Suppliers to Chicken Cycle–Kit
Many suppliers are long–established specialists in their particular field of production and are some of the most famous cycling equipment suppliers in Europe. Chicken offers the widest range of products in its entire 90 year history.
Founded in 1933 Campagnolo is arguably the most prestigious name in the world of cycle racing and has equipped the bikes of the world's elite riders for over 75 years. Racing is the company's test bench and is the severest test of the professional cyclist. Campagnolo supplies complete groupsets as well as individual cassettes, chainsets, gears, hubs, seat posts, brakes, chains, bottle cages, headsets, tools and wheels.
Chicken has risen rapidly to become its biggest UK outlet. During this time Campagnolo has re–developed more than 60% of its product range. The latest 11 speed drive–trains make your bike more versatile giving you the edge over other competitors. They are made with the utmost precision yielding unprecedented operating efficiency. The Super Record, Record, Chorus and Athena groups have led to a big resurgence in demand, particularly from triathletes and new converts to road cycling.
Chicken is now the principal source for service parts. Dealers throughout the U.K. refer warranty queries and obtain their Campagnolo requirements from us.
Cinelli was established in 1919 and Cinelli frames and racing bikes are legendary in racing history.
Way ahead of the field in design terms throughout the 80's and 90's, Cinelli has re–emerged as an unequalled maker of specialist bicycles. Cinelli has always treated design by its own definition of shape, technique, creativity, function, uniqueness and know–how. Every product has a defining idea. You can always tell a Cinelli – its' style is inimitable. The constant evolution of the bicycle is a synthesis of Cinelli's dreams and vision. Everything it makes is a product with passion " for our beloved two–wheel world ". Some are now in museums, others in private collections or at the company HQ outside Milan. Cinelli does not make a lot of bikes but those it does make are really well made.
Very affordable models, particularly the Xperience at under £1000, are available for the everyday commuter or weekend leisure cyclist.
A wider range of Columbus carbon forks is available from this specialist frameset producer – the Carve and Tusk (in various editions) also the Minimal Vintage. The latest steel Cromoly Gazetta joins the new XCr with Columbus Nuova carbon fork and the timeless Super Corsa in Columbus Neuron. The Mash frameset is made in Columbus Altec and the Zydeco in Columbus Zonal. The Vigorelli uses Columbus Airplane with a carbon steerer.
Datatag electronic tagging is well known in a vast variety of outdoor pursuits. This additional security system for cyclists can only be read by the police using the Datatag scanner. Currently in use at the roadside with 3500 forces rightful ownership can quickly be established. The ultra–destruct ID labels and polychromatic stickers offer visible warnings to potential thieves.
EBC supplies replacement disc brake pads suitable for almost every MTB bike sold in the U.K. Highly reliable and often superior to original equipment there is a choice of pad for general use, downhill racing or sintered high durability. The product is endorsed by Steve Peat the 2009 World Downhill champion – a rider renowned throughout the world.
A new marketing company with close connections to cycle sport in Australia, Jet Black offers cutting edge technology for less than you would expect. Great attention to detail is clear to see in an impressive range of turbo trainers, also training rollers and a range of sunglasses.
These trainers are robust equipment backed up with a complete spares service, designed for road and off-road bikes. Wide base with anti-slip feet they offer rock solid stability for the toughest rider. Super compact folding frame for easy transport and storage. Fits 24"-700c wheels.
KMC offers the finest range of bike chains in the world. Within the space of just 4 years KMC has succeeded in producing not only a chain for every user but also a chain of unequalled quality in every riding discipline. Since its inception some 30 years ago KMC has become the leading bike chain manufacturer in the world. Now fitted to the majority of bicycles.
The hollow pin is riveted according to the KMC Flat Step process, sealing the outer plate with an impressive 350k of pin power makes the X-SL range even stronger than the X-L. Sponsored XC MTB World Champion and Olympic gold medallist Sabina Spitz puts all her faith in KMC.
Italy is one of the main cycle helmet producers in Europe. Las is best know as the easy–fit helmet, preferred by many professional teams and offers just about the most comfortable helmet available – the Squalo. These are top of the market models offering many special features. The one hand roller adjustment to open or close the interior size as well as front / rear tilt is a boon. Summer and winter pads can be exchanged and together with chin–straps can be washed. Spare ratchet kits, visors and spoilers are available.
90 years ago Ferdinando Michelin started to make component parts. Throughout its history it has worked closely with Italian pro and amateur riders. Today the production is specifically high–end. By using CAD/Cam design and robots, albeit with a passionate human engineering knowledge, Miche produces an exceptional range of road wheels and components such as hubs, cassettes and chainsets.
Like Tulio Campagnolo and others, the origins of Moa and Nalini clothing go back to the racing days of cycling professional Vincenzo Mantovani, silver medallist at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. Today one of his sons, Claudio, overseas the production.
Nalini is one of the few firms still producing all their clothing in Italy. It's a big business employing a few hundred people. The machine room and other departments are full of old timers, who have spent their working life in this famous factory, just outside Mantova. The warehouse is a treasure trove, holding the history of cycling since the '70s when champions with no branding on their chest raced in the finest wool and silk garments. There was no sponsorship 40 years ago, just a little Nalini label. Slowly things changed. Some of the leading riders - Guimard, Moser, Bugno, Fignon, Ullrich and Indurain only wore Moa or Nalini clothing. They were followed by Di Luca, Friere, Valverde, Contador, Kloden and Cavendish in more recent times. It is a bespoke tailored business when it comes to pro riders - all their garment pieces are cut by hand.
The largely female staff could be said to favour their national heroes - Cipollini, Pereiro, Zabel and Chiappucci. Pro riding on the Continent is big business and entire teams are racing in Moa company strip. Astana, Columbia, Caisse d'Epargne, Liquigas, Cofidis, Francaise de Jeux and Eskatel continue to keep the brand to the forefront of the peloton. This is particularly true in the UK where major sponsors like adidas assist the Sky Team. The British Cycling squad has the same sponsor and many of the big names in racing are wearing Moa clothing.
Customized apparel forms another very large part of the Nalini production. A complete, tailored service is offered to amateur teams, cycle retailers and cycling clubs. Details are on the chicken b2b website and are printed in the back of the Cycle-Kit Trade Price List.
Pletscher is a very well–established Swiss company specialising in the manufacture of kickstands. It has a reputation for high quality mechanisms and these are evident in a new range of luggage racks. A number of different luggage options are available for them.
Rigida has been producing high quality rims since 1908. Today Rigida International is the world's largest group of rim manufacturers. The company philosophy is concentrate on what you are good at and has the capacity for unequalled innovation. The Safety Line, carbide supersonic side–walls, internal dimpling of spoke holes for E bike hubs and the patented tubeless system with seal are the most recent successes. Many models have single or double eyelets, offering an improved build quality and long life expectancy.
Ryde wheels are built in Germany using imported/ Taiwanese high quality hubs. The rims are special Rigida production, partly hand-built laced with Sapim spokes.
Sapim has made high quality spokes and nipples in Belgium for the last 90 years. Focusing only on the connection between rim and hub, age long manufacturing techniques and experience, the latest R & D, very strict quality controls have led Sapim to become one of today's leading spoke manufacturers. Knowledge is gained from various lab test centres as well as Pro Tour and MTB racing
Sponsorship is not just a marketing tool. Sapim wants to give athletes the very best. Racing teams like Rabobank, Discovery, Quickstep, Gerolsteiner and Highroad are all supplied with Sapim spokes. Many national and international mountain bikers are also sponsored, providing valuable input from the racing circuit – the best test bench of all.
The majority of Sapim spokes are custom made. Within the range there is a spoke suited to every wheel requirement. It is important to know the different arguments for whichever spoke in order to decide which wheelset fits which spoke best. You would be surprised just how many top wheel brands use Sapim. From our own specialist Hope to the very biggest wheel manufacturers, Sapim is their No.1 choice.
Selle Italia has been established since 1897 and is the ultimate saddle producer in the world. Within its extensive range, there is a model specifically suited to every cyclist of whatever discipline.
The 1960's were dominated by Eddy Merckx and to a lesser degree Felice Gimondi. Lighter weight Selle Italia saddles became available in the '70s and 10 years later Bernard Hinault was on his way towards 216 victories. All used Turbo and Turbomatic saddles as did Giuseppe Saronni, Francesco Moser and Miguel Indurain. The current resurgence in the retro market has led to the recent re-introduction of the original Turbo and Flite models as well as a Team edition of the Turbomatic with titanium rails.
The Flite arrived in the 90's the perfect saddle for the new mountain bikers. With a weight of less than 200g it was to prove the world's best selling racing saddle. Absalon was to make history with a series of MTB world titles.
The SLR is re-designed. New models join the XC range. These are now included in the IBD Money Back Guarantee scheme together with the range of Gel Flow saddles with anatomic cut-outs.
SKS has been established for 75 years and manufacturers mudguards, all types of pumps, tool kits and recently bum bags. Probably it is best known in the U.K. for Chromoplastic and Bluemels mudguards. All products are made in Germany – a benchmark for quality. Easy–fit Chromoplastics are the Rolls Royce of mudguards, the industry standard for road and hybrid bikes, though a MTB version also exists. The Bluemels range has a less expensive, slightly different profile. There is also the snap–on Race Blade in two widths in a variety of colours. Virtually all of the MTB mudguards are of the snap–on variety, offering all number of alternatives, some for fitting to specific bikes. This large and inexpensive range adequately covers any off–road mudguard requirement.
Famous for foot pumps, SKS offers the widest variety of models. Spare parts are available for all products, a significant factor in assessing the true value of owning anything made by them.
A top name in the U.K. cycling industry, Henry Squire has proud traditions dating back 228 years. Still today a forward–thinking company that has cultivated strong international links and inspired confidence in both customers and dealers. A highly respected independent firm recognised for innovative, niche products of the highest quality. Many of the locks have Gold, Silver or Bronze Sold Secure accreditation. Gold status is the first defence for bikes over £1000. Sold Secure is administered by Master Goldsmiths, a non–profit organisation.
Tifosi's much acclaimed build quality and design, combined with market beating prices have established an enviable reputation for value. From its conception in 2002 through to 2006 when alloy tubing became the norm, Tifosi held a special place in many hearts. Today, even more people can appreciate the value of Tifosi with an impressive new range of new bikes, components, bike bags and wheels.
Tifosi offers the ultimate customized option. You can have whatever crank length you want. You can choose a different set of forks or wheels to the standard. There are size options on bars and stems sizes as well as colour choices on bar tape, saddle and tyres. All Tifosi bikes have always had one thing in common – European components, albeit Shimano is also now available.
Time started making carbon components in France 12 years ago and now supplies carbon frame modules, forks, handlebars, stems, tape, bottle cages and seat posts. The market has seen an increasing demand for carbon parts and Time has achieved much fame in the bike racing with various successful Pro Tour teams and riders.
The new exclusive 2010 RTM production methods – all with lifetime guarantee – and new carbon fork generation results from the experience of sponsored Pro Tour teams (see website). Working to updated test norms it will be hard for others to equal the quality of the single step, continuous fibre fork manufacture for which numbered certificates will be issued.
Another big step forwards is the i–clic pedal system that uses a carbon blade instead of a spring tension mechanism. This invention will bring Time firmly back into the pedal market and tie–up neatly with the new range of shoes. As with Time off road shoes they are 100% compatible with all pedal systems.
Specialities T.A is one of France's oldest manufacturers of drinking bottles, bottle cages, crank– and chain–sets, chain rings and bottom brackets. The company was established in 1947 initially making bottle cages. This led to a bottle production plant which has supplied Coca Cola, Manchester United, British Airways and other notable companies with own name merchandise. The real fame for T.A. came from its extraordinary selection of chainrings. The lathe teeth cutting machinery is completely updated but it is the same procedure as always. This is the most accurate way of producing a chainring, whether it is for a pattern Campagnolo, Shimano, T. A. or any other type of chainset. Today all T. A. rings are anodised and highly polished for a long, corrosion free life. Still made from 7075 T6 heat treated alloy they are laser engraved with all data including markings for the correct orientation. All middle rings have 4 UD shifting pins for double ramps, significantly improving shifting of MTBs. It is the widest selection of rings available today.
Specialist chainsets, some with ratios and crank lengths unavailable elsewhere, help make T.A. a real specialist manufacturer.
Transfil has been established for 50 years and supplies control cables to the French car industry as well as inner wires and outer cables for bicycles. This bike range has the benefit of large–scale production runs on automatic machines running 24/7. The die drawn process eliminated the ripples of some of Transfil's wires, compacting them from a 12 to 11 micron thickness. This form of wire slicking eliminates stretching and reduces friction. The nipples are pressure injection moulded. By positioning the inner wire at the back of the nipple, the greatest strength is assured. Transfil product very significantly exceeds International Standards.
There are replacement wires for most Campagnolo, Shimano and Sram models. All are produced to the exacting requirements of the individual manufacturers. Going one step further, Transfil have used their undoubted skill to produce a range of specialist cable sets. Code named Flying Snake, Black Snake, Nox Snake and Mud Lovers each kit offers a different construction according to the needs of the consumer
Velox is a French company producing, amongst other things, a range of rim tapes essential for quality wheel building.
Velomann is the newest and technologically the most advanced bike computer manufacturer. Starting from the very basic 7 function wired on model, Velomann offers wireless 7, 10, 16, 20, 23, 28 and 31 function computers. The intuitive positioning of keys on either side of the computer allows for easy transition between all functions. The much reduced body thickness creates a slender form that suits all bikes. All models are water resistant with an automatic Km/m.p.h. conversion and carry a 3 year warranty. Every model has an easy tool free set up and a low battery indicator. A Smart Signal shows the exact distance between the sensor and the magnet that has a rapid fit attachment and will fit all types of spokes. It is quickly attached or removed from the bars.
Founded in 1953 at Madrone in Italy, the company employs more than 1000 people today in Italy, Thailand and N. America. 5 million bike tyres, 700,000 tubulars, 1.5 million butyl tubes and 350,000 latex tubes are produced in a factory 24/7. In spite of such mass production there is a degree of hand craftsmanship form the Corsa CX tub down to the Zaffiro clincher. Handmade in Thailand is printed on all Vittoria tyres. Winners of all the most important races in the world – on more than one occasion. Champions like Moser, Hinault, Bugno, Pantani, Bartoli, Meuseeuw, Ullrich, Cipollini, Armstrong, Petacchi, Basso, Cunego, Cancellara and Di Luca have all raced and won on Vittoria products. Current Pro Tour teams riding Vittoria are Cofidis, Liquigas, CSC, Lampre Euskaltel and Rabobank. There can be no finer recommendation.
The casing technology is the secret of Vittoria's outstanding quality. The greater the number of threads contained in the casing, the less rubber is needed to fill the gaps. This means less weight and more comfort. Rolling resistance is also decreased.
Apart from tubular, track and road models, Vittoria offers a very comprehensive range of city/trekking and randonneur models. All have puncture protection.