News
How’s Business? – November 2024
Welcome to How’s Business, brought to you by our sponsor Dirt Works Australia, where right now, you can get Sunringle wheelsets for HALF PRICE. We’ve been hearing that there are still very large specials available from wholesalers to retailers who are prepared to buy certain models of bikes or more than a certain minimum quantity…
Every Bike Shop Owner’s Worst Nightmare Happens in Melbourne
Melbourne, Vic Gary Cookson, founding owner of Melbourne-based store Cargocycles has been doing it tough since he received a call in the middle of the night from his security contractor and then arrived to see his premises and stock destroyed. Subject to the outcome of police investigations yet to be finalised, it appears he was…
Trade News Briefs – November
Norco to Set Up Direct Australian Distribution to IBD’s After 13 years with Australian-owned and operated Advance Traders, Norco has decided to go direct in the market. In a press released issued on 29th October Norco said, “We would like to thank Advance Traders for their partnership. “The transition will take place October 2025, and…
Record Low Financial Year Bicycle Imports Confirmed
Canberra, ACT As we previously reported here, bicycle imports for the most recent financial year have been running at a very low rate. That article was based upon data up to 31st May 2024 with a projection for June, but we now have actual data for June 2024 to complete the 2023/24 financial year. In…
Taipei Cycle 2025 Books Out Months in Advance
Despite continued difficulties in the market, exhibitor booth spaces for Taipei Cycle 2025 have officially been filled and a waitlist has been opened. Taipei Cycle is scheduled for 26th to 29th March 2025. Attendance has been confirmed by 950 exhibitors from 35 countries who will take a combined standard booth space of over 3,500 booths.…
How’s Business? – October 2024
Welcome to How’s Business, brought to you by our sponsor Dirt Works Australia, where right now, you can get Sunringle wheelsets for HALF PRICE. If you read what our participating bike shop owners had to say this month, you’ll see that their answers range from “Worst ever!” to “Best ever!” with the rest mainly towards…
Retail Briefs – October
Off Course As we reported here earlier this year, after 16 years trading as Commuter Cycles, the inner city Melbourne store rebranded as Off Course to reflect the much wider range of bikes that it now sells and services, including to gravel and adventure riding markets. After a long gap between visits, I recently dropped…
World News Briefs – October 2024
16,500 Non-Compliant Fat Bikes Seized in the Netherlands Many Australian bicycle dealers are concerned about the impact upon their businesses of the sale through online and other channels of fatbikes that greatly exceed the legal 250 watt power limit (500 watt in NSW). These dealers would probably like to see Australian government authorities take actions…
Trade News Briefs – October 2024
NICA Launches Youth Mountain Bike Program in Australia The National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) is a USA founded and based youth development organisation dedicated to building strong mind, body, character and communities through mountain biking. Founded in 2009 as a non-profit organisation, NICA currently has 32 state and regional leagues and 14,000+ registered volunteer coaches…
Australian Designed Rickshaw Debuts
Morisset, NSW Rickshaws date back 150 years and evoke images of hand-drawn or cycle-powered small vehicles in traditional Asian settings. According to Wikipedia there were four million rickshaws in operation during the late 1980’s. But in Australia, rickshaw style bicycles have been virtually non-existent until more recently when they’ve found demand for two main uses…