Bailcast has revealed a way that could help factors capitalise on a different area of the market, namely, bicycles. With this in mind, PMF looks at the bikes and other cycling accessories on offer from the company and the potential these products have to boost profit margins.
Last year, Bailcast strengthened its portfolio of leisure products with the introduction of the eazi-rider range of e-pac bicycles. All are ‘power assisted’, using newly-developed lightweight lithium-ion batteries.
Ready for the market, the range is powered by inconspicuous, 36V, brushless hub motors. The combination allows for long lasting and economical power, giving a range of approximately 35 miles – more if ‘pedal power’ is used as well. The power cuts in smoothly according to the level of assistance selected by the controller on the handlebars and can be varied from a slight assist all the way to cruising along at 15.5mph with just a gentle pedal.
All bicycles are complimented with sophisticated chargers which can provide a quick refresh or a full charge in just three hours. Available in three ranges, the bikes have been built in China to Bailcast specification under strict quality control.
The smaller Urban is designed for trips to the shops and around town, whilst the step through Mountain bike enables easy access so everyone can enjoy getting back in the saddle and out into the countryside.
For some people the thought of getting back into cycling fills them with dread, especially if they haven’t ridden for years and feel they are unfit. What better way to combat this than with a bike that can assist with the ride.
Electric bicycles, or e-pacs as they are known, are a great way to get back into cycling without the exertion. The motor has an adjustable level of assistance that will help with the journey as long as the user is pedalling. This variable assistance means that even the steepest hills won’t be a problem.
Why choose eazi-rider?
There are quite a few reasons for choosing the eazi-rider range:
- Quality: these bikes have been built to Bailcast quality and undergo multiple checks before reaching the customer.
- High specification for a low price.
- Full UK CE certification: Bailcast has had its bike range CE certified in the UK, ensuring it meets the UK’s strict laws and specifications for safety and quality.
- Stock holding not necessary: apart from a display bike, the company does not expect retailers to carry stock of the bikes.
- Free next day delivery.
- Subsidised display bikes: this reduces initial set-up costs.
- Free display bike: after 10 bikes have been sold, the factor is credited in full the initial cost of the display bike.
- Bailcast guarantee: all bikes are backed by the Bailcast quality guarantee.
A word of caution
Electric bikes have become so popular that it seems every Tom, Dick and Harry have started selling them, just take a look at e-Bay if you want further proof. Whilst these may appear to be a bargain with some really low prices on offer the old adage ‘you get what you pay for’ rings true.
Buying from a reputable company that has both experience and a quality guarantee is worth its weight in gold, especially when the customer is shelling out their hard earned cash for such a large purchase.
Case Study: A1 Motor Stores
Direct365 has recently partnered with A1 Motor Stores to offer a range of bikes and cycle accessories.
The family-owned Leicestershire-based business has over 25 years’ experience in the bicycle industry, supplying a range of bikes and accessories aimed at the recreational leisure cyclist whilst working with prominent cycle brands such as Kingston, Ford and Ironman.
Direct365 believes that its portfolio of prominent cycle brands offers a combination of quality, modern design and ‘fit for purpose’ function.
Marc Sneath, Direct365 National Accounts Manager, comments: “Direct365 is delighted to be working alongside A1 and its members, bringing in key products, such as Tenn clothing, Urban Proof and cycle helmets. We would welcome the opportunity to liaise with anyone who wishes to open an account. Whether new to cycling or with many years’ experience, it is a fantastic time to be in the cycle industry!
A1 member Steve Dove, of M.J Wearing Ltd in Oxfordshire, says: “We were struggling to supply traditional style bikes at an affordable price, then we started using Direct 365.
“Direct 365 has enabled us to stock and supply quality looking bikes at the right price. We have found the company to be very helpful in both service and technical knowledge.”
