MX12 – while new graphics feature in the range. Revamped Dual Track bikes, including the Advance and Quest, have been added to the range while an eight-speed Alfine Journey bike has joined the Panorama and Voyage bikes for long distance riders. For more details on Ridgeback models, and any of the other brands featured here, contact Madison directly. 0870 034 7226
grown up and won
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BRAND SPOTLIGHT | CATEYE
One Confident Cat
After decades in the business of creating computers and lights for the cycle buying public, the brand is reminding cyclists everywhere that they can ‘Trust the Cat’. Paul Caswell speaks to Jonathon Harker…
CYCLISTS OPENING the pages of their favourite cycle magazines over the coming months will be confronted with the legend ‘Trust the Cat’. As you might have guessed, the phrase is not an endorsement of feline pets. “It’s not just a quirky catchphrase,” Zyro brand manager Paul Caswell explains to BikeBiz. “Cateye has built up a reputation of reliability in the market. Cateye is a Japanese brand, and the product and development is first rate. Now it’s time to reinforce that message further with marketing and to promote the brand to stay ahead of the competition.” And who could blame Cateye for playing on its heritage and reputation in the sector? Founded in Osaka, Japan, back in the ‘50s, Cateye created its first cycle computer in 1981 and the first flashing lamp for bicycles way back in 1964. “In the UK, Cateye is number one in the volume market for computers and lights,” Caswell states. And the strength of the local market means the brand is mindful of British conditions and needs, he adds: “Zyro is a strong customer of Cateye so we get input on the development of product. It means the UK gets a big say and consequentially has been the most active and influential development partner out of all its distributors around the world over the past 15 years – helping design the best lights for the British market. Cateye is very amenable to ideas.” Online is increasingly important to one of Cateye’s eye-catching new products – namely the Inou. The GPS camera was shown off at this year’s Open House, where it created much buzz and is now arriving in bike shops this summer.
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“People know the brand and ask for it in shops. Trust the Cat!” Paul Caswell
Paul Caswell
“It’s had lots of pre-orders, which is great as it is an intriguing product for customers and retailers too. The Inou is a great camera and great GPS all-in-one. It’s not an HD camera – so it doesn’t eat up battery or data storage, but the quality is ideal for YouTube.” Inou has its own website where users are encouraged to upload and share their riding videos, pictures and ride data all in one place. The intuitive site – www.inouatlas.com – links to Facebook and other social media sites while the product itself looks set to appeal to an incredibly wide cross section of the cycle gene pool, from commuters, racers, mountain bikers, tourers and more. HIGH TIME Another of Cateye’s headline new products is the Q-Series wristwatch computer. Cateye has released a wrist-worn heart rate monitor before, but the Q-series goes far beyond that, also measuring speed, cadence and altitude, with info downloadable via a USB dongle. Caswell says: “It comes with ‘E-Train’ software that puts the training data into graphic form – making it an ideal training tool. It’s a great product for the multi-sport market and has been very well received. The 2.4GHz data transfer tech is really quick and accurate.” Cateye’s light offering has also seen a raft of new product this year, including new additions to the Rapid range. Both the Rapid 1 and 5 use a high power LED, while the Rapid 1 is USB rechargeable – an area of the market that is seeing growth, particularly as many of us spend much of the working day in front of USB port-rich PCs and Macs.
“Cateye is different from its competitors as its products make use of reflector and lens technology – they really use the LED and maximise the efficiency of the light,” Caswell says. Both the Rapid 1 and 5 retail at £30. Another commuter-focused offering is the Jido. Meaning ‘auto’ in Japanese, the light turns on and off automatically when needed. “At Eurobike we’ll have some more high-end rechargeable lights, which will come to the UK market later in the year – likely October or November,” Caswell reveals. Cateye’s front light offering now includes a heavy-duty option, in the appropriately named Sumo. “The Sumo is big, rough, tough, durable and strong. It’s a light for life.” Targeting the off-road market and capable of surviving a crash or two, the Sumo retails at £300. “The Sumo pumps out 1,000 Lumen – and Cateye is absolutely honest about that. The LEDs could potentially knock out up to 1,400 lumens, and a lot of competitors would claim that, but Cateye only claims the actual standard output of the light.” Which brings us back to ‘Trust the Cat’. “Cateye has been at the forefront of lights and computers for decades and not many have been around like that in such a strong position for such a sustained period. We’re very pleased about the product coming up in 2012 – it’s a very exciting for Cateye and Zyro. “And it’s a great brand. People know it and come into shops asking for Cateye. That’s very reassuring for retailers, they can make good money. Trust the Cat!” Zyro: 01845 521 700 www.zyro.co.uk
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SEVENTIES | FEDERAL BIKES
Seventies Style BMX isn’t an easy market to keep up with. Whether you’re in retail, distribution, or even the product designer, trends change overnight and keeping track of where the market’s heading can be like herding cats. Mark Sutton talks to Federal Bikes product designer ‘Aggie’ about the reaping the rewards of moving with the times…
FIRST THINGS FIRST, Seventies has some of the largest coffee mugs in the business and no wonder, during BikeBiz’s visit to the Hastings headquarters the phones did not stop ringing – the team at full stretch on the back of unloading scores upon scores of fresh bikes into the warehouse. If you’re curious about dipping a toe into the 20-inch market, the bikes, components and soft goods are stacked to the ceiling and ready for your shop floor. For those not established within the sector making that leap can be daunting, especially given the significant rise in the number of specialists doing good business here, not to mention the online giant’s sudden interest. Many will be asking where the resurgence in the fortunes of BMX has come from – could it be the Olympics? Perhaps it’s the jump in permanent facilities up and down the country, or even the media’s renewed interest in cycling in all forms. The Telegraph newspaper, for one, even called on Federal Bikes rider Dan Lacey to put a ‘Boris Bike’ through some rigorous testing on London’s streets as part of its coverage of the hire bike scheme’s launch. Whatever the
cause may be, the generation that many would believe to be wirelessly connected to their Xbox are now found on two wheels and in many ways are re-inventing freestyle bike riding. “We’re tasked with keeping product fresh in a market that evolves at such a rapid pace, only to swing back and forth between trends. Some companies are choosing to neglect passing trends, but the way I see it that’s simply not an option within BMX. There’s plenty of business to be done for those shops moving with the times, the demand is huge,” Federal Bikes product designer Aggie explains. “We’re lucky enough to have some of the world’s best riders under the Federal Bikes banner, which without doubt has a knock on effect on sales. If Dan Lacey rides a certain colourway on his signature frame, a best seller in itself, each and every time we’ll see a sales spike on that particular model. Look out for his current personal favourite, the ‘Star Blue’ shade, landing shortly.” That shade of blue is seen to the left on Federal’s new investment cast fork. According to Aggie, at present the ‘weight weenie’ trend has settled down, so that’s one less detail to meticulously scan when the catalogue drops through your door. So what else is in favour at present?
“We’re lucky enough to have some of the world’s best riders on the Federal team, each with signature goods.”
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ABOVE: Federal parts come in more colours than the rainbow BOTTOM LEFT: Super tough investment casting has made its way onto the 2012 forks
“We’re looking at the majority of customers wanting fat tyres, a split between tall and low stepover frames, dependent on whether the rider prefers street, trails or park and, finally, the re-emergence of padded seats.” Federal has responded to these demands quickly, introducing new pivotal saddles with a good inch of padding, a 2.3 tyre now in the works and bringing back chromed parts in a big way – including signature Lacey and Jared Washington frames. Investment casting will appear shortly too, catering for the high-end buyer with a habit of breaking welded junctions. Finally, we’ve made progress on an idea the market’s still warming to – much larger bars. “As short a time ago as three to four years, eight-inch bars were considered large. This year we’ve 9.5-inch tall bars making a debut in the catalogue. It may seem crazy, but the market wants it and ours isn’t even the biggest out there. Nonetheless, forward orders for larger models are strong, so that’s another emerging trend that we’ve got covered.” The beginner is catered for too with the introduction of the Renegade entry-level frame. Built burly, yet remaining on the trendy side of five pounds in weight, this model is named after a ‘Renegade’ sandwich delivery truck, allegedly banned from the industrial area surrounding Seventies. With that inspiration in mind, could your store be the next to sneak in under the radar and establish a name within BMX? To find out how to achieve the most from involvement in the BMX market, call Seventies on 0845 3103670.
BIKEBIZ AUGUST 37
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INTERVIEW | GERAINT THOMAS
Riding Sky high Wearing the white jersey and riding in Team Sky for its first TdF stage win, Olympian Geraint Thomas MBE is riding high. Jonathon Harker speaks to the Welsh man midtour, ahead of his Cycle Show appearance… How was the race today (Stage 8, the day after Bradley Wiggins crashed out)? I enjoyed it actually. It’s gone really well. We had a good chat this morning as a team and we decided that we just had to go out there and be aggressive and really race it. Obviously we lost Brad but we’ve got good spirit and there’s a good mood in camp. We rode really well. The plan seems to be coming off. For most of the first week you wore the white jersey, then Team Sky had their first stage win in the Tour de France, but then Bradley Wiggins had the crash that put him out of the rest of the Tour. It’s been a bit of a rollercoaster – is it hard to keep that positive attitude? It [Wiggins crashing out] was a massive disappointment and a really big shock. But crashes happen and it’s all a part of cycling, really. It was a downer for the team, but we have to pick ourselves up. And we’ve been cycling really well. You just put it behind you when you ride, especially in a race as big as the Tour de France.
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>>> BIKEBIZ AUGUST 39
INTERVIEW | GERAINT THOMAS
>>>
You’re an ambassador for Cycle Show this year. How did you come to be involved with the event? I went along to it last year and it was great. It’s cool to see the new kit. The chance to come along to this year’s event came up and I thought why not? It’s very popular and it’s great to be a part of it. Have you got a favourite bike shop, or one that has played a key role in influencing your love of cycling? In Cardiff I rode for Jiff – they were a local club and they are linked to a bike shop called Cyclopaedia on the Crwys road in Cardiff. They helped me out a lot with kits and things. And I was always breaking things on the bike so they were also fixing my bike a lot. They really helped me when I was a junior. Now you’re working with Thomson holidays and leading a tour in Belgium? Yeah, we’re doing the Flanders route over two days (see inset). It’s a great chance to ride the route again. I’ve raced it for the last two years so it’ll be great to appreciate it when you’re not flat out for time and be able to learn it better. And it’s nice to be able to share my experience of it. It’s good to give something back to it. And you’ve organised a charity ride? At the end of the Tour – about a week after – we’re doing a charity ride. My girlfriend’s granddad passed away recently and he was suffering from dementia, so that’s what we’re raising money for (see inset). I agreed to do on the ride on a tandem, which I’m starting to regret now!
Thomas has gold in his sights at next year’s Olympics
A tandem? Yeah, it’ll just be great to be able to raise some money for the charities and it has to be a bit of a challenge so people want to give money to it. London 2012 is just around the corner now. What are your goals there? Just one medal. I can’t really do the road race or any other cycle event – my best chance is the team pursuit medal. I just have to concentrate on that and I don’t want to jeopardise my preparation by working on other cycle events [at the Olympics]. Are you looking forward to riding in the Olympics on home turf? For sure. We’re riding for Britain and all the British flags will be there. If you think about the amount of people and support we see in Manchester now it’ll be bigger than that in London. You just can’t imagine how big it’s going to be.
GERAINT AIN’T HALF BUSY
“You just can’t imagine how big London 2012 is going to be.” Geraint Thomas
Finally, you’re very active on Twitter. Why are cyclists such keen Tweeters? Russ Downing first got me into it about a year ago and it’s just something I do now – it’s a way of getting your thoughts out there. It’s just another way of communicating with people. Geraint Thomas is an official ambassador of the Cycle Show 2011 and will be at the trade day. Registration for the cycle trade is free at cycleshow.co.uk/register
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AS WELL AS riding the Tour de France, preparing for London 2012 and performing ambassadorial duties for Cycle Show 2011, Geraint Thomas has also teamed up with holiday company Thomson which is, for the first time, offering cycling holidays hosted by Olympic stars. Thomas is leading a threeday trip in Belgium in August. A Thomson spokesperson tells BikeBiz: “This is the first time [Thomson has offered cycling holidays] which is why it is so great we have so many professionals on board.” “We are delighted Geraint will be a part of such an exciting and memorable trip.” The busy Olympian is also doing his bit for a close-to-home charity. Thomas’ girlfriend Sara lost her granddad earlier this year. He suffered from dementia so the two decided to undertake a 160-mile tandem charity ride from Cardiff to Denbigh Cricket Club in North Wales to raise money and awareness for research into the illnesses Sara’s granddad suffered from. You can find out more or donate to the worthy cause at www.justgiving.com/teams/Taid Richard Schofield
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BRAND SPOTLIGHT | ULTRA MOTOR
Education, education, education To match mainland Europe’s sterling electric bike sales the UK business must educate the consumer about battery-assisted bicycles. Those are the thoughts of Ultra Motor’s Mark Loveridge and he’s not alone. Mark Sutton finds out what hurdles need to be jumped in order for more consumers to take a stroll down the electric avenue… Tell us about the origins of Ultra Motor? Ultra Motor was established in 2003 as a developer and distributor of electric two-wheelers. We are a UK company with our headquarters in central London, and an industrial design studio in Berlin, Germany, alongside our main research and development and motor manufacturing plant in Taiwan. We have two business units: propulsion systems sales to OEMs and development and distribution of A2B and Fast4ward electric twowheelers. We manufacture over 100,000 hub motors for e-bikes per year and this year we are launching our integrated propulsion systems with several OEMs in Europe. With the electric twowheeler we strive to blend innovative industrial design with our proprietary propulsion system technology. How have you seen the market develop? We have seen increased demand for quality ebikes. There has, and always will be, a lower end of the market, but after retailers and consumers experience the problems with these cheap ebikes they tend to transition to higher quality products that are much more reliable and are supported with professional after sales service. How have you overcome the hurdles associated with the early days of electric bikes? We have used quality components across all models and offer six days a week technical support and training sessions at the dealers’ premises. In terms of dealer interest, we have tried to provide information about the growth and profit opportunities that e-bikes are bringing to dealers in other European markets.
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Do you envisage the electric bike ever succeeding in the UK the way it has in mainland Europe? Yes, but I believe it will take longer in the UK. We have done our own research, which showed that people are open to the prospect of owning an electric bike, especially women. So it’s just a matter of changing misconceptions and really highlighting the benefits of our bikes – not only on their wellbeing, but on their wallet. What aspirations does the brand have? We aspire to create products with best in class design and performance. Our vehicles are designed for commuters who are looking for new ways to get from point A to B. In that sense we believe our products are relevant for all markets, including the UK. The same trends that are driving the e-bike market growth in Europe are present in the UK, but are just taking longer to develop. In the future, I hope to see an e-bike in the majority of households. Preferably an Ultra Motor. What demographics are typically buying ebikes at present? Historically in Europe the typical e-bike consumer was over 60 years-old and purchased the product to enable a healthy lifestyle of cycling later in life. The new trend that we see in markets throughout Europe is younger consumers aged 35 to 45 years-old buying into the e-bike category. A high percentage of these consumers are women who are using the ebikes to ease the daily commute. We believe that this trend will continue to drive the growth in the market over the next three to five years.
How do you market the brand? We have a PR agency that is obtaining great coverage in many different publications. This summer we also launched a partnership with Hertz in central London, with their branch now renting our the Fast4ward Edge and A2B Hybrid 24 from its Marble Arch location. Ultra Bike offers dealers a high quality product, plus support and guidance
What unique technology has Ultra Motor brought to the table in the e-bike market? We have recently launched iDEP, which is an acronym for ‘Intelligent Dual Electric Power’. This utilises two types of batteries to give a better balance of performance and price, as well as creating more flexible electric scooters that do not require the rider to depend on streetlevel charging stations. iDEP will be debuted with our first electric scooter, the Excel, later this year. Finally, we will launch our new bottom bracket torque sensor, which will be featured on several OEM products at Eurobike. What can Ultra Motor offer dealers to encourage them into the sector? Ultra Motor offers a high quality product, support and guidance. We have been working in over 20 countries with many different types of retailer ranging from a single outlet of a few hundred square meters to market leading retailers, and we have learned a lot. We share this knowledge with our retailers to ensure they don’t repeat the mistakes of others. We also offer our ‘Try before you buy’ scheme which provides one of our demos to the consumer FOC for up to three days. This has resulted in 100 per cent of people actually buying and is a great ‘no cost’ tool for a dealer. BIKEBIZ.COM
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EUROBIKE | 20TH ANNIVERSARY
20 years and counting
BikeBiz speaks to possibly one of the busiest men in the cycle trade – Eurobike project manager Stefan Reisinger – about the show’s 20 year milestone. Jonathon Harker asks the questions... Eurobike has been running for 20 years. In that time the bike industry have ups and downs in that time – does the bike industry in 2011 seem strong compared to then? Yes, definitely. The bicycle as a piece of sports equipment and increasingly as an urban mode of transportation is gaining ground in many markets. That means good business for bicycle stores and the bicycle industry and benefits everyone involved – including Eurobike. All of the market leaders have their ‘big show’ on Lake Constance, where all the new features and innovations are presented to the broader public for the first time. The media is also watching the Eurobike 2011 closely. More than 1,700 media representatives are expected to attend. How has Eurobike changed over the 20 years? The Eurobike started in 1991 with 268 exhibitors in the midst of the trend at the time, which was ‘mountain biking’. Now, in its 20th year, Eurobike is recognised worldwide as a leading trade show which has grown with leaps and bounds over the last two decades. On the 20th anniversary of the international bike show, more than 1,100 exhibitors from 42 countries have registered to participate. Eurobike has long moved on from being a specialised bike show to become one of the world’s most important trade shows for all segments of the cycling industry. What does Eurobike offer the international bicycle industry that other shows don’t? As the leading trade show for the international bicycle industry, Eurobike will present the entire spectrum of products the industry has on offer. It offers something for everyone: from the fashion show, the test track for mountain bikes and e-bikes as well as the Eurobike demo day the day before the show. The show is unbelievably diverse and a must for cycling experts and enthusiasts, who will be coming from all over the world. It takes place in Friedrichshafen, where three of the world’s most important bike markets – Germany, Austria and Switzerland – come together. There is an impressive amount of purchasing power just within within 300 km of Friedrichshafen. Lake Constance is a centre for sports and leisure with a real affinity to cycling. The compact and modern exhibition grounds in Friedrichshafen, which are perfect for exhibiting leisure products, also play a role. BIKEBIZ.COM
Will Eurobike have a dedicated zeppelin hall for electric bikes again? Pedelecs and e-bikes are driving the bicycle industry right now. The entire market for ebikes by quality manufacturers will be represented at Eurobike. At the Demo Day and on the test track, pedelecs and e-bikes can be put to the test. E-bikes, pedelecs and LEV accessories, as well as an extensive test track on the east open-air grounds and in the Zeppelin hall, will be available for the bicycles with the built-in tailwind. How many British firms will be exhibiting at Eurobike? About 40 exhibitors from the UK will be exhibiting at Eurobike. And do you know how many visitors come from Britain? All in all, more than 40,000 visitors from the trade and media from 102 countries attend the Eurobike. In 2010, about 1300 were from Britain.
Eurobike features fashion shows, a demo day and more new products that you can shake a stick at
“The show is unbelievably diverse and is a must for cycling experts and enthusiasts.”
Will the iPhone app return for 2011? After its successful premiere last year, the Eurobike app will be available again in 2011, for free and with additional features. It will again be possible to access the combined information packet about the exhibitors, program of events, makeup of the exhibit halls, and much more. This navigation tool is perfect for preparing your visit to the Eurobike and orienting yourself once you are there. We have also further developed the service for other smartphone users and in 2011 we can offer them almost the same functionality as with the iPhone app.
Any final reasons why the trade should attend the show? Eurobike is not just a classic product show offering the all-around program of a specialty trade show. Here in the beautiful Lake Constance region, with the lake and the Alps nearby, cycling is part of life. Bicycles are in high demand here as a piece of sports equipment, but also as a method of transportation. Furthermore, with the Eurobike party we will also be offering an ideal social setting for networking and mingling, where business people from the industry can come together and make deals – all in an enjoyable, relaxed atmosphere.
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EVENT REVIEW | PRESSCAMP
PressCamp becomes preEurobike launchpad In July, 28 editors and execs from 26 brands were hosted in Deer Valley resort, near Park City in Utah, for four days of one-on-ones. Carlton Reid reports...
THE THIRD ANNUAL staging of PressCamp involved plenty of facetime between the brand execs and the writers, not something that can happen at trade shows. And at this year’s PressCamp, many brands showed products not otherwise due to be unveiled until Eurobike, a huge coup for an event created by Lance Camisisca, former show director at Interbike. At PressCamp, as well as editors and journalists from leading magazines and blogs there were writers from non-endemic titles such as Outside, Wired and Popular Science. PRESSCAMP HIGHLIGHTS: ENVE What’s not to like about a company producing £700 wheel rims? Gloss black decals on matte black carbon makes for expensive stealth, but Enve’s aero wheels rims have windtunnel test proven speed, a justification for the expense. Editors at PressCamp were treated to an aero-wheel masterclass by aerodynamicist Simon Smart of Oxfordshire. Smart comes from a Formula One background, having last worked for the all-conquering Red Bull team. He now has his own consultancy business. Thanks to Smart, Enve aero wheels are said to be predictably stable including in sidewinds: they won’t change handling characteristics over varying yaw angles. For road bikes, Enve offers the 3.4 (35mm front wheel and 45mm rear) climbing wheelset; the 6.7 (60mm front and 70mm rear) allconditions road or tri wheelset; and the 8.9 (80mm front and 90mm rear) road/tri wheel. On the mountain bike side, Enve will be offering - via Saddleback - both 26in and 29in full UST tubeless, as well as 26 and 29-inch tubular rims for racing. CAMELBAK At the start of PressCamp all the attending editors were provided with large Camelbak packs, emblazoned with the PressCamp name.
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Also provided was a sample of Camelbak’s new lightweight lumbar pack. Editors who signed up for the condo-delivered Camelbak presentation were shown next year’s range, which feature some vivid colours, with tone-ontone buckles and straps. The Agent and Asset will be replacing the Don, Capo and Consigliere freeride line. The Agent features a 100oz bladder, overflow storage, able carry for full face and armour, and a vented back panel called NVis. GT BIKES The resurgence of GT – from Marc Beaumont’s carbon Fury DH to the new carbon Zaskar - was very evident at PressCamp. The Zaskar name now covers all of GT’s high end XC bikes. The Zaskar 9r Carbon Pro has a super-stiff, tapered headtube and large diameter top and downtubes: as well as an eye-sizzling electric blue colour scheme. It comes equipped with a Rockshox SID 29er fork and is pretty much full Shimano XT equipped. The Zaskar 100 is a step-up from the Marathon Carbon I-drive, the carbon frame losing 500 grams in the upgrade. GT has also made 26-inch versions of two classic BMX bikes: the Performer and Interceptor. NINER The carbon Jet 9 RDO CVA full suspension 29er (RDO stands for ‘Race Day Optimised’) comes in four sizes: small, medium, large and XL. It has 100mm rear travel and a custom-valved Fox Float RP 23 with Kashima coating. The company is confident in the bike: it comes with a five year warranty, which includes racing. LAZER SPORTS Lazer of Belgium has created a ‘vision division’ to launch a range of sports glasses. The Solid State is a single shield lens which comes with two lenses, or one of two
photochromic lenses (a dark with down to 50 percent transmission and a melanin pigment which reduces solar transmission down to 30 percent). The Argon is a two-lens optic that fits larger faces. The Electron is a full-frame glass which fits medium or smaller faces. There’s also an arm-less pair of sunglasses which attach via magnets on the helmet straps, an idea carried from Lazer’s magnet chin clasp. GORE BIKE WEAR With 500+ colours and styles, Gore Bike Wear has an eye-watering 500 SKUs. The company wants bike shops to stock - and consumers to buy - the clothes as part of an interconnected system."The beauty of our system is they were built to fit together," said Gore Bike Wear’s US marketing director Kevin King.
Just one of Gore’s latest jackets debuted at Press Camp
TIFOSI For 2012, Tifosi has six new shades, including the Logic XL (a new large shield lens optic for larger faces); the Jet (a small light, open-frame design with a fixed nosepiece); the vented-lens Tempt; and the Altar with a gradient tint lens on some versions. All can be upgraded to photochromic lenses. The Seek and Seek FC (‘full coverage’ - which has a larger frame for larger faces) has adjustable arm pieces and nose pads. Rimless across the top, the Seek weighs just 24 grams. CANNONDALE For 2012, Cannondale is to introduce a lineup of four helmets - two of which are: The Teramo is a a top of the line 245gram dual density EPS road helmet reinforced with composite and alloy internals. The helmet features 23 vents. The Ryker is a MTB helmet, with larger vents than the Teramo, said to be for better low-speed cooling. It also has alloy reinforcement struts. BIKEBIZ.COM
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OUT AND ABOUT BEYOND CYCLING
Dipping a toe into sectors beyond cycling? BikeBiz provides the month’s news from related markets...
Bauer Media launches Outdoor Fitness magazine PUBLISHER BAUER MEDIA has revealed a new magazine, which hit shelves on July 6th, called Outdoor Fitness. Retailing at £3.99, the magazine is looking to tap deeper into the outdoors market, beyond what it has achieved with sister titles Trail and Trail Running magazines. Matt Swaine, editor of Trail and Trail Running, acted as an editorial consultant on the new magazine, alongside Trail art director Mark Tucker. Jonathan Manning has been appointed editor of the title. The primary audience of the magazine will be those who take part in triathlons, swimmers, mountain climbers and many other associated outdoor activities. Rob Munro Hall, group managing director of Bauer Media's specialist division, said: "We have built on our expertise gained from Trail and Trail Running, and are perfectly placed to be the first to market with this new magazine, which will serve a growing
audience. "Outdoor Fitness also provides both lifestyle and specialist advertisers with a unique opportunity to reach highly active and affluent, 25 to 55-year-olds."
Geigerrig quenches thirst with pressurised stream GEIGERRIG PERFORMANCE hydration packs are coming to outdoors stores in the UK. Distributor Whitby and Co will be bringing the range to market, which is aimed at hikers, bikers, runner and climbers. Geigerrig’s patentpending pressurised hydration pack use a specially engineered hydration bladder and pressure bulb to spray water into the user’s mouth, delivering a continuous and sanitary water supply.
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Garry Woodhouse, sales and marketing director at UK distributors Whitby & Co said: “Geigerrig hydration packs were developed to provide a more effective way of drinking water while on the move,” explained Whitby and Co’s sales and marketing director Garry Woodhouse. “By drinking from an automatic pressurised stream of water as opposed to sucking from a pack and bite valve often contaminated with ‘backwash’, users can take on 30 per cent more water. This extra hydration is essential and allows users to enjoy their activities for longer.”
“Geigerrig hydration packs are developed to provide a more effective way of drinking water while on the move...”
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OUT AND ABOUT BEYOND CYCLING
NEWS IN BRIEF A Guinness for Terra Nova English tent manufacturer Terra Nova presented the world’s first completely high-frequency welded tent at the OutDoor event in Friedrichshafen held last month. With a total weight of 1,100 grams, the Voyager Ultra 2 is also the world’s lightest two-person tent. Last year, the company was already offering the world’s lightest one-person tent, earning it an entry into the Guinness Book of World Records.
Show grows as China’s outdoor market booms CHINA’S OUTDOOR market has gone from strength-to-strength and is set to continue to rise by 25 per cent this year, according to a Nanjing University Study. Little wonder then, that the internationally focused Asia Outdoor has grown accordingly. In 2011 the July show featured 20 per cent more exhibitors and almost 25 per cent more exhibition space than last year’s show. The excellently named Knut Jaeger, trade fair coordinator, speaking before the show said it appealed to more international visitors than before: “Based
“Based on advanced registrations, we forecasted 18,000 trade visitors from every province in China, as well as an increase in visitors from abroad.”
on the advance registrations, we forecasted 18,000 trade visitors from every province in China, as well as an increase in visitors from abroad in 2011 at Asia Outdoor alone.” Interestingly, the show organisers have seen a strong level of crossover appeal between the outdoors and cycle industries and to that end, Asia Outdoor 2011 has paired up with the inaugural Asia Bike Show. According to the organiser, over 50 per cent of wholesalers and retailers in the outdoor sector sell cycling accessories.
Going outdoors in the Buff? BUFF’S APPAREL collection has been broadened in scope to cater for the outdoor adventure market, splitting into three bands; Active – for low intensity activities like trekking or hiking; Perform – for higher intensity activities like trail running and amateur adventure sports; and Official – aimed at those participating in very high intensity activities and competitions. Buff’s multifunctional headwear will be coordinated to fit in with the three bands, including the High UV Protection Buff, headband Buff and two new products –
Infinity Wood Buff and Cap Buff. Infinity Wood Buff is made from Tencel, a fibre derived from eucalyptus tree wood pulp (from sustainably managed forests) which is naturally anti-microbial, smooth and itch-free against the skin. It’s an excellent wicking fibre too, according to Buff. The Cap Buff is a revamped Visor Buff Evo 2, offering 98 per cent UK protection. The new lines will be previewed at a number of trade shows from August, but Buff is taking forward orders now (order book closes September 30th) for delivery to stores from April 2012.
The new lines will be previewed at trade shows from August. Preorders can be placed now.
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Montane launches 2012 range British firm Montane has opened a new showroom in Kendal where it will showcase its Spring/Summer 2012 collection. It’s the widest range Montane has ever produced, including over 80 new and updated items. Highlights include a comprehensive rucksack range.
OMG: WFSGI signs up with MMG The World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry (WFSGI) has extended its partnership with Messe Munchen GmbH (MMG) – the organiser behind the International Trade Fair for Sports Equipment Fashion (ISPO). One of the key features of the extended deal means new members of the WFSGI will be able to profit from new services.
Ordinance Survey run alongside MET Office Mapping specialists from the Ordinance Survey will be shunted into the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills in a move announced by Whitehall during July. The office in which the mapping agency was previously operated will now move alongside the MET Office and Land Registry Services. "The building is designed so we can expand or shrink, and there won't be a problem letting out a wing that can be self-contained," the Ordnance Survey's biz sales and support head John Kimmance said.
Blackstone buying German firm Wolfskin US investment fund Blackstone has said it has acquired German outdoor clothing and accessories company Wolfskin. According to reports, the deal is said to be worth around $900 million, though the transaction will not formally go through until August. Boss of Frankfurt-based Wolfskin, Manfred Hell, is set to leave the company. At present no succesor has been identified.
BIKEBIZ AUGUST 51
PEOPLE | RECRUITMENT Send your recruitment news to
mark.sutton@intentmedia.co.uk
Glew gets stuck into new sales role n I-RIDE The distributor has further strengthened its in-house sales and customer service team by welcoming ADAM GLEW to the company. JONNY YATES has also been appointed to the on-the-road squad, covering the South West and West Midlands, as well as Wales. “Adam is extremely friendly and, along with the rest of the customer services team, is making regular contact with i-Ride trade customers. Their main aim is to provide the best service possible and I know that Adam’s cycle retail experience will help him in this area,” said MD Paul Butler. Glew enthused: “I am already enjoying helping our stockists and it’s great that so many retailers are keen to hear about our latest offers and products.”
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(left to right) Adam Glew, Paul Butler and Jonny Yates
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PEOPLE | RECRUITMENT
i-ride welcomes two new recruits l Hotlines brings Moore to North West dealers l Former council sport and outdoor education manager becomes head of Scottish Cycling l Change at the top for Wattbike Glew can be contacted on adam@iride.co.uk or via phone at 01444 243000. n HOTLINES GRAHAM MOORE has joined Hotlines, bringing with him many years OF cycle retail experience. Moore spent several years with retailer Leisure Lakes before leaving the warm embrace of the bike industry to gain some ‘on road’ sales experience. He has now re-joined the bicycle trade as the North West accounts manager for Hotlines to bolster the evergrowing field sales team. n SCOTTISH CYCLING Scottish Cycling has appointed former sport and outdoor education manager with North Lanarkshire Council CRAIG BURN to the role of chief executive.
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Alexis Dormandy
Burn takes over from JACKIE DAVIDSON who left in May after five years at the helm. He joins the organisation on August 1st. To enable Scottish Cycling to continue to operate smoothly, Sport Scotland has supported the interim appointment of BRIAN SAMSON as CEO until Burn takes up his post at the beginning of August. Burn said: “I am delighted to be joining Scottish Cycling at this exciting time with London 2012 and Glasgow 2014 rapidly approaching. I look forward to ensuring the sport capitalises on these unique opportunities and will strive to ensure that we deliver growth and success. The passion and enthusiasm from the Board, staff and members is clearly evident and I look forward to working with all who are committed to developing cycling in Scotland.”
n WATTBIKE ALEXIS DORMANDY and CHARLIE GREEN have been appointed as nonexecutive directors of Wattbike, with Dormandy becoming chairman of the group. Having formerly held a number of senior roles at Candover, Orange and the Virgin Group, Dormandy is a personal user of the Wattbike. He said: “I am hugely excited to be working with the team at Wattbike. On a personal level as somebody with a very busy lifestyle, I appreciate and enjoy being able to benefit from focused, high quality training on the Wattbike. “What is most pleasing is the belief in the product shown by very experienced and sophisticated investors, many of whom are now owners of and advocates of training on the Wattbike.”
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RETAIL ONLY
The trade’s guide to sourcing stock, up-and-coming IBDs and the very latest products
RETAIL COMMENT UNFORTUNATELY this month I feel compelled to discuss shop security, much thanks to reading and writing more stories discussing missing bikes, bits and break ins than I can ever recall. With cycling’s roaring popularity and demand on the borders of outstripping supply, it seems inevitable that escaping the attention of both one time chancers and seasoned thieves isn’t to be. With a little help from the trade, here’s a few additional means to secure your stock that you may not have discovered: Smoke machines – a.k.a security fog The clues in the title for this one and by no means will a smoke cloak physically prevent thieves from having away a bike or two. What a fog machine does acheive however is damage limitation. Just try feeling about for a Wall mounted Cervelo S5 when you’re essentially blind. Is that a super skinny piece of carbon tubing, or am I fondling a curtain pole? Mudguard attached to the latest Giant, or just a leaf on a decorative pot plant?
“Domed mirrors are particularly useful in high footfall areas where stock is spread across the store.” Security Mirrors These domed mirrors are particularly useful in either high footfall shops or those with a lot of stock spread over several rooms or aisles. Again, these won’t take a bat to the light-fingered git’s back, but they will ensure that distraction techniques so often used by seasoned thieves are less effective. Well placed mirrors mean that you and your staff can keep a keen eye on any suspicious characters without the need to sit on their shoulder. Counterfeit note checking machines It’s something so easily overlooked, but counterfeit cash does crop up once in a while. As one website I researched on my travels put it “for the price of two dud 50s we’ve got a machine that’ll identify false cash in an instant.” Perhaps not the most common of dodgy activites, but if customers are coughing up in cash for a high value item it really is better to be safe than sorry. In theory, there’s no deterrent like an alarm system linked up to the local nick, or a decent roller shutter. Some councils, however, do object to roller shutter installation, so best seek planning permission advice from other local businesses with such installations before going ahead. Mark.Sutton@intentmedia.co.uk
IN THIS MONTH’S ISSUE HIGH VISIBILITY AND LIGHTING
61
BikeBiz documents an increasingly competitive sector, covering product and suppliers from page 61.
MOUNTAIN BIKING AND GEAR
67
MTB is central to many of our businesses. Find out which wholesalers sell which brands beginning on 67.
EVENTS AND PLANNER
73
There’s plenty of house shows around the corner from some of the larger distributors – find out when and where on 73.
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ACTSMART | SHOP PROMOTION
FREE promotion for all Experts If you are a retailer or any business that engages with the cycling public you can benefit from free promotion to hundreds of thousands of consumers every month, writes ActSmart…
THECYCLINGEXPERTS.CO.UK business search feeds six major cycling websites, enjoying a total visitation of over 600,000 consumers in June, and there are plenty more sites that will have the feature live soon, including British Cycling’s site. “As the UK’s cycling governing body, British Cycling places great importance on working with the independent retail sector,” says British Cycling’s Gavin Finch. “The Cycling Experts bike shop search tool is massively useful to all cyclists and inclusion within our website enhances promotion to the wider cycling community.” The ACT-endorsed Cycling Experts site was created to raise the profile of all specialist cycle retailers in the UK, encapsulating everything that makes them the place to shop. The site is also the home to all industry brands and services, including Cytech, Ride It Away and Bikesoup. Promoting what’s special about the services and products dealers offer to a national audience will increase consumer awareness, footfall and ultimately sales. THE EXPERTS SPECIALIST RETAIL COMMUNITY Autumn 2011 will see the launch of The Experts specialist retail community, bringing together a growing number of consumer sports and leisure websites. Commencing with theoutdoorexperts.co.uk and thesnowsportsexperts.co.uk additional consumer traffic will be generated and outdoor pursuits businesses will benefit from promotion across multiple websites free of charge. Future additions to The Experts community will extend the reach of businesses, especially into the female market that cycling has struggled to fully engage with to date.
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Tony Jones from ActSmart said: “It’s all about choice, giving consumers the chance to find a shop uniquely tailored to their needs. “It’s a chance for businesses to show the public the broad range of products and services you have to offer to enhance the public’s health, fitness and enjoyment of their leisure time.” Inclusion within the Experts community is free for all businesses. If you want to take advantage of the full listing and inform customers what is special about your business ActSmart Silver membership allows you to update your listings as many times as you want along with access to a range of business support services. Non-members can purchase full listings from as little as £5 per month.
The Cycling Experts website enjoyed a total visitation of over 600,000 consumers during June
YOU’RE IN CHARGE ActSmart has built the web platforms and links to facilitate your free promotion on the most comprehensive bike business search in the UK, but the detail of your business’s promotion is down to you. The more you insert about your business the more likely you are to benefit from consumer searches. Simply visit thecyclingexperts.co.uk and search for your business to view your promotional listing. To update your details visit www.actsmart.biz login MO E and visit ‘My ActSmart’ and click CONSURM on Add/Edit Promotional Listings. EXPOSU ER If your business isn’t listed or FOR FRERE you haven’t enrolled as Bronze E! To see all member you can do so today the free E xp promotio n availab erts consumer at www.actsmart.biz today update y le to you our busin and to totally free of charge. ess d ActSmart ’ at www etails visit ‘My .actsmart You are The Experts, make call us o .biz or n 0845 6 18 7256 sure consumers throughout the for more de ta il s UK know it.
“As the UK’s cycling governing body, British Cycling places great importance on working with the independent retail sector. The Cycling Experts bike shop search tool is massively useful to all cyclists and inclusion within our website enhances promotion to the wider cycling community.” Gavin Finch, British Cycling
For more information call ActSmart on
0845 618 7256 www.actsmart.biz
BIKEBIZ AUGUST 57
PRODUCTS | NEW RELEASES
New gear
This month BikeBiz takes a look at a whole plethora of new products – from new shoes, eyewear and jackets, to seatposts, saddles and new bike brands...
Lake 2012 line BIKEBIZ has been given a first look at Lake's 2012 much-expanded shoe catalogue, including some rare samples. Distributor Moore Large told us: "We're keen for our dealers to give Lake's shoes a go for themselves, just to get a feel for some of the unique design work that's gone into the up-coming line." There's plenty of new developments in the new catalogue too, with perhaps the most
Moore Large, 01332 274200 exciting being the introduction of the CX 312. This top-level shoe borrows the carbon sole from the 401 and will be available with three hole of Speedplay cleat compatibility. Key to the design is the Boa laced heel, which provides fast trouble free slip on and fast enclosure round the ankle. All models, including a new leisure boot, will be in stock around January.
Almond Footwear 2012 BIKEBIZ has also been given a sneak first look at one of the 2012 Almond footwear samples – the Ben Hucke signature model in black and gum, dubbed the Belmont. Made with suede uppers, the mid-cut shoe has a new tread pattern on the base over last year's model, as well as a healthy, thick chunk of
CSG UK, 01202 732288 rubber underfoot for absorbing those 'footdown' impacts. A bmxunion.com interview revealed that at least one other fresh signature model will join the 2012 line, though despite being called the 'Riviera', Almond is yet to say which of its team riders helped design the shoe.
KCNC ISP seat clamps ADDRESSING the rise in integrated seat post frames, KCNC has designed a line of seatclamp and post combinations. The machined 7075 alloy posts come in four guises: in line (SP9) or lay-back (SP10), and with 50mm or 100mm of vertical adjustment. Titanium bolts round off an already rather minimalist package. Colour co-ordination has been given careful
Clee Cycles, 01746 712882 consideration by Clee Cycles too, with posts available in anodised red, gold and most importantly, black. Each model is designed for use with a 34.9mm diameter seat mast. The prices for a 50mm and 100mm height adjust post are £84.99 and £91.99, respectively and these are available only from Clee Cycles in the UK.
Selle Italia Monolink seatpost & saddles HAVING received the first batch of Monolink Selle Italia goods, Chicken Cyclekit is now able to introduce the new rail tech to dealers. The moulded carbon construction is designed to give a greater range of fore and aft adjustment, providing the rider 16mm more travel over traditional rails. The SLR saddle, compatible with the
22 BIKEBIZ JULY
Chicken, 01525 381347
monolink, has also been redesigned and slimmed down at the nose, providing a more natural seating position over prior models. You can expect to see the Monolink on plenty more 2012 Selle Italia saddles, on which it exclusively holds the patent. The patent on the seatpost is, however, open for other developers.
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PRODUCTS | NEW RELEASES
Cervelo S5 road bike
Madison, 0208 385 3385
CERVELO has a new flagship in the S5 aero road bike, which debuted at the Tour De France. The aero-techies claim that over a 40km course riders could shave as much as 37 seconds off the S3's best efforts. Crafted with the influence of the streamlined time trial S4 as inspiration, the frame, as expected, is designed to cut through the wind like no other, yet will opt out of the integrated brake used on the P4.
Salice Eyewear
Manby International Sportswear, 01787 881144
PROMINENT Italian eyewear manufacturer Salice has announced plans to broaden its reach, beginning later this year with a full introduction to the cycle market. Following successful trials in mainland Europe with a small number of retailers, Salice has firmed up its approach with the sponsorship of the Orbea-Twenty3c cycling team.
Orange THE 2012 Diva returns with plenty of new features added and tuned to the female rider. The 6061-T6 aluminium tubing is manipulated to create the best balance between stiffness and compliance. A chassis that’s efficient on the pedals, but forgiving enough to reduce fatigue and promote confidence off road. A slightly slacker head angle and steeper seat angle centre the rider, allowing easier weight
Endura ENDURA'S NEW Convert Softshell, set to retail for £99.99, will be one of the many new bits the brand is set to promote at Eurobike. Thanks to some clever shoulder zips, the jacket quickly becomes a gilet, or can simply be adjusted to allow for under arm venting. The high performance three layer jacket brings together a fast wicking textured outer to
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Two bottle mounts are provided, one of which is found on a flattened down tube, crafted to create a less abrupt transition in the curves when a bottle is mounted. As is often the case with these flagship launches, Cervelo has a number of other statistics to appeal to the performance savvy cyclist – including a 12 per cent increase in ride stiffness over the s3, among other claims.
Pictured are the Salice 002 glasses, sold with UV400 lenses for 100 per cent protection from UVA, B and C rays. These lenses are also coated to prevent glare. Each model is sold with a protective case. If you are interested in becoming a stockist in the UK, please contact Fiona Manby on fiona@manbi.com, or via 01787 881144.
Direct, 01422 311113 distribution and greater control on technical trail features. Air sprung RockShox forks ensure a responsive front-end setup, with external rebound adjustment making sure the front wheel never strays. Balance, weight, reach-adjustable disc brakes, short cranks and a female specific saddle make the Diva a must-stock for the MTB specialist.
Direct, 01506 497749 provide a combination of protection against the elements and a regulated body climate. Meanwhile, reflective trims on the sleeves and shoulders mean the jacket is at home on the road and what's more, it has plenty of storage in the form of chest pockets and media ports. Both a men's and women's specific cut are soon to be available.
BIKEBIZ JULY 23
SECTOR GUIDE | LIGHTING & HIGH VIS
What’s the bright idea? Autumn is just around the corner, so if you haven’t already, now’s the time to take a look at the latest lighting and high vis gear available. Jonathon Harker lights the way…
2pure RATHER THAN quote theoretical specifications, Nite Rider measures the actual lumen output of its lights, taking into consideration light transmission loss, which can often be over 30 per cent. Key products from the range include the Mako 2 watt (£39.99 at retail) and Minewt 600 Cordless (£139.99 retail price). Niterider portfolio also includes the Lightning Bugs. Starting at a mere £9.99 RRP, the lights are so easy to mount, operate and install batteries that you can do it in the dark. Easily removable to stow in pocket, the Lightning Bugs come in six colours, with one, two and three LED options available. The Combo Pack features the Lighting Bug 3.0 and the powerful Stinger Tailight.
Fisher Outdoor Leisure SMART IS one of the world’s largest manufacturers of cycle lights and distributed exclusively in the UK by Fisher Outdoor Leisure. This year the Lunar range has the same power as the 2010 range, but with even longer run times – in some cases up to twice as long – and now smaller, boosting portability too. The 35 Lux light set is £54.99 RRP, the 25 Lux front light is £34.99 RRP and the 10 Lux front light is £19.99 RRP. Also new for 2011 is the Standard range, replacing the Polaris lights of
Upgrade
The brand is also the main lighting sponsor for Mountain Mayhem, Relentless 24 and the Charge Bike team. 2pure: trade@2pure.co.uk
2010. The 7 Lux slim light uses only one AA battery but offers up to 140 hours run time, and all for £16.99 RRP. Dealers can get hold of a slat wall mounted POS display bar that allows customers to try before they buy. It’s free to any retailer that signs up as a Smart stockist, with a minimum order required (subject to availability). For more details dealers should contact their territory account manager or head to the distributor’s trade site. Fisher Outdoor Leisure: www.fisherb2b.co.uk
IN SOMETHING of an exclusive for BikeBiz, Lezyne has made its first entry into LED lighting, aiming to address a hole in the market for quality USB rechargeable lights with Li-Ion batteries at volume making prices. Each light features cable-free, wireless design, making fitting and removal easy, and meaning lights can be used for multi-sport and general purpose torches. Lezyne’s own low profile bracket is made from tough composite matrix, offers full adjustment, fits all bar sizes and fitting is tool free. Auxiliary batteries can be fitted for additional burn times, or ‘Infinite Light’. Lezyne has paid heed to the importance of beam pattern as well as light output, engineering a Uniform Power Beam, using a mirrorfinish reflector dish combined with a front lens that avoids ‘hot spots’ and gives a combined focused beam for distance and a diffused beam that floods close objects. Efficient Cree LEDs have been used greater lumens and longer run times. Lezyne’s custom micro-processor inside the light controls constant battery output, while the fuel gauge alerts cyclists when the battery is low. The durable aluminium CNC machined bodies dissipate heat efficiently, while quality engineering and high quality seals provide excellent water resistance. Each light comes in a polished finish with anodised colour options in black, silver, or gunmetal grey.
>>> Celebrating its 10th year, the UK’s leading Cycle Show heads to NEC, Birmingham on 29 Sep - 2 October 2011.
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The SuperDrive pumps out 450 lumens (SRP £99.99) and is designed for on and off-road use. With three static and one flashing mode, it sports a stylish CNC aluminium body with lens hood. An intelligent burn time battery life indicator keeps riders in the loop on charge. The Power Drive produces 300 lumens (SRP £79.99) and is designed for serious night riding. Featuring three steady and one high visibility flash mode, it comes supplied with 25.4mm and 31.8mm brackets and mini USB recharge cable. The Mini Drive produces 150 lumens (SRP £49.99) and sports a compact design for urban night riding. Three steady modes are complimented with two high visibility flash modes. Upgrade: 01403 711 611
Register for your FREE trade pass at www.cycleshow.co.uk/register for more information’ BIKEBIZ AUGUST 61
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SECTOR GUIDE | LIGHTING & HIGH VIS >>> Hope
i-ride
HOPE HAS TWO all new lights for this season; the R4 and R8. The R4 is a direct replacement for the long standing four LED, but is smaller, more powerful and cheaper. Giving out an impressive 1,446 Lumens, the head unit is 50 per cent smaller than the older version, yet packs in more features. Three modes within two functions give the light more burn time when less power is needed (up to eight hours on the low setting) and uses the tiny two-cell battery, halving the weight of the power source, yet keeping the burn times essentially the same. The price is £250. The entirely new R8 will be familiar to those who attended the Core and
THE AGU Secco Pro Jacket is available from i-ride and is a professional bike jacket based on those worn by the cyclists of the pro Rabobank team. Made of two-way laminations and softshell, the Secco Pro is waterproof and breathable due to Poray 5000 coating. The softshell parts of the garment are also waterproof. The clever waterproof watch window can’t steam up due to anti-fog treatment, while an extended back with Velcro closure are easy to put on and remove as required. The jacket itself is simple to fold and fit into a small carry pouch. With 3M reflection the AGU Secco Pro jacket retails at £99.99. i-ride: www.i-ride.co.uk
Hope has been busy testing it over the past few months. With a unique LCD display, massive 2,890 lumen output (measured at 2,000) and multi-function programme cycle, the R8 is certain to be the top of the wish list. Retailing for £450 – pre orders are being taken now. The rest of the Vision range is available also, including the 1 LED, the 1 LED Adventure and the District rear light, as well as limited quantities of current 2 LED and 4 LED lights. Hope: 01282 851200
Ison Distribution THE UNCONVENTIONAL Skully lights have a bucket load of appeal for younger riders and provide a great value alternative to traditional lights. Front (white LEDs) or rear (red LEDs) lights come with two super bright, ultra wide angle LEDs in a cool skull design. But make no bones about it, these lights don’t shirk in the visibility stakes, visible up to 600 metres (20,000 mcd brightness). The Skully lights have a flexible, soft body with straps that allow for horizontal or vertical fitting. In an assortment of colours with two
Moore Large KNOG HAS recently launched the Boomer USB. With the same body and brightness as the original highpowered LED Boomer, the circuit has been overdrived to pump out a higher pulse of light. It’s USB rechargeable, taking two to four hours to charge with a four hour constant or 36-hour strobe flashing time. It’s £32.49 for rears, £34.99 for fronts and £62.99 for a twinpack. The Sigma light range is brand new to Moore Large, offering high powered offroad lights, road and commuting lights, plus rear LEDs. The range retails from £8.99 to £219.99. One23’s lighting offering includes the new Intense Bright – a one watt, high
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Madison THE LIGHT and Motion ‘Solite’ 150 is a headlamp, helmet light, bicycle bar light and miner style camping light all-inone. It scored a 2011 award from 3M, no less, and is a featherweight 135 grams with mount – half the weight and twice the power of conventional headlamps, says Madison. A micro USB
functions – flash or steady – the Skullys can provide 100 hours battery life. Two watch batteries are included. Ison: 01353 662 662
power front LED which uses the latest tech and offers tool free fitting, as well as three beam modes and a quick release bracket. The range retails between £11.29 and £114.99. Moore Large also stocks ETC in the lighting sector – offering a comprehensive range of value for money bike lights and light accessories. It includes front and rear beamer lights, front beamer and rear LED sets, LEDs and Krypton lights, with all coming with bracket and quality batteries. Proviz’s self-illuminating and high-vis cycling kit has a range of new kit for autumn, including the Triton helmet, designed with commuters in mind and available in flouro yellow and black, with high-vis strips and LED lights built in. Moore Large: sales@moorelarge.co.uk
Oxford Products THE BRIGHT Top Active is a big seller in Oxford’s reflective rider wear range. The highly reflective top is made of high quality Reflexite material, meaning it’s passed the BSEN1150: 1999 standard. The top has been made with breathable lining for ultimate comfort and also features individual stretch panels giving it a comfortable compressed fit. Available in extra small to XXXXL, it has an £34.99 RRP. Oxford also stocks the Essential Reflective
port accepts charging from most mobile phone chargers or any USB port, with a five-hour charge time. For high vis Madison stocks the best selling Giro Xar. Including all the features you’ve come to expect from Giro’s top level trail-riding helmets, the Xar has POV adjustable visor, full coverage in-mould composition with EPS foam and polycarbonate shell, roll cage reinforcement and the new Roc Loc 5 fit system. The helmet features 17 wind tunnel vents as well as internalised internal chanelling, with the visor vented to increase airflow. The padding is XStatic anti-microbial fabric, RRP is £114.99. For more on the rest of the Madison lighting and high vis range, contact the firm on the number below. Madison: 0870 034 7226
Rucksack Cover, which handily fits over a rucksack for maximum visibility. This waterproof cover has a £9.99 retail price and comes with elasticated straps. The firm also offers a diverse lights range, including the ‘star letters’ favourite Ultra Torch, which now comes with improved packaging. Oxford’s ever growing lighting collection offers a variety of different models for all aspects of cycling. All lighting products are water resistant and include batteries and mounting brackets. For more detailed information contact Oxford on info@oxprod.com, or on the number found below. Oxford Products: 01993 862 300
BIKEBIZ AUGUST 63
SECTOR GUIDE | LIGHTING & HIGH VIS
Walkers
Raleigh THE MOON brand launched in the UK last year and now has a host of new product for 2011, including the Mask – featuring five Nichia high performance LEDs generating 70 lumens of light output, with two constant and two flashing modes. The Shield rear light includes one CREE XPE LED generating 60 lumens of light output, with three constant modes and two flashing modes. This amazingly compact and durable rear light has a tool-free fitting bracket and is USB rechargeable. Moon also offers the
Zyro ALTURA NIGHT Vision caters for all types of rider, with product including three waterproof jackets, windproofs, gilets, bib and waist tights, gloves, overshoes and helmet covers. All garments use top-notch fabrics for element, in an array of colours. CatEye’s range (see page 36) includes the Sumo (£299.99), designed for offroad, and the Jido – an automatic commuter front light for £34.99. The Rapid 1 (£29.99) are new front and rear super visible USB recharge lights. The Rapid 3 is a powerful two 5mm LEDsporting light for £19.99. The Rapid 5 has four 5mm LEDS and one powerful centre 0.2W LED, sporting impressive
XP500, which offers a CREE XML LED kicking out 500 lumens of light, the XP100 – with two CREE XPG LEDs and one CREE XML LED and the XP1500 which is packed with a mighty three CREE XML LEDs pumping out 1,500 lumens of light output. Raleigh also carries the RSP range, with new models including the Messon, Radient and Mico V2. Raleigh’s own light set now includes the RX 6.0. This front light features a three-watt LED and rear light boasting a central half watt LED with two high performance support LEDs. Raleigh: 0800 096 9060
SERFAS’ True light family will be available from August exclusively via Walkers Cycles. From the True 150 lumen to the 1,500 lumen Eye Burner, five models are available in the range, starting from £69 at retail. The True 1,500 produces, as you may have guessed, 1,500 lumens in overdrive
side visibility for SRP £29.99. The RM-1 Seat Bracket - compatible with Rapid rear lights - is a saddle-mounted seat bracket for those who want to mount the light higher or struggling for available post, for £9.99. Lupine’s new compact wire-free Piko TL Max has a 750 lumen output and lightweight 2.5ah battery, operating for two hours on max. New battery and LED tech is incorporated in the overhauled Betty (now 2600 lumens) and Wilma (now 2600 lumens) lights, improving overall performance, with a battery level indicator to boot. The Betty 12 (SRP £850) now uses seven new Cree XM LEDs with a max output of 2600 Lumens max output. The Wilma 12 (SRP £599)
mode. A Ram air vent cooling system stops it overheating, while a helmet mount and battery extension cable are included as standard. Waht’s more, It’s water resistant, features a battery charge indicator and has a three to 15hour runtime, depending on the intensity of the power selection (£299 at retail). Walkers: 01162 833885
uses four Cree XM LEDs, with 1,500 lumens and a five hour run time maximum. The lightweight Wilma 6 is super compact, but with a max output of 1500 Lumens thanks to four Cree XM LED’s. The 5.6Ah battery means the battery will 2:30 on maximum. Completing the set is a helmet mount and a Lupine Micro Charger Basic. The brand new Piko TL MAX (SRP £350.00) avoids loose wires with a head unit and battery assembled together. It is fitted with two Cree XM LED’s and has a wide and super-bright 750lumen beam. Zyro: customer.services@zyro.co.uk
Endura
Chocolate
Polaris
HardnutZ
KEEPING VISIBLE, safe and comfortable on the road or trail are the key aims of Endura’s Luminite collection. Including jackets, trousers, gloves and overshoes the Luminite Jacket is pitched as the definitive commuter essential of the range. With a £84.99 RRP the jacket has an in-built LED super-bright flashing fibre optic unit bonded into the rear. With a run time up to 50 hours, the unit uses a standard battery, and replacement LED units are available from Endura. The Jacket is available in high-vis yellow and black for men and women, while the blokes also have an olive option. It’s made from 2.5-layer waterproof, breathable fabric, and fully seam sealed. Endura: 01506 497749
PRINCETON TEC lights’ initial range consists of the 100 lumen Push front light (£49.99), featuring high, low and flashing modes running for up to 63 hours on just three AAA batteries. The light features side windows to provide 260degree visibility, while a robust bracket is capable of accommodating any diameter handlebar size. The bike rear is catered for by the superbright twin LED Swerve (£29.99). Sporting a side-mounted switch that’s easy to use even through a winter glove, the Swerve has steady and flash modes. It has mounting options for all shapes, sizes and positions and the built in clip allows for attachment to helmets. Chocolate: 08712 319966
POLARIS HAS an extensive line-up of reflective clothing, including the snappily named RBS (Really Bright Stuff). That includes the RBS Jacket in fluoro yellow and orange (£37.99) and the RBS Gilet at £24.99. The RBS Hoolie is the latest addition to the range, which takes the best selling winter glove, the Hoolie, and given it an RBS makeover (SRP £27.99). The range also includes the intriguingly named RBS Slap Strap, which are actually straps that can be clipped around each ankle, the tubes of a bike’s frame, fork legs or wherever else you can fit them round. Find out more by contacting the firm on 01246 29 11 00.
THE QUIRKY HardnutZ brand launched last year and is planning a major promotional push over the coming months, the brand tells BikeBiz. It’s range of cycle and ski helmets feature individual designs, including high-vis orange road and mountain bike helmets for commuters and road riders. The high vis shell is available in yellow and orange colours ways, with each featuring 13 silver 3M Scotchlite reflective panels for reflectivity. With lightweight in-mould construction the range is designed to be aerodynamic and maximum protection, with 19 vents, a removable visor and removable, washable padding. HardnutZ: www.hardnutz.com
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BIKEBIZ.COM
SECTOR GUIDE | MTB
It’s dirty work… …this mountain biking business, but the majority of us wouldn’t trade it for the world. Mark Sutton calls around the distributors specialising in this territory to find out what’s set to be hot in the coming model year…
Silverfish
51 bikes strong and offers everything from Carbon hardtail and dirt jump bikes, right through to World Cup winning DH machines and AM rigs. Based on their own 'Stealth' tubing and Zero Suspension System technology, the brand’s full suspension range is constantly winning over rider’s hearts with the 120mm travel Factor, 140mm Foxy and 160mm travel Dune leading out on the trail. All Mondraker bikes also carry a lifetime frame warranty to keep you ripping through the singletrack miles. 01752 843882
MONDRAKER was founded in Alicante, Spain in 2001 and is celebrating its 10th birthday this year. The bike’s designers say the brand was created in response to the increasing number of riders who were starting to push the limits of their equipment on the rough Spanish trails. Back then a range of seven bikes were introduced mostly designed to cater for the newly emerging freeride scene, which was quickly taking hold of the Spanish riding scene. The 2011 range of Mondraker bikes is
Moore Large WITH MORE or less all bases covered in the MTB business, dealers specialising in the off-road market will likely already be familiar with Moore Large's catalogue. Bikes are offered from Barracuda, for entry level and kid's MTBs, through reasonably priced performance rigs from Forme, the majority within the C2W bracket. The distributor’s MTB clothing offering is diverse catalogue spanning the Outeredge, Vangard and Kenda's new clothing product. Among the new
garments, Kenda has introduced a branded race jersey, with a hidden frontal zip and three rear pockets, retailing at £32.99, in stock now. Vangard continues to perform at retail, thanks to the award winning Windflex range, now available in four styles – zip collar, roll neck and long sleeve and short sleeve turtlenecks. Outeredge has introduced full zip tights and leg warmers. The full-length zips make the tights and leg warmers easy to take on and off, meaning you don’t need to stretch over, or remove shoes. The tights are £35.99 and the leg warmers are £20.99. 01332 274200
Greyville ITALIAN BRAND SH+ is a relatively new helmet brand in the UK with a wide range of helmets including a kid's range starting from £19.95. The Zeuss is the flagship helmet and is available in either an MTB or road-suited design and a choice of colours, including limited edition team colours. The £99.95 Zeuss uses in-mold technology, which is an advanced
WITH ITS core business done with MTB retailers, 2pure has a diamond in the multiple award-winning brand Ibis. The brand has invested in a dedicated UK site, allowing customers to configure their dream bike. It uses the latest in geotagging tech to direct customers to nearby dealer where they can request a demo of their 'dream bike'. The latest from Ibis is the SL-R, made with special molding tech. The tapered steerer, BB92 and a 142 Maxle rear axle, combined with the new molding, helped build a stiffer, stronger and lighter bike, which weighs in at 2,250g for a large frame with a Kashima RP23 shock. Deliveries start in August for the £2,199.99 frame. Crank Brothers has completely redesigned many products this year to
prioritise performance and durability. The results speak for themselves, says 2pure. The amount of warranty and repair requests have dropped to less than .0001 per cent of sales since the release of the redesigned Eggbeater and Candy pedals. So confident are Crank, many products now come with five-year warranty. With four pricing brackets across most categories, the product range appeals to a wider market than ever before. 0844 811 2001
production technique that results in a helmet with greater resistance at a lighter weight. Other features include a super tough Nylon reinforcement that is moulded directly into the EPS foam liner. This provides extra strength and integrity that is invisible until you need it. Fastening the helmet is done easily and quickly using the ‘Lock system Pro’, which can even be adjusted while cycling. With a removable helmet visor,
washable and anti-allergic padding and 26 channelled vents giving excellent ventilation, the Zeuss comes in at only 280 grams. Greyville can also offer dealers tools and accessories from the XLC catalogue, including a £20.95 multi-tool comprising multiple spoke keys, a chain pin extractor, seven sizes of Allen keys, both flat and Phillips screwdrivers and a T25 Torx key. 01543 251328
2pure
>>> Celebrating its 10th year, the UK’s leading Cycle Show heads to NEC, Birmingham on 29 Sep - 2 October 2011. BIKEBIZ.COM
Register for your FREE trade pass at www.cycleshow.co.uk/register for more information’ BIKEBIZ AUGUST 67
SECTOR GUIDE | MTB >>> Extra AS THE SOLE UK distributor for the Intense brand, Extra can supply dealers framesets to suit the most discerning crosscountry, dirt jump, downhill and enduro enthusiasts – including the M-series, which has perhaps been ridden by more downhill riders than any other bike series on the professional circuit. Alpine Stars also plays a big role in Extra's mountain bike catalogue. This year the best sellers are tipped to be the brand's Drop and Hyperlight shorts. The latter, costing £49.99 at retail, features an elasticised waist supplemented with
Velcro tabs for extra security, as well as a seamless construction around the seat area, ensuring in the saddle comfort. Alternatively, the Drop shorts are designed for the elite freerider. Coming in at £84.99 and available in two designs, the multi-material short is optimised to be both flexible, tough and comfortable. Sizes for both shorts range from a 30 to 38 inch waist. Extra is also the exclusive supplier for the Topeak line of tooling in the UK, including the brand's high-pressure pumps. 01933 672 170
Fisher Outdoors AS THE EXCLUSIVE distributor of SRAM mountain bike parts and Troy Lee Designs, Fisher has it covered for the off road rider. New RockShox 29er forks are on their way giving big-wheeled bikes a greater choice of suspension. Elsewhere under the SRAM umbrella, the new Avid brakes have a focus on reliability featuring a new taperbore design for easier bleeding and new rotors for low weight and silent performance. There is good stock of the popular SRAM 2x10 drivetrains too, while the distributor expects strong demand for the new X0 DH components. Troy Lee Designs is, and has been for a long time, one of the biggest names in mountain biking, with its helmets and race wear adorning the world's best gravity riders. The new GP Air Beast gear, as worn by the
Avocet
Buff
Carrying mountain bikes for all cyclists, beginner through advanced, mean, women and children, Avocet also has a bike to suit most budgets. As well as house brands, Avocet also imports a number of brands, providing dealers the choice between Whistle, Viking bikes, Coyote Bikes, Cross bikes, Reflex Bikes and more. Coyote caters for the mid-range enthusiast, kicking off at just £199.99 for both the gents and boys bikes and spanning through to £499.99 for a 27speed gents dubbed the Colorado.
BUFF'S USE of performance materials in its neck warmer product means that mountain bikers are increasingly interested in the product. With Merino material popular among cyclists, Buff now has several designs making use of this sweat wicking, antibacterial material. What's more, Merino doesn't hold odours and is super soft on the skin. This lightweight and high performance apparel collection, now available also exploits the use of fabrics and fibres such as Coolmax Extreme, DCS and Tactel and in some pieces EcoActive, a fabric made from recycled plastic bottles. Launched at CoreBike earlier this year, the apparel line is made up of a lightweight waterproof jacket, a windproof gilet and for the first time, a padded tri short. Tops, bottoms, pro-bib shorts, socks and cycling gloves are also now available. 01707 852244
Raleigh DIAMONDBACK'S mountain bike line complements Raleigh's extensive catalogue of bikes suited to off-raod with models such as the Response Comp serving as a great base for budding trail shredders to build upon. This bike's received strong reviews from MBUK and What Mountain Bike magazine. Attached to this, Raleigh has specced the Rock Shox Dart 2 fork with lock out, a Race Face Ride component package and Nobby Nic tyres. Components brand Outland has been producing top quality products for
68 BIKEBIZ AUGUST
At that higher price point, the customer takes home a hydroformed, lightweight alloy tubed bike, equip with RST Gila suspension, Shimano Deore 27speed gearing and Promax hydraulic disc brakes. Frame sizes available from Coyote are 18 and 20-inch. Product from WTB and Schwalbe also features rounding off a well-finished build for the money. 0161 727 8608
many years now, with a strong focus on value for money and dealer margins. Since becoming exclusively MTB orientated at the end of 2010, new products, adverts and packaging designs have been launched to enhance the appeal of the brand in the eyes of today’s mountain bike riders. 2012 will see new colours, materials and now chain devices being added to the range. 01773 532600
Specialized Monster team, is now in stock as are the Shaun Palmer and Steve Peat replica D3 helmets. There is a big advertising and PR push underway for these lines so the demand is bound to be high. Speak to your territory account manager about becoming a stockist. 01727 798345
Fox As one of the favoured brands for the trail shredder, Fox Europe is able to offer a comprehensive catalogue of shorts, jerseys, gloves, footwear and more. Protective gear is also on offer to the retailer, with items such as the Launch Pro knee and shin guard predicted to be a big seller. At £65, offers additional coverage over the Pro Knee guard, covering shins vulnerable to pedal digs. The perforated neoprene offers comfort and breathability, while the precurved panels ensure a snug and tight fit. A wrap around hook and loop closure system allows the rider to easily clip on and off in seconds. 0191 487 6100 BIKEBIZ.COM
BIKEBIZ.COM
BIKEBIZ AUGUST 69
LETTERS | YOUR SAY
Mail to: Saxon House, 6A St. Andrews Street, Hertford, Hertfordshire SG14 1JA
SPONSORED BY
Email: Jonathon.Harker@ intentmedia.co.uk
BikeBiz is keen to publish your opinions, whether they’re from letters, emails or via BikeBiz.com...
Advice on becoming an IBD STAR LETTER
Last month Luke Pickering asked for advice on how to start his own bike store. Here is what you said…
It’s tough on the High Street right now, so it’s useful to get good advice on how to get off to a good start
I READ the article last month regarding Luke Pickering’s plans to open a new cycle store for the first time and thought I'd chip in with a few words of experience/observation. I currently work as part of a two-man team in an independent cycling store in a small town. I am generally responsible for website maintenance, stock orders/supplier relations, bike servicing/building and all things shop floor related (merchandising/displays/sales etc). Sales of bikes and frequency: given the small population of our rural location we actually have a large cycling catchment area and get a lot of cycling traffic around our area, being situated between the City of York and the east coast. We would look to be selling between 10 and 15 bikes per week. Realistically Saturday would see one third of these sales. At the end of the day bike sales will rely on three main things: 1) Footflow and getting people in the shop (we chain seven bikes outside our store on special offers and the amount of passers by it draws into the store is remarkable). 2) Your Employees... employ experienced or confident staff who don't ignore customers 3) Price Range: knowing your local market would help with this but £3002,000 is not a bad price range to aim for. We also benefit quite a bit from being part of the 'Cycle to Work’ scheme. Whilst we do lose a small percentage to these sales, the sheer quantity of these bikes that go out on the scheme is invaluable, especially if the NHS trust mentioned in the article is part of the scheme. Food for thought.
70 BIKEBIZ AUGUST
Suppliers and Margins: When I joined the company, they had/have quite a mixed array of bike stock, stocking Dawes/Giant/Orbea/ Massi/Falcon/Raleigh/2x2/Mongoose... the point is... it's too much, especially for an independent store. I find customers having too much choice in store leads to indecisiveness and can lose you a sale. We stock the majority of our bikes with one supplier and we get a pretty hefty discount because of that. As far as margins are concerned 35 per cent
If customers have too much choice it leads to indecisiveness and can lose you a sale. is a decent figure to aim for. I am solely responsible for pricing our stock and I generally aim for between 30-35 per cent. But again, you can increase this by committing yourself to certain suppliers. Sale of Return: Never going to happen. You'll soon notice the reps/suppliers do what they're supposed to and entice you to buy bulk at special margin costs. Is this a good idea? Yes... if you know your local cycling economy. Remember those bikes I said we chain outside to lure customers in? Well they're 2009/2010 models that have been stored away. I guess I’m trying to say you would benefit from only doubling up on sizes of what you want to order in... to begin with at least. Don't triple or quadruple order sizes of bikes unless they're at
a ridiculous price and you have the storage space. What suppliers may offer you are demo bikes, usually one model bought at a cheaper rate on the understanding that you want to let your customers ride out the bike to convince them to buy one. You may not get this offer straight away; it's something a long/constant relationship with a supplier would bring about. We, for instance, allow customers to ride shop floor bikes outside if they need a final bit of encouragement. Final Observations: Whilst we try to maintain good margins, customer service and make a profit like any business, if you're going to start a new store the best two bits of advice I could give you are this: 1) Stock a healthy range of kids bikes ranging from £80300, 12"-26" wheel sizes... summer holidays, Easter holidays, birthdays, Christmas... we sell on average more kids bikes than adults bikes every week. 2) Servicing and repairs: This is our bread and butter income...£15 service here, £70 repair there. If you find you don't sell the numbers of bikes you set out to, repairs and servicing will at least pay your employees. The most valuable and highest margin commodity in a cycling shop is labour. I wish you all the success with your new store. One thing you'll find in the cycling industry is that for those of us who are passionate or even have just a passing interest, you'll always be making new friends eager to tell you of their travels and adventures. James Lydon
Star Letter Whether it’s a hand-written, sentthrough-the-post letter, email or a comment made on the BikeBiz forum, the best letter of the month wins a prize from Oxford Products. This month the lucky winner will receive the Ultra Torch 9. Info: l Waterproof Front headlight l Anti-shock switch non-slip structure l Quick release Jubilee clip suits 31.6mm handle bars l Batteries included
>>> BIKEBIZ.COM
RESPONSE 2
LETTERS | YOUR SAY
FIRSTLY I WISH you good luck in your new venture as these are tough times for every one at the moment. But I think the market as a whole is defiantly on the rise. I started up on my own just over three years ago, just before the credit crunch. I didn't start completely clueless as I had already worked for another shop in the cycle trade for a few years previous. However there was still a hell of a lot to learn before the shop became successful. Our shop is still growing by about 20 per cent year-on-year and now is ticking over nicely. I don't think it’s ever going to make me rich but it’s nice being your own boss and also nice to wake up in the morning knowing that you do something you enjoy. Anyway hopefully I can help, I have split my advice into sections… Size and Location - I think the site you are looking at is set in a really good area, with plenty of passing trade and a decent looking shop front. This will really help you boost sales. Bringing people into your store is obviously a big factor and this store looks like it has really good potential to do so. With decent POS and a tidy up this store could really look the part. We are roughly the same size store as yours and we have got 75 bikes on display, along with all the necessary P&A. Bike Sales - This is a really hard area to focus on as it’s different for every shop. For us bike sales change every week; this can be dependent on the weather but also the time within the month i.e more sales closer to pay day. Seasonally, obviously the spring/summer months are the best for bike sales, Christmas can also be good for kids bikes. But from what I have found don't bet on Christmas as being a savour as we have found Christmas to be much harder now than it ever has been. I think the big chains like Halfords, Tesco bikes and Argos have had a big effect on IBDs when it comes to smaller kids bike sales. We find most of our bike sales coming in on Saturday, especially the family bikes. So you may want to look at extra staff just to cover Saturdays. Bike sales through the week are steady but be prepared for some odd days where you may not sell a bike at all. This is where your service work should tick over and keep you afloat. As for actual numbers I cannot give you any estimates; as I say, our sales change every week. All I will say is play it safe for the first few months, get enough bikes in to fill the shelves but don't order lots of multiples for each, just enough to keep you going. This way you can see what sort of bikes are selling well at what times and at what price points. This
way you won’t be left with lots of old stock that you can’t sell and also have capital tied into. Distributors are usually well stocked this time of year so you can always order more. Suppliers & Margins - You are right about the margin of around 35 per cent, this is what most brands are offering. However there is
My advice to you would be to read BikeBiz! This will keep you in touch with what’s going on in the cycle sector, where to buy from and the latest new products and ideas.
always room for play, meaning that many suppliers often offer monthly deals on different P&A and bikes. If you take the opportunity when it arises you can end up getting some real bargains, but obviously the general rule is the more you order the better the rate. Keep in contact with you account manager to get the best deals. Also remember that after a short while trading suppliers will offer you credit on most items. This will help as if you plan it right you can often sell a bike before having to pay the supplier. You can use this to your advantage.
Allowing your customers to ‘testdrive’ bikes before buying is a useful sales tactic
As far as suppliers go, I would widen your horizon and take on a few different suppliers of P&A and Bikes. This also gives your customers more of a choice when it comes to buying. You should never be saying to a customer that you can’t get hold of an item or brand they want as they will walk away with nothing and probably never come back. Sale or Return - Suppliers will not send out bikes on sale or return, they may help you out in the first year but generally once you have bought a bike you are stuck with it. This is why you need to be careful what you initially order until you know for sure what is selling. KEY POINTS l As an IBD your best bet is to concentrate on what your bigger competitors can not always offer, such as good personal service. Greet them upon entering, and assist in a sale. Also have the time for them rather than rushing them through the store. l Keep in touch with what's going on in the local community and get involved. l With you being right next door to an NHS trust employing 800 people it’s a must for you to sign onto the Cycle Schemes. l Most of all read BikeBiz! This will keep you in touch with what's going on in cycle sector, where to buy from and the latest new products and ideas. Martin Brown, Director Bike Shack (Petersfield)
2pure 0844 811 2001 www.2pure.co.uk
Eurobike Ltd 01332 774796 www.eurobike.uk.com
DISTRIBUTOR
DISTRIBUTOR
Otagocyclesport 07939 543016 www.otagocyclesport. co.uk
Seventies 0845 3103670 www.seventies.co.uk DISTRIBUTOR
DISTRIBUTOR
Abacus Online Ltd 0151 334 8303 www.abacusonline.net EPOS
Ascend Retail Management System 01908 280667 www.ascendrms.com EPOS
Fat Spanner 07966401165 www.fatspannerworld. com
Pacific Cycles Inc +886 34861231 www.pacific-cycles.com
DISTRIBUTOR/MANUFACTURER
MANUFACTURER/DISTRIBUTOR
Fisher Outdoor Leisure 01727 798345 www.fisheroutdoor.co.uk
Paligap Ltd 01454 313116 www.paligapltd.co.uk
DISTRIBUTOR/IMPORTER
Hotlines Europe Ltd 0131 3191444 www.hotlines-uk.com DISTRIBUTOR
Cube Bikes Uk Ltd www.cube.eu 0031 180441350 DISTRIBUTOR
Custom Sports Clothing Ltd 07580 495881 www.customsports clothing.com MANUFACTURER/DISTRIBUTOR
Cybertill Ltd 0800 0304432 www.cybertill.co.uk EPOS
Cycle Division Ltd 0845 0508500 www.thecycledivision. com WHOLESALER/DISTRIBUTOR
The Cycle Show 0207 2886733 www.cycleshow.co.uk EVENT/EXHIBITION ORGANISER
Digital Retail Solutions Inc 001 8003229471 www.digitalretailer.com EPOS
Hykeham Wholesale Limited 01522 801550 www.hykehamwholesale. co.uk DISTRIBUTOR/WHOLESALER
Jungle Products Ltd 01423 780088 www.jungleproducts.co.uk www.santacruzbikes.co.uk DISTRIBUTOR
Lyon Equipment 01539 625493 www.lyon.co.uk DISTRIBUTOR
Monterey Industries Ltd 0117 9509499 www.masibikes.com www.brevm.com DISTRIBUTOR/MANUFACTURER
Mojo suspension Hoodoo ltd 01633 615815 www.mojo.co.uk DISTRIBUTOR
Moore Large and Co Ltd 01332 274252 www.moorelarge.co.uk DISTRIBUTOR
DISTRIBUTOR
SKS +49 2333831246 www.sks-germany.com MANUFACTURER
DISTRIBUTOR
Parklife (Havant) Ltd 02392 475895
Sonic Cycles 0207 2432848 www.soniccycles.co.uk/b2b
IMPORTER/DISTRIBUTOR
IMPORTER/DISTRIBUTOR
Pashley Cycles 01789 292263 www.pashley.co.uk
Sport Direct Ltd 0845 2693060 www.sport-direct.co.uk
MANUFACTURER/DISTRIBUTOR
DISTRIBUTOR/MANUFACTURER
Peter Dobbs Design and Print Services 01482 224007
Stormfront Technology Ltd 0800 6121044 www.stormfront.co.uk
MANUFACTURER/DESIGN & PRINT SERVICES
EPOS
DISTRIBUTOR
Bohle UK Ltd 01952 602680 www.schwalbe.co.uk
Silverfish UK Ltd 01752 843882 www.silverfish-uk.com
Qoroz 01453 889204 www.qoroz.co.uk MANUFACTURER
Raleigh UK Ltd 01773 532600 www.raleigh.co.uk www.cyclelife.com DISTRIBUTOR
Red Cloud MC 01767 692831 www.redcloudmc.com MARKETING, PR & EVENTS
Reece Cycles PLC 0121 6220180 www.reececycles.co.uk
Trek Bicycle Corporation 01908 282626 MANUFACTURER
USE Ltd 01798 344477 www.exposurelights.com www.use1.com MANUFACTURER/DISTRIBUTOR
Vigour Corporation 0092 524269920 www.vigourcorporation.com MANUFACTURER/EXPORTER
Walkers Cycle Components Ltd 0116 2833885 www.walkerscycles.co.uk WHOLESALER/DISTRIBUTOR
DISTRIBUTOR
Saddleback Ltd 01454 285285 www.saddleback.co.uk
Zyro Ltd 01845 521700 www.zyro.co.uk DISTRIBUTOR
DISTRIBUTOR
To order copies of BikeBiz Bible or ensure inclusion in the 2011 edition please contact Gemma.Messina@intentmedia.co.uk
EDITORIAL PLANNER | EVENTS Editorial Planner | September 2011
UPCOMING EVENTS
SPOTLIGHT
l Children’s Bikes, P&A l Clothing & Accessories
EUROBIKE August 31st to September 3rd Friedrichshafen, Germany
www.eurobike-show.de Editorial Deadline: August 5th
Advertising Deadline: August 10th
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
OCTOBER 2011 l Road Cycling: Bikes, Gear and Accessories l Cycle Show Guide l Guide to the High Street Buyers Editorial Deadline: Sept 2nd Advertising Deadline: Sept 7th
NOVEMBER 2011 l Stocking Fillers: Gifts under £20 l Trailers and Trailer Bikes l Cycle Show Review Editorial Deadline: Oct 7th Advertising Deadline: Oct 12th
DECEMBER 2011 l P&A: Wheels, Tyres, Tubes, Pumps l Retail Survey Editorial Deadline: Nov 4th Advertising Deadline: Nov 9th
JANUARY 2012 l Workshop: Cleaning and Tools l Workshop: Training l Core Bike Editorial Deadline: TBC Advertising Deadline: TBC
FEBRUARY 2012 l Commuting: Folding Bikes, Helmets, Reflectives l IceBike Guide l Fisher Outdoors Expo Editorial Deadline: TBC Advertising Deadline: TBC
MARCH 2012 l Media analysis l Electric Bikes
THE BIBLE IS BACK! BIKEBIZ.COM
August 2011 AUSBIKE 2011 Thursday August 20th to 22nd Exhibition Pavillion, Melbourne Showgrounds www.ausbike.com.au EUROBIKE DEMO DAY Tuesday August 30th Argenbuhl, Germany www.eurobike-show.de EUROBIKE 2011 Wednesday August 31st to September 3rd Friedrichshafen, Germany www.eurobike-show.de CSG 2012 PREVIEW August 8th to 11th Poole, UK www.cyclingsports group.co.uk
September 2011 INTERBIKE 2011 Monday September 12th to Friday September 16th Las Vegas, USA www.interbike.com PARIS CYCLE SHOW September 16th to 19th Paris, France www.lesalonducycle.com
PALIGAP 2012 LAUNCH September 18th to 21st The Paintworks, Bristol www.paligapltd.co.uk BIKEBIZ AWARDS 2011 Wednesday September 28th Hilton Metropole, NEC, Birmingham www.bikebiz.com CYCLE SHOW 2011 Thursday September 29th to Sunday October 2nd NEC Birmingham, UK www.cycleshow.co.uk
October 2011 BIKE MOTION October 14th to 17th Benelux, Netherlands www.bikemotionbenelux.nl
November 2011 BIKE BRNO November 10th to 13th Brno, Czech Republic www.bike-brno.cz TAICHUNG BIKE WEEK November 29th to December 2nd Taichung, Taiwan www.taichung-bikeweek.com
For more cycle trade dates: www.bikebiz.com/events
For additional copies please contact: Gemma.Messina@intentmedia.co.uk BIKEBIZ AUGUST 73
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COMPANY PROFILE
MARKETPLACE CONTACTS BIKES & ACCESSORIES Bob Elliot & Co Ltd Paligap Seventies Madison Upgrade Bikes The Cycle Division
01772 459 887 01454 313 116 0845 310 3670 01908 326 000 01403 711 611 0845 0508 500
www.bob-elliot.co.uk www.paligapltd.co.uk www.seventies.co.uk www.madisonb2b.co.uk www.upgradebikes.co.uk www.thecycledivision.com
BIKE MAINTENANCE Weldtite
01652 660 000
www.weldtite.co.uk
COMPONENTS Independent Pace cycles Ltd Upgrade Bikes USE Ltd
01299 400008 01723 867 919 01403 711 611 01798 344 477
b2b-independent100.com www.pacecycles.com www.upgradebikes.co.uk www.use1.com
CUSTOM CLOTHING Wildoo Ltd
01908 374 555
www.wildoo.co.uk
EPOS Citrus Lime Evopos
0845 603 9254 0845 644 9424
www.citrus-retail.com www.evopos.com
LIGHTING Exposure Lights
01798 344 477
www.exposurelights.com
NUTRITION Zipvit
01444 243 000
www.zipvitsport.com
RACKS Maxx Raxx Pendle
0845 230 3799 01282 699 555
www.maxxraxx.co.uk www.pendle-bike.co.uk
RESPRAYS & REPAIRS Argos
0117 972 4730
www.argoscycles.com
TRAINING SERVICES Cycle Systems Academy
0207 6082577 www.cycle-systems-academy.co.uk
WATER BOTTLES Botlesport Wildoo Ltd
0845 602 9267 01908 374 555
www.bottlesport.com www.wildoo.co.uk
WEBSITE SERVICES SimpleEshop SiWis Limited
0116 267 5145 01709 511766
www.simpleeshop.com www.siwis.co.uk
74 BIKEBIZ AUGUST
Quarter PRataes: ge
BEN MCKAY Zipvit, (Distributed via i-ride)
How’s business for Zipvit at the moment? Very good, we are in our third year and were initially surprised at how strong the sales were for new sports nutrition products – endurance athletes are well aware of what makes a good product and it was great that they picked up on the quality of the Project ZV range. Is the nutrition sector vibrant currently? Interest in sports nutrition has really developed. I think the purchase of three UK brands over the last 12 months is a clear indication that the market still has a lot of room to grow. There is much greater participation in cycling events and triathlon year-on-year – everyone who competes is exposed to energy products and the athletic community is very vocal on what they believe is the best product which has helped drive the growth. There is more awareness of the benefits of sports nutrition and the correct way to use energy and recovery products. We have introduced Zipvit Sport by supplying some big events in the UK and Ireland such as Etape Caledonia and Etape Hibernia and we have the Etape Cymru coming up, as well as international triathlons in New York, Alcatraz, Washington, Chicago, Alpe d’Huez and Lisbon. What lines are the biggest sellers for Zipvit? ZV7 and ZV7C Energy Gels sell very well, it’s unique, with double the carb load of most competing products. Our energy and protein bars are also good sellers – we now have eight flavours across the two lines.
T: 01444 243 000 W: www.i-ride.co.uk
Zipvit teamed up with i-ride in November, how’s the relationship going? Extremely well. I met Paul Butler at the TCR show in 2010 and we discussed distribution. We stayed in touch and liked the way i-ride works with brands. They have helped develop great POS for our UK retailers. The whole team at i-ride is very focused on providing a good service to retailers and we are more than happy with the way they have handled our introduction to UK cycle trade. We have recently launched all of the powdered energy and recovery drink in resealable pouches and smaller quantities as a direct result of feedback from the stores and we are working together with the guys at i-ride on introducing a range of vitamins. How did the partnership with La Mondiale Tour team come about? We had a contact on the team through one of our partners in France, they were keen to try the products and after good feedback from the riders they asked if we would supply them for the next two seasons. Regarding new products we always look to improve. The best way to do this is to work closely with riders at the top of the sport. We do not produce bespoke products for a team and sell a watered down version to the consumer, so if we develop a product with our athletes we introduce it to the range. BIKEBIZ.COM
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BIKEBIZ AUGUST 81
OFF TRACK | NUMBER CRUNCHING
I N THE SADDLE
Let’s get statistical Halfords will this month reveal an iPhone app and no wonder – 15 per cent of the Halfords.com traffic is now derived from mobile phone sources...
Grant Hadwin, Project Consultant, Citrus-Lime What bikes do you own? I grew up in the Lake District, so I have always owned mountain bikes over Road. I currently own a Specialized Rockhopper Comp, which I have had for years, and my Giant Anthem X, which is my bike of choice when going seriously ‘off road’. However, due to some injuries and the need to diversify, I have been looking for a road bike and have my eye on a Giant Defy Advanced. What’s the biggest rush achievable on a bike? Living and growing up in Coniston in the Lake District, I have always had affection for just getting on my bike and heading off to explore. My favourite place to go has always been Grizedale Forest. These days they have a custom built North Face trail, but when I was young it didn’t exist, so we had to go looking for the best that Mother Nature had to offer. The biggest rush for me is thundering downhill through the forest fire breaks. I am not one of these riders who loves the technical grind of the uphill. Tell us a bit about your business background? My business background started at college with Business Qualifications and Sage Business School where I learned some very useful things which set me in good stead for the challenge of working for Citrus-Lime. How long have you been at Citrus-Lime? I have been working at Citrus-Lime since December 2005. I started as a member of the sales team alongside Neil McQuillan (MD). Over the years Citrus-Lime has grown and I now manage the day-to-day duties of the sales department, with Neil having moved further into his managerial role. What’s your role at the firm? Since starting for Citrus my role has definitely evolved and has seen me develop my skill set to include system training, support and marketing. Presently, due to Citrus-Lime expanding and taking on new members on the support and training teams, my role is now dedicated to managing the sales and marketing team. Not doing the retail system training has given me more freedom to stay in touch with our existing customers, as well as picking up more each month, and this is proving to be beneficial to both CitrusLime and our customers. What are the best contact details for dealers to get in touch? For sales enquiries, please contact Citrus-Lime on 01229 588628 and ask for either myself, or my colleague Andrew, who is responsible for marketing. Alternatively, you can fill out our enquiries form on our website http://www.citrusretail.com/EnquiryForm.aspx
82 BIKEBIZ AUGUST
15,500 The number of people who took part in the Birmingham Skyride, with the likes of TV presenter Lorraine Kelly and Olympic cyclists Victoria Pendleton. converting people to sustainable travel means.
20 Chain retailers are closing around 20 stores a day – around 4,000 in the first five months of 2011 – according to the Local Data Company.
BIKEBIZ.COM
OFF TRACK | NUMBER CRUNCHING
VITTORIA BY NUMBERS: During June BikeBiz was given an inside scoop on some of Vittoria and Geax's tyre tech for the coming season. During the presentation a number of interesting figures emerged:
15% The march of smartphones continues: Halfords reveals its mobile site is now responsible for 15 per cent of total Halfords.com traffic – and over five per cent of orders.
1,000 plus:
4. Etape Caledonia protester OK with road closures for Bollywood film, but not for bikes /news/read/etape-caledonia- protester-ok-with-roadclosures
The number of 29-inch specific tyres currently in the Geax line. This figure "will likely double next year," according to marketing manager Luca Cedroni.
6.7 million: The number of tyres the manufacturer produces per year at present.
12 million km: The estimated distance covered by the 20 pro teams last year aboard Vittoria manufactured tyres.
2 million: The amount of inner tubes the factory also produces in one year.
700,000: The annual production output of tubulars
20: Professional cycling teams use Vittoria tyres on the pro circuit, whether directly rolling on branded product, or on tyres produced by the Vittoria factory for other brands. BIKEBIZ.COM
1. Dear police officers: this kid-carrying cargobike is street legal /news/read/dear-police-officers-this- bike-is-streetlegal
3. Pippa Middleton takes part in Highland Cross Duathlon /news/read/pippa-middleton-takes- part-in-highlandcross- duathlon/011384
4:
The firm's annual research and development costs.
OUR BIGGEST 15 STORIES ONLINE IN MAY
2. A bike lane on your handlebars /news/read/a-bike-lane-on-your- handlebars
The number of employees spread across Europe, the USA and Asia working for the Vittoria Group
$2 million:
MOST POPULAR STORIES ON
5. Dahon unfolds with creation of new brand /news/read/dahon-unfolds/011354
20% The percentage of the UK's congestion that London represents. The Greater London Authority has now suggested Transport for London focus transport efforts on converting people to sustainable travel means.
6. UCI may allow lighter race bikes /news/read/uci-may-allow-lighter- race-bikes/011428 7. Tern bike brand launch report /news/read/about-tern/011392 8. Are rush hour cyclists outnumbering cars in London? /news/read/are-rush-hour-cyclists- outnumbering-carsin-london 9. Single lever brake system gets Asian production slot /news/read/single-lever-brake- system-gets-asianproduction-slot 10. Bike dealers sought for new helmet brand, C Originals /news/read/bike-dealers-sought-for- new-helmet-brand 11. Zyro drops Dahon and Biologic lines /news/read/zyro-drops-dahon-and- biologic-lines 12. Comment: Timewasters, the ‘petrol cost comparison’ and brand image /news/read/comment-timewasters- the-petrol-costcomparison-and- brand-image 13. Bike scammers target distributors /news/read/bike-scammers-target- distributors 14. Gym for cyclists and runners opens in central London /news/read/gym-for-cyclists-and- runners-opens-incentral- london/011395 15. Bike shop owner secures Cav for national championships news/read/bike-shop-owner- secures-cav-for-nationalchampionships
BIKEBIZ AUGUST 83
OFF THE RECORD
OFF
k c a r T
Send your pictures to mark.sutton@intentmedia.co.uk
• donhou scoops best in show
Really Wild Ride
THERE WAS plenty of monkey business and Lemur-based antics at the press launch of the women-only mass participation Cycletta series last month. Vinghoe Velos cycling club joined Olympic sportswoman and keen cyclist Gail Emms at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo to build awareness of the Skyride-sponsored rides, the first of which starts at the Zoo and covers over 40km through traffic-free roads around Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire. Cycletta South will take place Sunday September 11th starting (and ending) at Whipsnade Zoo, while Cycletta North will see female riders tackle Tatton Park on Sunday October 2nd. Find out more at www.cycletta.co.uk
Having a Mayor DONCASTER MAYOR Peter Davies and members of his cabinet took to their bikes to raise support and awareness for a cancer charity bike ride in Yorkshire, set to take place on August 21st. A 19-mile or 48-mile ride will be available on the day to raise funds for Yorkshire Cancer Research. According to the charity, survival rates in Yorkshire lag behind most other parts of the UK, hence the heavy-duty support of local councillors. Doncaster’s Cyclelife lent the mountain bikes for the photo shoot on the steps of Mansion House. Entrance to the ride costs £18. Find out more at www.ycr.org.uk/pedal.
Hot Stuff BACK AT the start of the summer, the inaugural Handmade and Boutique Bicycle Show 2011 took place. Donhou Bikes received the prestigious ‘Best of Show’ prize, winning the accolade for the Hampus’ ‘Pimento Stuffed’ town bike. Over 30 exhibitors gathered at the show from across the UK, which has been designed to highlight the quality of frame building and custom bicycle manufacture currently available in Britain. www.donhoubicycles.com
84 BIKEBIZ AUGUST
BIKEBIZ.COM
OFF THE RECORD
• bikeradar and skoda do london to paris • doncaster mayor bikes for charity
It’s (team) Skoda, honest AN INTREPID group of five cyclists rode under the team Skoda UK banner last month in the London to Paris bike ride. Pedalling 520km over three days, the team of Martin Love, Henry Catchpole, BikeRadar’s own John Stevenson, Kevin Attridge and Škoda’s national fleet sales manager Rob English passed through Dover, Calais and Amiens on the way to the romantic French capital. The aptly names Love and Attridge (right) are pictured here at the finishing line. Like-minded cyclists can sign up to the next one at www.londres-paris.com
Liver bikes EVERY SUMMER there seems to be more and more mass bike rides. One of the stalwarts of this event type is the Liverpool Chester Liverpool Bike Ride, in which 2,800 people took part this year. Now in its 18th edition, the ride is organised by Pennine Events, and attracts amateurs, professionals, families, charity riders and just about
anyone else up for a bit of pedalling. The event offers a range of options to cater for all comers, including a family ride of 25-miles, a community ride of 30 miles, a challenge ride of 54-miles and a slightly more hard-core 90-mile sportive route. Head to liverpoolchesterliverpool.com to find out more.
quote unquote "Cycling is back in fashion, it would seem. After many years of decline the bicycle seems to be undergoing a renaissance as a mode of transport. A growing number of people are deciding that their cycles are not just a weekend leisure accessory but a viable means of getting to and from work." ] Parking Review magazine, issue 232, July 1st “We worked hard on the physical side. Novak needed to improve his endurance. He was not able to stay on the court for a long time… Now he's able to maintain that because he's far
Sponsored by the brands of Moore Large 01332 274252
better technically and physically. We did a lot of running and bike work but, in addition, he improved his health." Marian Vajda, coach to new Wimbledon tennis champ Novak Djokovic, reveals how the bike helped in his training, speaking to the BBC on July 4th "We want to apologise for this incident to the teams and the riders involved. Two accidents involving vehicles on the race is two accidents too many." Christian Prudhomme, general director of the Tour de France, making a statement after a car knocks
cyclists over during the race for the second time in the first week of the Tour, July 10th “I love being close to nature and being outdoors, so I would have to say my favourite part of LA is the hills or the canyons, which are great for mountain biking.” Orlando Bloom, July 11th, reported by Showbiz Spy “It only takes being here (Switzerland) a couple of weeks and you notice the number of older people riding bikes.” Bobby Bowen, Specialized
For more on these stories, head to www.bikebiz.com BIKEBIZ.COM
BIKEBIZ AUGUST 85
OFF TRACK | SPOKESMAN
SPOKES UCI needs to win friends and influence people Carlton Reid pays a visit to the UCI headquarters in Switzerland, and is impressed with UCI’s outreach work, but not impressed with its inherent bossiness. So what’s to change?
Pat McQuaid in the wine cellar at UCI HQ
FIRST OFF, a disclaimer. During my allexpenses paid trip to Switzerland I was gifted a large beach towel and a 1GB memory stick, both emblazoned with the UCI logo. I was also wined and dined by bigwigs, and lodged in a Montreux hotel with a killer view over Lake Geneva. Oh, and to really soften me up, I was allowed to ride the 200m track that forms the centrepiece of the modernist building in Aigle, Switzerland, that houses the Union Cycliste Internationale. I've been a staunch critic of the UCI for many years so top marks to the UCI's newly appointed external PR company for inviting me to Aigle. And top marks to the UCI, too. It's good to talk. Jaw, jaw better than war, war, and so on. But I haven't changed my opinions. I still think the UCI is a bombastic, bureaucratic, bossy, bunch of blazers. In part. The other part is something that rarely gets talked about. The UCI is largely funded with cash from the International Olympic Committee and it spends much of this money on outreach work, delivering programs in the developing world to foster and encourage cycle sport. The UCI's HQ velodrome, and outdoor BMX track, are full to bursting with youngsters from nations that don't benefit from global pay-TV company sponsorships. This is excellent work, largely unsung. The UCI could be a respected organisation, instead it's reviled and ridiculed.
I was in Switzerland to learn more about the 'approved by UCI' stickering program. In theory, homologation is a grand idea. It removes the worry of whether a particular bike or bike part will be rejected on a race start line by an over-zealous commissaire. But it was a rush job and the UCI has flimflammed on the costs. Both Pat McQuaid, the UCI president, and Julien Carron, the non-cycling engineer brought in to supervise the homologation programme, told me the initially sky-high costs were reduced because more than the expected number of companies expressed an interest in registering. In effect, the UCI had no idea of the size and scope of the global bike trade. Pat McQuaid thinks £5,000 road race bikes have potentially unsafe composite frames made in China for as low as $30. The president of the world governing body of cycle sport should be better briefed, surely? And nothing the UCI told the select group of journalists at this trade media event filled me with confidence that the UCI can be trusted with policing the innovations that are so necessary to grow the high-end bike market (innovations will usually trickle down to the mainstream). The UCI needs to be more open with the bike trade - something that is starting - but it also needs to lighten up, both figuratively and literally. The 6.8kg weight limit might have been fine 15 years ago, it's plain stupid today. Over to you, Pat.
“The 6.8kg weight limit might have been fine 15 years ago. Today it’s plain stupid...”
EDITORIAL: 01992 535646 | ADVERTISING: 01992 535647 | FAX: 01992 535648 Executive Editor: Carlton Reid Carlton.Reid@intentmedia.co.uk
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Business Development: Dave Roberts Dave.Roberts@intentmedia.co.uk
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Finance Director: Hilary Cole Editorial Saxon House, 6A, St. Andrew Street, Hertford, Hertfordshire. SG14 1JA BikeBiz is mailed FOC to 3,000+ trade addresses every month ISSN 1476-1505
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TWEET short and
Wondering what the Twitterati have been up to this month? Look no further...
It's an important and timeconsuming job being coffee boy at Singletrack: yfrog.com/gzlgndnj @Chipps Thank you to lady who gave me those bags of Percy pigs, they are now doing the rounds on the bus, crack for cyclists Bradley Wiggins @bradwiggins Cab once again silences his critics, well done mate Bradley Wiggins @bradwiggins Shitty iPhone predictor, CAV not Cab! Bradley Wiggins @bradwiggins No olympic tickets for the wife and kids to watch Team Pursuit, oh well, sorry kids going to have to watch dad on the telly! Bradley Wiggins @bradwiggins
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