ALAN HINKES - tradeandindustry.net

telephone: 01665 510660
published by KSA Partnership - 0191 488 1947 - www.ksa-partnership.com
ALAN HINKES - THE
FIRST BRITON TO
CLIMB THE WORLD'S
14 HIGHEST PEAKS
on tv he tells the world all he
wants to do is get home and go
walking & climbing in Yorkshire
and The Lake District
LANCE ARMSTRONG - FIRST MAN TO SIX
TOUR de FRANCE WINS - will it be seven?
just in time - the book that makes sense of
what’s going on while the Yellow Jersey is being won
SHOW TIME TOURING
making time to
look past the product and
see the places nearby
The KSA Partnership, 97 Front Street, WHICKHAM, Tyne & Wear NE16 4JL
office phone: 0191 488 1947
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publisher & editor: Peter Lumley e.mail: peter@ksa-partnership.com
Brand New at Ispo
the first of two OIA shows is at nec
it’s time to be thinking 2006
Try as you may, there’s nothing you can do about
the weather, there is something you can do about your future
though. I’m talking about taking advantage of the opportunities that
come wrapped in the guise of a Trade
show. Over the next couple of months
or so you get the chance to really stare
2006 in the face, so do it!
More than that, Trade show events
all come with the inbuilt networking
interface that helps open up dialogue
with people like yourself - and this
one genuine perk of aisle walking has
considerable intrinsic value.
I don’t know about you, but I’ve yet
to visit a Trade show without coming
away with the earnest motivation to
get to grips with new product that had been unveiled there. OK,
some UK shows don’t quite have the zip and the panache that
dreamers imagine, yet that never dims the reward of being there,
or of travelling abroad to visit a trade mecca.
Not everyone sees it like that, though. Trade shows in the UK are
almost as fickle as our weather, funny thing is that as soon as
Brand Something-or-Other decides the show platform isn’t what
they want for themselves then the propoganda to devalue the event
cranks up. That usually leads to the retailer, those people who man
the counters and keep their suppliers in suits and ties, are not
always getting the consideration they deserve. Experience tells
me that the more retailers are left out of the equation then the
poorer is the image of the trade and the business we all pursue.
However, the independent retailer who reckons they can miss
going on the show aisles is hardly going to have a truly independent future. Back the shows - note those diary dates right now!
Peter Lumley . editor
longest running trade journal for the
sector, launched over twenty fives years
ago as the first UK bicycles-only Trade magazine.
Outdoor Trade & Industry derives
from the original outdoor business magazine
Camping & Outdoor Leisure Trader
dedicated to urban transport topics
and to developing awareness of lightweight
powered two wheelers & trikes
successful business builder for both the Supplier
and the Retailer. Used to exploit existing
synergies across the sectors
Jeden Monat fuer den ganzen
britischen Markt erhaeltich. Fuer
Hersteller. Fuer Lieferanten. Fuer
Haendler. Fuer Verkaeufer
distribuido mensualmente por correo
a todos los interesados en el
mercado Britanico: fabricantes,
agentes, distribuidores y tienda
distribuito ogni mese all'intero
mercato britannico. Ai fabbricanti.
Ai distributori. Agli agenti.
expédié mensuellement par courrier
à tous les intervenants du marché
britannique: fabriquants, agents,
distributeurs, magasins.
pub
lica
tions ssc
c hedule
publica
lications
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the new one
The big brands asked for it and this new event for
the UK outdoor sector has attracted thirty companies and
many more brands to the NEC, Birmingham, on July 6 to
8. Entry is free with on-line registration, which can be
found at the web site: www.outdoorpreview.co.uk
The companies and brands you’ll find there include
Regatta, D.B. Outdoor Systems with Deuter, Berghaus,
Helly Hansen, Craghoppers, Trespass, Brasher, Lafuma,
Lowa, Lyon, Keela, Jack Wolfskin, Meindl, Source,
Kayland, C.a.m.p, Millet, TSL, AC, Karrimor Footwear,
Rohan Footwear, VauDe, Khyam, Chiruca, Puddlehunters,
Demon, Outdoor Scene, Sympatex, Cyba-Lite, Target Dry,
Wacky Bat, Bula, Smith, Foxfury & Gordini, Wynnster,
Mountain Equipment, Rosker with Ruffwear.
Then there is party night – Visit the show, then stay
on for the party on the evening of the July 6th . Held at the
Crowne Plaza Hotel, just 5 minutes walk from the venue,
entry is only £5 which we will be donating to the John
Muir Trust, beer, wine and snacks are free ‘early doors’.
Accommodation for those wishing to stay has been negotiated with the hotel. A room is only £70 per night (down
from £275!). Call 0121 782 4030 quoting outdoorpreview.
and the UK Classic . .
There has been an autum outdoor show in
Harrogate for over 35 years, and the Go Outdoors that
opens on September 25 will be just as important, quite as
rewarding and give every bit of focus as ever before. You
can be very certain of that, says organiser Roger Southcott.
The three months that are left before the show opens
will reflect a growing confidence that although it is an event
that was written off by some sections of the outdoor Trade
press - whatever was their motive? - the Harrogate event
is a long way from not being needed. Some of those who
had suggested they would not be exhibitors at the spa
town show again have indeed rebooked their time and
place to meet the retailer. And more will probably follow.
The Go Outdoors show in Harrogate will have the usual
social round that supports the Trade gathering - and the best
value in accommodation and eating-houses you’ll find anywhere
they also stage a Trade show. The is uniquely Harrogate.
OutDoor getting bigger
The European Trade Fair OutDoor can report
yet another new record – even more exhibitors and more
rented space: 602 direct exhibitors – 35 countries – 750
brand names – and 70 percent from outside Germany.
In its twelfth year the European Trade Fair OutDoor has
greatly expanded and takes place at the new Exhibition
Centre in Friedrichshafen from Thursday, July 21 through
to Sunday, July 24, 2005.
Ideas for the bicycle market were a big
feature of the 12th ispo BrandNew Awards, where
the 130 entries from 19 countries including a firsttime entry from Russia.
A showcase of the latest designs appears in the
BrandNew Innovation Village in hall A2 at the summer ispo 05 in Munich, which opens July 3.
The overall winner is a company from Australia,
with a large range of stylish and functional bike
accessories from Knog Pty Ltd. voted best out of
the 130 entries. The judges said the products
range from protection clothing, saddle bags and
backpacks to gloves and attachable lights. Careful attention has been paid to every detail, resulting in products that set themselves apart with their
focus on pure function and immaculate design.
go on ask for it!
Just one man has organised every major
cycle trade exhibition over the last 16 years, now David
Hyde is laying down the gauntlet to retailers. “The best
way to get support from the major suppliers is for retailers
to demand it” he says. “The sector regrets missing their
major Spring event this year and the bicycle industry could
become more and more fragmented if we don’t shake ourselves back into a regular exhibition time table. Retailers
can help by telling every rep that comes through their door
that they want a single show format. Suppliers aren’t likely
to invest their money unless retailers give the exhibition
their support - I know the ACT is behind me in this – but I
also know that suppliers won’t miss the opportunity to support a show that has good attendance.
David Hyde has e- mailed a large section of the industry
with his ideas for autumn and next spring, but still needs
more response so he has evidence that the retail sector
will back him. It’s as easy as sending an e-mail.
If you want to get back to the the regular
bicycle Trade show calendar, just email
hyde@exhibitions-uk.com Message: YES!
Leisure Expo has recently launched a new exhibition in a
totally different field. David Hyde goes on, “It’s for another
high street business, but one I’d never expect to have got
involved with for another 20 years or so. The National Funeral Exhibition, which runs in 2007, has already sold 60%
of allocated space. Now wouldn’t you think that the cycle
business which helps to extend life could be as positive
as a business that deals with the end of it?
Independents in the funeral sector have all the same
problems as the cycle retailer, large groups exist, just as
in the bicycle industry and yet the independent still flourishes, because they provide exactly the same personal
service as bicycle independents – only the mode of transport varies!”
If you want to get back to the the regular
bicycle Trade show calendar, just email
hyde@exhibitions-uk.com Message: YES
KESTREL ENGINEERING
* Cycle Repair Stands *
* Wheel Truing Stands *
* Cycle Display Equipment *
* Slat Wall Fittings *
Wholesaler to the
Independent Cycle Trade
extensive range of spares and
accessories including brands such as
Shimano, Tioga, Weldtite, Michelin,
Zefal, Clarks, Fibrax and many more.
* Cycle Parking Stands *
KESTREL ENGINEERING
Carriage free on orders over £85.
Units 9-11 Dartmouth Buildings,
Fort Fareham Business Park,
Fareham, Hants PO14 1AH
phone: 01473 464 206
phone: 01329 233 443
fax: 01329 284 148
e-mail: alan.s.walker@talk21.com
fax: 01473 464 269
May ’05 page 3
CHALLENGE 8000
Alan Hinkes hits
the 14 peak target
One unique Briton has stood on the summit of
Kangchenjunga, extreme altitude mountaineer Alan Hinkes
has now succeeded in his quest to be the first Briton to
summit all the world’s fourteen 8000m peaks. With him
on his final summit attempt was friend and climbing partner Pasang Gelu.
As ever, on reaching the summit Alan Hinkes took out a
photo of his daughter Fiona and his grandson Jay to have
his summit photos taken. It’s a ritual on every one of his
successful summit expeditions.
Alan Hinkes, since the 1980s a member of the Berghaus
team of climbers, spoke about his epic ordeal live from
base camp at 6000 metres, telling the world that the final
summit push was without a doubt the hardest climb of his
life. Leaving base camp they began the push up the mountain through an awful lot of fresh snow that brought the
risk of avalanche to an incredibly high level.
“The snow was so deep that we were unable to make
camp three and had to bivvy on the hillside at around
7400m. We tried for a summit attempt but we were beaten
back by the weather.
“A second summit attempt saw us leave at about 1am
the next morning, more snow had fallen but we made good
time. My climbing partner Pasang had to stop around 15
minutes short of the summit due to exhaustion. I reached
the summit at around 7pm in driving snow and wind. It
was the worst summit conditions I can remember. I took
the obligatory photo spent around 10 minutes on the summit and then began my descent.
“It was about 9pm when I caught up with Pasang but
with no head torch it was difficult to locate him and I honestly thought he was dead. We got back to the bivvy site
around 27 hours after setting off and then over the next
couple of days descended back to base camp through
fresh snow with high risk of avalanche. Getting back to
base camp was one of the best feelings of my life. I sat
down in my tent and thought I’ve finally done it!”
York Rally - the 61st time
their website is
dedicated to
independents
The new ACT website is now online at www.actbicycles.com with a dedicated Trade and Members-only
area providing news and information specifically for independent cycle retailers. Features for members include
access to a unique area known as the “download zone”
where they are able to access information on relevant topics including employment, health & safety and consumer
law. Another unique feature is the new “my details” tool
which enables every member to create a unique listing to
promote their shop to the public who use the website to
search for their nearest ACT member. Listings can include
details of brands stocked, services available and other
relevant information as well as web and email links.
Non-members can also take advantage of the new site
and get the latest news and information for IBDs, covering hot-topics such as Booost and Fetch as well as keep
up to date on news relevant to cycle retail business owners. To access the trade part of the site Username: act
and Password: guest
IBDs can also sign-up to receive news and information
updates by email.
Mark Brown, ACT marketing manager, said, “The site is
still evolving and has been a massive project for us to
deliver. We are really pleased with it and so are our members who can now take even greater advantage of their
membership when it suits them at the click of a button.
The web is the perfect place for ACT to deliver real value
to IBDs because it enables us to make our benefits and
services so much more accessible to so many more cycle retailers plus it creates more opportunities for us to
talk to and learn from IBDs.” www.act-bicycles.com
shop insurance - with a discount
Comprehensive shop and contents insurance for all IBDs has been re-launched by Butterworth Spengler Insurance
Group, the UK cycle insurance specialists.
and an annual no claims discount is provided. For details
‘Cycle Shop Insurance’ has been arranged with
phone 0151 494 4400 or complete an online quotation form
Norwich Union to meet the needs of IBDs. It covers buildat www.cycleshopinsurance.co.uk
ings, fixtures and fittings, contents, stock, money, etc.
In addition to arranging specialist cover for IBDs,
Bikes on display, for hire and demo/road testing are inButterworths provides public liability and cycle insurance
cluded. To protect IBDs, the policy provides £10M emfor Cyclists’ Touring Club and London Cycling Campaign
ployer’s liability (includes working proprietors/partners),
members, plus organisers’ liability cover for Bike Week
£2M public and products liability, plus up to £50K legal
and Bike2Work events. Butterworth Spengler Insurance
expenses.
Group is authorised and regulated by the Financial ServACT members save 15% on premiums. Extra discount
ices Authority.
is offered to IBDs with CyTech Level II or above accrediButterworth Spengler Insurance Group
tation. Premiums can by paid by interest-free instalments
www.cycleshopinsurance.co.uk
Over 15,000 cyclists from across the UK and beyond, will gather on
York’s racecourse over the weekend of June 25 and 26 for the York Cycle Show,
CTC’s annual Since 1945 the event has grown to become the country’s favourite
cycle show, and this year it will celebrate its 61st birthday.
The marquees will house over 70 trade stands and there’s a National Seminar for
Pedal-Powered Emergency Services including a demonstration by York’s Police
Cycle Unit. York Rally is a big event for campers and caravanners, too.
May ’05 page 4
more of it for 2006
Regatta’s new clothing and footwear ranges for Spring/Summer 2006 look like their largest and most impressive ever. There’s a strong
emphasis on bright colourways, ultra lightweight technology (X-LT) and a
footwear range that has more than doubled from Spring/Summer 2005.
With their clothing there’s a distinct European influence, adventurous
in terms of colour and style with an increase in the number of t-shirt and
sun-top designs for the summer wardrobe. Regatta’s unique X-LT fabric and X-ert lightweight technologies have been applied to extend its
line of waterproof and breathable rainwear including the Levitate X-LT
in Isolite 8000. The X-ert range is much sportier with a greater choice
of active fit wicking t-shirts and soft shell jackets.
The new Wild Shores range is more fashion orientated offering a
wider choice of casual and relaxed clothing for both men and women.
Children also get far more alternatives to choose from. Girls get a
new Isotex waterproof and breathable jacket, the Jitterbug, as well
as more grown up styles and even more colours.
It’s no news that footwear has figured strongly in their 2004 sales, and
that’ll not slip as Regatta’s footwear collection now more than doubled from
the launch year.
With the introduction of X-LT, Regatta has created perfectly constructed footwear, which is also ultra lightweight. An average 30% reduction in weight has
been achieved, style on style, compared to the 2005 collection. And increased
waterproofing has been added across more styles.
Regatta Travel shoes take on a sportier streamline look, there is an increased
choice of trail shoes, high performance walking boots and ladies’ sandals
including new mules and thongs. Plkus six new styles for kids including
great new waterproof ones.
Regatta rucksacks and travel bags have also got the lightweight treatment
too, with ultra lightweight X-LT rucksacks and travel bags for Spring/Summer 2006 as well as new kids daypacks.
2005 Polartec APEX Design Awards
a technical garment but
with casual styling
plenty of new clothing,
footwear and outdoor
accessories are being
introduced by Regatta
Every year an international, independent panel of judges awards
an accolade to the designer or the company that makes the most outstanding
Polartec-based product in the world. Again Arc’teryx are winners, with their new
Fugitive Hoody being chosen for the best Polartec product in North America.
The Arc’teryx Fugitive Hoody was selected on the style, function, and fit of the
garment as well as its innovative and appropriate use of the Polartec fabric.design.
Described as tough, warm and resistant to weather, this mountain-inspired garment benefits from the versatility of Polartec Hardface technology - a textile that
utilizes a surface-fusion polymer application to create a fleece with a soft and
fuzzy interior and smooth exterior face. The coated fibres offer superior durability
and great weather protection, with maximum heat regulation.
The Hoody is both a technical garment but one also with casual styling that provides warmth and weather protection. It has a sleek scuba-style hood, a trim hiplength fit and low-cut collar, the Fugitive Hoody offers no-bulk layering and a refined fit for stylish stand-alone use.
old maps now really out of date
Areas of countryside previously off-limits to ramblers, but which
are now opened up under new access laws have been mapped by Ordnanace
Survey. Areas include parts of the Lake District such as Borrowdale, Skiddaw,
Helvellyn and Shap Fells, Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough in the Yorkshire Dales, The Cheviot Hills in Northumberland and large areas of the North York
Moors, such as Fylingdale and Goathland Moors. The updated OS Explorer Maps
clearly show the extent of the areas where people will be allowed to walk on land
away from public footpaths - for the first time.
Map makers at Ordnance Survey have used information supplied by the Countryside Agency to clearly show the new ‘open access’ areas using a light yellow
tint surrounded by a narrow, pale orange border, and the maps are designed to
ensure clarity for walkers, landowners and farmers.
OS Explorer Maps are being revised in stages as access land information is
made available across Wales and England after designation under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000. The first maps covering the Lower North-west,
South-east and Central-Southern England were published last year, and this Spring
37 maps covering Wales were published alongside those for the Upper North-west
and the popular walking areas of the North-east of England.
Vanessa Lawrence, director general and chief executive of Ordnance Survey,
comments: “We are delighted to be supporting the implementation of the new access opportunities by the revising the OS Explorer Maps for Wales. These 1:25,000
scale maps have been chosen for this task because their detail makes them absolutely ideal for outdoor activities. On the revised maps we are bringing together
both new access land and existing access areas in a clear and unified way.”
The 18 map titles for the north of England are just available, and these will be
followed by a further 17 titles covering other areas of the North East of England, to
be available by the end of July.
May ’05 page 5
the stunt machine
Thomas O’Connell and Gavin Dowes import and
distribute new and niche product brand, and they attribute
the company’s success to having become proven specialists in innovative products. As a direct response to demand
they’ve brought the KMX Kart to the market, it’s a cross
between a BMX and a go-kart that can perform stunts and
is faster than a bike. The KMX ‘X’ Class adult version is
available in black and retails at £599 whilst the KMX ‘K’
Class is suitable for children aged 6 - 14 years comes in
black or red and priced at £299.00.
Now, having built up a nationwide network of independent retail outlets throughout Ireland, Atomic Toy - the registered trade name of Atomic Sports (IRL) Ltd - say they are
set to put the product in front of the UK market, offering
money back guarantees, point of sale material including
posters, exterior signs and in-store off floor stand promotion with TV’s playing a looped DVD illustrating the versatility of the KMXKart in motion. Atomic Toy will be displaying and demonstrating the KMX at the ispo BrandNew
Awards in Germany.
EU newcomers bring
fuel for growth
For 2004 Sympatex reported an increased turnover of
300%, with high-profile domestic partners such as Alpine
Pro, Humi Outdoor, Alp-VHR and Mons and Trek. There is
optimism they will report a significant increase for 2005.
The result of increasing demand for high quality performance products in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary
and Poland, now sees Sympatex Technologies expanding
its sales structure in the East European countries. The
growth in these markets has been fuelled by the expansion of the EU and Sympatex is committed to support this
growing market and provide brand partners with local support. The company’s marketing expenditure in these countries has also increased and it is aimed at promoting the
wide product range offered in conjunction with its East
European brand partners.
Following their successes with High2Out, more recently
the company has launched three laminates using the
ground breaking “IntacNano advanced” finish. Developed
by C.F Ploucquet Gmbh, this finish uses Nano technology
to give fabrics near permanent water repellency and stain
protection without the need to rejuvenate with heat.
no doubt but slippery stuff, is soap
background information to cleaning waterproof clothing
Most people are already aware that today’s waterproof clothing usually consists of an inner membrane
or coating (that actually provides the waterproofing), and a textile outer layer normally treated with a so called ‘DWR‘ finish
we know as the repellent finish. Confusion seems to arise,
Retained washing aid is hydrophilic so it interferes with
however, when it comes to how such an article should be
the water-shedding performance of the garment. This is
cleaned.
usually due to the washing aid containing non-ionic
In these garments we find a lot of modern technology:surfactants which are difficult to remove, and which demThe hydrophilic, breatheable coating or PTFE memonstrate a phenomena known as ‘cloud point‘. All non-ionic
brane.
detergents have a cloud point at which they cease to be
The textile itself usually either polyester or nylon,
soluble in water; above this temperature no amount of rinspossibly in micro fibre form, non of which were available
ing will remove them from the article. Unfortunately cloud
before the 1940‘s.
point is also directly related to foaming so what we find in
The ‘DWR‘ usually (but not always!) a fluorocarbon
washing powders is high amounts of low cloud point nonpolymer, again not available till the 1950‘s.
ionic surfactant, in combination with alkali, exactly what
The zips and fasteners.
we don’t want.
The fundamental design of the garment.
So what we have done is to formulate a washing aid,
So why does everybody want to wash this 21st century
which generates little foam, of neutral pH value, that can
garment with soap, a product that has been available from
be easily rinsed away. With the correct choice of modern
the 5th century, especially when the brand leading memsurfactants we have therefore created a product suitable
brane manufacturer (Gore-Tex) recommends using a defor washing our high tech waterproofs that not only does
tergent?
not interfere with the DWR, but can also be used in hard
It would seem that somewhere along the line somebody
water areas without scum formation, unlike soap.
has commented that their DWR finishes can be damaged
Which areas of the UK have hard water? Generally speakby detergents, so the only alternative would seem to be
ing, hard water is present in 60% of the land mass affectsoap, then off everybody went. If soap is so good why is
ing around 80% of the population (especially in the eastthere a synthetic detergent industry, and why is soap virern, central and southern areas of England) and to varying
tually never used by the textile industry?
degrees in the rest of the UK.
A probable reason is the understanding of what constiThe water for some Northern cities is supplied from natututes a detergent. According to the chemical industry a
rally soft water reservoirs in Wales and the Lake District.
detergent is a complex mixture of surfactants, builders,
In Scotland and Northern Ireland, various levels of hardalkali’s, bleaches, white dyes, softeners, enzymes and franess occur.
grances in short what we would refer to as washing powIn Scotland supplies range from soft to various levels of
der.
hardness in all areas except for the Strathclyde region and
Soap is made by reacting fatty acids (usually from anithe area served by the Central Scotland Water Developmal fat) with caustic alkali, the so called saponification rement Board, both of which are soft water areas.
action, to produce a surface active agent (surfactant) which
Northern Ireland - Northern division soft to moderately soft.
consists of a hydrophilic head (water loving) and a hydroEastern division - soft to slightly hard
phobic tail (water hating). It functions as a washing aid by
Southern division - soft to very hard
providing a bridge between the dirt and the water.
Western division - soft to moderately hard.
Modern surfactants are made from feed stock from the
So when you take two samples of distilled water and two
oil industry to produce structures which consist of a hyof hard tap water and place them in clear containers they
drophilic head and a hydrophobic tail. They function in
look exactly the same. Pour one of these “pure soaps” into
exactly the same way as soap, providing a bridge between
one each of the distilled and tap water containers and you
the dirt and the water. Because of the vast choice of startnotice the cloudiness appearing in the hard water sample,
ing materials and modern chemical techniques, the propwhile the distilled water remains clear. This is caused by
erties of these surfactants can literally be designed acthe high alkalinity of the soap reacting with the hard water
cording to individual requirements, unlike soap where what
which leaves this scum or “bloom” as it is called on the
you get is …….soap!
washed garment.
Going back to the DWR finish, current technology means
Now repeat the process taking the Storm Anti-bac cleaner
that this is usually a fluorocarbon polymer applied to the
which is a specially formulated 21st century detergent and
textile by the fabric finisher under optimum conditions.
notice the difference. There is no cloudiness, and both conThere are four main contributors that can result in a lack
tainers remain clear.
of performance after domestic washing:Abrasion.
The text here comes from Tim Wilson at Storm
Lack of drying temperature. (some more modern polymers
Waterproofing after questions were posed following a
overcome this with a so called Line Air Dry behaviour)
consumer group discussion on the technicalities of
Retained washing aid.
washing and reproofing outdoor garments.
Alkaline washing conditions.
performance clothing
without the rub!
Garments manufactured from their exclusive dual texture super lightweight polyamide fabric means Sub Zero’s All Active range of performance underwear is no only highly breathable, naturally anti-bacterial and very durable, it
is soft to the touch and wears like a second skin. A hydrophilic (water-loving)
treatment is impregnated in to each fibre to quickly transport perspiration to the
outer surface of the garment, leaving the user feeling much dryer and much cooler,
allowing maximum workout potential during any aerobic workout, intense training
session, sporting event or endurance competition.
Behind the product introduction is over four years of development, and now All
Active garments utilise the latest in seamless technology.
May ’05 page 6
new Shimano
Deore: components
for cycling fun
cycling - the new
rock ‘n’ roll
How enviable, how compelling, what a
read - Johnny Green gets so close to the Tour de
France that you really are there with him, taking in
the actual sounds, the sights, the smells, and the
electricity that zaps as the wheels spin.
Those who read Push Yourself Just a Little Bit
More will find Le Tour is a human experience that is
far removed from sprockets and gear ratios, even
more distanced from echelons and gallops. The Tour
de France in Johnny Green’s eyes is emotion, it’s a
very personal experience and it hinges so much on
love. That’s the only way you can view a book that
delves deep into the phsyche and the paranoia of
peleton peers, this is not so much about those who
race but more about the route, the people who watch
the peleton pass and of those journos who tell tales
of the stages as the race circles France.
“Every day that Le Tour hits town is special for the
locals, whether Rotarian or petrol pump attendant”.
Party time, let it loose”. There’s the observation
that says “a band greeted me, dressed as huntsmen in blue velvet, hats’n’boots” in one town, then
on another page his demonstration of the cycling
heritage that is Koblet and Coppi, L’Equipe, Henri
Desgranges. Best of all is the dust-up between
Armstrong and Simeoni, where Johny Green puts it
that Lance’s chase in yellow after Simeoni was like
“Ronnie Kray shootin’ George Cornell perched on a
bar-stool in the Blind Beggar pub in Whitechapel”.
What Johnny Green discovered as he followed the
2003 and 2004 races is the real experience of Tour
life itself, as we’d all hope to enjoy and remember
it. The pace is light and there’s always a story from
around the bend in the road, stories you can feel
part of, too. For always I’ll be able to recall my own
very first Tour de France experience - a windless
day, perched high on a roadside bank and watching
the peleton honk by, up the drag. Really, they did
honk, no sweet smell of deodorant and embrocation here, it’s the real, sweaty, Tour I discovered.
Grab much more of it with Johnny Green, who I
hope will be on his third following this year and just
itching, like all of us, to see if it will be seven for
Lance. Could there be any other result?
Push Yourself a Little Bit More.
Backstage at the Tour de France
by Johnny Green (priced £14.99) is published by
The Orion Publishing Group Ltd.
Shimano’s completely redesigned
Deore, being distributed from September, is more
than just a medium range component group with
identical technological features as XTR and Deore
XT. The new Deore should be considered as the
allround bicycle component for sporty mountain bike
riders, and also the best price/performance choice
for trekking and touring bikes.
Dual control levers - two types, one for hydraulic
disc brakes and the other for V-brakes and mechanical discs - hydraulic disc brakes and improved hubs
and cranks that give extra rigidity and durability will
be available in silver and black colour versions.
The front and rear derailleurs both incorporate a
wide link design for extra rigidity that is said to give
faster and more precise shifting. Front derailleurs
are available in a Top Swing as well as a Down
Swing version and they will be compatible with 44
and 48 teeth front chainrings. The rear derailleur
has an increased capacity of 45t. Also maximum
choice in front chainwheels: black or silver, with or
without chaincase compatibility, 48-36-26 or 44-3222 teeth, 170 or 175mm. The Deore cranksets have
all been developed with the Octalink spline system
and Hollowtech crank arms.
The hydraulic disc brakes have two opposed pistons and 160, 180 and 203mm rotor sizes will be
available, they have shim-less caliper fixation. Both
resin and metal brake pads will be available. The
V-Brakes have been developed with longer brake
arms of 107mm for more mudguard clearance. The
hubs have cup and cone bearings and an internal
grease sleeve system that should increase service
life. Deore hubs will be available in black and in
silver, with and without centre lock rotor mount system and in 32 and 36 spoke holes versions.
cyclists make good
customers
Britain’s top shops and companies are being
told how to attract more cyclists to use their stores
and services. At The Profit Cycle: Making Bike Parking Work for You delegates heard of the importance
of providing proper cycle parking for customers and
staff. The first conference of its kind to be held in the
UK has Ken Livingstone, the London mayor, among
the speakers. The London Cycling Campaign (LCC)
event in partnership with Transport for London, attracted sponsorship from BikeAway, a cycle parking
manufacturer.
Explains Tom Bogdanowicz, campaigns manager
for the LCC: “Many businesses have not woken up
to the fact that cyclists are fantastic customers. We
hope the message is understood that it’s good for
business to ensure that cyclists are welcomed and
provided for”.
Cycling in London has increased by 60% in the
past five years, according to TfL figures and LCC
says the increase in the number of cyclists has highlighted the lack of proper parking facilities. The conference gave a unique opportunity for delegates from
the private sector to meet and question UK experts
in cycle parking, travel planning and organising
workplace facilities for cyclists.
One of the SMP range of saddles
(pictured right) that are designed to stop
the pinch. Find out more on this selection
for racers - call Dillglove on 0121 308
0314, or ask at your local wholesaler.
‘Bike It’ gets in gear for a second year
Results fron an extensive survey of over 3,000 schoolchildren and their parents at 32
schools across England reveals that nearly half of the pupils would like to cycle to school, yet onlyust 4%
currently do so. With nine out of ten children
possible by Sustrans, through a £10 million grant
owning bikes and riding out of school time, the diffrom the Department for Transport. In terms of cycle
ference in school-bound bike traffic seems to stem
training for children, a new national standard has
from concerns of pupils with a lack of security of
been launched to improve the quality of on-road
bikes, not enough cycle routes and having too much
training and Sport England have agreed to fund Britto carry to school. One in three parents interviewed
ish Cycling to train more coaches as part of their
want cycle training, which enables their children to
‘Go Ride’ scheme. The Department for Education
cycle safely in traffic and traffic free cycle routes
and Skills is also funding further cycle storage at
were twice as popular with parents as cycle lanes
schools.
on roads.
Paul Osborne, Sustrans’ Safe Routes to Schools
Now the leading sustainable transport charity,
Director, said: “It is vital that we give young people
Sustrans, has announced further funding for ‘Bike
the opportunity to travel in ways, which are healthy,
It’ - a project to encourage more children to cycle
safe and convenient for them. This survey shows
to school. The Bike Hub levy, a bicycle industry inithe enormous potential for increasing cycling levels
tiative, has agreed to fund the Sustrans project for
in this country. The Bike It schools with whom we
a further year, with the object to address issues by
are working are shining examples of what can be
co-ordinating practical activities in schools, and
achieved. We estimate that an extra 2,500 children
focussing on 9-12 year olds where interests in cyand their parents are already cycling as a result of
cling has been shown to be greatest.
the Bike It project. A full evaluation of the project
Safe links from the National Cycle Network to hun
will be carried out later this year.”
dreds of schools in England have been made
one w
ay to bea
ental bik
e!
wa
beatt riding a rrental
bike!
Recently highlighted on CNN and chosen by Fortune Magazine as Product of the Year in their Design
competition, the Dahon Flo portable mountain bike is getting rave reviews from mainstream news media. The
Dahon Flo is a race-grade mountain bike designed with mountain bike pioneers Joe Murray and Tom Ritchey.
Getting ready to travel means that the Dahon Flo can be disassembled in only ten minutes to fit into an
airline suitcase, cyclists who want to fly their bike can say goodbye to
airline surcharges. In Fortune Magazine World Cup Champion Ned
Overend remarks, "From a guy who repeatedly hassles with a full-sized
bike in a big plastic box on the plane, this is a great concept."
The Flo features a frame precision hand-welded from the finest
Reynold's 853 tubing. The frame makes use of patented Ritchey
BreakAway™ technology that adds only 98 grams but which allows the
frame to separate into two parts for easy packing.
S. Flitterman & Co Ltd are look
Preview show in July where th
of their brands Outdoor Scene,
at the show. The company has
testing and developing their ne
best in quality, functiona
One of the biggest is the
collection. X-Life benefits
construction, the highest
waterproofness and the v
created some excellent ne
new and exciting fabrics th
around
have revamped the range
and highly marketable pr
exception, with the launch
including a number of add
With Bo
Summe
Kid’s cl
lots of funky designs, inclu
shirts, fleeces, waterproofs
everything kids need for o
king forward to the new Outdoor
hey will be showcasing all three
Bodge the Badger and Demon
been working hard researching,
ew collections, to offer the very
ality, style and durability
Outdoor Scene sees a
number of developments
for Spring/Summer 2006.
e launch of the new X-Life
from the very best quality
levels of breathability and
very best styling. We have
w products out of some very
hat will rival the best brands
Since they took over the
Demon brand, Flitterman’s
to include a number of new
roducts. This season is no
h of some great new styles
ditions to the Xtralite range.
odge the Badger, for Spring/
er 2006 the UK’s leading
othing brand continues with
uding bright and colourful Ts, trousers etc. In fact there’s
outdoor fun!
Come and see for yourselves.
S. Flitterman & Co Ltd
Stand C2
May ’05 page 7
when you are at IFMA try Papa Joe’s - at Eurobike or OutDoor go for a
Bodensee cruise. Milan? It’s just a short trip and you are on Lake Como
live it: mix show time & tourism
I didn’t think of this first - the idea that every show, anywhere, opens up the
opportunity to take in some local flavour came from a buddy who was along
for the ride to Spoga in Cologne, writes Peter
Type A Lambretta with its makers, and in 1968 the
Lumley. He was up the stairs in the Dom a year
traffic most of the way was barely faster than our
or two ahead of me, and he even made a crossrate of travel. Since then it’s been the Fiera that
Rhine high wire trip then had stepped onto one
has enticed me back to Milan, with side trails to
of the pleasure cruisers long before I realised
places on Lake Como like Mennagio - where you
get a better deal at the table than in the little tourist
there was another life away from the exhibition halls or the evening
beer and eating rounds.
You learn, don’t you!
Nowadays I wouldn’t
miss going to Papa Joe’s
for the jazz in Cologne but try to get there on the
night before the IFMA
trade show opens - it’s
easier to get beside the
rostrum, which are the
best seats in the house.
If the confines of a
raptuous, smoke-laden
jazz club doesn’t appeal
then for some fresh air
and fine views book yourself a Rhine cruise that you’ll remember. Have dinner afloat.
On my first trip to Friedrichshafen, it was for the
inaugural EuroBike, I didn’t realise just how seductive Bodensee would become. A dozen and
more years on we tend to avoid the honeypot
lakeside atmosphere and settle for somwehere a
few miles inland.
If you are based close to the exhibition go to
Lindau by boat or past Meersburg and on to the
island of Mainau. But don’t rush it. Yes, we’ve
come to enjoy a lake cruise as the way to lose the
car for a time, while it’s quiet and easy going
around on a bike along the cycleway routes
through the apple orchards that stretch inland.
This tranquil haven beats joining the busy procession of round-the-lake riders and strollers, and
it’s worth noting that there is a world of difference
between being right by the lake or out in the countryside.
Then there’s Italy - I’d crossed the St Gotthard
Pass on a Lambretta for my first visit to Milan.
This was a trip to re-unite a 20 year old original
everyone uses
footwear - most
people need
special fitings
Feet can make you suffer, but there’s a
team who can make life more comfortable no
matter what the shape of your feet. That feet matter has sen the FitSystem by Phil Oren workshops
going from strength to strength.
These session may appeal more to the outdoor
user and that market than to bicycle retailers but
when yoiu hear that prominent Tour de France
leaders are pedalling with Superfeet support then
here’s a case to investigate.
Now in its 11th year, the goal of the FitSystem is
to improve standards within professional footwear
fitting – which also creates happier, healthier customers and greater sales. The FitSystem is a must
for any retailers wanting to increase sales in their
footwear department.
As the level of interest in the subject has risen
so has the take-up of bookings to attend the latest
rounbd of workshops. There’s a dedicated running
course planned for late 2005.
This summer venues include Crawley and the
Murrayfield Rugby Stadium in Edinburgh. To find
out how your shop can benefit for a place on a
future FitSystem workshops visit
www.anatom.co.uk for further information.
at EVO Distribution Ltd: (left to right)
Ray Badminton, md, Charlie Brown, marketing &
operations director, Andy Marchant, product &
market development manager with the 2005 OS Gold
Partner of the Year Award
Memory Map expand.
Gold from OS
unexpectedly I
once found
myself watching
the Gran Prix
boat racing right
in the heart of
Como. The
highs and the
lows of cycle
racing - depicted
at Ghisallo
trap of Bellagio, with it’s steep cobbled street that
houses a thousand trinkets.
Trust the Como boats to get you into holiday
mood, with scenery that simply floats past. The jet
foil is a little frenetic, although it does quickly get
you along the lake if you want to see a lot in a short
space of time. Como itself is just an easy train ride
from Milan, and there the lake beckons.
If you’ve some transport to hand get along to the
little church at Ghisallo, uphill from Bellagio. Here
entrance is free to this sweet little church with it’s
small cycling museum where you’ll see several
original machines used by racers such as Bartali,
Coppi, Merckx plus the bicycle Moser used in
Mexico City in 1984 to improve the hour record.
These are just some of the places that draw me
back whenever I’m in-town at a Trade show. I could
give you a list of the restaurants and several other
attractions that help make travel to work so much
more pleasurable, but then that’s going to spoil the
spirit of adventure for you.
Grab some time on the internet and search out a
tourist trail of your own, spend twenty minutes talking the the staff at the local tourist board office there’s often one in the administrative arm of the
exhibition centre. Most of the places I go are, to
me, just like a wave washed, sunny beach. They
come up clean and glistening time after time. Even
when it’s the same bit of shoreline there’s always
something to discover. Get out there and do it!
a new happening
In mid August around twenty peer companies who
supply equipment for mountaineering and most
outdoor activites including mountainbiking, will hold
a three day Trade-only presentation in Kendal.
Kendal Outdoor Retail Show
August 17 - 19
With their rapidly expanding business
needing larger office and warehouse premises, EVO
Distribution has moved to new premises which provide more than double the space to keep pace with the
growing demand for EVO’s major brands Memory-Map,
Maptech-Marine, Bike-in-a-Bag, Navigation Workshop
and other accessory products. EVO now employ over
20 people and will continue to strengthen their team to
respond to market opportunities.
In the same month as the office move, Ordnance
Survey held their Partner Conference 2005 and EVO
Distribution were awarded the “Gold Partner of the Year
2005”. This award has been given in recognition of
outstanding growth in revenue and significant contribution to promoting Geographic Intelligence in the commercial market place, thus further cementing MemoryMap’s position as the market leader in providing digital Ordnance Survey mapping and navigation software
for recreational and education use.
“I am delighted that Memory Map have been awarded
Ordnance Survey’s Gold Partner of the Year at our
annual awards, just four years ago they were on our
Developer Programme but have shown that an innovative idea can become a very profitable business” says
Philip Lines, Head of Partner Alliance Programme.
Ray Badminton, EVO Distribution Ltd’s Managing
Director adds, “I would like to thank our customers for
their continued interest in our brands and all our staff
for helping us grow so quickly. The new building will
give us the space to provide even better customer service and operations efficiency”.
GPS intro from Silva
New to the UK market is a function packed
hand-held GPS from US electronics specialist,
Lowrance. Distributed in the UK by Silva, the
Lowrance iFinder GO is said to set a new standard
in quality and pricing.
When compared against other entry-level units,
the iFinder GO offers a 16 parallel channel GPS
receiver, against the conventional 12 channels and
over 48 hours of operation on 2 AA batteries, compared to less than 24 hours on similar models.
The five-centimetre, 200 x 140 pixel, backlit
screen displays information in 16 levels of
greyscale, giving excellent, crisp definition. The
simple keypad provides access to a powerful
processing capability that will store up to 1,000
waypoints and 100 routes.
The Navigation Page features a compass to show
direction of travel together with the direction to the
next waypoint, plus a trail line and other valuable
information including distance to waypoint, speed,
travel time and distance off track. The entire unit
weighs 152 grams including batteries and is truly
pocket sized at 13 cms by 4 cms by 3.2 cms deep.
Supplied exclusively in the UK and Ireland by
Silva Ltd, the iFinder GO has an RRP of £89.95
including VAT. A PC data cable with cigarette
power cable is additionally available
at £29.95. The unit is waterproof to
IPX7 and has a two-year guarantee.
May ’05 page 8
one product
- two jobs
Having been assaulted last year by
what I have thought were ticks, my preparation
for this years Great Outdoors Challenge
backpacking trip centred on making sure it didn’t
happen again, writes Peter Lumley.
The No-Bug silk sleeping bag liner by Aztec, Burton
McCall’s brand, came inside the parameters of protection and not too much weight to carry. It turned
out to do two jobs very well.
In the brought-short duration of my Scottish ramble I experienced just the one bug bite, and that was
in daylight. But the cold snap, when the nippy nights
left ice on the billy and a good rime on the flysheet,
were countered by using the bag liner as a cover for
what is the lightest down sleeping bag CAMP produce. I was never cold in the bag, although it got
very close on one bitter night when I awoke to find
the liner had slipped from around my shoulders and
hood of the bag. That I was able to notice the
diference in a short time after wriggling back into
the silk covered cocoon gets me thinking my theory
is that with a down bag you have to do something to
stop the warm air being bellowed out, and the Nobug
silk Iiner does just that.
Nobug - Burton McCall - 0116 234 4611
CAMP - Rosker Ltd - 02392 528 711
tents galore
What will result in probably
the largest trade tent show in Europe
hits Stoneleigh Park in September.
Retail buyers will view 2006 ranges
- around 400 tents from a dozen
brands at the Midlands venue. The
manufacturers will also showcase
sleeping bags, rucsacs, footwear,
camping furniture and accessories.
Tent brands on display will include
Aztec from Burton McCall, Force Ten
/ Vango / Lichfield from AMG Outdoor
Ltd, Gelert from Gelert Ltd, Khyam /
CampuS from Eurotech Leisure Ltd,
Robens / Outwell / Easycamp from
Oase Outdoors, Royal from The Burden Group and Wynnster from
Wynnster Outdoor Leisure.
not 2b missed
Clothing for Extremes
Conference Three.
Rheged Centre, Penrith
September 28
Now backed by the Institute
for Entrepreneurship and Enterprise
Development at Lancaster,The Pertex
Clothing for Extremes conference this
year will unveil replicas of clothing
worn on Everest by George Leigh
Mallory in 1924.
At previous conferences the topics
have given delegates the chance to
see for the first time how good or bad
this clothing really was and to assess
what can be learnt from it. Last year
almost a hundred people attended the
event, which is presented by Mary
Rose and Mike Parsons.
There will be presentations from the
replica makers, including Vanessa
Anderson, University of Derby, with a
contribution by Jochem Hemmleb, the
mountaineering historian on
Mummery and Nanga Parbat.
The Mallory clothing layers will be
set against present and future trends
in breathability along with presentations on wearable technologies and
the final results of definitive work comparing the performance of natural and
synthetic clothing.
Papers by Ken Ledward (K.L.E.T.S)
and Dave Brook ( University of Leeds)
on the final results of their wicking and
base layer project will be followed by
Jane McCann and Richard Hurford
(the University of Wales, Newport) on
the development of Innovative Smart
Clothing for Performance Sport.
Full details on the conference:
Mary Rose.
e-mail m.rose@lancaster.ac.uk
Conference Fee £50 for the day including all sessions, tea, coffee and
lunch. For block bookings of 3 or more
people the rate is £40 per person for
the day.
May ’05 page 9
something new to build your customer base
army on the move is
THE AIRSOFT BRIGADE
StormKloth is the brand
name for the most widely sold range
of sports camouflage clothing in the
USA and Canada. The range is suitable for all kinds of outdoor activities
from fishing to paintballing, used by
marksmen and archers, the uses are
unlimited.
Made in a unique combination of
fleece, nylon and a monolithic membrane, StormKloth is stretchable,
breathable, water repellant windproof,
durable and is quiet to handle.
BHP International
01204 887 483 or 07785385854
There is plenty of scope
when catering for the Airsoft enthusiast. They need good quality
outdoor activity kit of the army
suplus look, but not just surplus
cast-offs. Base layers to keep
warm and dry, footwear and
socks, the fuel for their eating
needs - an army marches on their
stomach remember!
When the activity is overnight
then the personal needs expand
to include lights and bivvy bags,
closed cell foam mats, and food,
more food. Warmer clothing.
Looking through likely supplier
lists you will recognise:
Thatchreed, Rangemaster,
Snugpak, Smartwool, Cigman &
Co Ltd, GI’s Government Surplus.
Retailers:
www.flecktarn.co.uk is one site
to study.
you may e-mail us to get further
info on product & services or to
locate a product that’s featured.
ksa@ksa-partnership.com
a little
bible
That they have a range truly made
in Germany is the justifiable claim from the
SKS operation in Sundern. A factory that has
grown through manufacturing is set in a great
hiking and biking part of the countryside,
which may have quite a bit to do with the way
they approach an engineering problem and
turn it to a useful development.
Turn the pages of the booklet-brochure that
is with this issue and spot just what will get
your customers buying.
above: one from the SKS
Toolbox collection of handy
solutions for a roadside fettle
or two. below: There are a
dozen or so inflators in the
range - these will do caravan
tyres, bike tyres, the lot!
There’s a new woodland activity that is putting healthy
profits into businesses who recognise that a battle or two needs
the stuff of war - or wargames anyway. Airsoft is the name of
the game, a fast growing wargame and battle simulation similar
to the much loved paintball. it is now played the world over and
in just the British Isles there are well over 60 publicised sites. A
days play will cost the enthusiast between £15 to £30 and will
pitch enthusiasts against another team.
Games can have a massive range of scenarios from “military
simulation” to “last man standing” and invariably take a full day
to reach an end. Participants arrive in the early morning and
leave around 4-5pm. However, some venues are now planning
full weekends or “night games”, where participants will play all
an airsofter shot but unhurt
through the night.
Airsoft uses specialist electric, gas or spring powered rifles, sub-machine guns or pistols firing 6mm ball bearings.
Sadly, firing these ball bearings places Airsoft in the public press quite often, always being mistaken for the cheap
BB guns, or Air Rifles. Just owning your own Airsoft rifle is often not enough for enthusiasts - matching a realistic
theme is becoming ever increasingly popular. Camouflage clothing is a must, but with all the extra kit needed for the
Airsoft guns an Airsofter would need something like a tactical vest. Usually seen worn by soldiers on TV or “SWAT”
in the films, tactical vests provide easy places to keep any equipment handy - grenades, magazines, ammunition, or
even a pistol.
Camouflage clothing, surplus or specialist such as the RealTree design StormKloth clothing from BHP International are an essential addition to a teams, or individual’s list of equipment. Airsofters try to be unique, and even after
spending £200-£300 on an Airsoft rifle they are always interested in furthering their image with good quality clothing.
To find out more about Airsofting you could visit any of these UK based websites:
www.arniesairsoft.co.uk
www.airsoftcommunity.co.uk
There’s a fashion statement with a lot of the
clothing that comes from the Polaris stable. Functional
as well as fashionable, with an eye to what is needed
rather than what just looks good, that’s been the hallmark of this switched on brand, probably because the
people behind the making know what works when you
are out there on a bicycle.
Brought to the retail trade by Greyville, here’s a range
that has rider appeal, it’s manufactured with an eye to
modern materials that work whatever the weather.
Want to know more then call Greyville or ask one
of the sales team to call on you - 01543 251 328
May ’05 page 10
accolade
for
schools
support
The Ordnance Survey free maps initiative for
11-year-olds has seen over 2.5 million pupils receive free
1: 25 000 OS Explorer Maps across the past three years.
The maps can be used in the classroom for project work
or in pupils’ homes for planning family outdoor activities,
like walking or cycling. Now, recognition of the benefits
this brings to the community comes with a prestigious
award from the Royal Geographical Society.
The Society - which aims to advance geographical learn-
conferred the Geographical Award “for providing outstanding non commercial support for school pupils learning
geography”.
The presentation was made to Elaine Owen, Ordnance
Survey’s Senior Educational Manager, by RGS President,
Sir Neil Cossons, at a special reception at the Society’s
Kensington head office.
information on the free maps initiative:
www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/education.
ace sheepskin
footwear is
new AMG line
Premium Australian brand
UGG, which has achieved remarkable growth in the last couple of years
in worldwide sales, is the latest brand
partnership for AMG. Part of the
Deckers Outdoor Cooperation, the
brand will benefit from AMG’s years
of experience in the footwear market.
As well as reaching the Scottish company’s network of established retail
customers, the UGG brand is expected to open doors for AMG’s other
footwear brands and so expose the
company to a significantly larger market within the leisure sector. In 2004,
UGG Australia was named Footwear
New Brand of the year.
AMG was appointed by the Deckers
Cooperation in June 2002 to manage
the distribution of Teva footwear, in late
2004, they then were appointed to
manage the Italian footwear brand,
Trezeta. This latest appointment with
UGG reinforces the company’s strategic growth plan and strengthens
their position within the outdoor and
leisure market.
UGG Australia are the world’s premier luxury brand of authentic sheepskin footwear. Their product range includes slippers, clogs, boots, and
shoes. The UGG Australia image is
very strong world-wide and the products are regarded as a must have
fashion item by the leading celebrities
in film, music, sport and fashion. Customers currently stocking the UGG
Australia brand include some of the
UK’s premier high street stores such
as Harrods, Selfridges, Schuh, Kurt
Geiger, Office/Offspring, Sole & Sole
Trader, Raw.
AMG will deliver 100% of the Fall
05 forward orders, and have added
several new styles not previously presented to the UK market, the company
take in deliveries from August 1.
for details of UGG Australia
go to www.uggaustralia.com
for AMG Outdoor visit
www.amg-outdoor.co.uk
joining the
trainers
AMG Outdoor Ltd now has Euan
Cormack on their retailer training
team. He joins the company from
Snow & Rock, where he worked as
Staff trainer for all Snow and Rock
technical staff, specialising in ski and
boot sales.
In his new AMG post Euan Cormack
will work closely with retailers to provide training support for the promotion
of AMG’s brands. He has also worked
for Freeride in Courchevel, where, in
addition to overseeing the day-to-day
running of the shop, Euan was also
responsible for buying, merchandising
and selecting stock.
if you don’t stock it - you won’t sell it!
moneysaver ways
when dealing
with cards
ACT’s preferential card processing
rates with HSBC continues to offer IBDs
some of the best commercial savings around,
generating hundreds of £££ worth of savings
every year.
Martin Richardson from Southdowns Bikes in
Sussex highlights the value, “With the turnover
of our business growing month on month we find
the majority of purchases are made by credit or
debit card. With the negotiated rate we have as a
member of ACT then we are saving a minimum
of 2% on merchant fees every month. That works
out at over £3000 a year we’re saving on card
costs! Plus the money taken by credit card every
day is in our bank account by 9pm the same day.
That’s brilliant for cash flow and we don’t have to
find a parking space to go to the bank!”
Chris Compton of Compton Cycles in London
has also saved through ACT, “In March this year
alone we saved £103 with HSBC versus our old
provider Card Save. March was a pretty average
month for us so multiply that by 12 months less
the annual ACT membership fee (£225) and that’s
a £1000 saving versus our old provider.”
Over 300 ACT members now use the HSBC
scheme and last year generated a staggering
£67m worth of card transactions. With plastic now
overtaking cash as the preferred method of payment its vital retailers have access to good rates
to ensure vital income isn’t being wasted. With
the ACT scheme we can help IBDs save money
and see a return on their investment in ACT membership.
If your business generates more than £300k of
card transactions per year HSBC will negotiate
lower rates direct with you.
is this the UK’s
favourite design?
The Pylon from Alex Moulton’s bike range could
shortly be voted the UK’s favourite design. The bicycle
appears in the current New Designers iconic design poll
online www.newdesigners.com. The poll - which the public can vote in - is being conducted by the New Designers
exhibition to celebrate its 20th anniversary.
The winner of the New Designers poll will be announced
at the New Designers event in London on June 30.
check it out - www.newdesigners.com
Pell & Parker Ltd
WHOLESALERS TO
THE CYCLE TRADE
distributors of new cycles from
TRIKES - UNICYCLES - TAG-A-LONGS
Wheels - Rims - Tyres - Tubes - Locks - Saddles - Mudguards - Lights - Chains
Chainsets - Pumps - Lubcricants - Helmets - Pedals and much more
MANGO CRUD PYRAMID WELDTITE SHIMANO
phone us on
01733 810 553 or 01733 810 554
fax 01733 810 540
Thorney Road, Milking Nook, Newborough, Peterborough, PE6 7PJ
agents wanted
Expansion continues apace at
M&J Distributors Ltd as new product lines
and brands are introduced and the range
stocked increases. Popular tyres from
Michelin, Kenda, Schwalbe, Maxxis, Impac
and Trax, from £1.50 to £16.95 to cover the
needs of most shops are now stocked. Product ranges from SKS, Zefal, Shimano, SIS,
Canyon, Paddy Hopkirk, Crud, YPK computers, have been increased over recent
months and spot buys such as a Vuelta
wheel set (pictured) and Jeep dual suspension bikes add to the variety of lines offered.
Now M & J are appointing agents nationwide - the first being Julie Dominguez to
cover Scotland (contact Julie on 07968
769191) and already several new accounts
are benefiting from M & J’s stock list and
efficient service. New appointments will be
made soon and if you are interested in
becomimg an agent then contact Mike
Townsend on 0161 337 9600 or by e-mail
to mike.townsend@mjdistributors.co.uk
May ’05 page 12
Fort William hits the big time
crowds will wheel in for September 10-11 event
KSA Partnership,
97 Front Street,
WHICKHAM,
NE16 4JL.
PLEASE RETURN TO
undelivered ?
POSTMASTER
Having won three successive
awards from the UCI for the best
Downhill and 4 Cross Mountain Bike
World Cup events, Fort William is
again welcoming jet-setters from the
international mountain biking scene
this September for another World Cup
round event in the Scottish Highlands.
It is anticipated that close to 20,000
spectators will be there over the two
days of intense, thrilling competition.
The UCI award is based on the votes
of competitors, officials and media
from all over the world who attended
events in Scotland, Spain, Belgium,
Italy, Austria and Canada on the 2004
UCI Mountain Bike World Cup circuit.
The UCI event is a tremendous boost
to the local Scottish economy and also
brings global media coverage for the
Highlands.
The Scottish Executive recognises
the economic benefits of staging worldclass events in Scotland and supports
the mountain bike World Cup races
through EventScotland and
VisitScotland.
Events are an integral part of the
Scottish tourism industry, helping earn
an enviable reputation for hosting outstanding international events and
strengthenening the country’s ambition
to position Scotland as one of the
world's leading events destinations.
The Nevis Range ski area and
Leanachan Forest, Fort William,
hosted rounds of the UCI Mountain
Bike World Cup in 2002, 2003 and
2004, and has established itself as one
of the best competition venues in the
world with a reputation for high standards, good organisation and excellent
courses and facilities, winning a
number of other top sporting and industry awards in the process.
Mike Jardine, Rare Management organisers of the UCI Mountain Bike
World Cup events at Fort William said:
'Three awards in three years is an
amazing endorsement for Fort William
and everyone involved. We're all looking forward to the challenge of continuous improvement in the build-up to the
World Championships in 2007 - and
we've already got some new ideas for
the World Cup Finals this September.
As everyone says - you really have got
to be there!'
This year, when Fort William hosts
the Mountain Bike World Cup Finals
it’s a first for the United Kingdom to
have the overall World Cup Winners
crowned in a big, end of season celebration of mountain biking action.
Having raced in Europe, North
America and South America over six
months, the 2005 UCI Mountain Bike
World Cup Champions of Downhill
Cross Country and 4-Cross, will be
decided on the slopes of Aonach Mor
in the Scottish Highlands. This will be
a key event in the build-up to the UCI
Mountain Bike & Trials World Championships, which is coming to Fort
William in September 2007. Mike
Jardine added: 'This year's event will
be a bit of a dress rehearsal for the
2007 World Championships - which is
likely to be at least twice as big as the
World Cup in terms of spectators, and
competitors, with live global TV coverage. For further details go to:
www.fortwilliamworldcup.co.uk
internet: www.ksa-partnership.com
race hols
The Salzkammergut
Trophy, the toughest
Marathon within the World
Cup, is run on 100km- plus
course in Bad Goisern, Austria,
that can also be ridden as a
bike tour, with special package
deals including luggage
transfer. Go to
www.salzkammergut-trophy.at
this issue reporting May 05
S. Flitterman & Co Ltd are looking forward to the new Outdoor
Preview show in July where they will be showcasing all three
of their brands Outdoor Scene, Bodge the Badger and Demon
at the show. The company has been working hard researching,
testing and developing their new collections, to offer the very
best in quality, functionality, style and durability
the feature on this page (right)
appears across the centre fold of
the issue and in this pdf
presentation it does not read easily.
We have repeated it here as it
appears on the printed page.
the next issuesClients & Suppliers are reminded
that our next issue is already under
starting orders. Materials to help us
build the issue should be sent as
early as they are ready, the
editors desk:
peter@ksa-partnership.com
to book advertisements or to
request further information:
ksa@ksa-partnership.com
01 91 488 1947
three of a kind to
help you sell-in
Outdoor Scene sees a
number of developments
for Spring/Summer 2006.
One of the biggest is the launch of the new X-Life
collection. X-Life benefits from the very best quality
construction, the highest levels of breathability and
waterproofness and the very best styling. We have
created some excellent new products out of some very
new and exciting fabrics that will rival the best brands
around
Since they took over the
Demon brand, Flitterman’s
have revamped the range to include a number of new
and highly marketable products. This season is no
exception, with the launch of some great new styles
including a number of additions to the Xtralite range.
With Bodge the Badger, for Spring/
Summer 2006 the UK’s leading
Kid’s clothing brand continues with
lots of funky designs, including bright and colourful Tshirts, fleeces, waterproofs, trousers etc. In fact there’s
everything kids need for outdoor fun!
plus the unique & additional
a note from the publisher
why Xtra?
When KSA produce a Trade journal it is to bring
together market intelligence that will put people in
danger of doing business. We have a Bicycle title,
one for Outdoors and another for Scooters and
lightweight urban transport. A long time ago we
found that mixing Trade specifics alongside the
credible alternatives gave readers the chance to
broaden product awareness and open up the new
market opportunities. That’s what this composite
Xtra is about.
Come and see for yourselves.
S. Flitterman & Co Ltd
Stand C2