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03 Editor CIN08 2026_ALT_CIN_LIVE.qxp 27/08/2026 16:17 Page 1
FROM THE
E D I TO R
ANOTHER WARM ONE... 2025’s warm and dry Q2 and Q3 were a welcome respite after an incredibly tough few years for the trade. Those tough years weren’t really due to weather conditions, of course, but last year’s dry weather clearly had a huge positive impact and made a palpable difference to cashflow for a lot of players. In 2026, here we are again. We’re at what appears to be the close of an incredible spell of warm and dry weather. At time of writing, the Met Office is still compiling its figures, but it seems a formality and sure to conclude that the UK saw its warmest summer on record. Good news for the bike trade then? In many ways yes, but with all the worrying implications about man-made climate change, inflation through scarcity and the effect on the local environment. But you didn’t come here for me to cheer you up. That aside – the trade should have had a half-decent 2026, so long as those pesky economic challenges didn’t get in the way. CIN Live 2026 is timed handily for the entire trade to come together and assess the state of the industry. What do we make of 2026 so far? All these questions and more will be mulled over at NAEC Stoneleigh, from Sunday 20th - Monday 21st September. See you there.
Jonathon Harker jon@cyclingindustry.news 2016 | 2026
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04 06 RETAIL SURVEY - CIN08 2026.qxp 27/08/2026 16:18 Page 1
2026
MARKET DRIVERS What product categories are making dealer tills ring? And what drives the industry to meet up at shows? We share some of the latest information from our Market Data project…
WHERE ARE CUSTOMERS MOST ENTHUSIASTIC ABOUT PREMIUM BIKE UPGRADES? Wheelsets, tyres and drivetrains – in that order – are the areas of upgrades that customers are most enthusiastic about, according to bike dealers. That leads to some interesting stocking decisions; how best to approach these prime categories? Expand the number of brands you stock in those areas, or focus on expanding your ranges within the brands you already stock? Either way, shops appear to be well advised to focus in on these categories. On top of that, 2026 has seen at least one administration of a distributor with strength in the wheelsets and tyres areas – as well as a bunch of fresh distribution deals – so this section of the market is a fluid and dynamic area to grapple with. No wonder we see distributors focus in on their own brand offerings in this area too. If we were looking to place a bet, it seems likely there will be more heading down that route. Further down the list we have our old friend tubeless and a nose in front of that is the brakes category, both drawing big responses from dealers (30%+).
04 cyclingindustry.news
On the converse side, frames, security and bespoke fitted goods may not be luring customers into shops as such, but wise old heads will not see this as a reason to ditch such product. Security is not the most sexy of topics, but it’s a very necessary one particularly in the world of premium bike upgrades. Like other categories at this end of the graph they might take a little more work to sell, but as an add-on sale they’re full of potential.
“THESE POPULAR CATEGORIES HAVE ALSO PROVED HIGHLY DYNAMIC. WE’VE SEEN AN ADMINISTRATION OF A DISTRIBUTOR STRONG IN THESE CATEGORIES, AND A NUMBER OF NEW DISTRIBUTION DEALS TOO, SO DEALERS HAVE HAD TO BE ON THE BALL” One final point, it would be interesting to pair this particular question with one from a consumer’s point of view, to see if shops and customers agree on what the prime product types are.
04 06 RETAIL SURVEY - CIN08 2026.qxp 27/08/2026 16:18 Page 2
ACCESS THE LATEST CIN MARKET DATA REPORT TO HELP YOUR BUSINESS ADAPT TO MARKET CHANGES BY CONTACTING JON@CYCLINGINDUSTRY.NEWS
WHEN YOU ATTEND TRADE SHOWS, WHAT IS THE GREATEST DRAW? In an issue where we’ve a fair bit of space dedicated to our own CIN Live event (20-21 September at NAEC Stoneleigh, thanks for asking) it would have been rude not to take a bit of time mulling over the things that dealers want from trade shows. First up, new product launches. That tells you a lot about the cycling industry. While model year churn has many vocal critics (and with good reason), new product and innovation aka new shiny things are intrinsic to the sector, driving its appeal and
06 cyclingindustry.news
sales. But even more important, perhaps to explain some of the aforementioned new products, is quality time with brand managers. New products usually require some explanation and getting that direct face-to-face time is an absolutely vital part of the bike show formula. It’s interesting too that show deals are only the fifth most important draw for bike shops. Ideas for better retailing and product displays, as well as seminars with invited professionals, are all seen as more important. That absolutely tells you a lot about the cycling industry – for all its self-styled cynicism (which is often healthy, to be fair) it’s an enthusiastic, interested, dynamic and forward-looking market focused on innovation of product and new ways to do business. And don't listen to anyone who tells you different.
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08 10 12 INTERVIEW - GOBAO - CIN08 2026.qxp 27/08/2026 16:27 Page 1
INTERVIEW GOBAO
SHIFTING THE BALANCE, NOT THE GEARS At Eurobike 2026, Chinese manufacturer Gobao made waves with the “X-System” – an integrated motor-and-E-CVT platform aimed straight at the segment’s establishment. Eric Zhang, CEO of the company’s E-Bike Division, explains why the once “hidden champion” now wants a seat at the drive-unit table. Werner Müller-Schell reports from Frankfurt...
F
or most of the past decade, the eBike drive-unit market was one of the more predictable corners of the bicycle industry. A single German incumbent set the pace, and the rest followed. That settled order is exactly what has come undone. As the wider industry grinds through the post-boom correction — excess inventory, cautious demand, thin margins — the motor segment has quietly become one of its liveliest battlegrounds, with new entrants arriving in force. At Eurobike 2026, that shift was more visible than ever, with a growing number of new providers, especially from Asia, pushing into the market. And one of the most prominent names in Frankfurt was Gobao. “Of course, we are newcomers,” says Eric Zhang, CEO of Gobao’s E-Bike Division, when we sat down at the company’s booth. “We don’t have too many legacies, but we want to bring new things to the industry.” “Newcomer,” though, tells only half the story. Founded in 2002 in Shenzhen, Gobao built its business on motor controllers, shipping roughly 41 million units in 2025 — enough, the company says, to make it the world’s largest supplier in the category. “We are a hidden champion, B2B focused,” Zhang explains. “Probably not many know us, but we have the number-one market share in motor controllers.” With more than 1,500 employees across Asia and Europe and over 500 patents, the group moved into complete eBike systems around 2019. Zhang frames the move as an extension, not a leap: “It’s all about controlling the motor.”
08 cyclingindustry.news
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08 10 12 INTERVIEW - GOBAO - CIN08 2026.qxp 27/08/2026 16:27 Page 2
INTERVIEW GOBAO
X1P – aimed at eMTB, SUV and cargo bike applications is part of the flagship “X-System”
Indeed, that controller heritage shapes how Gobao lines up against the incumbents. Rather than building a supplier brand to rival the bikes it powers, the company wants to disappear behind them. “It’s quite different for the eBike industry – here the supplier’s name is often more famous than the brand,” Zhang observes, drawing a pointed contrast with cars. “If you look at the automotive industry, you buy a Mercedes or a BMW – you don’t really care where the engine was built.” Gobao’s answer to these unique circumstances in the bicycle industry is to keep the badge on the bike, not the motor. “We consider our OEMs as our friends. We want to empower them, we want their brands to be shining stars on the market,” he says. “That’s why we are supporting them from the back end.”
10 cyclingindustry.news
For OEM partners, the practical promise is that Gobao is building an intelligent, open platform that gives OEMs greater customisation possibilities and helps bring more differentiation to the market.
“GOBAO IS BUILDING AN INTELLIGENT, OPEN PLATFORM THAT GIVES OEMS GREATER CUSTOMISATION” The clearest expression of that thinking is the new “X-System”, Gobao’s flagship at Eurobike 2026. Built around an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (E-CVT) integrated with the motor in a single housing, it is
sold under the blunt promise “make cycling easy and more joyful.” Software reads cadence, torque, speed and gradient in real time and adjusts the ratio steplessly, holding the motor in its efficiency band without fixed gears. Two variants share identical mounting points and a 3.85 kg weight: the “X1” (120 Nm, 1,200 W, 400% ratio range) for city, urban and trekking bikes, and the “X1P” (150 Nm, 1,500 W, 500% range) for eMTB, SUV, and cargo applications – each in 25 km/h and 45 km/h speed pedelec versions. For manufacturers, the shared bracket matters as much as the torque figures: one platform, multiple categories, fewer variants to engineer. The concept was first shown to a limited number of OEMs behind closed doors at Eurobike 2025. This year, rideable bikes are already
08 10 12 INTERVIEW - GOBAO - CIN08 2026.qxp 27/08/2026 16:27 Page 3
INTERVIEW GOBAO
Gobao’s Super Charging technology claims to take a 750 Wh battery from 10 to 80% in about 20 minutes under lab conditions – a signal where the segment’s next arms race may run
Below: Robots & straightforward messages: Gobao made a sizeable impact at Eurobike 2026
available for the public to experience. Two further pillars round out the system. Gobao’s Super Charging technology, rated up to 1.5 kW, is claimed to take a 750 Wh battery from 10 to 80% in about 20 minutes under laboratory conditions – a signal where the segment’s next arms race may run. Batteries come in 500, 750, and 900 Wh. Security and connectivity sits at the center via the Central Control Unit, bundling 4G, GPS, geo-fencing, a digital battery lock, remote location, and app control. Series production is slated for February 2027. Gobao is not alone in pursuing integrated motor-gearbox concepts – DJI’s Avinox unit showed a comparable design at the same show, underscoring how quickly the rulebook is being rewritten. For Zhang, the hardware is a means to a larger end. “Now we are really starting to build on a system level for an intelligent bike,” he says – one whose value
12 cyclingindustry.news
extends past the point of sale. “How to make the ride easier, how to make it easier for the OEM, how to make service easier – how to add value on top of it,” he adds. The real prize, in his telling, is an AI-enabled digital platform for riders, dealers and OEMs: “There are huge
“OUR TARGET IS TO BE ONE OF THE MOST RESPECTED SUPPLIERS IN THE MARKET” possibilities if we look at the data. For me, it’s really a gold mine.” None of this, Zhang insists, was rushed. Gobao began developing systems about seven years ago but held back, validating their platforms with two brands before rolling them out more broadly. “That’s why we
put quality as the highest priority,” he says. Ambition, at least, is not in short supply. Asked where Gobao should stand in five years, Zhang did not hedge: “Our target is to be one of the most respected suppliers in the market,” he says. What he offered as underwriting is focus. “As a company, we are 100% focused on twowheeler controllers and e-bike systems,” he emphasises. “We have seen many suppliers come and go. But for us, this is our long-term strategy. We are committed to the industry and have strong financial backing from our controller business,” he adds. It is the kind of conviction that only a company with nothing to defend and everything to prove can afford. In a drive-unit market that has stopped being predictable, a controller champion that decided to stop hiding may be precisely the kind of challenger the moment invites.
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14 16 PROFILE - Reid Bikes - CIN08 2026.qxp 28/08/2026 08:26 Page 1
PROFILE
REID BIKES
THE HIDDEN SECRET OF THE VALUE SEGMENT When CIN visited Reid at Eurobike 2026, we found one of the value segment’s quiet powerhouses in confident form. Group CEO Rob Akam explained why the entry-level end is riding out the downturn – and why the market feels healthier than the mood suggests. Werner Müller-Schell visits the stand...
14 cyclingindustry.news
S
ome of the bicycle industry’s most durable partnerships start in the unlikeliest places. Reid Bikes’ biggest one began in a Taipei bar, where Group CEO Rob Akam fell into conversation with a contact from Australia’s Pedal Group. A decade on, that chance meeting is Reid’s longest-running private-label deal – and a neat illustration of how the company has quietly built serious scale while barely registering on the wider industry’s radar. That low profile belies the numbers. Three years into the post-boom correction – with much of the trade still nursing overstock, cautious demand and squeezed margins – the company’s mood at Eurobike was refreshingly upbeat. “Globally, the market feels quite healthy to us. We’re doing solid numbers – basically back at pandemic levels,” Rob Akam, Group CEO of the Reid Group, tells us on the packed Reid Bikes stand, where all of his team members worked back-to-
back conversations. “It's a tougher market to operate in, but a healthier one than it was,” Akam says. That confidence is grounded in where Reid plays. The company builds around 200,000 bikes a year, yet only a share carry the Reid name. The larger part is private label, produced for retail groups and house brands worldwide – a business that now eclipses Reid’s own-brand volume, with Pedal Group as one of its anchor clients. The operation is striking for its leanness. Founded in Melbourne in 2009 and now headquartered in Poole on England’s south coast, Reid turns out its output with just 16 full-time staff, backed by a four-person quality team on the ground in China. The focus is entry- to mid-level – a segment Akam argues is harder to master than the premium segment. “You have to be priceconscious on every single component choice,” he says, pointing to fully integrated cable routing on road and gravel models at prices he reckons rivals can’t match at retail.
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14 16 PROFILE - Reid Bikes - CIN08 2026.qxp 28/08/2026 08:26 Page 2
PROFILE
REID BIKES
Reid Group CEO Rob Akam at Eurobike 2026
Now headquartered in Poole. Reid’s focus is entry- to mid-level – a segment Akam argues is harder to master than the premium segment
“FOR A COMPANY THAT CHEERFULLY CALLS ITSELF AN INDUSTRY’S “HIDDEN SECRET,” EUROBIKE WAS WHERE THE QUIET WORK PAID OFF” Discipline, not expansion, defines the strategy. A few years ago, Reid wound down its Australian direct-to-consumer arm and moved the market onto a distributor model, aligning it with the rest of the business. Compliance, Akam noted, has become a rising cost, with rules tightening market by market – in some countries, state by state – and insurance premiums climbing steeply. At Eurobike, the goals were twofold: deepen long-standing private-label
16 cyclingindustry.news
relationships and find new European distributors. Despite selling in around 30 countries, Reid is still absent from France, Spain and Germany – three markets Akam is keen to crack. His pitch leans on support as much as product: an in-house UK content studio, spare-parts backing and marketing services few factories can offer. Sustainability rounds out the picture: Reid now plants a tree for every bike it makes, having passed
550,000 so far, with a million in its sights. For a company that cheerfully calls itself an industry’s “hidden secret,” Eurobike was where the quiet work paid off. Amid a market still finding its feet, Reid’s message was an encouraging one: the value end is holding firm – and the best deals, as that Taipei bar first proved, still start with a conversation. www.reidbikes.com Words and photography: Werner Müller-Schell
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20 22 24 PROFILE - Sox - CIN08 2026.qxp 28/08/2026 08:27 Page 1
PROFILE
SOX FOOTWEAR
FUN AND FUNKY
Sox Footwear appeals to the eye but the brand’s beauty goes deeper than looks. CIN speaks with Sox footwear Co-Founder Francois Theron to talk through Sox Footwear’s South African roots, upending the traditional way to make socks and why the cliches about northern Europeans only wearing conservative colours aren’t necessarily true…
One of the things that stands out with Sox Footwear are the bold and strong designs. Was that a core element that was there right from the start? That’s one of the major reasons we started. I retired from racing professionally for Adidas Global and was looking for socks that were a bit more bright and funky. My business partner went straight to a factory and asked them to make him something. We called it Sox Footwear – it’s quite original (!) but we ended up loving the name. After going to factories we realised it’s really difficult to make good socks just because of the traditional way people had done it. They want to make you the cheapest socks possible, in big numbers, with longer times and colour limitations. We started working with a factory on some bright funky colours… and then the factory went bankrupt overnight. We imported a machine from China and thought “it can’t be that difficult to make socks”. We soon realised we needed a bunch of machines, not just one. So we started a factory. It was a lot of work but we luckily had a good bunch of skilled people. We did things completely differently and quickly realised there’s a
20 cyclingindustry.news
place for brighter, funky, really good technical socks with small MOQs. Initially the plan was just to manufacture for ourselves, but then we started producing for other brands and companies, with good quality, good communication and short lead times. Then we realised we couldn’t keep on with the traditional way as every new colour you wanted meant you had to buy another piece of equipment. We thought, if you can print on a cycling jersey you could also do it on a sock. So, we started engineering that. We were small enough that we could manipulate the machines until it worked and developed the printer that can print directly onto the socks. We paid attention to the details; We got the software sorted, we managed to dial the ink so it works, the ovens we customised to bake the socks in… We got the socks looking cool and then we managed to get it to where the quality is right. It was quite similar to the early days of electric cars; at the beginning it was just not cool to have one, you don’t have the range, it doesn’t feel good… With Sox Footwear the reaction was no, you don’t want polyester, no you don’t want
printed socks, that’s a terrible idea. So that was a tough beginning. But now it’s similar to where we are with electric cars. Now people want them, they see the benefit and it makes sense. Things scaled and we ended up being just a custom manufacturing company. When Covid came we had time to build our own in-line brand and focus a bit more on that. That was good for us, there was this big demand. Obviously the industry took a dive, but we were also in different spaces like running. Bright and fun is what it’s all about. You can get boring socks everywhere and really good ones, and trying to compete with those doesn’t make sense. We do something different with the design and that’s the initial head turner. People stop and look. Then they realise the quality and end up buying more. How does Sox Footwear approach the technical side of socks? Funnily enough, I would say a lot of the other sock brands put in what they call technology but they’re often just breaking a really good sock. The less you fiddle with the sock, the better. There’s a basic formula – everyone’s got it, the recipe is out there.
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20 22 24 PROFILE - Sox - CIN08 2026.qxp 28/08/2026 08:27 Page 2
PROFILE
SOX FOOTWEAR
The packaging (which emphasises the five year guarantee) doubles up as a utility bag
Sox Footwear produces socks featuring all the flags of the world, popular with those taking part in races overseas
A really good sock is seamless on the toe. It’s padded on the heel and toe. It’s got a Y cup heel which cups the heel better. Then something that stretches well, it’s soft on the skin, durable and the elastic we use is much stretchier than anyone else’s. We quickly decided on sizes in the early days. There’s not really a good way of saying what a foot size should be, it depends on how much it stretches. To just put in a rule that if you’ve got small feet you should have small ankles… it’s not right, because you’ll have ladies with small feet but wide ankles, guys with massive feet but small ankles… so you need something that stretches, and it’s what we’re really good at. We don’t make all of this noise about stuff that doesn’t matter. Try putting on one of our socks and it will work really great. The brand is now about 10 years old. I’m guessing the range is now a lot bigger than in those early days? It’s been growing quite a lot. One of our unique selling points is that we go for whatever the flavour is, whether it’s Valentines’ Day, Mother’s Day, anniversaries, Super Dad… it gives something back to the retailer. There’s new stock to put on the shelves, but it’s not a dead stock item. Weirdly we see that Christmas socks tend to sell throughout the year. We don’t get it, but they still do it!
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The other thing is the crew style sock, and then we developed a really nice knee high compression sock, then people asked us for a shorter sock like a tab sock, then there’s a kids range which has been phenomenal and has opened up new retail networks. A kid is more likely to like riding a bike if they’ve got the right socks, especially if the socks are bright and funky. The really nice thing is the parent and the kid can have the same socks, so it’s connecting them again. They initially go to the kids section and then the parents end up buying socks themselves. For their retailers that are suffering in this difficult economy, it’s a nice way to capitalise on the people coming through the door who come for a new tube or to get their bike serviced. This is one of those counter options that makes people feel good. Everyone wants to support a local bike store, but it’s tough. If you want to take something home or something to make you feel good, it’s not so expensive. You can go to a bike store, get a pair of socks for someone’s birthday… it’s convenient. Can we tackle one of those cliches – now Sox Footwear is pretty international, do you see noticeable regional differences in styles, eg do northern Europeans dislike outlandish designs? Ironically, no. In the beginning, I was
scared to disclose that we were making the socks in South Africa. I thought people will think they must be rubbish, but it’s been our biggest advantage by far. We go to any expo and say these socks are made in South Africa and it’s a different conversation. We explain why and then we usually follow that with mentioning our five-year guarantee. Then people know we’re serious about our quality. We’ve been doing it for four years, so maybe next year everyone returns their socks, I don’t know! But so far, it’s been really good and differentiated us. People are usually scared of buying funky socks because they’re usually not good quality, they’ll buy a sock because it looks cool, but then they know it’s actually just going to take one or two washes. But back to your question, you get a mix of people everywhere, nice people, arseholes, crazy people… it doesn’t actually matter where you go. Everyone wants that one pair of funky socks in their drawer whether it is golf or cycling. And once they’ve got it they tend to keep reaching for it. We have these unique socks and all the flags of the world, they’re strong for us. Tourism is big too. We’ve got eight Dolomites designs and they are selling like crazy. People want to buy something and take them home – destination socks do well for us.
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20 22 24 PROFILE - Sox - CIN08 2026.qxp 28/08/2026 08:27 Page 3
PROFILE
SOX FOOTWEAR
Sox recently became Official Sock Partner of the Epic Series, which also has its roots in South Africa. The partnership includes the Absa Cape Epic, Swiss Epic, Andorra Epic, 4Islands Epic and FNB Wines2Whales
“WE’RE INTERESTED IN JOB CREATION AND THE WORKFORCE IS PREDOMINATELY LADIES. SO WE TICK A LOT OF BOXES BY ACCIDENT, AND IT WORKS” Can we talk about sustainability – fast fashion has got a bad name and you’ve been talking about socks that last… so is there a sustainability angle for Sox Footwear? Yeah, there’s quite a few boxes we tick, and some of them weren’t on purpose. In South Africa we had some serious electricity issues at some points, so that pushed us into a direction. Our property had no electricity, and we’re now 85% off grid and during the day, we just run on solar. We only use grid electricity if we run into the night or if there’s cloud cover. All our polyester is recycled. It also outlasts any other sock. Wastage is much lower. The printing we do on the socks is with water-based inks. For cotton you have to dye, which wastes a lot of energy and then there’s the wastewater which you can’t do anything with – it’s worse than sewage – so we’re comparatively very good. And cotton unfortunately doesn’t last. It’s a nice feel but it’s a natural product and after two or three years it loses integrity and starts disseminating. We have this packaging which is like a utility bag – you can reuse it and put your CO2 canisters and your cheese and your cell phone in. And our socks are PFAS-free. The culture of how we manufacture is important to us too. We have a nice
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facility, and when we employ we try to look after youth, particularly if they’ve not had many opportunities. Our machines are easy to teach, even for those who’re not computer literate. We have a whole system where you basically upskill yourself if you’re willing or wanting, depending on the different personalities, so that’s been great. We will have 150 people by the end of the year, we’re at 113 this morning [at time of interview]. We’re interested in job creation and the workforce is predominately ladies. So we tick a lot of boxes by accident, and it works. Bringing it back to Bob Elliot, you started working with them in summer last year, but you dabbled in the UK before? Our first international business was in the UK. There’s that normal entrepreneurial cycle you’re like, oh, we have to go to America, start up in the UK… you have to go global! We worked with a South African distributor that was branching out to the UK, but it never really got off the ground and eventually pulled out. It’s better to have people that understand the conditions, the people, the relationships. We met Bob Elliot and the team at Eurobike last year. It was a quick onboarding and then we were
soon at Cycling Industry News Live. It was great to spend time with the Bob Elliot team. They have a great culture, they’re kind and professional and passionate about cycling. Are there any other ways you work with the industry? What also sets us apart is how we do business. We do white label manufacturing, custom-made. We always support the teams, clubs and professional riders as well as the local bike shops. So, it’s not just about having our range. We can also make a sock with their logo on it and the minimal order quantity is really low. It can be done through Bob Elliot. They don’t have to worry about the import, we take care of all that, the designs. And if a local bike shop wants to support a youngster, you can give them socks, colour match it to the shoe… it increases the likelihood of a sale. You can get them for your staff, your loyal clients, and it’s of the same quality as our retail products. We protect the brand as much as possible. It doesn’t have to be discounted at all because it ticks all the boxes for a premium sock. soxfootwear.it www.bob-elliot.co.uk
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OPINION MARKET MUSING | PART 8
CYCLE TOURISM – A SHOT IN THE ARM FOR BRAND GB? Two wheeled tourism is often overlooked when assessing the contribution of cycling to the economy. And, judging by other nations both near and far, the potential for this to be capitalised on is huge. Mark Sutton looks at the evidence…
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or at least the last ten years, cycle tourism has represented around 10% of the entire German tourism market take, with an estimated 37 million people making twowheel exploration a critical part of their holiday mobility. Whether that be something as simple as travelling with a bike on the back of a motorhome, or, just as likely in the age of the electric bike, a full end-to-end stint on the continent-crossing Eurovelo network, that stat has always blown me away. And by the way, tourism handed Germany’s economy €355 billion in economic benefit, or 10.4% of the national GDP, plus nearly 7% of the total job count. So, cycle tourism is responsible for a full 1.4% of Germany’s GDP. I got thinking about this topic while cycling the Tarka trail with my partner this summer, dog happily plodding the length from Instow to Fremington. At both ends there was ice cream, drinks and at one some lunch. This was a segment of a trip that didn’t necessarily revolve around bikes; there was a kayak outing too, but grounded in a dried-out riverbed that didn’t have quite the economic clout (we gave up quickly). Without necessarily thinking about it, for decades already I’ve been a cycle tourist. Mountain roads in Italy, offroad in deep Balinese jungle, a tandem in Amsterdam, a volcano rim eBike loop in the remote Azores, public hire bikes nearly everywhere and more than one occasion on poorly maintained hotel bikes that have only made half the journey and required a bike shop fix on route.
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OPINION MARKET MUSING | PART 8
“NEW ZEALAND IS PRESENTLY THE WORLD LEADER IN LONG-HAUL CYCLE TOURISM, A FEAT ACHIEVED ONLY IN MORE RECENT TIMES”
The New Plymouth 12.7km Coastal Walkway is an award-winning bike route ripe for cycle tourism, in the Taranaki Region of North Island, New Zealand
Whether deliberate for the enjoyment of cycling, or simply as a means to reach a view that would be a strenuous hike, each has, as a direct result of the bike, put money into economies. Somewhere at a skinny 360-degree viewpoint above Lake Tahoe, aboard an electric bike, I realised that there’s no chance now that I’ll ever go back to local exploration by car. In America, the land of the tank-sized car, the impromptu stop on the side of a road is simply not possible without blocking the road. By bike, you gain the freedom that the car advertises but so often fails to deliver. Summer holidays aside, the British economy could do with a kick, but so too could our tourism industry. Data from the New Economics Foundation presented as part of the Great Britain Tourism Survey found that seaside, countryside and small town destinations lost as much as £1.8 billion in spending grunt in the 12 months leading to September of 2025 and, zooming further out, £4.6 billion since 2022 with coastal regions the worst losers with a 28% tourism spend dip in four years. Now the reasons for this are likely wide-ranging. Domestic tourism is often disproportionately expensive compared to many foreign excursions, and food and drink inflation in the UK has been among the worst in Europe
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(can you guess why?). Increasing business rates and transport costs that will make you wince are other reasons for the decline. The latter, of course, could be a play to the bike shop’s advantage where cycle hire can be delivered as a profitable option for both transport and tourism. For the treasury, the long-overlooked tourism play could be productive as a means to boost local economies. To see two-wheel travel naturally grow, money for cycling infrastructure could be seen as an investment both in transport and tourism. A new transport policy study published detailing the impact of cycle lanes in France has drawn one of the strongest links to date between the infrastructure and the natural choice of people to travel by bike. The paper writes: “A one-unit increase in the rate of cycle lanes in the municipality of residence or work increases the probability of bicycle commuting by approximately 21% and 15%, respectively.” So with each new cycle path, growth by osmosis occurs. Reading on and the paper has a revelation for those steadily declining seaside towns, revealing: “In low density areas, a one-unit increase in the rate of cycling lanes in the municipality of residences increases the probability of cycling commuting by
approximately 65%.” In short, where there is less density, providing a key artery inspires a greater degree of confidence where a total absence of safe routes otherwise exists. Another snippet from that study that I love, for us in the cycling world, is the finding: “The more educated people are, the higher their likelihood of bicycle commuting.” Pat yourself on the back. Infrastructure is, of course, not just an urban thing, as best demonstrated in the boundaries of the UK by Scotland, long renowned for its work to promote its off-road cycling appeal. Its national cycle network has over 1,600 miles already, but just under a third of the trips taken are for mountain biking purposes. 357,000 visitors go on road cycling excursions versus 130,000 for mountain bikers. The spend attached to each is £92 million and £35 million, respectively, but what’s more interesting is that, per trip the off-road explorer actually manages to spend more at £268 versus the £257 for a road cyclist (Great Britain Tourism Survey data). All of this contributes heavily to a Scottish mountain bike sector value that has now topped £160 million. The opportunity is what should make us think. It has previously been reported that less than 5% of the total European and long-haul visitors take
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OPINION MARKET MUSING | PART 8
“IT HAS BEEN SOME YEARS SINCE WE DIRECTLY MEASURED THE IMPACTS OF CYCLE TOURISM TO THE ECONOMY, BUT AT THE LAST COUNT THE BEST ESTIMATE WAS ABOUT £520 MILLION IN VALUE TO THE ECONOMY”
part in cycling in Scotland. Why, if Germany can hit 10%, has Scotland not achieved half the rate, despite its world-renowned reputation for cycling? Is it simply a cultural thing, where visitors to Germany are more attuned to cycling infrastructure being a given on mainland Europe? What if that were the case in Scotland? It seems an investment worth testing given the relatively low expense attached to creating dirt or gravel trails, versus other tourism infrastructure. New Zealand is presently the world leader in long-haul cycle tourism, a feat achieved only in more recent times as the country has invested in a nationwide network of 23 Ngā Haerenga Great Rides. These are primarily off-road routes that are broadly accessible to beginners, but that blend the sights of key destinations, making the bike a lean, green means to an end. A sign of the revolution is the explosion of electric bikes on these trails, with around 90% of trips said to be pedal assisted; a clear indicator that this boom is recent. Confirming the return on investment, a November 2025 statement on the nation’s cycle trail development revealed that local economies flanking the trails saw a $1.28 billion boost, with visitor spending up 35% compared to the summer of 2021.
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International visitors made up 28% of the spend and 300,000 of the 2.5 million trips on the network in the year to June 2025 (though pedestrian tallies are included alongside bike counts). For hotels, the nearby vicinity nights stayed rose by 25% in four years, reaching 4.5 million and each visitor spent $960. Separately, any Government would be remiss to ignore the positive externalities of naturally growing cycling rates. Here, the report found that the miles ridden and walked equated to a $696 million health benefit dividend. In creating the trail network, replenishment of nature was part of the build, with 450,000 native trees lining the routes, aiding the environment’s resilience at a time when it’s never been more direly required to protect nature. Back at home, it has been some years since we directly measured the impacts of cycle tourism to the economy, but at the last count the best estimate was about £520 million in value to the economy, excluding the impact of large-scale participation events like the Tour returning to Britain, as it will next year. This event, lured back to Britain once in a while, shows the economic clout of cycling. When Barcelona recently hosted the Grand Depart, an economics professor there calculated that the Spanish economy
would pick up a €130 million bonus, simply for launching the race. The same professor suggested that in assessing the 2023 Bilbao Grand Depart that the city made at least an eightfold return on what it paid to host the event. With 3.5 billion viewers seeing the spectacle, events like these are prime opportunities to showcase a region’s appeal for cyclists. So, with the budget for active travel having increased to £4.5 billion and the third Cycling and Walking Investment strategy now published, is it time to once again look beyond transport infrastructure and into projects that could better link coastal communities and enhance the appeal of our natural places too? The plan so far is to create 5,000 new walking, wheeling and cycling routes by 2030 within the scope of this budget. Given the economic returns on investment seen elsewhere, is there a strong case for the bike industry to start leaning on the Government to invest its tourism budgets in making places more accessible by bike and indeed incentivising visitors to arrive by two wheels, instead of choking up our wild places in motor vehicles? You can discuss the themes and topics of this article (and anything else) in our Facebook group, Cycling Industry Chat.
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CYCLE TOURISM How to ride to Velocity 2027
VELOCITY EHIME 2027 AND THE SHIMANAMI KAIDO CYCLING DREAM FROM HONSHU TO SHIKOKU
Every year, Velocity brings advocates, decision-makers and the industry together to wrestle with the future of cycling and sustainable urban development. In May 2027, it’s heading to Japan for the first time. Jo Beckendorff test rides one approach to the conference, taking in the world-famous Shimanami Kaido Cycling Route…
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Expecting approximately 2,000 conference attendees next year (from left to right): Velocity Ehime organiser Section Chief Hideo Kutsuna with his staff members Colin Stafford and Misato Yoneda
You don’t need a navigation device for the Shimanami Kaido Cycling Route: the entire 70-kilometer route is marked continuously with a blue line
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ollowing this year’s Velocity Conference 2026, which took place 6-19 June in Rimini, Italy, the very first Velocity Conference in Japan is just around the corner. In the Land of the Rising Sun, international industry leaders, policymakers, investors, and companies will gather from 25 to 28 May 2027, in Matsuyama – the capital of Ehime Prefecture – on Shikoku, the least populated and smallest of Japan’s four main islands. For industry participants for whom cycling is at the heart of their work, Velocity Ehime offers not only the opportunity to personally master the oft-cited “last mile” mantra by bike, but also to gain insight into Japan’s impressive culture along the way. Both the starting point in Onomichi and the destination in Imabari – as well as the six islands the route traverses – have plenty to offer. Due to its unique route from Honshu, Japan’s largest main island, across the Seto Inland Sea to Shikoku, the Shimanami Kaido Cycling Route has already received several awards as the world’s best cycling path. At the heart of the route are seven suspension bridges connecting the path across six islands, offering
magnificent views of the sea and its diverse archipelago. Before and after each suspension bridge, cyclists will find excellent viewing platforms offering panorama outlooks of the bridge and the countless islands of the Seto Inland Sea. Unlike the highway crossing seven bridges cyclists only cross six bridges. The Shimanami Kaido Cycling Route runs alongside these bridges – and in one instance even beneath the highway bridge – on its way to the next island. Why there are only six bridges for cyclists (and not seven) including the Tatara Bridge, one of the world’s largest cable-stayed bridges at 1,480 meters, and the Kurushima-Kaikyo Bridge, the world’s first three-span suspension bridge at 4,105 meters, is easily explained: The starting point of the Shimanami Kaido Cycling Route is the tranquil port city of Onomichi. This economic and commercial hub, which flourished in the 12th century, is located in Hiroshima Prefecture and has made a name for itself primarily for its hills, temples, cats—and, ultimately, bicycles. The (bicycle) connection to the first island, Mukaishima, is just a three-minute ferry ride.
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CYCLE TOURISM How to ride to Velocity 2027
Shikoku is marked throughout with a blue line. Sometimes a section runs along island roads with poor car traffic. But the bike path quickly veers off these roads toward car-free scenic routes. If you want to stray from the Blue Line and explore one of the six islands, the so-called “Island Loops” are also marked. They lead to the sights of each island. Unlike the residents of certain Japanese tourist destinations, who are gradually growing weary of “overtourism,” the islanders welcome international cycling tourism. “Otherwise, there wouldn’t be anything going on here,” explains Yuki Tanaka from her roadside beverage stand. What strikes her most is that more and more of her fellow countrymen are also being spotted on the Shimanami Kaido Cycling Route.
From the Tatara Shimanami Park Roadside Station, you have a great view on the Tatara Bridge, a cable-stayed bridge. It connects the Seto Inland Sea islands of Ikuchijima and Omishima, which lie along the cycling route
Seen only ones on Shimanami Kaido Cycling Route but also available: rental eBikes without pedals but with throttle. This young Japanese couple rode the route the most easy way
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Nippon Service Velocity visitors don’t even need to bring their own bikes. Several rental stations compete for customers. Everything is available, from typical Japanese “light cycles” to high-quality premium bikes and e-bikes. At the start and finish points, Taiwanese bike manufacturer Giant Manufacturing has its own rental stations on site. Whether you cycle with or without luggage - that’s entirely up to you. The rental stations handle luggage transport. Bike panniers are also available upon request. If you don’t want to cycle the entire 70kilometer route – no problem: you can return your rental bike at any time at one of the 14 official intermediate and service stations on the islands. Of course, transportation by bus is also provided for the rest of the journey. Flat tyre? The volunteer network “Cycle Oasis” has equipped numerous rest stops along the entire route with air pumps and repair tools. If you can’t fix it yourself: across the six islands, staff at the 24/7 »konbini« (convenience stores - i.e., supermarkets operated by major chains like 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson) are well-prepared to help – they’ll either lend you a pump or direct you to the nearest bike repair shop. “Blue Line” Trademark You don’t even need a map for the entire bike route. The path from Onomichi on Honshu to the destination of Imabari on
King Liu Support At first, it was mainly Taiwanese cyclists who, after completing the island-circling bike tour of their homeland initiated by King Liu, were looking for new destinations. Here, too, the Giant Group founder did pioneering work: to promote cycling tourism in neighboring Japan as well, he led a cycling group along the Shimanami Kaido in May 2012. After international cycling enthusiasts followed suit, Japanese cyclists can now also be found on this route. A Colorful Mix of Cyclists The beauty of it: everyone from pro cyclists to beginners is in the saddle. To make crossing the 40- to 65-meter-high bridges easier, the bike path often follows long spiral ramps. These rarely have a gradient of more than 3%. This means the Blue Line route can be mastered by cyclists of any fitness level. The Taiwanese couple, the Lees, have opted for classic city bikes with child seats for their two toddlers. They just want to see how far they can go, how long the kids will go along for the ride, and where the most beautiful spots might be for a longer stay. In contrast, fellow Taiwanese Alex Hsieh and his road bike group have set themselves the goal of cycling the entire 70-kilometer route – there and back – in a single day. Yael from Israel is struggling up the hill in the highest gear on a cheap rental bike. Her fellow Israeli, Geva - who actually came to Japan to hike – doesn’t quite understand why she isn’t shifting gears. When he greets her in Hebrew and asks
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CYCLE TOURISM How to ride to Velocity 2027
Prospective Shimanami Kaido Cycling Route customers are either seen off or, as shown here, welcomed right at the Imabari Cycling Station Terminal and given detailed information in advance about the sights on each island
A taste of Japanese culture is practically a free bonus along the Shimanami Kaido Cycling Route
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about it, he learns that she doesn’t even know how to do it. So, first things first: a lesson in shifting gears. Yael is relieved. Maybe she’ll even make it to the third island now. On Ikuchijima, she’s determined to visit the Ikuo Hirayama Shimanami Art Park (aka Shimanami Sculpture Park). Meanwhile, Australian John is drawn to Setoda Sunset Beach on this island. “Cycling isn’t really my thing. My butt already hurts,” he complains as he pedals along on his cheap rental bike. The Canadian retired couple, Tony and Margret, on the other hand, are traveling on high-quality touring rental bikes equipped with rental panniers. They know what they’re doing: after all, they’ve already traveled through several countries by bike. The author meets the two of them at a somewhat secluded ryokan (a traditional Japanese inn) on the fourth island, Hakatajima. Here, too, the hosts are delighted to have foreign guests: without them, they probably wouldn’t be able to survive. After all, it’s these guests who are interested in the culture and want to spend the night on a futon in a traditional ryokan with tatami rooms and enjoy the local cuisine. Miwa, a Japanese woman who speaks fluent English, is helping out the elderly ryokan owner, Matsusaki. Christian – the “Viennese Canadian” – has been cycling through the Land of the
Rising Sun since January. After his tour of Shikoku, he’s now cycling back to Honshu via the Shimanami Kaido: “I’ve heard so much about this bike path. It piqued my curiosity. Plus, there are several campgrounds on the six islands where I can pitch my tent.” The American backpackers Bill and Chris came to Japan primarily for the Shimanami Kaido. However, the cheapest flight was only to Tokyo. So, on the spur of the moment, they hopped on their bikes right there in the sprawling metropolis. After a detour to Mt. Fuji, they cycled down the coast to Shikoku, circled the island - and have now finally reached the destination of their dreams, the Shimanami Kaido: “We both worked in a bike shop for many years. As fans of vintage Japanese `steel is real´ bikes, we kept hearing about this full-service bike path. We absolutely wanted to experience it for ourselves. We even quit our jobs for this. It was worth it. Japan is great. And the specialty offered here on each island – as for example the ‘Salted Milk’ and ‘Orange’ ice cream flavors on Ikuchijima Island – is simply amazing!” Along the way, the author also runs into a Japanese school class. Their teacher, Yoko, is having a hard time keeping all the kids together. They’re actually traveling by bus. But for this year’s school trip, Yoko also organized a group bike rental trip across two islands: “I want the kids to
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CYCLE TOURISM How to ride to Velocity 2027
VELOCITY TO MAKE ITS DEBUT IN JAPAN IN 2027
At the Imabari Cycling Station Terminal, a tourist is being shown how to use the eBike she selected. What assistance levels are available? Where can I check the battery range? How do I shift gears? These details are explained thoroughly to every customer
Exactly one year before the official opening of Velocity Ehime 2027, the Velocity flags were raised at the Ehime Prefectural Government Main Building in Matsuyama
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see how beautiful their home country can be even without a smartphone. This place is really in a league of its own. Why else are there so many foreigners here?” Alex from France is currently in Japan on a one-year working-holiday visa. He admits he’s not a cyclist – but chose this bike tour for budget reasons and is now sitting in Imabari on Shikoku, the final destination of the Shimanami Kaido, enjoying an inexpensive bowl of ramen in an izakaya (a typical Japanese pub). He’s not quite sure yet whether he’ll bike back. Maybe he’ll take the bus. He has, however, already returned his rental bike. Best bus and train connections from Imabari to Matsuyama From Imabari, it’s only 45 kilometers to the prefectural capital of Matsuyama, located to the southwest. The bike route from Imabari – the final point of the spectacular Shimanami Kaido Cycling Route – to Matsuyama, the site of Velocity Ehime 2027, is not particularly recommended, however. Instead, both cities are well connected by bus and train. Velocity Ehime 2027 will take place at the Ehime Prefectural Budokan (home to the local martial arts community) in Matsuyama. City officials can hardly wait. Ehime Velocity 2017 flags are already flying at the main building of the Ehime Prefectural Government. From this main building, some 25 staff members are already working on organizing this international conference. After all, Velocity Ehime Section Chief Hideo Kutsuna and his team want to be well prepared. www.velo-city-conference.com
Why Ehime? As is often the case, it all comes down to one person. In this case, it’s Ehime Prefecture Governor Tokihiro Nakamura. An avid cyclist himself, he has made a nationwide name for himself as a pioneer in promoting cycling. Thanks to the infrastructure that has been created, Matsuyama is now considered a cycling capital. According to Velocity Ehime staff member Misato Yoneda, nearly 90% of high school students there ride their bikes to school: “At the same time, thanks to targeted campaigns focusing on safety, we have the highest rate of helmet use here. Other prefectures are already quite curious about how we managed to achieve this.” It was also Governor Nakamura who championed the Shimanami Kaido bike route during the construction of the suspension bridge connecting Honshu to Shikoku. Under his leadership, the legendary Blue Line became the hallmark of this now world-famous tourist route, which attracts more than just experienced cyclists. International Velocity visitors now have a tough choice: they can either fly to Tokyo-Haneda and then take a direct flight to Matsuyama – or fly to the closer Osaka and board the Shinkansen to Fukuyama from there. From Fukuyama, they can continue directly to Matsuyama by bus or train – or take a bus or train the mere 25 kilometers to Onomichi, the starting point of the Shimanami Kaido Cycling Route. Whether they cycle the entire route or just part of it, with or without luggage transport – that’s entirely up to them. Just this much: the blend of nature, culture, and maritime charm is well worth it – not to mention the feeling of having personally experienced and conquered the final stretch on the way to Velocity Ehime 2027 on one of the world’s most beautiful bike paths. The Velocity Ehime team expects a total of 2,000 visitors next year. They plan to have the complete conference program finalised by September 2026.
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42 44 46 48 INTERVIEW - Dahon - CIN08 2026.qxp 28/08/2026 08:38 Page 1
INTERVIEW DR DAVID HON > DAHON
I SUCCESSION Dr David Hon has spent 44 years heading up an internationally successful bike brand. Chris Keller Jackson speaks with the cycling industry luminary about IP, floating on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, cycling subcultures and more at China Cycle 2026…
Dr David Hon
42 cyclingindustry.news
f you are into watching box-sets on TV, you might well have seen Succession, a fictional ‘black comedy’ about the elder statesman of a media organisation, his age and health troubles, compounded by issues with the quirks of his dysfunctional family – I’d highly recommend as I think it’s a masterpiece in character writing, acting and story telling. There are a few parallels in this feature too (we’ll get into that!) though this story is primarily around one of the elder statesmen of cycling, the revered figure of Dr David Hon, who at the age of 84, is still at the helm of Dahon, as CEO. Whilst he’s planning his succession in the background, he has no thoughts of stepping down. I have met Dr Hon briefly, or been in the same room as him on a number of occasions, in China and in Taiwan, where he spends much of his time. Whilst at China Cycle 2026 I had several opportunities to meet him again. At the launch event for the trade show, he was on the ‘top table’ of delegates and came over to the World Media table and chatted with us, offering a lunch as part of the show later that week. I had already arranged a private meeting as this was too good an opportunity to miss. I then met him again as one of the key delegates on the stage, cutting the ribbon to officially open the J&G Factory (GoldenWheel Mega Factory) as reported in issue 5 of CIN, earlier this year. He then toured the factory floor in Tianjin with the other delegates and seemed totally engrossed in the production facility, his age belies his spirited approach to this event. Dr Hon has a recent history with GoldenWheel, having set up a Chinese manufacturing joint venture in 2025 between Dahon and GW. The JV repurposed a warehouse to support manufacturing and trade specifically into China, which continues to grow. It’s worth reiterating, this gentleman (and he is a gentleman) is 84, partied hard on a Monday night in Shanghai, spent three days at the China Cycle show, and then another full day in sweltering heat at a prestigious factory opening, gentle he may be, but he’s a machine! We sit down in a quiet office above the bustling Dahon booth in Shanghai to talk about the future, his ambitions and what life looks like. He tells me that he spends most of his time in Taiwan, between the Dahon factory and his family, he talks fondly about his grandchildren and how
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42 44 46 48 INTERVIEW - Dahon - CIN08 2026.qxp 28/08/2026 08:38 Page 2
INTERVIEW DR DAVID HON > DAHON
technology has had a positive impact on seeing family through a digital lens, bringing him closer to them. Family – even the Dahon family – plays an important part in his life. With all the trappings of a CEO of a successful global manufacturer, for 44 years in the market and with a dominance in China, Taiwan and Europe in folding bikes, you’d expect fancy cars, private jets and a significant entourage (perhaps I’m conflating his life with that of Logan Roy, played by Brian Cox in Succession?). He tells me he lives frugally, works out, rides bikes and takes the pills his doctor prescribes, he also tells me the philosophy of the company is now a blended culture of Taiwan, China and the USA (all places he has called home), taking philosophical, manufacturing and marketing cues from his experience in these territories. We discuss some of the Intellectual Property battles Dahon has had over the years. He has over 200 patents to his name, across folding bikes as well as in his prior life with Hughes Research Laboratories, working on optics and lasers. He’s been involved in many Patent Infringement cases, most notably with his son Josh and ex-wife Florence Hon who set up Tern Bicycles (to be more progressive), taking key staff and IP with them. For two years it was acrimonious then it all vanished, with litigation settled in 2013. It’s certainly a touchy subject – on both sides of that folding fence. Talking culture and the challenges Dahon has faced over Intellectual Property, he says he’s seen a big swing in culture within China, and he thinks this doctrine has come from ‘the top’, in that copying others has been replaced by genuine innovation with the use of technology and manufacturing improvements. This has led to better sales, improved quality and a shift towards investment in longer term planning. Whilst acclimatising in Shanghai, I visited one of Dahon’s concept stores, somewhere to buy all things Dahon, and to customise your ride. It’s definitely a ‘destination’ store, in a very urban location with lots of apartment buildings around and was quite busy with customers and bike servicing. I was particularly interested in learning more about how Dahon manage this customisation, and if that is at a premium. Dr Hon explained that each model range comes in four basic colours and specifications,
44 cyclingindustry.news
Customisation is a big deal for Dahon riders in Shanghai
The energetic Dr Hon at China Cycle 2026
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42 44 46 48 INTERVIEW - Dahon - CIN08 2026.qxp 28/08/2026 08:38 Page 3
INTERVIEW DR DAVID HON > DAHON
though a franchisee can request special order colour frames as well as other options such as wheels, saddles and stems, with other manufacturers providing deeper customisation options. I’m told that this has become somewhat a subculture within China (and my subsequent research backs this up), highly customised Dahon (specifically Dahon as the market leader) bikes, dripping in anodised parts and carbon fibre, matching custom frames to wheel colours, bolts, bottle cages and so on, sometimes the deliberate clash of colours. This culture is where young, affluent ABC1s (or the Chinese version of) congregate for social rides, to generally socialise at cafes and coffee shops as part of a ride, ogle the bike components and to meet members of the opposite sex. There is a Chinese term for this specific modification activity to Dahons (I know!) called “Gai”. This isn’t just adding some coloured tassels or spokey dokeys, its ‘Drillium’, Lightening of bikes, Titanium bolts, Carbon and other aesthetic tweaks to create bikes to woo others. Dahon, other than being a premium brand in China is also the catalyst for other brands, and the base from which other tech manufacturers have grown. These brands have grown to service the needs of the ‘Gai’ culture, as well as spawn sub branches of lighter weight wheels, frames and components to support the culture. Customisation, larger chainrings and weight reduction is there to showcase a rider’s individuality, power and speed in a way we don’t see in the UK. Dr Hon seemed to approve of this development, the brand encourages this cultural development. Back out on the show floor, waiting for a very busy Dr Hon, I could not help but notice two new marques in prominent positions. First was a bike designed to cater for the ‘larger’ rider, the Mariner XL. It’s aimed fair and square at the US market, where Dahon have been making inroads over recent years. This XL version has been developed to support bigger riders, with stand advertising showing a rather AI inspired pumped up Clydesdale character. The maximum rider weight of this XL bike has been increased to 150kg (23 stone 8) from a rider maximum of 105kg (16 stone 7) for the ‘normal’ Mariner. In pride of place on a rotating plinth at the front of the stand was a beautiful tiffany blue ‘Lunden’ Bike – an old school name, meaning ‘from London’. Styled
46 cyclingindustry.news
Dr Hon receiving an accolade at the opening of China Cycle 2026
“DAHON, OTHER THAN BEING A PREMIUM BRAND IN CHINA IS ALSO THE CATALYST FOR OTHER BRANDS, AND THE BASE FROM WHICH OTHER TECH MANUFACTURERS HAVE GROWN”
Dahon’s China Cycle 2026 stand invited punters to try out the bikes in virtual races
EL V E D E S 4 9 ST RA ND SUP E R FLEX CA B LE SO LUT ION! S 2IS5CO% UNT D
MBER SEPTE O PROM
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Derailleur systems, suspension remotes, and dropper posts are often still cable-operated. In applications where cable routing includes multiple tight bends, friction can negatively affect shifting and control performance. To address this challenge, Elvedes offers the 6472RVS-49-SLICK inner cable. Constructed from 49 ultra-thin strands instead of the conventional 19-strand design, the 49-SLICK provides increased flexibility and improved performance in demanding cable routing situations. KEY FEATURES • 49-strand construction for enhanced flexibility • Reduced friction in complex cable routes • Smooth and precise operation • Suitable for shifting systems, suspension remotes, and dropper posts • Stainless steel construction QR Link to TCD Code: ELV6472RVS49SLKBX
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INTERVIEW DR DAVID HON > DAHON
like a Brompton skinny tubed folder – but not a Brompton clone, with squarer profile tubes, a deep section brace extended down tube and 20 inch wheels, and (I’m told) much better handling as a result. It has that distinctive down tube tensioning wire, Dahons ‘Deltech’ brace which helps create additional strength and stiffness without affecting the fold mechanism itself. The bike is a blend of old and new technology. Both these new products show Dahons culture of innovation, and that different markets can be serviced and supported by attuned marketing, understanding trends and insights into customer needs. I even saw glimpses of the newly launched ‘BICECO by Dahon’ bikes. This is Dahon’s more stripped down and affordable sub brand, with some good looking products and (right now) a much smaller range to get your head around. Following the successful float of Dahon Tech on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in September 2025, Dr Hon feels very confident in the future of Dahon and its subsidiaries. Looking at the future, taking the company public, investing in the supply chain and developing better territory links and more specific design concepts for different regions is starting to benefit the business and the market is seeing the share price grow. He’s pleased to be contributing to green mobility at a time where economic and social pressure on fossil fuel usage is very prominent in transport and manufacturing industries. Ending where we started, Dr Hon is working with IBM as a strategic partner, in developing plans for the future, and for growth and stability within Dahon. There has been a succession of VP hires, with administrative, production and marketing and development roles recently filled. Staff has also been bolstered with over 80 people in R&D across the territories as well as a key designer for Europe and investment in a design house in China to support the increased uptake in sales domestically. Dahon now has over 400 staff across the world. There is no discussion of retirement, that is not on the cards any time soon. Whilst Dr Hon is healthy and enjoying his time at the helm of Dahon, he’ll continue to be the face and the force driving this still expanding and still innovating brand. It’s not a boast when Dr Hon tells me that e-mobility, cycle innovation and his investors need Dahon.
48 cyclingindustry.news
Dahon bikes intended for the Chinese market
“THERE IS NO DISCUSSION OF RETIREMENT, THAT IS NOT ON THE CARDS ANY TIME SOON. WHILST DR HON IS HEALTHY AND ENJOYING HIS TIME AT THE HELM OF DAHON, HE’LL CONTINUE TO BE THE FACE AND THE FORCE DRIVING THIS STILL EXPANDING AND STILL INNOVATING BRAND”
Dr Hon lunching with some of the world’s cycle media at China Cycle 2026
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51 52 53 SHOW PREVIEW - CIN-LIVE - CIN08 2026.qxp 01/09/2026 08:38 Page 1
LIVE 2026 SCAN HERE FOR FREE ENTRY
20-21 SEPTEMBER 2026 NAEC STONELEIGH WARWICKSHIRE
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MORE EXHIBITORS, NEW PRODUCTS, NEW SEMINARS… MORE REASONS TO HEAD TO CIN LIVE 2026 Year 2: CIN Live is back this month, in a bigger space at NAEC Stoneleigh, with new names joining to make it a broader and even more inclusive industry-wide event than ever…
C
ycling Industry News Live is double the size in 2026, with the doors opening very soon (20-21 September 2026). The trade has truly got behind the B2B cycling industry event, with many key players joining the show this year, alongside fellow significant industry players returning from last year. What does that mean for you, dear reader and potential show visitor? It means lots more product and lots more brand representatives, all here in Blighty in the Midlands, making it a key opportunity to get face-to-face with all the stuff that has launched during the course of the year (plus a few product debuts), chance to bolster your connections with existing suppliers and maybe explore a few new opportunities for the coming months and years. There’ll also be chance to try out selected new products in the demo area.
52 cyclingindustry.news
And there are even free breakfast rolls thrown (not literally) into the bargain – get to the show before 11am on both days and you’ll be given that vital sustenance to set you up for a hard day or two of looking at shiny new bike product and chatting. This year’s BBQ networking event (Sunday 20 September 2026) will be noticeably ramped up with live music, games and (we hope but are unable to guarantee) considerably drier weather than last time. Running at the Woodland Grange hotel, it’s a fine opportunity for the bike trade to shoot the breeze after day one of the show. Something for everyone? If you’re a bike dealer or workshop then hopefully there is plenty to lure you into CIN Live 2026. The show runs again at NAEC Stoneleigh, over Sunday 20 and Monday 21 September 2026 and you can preregister at the official site now.
SEMINARS FOR BIKE SHOPS AND WORKSHOPS Has your shop got any marketing challenges it needs help with? Maybe you’ve some new staff and you want to help them brush up on their sales techniques? Perhaps you’re a mechanic intrigued about how to get a Cytech or cycle mechanic apprenticeship? And what is this E-Bike Positive initiative all about? There aren’t many places you can go to glean all that knowledge and insight under one roof, in just a few hours. CIN Live 2026 is that place, packed full of free-ofcharge knowledge for you to listen to, perhaps chat through with our expert speakers, then take back the bits you want to pursue when you’re back at your shop/workshop. Take a look at our seminar schedule online now...
51 52 53 SHOW PREVIEW - CIN-LIVE - CIN08 2026.qxp 01/09/2026 08:39 Page 3
EXHIBITORS + BRANDS *
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EXHIBITORS
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Advocacy. Promotion. Skills Development. Business Support.
EXHIBITORS
20-21 SEPTEMBER 2026 | NAEC STONELEIGH WARWICKSHIRE
We’ll be at CIN Live 2026! Come see us on stand H16 to talk cycle business. Discover how E-Bike Positive can help your business stand out as a responsible e-bike retailer.
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EXHIBITORS
LIVE 2026 C O M E V I S I T U S AT
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EXHIBITORS
20-21 SEPTEMBER 2026 | NAEC STONELEIGH WARWICKSHIRE
Founded in 1987 in Girona, Spain, Megamo is built on nearly 40 years of cycling passion and innovation. From high-performance gravel, road, and MTB bikes to cutting-edge e-bikes such as the DJI Avinox-equipped eMTB Reason, Ryal, and now also eRoad and eGravel Upon and Along. Ride Different, Stay True! www.megamo.com
THE ORIGINAL compact eBike from Germany. The unisex perfectly thought-out frame geometry make the i:SY iconic. Bosch or Pinion MGU powered. A full suspension longtail with pinion MGU coming this year! Ride it! Love it! www.isy.de
CaGo designs high-quality e-cargo bikes engineered for safety, utility, and family life. Made in Germany, Bosch powered, especially known for its safety-first approach and innovative design. The new compact ‘CS’ cargo bike features 3 loading areas. Load up on Life! www.cagobike.com
We are the UK distributor for 3 future forward cycle brands from Europe. AlsoBikes is a family business dedicated to supporting the cycle retail industry and work with recognized quality focused brands. sophie@alsobikes.com
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EXHIBITORS
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M7200
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M7200 At just 2.7 kg, the Ananda M7200 delivers 100 Nm of smooth, consistent support for urban and trekking bikes. With its precise sensor system, integrated light module, and optional smart connectivity, it offers a complete control package for everyday riding. 100Nm at 30rpm in a compact 2.7 kg design Peak power: 650W (36V) / 750W (48V) Precise sensor system with 96 signals per rotation Smart connectivity & Optional IoT DF230 3.5 TFT display with remote control
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EXHIBITORS
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Aventon Ultro X up to 120Nm
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150/140 mm Rockshox
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EXHIBITORS
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EXHIBITORS
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EXHIBITORS
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JOIN THE WINNING TEAM FASTEST STAGE WIN IN TOUR DE FRANCE HISTORY
BELGIAN CYCLING FACTORY IS BUILDING ITS UK DEALER NETWORK. COME AND SEE US AT THE CIN LIVE SHOW ON STAND H6 OR VISIT: CYCLINGFACTORY.BE/PARTNERSHIPS
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EXHIBITORS
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KEEP ON ROLLIN’... WITH TUBOLITO AND BOB ELLIOT & CO. LTD. There are many advantages using Tubolito inner tubes on your bike: You easily save up to 100 grams, place emphasis on the importance of regional products and short supply chains (Tubolito tubes are manufactured in Europe) and show customers that your brand is paying attention to details to provide the best overall package. To find out more about Tubolito and our extensive range of products, contact your area sales manager, email us at sales@bob-elliot.co.uk or call us on 01772 459887
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EXHIBITORS
20-21 SEPTEMBER 2026 | NAEC STONELEIGH WARWICKSHIRE
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EXHIBITORS
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EXHIBITORS
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EXHIBITORS
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PFAS FREE NO HEAT ACTIVATION LASTS UP TO 10 WASHES
FABRIC PROOF
NEXT-GENERATION, PFAS-FREE, DURABLE WATER REPELLENT, SUITABLE FOR ALL FABRICS
Fabric Proof FPS CIN.indd 3
14/08/2026 09:55:41
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Helite will be at CIN Live to ‘Test Market’ their new Airbags Already brand leaders in Motorcycling and Horseriding with over 250,000 European customers Europe’s leading Body worn Airbag brand Helite visit Cycle Industry News Live to test the temperature in UK cycling for their high performance Airbag protection products. Airbags deliver trauma protection which can massively out perform traditional body armour used in many cycle products
EXHIBITORS
20-21 SEPTEMBER 2026 | NAEC STONELEIGH WARWICKSHIRE
Please visit stand B28 and experience Airbag protection for yourself with Free demonstrations.
KID’GUARD
NOMAD Lead the way DESIGNED FOR URBAN CYCLISTS Nomad is an airbag integrated into a lightweight, roll-top backpack to protect you during your commute.
Big protection for your little passenger.
20L FACE PROTECTION
DUBBLE BAG TECHNOLOGY
LARGE STORAGE
7KH ZRUOGȇV ȴUVW DWWDFKDEOH DLUEDJ IRU FKLOG ELF\FOH VHDWV :KHWKHU LWȇV D IDLO RU DQ DFFLGHQW ZHȇYH JRW WKHP FRYHUHG BREATHABLE
ELECTRONIC TRIGGER
ELECTRIC TRIGGER
EASY TO INSTALL
100% REUSABLE:
1. Fit: 6OLS WKH HODVWLF RYHU WKH EDFN RI WKH VHDW
6LPSO\ UHSODFH WKH &2 FDUWULGJH DIWHU GHSOR\PHQW
2. Secure: %XFNOH WKH VWUDSV WR WKH ERWWRP DQG SXOO VQXJ
PROTECTS NECK, BACK, ABDOMEN, THORAX AND SACRUM The Nomad comes in the classic single Helite airbag system or the new Helite Dubble Bag system.
SUPERIOR SAFETY CLASSIC BAG AIRBAG SYSTEM
5DSLGO\ GHSOR\HV D / DLUEDJ WR VKLHOG WKH IDFH QHFN DQG DUPV
DUBBLE BAG AIRBAG SYSTEM
13-16L of protection
28L of protection
5DSLG LQȵDWLRQ
Increased comfort
ELECTRONIC TRIGGER
Reaches protective volumn faster than classic airbags
2-YEAR WARRANTY, UP TO 4 YEARS*
2-YEAR WARRANTY, UP TO 4 YEARS*
MADE IN FRANCE
MADE IN FRANCE
)UHH \U H[WHQVLRQ XSRQ UHJLVWUDWLRQ DW P\ KHOLWH FRP )RU PRUH LQIRUPDWLRQ SOHDVH YLVLW KWWSV P\ KHOLWH FRP FRQGLWLRQV
*Free 2-yr extension upon registration at my.helite.com. For more information, please visit https://my.helite.com/conditions
visit us on STAND B28 cyclingindustry.news 73
aaa CIN-LIVE Section - CIN06 2026.qxp 28/08/2026 12:46 Page 21
LIVE 2026 1
19/08/2026
12:53
EXHIBITORS
hope_HB_912.pdf
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EXHIBITORS
20-21 SEPTEMBER 2026 | NAEC STONELEIGH WARWICKSHIRE
supplying the bicycle trade since 1993 C
H
A
I
N
VISIT INDEPENDENT100.CO.UK OR CALL 01299400008
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EXHIBITORS
LIVE 2026
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EXHIBITORS
20-21 SEPTEMBER 2026 | NAEC STONELEIGH WARWICKSHIRE
MT Mantradrive 750
150-Point Driver Ring 5 Multi-Tip Pawls Cr-Mo Axle And Freehub Boost & Super Boost
Mousetrap™ Pedal Adapters Converts SPD Pedals To Flats In Seconds All Colours Now Available
Technology For All Great Prices on Huge Range of Cassettes
TWIST Magnetic-Mechanical Bottle System
No Nonsense Bike Care
Mudguards For Kids Only!
JUST A SMALL SELECTION FROM THE MANY GREAT BRANDS AVAILABLE FROM ISON
ISON DISTRIBUTION
visit us on STAND B12 cyclingindustry.news 77
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EXHIBITORS
LIVE 2026
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EXHIBITORS
20-21 SEPTEMBER 2026 | NAEC STONELEIGH WARWICKSHIRE
visit us on STAND B14 cyclingindustry.news 79
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EXHIBITORS
LIVE 2026 Distributed by
lyonb2b.co.uk
BACK-ROLLER Waterproof IP64 Made in Germany
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20L
aaa CIN-LIVE Section - CIN06 2026.qxp 28/08/2026 12:46 Page 28
EXHIBITORS
20-21 SEPTEMBER 2026 | NAEC STONELEIGH WARWICKSHIRE
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EXHIBITORS
LIVE 2026
THE UNIFIED BIKE SHOP
Manage Bookings
Route Planning
SERVICE • SALES • ECOM
Discover the powerful combination of Workshop x Shopify. Unify your systems to experience ultimate ef昀ciency and guaranteed revenue growth.
Go Paperless
Invoices & Payments
Manage Inventory
SCAN HERE TO FIND OUT HOW WE CAN HELP.
Workshop allows us to access and manage all jobs from any computer, phone, or tablet. Beyond convenience, this also eliminates the risk of losing customer data or job information. Our customers are always impressed.
- Ty, Nice Bike Pyörähuolto
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One Simple Inbox
aaa CIN-LIVE Section - CIN06 2026.qxp 28/08/2026 12:46 Page 30
AWARD-WINNING BikeBiz Product of the Year Shortlist 2026 Red Dot Design Award: Best of the Best Road.cc Cycling Weekly
EXHIBITORS
20-21 SEPTEMBER 2026 | NAEC STONELEIGH WARWICKSHIRE
WORLD’S FIRST FOLDABLE HELMET WITH
wearenewlane.com
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EXHIBITORS
LIVE 2026
MAKING LIFE ON BIKES BET TER
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EXHIBITORS
20-21 SEPTEMBER 2026 | NAEC STONELEIGH WARWICKSHIRE
Compose your ride with gear and knowledge that fit your rhythm.
IN SYNC WITH THE TRAIL
ortovox.com
260817_SEQUENCE_CyclingIndustryNews_SS26_A4_EN_SZE.indd 1
17.08.26 09:59
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EXHIBITORS
LIVE 2026 POC
PACK SERIES
NEW_
ULTRA BAG SERIES CARRY THE DAY, NIGHT AND EVERY MOMENT IN BETWEEN.
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SS26
aaa CIN-LIVE Section - CIN06 2026.qxp 28/08/2026 12:46 Page 34
EXHIBITORS
20-21 SEPTEMBER 2026 | NAEC STONELEIGH WARWICKSHIRE
visit us on STAND G2 cyclingindustry.news 87
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EXHIBITORS
LIVE 2026
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EXHIBITORS
20-21 SEPTEMBER 2026 | NAEC STONELEIGH WARWICKSHIRE
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EXHIBITORS
LIVE 2026
FIRST CLIK Get there
schwalbe.com/clik-valve
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aaa CIN-LIVE Section - CIN06 2026.qxp 28/08/2026 12:46 Page 38
EXHIBITORS
20-21 SEPTEMBER 2026 | NAEC STONELEIGH WARWICKSHIRE
EXPLORE OUR PREMIUM BRANDS ON STAND H2
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EXHIBITORS
LIVE 2026
VISIT US ON STAND B8
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EXHIBITORS
20-21 SEPTEMBER 2026 | NAEC STONELEIGH WARWICKSHIRE
TRAIL TO TARMAC We’ve got your back when it comes to all your cycling needs.
SEE US ON STAND D18 FOR AN EXCLUSIVE FIRST LOOK AT NEW PRODUCTS
visit us on STAND D18 cyclingindustry.news 93
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EXHIBITORS
LIVE 2026
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EXHIBITORS
20-21 SEPTEMBER 2026 | NAEC STONELEIGH WARWICKSHIRE
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EXHIBITORS
LIVE 2026
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EXHIBITORS
20-21 SEPTEMBER 2026 | NAEC STONELEIGH WARWICKSHIRE
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woom.com
EXHIBITORS
LIVE 2026
Little bike, big love. Imagine wanting to build the perfect bike for your child. One that makes learning to ride easy and is so much fun, your child never wants to stop. Discover our ultralight woom bikes.
Contact: Simon Timlett / 01442 872123 simon.timlett@woom.com
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aaa CIN-LIVE Section - CIN06 2026.qxp 28/08/2026 12:46 Page 46
20-21 SEPTEMBER 2026 | NAEC STONELEIGH WARWICKSHIRE 1
05/08/2026
11:21
THE NEW AW26 RANGE
EXHIBITORS
Altura CIN Advert September 2026_Final.pdf
Available to order now
Come and see us at
Discover our latest collection and explore our exciting new helmet range.
LIVE 2026
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