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B U S I N E S S
JUNE 2016
ISSUE 125
ISSUE 125 JUNE 2016
@bikebizonline | facebook.com/bikebiz
F O R
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E V E R Y O N E
T H E
p31 Alright Squire We speak to the boss of one of the oldest bike lock brands on the planet about its rebranding and future plans…
B I K E
B U S I N E S S
p37 Hero Cycles
p41 Islabikes
India’s giant producer of bikes is now reaching into the UK alongside Avocet Sports. We speak to its chairman and MD…
BikeBiz speaks to the revolutionary brand’s chief about how it managed to carve a whole new section of the bicycle business…
Capital cycling On the occasion of the election of a brand new cycle-friendly Mayor, we turn our Regional Spotlight towards London and the South East…
p15-20
p27 One Vision
p32 The wheel deal
p51 Dave Mellor Cycles
p61 Lock down
We get the inside story on the Altura One Pro Cycling deal
BikeBiz is let out of the country to visit Italy’s Miche
We head to the bike retailer to learn the secrets of its success
Lock ‘em or lose ‘em – find the latest bike locks here
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BIKEBIZ XXXXXXX XX
NEWS
‘Avocet will double’
EDITOR’S COMMENT THE CYCLE OF CHANGE
HUGE GLOBAL bike manufacturer Hero Cycles has unveiled its plans for the UK and European cycle markets. The firm bought a 51 per cent stake in Manchester’s Avocet Sports and said it has plans to double its size through its support. In an exclusive interview with BikeBiz, chairman and managing director of Hero Cycles, Mr Pankaj Munjal, said: “Steven Walsh knows the company better than us. We are just co-drivers. He steers the ship and we support him.
With our support, he has big plans for Avocet Sports.” “Avocet will double – it will grow 100 per cent. Hero is behind Avocet. We have an ecosystem where we can supply and support the IBDs. Together we will succeed.” Hero Cycles is a huge $500million group and makes close to 5.5 million cycles per year or 19,000 cycles per day. For more on Hero and Avocet’s plans, turn to page 37.
HIGH HOPES FOR KHAN AS OF last month, London has a new Mayor in Sadiq Khan and hopes are high among cycle campaigners that he will continue and improve upon the work of his predecessors. Prior to winning the election, Khan promised to double Transport for London’s annual cycling budget to £164m, triple the number of protected cycle lanes and install a cyclist representative on the TfL board. The London Cycling Campaign said: “Welcome Mayor Sadiq Khan. Now down to business…” The LCC paid tribute to Boris Johnson in an open letter to the new Mayor and pressed Khan to proceed straight away to meeting their 2016 Sign for Cycling agenda.
BIKEBIZ.COM
THE BICYCLE industry is an incredibly broad collective of global heavy-hitting brands, ramshackle mom and pop stores, man in a van workshops, expanding swanky retail chains and a while lot more. In a nutshell, the market is made up of diverse businesses and a great many characters, which has made my job far from dull over the course of the last 90 editions of BikeBiz magazine (and too many web stories to count). It’s been a great privilege to tell stories from bike traders from right across the UK (sometimes from even further north than the Watford Gap) as well as negotiate the language barrier with bike traders from Finland, France, Israel, India and Germany. But alas I never did get to speak with Boris Johnson, who recently left his role as Mayor of London for Sadiq Khan, both of whom get some focus in this month’s edition. By an odd coincidence, my tenure as editor of BikeBiz started just a few months after Johnson’s did as Mayor and will end shortly after he’s left the role. Johnson’s impact is explored in our in-depth Regional Spotlight over on pages 15 to 20. Change is exciting and I am looking forward to seeing what’s next from BikeBiz Towers after I’ve cycled off into the sunset. But before I do that I’d like to say a huge thank you to those who have taken the time to speak, email, tweet and call me over the last eight years. Happy and safe cycling! BikeBiz@ nbmedia.com
BIKEBIZ JUNE 5
NEWS
Is industry ready for soaring cycle commuter numbers?
THE UK cycle market is at risk of missing out on one of the largest areas of growth. The UK’s traditionally cycle sports-obsessed industry may be flatlining, but the cycle commuter sector is rocketing with statistics from the reputable Rail Delivery Group revealing that cycle-rail journeys are continuing to climb rapidly. The latest figures said
cycle-rail journeys are now at 50 million a year, representing a 40 per cent rise in just six years. Rail stations across the UK are investing in cycle spaces – up to 64,000 from 25,000 in five years to cope with increased demand. Plans are in place to increase that number further to 75,000 next year. The Department for Transport has allocated £14.5million to
improve railway station cycle facilities and a revamped online portal, PlusBike, has been designed to make it easier for customers to check cycle facilities in advance. “Record numbers of people are getting on their bikes as part of their rail journeys,” explained Jacqueline Starr, RDG MD of Customer Experience. “We have more cycle spaces at stations than
ever before, and PlusBike shows people just how easy it is to take your cycle to the station or on the train, helping cycles play a key part of the customer journey. “It’s great to see cycle-rail’s growth in popularity, and train operators and Network Rail are doing lots to improve facilities, working with government and local authorities.”
Oxford: ‘We’re taking control’ OXFORD PRODUCTS has instigated an array of changes to the business. The appointment of David Jesson as the brand’s new commercial head is the first of many alterations. Whereas Oxford will continue to deal with a range of regional and national wholesalers, the brand will now supply retailers with its range directly. Oxford will complement its sales team with an expanded department to deal with retailers. Oxford says this change is aimed at improving the relationship the
company has with independent bike shops. Jesson commented: “The brand building opportunity presented by hundreds more premier IBDs cannot be ignored any longer. We need to take control of our brand in the marketplace, protect its reputation through selective distribution and offer high levels of customer support so Oxford becomes the supplier of choice. Having built an impressive range of over 3,000 products, we’re now a one-stop solution for P&A. It’s time
Executive Editor: Carlton Reid carltonreid@mac.com
Sales Manager: Richard Setters rsetters@nbmedia.com
Sales Director: Mark Rankine mrankine@nbmedia.com
Editor: Jonathon Harker jharker@nbmedia.com
Production Executive: Elizabeth Parker eparker@nbmedia.com
Managing Director: Mark Burton mburton@nbmedia.com
Staff Writer: Kieran Howells khowells@nbmedia.com
Content Director: Andrew Wooden awooden@nbmedia.com
Marketing & Circulation bike.subscriptions@c-cms.com
Design: Dan Bennett dbennett@nbmedia.com
Events Director: Caroline Hicks chicks@nbmedia.com
for our cycle business to come out from the shade and show the world what it can do.” Oxford further announced that the products available directly from them would not be limited to Oxford’s own product range. Jesson said: “The right brands will enhance our offering as a one-stop-shop for retailers. We are right at the start of this project, so it is the perfect time for brands looking for a very focused partner to speak to us.” www.oxfordproducts.com
Editorial: Saxon House, 6A, St. Andrew Street, Hertford, Hertfordshire. SG14 1JA Tel: 01992 515 307 BikeBiz is mailed FOC to 4,000+ trade addresses every month ISSN 1476-1505
© NewBay Media 2016 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or any information storage or retrieval system without the express prior written consent of the publisher. The contents of BikeBiz are subject to reproduction in information storage and retrieval systems. Printed by Pensord.
6 BIKEBIZ JUNE
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NEWS
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Don’t be a dope, customers don’t care
CYCLE
SHORTS Pollution doesn’t nullify cycling benefits
THE FIRST confirmed case of ‘mechanical doping’ earlier this year may have spurred the UCI to roll out heavy testing across all disciplines of cycling this season, but its effect on the market has been negligible, according to the industry. Technological fraud was discovered in January when a rider was found to have raced on a bicycle with a hidden motor at the 2016 UCI cyclocross World Champs in Heusden-Zolder. The long-rumoured practice has led the UCI to prepare a new scanning method to discover the nefarious activity. The UCI is now testing for mechanical doping
across different disciplines – including 507 random bike checks at the Tour de Romandie – but those worried about the impact on cycling and cyclocross specifically (where the practice was first confirmed) should allay their fears. Zyro account manager Andy Oliver said: “It’s a talking point for riders in cafes or in the event car park, but I don’t think it has had an impact on the image of the sport.” Keith Murray, UK bike sales manager for Scott Sports SA UK agreed that the impact of the scandal has been very limited on the trade: “I don’t know if it’s a
widespread problem in the professional ranks or not but from what I see it, the general public think she was on an electric bike!” Charlie the Bikemonger was more blunt: “Most consumers really don’t care about racing. If road racing can survive Lance, who really cares enough for it to make a difference?” Paul Caswell, senior brand manager for Giro and Bell at Zyro added: “It has had absolutely no consequence to the grass roots sport of cyclocross.” For more opinions on the cyclocross market, turn to page nine and ten.
Biggest acquisition in UK bike trade history referred to Competition Authority IT CAME as little surprise that the bike industry-rocking acquisition of Chain Reaction Cycles by Wiggle has been referred to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). The news broke last month and relates to the acquisition deal which was revealed in early February. Off the record sources have told BikeBiz that they hope the deal is blocked by the CMA, warning that it would pave the way for Wiggle to behave “like Tesco” and reduce the number of products available as their competitor is now owned like them. BikeBiz understands that BIKEBIZ.COM
Cycling is good for health even in cities with higher levels of air pollution, found a new study. The new research was carried out by the Centre for Diet and Activity Research (CEDAR) and Medical Research Council Epidemiology Unit at the University of Cambridge. The study’s authors say their research strengthens the case for supporting cycling even in polluted cities.
Pub pays tribute to Howies The world’s oldest bike shop – Cambridge’s Howies – may have closed its doors at the end of 2013, but the iconic shop’s replacement, a pub, has opened with a name to pay tribute to the legendary business. The Old Bicycle Shop pub can be found on 104 Regent Street, Cambridge and opened for business at the start of May.
Congestion charging gets more people on bikes, finds study The European Cyclists’ Federation has found that congestion charging has got more people on bikes, including London, Milan, Gothenburg and Stockholm. Charging created net revenues, reduced congestion, improved air quality and benefitted sustainable mobility, the report discovered.
The drinks are on Madison Distributor Madison has announced the arrival of Jimmy’s Iced Coffee in its brand portfolio. The firm will bring the British brand to the cycle trade and is hoping to take a share of the big iced market share – worth £50 million in the UK last year and projected to grow to £150 million by 2019.
Correction We gave Met an unexpected price cut in the last issue of BikeBiz. The Bluegrass Brave had, thanks to gremlins, been given an incorrect retail price of £49.99 GBP, but the price is in fact 199.99 GBP. We apologise for any confusion.
suppliers had a limited amount of time to respond to a survey by the CMA for their views on the
merger. The official deadline for the invitation to comment passed by in May.
For breaking news visit:
www.bikebiz.com BIKEBIZ JUNE 7
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INDUSTRY OPINIONS
What’s the future for all-rounders? While the trade eyes what cross bikes it will order in for 2016/17, Jonathon Harker asks the market for their take on the health of the cyclocross nation…
Charlie the Bikemonger imports Gevenalle shifters, popular with the CX market, we’re told
How strong has the season been in the UK – are you seeing a rise in demand for CX product? “Yes, but not due to traditional cross racing. Gravel racing and long offroad events like the Dorset Gravel Dash 100 are far more popular than wearing full lycra and bashing yourself around a field for an hour. Gravel is much cooler.” CHARLIE THE BIKEMONGER “The CX market in the UK has been strong for a number of years, when cycle to work was at its BIKEBIZ.COM
peak a CX bike was a popular choice for the customer that wanted a multi-purpose bike. Scott had 2014/15 out of the CX market whilst we developed a totally new alloy and carbon disc CX Line. The Carbon bike is the market leader in CX Race Bikes with the HMX Addict CX frame the lightest and most generous mud clearance on the market, with a frame developed for disc brakes. For the 2016/17 race season the UK’s number one CX team, Hope Factory Racing, has chosen Scott Addict CX for their race frame and we will sponsor former National Champion Paul Oldham. As a Race Brand Scott sees the booming UK CX Race Scene as ‘Cyclo Cross’
– rather than the CX style trekking (drop bike sports CX style bikes) You can ride a Scott CX bike around your local trails no worries, but we make no apologies that our CX bikes are race bikes. Although our alloy bikes will take mudguards and racks etc and are equally as happy on a forest track with the kids as the start line of your local CX League.” KEITH MURRAY UK Bike Sales Manager Scott Sports SA UK “We have seen significant increase in demand for product like the Giro VR90 shoe that offers amazing performance and style for the CX rider. Demand is also on the increase for the Bell Star Pro helmet with vents that open and close to help heat management,
“Gravel racing and long offroad events are far more popular than wearing full lycra and bashing yourself around a field for an hour.” Charlie The Bikemonger
an essential on cold winter mornings” PAUL CASWELL Senior Brand Manager, Giro & Bell “Cyclocross is definitely ‘cool’ at the moment and as well as people pinning numbers onto skinsuits, people are riding cross bikes for fun and exploring the vast networks of bridleways and tracks that we are lucky enough to have in the UK.. The increase of participants obviously has a direct impact on the increase in demand for CX product and offers a huge opportunity for bike shops to capitalise by stocking a comprehensive range of bikes and accessories.” ANDY OLIVER Account Manager, Zyro BIKEBIZ JUNE 9
INDUSTRY OPINIONS
What’s the future for all-rounders? Are there any trends we can expect to see in near future for cyclocross? “Expect more gravel events, long distance 100mile off-road sportives, where people are challenging themselves rather than going for the podium.” CHARLIE THE BIKEMONGER
becoming more and more common and I also expect to see more cyclocross sportives and ‘adventure’ style races, like the Dirty Reiver, popping up on the calendar.” ANDY OLIVER Account Manager, Zyro Bell’s Star Pro Shielf Helmet
And advice to shops looking to dip into cyclocross?
Keith Murray on one of Scott’s race CX bikes
“No. Whilst component and clothing prices are being shagged online, why would a shop keeper gamble on cross stock? Cross riders are hard and capable, and can fit their own components, so no workshop jobs come from cross. I really don’t see where cross fits into retail.” CHARLIE THE BIKEMONGER
“The big one going forward on CX race bikes is probably single rings. Practically everybody is racing on a single ring Fans of disc brakes on road bikes have a lot to thank CX for as practically all CX bikes are now disc and CX has kept tubular tyres alive and driven technology and new treads etc. Tubeless clinchers aren’t a tub but I think there will be some innovation there.” KEITH MURRAY UK Bike Sales Manager Scott Sports SA UK “Continuing growth of children’s and women’s CX. There is a massive appetite for off-road fun, action and competition that is safe and manageable for all the family. CX fits that bill as when one member of the family starts then others will follow for sure.” PAUL CASWELL Senior Brand Manager, Giro & Bell “1x gear set ups are 10 BIKEBIZ JUNE
Panaracer’s Gravel King SK is suited to CX
“Don’t think you have to specialise with top-end carbon race bikes, although the race market is certainly booming. Check out and get down to your local league as there is a whole host of new bike riders competing in local races. In the North East League we now have 20-30 in the ladies race on CX bikes! An untapped market, I would suggest. CX bikes make a great option for someone who wants a bike with drop bars, but also the option to bomb ‘round the woods or canal toe path. Or perhaps a commute bike they can also ride off-road. Roadies
who want a winter bike to do the odd CX race makes it a good option. I definitely think a CX bike should feature on the range plan of a quality IBD. I firmly believe CX is the best route into cycle sport for kids.” KEITH MURRAY UK Bike Sales Manager Scott Sports SA UK “There are a lot of new comers to the sport but many of those entrants soon become hooked by this frenetic, fast paced sport that also demands a lot of key equipment. High end product is becoming increasingly attractive for these consumers, as to be competitive two very well equipped bikes plus mobile bike wash and great backup is essential. Riders also wear through a huge amount of kit in a season, brake pads, tyres etc. So if you can get the cross customer through your door you’ll be getting a good return customer.” PAUL CASWELL Senior Brand Manager, Giro & Bell “Races start in September but often ‘summer series’ races pop up a lot earlier so make sure you are shouting about winter events and equipment long before the gritters are out on the road and stock CX-specific tyres like the Panaracer GravelKing SK.“ ANDY OLIVER Account Manager, Zyro BIKEBIZ.COM
Freedom & Adventure Ideal for younger riders who cycle more frequently. All the principles of a Metro series hybrid with a specification and features designed specifically for smaller riders. Available in sizes ranging from a 12” wheel all the way to 26” with a variety of colours, Dimension combines a triple butted alloy frame with lightweight and robust components ideal for regular use. STARTING FROM
£149.99 www.ridgeback.co.uk
MYSTERY SHOPPER
East London This month our Mystery Shopper’s sites are set firmly on the busy streets of East London, where cycling culture is booming and there’s no shortage of good quality bike shops.
CYCLE SURGERY THE SUN is out in East London as we step through the doors of the well-stocked Spitalfields branch of Chain Reaction. Almost instantly an employee came to my aid and after hearing our brief, enthusiastically directed me to a range of hybrid bikes. The clerk extolled the virtues of hybrid bikes for city riding, explaining the benefits of a comprehensive gear range in heavy traffic, and the added ease of getting up curbs. He showed me a range starting at £350 and explained why the bikes went up so drastically in price, referencing build materials and highlighting models with disc breaks, although he recommended spending around the £400 mark. When asked if fixies were a viable option, he concluded that overall they were a great option for more experienced riders, but he didn’t recommend one for us.
12 BIKEBIZ JUNE
“When we were finally approached, the impeccable attention to service we received was unprecendented“
E1 CYCLES A STONES throw from Aldgate station, the now relatively rundown exterior of E1 Cycles is in dire need of renovation. This however says nothing about the brilliant service we received inside. The interior of the shop is large for an independant bike shop in the city, and is packed with a very reasonable and comprehensive selection of bikes. We were welcomed in straightaway by the store clerk, who was more than happy to walk us through a selection of options that fulfilled our criteria. He recommended a hybrid bike for city riding due to their versatility and explained the various aspects that defined a hybrid. He was quick to tell us that he personally commutes on a fixie and that they were also a good option for inner city riding due to their simplicity and speed on the flat roads of london.
BIKEBIZ.COM
MYSTERY SHOPPER
STAR STORE
EVANS THE DECEPTIVELY compact storefront of the Spitalfields branch of Evans does nothing to draw the eye of street level shoppers, which explains why the vast and cavernous subterranean showroom was virtually deserted when we entered. Whereas a shoddy fifteen-minute wait for assistance lowered our expectations, when we were finally approached, the impeccable attention and service we received was unprecedented. When told that we were new to cycling and looking for advice, the employee patiently rattled through pretty much every piece of information we could possibly ask for. He even measured us to ensure he was recommending the correct bike sizes. He finally settled on a Cannondale road bike and claimed that it was the best value product for our needs. He very nearly made a sale.
BRICK LANE BIKES BRICK LANE Bikes is a local institution in the Shoreditch area. Known more for fixed gear bikes than anything else, the relatively small shop is packed with frames, wheels and a vast selection of complete bikes in varying shapes and sizes. We browsed for under a minute before an employee offered us assistance. When given our brief, he recommended a range of fixed gears ranging from £250 to over £1000. He showed us some custom builds that the shop had made, and advised trying some bikes out on the local roads and seeing if they were a good fit. When asked why he recommended fixed gear bikes he said that they were light, fast and easy to ride whilst also being easy to fix. He also point out that they could take some getting used to for inexperienced riders.
BIKEBIZ.COM
SUMMARY BATTLING THE mazelike network of alleys and crippling traffic of the central London is a herculean task. Those who can’t face the prospect of hours wasted on gridlocked roads understand that the most effective way to get around is cycling. From juggernauts of the trade such as Cycle Surgery and Evans, to a strong collection of unique IBDs, there’s no shortage of specialists at your fingertips, and whereas Brick Lane Bikes and E1 Cycles had good communication and an impressive range of bikes, our star store this month goes to Evans for their some of the best customer service we’ve ever experienced.
ISAMBARDS DEFINITELY THE smallest shop in today’s selection, the employees of Isambards have earned themselves a reputation for being talented bike builders and trusted mechanics. The quintessentially Victorian storefront is painted a dark shade of blue, and is an inviting prospect for those seeking to spend their cash on cycling. As we walked through the door we noted the limited but varied selection of complete bikes on the shop floor. We were welcomed in and asked if we needed assistance straight away, and when given our brief the clerk recommended several of the refurbished bikes on display. The easily approachable shop clerk was obviously choosing his words carefully and being conscious of talking to a beginner, whilst also giving us all the information we needed to make an informed purchase.
BIKEBIZ JUNE 13
www.bob-elliot.co.uk
01772 459 887
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Continental Der Baron Projekt Protection Apex Revo Tubeless ‘Black Chili’ Folding SRP £59.95 Ref: 47718 Find your Local stockist at: www.bob-elliot.co.uk or contact us on: sales@bob-elliot.co.uk, Tel: 01772 459 887
REGIONAL SPOTLIGHT
LONDON &
THE SOUTH EAST Our regional spotlight heads to the population centres of London and the South East. Why would businesses choose to operate in the most expensive bit of the UK? Jonathon Harker asks the questions…
BROMPTON STICKS WITH LONDON DESPITE HIGH PROPERTY PRICES THANKS TO its openness to the media and the small fact that it is the largest bicycle manufacturer in the UK, Brompton isn’t the kind of brand that you are likely to forget about fast, despite producing bikes for what is arguably a bit of a niche market. Niche or not, the firm expects to produce 100,000 bikes a year in the near future, thanks to its very recent move to a new site. Despite those rising property prices in the capital, the firm has chosen to stick with London, moving to Greenford last month. BikeBiz grilled the brand’s chief marketing officer Stephen Loftus for one of the company’s first post-move interviews… How’s business? Very exciting. We have just moved into our new factory in Greenford, and in the past year opened offices in New York and Hong Kong. We have just opened our 11th Flagship Brompton Junction in Barcelona BIKEBIZ.COM
Stephen Loftus
“Our highly skilled workforce has been trained and nurtured over years.” Stephen Loftus, Brompton
two weeks ago, we have launched our new Brompton Bike Hire dock, and we have some great innovation in the pipeline. Last summer was definitely challenging for us and the trade in the UK, which is our largest market, with 20 per cent of our sales. We saw our greatest international growth in China, Belgium, Germany and also Spain.
What are the advantages to operating in London? Our bikes are made for cities and being based in London we can take inspiration from the city where we live, work and play. We have a highly skilled manufacturing staff that we have trained and nurtured over years – and staying in London ensures we maintain our capability to produce such a great product and attract new staff as we grow our business. It is a great location to invite customers, media and friends to showcase how Brompton bikes are made and how in our home city we are helping transform the way people live and get around. A great example of this is our Brompton World Championship Final on July 30th that is for the second year a flagship event as part of RideLondon – one of the largest cycling festivals in the world. Not only do we have 500 riders riding down The Mall and past Buckingham Palace in front of BIKEBIZ JUNE 15
REGIONAL SPOTLIGHT
thousands of spectators, we have hospitality for 1,500 for our customers and friends and have demo sites that encourage as many people as possible to have a go on a Brompton. How did the high-end finishes launched at Taipei go down? We have had huge interest in a Nickel Edition – we had so much demand that our challenge now is to fulfil all our orders from around the world as this a highly premium finish that takes some time to manufacture. How was the relocation? It was huge for us – and we were obviously concerned that with the risks to our ability to production. However our manufacturing team has done an outstanding job. We only lost two days of production with the move. We still have work to do on some areas, but already it is an inspiring place to work and is a statement of our ambition to get more and
more people on Bromptons in cities around the world. Any further developments on the light up folding bike production that was previewed at Eurobike last year? Our light up bike was an early prototype – we are continuing to explore if and when we could bring this product to market. However we have no date firmed up at this stage.
“It is an expensive place but we believe it was correct to stay in the city.” Stephen Loftus, Brompton
Any final words on what it is like operating in London? It is an expensive place to manufacture but we believe it was the correct decision to stay within the city. The Brompton bike was conceived in London and has been built here since 1975. In the last 41 years a huge amount has been invested in training the staff who build our bikes. www.brompton.com
LONDON: YES YOU KHAN 2000 GREATER LONDON AUTHORITY ACT PASSED Q Ken Livingstone made Mayor Q Ken backs ‘Car Free Day’.
2003 KEN INTRODUCES THE CONGESTION CHARGE Q £382m revenue from congestion charge Q 70,000 fewer cars in the congestion zone each day.
2007 KEN LIVINGSTONE ANNOUNCES PLANS TO INTRODUCE CITY BIKES TO LONDON
2008 BORIS JOHNSON ELECTED MAYOR OF LONDON
Q CTC calls Ken Livingstone’s plans ‘revolutionary’
Q Boris makes cycling a priority in his manifesto.
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2004 KEN LIVINGSTONE RE-ELECTED AS MAYOR OF LONDON
2010 BCH* INTRODUCES 6000 BIKES AND 400 DOCKING STATIONS AROUND LONDON Q Two pilot routes implemented (CS3 & CS7) *Barclays Cycle Hire
BIKEBIZ.COM
REGIONAL SPOTLIGHT
10K
71%
London’s population is growing by 10,000 a month.
71 per cent of Londoners never drive in central London.
11 TO 1
8.7M
In the morning peak in 2000, motorists outnumbered cyclists 11 to 1. By 2014 it was 1.7 to 1.
The population of the South East, at 2013. (Excluding London)
2012 BORIS RE-ELECTED MAYOR OF LONDON Q Britain hosts Olympic Games boosting cycling culture and opening the Stratford velodrome and velopark Q A further 3000 Boris bikes are released and 170 docking stations added Q By the end of the year 19M journeys are taken on Boris bikes.
2015 BORIS JOHNSON OPENS LONDON’S FIRST SEGREGATED CYCLE SUPERHIGHWAY FROM OVAL TO PIMLICO
BIKEBIZ.COM
2013 BORIS JOHNSON APPOINTS ANDREW GILLIGAN CYCLING COMMISSIONER FOR LONDON Q 20 year old Phillippine De Gerin-Richard is killed whilst riding a cycle hire bike outside Aldgate East station. This prompts protests to increase separation between cyclists and vehicles. Q ‘The Mayor’s Vision for Cycling in London’ announced including a crossrail for bikes by 2016 Q 22m rides on Boris Bikes yearly are revealed Q 101 of the 10,00 bikes in the scheme are painted yellow to commemorate 11 days until the 101st Tour de France.
2016 CYCLING SUPERHIGHWAYS OPEN, EAST-WEST & NORTH-SOUTH, PICTURES SHOW THEM BEING USED EXTENSIVELY STRAIGHT AWAY. Q Saqid Khan commits to LCC’s Sign for Cycling campaign Q Sadiq Khan is elected new Mayor of London and highlights cycling in his manifesto, pledging to increase the cycling budget, increase safety for cyclists on London’s roads, pedestrianising Oxford street, Freeze charges on Boris Bikes for four years and tackle London’s pollution problem by improving air quality.
BIKEBIZ JUNE 17
REGIONAL SPOTLIGHT
INSIDE HUMAN RACE HUMAN RACE runs over 55 mass participation events in Great Britain, including some big names like Wales’ Dragon Ride and South East-based fixtures including the Windsor Triathlon and the Box Hill-based Ballbuster event. As well as running plenty of events, including cycle sportives, the Greater London-based firm works with charities, cycle stars like Pendleton and Roche and many of its staff were closely involved in the London 2012 Olympics. That year also brought seismic changes to the Human Race business, when it merged with Participate Sport under the Human Race name, to form what it said was the UK’s largest mass participation events company. Nick Rusling has been Human Race’s CEO since 2010. BikeBiz quizzed Rusling on a busy sportive schedule, competition and running events in the South East… Are there any specific challenges to running cycle sportives in the South East? One of the main challenges of the events we organise around London and in the South East is the sheer amount of sportives that have popped up over the last few years. We’ve embraced this and tried to use it as a way of embellishing our already strong rides with some incredible experiences that you just couldn’t get elsewhere. So for example the Telegraph London Cycle Sportive finishes with a timed lap around the Herne Hill Velodrome, something that doesn’t often pop up on your normal Sunday ride. Also one of the things that most people don’t see is the amount of work that goes into organising a large sportive in the nine months that lead up to the event. A lot of this is working with the local authorities and safety services to ensure every possible eventuality is covered. When it comes to sportives in the South East it’s a very popular market, there’s an increasing number of events taking place, not just sportives, but other large mass participation events. That impacts on the time of the people who are involved in
18 BIKEBIZ JUNE
The Woburn Triathlon
Boss of Human Race, Nick Rusling
authorising each event, and it can be a challenge to nail the best date and fit in amongst the plethora of other great things going on. We have been in the business for 26 years and have an excellent reputation so that helps, but it’s noticeable each year how many new things are being added to a busy calendar.
“Most people don’t see the amount of work that goes into organising a large sportive.” Nick Rusling, Human Race
L’Etape London
What is your most famous South East-based sportive? Fame-wise you would have to say ICAP L’Etape London by Le Tour de France, which returns on Sunday 25 September. Having the world’s most famous cycling event support your sportive is obviously a massive boost for us, and we work very closely with the organisers (ASO) to make sure that every part of the sportive does Le Tour de France brand justice. Originally we planned the event to celebrate the legacy of Le Tour de France visiting London in 2014, but since then it has developed into an official L’Etape event selling out in 2015, and attracting riders from all over the world. We are working to expand the capacity in 2016 to cope with the demand. Any messages for the trade? We’d just like to thank everybody who has been riding with us so far, and we’re looking forward to hopefully seeing you again soon. It’s a really interesting time for cycling, and we’re lucky to be involved in something we are so passionate about. humanrace.co.uk
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REGIONAL SPOTLIGHT
MAKING BIKES IN BRIGHTON STANFORTH BIKES entered the bicycle business two years ago, with the hand-made Kibo, named to celebrate the 1984 ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro by cyclists Richard and Nick Crane. Kibo is the name of the peak of the mountain and the bikes used to get up there were Saracens, the brand promptly acquired by Paul and Rick Stanforth after the feat (before selling it to Madison and entering the electric bike market). The story has come full circle, with Paul Stanforth’s son, Simon Stanforth, the owner and designer of the Stanforth Bikes brand. The latest from Stanforth is flagship all-terrain touring bike the Kibo Rohloff. Just like its forerunner the Kibo and Kibo+, the Rohloff has been designed to be reliable and maintenance-free. Prices start from around £3,300 for the all-terrain tourer, with frame and forks handmade in England from Reynolds 631 steel. Unsurprisingly, it is equipped with “the definitive global expedition hub”, the Rohloff. Location has impacted on the business, Simon Stanforth tells BikeBiz, with the local cycling around Brighton used for testing out bike designs. “We’re spoilt to be honest. We’ve got great coastal routes between Hastings and Littlehampton, there’s the South Downs literally 15 minutes away by bike which can take you east to Eastbourne or west all the way to Winchester, and we also have Stanmer Park MTB trails a couple of miles from the centre of town. “I’ve got all types of terrain on my doorstep to test out new designs such as the Kibo Rohloff.” Linking up with local Brighton bike businesses was pivotal in the early days of the brand, Stanforth explains: “I’ve been fortunate to be based in Brighton and to launch the business here as there’s much local expertise here. “Local retailer Velo Vitality provided great advice on components and even passed on their trade discounts to me which was invaluable before I launched and had the accounts myself. “There’s a strong bike making 20 BIKEBIZ JUNE
Stanforth’s latest, the Kibo Rohloff
“Bike making is thriving here and it’s great to be a part of it.” Simon Stanforth
Stanforth specialises in robust all-terrain touring bikes
presence in Brighton which was clear to see at Bespoked Bristol with Reilly Cycleworks and Prestige Cycles both exhibiting, but also Mason Cycles and Chickens Frame Emporium (who’ve built me a prototype) also based here. It’s thriving and it’s great to be a part of it,” Stanforth enthuses. The company believes that like British bike building, all-terrain touring and adventure biking is on the rise, with the new Kibo Rohloff continuing the brand’s exploration of that market. Speaking on the launch of the new bike, Stanforth said: “We’ve spent time listening to customers about the type of touring bike they want – there’s a growing demand for a well made robust bike that has no limits on where it can take them – whether that be off-road or around-the-world. There was a gap in the market for the ultimate expedition bike.” The Kibo Rohloff comes with a Middleburn crankset, Giles Berthoud shifter, Paul Component brakes, a Schmidt SON dynamo hub, and a Busch & Muller front dynamo light. The Kibo Rohloff is finished in a Dusk Blue powder coat. info@stanforthbikes.co.uk; www.stanforthbikes.co.uk BIKEBIZ.COM
ADVERTORIAL
“THE WORLD’S LIGHTEST CARBON FIBRE SOLES” Super lightweight carbon soles for cycling are just some of the specialist parts and products that Italica is bringing to the industry from its Italian and Asian plants…
Italica is one of the leading OEM Carbon Fiber Manufacturer active in many Sport Fields
ITALICA IS a specialist carbon fibre manufacturer with a laser focus on the cycling industry. With its own property production plant in Asia as well as in Italy, customers can choose to have products made in either territory. Carbon fibre sole production is currently based in Italy and Italica has bold ambitions to double sales within a year. The cycling soles are made up of three ranges: Flagship Product (using Enir Technology), Full Carbon and Hybrid Carbon. Italica said it took the best shoe in the market, took off the sole, ran an FEM analysis, measured stiffness and came up with a sole which is 32 per cent lighter and 25 per cent stiffer, Italica said, making it “the lightest, strongest and stiffest sole 22 BIKEBIZ JUNE
in the world”. Italica’s Enir Sole is just 49grams, compared with the previous lightest sole in the market hitting 72grams. “Just by turning to Enir any manufacturer can save between 23 and 60grams.”
“Italica compared to the best sole in the market is 32% lighter and 25% Stiffer” So how did Italica manage this feat? The company explained: “On this flagship Enir sole we used a specific technology called Enir – basically the Enir is a interlayer reinforcing veil applied in the middle of carbon fibers that allow BIKEBIZ.COM
ADVERTORIAL
us to use higher modul materials and use less material but still keeping a very strong sole. The result shocked us!” Besides the Enir flagship, Italica produces the Full Carbon Xpreg. Italica explains: “On this product since we use our Xpreg technology we are able to optimise the layup of materials and having a sole which is the second lightest in the World after Enir and much stiffer compared to many soles in the market.” The entry level product is called Hybrid Carbon: “This product is yet more performing and lighter
compared to many Asian manufactured soles and the quality is second to none, the real advantage is in price and quality. All these advantages were proven by our FEM analysis and lab testing.”
Q Extremely fast delivery time and worldwide logistic making soles available to any shoe maker globally within a short time frame
So why is Italica a tempting prospect for the trade? Q Proprietary technology developed by Italica allowing it to have what it says are the lightest soles in the world
Q Factory ownership, meaning Italica can “beat any Asian manufacturer thanks to our patented technology and Asian production plant”
Q A top value ratio of price to quality Q Moulds can be paid for by Italica if a customer commits to their technology
BIKEBIZ.COM
Q Very fast sampling and modification time
The Enir Project hasn’t yet been sold to any brand so Italica could offer full exclusivity supply. Contact Italica directly via alberto.solza@italicaspa.com
BIKEBIZ JUNE 23
JULBO
Crystal clear vision
BRANILDE PROF
If constantly switching lenses seems like unnecessary faff, Julbo is one eyewear brand worth a close look. Nils Amelinckx, head of cycle development for distributor Lyon, talks vision with Jonathon Harker… Can you give us some background to the brand? Julbo was founded in 1888 in the French Jura Alps, when Jules Baud (hence the name) designed a pair of ‘Cristalliers’ sunglasses to help protect the eyes of crystal hunters working in the mountains. That heritage meant Julbo was best known in mountaineering and they also became one of the few eyewear specialists for children. Now Julbo is well established in snowsports, trail running and cycling. Julbo is also the largest independently owned sunglasses manufacturer in the world.
and the UK Enduro Series sponsorship is integral alongside media reviews and much more. Julbo is no stranger to the world of Enduro and already sponsors Fabien Barel and Jérôme Clementz amongst others. Enduro, and MTB in general, is in the brand’s DNA so the sponsorship was a fantastic fit for Julbo and our retailers. The UK Enduro Series events allow us to put the brand before a
expect in the latest Julbo ranges? Julbo strongly believes in using one lens for all conditions rather than constantly switching lenses. This is why the high end models focus on lenses with photochromic properties that adjust very rapidly to UV intensity. Julbo use a lens material called NXT for the photochromic range that was originally designed for use in helicopter windscreens by the US
“The UK seems to have grown fonder of brighter colours.” Nils Amelinckx, Lyon
POS is important for eyewear – what have you got for shops? We recognise how important the right POS is and have a variety of options for retailers, from fourpiece counter top waterfall displays to 40-piece freestanding lockable displays. There is a suitable display stand for any type and size of store. How does Julbo’s UK Enduro Series backing affect the market? 2016 has seen the start of a major marketing push for Julbo in the UK 24 BIKEBIZ JUNE
targeted audience and we run trials of our glasses and goggles with great success at the races. Rider feedback is really important and being part of events where people will be using your products gives us the chance to talk to the riders directly. A lot of the range is still made in Europe so we can respond to feedback quickly. Lens tech is of course crucial to cycle eyewear – what can we
army. It was as lightweight as possible, bulletproof and as optically correct as possible. So not only are the lenses optically clear, they are also very strong indeed. Unlike most lenses on the market that are generally made from polycarbonate and injection moulded in a couple of seconds, NXT lenses are cast at moderate temperatures over 15-20 hours to give them an optical quality close to that of mineral glass. NXT is also
stronger than polycarbonate and is the lightest lens material available. Photochromic treatments are built into the lens, which means they won’t wear off over time and the NXT ‘recipe’ is unique to Julbo, giving them the fastest reacting and widest range of activation photochromic lenses on the market. What are the key ranges? The Speed range is aimed at MTBers and trail runners. Highlights include the Pipeline (developed with help from Fabien Barel) and the new Aero has unrivalled ventilation. Then there’s the female specific Breeze range and award winning Bang MTB goggle. How long has Julbo been with Lyon? Lyon took on Julbo in 1999 for their mountaineering sunglasses but soon expanded into different disciplines. Julbo pushes the limits of lens and frame technology which makes working with the brand very exciting indeed. The UK seems to have now grown more fond of the brighter colour schemes, especially in the bike market. 015396 24040; info@lyon.co.uk BIKEBIZ.COM
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ONE PRO CYCLING A victorious One Pro Cycling (PIC CREDIT: Mathilde L’Azou)
The team limber up, decked out in Altura (PIC CREDIT: Trevor Mould)
ONE PRO VISION Altura has teamed up with One Pro Cycling, the pro team co-founded by England cricketer Matt Prior. Altura brand director Clint Vosloo tells Jonathon Harker what the deal means for the apparel brand… HOW DID the deal come about? Our head of marketing, Jon Sherwood, had been in negotiations with the management team for a long time and, when the 2016 contract was up for discussions, we jumped at the opportunity to become a sponsor with our partner brand Giro. We were in lengthy discussions with the team and both sides felt there was great synergy between us. Matt Prior (team owner) was clear in his requirements and we were confident that Altura could deliver on products that can assist on the team’s performance. What is Altura hoping to achieve? Altura has experienced a complete brand refresh, a revised brand DNA and direction, with a brand focus on Performance Cycling across our categories of Road, Dirt and Urban. One Pro Cycling are instrumental in supporting this direction for Road as they offer the Product Creation Team the ability to really flex their muscles and deliver on performance engineered products that will then filter down into our seasonal collections. BIKEBIZ.COM
We have established an annual creation calendar that includes focus groups and fit sessions, where the pro riders will provide feedback on their kit and work closely with our Altura Product Creation Team to constantly ensure that we are able to deliver the best possible products to the team. Is any specially developed tech used in the kit? Fabric and yarns are core to our creation process and we’re working with leading European fabric mills, Italian and Swiss, to develop or source new performance fabrics engineered to deliver core body temperature to the riders. The Product Creation Team craft products based around two primary factors – lightweight layering and thermoregulation. This allows us to engineer products to allow riders chance to layer garments and maintain as close as possible to a core body temperature of 37˚C. This is achieved through 3D Thermomapping and combining their designs with Altura Tech. Our mid-layer thermal jersey features our thermosuede fabric,
with Altura Thermo Technology, that captures escaping body heat whilst moving excess moisture away from the body. Outer layer garments are lightweight, breathable and waterproof, or windproof depending on the garment, and feature Altura Shield Tech that gives the riders lightweight protection. All our garments are patterned with Altura 3D ErgoFit construction for a more comfortable and natural fitting garment when in riding position with rolled shoulders, restricted chest fit and expanded upper back patterning. This means that in riding position, the garments work as a second skin to the rider. The major collaboration for the season is with Berenis Pads, part of the Cy-Tech Group, where we craft pads that offer support, breathability and protection – or padded comfort. We developed a number of pads that the riders use and are also available in the Altura SS16 Collections so non-pro riders can benefit from the performance, in the Podium Elite and Sportive Collections for SS16. There really are too many developments to talk about, but
everything that we do for the riders is aimed at a better riding experience that allows them to perform at their best. Do you anticipate that the replica kit will be a solid seller? Despite the team only being in their second season they already have a strong following. Social media feedback has been really positive and we are confident the One Pro supporters will get behind their team and buy the replica jerseys when they hit stores in June. Any final thoughts on the deal? The partnership is a big step forward for Altura, and reinforces our position as a performance cycling brand. Team feedback has been invaluable as they constantly challenge us to develop better performing products. All of these developments are fed back directly into product, resulting in Altura delivering superior products to our customers. It’s been an absolute pleasure working with them and we look forward to seeing more Altura on the podium over the season. www.oneprocycling.com BIKEBIZ JUNE 27
ALAN CATER
THE CATER FILES: Cater tried out an early EPAC in style, in the early 1980s, at TRL Crowthorne research
From choppers to EPACS: The Cater contribution The BA Technical Advisory Group, headed up by Alan Cater, has had a huge effect on the UK industry, but little of the credit. With Cater now retiring, BikeBiz looks at his contribution, from Choppers to EPACs… FOR OVER three decades the Bicycle Association has been active in the field of bicycle safety and related legislation, painstaking and unglamorous work maybe but nevertheless crucial – it has played a central role in the development of technical standards for the sector. Originally guided by Don Wright and most recently by Alan Cater – joining after a long stint at Raleigh – the BA Technical Advisory Group (TAG) brought together technical experts from the industry with many years’ experience, as well as expertise associated with the inner working of International and National safety committees. Cater told BikeBiz: “Due to this group’s proficiency in design, research and testing associated with the commercial manufacture and assembly of bicycles and their associated components, we have contributed to and influenced the drafting of bicycle safety standards by involvement and representation on numerous International and National safety committees. “Without this I am convinced that more onerous and unworkable regulations could have been 28 BIKEBIZ JUNE
drafted with little reference to practical tests and requirements.” From the dawn of MTBs… The present role of the TAG has evolved. Initial work in the early ‘80s involved UK bicycle legislation and the drafting of BS6102 that was scoped for the more traditional use of a bicycle and only covered road and low level race bicycles. The ‘90s saw wider development of specialised bicycles like MTBs and BMX as well as innovation in manufacturing and materials. These led to the realisation that more state-of-the-art safety standards were required. European Safety Directives and legislation has also driven changes to requirements relating to specific usage of a bicycle, culminating after many years in new harmonised bicycle standards for use across Europe. One of the biggest challenges the group faced over recent years has been the increase in European and UK legislation like The General Product Safety Regulations (GPSD), The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulations (WEEE) and The Restriction of the Use of
Certain Hazardous Substances (ROHS), Cater says. “This seemingly endless stream in regulatory requirements has involved the TAG significantly, ensuring that BA members are kept briefed on regs.” …to the rise of electric bikes E-bikes have also presented a challenge, says Cater: “The market explosion in sales, within Europe, of electrically assisted bicycles has consumed significant effort and resource in the last few years not only dealing with the drafting of safety standards but understanding existing and proposed legislation changes within the UK.” The increasingly global nature of the business, not least the seismic move of production over from the UK and Europe to the Far East, is another area TAG has had to negotiate over the decades, as Cater explains: “From the early 1980s when the UK and Europe had a strong assembly and manufacturing base, the UK was active in Asia investigating alternative sourcing of bicycle components which over the years has led to improvements and
understanding of European requirements in those areas. This globalisation has necessitated the need for TAG to focus on the new suite of ISO 4210 bicycle standards that have replaced existing BSEN requirements and have been accepted within Europe and will ultimately harmonise standards around the world.” Speaking of Europe, would the impending possibility of ‘Brexit’ throw the bicycle rule book out of the window? Cater believes not: “With this concentration on harmonised worldwide standards it’s my opinion that there will be little consequence on existing and proposed UK legislation if we were to leave the EU. However there will always be a requirement for National standards that are deemed as appropriate for local usage and these will take considerable time to breakdown.” Alan Cater is now retiring from the role where he has, since he left Raleigh in 2002, “been our front man both in the UK – with British Standards – and in Europe on many committees for European Standards work”, says the BA. BIKEBIZ.COM
SQUIRE John Squire heads up the firm, which has been in the family for eight generations
Squire’s new packaging and branding in situ
Alright Squire Few brands have been making locks for 235 years like Squire, which has managed to proudly remain an independently owned family business. MD John Squire talks innovation and longevity with Jonathon Harker How’s business? This is an exciting time for Squire. Business is going from strength-tostrength, with a major launch of our new brand identity underway this year. This marks the way forward for Squire in the UK and globally. Can you give us a Squire overview? Squire has a long heritage in the cycle market having been at the forefront of international lockmaking for over 235 years. It was the first manufacturing brand in the UK to produce locks for the cycle retail market – and we’ve been making them since the early 1960s. The company was established in 1780 when the Industrial Revolution drove the demand for locks. Today, Squire is the only independent family-owned British lock manufacturer – our lock-making experience is unrivalled. Tech innovation is our trademark and cycle security is an area of expertise, producing some of the market’s most innovative locks. So, Squire is rebranding...? It is a family brand with a great British history carried through eight BIKEBIZ.COM
generations. One constant has been our ability to change so with this in mind we’re proud to introduce our new Squire brand. It’s designed as a symbol of our strength in cycle security, and reflects our expanding cycle range. We’ve invested in extensive market research with our aim being to make choice of cycle product as easy as possible for the consumer. Our cycle lock range comes in striking new packs and we have new merchandising options.
product, as every manufacturer has their own scale. We’ve a new consumer-friendly approach to product navigation, reducing the range and categorising it into the three sub-brands – Squire Leisure, Urban and Sport Bikelok – with simple icons. Our own security ratings have been simplified too. What are the key latest products? Our aim is to provide the highest level cycle security solution, which has a proven theft resistance
“We’ve a new consumerfriendly approach to product navigation.” John Squire, Squire What about the new division? As part of our market research, we worked with consumers to develop our direction. Some feedback suggested they wanted products from a specialist, one who focuses on bike locks. That led us to create our new Squire Bikelok division. We found that security ratings weren’t the best way to sort
against attack. Squire’s heavy-duty combination bike locks are the world’s only integrated range to achieve Sold Secure Bronze and Silver ratings. Sold Secure ratings for our combination cycle locks is a first for these type. Our Snaplok was the UK’s first combination cycle lock to achieve Sold Secure ‘silver’ status, and a trailblazer for our
combination lines, including our MAKO Combi range. Our Hammerhead Combi is the world’s first combination D lock to achieve Sold Secure Silver rating. These are higher security, higher quality combination locks than ever before. What makes these bike locks unique is Squire’s patented TORQ DRIV tech – a recoding mechanism developed by our in-house designers to ensure the lock cannot be accidently recoded. They are supported by the independent charity Crimestoppers and the official UK police flagship initiative Secured by Design. Anything else to add that the trade needs to know about the Squire line-up and rebrand? We’re proud of our craft and stand firmly behind our reputation for long-lasting toughness which is guaranteed. This is why we offer a personal ‘no-quibble’ ten-year guarantee on every product, you don’t even need a receipt. Contact Squire direct or via our UK distributor Raleigh to find out more about us. www.squirelocks.co.uk BIKEBIZ JUNE 31
MICHE
Miche produces a wide array of parts from crank arms to spokes
The Italian Job Nestled in the heart of Northern Italy, Miche has been quietly making high quality bike parts for 97 years. Kieran Howells went to find out what true Italin craftsmanship is all about... MICHE HAS been an established brand in cycling for nearly a century. Today the brand is a trusted name, and has defiantly retained its cherished Italian production, instead of outsourcing to Asia like so many others. BikeBiz was approached by Miche’s UK distributors Chicken Cyclekit, who offered us the chance to tour the company’s factory in Northern Italy with a group of IBDs. Obviously we couldn’t turn down the chance to take a sneak peak at one of Italian cycling’s best kept secrets. As we arrive at Miche HQ, we are greeted by Miche marketing director Manuel Calesso and Miche’s European agent Peter Cole. After a brief introduction, we’re led straight onto the factory floor. Although the warehouse inhabits a gigantic square footage, it just can’t keep up with the growth of the brand. Almost every corner of the space is taken up by machinery, or large reserves of boxed up stock, sitting on tall industrial shelves. Recently, the company have added vast vertical storage units that soar up through the roof and out to the exterior of 32 BIKEBIZ JUNE
the building, cleverly designed to house vast quantities of stock, whilst making all products retrievable at the push of a button. As we continue through the factory floor, different pieces of machinery are highlighted, most of which are handmade in-house by an experienced team of engineers who are constantly tweaking and
workers, each dedicating themselves to one specific piece of machinery. One worker is replenishing the stock of axles slowly dropping one by one into a machine and coming out encased in fully made rear wheel hubs. Each wheel is hand spoked, hand tensioned and meticulously tweaked to ensure optimal
“The brand has defiantly retained its cherished Italian production.” updating each to achieve the optimum quality of production. We were particularly bowled over by a Wonka-esque contraption, which slowly draws an extremely large spool of steel through to a conveyor belt, at which point a giant hydraulic arm swiftly slams down onto it, and out comes a perfectly formed gear. There were similar machines for the production of (amongst other things) spokes, sprockets and hubs. The warehouse is bustling with
precision by a team of experts, overseen by Miche’s own master craftsman Renzo, who also happens to be Miche’s longest standing employee. From the factory floor, we make our way to the testing room. We’re told that the tests far exceed any form of official approval needed by regulatory bodies, in fact, Miche’s PR representative Peter Cole tells us that when tested, most Miche products prove to be four or five times the average competence
required by law. Taking centre stage in the room is Miche’s rolling road, which is designed to test the strength and endurance of a tyre on a myriad of different road surfaces and stopping speeds. Elsewhere and especially poignant, is their crash testing facility. Inside the machine, a wheel is propelled at force directly at a large ominous metal block. Obviously, no wheel is left intact, but compared to the examples shown of Miche’s competitors, their wheels fair extremely well. A ripple of shock reverberates around the group upon inspection of a specifically well-regarded company’s wheel, out of which spokes are protruding at all angles. As we finish the tour, Alesso doesn’t let the opportunity to get the valuable opinions of his audience elude him, and asks the dealers’ opinions on just about everything from graphics, to price points. Ultimately Miche have thrived by ensuring that their products live up to Italian constructions lofty repuataion, and hopefully that will be the case for another 97 years. www.miche.it BIKEBIZ.COM
BIKE SECURITY TIPS
Don’t be a statistic Cycle crime putting off your customers? Cycleguard has some top tips for bike retailers to help set customer mind’s at rest and avoid adding to the latest bike theft statistics… WITH OVER 300,000 cases of bicycle theft reported in England and Wales last year (according to the Office for National Statistics), it’s important to make sure your customers are aware of how to best defend against bike thieves. Through the Cycleguard Partnership Scheme we work with hundreds of independent bike dealers to help make sure cyclists have the protection they need. With the aim that should your customer need to make a claim as a result of a theft, they have the option to replace their bicycle with you. To try and protect your customers against being victims of bike crime in the first place, remind them of these simple security measures:
1. BIKE LOCKS – make customers aware they will need to use a lock appropriate to the value of their bike. It’s important to note that if they don’t have the right lock and their bike is stolen, this can affect their ability to make a successful claim. 2. LOCK POSITIONS – demonstrate to customers how best to correctly secure their bike to an immovable object (through the frame). 3. BIKE STORAGE – if stored in a private garage or shed, again highlight to your customers the need to use a suitable lock. Use of an inferior lock can affect their ability to make a successful claim if their bike is stolen. 4. SECURITY MARK – if a security mark is visible on a customer’s bike this can help to deter thieves. Advise customers of kits they can purchase to do this. 5. INSURANCE – bikes and cycling accessorises can be expensive, so remind customers that they should have them protected. Specialist cycle insurance providers like Cycleguard can help make sure customers have the level of cover they need. These tips can’t guarantee bikes won’t be stolen, but they will help in highlighting to your customers the need for appropriate locks and security equipment. To find out more about the Cycleguard Partnership scheme and how we can work with you to help protect your customers, email partners@cycleguard.co.uk. Or to receive a quote for your own cycle insurance cover visit www.cycleguard.co.uk Find a selection of locks to stock in our guide on pages 60 and 61.
34 BIKEBIZ JUNE
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HERO CYCLES Mr Pankaj Munjal is MD of the growing Hero Cycles business
A HERO COMES ALONG LAST SUMMER, Hero Cycles made its first acquisition in the UK, taking on a majority interest in Steven Walsh’s Avocet Sports. In the unfamiliarly swanky surroundings of the Four Seasons Hotel in Park Lane, BikeBiz managed to secure a chat with Chairman and MD of Hero Cycles Mr Pankaj Munjal on why the giant is now turning to the UK and Europe… What’s the background to the deal with Avocet Sports? Hero Cycles is a $500million group and we make close to 5.5 million cycles per year or 19,000 cycles per day. I took over from my father [OP Munjal] about four years ago after running the automotive business for Hero. It’s an exciting time for the company and we’ve done a lot. We bought a business called Firefox, from a Taiwanese owner, a year back and we bought a 51 per cent stake in Avocet Sports. We looked at these companies and realised we didn’t have the manufacturing BIKEBIZ.COM
capabilities to support them, so we bought a 60 per cent stake in a company in Sri Lanka called BSH Ventures. The Sri Lanka facility is state of the art factory, is opening officially in May. It will look after Firefox and Avocet and strengthen the whole supply chain, from the customer to the assembler and back to the parts maker.
Sprint, Sprint Pro, UT and Firefox. Will those brands be coming to Europe? Yes. Do you have a timescale for that? Steven is busy with his 2016 launches, but in Friedrichshafen we will put on a big show to promote our new range.
“Avocet will double. It will grow 100 per cent. Hero is behind it.” Pankaj Munjal, Hero Cycles Along with Steven Walsh, who is the driver of Avocet Sports, we looked at the market and we found a unique strength. We believe that we can serve the UK market in a manner that very few companies could do. Our focus is on IBDs, the independent bike dealers. It is time for development in that segment. In India the big brand is Hero, the parent brand. We also have
In addition to those brands, we also manufacture and distribute components as we believe that the parts makers control the market, such as the Shimanos and SRAMs. So we have invested into a company called SPUR. It makes components for other brands, e.g. front suspension forks, BB cartridges, rims and free wheels.. Hero’s automotive arm has joint ventures with global leaders from
Japan and Germany and makes brake systems, chassis systems and transmission gears, supplying them to big automotive brands like BMW. We have good quality processes and best practices that we’ve adopted from our automotive companies and SPUR will be a unique bicycle component brand based on those best practices. Is that brand already out there? We launched it a year back in India. All of this put together means we can make waves in the UK. We will sell hundreds of thousands of bicycles in the UK, substantially higher from last year. We will operate in all price points in the IBD market and it is our intention to open an office in London too. So you have high hopes for the UK cycle market? It is very inspiring. The government has done a lot. I took a picture and sent it to my Chief Minister of State and said: “Look what is happening in England. They have respected BIKEBIZ JUNE 37
PLATINUM
D-LER FREE PRODUCT PLAN The i-ride Platinum D-LER Programme is a place for loyal dealers, where by signing up to a selection of brands from our portfolio, we reward you with free product throughout the season. This is in addition to the other incentives such as guaranteed lowest prices on all of our brands, extended credit, free carriage on every order, and many other beneďŹ ts. Our platinum dealers are currently enjoying ÂŁ1772 of free product from the following premium brands:
Talk to your i-ride rep about joining the Platinum D-LER Programme now.
HERO CYCLES The newly opened BSH factory in Sri Lanka
the cyclist and there is the cycle to work scheme…” We have a lot of ideas to take back home. They have done some great stuff in London – it’s the golden example – the segregated highways they are building... In Hyde Park you have people in suits and ties cycling with high vis yellow jackets. There are hundreds of them. I took a video – a picture doesn’t get it across. The market here is growing – it is a billion pound market. In the UK, Avocet Sports has a 70,000 square foot warehouse and distribution centre in Manchester where dealers can experience over 200 products on display. Hero Cycles will help Avocet to continue to be a dominant player within the UK. BIKEBIZ.COM
Are you looking at other countries too? We are focused on Europe and have been holding a series of meetings with potential acquisition targets.
No. Maybe one day. How big is Hero’s share of the Indian cycle market? We have a 35 per cent share, with three plants in the country and now over in Sri Lanka too. We have a 70 per cent share in the top end of the market.
Germany is a strong market, especially in e-bikes…
“Steven Walsh steers the company. We are just co-drivers.” Pankaj Munjal, Hero Cycles Agreed, but the UK will catch up. Avocet is a leader in the UK e-bike market and is introducing more models through 2016. Are e-bikes big in India?
There have been a few changes with Avocet already, in terms of rebranding and a new website. What about behind the scenes? There has been some investment in IT systems and office infrastructure,
but Steven Walsh knows the company better than us. We are just co-drivers. He steers the ship and we support him. With our support, he has big plans for Avocet. What are your plans for the next five years for Hero and Avocet? It’s about the IBD focus. About 45 per cent of the market in value is down to the IBDs. Avocet has to serve the right people. We have two senior executives from Hero to support Steven Walsh. We will create value and put money behind brands. Avocet will double – it will grow 100 per cent. Hero is behind Avocet. We have an ecosystem where we can supply and support the IBDs. Together we will succeed. www.avocetsports.co.uk www.herocycles.com BIKEBIZ JUNE 39
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ISLABIKES
CHAMPIONING CHILDREN’S BIKES When Isla Rowntree was appalled at the quality of children’s bikes she launched Islabikes, ten years ago, and changed the market beyond recognition. Jonathon Harker hears first hand how the firm got started and where it is headed…
“I THINK, when I set out, I had a strong conviction that it would work,” Isla Rowntree tells BikeBiz at the Islabike HQ in rural Ludlow, Shropshire. Your trusty bike trade mag has been invited into the nerve centre of Islabikes on the occasion of the quality children’s brand’s ten year anniversary. A decade after creating the company and changing the market almost
were having kids and as happens when you are into cycling, they ask you – the perceived expert – buying advice on what bike to get for their kids. “It made me research the sector and I was just appalled. Kid’s bikes were incredibly heavy, they had far more gears than were necessary and multiple chain rings. They just bore no relation to the riding kids
“When I set out, I had a strong conviction it would work.” Isla Rowntree, IslaBikes single-handedly, Rowntree is casting her mind back to those early days for BikeBiz. “There was a perception change. We were asking people to spend double the amount on a kid’s bike. “I was sure it could be done.” Rowntree was entrenched in the world of bikes before she started Islabikes, having worked in bike shops and – of course – being a multiple British National Cyclocross champion. Having a small frame, Rowntree was no stranger to the idea that a bike suited to your size makes all the difference to your cycling. So how did she end up launching a children’s bike brand? “I had no particular interest in designing kid’s bikes. I got to an age where relations and friends BIKEBIZ.COM
did. Cranks were long, brakes were hard to reach…” In short, there were no bikes on the market that Rowntree felt happy to recommend to friends. “These bikes were not something I had wanted them to experience.” While seemingly small details, getting components like brakes right for children is absolutely key, Rowntree explains. “Braking affects the confidence of the rider. It makes a huge difference and affects the way that you ride. It makes the most difference to less confident kids.” At this pivotal moment for Rowntree and the kid’s cycle market, the CX champ was working for Halfords. Surely that retail powerhouse would have been the BIKEBIZ JUNE 41
ISLABIKES
Custom bikes are made in-house to try out new ideas
Bikes are put together through a lean, consistent process
perfect vehicle for her new quality-focused kids bike brand? “No one thought that customers would spend that much on a kid’s bike. I wanted to get on with the bikes and not have to win that argument all the time. A big commercial company is always going to look for a compromise on price. I didn’t want that design compromise.” And so Islabikes was born. It’s not all been plain sailing. In the early days, before the firm had more financial muscle, Rowntree had to spec components available in the market, but over time refinements were made, processes were streamlined and the company had a virtually uninterrupted period of year-on-year growth. At one point the company even struggled to keep up with demand. “The UK is our biggest market but Europe is significant,” Rowntree explains. “We had a period about three years ago where we hadn’t even thought about selling outside the UK, but people just started ordering from Europe – it grew with no marketing. In fact the growth was romping ahead and we couldn’t keep up with demand. “Everyone here has had a lot of training and to scale up quickly 42 BIKEBIZ JUNE
would mean compromising the bikes and our service, so we made a tough decision to stop retailing in Europe. There was some bad feeling, but we didn’t want to compromise on the bikes.” Now the firm has more trained staff and thanks to a shifty look at one of the order books BikeBiz confirm a substantial number of orders are heading out to Europe. And as Rowntree points out, the EU is the perfect place for Islabikes – a mature market where customers expect to pay for a quality bicycle. Rowntree has a perhaps unexpected reaction when BikeBiz raised the point that there’s now many more competitors than a decade ago. “I’m really excited about it. There wasn’t a sector for quality kid’s bikes when we launched so we’ve expanded this area.” The brand boss believes that the limit has not yet been hit for quality kid’s bikes and the price threshold can expand still further. “Competition keeps us on our toes.” Perhaps the impending anniversary prompted some commercial soul searching, but either way the firm has seen some organisational changes of late, including the installation of managing director Mark McCance
and financial director Ed Moseley last year. 2015 also saw the firm introduce an impressive 90-day returns policy. It’s not just intensely trained mechanics putting the bikes together in Ludlow, the phone staff are well trained too. “We can fit a bike perfectly over the phone,” Rowntree says. Despite that, the temptation to drop in on the Ludlow showroom has proven too much for some customers, even based as far away as Germany. Though the humble firm is quick to add that said Germans were combining the trip with a holiday, that’s still an impressive reach for a brand that’s a mere ten years old. Islabikes is keen to do the right thing for staff. It’s a Living Wage employer and one of the staff perks is a custom made bike, designed by Rowntree and then forged by the in-house frame builder, Robert Burns. Having that facility means the firm can tinker with concepts that may filter into the range. BikeBiz is shown how one of the experienced mechanics checks and gets a bike ready for dispatch direct to a consumer. The bike is left with the bare minimum for the consumer to do and the method at Ludlow has been fine tuned so each
bike goes through a specific, lean and consistent procedure. The workstations are on wheels, so the warehouse and workshop floor plan can be modified depending on how much stock is in. Even packaging, all too often an after thought, has been refined to the nth degree: The factory packages bikes up with a specific number of staples for the minimum of fuss when it has been delivered. This level of consistency would be, the firm says, difficult to control if it used distributors or retailers – every bike leaves Ludlow in the same, ready-to-go state. Yes, it won’t have escaped your attention that Islabikes retails direct to customers, cutting out retailers and distributors (and therefore most of our readers), but if you’re holding a grudge it is worth remembering that the brand has been a market changer and now, ten years after it first started blazing a trail, the list of companies – new and old – that have grown into the space Islabikes created in the children’s bike market is extensive and likely to keep growing. Isla Rowntree herself is pleased this is the case and that the bike market is now treating the children’s bicycle sector with the respect it deserves. islabikes.co.uk BIKEBIZ.COM
MODEL B FLOOR STAND Q ROBUST Q RELIABLE Q DURABLE THE FEATURES: Height: 76” | Base assembly: 32”x20” | Weight: 24Kg Available in these colours: Q Black | Q Green | Q Blue
KESTREL was founded in 1980 and has developed a nationwide reputation in the cycle trade for well designed quality products.
Our products are manufactured in house and therefore we are able to modify our standard products when required.
Get the e job don
In May 2011 Kestrel was taken over by Pressco Precision Engineering.
WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY ABOUT OUR STANDS: Hannie 08/08/2014 We have been waiting on this new clamp system for years where you no longer need to glue in the pads the best has got better. Raimond mertyl 09/10/2013 Best stansds ever, we have used between 2-3 repair every year to cope with our work of servicing Bikes and these stands are not that good so we invested in a Kestrel Model B Stand 2 years ago they cost a little more than the stands we were using but not much more,the Model B Stand Has paid for itself when compared to the others within the first year. we have now taken delivery of three others now and will only use Kestrel when repairing our Cycles. jamie fox 30/07/2013 I have been buying 2 repair stands per year due to them not being able to stand up to the tusk, i am now confident after buying this stand that it will give many years of service. an outstanding repair stand thank you Kestrel. J Spratt 23/07/2013 What a Repair Stand love it.
KESTREL
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BIKE RETAIL TRENDS
Citrus-Lime unveils new EPOS and Ecommerce Solution Citrus-Lime takes us through its new cloud-based platform, designed to be adaptable in the face of the ever changing and challenging retail landscape that the nation’s independent bike dealers are facing… CLOUD TECHNOLOGY is bringing about some significant developments to retail. More flexibility, lower costs and safer data security are some of the many benefits of the streamlined solutions available. It soon became apparent to Citrus-Lime that it needed to build a solution that fits changing operational needs of cycle retailers. New Citrus-Lime POS and Ecommerce Supported by Citrus-Lime, this cloud-based platform is future proof and pro-actively built to take our platforms to the next step. The new platform has been built from the ground up, simplifying processes focusing on best practice retail. Therefore our retail support team can educate our retailers on how best to apply the retail system to the retail processes. This will allow retailer to maximise its potential and benefits. So why adopt?
Q Cloud Based and flexible on hardware, it will work on anything connected to the web Q PC and Mac compatible Q An easy to use interface designed by retailers Q Fully responsive UI Q Remote access to in store and online operations Q Complete admin and reporting tasks from anywhere Q Simplified retail processes to
maximise benefits Q Data is stored more securely Q Citrus-Lime POS has been built by retailers for retailers “Our ethos is building strong relationships with our customers,” explains Citrus-Lime’s Grant Hadwin. “We build tailored solutions for cycle retailers using our knowledge of the industry and skills as retailers and developers.
“However it is the support of the Citrus-Lime team that keep these relationships strong. “All existing Citrus-Lime customers are able to upgrade to the new system whenever they like and at no cost. Although we would recommend some training from our retail team so do make sure that you are utilising the system to its full potential.” www.citruslime.com
Cytech’s electic bike training set to launch As revealed by BikeBiz back in our March edition of this year, Cytech is stepping into the increasingly popular world of electric bikes and offering an industry-recognised course to promote specialised skills... CYTECH IS set to bring what it says is the first industry recognised e-bike training course to the UK. The firm, which has been training and promoting cycle skills for over 25 years has launched the course following increased interest in the sector and predictions from industry pundits that as many as one in three new bicycles sold in Europe could come with an electric motor by 2023. In 2015, Germany’s combined sales of e-bikes surpassed the half-million mark for the first time in history, whilst the Netherlands leads the way with almost one in three new bikes sold now featuring electrics. The UK still has some catching up to do, but the e-bike trend is growing with many major suppliers and retailers now entering into the market. Despite this, there is still a lot of hesitance from mechanics towards working on e-bikes. To give the trade the knowledge needed to
44 BIKEBIZ JUNE
cater for the booming market Cytech has introduced the brand new technical e-bike course to provide the skills and confidence needed to set up, repair and sell a broad spectrum of electric bicycles along with an understanding of the specific standards and legal aspects that apply to them. The new Cytech technical e-bike course started last month, with
bookings now being taken for the four-day course which is currently only available from ATG Training in Aylesbury, UK. Cytech said it is a comprehensive course covering electrical theory, current legislation, safe working practices when dealing with batteries and electrical units, removal and installation of components, diagnosis, testing and fault finding of the components
and much more. The Cytech technical e-bike course is suitable for those who are looking to stock and repair e-bikes with little knowledge of service procedures or the legislation requirements that apply when selling, servicing and riding e-bikes. It is available to those who already hold a Cytech technical two qualification or as a guide, three to four year’s industry knowledge. Upon completion of the course, candidates will attain a Cytech qualification, recognised internationally as the training and accreditation scheme for cycle technicians, owned by the UK cycle trade via the ACT. The first course was delivered in Aylesbury from Monday May 23rd to Thursday 26th. To find out about future courses and to enquire about available spaces, dealers should visit cytech.training or contact ATG Training on 01296 674 995
BIKEBIZ.COM
ELECTRIC BIKES
Shimano’s e-MTB system slated for October The new Shimano Steps e-MTB battery
SHIMANO HAS announced the release of new Steps e-MTB components. The lightweight and compact E8000 drive unit was reportedly designed around the concept of providing a natural feel for riders, whilst maintaining a high level of performance. The drive unit of the STEPS is compact to allow frame builders to
make e-MTB frames with shorter chainstays, giving riders better manoeuvrability whilst riding on rough terrain. The cranks sit with a narrow-factor and the unit is controlled by a left-hand power mode switch with three settings (Eco, Trail and Boost) for different types of terrain. The drive unit is held in a triangle formation around
the bottom bracket resulting in secure and direct power transfer from the rider to the cranks. Its compact design incorporates cooling fins on the drive side for the heat dissipation from the motor. Riders pedal much like a traditional bike, yet they can choose to receive different levels of assistance when they step on the pedals. Riders can also change gear too, much like a normal MTB, with ten or 11-speed drivetrain and mechanical or Di2 shifting options available. It also provides a Q-factor (i.e the distance between the outer edges of the crankset) in line with
DEORE XT cranks, helping to retain a natural feeling. Power for the motor is delivered by a slim but durable, low profile and waterproof battery on the downtube delivering over 500Wh. The battery is easily released by a simplistic sideways mechanism. Connected to the motor is either the hollow crank arm (FC-E8050) or the solid crank arm (FC-E8000), both of which are available with 34T or 38T chain rings for 10 or 11-speed cassettes. Shimano Steps mountain bike components will be available from October 2016. shimano-steps.com
Cube to power media at Enduro World Series
Journos will have e-bikes to help with their coverage at the Enduro World Series
BIKEBIZ.COM
AT THE four European rounds of the Enduro World Series (EWS) official media members will be able to use a Cube e-bike in their coverage. Cube’s fleet of Stereo 160 Hybrids will be on hand for journalists and photographers, helping them to pedal between stages and access hard-to-reach locations. Previously media types had to rely upon shuttles to help them get around the long liaison stages.
Sponsored by
There are 20 e-bikes being offered, starting with the Emerald Enduro in County Wicklow, Ireland held in mid-May. www.enduroworldseries.com BIKEBIZ JUNE 47
ELECTRIC BIKES
Voltz makes new Connection VOLT HAS unveiled its third e-bike to feature the Shimano Steps motor and control system. Named the Connect, the bike has been designed with a central frame 418W Shimano Battery to enhance balance for the e-bike and to improve the rider experience, Volt said. Customer demand for additional Volt Shimano Steps models has led to the e-bike brand investing further into the continued development of pedelecs that incorporate the component brand’s electric drive technology. The Volt Connect is to launch in July and will come, as standard, with high-end components including Shimano S700 Alfine Hydraulic Disc brakes, SKS Mudguards, SR-Suntour NCX Suspension, LED-lights, Rear carrier, integrated stand, and Kevlar puncture resistant tyres. Volt will also use a specially produced triple-thickness inner tube for further puncture protection. Director of VOLT Bikes Lyle Metcalfe said: “By incorporating our designs which maximise style and rideability with the Shimano
The new Volt Connect featuring Shimano Steps
Steps Drive System, we are producing e-bikes that not only understand the movements and efforts of the rider, but actually enhance the e-bike experience giving an incredibly responsive and natural feeling ride.” With 700c wheels and a taller frame (20.2”), the Connect has a
sleek and agile look accentuated by features like the smooth welding on the frame, inner-frame cable running and eye-catching electric blue styling. Volt grows mobile audience Metcalfe added that Volt has updated its mobile/tablet-friendly
website after mobile hits exceeded PC visits for the first time at the end of March 2016. “Whether at work on the computer, on the sofa with a tablet or on the train with your smart phone, browsers can now enjoy www.voltbikes.co.uk anywhere and on any device.” www.voltbikes.co.uk
Investors sought for low-cost e-bike converter THE MARKET for e-bike converters is still attracting new companies, with Semcon the latest to release a product in the sector. Semcon’s Smart Engine prototype is controlled by a small computer that kicks in at seven km/h (4mph) and is active up until 25km/h (15.5mph). The engine costs $100 USD (approx £70), weighs just over 1,000grams and has been set up so it can work with apps, with the potential for smartphones to control mode, prioritise speed or reach, theft control and tracking. According to publicity from the firm: “Electrified bikes are not new, but making them affordable and accessible for everyone is.”
Semcon technical director Anders Sundin added: “The needs and wishes of the typical cyclist are what got us started. The benefits of the electrified bike are obvious, but existing solutions are expensive and complex. That’s why we developed an engine which is compatible with any bike and easily shared among friends and family.”
“The current version is fully functional and Semcon are currently looking for investors that are interested in marketing the engine.” www.semcon.com
The Semcon Smart Engine retails at $100 (Approx £70)
48 BIKEBIZ JUNE
Sponsored by
BIKEBIZ.COM
Keep your customers cycling And with you. The Cycleguard Partnership Scheme aims to help cycle retailers generate extra revenue through the passive promotion of Cycleguard Insurance.
How does it work? You’ll receive a commission share for each new business policy taken out following a referral from your store
If a customer renews their policy you’ll receive a further commission share
If a policy referred by you submits an approved claim, we give your store the option to repair/replace their bike
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Email partners@cycleguard.co.uk quoting ‘BikeBiz’ Cycleguard is a trading style of Thistle Insurance Services Limited. Lloyd’s Broker. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. A JLT Group Company. Registered office: The St Botolph Building, 138 Houndsditch, London EC3A 7AW. Registered in England No 00338645. VAT No. 244 2321 96. TPD0526 2 0416
DEALER PROFILE
R DEALE ILE
DMC's interior is, the owner admits, a 'rabbit's warren'
PROF
RIDE DMC From tool making at Rolls Royce, to racing for Great Britain and then taking the perilous step of opening a bike shop, Dave Mellor tells Kieran Howells about how he got started...and tackling a tough trading period It’s been a tough year for many IBDs, has that rough patch affected you? We’ve done remarkably well I think. We’ve been fortunate in that the other traditional shop in the town had an injection of cash from a partner and one of the first things they did was kick out Cube, so we opened up another shop just to take on Cube. We’re lucky that we have Giant and Specialized as our two key brands here and then we do Cube in our other shop, so they have been pretty consistently high sellers. The last two years have been flat and I don’t know how we’ve done it but with the aid of growth incentives from Giant and Specialised, we’ve hit our targets and the first quarter of this year we were about 13 per cent up. BIKEBIZ.COM
Do you run any events out of the shop? We have a local club called the Mid Shropshire wheelers and we’ve organised national time trial championships, national cyclocross championships, and national mountain bike championships. Mid
go out mountain biking. They’ve been going for over ten years. We also organise 12 races a year. We have a 1km-floodlit circuit, and we try to get the youngsters out on it as much as we can. We have a chip timing system that we got grant aided by Sport England.
“With the help of Giant and Specialized we've hit our targets.” Dave Mellor Shropshire wheelers is a traditional club, so I’m proud to be a member of such a prestigious team. There’s a club that our mechanic is part of that call themselves the Wild Wednesday Wheelers. Every Wednesday about 200 local people
Do you think your online presence is essential to your growth and success? We are definitely more brick and mortar-oriented. We have a website which feeds off our Epos system but the prices tend to be at full
retail. I’ll cherry-pick some items to do deals on to compete with the larger online retailers. The internet is a great shop window, but it's also a pain because people can compare our prices to unreasonably low prices elsewhere. That’s why personal customer service is important. You have to give customers a reason to come to us. Dave Mellor Cycles is regarded as one of the best shops in England. What has given you this reputation and how do you maintain it? It’s customer service really. We employ three women as well. Women seem to feel less comfortable in bike shops and I think that’s down to a male dominated presence so it’s essential that we have female BIKEBIZ JUNE 51
DEALER PROFILE
R DEALE ILE
DMC features bike fitting, as well as plenty of stock...
PROF
Dave Mellor Cycles has gradually taken over the entire building
employees to counteract that. We have loads of women in the club and even though they know us, they go online to Wiggle to buy clothing because they feel intimidated by bike shops. We listen to people and we try to be as honest and informed as possible. We showed a man a bike the other day that was £1,200 but it was the wrong size. I could have just sold it to him but I had to tell him that it was the wrong size even if we were going to lose money on that purchase. It’s important that we’re honest. Can you give the readers a brief history of the shop? I was a toolmaker at Rolls Royce and a reasonable local bike racer. I got selected to go and ride a couple of races for Great Britain. I went to Belgium and Holland and realised I was a big fish in a small pond over here. At the same time I went for a promotion at Rolls Royce and didn’t get it. I saw a small 52 BIKEBIZ JUNE
business course in the paper, so I did the course and got a loan from the bank to set up a small shop just round the corner from the current site. It kept growing and then this property came up and I realised that even if turnover stayed the same, we’d be able to keep it
relationship with them. Fisher has a great product range but we just haven’t got in with them like we have with Madison or Zyro, I think maybe it’ll be good for that brand to adopt the business model and ethos of Zyro. I mean, one less rep to deal with is great for us.
“We've been modest. We haven't been buying flash cars.” Dave Mellor open. Since then we’ve taken over the whole building. It’s a complete warren because we’ve had to cut in doors to make show rooms. Now we’ve got two floors, a cellar and a warehouse in the back for stock. What do you think about the giant mergers between Wiggle and Chain Reaction and Zyro and Fisher Outdoor Leisure? I think we do quite well with Zyro, and we’ve had a really good
Do you offer bike fitting in-house at DMC? Yes we use the Specialized big fit and we’ve gone for a Giant Powerfit system. The only thing we’ve had with that is replicating the fit from the Powerfit onto the customer’s own bike. We haven’t been 100 per cent happy that we’re getting it right but everyone who has had a fit has been very happy with it. Like a lot
of the bike brands, it’s a rural area and we haven’t got the concentration of people that shops in London do, so it's never going to be a big part of the business. But having said that, people do travel. We have a guy coming in this afternoon who’s coming from quite a way away to get it done. What advice do you have for any struggling bike shops out there in the current climate? You have to keep positive, and keep giving that excellent customer service. Do what you do well and don’t throw money away, look at your costs and make sure what you’re doing makes financial sense. What we’ve done has been very modest. We’ve offered a good range and we haven’t been off buying flash cars. We’ve grown slowly and over time, and that way we’ve managed to make a good living and we get to ride a lot! www.davemellorcycles.com BIKEBIZ.COM
www.bob-elliot.co.uk
01772 459 887
@BobElliotOnline
Schwalbe Durano DD (Double Defense) Performance Dual Compound Tyre SRP £29.99 - £34.99 (wired & folding options available) Ref: Schwalbe Durano DD Find your Local stockist at: www.bob-elliot.co.uk or contact us on: sales@bob-elliot.co.uk, Tel: 01772 459 887
CYCLOCROSS
Crossed tyres ...plus plenty of other cyclocross product in our early guide to what will get the till ringing come September. Jonathon Harker puts his shoulder to the task…
CHARLIE THE BIKEMONGER
CLAUD BUTLER
The Alto CX11 (RRP £799.99) is finished in an orangey/bronze and aimed at more serious cyclocross riders and is also a durable and versatile daily commuter. With an alloy frame and carbon fork, weight is low. Avid BB7 disc brakes and Shimano Sora 18 feature.
01929 475 833 The UK distributor and importer for Gevenalle is CTB. The products are designed for the mucky depths of dirty cyclocross, but equally adept at touring. Founded in Portland, home to the world’s largest cross series, Gevenalle provides a cross-specific option to vary your stocks.
CSG UK
01202 732288
Cannondale’s SuperX is made of Ballistec carbon and is the pinnacle of its cross range. RRP ranges from £2,199 to £2,499. The alloy CAADX range starts from a modest £799 to £1,499. Meanwhile the GT Grade X is an enduro road for rough terrain.
BIKEBIZ.COM
claudbutler.co.uk
CHICKEN CYCLEKIT
01525 381347
Selle Italia’s SLR X-Cross saddle is the first cyclocross saddle from the brand. Build with the same properties as the peloton-centric SLR, the X-Cross sports a titanium rail for strength and low weight, while Herringbone anti slip panel keeps riders secure in the wet.
BIKEBIZ JUNE 55
CYCLOCROSS
EXTRA UK
HOTLINES
www.extrauk.co.uk
0131 319 1444
Maxxis Raze has a versatile CX tread design with a fast rolling centre ridge and widely spaced side lugs to shed mud. The Mud Wrestler is tubeless ready, an allconditions CX race tyre. Meanwhile the Re-Fuse is a dual compound adaptation of the road training tyre, modernised with tubeless tech and higher volumes. The Rambler is Maxxis’ first gravel specific tyre.
WTB’s Cross Boss has a rounded, high volume profile for ground up tubeless usage. The Nano 40c is a speedy tyre, with an elevated centreline, from £19.99. Onto bikes and Lapierre’s CX Carbon FDJ is a cyclocross offering along with Lynskey’s Cooper CX (£1,399 frame only) and Pro Cross (£1,799 frame only).
ISON
SPORTLINE
ison-distribution.com
Ridley, of course, is well into CX. The X-Night SL 10 Disc (£4499) and X-Night 40 Disc (£2649) is a cyclocross classic, with 27.2mm seatpost and ultra-thin seatstays for extra comfort. The X-Night 40 Disc will feature SRAM Rival 1x for the coming year.
For CX, Ison has frames and complete bikes from Surly, All City and Light Blue. Schwalbe, Genetic and Dia Compe have CX product too, while Halo’s White Line Disc wheelset is an entry-level option, tubeless ready and suitable for gravel too.
MOORE LARGE
b2b.moorelarge.co.uk
Kenda’s Kommando X is a sealant compatible CX tyre, while American Classic has a huge range from the TCX Tubeless at £439 to the Carbon Clincher 40 at £1409. The Forme Calver CX (£799) is an entry level CX race bike made from 6061 alloy.
56 BIKEBIZ JUNE
DAWES CYCLES
www.sportlineb2b.co.uk
dawescycles.com
Junior-focused Academy has CX models with triple butted alloy frames, exclusively made carbon fibre forks and 9speed Shimano SORA gearing on either the 24-inch or 26-inch platform. It weighs 9.84kg for the 24-inch version (10.18kg for 26-inch). RRP is £579.
BIKEBIZ.COM
ANOTHER EXCLUSIVE BRAND FROM GREYVILLE New for 2016 the “C” series wireless computers are part of Italian based Velomann’s range including lights using Cree LED’s, a selection of bike stands and hometrainers. All available on our easy to use B2B ordering system. Why not check out our website?
GREYVILLE ENTERPRISES
0845 1661983
www.greyville.com
sales@greyville.com
GET STAFFED!
WWW.BIKEBIZ.COM/JOBS
IS WHERE THE TRADE GOES FOR THE LATEST JOB OPPORTUNITIES Contact: rsetters@nbmedia.com or call +44 (0)207 354 6000
CYCLOCROSS
RALEIGH
www.raleigh.co.uk
Raleigh’s extensive CX range starts at £800 for the RX Elite, with three alu and two carbon bikes in the line-up. There are three women’s bikes and SRA 1 x 11 drivetrains are found on most of the models. The RX RRP is £2,200.
PALIGAP
www.paligap.cc
The brand new Challenge Baby Limus Team Edition S tubulars RRPs start from £54 for open, and £78 for tubular. They feature improved tread patterns and full cotton casings. Also from Paligap, Ale’s CX suit has a soft fleece inner and a cut that is close and aerodynamic. This bright and bold design is sleek and retails at £160, available in men’s and women’s sizes.
SCOTT SPORTS
www.scott-sports.com
SILVERFISH UK
Scott is all about racing when it comes to cyclocross and the Addict CX is a super light carbon construction optimised for disc brakes. The chainstays have been specially shaped to shed mud and an ergonomic tube shape aids shoulder carrying.
www.silverfish-uk.com
SRAM
ZYRO
Fisher Outdoor & Raleigh UK
It seems that single chainrings is where CX is heading, which SRAM’s new 1x taps into. The SRAM Force 1 and Rival 1 incorporate the tech, using the X-Sync single chain ring which now extends its range from 38 to 54 teeth.
BIKEBIZ.COM
The Ritte Crossberg CX frameset is an aggresive yet stable frame at home on gravel and a CX race course alike, we’re told. Made from tough 6061 alloy, there’s a BB30 bottom bracket and it features disc brake mounts. It’s available right now from Silverfish with an SRP of £1,099.
www.zyrob2b.co.uk Panaracer’s GravelKing SK features a low profile tread pattern, tubeless compatible tyres and are ideal for CX. Giro’s Empire VR90 started life as one-off for Taylor Phinney, modifying a Giro Factor, but it soon went to market with the laced shoe. It features an Easton EC90 carbon fibre outsole fused to a high traction Vibram Mont rubber, ideal for cyclocross and cross country racing alike.
BIKEBIZ JUNE 59
WHOLESALE CYCLE PARTS AND ACCESSORIES BUSINESS MACKADAM FACTORS (1994) LTD IS A VERY WELL ESTABLISHED WHOLESALE BUSINESS THAT SUPPLIES RETAIL OUTLETS WITH BICYCLE SPARES AND ACCESSORIES The business has a very healthy client base of more than 100 customers and operates a delivery service for businesses in the area and a courier service for businesses that are further afield.
The business prides itself on customer service and most of the orders are taken over the telephone from clients and with regular calls from the directors with whom they have a long standing relationship.
The business only supply’s to the trade to protect the business relationship with their clients.The area that the business covers Wales,the border counties and the south and west of England. The business can demonstrate a healthy profit margin and shows a strong net profit.
NEW PRICE
£250,000 PLUS STOCK
The business is run by three directors who now wish to retire,they are the fourth owners with over 100 years service between them.They wish the business to continue past the centenary,the business was first established in 1919.
THE BUSINESS IS BASED IN SOUTH WALES BUT CAN BE RELOCATED IF REQUIRED
Any enquires please contact: Arrow Business Sales | 80 Windsor Village | Port Talbot | SA12 7EY Tel: 0333 1234311 | Email: enquires@arrowproperty.co.uk
BIKE SECURITY
Lock it or lose it With a whopping 400,000 bikes getting reported stolen in Britain every year, protecting bikes with the right kind of lock is essential. This month Kieran Howells looks at some of the best new security options on the market.
ABUS BORDO CENTIUM www.abus.com Representing the folding lock market in this month’s sector guide is the 90cm Bordo Centium (RRP £100). Constructed from rust-free stainless steel, the lock body is further strengthened by reinforced steel pins. Meanwhile in the head of the lock, the ABUS Plus cylinder staves off lockpicking attempts whilst being shielded by a dust cover, protecting it from dirt and grit.
KNOG BOUNCER U-LOCK
www.knog.com
The small but mighty KNOG Bouncer lock (RRP £39.99) is designed to discretely fit into a back pocket. The lock was awarded a SoldSecure Bronze accreditation for its hardy design. The Bouncer is constructed from 13mm hardened steel, and coated in moulded silicone. The KNOG is available in a range of colours including teal, black and white.
BIKEBIZ.COM
OXFORD ALARM-D MIDI oxfordproducts.com New from Oxford is the aptly titled Alarm-D (RRP £69.99). The shackle lock is available in a range of five sizes, with the Midi representing the more standardised size at 260mm in length. The shackle is constructed from 14mm hardened steel. When tampered with, the pick-resistant locking system emits a 120db alarm from an integrated speaker.
MASTER LOCK BLUETOOTH SMART PADLOCK www.masterlock.com The new Bluetooth enabled keyless Smart Padlock (RRP £45.00) fits a lot of tech into a two-inch wide case. The lock is operated via a smartphone app, and unlocks when it senses the unique Bluetooth imprint within a small perimeter. The unique imprint can be sent to other accounts, allowing friends and family to access the lock.
HIPLOK DX www.hiplok.com Security specialists Hiplok have announced the release of the new DX, a compact D-lock aimed at urban cyclists on the go. The lock features a large slotted clip that will cling sturdily to any belt or strap. The 14mm hardened steel double locking shackle is coated in soft rubber, and is 85mm wide at its largest point. The DX retails at £69.99.
BIKEBIZ JUNE 61
BIKE SECURITY
AXA FOLDABLE 600 LOCK www.axasecurity.com
DATATAG PRO STEALTH www.datatag.co.uk
The key operated AXA Foldable 600 lock (RRP £39.99) has a fully extended length of 95cm, making it suitable for bikes of all sizes. The hardened steel shackles have a diameter of 6.5mm, and are covered in treated material to shield it from dirt. The folded lock is secured with an elasticated fixing that can be strapped to a bike frame.
Created to combat bike theft, the Datatag Pro Stealth (RRP £20.40) Integrates both visible and hidden unique identifiable features. Working with a comprehensive database and police cooperation, the tags can be scanned to ascertain the bikes original owner. A single pack contains four stealth UV etches that permanently mark the user’s bike, a TE label that contains a unique cycle ID code and a QR code.
SQUIRE SNAPLOK www.squirelocks.co.uk At its largest point, the tapered Snaplok measures 210mm, making it suitable for securing a varied range of bike frames. With hardened boron alloy steel construction and a combination lock with over 100,000 unique combinations, the lock boasts a security rating of 13. The lock is easily mountable to a bike frame via the included bracket, which is secured by tightening two screws.
ONGUARD NEON
www.onguardlock.com
Featuring a brand new Double Snap locking mechanism, which happens to be the world’s first spring-free patented locking system and cylinder, the recently announced Neon lock range from OnGuard includes a host of different sized coil, cable, shackle and chain locks. The mid sized (and we’re told, best selling) 230x115mm Neon shackle lock retails at £29.99. The lock features a 13mm hardened steel shackle covered in a brand new anti scratch coating, and comes in a range of colours including black, blue green and white.
KRYPTONITE MESSENGER MINI + U-LOCK www.kryptonitelock.com Based on the Evolution Mini-5 U-Lock, the Messenger Mini features a wider and longer shackle to increase versatility and a secondary integrated shackle, whilst remaining compact and portable. Internally the lock features a Duocore cylinder with anti rotation discs to prevent jammed keys.The lock retails at £49.99. 62 BIKEBIZ JULY
BIKEBIZ.COM
THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO RETAILERS, SUPPLIERS AND SERVICES WITHIN THE CYCLE TRADE
DOING MORE TO SUPPORT UK IBDS B2B SERVICES
HOME DELIVERY
EPOS FEED
ONLINE PAYMENTS
GROUPSET BUILDER
YOU SELL IT, WE’LL DELIVER IT.
GUARANTEED MARGINS
WITH OUR UNIQUE MARGIN SUPPORT SERVICES
In association with
HASSLE FREE WARRANTY SERVICES GENERAL WARRANTY
TECHNICAL WARRANTY
PRICE MATCHING & FREE DELIVERY b2b.fisheroutdoor.co.uk
2PURE 46c Bavelaw Road, Balerno, Edinburgh, EH147AE Tel: 0844 811 2001 | Web: www.2pure.co.uk
ANSMANN UK e-BIKE centre, Unit 12, RO24, Harlow Business Park, Harlow, Essex, CM19 5QB Tel: 0870 609 2233 | Web: www.ansmann.co.uk
BOB ELLIOT AND CO LTD Unit C4 Binary Court, Matrix Park, Western Avenue, Buckshaw Village, Chorley, PR7 7NB Tel: 01772 459 887 | Web: www.bob-elliot.co.uk
PITBITZ LTD Unit 6 Thorpe Drive, Thorpe Way Industrial Estate, Banbury, Oxon, OX16 4UZ Tel: 01295 269333 | www.gazeboshop.co.uk www.thebikeboxcompany.co.uk
I-RIDE 7-8B Mid Sussex Business Park, Ditchling Common Industrial Estate, Folders Lane East, Ditchling, Sussex, BN6 8SE Tel: 01444 243000 | Web: www.i-ride.co.uk
JUNGLE PRODUCTS LTD Unit 3, The Cedar, New York Mills, Summerbridge, HG3 4LA Tel: 01423 780088 | Web: www.jungleproducts.co.uk www.santacruzbikes.co.uk
CONTINENTAL North Parade, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, Wales, SY23 2JR Tel: 01970 626777 | Web: www.conti-tyres.co.uk M & J DISTRIBUTORS LTD Unit A, Hanix Buildings, Windmill Lane, Denton, Manchester, M34 3SP Tel: 0161 337 9600 | Web: www.mjdist.co.uk CYCLEMILES 9 Queen Anne’s Drive, Havant, PO93PG Tel: 02392 455 355 | Web: www.cyclemiles.co.uk MAXXIS TYRES Unit 3 Cobalt Centre, Siskin Parkway East, Middlemarch Business Park, Coventry, CV34PE Tel: 024 7688 9775 | Web: www.maxxis.com DYNAMO COVER Drake House, Plymouth Road, Penarth, CF64 3TP Tel: 0333 358 33 20 | Web: www.dynamocover.com
EBCO 5 Pegasus House, Olympus Ave, Warwick, CV34 6LW Tel: +01926 437700 | Web: www.ebco-ebikes.co.uk
EDCO COMPONENTS North Parade, Aberystwyth, Wales, SY23 2JR Tel: 01970 626777 | Web: www.edco-wheels.co.uk
FISHER OUTDOOR LEISURE LIMITED 8/9 Brick Knoll Park, Ashley Road, St Albans, Herts, AL1 5UG Tel: 01727 798345 | Web: www.fisheroutdoor.co.uk
MDI LIMITED Unit 4, Wellington Point, Amy Johnson Way, Blackpool Business Park, Blackpool, FY42RG Tel: 01253 343090 | Web: www.mdib2b.co.uk
MEALOR-CLARKE CYCLE SPARES LTD Unit 1, Eastlands Road, Leiston, Suffolk, IP16 4LL Tel: 01728830055/01728605970 Web: www.mealorclarkecyclespares.com
MERIDA BICYCLES LTD Unit 13, Nottingham South and Wilford Industrial Estate, Ruddington Lane, Wilford, Nottingham, NG11 7EP Tel: 0115 981 7788 | Web: www.merida.com
If you’d like to find out more or require additional copies please contact rsetters@nbmedia.com or call him on 020 7354 6000
MOORE LARGE AND CO LTD Sinfin Lane Industrial Estate, Sinfin Lane, Derby, DE24 9GL Tel: 01332 274252 | Web: www.moorelarge.co.uk
NORTH SPORTS 38 Kingston Avenue, Neilston, Glasgow, East Renfrewshire, G783JG Tel: 07746 933795 | Web: www.northsports.co.uk
PALIGAP LTD Unit 2 Danbury House, Great Western Park, Armstrong Way, Yate, Bristol, BS37 5NG Tel: 01454 313 116 | Web: www.paligapltd.co.uk
RALEIGH UK LTD Church Street, Eastwood, Nottingham, NG16 3HT Tel: 01773 532600 Web: www.raleigh.co.uk | www.cyclelife.com www.diamondback.co.uk
REECE CYCLES PLC 100 Alcester Street, Birmingham, B12 0QB Tel: 0121 622 0180 | Web: www.reececycles.co.uk
RUBENA Unit N & M, Tyburn Trading Estate, Ashfold Farm Raod, Birmingham, West Midlands, B24 9QG Tel: 0800 281413 | Web: www.rubenacycle.co.uk
SCHWALBE TYRES UK LTD Schwalbe Centre, Hortonwood 30, Telford, Shropshire, TF1 7ET Tel: 01952602680 | Web: www.schwalbe.co.uk
SILVERFISH UK LTD Unit 3C and 3B Woodacre Court, Saltash Parkway Industrial Estate, Burraton Road, Saltash, Cornwall, PL12 6LY Tel: 01752 843882 | Web: www.silverfish-uk.com
The BikeBiz Directory 2016 is out now, providing the industry with a must-have guide to the UK’s retailers, distributors, manufacturers and related businesses. DISTRIBUTION AND WHOLESALE
E-COMMERCE AND EPOS
EVENT ORGANISERS, HOSTING, HOLIDAY AND HIRE
MANUFACTURERS
MARKETING, PR AND CONSULTANCY
MEDIA AND PUBLISHING
ORGANISATIONS, CHARITIES AND ASSOCIATIONS
RETAILERS, WORKSHOPS AND MAIL ORDER
SERVICES AND TRAINING
THE CYCLE DIVISION Unit 27 Gatehouse Enterprise Centre, Albert Street, Lockwood, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, HD1 3QD Tel: 01484 456137 | Web: www.thecycledivision.com
HARDNUTZ Unit 8 Rocheview off Millhead Way, Purdeys Industrial Estate, Rochford, Essex, SS4 1LB Tel: 01702 530090 | Web: www.hardnutz.com
VELOTECH SERVICES LTD 26-27 Western Road, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, CV37 0AH Tel: 0845 475 5339 | Web: www.velotechservices.co.uk
WINDWAVE Unit D2 and D3 Heritage Business Park, Heritage Way, Gosport, Hampshire, PO12 4BG Tel: 02392 521912 | Web: www.windwave.co.uk
MAVIC Theta Building, Lyon Way, Frimley, Surrey, GU16 7ER Tel: 01276 404870 | Web: www.mavic.com
WELDTITE PRODUCTS LTD Unit 9 Harrier Road, Humber Bridge Industrial Estate, Barton-on-Humber, Lincs, DN18 5RP Tel: 01652 660000 | Web: www.weldtite.co.uk
ZYRO LTD Roundhouse Road, Faverdale Industrial Estate, Darlington, DL30UR Tel: 01325 741200 Web: www.zyro.co.uk | www.zyrob2b.co.uk
BIKE SOUP 55a North Wharf Road, London, W2 1LA Tel: 020 7298278 | Web: www.bikesoup.com
THE CYCLE SHOW 58 White Lion Street, Islington, London, N1 9PP Tel: 020 7288 6733 | Web: www.cycleshow.co.uk
ASSOS 57 Farringdon Road, London, EC1M 3JB Tel: 0203 2862225 | Web: www.assos.com
BUFFERA LIMITED Cranbourne House, Cranbourne Road, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, EN6 3JN Tel: +01920 460754 | Web: www.buffwear.co.uk
MAXXIS TYRES Unit 3 Cobalt Centre, Siskin Parkway East, Middlemarch Business Park, Coventry, CV34PE Tel: 024 7688 9775 | Web: www.maxxis.com
MET HELMETS / BLUEGRASS 22-24 Ely Place, London, EC1N6TE Tel: 0207 1937 496 | Web: www.met-helmets.com
MITAS Tyburn Trading Estate, Ashold Farm Road, Erdington, Birmingham, B24 9QG Tel: 0800 281 413 | Web: www.mitascycle.com
X-BIONIC Trerè Innovation s.r.l. Unipersonale Via Parma, 70 C. 46041 Asola (MN). Italy Tel: +39 0376 718623 | Web: www.x-bionic.com
CYCLING SCOTLAND 24 Blythswood Square, Glasgow, G2 4BG Tel: 0141 229 5350 | Web: www.cyclingscotland.org
insuring the UK’s cycle retailers
CYCLEGUARD INSURANCE Southgate house, Southgate Street, Gloucester, GL1 1UB Tel: 0844 826 2297 | Web: www.cycleguard.co.uk
ONE WAY DISTRIBUTION Tel: 0031 10345 3510 | Web: shop.o-w-d.nl
QUELLA Unit 1 & 2 Breckenwood Road, Fulbourn, Cambridgeshire, CB21 5DQ Tel: 01223 782 039 | Web: www.quellabicycle.com
BikeBiz Directory 2016 is now available to view online at
www.bikebiz.com DARE2B Unit 8-9 Mercury Park, Mercury Way, Urmston, Manchester, M41 7LY Tel: 0844 811 2939 | Web: www.dare2b.com
DISTRIBUTION AND WHOLESALE
ROZONE LIMITED Queen Street, Darlaston, Wednesbury, West Midlands. WS10 8JB Tel: 0121 526 8181 | Web: www.rozone.co.uk
DISTRIBUTION AND WHOLESALE
IMPORTERS, DISTRIBUTORS AND WHOLESALERS
IMPORTERS, DISTRIBUTORS AND WHOLESALERS
2WT Ltd 63 Baddow Hall Crescent, Chelmsford, CM2 7BX Tel: 07885 788203 Web: www.2wtuk.com
All-City 6400 West 105TH Street, Bloomington, USA, MN 55438 Tel: 1-888-4AC-BIKE Web: www.allcitycycles.com
2x2 Worldwide Unit 6, Hall End Business Park, Dordon, Tamworth, Staffs, B78 1SX Tel: 01827 331099 Web: www.2x2worldwide.com
Always Riding Ltd Riverside Business Centre, Haldone Place, London, SW18 4UQ Web: www.alwaysriding.co.uk
4 Down Distribution Unit 6 North Ridge Business Park, Haywood Way, Hastings, East Sussex, TN35 4PP Tel: 01424 433 074 Web: www.4downdistribution.com
Amba Marketing (UK) Ltd 5 Budlake Units, Budlake Road, Marsh Barton, EX2 8PY Tel: 01392 829903 Web: www.amba-marketing.com
50cycles Unit M, Little Moor Lane, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 1SF Tel: 01509 217775 Web: www.50cycles.com
Andy BrayAgencies T/A Gearmechhanger.com 36 Middlecroft Lane, Gosport, Hampshire, PO12 3DJ Tel: 07896 124968 Web: www.gearmechhanger.com
Assos 57 Farringdon Road, London, EC1M 3JB Tel: 0203 2862225 Web: www.assos.com ATB Sales Ltd Whitworth Road, St Leonards on Sea, East Sussex, TN37 7PZ Tel: 01424 753566 Web: www.atb-sales.co.uk
A Action Cameras The Light Box, PC127, 112 Power Road, London, W4 5PY Tel: 02089657680 Web: www.actioncameras.co.uk
# 2 Wheel Distribution GmbH & Co. KG Erich Blum Str. 33, D 71665 Vaihingen an der Enz, Germany Tel: +49(0)7042289000 Web: www.2wheel-distribution.com
Action Cameras Limited Unit 36 Park Royal Business Centre, 9-17 Park Royal Road, London, NW10 7LQ Tel: 020 89657679 Web: www.actioncameras.co.uk
2 Wheel Electric Haskins Garden Centre, Mansbridge Road, West End, Southampton, Hampshire, SO18 3HW Tel: 02380476929 Web: www.2wheelelectric.co.uk
FREEGO ELECTRIC BIKES 3 St Denys Rd, Southampton SO17 2GN Tel :0800 077 8711
SEE.SENSE (LIMEFORGE LTD) Sketrick House, Jubilee Road, Newtownards, BT23 4YH Tel: 02891 800536 | Web: www.seesense.cc
Active Life Logistics The Barn, Structons Heath Farm, Great Witley, Worcestershire, WR6 6JA Tel: 01299 890101 Web: www.activelifelogistics.co.uk
2pure 46c Bavelaw Road, Balerno, Edinburgh, EH147AE Tel: 0844 811 2001 Web: www.2pure.co.uk
BIKEBIZ DIRECTORY
All Round Wheels (Wholesale) Ltd Unit 020 Gracechurch Centre, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands, B72 1PH Tel: 0121 354 5451
8
BIKEBIZ.COM
Ansmann UK e-BIKE centre, Unit 12, RO24, Harlow Business Park, Harlow, Essex, CM19 5QB Tel: 0870 609 2233 Web: www.ansmann.co.uk
Atom Cycles Unit 2, Kirkburn Industrial Estate, Lockerbie, DG11 2SE Tel: 01576 203611 Web: www.atomcycles.com
AOB Distribution 57 Exeter Road, Kingsteighton, Newton Abbot, Devon Tel: 07596 100615 Web: www.aobdistribution.com
Autostrada Engineering Forge Farm, Forge Lane, Footherley, Staffs, WS14 0HU Tel: 01543 483155/483225
Assess Todociclismo S.A Mitre 972, San Jose, Guillen Tel: 054-261-4456639
Avocet Sports Ltd Unit 7 and 8 Shield Drive, Wardley Industrial Estate, Worsley, Manchester, M28 2QB Tel: 0161 727 8508 Web: www.coyote-sports.com (B2B) and www.avocetsports.co.uk (Consumer)
Assist Creative Resources Ltd Unit 7 Ash Road South, Wrexham Ind Est, Wrexham, LL13 9UG Tel: 01978 664743 Web: www.assist.co.uk
BIKEBIZ.COM
Axel Imports Ltd 4 Wimborne Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 2BU Tel: 01202 785864 Web: www.axelimports.co.uk
9
BIKEBIZ DIRECTORY
MARKETPLACE BIKES & ACCESSORIES
350 LUMENS FOR £30 SRP
TO ADVERTISE IN THESE PAGES PLEASE CONTACT rsetters@nbmedia.com or call 0207 354 6000
BIKES & ACCESSORIES
SWIFT 350 • 350 lumens • 4 light levels plus daylight flash mode • Low battery indicator • LIghtweight • Li-po rechargeable battery
CALL 0844 811 2001 TO ORDER NOW.
DISTRIBUTED IN THE UK BY 2PURE/
BIKES & ACCESSORIES
66 BIKEBIZ JUNE
BIKES & ACCESSORIES
BIKEBIZ.COM
MARKETPLACE BIKES & ACCESSORIES
BIKES & ACCESSORIES
BIKES & ACCESSORIES
BIKES & ACCESSORIES
FREE SHIPPING
on all parts via www.madisonb2b.co.uk
Hangers, BB solutions, Bearing presses, Sealed bearings and Workshop solutions 6USPUL OHUNLY Ä UKLY! www.wheelsmfg.co.uk
BIKEBIZ.COM
BIKEBIZ JUNE 67
MARKETPLACE
TO ADVERTISE IN THESE PAGES PLEASE CONTACT rsetters@nbmedia.com or call 0207 354 6000
BIKES & ACCESSORIES
BIKES & ACCESSORIES
BIKE BOTTLES & PROMOTIONAL GOODS
GIFT VOUCHERS, TROPHIES & GENERAL PRINT
68 BIKEBIZ JUNE
BIKEBIZ.COM
MARKETPLACE BIKES & ACCESSORIES
BIKES & ACCESSORIES
CLOTHING
DEALER MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
CUSTOM CLOTHING
CUSTOM BOTTLES
CUSTOM SOCKS
CUSTOM CAPS
CUSTOM MUSETTES
CUSTOM PHONEPACS
Wildoo is the only UK based supplier that can offer a full range of quality custom cycling products.
www.wildoo.co.uk info@wildoo.co.uk 01908 374555 BIKEBIZ.COM
As worn by Team Mule Bar Girl – Sigma Sport
BIKEBIZ JUNE 69
MARKETPLACE
TO ADVERTISE IN THESE PAGES PLEASE CONTACT rsetters@nbmedia.com or call 0207 354 6000
EPOS & ECOMMERCE
EPOS & ECOMMERCE
EPOS & ECOMMERCE
PRINT SERVICES
Bike Frame Stickers Visit our new website
Get your name around, remind your customers where they bought their bike or accessories and where to take it for a service. Any size, shape up to 60x40mm, 1-3 colours include laminate so no scratching. 500 ÂŁ92 1000 ÂŁ120 2000 ÂŁ165 Origination ÂŁ30
www top tube stickers up to 20x150mm. 1 colour on clear 500 ÂŁ105 1000 ÂŁ145 2000 ÂŁ190 Origination ÂŁ20
(IGH 7YCOMBE WWW FREEWHEELIN BIKES CO UK
www.cycle-world.co.uk Serviced By -
Tel. 01479 870 050
LONGHAM, 01202 590414 RINGWOOD, 01425 470835
Sales - Service - Setup - Repairs
Gomm Road, High Wycombe, Bucks, HP13 7DJ
Telephone: (44) (0) 1494 530761 email: sales@adcal-labels.co.uk
adcal-labels.co.uk/labels/bicycle-retailers 70 BIKEBIZ JUNE
BIKEBIZ.COM
OFF TRACK
OFF TRACK
THE TRADE’S ROUND UP OF STATS, VIEWS AND RANDOMS
NUMBER CRUNCHING We take a look At the first financials of the year to gauge exactly how the bike trade is doing, plus how much extra London cycling will receive…
40 Sadly, forty staff are being made redundant by components brand SRAM across Europe, North America and Asia. The firm blamed ‘soft sales’ over the past year – down ten per cent in Q1.
20.3%-
Like SRAM, fellow components brand Shimano had a disappointing Q1, with net sales down 20 per cent (FY2016) compared like-for-like with the same period last year. The firm maintained sales in Europe were ‘buoyant’ thanks to the mild winter.
10%+
id ner Accell sa d a Raleigh ow lpe e h d a weather h in Q1 t favourable fi ro p d over an rise in turn that e-bike sales id 2016. It sa per cent ore than 10 rket m y b d se a incre e ma ies where th re “in countr mo is ry o g in this cate ? e like th UK modest ” –
BIKEBIZ.COM
0.9%-
rds’ nths, Halfo Over 12 mo wn o d re e w lts cycling resu per cent, but by 0.9 marginally 2016) g April 1st Q4 (f inishin 2.6 per cent, of saw growth ositive start p a g n ti a ic ind lendar ca e to th year.
£164M+
New Mayor of London Sadiq Khan promised, before he was elected, a doubling of Transport for London’s budget for cycling to £164 million.
BIKEBIZ JUNE 71
OFF TRACK
IN THE SADDLE Rodney Rouse, 2pure How many bikes do you own? I currently own three – all Merckx, one gravel (Strasbourg), 1 track (Copenhagen) and one road (EM525). The Merckx 525 wis without question the best road bike I’ve ridden. Where are your favourite places to ride? The velodrome in Derby always gives us some laughs and a good workout, we also have a Saturday club run nicknamed ‘The Parrots’ which draws 60-plus riders including world champions. The banter on that run is emotional to say the least. What’s your role at 2pure and what does it entail? I’m an account manager which is pretty much what it says on the tin, the main aim is opening and looking after our accounts. The number one aim is to sell them as many of our lovely brands and products that I can. How long have you been in the trade? I’ve been in the trade pretty much all of my life, my father was a frame builder and still is a professional team mechanic and has worked with most of the biggest road teams around Europe since the ‘70s. What’s the latest news from 2pure HQ? We’ve recently merged two divisions of the business (Active & Cycle) and we are seeing a lot of new products and brands make the crossover in to shops where they’ve previously never tried such products. Are there any developments on the cards that dealers need to hear about? The new range of Merckx is going down well and we are seeing the 2017 range in a few weeks and the line-up looks amazing, on the off-road side Ibis has announced their new wheel lineup, this has certainly got tongues wagging. We’re all very excited to see them land. How can the trade get in touch? We can be reached on Tel: 0844 811 2001 or at www.2pure.co.uk. I can be reached on 07714 292170 and via e-mail at rodneyrouse@2pure.co.uk
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OF ALL THE CAFES IN ALL OF… THIRSK YOU KNOW what it’s like: You’re in a café in Thirsk during stage three of the Tour of Yorkshire when Christian Prudhomme, Bernard Hinault and Sir Gary Verity pop in for a coffee. Paul Corcoran, Kevin Melia and Darren Caines – members of VC Bradford Pennine Cycles – joined them after cycling 192km from shop to Thirsk to watch the race. BikeBiz’s enquiring mind wonders whether they really did all just happened to turn up at the café at the same time, but we do hope that Hinault, Sir Gary and Prudhomme gave ‘em a lift back to Pennine Cycles HQ. penninecycles.com
NOT MERE MARGINAL GAINS(BOROUGH) PROVING THAT the #supportlocalbikeshops campaign has got legs, Gainsborough Cycles is the latest to share their pic. The Lincolnshire independent bike shop, owned by Trevor Halstead for 18 years, is just the latest of dozens of bike retailers to send us a shot of their shop and staff for us to share, with the hashtag, to our thousands of social media followers and hopefully get retweeted. It’s all in aid of reminding the nation’s cyclists that for IBDs it is a case of ‘use them or lose them’. Spread the word #supportlocalbikeshops www.gainsboroughcycles.co.uk
FOX HEADS TO FUTURE MERE DAYS before Leicester City launched a million ‘underdog/fairy story’ headlines by winning the Premier League, star player Shinji Okazaki, striker for the Foxes and the Japanese national team, visited local bike shop Future Cycles. Okazaki had a Japanese film crew in tow, which means that the Japanese nation is now more familiar with Future Cycles’ mechanic-in-chief Mark Gannon than it ever has been before. Fellow director of the shop, Tim Hudson, praised the striker’s choice as well as the Premiership champions’ backing for cycling in the city. futurecycles.org.uk
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OFF TRACK
Stephen Holt, Commercial Director
GOOD NEWS FOR CYCLE TO WORK
NICKS IN A TWIST WE INADVERTENTLY caused a bit of a stir online last month when we published a story about Bike Nicks – knickers with extra protection for female cycle riders. We included a picture of the aforementioned unmentionables and were told off by a couple of readers on Twitter for appearing to appeal to the lowest dominator by posting the ‘sexist’ picture. The brand was launched by yoga teacher and keen cyclist Lili Millar and has been entered by Millar into Virgin Media Business’ VOOM 2016 competition. Should it receive support in the public voting stages the company could be in line to win a share of £1m. We hope they do just that and to pre-empt anyone offended by us printing a picture of a product designed by a woman for women we have censored the image.
CLIMB EVERY MOUNTAIN IF YOU read the story, you will no doubt recall that a hardy bunch of charity riders set out to tackle the notorious Alpe d’Huez on not entirely appropriate Santander Cycles aka Boris bikes aka Sadiq’s Cycles. Well they did it and have the pics to prove it, one of which is reproduced here. The feat raised over £17,000 (so far) for the Stroke Association and the National Brain Appeal. For the record, they completed the 2,000 metre climb in one hour and forty minutes. Read more at http://uk.virginmoneygiving. com/HUEZ24HR
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AS YOU may have heard, the outlook for the cycle to work scheme is rosy. The most recent Budget offered confirmation that “Cycle to Work should continue to benefit from income tax and NICs relief when provided through salary sacrifice arrangements”. This is clear recognition of the Government’s official view being cycle to work is an important part of health and wellbeing for people in the workplace. So why is this good news for your store? Well, 70 per cent of people opting into cycle to work schemes are new or novice cyclists, and there is a higher-than-usual spend when choosing cycle to work because of the tax savings. We know that one of the hardest things for small businesses is to attract new customers and once we have landed them at your doorstep you work your magic and ensure that they come back time and again. We are halfway through 2016, but there is still plenty of time to make the most of the cycle to work scheme for your business this year. Your Cyclescheme B2B is full of information, materials, data and ideas to help you drive sales and make the most of a tax break that’s going to be around for some time longer.
Stephen Holt is commercial director of Cyclescheme, the UK’s leading provider of tax-free bikes for work. You can reach him on Twitter @cycleschemeltd
BIKEBIZ JUNE 73
SPOKESMAN
Getting more bums on saddles requires effort Carlton Reid muses on how bike events can set the tills ringing. I’VE JUST returned from a nine-day mountain bike trip to South Africa. File this under “it’s a tough life, but somebody’s got to do it” if you wish but it was no jolly. I was riding with my mega-fit roadie son, and he wanted to race hard for nine days, which is understandable, I suppose, because the trip was, in fact, a stage race, the annual Joberg2C, from just outside Johannesburg to the Indian Ocean. The 900km route meant we had to cover at least 100kms every day for nine days, and all off-road. There were 700 racers, and I don’t think anybody was riding a bike that wasn’t worth at least £2000. So, that’s at least £1.5 millionworth of bikes, and as many of the machines were likely worth much more than £2000 I’d hazard a guess that the Joberg2c’s nightly bike parking zones were storing probably £3 million worth of highend MTBs. And Joberg2c is the small sister event to a larger one. The Sani2C is a three day MTB stage race which, over separate days, attracts three lots of 1500 riders (elite, sport and leisure) so that’s 4500 bikes worth perhaps £12+ million. Both events were founded by two South African farmers, who are also keen mountain bikers. These farmers are at least partly responsible for this £12+ million in bike sales. And as both events are tough on parts and frames as well as people (I saw quite a few busted clavicles and some pretzeled wheels) there’s also probably a post-race purchase spike too. It’s entirely possible that many of the participants on the Joberg2C
“There are compelling financial reasons why organising events can be an indirect money-spinner.”
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and the Sani2C bought their bikes in order to do these events. Riders tend to be executive level, and monied, and perhaps would have previously been attracted to golf tournaments rather than bike races. Joberg2c and Sani2C are just two MTB stage races – South Africa has lots. MTB stage racing is huge in South Africa, partly because the roads are so deadly. These events and others are keeping the South
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African bike industry in clover. The South African economy is facing many challenges but people still seem happy enough to spend big bucks on the latest tubeless-shod carbon-framed super machines. Clearly, we could do with similar big-bucks events in the UK – events which get people spending. It’s certainly a reminder that the unsung grassroots race and event organisers in the UK – road, CX, mountain bike and other categories – deserve our thanks. From the Tweed Run through to Tweed Love (urban cycle chic through to an MTB festival in the Tweed valley, Scotland), events stimulate sales. Add up the cost of the bikes in your average sportive – it’s a pretty penny. And it’s always been thus. I remember riding the Wendover Bash events staged by Geoff Apps in the 1980s. This and other similar early MTB events encouraged the purchase of bikes. There’s nothing like an event coming up to getting the n+1 juices flowing. In the runup to the Fred Whitton sportive in the Lake District you’ll find me researching rolling resistance to make sure I’ve got the smoothest running tyres for the event, and I’ll also stock up on gels and powders even though, on the day, I’ll likely stick to refuelling via the official food stops. Many bike shops organise events, usually for the altruism of it all, but there are also compelling financial reasons why organising events can be an – indirect – money-spinner too. Events get people on bikes. We need more events, especially ones that wreck machines.
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