Geared 2015: Bobbin, Sigma, Alpina, Peugeot and more

Moore Large HQ’s showrooms have been vastly expanded to accommodate a broadening portfolio that includes a number of new brand signings for the firm.

German brand Alpina is well established in Europe, with three decades experience in cycle and skiwear. Now with the Derby distributor, Alpina’s range has the high end well covered, including the Elexxion TT (£129.99) and Pheox racing helmet (£94.99). The range covers enduro, MTB, touring, juniors and just about anything else you can think of. Moore Large’s helmet house brand Apex has been expanded too, to ensure the value end of the market is well covered by the distributor.

Ducksmart has a new home in Moore Large, offering the Earth Mover and Bike Ezee cleaners, while last summer’s signing Silkolene and its lubricant range were also showcased at Geared. 

Well established-Peugeot is now bringing its e-bikes to the UK market through Moore Large. Using Panasonic and Bosch systems, the brand has plenty of experience in electrical assistance having supplied the French postal service for a decade, providing Peugeot with chance to refine the bikes and tech. Reliability is a big aspect for the brand, which offers free cycle recovery. Sticking with e-bikes, the ink was drying on a deal with Segway to bring its electric bikes to the UK.

Bobbin signed with Moore Large at the end of last year and it all means better service for the dealers, according to founders Sian Emmison and Tom Morris. How so? Well now orders can be made via a B2B, one of many ways the brand is benefitting from Moore Large’s distribution infrastructure. Year-on-year sales have grown a lot, the brand tells BikeBiz, and now there’s room for Morris and Emmison to develop some top secret ideas that have been stuck on the drawing board for years. Watch this space. By the end of June, Bobbin’s kids bikes will be arriving.

The brand began in 2007. Organic growth saw it move from an appointment-only shop to going wholesale-only in 2012. The customer mix is around 80/20 per cent in favour of females, though Bobbin is careful to avoid blatantly segregating the range, which specialises in leisure and commuter rides.

Sigma has been with Moore Large for a number of years but announced it was going exclusive back in September. The German brand’s line-up includes cycle computers and RC Move heart rate monitors that also work just as well for runners, joggers and the like, as well as cyclists. The range is being complemented with the launch of new software – the Sigma Move App – which is free thanks to a code included in boxed product to download. The app captures user data that can then be accessed from all devices.

Knog now has a combo version of its Milkman steel cable lock, but it is the lights that are seeing the biggest changes, with new LED tech, more reflectors to intensify lights and a bespoke beam angle. Knog is addressing the fact it didn’t have a product that fits an aero bar and the brand has some secret developments in the light line-up coming soon. Crucially the upgrading has all been sensible, the brand reassures, so run times are not adversely affected.

Not only that, but its Qudos action light, so cameras can still roll when it’s dark, is being complemented by an equivalent designed for smartphones. Via an app and a low energy bluetooth connection, users can change lighting levels and beam angle remotely. The android app is being finalised and will be available soon, the brand tells BikeBiz.

Forme’s bike range has been refined, with a renewed focus on everyday riding. The simplified line-up has plenty of sub-£1,000 options and now compact models aimed at the female market and for juniors too. Updated graphics and paint schemes, including a classic British racing green, can be seen in the Forme range, as well as some trail bikes. MTB is one side where we can expect to see developments and September will see more bikes landing.

Still riding with a dull coloured chain? KMC has some fresh colour – shiny green, yellow and purple – versions of its S1 chain, complete with a durable coating that lasts two to three times longer than your average, according to the brand.

Kenda’s latest includes the Kwick Seven.5, a 650B tyre with a versatile tread pattern that can handle urban environments. Kenda also has the Juggernaut Pro – its first fat bike offering for the sizeable market.

Lake might be saving most of its new launches for September, but there’s new footwear in the range in the shape of the MX160 and MX175. Both MTB-orientated, the 175 differs with Mudstuds and a side mounted BOA – the 160 sporting triple hook and loop straps. There’s also now a black version of the MX331.

Haro’s phasing out of boring old model numbers means the 2015 bikes all have a bit more character with memorable names like Downtown, Boulevard, Midway, Plaza and SD (San Diego). 2015 also brings an expanded race line, with a high-end carbon clutch frame. The brand’s aftermarket Lineage line includes some limited edition offerings and new stems, pedals, forks and sprockets. Haro’s old school race plates have proved very popular, shifting around 600 in just one week, according to our sources.

The Sprint 350 clincher has long been a big seller for American Classic and has been updated with wider rims and readiness for tubeless. The MTB Carbonator tubeless is all-new, in 27.5 and 29-inch versions. At £999.99, the 29er weighs 1,676g for the set and 1,595g for the 27.5.

Proviz’s success with the Reflect 360 jacket (seeing 350 per cent year-on-year growth, BikeBiz was told) has spring-boarded a second lighter edition as well as a Reflect 360 Gillet and a junior version. Rucksack covers and helmet covers sporting the same super reflective material are coming too. The reversible Switch jacket has classic high vis yellow on one side, then reflect 360 material on the other, providing options for commuters.
An interesting development is a foray into more sporty gear, including a race jersey with subtle reflective detailing woven into it. At the prototype stage and launching in the summer, it could be the start of a whole new line and market for the brand. There’s an update on Proviz’s original Triviz light system coming too. 

For more on Proviz, any of the brands listed above or those we didn’t have room to feature, chat with your Moore Large rep.

www.moorelarge.co.uk

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