BikeBiz Bicycle and cycling retail news
There’ll be new products and brands galore for cycle retailers heading to the annual Core Bike show, gracing Whittlebury hall from January 27th to 29th. With not long until the distributors descend on the venue to set up, here’s BikeBiz’s final part of the show preview…
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Hope
Not shy of putting in the shifts both in the factory and out on the trail, Hope will finally be bringing a few slow burning products to market after rigorous prototyping and testing.
Many shops will have already have noted the availability of the new flat pedals, which have been through some 20 versions prior to be approved for production weeks prior to the Cycle Show. The slightly concave pedal body is machined from 2014 T6 Aluminium and spins on one Norglide bush and three cartridge bearings. The axle and bearing assembly is fully sealed and ideally suited to UK riding conditions.
Another major development is the addition of disc compatible road and CX wheel sets with a choice of Carbon Tub, Carbon Clincher and conventional aluminium rims all built around our proven Pro 2 EVO and XC6 hubs.
Hope will also be showing its full range of simple chainguides and combined bashring/chainring setups to suit the increasing demand for 1X systems.
Alongside these developments Hope will be showing a couple of totally new products never seen at any previous shows. Keep ‘em peeled.
Extra
Ever-popular at Core Bike, Brooks will be showing their well-established range of hand-crafted UK made saddles. Of particular note for 2013 is the addition of new luggage, the Pickwick Bag being just one fine example.
Elsewhere, Fi’zi:k has been busy over the past 12 months developing its shoes line. Working on feedback from some of the world’s top riders like Alessandro Ballan and David Millar the 2013 range sees the introduction of new features such as lighter weights, different fits, new price points, MTB and triathlon shoes.
Time joined Extra earlier on this year and as such this will be the brand’s first Core Bike show. Crafted in France, the label’s frame line is exclusive to independent bike shops and interested retailers will be welcome to discuss accounts in January.
As well as frames, Time is also one of the leading companies in the clipless pedals arena. New for 2013, after a very successful launch at Germany’s Eurobike, is the Expresso range of pedals featuring lighter weights and larger surface areas giving noticeable benefits over its competitors.
Upgrade
On the back of a busy showing with the consumer crowds at the Cycle Show, Upgrade will be looking forward to meeting with a trade-only crowd. There will once again be no shortage of new goods to ogle, as well as brand managers on hand to talk through the product.
Starting with in-house brand DMR, Core will see the presentation of the Sect range, which comprises a new frame, stem, seat and post and grips. The Sect frame comes in at £299.99 retail and is heat treated, lowering the weight, while double butted cro-mo tubes hold the strength in key areas, such as the headtube, vulnerable while dirt jumping.
Another label in the limelight is X-Fusion, currently popular thanks to its revamped Hilo SL dropper post. The price is still TBC, however we do know that 30.9 and 31.6 widths will be available to begin with, each offering 125mm of travel. Retailers should also check out the new Slant 26 and Trace 29er forks.
Core will also provide a first look at some new Kinesis projects.
Buffera
All-new to Buff headwear the Helmet Liner Pro joins the range for the spring (in stock early March). Made with Fastwick Extra Plus, a 100 per cent polyester knit constructed to simulate beehive cells, the fabric enables strong moisture wicking properties (sweat) from the wearer to ensure comfort, even during high intensity activities. At just 27.5cm long, as opposed to 52cm in Original Buff, it is less bulky under a helmet and therefore ideally suited to cyclists. Priced at £7.13 trade and £15.00 retail it’s a little more expensive than Original, but the technical performance of the fabric more than justifies this.
Buffera will also show the Autumn/Winter apparel collection, taking forward orders for those who’re interested. Also on show will be the SS13 collection for anyone wanting in season orders for delivery in March/April.
One Industries
One Industries Europe will be attending Core Bike for the first time and will be exhibiting the all-new bike apparel line, alongside long established brands 661 protection and Maxxis tyres.
The One Industries Bike line has been developed using a wealth of experience gained from 15 years of working in the MX business, mixed with design input from top line athletes such as the Athertons and Aaron Chase. The end result is a range of MTB-specific clothing, covering the competitive, DH and Gravity Enduro rider to the weekend trail rider, and everything in between.
Body protection label 661 and tyre label Maxxis are long standing businesses that most should be familiar with, though both will exhibit product that may be new to many.
Chicken Cyclekit
Ever stood at a show open-mouthed as the stand infront of you shows a number of spinning wheels emitting flashing patterns, pictures and messages? We too have been similarly dazzled by the creator of the invention Monkey Light Wheels, a label now found under the Chicken Cyclekit portfolio.
Starting from £44.99, your customers can now turn their bikes into an illuminated work of art. The ten LED system runs from three AA batteries and will work in all weather conditions. The entry M210 product straps to your spokes with a vibration-proof three-point fitting and displays brilliant patterns, as the wheel spins.
Fast Rider also joins Chicken’s portfolio and the line of bike bags and baskets will debut at Core Bike, promising dealers competitive prices on all luggage.
Vittoria Shoes (nothing to do with the tyre brand, also found in Chicken’s warehouse) and Dedacciai Elementi Wheels will also make their first appearance at the show.
The latter is calling on dealers to come and learn about its new concept in wheel construction with the ‘Reverse Inertia Concept Principle’.
