THE BIKE PLACE
isn't forsaking London of course – in fact there’s a limited edition London helmet, inspired by the New York version, for 2014. The range has tightened up with the new
crank fit system. In a nutshell the new fit system means dealers will have considerably less stock to hold – around 35 per cent Ultrasport estimated – culling the six model range for men down to three, despite still offering a fit for as wide a range of head sizes. The fit system hasn’t been rolled out for the kids and youths models, however. Bern’s womens models are designed by women (gasp) with a different mould, rather than simply padded out. Ultrasport and Bern are keen to stress that they’ll be splashing the cash in-store, with free POS, staff gift packs, workshop aprons and staff helmet offers and generally aiming to step up visibility. Finally, our sources tell us that Bern has scored a (sadly debadged) appearance on a 118 118 advert. On that bombshell…
Red Cloud
Red Cloud recently appointed cycling journalist and product tester Justin Loretz in aid of its newly launched product development and product launch offering. Aimed at old and new brands alike, Red Cloud can offer everything from product development to focus groups and more.
VIP
Sticking with Mark Almond, VIP Bikes, launched between Almond and Kevin Brown last year, has the likes of Velocite in its distribution portfolio, which has been refined largely as a frame and component brand for custom builds and is performing well in the market, BikeBiz is told. There should be some new products from the Velocite range at the forthcoming Welsh Cycle Show in April.
Velotech Services
Rotor’s Aero Q-Rings are now available with aesthetic-enhancing bolt covers for Shimano Asymetric four bolt covers, and the top end 3D+ crank is now 35grams lighter, with increased stiffness too. There are new graphics across the range and margin for dealers remains great, Velotech tells BikeBiz. The distributor is also pushing Ceepo which will be making many show visits to boost awareness over 2014, including the London Bike Show, Manchester’s Bike and Tri Show and many tri events including Sandown Park.
R53
Massi is set to get a better online presence this year, not least in the social media world to spread the good word. Pyga’s Pascoe 650B enduro/trail bike garnered plenty of attention during the show too.
Gearmech hanger
In its first ever trade show appearance, Gearmech Hanger was showing off only a small selection of its vast 320 product line-up.
52 BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY
NRG2 tells BikeBiz Kali has gone down a storm with its dealers
Cielo’s handmade frames are available via Evo Imports
That range includes some vintage hangers for ‘90s Cannondales, for instance, as well as all the latest editions for modern ranges. Key to the firm’s appeal is the fact it will supply to retailers in very small quantities – and postage is free – always a winner with retailers. Online the firm has a handy guide to the hangers so dealers can whittle down exactly which one they need if they are in doubt.
Wildoo
Wildoo’s UK-made Velopac Musette has a zip in the top, replacing the traditional popper, by request from team riders. Other specifics include a wider strap and adjuster so it can be held higher on the back and therefore won’t swing around awkwardly. The model on show at the Bike Place was a prototype, but Wildoo is already looking ahead to a potential leather version and customisable editions. As a company, Wildoo’s export market is
growing, now with distribution in Japan. Clothing is proving a winner for the firm, while company-wide sales grew around 30 per cent in 2013. Wildoo has also signed up to the Made in Britain initiative.
Got a hole in your shoe? Sugru is good for that too
Evolution Imports
Cielo is a focus for Evolution Imports this year. While the frames are handmade they are actually produced in batches and then put in storage, reducing lead times substantially when orders come in. From that point on the frames can be customised, with an in-house paint job and more. Evo Imports’ in-house wheel build service is
getting increasingly popular, BikeBiz is told, basically offering that extra service for dealers so they can spend time working on more profitable activities in the workshop. Chris King continues to fly high for Evo – “people get it” – and the series of limited edition colours will continue, but you’ll have to be fast to grab one. Last year there was the limited edition turquoise, with purple this year. Finally in our Evo Imports round-up, the
stretchy ESI handlebar tape is new. Made from silicon, the rider can choose how they apply the tape to the bar – because it is stretchy the density is customisable – so you can have it as tight as you like. The silicon properties dampen vibration and repel water to boot.
Sugru
‘Cable tie killer’ Sugru was displaying its wares in a cycle specific context (we last saw it at the Outdoor Trade Show in September), whether repairing frayed saddles, fixing shoes (pictured left), filling holes and a mind bogglingly large amount of applications. With an appearance on BBC news and a product variation involving a magnet in the works (pencilled in for a September launch), expect to see more of the brand as the trade wakes up to it. It went down well with the Bike Place’s dealer attendees, with around 50 per cent of those visiting the stand making an order, we were told.
BIKEBIZ.COM
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