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 sorts of ‘online services’. This year is a re-run of last year’s finalists – with none of the big brand online retailers knocking them out of the competition. You decide who wins the accolade this year:
The Finalists – Best Online Service
Bird Cycleworks
Last year’s winners are in the running again, seeing off competition from much bigger players. The customer service at Bird goes as far as being able to discuss your needs with the people who design and build the bikes – and you get an enthusiastic geek out if you do so.
Once your decision is made, you get regular updates on the progress of your order, and having 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 three years in a row, his reputation has grown beyond trail conditions reports, providing riders with a focus for trail advocacy information too.
Sixth Element
Now established both here and in North America, Sixth Element continue with a market-leading ‘you break it, we’ll fix it’ no questions asked crash replacement service.
This year has seen them provide wheels to the British Olympic XCO hopefuls, and introduce a new gravity wheel. Despite the growth, they retain the small company personal touch customer care, it’s no surprise to see Sixth Element back in the running for this award. Will it be third time lucky for them?
