Core Bike is back for 2016, running over 31st January to 3rd February.

Catch up Core Bike 2015 on BikeBiz.com

www.corebike.co.uk

With the glut of shows at this time of the year, you’d be forgiven for thinking you could skip a few and not miss much (and for many shops there won’t be enough hours in the week) but it seems the product design teams of the bike trade are an industrious lot willing to prove that assertion wrong, with new products turning up in each and every show.

Moore Large’s burgeoning Geared Autumn show is no exception, unearthing some new gems and serving as a reminder of what’s shortly arriving in stock, particularly if you didn’t get over to Eurobike. It also featured more bikes than it showed off at the NEC Cycle Show appearance, so skipping this house show may have meant you missed a few of the new bikes coming into the ranges. So without further ado… 

Bobbin’s Junior range is now coming into stock with Moore Large. The new line includes balance bikes which – in the main – are mirroring the adult ranges in styling, particularly the ever popular Brownie and Birdie bikes.
Haro, meanwhile, is introducing a wider variety of price points to its line-up with the intention of broadening its customer base and making it more accessible.

Cuda has jumped into the competitive high quality junior bike market, facing off against the likes of Islabikes and Frog. The range starts from £220 and runs up to £400 and includes 14,16 and 18 inch bikes. The range comes in just the two unisex colours as Cuda wants to keep the range tight and compact. Sizes run up to 24, 26 and 700 and the bikes come in two types of tyres – cross or road. They’ll be arriving in stock at the end of October.

Onto Moda, which has at least four new models to attract your attention, largely in a classy monochrome styling. The new Stretto is the flagship in the brand’s road line-up, updating what is the most popular in the carbon road range. Featuring full LDC high modulus carbon in the frame and fork, brake and gear cables are internally routed with Press Fit 86BB for improved drive stiffness.

The aluminium TT/triathlon Mossa hits the £1,000 price and will be available at the end of October. This Tiagra-loaded aero double butted aluminium frame is pitched as an introduction to the sector. Arco is Moda’s aluminium track bike (£1,000), with a semi-aero design and American Classic 3 420 track wheels.

Last but not least, the new Finale comes with a fancy retro copper and red design that stands out in the largely monochrome range and was built using feedback from the Bike Place show in January, where it was first shown off to dealers. This top of the range aero carbon bike features an aero integrated full carbon fork running into an over sized head/down tube.

Forme’s new full suspension mountain bike – Lathkill – is a well specced machine that is a self-confessed “big step up” for the brand. Featuring components from Race face, Rockshox, Stealth Reverb, crankbrothers and more, the bike is specced with the kind of components customers would like to have, brand guru Joe Poyzer told BikeBiz. It’s about twice the price of its former nearest model at £2,500 and features 140mm and an exclusive frame. There’s some nice Ordnance Survey detailing of local climbs too.

Forme’s MTBs have all got new graphics while there’s a variation on the Hooklow ‘multi-route bike’ – or gravel bike if you prefer.The versatile ride now comes with a flat bar option which is indicative of the brand’s ethos of delivering what customers want, Poyzer explains, trying to make cycling more accessible with some commuters (who wouldn’t necessarily class themselves as ‘cyclists’) telling the brand they don’t like drop bars. Forme now also offers a disc brake option in the Longcliffe at the £1,000 sweetspot.

Onza is keen to keep to its MTB roots, using steel and blending the old with the new. The brand is to offer a custom build option online. The customer chooses their build and details online, the order comes through to Moore Large and then it is passed onto bike shops to make contact with the customer and go from there. The bikes are UK built over in the Derby HQ with just a two to three day turnaround.

Onza provides a nice segueway into the P&A part of the show, as it now offers an updated version of the super comfortable and popular Ules grip. Now in a lock on version, they come in tan, black and there’s plans for a camo version too.

Sigma’s wearable Activo fitness band has been plugged before but it’s now in stock with Moore Large. It counts steps, calories and even analyses sleep in this growing product category. Sticking with wearables, the RC Move is a state of the art training aid in the form of a watch, with a massive 260-hour log capacity. Sigma also has a natty new brake light that is reasonably priced and comes in a wide range of colours.

Busy Bobbin not only has the aforementioned new junior bikes, but also a broad accessory line up, including vintage style lights, lots of luggage, bells, saddles and much more. That’s all now in stock except for the incoming helmets.

Proviz has refined its tech with the Reflect 360+ range, including a new breathable fabric for the jacket. The reflective material is now perforated and backed with breathable and waterproof film, while the shoulders and sleeves have been changed to a raglan style for improved movement in the shoulders and upper back.

No doubt you are up to date with Knog’s now three-range-strong line of lights where Pop is the new entry level offering in ten designs, including ‘mild or wild’.

Elsewhere there’s been improvements made to the straps, as used by the likes of the Blinder Mob, eliminating breakage issues and with improved tech all for the same price. In short, there’s plenty more Knog lights now at Moore Large, with something available for virtually everyone. 

Alpina eyewear is new for Moore Large but the brand best known for its skiwear is an old hand at this glasses lark and has brought over tech and styles from the ski world.

American Classic’s all carbon Carbonators are now in stock with the distributor. The brand’s wide Smokin’ Gun wheels were very popular at Eurobike and they’re now in at ML, while the whole range has been improved with graphics and specs, we’re told.

Onto footwear and Lake has a couple of new additions. The MX180 harkens back to Lake’s enduro and DH heritage, aimed at providing the ultimate upper protection against the elements with a secure fit and sure-footed grip on any surface. That grip is due in part to the Hypergrip rubber sole with Icelock tread inserts. They are vertically injected micro glass fibres that grip virtually all surfaces.

Finally, the MX168 is all about utility, durability, foot protection and long lasting comfort. They are  designed for all-round mountain biking, enduro touring and adventure racing. 

For more on Moore Large’s latest products, get to www.moorelarge.co.uk

This article originally appeared in the October edition of BikeBiz, which you can download or read online in full for free.

The official opening for the Cyclefit store and bike fitting studio in Manchester was carried out yesterday by Jens Voigt. The former Trek Factory Racing pro, famous for his heroic lone breakaways in the Tour de France, served coffee and cake to some of the 100 customers who turned up for the opening. The store has been up and running for nine weeks and is the northern branch of the Covent Garden Cyclefit business which was founded by Phil Cavell and Julian Wall in 2002.

Voigt was also present at an evening party held in the 3,500 sq/ft store, which is housed in a Grade II Listed former yarn mill in Manchester's now trendy Northern Quarter. 

Wall said: "We wanted Jens Voigt to open the store because he is very popular. There's also a tie-in with Trek bicycles, and we also do the bike fits for the Trek Factory Racing Team, including doing bike fits on Jens."

Cyclefit's new store has two bike fitting studios, and a workshop. Cyclefit stocks frames from Parlee, Seven, Passoni and bikes from Trek, Cervelo and BMC. It is also soon to stock Storck bikes, and new to the store are handbuilt steel frames from Honey Bikes of Boston, USA. The first three Honey frames arrived yesterday and were unboxed to "ooohs and aaahs" from Cyclefit staffers.

Prices for Cyclefit's services are on a blackboard behind the shop's till. A standard bike fit – with a qualified physiotherapist – costs £250. A bike fit along with saddle pressure mapping costs £295. A full service for a bicycle costs £150. Cavell told BikeBiz that the London store generates 80 percent of its turnover from retail and twenty percent from bike fitting.

What Cyclefit doesn't have, and which is now almost essential in any upscale bike shop, is an espresso bar. Why not?

"There's a great cafe next door to us," said Cavell. "In fact, Ezra and Gil is doing the catering for today's launch. We don't want to duplicate, we want to be good neighbours."

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 Henty's Business Development Manager for the UK, Melissa Rollins...

How long have you been with Henty?
I have been with Henty for three years. I started out working with the founders, Jon and Jez, when they launched the Wingman, a suit carrier for cyclists, in the UK in 2012. The guys are based in Australia so my role is overseeing Henty in the UK and Ireland. At the start of 2014 I started my own company to officially be the UK and Ireland distributor for Henty Products.

How long have you been in the industry?
Henty is my first foray in the bike industry. I was a criminal defence lawyer in my previous life so lots of useful experiences to carry over!

What¹s the best thing about the industry?
It’s really refreshing to be involved in an industry where so many people are working on something they love. Everyday is different and brings a new challenge. I’m having fun working on different sides of the business and enjoy liaising with national chains, independent stores, online retailers and Henty customers direct.

What’s the best part of your job? And worst?
The best part is speaking to customers both retail and trade who love our products. It’s a great feeling when someone tells you they have been searching for a product that solves their problem of commuting with there suit and are so please to find it. The worst part… juggling work life with looking after my 20 month old daughter.

What are you working on at the moment?
We have a new product range called the Henty Tube which has just arrived in the UK. It’s the ultimate dry bag for cyclists, triathletes and open water swimmers. The Tube’s main compartment acts like a dry bag. A second compartment allows you to transport your clean clothes separate from any wet or dirty gear. I’m currently introducing the Tube to Henty retailers and reaching out to new ones.

melissa@henty.cc

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 October'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.

Chicken CycleKit has taken on distribution for BiciSupport exclusively in the UK.

The distributor said: “We are absolutely thrilled to add this prestigious Italian brand to our portfolio.”
 
For nearly 40 years BiciSupport has produced workshop stands, bike fitting equipment, tools and bike storage for Wprld Tour Pro teams, industry professionals and every-day riders, all 100% handmade in Italy. BiciSupport products are widely used by Orica GreenEdge, Cofidis and the MTN Qhubeka Cycling Teams, as well as a host of pro-continental teams and Pro women’s team Ale Cipollini.

Chicken’s commerical director Mike Catlin added: “It is testament to the quality and design of BiciSupport’s products that they are trusted by top pro cycling teams and their mechanics. A core range will be held in stock and the full range of specialist items will be available to special order on short leadtime.”
 
Dealers may have caught sight of the brand at last week's Cycle Show. For further information about BiciSupport dealers should contact their account manager or call the sales office on 01525 381347.

Daniel Zeichner, the MP for Cambridge, has been made Labour's spokesman on cycling. The appointment was made at the "Labour cyclists" fringe meeting at the Labour party conference in Brighton. 

Exeter Labour MP Ben Bradshaw said making Zeichner the spokesman for cycling was a "great appointment."

Zeichner is following the tyremarks of Julian Huppert, the former MP for Cambridge and who was the LibDem cycling spokesman as well as co-chair of the All-party Parliamentary Cycling Group.

In a pre-election pledge made to the Cambridge Cycling Campaign Zeichner said: "I am determined to lead an ambitious effort to expand the use of cycling both here in Cambridge and across the UK."

Zeichner may now be Labour spokesman on cycling but he won't be Labour's leading cyclist. That tag goes to the new Labour leader, Jeremy Corbyn. 

In a parliamentary debate on cycling in 2012 Parliament Corbyn, the MP for Islington North, said he was a lifelong cyclist, admitted that he much admired the cycling facilities in the Netherlands and said he wanted "better facilities" for cyclists in the UK. He made the comments when just a lowly back-bencher – as the leader he can now put flesh on these bones.

"London is now seen as the most pro-cycling city in the country," said Corbyn. "Certainly, as someone who has cycled in London for more than 20 years, I have noticed the increase in the number of cyclists and, to be fair, an increased awareness by many car, lorry, bus and taxi drivers of the needs of cyclists. That is very welcome indeed."

He added: "There are serious issues of cycle safety. We should be realistic about that, but not in a way that puts people off cycling. It is important to keep a balance."

An early day motion started by Corbyn had earlier stressed that he believed there should be more training of cyclists and the introduction of regulations to "require all new bicycles to be fitted with lights at the point of sale."

He praised the cycling infrastructure in the Netherlands as "incredible".

Corbyn said: "I have cycled many times in the Netherlands, and the cycle routes there are incredible. It is possible to get off a boat at the Hook of Holland and get all the way to Copenhagen almost without touching a main road. The system and the facilities in the Netherlands are superb."

He also acknowledged he knew something about the cycling credentials of Cambridge.

"A Dutch railway station is a bit like Cambridge: there will be hundreds of cycles outside the station. Cambridge is probably the only station in this country ... with that number of cycles parked outside it. That indicates the transport integration there."

Corbyn is also aware that what politicians wish for and what is sometimes delivered on the ground are two different things. 

"There is a question about getting through to road planners about cyclists and the need to incorporate cycling in designs," he said, citing a visit to China.

"Coming back from my one and only visit to Beijing, I met an engineer, a Chinese gentleman, on the plane. I have never forgotten this. He said, “How did you find Beijing?” I said that I thought that it was a lovely city and very interesting, but I was very concerned about the pollution and the traffic. He said, “Don’t worry. We are going to sort out the traffic problem.” I said, “How are you going to do that?” He replied, “We’re going to get rid of all these damn cycle rides so that we can get more cars on the road.” Unfortunately, it was a very long flight home, because he then proceeded to give me a long and totally incoherent explanation about how cars took up less road space than bicycles. I still have not fully grasped his logic. Perhaps there was not any there."

Corbyn added that he feels "very passionately in favour of cycling."

The 2012 debate on cycling was, said Corbyn, a "real achievement for those of us who spend our lives cycling and who demand better facilities."

Pinarello’s Regent Street showcase The Bike Rooms hosted the launch of the Giro d’Italia’s Classico Chianti 2016 stage last month.

Attracting a good number of the nation’s cycle journalists, Fausto Pinarello, Giro director Mauro Vegni and – unless we’re very much mistaken – Countdown’s (and Breeze ambassador) Rachel Riley with Strictly Come Dancing’s Pasha Kovalev, it was something of a star-studded affair, despite the presence of your intrepid BikeBiz reporter.

Given Santini’s long-running association with the Giro d’Italia it was no surprise that the apparel firm’s managing director Monica Santini there too, so BikeBiz took the opportunity to interview the Santini chief and UK distributor Fisher’s Santini brand manager Jonathan Sangan, away from the glitz of the launch...

How’s business been?
Monica Santini: For us it has been a very big year, probably bigger than the last in the UK.

Jonathan Sangan: Santini is up 40 per cent on last year in the UK.

Monica Santini: It’s absolutely the fastest growing market, together with some countries in Asia. In Europe it is the fastest grower.

Has that been the case for a while now or just the last year?
MS: It’s been like that for five or six years now. The UK has a new love for bicycles.

JS: It really ties in with the growth we’ve seen in the market.

And what about worldwide?
MS: Last year we had a very nice year and we are up six per cent so far. Of course we have some countries that are struggling more than others. In central and southern Europe mainly, while others are going very well. It reflects the economic situation mostly. You are lucky, you don’t have the euro.

It seems to have paid off for us. It’s a big year for you this year with the 50th anniversary. Have all the celebrations finished now?
MS: We had a big party in June with our biggest customers, suppliers and workers. We had this very moving ceremony with a video that we made for my Dad. We centred the meaning of the anniversary on him – he is and always has been the soul of the company. When we were thinking what we could do for the anniversary my sister [Paola Santini, marketing director] and I decided to film secret interviews with people who used to work with us and people in the business who are friends with my Dad and some of the things they said were surprising and moving. They had a lot of respect for my Dad. He has not always wanted to be in the media because it is not in his character. We wanted to change that: We told him ‘people love you!’

JS: When you go to the factory the fact it is a family business comes through very strongly.

MS: My Dad always says “that’s my name on it”. For him it was never possible for us to make something ugly or low quality. That was never part of our DNA. It’s true for me. It is my name on it and I want to be proud of it when I see it.

Were you always going to go into the business? Was it the plan?
MS: When you are in a family where there is a business there is never anything directly said but there is an expectation. But my Dad never forced any of us to be in the business. He always said do what you want, the important thing is you do your best.

Me and my sister both decided to work in other companies in other countries because it was important to see what was different so we could bring back other ways of doing things. I didn’t plan the way it worked out, but it worked out for the best. My Dad gave us the opportunity to change things and the organisation of the company.

Santini famously manufactures in Italy. Is it a challenge to keep production there?
MS: It is a challenge and cost is not the only reason. It is difficult to find people with the right skills. Italy is not exactly a welcoming place to come to work with lots of rules, but it has always been important to us and to my Dad. I remember growing up and my Dad being very proud of the fact that the parking lot was full of cars and over the years the cars were renewed. That idea that to just up and change where we work…we think of what the people working for us have done for the company. Our success is also thanks to them. We will try everything possible to stay in Italy.

Is the UK more conservative in styling and colours?
MS: It is true not only for the UK but also for northern Europe. Probably southern France is a bit more colourful. The styles we sell are more colourful in the south and in the north they are a bit more…black! With grey and maybe a touch of yellow…

JS: We still like all the traditional and stage jerseys. This year we had red and black jerseys and the prosecco kit always goes down well. They’ve been extremely successful. You’ve got to say the heritage jerseys have done well too. In the UK as you learn more about cycling the more appetite there is for it and the history.

MS: I think so. We produce designs that have lots of meanings, like with the the stage jerseys. When we design those we put so many different specific features into the designs, it’s not just a question of colours. There are details related to the stage and people really appreciate that. They’re never trivial designs, they have a deeper meaning – the colour doesn’t really matter.

Obviously the Giro relationship is important for Santini...?
MS: We’ve been with Giro d’Italia for 20 years and I would like to think we grew with the race. It has grown in lots of ways, it helps us be seen in many different counties and in the same way we have created a style with it. We thought we could do something more with Giro so we introduced the stage jerseys and these are more and more successful. They’re very collectible.

The stages are in such iconic places. For us, being Italian, we get to promote the country, the race and of course our brand too.  

What about trends in the market? And what’s next for Santini?
MS: This year we’ve started working with l’Eroica. In our 50th anniversary year it was a great opportunity for us to show we can create something as we used to do 50 years ago – and to promote the brand in a segment that is growing.

JS: In terms of trends, aero is huge. We talk a lot about Santini’s heritage but they are ahead of the game with lines like Photon, for instance. It’s very high tech and aero – there is a huge appetite for it. It brings all kinds of people to cycling. Now clothing is an essential part of the bike fit package.

The women’s market has grown massively. Women want the best technology and Santini produces apparel that is feminine without being girly. Then there’s multi-weather products. We’ve worked closely with Gore to solve the problem that in Northern Europe especially, you never know what the weather is going to throw at you. Now we’ve got very lightweight full weather protection with Gore.

MS: Santini is ahead with every innovation but we’re also one of the few that can still make apparel  as in the old days. With the factory in Italy we are able to do that.

JS: The custom market is growing at an exponential rate. It’s a no brainer for shops, it comes from the same production line and it helps with building your brand.

MS: One of the things is that you can set the price point.
As a company we are seeing incredible growth in a number of products from those we produced for l’Eroica to the high tech, the replicas and the stage jerseys. We multi-task – we are not defined by one thing as a company.

santinisms.it

fisheroutdoor.co.uk

Is your customer complaining about the lack of decent cycling in the locality? Then why not provide them with a few rack options to extend their cycling opportunities? And how about a few kids trailers too, to keep families in the saddle longer…

Chicken CycleKit - 01525 381347
JetBlack introduced their bike racks to the UK in early 2014 and their newest addition, the Trunk Rack Pro, is a highly compatible, value rack. Chicken Cyclekit’s JetBlack brand manager Jason Smith tells us: “It’s one of the simplest, most compatible, no fuss racks on the market at an unbeatable price”. 

The Trunk Rack Pro uses JetBlack’s patented Easy-Fit-System and fits any type of bicycle and fits saloon cars, estate cars and vans.

Fisher Outdoor Leisure - 01727 798340
The Talon QR is one of the options available from SeaSucker – a brand that prides itself on producing bike carriers that are easy to install and won’t damage your car. SeaSucker bike racks use incredibly strong vacuum mounts and allow users to temporarily but securely mount their bike to the roof of their car without the hassle of permanently attaching any hardware.

Madison - www.madisonb2b.co.uk
Thule’s 925 VeloCompact 2-bike towball 7-pin retails at £319.99 and is part of the next generation of compact and lightweight bike carriers for everyday use. The new clamp ‘hangs’ the carrier on the hitch before tightening, allowing easy adjustment of the carrier before closing the clamp to fix it in position. Mounting the bikes is easy via detachable arms and you can get into the boot even when attached.

Pendle Bike Racks - 01282 699555
Pendle has a comprehensive range of made-in-England car racks and trailers for bike shops to stock. Amongst the wide variety of options are roof racks, strap on racks, tandem racks, 2/3/4 bike tow-bar racks and type approved trailers for six or 12 bikes. There are even heavy-duty versions available for downhill or electric bikes. Find out more via www.pendle-bike.co.uk.

Moore Large -  01332 274200
Onto kids trailers, and the brand new Patrol kids trailer from Outeredge comes in a Duo and Solo version. The alloy-framed trailer with speedy folding mechanism conforms to EN15918 standards and can be converted to a jogger by adding the wheel kit (sold separately). Other accessories are a removable sunshade and baby shell insert for infants. The single Patrol retails at £369.99 and the Duo at £389.99.

This article was first published in October's BikeBiz. To be sent email reminders of forthcoming features in BikeBiz, email Richard Setters at rsetters@nbmedia.com.

The Labour Party Conference, which closes today, has already revealed that the party has appointed its own cycling spokesperson (Cambridge MP Daniel Zeichner) but the party has also shown its support for Space for Cycling campaign with a ride along Brighton sea front.

Shadow Secretary of State for Transport, Lilian Greenwood MP and Daniel Zeichner MP joined CTC and Brighton and Hove cycle campaign group Bricycles for a ride in support of Space for Cycling. The campaign aims to create the conditions where people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities can cycle safely. It is targeted at councillors, seeking their support for improving cycling at a local level.

Lilian Greenwood MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Transport said: “I’m delighted to join Bricycles and CTC in Brighton. I am determined that Labour will be a strong voice for cyclists in Parliament, especially as we are approach a critical point in the Government’s policy development. We will be holding Ministers to their promise to produce a meaningful Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy that sets out clear, long term funding – as well as pressing the case for restoring national safety targets.

“Campaigners have made great advances in recent years, but I know as a regular cyclist that there is still a long way to go.”

Sam Jones, CTC Campaigns and Communications Coordinator said: “It’s great to see the new Labour Transport team coming out in support of cycling down in Brighton.

“There’s cross party support in Westminster, and now more than ever we need to see all parties working together to get Britain cycling. This means the Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy must have funding of at least £10 per head, and the national design standards to ensure the money is well spent on space for cycling.”

Becky Reynolds, Campaigns Officer at Bricycles, the Brighton and Hove Cycling Campaign, said: “We are very grateful to Lilian and her team for taking time out to ride with us today. Cycling has enormous health and environmental benefits. These need to be extended to more people.

"We value Labour’s support for a more reliable system of funding for cycling so that using a bike becomes easier and safer for everyone.”

Next week the Space for Cycling campaign has a ride planned to coincide with the Conservative Party Conference (on October 6th).

Aldi has been making the headlines for all the right reasons lately, while many of its longer established UK rivals have been struggling. Now the firm has boosted its PR stock further by becoming the first supermarket to sign up to the #ChooseCycling network.

Set up earlier this year, the ChooseCycling network includes big businesses like the AA, Sky, Orange, National Grid and GlaxoSmithKline. The national group works with British Cycling and other cycle organisations and meets twice a year to discuss news and innovative ways to promote the cycling agenda.

Aldi will now encourage thousands of its employees across the UK to get on their bikes and cycle to work as part of its established cycle to work scheme. The supermarket currently employs 28,000 people in the UK and plans to create 35,000 new jobs by 2022 as it expands it store numbers and supporting network of distribution centres and offices.

Graham Hetherington, regional MD at Aldi, said: “The success of the Great Britain Cycling Team is world-renowned and has helped turn Britain into a nation of cycling enthusiasts. Aldi is a keen supporter of British sport and through partnerships such as this and Team GB we are aiming to encourage people to be fit and active.

“We provide employees with cycling facilities and look forward to working with British Cycling to get more people choosing cycling as a means of travel.”

Martin Key, campaign manager for British Cycling, said: “It’s great to see the momentum now being generated by the #ChooseCycling network. The profile and the influence of the companies we now have on board is fantastic, and shows the appetite for real change amongst businesses, their employees and the customers they serve.

“We’re delighted that Aldi are now part of the network and we look forward to them playing an active part in what is now a thriving network of companies.”

The support for cycling show by the big businesses in the #ChooseCycling network is hoped to encourage the government and political leaders to support cycling.

GoPro has released a new Wi-Fi and Bluetooth-enabled HERO+ camera. 

Retailing at £169.99, the HERO+ is waterproof and mountable, capturing 1080p60 and 720p60 video and 8MP single, Time Lapse and Burst photos. It's the Wi-Fi feature that is key, allowing it to connect with GoPro’s mobile app and benefit from convenient tools such as 'Trim & Share'.

Meanwhile the HERO4 Session now has a more accessible price of £249.99 SRP. Trade distributor Madison said dealers can place orders for the products from now, ahead of the available date on Monday October 5th. The trade prices on the Hero4 Session will also reduce, so dealers should see no change in margin percentage on the new price, the firm added.

HERO+ key features include:

• 1080p60 and 720p60 video
• 8MP photos with Single, Time Lapse and 5 Photos-per-Second Burst modes
• Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connect to GoPro App and Smart Remote
• Rugged, durable and waterproof to 131’ (40m)
• Integrated camera and housing design
• QuikCapture enables power-up and recording start with the press of a single button
• HiLight Tag lets you mark key moments while recording
• SuperViewwide-angle field of view
• Auto Low Light mode intelligently adjusts frame rates for optimal low-light performance
• Built-in microphone
• Wearable and Mountable, Compatible with GoPro’s array of mounts and accessories

For more information, and to place orders dealers can visit www.madisonb2b.co.uk.

The electrically assisted Gi FlyBike is to go into production after becoming the latest crowdfunded cycle project that has smashed its target.

In fact the project acheived its $75,000 target within just five hours of going live. Overnight, the figure is still climbing and has topped $100,000. The team behind the bike has now confirmed a manufacturing partnership with Yadea Technology Group in China, beginning in the New Year.

Weighing a mere 17kg, the bike is mobile integrated and folds in just one second and one motion, the makers claim. Much can be controleed wirelessly, so users can lock the bike from five metres away via the inevitable app, or shared with a friend via an unlock code. Via the app users can also turn the integrated safety lights on - the bike charges the phone while the rider pedals.

It's made from 100 per cent recyclable aircraft grade aluminium alloyand has a brushless 250w 36v hub motor from Bafang. It has 26x1.5-inch wheels, a non-grease belt drive and solid anti-puncture tyres.

Gi FlyBike is the brainchild of three friends, Lucas Toledo (tech-passionate entrepreneur), Agustín Agostinoy (industrial designer) and Eric Sevillia (business guru), who came up with the Gi FlyBike after experiencing national transport strikes in Argentina.

“We are so proud to announce Gi FlyBike and offer a better, more enjoyable solution that disrupts the way we think about our daily commute”, says Toledo. “Gi FlyBike is an all-in-one bicycle that fulfils your tech savvy needs, adapts to your city, looks incredibly sleek and stylish, and ultimately promotes a greener and better world.”

Gi FlyBike will be available for pre-sale on Kickstarter at an early adopter price of $1,990. Pre-sale orders will be delivered in the summer of 2016. The full price for Gi FlyBike after the limited pre-sale period will be $2,290.

www.giflybike.com

It's all go on the budget supermarket front – earlier today we revealed that Aldi has backed the #choosecycling campaign and now we learn that Lidl is to co-sponsor a pro cycling team.

From January 2016 Lidl will adorn the race outfit of the Etixx – Quick-Step Cycling Team. The Belgian retailer has signed a two-year contract as a co-sponsor of the team. The Lidl logo will be seen on the likes of Tom Boonen, Tony Martin and Zdenek Štybar.

Lidl Belgium Purchasing and Marketing Director Jeroen Bal said: “The motivation for our sponsorship is to use cycling and the team to spread awareness of Lidl as a key supplier for fresh products."

Lidl has almost 10,000 stores, spread across 26 countries. In 2018 the chain plans to open its first store in the United States. 

Team CEO Patrick Lefèvere said: “Naturally we are delighted with the arrival of Lidl as a sponsor. I’m really happy that they chose our team for their sports sponsorship. The fact that we participate in the biggest cycling races and have some of the top names in cycling is certainly a bonus for global brands such as Lidl. We are looking forward to seeing how they use the team and our platform creatively, to tell their story as a fresh-food specialist.”

Rider Tony Martin said:  "I think Lidl will be a strong partner, and they will support us really well. I also think we can give back to them, and we will be a good investment like we also are for the current sponsors."

He added: "I have a lot of personal experience with Lidl. I shopped there a lot as a child with my parents, and I shop there currently. Having them as a partner is special. The last years have not been so easy in cycling. A world brand like Lidl as a partner in cycling is a really good sign for the sport."

Time Inc's monthly Cycling Active is repositioning itself as a brand for the serious road cycling enthusiast to cater to its audience’s progression and investment in the sport.

The relaunch sees Cycling Active sport a brand new logo (which you may have spotted at last week's Cycle Show at the NEC) along with a redesigned lay-out to prominently deliver engaging content, together with a greater use of aspirational imagery capturing the finest cycling photography.

Content is targeted at road cycling enthusiasts wanting to advance their skills and test their stamina by participating in more events. Cycling Active now has a significant focus on the best and most renowned sportives in the UK and abroad. 

Every issue will feature previews of two sportives, documenting riders’ experience of the events two months before readers can ride the routes themselves. Each sportive will be coupled with a bespoke expert nutrition and training guide to help riders’ achieve their personal best on the ride. Cycling Active will also feature thorough bike and kit tests for those looking to invest in new equipment.

Garry Coward-Williams, acting editor of Cycling Active, said: “Since introducing Cycling Active to the market six years ago our audience has transitioned from being either new to the sport or reborn cyclists wanting to get back on their bike, to being serious road cyclists investing more time, and money in the sport. Cycling Active has relaunched to reflect how our audience has advanced over the years, providing new training programmes for the tougher rides they are embarking on, and more advanced equipment to match their skill.”

Keith Foster, publishing director, added: “Cycling is now a lifestyle and the sportive market is fast growing, so rebuilding Cycling Active to meet the evolving needs of our readers was vital. To better represent them, the relaunch sees a sole focus on road bikes and now has dedicated sportive content to equip serious riders’ with all the expert advice and knowledge they need to take on challenging rides and personally progress in the sport.”

Available in print and digital, the new Cycling Active is on sale now, with a cover price of £4.75

London-based bicycle manufacturer Brompton is seeing its export market play an increasingly important part of the business. The Asian market has grown from 1% of Brompton's business to 34% over the last 10 years.

The firm has just seen the tenth Brompton Junction store open in Tokyo. The new outlet the second in Japan, following Kobe which was the first Brompton Junction in the world, opening in 2011.

The shop will be home to an early Brompton with the frame number 245 which was built as part of the first 400 Bromptons manufactured in the early 1980s in London.

Brompton Bicycle founder Andrew Ritchie attended the opening reception of the store in Tokyo. He said: “I have had the good fortune over recent years to meet many of our Brompton dealers in Japan, and I have been overwhelmed by their enthusiasm for the bike. I’m now looking forward to the opening of Japan’s second Brompton Junction, this time, excitingly, in Tokyo itself, and as ever marked by enormous enthusiasm.

"Like the other Junctions around the world, the Tokyo Junction is bound to stimulate fresh interest in all things Brompton, and my hope is that it will lead many new customers, all over Japan, to join the Brompton community, and to share in the extraordinary fun of owning and using a Brompton.”

There are also Brompton Junction stores in London, Bangkok, Beijing, Milan, Hamburg, Shanghai, Amsterdam and Chengdu. There are plans to open more flagship Brompton Junction stores in selected cities across the world in the coming years. 

 We've more on Brompton on BikeBiz.com.

Zyro is backing its IBD network by offering reduced carriage paid orders from today through to April 30th 2016.

During this time IBDs will only need to spend £100 / €145* in order to qualify for free delivery and orders can be placed via Zyro’s award winning Sales Team or on their B2B website.

Dealers planning to take advantage of these reduced rates should call +44 (0) 1325 741 325 where one of the Sales Team will be able to help or log onto www.zyrob2b.co.uk.

*Excluding retailers in Scottish Highlands & Islands, Isle of Wight, Isle of Man and Channel Islands.

Eurosport will be broadcasting the Revolution Series thanks to a new deal that will see it beam over live TV coverage for the rest of the 2015/16 season.

Elite track cycling league Revolution features teams like Team Sky, Orica-GreenEDGE and Team Wiggins over five events in Manchester, Glasgow and London. The 2015/16 series will provide preparation and UCI qualification points for British and international cyclists as they build towards the Rio Olympics next year.

Following recent news of record cycling audiences, the Revolution Series will give Eurosport's audiences additional cycling content as the road season draws to a close and "further reinforce Eurosport's position as the home of cycling".

British Eurosport MD David Kerr said: "Having been to previous Revolution events, I know what a fantastic atmosphere there is in the velodrome and we hope to be able to bring plenty of exciting racing and a taste of that atmosphere to cycling fans who cannot get along to the events.

“As the road cycling season draws to a close, it is good to be able to offer cycling fans a strong schedule of both track cycling and cyclo cross to reinforce our position as the Home of Cycling."

James Pope, CEO of Revolution organisers FACE Partnership said: "We are very excited to be able to provide live coverage of Revolution for the first time. We've managed to build an audience of almost a million viewers last season so the new partnership with Eurosport will help us grow this significantly and reach more fans than ever before in the UK and internationally."

The Revolution events will be shown live on Eurosport's pan European network to reach 54 countries and will also be distributed worldwide.

The first event takes place on 24th October at the National Cycling Centre in Manchester,  then continues in London on 14th November before heading to the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome in Glasgow on 28th November with the final two rounds in Manchester in January 2016.

While these are subject to possible change, the full season dates and TV coverage currently stand as:

• 24th October – Manchester: 18:45 to 21:00 Eurosport 1 (19:45 to 22:00 CET)
• 14th November – London: 19:00 to 21:15 Eurosport 2 (20:00 to 22:15 CET)
• 28th November – Glasgow: 20:00 to 22:15 Eurosport 2 (21:00 to 23:15 CET)
• 2nd January – Manchester: 19:45 to 22:00 Eurosport 1 (20:45 to 23:00 CET)
• 23rd January – Manchester: 20:00 to 22:00 Eurosport 1 (21:00 to 23:00 CET)

www.cyclingrevolution.com

Spitfire Distribution is a relatively new distribution firm operating in the UK cycle trade, specialising in French cycle brands. 

Up and running for just under two years, Spitfire recently became exclusive distributor of Hutchinson Tires. Other brands in the portfolio include Kenny-Racing, which has just launched an Enduro specific range. Osymetric and Cycling Ceramic are also in the line-up.

The firm was set up by Clement Pichon and Jordan Gardiner.

Pichon told BikeBiz: "We are a young company and the brands we sell are important to us. We like to give the retailer and customer the best service and the true quality of Europe."

On the new enduro products from Kenny-Racing he added: "The shops and riders will love this range as the clothing is affordable and amazing quality. They've really listened to the market with this range."

Tel: 01472 360404
Website: www.spitfire-distribution.co.uk
email: sales@spitfireuk-distribution.com

Zyro is backing its IBD network by offering reduced carriage paid orders from today through to April 30th 2016.

During this time IBDs will only need to spend £100 / €145* in order to qualify for free delivery and orders can be placed via Zyro’s award winning Sales Team or on their B2B website.

Dealers planning to take advantage of these reduced rates should call +44 (0) 1325 741 325 where one of the Sales Team will be able to help or log onto www.zyrob2b.co.uk.

*Excluding retailers in Scottish Highlands & Islands, Isle of Wight, Isle of Man and Channel Islands.

Eurosport will be broadcasting the Revolution Series thanks to a new deal that will see it beam over live TV coverage for the rest of the 2015/16 season.

Elite track cycling league Revolution features teams like Team Sky, Orica-GreenEDGE and Team Wiggins over five events in Manchester, Glasgow and London. The 2015/16 series will provide preparation and UCI qualification points for British and international cyclists as they build towards the Rio Olympics next year.

Following recent news of record cycling audiences, the Revolution Series will give Eurosport's audiences additional cycling content as the road season draws to a close and "further reinforce Eurosport's position as the home of cycling".

British Eurosport MD David Kerr said: "Having been to previous Revolution events, I know what a fantastic atmosphere there is in the velodrome and we hope to be able to bring plenty of exciting racing and a taste of that atmosphere to cycling fans who cannot get along to the events.

“As the road cycling season draws to a close, it is good to be able to offer cycling fans a strong schedule of both track cycling and cyclo cross to reinforce our position as the Home of Cycling."

James Pope, CEO of Revolution organisers FACE Partnership said: "We are very excited to be able to provide live coverage of Revolution for the first time. We've managed to build an audience of almost a million viewers last season so the new partnership with Eurosport will help us grow this significantly and reach more fans than ever before in the UK and internationally."

The Revolution events will be shown live on Eurosport's pan European network to reach 54 countries and will also be distributed worldwide.

The first event takes place on 24th October at the National Cycling Centre in Manchester,  then continues in London on 14th November before heading to the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome in Glasgow on 28th November with the final two rounds in Manchester in January 2016.

While these are subject to possible change, the full season dates and TV coverage currently stand as:

• 24th October – Manchester: 18:45 to 21:00 Eurosport 1 (19:45 to 22:00 CET)
• 14th November – London: 19:00 to 21:15 Eurosport 2 (20:00 to 22:15 CET)
• 28th November – Glasgow: 20:00 to 22:15 Eurosport 2 (21:00 to 23:15 CET)
• 2nd January – Manchester: 19:45 to 22:00 Eurosport 1 (20:45 to 23:00 CET)
• 23rd January – Manchester: 20:00 to 22:00 Eurosport 1 (21:00 to 23:00 CET)

www.cyclingrevolution.com