BikeBiz Bicycle and cycling retail news

After two years of on-off negotiations with an American bike shop owner, we have finally bought the all-important dotcom URL that turns this site into BikeBiz.com. According to Hitwise, the £4000-a-year web measuring service, BikeBiz.co.uk was the third biggest UK bicycle-related site - of all types - earlier this year. Investment will now be made into growing the site internationally.

When the Dutch bike brand Batavus needed to create a sexier brand image for selling its high-end MTBs it spawned Be One. Now, the child is to make its own way in the world as the Accell Group, owner of Batavus, licenses the Be One name to Be One's management team.

"Are you frustrated that your voice is not being heard on the big issues that affect cycling today? Would you like to help shape the future of cycling in the UK?" That's the CTC's pitch. Oh, and "Will you stand up for cycling?".

Sony Computer Entertainment's Downhill Domination launches on July 22nd in the US and a top rider claims the game will raise the profile of MTBing.

Both are Aylesbury-based. Both are linked in to the ACT. One pays IBDs for each mechanic trained; the other offers to-be-paid-for courses but is part-owned by the ACT.