ok, ok, spring is officially still a month out but we feel the season changing already at the Twotone office with with more & more sunny days here in Amsterdam. Not to mention a blossoming agenda of tradeshows, product launches, rides & a number of other exciting newsworthy updates coming up in the hopper.
Recently, we realized that we didn't see a proper list of bike shows in Europe anywhere, so Frank made one:
- MAR 01-03 // Bike Motion (NL)
- MAR 08-10 // Kolektif Berlin (DE)
- MAR 15-17 // Copenhagen Bike Show (DK)
- MAR 15-17 // Stockholm Bike Show (SE)
- MAR 23-24 // Cyclingworld Dusseldorf (DE)
- MAR 29-31 // London Bike Show (UK)
- APR 27-28 // Velo Berlin (DE)
- MAY 03-05 // Bespoked (UK)
- JUN 01-02 // Sea Otter EU (SP)
- JUN 22-23 // Flare Bicycle Festival (DE)
- SEP 04-07 // Eurobike (DE)
At which ones will we see you?
By the way, Ampler also has a great list on their upcoming test ride events on their website. ⚡️ And speaking of Ampler, they just launched their new 2019 collection! ⚡️ Read more about the launch in our newsroom.
And speaking of client news,
- Bookman Urban Visibility had a great show at ISPO
- SILCA introduced their Compact VIAGGIO Travel Pump.
- OBST&GEMÜSE has big news later this week! Stay Tuned.
Lastly, this week is Bike Motion here in The Netherlands!
We'll be there at these booths.
- SILCA - 09.A011
- Wahoo Fitness, 4iiii & Rokform - 11.D040
- AMPLER - 10.D054
Of course, there are heaps more rides and events to highlight in the coming months. Let me know if you'd like yours featured here in the newsletter.
As always, thank you for reading,
Jon
p.s.
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Cycling
ISPO Open Innovation and a premium bike brand have launched a gravel bike prototype
Be a part of product testing ahead of the market launch later this year.
This is an exclusive possibility to collaborate with an innovative brand on the final product fine-tuning and market introduction. The company is looking for open-minded gravel enthusiasts from various backgrounds and riding styles to document their riding, provide product feedback, discuss gravel topics within the ISPO Open Innovation community and represent the brand during photo/video shoots and industry events. Selected riders are going to interact directly with the product development team to co-create their definition of a new product category.
Three selected riders will be invited to the company headquarters twice (to pick up the bike and for an additional content production) as well as the press launch.
No details on the bike nor the brand will be disclosed to the public ahead of the press launch, but the company behind the project has a strong reputation for innovation.
To become one of the happy testers, you’ll have to apply on the ISPO Open Innovation project site and fill out a questionnaire there.
Sign up here: innovation.ispo.com/urs
The application phase will run from 13th of February to 3rd of March 2019.
Even in case you are not being selected, you might still be invited to a closed forum discussion group (in which the brand will get revealed) to discuss gravel topics with the brand representatives directly.
'Netflix-bikes' -- Startup Already Has 90,000 Monthly Subscribers
Dutch startup Swapfiets has global ambitions – it wants every city to have its blue-tired transportation bicycles. But they're not for sale. Instead, customers pay a monthly subscription fee, which guarantees an always working bike.
Mega impressive story!
CRC PATCHES
Cars-R-Coffins are 25 years old this year.
Get a patch!
Startups & Tech
I Cut the 'Big Five' Tech Giants From My Life. It Was Hell
A couple of months ago, I set out to answer the question of whether it’s possible to avoid the tech giants. Over the course of five weeks, I blocked Amazon, Facebook, Google, Microsoft, and Apple one at a time, to find out how to live in the modern age without each one.
Could you do it?
Sad by Design (the essay)
"As there are no lulls or quiet moments anymore, the result is fatigue, depletion and loss of energy."
A pretty heavy read, this title essay of Geert Lovink’s new book Sad by Design, forthcoming in May 2019 is worth a look. I look forward to the book.
@jamesllewis hand lettering workshop coming to Workspace Six this spring
Thank you Daniel for the intro! Date is TBD but likely in April! Let me and James know if you're keen!
Sales & PR
How (and Why) to Avoid Hiring That Terrible Google Dudebro
How can you avoid having his type in your startup? There are ways.
5 Clever Ways to Get More Referrals
Spotted this in my friend Terry's newsletter.
Referrals are key.
I emphasised this same thing last week!
Instagram Engagement Report 2019 - Data, insights & trends collected from 48M+ Instagram posts
Mention analyzed 48M+ Instagram posts & 300k+ top users - uncovering the latest trends and insights about Instagram engagement. Featuring data from Mention and resources from Hubspot: learn how the use of hashtags, working with micro-influencers, tagging users - will impact your 2019 Instagram strategy.
Radness
Tips For Traveling With Your bike
Doing any bike travel this year? Hear from pro cyclists, SILCA staff and cycling influencers regarding their tips and tricks for traveling with your bike to and from events.
Stoked to have been a part of this together with Frank!