BikeBiz Awards: Vote now for brands of the year

Following the commencement of the voting process for the BikeBiz Awards last week, we’ll be highlighting each and every finalist from our list of expertly-curated accolades.

The final decision will be placed in the hands of those that know best – professionals that work within the industry day in day out and prosumers with a passion for cycling.

The online vote will close on Friday 16th August at midday and the results will determine the 2019 BikeBiz Awards winners.

Today, we’re showcasing the brand awards: Bike Brand of the Year and P&A Brand of the Year.

Bike Brand of the Year

Black Mountain Bikes – Black Mountain Bikes designs and engineers innovative and unique children’s bicycles. It launched just over a year ago with its Pinto and Skog ‘growing frames’ using its patented Epok system that allows the bikes to transform from balance mode, into a small pedal bike and then into a larger pedal bike. Its goal has always been to end the sizing compromise that many parents have to face – having to buy a bike that is either too big or too small for their child.

Cannondale – It’s 2019 and Cannondale is launching the 2020 model bikes. Everything changes: the creative direction, the graphics, the teams, the riders, the bikes, the technology – the entire range has seen technical advances unprecedented in the cycling industry. It’s supporting dealers more, activating more marketing and executing more creative: this is the most exciting time for Cannondale in the history of the brand, and it couldn’t be happier or more proud of its bike company.

Forme – Following the launch of the brand in 2010, the goal at Forme has been simple: to create a product that encourages people to ride more, become fitter, and enjoy a more sustainable, hassle-free cycling experience. Whether you are a racing cyclist, weekend trail warrior, urban commuter or simply enjoy exploring the thousands of traffic-free paths across the National Cycle Network, it takes a function-driven approach with the product development of every model within its collection.

Genesis Bikes – Genesis has never been a big brand but it continues to punch well above its weight. It has an unrivalled pedigree in the adventure/touring category and bikes like the Croix de Fer have been used for gravel riding long ‘before it was a thing’. It is a small team that works hard to bring different and wonderful bikes to the market and is particularly known for wonderful steel creations.

Orbea – Orbea has been growing at an incredible rate throughout the UK and Ireland, and particularly in the past 12 months, with 2018 up 76% on the previous year. The Basque brand has innovated with the Gain e-road bike; is the industry leader in customised product and has become an incredibly valuable partner to its network of IBDs across the nation. Its team of reps has worked hand in hand with its retailers, organising over 30 demo events so far in 2019, supporting and ensuring sellout for our partners.

Tern Bicycles – Tern has been very active in innovation over the last few years, with 451 wheel size folding bikes, the Vektron range of folding e-bikes launched three years ago, the GSD e-cargo range launched in 2018, the BYB Ultra-portable 20in folder launched mid-2018, and the brand new HSD, being the GSD’s smaller brother. Supported through Moore Large in the UK, with around 200 stockists, Tern has developed into one of the most interesting brands on the market.

Tifosi – Tifosi continues to strive for affordable excellence with specifications still driven by a passion for fitting only the best European components. The many awards it has won for its bikes show that both consumers and the cycling media alike share its passion for the brand. UK designed and assembled bikes built for the discerning cyclist.

Trek – Incredible bikes will evidence from R&D to support its innovative frame design advantages. Impressive customer service and warranty support induce confidence in the brand. It offers a very personalised experience with custom paint options and component customisation also, meaning you can have the perfect bike straight from the box.

Vielo – Vielo is an indy boutique British brand that offers an exclusive range of exceptional, high-end, cutting edge bicycles focused on innovation, fusing the latest carbon fibre technology and know-how with beautiful design and craftsmanship, underpinned with a passion and belief to make it better. Vielo’s first model (V+1) was a road plus/all-road/gravel style bike which surpassed ISO mountain bike safety standard to ensure customers of the highest quality.

Yeti Cycles – In 1985, before mountain biking was even considered an industry, racers became the backbone of Yeti’s product development efforts and that remains the same today. So many greats of MTB have ridden Yeti: John Tomac, Missy Giove, Jared Graves and now three times World Enduro champion Richie Rude. Golden, Colorado remains the R&D hub where prototypes and race bikes are burned and tested, sometimes through countless iterations, as they push towards creating frames that are both beautiful and functional.

P&A Brand of the Year

100% – Endorsed by athletes from Sam Hill to Peter Sagan, 100% has ranges offering outstanding style and exceptional function. From Brisker gloves to Aircraft helmets, its products have been filling race podiums, winning awards as well as keeping everyday riders comfortable, safe and stylish without breaking the bank. New 2019 products have included a comprehensive armour range topped out with the Surpass pads which are unique in offering offer the highest CE Level 2 protection, and the game-changing Armega goggles which are the first to offer ultra HD optical lens quality.

Campagnolo – The Super Record Disc Brake 12 Speed is the highest expression of technology and evolution. It is geared towards riders who want to equip their bicycle with the best the market offers in terms of performance and distinctiveness. The new design is characterised by streamlined shapes and sleek lines that give a mix of organic and functional design that express emotion, performance, aerodynamics and ergonomics.

DT Swiss – Following a massive overhaul of its range in 2017, DT Swiss has been firing on all cylinders over 2018 and 2019 with a host of new and innovative products such as its unique and best selling OXiC wheels, F535 position-sensitive front fork and deep section GRC 1400’s, the first wheels to be truly aero optimised for gravel use. It has also been the first brand to completely re-engineer a whole range of e-MTB certified wheels at all price points, an industry first made possible by its capacity to make all wheel components in house.

Elvedes – Since 1965, Elvedes has been producing mechanical control cables used by the industry. By working with the client in the development phase, the correct decisions can be made when it comes to, for example, dimensions and material specifications. It also offers innovative solutions for existing products. It has knowledge, experience, stock (semi-manufactured goods) and its own manufacturing facility.

Fi’zi:k – Fi’zi:k was founded in 1996 as the performance brand for the Italian Selle Royal Group. All aftermarket saddles are still designed and handmade in the Italian factory. Fi’zi:k works globally with world-leading bike fit experts, physiotherapists and athletes who all help to constantly improve and develop product ranges through a cycle of feedback, innovation and development.

Knog – Knog was founded in 2002 as a product design business. Its products are designed in Melbourne, Australia but used all over the world. It is the lovechild of Hugo Davidson (designer) and Mal McKechnie (engineer) who started working together long before Knog, and shared the same vision: to make ‘unboring things’.

Magura – As a partner for high-performance motorsport and bike products and components, hydraulic and mechanical controls, as well as technical plastic parts, Magura develops and produces innovative products with passion and with the wealth of experience it has built up over decades. The entire company is geared to the design, manufacture and marketing of quality products and services which meet the highest possible standards of quality. Its objective is to satisfy and inspire its customers.

Muc-Off – British brand Muc-Off is one of the most visible in the industry. 2019 marks the company’s 25th year in business and it is continuing to go from strength-to-strength with an expanding team (17 new recruits since January alone), product range and entry into new foreign markets. Products launched since January include the bike-specific pressure washer, waterless wash and customizable tubeless valves, with much more in the pipeline.

Primal Europe – In 2019, Primal not only launched one innovative product but two. Firstly, from an idea to production, Primal created the new e-Sport bibshorts. It also launched its first Triathlon product the new AXIA triathlon suit not only ITU compliant but with a male and female design that is replicated with accessories. Whilst launching new and innovative products across multiple disciplines, Primal launched its first sustainability policy.

See.Sense – See.Sense, the official bike light supplier and crowdsourced insights supplier to British Cycling, is pushing what is capable in lighting while also working to improve cycling for everyone with its innovative products. The lights (used by 40,000 cyclists across 75 countries) shine in daylight and nighttime and react to moments when a cyclist is at risk by flashing brighter and faster. It prides itself on applying five-plus years of R&D into its products while continuing to manufacture in the UK.

The 11th annual ceremony is returning to the Cycle Show at the NEC Birmingham on 12th September, in conjunction with the exhibitor after-party.

Citrus-Lime has been confirmed as an event partner for this year’s Awards. The EPOS and e-commerce specialist will also be sponsoring the Best Independent Bike Dealer Award for 2019.

For sponsorship and promotion opportunities, please contact Richard Setters.

www.bikebizawards.com