ZYRO OPEN HOUSE
House call
Back once again at Yorkshire’s
Rudding Park, Zyro collected brands and as many retailers as it could fit
into the plush hotel for its Open House Show. Jonathon Harker was there…
SINCE BIKEBIZ was last at this show, Bryton has picked up awards from Triathlon and Cycling Plus alike for its GPS range. In that time the firm has started to ramp up brand awareness through deals with the likes of the AG2R Modial pro team, from which it is gleaning athlete feedback as well as marketing. This time round at Open House, Bryton unveiled new software content which, in a nutshell, makes the GPS computers all the easier to use and download rides from, something which got the thumbs up from the retailers in BikeBiz’s seminar sessions, making the brand ever more competitive. The social networking aspect was made easier too, as well as enhanced summary info and enhanced data management. All in all, usability was touted by the Bryton team as a massive improvement for the brand. But aside from software, there was also a refresher of its current line-up plus a new addition in the shape of the Rider 21, a new unit sitting between the Rider 20 and 40. Like the 20, the 21 has all the same features but also comes with a barometer for real time altitude, a higher res screen and increased log history capacity. Onto the Cardio sports watches, the brand now has the 60 and 40 in the range. Loaded with features, the Cardio 40 has customisable screens, is lightweight and is ideal for training plans. The Cardio 60 is the multi-sport version, ideal for triathlon. There are vibration alerts for when the user hits targets or their heartbeat gets too high. Finally a word on Bryton’s POS demo unit,
which comes with a TV screen and dummy units, with space for catalogues. The UK market continues to be strong for ABUS’ helmet range. For the kids range, the
20 BIKEBIZ FEBRUARY
Mount X and New Smiley have done very well, both sporting an LED in the back and in- moulded shells, unlike some competitors. Other strong sellers like the Aduro now come in new colours (like lime and green). It too has an LED included, detachable visor and raft of other features. The womens’ specific Arica has added a colour to its range, while the Commuter-focused Signal now comes in plain colours, not just yellow, but still comes with full reflective features and is firmly pitched at the C2W market. In fact the commuter market continues to grow and the pedelec helmet is a big seller, coming with a nifty integrated rain cover with reflective stripes. ABUS had a few surprises up its North German sleeve, namely in the heritage look Cyclonaut, aimed at the growing retro market and thought by the retailers in the seminar to best pitched at the London, or city, markets. It comes with a leather strap, ear protectors and nifty magnetic buckle. In the innovation space, ABUS has produced
Bryton’s GPS range has expanded with the Rider 21, sitting below the 20 and 40 (pictured)
a clever helmet – the Kranium Ecolution – combining UK design with German manufacture. Using coated weather resistant wood fibre board, the helmet is said to deliver three times the protection of EPS. And what’s more it’s environmentally friendly, or at least more so than the average helmet with EPS. Finally on the helmet side, the S-Force road has two new colours (blue and red). Altura called an Open House session to explain to dealers how it was planning to bring the brand to a wider selection of customers. 2012 was, the brand said, a bit of a mixed bag sales wise due to the weather, but by the end of the year waterproofs and Night Vision had sold so well that the brand had to bring the next collection forward to meet demand. In terms of branding, the firm has released a new consumer focused catalogue series and new site. This year it will be sponsoring new events and series too. Product-wise, Altura has a new Attack Jacket to offer, a new range of overshoes and plenty of other upgrades. Those lucky enough to be in the CatEye sessions will have seen that the brand has really ramped up its lights offering, with new SKUs, a rethink of the range and innovation
ABUS has taken a step into the refined retro market with the Cyclonaut helmet
brimming out of its feline ears. Sadly we’ve been sworn to secrecy on those, but suffice to say the new upcoming range drew a few gasps (in a good way) from those present. Those are in the works at the moment and rest assured more info will be available ahead of them coming into stock, with many of the models currently just prototypes. What we can be a little more specific about is the computer range from the brand. Backed with a ton of YouTube videos and multiple apps and iPad catalogues supporting the brand, new offerings include the Stealth 10 and 50, delivering simple GPS cycle computing, the 10 being a sensorless offering, the 50 with ANT+ capabilities, for which a speed/cadence and heart rate sensor are available separately. The Strada Wireless has been upgraded with 2.4GHz tech, virtually eliminating cross talk and interference. The V3 has has an upgraded body and, in another crowd pleasing moment, the firm unveiled its super slim New Strada Wireless. Despite having a bigger screen, the unit is 35 per cent thinner and lighter. Moving on to one of Zyro’s new brands,
Magura – pioneer of hydraulic brakes – is now in the portfolio. With a firm grounding in the motor industry, developing brakes for BMW, the brand has created the RT6 and RT8 hydraulic Rim brakes in collaboration with Cervelo for tri and road. The firm has also further developed its performance MTB suspension forks and rim and disc brakes. Importantly, Magura has slimmed down items like brake pads, so shops won’t have to stock multiple versions of pads and the like. Magura has also developed a cable to hydraulic converter, so riders can use all major Shimano STI, SRAM and Campag Ergopower cable operated levers and convert this into a hydraulic system. Child seats may not be famed for their
looks, with safety paramount in minds of parents, but Hamax has sought to combine the two with the high-end Caress. A Taipei Design winner, this offering retails at £149.99 and has an adjustable sleeping position, adjustable seat back system, adjustable footrest system…well you get the idea with that one – there is little that can’t be tailored
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