BikeBiz Bicycle and cycling retail news
Back in January, when we over optimistically suggested that there was potential for a regular ‘Follow Friday’ for industry Twitter users, little did we anticipate the volume of trade members keen to become involved. Needless to say, the article wasn’t repeated for fear of starting a snowball rolling in our inboxes – it seems the bicycle business really does have an addiction to Twitter.
As social media once again gradually shifts to a new flavour of the month, BikeBiz feels the need to shoot ourselves square in the foot once more with a ‘Follow Friday’ dedicated to some notable Instagram users, who in many cases are regularly posting sneak product peaks long before any media sites become aware.
And so, here it is, our beginner’s guide to who to follow on Instagram, if you’re into all that social media sharing stuff:
Who:Martin Pounder, Moore Large
Why: Previously mentioned in the original Twitter article, Moore Large’s Martin Pounder has this social media business down to a tee. Regularly posting insight’s into the world of 4za (and parent brand Ridley), among other labels under the Moore Large banner, Pounder’s feed is full of product papped long before the wider world gets a chance to oggle close up.
Who:Ricky Feather, Feather Cycles
Why: Two words: Bike Porn. Well known frame builder Feather is very active in the workshop and not shy of showing the world his creations in progress. If you’re a fan of detailed lug work, tidy welding, and a custom bike afficionado, look no further.
Who:Subrosa Brand
Why: One for the BMX heads here. First and foremost, Subrosa are a big fan of black and white action shots, but every now thrown into the mix the label sneaks in prototype product shots.
Who:HopeTech
Why: Who wouldn’t want the inside track on one of the UK’s bicycle components manufacturing experts? Hope’s feed, for example, has detailed many of the "20 stages" that the new F20 pedal has been through on its way to production.
Who:Brodie Bikes
Why: Another label big on showing its new product off on the increasingly popular photo sharing site – not too long ago posting images of four new titanium frames for road, mountain, 29er and cyclocross.
Who:Diamondback UK
Why: Recently spotting a prototype 2014 ‘Mason’ 29er on the feed, BikeBiz wonders where else you’d get a first glimpse on a planned 140mm enduro bike a year before it’s released.
Who:Dan Jones, Windwave marketing
Why: Another industry personality with the thumbs of a ninja when it comes to social media. Aside from letting us all know whenever Windwave has something in the pipeline, Jones often posts pictures of unique handpainted Colnagos, along with sneak peaks as samples land on his desk.
Who: Bikes Belong USA
Why: US bicycle retail coalition with one mission: to see more people cycle stateside. Through advocacy efforts and helping create a safer infrastructure for riding, Bikes Belong share their work in pictures on Instagram.
Who: Stif Cycles
Why: Long time UK cycle retailer Stif charts its teams success at events such as Mountain Mayhem and interacts with customers who sign on to oggle the bike photos posted – Most recently using the social network to post a reminder to attend its Santa Cruz demo day.
Who: Bianchi Bicycles
Why: The Italian bicycle manufacturer has many fans the world over and uses the photo sharing portal to tempt customers with shots of the latest bikes fresh from the factory.
