BikeBiz Bicycle and cycling retail news

The websites of Raleigh and Dawes get a pasting in the June issue of PC Pro. David Fearon writes: "Many sizable companies ore being outmaneuvered and outgunned by agile outfits able to adapt to the web mindset." The 'agile outfit' in question is On One. Brant Richards sold Fearon a Deore-geared Inbred for £399.

Colorado's SmartWool Corporation, the largest branded purchaser of New Zealand merino wool, has announced a sourcing partnership with The New Zealand Merino Company that guarantees minimum price levels for New Zealand wool growers producing merino wool for use in SmartWool's products. The new contract, which follows on two previous multi-year contracts between the parties, is "unparalleled in the industry", said SmartWool. The seven year deal is worth $30m.

Bicycle helmet law lobbyists repeatedly quote aged studies by US authors Thompson, Rivara and Thompson that claim very high protective benefit of bicycle helmets. However, a report in the May 2005 issue of Accident Analysis & Prevention criticises the methods used by the authors, and undermines the credibility of much of their helmet findings.

Yes, at long, long last, the BikeBizBible will be out soon. The artwork has been delivered to the printers. Phew!

The US trade show has today announced its advocacy and association support programme for 2005. "Supporting advocacy is supporting business," said the advocacy director of the League of American Bicyclists, the US equivalent of CTC in the UK.