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That first bike feeling
Remember the sun? Me neither. But reminiscing about warmer times got me thinking of my first forays into the cycling world.
For me, it was aboard a Piranha BMX in a polished steel finish with flaming checkerboard frame and bar pads. True 90s and Y2K nostalgia.
It was heavy and cumbersome – in fact I’m sure it was made of lead as opposed to steel – but it was my pride and joy.
Hours were spent on that thing. It was the first step to emulating what I’d seen on X Games from the likes of Dave Mirra, Jamie Bestwick, Mat Hoffman and Ryan Nyquist. Or it would be the foundation for a glittering motocross career, akin to that of Ricky Carmichael and Stefan Everts. Neither quite came to fruition, but there is still time…
But what is that experience like for kids now? The role models are still there and modern bikes benefit from child-specific componentry, reduced weight and enhanced safety features.However, there are concerns. Road safety, the rising cost of cycling, and education for young cyclists are all potential barriers to entry for many wanting to get in the saddle.
In this edition of BikeBiz, we see how the market is changing and what is being done to continue to inspire new riders.
Rebecca Morley takes a look at how consumer habits are potentially shifting away from new bike sales to subscription models (p7), I speak to Dale Robertson about the opening of Velohub and learn how a tight-knit BMX community has provided new opportunities (p18), and Karen Gee from Cycle Sprog shares her insights on the challenges and opportunities facing the sector (p34). We also showcase some of the best products available to the next generation (p59).
Elsewhere in the mag, we announce the details for the return of the BikeBiz Awards 2024 in association with Push (P40), and we look through the archives of ABUS as it celebrates its 100th anniversary (P46).
All of us can remember that first bike feeling. It’s important that it isn’t lost for future generations.
Daniel Blackham,
Editor
7: Rebecca Morley takes a look at whether the market is shifting away from new bikes to subscriptions
15: The latest developments from across the bike trade
18: Daniel Blackham speaks to Velohub founder, Dale Robertson
22: RedSky Bikes may only be 18 months old, but the business is already making waves across North Yorkshire. BikeBiz catches up with co-founder Gemma Thompson
26: VanMoof is back with new owners and a revamped retail and service strategy. Daniel Blackham sits down with co-CEO Eliott Wertheimer and COO Quinten de Haas to learn about the restart
30: BikeBiz catches up with Doug Baker, CSO at Shift Active Media, to discuss the What’s Next series
32: Rebecca Bland speaks to Gila Overton from Synch about the brand’s growing range of e-bikes and ambitions to expand its dealer network
34: Karen Gee from Cycle Sprog shares her thoughts on the challenges and opportunities facing the kids’ market
37: This month’s movers and shakers throughout the cycle industry
40: Date and venue details for the BikeBiz Awards 2024 in association with Push
43: Frog Bikes has received the prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise, presented by the Lord-Lieutenant of Berkshire. Daniel Blackham attends the presentation at the brand’s Ascot HQ
46: ABUS is celebrating its 100th anniversary. Roger Seal provides insight into the rich history of the family-run company.
55: New products and sector guides, including kids’ bikes, clothing and accessories (59) and indoor training (65)
