Swiss Bike unfolds at sell-out Gadget Show live
Posted on in Cycles News
The first exhibition supporting the cult viewing, channel 5 ‘Gadget Show' TV series attracted a whopping 30,000 visitors over three days to the NEC. Tickets sold out long before the show started giving a clear indication of the nation's interest in all things gadget related.
Swissbike UK managing director Jim Griffiths comments: "We felt the show would be ideal for our bikes, which have always had great gadget appeal and are often likened to the ubiquitous Swiss Army knife in terms of their foldability. We were delighted with the reaction we received and had a constant crowd in front of our stand and at the test track, where visitors could try our bikes alongside other items such as motorised skateboards."
"The show enabled us to reach people who have a definite interest in bikes that have added features and benefits for the owner. Most of those we spoke to were not previously aware of the brand and didn't know that foldable mountain bikes even existed! Overall it was tremendous exposure for Swissbike UK and our competition to win a bike delivered in excess of 1600 applicants eager to own one of our unique bikes."
Montague UK have rebranded as Swissbike UK to capitalise on positive PR created throughout 2008 (including a feature on The Gadget Show last November) in the belief that the Swissbike name is more memorable and carries with it the intrinsic lifestyle and aspirational values that the company promotes with its versatile, take-anywhere bikes.
Swissbike will be adding to their existing gadget appeal in 2009 with a new range of protective neoprene frame covers that will feature accessory loops. They are also printable for corporate and promotional purposes making them more than just a functional accessory. The covers are custom made to fit the Swissbike's trade mark oversized top-tube and will initially come in 3 colourways: Black, Bright Yellow and Camouflage Pattern. The covers are sized for a perfect fit to the frames and help to protect the paintwork when the bikes are folded and stored.
The Swissbike range for 2009 will include some ‘Special Edition' models, including an upgraded Swissbike LX with a Rockshox fork and discs front and rear and a revised Montague mid-range model also featuring heavier duty Rockshox forks, twin discs and a polished aluminum top-tube finish. SRPs on the 2009 models range from £395 to £1995 with a more varied spread of pricing levels and specs from the 2008 line up.
All bikes in the range are full-size, with 26" wheels and utilise the same unique and simple tool-free folding mechanism originally developed and patented by David Montague, who is also responsible for redefining the front wheel quick-release with his patented CLIX system. Needless to say, all Swissbike and Montague models also feature CLIX safety skewers on their front wheels.
Dealers interested in offering the unique Swissbike range to their customers should contact Jim Griffiths on:01730 711140 or by email: jim@montague-uk.com or visit www.swissbike.co.uk