BikeBiz Bicycle and cycling retail news
Returning to Whittlebury Hall, Towcester, this year’s COREbike is taking place from 18-20 February and will once again be a major trade event on the calendar for many distributors and dealers.
This year’s show sees a number of debutants including Pierer New Mobility with GasGas and Husqvarna, Gazelle, Argon 18, Wahoo and Zwift.
A number of regulars are also stepping up their displays with increased presence to ensure it’s an event to remember.
This piece first appeared in the February edition of BikeBiz magazine – get your free subscription here
“The 2024 edition is my second visit to COREBike, but my first as BikeBiz editor, and this time around I’m looking forward to seeing a number of new and familiar faces, along with any innovations in MTB and BMX. COREbike also represents a valuable opportunity to catch up with all of our readers and get feedback on the mag. We’ll be in attendance in our regular spot just outside the Silverstone Bar, so please do stop by and say hello.” – Daniel Blackham, editor
“I am looking forward to attending my 10th COREbike with a whole new editorial team for BikeBiz. It is always good to catch up with everyone there, especially after the turbulent last year for the trade. It will be interesting to see how we can all push forward to having a positive 2024 for the cycling industry. The show continues to be at the forefront of getting dealers and brands together in the UK and it is great to be a part of that.” – Richard Setters, head of sales
“2024 is my first COREbike with BikeBiz, having attended the show on two previous occasions. This year sees a number of first time exhibitors, joining an established group of brands and distributors at Whittlebury Hall. The show marks the first get together of the year for many in the industry, and a unique opportunity for UK retailers to meet with brands and distributors. Even in the current uncertain times there is much to look forward to.” – Simon Cox, staff writer
BikeBiz rounds up some of the stand out brands and products at this year’s show
Lyon Cycle
In response to the growing demand for its diverse range of brands, Lyon will relocate to the larger and more spacious Monza room, a move that underscores the distributor’s dedication to enhancing the overall visitor experience.
Lyon will showcase an impressive array of world-renowned brands, including 7mesh, Arundel, Hydrapak, Industry Nine, Ortlieb , Salsa, Teravail, Tubus, and the latest addition to the portfolio, milKit. Beyond the extensive brand lineup, Lyon are also set to unveil new, unreleased products that exemplify a dedication to innovation, progression, and quality.
Adding an extra layer, this year’s event will play host to special appearances by key representatives from 7mesh, Industry Nine, Ortlieb, and milKit.
EBCO
EBCO is back, hitting the market with a fresh start, a new range of bikes and a new team.
The brand is actively seeking to expand its reach and implement a dealer network to get its bikes closer to the rider.
A spokesperson for EBCO added: “Discover the future of urban mobility at COREbike with EBCO, a proud member of TVS Motor group, renowned for its commitment to innovation and excellence in the automotive industry, including the iconic Norton Motorcycles.
“Join us in the Hockenheim room for an exclusive showcase of our cutting-edge eBike collection. Immerse yourself in the perfect blend of innovation, British style, and sustainability.”
Endura
Just when you’re thinking that you’re getting through winter, Endura will be heading to COREbike to show a bundle of new kit to get excited for next winter.
Long renowned for creating winter riding kits designed for the clarty conditions that Scotland can throw at their team of product testers, Endura’s gear is built for worse – removing barriers to riding by providing riders with a barrier against the outdoors.
For Autumn/Winter 2024, the MT500 Waterproof collection receives a major overhaul, including a new version of the MT500 Waterproof Jacket, new MT500 Waterproof Bib Pants, and deployment of Polartec in the new MT500 Polartec Jacket.
Celebrating Endura’s Scottish homeland, new colours throughout the 2024 ranges draw inspiration from the landscapes and weather conditions of “the best wee country in the world for cycling”. Look out for: Tweed, Ghillie, Machair, Haar, Dreich, Barra, Thistle, and Bramble.
Extra
Extra will unveil four brands at this year’s show. MET, Bluegrass, OnGuard, and Moon will make their debut to the Grand Prix Suite, joining the ranks of Chamois Butt’r and Jagwire, who have become an integral part of the Extra portfolio since the 2023 show.
Alongside these new arrivals, Extra are set to showcase an extensive array of the latest products. Highlights include Feza cages from Topeak, Adaptive saddles by Fizik, Pirelli’s award-winning P Zero Race road tyres and FFWD’s recently-launched RAW wheelset.
Beyond the products, COREbike provides a unique opportunity for dealers to engage with brand representatives, connect with area sales managers, and explore the exclusive range of show-only offers.
ZyroFisher
ZyroFisher will once again be situated in the Astons Room. The always popular SRAM coffee machine will be in full flow throughout providing caffeinated refreshments, with any donations for World Bicycle Relief encouraged.
Highlights from ZyroFisher this year will include new helmets from Giro, CamelBak’s MY24 bottle range, Altura’s Spring Summer offering alongside a first COREbike appearance for Joe’s No Flats .
Other brands also exhibiting from ZyroFisher’s extensive portfolio include: Bryton, CatEye, Deity, EVOC, Fenwicks, Hiplok, Panaracer, RockShox, Selle Italia, Selle San Marco, SRAM, Supacaz, Tifosi, TIME Sport, Unior and Zipp.
Brand and sales representatives will be present throughout with some special COREbike promotional offers.
Chicken CycleKit
2024 looks to be the busiest COREbike to date for Chicken CycleKit. There will be a focus on workshop solutions including: KMC Chain Reels, Clarks Cable Boxes, Zefal Frame Protection and Deda Elementi’s Headset Spares Box.
CCK are also showcasing new products from: Campagnolo, Basso, Miche, Deda Elementi and many more.
Prologo, the most ridden saddle brand in the World Tour, and for MTB fans, the saddle that is currently Downhill World Champion, will be on display.
Customers can also see Burley Bike Trailers who are now available exclusively through Chicken.
For shops looking for a personal custom cycle clothing service for their store, look no further than Alé Clothing. Charlie Solomon will be available to speak to anyone looking to supply local clubs or teams, or maybe an exclusive design for in-store.
Take advantage of the free design service where you’ll get personal and professional advice throughout the process.
As always customers can shop to kit workshops out with Wera and Knipex tools, with a tool counter available to try the latest products.
Ison Distribution
Returning with three rooms for 2024 to showcase the distributor’s portfolio.
There will be something for everyone as Ison exhibits some of the best-known brands from all avenues of cycling including: Road, MTB, Gravel and utility.
New brands this year with Ison at Core include Revoloop German made TPU inner tubes, 5DEV US made components, M-Wave luggage & bike trailers, Box MTB components and Swedish made Ass Savers mudguards.
Hungaroring houses: Renthal, KS, Fidlock, Halo, Gusset, Box MTB, Princeton CarbonWorks, Revoloop, Tubolight and Rohloff.
In the Indianapolis room, Ison will present: 5DEV, Ass Savers, Benno Bikes, Surly, Weldtite, M-wave, Redshift, HT Pedals, TSG, Dia Compe, Sunrace, Fibrax, Passport and Genetic.
The folks at Squire will have a complete room dedicated to “Toughness Guaranteed” in S6, with discussions on the latest lock innovations including wearable security and more.
A host of new products and innovations will have their first UK showing at COREbike 2024, and additionally, we are expecting to see some highly-anticipated product launches from Renthal, Halo, Gusset, Squire and Benno.
The Indy room workshop corner will be a popular destination for technicians and mechanics alike with replacement parts, tools, service products and information to help retailers streamline their process and increase margins.
Adding an extra layer to Ison’s offering will be a number of special appearances from key brand managers, several flying in from across the world to offer extra insight to dealers attending.
As always, Ison’s team of account managers will be on-hand to catch up with current and new partners to discuss how they can best serve IBDs in 2024 and beyond.
Reilly Cycleworks
The Titanium Bike Co. is returning to COREbike with its innovative line-up of titanium gravel and road bikes, refined and redesigned for 2024.
The thrill-seeking gravel bike Gradient, now in its seventh year of production, has been tweaked for tyre clearance of up to 700c x 47mm. Dropped seat stays are a key focus of the re-engineered Spectre giving this all-road ultra endurance favourite a fresh contemporary look.
And the real head-turners, the investment cast aero road bike Fusion and gravel race bike Reflex, will be available to view and order.
2024 will be a year of touring for Reilly with field saleswomen, Petra Wiltshire, taking a fleet of demo bikes to shops and workshops around the country.
COREbike is a chance for dealers to meet her and the Reilly team to discuss the range, marketing support and demo days.
Silverfish
2024 is a big year for Silverfish who will be turning 25. The team has lots of plans to mark the anniversary and COREbike will be their first chance to start celebrating with retail partners.
Established in 1999 with a select handful of progressive mountain bike brands including, Race Face, Cove, SDG, and Roach, Silverfish has created a unique space in the distribution market focussing on premium MTB and crossover brands.
Brands including: 100%, Birzman, Cush Core, Easton, FOX Factory, Marzocchi, Michelin, Occam, Peaty’s, Race Face, SDG, Skratch and Yeti will all be available to view. There will also be a brand reveal at the show.
While there are some products still embargoed at time of press, new lines premiering will include the first UK showing of Michelin’s revamped MTB, BMX and City tyre ranges, fresh 100% goggle styles and new sunglasses.
There will also be extra special Yeti builds along with the updated 160e e-MTB featuring Shimano’s EP801 drive unit.
That’s just the start and Silverfish didn’t want to spill all the beans, but they did say to bring your best party shirt, the louder the better, and join them to commemorate such a special occasion.
Darren Mabbott and the team from Silverfish would like to thank everyone who has helped them get to this quarter century and what better way than to celebrate with their industry friends.
Upgrade Bikes
The Sussex-based distributor returns to Bentleys with its packed portfolio of all things biking and two wheels.
Recent exclusive additions to Upgrade, Fazua and Stan’s No Tubes, will be available to see at COREbike. This includes the full range of tubeless systems and wheels, as well as Stan’s new dealer POS systems to roll out with key bike shops.
For DMR there are new colourways of the Vault Pedals, the new Sidekick kids’ bikes on show, plus an all-new pedal called the Flat4 – this will hit a new market for DMR Bikes.
Next up, Upgrade will be unveiling a new hardtail from DMR, this time manufactured from custom titanium – while the frame material may be a new departure for the brand, it’ll be keeping its core trail values and design ethics intact: bicycles and dirt.
The all-new full LED range from Lezyne will be on show for the first time – alongside tools, pumps, luggage and more.
It’s the 25th Anniversary for Kinesis, and the brand will be supporting more events, ambassador riders, and enjoying moments through the year ahead – and launching products such as the all-new AT Plus frameset.
Additional highlights for Upgrade include Styrkr’s all-new range of nutrition products and the debut of Motul’s Bike Care range.
Pierer New Mobility
A COREbike debut for Pierer New Mobility with the GASGAS and Husqvarna brands to be presented to UK retailers and press for the first time – including the flagship E-Enduro ECC 6.
Although a relatively new name to the UK cycling industry, the brands will be well-known to motocross, enduro and motorcycle trials fans with hundreds of podium places won over the years.
Argon 18
Argon 18 is exhibiting at Whittlebury for the first time. This follows on from the brand introducing its direct-to-retail model, and appointment of a UK sales manager, in the second half of 2023.
The Canadian brand will show the redesigned Krypton and the latest generation E-119 Tri+ Disc.
Gazelle
Another debutant for 2024, the Dutch brand will showcase its latest range of e-bikes including the new Eclipse and Medeo, along with GPS system, Gazelle Connect.
The Gazelle team will be resident in the Melbourne room and are promising some Dutch snacks and drinks for dealers dropping by to see them.
Santini
The Italian apparel brand will unveil its all-new visual merchandising packages to help stores convey the Santini message in the best way.
Available in three levels to suit all budgets, these programmes are applicable to stores that order a mix of Santini products, both from the Santini Core Collections and Santini Special Collections such as Tour de France.
The event will also see the debut of Santini’s SS24 collections.
With the brand now handling all distribution directly in the UK, COREbike presents the ideal opportunity for IBDs to engage with Santini’s representatives to learn more about its bespoke packages.
