BikeBiz Bicycle and cycling retail news
ATG
ON the back of opening a brand new 33,000 square foot training centre in Aylesbury, ATG Training is inviting more students than ever on cycle training courses. With an additional facility near Manchester Velodrome, dealers can pack their spanner monkeys off for a few weeks – and for the most part obtain Government funding in order to easily meet the bill.
Matt Goodrich the ATGs head of cycle training told BikeBiz: "There’s been massive change in this past year in the Government’s attitude to skills training. Adult learning is something that is being taken very seriously as the economy dips. If you have left school without five GCSEs we can now almost guarantee that financial assistance can be provided. The criteria are set to be relaxed in the New Year, too, which is great news because a single apprenticeship is worth up to £6,000."
Courses operate with ten students to a tutor and the pass rate is around 90 per cent. Students are able to walk away with NVQs worth five GCSE grades and Cytech accreditation. Students are in good hands, with each of ATG’s teachers being trained both as a teacher and as a mechanic. Madison heavily sponsors the courses, ensuring that students are working with top grade kit from the likes of Park Tool and Commencal. To enrol on one of ATG’s courses call Ellaine Powell on 01612 306241 or visit www.atg-training.co.uk.
Velotech Training
Velotech Cycling is jointly owned by Graeme Freestone King, Jeff Beach and Weldtite Products. Graeme has been in the cycle industry since 1980, and has a wide range of mechanical skills and experience, from shop mechanic, through team mechanic to speccing bicycles and acting as a design consultant to a cycle manufacturer, in addition to having worked as national sales manager for a wholesaler in the cycle trade.
Beach has worked in the trade for at least as long, and is a framebuilder, as well as having been mainly responsible for the development of the courses that are now being offered by Velotech Cycling under the Weldtech title. Velotech also doubles up as the UK service centre for Campagnolo.
Greyville
PEDROS and BBB are Greyville’s answer to the maintenance-savvy cyclist’s needs. Pedros offers an extensive range of oils, cleaners and degreasers, as well as tools such as a Vive Whip sprocket remover. The environmentally friendly GreenFizz spray bike wash is available to trade customers from just £2.75 for a 470ml bottle. With special foaming action, the surfactants of Green Fizz coat the bike and help wash away grime with very little persuasion.
Of the tools, Pedros sprocket remover is designed to meet the needs of the professional workshopsmith. Pedro’s has devised the most secure way to manage cogs of any size. The new Vice Whip is the world’s first locking chain whip, a process which makes cassette removal safe and simple. Trade price for this heat-treated steel tool is £26.50.
The BBB Multimount is Greyville’s recommended bike repair stand. Made from lightweight, yet stable aluminium, the stand is adjustable in both height and horizontal bike position. The unit is foldable, taking up a very small space when dismantled, and is available for £72.50.
Extra
Extra is the UK distributor for Topeak’s renowned Alien range, which has grown rapidly in past years. The highly versatile Alien 11 is the brand’s lightweight multi-tool concealing 26 tools into one folding two-piece package.
The unit holds Allen Key sizes from two to ten, a selection of common hex bolt wrenches, a mini pedal wrench, chain splitter, tyre levers and much more. There’s even a stainless knife and bottle opener for both cutting back branches covering the trail and opening your moonshine respectively.
The distributor also handles ProGold, a solution which inhibits oxidation and corrosion, and it works to shed contamination too. Metal Friction Reducer is incorporated in all ProGold products.
MFR molecules bond to metal creating a ‘sacrificial surface’ so that you are no longer running metal-to-metal. This process is not dependent on viscosity so ProGold does not need to be oily. This translates into longer chain life, easier pedalling, smoother shifting and a quieter drive train. In addition it’s environmentally green and non-staining.
ProGold also manufactures a Bikewash solution, which is a carbon-friendly formulation great for all types of frames and components. The solution is dilutable up to 50 per cent, still carrying heavy punching power that removes dirt and grime gently. Among other products are a cable luber, EPX grease, a chain gauge to judge chain wear and more.
Coyote Sports
Coyote has stock of a wide range of tools and workstands ranging from the professional Cyclus tools from Weldtite and Super B to end user products under the Coyote brand. The distributor also carries professional level workstands from both Roto and Coyote. Also in stock and equally as workshop friendly, Coyote carries the entire range of Weldtite lubes, cleaners and other fluids, including TF2 and Dirtwash.
The increasingly popular P1zzeezee Bike Cleaner is also available from Coyote in one or five litre bottles. To view the entire range and see what Coyote could do for you see the firms website www.coyote-sports.com.
Dillglove
WD40 and 3in1 is basically a wide range of lubricants, degreasers, oils, and grease in one handy package. The well-known oil is firmly established as a workshop favourite and brand recognised by consumers. The complete professional range can be supplied via Dillglove. In addition, P1ZZeezee Bike Wash is exclusively distributed by Dillglove, available in one, five and 25 Litre bottles. This Bike Wash is extremely effective and removes dirt with little assistance. Also on offer from the firm are Super B Tools – Dillglove’s answer to workshop tasks.
Exclusively distributed by Dillglove via its wholesale network, the complete range of professional workshop and domestic tools, tool kits, and cleaning brushes are fit to tackle any and all workshop tasks.
Fisher Outdoor
Fisher Outdoor carries the entire Tacx range of tools, which are designed to utilise the typical tools needed out on the trail. The Multi tool for example carries Allen keys in all of the common sizes from two to eight, both flathead and crosshead screwdrivers, as well as a Torx 25 driver. Additional features include a chain rivet extractor, hew spanners, spoke key and two tyre levers. The multi tool retails for £27.99.
Originally famed for its superb cleaning qualities, Muc-Off is now branching into lubricants and specific cleaners. Both wet and dry lubes are available from £6.99 in a 125ml bottle. The wet lube is a handy extra to sell to those wanting to keep their bikes running smoothly after a service. The solution repels water and inhibits rust and corrosion. A good coating will remain ultra durable over long distances, protecting in any condition.
Specifically developed for the chainset, Muc-Off’s one-litre chain cleaner retails for £11.99, but would also be a welcome addition to most professional workshops. The solution rapidly removes heavy grime quickly and safely, breaking down oil, grease and grime, leaving the chain contaminant free. As an added eco-bonus, the formula is fully biodegradable and suited to all types of chain.
Zyro
Designed, tested and manufactured in the UK, Fenwick’s product is recommended by Specialized UK and the ATG. The Fenwick’s FS range of cleaners and degreasers uses only biodegradable and environmentally friendly raw materials. The best seller in the range is FS-1, a 2-in-1 bike degreaser and cleaner that offers great performance and value. As a degreaser, FS-1 can be applied directly to the drivetrain, agitated after a minute or two and then washed off with a hose. For use as a cleaner, FS-1 can be diluted with ten-parts water, providing an extremely effective deep cleansing action for the whole bike.
For the retailer, Zyro offers a tall wooden stand that easily accommodates the range. It includes a top tray that neatly merchandises 36 bottles of lube. Zyro also offers bike frame stickers to help retailers promote the brand to their customers, either on new bikes or those in for service.
Also from the distributor, White Lightening has a range of three lubes in two sizes – 120 and 240ml. To support the product, Zyro offers a medium sized metal display stand that can hold 24 bottles of 120ml lube and 13 cans of 370ml Clean Streak. The stand can be shelf or wall mounted.
Silverfish
Rock’n’Roll distributor Silverfish has taken stock of the 2009 line, which ranges from the Cable Magic lube, up to the 16oz Gold Lube that is best suited to the drivetrain.
Cable Magic is designed to make braking and shifting super smooth by reducing the drag in cable housings. According to Silverfish, the reception for this product has been great with customers and has come out favourite in the workshop.
The brand’s Extreme Lube comes in two sizes, (as does the Gold Lube) – 40z and 16oz. Extreme Lube, as the title suggests, is a long lasting chain lube which actively cleans the chain as well as loosens stiffness. The solution works best when applied generously and, when soaked in, the excess should be removed for optimal performance over time.
Hope
Hope’s trigger activated Sh1t Shifter spray has been specially formulated to clean tough grime, while being gentle enough not to damage paint work, carbon, anodised aluminium or braking. The solution contains no harmful chemicals, nor sodium hydroxide, which has been proven to attack aluminium and anodised surfaces. Sh1t Shifter contains a substitute component that acts as a very effective releasing agent cutting through dirt without attacking material surfaces. Nor does it contain any silicon or similar polishing agents which both affect braking performance. What’s more, the wash is, crucially, entirely nvironmentally friendly and fully biodegradable.
Effective on both dirt and oil, the an-ionic and cat-ionic spray will dislodge dirt and clean surfaces with very little assistance. What Mountain Bike described Hope’s product as having: "Brilliant cleaning performance, yet kind to your paintwork and disc brakes and is also gentle on the environment.”
Greyville
PEDROS and BBB are Greyville’s answer to the maintenance-savvy cyclist’s needs. Pedros offers an extensive range of oils, cleaners and degreasers, as well as tools such as a Vive Whip sprocket remover. The environmentally friendly GreenFizz spray bike wash is available to trade customers from just £2.75 for a 470ml bottle. With special foaming action, the surfactants of Green Fizz coat the bike and help wash away grime with very little persuasion.
Of the tools, Pedros sprocket remover is designed to meet the needs of the professional workshopsmith. Pedro’s has devised the most secure way to manage cogs of any size. The new Vice Whip is the world’s first locking chain whip, a process which makes cassette removal safe and simple. Trade price for this heat-treated steel tool is £26.50. The BBB Multimount is Greyville’s recommended bike repair stand. Made from lightweight, yet stable aluminium, the stand is adjustable in both height and horizontal bike position. The unit is foldable, taking up a very small space when dismantled, and is available for £72.50.
Weldtite
THE new Cyclo workshop tool range is the result of a dedicated two-year development programme by Weldtite Products to produce class-leading tools for the professional cycle mechanic. Starting afresh has enabled Weldtite to integrate many new innovative features that mechanics demand, without compromising quality, functionality or even aesthetics. From the special metal fleck rubber grips to the satin-finish nickel plating formulated to pass the strict environmental regulations of California’s Proposition 65, Cyclo’s tool range now look the business, as well as doing the business.
A unique modular system is at the heart of the Cyclo design philosophy; it attunes each single tool to the range and allows cross- compatibility of some components between tools. Cyclo’s modular system allows a high level of adaptability to new and emerging technology. This was even experienced mid-development adding the capability for Campagnolo Ultra Torque removal and fitting to the Bottom Bracket Removal Tool Set.
Hailed as the jewel in the Cyclo crown, the Bottom Bracket Removal Tool Set is the complete solution to bottom bracket removal that no mechanic should be without, and thanks to Cyclo’s modular system it’s completely upgradeable to future-proof against emerging technologies.
Weldtite stocks a substantial range of replacement spares, and serviceable parts are available to keep bike mechanics’ tools in top condition.
Green Oil
Are your customers increasingly green? Well ‘dangerous for the environment’ is a label you won’t see on any Green Oil products. Green Oil UK is the company behind Green Oil chain lube and much more. Safe for aquatic life, and your mechanic’s skin, Green Oil appeals to increasingly green-minded customers. What Mountain Bikegave Green Oil its Gold Award, showing green products perform best.
Green Oil UK now makes whole ranges of bike maintenance bits. Each product from the award-winning range has a recycled paper label, and Green Oil UK was even recommended by the Ecologist Magazine in October. The company has also now branched into eco-friendly cleaning product with the addition of its Green Clean fluid. The solution comes in a trigger activated spray bottle to give an even coat on all surfaces.
Among other products are a cable luber, EPX grease, a chain gauge to judge chain wear and more.
The Cycle Division
The Finesse range of lubricants and cleaners are designed with longevity in mind. The firm’s products are manufactured in the UK and provide fantastic value for money too. For example the popular Multi Lube gives buyers a 500ml can full of real oil with an RRP of only £4.99. The solution is ideal for many applications and unlike other ‘cans of oil’ Multi Lube does not evaporate, so a little goes a long way.
Other products include Grease Buster (a powerful solvent degreaser), Multi Grease (long lasting waterproof grease), Multi Lube Plus (winter weight chain lube), Trail Wax (an all condition, non-tacky natural lubricant) and STOP Disc Brake Cleaner (regarded as one of the cleaners available). The star of the range is Multi Clean bike wash. This is the winner of What Mountain Bike’s Choice AND Gold award. Not only is it ‘green’ and bike-friendly but it is also an effective cleaner.
New for 2009 will be Finesse Multi Clean ‘8 to 1’. Matching increasing environmental demands Multi Clean ‘8 to 1’ is a continuation of the evolutionary process of such a product. Multi Clean ‘8 to 1’ is a concentrated version of Finesse Multi Clean allowing you to make up to eight times as much for only twice the price.
Fat Spanner
Fat Spanner is quickly gaining market share in the development of cycle tools and related products. The company now supplies an ever-growing range of cycle tools, workstands and cleaning products – all of which are tested by pro-cycle mechanics to the independent cycle retailers. All of this is backed up by a consumer website that outlines products, news and a dealer locator.
All tools are made using only the best materials and to the highest standard which enables Fat Spanner to offer an enticing lifetime warranty on all of its products. Dealers are helped with online ordering, very good stock levels and point-of-sale solutions. The brand also places regular press advertisements, has involvement with cycle events and team sponsorship branding.
Cannondale
The Cannondale Head Wrench multi-tool is deceptively useful. On first glance it looks like it could be perhaps a torch, but when unfolded the tool reveals essential trail tools such as Allen keys ranging from 2.5mm up to 8mm, a chain splitter, a puncture repair gear and various other handy trinkets. The compact design allows for easy storage in a seat bag, hydration pack or, in an innovative and idea that sums up Cannondale’s thinking, in the steerer tube of the Lefty front suspension fork. Comes in black only and costs £29.00 at retail.
Madison
The iconic blue of the Park Tool was granted a patent earlier this year for one reason –because competitors saw potential in associating product with the Park brand’s world-renowned quality. The 2009 range is expanded to deal with all the requirements of the modern mechanic.
From February, dealers can pick up brand new press-fit bottom bracket tools, digital callipers, hydraulic piston presses, as well as a catalogue of other far more simple tools. Park’s new Digital Calliper gives the ability to measure accurately metric, decimal standard and fractional standard measurements to 1/128”. So no more eyeing up of the ruler to guess dimensions. The unit handles external, internal, depth and stepped dimensions with ease.
Of the more trendy tools suited to the consumer, the new Single Speed Spanner is essentially a multi-tool device carrying a 15mm socket, a 15mm open end tool for pedal loosening and tightening, a smooth tyre lever and perhaps most importantly of all – a bottle opener so you can drink on the job, not that we promote that kind of thing…
Also new on Madison’s shelves, the Finish Line 2009 range includes various lubes, sprayers and bucket bundles. The Pro Care 8.0 and 6.0 Buckets are organised, self contained bike care buckets and will be a Madison Icebike-only special. With promises of healthy dealer margins this should be a winner for retailers. The higher specced 8.0 contains everything you could possibly need to keep bikes gleaming and running like new. The bucket will save plenty of cash over buying items individually. The 8.0 retails for £59.99, while the more condensed range of the 6.0 retails for £39.99.
Paligap
Bristol-based Paligap is especially pleased with Ritchey’s new Torque wrench. Costing £120 at retail, you can be sure that it’s ready for the majority of workshop tasks. The tool is manufactured from S2 special steel with very high surface hardness to ensure maximum durability. However, the body is cast from light aluminium, keeping weight down to 169g, which enhances sensitivity at low torque values. This means no more mistaking the effort to hold the tool with applying torque –as can happen with heavier tools intended for heavier duty applications. 16 bits featured cater for almost any screw on a modern bike.
Allen key sizes range from two to eight with every common size in-between covered. Torx T20, T25 and T30, Screw 3, 4.5 and Phillips sizes 0, 1 and 2 all feature. Additionally, a 70mm long 5mm Allen key is included for use with any front road brake calliper’s recessed bolt. To give further freedom, the clever tool features an adjustment knob and bit-holder made of steel to the withstand the rigors of daily use. Torque tolerance is +/- 4 per cent according to UNI/EN/ISO 6789:2004 standards.
Scoop
Scoop has just taken delivery of the updated Random Wrench V2, a popular and highly portable tool best suited to the BMX rider on the move. The refined design of the Random Wrench V2 is far more backpack friendly than the first instalment and carries near everything you’ll ever need to keep things running.
The £22.99 (retail) tool consists of a 15mm pedal spanner, 15mm and 17mm socket, a selection of spoke keys integrated into the tools cap, with five and six millimetre hex keys and both a 3/8 extension and a socket driver. All of that is squeezed into a single metal tube and is set to be an essential tool for mechanics and bikers alike.
