BikeBiz Bicycle and cycling retail news
The February edition of BikeBiz is now live. Read the digital edition online here
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A better option
The commute remains an integral part of many people’s lives.
Data suggests that the initial shift to home and hybrid working is slowly reversing with workers returning to offices.
This aligns with a Travel in London report that shows cycling as transport in London is on the rise with the number of daily cycle journeys up by 6.3% in 2023 year-on-year and up 20% compared to 2019.
There is no doubt that people are turning away from the car and the bike is a fantastic alternative for many.
This is due to a mix of cost, time efficiency and environmental impact, especially at a time when public transport across the UK remains a less than desirable option due to poor timetables, short notice cancellations and exorbitant fares as a result of profiteering following privatisation.
There are also a number of health benefits that can be attained by getting in the saddle, mentally and physically.
In this commuter edition of BikeBiz, we take a look at some of those capitalising on the return of the commute.
Freelancer Rebecca Morley speaks to Jack Lenox on the opening of his new cargo bike store E-Radicals (p18), Rebecca Bland sits down with Matt Skinner of Whyte Bikes to see how the heritage MTB brand is rationalising its portfolio (p38) and I visit Eovolt in Lyon to preview the French brand’s 2024 folding e-bikes (p40)
February also marks the start of a bumper events season. We take a detailed look at the returns of both COREbike (p7) and Madison’s iceBike* (p26).
The next few months will continue to challenge what the bike industry is truly made of, but there remains a number of opportunities for businesses willing to look beyond cycling as a recreational sport.
There is a world of customer out there who has never considered cycling and it’s on us as an industry to reach them.
Daniel Blackham.
Editor
7: BikeBiz rounds up what to look out for at this year’s show at Whittlebury Hall
18: Rebecca Morley speaks to cargo bike enthusiast on the opening of his new store, E-Radicals
20: BikeBiz sends editor Daniel Blackham to Spokes People in Milton Keynes to complete Cytech Technical One
26: Madison and Sportline CEO Dom Langan discusses what people can expect from the 2024 edition
31: The latest developments from across the bike trade
34: This month’s movers and shakers throughout the cycle industry
38: Whyte Bikes will always be synonymous with performance mountain bikes, but 2024 will see them engage with a wider audience. Rebecca Bland speaks to marketing director Matt Skinner about Whyte’s rebrand, new ranges and finding opportunity
40: Daniel Blackham heads to Eovolt HQ in Lyon to preview the 2024 range and learn about the brand’s plans for the future
44: Five minutes with Jagwire
49: Madison’s in-house portfolio of brands have been part of the trade for more than 40 years in some cases. BikeBiz hears about updates and new releases for 2024.
53: GT Bicycles has gone through a period of transition in recent times. UK sales manager Josh Whiting highlights the latest developments and dealer opportunities
53: New products and sector guides, including commuter clothing and luggage (59) and hybrids, folders and commuter bikes (65)
