Casualties of the current cycling industry slump continue to mount with news this week that i-Ride, the UK distributor behind popular Orro bike brand, have gone into administration.
Outlets including road.cc and Cycling Weekly report that i-Ride have laid off all staff at their new Sussex headquarters, with September's wages still unpaid.
The distributor, which deals in Shimano, Campagnolo, De Rosa and Continental as well as their popular in-house brand Orro bikes, has not yet confirmed the statements; but, on the evidence it looks like i-Ride are the latest cycling company to succumb to economic pressures following Brexit and the pandemic.
If confirmed, i-Ride would follow in the footsteps of distributors Moore Large, 2Pure and FLi who also closed recently. Retailers have not been immune either, with Wiggle CRC and Probikekit both going under only to be snapped up by Mike Ashley.
The downturn in cycling's fortunes has also seen several sportive companies forced to cease trading, notably Hotchillee and SportiveHQ.
Closing down sale at Elivar
Elsewhere this week, our reporter Bob Tavener alerts us that nutrition brand Elivar is closing down after 12 years in business.
All Elivar's remaining stock is now on sale with a "buy one, get one free" offer across their range of energy and recovery products for cyclists.
Co-founder Donal, writing to Bob, said: "Take full advantage. We need to clear the warehouse. It's best on someone's shelf.
"We're both good. It's been a journey - with ups and downs. That's the way of life.
"Much appreciate your custom over the years. We tended to have super loyal customers - we just could never seem to get enough."
Take advantage of the sale while stocks last at elivar.com.
Socks company folds
And finally, scrolling through Facebook this week threw up another closure with the news that Bissini is closing down.
The London-based socks brand, formerly trading as Pongo, are holding a sale with all of their Italian-made cycling and running socks now £10. Find out more at www.bissini.com.
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