Returning to the Silverstone racetrack once more, The Bike Trade place trade show has grown its following over the past three years to become a must-see fixture on the early year schedule. Mark Sutton rounds up the big news for anyone who couldn’t make it…
R53 SPORT Announced on BikeBiz.com just days before the show opened its doors, many were eager to see Pyga’s frames first-hand. Founded by Morewood creator Patrick Morewood, Pyga, the South African label will have stock in the UK by the end of February and a further carbon hardtail to land later this year. For now dealers have two frames to add to their stock. To complement the mountain shredding
aspirations of any customer buying into Pyga, R53 also carries the ICE label, thrust into the limelight for its £120 dropper post, which comes in the so far rare-ish 27.2 diameter. The show also saw the introduction to many of a 27.2 carbon race post, complete with a pivotal head – perfect for the weight conscious racer. Stepping away from exotic components, ICE also produces a full-face helmet in four sizes that caught the attention of many. Now in charge of Spanish bikes, components
and accessories label Massi – The Bike Place also saw the debut of the distribution firm’s link up – with a wide range of accessories including one of the slimmest multi tools we’ve seen to date on show, alongside what was described to us as ‘the lightest’ full carbon saddle on the market at 84 grams.
Massi accessories and bikes are now available via R53
Transition comes to the trade from Surf Sales
SCUTE DESIGN Squarely aimed at the cycle commuter who’s perhaps a bit nervy in traffic and wants there to be no mistake about their movements in traffic, Scute Design’s gloves flash once an index finger button is pressed. The quality of the red LEDs will certainly get you noticed, flashing brightly in the daylight of the show and no doubt much brighter come nightfall. Retailing for £36, the glove can be recharged via a simple USB connector in four hours, making them ideal for the office worker. That length of charge gives you the equivalent feedback. Creator of the product Alistair Malcolm advised that both a full length and mitt version of the glove are available and both carry the usual sweat wipe and padded palms.
VELOCITE Velocite’s stand was a busy one at times according to director mark Almond, much thanks to the new distribution model announced on BikeBiz.com just days earlier. With dealers curious about the new commission for sales model, requiring very little commitment to stock, Almond said he feels retail has been crying out for more flexibility for some time. The new scheme will see Velocite
distributing direct to consumer, but unlike many other direct sell brands, Velocite are seeking retailers to partner with. With reduced retail prices to the consumer,
the scheme has been designed to offer retailers the option of selling the brand on a level price point to many of the existing online-only brands. Each sale will earn a percentage and all partners will receive marketing support and 24 hours a day, seven days a week account management by the Red Cloud team. In addition to the commission schemes for
sales, the brand is also seeking service partners to carry out free-to-consumer first services where each partner will be paid by Red Cloud for their time. With a new website due in March and a partnership with the RWD Brakes WC MTB team, Velocite will no doubt be in the news again soon.