BikeBiz Bicycle and cycling retail news
Haven’t made it out of the shop to Icebike? BikeBiz has you covered with many of the product highlights. To view our full gallery, click here.
Ridgeback
Taking pride of place on the Ridgeback booth was two electric additions – the Electron at £1,999 and Electron Plus at £2,199 – the difference in price largely coming from a Nexus to Alfine hub upgrade at the higher price.
Both are low step over frame builds, based around Shimano Steps electronics. The bulk of the weight is at the bottom bracket, keeping the bikes stable, while the battery is capable of assisting over a 50 mile range on high mode, as well as powering built in lighting.
A stem mounted digital display provides the rider with information on battery life, power output, speed and more.
Saracen
Saracen also teased a balloon tyred electric model, though we’re told it’ll be MY17 before anything comes to fruition if it does at all.
The range is largely unchaged, barring the introduction of two new carbon Mantra hardtails. Two builds are on offer, starting at £1,499 for a Deore and Suntour spec and £1,899 for the Elite build that sports XT components and a Fox fork upgrade.
A carbon Mantra frameset is also due shortly, which will retail at £799. Stock is expected toward the end of March.
Genesis
With camera phones trained on it all day, the Genesis Equilibrium titanium disc build looked a popular bike with dealers.
Built with 3AL/2.5v double butted titanium, the £2,899 build is formed with bi-oval top and down tubes to give it stiffness, comfort and strength in ample amounts. Di2 is fully integrated and a new carbon fork sports eyelets for accessory additions.
The complete bike comes built with 105 kit (52-36 x 11-28), Aksium One Disc wheels from Mavic and Shimano hydraulic discs.
Adventure
Hugely revamped for 2015, the Adventure range has been given plenty of love by Sportline, with new bikes added, as well as component and graphic revamps on most builds.
Starting with an entirely new bike, the Adventure Snicket is a £350 folding bike that is supplied fully racked and guarded. The Snicket lands in stock during March.
The kids’ range now spans £140 to £220, offering builds from 14" to a 24" wheel build that shares graphics with the more adult looking designs.
Junior road is also a big focus for the designers, who have added the 24" Ostro, which will be shipped with both road and cyclocross tyres in the box. Microshift levers for smaller hands will find their way onto the production models.
Sportline also expect the revamped Cafe series to turn heads this year, with two bikes for ladies and two for men. Pictured below is the Prima and Prime, both retailing for £249.99.
Most bikes from Adventure will be available in stock by May.
Rapide
Eyes were drawn to a MY16 prototype – called the RL Disc – on the Rapide booth. Designed for anything from road to cyclocross and speedy commuting, the frameset offers clearance for tyres upto 35c and is clad with a pair of TRP HY/RD semi-hydraulic discs.
