NEWS
Future’s Hub will be a ‘one- stop-shop’ for cycle brands
Sports Product and Testing Hub created by media firm Rob Weaver, Warren
by Jonathon Harker
FUTURE HAS CREATED a dedicated bike and product testing team, serving Future’s cycling and triathlon brands with expert technical reviews for its brands. The Sports Product and Testing Hub will
provide one point of editorial contact for the industry for all product tests and reviews. The creation of the Hub has been an ambition for Future, BikeBiz was told. “The idea for the Hub system is
something we at Future have been working on for some months, and we’ve invested significant time and effort into looking at the best ways to implement it,” explained Josse Vander-Bilson, manager of the new Hub. “Both consumers and the industry will benefit from the more clearly coordinated approach to product news and testing and technical feature writing we’re employing across Future’s magazines and websites. “There’s appetite for it from all corners
and increasing possibilities for cross- pollenation between our print and digital media. The Hub system will help us develop new and exciting products in print, online and mobile formats. Future has already had considerable success with Apple Newsstand and that outlet is part of our digital strategy looking forwards. “Manufacturers will be able to contact the Hub directly with product for review, and content will be channelled off to Future brands in print, online and also on the move.” Increased demand for reviews for the cycle sector from consumers also led the
media outlet to create the Hub. Vander- Bilson explained: “It’s an exciting time for the whole industry with more and more people getting into cycling – or getting back into cycling – and wanting to buy bikes and kit. All of them need help and naturally look to our trusted brands for the best buying advice available. “The continued growth of Cycling Plus and BikeRadar are driven in no small part
“It’s an exciting time for the whole industry, with more consumers looking for buying advice.”
by new cyclists making their first purchases as well as existing cyclists stepping up to increasingly better bikes and equipment. Future’s new Hub has been formed to ensure that we have the finest technical writers working as an efficient team to test more new gear to exacting criteria and help this growing number of consumers make the right purchases.”
THE KEY CONTACTS AT THE HUB ARE: Road: Warren Rossiter, senior technical editor,
warren.rossiter@
futurenet.com MTB: Rob Weaver, senior technical editor,
robin.weaver@futurenet.com MTB: Justin Loretz, technical editor,
justin.loretz@futurenet.com James Huang, technical editor, USA,
jhuang@futureus.com
Raleigh launches RSP microsite
RALEIGH HAS LAUNCHED a separate microsite for light brand RSP following what it says is a successful attempt to boost market share. Marketing manager Geoff Giddings told
The RSP range has its own web focus following a successful spell for the light brand from Raleigh
6 BIKEBIZ JANUARY
BikeBiz more about Raleigh’s investment: “Our sales of RSP lights have increased significantly season-by-season as we continue to develop new products. Sales from the dealer view point are very strong and we are now taking significant market share from other light brands, like Cateye and Smart,” Giddings claimed.
RSP’s range now has models delivering
off-road worthy output, with the Steradian delivering a 1,200 candlepower output via a one watt performance LED. Giddings added: “We have now set up
www.rspcycling.com to showcase the range and our print and online campaigns, which have been running this winter with Future Publishing titles. “Raleigh has utilised page peel ads
mixed with banner online and QR codes in print adverts.” 0800 096 9060
BIKEBIZ.COM
Rossiter (below left) and James Huang (below right) are key contacts at Future’s new Hub
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