Moore Large has taken over Eurobike UK, retaining its staff and accommodating its brands within its distribution portfolio.

The move comes as managing director Nigel Moore recently addressed staff, calling for the business to work towards doubling its turnover inside the next five years. The takeover of Eurobike is key to this goal, with Paul Stewart rejoining as bicycle director, bringing with him the Moda line developed over the past five years. Wheel label American Classic has also been snapped up by the Derby distributor as part of the deal.

Stewart competes as a veteran cyclist and is a prominent member of the Bicycle Association, holding the position of vice president. He will become the president next year. Nigel Moore commented: “There can be fewer more qualified or experienced people in the industry. I am thrilled to welcome him back, hopefully for the last time.”

Stewart’s partner at Eurobike UK, Russ Masters is to act as sales manager for bicycles, joining the recently appointed Adrian Miller who performs the same task for accessories. Nigel Moore added: “These guys will work together fantastically, creating a whole new dimension to sales, our already strong internal and field sales team will be enhanced and further developed.”

Moore concluded: “In the light of the changing shape of the bicycle industry it was the right time for me to look at restructuring the business to suit today’s environment.

“I believe the implementation of this new plan will set us apart from our competitors.”

Moore Large: 01332 274200

New bicycle cafe Roll for the Soul will act as a hub for the fourth edition of the Bristol Cycle Festival, running from July 13th to 21st.

While the Festival's 50-strong event line-up will take place across the city, the new café will act as 'base', located in the heart of Bristol on Quay Street. Roll for the Soul founder Rob Wall said: "I’m really excited about the fourth year of Bristol Cycle Festival. We have more events than ever and a permanent home at the café. It’s always my favourite week of the summer, bar none.”

Run by volunteers, the Bristol Cycle Festival runs is aimed at all types of cyclists or might-be cyclists. Pitched as offering something for all ages, the final day of the Festival ties in with the final day of the Tour de France, and the second Make Sundays Special event, which will see a portion of central Bristol closed to traffic and opened up for walking, cycling, games, entertainment and market stalls.

Most of the events are free to attend, and include:

• Talks
• Rides
• Yoga
• Fancy dress
• Crafts
• Training advice
• Comedy
• Film screenings
• Games

Stalwarts of the programme are back by popular demand, including the Dundry Drubber “micro-sportive”, the Vintage Velo, Madame Melski’s cycle speed dating, and the festival finale of the Carnivelo and Big Bike Spectacular.

New events for this year include the Bomberdrome  (The UK’s only bicycle wall of death), business networking by bike, a riding weekend away for the visually impaired, the Bristol Pound picnic, Blankety Bike quiz, family day at Bristol Bike Project,  and the Knights Templar Trail, a new event run by the organisers of the ever-popular cycle cinema.

The Festival is staged with the support of Bike Week, Bristol City Council, Better by Bike and Lyons Davidson.

The cycle festival was first run in 2010, as an offshoot of the Cycling City project. Since then it has been taken over by Bristol’s cycling community, and last year around 2,500 people came to 40 events.

bristolcyclefestival.com

http://bristolcyclefestival.com

A 'smart lighting' trial is one of a range of measures being introduced by Glasgow City Council for cyclists, according to The Herald.

The 'smart lighting' trial will see motion sensors set up to detect an oncoming cyclist, with light brightness increased when the rider approaches. The trial will be made on an off-road section of Glasgow's cycle routes, which is still to be picked.

The Council is also planning a route finder app where users will be able to pick the quickest, flattest or segregated route - though there are a few of these on the market already. There are plans to create a cycle buddy up network to help build cyclist confidence too. 

The measures have been made possible with a £24million cash injection from the Future City initiative fund from the Government's Technology Strategy Board (TSB). Glasgow beat 30 other UK cities – including Peterborough, Bristol and London – to host the Technology Strategy Board’s ‘Future Cities Demonstrator’.

The idea is that UK businesses will be able to test new solutions in the city and then export them around the globe. At the same time it aims to address some of the city’s most pressing energy and health needs – like developing systems to help tackle fuel poverty and to look at long-standing health issues such as low life expectancy. 

Minister for Universities and Science David Willetts said: “With more people than ever before living in our cities, they need to be able to provide people with a better quality of life and a thriving economy. This £24 million investment will make Glasgow a city of tomorrow, demonstrating how cities can work more efficiently with a reduced environmental impact.

“We are in a global race and Glasgow can keep the UK at the forefront of innovative technology ideas. From transport systems to energy use and health, this demonstrator will play a key part in the government’s industrial strategy and give real insight into how our cities can be shaped in the future.”

There's more here.

New in-house designed 'tree' POS displays have been created by SueMe.

The responsibility and sustainability focused brand said demand for its SueMe Tees, Tree Trunks and Beech Shorties led to the need for the improved POS, which uses birch ply wood. A specialist firm laser cuts the wood which is then oiled for longevity and assembled at the SueMe HQ in Potters Bar.

The entire current range of Tees, Sweats, Tree Trunks and Beech Shorties can be displayed on the unit, which also has a central shelf to hold/display additional stock.

All point of sale materials are available to SueMe stockists, free with orders. Interested dealers should contact the sales office or local rep for further details. Retailers new to the brand will be offered full staff training and test product samples.

SueMe is distributed in the UK and Ireland by Buffera.

Trunks/Shorties Counter Display

Trunks, Shorties, Floor Display (below)

German BMX manufacturer KHE has re-invented the split cable Gyro with its own take, dubbed the Affix Rotor, reports The Merged.

The Affix Rotor takes the 'bean can' system that came and went with the introduction of slimmer profile tubing many years ago and adapts it for a smaller headtube. Using a single cable, the mechanism does away with the external detangler completely, instead using a series of shims and two small, centrally placed, cutouts to the frame's headtube to operate. 

Within the interview, KHE's owner Thomas Göring says that the market for brakes on BMX bikes and jump mountain bikes is still very much alive.

"The Gyro is not outdated at all, but It looks to me that despite the amount of riders now running brakeless, there is still a huge market for brakes and gyro setups, especially among park and competition riders. In the Simple Session, for example, over 90 per cent of all the riders were using a Gyro. Today if you like to do double barspins or whips you just have the option to ride brakeless, or go with a Gyro."

Describing how the system works, Göring adds:

"The main advantages of the Affix system are that the bike is now super clean. If you look on a normal Gyro bike with all the rotor rings, plates, double cables and all the adjustment screws, higher stems, the bikes just look so crazy looking and messy. We are a big step forward with the Affix Rotor. The system works parallel on the fork steerer, which allows it to work with just with one cable and you don’t need adjustments anymore. The bikes looks more like a single cable bike, but you still have a Rotor between allowing you to do all these tricks without a cable limiting your riding."

Göring added that the first Affix Rotors to hit the market will be found on KHE 2014 complete bikes, from the entry-model upwards. He adds that the technology is already open to use by others companies, with some firms already having contacted KHE about adopting the technology on their own complete bikes.

Dealers should be pleased too, says Göring: "It’s so easy to install and it actually reduces the cost of a bike, as the whole system actually costs less to equip on a bike than a gyro. I’m sure dealers, shops, mechanics and riders will all be real happy if they don’t have to spend time to adjust complicated rotors anymore."

An aftermarket Affix Rotor kit will be sold by KHE at around €29.

The original Gyro has been widely used on jump bikes since its creation by Odyssey, who trademarked the term.

To read more on the adaptation and see more in depth photos, visit BMX product site The Merged.

The Affix Rotor from KHEbikes on Vimeo.

Ultimate Bike Solution is a new cycle-specific product arriving from motorcycle accessory brand Scottoiler.

The diversifying brand’s releasing the new cycle lubricant and protector spray was developed with the School of Life, Sport and Social Sciences department of Edinburgh Napier University. 

The maintenance spray micro-solution lubricates and protects bikes and is water soluble and therefore biodegradable, the firm said. Repeated use builds up a layer of protection that will ensure bikes run smoothly and efficiently.

“We’ve been working on different ideas since 2000 but over the last year we've started several projects to get the ball rolling again,” said Scottoiler sales and export manager Kevin Rooney.

“With the recent cycling boom in Britain we decided to reengineer a past product. Edinburgh Napier University began running extensive field trials of the solution using commuters, leisure riders and racers to test Ultimate Bike Solution in every type of weather that the Scottish climate could throw at them. Results from these trials proved extremely positive and use of UBS has even helped racers onto the podiums.”

Ultimate Bike Solution comes in two sizes; a 750ml spray bottle for use at home and in the workshop and a 50ml “Pocket-Size” bottle to carry on the ride and to replenish lubrication after a long day’s riding.

There’s more info on the brand at www.ultimatebikesolution.com. Scottoiler is looking for dealers and distributors to take on the product and they can be contacted at cycling@scottoiler.com

Weeks ahead of its appearance at the Orbital Festival, Spencer Ivy has been bought out by Peter Claxton.

The Spencer Ivy company (and stock) went up for sale in April this year after founders Va Hua and his wife announced they were moving to Australia. The story posted on BikeBiz.com first drew Claxton’s attention to the brand.

He said: “I read about Spencer Ivy being for sale on the BikeBiz website late one evening and the whole brand instantly appealed to me. I am a life long ex-racing and commuting cyclist who always felt a little unsure about e-bikes. As soon as I saw the product I had a Victor Kayam moment – "I liked the bike so much, I bought the company."

Claxton revealed that for the short term it will be business as usual for Spencer Ivy, with no immediate changes. Appearances at the Goodwood Motor Circuit-set Orbital Cycle Festival, as well as at the NEC Cycle Show are planned.

Claxton told BikeBiz: “We are off to see our manufacturer in early July to ensure a smooth transition and continuation of the design and manufacturing process. My other business is based in Germany and I have every confidence in their ability to deliver quality products at an affordable price on time. We will be at the Orbital Cycling Festival at Goodwood and then at the NEC in September and look forward to meeting everyone there. We have some bicycles in stock and would be delighted to arrange test rides and chat about your requirements regarding stocking the brand.”

Further in the future, Spencer Ivy bikes will look to develop further customisation in its bikes, more corporate partnerships and possibly even a team up with Barclays Cycle Hire.

“E-bikes are, quite rightly, becoming more popular and widely used every day,” Claxton explained. “We aim to consolidate and develop Spencer Ivy’s position as the leading, stylish UK bike. We would like to build a strong international image as quintessentially British. On a more immediate note I would like to see electric Boris Bikes, more corporate usage and sponsorship of e-bikes for everyday travel in London and other cities.
“We are looking at introducing custom-specced e-bikes...the ultimate luxury for eco-aware playboys (and girls). We will maintain the core products whilst offering custom paint finishes, individually specced components and as much individuality as our clients require. A bespoke electric bike!”

Claxton appealed to dealers to get in touch via the website or by phone on 020 7099 1130. “We would be delighted to hear from anyone who would like to make suggestions about how we can appeal to even more of your customers.”

www.spencerivy.com

Cycling culture lifestyle brand Caravan Collective is laying the groundwork for distribution in the UK.

Founded in 2010, Caravan Collective's range is currently made up of t-shirts for men and women (and a baby grow) but there are more lines in the works, including a hoodie for the UK market. 

The organic and ethical philosophy behind Caravan Collective is key for the brand. In the wider world of clothing, it's a timely issue.

Caravan Collective's Yossi Levin told BikeBiz: "We wanted to create using organic fabric for two reasons; we live in a place surrounded by beautiful nature, we live our lives outdoors and respect for our surroundings is a basic guiding philosophy for us, always has been.

"The second reason has to do with choices, it was easy for us to make a conscious choice to produce organically and while it requires more effort to source material it allows us to pass on to other people the simple choice and benefit of organics. Really, making a choice to do better by the planet is pretty simple and should be a no-brainer."

Caravan Collective has been retailing direct to customer so far, but is planning for a more concrete presence in the UK. "We recently opened up to do distributor and shop work. We're doing our due diligence and will have a presence in the UK in the coming months – we'll be visiting London in the coming weeks to chat with some local cycling friends and look forward to getting to know the UK market more and are very much excited to be doing more work in the UK."

CC has already had good feedback from the UK, Levin told BikeBiz, which he puts down to "the designs and fit of our gear". He's full of praise for the scene too. "We love the amazing richness of cycling culture coming out of urban centers in the UK and the massive tradition of competitive cycling, we look forward to incorporating some of this into our designs. In fact we're in the middle of intensive work on a cycling hoodie with the UK in mind!"

Other than that, Levin is tight-lipped on the new collection, which is almost ready to go: "I won't give away the surprise but we've been hard at work making them and they're stunning - at least we think so!"

www.caravancollective.com

You can find out more about the brand via it's Vimeo channel.

The Loopwheels project, funded by Kickstarter, is now in production, with tooling having landed with the inventors of the wheel concept last week.

Working closely with Nottinghamshire bow-makers KG Archery, who make the all-important springs for the Loopwheels, the firm has appointed a production manager to oversee the creation of the first batch of 'suspension wheels'.

It is now expected that the firm's Kickstarter backers, including those who committed to Loopwheel-equipped Dahon Mu folding bikes, will receive their product from the end of August.

The Gadget Show last night carried a slot on the 're-invented wheel', with host Jason Bradbury said to be purchasing a set of wheels for himself. The episode is found here.

A new website and online store, to be found at Loopwheels.com is to go live during August.

The world's largest sports retailer Decathlon is to use a 190,000 sq ft warehouse in Brackmills, Northamptonshire, reports The Northampton Chronicle.

Decathlon will use the warehouse, formerly used by Tesco, as its first UK distribution centre.

Company spokesman, Ricardo Rodriguez, said: “This distribution centre is ideally and strategically located to service our existing store network and also the proposed expansion of Decathlon’s business across the UK over the next few years. Decathlon sees significant potential and opportunity for expansion in the UK.”

That 'significant expansion' includes a hugely ambitious programme of 100 stores and 30 'Sports Villages' on these shores, though the company has told BikeBiz previously that acheiving that aim is "less important than the growth", pointing to there now being less players in the market, providing room for expansion.

There's more on those plans here.

Many trade veterans will remember the Vee Rubber label from some 15 years ago when formerly represented by one of the nation’s largest distributors. Returning this month with Hamish Stewart’s Bicyclebitz Limited, Mark Sutton finds out what opportunities it will offer dealers once more…

It was back in the days when wholesaler Crabtrees were a power to be reckoned with    in the cycle trade that Vee Rubber last commanded a market share in the UK. Some 15 years ago, as many will remember, the distribution firm went bust and Vee Rubber  was left without a partner. At a time when    the Thailand-based rubber specialist was  pulling in contracts from around the world, the UK representation fell down the ‘to do list’, we’re told.

With bicycle accessory veterans Mel Payne and Hamish Stewart having recently started BicycleBitz Limited, the pair approached Vee Rubber with the facts and figures of the base import value of the UK market – some £24 million at cost – and the manufacturer has agreed to once again ship to these shores. BicycleBitz Limited has since opened a warehouse in Scunthorpe ready for the large volume of tyres and tubes now on the water.
Stock will land later this month, with further shipments landing with BicycleBitz Limited at a rate of one container per month for the foreseeable future.

Stewart told BikeBiz: “They’re an extremely large firm. For those who don’t remember the label from years gone by, they are Honda’s OEM tyre manufacturer, so they know a thing or two about rubber. We approached them with what we believe will be a gap in the market to fill and showed them some of the figures we’d dug out and things have really gone from there. We’ll be importing both a standard and a premium range, with around 80 per cent of those from the standard group to begin with, yet as more containers land, we’ll have greater stocks of quality performance rubber goods. They’re actually bang on trend too, with multiple tyres available for some of the newly trending sizes.”

The premium quality tyres and tubes are something Stewart is excited about, with a Butyl tube weighing 50 per cent less than the equivalent standard product, as well as self sealing tubes and other lightweight rubber on the way. BicycleBitz Limited has placed its performance product under the wheels of a rising star on the female mountain bike circuit too, furthering its claim to be up there with the big players in terms of performance.
The aforementioned gap spotted by Stewart and his partners relates to the consolidation of its distribution partners by the UK’s current market leader in order to keep pricing in check – a very modern problem with which Stewart sympathises. With many distributors now lacking a tyre brand, BicycleBitz Limited, as agents for Vee Rubber, are currently talking to various wholesalers about reselling Vee Rubber.

“We think we have a strong long-term plan. The product is already cheaper at retail price than competitors, so we can’t and won’t allow any unnecessary discounting to take place. The product is top quality and there’s a large catalogue of tyres and tubes to cover the adult cycling market. For the city rider we have a selection of folding Kevlar tyres and Aromet banded product. Vee Rubber were among the first companies to use Aromet bands in response to the price of Kevlar rising substantially.”

For discussion on adopting Vee Rubber into your catalogue, contact UK and Ireland sales representative Geoff Lee on 07775 875 988, or email geoff@bicyclebitz.com.

Cycle insurance specialist Cycleguard is once again backing the BikeBiz Awards, returning this year as Competition Partner for the 2013 Awards.

Cycleguard offers specialist cycle insurance for cyclists covering theft, damage, public liability, personal accident and roadside recovery.

On the night of the awards – that's Wednesday September 25th at the Hilton Metropole, NEC, Birmingham – Cycleguard will be running a competition for attendees, details of which will be revealed nearer the time.

A Cycleguard spokesperson commented: “Cycleguard is delighted to be a sponsor of the BikeBiz Awards 2013. For years we’ve been working with independent bike dealers to keep their customers cycling, so it seems fitting that we support BikeBiz with their annual awards again this year.”

Competition Partner Cycleguard joins Event Partners Suarez, JVC and Cycle-S.O.S for the BikeBiz Awards 2013.

The BikeBiz Awards are nominated and judged by the bicycle industry. The lobbying period, where we asked the industry to put forward those they thought deserved an award, is now over and the finalists will be announced in August.

However, if you are a member of the trade there's still chance to get involved and become one of our judges. All it entails is picking the winners out from the list of Finalists once they've been announced next month. Let us know if you'd like to be a judge at bikeawards@intentmedia.co.uk. 

Register for the BikeBiz News Digest at the registration page.

Follow BikeBiz on Twitter at @BikeBizOnline or 'Like' the BikeBiz Facebook page here.

Julian Huppert, co-chair of the All Party Parliamentary Cycling Group, has tweeted: "Just heard - we have secured an #GetBritainCycling debate and vote in the Chamber on the 2 September."

The debate is another one of the parliamentary "accumulations" that 'bicycling baronet' Sir George Young told BikeBiz has been, slowly, benefitting cycling since the 1970s.

Last February, 77 MPs said many kind words about cycling in a packed Westminster Hall during a three hour Backbench Business Committee debate. The new debate moves to the main chamber and comes with a vote. Even if cycling 'won' this vote, the Government would be under no obligation to take any action.

In December 1997 a similar debate was secured by Charles Clarke, the Labour MP for Norwich. He was, at the time, chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Cycling Group. The year before the then Tory Government had published the National Cycling Strategy "a major breakthrough in transport thinking." The goal for this strategy - never given teeth or cash - was to double cycle use by 2002 and double it again by 2012. It failed.

Charles Clarke (who was later Home Secretary between 2004 and 2006) said the 1997 parliamentary debate was to "stress the need for the Government to have a co-ordinated and coherent strategy to promote cycling in all areas."

Phillip Darnton, executive director of the Bicycle Association and the former chair of Cycling England, has long called for high-level political committment for cycling.

The secretariat for the All Party Parliamentary Cycling Group is paid for by an umbrella group of bicycle organisations, including CTC, Bicycle Association, Sustrans, British Cycling and Cyclenation.

For many people tentatively taking their first steps into cycle commuting, they do not want (or need) an all-singing all-dancing lightweight racer to cycle the few miles to work. They may well end up hooked on cycling and yearning for the latest gadgets as a result of commuting, but the initial driving force is about utility.

Somewhere between robust mountain bike and sleek road bike, the hybrid arguably offers the best overall commuting experience for riders of all ages and abilities. This is reflected in our research which showed that over 30 per cent of people opted for a hybrid, with road bikes a close second and mountain bikes trailing in third place. When you look at the age groups of people taking part in the scheme too you see the majority of Cycleschemers sit squarely in the MAMIL (Middle Aged Man In Lycra) category with over 60 per cent of Cyclescheme participants aged 35 – 54 which, very broadly speaking, paints us a picture of a hundreds of thousands of MAMILs on hybrid bikes.

This, as we’re sure you’re aware, is nothing new. What’s interesting though, is when you look at the other age groups and bike types that are out there. In 2011, our audience was around 64 per cent MAMIL and 25 per cent 18-34 year olds; now our MAMILs have shrunk (by just over one per cent) but our younger members have grown to nearly 29 per cent. This just goes to show there is a whole world of customers out there that aren’t MAMILs – let’s call them FISH (Financially Independent Savings Hunters) – who are younger, web-savvy and are increasingly aware of how they can save their cash when it comes to big ticket purchases like bikes.

The change in our customers may be slight, and by no means alters the face of Cycle to Work completely, but there’s no denying that following Team GB’s success at London 2012, coupled with the excitement around Glasgow 2014 and Rio 2016, cycling is more and more part of our general consciousness and we’re excited to see where the next few years takes us. Suffice to say, there’s plenty more fish in the sea.

Daniel Gillborn is director of Cyclescheme, the UK’s leading provider of tax-free bikes for work. You can reach him on Twitter @DGCyclescheme

Halfords has posted a better than anticipated set of first quarter sales figures, with cycle goods and repairs business jumping 15.5 per cent and 32.1 per cent, respectively.

With 466 of its stores in the UK and Ireland selling cycling goods and services, the retail business as a whole posted a like for like jump of 8.8 per cent.

Matt Davies, chief executive, commented: “Our retail performance reflected better trading execution in areas of opportunity whilst we were up against a weak comparative period. Autocentres LfL sales reflected an adverse fleet performance but we continued to expand our network as planned.

"We are in the early stages of our Getting Into Gear 2016 plan as outlined on 23 May 2013, designed to significantly improve our Retail customer experience through the friendly expertise of our colleagues and step changes in our store and online environment. Our focus is on delivering this plan over the medium term to drive sustainable and profitable revenue growth.”

As part of the Getting into Gear plan, Halfords is investing £100 million into store revamps, staff training, new cycling ranges (such as Pinarello and Quella, to name a few) and online improvements.

'Reality' TV phenomenon TOWIE – or The Only Way Is Essex (don't pretend you didn't know) – has produced a few celebrities. One of which - Lydia Bright - has been enlisted to promote Pedal On UK this year.

Running August 16th to Septmber 7th, Pedal On UK is a UK-wide cycle tour of family-friendly bike rides and community festivals. It's organised by Sustrans and backed by the Big Lottery Fund’s Keeping the Spirit of 2012 Alive campaign, aiming to 'reignite the spirit of the Olympic and Paralympic torch relays'.

TOWIE star Bright will be cycling Pedal On UK at the start of its 1,000 mile journey in London, before it passes through towns and cities in 35 communities using the National Cycle Network. 

Bright said: “For me, the only way is cycling! Last year it was so exciting when Team GB pedalled their way to Olympic victory, and now Pedal On UK will make us fall in love with cycling all over again.

“After my cycling trip to India last year I couldn’t wait to get on my bike again, so it’s amazing to be part of Pedal On UK. Whether it’s walking, cycling or using your upper body strength to get around in a wheelchair – travelling by foot or pedal power does wonders for your health and its fun too.

“So sign up to Pedal On UK and join me on the ride of the summer!”

Local bike rides and free community festivals are being planned as the ride makes its way though the regions.

Sustrans added: "The celebrations mark the success of extending over 80 new walking and cycling networks into the heart of communities. With over 4 million people living within a mile of these networks, people of all ages and abilities can now get around their communities more easily."

www.sustrans.org.uk/pedalonuk

Digital magazine IMB has seen growth resulting in its readership growing in excess of 57,000, from 26,000 at Eurobike 2012.

According to publishing editor Rou Chater, IMB (International Mountain Bike Magazine) is thriving because it was built for digital, rather than a print mag attempting to make work in the digital sector. IMB has ambitions to hit 100,000 readers by Eurobike 2014 and build on its 29,000 subscriber base.

Chater said: “That might seem like a huge ask, but we are on target to double our readership this year, and with our current plans don’t see that being an issue next year either. In terms of the content we are reaching out to contributors all over the world, ensuring the stories are fresh and the images and videos are world class. We are a small team at the moment, but want that to change over the next year.”

IMB has launched free apps, which have been downloaded to over 36,000 devices.

Chater told BikeBiz: “We have an aggressive marketing strategy online, maximising our spend and ensuring every click we pay for is converted, not only to a reader, but also a subscriber and a ‘like’ on Facebook, so we are reaching out to those people issue after issue.

“The magazine is well balanced, entertaining and filled with great stories, photos and videos. We have a huge popular technique section with an average of 20 pages and 45 minutes worth of technique videos every issue.”

Despite MTB failing to grab its share of the headlines post London 2012 and Wiggins winning Le Tour, there’s plenty of good news in the mountain bike sector at the moment, argues Chater: “It’s getting a bad rap at the moment, at a recent show I had to really hunt down any MTB gear, and that’s a shame. Road cycling has this huge momentum behind it right now, and that’s great, the Olympics, Wiggins winning the Tour, you can’t argue with the amount of mainstream media that the sport has gleaned.

"Sadly mountain biking hasn’t enjoyed that spotlight, and considering it is an Olympic sport that is a shame – we didn’t get the boost that road cycling did from London 2012. However, that doesn’t mean the sport is dying, for sure the distributors and shops will look at their bottom line, and see the huge road cycling numbers and push into that sector while the momentum is there. You only have to go to a trail centre at the weekend though, or look at the development of the Enduro scene with all the races being sold out well in advance to see that MTB is still there. I’d argue it is growing right now, not as fast as the road side of things but there is growth. As mountain bikers in the UK we have endured one of the worst summers on record and the longest winter in recent years, but when the sun comes out the bikes and riders are plain to see.

"A lot of hardcore mountain bikers have bought into the road cycling market too, fed up with the tiresome mud slogging they have opted to jump on a road bike, stay cleanish and still keep up the fitness.

“Over the next year as Enduro matures the growth will continue. It’s mountain biking for the masses and a lot of riders feel an affinity towards it.”

www.imbikemag.com

British Cycling has signed an extended contract agreement with Madison. The company will continue its role as an official supplier to British Cycling.

The partnership will extend the working relationship which was first formalised in 2009 through the Shimano brand. The new agreement will now run under the Madison brand until beyond Rio 2016.

The extended relationship allows British Cycling access to products from across the Madison stable of brands to support the development of the Great Britain Cycling Team. Madison will also be supporting British Cycling through a variety of participation programmes.

British Cycling’s Chief Executive, Ian Drake, said:

“Madison is the market-leading cycle products distributor in the UK and we are looking forward to a further four years of partnership on the road to success in Rio.

“Madison will be supporting the production of content for our online expertise resource – the Insight Zone - which is providing cycling knowledge, tips and know-how to thousands of British Cycling members. They will also help us to continue to deliver grass roots cycling opportunities for riders throughout the country.

“This relationship not only benefits British Cycling as an organisation, but also the sport of cycling at all levels.”

Having just moved into a fresh, two storey 17,500 square foot plot, a minute down the road from the Dark Star Brewery to which it was formerly adjacent, Upgrade Bikes is preparing for a new chapter in the business’s history. Mark Sutton talks to the team about brand additions, service and expansion…

From the humble beginnings of creating a pedal that riders throughout the world would come to swear by, Upgrade Bikes is a different animal today, importing brands from around the globe, each added in response to the changing bike market as years have passed.

“We’re still those friendly blokes on the end of the phone. We’re bigger, but the soul’s still very much there,” insists marketing manager Rory Hitchens. “You’ll speak to a human every time you call. Upgrade has always hired the right people for the job – each passionate about the products and getting out there on bikes of all shapes and sizes.”

If you’re familiar with the team, now 22 strong, you’ll not be surprised to hear at the time of BikeBiz’s visit and despite having only been in the building little over two months, the staff have all been eyeing up a small plot of land at the side of the warehouse and gently whispering ‘pump track’ whenever co-owner Damian Mason is in earshot.

It’s obviously not all fun and games, though, as having grown some 30 per cent in terms of sales volumes year on year, Upgrade is thriving – a key reason for the move.

“We moved at the end of March. Typically it snowed through the entire process, but luckily we haven’t had to move far. From the inefficient two-warehouse operation that we had previously, we’ve landed on our feet in a pre-decked out former aeroplane parts warehouse,” adds Hitchens. “The shelving was already in place, as was a high-tech air conditioning system installed to keep ‘aviation components at the right temperature’ – it was a perfect fit. With no need to make daily trips to a second unit the warehouse is a happier and far more efficient place.”

Though still with space to fill, the shelves are much busier too. It won’t have escaped the attention of those in the trade that Upgrade has made some stunning additions to its catalogue in the past 18 months. You’ve the likes of Praxis, who, Shimano aside, are the only company to offer cold-forged components. We were also told to be aware of much more from this label by the end of the year.

“They make solutions to bike industry- created problems,” explains Hitchens. “They’re known for the precision shifting offered by their chainrings, but as demonstrated at CoreBike, there’s much more to the brand. The new bottom bracket adapters have been very well received. We’re thrilled to have spotted them at Taipei and struck up a relationship.”

Then there’s ISM Saddles – a must have brand that took some chasing by co-founder Matt Ryley. Having been preparing for various Ironman challenges himself, he’d tried many saddles and binned most. Then came along a trial of an ISM saddle, to which Ryley describes himself as completely sold.

“It was a totally different experience. I contacted ISM because I’d been so impressed and though they didn’t agree right away, a few months and numerous emails later and we’ve now got stock of what I think is the best saddle on the market for endurance cycling. Try this saddle and you’ll wonder why the other products on the market are designed the way they are.”

Another significant scoop for Upgrade a few years back was suspension label X-fusion, for which the deal included a commitment to become the UK service centre as well as wholesaler to the trade.
Gradually Upgrade has become known not just for its roots on the dirt, but as a challenger in the road and cyclocross arenas too.

Hitchens said of the tarmac business: “Long- term the balance will even out even further. When people think of Upgrade they immediately think DMR and other off-road labels. But our other in-house designed label – Kinesis UK – alongside ISM and others have put us very much on the map with road cyclists, triathletes and in many other disciplines too. ISM sold 500 saddles in the first month with next to no promotional activity, so the strength of our labels speaks for themselves.”

Kinesis has stormed the cyclocross world in particular and we’re told, will continue to develop bikes created for very specific needs.

Having been so active over the past few years, it’s no surprise to learn that the distributor regularly turns down requests from brands to carry their product.

“Being in demand is nice, but we have to have a strong reason to adopt a brand,” says Hitchens. “To be honest there’s a lot of buzz around DMR in-house again. We appointed Olly Wilkins last year, who had previously spent nine years on the team. He’s a talented graphic designer and understands the product inside out.
“We’re not stopping Olly from getting out there with the products, but it’s great to have his expertise and passion in-house.”

With decoration and showpieces yet to go on the walls, you’d think the staff would be winding their activities down temporarily in the coming months?

“Not at all, we work ourselves a bit ragged, admittedly, but it’s worth it. Mountain Mayhem’s at the weekend (at the time of the interview) and we’ll be there. Then there’s RideLondon, something we are incredibly excited about,” explains Hitchens.

“When we’re out and about on rides we’ve come across so many people in training for their first 100 mile ride. It seems like long distance sportives are really taking off and thus we’re really getting involved in RideLondon. The industry stands to benefit from events like these and the media are all over it too. We’ll be making sure our product is seen by the crowds, in particular things like TRP’s three road discs, which we’re 100 per cent sure will be a hit this year.”

www.upgradebikes.co.uk

Organising a Spin Up in a Brewery

It’s no secret that Upgrade has long held a special relationship with Dark Star brewery, which until a few months ago was just over the road.

BikeBiz was fortunate enough to see first-hand the brewer’s operation and we were told: “Since the Spin Up in a Brewery event held here a   few weeks back we’ve discovered that cyclists are very fond of beer. There were hundreds of riders here, the place was full to the brim and the atmosphere was fantastic. In fact we think we’ve seen a sales spike since then!”

Declared a success, the event will return on Saturday May 24th, 2014 and will once again host roller racing and much more.

darkstarbrewing.co.uk

Retiming deliveries to take place outside peak hours, more 20mph zones and improved cycle infrastructure have all been included in a new plan to provide London with '21st century roads and streets'.

The plan, from the Mayor's Roads Task Force (RTF), looks to include some measures already announced, but goes further in an attempt to ensure London doesn't grind to a halt with its rise in popularity (and population).

Those measures include:

• Changing the way good and services are delivered: shifting HGV and freight out of hours and switching delivery to vans, bikes or 'powered two wheelers' (one for the e-bike crowd maybe?).
• Embracing 'next generation' travel demand to encourage a greater shift to the likes of cycling.
• Enhanced road links and river crossings
• Smarter charging for road use, including tolls for new infrastructure.
• New capacity for sustainable modes: bridges and lanes for cycling
• More area-wide 20mph zones to improve safety and the oft overlooked 'liveability' factor
• Good quality parking: including for bikes
• Village-style streets in new developments - with cycling and 'car-lite' development factored in.

The RTF has 'called for major investment' to make this happen, which does suggest funds are not in place, but at least someone is talking the talk. Delivery will take an estimated £30bn over 20 years. At least. But this is a total that is 'comparable to other world cities' development, says RTF.

The proposals have been broadly welcomed by Transport for London (TfL), which would implement the plans. First it will 'deliver improvements in the short-term' and conduct 'detailed studies to assess and develop' the proposals.

Here's the obligatory round of quotes:

Mayor of London, Boris Johnson said: “I welcome the Roads Task Force report and the bold approach it proposes for London’s 21st century roads and streets. It is in tune with my 2020 Vision, our plans on cycling and for investment in London’s roads and streets.

“For this great city to retain its global pre-eminence, it is essential we continue to invest and have the courage and vision to develop and drive forward innovative solutions.  This is a fantastic contribution and I look forward to working with partners, including those represented on the Roads Task Force, in taking many of these ideas forward.”

David Quarmby, Chairman of the RAC Foundation and a RTF member said: “This report is a remarkably successful attempt to deal head-on with the massive and conflicting demands for space on London's roads and streets.  Its ambitious vision to keep London's traffic moving while improving the quality of our public spaces for living, working and shopping, and promoting greater use of sustainable modes of travel will require political determination and substantial investment, comparable to that already committed for London's public transport.  London's road users – whether in cars, buses, vans, lorries, on bicycles, motorbikes and those who walk – should settle for nothing less.”

David Leam, Infrastructure Director at London First, and a RTF member said: “On rail, London is planning for future growth with bold projects like Crossrail 2. We now need to be similarly visionary for London’s roads. With road congestion in London costing the UK economy £4bn a year, we need a radical new plan to keep London moving, including new road links and tunnels. Only in this way can we create the world class public spaces and revitalised high streets that will ensure London remains a globally competitive and attractive city.”

Dr Alice Maynard, founder of Future Inclusion and a RTF member said: “The changes proposed by the Roads Task Force will have a profound impact and have the potential to improve the lives of all Londoners.  The proposals on governance, in particular, will ensure that needs of all Londoners are addressed, as we invest and deliver improvements to our roads, streets and public spaces at the local and city-wide level.”

Iain Simmons, Chair of the London Technical Advisors Group (LoTAG) and a RTF member said: "This report and the vision that it sets out provides a wonderful opportunity for the Boroughs and the City of London to work with the Mayor and Transport for London to shape, articulate and deliver world class streets throughout London. The boroughs are fully aware of the living and moving needs of their local communities. This report, with its ten recommendations, not only identifies what needs to be done but also identifies how improving the governance and processes can play an important part in delivering change. 

“For the Boroughs, the publication of this report is the start of a new way of working together towards a shared vision.”

London’s Transport Commissioner, Sir Peter Hendy CBE said: “We welcome the Roads Task Force’s vision, as it is one we share.  It rightly recognises that delivering the vision requires major and sustained investment in London’s road and public transport networks and we will continue to work with partners to make the case and develop innovative funding solutions.

“We’ll now work with partners, including London’s boroughs, to turn this vision into reality and deliver more reliable road journeys, safer, more attractive streets and town centres, and to transform the environment for walking and cycling.”