BikeBiz Bicycle and cycling retail news

Johnny Mapplebeck, founder of Whitaker and Mapplebeck Cycles, now trading as Pennine Cycles, has passed away peacefully aged 101.⁠ He opened the bike shop with his friend in 1946 after returning from the war, and over the years built a successful business. Owners Paul and Sandra Corcoran bought the business …

ASSOS of Switzerland has appointed Raffaele Nardo as director of e-commerce and digital. Nardo will join the executive team at the headquarters in Ticino, Switzerland, from 1st October. In his new role, Nardo will report directly to ASSOS CEO Derek Bouchard-Hall and will work closely with the ASSOS board to …

Bicycle manufacturer Accell Group has launched its ‘new purpose’ with an online video featuring the company’s staff showing how ‘cycling moves the world forward’. Its plants in Heerenveen, which produce bicycles for the European market, are also transitioning to solar energy in 2021. The move will result in a reduction …

Schools across England are set to benefit from new funding to get more children riding their bike or walking to school, cycling minister Chris Heaton-Harris announced yesterday. A new million-pound programme will see cycle repair workshops set up in primary schools and local neighbourhoods to make sure students’ bikes are …

Cyclescheme has announced a reduction in retailer commission rates. Effective from today, 28th September, on any unredeemed e-certificate, Cyclescheme commission has been reduced to 8.33%, excluding VAT, for all bikes, accessories and helmets. From the beginning of November, a commission cap will be introduced on Cyclescheme e-certificates above £3,000 RRP, …

RideFest began life on a chairlift in the Austrian ski resort of St Anton in March 2016, from a conversation between Enitan Shonibare and Richard Liston. A simple question was posed: how many people in the ski group (SkiFest) rode bikes? ‘Not many’ was the answer, and from there, the …

COVID-19 has caused many trade shows and other cycling events to be cancelled or postponed this year. Rebecca Morley explores how this has affected businesses within the industry

By Stacey MacNaught, founder of SEO agency MacNaught Digital

One advantage IBDs will always have over the internet is servicing and repairs. Even if customers do choose to spend an increasing amount of time perusing the web, the value of customer service and expertise that bike shops provide in person can never be overlooked. And while the COVID-19 pandemic …