In any doubt that the world increasingly revolves around cycling?

In case you missed the news, the German Chancellor Angela Merkel – no doubt an extraordinarily busy woman – is finding the time to open the world’s largest bicycle show and take a two hour tour of it. Frankly, that could only be topped by a visit from Barack Obama. Interbike comes a few weeks later than Eurobike, so never rule it out…

Nevertheless, it’s a comforting thought that one of the world’s highest profile politicians and her advisors believe Eurobike – and by proxy the bicycle industry – is worth her time. Unsurprisingly, the people at Eurobike think so too:  “The cycle industry is getting more and more important and it is a very important political sign that Angela Merkel visits Eurobike,” a spokesperson tells BikeBiz.

And let’s face it, you don’t just happen to be near Friedrichshafen – it’s an effort to get there.

But it’s worth it. Once you’re done with spotting world leaders, there are more bicycles and related products filling Halls A1-B5 than you could conceivably take in over the four-day show – it runs August 28th to 31st.
That’s not all, there are seminars, and countless business meetings to be had. As usual, there is much talk around e-bikes. Considering their value to the German bicycle industry, no wonder. Even if you’re an e-bike-phobe, fear not – Eurobike also has just about everything else under its capacious roof.

Getting Eurobike underway for the sixth time will be the Demo Day. On Tuesday, August 27, trade visitors and journalists will once again be able to get a special peek at the newest innovations in the bike industry the day before the official start of the show. More than 130 exhibitors and brands will show off their innovations in the Allgäu, including racing, recumbent, folding, mountain and city bikes – each with and without electric drive. Five different courses will be available.

Then it’s onto Eurobike proper. As anyone who’s been before will know, the halls are pretty much bursting at the seams with cycle product as it is. Is there any chance of expansion – or even extending Eurobike by an extra day? The show organisers are adamant, however: “We don’t discuss about an extra day.” However, “We could offer more space in our mobil-halls, in the zeppelin-hall and in    the openground.”    

While you’d be hard pushed to know it while you are traversing the show, the number of UK exhibitors is actually declining, down to 42 this year from 43 in 2012 and 55 in 2011. There’s no sign of reduced interest in the show, however. UK visitor numbers are largely fixed – at 1,212 in 2012, up from 1,147 in 2011 and a whopping 1,279 in 2011. Speculatively, that drop could be a sign that British companies have been tightening their belts since the heady heights of 2011 and cutting down on staff numbers visiting. Despite our nation’s economic health, overall visitor numbers are massive – 43,700 trade visitors turned up last year, followed by 20,500 cycle customers on the public day. There were 1,889 media types at 2012 too.

Eurobike started more humbly, 21 years ago, as a MTB show. Much has changed since then, not least the way road and urban cycling has overtaken mountain biking. MTBs will be strongly represented across the show, not least at the Eurobike Demo Day, dirt area and a multitude of events in the open grounds.

Eurobike has a final message for the UK industry: “Come over and have a look, you will like it! There are cheap flights from Dublin, Edinburgh and Standsted with Ryanair to Memmingen and there’s a free of charge Shuttle Service to the fairground – lasting just one hour!”

eurobike-show.com/eb-en

Smith Optics of Sun Valley, Idaho, is to expand into the bicycle helmet market. The Smith bicycle helmets feature integration with Smith sunglasses and goggles.

Smith Optics claims the 'Aerocore' honeycomb construction used on the Forefront all-mountain helmet offers a 30 percent impact improvement over standard EPS. The patented tubular core structure of the Koroyd material is combined with EPS. Aerocore construction is said to allow for ventilated protection, reduced weight, and reduced volume.

Weighing in at 285g, the Forefront features 'VaporFit' adjustable fit system, integrated camera and light mounting area, and an additional helmet goggle retention strap. 

Eric Carlson, VP of Product and Design at Smith Optics said:

"In our effort to reduce volume and weight while increasing ventilation and impact protection for ski and snowboard helmets, we came across Koroyd. Through a little bit of luck and good fortune, we found the Koroyd material met all of our goals. After a full year of testing we were able to gather massive amounts of impact data and design flexibility that made an innovative Smith bike helmet project possible."

The helmet line was first shown to editors at the PressCamp event in Park City, Utah, in June, with an embargo until today.

Independent bike shop Twenty3c has outgrown its store footprint following a strong 18 months of trading.

The shop, open since the end of 2008, is staying in Stony Stratford and will be offering the same (and more) services from the new premises, including a fully equipped workshop, bike fitting and expert advice on all things cycling, for novices and long-term cyclists alike.

Ceri, director of Twenty3c, said: “It’s been a really exciting journey since opening the shop and it’s the right time now to make this step. Cycling is becoming mainstream and with the help of British Cycling’s success it’s turned a corner.

"The new premises will help us improve everyone’s experience and put both Twenty3c and Stony Stratford even more firmly on the cycling map.”

On the edge of Milton Keynes, Stony Stratford is within a few hundred meters of Buckinghamshire lanes so riders can pop into the shop mid ride.

www.twenty3c.co.uk

@twenty3c

Chris Smith, formerly of Madison, Magicalia and Evans has launched Leveret Productions, a distribution business carrying Moots and Lupine.

Looking to take advantage of lower postal rates from the EU, Leveret Productions facilitates direct distribution by the brands themselves.

Smith told BikeBiz: "We've all the advantages of a UK distributor combined with fewer overheads, meaning better pricing for the bike shop.

"Currently, Lupine and Moots have signed up, with more brands to follow. If you would like to talk about being either a Lupine or Moots dealer, do not hesitate to contact us! We’re very friendly and don’t bite!"

Both www.leveretproductions.co.uk and B2B portal www.b2b.leveretproductions.co.uk will launch shortly.

Leveret Productions: 020 8423 6678

Couldn't make either of Cycling Sports Groups 2014 trade previews? BikeBiz went along to Mercedes Benz World yesterday and we've a gallery of highlights on our Facebook page here.

CSG's new managing director Mark Broughton, who takes over from Russell Merry, opened the Weybridge meet with an introduction to the firm's staff, before marketing manager Clive Gosling went on to present key developments within the Cannondale, Charge, Mongoose, WeThePeople and GT ranges. 

Gosling also encouraged dealers to check out Sugoi's RSE Neoshell demo - said to outperform any other cycling garment in breathability, while retaining its waterproofing properties.

There will be a full write up of the event in the September print magazine, but in the meantime, have a look at what you may have missed here.

Prime Minister unveils new funding for cycling
David Cameron kicked the week off with the news that £77m was being spent on cycling investment, spread across certain cities. Full details on those funds can be found here.

Tannus reveals 'world changing' air-less tyre
Tannus believes it has cracked the air-less tyre product category, having worked on the product since 2003. Already on sale in Japan and Korea, Tannus is now bringing the tyres to the rest of the world.

Raleigh to roll out hire bikes at 50 UK train stations
Judging by the amount of train stations now offering some form of bike hire, the UK's rail network seems to have well and truly woken up to the advantages of linking up with bicycles. This week Raleigh joined the fray.

Turnover and sales up, but profits down as Evans invests
Financial reports on the bike retail chain revealed Evans was ploughing plenty of cash into store refits, new shops and IT systems.

ATB Sales shows off Whyte development and Wilier trickledown
BikeBiz was at ATB's recent trade show – we've got all the info and a gallery of pics over the link.

Peckham Rye Brompton Dock and cycle hub opens
Keen not to let Raleigh have all the 'bike company links with train station' glory this week, Brompton also got in on the action with its Dock project reaching Peckham Rye.

Eurobike 2013: Cheap flights, Angela Merkel and key information
Not sure your plans for the world's biggest bike trade show are up to scratch? Take a look at our guide for some hints, facts and assorted trivia to discuss while you're winging your way over to Friedrichshafen.

Onto the videos:

This is a promo for Forme's #Dreambuild project, which is raising cash for Action Medical Research by way of raffle tickets - buy one for £10 and you could be in line for the £7,000 Forme bike.

What we want to know is, does Forme they put together all their bikes in abandoned warehouses under spotlights? We certainly hope so.

 Ever fancied chasing an Aston Martin down a tunnel? Storck Raddar has teamed up with Total Racing international as sponsors of a series of races in locations you'd never normal getting to wheel into - like Newcastle's Tyne tunnel, normally a toll road for cars. There's more on it here and a video below:

Here's a video from Seventies and the farewell jam for 'Our House'

If a career in the bike trade has left you slightly cash-strapped then you might want to consider a spot of DJing on the side. Why? Well the (admittedly world-famous) DJ Calvin Harris has been named by Forbes magazine as the world's best paid DJ, earning a cool £30million in the last 12 months. 

Read all about the lucky so-and-so, er highly talented DJ, at Music Week.

Licensing is hardly an alien concept to the bicycle industry, with the likes of Star Wars and Animal Planet linking with bike businesses, but is there potential for much more? Tackling the world of licensing more generally than just bikes, this opinion piece discusses how licensed brands can tap into their potential at retail

Read the full piece at Licensing.biz.

The possibilities for reusing popular childrens toy LEGO are endless and new site Rebrickable provides help to youngsters and those young at heart on how to do that.

Full story at ToyNews-Online.biz.

Also in the children's arena, concerns over smartphone usage by those of tender years are reaching a high point in the media. The BBC, with many IP's applicable to kids, has its own take on the situation.

Read all about that on Mobile Entertainment.

Anyone with only a passing interest in video gaming will likely be aware of the impending release of one of the year's most-awaited titles – Grand Theft Auto 5. There's plenty of trailers, screenshots and similar ilk buzzing around the 'net, much of which has been rounded up over on one of our sister sites.

Take a look at that on PCR.

Britain’s longest-established, co-operatively-run bicycle business, Edinburgh Bicycle Co-op, has announced it agrees with Spokes, CTC Scotland and Pedal on Parliament in supporting Cycle Law Scotland’s calls for a presumed liability regime.

The retailer, which was founded in 1977, is backing the Road Share campaign calling for a change to Scots Civil Law.

Presumed - or stricter - liability would introduce measures which could help protect the most vulnerable party involved in road collisions. Cycle Law Scotland said it would address the human impact of the current system and allow vulnerable road users to be compensated for their injuries in an efficient and streamlined manner but more importantly would foster a better culture of road share.

Ged Holmyard of the Edinburgh Bicycle Co-op said:

“I believe a variety of measures including a strict liability regime are needed to make sure cyclists on our roads feel safe and protected.

“As both a cyclist and motorist I share Cycle Law Scotland’s desire to establish a stronger culture of mutual respect. Paying close attention to the behavior of all road users is paramount to helping more people feel confident enough to take their bikes out.”

Cycle Law Scotland is now working towards seeing a Members Bill presented to the Scottish parliament later this year.

Campaign founder, Brenda Mitchell, said:

“I am pleased to welcome the Bike Co-op’s support and thank the co-op members for recognising the need for stricter liability to improve how those injured and those affected by road traffic collisions are treated.

“Our European neighbours are proving that a strict liability regime, which imposes responsibilities on those in control of dangerous objects to others, leads to increased awareness and greater consideration for vulnerable road users, therefore potentially reducing the number of tragic incidents.

“It is our goal to change the culture amongst road users in Scotland to bring about a mutual respect for one another and importantly each other’s safety.”

Cycle Law Scotland is headed up by Brenda Mitchell, a personal injury lawyer.

A petition asking for presumed liabilty to be introduced into Scotland has received nearly 3500 names. 

The UK is only one of a small number of EU countries, along with Cyprus, Malta, Romania and Ireland, that does not operate a presumed liability system for road users.

_

Need a shoe label to fill the shelves and satisfy the growing number of customers clipping in? Mark Sutton talks to Lake owner Christian van Asten and Moore Large's Martin Pounder about how the firm has gone about developing its shoe catalogue…

The Lake catalogue is quite diverse now, with boots, shoes and tri designs – what’s proving popular with consumers?
To be honest the UK is seeing growth in all areas. The recent technological developments and unique features provide something in the range for everyone. Globally, high-end road shoes and winter specific products have proved most popular. The custom programme (where individuals can pick their own CX401 colour combinations) is also developing.

Lake is to introduce a cyclocross specific shoe – what’s different?
The MX331CX is a lightweight carbon soled shoe aimed at the cyclocross rider, which is also perfect for MTB. The main difference is in the customisation of the lug pattern and the ability to insert aggressive spikes that offer greater amount of traction in slippery, muddy or hard-packed conditions. As each event course has different conditions,  you have some places where it is wet and muddy, others the ground is frozen solid, the rider can adjust the tread for the event.

BOA lacing is widely used throughout the range – why has this become important to Lake’s high-end catalogue?
It offers a great mechanical and clean closure that closely mimics Laces. Laces are the superior closure system, however they often get in the way, come untied or make it  difficult to reduce the bulk to stream line a shoe. BOA does a great job to emulate Laces. Boa equalises the pressure on your forefoot much better than buckles or straps which   were traditionally used for higher-end shoes. With BOA and the ‘Powerzone’ system you  can create an optimum and equal closure of the shoe.

What developments in technology, both inside and outside of the shoes, have been made in the past 12 months?
We are still pushing forward with the use of more “technical” natural materials that are traditionally viewed as antiquated. Natural leathers have come a long way over the century and one of the key difference between Lake and all other brands is our utilisation of this. Using the materials natural properties that are not harmful to the user or the environment is an important part of how we design and develop. These natural materials provide optimum comfort and fit.

New developments you will see on the 2014 range include Kangaroo leather lining, the MX33CX – the world’s first cyclocross shoe (Lake actually produced the first MTB shoe back in the 1980s) and the MX145 and CX145, which have a waterproof membrane and a waxed canvas upper. Moving forward mouldable soles and customisation of uppers is still important.

Lake offers a custom shoe build service via its website – is this something you can  offer dealers?
The website is there for people to be able to design and visualise their desired CX401, but to place an order customers need to visit a selected elite Lake dealer offering the service. With the launch of the 2014 range Moore Large will be looking to expand their Lake elite dealership programme.

How are the shoes tested in/out of house and with what pro teams?
Besides the test riding that we do with what we call professional users (people who have used several different types of shoe and can communicate very clearly what they feel and express what needs to be improved), we have our own cycling shoe specific testing lab that we use to test all the materials for durability and performance.

We have an extensive list of individuals and teams in the US (Hincapie development team for example) and the MX331CX has been developed based on feedback from some individuals in the US and of course the UK’s Torq team. Shoes are also being tested by some Chinese riders as they have different foot shape compared to Europe/US.

In a lot of countries we have local teams who give a lot of feedback for development.

Why choose Lake in what is a fairly saturated shoe market?
There are not many brands left in the cycling shoe business who’s core focus is making shoes. We are shoe makers and specifically cycling shoes. Lake is not a spin off of other cycling commodities nor did it jump into cycling business or the cycling shoe category to expand a share. The original driving force comes from 1982 with the emergence of new technologies (injection nylon soles) in footwear and cycling. The company was founded to marry these two disciplines at a time when there were only a few European brands making shoes in a classic way using leather soles. Lake has brought to the market, for over 30 years, new innovations, the credibility of our product, dedication to the sport and focus on the user experience – those are the major differentiators.

How can dealers take stock and what’s the minimum buy in?
There are several levels of Lake Stockists and they start with a minimum purchase of 15 pieces. The new 2014 range will be available from end of September and the Moore Large field sales team are out pre-selling now.

The MXZ302 winter boot, the MX145 and CX145 waterproof boot and the MX331CX cyclo-cross shoe will be available from the end of August.

Any point of sale display material or marketing support in place for the year ahead for dealers?
Moore Large offer dealers Lake shoe shelves  for slat wall and various other options depending on the individual store. Dealers who buy into the mouldable carbon soled shoes also receive a Lake branded oven for moulding customer’s shoes.

The media already have a huge interest in the Lake brand, which helps with brand awareness. The UK invests heavily in sponsorship of riders of all disciplines on both  a national and regional level, while attending lots of events to try and connect directly with the consumers.

Anything exciting in the pipeline?
Look out for invisible shoes, they weigh nothing and cannot be seen with the naked eye!

Moore large: 01332 274200

JVC Adixxion GC-XA2
Direct to retail: 0208 208 7597

Following on from its original Adixxion camera, JVC has bolstered the range with the water, shock, dust and freeze proof GC-XA2.
With no additional protective housing required to protect the slimline unit, the user is ready to roll right out of the box. With an LCD screen and Wi-Fi built into the camera, there are no extra modules to add either. Powerful recording functions include 1920 x 1080 50p full HD video. as well as 100fps 1280 x 720 high-speed recording for high quality slow motion. Wi-Fi enables real-time checking, as well as live streaming over the Internet.
Weighing just 135 grams, despite all the   protection offered, the unit will comfortably attach to a helmet or handlebar, with mount holes on the sides and bottom.
The GC-XA2 also trumps its prior model, offering improved image stabilization, a higher-resolution LCD monitor with Auto off and Auto brightness functions, a higher-resolution image sensor, a higher audio bit rate and better noise reduction.
Stock will be with JVC by the time this magazine hits doormats early in August.

VeloPac
sales@chickencyclekit.co.uk

Wildoo has created an in-house designed and made label producing waterproof smartphone cases, dubbed the VeloPac.
Chicken Cyclekit, who will exclusively handle the UK distribution, already have stock of the £5.99 sleeve, which comes presented on a header card for display on slatwall.
Made from waterproof PVC and designed to perfectly fit a jersey or jacket rear pocket, the VeloPac is semi-rigid and will not ‘float’ around the pocket, so helping to prevent 'pocket sag'.
All makes of smartphone with up to a 5.5-inch screen will fit VeloPac snugly, with full operation of the touch screen still on offer and the unit will come in six colours.

Easton EC90 Aero 55
Zyro: 01845 521700

Easton has introduced the EC90 Aero 55 Tubular and Clincher, two completely new carbon fibre wheelsets, hand built around the new Echo hub and featuring the wind-tunnel proven Fantom rim shape.
Available from Zyro at the beginning of Autumn the wheelsets will come in at 1,330 grams for the tubular and the 1,580g for the clinchers.
Boasting to be the only road tubeless certified carbon wheels currently available and to weigh in nearly as light as climbing-suited wheels, the Aero 55’s Fanton rim shape is un-troubled by cross winds and highly capable under intense braking.
To this end, Easton has developed a fixture at  their Scotts Valley, California, headquarters that   tests braking in high heat for a sustained period. Variations in the rim’s sidewalls are measured dynamically – down to the hundredth of a millimetre – with lasers. The test is designed to kill carbon clincher wheels, yet Easton’s new flagship survived the test twice through.

Brite Ride
Mike Dixon Imports: 01253 343090

As you may have read in these pages last month, Mike Dixon Imports has picked up a new cleaning brand in Brite Ride, a firm co-founded by Sarah Fishwick and Rob Medcalf.
With a unique patented foaming trigger spray, the firm says the solution easily removes dirt, salt and grease in just one coat, which can then simply be rinsed off with water. Having received positive feedback from numerous retailers, as well as the senior mechanics at British Cycling, Brite Ride is off to a strong start. Two new products – a ‘105 Maintenance Spray and Brite Ride Mega Wipes – are due in stock with MDI shortly.
For more information and trade sales details, visit the Mike Dixon B2B at mdib2b.co.uk.

Kask Infinity
Velobrands: 01404 891208

Kask has been busy trying to create a helmet worthy of Team Sky’s pursuit for glory and has come up with the Inifinity.
Weighing in at just 270 grams, the helmet has been designed from the chin strap up, with aero advantages a key consideration. Uniquely, the firm has allowed the rider to open and close the vents to manage aerodynamic gains and cooling on the ascent, all while in the saddle. When closed, ventilation is provided by two internal airflow channels fed by frontal openings.
Aero credentials are further improved with a side rib, developed and tested to break the airflow in such a way as to reduce to a minimum the low pressure air bubble that would otherwise be created to the rear of the helmet.
5mm thick padding draws away moisture for fast evaporation, while coolmax padding up front further cools the rider.
Stock of the £200 lid lands in the UK this December.

OTE nutrition
Direct: thebunker@otesports.co.uk

If you’re in the market for a new nutrition brand for your store, have a look at UK-made OTE, designed and developed by professional nutritionists and athletes with over twenty years experience in performance sports.
With a range of natural flavours, the carbohydrate rich formulas come in powder and gel form and will offer 20.5 grams of carbs per gel consumed and 40 grams in powder form blended with 500ml of water.
Recovery drinks and bulk packs are also supplied by the upstart, alongside branded water bottles in 600 and 800ml capacities.
A nice touch that you may not spot on first look, is the sachets two tear points – one for emptying into large bottles and one for funnelling the dose into smaller storage.
For more information visit otesports.co.uk

Buff winter lines
Buffera: 01707 852244

With a strong mark up on all products, dealers have plenty of choice when choosing their Buff lines ahead of the winter.
The 13-14 Reflective Buff has been improved, with breaks in the material allowing the product to stretch and fit easier than on prior reflectives.
The £22 Infinity Wool Buff remains made from 100 per cent merino wool. At 58cm Infinity Wool is shorter than Infinity Recycled Polyester (75cm) and will comfortably provide two loops around the neck. Non itch and naturally anti microbial, it will stay fresher for longer. It is available in four plain colours and four tie-dyed variants.
For harsher temperatures, the Balaclava Buff has finally landed at £20 for Microfibre and £25 for wool. These high stretch tubular garments are seamless at the neck and have only one flat-lock seam on the crown. Designed for a close-fit while offering excellent breathability, they will be ideal for snowboarders, cyclists and other helmet wearers.

Selle Royal Becoz line
Raleigh: 01773 532600

As you may have read on BikeBiz.com this month, Selle Royal introduced press to its next catalogue ahead of Eurobike this year, with one highlight the eco-friendly Becoz range.
With both grips and saddles utilising a unique blend of CorkGel, natural oils and ecologically sound components, your customer’s contact points will absorb the bumps and look stylish with a unique ‘distressed’ finish.
Corkgel is a combination of 20 per cent bio-sourced polyurethane gel blended with natural cork. The Cortex covers used on the saddles are made from a FSC certified conifer wood flour blend, which covers an 100 per cent bio base, manufactured from Rilsan PA11. Without getting too technical, that’s a plant-based renewable resource, whose polyamides offer good impact strength, chemical resistance and resistance to high temperature.
Four saddle widths feature, with packaging indicating whether the model is unisex or gender specific. Each model will retail for the same price.

Otley-based electric bike specialist e-bikehire.com is gearing up to give leisure bikers a taster of next year’s Tour de France route.

The company, touted as the only one of its kind in the North of England, offers guided cycling tours and self-hire products for riding through the region.

Electric powered bike rides will take in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, including Kilnsey, near Grassington, part of the Tour de France Grand Départ route planned for July 2014.

e-bikehire.com is owned by Lee Robinson and Ian Morton. Robinson said: “There’s great excitement about the famous Tour de France coming to Yorkshire and we are making it easy for even non-cyclists to experience the highs and lows of biking through the Dales. Our electric bikes are perfect for people who want the buzz of cycling through open countryside but perhaps don’t have the skills or strength for a traditional pedal bike.

“Our service is built on convenience, quality and comfort and our clients very soon acquire an ‘e-bike smile’ as our road-tested tour bikes take the strain out of tackling the rolling dales countryside.”

The company offers bespoke packages, from guide-led tours to meeting travellers arriving by train and even hooking cycle tourists up with accommodation. There are three pick-up points for the self-hire e-bikes, with plans for more in the Dales.

Self-hire charges are £36 a day, £24 for half a day and hourly hire is £10. Guided tours cost £48 per person.

www.e-bikehire.com; 01539 568163

Both the velodrome and BMX track used for the London 2012 Olympic Games will re-open to the public on March 4th, according to the BBC.

Now to be known as the Lee Valley Velopark, the venues will initially charge the public £4 per session, or £2 for club cyclists.

The BMX circuit has been remodelled and now features a new mountain bike trail alongside, as well as a floodlit road circuit.

Olympic stars such as Bradley Wiggins, Sarah Storey and Laura Trott will be present at the velodrome once again on March 14th and 15th when the grand finale of the Revolution series takes place.

Both sites will now be run by the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority. Chief executive, Shaun Dawson, is keen to emphasise that the facilities are as much for children as athletes.

He said: "For people who have never ridden a bike, to those who are setting world records, these unparalleled facilities will deliver the Olympic promise of inspiring a generation."

The venue will also be part of the UK's bid to host the 2016 UCI Track World Championships.

Trek has rolled out an initiative to support their retailers' efforts to create more bicycle friendly cities throughout the US. The focus will be on change at a local level. The initiative - One World Two Wheels Game Changers - renews existing programmes with a new focus on empowering retailers through connecting them with US bicycle advocacy groups, IMBA, People for Bikes, and the League of American Bicyclists. The new program was unveiled in front of a group of over 1500 Trek retailers and employees, during Trek president John Burke's keynote address at a Trek dealer event in the US.

Game Changers is the product of Trek's new three year agreement with the League of American Bicyclists to provide on-site assistance to Trek retailers to build a tailored plan working towards a certified Bicycle Friendly Community. Each year of the agreement, the League will visit 100 Trek retailers to tour their community, see the existing infrastructure, discuss the necessary changes, and craft a plan with the retailer. Only 23 percent of Trek retailers are sited in a Bicycle Friendly Community.

League of American Bicyclists executive director Andy Clarke said: "Trek's generous support of the Bicycle Friendly America programme gives us an unprecedented opportunity to connect local decision-makers to a proven Bicycle Friendly Community blueprint they can implement - and Trek retailers will be front and centre in making that happen."

Burke said:

"The bicycle is a simple solution to so many of this country's most complex problems. There is so much work to be done but there has never been a better time in this country's history to make a change for the better."

Trek has extended its existing $10 donation for each full suspension mountain bike sold to IMBA's Trail Building Fund while $1 of every helmet sold will go to the League of American Bicyclists' Bicycle Friendly America program.

IMBA executive director Mike Van Abel said: "Trek's large and generous support of IMBA's trail building fund means trail projects that would otherwise languish will now move forward. A small start-up investment in professional trail planning and design will yield two things: new purpose built trails and inspired, motivated public land managers willing to budget for larger public investment in new trails."

Since 2007's Trek World launch of the One World Two Wheels advocacy commitment, Trek and Trek retailers have given over $5m to various bicycle advocacy groups which has been leveraged into investments of tens of millions in federal and state bicycle infrastructure projects.

Zyro is to hit the road in October, touring the UK and Ireland to give retailers a chance to familiarise themselves with the labels brought in from the Easton Bell Sports group, as well as to preview Camelbak's 2014 range.

Each event will host brand workshops, giving retailers the opportunity to give their feedback on products and gain in depth knowledge of the new products for 2014.

Full details of venues can be found on Zyro's B2B, though the dates and locations are:

7^th October 2013 – Leeds

8^th October 2013 – Bristol

9^th October – London

11^th October – Dublin

Retailers should register online in order to attend the show and registration will open on 27^th August 2013 at www.zyrob2b.co.uk/register.

An online sales jump of 41 per cent over a year has helped Go Outdoors return to profit, reports Retail Week.

In the year to January 27th, the retailer saw pre-tax profit hit £1.5m, contrasting with last year's 2.6m loss. EBITDA rose 10.6 per cent to £9.4m.

Go Outdoors has recently brought in senior staff from Halfords and Wiggle.

Chris Matthews is now installed as its new CEO and three new stores – in Milton Keynes, Scunthorpe and Kidderminster – opened this year.

Taiwan is full of companies that specialise in one thing, and do it well for the rest of the bike industry.  There are companies that just make mudguards, companies that only make chains and companies that only manufacture Titanium bolts.  Chia Cherne is one of these companies that has elevated the ‘mundane’ into a fashion statement. They started out making control lines (brake, gear cables and outers) – you'll know them as Jagwire, though these products are just one of their brands, they make OEM and other branded products too, expanding beyond simple cabling.

Chia Cherne was founded in 1986, and created the Jagwire marque in 1995, with the cachet of being ‘Designed in California’. Chia Cherne has three factories in China, one in Vietnam, one in Taiwan and a US and European office. Outwardly facing, the business is ‘All American’, inwardly the focus is accurate and controlled manufacturing.

There is a strong focus on the family within Chia Cherne, both with sharing and collaborating with other companies, and in fostering good relations with the employees and with the local community. Bike riding, both commuting and competitive is encouraged within the business.

Jagwire (a play on Jaguar and Wire – where Jaguar is considered a quality brand with a powerful image) has evolved from just ‘outers and cables’, and offers a multitude of specific control systems for road, race, improved sealing MTB cable and Hydraulic applications. This range of products also come in a broad palette of colours to suit customisation at assembly and after market. 

One of the key reliability issues when servicing and maintaining a bike is control system performance, a poorly changing rear derailleur or dirt infested sticky cable can ruin a ride, even worse a race. Jagwire develops products designed to have better performance and better aesthetics than you are replacing, that are designed to be easy to work with, and come in kits so that everything you need is there in one place. The ethos is that if you have to replace, why not upgrade to a better performing brand, or add that touch of colour to accessorise and personalise your steed.

Jagwire also offer a range of workshop tools and accessories such as hose cutters, crimpers, brake pads, brake bleeding kits and fasteners for the home mechanic and the professional workshop. With very few exceptions, they have systems to cater for all your control needs. Oddly, I have MTB brakes that are an exception in terms of hose kits.

Chia Cherne became part of the Taiwanese 'A-Team' in 2004 (apparently you don't ask to join) and has learnt a lot about improving production, reducing waste and managing supplier relationships through links with Merida, Giant and other members of the A-Team. This collaborative approach has provided significant benefits to Chia Cherne, with a focus on quality, cost reduction and looking at the product needs of emerging categories (such as 29ers, E Shifting and Hydraulics), with the catchy philosophy of “Don’t wait – Innovate”. Now Chia Cherne deploys Total Quality Management, the Toyota Production System, Total Participative Management and 6 Sigma throughout the various facilities. These are all classic traits of highly evolved ‘A Team’ members, developing a lean, collaborative, waste reducing and ‘right first time’ approach to manufacturing. This is a very industrial environment with lots of heavy machinery, soap (lots of soap in Wire Manufacturing), heat, noise and sparks flying.  Whilst it is clean, this is not the typical clinical clean of the A-Team.

In the global marketplace, Jagwire recently had a ‘direct competitor’ pull out of control systems. As we reported, Gore Cables quit the business for a second time.  When I say direct competitor, I mean collaborator, as Gore was produced by Jagwire.  With less (almost no) aftermarket competition, Jagwire appear to be the de-facto choice in the sector, if you don’t want OE, or you want customisation.

You'll notice a change to the Jagwire logo too, in the cycling market, brand awareness is key.  The change is not revolutionary, which is probably a good thing, however it refreshes the brand while retaining the key identifiers within the packaging.

Jagwire is distributed in the UK via Moore Large

The brand new Sutton Bank Bikes cycling centre will open in the autumn thanks to a partnership between Pace Cycles and the North York Moors National Park Authority.
 
Located at the picturesque Sutton Bank top, the centre aims to encourage more people to cycle and enjoy the  landscape of the National Park which is, the blurb says, 'probably the best Park in the country for family cycling'.

The centre will include a café, visitor centre, retail sales, tuition and generally be a hub for cycling. Key to the project is the combining of a new 4.5-kilometre family cycle route taking cyclists along Sutton Bank cliff with the existing bridleway network. Built by National Park staff with permission of landowners in the area, the family trail links into many kilometres of waymarked and managed routes suitable for a wide variety of abilities.

"Two years in development this unique project reinforces North Yorkshire’s position as England’s premier cycling destination," said Adrian Carter of Pace Cycles. "Positioned at nearly 1000 feet high Sutton Bank Bikes spectacular location combines road rides on quiet country lanes with wild rides on the open moor, family friendly trails with technically challenging natural riding and a great café and visitor centre."

Building on the Tour de France legacy and the National Park getting behind cycling for all on the Park’s numerous scenic bridleways, roads and lanes, Sutton Bank Bikes will offer:

• Cycle hire
• Retail sales of mountain bikes and road bikes with a range of clothing and accessories as well as high quality repair and servicing
• Cycling tuition and skills development
• Events
• Guided and self-guided cycle rides for cyclists of all abilities, but particularly families and those returning or new to cycling
• Trailers and Tag-A-Long bikes for young children
• Tandem and Electric bikes
• A purpose built skills area 
• Bikewash arranged around the existing visitor centre, café and parking areas
• Due to its central location within a network of cycle friendly lanes, a series of road riding loops will be mapped out for the visitor. (Sutton Bank is also on Sustrans National Cycle Network route no. 656 see www.sustrans.org.uk for details).

Sutton Bank Bikes, which will be open all year round, aims to stress the educational side of the venture by engaging with the wider community, local authorities, schools, colleges and independent organisations. The partnership has the potential to make the new business a leading cycling centre of the north and to make Sutton Bank a ‘must visit’ destination, Pace said.

British Cycling has congratulated Southwark Council and its Olympic legacy following the launch of a new national standard BMX track in Burgess Park, London.

The £1.1 million track officially opened on Friday 16th, with Olympic hopeful Tre Wyhte and the Peckham BMX Club among the first to have a spin. Funding came from British Cycling, Mayor of London: Sports Facilities Fund and London Marathon Trust.

CK Flash, Peckham BMX club founder, said: "This is without a doubt nothing short of a blessing to Peckham BMX. I’m overwhelmed by the support from local people and businesses and I’m so grateful to Southwark Council, British Cycling and all the other funders who helped make our dreams.”

Former local resident Tre Whyte and promising Olympic rider, said: “I started out training at the Peckham track so I know what this means to the club and to young people in the area. Personally, it would have been amazing to have such a great facility in my local area when I was growing up. I’m sure so many young people are going to want to take up BMX riding, it’s a great sport and I’m proud that the borough I grew up in is investing in it in such a major way.”

Better Bankside, a business-owned promotional organisation, has installed an outdoor work station for the cyclists using Cycle Superhighway Seven through the Bankside district of London. Better Bankside's corporate colours are grey and pink so the BanksidePitstop has been painted an unmissable pink. The tool station - which is free to use - has its own Twitter account and is billed as "the UK's 1st on-street cycle fixing station."

BanksidePitstop uses the work stand and on-street pump designed by Cyclehoop of London. The work stand has eight tools, including tyre levers, adjustable spanner, multi-tool and screwdriver, tethered by cable.

Better Bankside is a Business Improvement District, a non-profit company limited by guarantee, run by and for its members. It has no share capital. Any surpluses generated are reinvested into the company's services. Better Bankside is the third BID in the UK. Better Bankside's members are the 480+ companies in the BID area who pay its annual levy.

Satellite navigation guru Garmin has today announced its first step in the action camera market.

The VIRB can record more than three hours of 1080p HD ('true HD') on one charg. It features a 1.4-inch Chroma colour display andon-board enhancement features like image stabilisation and lens distortion correction. High quality stills can be captured during filming. 

The VIRB Elite incorporates all those features, but in addition has built-in WiFi, data sensors and a high-sensitivity GPS. Both VIRB and VIRB Elite feature ANT+ connectivity for remote control with other compatible Garmin products, and VIRB Elite will support data transfer with other fitness sensors in addition.

VIRB and VIRB Elite will be widely available for purchase October 2013. The RRP for VIRB will be £269.99, and the RRP for VIRB Elite will be £349.99.

“Action cameras are growing rapidly in popularity, and VIRB has some game-changing key features—like a colour viewfinder display, extended battery life, optional GPS and compatibility with existing Garmin products—that set it apart from other cameras on the market,” said Martin Resch, product manager outdoor EMEA.

“Our customers already embrace an active lifestyle, whether they’re hikers, mountain bikers, skiers, boaters, or pilots, so a Garmin action camera is a compelling option to them. With GPS and enhanced wireless capabilities in VIRB Elite, users can capture not only what they were doing, but also where they were and how they did it—and then share it with their friends and family.”

• VIRB has a sleek, aerodynamic design and recording is simple via a slider switch.
• The rechargeable lithium-ion battery can record more than three hours of HD (1080p) video with one charge, and can be easily changed on the go.
• Features WideVü lens and high-res Chroma display to makes it easy to change menu settings, set-up and playback shots
• Display uses reflective technology so it doesn’t drain the battery. The 1.4-inch screen uses ambient light (instead of a battery-draining backlight) to illuminate the screen and make it easy to see in bright sunlight.
• VIRB has an IPX-7 waterproof rating and can withstand accidental immersion in one meter of water for up to 30 minutes. An optional dive case is available for deep-sea adventures, as well as a wide variety of other rugged mounts to secure VIRB to handlebars, helmets, surfboards and more.
• An industry standard mounting adapter, making it easy for existing action camera users to get started with VIRB.

Video enhancement:

• The digital image stabilization technology corrects camera shakiness for smoother footage
• Lens distortion correction feature gives users the option to automatically remove the fish-eye look that is common with action cameras.
• VIRB can take 16 megapixel stills with photo burst and time lapse options, including taking stills while recording video.
• VIRB also has a micro HDMI output for convenient video playback and a microSD slot that can hold up to 64GB card (64GB microSD card can hold over seven hours of 1080p video).

VIRB Elite incorporates all these features, as well as:

• High-sensitivity GP, accelerometer, altimeter and WiFi. WiFi capabilities allow users to connect to the free mobile applications for iPhone and Android.
• VIRB Elite comes equipped with specific activity profiles so users can track location, speed, elevation, heart rate (monitor sold separately) and more while recording. This data can be reviewed right on the device, or can be embedded into their video during the editing process to take the VIRB experience to the next level.

To complement VIRB Elite, Garmin is launching a free mobile application for preview, playback and remote functionality on your smartphone, along with a free desktop software application to edit and upload VIRB and VIRB Elite videos. With this software, users can easily edit their footage and embed sensor data in the video, then share with family and friends or upload to social media sites such as YouTube, Facebook and Instagram.