Cell Bikes out of business

BobtheBuilder
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Re: Cell Bikes out of business

Postby BobtheBuilder » Mon Apr 30, 2018 11:05 pm

Thoglette wrote:That's unusual.
Yeah, I'd heard good things about them. Was two weeks ago. Maybe just one that slipped through or went to spam.

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Re: Cell Bikes out of business

Postby maillot jaune » Mon May 07, 2018 4:02 pm

A sad day indeed when Cell closed.
Cell was a great local company and I have regularly used them since the 1990s.
I used them as a first point of contact for equipment and bicycles that I have needed.
Cell was for me a LBS (local bike shop) as well as mail order supplier, another of my LBS has closed recently and I fear that the economy is not tracking as well as we are told by the politicians. The state government's anti cycling stance must also be a contributing factor as figures show less trips being made by bicycle. Unfortunately the future is not looking bright for the cycling fraternity of Australia and NSW in particular.

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Re: Cell Bikes out of business

Postby mikesbytes » Wed May 09, 2018 6:11 pm

maillot jaune wrote:A sad day indeed when Cell closed.
Cell was a great local company and I have regularly used them since the 1990s.
I used them as a first point of contact for equipment and bicycles that I have needed.
Cell was for me a LBS (local bike shop) as well as mail order supplier, another of my LBS has closed recently and I fear that the economy is not tracking as well as we are told by the politicians. The state government's anti cycling stance must also be a contributing factor as figures show less trips being made by bicycle. Unfortunately the future is not looking bright for the cycling fraternity of Australia and NSW in particular.
Hi maillot and welcome to the forum

Which is the other LBS that closed?
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Re: Cell Bikes out of business

Postby AUbicycles » Fri May 11, 2018 6:56 am

A few things to look at when understanding closures:

• Is the rate of bike shops opening and bike shops closing the same? i.e. is there an equilibrium or change?
• When a shop closes, are there other bike shops in the same general area? - i.e. was there too much supply for the demand
• Are other shops with comparable strategies closing? By strategy I mean, are other discount shops, or premium shops or specialist type shops or local bike shops having the same fate?

Often the changing industry with internet competition is cited as a problem by some shop owners BUT most businesses need to able to adapt and change to a changing market - plenty in Australia do and are successful. It could mean selling something that isn't competing or evening doing things (like growing a loyal customer base and reputation) - the proof is in a number of successful shops that operate successfully.

And what is going on behind the scenes - in Melbourne, BSC bike went through rapid growth and then closed all stores and went into liquidation owing a lot of money to suppliers. They were popular with customers and appeared to be going well but the management didn't check-out and this is actually a very common theme that there are spiralling problems but also owners sometimes down have the necessary skills to run a business successfully.

To summarise, it is not always just simply online competition or a decline in cycling. Something these may play a role but a business has to be in tune with their customers (and staff) and getting that bit right is also important.

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Mikesbytes, recent other Sydney closure was Cheeky Monkey. Perhaps that is the one that was meant.
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Re: Cell Bikes out of business

Postby zebee » Sun May 13, 2018 7:40 am

Bike shops are also not great money spinners. If rents go up then a shop can be just not viable. That's what happened to Cheeky Monkey: the kind of work they did couldn't keep up with the increasing inner city rents. Worhshop work and niche bikes couldn't bring in enough.

Happens with the kind of motorcycle place I prefer too. They don't get the volume of business. Mate of mine was a motorcycle mechanic at a small old fashioned sort of place and quit to work at a bike barn closer to home. The new place was all about moving motorcycles through the workshop as fast as possible, so exactly what was on the card and don't take any extra time. If you find something else needing doing you tell them when they pick it up and they get charged another base fee... That and the churn of bikes and loan/insurance kickbacks kept the place going.

Small shops don't sell the small high margin stuff like accessories much anymore either, the internet did kill that revenue stream.

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Re: Cell Bikes out of business

Postby Zippy7 » Wed May 23, 2018 5:02 pm

This appeared in the mailbox this afternoon.

=========
Dear **SUBSCRIBER**,

It is with a heavy heart, that after more than 15 years in business, we have had to close Cell Bikes. Changing market dynamics have made trading too difficult to continue operating the Cell Bikes business. Thank you for all of your support over the years.

Our website domain has now been transferred to Bicycles Online. We have great comfort in knowing that our loyal customers will be well looked after by Bicycles Online for any of their future cycling product needs.

Bicycles Online has a similar direct to market business model as we did at Cell Bikes so you can have comfort in knowing that you are still getting great value, and if there is anything that you would like them to carry please let them know.

Kind Regards,
Cell Bikes Team

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How will warranty claims be managed for previous Cell Bikes purchases?
We recommend that you contact the importer of the brand for all warranty claims i.e. in the case of Shimano, you would need to contact Shimano Australia etc. For warranty claims regarding Cell Bikes frames and house-branded products, claims will need to be directed to the Administrator of the Cell Bikes liquidation. Details can be found on the ASIC website at this link: click here

2. I recently purchased an item from Cell Bikes and have not received it. What happens now?
We recommend that you inform your credit card company or Paypal so that they can issue you a refund.

3. I have a Cell Bikes gift voucher. How can I redeem it?
You will need to claim your funds back from the Cell Bikes Administrator. Details can be found on the ASIC website at this link: click here
==========
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Re: Cell Bikes out of business

Postby mikesbytes » Tue Jun 19, 2018 9:50 pm

Drove past the Cell Bikes shop today, as I often do and the poor sale sign is still out.

Anyway I was thinking about Stanmore Cycles, it was a shop selling top end bicycles and when Cell bikes when in, the business for Stannmore Cycles went up as Cell Bikes would draw customers to the location and some would spot another bike shop walking distance from Cell Bikes and go visit them. Anyway when Bob decided to retire he failed to find a buyer and closed down.

Now I'm wondering about 99 Bikes, who are also walking distance from Cell Bikes, is their business better off or worse off now Cell Bikes have gone?
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Re: Cell Bikes out of business

Postby Calvin27 » Wed Jun 20, 2018 9:12 am

mikesbytes wrote: Now I'm wondering about 99 Bikes, who are also walking distance from Cell Bikes, is their business better off or worse off now Cell Bikes have gone?
Yes it's a little bit like the lygon st effect. Everytime someone asked my for bike recommendations, I'd take them there because in terms of range it was as good as it got. There are a few other spots like chapel st and port melbourne(don't like going there and the bikes are pitched at more high ends stuff). After that there is a little stretch on princess highway near caulfield that has a few shops. They do need to be close together and I don't think a bik shop could survive in isolation like that, but then again if one could 99 bikes would be it.
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Re: Cell Bikes out of business

Postby RonK » Wed Jun 20, 2018 9:25 am

Can't see any other comment about it, but I received an email on June 15 from BicyclesOnline explaining why they bought Cell Bikes.

Why we bought Cell Bikes?
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Re: Cell Bikes out of business

Postby mikesbytes » Wed Jun 20, 2018 2:11 pm

RonK wrote:Can't see any other comment about it, but I received an email on June 15 from BicyclesOnline explaining why they bought Cell Bikes.

Why we bought Cell Bikes?
I've wondered if those who clicked unsubscribe to their Cell Bikes mailing list have received this email from bicyclesonline. Suppose it depends on the quality of the info they got from Cell Bikes and whether they thought about it before mailing.
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Re: Cell Bikes out of business

Postby Bunged Knee » Wed Jun 20, 2018 7:27 pm

mikesbytes wrote:
RonK wrote:Can't see any other comment about it, but I received an email on June 15 from BicyclesOnline explaining why they bought Cell Bikes.

Why we bought Cell Bikes?
I've wondered if those who clicked unsubscribe to their Cell Bikes mailing list have received this email from bicyclesonline. Suppose it depends on the quality of the info they got from Cell Bikes and whether they thought about it before mailing.
Yes, I've unsubscribed Cell Bikes mailing list last year due to in not displaying the prices of products but only reviews in emails. So I've lost interest in their emails.

And I did received the bicyclesonline email about Cell Bikes despite of me unsubscribing it.

I think that Cell Bikes had sold the mailing lists to Bicyclesonline
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Re: Cell Bikes out of business

Postby Abby » Mon Dec 02, 2019 2:05 pm

And they're back?!

Cell Bikes back on social media, teasing a 4th December relaunch. A cool Youtube video, showing what appear to be both old and new models at their old this link is broken website.

I've racked up about 22000km on my Cell Akuna roadbike and its still going strong, really like it. So excited to see what's about to happen... :-)
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Re: Cell Bikes out of business

Postby mikesbytes » Mon Dec 02, 2019 9:09 pm

Abby wrote:
Mon Dec 02, 2019 2:05 pm
And they're back?!

Cell Bikes back on social media, teasing a 4th December relaunch. A cool Youtube video, showing what appear to be both old and new models at their old this link is broken website.

I've racked up about 22000km on my Cell Akuna roadbike and its still going strong, really like it. So excited to see what's about to happen... :-)
This video?

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Re: Cell Bikes out of business

Postby AUbicycles » Tue Dec 03, 2019 3:00 am

BicyclesOnline (based in Sydney's North and who have Marin and Polygon) got hold of the rights to the brand - but for clarity, not to the business and their liabilities/debt nor the customer support / warranty.

The bike designer with Cell Bikes was working with Bicycles Online - the fellow behind some of their good bikes.

In the video I recognise a fair bit of footage that I have seen before. The interesting thing I suppose is how far the brand recognition / legacy can push it back up. Although there is a separation with the new owners, there is also a connection so it may also take a bit of time to rebuild some of the goodwill - especially as in the final time with Cell Bikes, a lot went pear shaped and affected customers, suppliers and staff.
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Cell Bikes are back!

Postby Abby » Wed Dec 04, 2019 3:40 pm

So it turns out they've moved into the burgeoning ebike market. They've got a commuter ebike model that'll launch as an Aldi exclusive on 14th December, plus an e-MTB model.

Won't lie, I'm a bit disappointed. Was hoping they had a new carbon roadbike model coming out...

All the deets here: this link is broken
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Re: Cell Bikes out of business

Postby Bunged Knee » Wed Dec 04, 2019 6:18 pm

Abby wrote: So it turns out they've moved into the burgeoning ebike market. They've got a commuter ebike model that'll launch as an Aldi exclusive on 14th December, plus an e-MTB model.

Won't lie, I'm a bit disappointed. Was hoping they had a new carbon roadbike model coming out...

All the deets here: this link is broken
need the "https" in links.
https://this link is broken

7 or 9sp e-urban bikes
or 10sp e-mtb, and it goes up to 70km.

Don't like the look of the urban e-bikes with the battery on rear rack.

Not a good look fot Cell bikes to spruik the fizzled upcoming relaunch announcements and affiliates with Aldi.
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Re: Cell Bikes out of business

Postby AUbicycles » Wed Dec 04, 2019 6:42 pm

I have requested an interview with the Cell Bikes product manager / designer and if it goes to plan, can publish this week on BNA.
At this stage, it appears to be exclusively e-bikes so is a different concept to the original Cell Bikes.

Here are further details from press release received today.
Cell Bikes Press wrote:CELL Bikes, the original pioneers of direct to consumer bike sales in Australia, are relaunching to the Australian market with an exclusive bike shop quality e-bike range designed specifically for sale as a Special Buy through ALDI stores on December 14, 2019.

The CELL Ultimo 1.0 e-bike looks to set the benchmark for quality entry level e-bikes in Australia, featuring a lightweight alloy frame and Shimano™ drivetrain powered by a 250 watt motor for pedal assistance up to 25km/h for just $999.

The two models on offer – a step-through and a classic frame – both come with a lockable Lithium-ion battery with a range of up to 50km on a single charge, rear cargo rack, integrated lights and smartphone app as standard inclusions, representing incredible value for money at the price point.

“As early disruptors of the local bicycle market, we’re thrilled to bring CELL Bikes back with the power and reputation of ALDI behind us,” says Dave Musgrove, CELL Bikes lead product designer and brand manager. “In a very short period of time ALDI has established themselves as market leaders in both price and quality of their product offering – which is exactly what we want CELL Bikes to be known for again.”

It’s been two years since CELL Bikes disappeared from the market after being forced to close their retail operations due to intense competition, leaving behind a solid reputation of well-designed and well-reviewed bikes. CELL Bikes had previously sold over 100,000 bikes locally, and took great pride in providing quality ride experiences at entry level price points.

“The focus during the design process was consideration, not compromise,” says Musgrove, who was responsible designing many of CELL Bikes most popular models. “We know we’re often the first step when people decide to get back on a bike, so we want to make sure their experience is a positive one.”

“We didn’t build the brand on a budget offering, we built it on value. We design from the ground up, source and develop quality components, and manage every stage of the production process to ensure the ride experience is one we can be proud of.”
As with all ALDI products, the CELL Ultimo 1.0 is backed by the ALDI warranty and returns policy, and is subject to the highest levels of safety, quality and compliance testing. The CELL Ultimo 1.0 exceeds all legal e-bike standards in Australia.
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Re: Cell Bikes out of business

Postby Bunged Knee » Wed Dec 04, 2019 6:52 pm

Abby wrote:They've got a commuter ebike model that'll launch as an Aldi exclusive on 14th December,
Found from Aldi catalogue page17 info
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ps, not good for 50km range.

Better off to get e-bike kit.
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Re: Cell Bikes out of business

Postby bychosis » Wed Dec 04, 2019 8:33 pm

50km might be a bit light on, but is probably adequate for most users ... and if it’s $500 cheaper ...
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Re: Cell Bikes out of business

Postby 10speedsemiracer » Thu Dec 05, 2019 1:24 am

So it looks to me like it's just the name 'Cell Bikes' that's been acquired or being used by the new entity, and it sort of makes sense....'Cell' > electric bikes, i.e. Cell > Batteries....geddit ?

I wonder if these are just re-stickered generics though, as the Ultimo with the battery pack on the rear rack looks very familiar, but I can't place it. The reference to Entity components would indicate that BicyclesOnline are involved here at some level, so it looks like it's just a branding exercise at this point. Would be interesting (sort of) to see what happens when Christopher interviews Dave Musgrove.
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Re: Cell Bikes out of business

Postby Bunged Knee » Thu Dec 05, 2019 10:23 am

There's a review from eftm.com
Aldi Electric Bike Review: Cell Ultimo Urban makes electric-assisted cycling affordable.
This is a tipping point for electric mobility – Aldi is selling an Electric Bike, and as you’d expect from an Aldi “Special Buy” it’s a solid price too.
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Re: Cell Bikes out of business

Postby bychosis » Thu Dec 05, 2019 2:45 pm

^ this is the new ‘xerox subsidy’ charge your stuff at work on the company coin rather than at home.
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Re: Cell Bikes out of business

Postby mikesbytes » Fri Dec 06, 2019 1:25 pm

bychosis wrote:
Thu Dec 05, 2019 2:45 pm
^ this is the new ‘xerox subsidy’ charge your stuff at work on the company coin rather than at home.
That also means you are charging at a time when renewable energy availability is at its greatest
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Re: Cell Bikes out of business

Postby stevenaaus » Sat Dec 07, 2019 8:11 pm

Good idea having ebike batteries removable. Always a pain running leads out to my mate's bike.

Hmm - that review doesn't say anything about the Cell connection ?

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Re: Cell Bikes out of business

Postby uart » Sat Dec 07, 2019 9:05 pm

Bunged Knee wrote:
Wed Dec 04, 2019 6:52 pm
[ not good for 50km range.
Better off to get e-bike kit.
Not necessarily. The 374 W-hr battery capacity is quite reasonable, and the actual range of a pedelec is very much dependent on the assist level and the amount effort you put in.

Use a low assistance of about 100 to 120 Watts and you've got 3hr and probably 60+ km. If you use zero assist on all the real easy parts of the ride then you're probably looking at over 100 km.

Also, in the past I've found Aldi battery products tend to be quite conservatively rated (read that they quote realistically obtainable figures, and not the completely over-exaggerated bullcrap specifications that many online sellers use). Their cheap little AAA, AA etc NiMh cells are some of the best quality (and honestly rated) NiMh batteries that I've ever used.

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