About the Brands
Lapierre has a high profile in its native France, a profile in no way hindered by being the bike of choice for multiple World Champion Nico Vouilloz (who's enjoying one of those Ned Overend-style "retirements" that doesn't appear to involve giving up bike racing). We've encountered Lapierre at trade shows but its expanding export portfolio hadn't reached the UK. Until now - Hotlines Europe has stepped up the plate with a distribution deal that will begin with the 2008 range .
Lapierre has a long history, having been founded in 1946 by Gaston Lapierre in Dijon, France. The company's production and R&D is still based there. Obviously it wasn't doing MTBs in 1946, but today there's a full range of mountain and road bikes.
German brand Cube are slowly setting up a UK dealer network. We've been impressed by the bikes we've seen so far, especially the 'choose your own finishing parts' options. You can either go for a frame and fork with headset and stem, or a complete bike with your choice of groupset, fork and brakes. Either way, value for money is excellent and build quality is superb.
Check them out you will not be dissapointed!
The Whyte brand was conceived to design and create the best performing and most technically advanced Mountain Bikes available. In the past, bikes like the PRST-1 and Whyte 46 have created whole new riding genres and revolutionised the UK Mountain Bike scene.
Every Whyte Mountain Bike is designed and tested in the UK. At Whyte they all ride the same UK trails, races and events as you and your friends and this is reflected in the design of every bike. Our class-leading mud clearance, lifetime-warrantied bearings and choice of UK-proof components are just the tip of the iceberg. Test ride to fully understand why Whyte Mountain Bikes are the perfect choice for UK riders.
Kona makes specific bikes for specific needs. Whether a new design for a world-class athlete or an interesting character riding to the corner deli, Kona makes listening to riders a company mainstay. The leading manufacturer of bicycles and accessories for World Cup downhill, professional road racing, and the freestyle scene, Kona bikes takes time and listens to what core riders want. Kona is about good design without unnecessary hype, and listening as its primary focus.
