BikeBiz Bicycle and cycling retail news
BikeBiz asks the industry how the switch to the NEC will affect Cycle Show, its attendance and who will exhibit going forward…
“I was pleased that I went to Cycle Show, though I do not think that it will fit with Cycling Sports Group to attend a show of this nature anymore, whether that is NEC or London. I still thought it was quite busy on the Thursday when I went, despite a few big names missing from the line-up. I had a thoroughly productive day meeting key dealers in a social setting over coffee, so the trip was worthwhile.
I did wonder, after hearing of the end of BikeRadar Live, what it would take to recreate Bike 95/96, but I think the world has moved on now. Thousands turned out back then to get a glimpse of international extreme sports riders that now they can see on a website or Extreme TV channel, times have just changed.”
Russell Merry, Co-director, CSG UK
"We found the Cycle Show to be a huge improvement over last year, with more interested consumers and a definite increase in trade visitors. For next year we would like to see a dedicated ‘ebike zone’ so consumers can visit all manufacturers in one place.
We would also like to see a mini booth on the test track for each manufacturer with a bike on track. It only needs to be the size of a newspaper stand, but will enable manufacturers to communicate directly with consumers and ensure the track isn’t just a ‘go-kart track’ for kids.”
Mark Loveridge, Sales Director, Ultramotor
“I understand that the move to the NEC will allow for an outdoor demo area and has attracted interest from some of the bigger bike companies. It will be great if they do sign up, as ultimately more exhibitors will mean a better show for people to visit, be they dealers or consumers.
I also hope that a more central location (making it easier and quicker to visit), combined with some of the bigger players exhibiting, will attract more dealers.”
Matt Ryley, MD, Upgrade
“We are based in Kent, 40 minutes from London. The clientele of Cycle Show are mainly London and South East based, so initially, ‘not good’ was my reaction.
However, Birmingham is in the middle of the UK (which is difficult to understand if you are based in the South and everywhere else is ‘up North’) and it will attract more northern-based bike shops and riders, which is probably a good thing. The new London Bike Show will be there for our southern customers, so the two shows will complement each other nicely for the different markets.
I’m looking forward to the NEC test track. The old Stoneleigh Park exhibition comes to mind, which was great.”
Simon Nash, MD, Green Oil
