Your once a week dose of retail therapy from Singletrack’s Premier Dealers, stockists and advertisers, Tuesday Treats gives you a quality serving of independent bike retailing and a chance to win big in this week’s prize draw.
This week, we introduce J E James.
The Tuesday Treats feature is 52 weeks (or one year old) today and to celebrate, we talk to a company who have been around since the start of mountain biking; they know a thing or two about all wheel sizes! Marketing Manager Adam Simmonite picks up the story…
J E James has grown from our Sheffield base and we now have stores in Rotherham, Sheffield and Chesterfield. Our bricks and mortar stores are backed up with a quality online experience which through years of significant investment has ensured we can deliver a quality service in person and on the internet, including growing our international sales.
We are located on the doorstep of the Peak District and this has to be one of our favourite riding spots. Sheffield is a great spot to be a cyclist and our staff are always keen to get out and ride. We aim to provide a great range of gear to ensure our customers can keep cycling, we stock a wide range of bikes from manufacturers including, Whyte, Trek, Kona, Specialized and Cube as well as a good range of accessories and clothing.
Tell us about your best sellers, what’s hot?
The Cube range has been a big seller for us, The ‘Stereo’ is a great choice for riding in the Peak. Their range of hardtails have also been popular with newbies and those wanting to take a step up. Keeping up to speed with what’s hot is difficult as things move very fast here. I suggest following us on Facebook and Twitter to stay informed!
Talk to us about custom builds
We are always keen to take on the challenge of a custom build and are keen to make sure customers get their dream bike. One of our recent in-house specials springs to mind and was for Ant, our Rotherham Assistant Manager. We built him a Specialized Demo 8 to take on his six week holiday to Whistler.
We also have a wonderful custom build Whyte 19 Ti (with Hope, Mavic, XTR components) which is on offer at our Sheffield store if anyone’s interested! It is a truly amazing looking and riding machine.
Which product/brand does every staff member have on their bike?
We’re big fans of the Osprey range of riding packs here. I have the Raptor 14 and find it really comfortable and a bit better fit for me than the Camelbacks I’ve had in the past. Their semi rigid bladder system ensures a snug fit for all day riding and the ‘Lid Lock’ helmet stowing system is another very neat feature.
Otherwise, you can’t fail but be exited about Thomson’s new dropper post. It’s on everyone’s wish list anyway!
Now for some crystal ball gazing. From where we are now, where are we all headed?
On the bike front during this last year, the Whyte T129 was a real hit. We recently attended the Whyte 2014 launch and I think the new G-150, 27.5” wheeled 150mm travel machine is going to be a big seller for us through 2014. The new Rockshox Pike fork feels amazing and they look like re-establishing Rockshox’ position as a lead player in the Enduro/AM market. The new Marin range looks like it’s going to do very well too.
We have the new Orange range in store at the moment and as the wheel size debate rages on, they are backing the 27.5” size. Making the classic ‘Five’ range mostly 27.5” is a bold move, but the simple bike design coupled with the new wheel size seems a perfect combo. We have demo bikes to book so you can make up your own mind.
Lastly, what do Singletrack Premier Subscribers get from you guys?
Premier Singletrack members currently benefit from a free pair of Polaris Roam XC Gloves (RRP £22.99) in your size/colour if you spend more than £50 in store (subject to availability).
Tuesday Treats Prize Draw
Click here to win this week’s prize!