The Best in the Bike Biz Your Guide to the YOU NOMINATED, We Counted, Online Retailer Category

BIKEBIZ AWARDS

Official Partner

AWARDS 2009

In association with The best in the Bike Biz Your guide to the YOU NOMINATED, we counted, Online Retailer category. ever BikeBiz Awards, this year despite having ten Awards on and the BikeBiz Awards 2009 Distributors of bikes and parts officially partnered by Cube and the night. That’s because the companies and finalists have been selected. and accessories will also Citrus-Lime. final prize – for Best Cycle Show brands that the Last month we revealed the compete for awards, while Last year the first BikeBiz Stand – will be judged on the cycle trade has 53 companies that had bagged a manufacturers and marketing Awards took place as an online day by Cycle Show organiser spot on the finalists’ list and teams will also be vying for only event and this year they Upper Street Events. shortlisted to bag now we’re bringing you a guide prizes. The cycle media won’t be have grown into a live event. In And if your company didn’t a prize at this to those brands and companies, left out either, with awards for association with the Cycle Show, manage to make the final cut together with the judging the best consumer magazine and the coveted prizes will be this year, there’s always a year’s awards... criteria for each category, from website respectively. handed out during a trade-only chance next time. In the which one company will go on The judging process has drinks reception on Thursday meantime, get some inspiriation to win in each group. already begun and 50 industry October 8th. by taking a look at the Five independent cycle figures are currently poring over Observant readers will notice companies and brands that retailers go head-to-head, with the finalists in detail to make that in the following pages make up the finalists for the another five facing off in the their selection for the second we’ve listed nine categories, BikeBiz Awards 2009…

JUDGING CRITERIA

FOR THE 50 industry judges, INDEPENDENT RETAILER ONLINE RETAILER HIGH STREET CHAIN DISTRIBUTOR – BIKES choosing who should win each Judges should consider: Judges should consider: Judges should consider: Judges should consider: award is no small task. To help Customer service Reliability Customer service Speed of service them in their mighty challenge Product knowledge Range Product knowledge Order fulfilment we’ve put together the judging Range and in-store User Interface Range Customer service criteria that each will take into merchandising Commitment to an orderly Commitment to an orderly Product condition consideration to select their marketplace marketplace Commitment to an orderly retail pick of the finalists... marketplace BIKEBIZ AWARDS

adapted to the changing retail landscape by planning for TARTY BIKES Independent Retailer a new mail order distribution centre and office – set to Tarty Bikes was established four years ago by two uni be created this year to accommodate the growth of this friends and has since moved three times to cope with FINALISTS: important part of its business. substantial growth due to the import of more brands and products. Reportedly the only trials-specific UK retailer 18 BIKES, DERBYSHIRE that employs full time members of staff, some of Tarty’s Based in Hope, Derbyshire, 18 Bikes boasts competitive Online Retailer workforce regularly compete on a world level. The firm pricing, custom builds, and is staffed by keen cyclists. has introduced a new automated customer ordering With YouTube uploads, a huge selection of custom build FINALISTS: system and a Tartybikes Guide which helps customers pics on Flickr, plus a presence on ever-present Twitter, 18 make better, informed choices. Tarty has also managed to Bikes stays in touch with its customers to a degree that CYCLING BARGAINS squeeze in support for talented riders, including Danny explodes any clichés that dealers are in the dark ages Cycling Bargains started trading five years ago and its MacAskill, while also servicing the small but growing area when it comes to being online. Naturally, independent financial year 08/09 has seen 30 per cent turnover of trials-specific cycling. retailer 18 bikes also has an online shop, and the store growth compared to 07/08. This impressive achievement, offers bikes that take advantage of the Government’s which is doubly impressive for the tender age of the firm, WIGGLE Cycle to Work initiative tax breaks. has been fuelled partly by a growing export business, now Wiggle has had a busy 12 months. After revealing record up to 45 per cent of its turnover this year. Cycling sales in July – with traffic up 80 per cent – the online PENNINE CYCLES, BRADFORD Bargains’ sponsored team landed a place in the Tour retailer has launched worldwide shipping to over 70 Established in 1946 by Johnny Mapplebeck, Pennine Series – seen in ten televised races on ITV this year. countries with multiple currencies on site, introduced the Cycles has already survived a couple of recessions and new Kiron bike brand, received over 15,000 product continues to flourish in West Yorkshire. The family TF TUNED reviews within days of launching its product review business and BikeBiz Awards 2008 finalist has customers Founded back in 2002, TF Tuned services hundreds of system, and has seen 8,000 customer reviews. Along with spanning the globe, and the Bradford-based store has a forks and shocks and retails hundreds of components sponsorship of amateur and pro riders, including Nicole serious hand in manufacturing too, offering repairs, from its online shop each month. TF Tuned’s online Cooke’s Vision 1 race team, Wiggle has been making a resprays, wheelbuilding and service – and the firm customer-facing outlet is the website – stronger and stronger mark on the trade. continues to handbuild at its premises in Bradford. www.tftunedshox.com – with over 80 per cent of custom Pennine Cycles isn’t just about retail either – it’s coming from word of mouth and existing customers, CHAIN REACTION CYCLES sponsoring local cycling clubs, taking a leading role in according to the firm. The company puts customers first, CRC won the online retailers prize at the BikeBiz Awards local Bike Week activities, forging close links with local as they are one of the most important factors of its 2008. Boasting a 3,000 sq ft workshop and a mechanic schools and enterprise groups, and is even organising a success, and their feedback is one of the key reasons team with 40 years of experience, Chain Reaction also training camp early next year for the community. behind the firm’s nomination. One happy Swedish has a showroom to complement its online offering. customer wrote: “You are so f**king great! I already have Covering cycles and accessories from every discipline, STATION CYCLES, CAMBRIDGE the parts in my hand. And at a very good price. Thanks Chain Reaction put on a big showing at this year’s Cambridge’s Station Cycles boasts two branches in the from Sweden.” Yes, thanks indeed. inaugural BikeRadar Live event. university town and offers cycle hire and bikes for sale. It stocks second-hand as well as new bicycles and the STATION CYCLES TARTY BIKES store recently rated highly when BikeBiz’s Mystery Shopper visited Cambridge, calling Station Cycles: “One of the star stores of the city.” The firm also found time to relaunch its website in August and estimates that it might be the largest cycle sales and hire business in the East of England.

CONDOR CYCLES, LONDON Another industry stalwart, Condor Cycles has been trading in the capital for a stunning 60 years plus and proved a strong contender at last year’s BikeBiz Awards, picking up the independent dealer award. The iconic retailer is also a custom build manufacturer working closely with primary tubing supplier Dedacciai and is CHAIN REACTION WIGGLE rightly proud to be producing frames in the UK.

RUTLAND CYCLING, OAKHAM Rutland Cycling has gone from strength-to-strength having seen 100 per cent growth over the last two years. The firm places the utmost importance in providing unrivalled customer service from knowledgeable and passionate staff with unbeatable product pricing. Over a quarter of a century old, Rutland offers cycle hire and has reaped the rewards of considerable time and money investments in its online presence. Internet-based sales account for a third of its total business and Rutland has

DISTRIBUTOR – PARTS & CONSUMER MAGAZINE CONSUMER WEBSITE MARKETING TEAM MANUFACTURER ACCESSORIES Judges should consider: Judges should consider: Judges should consider: Judges should consider: Judges should consider: Compelling editorial Compelling editorial Creativity Commercial success Speed of service Circulation development Design Influence on sales Marketing agility Order fulfilment Design Independence and integrity of Impact versus budget available Commitment to an orderly Customer service Independence and integrity of reviews marketplace Product condition reviews Reliability Innovation Commitment to an orderly retail User interface marketplace BIKEBIZ AWARDS

CYCLES UK MADISON High Street Chain Cycles UK was formed in 1997 and has fast grown into 16 stores based in the South East; 14 are standalone, and FINALISTS: the remaining two are in prime locations within Harrods in Knightsbridge, and Jarrolds in Norwich. Boasting names EVANS like Cube, Specialized, Trek, Marin, Whyte, Wilier, Mezzo, The cycle retailer’s growing national network of retailers GT, Scot and Mongoose, Cycles UK’s recently opened is set to be joined by a new branch in Reading later this flagship Greenwich store includes a large dedicated year, building on a rich heritage that spans over 80 years women’s cycling area, which Sustrans’ BikeBelles in cycle retail. The firm’s offering has developed greatly website was quick to notice and positively review. over that time, and ten years ago it launched an A spokesperson for the firm says: “Our Chelmsford and ecommerce website. The passionate cycling fans behind Greenwich stores represent the direction we’re going in the company aim to keep the business operated in a as a company, focusing on quality brands and excellent ‘green’ way and run a range of in-store events, including customer service within a contemporary retail multiple Ladies Nights last April. environment.” ZYRO

HALFORDS Needing no introduction whatsoever, Halfords is the Distributor – Bikes biggest retailer of bikes in the UK and has played a key role in setting the cycling agenda – not least with its call FINALISTS: to cut VAT on children’s bicycles. Its retail effort has seen it shift more than one million bikes a year and a third of SILVERFISH all bicycles sold in the UK, according to the firm. Seeking Silverfish tells BikeBiz that it offers independent dealers to improve its offering in the high-end cycle market, easy ways to order, fast delivery and an industry leading Halfords has also upped its online offerings – dovetailing back-up service, with the same high-end service to all with its Reserve and Collect service. customers whether ordering one bolt or a complete bike. Having picked up Spanish MTB brand Mondraker Bikes in CYCLE SURGERY August, Silverfish, which celebrated its first decade this REECE Formed by two MTB enthusiasts in ‘92, Cycle Surgery year, now distributes over ten brands including names This year Reece Cycles revealed that it was bringing the aims to fill a niche by providing unprecedented service such as Race Face, Evil and SDG. Schwinn Tailwind – one of the fastest-charging electric and repairs. Expanding to eight stores by 2007 – bikes – to the UK. The firm has also picked up BMX brand including a concession store in Selfridges – Cycle Surgery HOTLINES FreeAgent over the last year, with the intention of re- boasts 40,000 sq feet of warehouse space and, according Over the past few seasons Hotlines has played a key role establishing it here in the UK. FreeAgent joins a list of to the firm, by blending service and product it sets itself in the performance of the bicycle brands it handles, bike brands including Probike and Python mountain bikes. apart from the competition. The workshop is key of including Lapierre. Supporting sales with in-depth course, with all mechanics trained to a minimum of marketing is key to Hotlines’ offering. The distributor tells SEVENTIES Cytech level one. The internet side of the business is good BikeBiz that not a single issue of any of the big magazines Seventies MD Stuart Dawkins tells BikeBiz that the firm too, with over 84,000 visitors every month, according to slips through without carrying an ad for its brands. has seen a higher increase in retailers opening accounts the firm. Hotlines also boasts keen dedication to demo days than usual over the past year, with the signs being very (attending or organising 20 over the last six months) and bright indeed for the BMX scene. As well as being keen CYCLELIFE it supports retailers’ own promotions of brands with bloggers, the distributor sees sponsoring riders and core Through its partnerships with retailers, Raleigh has seen assistance and even staff. events as a key focus for the firm. Earlier in the year its 120th Cyclelife dealership in ‘09. Among other things, Seventies supported its dealer base while times were the scheme gives bicycle dealers more marketing clout, JIM WALKER tough by securing extra stocks of completes to meet with Raleigh dedicating £50,000 for national advertising Jim Walker has brought a raft of new brands on board growing demand. from March this year. The franchise aims to improve retail over the past 12 months. In April the distributor picked standards, drive footfall and promote business. up performance mountain bike brand Sunn Bicycles, Canadian brand Argon 18’s high-end road and triathlon Distributor – frames joined at the start of the year, and legendary rider HALFORDS Eddy Merckx signed the exclusive UK and Ireland rights to Parts and Accessories his bicycles, too. FINALISTS: MADISON Boasting an enviable line-up of bike brands including PALIGAP Commencal, Genesis, Ridgeback and Cervelo, Madison Paligap has developed its dealer offering with the launch also acquired the Saracen brand, which is set for a of its quirkily-named ‘fresh and minty’ POLO site relaunch in 2010. The firm supports its bike brands in a (Paligap’s On-Line Ordering). The distributor’s brand number of ways, not least through sponsoring a broad portfolio includes the likes of recent signing Muc-Off, spectrum of teams and riders, from the world famous – Kona, FFWD, Ritchey, Saris, Torq, No Tubes and many including Shanaze Reade and the Atherton clan – to grass more. The Core Bike attendee is also a keen supporter of roots riders breaking into the sport. Bike Hub.

EVANS HOT WHEELS ZYRO Family business Hot Wheels started life in 1981 and is Celebrating its 14th year, Zyro distributes 23 cycling committed to bringing a portfolio of top selling, parts and accessories brands from the UK and around the innovative bicycle products to the UK. The firm has globe including four own-brands: Altura cycling apparel, gone from strength-to-strength since its inception. It is Tortec racks and mudguards, Bodyfit comfort saddles and no stranger to awards, bagging last year’s BikeBiz Award Intake Performance saddles. Reportedly the largest for bike distribution, and picking up gongs from GT privately-owned parts and accessories distributor in the Bicycles, Mongoose, and What MTB mag. It distributes UK cycling industry, Zyro plays an active role in BMX favourite Wethepeople, and Mongoose bikes to innovating and working closely with brands (including the holiday giant Center Parcs. The company also looks after likes of Cateye) to develop and tailor product for the UK. the Charge brand and opened a 100,000 sq ft logistics Keeping prices stable for dealers has also been a focus for operation in Bristol in 2007. Zyro this year. BIKEBIZ AWARDS

FISHER OUTDOORS SINGLETRACKS Fisher Outdoor Leisure has had a busy year – it’s Consumer Website launched cycle commuter range Bspoke with the help of Transport for London and picked up the Lambretta brand. FINALISTS: On top of looking after more top brands like Santini, Troy MPORA Lee and recently-picked-up WTB, Fisher also found time MPORA.COM launched two years ago, bringing together a to raise £17k for the Stephen Murray charity fund at its variety of sports and audiences including BMX, mountain Expo week-long event – a key date for cycle dealers. biking, skate, surf, snow, Motocross and wakeboarding. The multi-national site mixes up user-generated content MOORE LARGE from those at the heart of the sporting scene with Derby-based distributor Moore Large has snapped up a material from the MPORA production team. The jam- number of new brands over the past 12 months, packed website includes exclusive live streaming of including Fenix lights and Limar helmets. The firm’s B2B premium European events, full-length movies, HD quality site has gone from strength-to-strength this year and play back and much more. ML’s branded product seminars give dealers a chance to look at new products in its showrooms and speak to RIDE BIKERADAR brands directly and feed off their vast experience. BikeRadar.com is a key online destination site for all cyclists, tailored for three distinct groups of enthusiasts: EXTRA road cyclists, mountain bikers and commuters. Extra picked up last year’s BikeBiz Award for parts and Emphasising originality and quality over quantity, this accessories distribution, and this year will again be a hugely popular site has a rapidly growing userbase that is strong contender for the prize. The Northants firm engaged and enthused by everything to do with cycling. bagged distribution rights for RapidRacerProducts in The site ranks consistently well for some highly January this year and its portfolio includes Topeak, Cane competitive search terms and the brand extended further Creek, Fi’zi:k, Hutchinson and many more respected with this year’s inaugural BikeRadar Live – which saw names from the industry. mass cycling participation in Donington Park.

2PURE ROAD.CC The Edinburgh-based firm started only three years ago CYCLING PLUS Despite having launched less than a year ago, Road.cc and now boasts parts and accessories brands like Clif Bar, has rapidly built up a reputation to be reckoned with, and Crank Bros, Lizard Skins and Nema. 2Pure also looks after the traffic to boot. Traffic had grown by as much as 50 NiteRider, Pinhead, SQ-labs and Feedback Sports and hit per cent by the start of 2009, and that ever-growing total the headlines earlier this year when it bagged Italian is due in part to a heavy marketing effort from the site bicycle clothing manufacturer De Marchi. The firm added creators. The driving, or riding, force behind the road a new sales director to its team at the start of the year cycling site is Farrelly Atkinson, and the site itself has a and was in the running for the prize at last year’s target audience of road cyclists at all levels of experience BikeBiz Awards. and ability.

MADISON BIKERUMOR Way back in 1977, few could have predicted how far a Launched in 2008 from scratch as nothing more than an small suburban shop in North West London could grow. enthusiast’s website about all things cycling, Madison is now a hugely significant player in the bicycle claims to be the best-looking BMX magazine in the world BIkeRumor.com includes information and features on business and is possibly the UK’s biggest distributor, (specced at 230 x 300mm), according to Factory Media, technology, racing, news and products, plus the looking after the likes of Shimano, Garmin and many with export sales up 20 per cent year-on-year. occasional rumour or two, providing all of the other top names. Madison developed its distribution information in a clean and concise manner. The site offering this year with the launch of its B2B site and a THE RIDE JOURNAL brand new cycle clothing range at this year’s IceBike. The Ride Journal is a bit of a unique proposition. Aiming BIKE RADAR to appeal to each sector of cycling, the publication is probably best described as a journal of personal bike Consumer Magazine stories. Headed by editor Philip Diprose, the magazine released its second edition earlier this year, which FINALISTS: included contributions from BikeBiz’s own Mark Sutton and Carlton Reid. A third edition of the plush title is CYCLING PLUS currently in the works. Cycling Plus is the UK’s biggest selling road cycling magazine that is now in its ninth consecutive year of SINGLETRACK circulation growth. Providing advice, inspiration and Other than Shred, Singletrack is actually the only UK expertise for road cyclists (whether racers, tourers or mountain bike magazine that is still privately owned by commuters) Cycling Plus has recently been redesigned its mountain bike riding founders. It has managed to and has achieved successful cover promotions, such as carve out a niche in the market despite its modest size – the latest TdF pre-tour supplement which is looking to be no mean feat. Published eight times a year, Chipps BIKE RUMOR the biggest selling issue ever. Group publisher Katherine Chippendale, Mark Alker and Shaun Murray remain at the Raderecht says: “With another year of continued ABC magazine after founding it in 2001. growth for Cycling Plus, the magazine is going from strength-to-strength. We are encouraged to see that the CTC CYCLE MAGAZINE redesign has paid off with some fantastic feedback from The CTC’s own Cycle magazine is a free title published six both readers and the industry.” times a year. Sent free of charge to CTC members, the magazine has picked up a number of awards and RIDE BMX nominations along the way and frequently features This year, Ride BMX celebrated its 100th issue. It covers supplements including the CTC’s Annual Report. Cycle all aspects of BMX, showcasing progressive riding from provides technical content, member contributions and around the globe. With parts reviews, event updates and policy decisions and changes, keeping members up to more, Ride offers readers further value with free posters, date with the latest news and developments in the stickers and DVDs throughout the year. The title also cycle industry. BIKEBIZ AWARDS

covers everything from commuter and advocacy to road, CANNONDALE GIANT mountain, triathlon and downhill bikes, gear and Spanning seven continents and 50-plus countries, aptly accessories. named Giant has recently stretched into retail in the UK, with three stores now open across the nation including in SINGLETRACK Cambridge. Giant has produced the 2010 Giant Trinity SingletrackWorld.com was launched alongside the Advanced SL – what is described as the fastest bike – and magazine in 2001 and has successfully achieved the is one of the few manufactures not to cut imports from tricky balancing act between print and online. Carrying Taiwan, according to UK managing director Ian Beasant. breaking news and a super-busy forum, the Singletrack website includes reviews, trail guides, news, blogs, a shop MERIDA and much more. Merida has been on a dealer recruitment push since the start of the year and the results are already showing with 73 per cent growth year-on-year, which is no small Marketing Team PASHLEY achievement regardless of whether the globe is in recession or not. Merida has also forged ahead with specially tailored UK models and brings forward its 2010 FINALISTS: road bikes to tackle the boom in the sector.

SILVERFISH BROMPTON Silverfish UK’s presence in the media and on the cycling One of the key brands to continually cross into the scene, whether in magazines, online or a mountain bike non-cycling consciousness, Brompton has enjoyed a fine event, is down to the Silverfish marketing team. When we year making firm steps into the US via a new subsidiary, say team, we in fact mean one person. The proactive firm as well as getting its commuter-friendly products noticed advertises, sponsors and markets its leading product, as far and wide as the UK’s Gadget Show. Service to gaining ideas from the whole Silverfish team and IBDs is a key focus for the firm, which now employs dealer network. over 100 staff. sponsorship of riders and teams including household CANNONDALE names and fledgling stars, and launching new line-ups HOPE Participating in the inaugural Press Camp event over in from top notch brands and manufacturers. Hope’s mantra of ‘designed, tested and made in England’ the US earlier this year was only part of Cannondale’s has remained in force since the firm rode into existence marketing efforts over the course of the last 12 months. RALEIGH almost two decades ago. The independent manufacturer Being one of the key firms to visit at Eurobike and other Capitalising on its household name, Raleigh has found its now dedicates its time exclusively and enthusiastically to global shows, Cannondale has also been responsible for way onto our television screens in the likes of Channel the bicycle business and famously opts to let its products various product launches and is a continuous presence in Four flagship Big Brother and BBC Children’s favourite do the talking, eschewing sales waffle, according to its the cycling consumer’s mind, through weighty advertising Beat the Boss. Including multiple product launches, and a engineer owners. campaigns and marketing. strong show presence, the Raleigh marketing team has had its hands full at numerous events and with the HOPE FISHER OUTDOORS production of its sector-specific catalogues for its dealers. Fisher Outdoor Leisure’s Expo show, currently based at Edgbaston cricket ground in Birmingham, is one of the dealer highlights of the year, due in no small part to the Manufacturer firm’s marketing team. Involved in an array of activity in the industry, including Bike Week and Future’s BikeRadar Live event, the marketing team also launched the Bspoke FINALISTS: clothing line in a central London Evans store earlier this year. CHARGE Not content with launching a host of new bikes at EVANS Eurobike, chic Charge is also launching a completely The marketing team at Evans have been especially busy new clothing brand, dubbed Surface – featuring a strong over the past 12 months, promoting store openings, line of products for both casual and keen cycle GIANT producing catalogues and direct mail, creating online enthusiasts. The zeitgeisty brand’s cult following shows marketing initiatives, events, in-store promotions, print no sign of abating, with a packed out press launch in adverts, nurtured partnerships and of course it has London in July this year, and a strong export market handled PR, too. The hard working team has worked with stretching all the way to Australia, the USA, Germany, the national press, Top Shop and even the nation’s Switzerland, Spain and Taiwan. favourite sofa duo Philip Schofield and Fern Britton on ITV’s hit morning show This Morning. CANNONDALE Cannondale has put together a compelling line of PASHLEY products over the past 12 months across the road, MTB Pashley is another brand that has managed to slip into and urban sectors – including the Synapse Carbon Hi- the mainstream consciousness, due in no small part to Mod, which was voted Sportive Bike of the Year by the efforts of the firm’s marketing team. From a media Cycling Weekly. The Press Camp attendee was also blitz at the end of 2008, which saw it appear across the cited as a crucial and consistent performer for new BROMPTON net, radio and TV – including an appearance on ITV’s Paul owner Dorel. O’Grady Show – Pashley has continued to fly the flag for UK bicycle manufactures, not least in eye-catching photo KHE shoots with Olympic gold medallist Victoria Pendleton. Germany-based KHE picked up the production of Raleigh’s popular Diamondback top-end models in the MADISON summer, shortly after KHE (named after the firm’s home Madison’s IceBike show is now well established within town apparently) produced what it described as the the industry as a key date on the calendar for bicycle lightest BMX tyre for 24-inch wheels. The 20-year-old dealers. Aside from the enormous amount of work that firm has also revealed a brand new BB-cup that features goes into putting on this well respected show, the a patent pending AFFIX bush system and is able to Madison marketing team has also been busy with sustain over three tons of pressure.