BikeBiz Bicycle and cycling retail news
As one of the first key events in the cycling calendar, the COREbike show, which takes place from January 21 to the 23 at the Whittlebury Hall in Towcester, presents an ideal opportunity to view the latest products that the industry has to offer and discuss the year ahead with industry friends and contacts in a relaxed environment.
Speaking to BikeBiz recently, Core co-organiser Keith Jepson commented: “I think the event will always have a huge place in the UK event calendar, and now with Upper Street Events joining the Core team as principal event organiser, I am confident that the event will grow even further. A large event company partnering with Core gives the event more man power from an organisational perspective and more promotional clout! Core offers something different, it’s not just a trade show, it’s a conference with hospitality, amazing products and a friendly atmosphere, where the trade hang out, do business and have access to brand managers, sales guys and brand owners.”
This year, a host of top brands will take to the halls of the show to exhibit new ranges and emerging technology. Following a successful 2017 show, Assos of Switzerland was founded in 1976, and has spent its history working on the progression of high-end fabrics and cycling clothing. After a busy year in which the Assos moved into a new flagship London superstore, the brand will once again occupy a significant space in Whittlebury hall, at stand S2.
Hotlines has been a regular at the show for years; in 2018, the distributor will release new products from brands including Rondo, Lynskey, Leatt, NS Bikes and 661. Rondo will launch the HVRT road bike, Lynskey will debut a UK-ready hardtail, Leatt’s range of XC/Trail apparel will be on display including the DBX 3.5 neck brace, NS Bikes will introduce the new 29” 150 plus Snabb model to its lineup and 661 will launch the new Reset helmet, which will be on pre-order at the show.
CSG-distributed accessories brand Fabric will be available to discuss its growing range of cycling accessories. The brand has invested substantial research and development into engineering a range that not only provides convenience to cyclists on the go, but also takes advantage of quality materials in the process. The range includes saddles, pumps, lights, bottles, tools, tape and grips – to name but a few.
Zyrofisher has had a monumental year with the strengthening of many key brands. Core 2018 will represent a key chance for the distributor to show off some of the latest and greatest products from key brand including ABUS, Giro, Altura, Hiplok, RockShox and Bell. Experts from the ZyroFisher team will be on hand to discuss the range with dealers at Stand Astons S4/S3.
Silverfish is gearing up for another eventful show in 2018. The brand recently built on its relationship with 28-year-old brand Marzocchi, who is expected to announce release some significant updates this year. Mondraker will attract attention at this year’s event, as will Yeti, who revealed some eye-catching 2018 models recently.
For 2018 Core has enlisted the help of Cycle Show owners, Upper Street Events, to manage the organisational aspects of the show.
“As long term visitors to Core Bike we have always looked forward to making the trip to Whittlebury and like the many hundreds of IBDs and members of the press that attend it has always been a hugely worthwhile exercise for us. It’s not an easy task to meet so many top quality brands and distributors in one place, especially for busy bike shop owners,” said Chris Holman of Upper Street Events.
“Clearly the founders of Core all run successful bike companies as their main jobs, so their days are very full already and Core has got to the size now where it needs an events company to help it become the best show it can possibly be. So it’s a great honour for us to be part of such a well-established and prestigious bike trade event,” he concluded.
Stand sales at the show will continue to be overseen by the Core team, but enquiries for space can be made through Chris or Steve Morgan at Upper Street. The new Core Bike website with the latest exhibitor list and show news will be launched at the beginning of November.
“We’ve known Chris and the team there for several years, and we’re very pleased to be working with them on Core. It’s critical that the show retains its house feel with trade visitors enjoying a welcoming and relaxed environment. We envisage that with Upper Street Events joining the established Core organisers, we can mutually raise the bar yet again for the industry whilst ensuring the event is run as smoothly and professionally as possible. The synergy between Core Bike and the Cycle Show also means that both events can extend their reach into the trade more effectively and clearly there’s a lot to be gained by attracting even more bike shops to meet the Core exhibitors,” added Lloyd Townsend of Ison Distribution
IBDs can register now at www.corebike.co.uk. Please note the Core Bike registration system ensures that all registrations have to be approved first by the exhibitors and also by the organising team so the registration process does not generate immediate confirmations.
