"Being unable to say 'yes, it's waterproof', was really bugging me," says Apidura spokesperson James Black. "But now we can with the addition of a premium line."

Revealed stateside at Interbike, Apidura's 13 product line now carries a premium level, which does away with stitching and moves to welded seams. The popular rubberised contact points remain and bag sizes will be similar to the current catalogue. To begin with it's the below saddlebag that's testing the water, but BikeBiz was told of a handlebar bag currently in the prototype stages.

Being fully sealed, compression capability is handle via some clever venting where water shouldn't reach. 

Bar/stem mounted feed bags and frame packs for a semi-compact geometry (in multiple sizes) are also now in production for early 2016 availability. These will carry a removeable shelf to house a bladder.

The BikeBiz Awards aren't just chance to celebrate the successes of the industry while networking, eating and drinking with the rest of the industry - there's also the opportunity to win yourself a crate of wine and beer.

Thanks to BikeBiz Awards 2015 Platinum Sponsor CycleGuard, an attendee on the night will land the prize through a prize draw. Attendees should bring along their business cards and leave them with the team on the front desk so they can be in with a chance.

The cycle industry prize night takes place tomorrow evening (Wednesday September 23rd), starting 7.30pm at the Crowne Plaza NEC Birmingham.

The BikeBiz Awards 2015 are also backed by Individual Award sponsors Cycle Republic, Rozone and Stique.

The Cyclists’ Defence Fund charity is seeking new and expert trustees, especially those with experience in fundraising; PR, marketing and media; business planning; and criminal law. Trustees are expected to attend four board meetings a year and spend 2-3 hours a month discussing cases over email. 

The Cyclists’ Defence Fund is operated by the CTC and is the only charity in the UK which defends cyclists’ rights by supporting legal cases and distributing information about the law relating to cycling. Applications for help with legal cases are on the rise, says the CDF.

In recent years, CDF has helped two cyclists get unfair prosecutions dropped and has provided information to many others about how to challenge overzealous policing and poor council planning decisions. The trustees wish to expand the fund and extend its reach so that more cyclists can be helped.

Zyro has announced that 'Gold pricing' will be offered until the end of 2015 to all retailers who attend their Cycle Vision show.

To take advantage of this offer, retailers must register before 30^th September by visiting www.zyrob2b.co.uk/cyclevision. In addition to this there will also be exclusive show promos availalbe which will only be available to retailers who attend the show.

And in case you'd missed it, the show is also chance for bike retailers to see a seminar by renowned retail expert Mary Portas and attend the inaugural Zyro Independent Retailer Awards.

Cycle Vision 2015 at Vinopolis, London, features a new larger show area and will open from 9.30am on both Monday 19^th and Tuesday 20^th October; with product workshops running throughout the day and a light lunch available between 12.00pm and 2.00pm.

The Mary Portas seminar will run on the Monday evening at 6pm, followed immediately by the launch of the inaugural Zyro Independent Retailer Awards, recognising and awarding Zyro’s top UK and Irish independent retailers.

Brands that will be on show are ABUS, Altura, Bell, Blackburn, Bopworx, CamelBak, Cateye, Fenwick’s, Genuine Innovations, Giro, Hamax, Magura,  Panaracer, SKS, Tifosi, TORQ and Tortec.

Zyro retailers can register now at www.zyrob2b.co.uk/cyclevision

The BikeBiz Awards 2015 prize giving takes place tonight, celebrating the great British cycle industry. 

The awards night will take place at the same venue as last year - the Crowne Plaza hotel at the NEC, Birmingham and doors will open at 7:30pm.

Not only will there be 19 awards handed out on the night (as lobbied for by hundreds of our readers and judged by 70 members of the cycle trade) but there'll also be plenty of chance to eat and drink - plus there will be plenty of time for the all important networking with the rest of the industry.

There are two new categories this year - Breakthrough Brand and Cycle Café - both of which have been hotly contested.

The BikeBiz Awards 2015 is backed by Platinum Sponsor Cycleguard. Individual Award sponsors include Cycle Republic, Rozone and Stique.

Find the official site at www.bikebizawards.com or get a flavour of the night from our gallery from last year's awards. And if you've got tickets, see you there!

With upwards of 300 exhibitors and umpteen show features to make your way around, you’re going to need some kind of plan to tackle this year’s Cycle Show. BikeBiz lists some of the highlights you can expect to find...

(Free trade and press tickets via www.cycleshow.co.uk/trade)

Bob Elliot - M71
Expect to see the new Beto Combo Pump at the Bob Elliot stand, which works both as a mini pump or as a mini floor pump. FLR’s F-22 Pro Road Race Shoe is made from lightweight microfiber leather for comfort and fastened with an ATOP twist and Velcro system. Funkier will be with the Bob Elliot team too, including the J-772 Elite short sleeve jersey, featuring quick dry technology which also comes in long sleeve versions.

Bolle
The sunglass optics brand supplied AG2R La Mondiale throughout this year's Tour de France, with the 6th Sense or 6th Sense Rx models (for those using prescription lenses). Designed for the road they use Trivex for the lens and B-Max tech to expand the field of vision and protect the upper part of the face. Get over to the stand to see the 6th Sense models in the flesh along with the rest of the range.

BikeBiz - M69
These chancers will have a stand on the trade-only day. Pick up a copy of the latest mags, fill in a subscription form (free for the trade), grab a business card or come along to gawp at us. If we aren’t there, please leave us an angry note about who won the BikeBiz Awards the night before.  

Chicken CycleKit - D24
Chicken’s own stand on D24 will be flanked by stands taken by its brand buddies, including Vittoria tyres, Campagnolo, Deda Elementi, Datatag, Selle Italia, Sportourer, Zefal, Ryde and Sapim. They’ll all have their own personnel, including Massimo Guariso (Campagnolo), Paolo Simionato (Selle Italia and Sportourer), Alessia  Petricelli (Vittoria), Gianluca Cattaneo (Deda Elementi), Greg Maupas (Zefal),  Carl de Ruigh (Ryde), Klaus Greuter (Sapim) and Dave Luscombe (Datatag).

What about product? Tifosi has two new gravel/adventure bikes. The Carbon fibre Cavazzo and the aluminium Forcella are disc- equipped road bikes with clearance for 35mm tyres with unique, discreet mudguard fitting systems. 

Deda Strada’s 2016 Atleta has a six per cent stiffer frame, without adding a weight penalty. The Supertrack track frame is available in two colours with a custom colour option. There’s new colours and custom colour options for six of the 2015 models. Cinelli’s Columbus Spirit triple-butted TIG welded steel tubes form the basis of a budget Nemo Tig bike for endurance and criterium racing cyclists.

There will be components too, including Deda Elementi’s Superzero carbon aero bar (replacing the alloy version) and the Superzero stem which has been given the aero treatment. Sapim will appear too, as will Vittoria and the Graphene Plus (G+) tyres, using a Graphene-based material that cuts rolling resistance by 12 per cent, we hear. Miche has new 11x l/w Shimano pattern cassettes, HSL chainrings and chains while Velox’s Magic Mastik is for fitting tubular tyres to carbon and alloy wheelsets, halving drying time. JetBlack’s Multi 13 function tool with Co2 canister pump will be on hand, while Specialite TA’s four arm Campagnolo chainrings will fit 2015 Chorus, Record and Super Record chainsets. Flinger’s new range of reflective side-wall 700 x 20, 25 and 32mm mudguards with a sturdy fit will be on show as will Vittoria’s new Ikon MTB shoes. Expect to find SiS at stand D24 too.

Citrus-Lime
The Marketing Services package have gone down a storm with Citrus-Lime’s online customers and the firm is hoping to spread the word at the NEC further still. Citrus-Lime’s Supplier Integration Module has teamed up with more suppliers too, including Hope and Moore Large, and will be seeking more to sign up at the show.

Rubena/Mitas - A7
The appearance at Cycle Show will see the brand renamed as Mitas. A big name in the motorcycle world, Mitas will absorb the Rubena cycle product range but there will be no changes to the manufacturing process, quality or product  support, we’re assured. In fact the added clout of the bigger brand will see new innovations appear from the tyre label formerly called Rubena, including the Textra, an all-new dense and extremely    strong rubberised fabric used in  the sidewall to boost all-important puncture resistance.

Cube Bikes - A25 & A32
The Cube bike range will be on show at Booth A25, while Cube’s store will be at Booth A31. Some of the highlights to be found at the show are the new and improved Agree road bikes as well as the Stereo range, both of which have been updated for 2016. In addition, Cube will present the Two15 full-suspension bike, proudly brought back for 2016.

Dare 2B - City test track
Dare2b is backing the outdoor city test track this year. The firm will be touting its ‘Brotherhood Campaign’ for S/S 2016. Dare2b brought together a team of four world class ex-pro cyclists from across Europe to form a new team, including Spanish road racer and 2006 Le Tour winner Oscar Pererio, Stephen Roche, Italian road racer Angelo Furlan and British pro road race champ of 1989 Tim Harris.
Dare 2b’s whole AEP cycle range has been fitted on Oscar Pererio, using his expertise and experience to refine the collection making it fit, work and look as refined as the professional that it has been   tested on, says Dare2b.

EVOPOS - M65
The Dealer Management Software will be a focus at Cycle Show, an all-in-one software solution for bike shops with effective telephone support, quick and easy point of sale software, comprehensive stock control, workshop organiser, hire and automated SMS and email marketing.

Extra UK - G91
There’s going to be plenty of new product that you may have missed at Eurobike including fresh lines from Topeak, Maxxis, Intense, Clif Bar, fi’zi:k, crankbrothers and Time.

Fisher Outdoor Leisure - H45
Fisher will be bringing all of its heavy hitting brands along, including SRAM, Santini, Early Rider, Tacx (you won’t miss the Tacx Truck), Troy Lee and LOOK, among others. Muc-Off will feature too, showing off its latest lines including the new Hydrodynamic Chain Lube, created by the brand’s research team in collaboration with Team Sky. It’s formulated to lubricate chains over long distances and the harshest winter conditions. It’s ultra low friction, hydrodynamic and hydrophobic. Muc-Off also has an athlete care line, including the  Amino Ultra Endurance Cream, which helps keep the body at an optimum state of performance. It uses specially advanced ‘Amino Patch’ technology to help protect muscle cells against lactate accumulation which is the main reason for exhaustion. Find out more at H45.

Foffa - F35
Off the back of partnerships with Royal Polo clubs and Soho House, Foffa has a number of new bikes to show off at the NEC.

The Plume is Foffa’s new ladies range of bikes. Classic in appearance, the lightweight alloy frames mean you don’t need a forklift to lug it up a flight of stairs, the brand says. RRP is £359.99.

The Single Speed is core Foffa fare. Classic looks, a flip flop rear wheel and track geometry, it’s the entry range of bikes for the brand hitting the £319.99 price point.

Moving up the scale, the Single Speed Premium features chromoly steel polished chrome with plenty of attention to detail promised. This statement bike retails just shy of £500. Foffa’s Urban is a practical model, using a Shimano seven speed Nexus hub, alloy frame, full mudguards, internal cabling and kick stand (£499).

The Urban Premium runs with that concept and includes a Shimano eight speed Alfine and SRAM AvidBB7 disc brakes in matte black (£799.99).

i-ride - L12, B21 & B31
i-ride is packing plenty into its stands, incuding De Rosa, Fulcrum, Northwave, Orro, BKOOL, Argon 18, Alpine Stars, Catlike, Contintental and more.

Hope - G42
Hope is another brand bringing its latest tech to the NEC following a successful Eurobike showing. With any luck, they might bring along their prototype carbon bar too, which is currently in the lengthy testing and refinement stage.

Ison - G147 & H145
Ison’s bringing new parts and bikes from Surly, Halo (Vapour 35 & 50 rims), Light Blue (tasty retro looking bikes with modern geometry), HT Pedals (favourites of 2015 DH World Cup Champion Aaron Gwin and Enduro WC rider Jerome Clement), Apidura (bikepacking Bags that Mark Beaumont used on his recent record breaking Africa solo adventure), Rohloff, Banshee and the UK launch of a new series of grips from ODI which feature new technology and performance with a model to suit all riders whether they prefer slim or wide grips instead.
Meanwhile over on Stand H145 they will be introducing two very nice light brands: Owleye Lights offer great value and a wide choice whilst Gloworm Lights are at the performance end of the market with their focused range, Ison tells us. On the stand will also be the 2016 All City Macho Man Disc Red and White UK Spec 105.
 
Madison - B11 & C11
There’s little chance you’ll miss the 40ft double decker Shimano Truck on your NEC visit which is just as well as Shimano had a few interesting bits and pieces to show off at Eurobike and we hope they’ll make an appearance at Cycle Show too, not least the urban Metrea group. Also starring with Madison will be Elite, Garmin, GoPro (of course), Kryptonite and Lazer. On stand C11 there’ll be Compressport, Electron, Light & Motion, Madison clothing and Recon, among others.  

Moore Large - B41 & B51
The Derby distributor is largely bringing along its P&A ranges, having shown off the latest from Moda, Forme, Haro, Cuda and the rest at its Autumn Geared show, though you’ll still see some highlights from the aforementioned. Expect to see the new broad accessories line from Bobbin, Knog’s expanded light line up, Proviz, Sigma, Super B, Lake, Jagwire and the rest.

PowaCycle - K121
The e-bike stalwart has been in the game since the early 2000s and will be taking the Infineum Continental along to the NEC, featuring a rear rack and 28-inch wheels. The Infineum Extreme bike will be  there too, as will folder Lynx LPX and a wealth of other pedal assisted models.

Primal Europe - H91
Primal’s coming out of a major rebrand, so this showing will re-emphasise that as well as show off the latest lines from the firm. For those who missed it, there’s a new online identity, company tagline and logo.

Raleigh - J145, A45 & D83
Raleigh’s e-bike showing will be on stand J145, so head to A45 for the rest of what the firm offers, which as you’ll no doubt know includes a huge range reaching most of the cycle markets, from BMX to cyclocros, road, folders, tri bikes and more.

CSG - C41, G1 & D51
GT, Fabric and Charge will be back at Cycle Show this year thanks to the return of Cycling Sports Group UK, no doubt with a funky stand design from Charge and some of the innovations shown off over in Friedrichshafen at Eurobike.

Schwalbe - A21
The new Nobby Nic (all-round MTB tyre) and Pro One tubeless easy tyre will be among the highlights at the Schwalbe stand. The Procore double chamber system will be showcased too, aimed at offering MTB tyres new levels of grip, control and puncture protection. In the inner chamber there is high pressure, and with 0.8 bar in the outer chamber the tyre almost ‘sticks’ to the ground, we’re told.

Silverfish - D25
Mondraker and Ritte bikes will feature at D25.

Kona
Kona’s Sutra LTD represents the converging trajectories of mountain and road bike parts, which basically means you can ride it on multiple surfaces. The new Sutra geometry is based on Kona’s new CX geometry but uses a taller head tube and longer top tube as well as a 50mm offset fork to help improve tyre clearance and limit toe overlap.

The frame has a replaceable derailleur hanger on the rear dropout for unexpected issues during a trip, hidden fender  eyelets inside the seatstays, and simple external cable routing for both shifters. The frame has two water-bottle bosses on the inside  of the triangle and also one on    the underside.

Kool-Stop - C1
Cycle Show stalwart and brake specialist Kool-Stop will be bringing its range along to the NEC, including organic, aluminium, sintered, e-bike and aero-kool (forged aluminium cooling pinned backing plate with a high performance organic compound) brake pads.

Met - A75
2016 road range highlights include the Manta, Rivale and Sine Thesis. Met’s boffins have spent hours in the wind tunnel, hopefully in their thermals, as well as getting feedback from Team MTN Qhubeka to develop the streamlined and compact shape of the Rivale, which saves three watts at 50km/h and weighing only 230g (medium), according to the brand. The Venturi effect allows for maximum air intake to keep the head cool without sacrificing aerodynamics. See it in the flesh at A75.  

Vaude - M70
£10 doesn’t buy you much nowadays, especially when it comes to road cycling. Step in Vaude, who offer the Race Light S, which the brand is calling the world’s lightest saddlebag at just 39 grams. Attached via Velcro, it’ll house the bare essentials and offers some reflective detailing to boot. See it and more range highlights at M70.

Upgrade Bikes - G15
Find Lezyne at G15 and its new Stripdrive (£54.99). Stripdrive has a co-moulded body sealing against bad weather with new Memory Mode that ensures the lights starts on the mode it was turned off on. Featuring a Li-Poly USB rechargeable battery there’s a body and strap that easily fits to any type of seatpost and handlebars.

The Cycle Show has been running since 2002 and has welcomed over 300,000 visitors since its launch. This year the show, which will be held at the NEC between 25th & 27th September, will host around 280 exhibitors from the cycling world.
www.cycleshow.co.uk/trade

There's yet more coverage of the show online at BikeBiz.

The British-based cycle security brand Hiplok has signed an exclusive UK distribution agreement with Fisher Outdoor Leisure.

Over the past four years, Hiplok has delivered their award winning wearable bike locks to the cycle market, offering what it says are "market leading levels of security and quality coupled with contemporary, desirable and uniquely portable design".

In 2011, industrial designers and cycle enthusiasts, John Abrahams and Ben Smith launched the original Hiplok wearable chain lock. The patented design allows a high security chain to be worn comfortably around the riders waist without being locked to them, and has led the way for a comprehensive line-up of portable bike locks.

The brand continues to innovate with new products launching this Autumn/Winter 2015/16. The new SUPERBRIGHT series combines security with high visibility in the form of an ultra-reflective wearable chain lock, while the new Hiplok DX is the brand’s strongest D-lock yet. Hiplok will also broaden its appeal with several new locks aimed at the enthusiast rider, including the new Hiplok FLX compact wearable cable lock with integrated light.

James Browning, Fisher CEO, said “Our portfolio continues to gain strength based on our strategy of working with high quality brands who are serious about building a presence in specialist bricks and mortar retail. Hiplok have done a phenomenal job of evolving the lock category and bringing much needed style and innovation to a traditionally staid product segment. We are delighted to be working with them to help build their UK presence with the specialist IBD market.”

Ben Smith, Hiplok co-founder commented “As we expand the Hiplok product line to appeal to an even
broader range of cyclists, the best representation in independent bike shops is integral to our growth.
Fisher Outdoor have an excellent record of representing brands in the UK IBD market and we are really
excited about our partnership.”

Hiplok and Fisher Outdoor will be exhibiting together at the Cycle Show on 24th – 27th September. Orders will be taken from Thursday 24th and stock is due to be available from November.

Zyro has announced that 'Gold pricing' will be offered until the end of 2015 to all retailers who attend their Cycle Vision show.

To take advantage of this offer, retailers must register before 30^th September by visiting www.zyrob2b.co.uk/cyclevision. In addition to this there will also be exclusive show promos availalbe which will only be available to retailers who attend the show.

And in case you'd missed it, the show is also chance for bike retailers to see a seminar by renowned retail expert Mary Portas and attend the inaugural Zyro Independent Retailer Awards.

Cycle Vision 2015 at Vinopolis, London, features a new larger show area and will open from 9.30am on both Monday 19^th and Tuesday 20^th October; with product workshops running throughout the day and a light lunch available between 12.00pm and 2.00pm.

The Mary Portas seminar will run on the Monday evening at 6pm, followed immediately by the launch of the inaugural Zyro Independent Retailer Awards, recognising and awarding Zyro’s top UK and Irish independent retailers.

Brands that will be on show are ABUS, Altura, Bell, Blackburn, Bopworx, CamelBak, Cateye, Fenwick’s, Genuine Innovations, Giro, Hamax, Magura,  Panaracer, SKS, Tifosi, TORQ and Tortec.

Zyro retailers can register now at www.zyrob2b.co.uk/cyclevision

The BikeBiz Awards 2015 prize giving takes place tonight, celebrating the great British cycle industry. 

The awards night will take place at the same venue as last year - the Crowne Plaza hotel at the NEC, Birmingham and doors will open at 7:30pm.

Not only will there be 19 awards handed out on the night (as lobbied for by hundreds of our readers and judged by 70 members of the cycle trade) but there'll also be plenty of chance to eat and drink - plus there will be plenty of time for the all important networking with the rest of the industry.

There are two new categories this year - Breakthrough Brand and Cycle Café - both of which have been hotly contested.

The BikeBiz Awards 2015 is backed by Platinum Sponsor Cycleguard. Individual Award sponsors include Cycle Republic, Rozone and Stique.

Find the official site at www.bikebizawards.com or get a flavour of the night from our gallery from last year's awards. And if you've got tickets, see you there!

With upwards of 300 exhibitors and umpteen show features to make your way around, you’re going to need some kind of plan to tackle this year’s Cycle Show. BikeBiz lists some of the highlights you can expect to find...

(Free trade and press tickets via www.cycleshow.co.uk/trade)

Bob Elliot - M71
Expect to see the new Beto Combo Pump at the Bob Elliot stand, which works both as a mini pump or as a mini floor pump. FLR’s F-22 Pro Road Race Shoe is made from lightweight microfiber leather for comfort and fastened with an ATOP twist and Velcro system. Funkier will be with the Bob Elliot team too, including the J-772 Elite short sleeve jersey, featuring quick dry technology which also comes in long sleeve versions.

Bolle
The sunglass optics brand supplied AG2R La Mondiale throughout this year's Tour de France, with the 6th Sense or 6th Sense Rx models (for those using prescription lenses). Designed for the road they use Trivex for the lens and B-Max tech to expand the field of vision and protect the upper part of the face. Get over to the stand to see the 6th Sense models in the flesh along with the rest of the range.

BikeBiz - M69
These chancers will have a stand on the trade-only day. Pick up a copy of the latest mags, fill in a subscription form (free for the trade), grab a business card or come along to gawp at us. If we aren’t there, please leave us an angry note about who won the BikeBiz Awards the night before.  

Chicken CycleKit - D24
Chicken’s own stand on D24 will be flanked by stands taken by its brand buddies, including Vittoria tyres, Campagnolo, Deda Elementi, Datatag, Selle Italia, Sportourer, Zefal, Ryde and Sapim. They’ll all have their own personnel, including Massimo Guariso (Campagnolo), Paolo Simionato (Selle Italia and Sportourer), Alessia  Petricelli (Vittoria), Gianluca Cattaneo (Deda Elementi), Greg Maupas (Zefal),  Carl de Ruigh (Ryde), Klaus Greuter (Sapim) and Dave Luscombe (Datatag).

What about product? Tifosi has two new gravel/adventure bikes. The Carbon fibre Cavazzo and the aluminium Forcella are disc- equipped road bikes with clearance for 35mm tyres with unique, discreet mudguard fitting systems. 

Deda Strada’s 2016 Atleta has a six per cent stiffer frame, without adding a weight penalty. The Supertrack track frame is available in two colours with a custom colour option. There’s new colours and custom colour options for six of the 2015 models. Cinelli’s Columbus Spirit triple-butted TIG welded steel tubes form the basis of a budget Nemo Tig bike for endurance and criterium racing cyclists.

There will be components too, including Deda Elementi’s Superzero carbon aero bar (replacing the alloy version) and the Superzero stem which has been given the aero treatment. Sapim will appear too, as will Vittoria and the Graphene Plus (G+) tyres, using a Graphene-based material that cuts rolling resistance by 12 per cent, we hear. Miche has new 11x l/w Shimano pattern cassettes, HSL chainrings and chains while Velox’s Magic Mastik is for fitting tubular tyres to carbon and alloy wheelsets, halving drying time. JetBlack’s Multi 13 function tool with Co2 canister pump will be on hand, while Specialite TA’s four arm Campagnolo chainrings will fit 2015 Chorus, Record and Super Record chainsets. Flinger’s new range of reflective side-wall 700 x 20, 25 and 32mm mudguards with a sturdy fit will be on show as will Vittoria’s new Ikon MTB shoes. Expect to find SiS at stand D24 too.

Citrus-Lime
The Marketing Services package have gone down a storm with Citrus-Lime’s online customers and the firm is hoping to spread the word at the NEC further still. Citrus-Lime’s Supplier Integration Module has teamed up with more suppliers too, including Hope and Moore Large, and will be seeking more to sign up at the show.

Rubena/Mitas - A7
The appearance at Cycle Show will see the brand renamed as Mitas. A big name in the motorcycle world, Mitas will absorb the Rubena cycle product range but there will be no changes to the manufacturing process, quality or product  support, we’re assured. In fact the added clout of the bigger brand will see new innovations appear from the tyre label formerly called Rubena, including the Textra, an all-new dense and extremely    strong rubberised fabric used in  the sidewall to boost all-important puncture resistance.

Cube Bikes - A25 & A32
The Cube bike range will be on show at Booth A25, while Cube’s store will be at Booth A31. Some of the highlights to be found at the show are the new and improved Agree road bikes as well as the Stereo range, both of which have been updated for 2016. In addition, Cube will present the Two15 full-suspension bike, proudly brought back for 2016.

Dare 2B - City test track
Dare2b is backing the outdoor city test track this year. The firm will be touting its ‘Brotherhood Campaign’ for S/S 2016. Dare2b brought together a team of four world class ex-pro cyclists from across Europe to form a new team, including Spanish road racer and 2006 Le Tour winner Oscar Pererio, Stephen Roche, Italian road racer Angelo Furlan and British pro road race champ of 1989 Tim Harris.
Dare 2b’s whole AEP cycle range has been fitted on Oscar Pererio, using his expertise and experience to refine the collection making it fit, work and look as refined as the professional that it has been   tested on, says Dare2b.

EVOPOS - M65
The Dealer Management Software will be a focus at Cycle Show, an all-in-one software solution for bike shops with effective telephone support, quick and easy point of sale software, comprehensive stock control, workshop organiser, hire and automated SMS and email marketing.

Extra UK - G91
There’s going to be plenty of new product that you may have missed at Eurobike including fresh lines from Topeak, Maxxis, Intense, Clif Bar, fi’zi:k, crankbrothers and Time.

Fisher Outdoor Leisure - H45
Fisher will be bringing all of its heavy hitting brands along, including SRAM, Santini, Early Rider, Tacx (you won’t miss the Tacx Truck), Troy Lee and LOOK, among others. Muc-Off will feature too, showing off its latest lines including the new Hydrodynamic Chain Lube, created by the brand’s research team in collaboration with Team Sky. It’s formulated to lubricate chains over long distances and the harshest winter conditions. It’s ultra low friction, hydrodynamic and hydrophobic. Muc-Off also has an athlete care line, including the  Amino Ultra Endurance Cream, which helps keep the body at an optimum state of performance. It uses specially advanced ‘Amino Patch’ technology to help protect muscle cells against lactate accumulation which is the main reason for exhaustion. Find out more at H45.

Foffa - F35
Off the back of partnerships with Royal Polo clubs and Soho House, Foffa has a number of new bikes to show off at the NEC.

The Plume is Foffa’s new ladies range of bikes. Classic in appearance, the lightweight alloy frames mean you don’t need a forklift to lug it up a flight of stairs, the brand says. RRP is £359.99.

The Single Speed is core Foffa fare. Classic looks, a flip flop rear wheel and track geometry, it’s the entry range of bikes for the brand hitting the £319.99 price point.

Moving up the scale, the Single Speed Premium features chromoly steel polished chrome with plenty of attention to detail promised. This statement bike retails just shy of £500. Foffa’s Urban is a practical model, using a Shimano seven speed Nexus hub, alloy frame, full mudguards, internal cabling and kick stand (£499).

The Urban Premium runs with that concept and includes a Shimano eight speed Alfine and SRAM AvidBB7 disc brakes in matte black (£799.99).

i-ride - L12, B21 & B31
i-ride is packing plenty into its stands, incuding De Rosa, Fulcrum, Northwave, Orro, BKOOL, Argon 18, Alpine Stars, Catlike, Contintental and more.

Hope - G42
Hope is another brand bringing its latest tech to the NEC following a successful Eurobike showing. With any luck, they might bring along their prototype carbon bar too, which is currently in the lengthy testing and refinement stage.

Ison - G147 & H145
Ison’s bringing new parts and bikes from Surly, Halo (Vapour 35 & 50 rims), Light Blue (tasty retro looking bikes with modern geometry), HT Pedals (favourites of 2015 DH World Cup Champion Aaron Gwin and Enduro WC rider Jerome Clement), Apidura (bikepacking Bags that Mark Beaumont used on his recent record breaking Africa solo adventure), Rohloff, Banshee and the UK launch of a new series of grips from ODI which feature new technology and performance with a model to suit all riders whether they prefer slim or wide grips instead.
Meanwhile over on Stand H145 they will be introducing two very nice light brands: Owleye Lights offer great value and a wide choice whilst Gloworm Lights are at the performance end of the market with their focused range, Ison tells us. On the stand will also be the 2016 All City Macho Man Disc Red and White UK Spec 105.
 
Madison - B11 & C11
There’s little chance you’ll miss the 40ft double decker Shimano Truck on your NEC visit which is just as well as Shimano had a few interesting bits and pieces to show off at Eurobike and we hope they’ll make an appearance at Cycle Show too, not least the urban Metrea group. Also starring with Madison will be Elite, Garmin, GoPro (of course), Kryptonite and Lazer. On stand C11 there’ll be Compressport, Electron, Light & Motion, Madison clothing and Recon, among others.  

Moore Large - B41 & B51
The Derby distributor is largely bringing along its P&A ranges, having shown off the latest from Moda, Forme, Haro, Cuda and the rest at its Autumn Geared show, though you’ll still see some highlights from the aforementioned. Expect to see the new broad accessories line from Bobbin, Knog’s expanded light line up, Proviz, Sigma, Super B, Lake, Jagwire and the rest.

PowaCycle - K121
The e-bike stalwart has been in the game since the early 2000s and will be taking the Infineum Continental along to the NEC, featuring a rear rack and 28-inch wheels. The Infineum Extreme bike will be  there too, as will folder Lynx LPX and a wealth of other pedal assisted models.

Primal Europe - H91
Primal’s coming out of a major rebrand, so this showing will re-emphasise that as well as show off the latest lines from the firm. For those who missed it, there’s a new online identity, company tagline and logo.

Raleigh - J145, A45 & D83
Raleigh’s e-bike showing will be on stand J145, so head to A45 for the rest of what the firm offers, which as you’ll no doubt know includes a huge range reaching most of the cycle markets, from BMX to cyclocros, road, folders, tri bikes and more.

CSG - C41, G1 & D51
GT, Fabric and Charge will be back at Cycle Show this year thanks to the return of Cycling Sports Group UK, no doubt with a funky stand design from Charge and some of the innovations shown off over in Friedrichshafen at Eurobike.

Schwalbe - A21
The new Nobby Nic (all-round MTB tyre) and Pro One tubeless easy tyre will be among the highlights at the Schwalbe stand. The Procore double chamber system will be showcased too, aimed at offering MTB tyres new levels of grip, control and puncture protection. In the inner chamber there is high pressure, and with 0.8 bar in the outer chamber the tyre almost ‘sticks’ to the ground, we’re told.

Silverfish - D25
Mondraker and Ritte bikes will feature at D25.

Kona
Kona’s Sutra LTD represents the converging trajectories of mountain and road bike parts, which basically means you can ride it on multiple surfaces. The new Sutra geometry is based on Kona’s new CX geometry but uses a taller head tube and longer top tube as well as a 50mm offset fork to help improve tyre clearance and limit toe overlap.

The frame has a replaceable derailleur hanger on the rear dropout for unexpected issues during a trip, hidden fender  eyelets inside the seatstays, and simple external cable routing for both shifters. The frame has two water-bottle bosses on the inside  of the triangle and also one on    the underside.

Kool-Stop - C1
Cycle Show stalwart and brake specialist Kool-Stop will be bringing its range along to the NEC, including organic, aluminium, sintered, e-bike and aero-kool (forged aluminium cooling pinned backing plate with a high performance organic compound) brake pads.

Met - A75
2016 road range highlights include the Manta, Rivale and Sine Thesis. Met’s boffins have spent hours in the wind tunnel, hopefully in their thermals, as well as getting feedback from Team MTN Qhubeka to develop the streamlined and compact shape of the Rivale, which saves three watts at 50km/h and weighing only 230g (medium), according to the brand. The Venturi effect allows for maximum air intake to keep the head cool without sacrificing aerodynamics. See it in the flesh at A75.  

Vaude - M70
£10 doesn’t buy you much nowadays, especially when it comes to road cycling. Step in Vaude, who offer the Race Light S, which the brand is calling the world’s lightest saddlebag at just 39 grams. Attached via Velcro, it’ll house the bare essentials and offers some reflective detailing to boot. See it and more range highlights at M70.

Upgrade Bikes - G15
Find Lezyne at G15 and its new Stripdrive (£54.99). Stripdrive has a co-moulded body sealing against bad weather with new Memory Mode that ensures the lights starts on the mode it was turned off on. Featuring a Li-Poly USB rechargeable battery there’s a body and strap that easily fits to any type of seatpost and handlebars.

The Cycle Show has been running since 2002 and has welcomed over 300,000 visitors since its launch. This year the show, which will be held at the NEC between 25th & 27th September, will host around 280 exhibitors from the cycling world.
www.cycleshow.co.uk/trade

There's yet more coverage of the show online at BikeBiz.

The British-based cycle security brand Hiplok has signed an exclusive UK distribution agreement with Fisher Outdoor Leisure.

Over the past four years, Hiplok has delivered their award winning wearable bike locks to the cycle market, offering what it says are "market leading levels of security and quality coupled with contemporary, desirable and uniquely portable design".

In 2011, industrial designers and cycle enthusiasts, John Abrahams and Ben Smith launched the original Hiplok wearable chain lock. The patented design allows a high security chain to be worn comfortably around the riders waist without being locked to them, and has led the way for a comprehensive line-up of portable bike locks.

The brand continues to innovate with new products launching this Autumn/Winter 2015/16. The new SUPERBRIGHT series combines security with high visibility in the form of an ultra-reflective wearable chain lock, while the new Hiplok DX is the brand’s strongest D-lock yet. Hiplok will also broaden its appeal with several new locks aimed at the enthusiast rider, including the new Hiplok FLX compact wearable cable lock with integrated light.

James Browning, Fisher CEO, said “Our portfolio continues to gain strength based on our strategy of working with high quality brands who are serious about building a presence in specialist bricks and mortar retail. Hiplok have done a phenomenal job of evolving the lock category and bringing much needed style and innovation to a traditionally staid product segment. We are delighted to be working with them to help build their UK presence with the specialist IBD market.”

Ben Smith, Hiplok co-founder commented “As we expand the Hiplok product line to appeal to an even
broader range of cyclists, the best representation in independent bike shops is integral to our growth.
Fisher Outdoor have an excellent record of representing brands in the UK IBD market and we are really
excited about our partnership.”

Hiplok and Fisher Outdoor will be exhibiting together at the Cycle Show on 24th – 27th September. Orders will be taken from Thursday 24th and stock is due to be available from November.

This evening (Wednesday 23^rd September) almost 200 members of the cycle industry squeezed into the Crowne Plaza Hotel at the NEC, Birmingham to celebrate the high achievers of the year at the BikeBiz Awards 2015.

Nineteen awards were won by retailers, distributors, brands, service providers and more on the industry prize night.

The two new (and hotly contested) awards of the night - Cycle Café and Breakthrough Brand - were won by Look Mum No Hands and Fabric, respectively.

A number of bike firms managed the impressive feat of landing two awards, with independent bike dealer Hargroves Cycles and JE James both winning a brace of prizes.

The BikeBiz Awards 2015 were backed by Platinum Sponsor Cycleguard. Individual Award sponsors include Cycle Republic, Rozone and Stique. Cycleguard also provided an extra prize draw on the night, won by a lucky attendee.

The BikeBiz Awards 2015 winners in full:

INDEPENDENT BIKE DEALER
TWEEKS CYCLES

SPECIALIST RETAILER
HARGROVES CYCLES

CYCLE CAFÉ
LOOK MUM NO HANDS

MAINSTREAM RETAILER
HALFORDS

WORKSHOP SERVICES
JE JAMES CYCLES

RETAIL EVENT
HARGROVES CYCLES: QE CYCLE FEST

IN-STORE EXPERIENCE
JE JAMES

ONLINE STORE
CHAIN REACTION CYCLES

BIKE DISTRIBUTOR
CYCLING SPORTS GROUP UK

P&A DISTRIBUTOR
UPGRADE BIKES 

SPECIALIST DISTRIBUTOR
STORCK BICYCLES

BREAKTHROUGH BRAND
FABRIC

BIKE BRAND
LIV

P&A BRAND
GIRO

SALES TEAM
ZYRO

MARKETING TEAM
MADISON/SPORTLINE

RETAILER SERVICES
CYCLESCHEME

TRAINING
ATG TRAINING

CYCLING ADVOCACY ACHIEVEMENT
SUSTRANS

Huge congratulations to all the winners and a similarly large thank you to our sponsors and everyone who took part.

The BikeBiz Awards 2015 were - as always - decided by the cycle trade. Hundreds of our readers lobbied for each of the categories and 70 members of the cycle trade decided which of the finalists deserved to win.

All members of the cycle trade were invited to be a judge and a full list of the 70 who took part in the judging will be published in November’s BikeBiz.

www.bikebizawards.com

At 9:30 this morning (Thursday 24th September), the doors open to the exclusive press and trade day of Cycle Show 2015.

For an idea of what to expect at the show we've got plenty of previews on the site for you to leaf through. 

It'll be your only chance to get around the NEC show before the consumer crowds flock in. This year’s Paris-Nice winner and Team Sky rider Richie Porte will be opening the consumer days at the Cycle Show 2015 on Friday 25th September.

Porte will then join ITV’s Tour de France reporter, Ned Boulting, for a live question and answer session later in the day.

Trials legend and star of the Road Bike Party series Martyn Ashton, will be attending to speak about his recovery from injury and his latest adventures, which include test riding his new e-MTB.

The exhibition features over 280 exhibitors from virtually every segment of the cycling world. Four demo tracks will allow visitors to try out the latest road, MTB, e-bikes, and kids bikes. The show goes on to Sunday 27th.

www.cycleshow.co.uk

CatEye has long been educating the trade on the dangers of relying on quoted lumen when it comes to bike lights.

While brands typically use lumen to get across how powerful their lights are, there are significant shortcomings with the system, CatEye is keen to point out. Simply quoting lumen fails to take into account that use of technology and  quality of components and manufacture all help to determine light output quality, rather than a quoted lumen figure.

A subtle point maybe, but CatEye believes that it produces lights that stand out from the competition and are visibly superior thanks to the components it sources and the tech it uses, so is understandly keen to keep shedding light on the topic.

In-house, CatEye uses a Lumen Sphere to test lights and accurately measure output. It says: “Two different brands measuring the same lumen in a sphere can look very different ten metres out in front. This is where optics and reflective tech play a big role in actual quality of light for the rider.”

Measuring light performance is also carried out by CatEye’s Photometric machines – the firm says it is the only bike light manufacturer to posses such machinery, which accurately measure every tiny output of light at every angle, helping in-house boffins develop specific reflectors and outputs for specific lights and their intended use.
Beam patterns are factored into making riders visible in low light. Rear lights are designed for 180-degree visibility and circumventing a narrow beam pattern accommodates for the fact that the majority of bike related incidents involving vehicles from the side on. The Rapid X series demonstrates this with a multi-mount fitting system and near 360-degree visibility that uses   COB LED tech and advanced plastic moulding.

BARE NAKED BATTERIES
Founded in the ‘50s, CatEye has been in the LED bicycle light game since the 2001 and created its first flashing bicycle lamp in 1964. Based in Osaka, Japan, the firm has its own manufacturing facilities in which to hone its craft and work on essentials like output regulation, essentially making sure lights don’t dramatically drop off in performance and plunge riders into darkness when the battery is nearing the end of its runtime, as with its Volt 6000. Other CatEye lights use tech to have a regulated drop off, meaning there is a gradual drop in lumen over time rather than a maximum lumen for the first three minutes with a steep drop after this. By avoiding LED overdrive and heat issues, the firm’s lights side-step intense burn, hot spots or output drop offs, it adds.

“CatEye manages risks better through clever circuitry that protects the battery and LED during charge and discharge, ensuring safety and longevity of components,” a spokesperson for the brand explains. When it comes to the Volt range, the brand uses enclosed replaceable and interchangeable Li-ion batteries, so you can swap and interchange different batteries from a Volt 400 to a Volt 800, extending runtime for night time endurance cycling. And, handily for the UK, batteries are safely tucked away – obviously naked li-ion batteries can be dangerous, particularly in wet conditions. Waterproofing testing in-house is rigorous, BikeBiz is told, ensuring there’s no water ingress through switches and welds.

Not surprisingly, the brand has channelled all this tech into its latest ranges. CatEye concludes: “Our 2015 lights incorporate this technology, research and understanding of varying consumer needs in our most comprehensive range yet. The Volt Series of front rechargeable lights now ranges from the Volt 100 up to the Volt 6000, representing great design and great value at every level, whether you want to see or be seen in the dark.

“The Rapid Series of forward thinking rear lights has been  further added to for 2015, providing a range of lights with unparalleled visibility.”

CatEye is brought to the trade via distributor Zyro. www.zyrob2b.co.uk

BikeBiz gets to know the people working in the nation's cycle trade, one person at a time (this might take a while). This month it's the turn of Scott Sport's UK Bike Sales Manager Keith Murray...

How long have you been with Scott Sports SA?
Coming up to 11 years. I joined in September 2005 as product trainer.

How long have you been in the industry?
Since 2002 after a stint in the Military, Boots the Chemists Logistics and SiS.

What’s the best thing about working in the industry?
The best thing is building relationships with like-minded people, Some of my original customers are now firm friends.

What’s the best part of your job?
And the worst?
Best: As a life long bike racer getting to ride and race on the best bikes in the world, sharing my passion with our customers both trade and end user.
Worst: Travel can be pretty gruelling currently I battle the Tyne Tunnel at rush hour!

What are you working on at the moment?
Launching the 2016 Range of SCOTT Bikes and Accessories along with SYNCROS components. Growing the SCOTT dealer network along with supporting existing business.

How can the trade get in touch?
At Keith.murray@scott-sports.uk.com, twitter@murrayator or 07793 652198.

Do you work in the bicycle business? Want to take part in Trade Account? Let us know at BikeBiz@nbmedia.com

This article first appeared in September's BikeBiz. Dozens of our previous editions are available online. If you're in the bicycle trade then you can get BikeBiz magazine through the post for free.

Earlier in the summer, Trek invited the trade to its home town and the MK Dons stadium, which is fast becoming an industry favourite, for its Trek World event.

View the gallery on our Facebook pages.

Trek bought Electra back in 2014, so it was also opportunity to see Electra’s latest line-up too. The lifestyle brand’s electric bike – Townie Go – is switching to Bosch and has a revised frame. Like it’s non-electric Townie sister range, it uses flat foot technology – thanks to some unique frame angles, giving the rider an upright posture, wide view of the road and full extension of the leg during pedalling – the fact you can place a foot flat on the ground while in the saddle is a side effect. Another compelling side effect is that shops have fewer sizes to stock.

There’s lots of lime green in the new range and more 20-inch bikes, including some designs that echo the full size versions, so parents and children can ride matching bikes.

Amsterdam’s fashion-orientated range comes with new designs while the flagship Ticino 20D is one of Electra’s more pricey bikes, a more sporty bike that comes with eye-catching hammered alloy mudguards. The Loft range is effectively a more affordable version. Elsewhere there is still plenty of fun to be had with Electra’s brand-defining cruisers, not least with the Glam Punk 3i, complete with leather handlebar tassles and saddle studs.

While the samples didn’t come through early enough to make the show, Electra has a broader clothing line-up on the way, fittingly for a lifestyle brand. While it has run a few t-shirts in the past, this will be a much-expanded line-up, including hoodies, many more t-shirts and absolutely no lycra, we are assured.

The female market is big news for Trek. If you’ve been glued to BikeBiz.com you may have seen company boss John Burke recently predicted that women’s bikes would make up 50 per cent of Trek turnover inside five years. Forecasts aside, Trek’s UK branch has seen 14 per cent growth in women’s bikes this year, which is interesting news for any bike shops out there still wondering if it’s worth tweaking their approach to bring in more female customers. There’s been upsurge in sales of smaller sized men’s models too and the brand is keen to help shops. Encouraging dealers not to pigeon-hole customers, Trek tells BikeBiz it visits dealers and rates how they appeal to the market, then offers help for them to address it. No doubt your Trek rep would happily fill you in on the details.

Onto product: Bontrager has new road helmets including the aero road Ballista and fresh colours for the MTB-focused Specter, with MIPS safety system now found in the Bontrager helmet range.Bontrager shoes are shuffling away from ratchet closure towards Boa and micro-adjustments. There are new road shoes (Velocis, Meraj, Anara) and MTB footwear alike (Rovv Women’s, Tinari Women’s) and the excellently named OMW, or Old Man Winter.

There’s change on the chamois front too, with a completely new development set to arrive spring/summer 2016. The new tech will actually be largely hidden as there’s a flat top sheet, but we’re assured the new chamois has far less hot spots and has applied saddle thinking to the chamois itself. Style-wise there’s lots that is new too, with fresh styles, colours and designs that take their cue from the wider fashion world, rather than the bike ‘runway’.

BikeBiz’s own Mystery Shopper was always banging on about good signage giving customers something to go on while waiting for assistance, and Trek has taken that logic into its own Trek World, clearly labelling up ‘Focus’ bikes which it believes hit the sweetspot and are no brainers to stock, giving dealers a starting point when faced with the vast swathes of gleaming new bikes.

Fuel EX is Trek’s full sus race platform and a staple for the brand, featuring further trickle-down tech lower in the line-up. Lush is the women’s equivalent. Fast trail range Top Fuel has been reintroduced as has Procaliber SL, featuring the IsoSpeed decoupler which increases vertical compliance without sacrificing efficiency, according to Trek.

Stache is a new big bike for Trek. This 29+ MTB range can accommodate 27.5, 27.5+ and 29 wheels, whereas the Farley (also new) is all about fat tyres. The category is huge in the US, but also handy for all weather riding on the trail in the UK, we hear.

Skye Women’s is a new fun trail bike, built to inspire confidence. Trek’s e-bike Powerfly+ is Bosch-backed, with Trek singing the praises of Bosch’s service, dealer training and backup.

Jack-of-all-trades Dual Sport is happy on the road and trail, and the most searched for bike on the Trek site, we’re told. Speaking of which, FX is one of Trek’s most popular ranges (the 7.1 is Cyclescheme’s most popular bike) and it has been revamped for 2016 with tube shapes borrowed from Trek’s road rides.

The Fuel EX Jr is a new mountain bike for the junior market, the Domane 6.5 is now available with Project One customisation and the Lexa is available in a second colour – Miami Green – which is said to be a bit of a Marmite colour (though BikeBiz approves, you’ll doubtless be pleased to hear). The entry-level Silque has been upgraded to Shimano Tigra. For more head to www.trekbikes.com/uk

View the gallery on our Facebook pages.

This article first appeared in September's BikeBiz. Dozens of our previous editions are available online. If you're in the bicycle trade then you can get BikeBiz magazine through the post for free.

Belfast-based business See.Sense has placed its upgraded LED unit on Kickstarter and is again using the crowdfunding website to generate interest in the “intelligent” bike light. Like its predecessor, the ICON flashes stronger at roundabouts and when tailgated by cars at night. The upgraded light can now sense when a rider has crashed or when a bike equipped with the light is being stolen – in both cases the “connected” LED light rings to alert a designated smartphone. 

See-sense released its first LED light on Kickstarter in 2013. It received £33,826 in crowdfunding from 504 backers and was subsequently made available to the bike trade. See.sense assembles the lights in Northern Ireland and employs nine people. The company is currently exhibiting at the Cycle Show at the Birmingham NEC and started its latest Kickstarter campaign earlier this evening.

See.sense has sent details of the campaign to an email list of 5000 and after an hour on Kickstarter was already nearly half way to it target of £24,000.

Speaking from the Cycle Show CEO and co-founder Philip McAleese said:

“We’re confident we’ll reach our Kickstarter target. The early bird specials are extremely good value for money.”

Should the campaign succeed backers will get their lights in November. A number of pre-production lights are in the process of being made and the company is working on a smartphone app that will access the light’s many features. McAlleese said the main production run for the light will take place in January 2016.

ICON uses patent-pending sensor technology to allows it to increase its brightness and flash rates at times the cyclist most needs to be seen. As well as flashing stronger at roundabouts it also does so at road-junctions, and when filtering in traffic.

McAlleese said the ICON also has the potential to collect data that local authorities could use to record near-misses and collisions as well as identifying potholes before they fully develop.

He said: “ICON enhances the cycling experience by opening up a world of possibilities through a smartphone, and it also empowers cyclists to influence councils and municipalities to improve cycling infrastructure and roads to benefit everyone.”

Bianchi have teamed up with cycle insurer Bikmo Plus to offer free insurance for 12 months on their high-end bicycles.

This 12-month deal is believed to be the first of its kind in the UK and has launched at this week's Cycle Show at the NEC.

The bikes that include 12 months’ free insurance upon purchase are the Bianchi Oltre XR2, Specialissima CV and the Aquila CV.

David George, CEO of Bikmo Plus had this to say: “For us, this partnership was a no brainer. Bianchi share many qualities with Bikmo Plus in terms of attention to detail, quality and answering the needs of cyclists”.

Bianchi had this to say: “For 130 years, we’ve been making bicycles. We’ve had many firsts in racing and innovation, and giving our customers 12 month’s free insurance is another first for service.“

As one of the world’s most recognisable bike brands, Bianchi have played a core role in leading some of the greatest cyclists to victory in events such as the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia and the Vuelta a Espana.

Bikmo Plus on the other hand, have been revolutionising a typically stagnant sector since their launch, exactly one year ago, with the innovative use of technology, a forward thinking approach to cycle insurance, and excellent customer service.