BikeBiz Bicycle and cycling retail news
COREbike concluded yesterday at Whittlebury Hall, with some exhibitors reporting a quieter day three. We caught up with various exhibitors including Ison, Hotlines, Lyon, Windwave and Hope.
Ison showcased brands including MRP, Genetic and HT Pedals. It also had the first showing of US tyre and rim protection brand CushCore at CORE, and visitors had the opportunity to see a full demonstration of the features and how to fit the product. Surly was also at the show, showcasing some its latest offerings including the new Ogre.
Lloyd Townsend, managing director at Ison, said: “We’ve got some new grips, new wheels, new handlebars, new saddles. The show’s been good, much better than previous years. It’s been busier, but it also seems quite upbeat, most people visiting seem quite enthusiastic.”
Hotlines showcased brands including Niner, Wilier Triestina, Ghost, Nukeproof, Fuji, Rondo, NS Bikes, Creme, Leatt, Spank, iXS, 661, WTB and Hayes. Ragley was back after a one-year sabbatical, and the ‘old favourites’ had updates to geometry, tube profiles, frame standards and spec. There were also two new additions to the brand line-up, the Big Al and the Trig.
Lyon Equipment made its CORE debut this year, where it showcased new brands Salsa Cycles and Teravail Tyres. The distributor announced the exclusive UK and ROI deal earlier this month, and the team said there had been lots of enquiries about the new additions as well as the existing brands. It also reported a slightly slower last day, but said that overall the numbers had been ‘pretty consistent’.
Windwave debuted its new brand CeramicSpeed, where dealers attending the show were able to see a full range of products including the limited-edition gold editions to mark the brand’s 20th anniversary. Other brands on show included BBB, Colnago, DVO, Fantic, FSA, Hutchinson, Transition and Vision. Speaking yesterday, Colnago brand manager Luke Leuillette said: “It’s been a bit quieter today, yesterday was absolutely manic. I think maybe the weather forecast of snow put people off, or they all just came yesterday.
“It’s been really good, we’ve been fortunate in that the new brands that we’ve launched here have drawn a lot of people in and it’s been positive for us. Generally, it’s been quite positive, whereas normally at a trade show everyone’s doom and gloom.”
Hope was also exhibiting, with a stand close to the door as people came in. Sales and marketing manager Alan Weatherill said: “It’s nice being by the entrance, people just walk through, so hopefully we’ll see everybody. It’s been a good show, it always seems to go well.”
