Trade
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…
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…
Trade News Briefs – September 2024
Industry Veteran Ed Lancaster Picks Up Three New Roles Those of you with long industry backgrounds might remember the Lancaster brothers, Wally and Edward, from bicycle racing days in the 1980’s and 90’s. After partnering in a bicycle apparel distribution business, Wally left the industry and now runs gyms in Stanthorpe and Tenterfield through his…
Industry Leaders Discuss Our Current Bicycle Market
What is happening in our Australian bicycle market? As you can read in a separate article this month, bicycle imports remain way below pre-covid levels. Many dealers and wholesalers are struggling. Some dealers have closed. Sales are flat. Discounting is still prevalent. Is this the new normal, or will things improve? And if so, when?…
Bicycle Import Volumes Heading for Financial Year Record Low
Canberra, ACT The number of bicycles being imported to Australia is remaining at very low levels, as the “covid stock overhang” continues. When we last wrote about bicycle imports here, January and February 2024 data was showing signs of a rebound after 18 months of low imports. But now that we have data for March,…
Trade News Briefs: Things are on the Move in Melbourne!
World Trail Breaks Ground on Warburton MTB Destination After a decade of planning, extensive environmental studies, community opposition and setbacks, the huge Warburton MTB Destination is finally under construction. This mountain bike park will include a massive 160 kilometres of singletrack and is located only about 30 minutes from the eastern edge of Melbourne’s suburbs…
Trade News Briefs: New Australian Distributor for Cinelli
Melbourne, Victoria Cinelli the iconic Italian brand founded in just after World War II by professional racer Cino Cinelli recently announced a new partnership with La Dolce Velo, appointing them as the exclusive distributor of Cinelli bicycles, frames, components, apparel and accessories in Australia. La Dolce Velo will also handle the non-exclusive distribution of Columbus…