Taste of Spring

Well we've had a few nice dry sunny days and more sunlight hours so its feeling like an early promise of spring, great riding weather even if we're told the roads are full of potholes.

As is normal for January we've been fairly quiet but steady, the Colnago's have been well received and generated a fair bit of interest, Kyle is back form paternity leave, at least in body if not in mind, and today we received five lovely new Lapierre's.

Lapierre were a brand I've had my eye on for a few years now going back to Nico Vouilloz doing development work for them since he retired from professional downhill. Early last year I decided I'd love to stock them for 2010 and we've been fortunate enough to get them in!

Fortunately all the magazine tests lately seem to put our two main stock brands of Trek and Lapierre at top in just about every test going so we have no excuse not to be able to offer anyone the best riding bikes money can buy at the moment, not to mention the best looking too.

The super popular Zesty is still out of stock and we're expecting them in within the next two to four weeks including a demo 514. For now we have a Spicy 216 and 316, A Sensium 100, Audacio 300 (I think) and an X-control.

Just got to get them all built now!

Italian exotics in the snow

All this snow means many people aren't cycling or shopping which means we have lots of time on our hands in store unfortunately and I'm sure all this is having a very negative effect on the fragile economy and retail in particular.

Saturday last we had to close as staff couln't get in, contrary to what people up north may think we do actually have some not insignificant hills down here in the south (The South Downs are on our doorstep in Eastbourne). With short steep hills covered in snow and ice and many drivers displaying what is either reckless abandon or simply a complete lack of winter driving abilities the police rush to close many roads preventing staff form getting to work. Sorry if we caused any customers inconvenience but I can't run the shop by myself even when i try really hard, sorry!

Weather induced quiet sales means cashflow is straining in what is already a traditionally quiet month. So in this situation what could possibly lift our spirits? How about a delivery of 2010 Colangos? That'll do nicely.

I'm not too sure how well they will sell but they are a superb brand with a history and pedigree second to none so I'm hoping we get plenty of customers who appreciate craftsmanship and prestige brands.

I'm hoping the weather improves as it's impacting on the amount of riding I'm getting in and I'm starting to feel overweight and unfit. The snow is rideable in places on the downs but 4 miles in 2 hours gives you an idea on the progress you can expect to make.

Snow and Ice

As we move into 2010 we're having lots of fun with our 'big freeze' so there isn't an awful lot of riding going on, studded tyres are sold out at all suppliers and the snows too deep for a regular bike, cross country ski's are needed really.

Strangely enough we're really quiet and wondering if it's worth opening or whether we should close and go for a nice walk on the Downs or attempt a ride round Friston.