No matter how committed you are to using your local bike shop, the chances are you’ve used an online service of some sort this year. Interestingly, this year’s nominations look beyond the ‘buying stuff’ to other sort of ‘online services’. Here’s who has made it through to the finals:
The finalists
- Bird Cycleworks
- Keeper of the Peak
- Sixth Element
Voting instructions are at the end of this article. Read on to learn more about each finalist.
Bird Cycleworks
Being a great online service isn’t just about a good website – though that definitely helps. The customer service at Bird goes as far as being able to discuss your needs with the people who design and build the bikes. You get regular updates on the progress of your order, and once you’ve taken delivery of your new toy the team is on hand to answer any questions.
Keeper of the Peak
Such a simple idea: a Twitter feed to update riders on trail conditions in the Peak District. The aim was to minimise the damage that riders would have on fragile areas in the Peak District. This continues, but Chris Maloney, the person behind it, has also become involved in campaigning for better access and encouraging other riders to do the same. Nominated last year, and again this year, his reputation has grown beyond trail conditions reports, providing riders with a focus for trail advocacy information too.
Sixth Element
Still a relatively new kid on the block – or should that be the truing stand – Sixth Element has pushed the carbon wheels market to step up its aftermarket care. With a market-leading ‘you break it, we’ll fix it’ no questions asked crash replacement service, combined with a small company personal touch customer care, it’s no surprise to see Sixth Element back in the running for this award. Will it be second time lucky?
How to vote
The voting page opens at midnight Saturday 15th September. Come back after then to..
