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28 Feb 2025

Independent cycling retailer and ACT member Velo Fit has become the first to stock a new brand of bikes focused on combining quality and affordability.

26 Feb 2025

ACT parent company Bira has cautiously welcomed Labour's Crime and Policing Bill but is calling for urgent action and immediate funding to address the surge in retail crime affecting independent...

19 Feb 2025

Electric cargo bike firm Zedify is set to enter administration following a failed search for new funding, after aiming to be active in 50 cities over the next few years.

18 Feb 2025

Halfords has upgraded its profit expectations for 2025 following a strong end to 2024, signalling a possible boost for the wider cycling retail sector after a difficult period.

17 Feb 2025

A £291m funding package from Active Travel England is set to be used for cycle lanes and improved junctions, while also supporting local businesses and making it easier to cycle to work,...

14 Feb 2025

The UK Government has removed anti-dumping tariffs on non-folding e-bikes imported from China in a move that has raised alarm within the UK’s cycling industry over potential market...

7 Feb 2025

ACT parent company Bira has warned that retailers across Britain face troubled times ahead despite today's Bank of England interest rate cut to 4.5%, as the Bank halves its growth forecast for...

4 Feb 2025

The ACT and legal partner WorkNest are hosting an exclusive webinar on how to remain compliant with employment law while making necessary business changes.

31 Jan 2025

New independent research has confirmed OEM e-bikes are effectively exempt from risk of battery fires, with unsafe post-purchase replacement batteries, conversion kits, and other equipment that...

31 Jan 2025

The UK Government has decided not to go ahead with proposals to increase the maximum power output of e-Bikes to 500W and to permit throttle assistance following a lengthy consultation process.

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Local cycling hubs to close as UK manufacturer looks to support independent bike dealers

Posted on in Business News , Cycles News

UK cycling manufacturer Whyte Bikes has announced the closure of its three cycling experience hubs following a major shift in the company’s strategy, which includes supporting independent bike dealers, under its new ownership.

Swinley Forest Cycling Hub

The centres, including Quench Cycles at Bedgebury Forest, the bike hire concession at High Lodge in Thetford Forest and the Swinley Forest Bike Hub, will all cease operating by the end of October under the current ownership as Whyte Bikes seeks a potential buyer of the locations.

The closures mark a shift in Whyte Bikes’ plans for the hubs, which were initially acquired to expand the company’s customer engagement through experience centres that allowed riders to test and hire bicycles in unique outdoor settings. Whyte Bikes took on the site at Swinley Forest less than 12 months ago, however the company is now intending to turn its focus onto supporting independent bike dealers and international distributors.

In a statement, Nikki Hawyes, who became CEO of Whyte Bikes in February this year, explained the rationale behind the decision. She said: "Our focus remains on supporting independent bike dealers in the UK, as well as our valued international distributors. The hire and experience centres, while beneficial in some ways, do not align with our core business goals. We aim to provide a clearer vision for our Independent Bicycle Dealers and distributors."

Despite the closures, mountain bike specialist Whyte Bikes is set to continue offering demo rides through its dealership network at dealer-led events.

The closure of Swinley Forest Bike Hub, which offers bike rentals, maintenance services and coaching sessions, has been met with disappointment from regular attendees, with many expressing concern over the hub's future. Whyte Bikes has stated that its goal is to ensure a smooth transition that benefits both the business and the local cycling communities these hubs serve.

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