Here’s a snack sized round up of bike news you might have missed, but probably want to know about.
Formula – Where is MTB Distribution Going?
With so many brands going direct to market, others selling direct to bike shops, and customers able to discuss and research any potential purchase on the internet, what is the role of the Distributor? Is the expertise of a middle man still needed to curate products to suit a market? Does a brand still need a Distributor to reach its customers? Formula examines the future of MTB distribution, with help from Cosmic Sports.
Leatt 2021 Range
Leatt has revealed its 2021 range of jackets, jerseys, shorts, pants and gloves – so you can protect your body from impacts with their protective gear, and protect everyone else from your body with their clothing. New fabrics, new cuts and extra features have been added across the range. Product names have numbers from 1.0 to 5.0 – if it’s a 5.0, it offers waterproofing, then from 4.0 down to 1.0 the products get less tough and DH/enduro and more lightweight and XC/trail.
British Cycling Transgender and Non-Binary Participation Policy
For the first time, British Cycling has issued a Transgender and Non-Binary Participation Policy. This sets out requirements for changing the recorded gender on membership and race licences, as well as creating links to other existing policies such as British Cycling’s Disciplinary Regulations and Code of Conduct. British Cycling says the aim of the policy is to enable participation and create a welcoming and inclusive environment at all levels of the sport.
Former professional cyclist Philippa York, who publicly announced her own transition in 2017, said:
“British Cycling has been setting the benchmarks for performance in sport and now they are doing the same for inclusion by having a policy which is easily understood. Whilst the work doesn’t end here, it is important that transgender and non-binary participants feel welcome and that everyone takes their responsibilities seriously to ensure that sport becomes more open and inclusive. Of course as scientific and social issues involved become better understood the policy will be updated but I’m glad to see such a positive beginning.”
Ritchey Ultra Team Edition
Want a modern hardtail with heritage in a classic paint finish? Then the new limited edition Ritchey Ultra Team might be for you. Boost spaced, dual wheel size, 120mm travel optimized hardtail with that instantly recognisable paint job – the frame can be yours for €999.
Chillzone Mobile Swimming Pool
This video has almost nothing to do with bikes, but for some silly escapist fun (with optional French lesson if you cover up the subtitles) you can do worse. We’re now hoping for an invite to a bike launch so we can hang out with the crew – they look like fun.
Amazon Smile – Tweed Valley Trails and World Bicycle Relief
If you need to shop on Amazon, then you may as well do so via Amazon Smile to support your charity of choice. Both World Bicycle Relief and Tweed Valley Trails are now signed up as potential beneficiaries, so when you’re buying your hair clippers/bread maker/home brew kit/electric blanket you can do a little good too.
Women of Colour Cycling Group
If you’re looking for ride buddies or a community to discuss ideas and issues with, then maybe the Women of Colour Cycling Group could be for you. With a Zoom meet up every 3rd Monday of the month, you don’t have to be able to make any of the real world rides to make friends, and it’s a group for all abilities and cycling disciplines.
Lugit Bar Bags
I don’t need a bar bag, I already have a very very good one, but just look at this. Maybe I do need a bar bag. They’re bespoke bags which start at £50 for a standard small cuboid, plus postage. The fabrics used are waterproof, although their maker says they can’t guarantee they’ll be 100% waterproof, they are splash proof. Right now, the lead time for orders is about two weeks – though if you all go and order at once that might change! Must…resist…want…not…need…
Brandon Semenuk – Raw 100 Episode 6
More of what we’ve come to expect from the Raw 100 series. Kids: don’t play in abandoned mines. Or quarries. Or mills…
Stay safe, kids, big kids, and grown ups.
