Ribble Cycles has announced the launch of the Ribble Partner Network, a national network of trusted businesses that has been building over the last year. The network aims to provide services the brand does not offer directly, but knows are important to riders, including; bike insurance, bike fitting and approved local maintenance.
The launch comes alongside the announcement of Ribble Service OutPosts, a national network of more than 80 accredited service centres that will give Ribble riders trusted, local support anywhere in the UK.
Ribble Service OutPosts join The Bike Fitters, experts in rider-first fitting, and Laka Insurance, specialists in tailored cover for cyclists, as the founding partners of the Ribble Partner Network.
Sean Hastings, Ribble CEO, said: “Launching our Partner Network, and announcing Ribble Service OutPosts at the same time, starts to bring together all the things we do to support our riders beyond just selling them a bike.
“These partnerships offer things to riders Ribble doesn’t, but that we know are important aspects of being a cyclist. It’s also a great opportunity for businesses to work with Ribble to get their services and expertise in front of more customers.”
When asked what it meant for Ribble’s existing services, and the brand responded:
“Service OutPosts allows Ribble to ensure that Ribble bikes are serviced to an agreed standard and have direct access to Ribble replacement parts. It means Ribble riders are able to access approved servicing, repairs and warranty checks in a much quicker and more convenient way for them.
“All bike builds have and will continue to be completed at Ribble’s HQ in Preston, Lancashire, by their team of skilled mechanics.”
The brand also told us that Ribble’s mobile mechanics will continue to work within the brand’s Customer Service and Support team, to help with “queries, concerns and virtual diagnosis should customers have issues they need support with.”
And where maintenance work is needed to be carried out, the Service OutPosts provide an approved and more convenient way for Ribble riders to get their bike back on the road, wherever they’re based. Previously, if riders had an issue, they would have neede to contact Ribble directly, then wait for suitable packaging and a courier collection of the bike. Once the bike made it to HQ there could be a 2 week turnaround before returning the bike to the customer.
Now, however, customers can book their bikes in and drop them off or have a locally approved OutPost collect the bike to have work carried out. This vastly reduces the turnaround time for the customer and for Ribble.
For partners, the Ribble Partner Network offers visibility, shared marketing, and access to Ribble’s rider base. And for riders, it creates a trusted support system spanning service, fit, and cover, with more categories to follow.
You can read more about partnership opportunities with the Ribble Partner Network on the Ribble Cycles website.
