Bike Europe

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Volume 15, nr. 4 April 2011

www.bike-eu.com Type Approval Review: ‘Consideration for LEVs’ BRUSSELS, Belgium – End of March Wim van de Camp ‘Rapporteur’ of the EU Committee on the Internal Market & Consumer Protection (IMCO) which is handling the review of type-approval Directive 2002/24/EC for motorized two-wheelers, has been test riding and examining e-bikes and speed pedelecs just prior to the hearing in the European Parliament on the type approval review. Later that day, at the IMCO hearing on the type-approval review, he stated that light electric vehicles should get special consideration in Parliament’s legislative work. He added that he and his colleagues were not completely sure yet about what to do and how to do it. However, he thought there was a clear need to create some space for innovation. Prior to IMCO hearing the European TwoWheelers Retailers’ Association (ETRA) presented European Parliament members (MEP’s) the opportunity to test ride some e-bikes and light electric vehicles. They could try out several 250 W pedelecs and one 300 W speed pedelec bike, which requires type-approval, a helmet, a driving licence and insurance. Rapporteur Wim van de Camp was present and took a long time examining and testing the vehicles.

Positions Before the IMCO hearing the European bicycle industry organization’s COLIBI/COLIPED made their positions clear regarding the review of type-approval legislation for two-wheelers and e-bikes in particular. Both industry organizations are in favour of maintaining the current specifications as described in the Directive 2002/24/EC. “The most important reason for our opinion is road safety”, stated COLIBI/COLIPED in an open letter to Van der Camp. “It should be clear that both many bicycle lanes and bicycles themselves are not designed for safe use over 25 km/hour. Also, the bigger the difference between riders with lower and higher speed, the more dangerous it becomes to share the same space (cycle paths) on public roads. COLIBI and COLIPED fully agree that more powerful (> 250 W) and faster (> 25 km/h) electric two-wheelers fall within the scope of the European Directive 2002/24/EC and therefore need type-approval. This situation is very clear to and respected by the European bicycle industry.” COLIBI/COLIPED also state that the fact

launches 9 Interview Peugeot’s Annie Faivre & Catherine Louis 10 Market Report Poland and

Czech Rep. 11 Market Report Slovenia 12 Market Report Russia 13 Market Report Baltic

States 14 Report Velocity 15 Report Marwi Moves 16 Report SRAM Taiwan 17 Review

MetroMobile 18 Taipei Cycle Products 20 FOCUS Frames 21 Column ETRA 22 People

Trade Journal for the European Bicycle & Scooter Market BRUSSELS, Belgium – This trade journal reported earlier that a decision for a continuation or a drop of the anti-dumping duties on complete bikes as well as parts made in China is not expected before the end of this year. That now appears to be wrong. According to Moreno Fioravanti, President of the European industry association COLIPED, a decision will be made by October 2011. In Taiwan, worries are increasing, with the country’s bike industry fearful that Chinese bike makers will launch an all-out assault on European markets once the duties are lifted, which will hurt Taiwan’s exports severely.

The general consensus in the Taiwan industry is that the anti-dumping duties on China made bikes and parts will be dropped. With that, Taiwanese manufacturers expect an assault on the EU markets by the Chinese makers which will hurt Taiwan’s export severely. Photo TAITRA

Worries rising in Taiwan on expected battle with China for Europe once duties are dropped

Decision on EU Anti-Dumping Measures China-Made Bikes & Parts Expected for October Wim van de Camp (left) ‘Rapporteur’ of the EU Committee handling the review of type-approval Directive, stated after test-riding an e-bike that light electric vehicles should get special consideration in Parliament’s legislative work. Photo ETRA

that low performance EPACs (< 250W & < 25 km/h) are exempted from the European type-approval, doesn’t mean that they are completely regulation free. Indeed, these vehicles have to comply with both the Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Directive 2004/08/EC and with the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC. Moreover, and at the request of our European bicycle industry, CEN TC 333 ‘Cycles’ developed a specific standard for EPACs that are exempted from Directive 2002/24/EC, i.e. EN 15194 ‘EPAC’. Also the European Cyclists Federation (ECF) expressed their concerns regarding the revision of the EU Directive 2002/24/EC as they are concerned about the safety aspects. “Increasing the power of the auxiliary electric motor or even deleting the technical specifications as laid down in the Directive 2002/24/EC and proposed Regulation, could mean that the European market would be flooded with unsafe electric twowheelers and a growing pressure on authorities to allow them on cycling infrastructure. There is clear evidence that the shared use of cycling infrastructure by ever more powerful electric vehicles and “normal” bicycles (i.e. without electric support) will worsen the comfort and safety of the latter, especially children and elderly people. We kindly ask you and IMCO to consider our position when you discuss the revision of the directive.” More on type approval regulations for LEVs on pages 2 and 21.

Shimano and SR Suntour Donate to Japan’s Earthquake Victims OSAKA, Japan – Recently Shimano Inc. announced that it has donated JPY 100 million(around € 850,000) to earthquake victims in Northeast Japan. Also Shimano Europe made a substantial donation to the Japanese Red Cross Society

2 News & Editorial 4 Report Schwalbe expands 5 Financial News 6 e-Bike News 8 Peugeot

as well as SR Suntour. The companies expressed: “Our heartfelt sympathy to the people affected by the earthquake and sincerely hope for safety and swift recovery of the people and the affected area.”

At last month’s Taipei Cycle Show Bike Europe spoke with Moreno Fioravanti, President of COLIPED, the European association for parts makers. He said the European Commission will take the regular 15 months to decide for a withdrawal or continuation of the anti-dumping measures. With the expiry review being announced in July 2010, this means that in October 2011 a decision is needed and will be made.

China in violation Asked whether he thinks the dumping duties of 48.5% on bikes and parts imported from China will be continued or not, he said that nothing is sure at this moment. “However, the Chinese are in clear violation of all trade rules as they re-instated their export subsidy which they call ‘tax rebate’ of 18%,” claimed Fioravanti. He also said that it is estimated that annually about 2 million China made bikes are entering the European Union markets under false Form A certificates, noting, “This is also harming the European industry.” It goes without saying that the European industry associations are using these allegations in their contacts with the EU anti-dumping committee.

Worries Recent press reports in Taiwan indicate industry members in the country expect

the dumping duties for China to be lifted. The press reports state the decision is expected by the end of the year, which is, as indicated by Fioravanti, wrong. The decision made by the European Commission is due to EU’s strict dumping procedures lawfully needed this October 2011. In 1993 the first anti-dumping measures were enforced by the European Union, on all complete bicycles imported from China. The general consensus in Taiwan is currently that another five year term is highly unlikely and that the duties will be dropped. With that, the Taiwan industry expects an assault on the EU markets by the Chinese makers. The Taiwan bike manufacturers are seriously taking into account that such an assault will not be targeted to the lower ends of the market, but will in fact be aimed at the mid to high end market. This is the core business of the Taiwan industry. The Taiwan industry exported about 3.5 million units to the EU in 2010 with the average value of a Taiwan-made bicycle at close to $300 US.

Dumping duties on shoes By the way, on March 16 it was published in the Official Journal of the European Union that the anti-dumping duties on leather shoes from China, Vietnam and Macau have been dropped. The European Commission will monitor the import situation for one year, indicating that it may re-impose provisional

Moreno Fioravanti, President of COLIPED: ‘Chinese are in clear violation of all trade rules as they re-instated their export subsidy.’ Photo Bike Europe

duties if it notices any surges in imports of these products. Before drawing a parallel with the dumping case on bicycles and parts, it has to be noted that there’s a huge difference. The European Shoe Industry Federation (CEC) didn’t request a new anti-dumping investigation, after pressure from the Commission. The European bicycle industry associations COLIBI (for bike manufacturers) and COLIPED (for parts makers) did.

Strong Recovery for US Bicycle Market WASHINGTON, US – In 2010 the US bicycle imports came close to setting a record for units entering the country. It did set a record for total FOB value of bicycle imports. Last year a total of 19,876,313 bicycles were imported in the US, an increase of no less than 33.2% related to 2009. Keeping in mind that 2009 was a recession year, the increase of just over 33% in bicycles of all wheel sizes imported

through December 2010 is a clear recovery from the downturn of the previous year. Nevertheless the recovery is remarkable as 2009 sales were the lowest in a decade, while 2010 is the second best since 2000. The total FOB value of all bicycles imported during 2010 totaled US$1.3 billion, setting a new all time record for the annual FOB value of U.S. bicycles imports. The main supplier for the US market is still China. Last year they exported 18,918,753 bicycles to the US, an increase of 34.2%.

The average FOB unit value remained more or less the same at US$51.04. While US bicycle imports originating in China jumped significantly in unit volume, bicycles imported from Taiwan showed a more modest increase of 11.4%, to 854,626 units. This difference could be attributed to the more modest increase and stability at the upper end of the US bicycle market, where US brands tend to purchase more high-end product from Taiwan compared to China.

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And calls all rumours and stories on Dutch bike maker: ‘Nonsense and gossip’

CEO Bert Piëst Resigns and Leaves 'Strong Gazelle' DIEREN, the Netherlands – CEO Bert Piëst has left Gazelle and handed the management of the Dutch bike maker over to Jeroen Walraven. The reason for the departure, according to Piest: “My job is done. I am leaving a strong Gazelle.” By Jack Oortwijn

In 2008 Bert Piëst took over Gazelle management from Ruud Sjamaar who had headed the company since Gilde Buy Out Partners bought the Dutch bike maker for €142.5 million from Derby’s Alan Finden-Croft. Since 2008, Bert Piëst turned around the: “Financially stressed company, as we focused strongly on cash flow which is positive now. Since then also the SAP system was implemented. A new generation of e-bikes has been developed as well as a complete new line-up of bikes including life-style models as well as a new hiend brand called Gold Line. Dealers apparently appreciate our efforts as order intake is high and for the new generation electric bikes even phenomenal. With that my job is done. There’s a strong basis now for further growth in the coming years and due to that I have resigned.”

Different picture At last month’s Taipei Cycle strong rumours were going around that paint a completely different picture for Gazelle. Numerous suppliers of the Dutch bike maker told Bike Europe that credit insurances for Gazelle were to stop mid April. Asked if Piëst doesn’t feel that him leaving the company under this circumstances contribute to the nervousness of his partners, he says: “There’s no need for that. The fact that I am leaving now is a

positive signal. Gazelle is doing great.” Referring to the credit insurances that were to drop mid April, he says: “This is nonsense. Gossip. Next to that suppliers have nothing to worry about; we are meeting all our payment schedules and deadlines.” (Some weeks after the interview with Piëst took place, Bike Europe was informed by one Gazelle supplier that it was again possible to open credit insurances for deliveries to the renowned Dutch bike maker). Also nonsense and gossip according to Piëst are all indications of Gazelle owners actively seeking to sell the company, or that the Gilde Buy Out Partners shareholding has been taken over by the Rabobank. “Such stories have been going around since 2001; since Gazelle was sold to Gilde. The only thing that’s true about it is that Gilde is open for all strategic options.” Bert Piëst is succeeded by Jeroen Walraven who comes from Dorel Industries. The fact that part of Dorel Industries is the Cycling Sports Groups including (among others) Cannondale, doesn’t mean anything in relation to Gazelle. “I had nothing to do with bikes at Dorel. I was involved in Maxi Cosi kid products. My job at Gazelle will next to the daily management be focusing on supply chain optimization and market trends and developments.”

Bert Piëst: ‘There’s a strong basis now for further growth in the coming years and due to that I have resigned.’

Bert Piëst is succeeded by Jeroen Walraven who comes from Dorel Industries. Photos Bike Europe

Competition

Editor in Chief JACK OORTWIJN

At this moment most are still lying in wait. However, some are now joining the bandwagon. I am talking about companies like Peugeot. In this Bike Europe issue we present Peugeot’s e-Vivacity; their all new electric scooter, on page 8. I was invited to attend its launch party and frankly, I was impressed. Electric scooters are really something totally different when compared to gasengine scooters. With its very precise motor control, reduced vibration, noise, and emissions and maintenance-free usage combined with running costs just a tenth of that required for a similar combustion engine vehicle, the e-Vivacity presents a view of how the future looks like. Peugeot is the first of the renowned scooter brands to launch an all-new electric scooter. And many more are to come, as sales for electric scooters are growing rapidly. In fact what is happening now with e-scooters shows a similar trend to what happened with electric bicycles. I was able to interview some Peugeot officials at the e-Vivacity launch (see page 9). Despite their claim that, “Electric bicycles are completely different compared to electric scooters. They are targeting different age and user groups,” I am convinced electric scooters and the companies behind them will grow into firm competitors for electric bicycles. Simply because companies like Peugeot will not stop their product development at just one escooter. “Electric vehicles are now part of the Peugeot strategy,” said the Peugeot officials I interviewed. Of course this is strongly related to the ‘decarbonisation of transport’; a European Commission’s objective. I am certain companies like Peugeot will present electric two-wheelers which are much closer in styling and characteristics to electric bicycles than to electric scooters in the near future. The first examples of such two-wheelers are already popping up. Yamaha for instance, with its EC03, is one example. What was, in my view, also striking is what the interviewed Peugeot officials said regarding my questions on the new typeapproval regulations for motorized two-wheelers. They made very clear that the powered two-wheeler companies “are pushing for special LEV regulations within the new EU type-approval.” This is contrary to bicycle industry organizations COLIBI and COLIPED that only focus on keeping the regulations for electric (pedal assisted 250 W – 25 km/h) bicycles as they stand now. In my view that’s too short-sighted, particularly in view of competitors such as Peugeot now joining the e-bandwagon.

jack.oortwijn@reedbusiness.nl

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Meghna Group Makes Transworld Dahon Plans New Facility in China SHENZHEN, China - Dahon, the world's largest maker of folding bicycles, thinks moving inland will help Bicycle Independent regain the low cost advantage the company once had in Shenzhen, located in southern China. "It makes sense," says founder and Dahon CEO Dr. David Hon. "It could be a year, it could be two, but it seems like we'll be probably moving the bulk of manufacturing there."

TAIPEI, Taiwan – The largest bicycle maker in Bangladesh, Meghna Group, announced by Chairman Mizanur Rahman, that Transworld Bicycle Co. Ltd. becomes a standalone company with shared control across his family. By Jack Oortwijn

Transworld Bicycle Co. Ltd. is now an independent company with MMA Tanvir Titash promoted to CEO. Titash (Mizanur Rahman’s brother-in-law) said at last March’s Taipei Cycle Show in Taipei: “Due to the new, more relaxed rules for the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) we are now able to focus more on hi-end bikes for export to Europe. Transworld are an export only factory producing OE bikes to international export quality for clients across Europe and we can count on some renowned names like Raleigh and Diamondback. For over 20 years, we have supplied consistent quality for such brands with an experience workforce, of which the majority have 8 to 9 years experience in assembling bikes to the demanding standards of our European customers.” Meghna Group has its bicycle production now taking place at the brand new facility named Uniglory Cycle Industries Ltd, in Ghazipur, about 60 km from the capital

JD’s Big TranzX PST Secret

Transworld Bicycle Co. Ltd. CEO MMA Tanvir Titash: ‘Transworld is a 100% OE maker.’

Meghna is now also targeting the European Aftermarket for tyres and saddles. Photos Bike Europe

city of Dhaka. This company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Meghna Group. “It is a state-ofthe-art unit which took an investment of USD 5 million,” said Rahman. The new, opened last year, facility has been built from machinery imported from Holland Mechanics, a paint plant from Taiwan, a TIG welding plant from Japan and “white” lighting from Singapore. With the Uniglory Cycle facility Meghna Group are focusing more on the production of alloy bikes and its Indigo branded bikes. “This is the brand that we want to push and establish in Europe. It is

a complete range of bikes developed using branded components that are right for Central Europe.” said Rahman. He further mentioned in Taipei that Meghna, next to bikes, is now also targeting the European Aftermarket for tyres and saddles. “We have started tyres and saddles production for the Aftermarket for which we have installed in-house graphic design for labelling the products and for special packaging services. The new GSP rules offer us advantages with such parts as we are able to export these, like our bikes, import duty free to Europe.”

Panther Werke Starts Cooperation with e –Bike Developer Grace WAGES, Germany – Germany’s Panther Werke AG has started the production of the Grace One electric motorcycle recently. It is part of a partnership between the two companies that will also involve the development of new electric bikes.

JD’s highly secret TranzX PST project where Bike Europe was allowed to have a quick look. Photo Bike Europe

TAIPEI, Taiwan – No, it wasn’t in the spotlights at the JD booth in Taipei. It starred only at the e-Bike test ramp during last March’s Taipei Cycle where Bike Europe was allowed to have a quick look at it before it was again covered up. It’s all about a highly secret TranzX PST project code named ‘AGT’. At next September’s Eurobike JD will launch it and expects it to revolutionize electric bicycles. JO

The Grace One is in fact an electric motorcycle, as it is equipped with a 1300 Watt strong motor. The bike was developed by Grace in cooperation with Kalle Nicolai; the renowned German frame builder. As Grace MD Michael Hecken decided to have its Grace One go into series production, Nicolai recommended Panther Werke AG. The bike manufacturer located in eastern Westphalia finalized its partnership with Grace recently. PantherWerke is producing the Grace bikes at individual workstations. The partnership between the two companies goes beyond just production, as synergy effects

The Grace One electric motorcycle.

Photo Grace

are used in purchasing and in R&D. Panther Werke AG, founded in 1896, is one of the largest suppliers to German bicycle retailers. The company controls a group of subsidiaries producing about 450,000 bicycles annually. Grace was founded in 2010 and now exports its e-bikes to 16 countries. JWvS

The company is studying sites in central China. It also has been testing out a facility in Tianjin, near Beijing, for nearly two years. Dahon is already producing bikes for the domestic market at the Tianjin facility which is 11,000 m² in size. Dahon is currently building lower end folding bikes in Tianjin and will gradually move upwards into higher level bikes in the near future. The company will also manufacture its proprietary frames there before delivering them to factories in China, Taiwan, Macao and the Czech Republic for final assembly. In addition to the Tianjin facility, Dahon will keep what is currently its main production facility in Shenzhen where all of the re-

search and development work is handled. Here the company runs a 35,000 square meter facility with almost 1,000 employees and three assembly lines.

New facility Dahon also has plans in place for a complete new manufacturing facility in China. Dr. Hon originally unveiled these plans in 2008. The global financial crisis that broke out that year ended up delaying the project. With the economic situation improving and with the demand for Dahon folding bikes again rising, the plans are again on the table. They call for a plant that will initially include four to five floors with extra capacity to be added easily by constructing extra floors. The building will featu-

Founder and Dahon CEO Dr. David Hon with a model of the new Dahon plant which will be located more inland in China in order to regain the low cost advantage the company once had in Shenzhen. Photo Bike Europe

re solar panels for partial energy self-sufficiency and will have a production capacity of 500,000 bikes per year. “We are excited about these developments as they will greatly improve both quality and delivery times for all our markets in the short-term and secure our continued growth in the long-term.” said Dr. Hon. JO

AXA Opens New HQ and Presents New Corporate Identity VEENENDAAL – Beginning April Dutch maker of locks and lighting components, Axa Stenman, opened its new HQ in Veenendaal, the Netherlands. Next to the new and partly renovated facility which was showed to numerous guests; also the new AXA brand was presented by CEO Peter van Vlijmen. “AXA: Unlocking the future.” With this motto Van Vlijmen introduced the new umbrella brand name AXA. "AXA has the X in the middle, which represents the intersection between innovation and product development on the one hand, and the demands and needs of our customers and consumers on the other," he said. This brings AXA, according to Van Vlijmen, back in the innovation race, which among others has been translated into several innovation awards (Bicycle Innovation Award, Eurobike Award and Red Dot Design Award). With AXA as powerful and unique brand, the names Basta and De Woerd are dropped as separate brands. Simultaneously, a new corporate identity is introduced with the AXA name in silver and black, as well as a new range of Aftermar-

ket packaging which is to enter the shops soon. Next to the new HQ and brand CEO Van Vlijmen also pointed out that the component maker opted for a new business structure. He said: “In order to facilitate further growth we are now operating with two business teams (for bike components and for builders hardware) which incorporate marketing, product development and sales. This approach brings AXA closer to its the two core markets and turns it from a production-driven into a customer focused company.” AV

‘AXA: Unlocking the future.’ With this motto CEO Van Vlijmen introduced the new umbrella brand name AXA. Photo AXA

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Production up by 20% and new facility for tubulars

Schwalbe Expands in Volume and in High-End Tyres BEKASI, Indonesia – The fact that Schwalbe is the tyre sponsor of the Leopard – Trek top team of Fränk and Andy Schleck as well as World Time–Trial Champion Fabian Cancellara, is perhaps the best illustration of the big ambitions Europe’s leading tyre supplier has for its tubulars. For these ultra high-end road race tyres the company and its partner in Indonesia – Pt. Hung A Tire - recently opened a separate production facility in Indonesia. Bike Europe was invited to take a look and also to check out the huge manufacturing plant which ships over 1.5 million Schwalbe tyres to Europe every month. By Jack Oortwijn

Apparently huge production numbers is something the people at Pt. Hung A Tire are used to. Without batting an eyelid they mention that well over 15 million tyres were shipped to Europe in 2010. The total production of the facility in Bekasi (near Jakarta) in Indonesia stood at close to 28 million ‘regular’ tyres, as well as close to 40 million tubes last year! Even that was not enough as production was expanded by another 20%.

More than partnership

Yong Wan Jung heads up the factory and its over 4,100 employees that produced close to 30 million ‘regular’ tyres and 40 million tubes last year. He is a member of the Hung-A family which is ‘closely connected’ to the Bohle family that owns Schwalbe.

While touring the factory it doesn’t look as huge as its production numbers might suggest. But that probably has to do with the fact that the Pt. Hung A Tire facility is a 24/7 business, running three shifts 7 days a week. Because the facility has its own power plant and water supply, it can operate without stopping for the power outages that are often a fact of life in Indonesia. Yong Wan Jung heads up the factory and its over 4,100 employees. He is a member of the Hung-A family that started a tyre business in Korea during the war between the North and South parts of the

country. It took the family about 20 years to turn it into the leading tyre maker of the country. In the 70’s big changes took place as the first meetings with Schwalbe founder Ralf Bohle were held. In 1973 this turned into a formal partnership with Ralf Bohle GmbH taking an over 20% stake in the company of the Hung-A family. That partnership has only became stronger since then, says Holger Jahn. He is chief operations officer of Ralf Bohle GmbH as well as stakeholder. “Since those early days it turned into more than a partnership. The two families and companies are closely connected. We share the same philosophy, the same basic principles. It’s unique. I have seen it grow since I joined Bohle in 1992. At that time operations were started here in Bekasi. The Hung-A production moved from to Indonesia as Korea became too expensive for the production of tyres.�

Ralf Bohle GmbH is the exclusive partner for the Pt. Hung A Tire made Schwalbe tyres. The business model is clearcut: R&D, marketing and sales takes place from Germany; production and QC takes place in Indonesia.

res. The business model is clear-cut: R&D, marketing and sales takes place from Germany, as well as other European countries where Ralf Bohle GmbH holds subsidiaries or distributors. Production and QC takes place in Indonesia. During the last twenty years, since the production is located in Indonesia, not only the production volume expanded hugely, but also the level of the Schwalbe tyres progressed distinctively. High-end folding tyres were added to the line-up in 2000, tubeless MTB tyres in 2001, and more recently the Balloon models, as well as the Rocket Ron’s or the Racing Ralph’s. It goes without saying that with the higher quality levels of the Schwalbe tyres the (retail) prices also increased. Currently they stand at between â‚Ź17 to about â‚Ź45 for the ‘regular’ tyres. Tubulars are of course more expensive. For how much more, read on. When touring the Pt. Hung A Tire facility in Bekasi Bike Europe was amazed by the number and levels of quality checks. There’s a 100% check (each individual tyre!) on looks and whether the tyre is straight. Each of the 3.3 million tubes that leave the factory every month are also checked. Currently they are produced at 17

Exclusivity Ralf Bohle GmbH is the exclusive partner for the Pt. Hung A Tire made Schwalbe ty-

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Is it a weaving-mill or a tyre factory? The densely woven protection belts, called High Density Speed Guards, are made at the new Schwalbe tubular production facility.

What is remarkable at the Schwalbe tyre plant in Indonesia is the number and levels of quality checks. There’s a 100% check (each individual tyre!) on looks and whether the tyre is straight. Photos Bike Europe

extrusion lines (a big expansion was made here in order to produce more slowly to attain a more consistent quality). After clearing the production line each tube is inflated. After 32 hours it’s checked for leaks before packaging.

Tubular production Is it a weaving-mill or a tyre factory? That’s the question when seeing the Schwalbe tubular production. The densely woven protection belts, called High Density Speed Guards, are made here. Later in the production process they are stitched and glued together with a latex tube and RaceStar Triple Compound for excellent performance. The result is the Schwalbe Ultremo series with the ZX and ZLX as the absolute top. Not only in the reduction of rolling resistance and performance, claims Schwalbe, but also in weight with only 160 grams. There’s a huge difference between the ‘regular’ Pt. Hung A Tire facility and the tubular factory. Probably the same as between the VW and Porsche plants. Here in a more relaxed atmosphere about 5,000 tubulars per month are made. Almost nothing compared to tens of millions made elsewhere at the same industrial estate of Bekasi.

Nevertheless, the tubular production means a huge step for Bohle and its Korean partner. And not only in prices, as the cheapest tubular retails for over ₏65. But it also takes Schwalbe to the absolute top in the tyre business‌ and in road racing, as the Schwalbe sponsored Leopard – Trek top team with the Schleck brothers and Cancellara have high ambitions to match Schwalbe’s tubular hopes.

The High Density Speed Guards are stitched and glued together with a latex tube and RaceStar Triple Compound for excellent performance of the Schwalbe tubulars.

Schwalbe Opens Logistic Center for Asian OEMs BEKASI, Indonesia – Mid-March Schwalbe (Ralf Bohle GmbH) opened a logistics center for its Asian OEM customers in Indonesia, almost next door to its factory in Bekasi. Schwalbe Asia is to reduce the tyre maker’s lead time for Asian OEMs. Holger Jahn, COO of Ralf Bohle GmbH, officially opened Schwalbe Asia. In an informal speech for a group of Schwalbe clients and distributors, he noted with pride that with the new logistic center Schwalbe is now able to increase its service level for Asian OEMs. “Bicycle manufacturers in Asia pushed us to bring down our lead times, which were three months. With Schwalbe Asia we focus on bringing the lead time down to one month. However, in order to be able to reach this, we need forecasts from our Asian clients. With their forecasts we can produce on stock and have frequent deliveries from our warehouse.� Schwalbe Asia came ‘online’ last February after a long period of planning and construction, after establishing a computer link between Schwalbe Asia and Schwalbe Germany. At the moment of opening the new warehouse was still mostly empty. “That’s because operations started here only two weeks ago and because most of the production of the Schwalbe tyres, tubes and tubulars is directly shipped to the various markets,� explained Jahn. “We need to build up our stock levels in the coming weeks,� continued Holger Jahn. He further outlined that the total capacity of the logistic center is 400,000 tyres. “With our factory located next door, we are able to replenish our stock almost daily

Holger Jahn, COO of Ralf Bohle GmbH (left) and general manager Petrus Muda officially opened Schwalbe Asia. ‘Bicycle manufacturers in Asia pushed us to bring down our lead times, which were three months. With Schwalbe Asia we focus on bringing the lead time down to one month,’ said Jahn at the opening.

and with that establish a rapid stock turnaround. Direct shipments to OEMs from the factory will continue as normal. This logistics center is an extra more just-in-time service we offer to OEMs.� Schwalbe Asia is foremost focused on Taiwan and China but shipments to other countries like Cambodia or Vietnam are of course also possible.

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March: Bicycle share values resistant to Japanese catastrophe

Nippon catastrophe = Japanese back on bikes MUNICH, Germany – While in March the world stock market was hidden by the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear catastrophe in Japan our bike stock chart was somehow able to perform at its best. What was especially ironic was that the Japanese share values in our chart did the best out of the catastrophe. The reasons are easy to explain. Jo Beckendorff

also a scary ride. But for all of us it was the only way to travel back home and look for our families.” What does this story have to do with our stock chart? Four of our five Japanese share values ended up with a March share value increase. Only the bicycle wholesaler and supplier Tsunoda ended up on the same share value as the month before. Note that the last Tsunoda share value we received is dated 15th March and we could not figure out at the time of writing why there was no further development between 15th and 31st March. Nevertheless parts makers Araya (plus 1.5 percent), Miyata’s parent company Morita (plus 1.3 percent) and bike parts giant Shimano (plus 1.8 percent) showed up with slight March share value increases. But the largest profit was made by Asahi – with more than 160 national franchise stores and a web shop the nation’s leading IBD: Their March share value increase was 9.1 percent – and definitely rooted in the increased bicycle sales after the catastrophe. Many elder Japanese were reminded on those good old days when many people used their bicycle to go to work. Some foreigners said that Japanese roads were as packed with cyclists as it sometimes still is in many Chinese metropolises.

Company Name

Accell Group NV, Amsterdam Araya Industrial, Osaka Asahi Co., Ltd., Osaka

(the UK holding company which is engaged in the retailing of automotive, leisure and cycling products), German mass merchant bike producer Mitteldeutsche Fahrradwerke (Mifa in short) and Taiwanese parts and component maker Sun Race Sturmey-Archer. Only two of them – Halfords and Mifa – experienced a twodigit share value drop of 10.1 and 13.0 percent. Also notable that only two of the all in all 16 share value increases showed up

with a two digit share value increase. It has been Taiwan’s third-largest bicycle producer Ideal Bike Corporation (plus 11.5 percent) and Chinese Jinshan, parent company of Phoenix (plus 12.3 percent). Nevertheless with an eye on the still unsolved nuclear catastrophe in Fukushima and the therefore struggling world stock market – forced by delayed lead times, etc – the development of our bicycle stock chart in March is quite remarkable.

Rate

Compared to

Company value

52-week-

52-week-

31-3-2011

28-2-2011 (in %)

1-1-2011*

low

high

EUR 36.85

- 5.3

EUR 385.16 mn

EUR 31.27

EUR 39.49

JPY 137

+ 1.5

JPY 7.90 bn

JPY 91

JPY 151

JPY 1,480

+ 9.1

JPY 28.58 bn

JPY 1,063

JPY 1,642

Atlas Cycles (Haryana) Ltd., Bombay

INR 237.15

+ 9.9

INR 674.77 mn

INR 190.10

INR 306.70

Derby Cycle AG, Frankfurt

EUR 12.76

+ 4.9

EUR 7.5 mn

EUR 10.75

EUR 13.29

Dorel Industries Inc., New York***

US$ 32.84

+ 0.9

CAN$ 1.11 bn

US$ 28.33

US$ 37.00

Falcon Power Company Ltd., Taipei

TWD 2.56

+ 4.1

TWD 285.85 mn

TWD 2.18

TWD 15.75

Giant Mfg Ltd, Taipei

TWD 119.50

+ 3.0

TWD 44.45 bn

TWD 91.00

TWD 126.00

Halfords Group PLC, London

GBP 348.40

- 10.1

GBP 957.70 mn

GBP 355.80

GBP 562.50

Ideal Bike Corporation, Taipei

TWD 16.00

+ 11.5

TWD 1.86 bn

TWD 13.30

TWD 23.75

US$ 0.73

+ 12.3

CNY 1.44 bn

US$ 0.36

US$ 0.75

Lee Chi Ent. Co. Ltd., Taipei

TWD 14.55

+/- 0

TWD 3.38 bn

TWD 11.05

TWD 18.85

Merida Ind. Co. Ltd., Taipei

TWD 54.50

+ 2.8

TWD 13.12 bn

TWD 42.30

TWD 57.50

EUR 3.21

- 13.0

EUR 21.6 mn

EUR 1.80

EUR 3.94

JPY 544

+ 1.3

JPY 21.11 bn

JPY 382

JPY 589

INR 111.90

+ 1.2

INR 1.23 bn

INR 99.00

INR 162.00

Jinshan Co. Ltd., Shanghai**

Mifa AG, Frankfurt Morita Holdings Corp., Tokyo Munjal Auto Ltd., Bombay Pro Metalurgia S.A., Sao Paulo

BRL 0.28

+ 3.7

BRL 21.0 mn

BRL 0.20

BRL 0.50

Shimano Inc., Tokyo

JPY 4,155

+ 1.8

JPY 388.23 bn

JPY 3,415

JPY 4,640

Sun Race Sturmey-Archer Inc., Taipei

TWD 7.13

- 1.5

TWD 298.90 mn

TWD 6.30

TWD 9.19

JPY 230

+/- 0

JPY 1.14 bn

JPY 197

JPY 241

INR 136.00

+ 8.2

INR 28.10 bn

INR 75.05

INR 164.65

US$ 1.00

+ 1.0

CNY 1.98 bn

US$ 0.53

US$ 1.16

Tsunoda Co. Ltd., Tokyo Tube Investments of India Ltd. (TII), Bombay Zhonglu Company Ltd., Shanghai **

The Bike Industry Stock Chart

On Friday 11th March and as many others Hubert Kögel - a German expat living in Yokohama and working as Regional General Manager at Element Six (a subsidiary of De Beers and the world’s leading manufacturer and supplier of industrial diamond super materials) in Tokyo – was caught off guard by the 8.9 magnitude earthquake that struck the northeast of Japan. “All of us – both Japanese and foreigners – were scared, jumping first under the tables and then hurrying down onto the streets”, says Kögel to Bike Europe. Next he tried to call his wife Seiko at their new home in Yokohama and his two kids in school. But by this time most of the lines were dead. Within seconds all public transportation was out of service. Taxis were completely booked out. Kögel got the same idea as many others: “We went to the next bike shop, stood in the line and waited to be served. While waiting I was rethinking exactly what to buy. It came to my mind that my daughter needed a new bicycle anyway so I didn’t buy the cheapest commuter bike, but looked out for a good mountain bike I hoped she would like. It took a while before I was served, but I bought a mountain bike and cycled back home from my office in Tokyo to Yokohama. It was a good but due to some aftershocks

Not only the Japanese but also international bicycle share values were able to fight against the overall stock market development after the catastrophe. All in all 16 out of our 22 chart members experienced share value increases. Two stayed on the same value as in the previous month. Only four bicycle share values followed the overall dropping stock market trend. These four have been Dutch Accell Group (that outperformed in 2010 and seems to have now come back to earth), Halfords

*Source: Wright Investors' Service, Inc. ** Chinese Jinshan Development & Construction (former Phoenix) and Zhonglu (former Shanghai-Forever) rates in US$, company value in CNY *** Canadian Dorel rates in US$, company value in CAN$ Composed and Copyright by: Jo Beckendorff

Dorel Down in 4th Quarter, Still Registers a Record Year MONTREAL, Canada - Despite a slow-down in the fourth quarter, Dorel Industries continued to grow in 2010, recording an 8.1% increase in revenues (US$2.3 billion) over 2009 (US$2.1 billion). The fourth quarter saw a 1.1% revenue drop to US$539.5 million from US$545.3 million a year ago, but Dorel CEO and President, Martin Schwartz (photo) was still pleased with his company’s performance for the year. “In an environment of reduced consumer discretionary spending and rising input costs, Dorel was able to deliver revenue growth of over 8% and improved earnings over the prior year,” said Schwartz. “If there was ever a test of the acceptance of Dorel's brands and

products, the past two years have provided it.” Dorel’s recreational/leisure segment, home to the company’s cycling brands, was the standout performer for the company in 2010. Revenues increased by US$30.2 million (17.2%) in the fourth quarter, while overall revenues for the year totaled US$775 million, up 13.7% over 2009’s total of US$681.4 million. By comparison, the company’s juvenile division (cribs, child safety seats, strollers, and baby products) saw a 5% drop in the fourth quarter and only 3.5% growth for the year. The home furnishings division had the worst showing during the final three months of 2010, with a 19.6% drop, although it did show revenue growth for the year overall, increasing 9.5%, to US$507.8 million, up from the 2009 total of US$463.7 million.

Not only did revenues increase for the cycling division, earnings in the segment increased by 31.3% for the year, a result the company is attributing in no small part to an intensive marketing campaign for its Schwinn brand. Sales to both mass market customers and IDBs grew by 20% and the company reports the growth was spread across the majority of brands it markets to the IBDs, rather than being limited to its flagship Cannondale marque. The only dark spot on the segment’s balance sheet was found in the results for the Apparel Footwear Group (AFG) which saw quarter-over-quarter earnings decreasing by over US$2 million. "Our bicycle business did well in 2010 and we foresee continued growth through 2011, noted Schwartz. “The Recreational / Leisure Segment has had a good start to the year and are on track to

improve their year-over-year performance. While a small part of the Recreational/Leisure Segment, we are focused on correcting issues at the Apparel Footwear Group.” 2011 sales and earnings from all three segments are expected to

exceed 2010 levels. Dorel is a Canadianbased company with 4700 employees, facilities in nineteen countries, and sales worldwide. CK

MIFA Result Down Again SANGERHAUSEN, Germany - Early 2010 bicycle manufacturer Mitteldeutsche Fahrradwerke AG (MIFA) still reported an upward trend in bicycle sales. Unfortunately MIFA could not hold on to this positive trend as at the end of 2010 sales were down again. In fiscal year 2010 MIFA’s turnover reached 76.54 million euro, a decline of

3.9% related to 2009. The export share of the turnover remained more or less stable at 33%. Last year MIFA generated earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) of 1.92 million euro compared to 4.11 million euro in the previous year. The EBT was 0.72 million euro against 2.22 million euro in 2009. JWvS

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e-Bikes, e-Scooters & Light Electric Vehicles

e-BIKE Future Mobility is electric, LEV Conference 2011

light-weight, and door to door

HSINCHU, Taiwan - Two days prior to the Taipei Cycle Show, on March 14-15th, LEV Conference 2011 took place at the Science Park in Hsinchu, Taiwan. A core crew of the industry met to learn about the latest technical achievements on the first day as well as markets, marketing and business concepts on the second day. The community agreed that listening to the consumer and offering test rides are the keys to exploring the full potential of electric mobility. By Susanne Brusch

The LEV Conference was opened by Hannes Neupert, President of the Germany-based LEV testing and promotion insititution ExtraEnergy, who has organized the LEV conference for many years. In his overview of current LEV trends Neupert predicted sales of over 300,000 units in Germany this year and expects the German market to grow to 1.6 million pedelecs and ebikes annually by 2018. As a kid of the early days, Neupert envisions the bicycle of the future to be a pedelec in the same way many other goods in everyday life have made way for electrified successors, such as telephones, cameras, cars. Battery topics dominated the rest of the day. The lithium battery manufacturers Panasonic, Samsung SDI and Maxcell presented their strategies and technologies

for light electric vehicles application. Samsung SDI has optimized their cells to meet the highest safety standards and provide high power output. Maxcell cyclindrical cells can operate in an extremely wide range of temperatures. Battery expert and moderator Dr. Yang of TD Hitech pointed out that finally the LEV industry has become important enough for battery manufacturers to participate in conferences like this whereas before they were completely focused on the cell phone, computer, and power tool market. Recycling and transport regulations of lithium batteries, which are regarded as hazardous goods, were presented by Peter Gutzeit of IB-REC in connection to a new battery testing and recycling label and service. Referring to bat-

A core crew of the industry met two days prior to the Taipei Cycle Show at the LEV Conference 2011.

The weekend prior to LEV Conference was dedicated to the LEV Connector standard EnergyBus. Photos Susanne Brusch

tery safety, BATSO has established itself as a testing standard. Updates of the BATSO 1.0 protocol were introduced and TÜV Rheinland reported about their experiences during the first year of testing lithium batteries according to the BATSO standard in their laboratory in Shenzhen, China. Now that electric bikes are becoming more popular, transport of lithium batteries is also an issue for individuals. The author of this article reported about her personal experience, and how complicated it is for an individual traveler to ship lithium batteries abroad in a legal way. Steel drums were the solution for her first “Pe-

delec Adventure” trip crossing Morocco's mountains and desert on speed pedelecs and solar trailers to recharge the batteries. The full story on her “Tour de Sahara” (www.tour-de-sahara.com), introducing the new brand “Snaky” and testing a new motor generation followed on the second day and will be part of Bike Europe's April issue. Pedelec Adventures offers tours to exotic destinations as a PR service to the industry. On the second day market reports from USA, Japan, and Europe revealed that major experiences are the same but the stage of development is different. What happened in Japan at the turn of the century, now repeats itself in the Netherlands: market growth is stopping at nearly a quarter of a million units per year. Temporary market saturation seems to require new product types to attract new target groups or offer new features that stimulate electric bike owners to buy a new one. Test rides are the key to success. This experience was first discoverd by the Japanese, who started offering test ride tracks for electric bikes in the early 90s. ExtraEnergy has taken over the concept with its TEST IT Track and is now actively expanding it in Europe within the EU supported pro-

ject GoPedelec! CEO of Currie Technologies in the US, Larry Pizzi, reported that the chance to close a sale increases to 50% once a visitor to a bike shop sits on the bike. In an extensive market research, Han Goes of QSquare Consultants in the Netherlands came to the conclusion that 50% of the participants were eager to buy an electric two wheeler after his team had offered them detailed explanation and test rides. In China, e-bikes have already reached the masses, now Cargo bikes are on the rise for delivery services of food chains such as Papa John's, KFC and others. CEO of Shanghai EV Sales and Service Company, Jean Chen, reported that they service over 5000 electric cargo bikes mainly in the Shanghai and Hangzhou area. Robax from Germany presented an electric cargo bike – Transporter E-Bike – which they are now setting up a sales network to meet the local demand. Carefully listening to the consumer is one of the major keys to grasp the full market potential according to Han Goes. From an inside view of the industry, Goes expects that mobility will change a lot in the near future. And the customer tells us what he or she really wants – although the reasons why people spend a lot of money on a

particular thing are often irrational. In Goe's viewpoint future mobility needs to be idividual, lightweight, and flexible in terms of door to door mobility. It should be electric and not look like a bicycle.

First Product with EnergyBus Connector The weekend prior to LEV Conference, March 12-13, 2011 was dedicated to the LEV connector standard EnergyBus. Representatives of now over 30 EnergyBus members including Bosch, Clean Mobile, Panasonic, Ultra Motor, Varta and others, joined a member meeting in Hsinchu on Saturday. During the workshop on Sunday, the EnergyBus Communication Protocol 1.0 was released and the first products which implement EnergyBus were presented – a charger by Panasonic and a lithium battery built by TD Hitech. The battery and charger belong to the Impuls pedelec of Tour de Suisse which will be fully operating with EnergyBus. European research organization “Frauenhofer Insitut” presented a strategy to apply EnergyBus not only to light electric vehicles components but also to future network and stationary system developments. More information at www.batso.org

Easybike Plug & Drive System The assembly of e-bikes can be done much more efficiently with the Easy-Bike Plug & Drive System (EPDS). Easybike supplies pre-assembled luggage carrier with integrated battery and controller, a rear fender and a multi cable. All other components of the e-bike drive system are part of the EPDS, as the display, brake levers, pedal sensor, the rear hub motor and the multi-plug on the rear mount.

The EPDS comes with technical support for assembly on-site. EPDS is a proven system as Easybike has already assembled 30,000 e-bikes with this new technique. The Easy-Bike Plug & Drive System System is EMC tested and meets all requirements of the CEN 15194 standard. The Li-ion battery also meets all CE safety standards. Easybike supplies pre-assembled e-bike kit. JWvS

Photo Bike Europe

Höganäs TFM Motor First time exhibitor Höganäs presented their all new rear hub motor at the Taipei Cycle show. The Höganäs electric TFM motor is mounted in the rear wheel of the e-bike as a direct drive solution enabling faster acceleration and better climbing than traditional motors. According to the Swedish company the motor is highly efficient (above 86%) offering maxi-

mum range from a battery charge. The motors are set for usage in pedelecs and e-bike up to 500 Watt and battery systems up to 48V. The drive system is compatible with torque and speed sensors as well as throttle control. The motor is engineered and made in Sweden. JWvS

According to the Swedish company Höganäs theire motor is most efficient (above 86%). Photo Bike Europe

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e-Bikes, e-Scooters & Light Electric Vehicles

BIKE europe

Derby Cycle Launches e-Bike with Coaster Brake Derby Cycle AG, ‘mother’ of, among others, the Kalkhoff and Focus brand names developed an e-bike with a very specific German feature. This new e-bike offers a combination of a bracket motor with a coaster brake. Derby Cycle calls this its ‘Impulse’ system which according to the bike manufacturer, makes: “The transition from a ‘standard’ bike to an e-bike a lot easier and safer for the consumer.”

“Until now, consumers could only choose between compromises such as a bracket motor with only hand brakes or a combination of a coaster with the technically inferior option of the engine in the front hub”, said Mathias Seidler, CEO of Derby Cycle AG at the presentation of the Impulse models last Thursday in Berlin. “The Impulse system allows a bracket motor and a coaster brake, even in combination with hand brakes.” The Impulse system is an impor-

e-BIKE

coaster brakes. The advanced technology of the Impulse system provides permanent calibration of the engine and retrieves its information for the required pedal assist force from three different sensors. This system responds without delay once the ri-

tant addition to the market as the German law requires two independent operating brakes on a bike. Many starters on e-bikes, especially older people, who were used to a coaster in combination with hand brakes, don’t feel safe and comfortable with hand brakes only. The Impulse makes it possible again to have the same brake configuration as they were used to. As well as Germany also the Netherlands, Danish and Swedish consumers are used to bikes equipped with

7

“The Impulse system allows a bracket motor and a coaster brake, even in combination with hand brakes”, Mathias Seidler, CEO of Derby Cycle AG. Photo Bike Europe

der puts force on the pedals. Derby Cycle claims a maximum range of 100 kilometers but emphasizes that it depends on many external factors such as the weight of the rider, the outside temperature, wind etc. Derby Cycle focused strongly on the design of the Impulse bikes. The battery has been neatly integrated and is hardly noticeable. The Kalkhoff and Raleigh branded Impulse ebikes are as of late April. JWvS

Bergamont Vagonda E-Bike ID Bike Expands Product Range Enters the Market “Our R&D department did not overlook any detail and implemented the latest technology development in our new ebike range, the Vagonda”, said Maik Geletneky, export manager of Bergamont. The Vagonda features Magura HS11 hydraulic brakes, a cromo fork to meet the DIN standard for e-bikes and a lightweight 7005 alloy frame with hydroformed tubing.

der which protects the chain. The Vagonda has a 250 watt brushless motor and Panasonic 9Ah/36V battery. It’s available in 7 and 8 speed and three models –the Wave, the Amsterdam, and a men’s frame. The N7 Vagonda is also available in a26-inch version with a 200 watt motor. In 2010 the German bike brand Bergamont made strong push on the international market. “In 2009 we exported to nine countries, today we have no less than 28 foreign distribution partners”, said Maik Geletneky. “We are still growing on the international market.” This year Bergamont was a first time exhibitor at

the Taipei International Cycle show, searching for even more distribution partners. “As we have changed our focus from a German to an international-oriented company our product range for MY 2012 was already finalized in March,” said Geletneky. “That’s six months earlier than we were used to. To meet international demand our product range expanded by 35%. We are still looking for importers in Japan, Australia, Hong Kong, China, Singapore, Malaysia and Korea. These markets are most interesting for us.”

In 2010 the German bike brand Bergamont made strong push forward on the international market.

Photo Bergamont

The Vagonda is styled in matte black, including the battery under the carrier. The bike has a sporty look despite the Hebie Chaingli-

JWvS

Joy Industrial Introduces Dienatronic Joy Industrial, well known manufacturer of hubs, wheel sets and QR axes has entered a new product segment: e-bikes. Branded Dienatronic, Joy industrial is now offering a full range of key components for green mobility. Dienatronic’s product range includes batteries, motors and controllers. Joy Industrial is also creating an ‘all-in one’ manufacturing and servicing strategy. This includes reseach and development, production and the establishment of a global network of service centers. At the Taipei Cycle Show, Joy Industrial presented its complete product range including two different rear hub motors, three front hub motors,

two battery mount configurations, displays, grip accelerators, brake lever assistances, displays, torque and speed sensors, as

well as controllers ranging from 150 to 500 Watt. JWvS

Dienatronic’s product range includes batteries, motors and controllers.

Photo Bike Europe

The Dutch company ID Bike has been involved in the development of e-bikes since 1999 and is know for its TMM torque sensors. The well known IDbike TMM4 sensor is mounted on the rear drop-out from and is compatible with front, rear, and mid motors as well as hub and derailleur systems. Recently IDbike also started the production of motor controllers and displays. Combined with the TMM4 sensor and high quality software, it is a high end e-bike drive train system which can be tailored made on demand for OEM customers. Several displays

are available in both LCD and LED format. The displays are compatible with standard connectors. The IDbike SyS can be supplied with a casing, but can also be mounted in the customer’s own display. Finally, ID Bike also developed a coaster brake switch for which a patent application is still pending. This CBS (Coaster Brake Switch) detects the backward rotation of the crank when braking with an angle of ten degrees. When the coaster brake is operated, the CBS switch prevents the electric motor from being activated. Another feature of the CBS is

that the engine does not switch on when the bike is pushed backwards. JWvS

ID Bike, known for its TMM sensor, has expanded its product range. Photo ID Bike

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e-Bikes, e-Scooters & Light Electric Vehicles

e-BIKE Peugeot Launches e-Vivacity Fifteen years after its 1st electric scooter:

ST. TROPEZ, France – Peugeot is the first of the renowned scooter brands to launch an all-new electric scooter – the e-Vivacity. This took place with some fanfare, in fashionable St. Tropez on the Cote d’Azur in France, at the beginning of April. But, it appeared that Peugeot has every reason to make a big fuss over its brand new e-scooter. By Jack Oortwijn

Fifteen years ago Peugeot was the first (and only) powered twowheeler manufacturer with an electric scooter; Scoot’Elec was its name. But, it arrived too early. Only a few thousand were sold. Today, looking at the current market situation in Europe where the popularity of electric scooters in markets such as Germany and the Netherlands is growing rapidly, things will be different with the: “Eagerly awaited e-Vivacity,” as it’s referred to by Peugeot in its press documentation. The car and scooter maker further states, “The e-Vivacity is THE new generation electric scooter which is to revolutionize urban travel. Modern, rider-friendly, practical and efficient, it's got

everything it needs to win over those who want to live their dream of viewing the city (and life) through green-tinted spectacles.” Some statement! However, the eVivacity is something really different in particular when compared to gas-engined scooters. The e-Vivacity is also completely different when compared to its Scoot’Elec predecessor. The old nickel-cadmium batteries have been replaced by two modern 2 kWh Lithium-Ion units that jointly weigh 16 kg. The batteries offer a 1,000 cycle lifetime without memory effect, are designed to last at least 10 years, and can travel 40,000 kilometers at 45 km/h maximum speed. Moreover, these

Information on the battery status and motor performance is offered through the totally digital, back-lit blue dashboard.

batteries are equipped with BMS (Battery Management System) to monitor recharging. This diagnostic module is capable of inhibiting one or more chargers and opening the main switch (circuit cutoff) should an anomaly be detected, such as a sudden drop in voltage or a sharp rise in temperature. Cooling is ensured by air convectors both at the level of the batteries and the chargers. The battery pack is positioned under the floor pan, in a rigid structure comprised of side tubes and the front tube of the chassis. It is kept in place by two runners and two flanges restricting all horizontal and vertical movement. Recharging is by the extendable spiral cable (2m) under the seat, which connects to a 220V domestic power socket or an urban electric terminal. The full charge takes between 5 and 8 hours depending on whether the vehicle is equipped with one or two chargers. For the two-charger option, an 80% charge is possible in just 3 hours. The two lithium-ion batteries offer the e-Vivacity a total range of 60 km at 45 km/h according to Peugeot. At the launch days in St. Tropez this claim proved to be true. One of the attending journalists rode e-Vivacity for as long as the batteries offered power and they lasted the promised 60 kilometers. However, this test was made on flat terrain. The additional power required to tackle hilly terrain will undoubtedly affect the range.

European made

Not only are the batteries European made, but that goes for almost all other components of the e-Vivacity, apart from the chassis which is made in China. The 3 kW powerplant comes from Perm (part of the Heinzmann Group) and is an air-cooled brushless synchronous electric motor.

The e-Vivacity’s Lithium-Ion energy plants are made by Saft, Europe’s biggest in batteries, which offers a 4 years warranty on them. Not only are the batteries European made, but that goes for almost all other components, apart from the chassis which is made in China. The powerplant on the e-Vivacity comes from Perm (part of the Heinzmann Group) and is an aircooled brushless synchronous electric motor with permanent magnets accompanied by a simplified transmission with a ratio fixed by a toothed belt and a relay box.

Powered in phases by the onboard batteries and twin 250W/5A chargers converting the current into three phases via the motor controller, the motor is therefore in direct contact with the rear wheel. According to Peugeot, this offers a number of advantages. Firstly, the fixed ratio enables the electric engine speed to be optimized and all maintenance to be done away with throughout the vehicle's lifetime. Secondly, the direct contact enables reverse mode for low-speed maneuvers and also an improved engine brake. Finally, it offers matchless flexibility and maximum efficiency with instantly available torque. The ultra-soft transmission keeps friction to a minimum and ensures optimized riding conditions noise wise.

Control Information on the battery status and motor performance is offered through the totally digital, back-lit blue dashboard with all the standard functions including tachometer, odometer, trip counter, clock, and immobilizer. At the centre of the screen a 3-colour bar graph indicates the battery charge level. The first red segment indicates a critical low battery level. Segments 2 and 3 in orange indicate a charge below 30%. Beyond this, green means good to go! Under the bar graph an indicator of remaining range (in kms or miles) remains permanently on display. To the right of the screen, 3 temperature indicators are displayed: outside temperature (flashing alert as of 3°), motor, and battery temperatures. There is also a motor diagnosis indicator light. A button at the bottom of the dashboard enables one of the 4 modes to be activated: normal (for optimum efficiency) eco (to preserve range, forward (for very-lowspeed maneuvers) and reverse.

The e-Vivacity is equipped with two 2 kWh Lithium-Ion units that jointly weigh 16 kg. The Saft made batteries are designed to last at least 10 years, come with a 4 year warranty and offer a range Photos Peugeot Motorcycles of 60 kilometers.

precise the motor can be controlled. The same goes for the 115 kg scooter. It’s also quick off the mark at every stoplight. With maximum power of 3 kW at 6,000 rpm, e-Vivacity offers a maximum torque of 14 Nm in engine output giving it slightly better initial acceleration than its gas-engined 50cc Peugeot ‘sister’, travelling one hundred metres from a standing start in 12.3 seconds, as opposed to 12.45 seconds for the gas powered version. Upon deceleration, the engine switches to generator mode and the kinetic energy is then converted into electric energy.

This energy retrieval system is used for braking as well as battery recharging. It goes without saying that the eVivacity offers outstanding running costs – just a tenth of that required for a similar combustion engine vehicle. For example, an energy fill-up costs €0.25 to cover 100 kilometers. And major maintenance (apart from renewing the disc brake pads) isn’t necessary. Economical and eco-friendly, that’s what the e-Vivacity can offer, as well as living up to its name with peppy performance. Viva the city with this electric scooter!

Retailprice, Availabilty and Dealermargin The e-Vivacity will be available next June. Peugeot Motorcycles has set its launch (retail) price at about 3,600 euro. Further questions on dealer margins were answered by Peugeot spokespeople with, “They will be somewhat lower compared to what we offer on our regular scooters because we hope that our dealers want to join Peugeot in this investment in the future.” At the launch in St. Tropez one of the Peugeot importers made clear that he was still negotiating with Peugeot Motorcycles on retail prices as well as dealer margins. More on this in the interview on the next page.

Riding Easy to handle, quiet, vibration and emission-free; that’s what the e-Vivacity is all about. What was particularly noticeable while maneuvering around pedestrians on the St. Tropez boulevard is how

The e-Vivacity will be available next June. Peugeot Motorcycles has set its launch (retail) price at about 3,600 euro. Photo Bike Europe

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Interview

BIKE europe

9

Annie Faivre (Product Manager) & Catherine Louis

‘Peugeot’s Investment in the Future’

Faivre & Louis

(Int’l Sales) on the new e-Vivacity and

By Jack Oortwijn

Bike Europe: The e-Vivacity is not

Peugeot’s back ground in these LEVs?

Peugeot’s first Light Electric Vechicle (LEVs). I can remember an earlier electric scooter. Please tell about

Catherine Louis: “Fifteen years ago we introduced the Scoot’Elec and Peugeot was

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ST. TROPEZ, France - Compared to the sale of electric bicycles, which have really taken off in the Netherlands and in Germany; it is still early days for electric scooters. Only 15,000 have been sold in 2010 in the whole of Europe, as estimated by Peugeot. But just like e-bikes, e-scooters have a great future. Cruising the new e-Vivacity through St. Tropez makes this abundantly clear! How that future looks like is described in this interview with e-Vivacity product manager Annie Faivre and Catherine Louis of Peugeot Motorcycles international sales.

‘We hope that the dealers, like Peugeot does with the e-Vivacity, want to invest in the future and for that accept margins that are a bit lower compared to the ones on our regular scooters.’

the first to have an electric scooter. We can say that we have the biggest background in electric scooters in Europe. Total sales were modest though, with only 3,500 units. We were definitely too early with the Scoot’Elec. Now things are different. Electric vehicles are now part of the Peugeot strategy. We are working on a wide range of electric vehicles for use in cities. There’s an electric bicycle, the e-Vivacity scooter and Peugeot’s electric car called the Ion. This fall, at the Milan Motor Show we will show another LEV – a threewheeled scooter with 2 wheels in front.�

tric bikes is really taking off now. How do you regard this?

BE: What margins does Peugeot offer dealers for selling the e-Vivacity?

CL: “Electric bicycles are completely different compared to electric scooters. They are targeting different age and user groups. Electric bicycles are mainly sold to the elderly. Electric scooters are targeting younger age groups. Next to that, electric scooters are used for longer distances compared to electric bicycles.�

CL: “We hope that the dealers, like Peugeot does with the e-Vivacity, want to invest in the future and for that accept margins that are a bit lower compared to the ones on our regular scooters.�

BE: Is there a reason for why it took so

AF: “As said it’s a different customer com-

long for e-scooter sales to take off?

pared to the one for electric bicycles. The e-Vivacity buyer is of an age between 30 to 60. He or she is environmentally conscious and has reasonable purchasing power. He or she is looking for alternatives in individual mobility in particular for commuting distances between 10 to 15 kilometers one way. So, up to 30 kilometers in one day of commuting to and from work. In view of this we decided not to offer a choice in batteries because when offering a total range of only 30 kilometers people tend to get wary. The e-Vivacity offer a range of 60 kilometers which is regarded by the average public e-Vivacity customer as very suitable. Next to the general public the e-Vivacity is also targeted to professional use. Rental companies, private companies; the special Peugeot rental system, etc. We expect that such professional use will take off in the next years.�

Annie Faivre: “It took up to 2005 for sales of electric scooters to start. In France, as in other European countries, sales of electric scooters are now up year on year. Why did this take so long? Maybe because of battery technology and the short range they offered. Batteries are so much better nowadays. The Li-Ion ones used in the e-Vivacity will still be OK after ten years of use. Also the servicing of batteries is now light years ahead of 15 years ago. Through the Internet we can manipulate batteries in service at dealers. For matters like this we want dealers to follow training sessions. Servicing the e-Vivacity and its outstanding battery technology needs special knowledge of dealers.�

BE: But such Li-Ion batteries don’t come cheap! CL: That’s correct. “The e-Vivacity has two and they are the most expensive part of the scooter. But they are made in Europe and are the best. That’s why they come with a 4-year warranty term. We expect such batteries to become significantly cheaper as the sales and production increases in the years to come.�

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BE: Where does this market stands now in Europe? Do you have any sales numbers for the whole of Europe?

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BE: So, can you profile the e-Vivacity buyer?

BE: Will Peugeot distribute the e-Vivacity through the same channel as its regular 50cc scooters? So in countries like Germany and Holland it will be through the two-wheel trade that next to 50cc scooters also sells bicycles? CL: “Of course it is up to our importers per country to decide which distribution channel to use for the e-Vivacity. At this moment we are not focusing on e-Mobility channels you see popping up now in several countries. The general picture is that Peugeot is looking for distribution through the regular 2-wheeler dealer networks in the European countries. And (depending on which country) these are in general the dealers that sell mopeds and bicycles. In some countries fleet sales are targeted, which could take place through Peugeot car-dealerships.�

Europe stands now at about 15,000 units annually. What Peugeot is targeting is to sell about 2,000 e-Vivacity’s this year. This is to grow to about 15,000 units during the next three years; up to 2015. Five years later we expect to sell 40,000 e-scooters annually. So, we are really optimistic. The electric scooter market will evolve into a really big market.�

BE: Are Peugeot car dealers showing a big interest in selling the e-Vivacity?

BE: In my country, the Netherlands, electric bicycles are the big trend nowadays. Also in Germany sales of elec-

CL: “It’s not our strategy to sell the e-Vivacity through the Peugeot car dealer channel.�

BE: Where will the electric scooter market stand in 3 years from now? What are Peugeot’s targets for France and for Europe? CL: “I already said something on our sales targets for the e-Vivacity. But to add to that I can say that Peugeot expects that, next to electric bicycles, the ‘50ccsector’ as it’s referred to in combustion engine terms will be the best sellers in e-mobility.� BE: Because of the success of electric bicycles some experts of the 2-wheeler market in Europe expect that a kind of cross-over vehicle between an electric bicycle and an electric scooter will be THE big hit in the near future. Do you agree? AF: “Peugeot is within the PSA Group working on different projects for e-mobility. Those projects include models that are quite different to what is available now. Of course I can not reveal in detail what is being developed. But what is can say is that Peugeot’s R&D is focused on much more than LEVs like the e-Vivacity. The next LEV will be on display later this year with, as already said in this interview, the Peugeot electric 3-wheeler.�

BE: As you probably know the EU is working on new criteria for the type approval of motorized two-wheelers. LEVs are, as things stand now, not having any special criteria and are treated as motorcycles. Is Peugeot working on having that changed in the new type-approval? AF: “Like many other manufacturers of powered two-wheelers, we are pushing for special LEV regulations within the new EU type-approval. This is being handled by our European association ACEM where a lot of discussion is taking place now on e-vehicles. One thing is sure; we want to be certain that all technical aspects of electric scooters and other electric vehicles are taken into account in the new type-approval regulations.�

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Market Report

Poland & Czech Republic

Doubts on official data growing

No Clear Picture of Polish Bike Market, But Exports Are Down Again WARSAW, Poland - Official data, produced by the Polish General Bureau for Statistics (GUS) show a significant drop in the market, compared to 2009. In contrast, the Polish Cycle Association (PCA) claims that the source of official data coming out of thin air…. By Marek Utkin

The question of accuracy was a main topic at several meetings of the Polish Cycle Association which was founded beginning last year. Market data produced by the General Bureau of Statistics is, according to the cycling industry group, too low and does not reflect the real condition of the market. The association claims that the data for 2009 is also too low, especially retail sales in April, but data for April 2010 seems to be too high. The organisation also claims that data produced by General Bureau for Statistics (GUS) is being conjured out of thin air. Data regarding production is also questioned by the group. PCA claims that small assembly plants estimated at supplying some 7 – 15% of the total production volume, is missing in the GUS statistics. This is caused by the small number of the employees of such companies. Because of that they are not tracked by the statistics bureau which is a common situation that applies to numerous EU countries. Import data seems to have some flaws too; says the Polish Cycle Association. Imports are tracked by the EU’s statistical bureau Euro-

stat. The data for Poland for the so called inter-EU supplies (meaning the import from one EU member state to another), made in small quantities, done by small enterprises (shops or wholesalers), is not reported – according to the regulations. So, if Kelly’s, Trek or Specialized, or another supplier delivers to shops directly, those quantities do not appear in the statistics. The limit value is around 500 bicycles per year, depending on the value described by regulations and average price of the bicycle, calculated for import from those countries. None, or almost none of the importers of the listed brands are buying that many in a span of the year, so there is no duty to report it to GUS and so they do not appear in the import stats.

Comparison Despite these difficulties and obvious differences the available data for for 2009 and 2010 should be compared in order to get some background on the state of the Polish bike market last year. According to the GUS data, bicycle sales for January - September 2010 stood at 537,800 units, compared

to 474,200 units in 2009. It shows a significant increase of 13.4%. The Polish Cycle Association places serious doubts at these figures. Production in 2010, according to the General Bureau of Statistics, equals 443,000 bicycles, which is a massive drop, comparing to 837,600 in 2009. According to the Ministry of Economy, production of bikes in 2010 was 760,100, while in year 2009 868,000 units have been produced. Shocking is the almost 330,000 units difference between the data of General Bureau of Statistics (443,000) and Ministry of Economy (760,000). It must be a serious methodological flaw in one or another case. In response, the Polish Cycle Association seems to be close to making the decision that they need to track the market for compiling their own, more accurate statistics.

Import Imports are on a similar level, with a slight increase – 328,726 in 2010 compared to 327,071 in 2009. The biggest number of imported bikes is, no surprise, from Taiwan (127,666 units, for US$ 14,681.038), second place is Malaysia (39,831 bikes), followed by China (37,706) and India (34,794). In terms of value, Germany with US$ 4,846,863 is in second place, followed by China (US$ 4,846,863). Values of import from USA (US$ 2,199,679) Indonesia (US$ 2,137,275) and Netherlands (US$ 2,125,511) are very similar.

Due to the doubts on the government’s statistics the picture of Polish bike market is not clear. One thing is sure though, bikes are becoming more and more popular. Second hand import from the Netherlands is growing. Photo Marek Utkin

The most expensive bikes came from the USA (US$ 888.04 per unit), Slovakia (US$ 397.09 per bike) and from Netherlands (US$ 311.11 a piece).

Export Bike exports in 2010 dropped 13.2% to 489,866 units, compared to 564,552 bikes exported a year earlier. The biggest number of Polish bikes was exported to Germany (174,026), Netherlands (40,315), Finland (28,635) and Austria (19,614). Value totals cover the

countries of biggest export – Germany (US$ 56,150,156), Netherlands (US$ 9,328,286), Austria (US$ 5,499,646) and Finland (US$ 4,729,987). Importers of the most valuable Polish bikes are: Italy (average price per unit US$ 517.42) Czech Republic (US$ 357.70 a piece), Germany (US$ 322.65 per bike) and Austria (US$ 280.39 per unit). The high price of bikes exported to Italy and Czech Republic probably refers to the popularity of road racing in those countries.

Second hand Due to the doubts on the government’s statistics the picture of Polish bike market is not clear. In the meantime the private import of second-hand bikes imported from Netherlands (removed by the Dutch Police from parking facilities as abandoned bikes, or bought from cycle workshops) is growing. Bikes are becoming more and more popular. Hopefully it will transfer to bicycle business and with growth a more accurate picture of the industry will emerge.

Czech Republic: Halfords Out, Decathlon In PRAGUE, Czech Republic - According to the statistical data provided by the Czech Statistical Bureau, bicycle sales in 2010 were slightly above 300,000 units (was in 2009 estimated at 360,000). Production in the country were estimated at 435,000 units. Bicycle export stood at 322,934 bicycles with a value of 58.7 million euro. A year earlier bike export was estimated at 400,000 units. Bike were mostly exported to Germany, the Netherlands, Austria and Slovakia. Bicycle import numbered 184,246 units at a value of 44.5 million euro. Bikes were imported from Taiwan, China, Germany, Indonesia and Sri Lanka. By Milan Motl

The import of electric bikes totalled 8,084 units with a value of € 2.6 million. E-bikes were mostly imported from China, followed by Italy and Taiwan. The export of e- bikes numbered 567 units and headed to Slovakia, Cuba, and Austria.

Bicycle frames import and export In 2010 450,000 bicycle frames in the total value of € 9.7 million were imported into the Czech Repu-

blic from China, Taiwan and Vietnam. The yearly value increase was 7%, up 5% by quantity. Taiwan was the second biggest bicycle frames exporter with 17,411 pieces, and Vietnam was the third with 4,333 frames. Bicycle frames export from the Czech Republic in 2010 was more than 90% lower (2,328 frames only) than in 2009, when 30,690 frames were exported. Importers are from Germany, the Netherlands and Great Britain.

In 2010, 406,308 front forks were imported in to the Czech Republic from China, Taiwan, Germany and Vietnam while 3,974 front forks were exported. Rims for bikes show a similar picture with an import of close to 490,000 units. In 2009 the import of rims stood at 545,000. In 2010 the British Halford group abandoned the Czech bicycle market due to low profitability. Not long after French Decathlon

opened their all-sport mall in the city of Liberec. The bicycle sales department is one of the bigger ones, located in an inner area of 800 square metres. Some home producers of bicycles used the lower production load to modernize their production area, especially focusing on reaching top quality for the bicycles they produce. This trend was carried out for example at the Czech producer 4Ever. The company, for the sake of quality, abandoned assembly on a conveyor belt and introduced assembly at individual workstations. 4Ever also uses automated wheelbuilding machinery which, with the assembly at individual workstations, provides the possibility for fast, efficient small series production. In 2010, the ‘Czech Bike Industry’

In 2010 the British Halford group abandoned the Czech bicycle market due to low profitability. Not long after French Decathlon opened their all-sport mall in the city of Liberec. The bicycle sales department is one of the bigger ones, located in an inner area of 800 square metres. Photo Milan Motl

was founded. It is an association of producers of bicycles and component makers. Expectations are high on what it is to achieve. It is to advocate an active approach towards consumers by organising club, sports, and recreational

events. This not very new idea is used not only by Decathlon, but also by some successful, individual bicycle dealers. More on the bike business in the Czech Republic is on the next page; in the report of the bike show For Bike 2011.

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Market Report

Slovenia

BIKE europe

11

7% decrease in volume and just 3% decrease in value

2010 Was Solid Year with Hopes for Better 2011 LJUBLJANA, Slovenia – The trend of negative statistics continued in 2010 but the numbers are not as critical as they were in 2009. Reports show a decrease of sales in low and high-end markets while the bestselling middle range remained strong. By Grega Stopar

Many of the Slovenian entrepreneurs from other sectors would have a big smile on their faces if their numbers were as strong as they are in the cycling sector. 2010 was not easy year for Slovenia, with delayed effects of the global financial crisis and mistakes from privatization hitting harder than ever. The traditionally strong construction sector was destroyed, so were some others and all of this had a big effect on banking. In the short (and long) term this could also effect the bicycle dealers who depend on bank loans – that are now harder to get and more expensive. Despite all this 2010 was a solid year for most of the distributors and dealers (in most of the cases they are one and the same companies). On average they report a 7% decrease in volume and just 3% decrease in value of the sold bikes with just a small amount of old bikes on stock (based on questionnaires sent to bigger distributors). Statistics from Eurostat are even better – a 7 % decrease in quantity and only 1.4 % decrease in value. The bicycle market is still worth over €14 million with more than 92,000 units sold. However the market did change and these changes seem to have a direct connection with the general economic situation in the country. Basically all distributors report less sales in entry level bikes and many of them also saw drops in high end sales. Middle range bikes – for Slovenia that means from € 800 to € 2000 – are still selling well. Together with this distributors are also more careful in their expenses and all of them are working harder to reach new customers. When we compare imports and exports we get an actual consumption figure of just under 80,000 bikes (about 5,000 less than in 2009), which shows that the bicycle market is not that

much effected by general atmosphere in the country and this is still a healthy branch. Interestingly, most of the distributors agree that weather still has the biggest impact on the bicycle sales. We will see if this is correct in one year from now – 2010 had a long and strong winter with many rainy summer days. 2011 started with incredibly high temperatures and bike season is already in full motion. Hopefully it will stay like this throughout the season. What we don’t see in this statistics are sales of components and gear, where a small market like Slovenia is very vulnerable and the success of UK and German internet stores is most obvious.

Suppliers stay the same The Slovenian market is almost exactly split between Asia and EU with Taiwan and Italy still remaining the biggest suppliers. They both kept about the same quantities while Belgium jumped to third place before Cambodia, now the 4th biggest supplier. Close behind are Germany, Thailand, Malaysia and Austria, all with 5-6 thousand units. China is still very low on the scale but we know that many of the bikes that are listed to other countries are actually made there (for example bikes from logistics centers in Belgium and Netherlands). Total imports to Slovenia in 2010 reached 92,500 units (minus 7 %) but value remained the same. From this we actually get the only positive trend – average bike price has gone up 6 % to an all-time high. Exports are still almost nothing

Pony was a very popular city model in all of Yugoslavia, at the time manufactured by Rog bikes. Now it is reviewed by Velo, importer of Fuji, Wheeler and other brands. Photo Grega Stopar

despite the different statistics – these are bikes that were imported to Slovenia and then shipped further to other countries.

Trends and rumors After many interviews with distributors we can report that mountain bikes are still the most desired – on average they represent 54% of sales, and up to 90% with some brands. Trekking and cross bike hold another 25%, the remaining 20% is split between all other classes. We would expect better sales of road bikes on the basis of road events and the increased number of riders on the roads but figures shows a different kind of picture. There are of course some dealers that base their business on road bikes but they don’t have a bigger impact on the whole picture. On the other side Slovenia is still a mountain country with countless fire roads and trails, so no surprise that mountain bikes are still leading. The number of IBD’s remained about the same in 2010 – about 150 to 200, depending of your definition of bicycle shop. Production is still low, however there are strong rumors that bigger assembly lines with possible

Imports into Slovenia by country in units 2010

2009

1.

Taiwan

22,542

23,809

2.

Italy

18,989

18,092

3.

Belgium

7,375

7,216

(Source: Eurostat)

Season in Czech Republic Starts with For Bike 2011 Show PRAGUE, Czech Republic – The second year of the bicycle exhibition, For Bike festival, was held March 25 – 27 in Prague's exhibition grounds Letnany, right before the beginning of cycling season. Created with the support of professional medial partners, regions of the Czech Republic and a number of bicycle specialists the most important aim of the show was to help bicycle sellers start their season with a fanfare. By Milan Motl

New bicycle trends for the city and the country were on display as well as shows, races of various categories, bicycle testing, autograph meetings and television spots from various shows both home-grown and foreign, on the large screen. 18,628 visitors took in the booths and displays of about 125 exhibiting firms. Prominent exhibitors included regional authorities such as the Medard Lake region near Karlovy, eager to showcase their region for cycling touring and the main

foreign and home bicycle brands such as Giant, represented by Progress Cycle. Among the new collections of bikes and accessories, equipment and clothing was an interesting idea by Trek brand – their ‘stop E shop’ campaign in support of IBD’s and the idea of personal contact with the final customer. From a number of brands special attention was paid to the firm TruconneXion’s Swiss BMX bikes and Zipp accessories, and the offer to try CelarCompex electronic stimulators, and POWERbreathe,

which bills itself as the revolutionary innovation in enhancing endurance and physical condition. There was also interest in the Czech production firm GODSPEED and their carbon racing bikes. In order to increase the strength and resistance against mechanical damage in collisions and/or falls, they use an inner core from Rohacell foam along with carbon fiber layers laid straight, without corrugation and folding which would degrade the resulting frame properties. The producers have patented this unique technology. The most mechanically simple bikes also got some attention. Single speed bikes with one hand brake, both free-wheel and fixed, were crowd-pleasers at the Bohemia Cycles and Funbike displays. A number of firms presented e-bike conversion kits including E-POHONY Sikula and Repro Agency.

welding facilities will be set up in the near future somewhere in the country. For now everything is very secret and information hard to get, but for sure we will follow this story that could drastically change the picture of the Slove-nian bicycle sector. Don’t forget – Slovenia already had a big manufacturer Rog bikes (later Elan bikes) that closed in 2004/05 due to bad decisions, but the skills and knowledge stayed in the area.

Krpan is a Slovenian bike, purpose build by Cult bike for post offices and delivery services. This year it is available also to the public. It still is a robust city/delivery bike but now available in vibrant line of colours. Photo Cult

Bike Imports into Slovenia (in units and euro) Imports Value in EUR Quantity Average price (Source: Eurostat)

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

10,264,420

11,076,322

15,527,567

14,333,666

14,144,776

84,639

77,660

114,920

99,353

92,415

121

143

135

144

153

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Market Report

Russia

2009 stocks were cleared; optimism for 2011 sales

2010: Optimization Year for Russian Bike Market MOSCOW, Russia - 2010 was a dynamic year in Russia. Everything was balancing between an abrupt downturn – a second wave of financial crisis and glorious rise – call it growth pick-up. Caution was a vital habit. No new projects, no big investments, no hiring or salary rise. The feeling of danger penetrated through all industries and society as well. According to, the governmental statistics organization Rosstat, inflation was 8.8%, the same as the year before. At the same time food prices have risen 22.7%, hitting hard families with lower income in regions where average monthly wages are as low as €350, and in some places even less. Luckily enough oil and natural gas prices were higher than expected, but despite that fact the GDP fell 4.1%. Official statistics for unemployment stabilized through the year with an average of 7.5%, about 1% less than a year before. By Andrey Khorkov

Keeping in mind that everything, including the Russian ruble exchange rate could collapse in a moment if oil prices drop, no one was eager to order lots of quality bikes. The plan was to break even. Some companies were cutting jobs and moving to smaller offices, others reducing their orders to the essentials. Thus if there is a word to describe the year 2010 in Russian bike market – it is “optimization”. Those with lots of stock after year 2009, were able to get rid of it – a shortage of branded bikes was obvious already in June. Curiously one market segment slipped from everyone’s attention – children bicycles. New customs policies contributed to this situation, so even in Moscow it was a challenge to get a branded bike for a kid.

Boom in component sales In the same time almost every company representative told us about a successful year, with sales increases of 10 to 50%. The components market was said to increase significantly, due to a more conscious approach to bicycles among users. People were repairing old bikes, and postponing the purchase of a new one. This trend was mentioned several years ago and still developing. It may be a reflection of the mountain bikes’ popularity. The fashion to buy multi-geared “mountain bikes” of the cheapest kind brought along a need for maintenance and most old bikes end up as a squeaky monster with petri-

fied ‘suspension’ and only 3 or 4 gears working. This, couple with the fact many adult Russians lived during the Soviet period of total shortages and learned to rely on themselves, helps explain the big boom in component sales. It was necessary to be able to make a small repair of whatever broke in your home, so it’s no surprise to see a senior manager of a serious company in front of his house fixing a bike by himself. With smaller amounts of imported quality bikes, local production took the initiative. The largest Velomotors factory assembling bicycles near Moscow under Stels brand is said to sell between 750,000 to one million bikes a year. One wishing to buy a bike for himself and another for his wife and one more for a kid should look no further than Stels. Its catalogue covers all ages and lifestyles. Prices are affordable and bikes are attractive in design. It’s fair to mention some limitations of such a generous offering. Quality remains mediocre and higher end models are unavailable. But being serious about optimization, they are continuing to evolve as a company. Another big local market player from the town of Perm is making bikes under the Forward brand. Some 400 thousand bicycles were sold mainly in the eastern regions, but gradually marketing focus is shifting towards the west of Russia. Forward bikes are similar to Stels ones with only some insignificant differences.

One market segment slipped from everyone’s attention – children bicycles. New customs policies contributed to this situation, so even in Moscow it was a challenge to get a branded bike for a kid.

One more prominent company to take a note of is making oldschool single gear road and folding bicycles in Minsk, the capital of Belarus, but Russia is the traditional market for Aist bikes. 300 thousand of these very basic bicycles selling costing less than 100 euro are easily sold in rural area. They are marketed as worker-bicycles, not joy-bikes. Steel road frame with horizontal top tube, 28 inch wheels and one gear – it’s wouldn’t look unfamiliar to a cyclist in post World War-II Soviet Union. There’s still a great market for this type of two-wheeler. The typical customer knows how to fix everything. Specific wrench set could be found in every barn or attic and in case you don’t have one, you can manage repair with simple tools. To illustrate the point imagine the crank attached to the bottom bracket axle with a wedge hammered in and tightened with a nut! Despite predictions this business model would be done in by market forces, Aist remains surprisingly alive and well.

Global brands Unfortunately, optimization prompted a noticeable reduction of global brands in 2010. For several years Kona bikes had been selling in the largest sports chain Sportmaster, but after the economic crisis, the chain store got rid of the Canadian brand. If you are in Moscow, you can still find Kona in a small bike shop, but freeride fans from the regions will have to come to Moscow to get a bike or order it online, which could be quite a hassle. Mass brands are available – one can get Trek, Giant, Merida etc. But usually only lower-end models are available immediately. More expensive ones have to be preordered. Price scales are different in Moscow, compared to other cities with over a million population and small towns. In the capital the typical customer is ready to part with as much as 500 euro, but in the regions that figure drops by half, and not so many customers will dare to buy ‘exotic’ an bike. Like it has always been – Moscow and the rest of Russia, are two different countries with a great gap in customer mentality. One phenomenon changing the provincial approach is Internet. With online access spreading throughout the country and connections available even in villages, consumers got a hint they can get what they want directly from Moscow, or USA, or Europe and leave the lazy and uncooperative local dealer out of business. But it is still a long way ahead to overcome the fear and

Optimization prompted a noticeable reduction of global brands in Russia in 2010.

anxiety of the average consumer from some regional center, like Tver, Rostov or Ivanovo. He or she may not have a credit card yet, isn’t fluent in English or any other foreign language, and is frightened with the stories of Internet fraud. But computer literacy is making an impressive jump. Online buying has become the vicious enemy of specialty bike shops. Dealers complain that local Internet shops are misguiding customers. They claim that they have a good selection of bike models with attractive price tags, let client place the order with operator calling back and offering another bicycle, which may be very different and a bit more expensive. Sometimes the customer pays even more online than in a specialty shop. On the other hand European and American online bike shops suddenly became popular when Russian customs changed the non-duty price limit for parcels from abroad. Before it was about 250 euro per week. One had to clear more expensive packages from customs, which was a excruciating and time consuming experience. Last autumn however, the price limit was set at

1000 euro per month with no strict control allowing people to order more products from abroad. A typical online deal saves some 25-50% and what is more important, one is no longer limited to the colors or sizes available

Photos Andrey Khorkov

2011 outlook Prospects for the year 2011 however, are good. Dealers hope to increase turnover 20% or so. The market will hopefully bring more variety. Last year’s extremely hot summer made bicycles became

European and American online bike shops suddenly became popular when Russian customs changed the non-duty price limit for parcels from abroad. in a local shop. But customs didn’t relax its grip all over the market. It became more difficult for the importers to clear their deliveries. Customs bureaucrats demand letters from the chamber of commerce of originating countries, approving the factory’s prices. Lack of the appropriate paperwork leads to higher duties. As it is elegantly put, “Stringency of the law is compensated by optionality of its implementation”.

less attractive as a leisure accessory and it was not a first choice for commuting in the cities. But with the advent of spring, clouds over the bike market are vanishing, dealers busy with their logistics are sayng, “Ask me in May!” As long as the bicycle doesn’t fall from fashion, interest to personal mobility and healthy lifestyles is high, there is money to grease this machine for another year.

Show Review Moscow VeloPark 2011 MOSCOW, Russia - Moscow is not a bike city. With only 7 months a year without snow and ice on the roads, a lack of bike paths, and prejudice towards bicycles in general, the Russian capital is struggling towards the European culture of cycling commuting. No place to start a business selling bicycles? Don’t forget, it’s a city with money to burn and now and then there is a customer in a shop asking for the best and willing to pay whatever the price tag says. And there are quite a few people with European educations and a taste for a healthy lifestyle and bike culture. That’s why the bicycle business is small but concentrated in Moscow. The annual bike show called VeloPark reflects the lie of the land. VeloPark-2011 was held from February 25 to 27 in a new place – Crocus Expo. It’s a new exhibition center just outside the city border, but with better halls and parking lots than the other centers. There is even a subway station nearby, so it is

VeloPark-2011 was held from February 25 to 27 in a new place – Crocus Expo. It’s a new exhibition center just outside the Moscow city border. Photo Andrey Khorkov

arguably the best place in Moscow for a show. Of course VeloPark was small, occupying only a quarter of a hall with big areas for trials competition, low riders show-off and fun riding on a small track. As usual VeloPark takes three days – Friday to Sunday. Business is mostly on the first day with the public taking over on the weekend. Moscow’s VeloPark-2011 is unli-

ke the international bike shows. Here there were dozens of exhibitors, not hundreds. The estimated number of visitors was 12 thousand. Those on hand for the first time here were shocked with the absence of major brands, but that was normal – the main goal for exhibitors is to find partners. Continued on page 13

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Market Report

Estonia, Latvia & Lithuania

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Lithuania Pushes the Baltic Region Forward The highlight of the market report for the Baltic States are Lithuanian’s exports. Once again they are getting close to the numbers from the years 2007 and 2008, as this country is an important supplier to all three Baltic States, Germany and other European countries. Meanwhile imports are falling and so is domestic consumption. By Grega Stopar

Estonia The latest country that joined the Euro region (in 2011) had a 7% increase in imports in 2010 but at the same time value of the imports went down 20% to € 29.5 million, the lowest in a few years. The consumption is still less than

half of what it was in 2007 and 2008. Exports, not that high to begin with and are now only about 15% of what they were just 3 years ago. Despite big production in neighbouring Lithunia most of the bikes (65%) originate from Asia with Cambodia and Taiwan

Export from Lithuania in 2010 – biggest partners (country, units) 1.

Germany

286,233

2.

Denmark

14,002

3.

Latvia

6,451

4.

Estonia

4,727

5.

Sweden

4,177

(Source: Eurostat)

being the biggest suppliers. The EU supplies the remaining 35% with Italy as the biggest producer.

Latvia The bike sector in this country is in an even worse situation. With a population of well over one million people import stood at only 24,000 bicycles. This is over 50% lower than those in 2007/2008. Taiwan and China are the biggest suppliers to Latvia but with the strong influence of Lithuanian bicycle industry the EU takes the trophy as biggest supplier. Exports are at a record low, almost not worth mentioning in the whole picture of the Baltic region.

Export in value (EUR) Average value (EUR)

Import in value (EUR) Average value (EUR)

Estonia: Bike Import & Export Export in units Export in value (EUR) Average value (EUR)

2007

2008

2009

2010

18,420

7,257

5,399

2,786

1,655,171

1,108,030

1,017,941

426,806

89.90

152.70

188.50

152.20

Source: Eurostat

Pride of the Lithuanian bicycle industry Baltik Vairas is again working at high capacity – exports from the country have reached over 330,000 bikes and most of this can be credited to the half a century old factory, now working in partnership with

Import in units Import in value (EUR) Average value (EUR)

2007

2008

2009

2010

61,617

65,190

27,451

29,613

5,018,090

5,837,550

3,668,659

2,959,038

81.40

89.50

133.60

99.92

Source: Eurostat

Lithuania: Bike Import & Export

2007

2008

2009

2010

6,155

3,158

2,191

1,525

249,723

150,710

290,728

223,727

Export in value (EUR)

40.60

47.70

132.70

146.70

Average value (EUR)

Source: Eurostat

Import in units

bikes in 2010 was less than 30 thousand – another big drop after already ‘red’ numbers in 2009. The country that stands out with the imports statistics is Indonesia, with 8’,684 units, but in total the country gets most (over 60%) of its bike from the EU. But strong home production is not pushing the market forward. Consumption has gone down to estimated 60-80 thousand units.

behind is Denmark with just over 14 thousand units, followed by Latvia and Estonia with 6,451 and 4,727 units. No surprise that on average bikes exported to those two countries are significantly cheaper than those that are built for Western Europe and Scandinavian countries. The trend for imports is closer to Latvia and Estonia, actually even worse. The number of imported

Lithuania

Latvia: Bike Import & Export Export in units

Panther International GmbH. After a 33% fall in 2009 numbers are now very close to the record sales of 2007 and 2008. In fact they are already at a record high in terms of value – with an 8% increase in average price for exported bicycles they are worth over € 43 million. By far the most important customer for the company is Germany, accounting for over 85% of the production. Far

Export in units

2007

2008

2009

2010

387,000

388,564

263,677

330,606

38,107,952

40,324,347

31,831,246

43,158,180

98.50

103.80

120.70

130.54

Source: Eurostat

2007

2008

2009

2010

68,168

64,296

30,304

23,755

5,385,890

5,239,240

3,068,519

1,924,469

79.00

81.50

101.30

81.00

Source: Eurostat

Import in units Import in value (EUR) Average value (EUR)

2007

2008

2009

2010

66,393

87,056

44,034

29,289

3,543,450

4,593,499

3,421,794

2,769,731

53.40

52.80

77.70

94.56

Source: Eurostat

Continued from page 12

Moscow’s VeloPark-2011: Answers to Consumer Conundrum on Bikes Moscow’s VeloPark-2011 is unlike the international bike shows. Here there were dozens of exhibitors, not hundreds. The estimated number of visitors was 12 thousand. Those on hand for the first time here were shocked with the absence of major brands, but that was normal – the main goal for exhibitors is to find partners. The VeloPark show is a good opportunity for smaller brands and distributors to do business. And the majors rely on their reputation and web search engines not a small Russian trade show. But, Shimano, Giant, and KTM brands were on hand, along with a prominent local brand Forward. There were regular and first-time exhibitors from Germany, Austria, India, Taiwan, China and some others. Foreign participants showed mostly components with bikes presented by Russian distributors and shops. First time exhibitors from abroad acknowleged a number of business contacts and were enthusiastic about taking part in this show in the future. Usually it takes more than just bringing samples to the show to start successful business on a new market, and the Russian market is a difficult one.

Trends Experienced visitors could see some new trends this year. Here again the key word was optimization. VeloPark-2011 marked a departure from a “one bike for

everyone” concept. Yes, we still use mostly mountain bikes in the cities and commuter one-speed bikes in rural areas. A guy on a freeride monster in a small Moscow street may look funny, but that’s how it all happening here. After a scarce choice of every consumer product during the Communist era, multi-geared MTBs were a whole new opportunity and they drove bike market to where it is now. It’s time for them to retire as a general bike type and let way to all the others. A desire to be different pushed some cyclists to react in exaggerated manner – some have switched to fashionable fixed-gear bicycles, some to the cruisers and a few set their bike aside as they don’t want to be seen cycling at all. VeloPark-2011 had some answers to this consumer conundrum. Actually there are three ways out of all-MTB cycling. The first one is apparently city bikes. One lady put it frankly: “I don’t want to look like my son and I don’t want him taking my bike when he breaks his own.” And she saved a lot of money choosing a nice pink cruiser with floral design, metal fenders and chain guard with geared hub and wide saddle with chromed springs over some Shimano XTbased mountain bike suggested by her son. The number of people willing to distance themselves from sporty looking cyclists is

Last resort for a die-hard retrograde is the Aist bicycle, made at aMinsk factory operating since the beginning of the bicycle world. One gear, decades-proven design – tens of million people over half a century can’t be wrong…

growing. Locally made bikes of this kind as well as imported ones are available under a number of brands and in different price ranges. The second way out of the MTB style, especially for city dwellers to consider – is a folding bike. Moscow traffic is becoming worse each year and it’s always been a pain to sit in a car struggling through a traffic jam and watch cyclists riding freely on a sidewalk. A lot of motorists are dreaming of a small bike in a trunk. Folding bikes are also proving a good idea not only for drivers but for people using the subway as well. Folding bikes are allowed on the underground for a fee of about 60 euro cents for a ride of any distance and direction under a sprawling section of Moscow some 50 kilometers across. Now the third solution for cy-

Moscow traffic is becoming worse each year. A lot of motorists are dreaming of a small bike in a trunk. Folding bikes are also proving a good idea not only for drivers but for people using the subway as well. Photos Andrey Khorkov

clists-to-be is an e-bike. This beast is almost nonexistent in Russia. Typically electric bikes are confused with a small motorbike and the first question addressed to the salesmen is “how fast will it go”. Being told that one has to pedal in order to go and the motor just assists a bit, leaves the customer disappointed. Nonetheless, dealers expect to sell several hundred e-bikes this season, mostly in Moscow.

Last resort All three trends were presented at VeloPark-2011 and in a couple of months we’ll see if any of them happen to be viable. More conservative cyclists can choose a regular MTB and treat it with gadgets like GPS-cyclocomputer, high-powered headlights, or HD action cameras. All these items could spur interest in cycling along with fancy aftermarket

The number of Russian people willing to distance themselves from sporty looking cyclists is growing. VeloPark-2011 had, among others, this answer to this consumer conundrum.

components available over the Internet. Bikes are already a must have thing for those who are young and active or at least pretending to be so. The growing number of cyclists could cause a chain reaction, forcing even humble coach potatoes to bike shops. Or, at least they might buy a used bike from a friend. And the last resort for a die-hard retrograde is the Aist bicycle, made at aMinsk factory operating since the beginning of the bicycle world. One gear, decades-proven design – tens of million people over half a century can’t be wrong. You want a marketing legend? It goes like this. They buy sheet metal and make tubes inhouse! They make these oldfashioned saddles and sell them even to Nigeria. Aist bikes may be seen in Afganistan. And these are

not fables but sheer truth. A woman in her forties approached Aist booth at VeloPark asking a permission to sit on a children bike. She explained that she had exactly the same model when she was three years old. VeloPark is a successeful although small scale event. Bikes are selling well and we expect some bike-conscious actions from Moscow town council. Last year Russian president Dmitry Medvedev fired Moscow major Yuri Luzhkov for loss of confidence. One of the prime tasks for a new city head Sergey Sobyanin is solving a traffic problem in Moscow. Whether he is going to create some infrastructure for bikes and help push the whole market higher will hopefully become clear very soon.

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Report

City’s successful infrastructure increases cycling business while serving its citizens

Velo-City Reveals Business Boom in Cycle-Friendly Seville SEVILLE, Spain - Representatives from more than 47 countries descended upon Andalusia’s capital city March 23-25 to participate in the global conference, Velocity 2011, and to see for themselves the positive impact cycling infrastructure could have on a city with no prior culture of cycling. While Seville was trumpeted frequently by organizers for its recent cost-savings and urban benefits of investments in cycling, it was also revealed that business related to cycling had tripled since the city commenced its urban redesign in 2006. By Wendy Booher

Among the 915 participants was a noteworthy quantity of civic leaders, healthcare professionals, and city planners from fields traditionally without strong links to cycling but which have recently intensified interest in cycling, along with improved cycling infrastructure and the promotion of cycling

itself as solutions to nagging problems such as energy dependency, climate change, and obesity. Themes consistent with organizers’ vision for the conference content crystallized on Day 1 of Velo-city 2011 with a call to action by Norway’s former Prime Minister, Gro Harlem Brundtland, to be aware

Eva Willumsen proves the value of investing in cycling infrastructure.

and actively involved in finding solutions to global health challenges, threats to the environment, and unsustainable economies. “When we started talking about the program, we made up our minds to focus on actual issues that we thought needed to be discussed,” said Matthias Nuessgen, program content manager for Velo-city 2011. “We came up with four main themes: health, education, public investment and the efficiency of this investment, and social aspects of cycling economy.” In between morning and afternoon plenary sessions, conference go-ers had a chance to choose from eight sub-plenary presentations, eight round table discussions, or four workshops twice each day on topics as diverse as ‘The economic cost of cycling and the generation of employment’ and ‘Bicycle Helmets do we need European legislation?’ Inline with Velo-city’s twin goals to

engage Africa and Latin America in the program content many topics were offered in Spanish, English, or both Spanish and English. At first this proved challenging as organizers had no way of qualifying related information at the source. To solve that, organizers attended conferences in Mexico and Senegal, which put them in direct contact with exactly the people they desired to reach. This rewarded organizers with presenters from Africa, and South and Central America, who spoke about mobility habits, policy making, gender imbalance, and prosperity via mobility, each from the distinct perspective and cultural background of their respective countries. Seville also played a role in the goal to reach out to African and Latin American participants since the climate, flora, and sometimes, geography, could easily relate to cities on either of the two continents than say, a northern European city like Copenhagen, London, or Oslo. For attendees from Africa and Latin America, to be able to imagine similar solutions in Mexico, Chile, Uganda, or Zambia like those implemented by Seville also defined conference motives.

Cycling policy is also big business Selecting Seville as the backdrop for Velo-city proved a shrewd choice by organizers while the city took full advantage to show off its cycling infrastructure, which began construction in early 2006 and resulted in 120 kilometers of segregated cycle tracks, a successful public bicycle hire scheme, and a tenfold increase in trips by bike from 6,000 to 60,000 per day, or nearly a seven percent increase, up from less than half of one percent. One of the three main objectives underscoring the event was to position Seville as a model city that successfully transformed itself from car-choked and trafficcongested to a city centered on community rather than cars. While it’s nice to agree that riding bikes is a good idea, that’s hardly enough to sway politicians to put cycling on their agendas, especially when only a small percentage of voters lobby for including cycling in the urban landscape. However cycling infrastructure not only serves citizens, but serves industry interests as well and what happened in Seville yielded business growth never seen before in the city's cycling sector. Without counting sport or recreational cycling, the demand for cycling-related businesses grew more during the last four years than any other previous period of time - even than all prior years added together. “I would say that the cycling business has almost tripled since 2006,” said Manuel Calvo, program content coordinator for Velo-city 2011. “Where there used to be one or two shops to rent bikes, now there are six shops. You have the chance to choose from three or four businesses that offer bike tours and now there are bike schools too. A couple established shops opened up outlets in new locations; there are also three shops dedica-

Norway's former Prime Minister, Gro Harlem Brundtland, poised to call to action participants of Velo-city 2011 Photos Velo-city 2011

ted exclusively to urban cycling. All of these businesses have opened in the last four to five years.” Due to higher volume sales, bike shops have had to improve their product offerings to stay competitive in Seville’s increasingly diverse market. Stores that sell specialty items have extended their reach beyond the local market to serve consumers with more refined demands. Calvo, who maintains a consultancy in Seville that specializes in projects related to sustainable mobility and climate change, sees the future potential for cycling from a professional vantage point and even now, as unsustainable resources shrink, he stated that people are ready to turn to cycling. Politicians are listening too and are paying closer to the return on investment cycling has to offer. The career risk to politicians who turn to cycling as a solution is lessening as well, now that healthcare professionals and economists, among others, are showing up in support of cycling and they come armed with proof of the benefits.

Cycling projects equal sound investments “We all want to tell our government officials that they should build cycling infrastructure because riding a bike is great," remarked Guillermo Penalosa, master of ceremonies. Penalosa’s comment was more a reaction to a presentation by Eva Willumsen, department head of economics at the Consultancy within Engineering, Environmental Science and Economics, who had just proven the value of investing in cycling by using cost-benefit analysis as an unemotional foundation for convincing politicians that cycling infrastructure isn’t just a good idea, but rather a sound investment. “When politicians make decisions, they implicitly moneterise effects,” Willumsen said. “When we carry out cost-benefit analyses, we use the same values every time and thereby we provide unbiased foundations for decision making.” Values like time use, health effects (reduced illness and increased life expectancy), bicycle operating

costs, accident costs, and branding value all carry a monetary value per kilometer, which is used to calculate cost to benefit. Infrastructure projects in Willumsen's native Denmark require a five percent rate of return and by using cost-benefit analysis, Willumsen was able to prove a 7.6 percent rate of return for Copenhagen’s Brygge Bridge, and a whopping 33 percent rate of return for a traffic intersection rebuild. “The analyses enlighten the politicians and help them make good decisions. It is our responsibility to quantify the benefit; if we do not make cost benefit analysis, politicians make their own value and in that case, it will be the politicians who value effects. Thereby decisions will be made on different foundations from time to time. When we use official unit values of costs and benefits, we assure that decisions are based on solid and consistent foundations.” Rather than wait for voters to teach them the value of cycling, cycling infrastructure, and the promotion of cycling, some politicians had come to Velo-city to see for themselves the benefits. Belgium’s Wallonia government solicited project proposals for improving cycling from 63 municipalities in the region. 13 were selected to dispatch two employees to Velo-city: a mayor or deputy mayor and a functionary who would study and learn solutions and strategies for implementing cycling in their respective municipalities. The 26 Belgian delegates had their work cut out for them too since they are required to submit a comprehensive cycling plan for their districts by October 2011. SRAM’s Randy Neufeld also came up with an idea to invite elected officials from the U.S. SRAM sponsored the 2010 Velo-city conference in Copenhagen and, when it was announced that the 2011 event would take place in Seville, that sparked an idea to invite Latino elected officials to both inspire them and help the U.S. cycling movement become more multicultural.

Continued on page 16

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News

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New facilities in Taiwan start production next November

Marwi Moves Towards Mid to High-End Levels in Pedals, Saddles and Lighting TAICHUNG, Taiwan – Without neglecting its entry-level product lines the Marwi Group is making an all-out effort towards mid to high-end levels for its pedals, saddles and lighting components. To help achieve that goal, the company is opening three new production facilities in Taichung, Taiwan. By Jack Oortwijn

The first facility is to start full scale production in early November 2011; the other two ‘stations’ will come online later. The new facilities are on a 2,000m² plot which Marwi Group CEO and President Patrick Pai bought three years ago. The Marwi Group already operates production facilities in Indonesia, which is currently its main manufacturing center. With a total of about 700 employees working at production units and offices in 5 countries (Indonesia, Taiwan, the Netherlands, Germany, and the Czech Republic) Marwi is globally organized. The component maker is especially known as the world’s largest manufacturer of pedals.

Marwi’s big push At its three new facilities in Taiwan Marwi is currently installing highly automated production equipment, including among others, alloy injection die-casting machinery. Here mid to high-end pedals, saddles and lighting components are to be produced. The company also plans to upgrade its own production and to limit the amount of semi-finished products it sources from subcontractors. Marwi is investing about â‚Ź10 million in its highly automated production in Taiwan. This investment illustrates what James Huang, Managing Director for Marwi Taiwan, calls, “Marwi’s big push for the highend levels of the market. We want to bring the company and its products to the next level and move away from the low-end sectors. In fact we want our

Marwi is investing about 10 million euro in a new HQ and three new production facilities in Taichung, Taiwan which will house highly automated machinery.

Union brand to get to such high-end levels for our core components.� In 1995 the company bought the rights to the Union brand name from the German lights maker Union FrÜndenberg. Since then Marwi has greatly expanded the OEM focused Union range which, as well as a complete line-up of (battery) lights and dynamos, currently includes: pedals, cables, chains, MTB/Trekking parts, hubs, brake shoes and pads, water bottle cages, seat clamps, cycle computers and bike tools. The company also sells saddles under the Selle San Remo brand name, as well as Xerama. Marwi’s aftermarket-focused product range includes Selle San Remo Pro branded saddles, Ti-Dye spokes & nipples, Ti-Dye wheelsets and NightPro battery lighting sets.

High-End Marwi’s big push towards high-end in the company’s core product lines is something it has been working on for a couple of years. For instance, a whole range of clipless pedals is offered as well as LED headlights and carbon Ti-Dye wheelsets. Speaking of clipless pedals, Marwi Group is also making the cleats for one of renowned US brands in road racing parts. And Marwi is looking to expand such private label business. The same goes for products other than the core Marwi components - pedals, saddles and lighting. Managing Director James Huang says, “With the new production facilities we are planning to expand into other sectors

Marwi uses its Union brand to get to the high-end levels for the company’s core components; pedals, saddles and lighting. Photos Bike Europe

The Marwi Group management with (from left to right) James Huang, MD Marwi Taiwan; Patrick Pai, CEO and Martin Vogt, MD Marwi Europe. They want to bring the company and its products to the next level and move away from the low-end sectors.

of the components market. In particular we want to go into drive train components. We are convinced that enlarging our offering is the way to go for Marwi in the years to come. Not next year by the way. Because making an entry into drive train components also means that you have to have your other basics right, like marketing and sales.� Despite all the plans for new products, Marwi Group is not forgetting where its current base business is. Huang says: “We are strong in the mid sector of the European bike market. Strong in components for city bikes, the Dutch granny bikes as well as the lower end of the trekking bike market. The product range we currently offer is suited for that. And looking at the current trend of down-spec’ing we are sure to be the right partner for bike makers that operate in these segments.�

Marwi makes a big push for the high-end levels of the market with a highly automated production in Taiwan. Manufacturing with, among others, alloy injection die-casting machinery starts in November.

business. Through its Rotterdam office and a network of distributors, wholesalers across Europe are targeted as well as sporting goods and supermarket

chains. Next to a 48 hour delivery, prepackaging and bar-coding services are in place for Marwi Group’s Aftermarket business in Europe.

Aftermarket In the last couple of years Marwi managed to expand its OEM business in Europe. And not in small percentages. Thanks to just-in-time deliveries through its logistics centers in Rotterdam and the Czech Republic the component maker is currently making the biggest part (52%) of its yearly turnover in Europe. Asia is Marwi’s number 2 market where 29% of its sales are made while the Americas (North and South) is good for 15% of sales. Next to OEM Marwi is of course also strongly focused on aftermarket

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Marwi Europe In Europe the Marwi Group operates a market and logistics center in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, a Technical and Customer Service Center in Germany, and in the Czech Republic a distribution center for Eastern Europe. Marwi Europe in Rotterdam has a staff of 5 while in the R&D and customer service center in Germany there are 2 employees. The Czech distribution center also has a staff of 5. Marwi Europe’s MD Martin Vogt In Europe the Marwi Group operates a market and logistics center in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, a Technical and underlines James Huang stateCustomer Service Center in Germany, and in the Czech Republic a distribution center for Eastern Europe. Picture here ments and says, “The new facilities is Marwi Europe in Rotterdam. Photo Marwi in Taiwan are not for mass production. It’s all about expanding upwards in the market. Without neglecting our current position we will be working on this step by step. For us in Europe there’s a big task in the years ahead to change the Marwi name and reputation which currently is not directly related to high-end parts. Presently the Marwi Group in Europe serves over 200 customers, of which about 60 are bike manufacturers. Over 150 wholesalers, supermarket and sporting goods chains are served through our warehouses and logistics centers in Rotterdam and in Decin, Czech Republic. We have, except for Italy, Portugal and Finland, multiple distributors in Europe.� “Our warehouse near Rotterdam contains about 2,000 pallets of stock,� continues Vogt, “part of it is also ‘safety stock’ from which we can deliver OEMs within 48 hours. Most of our bigger OEM customers offer us an order horizon for 1 to 3 months. This stock and through our logistic system with the main manufacturing center in Indonesia allows us to be flexible. The Marwi warehouse in the Czech Republic is targeted to the more fragmented markets in Eastern Europe for which it is able to deliver in smaller quantities.�

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16 BIKE europe

“We want to do it better and more efficient”:

SRAM Taiwan Operation Ready for Production of New Generation Gear Hubs TAICHUNG, Taiwan – The relocation of the SRAM i-3 production from their German factory in Schweinfurt to Taiwan is finalised. A team of Schweinfurt experts has been working for two years to transfer the production of the I-motion series to a SRAM supply partner in Taiwan. “It was a major operation aimed at moving the production close to our Asian manufacturing operations and major OE customer assembly factories.” says Jeffrey Winterkorn, SRAM’s VP Asian Operations. Bike Europe took a closer look at the IGH manufacturing location as well as SRAM’s main facility in Taichung, Taiwan. By Jan-Willem van Schaik

“The total market for internal gear hubs in Europe has been stable for several years while the main growth markets for IGH’s are here in Asia as well as in the US,” says Jeffrey Winterkorn. “In the past few years we have been shipping an increasing number of hubs from Europe to Asia for assembly on bicycles destined for the US and Asian markets. For SRAM this was one of the main reasons to relocate the Schweinfurt production to Taiwan and to set up the production of the new hub platforms in our Dali factory.” Starting-up production of I-3 with the SRAM partner factory took SRAM engineers one year of preparation and a second year to finalize all details. In this case the relocation of the production did not mean that all the machinery was shipped from Schweinfurt to Taiwan. According to SRAM this would have caused too many hiccups in the beginning, as there are differences in the culture on production locations between Taiwan and Germany. Instead of moving the machinery, much of it was built new in Taiwan. This insured the Taiwan manufacturing team had a deep knowledge of the process and equipment. At the factory all material handling is done in one location including all CNC machinery. Although cost efficiency was not the most important reason for SRAM to close down Schweinfurt, production on these premises saves the Americans money. The partner factory is an important subcontractor working for SRAM, and a

part of the production hall is used for the manufacturing of the SRAM products. An additional room on the second floor is equipped for the final assembly of the hubs. Overall, the floorspace used for SRAM IGH measures only 25% of the size of Schweinfurt. Today the final assembly is done in two shifts on one production line, while a second line has been planned for 2012.

Quality Control “The level of quality control is exactly for parts production and finished good assembly is the same as in Europe. Although all testing equipment was made locally in-house, the methods we use are precisely the same as in Schweinfurt,” says Jeffrey Winterkorn. In the near future, the partner will act as a component supplier for the Dali factory where the recently launched 2, 7, and 8 speed hubs will be made. In the past 12 months preparations were made in the former Truvativ factory in Dali to start production of the new internal gear hub platforms. “These new production lines will also be equipped with the most modern technology to meet a growing demand for tailor-made products,” says Jeffrey Winterkorn. “Product management for a complete bike is changing from the assembly of parts and components to overall product design. This requires tailor-made components and closer co-ordination between suppliers and OEM’s. The rapidly expanding e-bike market and the growing number of e-bike providers are accelera-

ting this process. We are ready to provide the final components specified by our OEM customers.” Besides the new production lines for the internal gear hubs, the Dali factory also makes most of the carbon products used in SRAM road and mountain groups.

Production in Taiwan The heart of the SRAM manufacturing is based in Taichung, Taiwan, where SRAM has been operating its own facility since 1991. The Taichung factories produce many of the finished goods for the SRAM, RockShox, Avid and Truvativ Brands. “SRAM Taiwan Operatations has a strong culture of manufacturing and process improvement and is constantly innovating and auto-

The heart of the SRAM production in Taiwan is based in Taichung. SRAM has been operating its own facility in this country since 1991. Photos: Bike Europe

mating its production lines,” says Jeffrey Winterkorn. “Production in China might be cheaper labourwise, but here in Taiwan our production has a high degree of automation and quality control. We have invested substantially in our in-house testing capability as well as our quality control systems to insure robust products coming off our production lines. We combine technology and supply chain management systems to carefully handle our logistics and supply chains to minimize inventories. We utilize bar coding to in-

sure seamless tracking of parts and finished goods both within the factories and out in the market. Our JIT and build to order philosophy allows us to manage our parts inventory to a minimum of 6 days and our finished good inventory to 3 days. Simply put, we do it better and more efficiently by being close to our suppliers and customers.” “One our main competitive advantage is that we are based in the vincinity of where our customers assembly bikes and we have built a supply local supply

SRAM efficiently handles it logistics and supply chain with E-Flow.

Continued from page 14

“In the US, we have trouble getting road engineers and planners to try innovative European bikeway designs,” Neufeld said. “We are only successful where there is a political push from the top but that won’t happen without public officials experiencing built-out systems. “You don't really grasp the broad range of participation, its economic impacts and the way it works with car traffic without experiencing it.” 10 council members representing seven U.S. cities attended Velo-city 2011 on a scholarship program created by a partnership between SRAM, the Bikes Belong Foundation, and Chicago's Active Transportation Alliance. While bilingualism wasn’t a requirement to qualify for a scholarship, each council member was fluent in Spanish.

Public bike hiring goes national

SRAM invested substantially in their in-house test lab.

“80% of our production is supplied to companies who are located in a 50 mile radius.”

The week following Velo-city, the two largest public transport companies in Switzerland announced that they will launch a national public bike system. This came as

great news for industry newcomer, Velobility, which chose Velocity to make its public debut. Velobility was one of approximately 30 exhibitors in the Velo-city expo, which featured a mix of product manufacturers, vendors of cycling solutions and services, and government agencies related to the environment, public works, and of course, cycling . Philip Douglas launched Velobility in the fall of 2010 from an existing platform of low-maintenance bicycles under the brand Simpel. Whereas Simpel built its reputation on the fluid, easy-to-use design of its Paper Bicycle, which Douglas and his team sold online mainly to Swiss consumers, Velobility emerged as a business-tobusiness model with public bike hiring programs as the target market. The Paper Bicycle already had all the elements required for public bike use, in fact Switzerland's two main public systems in Lausanne and Biel already use the Paper Bicycle. So when it was announced that there would be a Swiss national system, it would be reasonable to believe that Velobility had an advantage over competitors.

chain to support that our production,” says Jeffrey Winterkorn. “80% of our purchases are made from suppliers within a 100 km radius of Taichung. We have a strong preference for local sourcing and for that reason we have a group of 10 people in our quality engineering department to support our suppliers, and help them fine tune their production. This avoids a lot of problems in the final assembly in our factories. It is all aimed at an improving the speed of which we supply components to our customers.”

“Production in China might be cheaper labour-wise, but here in Taiwan our production has a high degree of automation.”

When JCDecaux forged the market for public bike systems with the launch of the Paris Velib' in 2007, the news rippled through major media outlets and established JCDecaux as the market leader, a position the company has enjoyed until now. However, there are weaknesses to the JCDecaux system, which Jean-Sebastian Decaux (the youngest son of company founder, Jean-Claude Decaux) confessed to in his Velocity presentation ‘The public bike systems of JCDecaux.’ Mainly damage from theft, vandalism, and overuse have plagued the system but the company has been working to address those issues and improve the system. Where there are problems, other companies see opportunities and the race to stake a claim in the market has been heating up. Velo-city brought together bike manufacturers and system providers - sometimes one in the same - with the leaders who will be making key decisions regarding public bike systems in the near future. “In the next three years the market will be really established and you're either in or out,” Douglas said. “Velo-city is about establis-

hing contacts and scouting for public tenders since most business will happen through public tenders.” Currently few public bike system vendors can handle a project of the magnitude required by larger cities, JCDecaux is one of them. What will drive innovation even more in public bike systems, according to Douglas, will be the ability to contract a system a la carte, which is to say a system provider and a specialized bike manufacturer would team up to design a state-of-the-art public bike system for a customer with specific demands and high expectations. Larger public tenders will show if smaller, more specialized companies will get their chance to participate with partial solutions or if the big projects will stay reserved for full-solution providers. Velo-city 2011 concluded with an energetic stroke of the pen as dignitaries and participants of the Velo-city 2011 conference signed the ‘Charter of Seville’, which urged ministers of transportation worldwide to attend the International Transport Forum, May 25-27, 2011 in Leipzig, Germany.

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Metro Mobile Congress and Bicycle Culture 2.0 BERLIN, Germany – To put the bicycle in the spotlight among politicians and policy makers, the organizers of the new bicycle show, Velo Berlin, arranged the Metro Mobile conference prior to the show. The conference, which took place March 25th, focused on the future of urban mobility, with a key role for the bicycle. A range of international speakers discussed how to deliver people-friendly mobility in other large metropolitan areas around the world. The event was marketed as an international conference, but interest from abroad was limited, making Metro Mobile an all-German event. By Jan-Willem van Schaik

Although the bicycle is often used for transportation purposes in Germany, the automobile is still top of mind when discussion mobility issues. Nevertheless, Berlin stands out in terms of bicycle use compared to other German cities. At the moment, one third of all traffic movements in the German capital take place on foot, by bicycle, or via public transport. By both German and international standards Berlin has a very low percentage of car owners while the share of bicycle usage is over 15% in several German cities such as Munich, Frankfurt, Bremen, Halle, Dresden and Berlin. Throughout Germany, cycling’s mode share rose from 9 to 10% between 2002-2008. It is expected this share will continue to grow slowly but steadily.

“Market the mainstream” Keynote speaker of the Metro Mobile conference was the Danish expert on urban mobility –Mikael Colville-Anderson, CEO of Copenhagenize Consulting. Colville-Anderson is consulted by cities worldwide on issues such as cycling infrastructure and the promotion of bicycles. For many years he has been an ardent advocate for the bike. The issue of e-vehicles does not appeal to him, as an electric powered car used for urban mobility incorporates the same disadvantages as a car with a combustion engine. He opened his speech questioning why the bicycle had to give up its position in traffic to the automobile. “Up to 60 years ago, the bicycle was still very common in traffic”, says Colville-Anderson. “As of the mid-Fifties in the past century bicycle usage went downhill, except for the Netherlands and Denmark. Those two countries were the only ones who could maintain their bicycle tradition until the revival of bicycles after the second oil crisis at the end of the Seventies. Denmark and the Netherlands are two fine examples for many other countries and cities who want to stimulate the use of bicycles. I would call this new global revival the bicycle culture 2.0. One of the main reasons of the declining interest in cycling as a means of transportation was the lack of support for this segment by the bicycle industry themselves.” According to Mikael all the marketing efforts of the bicycle industry during the past forty years have

In his appeal to the global bicycle industry, Mikael Colville-Anderson is very clear: ‘market the main stream’.

been aimed at sports and recreation. “It is more appealing and sexy to address sports performance and everybody is trying to get a piece of that dream incorporated in his brand. Amsterdam and Copenhagen have both proven things can be changed. In those two cities the ownership of a bicycle is as common as a vacuum cleaner. Everyone owns one and can handle them, without even thinking how. Moreover Danish market surveys show that the vast majority of ordinary town dwellers prefer an upright city bike upright for use in the city. In addition, 80% said that it should be black or red.” In his appeal to the global bicycle industry, Mikael Colville-Anderson is very clear: ‘market the main stream’. “Why doesn’t bicycle industry invest more money and energy into campaigns to encounter the negative issues surrounding the bicycle?” he asks. “Time and again the bicycle is put down as dangerous in traffic, you get wet when it is raining, it is cold in winter, etc. The automotive industry is very effective in providing the adverse arguments on negative issues regarding the automobile to the media limiting the damage to the image of the automobile. The bicycle industry can learn a lot from them.” As well as Copenhagen, the use of cycling in London and Berlin were covered at the MetroMobile conference. Unfortunately Berlin is still lacking policies which could give the bicycle a significant boost. Friedemann Kunst, GM of the Traffic department of Berlin provided a lot of data on the steady growth of cycling in the German capital. However the question remains when Germany will get its own hot-topic, such as the Velib in Paris, to give cycling a major Prior to the new consumer event VeloBerlin, the MetroMobile conference took place last March 25 in boost. the German capital. Photos Bike Europe

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VeloBerlin Has Successful Premiere BERLIN, Germany – Germany’s newest bike show – VeloBerlin - which took place last Saturday and Sunday at Messe Berlin, made a successful start. Some 8,450 visitors attend the show which was preceded by the MetroMobile conference on Friday. The interested public could test ride city bikes, e-bikes, and trekking bikes on the spot and talk with the experts. On stage, manufacturers presented their new systems, while a separate program was

offered with bike tour lectures, information on ergonomics, and workshops. VeloBerlin is a co-production of Eurobike and Velokonzept and offered 160 exhibitors in 11,000 square meters exhibition space a new platform for Germany’s avid cyclist audience. “In addition to the Eurobike, it has been a wish of the industry for many years to have a product presentation for consumers in spring”, said Friedrichshafen Messe CEO Klaus Wellmann. “We are happy to fulfil this request.” JWvS

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Show Review

Product Launches at 24th Taipei Int’l Cycle Show

Saint-Gobain Introduces Cost Effective Bearings At Taipei Cycle Show Gobain Performance Plastics launched a cost-effective bearing solution for bicycle components, to reduce friction and improve performance. The company’s proven Norglide line of composite bearings is now available with new

With new Eko Plus material, Norglide bearings can be used to cost-effectively improve bicycle performance, Photo Saint-Gobain reducing friction and weight.

Eko Plus material. Corrosion-resistant and lightweight, Norglide bearings can be used in bicycle components such as headsets, pedals, and brakes to contribute to a smooth riding experience. Eko Plus is a distinctive polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) blend containing more cost-effective fillers than those traditionally used in bearings. Whether Eko Plus or other combinations, Norglide bearings feature a thicker layer of PTFE compared with other technologies, which ensures stronger resistance to wear, resulting in longer use and reduced maintenance requirements. Able to be customized to meet specific requirements, Norglide bearings can be

Ryde/Rigida Lunasee Rims Rim maker Ryde/Rigida is making use of the innovative Lunasee technology in its Antares rims series which was presented at Taipei Cycle. The innovative visual effect of Lunasee’s patented Active Side Lighting system is designed to address the visibility gaps of current bicycle lighting and reflective components - improving the ability of motorists to quickly see and recognize a cyclist, improve reaction times and minimize collisions. This is accomplished through the use of charging LEDs mounted on the frames, which are targeted on high performance, safety grade luminescent film integrated on the rims. The special LED’s con-

stantly super-charge the film as the wheels rotate, creating highly visible and easily identifiable rings of active (not passive) light on the wheels of the vehicle. The first rims specifically designed for luminescent integration for OEM’s are available from Ryde/Rigida. Lunasee has partnered with Dutch Gazelle and Ryde/Rigida. Lunasee and Ryde/Rigida are working with other major bicycle brands to expand the availability of Lunasee equipped bicycles on the market in the future. The best way to truly understand the benefits of Lunasee Active Side Lighting is to see it at www.lunasee.com

used in brake levers instead of conventional lever pivots to reduce friction. They also serve as a high-performance corrosion-resistant option for brake pivots. For pedal assemblies it can be used in place of axle-shaft rolling element bearings and plastic bushings. Unlike plastic components, these products are not at risk of performance degradation due to moisture absorption. Saint-Gobain is a global leader in the design, production and distribution of innovative, high performance materials for industry and employs over 191,500 people. With operations in over 64 countries, Saint-Gobain is the 60th largest employer worldwide.

New LA E-Ride e-Bike Targets Europe

For Europe, the new electric bike from LA E-Ride (Thailand) Co. Ltd.

It’s specially developed for export to the European markets; the new electric bike from LA E-Ride (Thailand) Co. Ltd. The bike comes with a lithium-manganese 36V-10 Ah battery which is carrier mounted. It charges the front hub motor through the TMM4 torque sensor and (CAN-Bus) control unit. The Nexus 3 or 7-speed bike with headset integrated front suspension complies with the EMC and Machinery Directives and is of course EN 15194 certified. Next to the e-Bike LA E-Ride also showed a new electric folding bike in Taipei.

More Braking Performance with SCS Deluxe Sun Chang Industry presented new anti blocking system brake shoes at the Taipei Cycle Show, the SCS Deluxe. According to the company the braking performance of this new shoe are far above average compared to other available on the market. Although the brake shoe is only 38 millimeter wide, the braking surface is over 30% more than with previous models. The most important innovation is the angle. On earlier models the angle of the brake shoe related to the rim was zero degrees or close to zero degrees. The SCS brake shoe has an angle of 27 degrees giving a substantial improvement of the braking performance.

The road bike series of Ming Sue Precision now includes the Ridea, a time trial chainring. Made of 7075 T6 aluminium, it weighs only 170 grams in a 50/35 teeth configuration. The Ridea has a closed power ring providing more stiffness. According to Ming Sue Precision the high stiffness guarantees less deformation of the chain wheel when shifting, creating less resistance and a better power transfer. The Ridea Power Ring concept includes a wide variety of arms and chain wheels suiting a complete cycling training system. It ranges from 5, 4 and 3 arm cranks and chain wheel combinations from 48 to 56 teeth.

The Ridea has a closed power ring providing more Photo Bike Europe stiffness.

Kind Shock Supernatural Seatpost in More Sizes The all new Supernatural 272 brings renowned Supernatural seat post benefits to 27.2 seat tube equipped bikes. This seatpost now offers owners of earlier

Novatec Launches Cross Country Hub

The D722SB rear hub is specially designed for cross country use. Photo Bike Europe

Photo Bike Europe

Ridea Cycling Cross Series

Ryde/Rigida is making use of the innovative Lunasee technology in its Antares rims series that has the luminescent film integrated in the rims. Photo Bike Europe

The D722SB is Novatec’s latest addition to its wide range of hubs. This rear hub is specially designed for cross country use, a small but rapidly growing market segment. The D722SB has three separate sealed bearings and weights just 286 grams. This hub is available with 32 and 36 spoke holes and measures 130 millimeters overall. The cassette body as well as the axle is made of 7075 aluminium. Following the D722SB cross country hub, Novatex will also soon introduce a wheelset dedicated to this segment.

The SCS Deluxe Has a Larger Braking Surface.

The Supernatural 272 brings renowned Supernatural seat post benefits to 27.2 seat tube equipped bikes. Photo KS

freeride, enduro and cross country bikes the performance enhancement of KS’s on-the-fly saddle position adjustment. The “272” accomplishes the task of offering a smaller diameter by utilizing a proprietary, patent-pending, external reservoir system. By housing the oil volume in this reservoir, the shaft wall thickness is maintained at optimal specification while still offering ideal oil volume for flawless performance. The Supernatural 272 offers several key features and benefits such as a remote lever: This allows the rider to easily change the seat height while keeping his hands safely on the handlebar. The remote reservoir allows flawless performance, higher strength due to optimized wall thickness, and generous oil volume and the separate seat angle and rail clamp mechanism. This allows for precise and independent adjustment of seat pitch and fore-aft adjustment. The infinite height setting allows the post to be quickly and easily set at any position within the travel range.

Cost-Saving Frame Finishing Technology Frame builder Astro has developed a new smooth welding technology now available for its customers. Besides attractive styling, the new production technology is very cost-effective. According to Astro the cost per frame is more or less the same. The main advantage is the frames built with this new smooth welding technology require less handling to finish. The savings done by the easy finishing are between US$5.00 – 7.00 per frame.

Photo Bike Europe

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Show Review

Product Launches at 24th Taipei Int’l Cycle Show

City Cowboy Cycling Bags The days of single colour cycling bags are long gone. Cycling bags have become fashionable. Shine Ho cycling bags, using the brand name Lotus, is proving to be right in the middle of this fashion market. In the past Shine Ho manufactured bags for many well known names in the bicycle industry, as well as for other industries, including Schwinn, Giant, KHS and Raleigh, as well as Mercedes Benz and BMW. The latest product ranges of Lotus are Desert Storm and City Cowboy. The City Cowboy reflects the style of cycling in the ‘urban jungle’ and includes a trunk bag, a handlebar bag,

a messenger bag, a saddle bag and two types of panniers. All bags are made of cotton and PU leather and come in a colour combination of black and brown. The more touring focused Desert Storm series includes only the saddle bag, handlebar bag, top tube bag and a double pannier. This series is made of 1000D Cordura and 600D Polyester in various colours. The cycling bag range of Lotus includes all types of bags, including light weight models, waterproof bags, women’s bags and baskets, bike carrying bags, bike covers and even hydration packs.

Foldable Lights It can be shaped in many forms and will light up the complete surface. The foldable lights were presented in Taipei by the Formosa Design & Development company. Little Led lights are used inside the foldable plastic forms which can be blown up like a balloon to various shapes. The foldable lights are patented.

New e-Bike Components New Led Lights Series from GreenTrans from Büchel GreenTrans Corp. presented at Taipei Cycle a complete new range of components for electric bicycles. This range contains 3 types of batteries which vary from rear rack models, saddle bag versions up to mid frame mounted Li-Ion packs. A new and slim rear hub motor, a motor control unit and a bottom bracket unit with integrated torque sensors completed the new GreenTrans e-bike components series. Special feature of this BB unit is that two torque sensors are integrated on both ends of the bottom bracket. According to the company’s spokesman the two sensors provide for instance response when one of the pedals is activated.

A complete range of LED front lights with alloy bodies was presented by German component maker Büchel in Taipei. They come in versions with reflector and in 40, 20 and 10 Lux. The new Buchel LED have bracketholders and stand as well as flashlight functions. The alloy housing makes the Büchel LED lights corrosion-free and prevents the lights to overheat.

Special feature of the new GreenTrans BB unit is that two torque sensors are integrated on both ends of the bottom bracket for instance response.

A complete range of LED front lights with reflector and in 40, 20 and 10 Lux versions are new at Buchel for MY2012.

Safe e-Bike Battery Storage by Thun Component and e-bike specialist Thun presented in Taipei a series of vaults in which e-bike batteries can be stored safely and at the same time can be charged. As lithium-ion batteries are prone to overheating all Thun battery safes are certified for the highest level of resistance to (lithium) fires. Next to that the safes come with fire distinguishers that automatically go off when temperatures are building up inside the safe. The three safe models vary in special features like the possibility to store returned batteries separate from new ones; to have timers for charging the batteries; to have alarms etcetera. The safes weigh about 250 kgs and vary in price between 2,195 to 7,095 euro. The Thun representatives at Taipei Cycle emphasized that dealers must inform their insurance companies on having lithium-ion batteries on stock and selling them. Having such batteries stored in vaults brings down the insurance premiums.

Next to the vaults for dealers Thun also offers special battery containers for OEMs which can house up to 8 pallets with batteries.

Two of the three vaults that Thun presented in Taipei in which e-bike batteries can be stored safely and at the same time can be charged.

To be formed in many shapes and lights up the surface of that shape; the foldable lights of the Formosa Design & Development company.

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Strida Launched as e-Bike Brand Ming Cycle, owner of the Strida brand name, is launching it as an electric bike brand. Two nicely-designed models were presented at Taipei Cycle in which the battery housing is integrated in the frame. The 17 inch Strida M1 e-bikes are offered as a pedelec and as a throttle operated e-bike, capable of speeds up to 40kmh. The electric system uses a torque sensor as well as 3-speed modes and a Li-Ion battery with a charging time of only 2.5 hours. Ming Cycle is Ming Cycle presented Strida e-bikes in looking for distributors which the battery housing is integraof its Strida e-bikes. ted in the frame.

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Frames & Frame Components

Carbon Can be Fixed Safely AMSTERDAM, the Netherlands - “Crash replacement” is widespread among bicycle brands to avoid consumers continuing to ride their bikes with a damaged carbon frame after an accident. In general “Crash replacement” includes a new frame at a reduced price and under certain conditions. But it is not always necessary to replace the frame completely and it is often more cost efficient to repair the damaged frame. By David Thörig

The opinions about the quality of fixed carbon frames are mixed. A dislodged cable connector is usually not a big problem, but cracks, or even holes in the frame, require specific expertise to repair it. In such cases many bicycle and frame manufacturers regard the frame as a total loss beyond repair. That’s logical, as handling these claims is time consuming and risky with respect to safety and quality. It is easier to offer a ‘crash replacement’. “For a long time the general idea was that carbon could not be repaired,” says Edwin van Vugt of the Dutch company Carbonrepair.nl. “This material is most fascinating and after I designed and built my own time trial bike I started to dig even deeper into the properties of carbon. During this process I found out that making a high quality bicycle frame is not rocket science. Repairing a damaged carbon frame became my next challenge.” This also worked out well and his work-

Depending on the type of damage the frame can be painted partially or completely, even including the patches and transfers.

manship soon spread out over the market. Carbonrepair.nl has been in the market for nearly six years now. Many bicycle brands as well as IBDs have found their way to this specialist. His work mainly consists of repairing damaged frames. In general these frames do not qualify for a crash replacement. Common damages include cracks or holes in the chainstay from chain-suck, or a damaged top tube as a result of a blow from the handlebar. Van Vugt’s repair work also includes a professional paint job if necessary. Depending on the type of damage the frame can be painted partially or completely, even including the patches and transfers. As a lot of carbon frames only carry a clear coat finish most repair jobs remain clearly visible.

Working Procedure Carbonreparatie.nl works by appointment only. As working with carbon and resin is not the healthiest activity, van Vugt takes precautions in his work for his own safety, with the following procedures. He scours around the crack to determine how deep the fracture is and masks the damaged carbon to prevent getting resin on unnecessary parts. Then he determines what type of carbon fiber is used. Carbonrepair.nl has most types of carbon tissues on stock. By using the correct tissue, the original structure can be retained. After that he cuts the selected carbon tissue carefully to close the gap. In most cases he only needs to add a very small quantity of

Caribou Pro Frames Caribou pro frames was established in 1999 in Taichung, Taiwan. The company designs and produces high end frames. Small production lots and custom OEM frames are their specialty. Caribou pro frames utilizes a range of famous tubing like Easton, Columbus, Dedacciai, Reynolds and Tange. Thanks to the cooperation with the German STS bike design Caribou pro frame can provide a solu- Caribou pro frames cooperates with the German STS bike design in new product tion for all technical pro- development. Photo Caribou pro frames blems and frame retry, lugged frames, stainless steel frames, quests. The current product range supports most Postmount, BB30, tapered steerer ZS, gravity seat post cable guiding, chain stay standards in the bicycle industry like Shimounted front derailleur and Hammersmano Di2, disc mount for road frames, chmidt compatibility. 29er hardtail and full suspension frames, a large number of MTB full suspension frames with different travel and geomeJWvS

Stabilizer Wheels Seeking international distribution partners

+1-610-868-7652 adam@bikeusainc.com www.stabilizerwheels.com

new material. The next step is to laminate the carbon in layers with the resin. The repaired part is then fixed by putting it under pressure. This also takes out all the air in the new carbon layers and gives the material its original strength. Thereafter the frame is put in an oven for 24 hours at a temperature of 40 degrees Celsius. It is essential to use resin which sets at such low temperatures in order not to affect the original adhesive bondings, the structure, the paint, and the transfers. Finally, the repaired part is sanded and prepared for the paint job. Carbonrepair.nl offers a lifetime guarantee. “Over the years I have repaired nearly 700 frames and none of them ever came back”, says van Vugt. Besides frames, Carbonrepair.nl handles other carbon damaged bike parts such as carbon rims. “This work remains interesting as long as the costs of repair are considerably lower than replacing it by a new one,” says Edwin.

Limitations of repair jobs Carbonreparatie.nl claims to be able to handle most repair jobs or even reconstructions themselves, but also clearly indicates that the carbon fiber repairs have their limits. A frame with multiple fractures, or even a completely broken one, has had to handle such an impact that the entire structure is likely to be affected. Edwin van Vugt says that basically everything can be repaired, but in such extreme cases, he will have to add so much material that a lightweight frame will become too heavy to regain the proper strength. Another problem is the lack of appropriate methods to control the carbon after it is

Cracks, or even holes in cabron frames, require specific expertise to repair it.

damaged. In metal frames visible dents often arise after an accident, while the damage to the carbon structure might not be visible on the surface. Only very sophisticated scanning equipment like Impulse Thermography can made such damages visible. This technique shows irregularities

in different colors on a computer screen. Such expensive equipment is not yet widespread. Once these tests will become more commonly available it will be easier to determine whether carbon can be repaired or not. It can also be used as test equipment after a carbon repair.

Ballistic E-bike Frames As well known frame builder and component supplier for e-bikes, Ballistic International has introduced a new series of e-bike dedicated frames for city, trekking and MTB. The main advantage of these e-bike dedicated frames is the easy handling for the internal cable routing. This new system makes e-bike assembly much more efficient and less time consuming. The supply chain for the complete range of ebike kits, from MTB to folding bike, has been redone by Ballistic. By limiting the number of parts and component suppliers the company expects to reduce the lead times considerably. To improve the service level for their customers, Ballistic designed a web-based and very user friendly battery check system. The quality of the battery can easily be checked now by connecting the battery via the Ballistic check box to

New technologies allow elegant housing for e-bikes such as the bottled shaped design by Ballistic International. Photo Bike Europe

any Windows computer. A special dash board provides all the relevant information on the battery and if necessary, a direct link to a service desk for more assistance. JWvS

‘Airbike’ The Future of Manufacturing With ‘Airbike’ the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS in short) is celebrating a debut for its revolutionary ‘ALM’ technology on a two-wheel product. ‘ALM’ stands for ‘Additive Layer Manufacturing’ and allows single products to be grown from a fine powder of metal (such as titanium, stainless steel or aluminum), nylon or carbon-reinforced plastics. ‘Airbike’ – named like this because Airbus was the first EADS company to use the ALM technology – is ‘grown’ from highstrength nylon powder. Similar to 3D printing, the bike design is perfected using computer-aided design (CAD) and then constructed in one-shot on a powerful laser-sintering system that according to EADS-UK “adds successive, thin layers of the chosen structural material until a solid, fully-formed bike emerges”. Means: ‘Airbike’ is made almost entirely from a single-nylon based material. It requires no conventional maintenance and assembly. “It is fully built to rider specification so requires no adjustment”, is noted by EADS-UK. All moving parts such as bearings are incorporated during the growing process, as are a range of design features capable only with the ALM process used by EADS-UK. “The ‘Airbike’ is a fantastic example of British innovation at its very best. The team at EADS in Bristol includes world-class engineers who continue to push boundaries by working at the forefront of technology. I believe the ALM technology represents a paradigm shift”, says an enthu-

‘Airbike’ is made almost entirely from a single-nylon based material. siastic EADS-UK chief executive Robin Southwell. “While at this stage ‘Airbike’ isn’t planned for mass production and is only a technology demonstrator, EADS has developed the technology to the extent that it can manipulate metals, nylon, and carbon-reinforced plastics at a molecular level which allows it to be applied to highstress, safety critical aviation uses. Compared to a traditional machined part, those produced my ALM are up to 65 percent lighter but still as strong. The technology is likely to be employed in due course in industrial applications such as aerospace, the motor industry and engineering. Studies show that for

Photo EADS

every one kilogram reduction in weight, airlines can save around 3,500 US$ worth of fuel over the lifespan of that aircraft, with corresponding reductions in carbon-dioxide emissions”, is noted in a press release. Notable features on ‘Airbike’ are an auxetic structure of the saddle to provide cushioning, a Kevlar belt for a clean drivetrain, an integrated truss structure at the frame to reduce weight but maintains stiffness as well as integrated bearings encased in hubs and crank. For further information see www.eads.com (search for ‘Airbike’). JB

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21 ANNICK ROETYNCK

Frames & Frame Components Columbus and Jiou Jiou Belinde Partner for Chromoly Tubeset Production Italian tube manufacturer Columbus and Taiwan’s Jiou Jiou Belinde have become partners in sales and production. After an intense period of consulting regarding mechanical and quality issues Columbus has given Jiou Jiou the right to produce and sell two Columbus asymmetrically double-butted tubesets, Thron and Cromor. Both tubesets are manufactured from an aeronautical graded chromoly; Thron is derived from a Japanese steel alloy, allo-

wing for a slightly thinner tube wall and the Cromor from Taiwanese steel alloy. Both companies call their partnership ‘historical’ as it is founded amid the reemergence of steel as a major player in the middle to high-end race and race-derived bike markets. Columbus is certain that the collaboration with Jiou Jiou allows for the production of the world’s leading amateur racing tubeset. “This will be the result of the combination of Columbus’ engineering excellence and highly appreciated steel tube manufacturing experience and history together

with Jiou Jiou’s industrial know-how and renowned production quality”, says Columbus in an official statement. All Columbus special steels, such as Life, Spirit and XCR, are all of course still 100% manufactured in the company’s Milanese factory. Columbus Italy will maintain an active and ongoing involvement in the production. Jiou Jiou’s produced tubes will be sent periodically to the Columbus laboratories and subjected to metallurgic and stress tests as well as quality control. JWvS

TI Cycle Launched India’s 1st Carbon Is 29-Inch Successful Frame Series this Time? India’s bicycle maker TI Cycles, part of the Murugappa Group, launched the first carbon frame series manufactured in India. As part of the track and trail range of TI Cycles, the carbon frames are used for TI’s Montra models. “It is a most exciting launch for us”, said Dr. D. Raghuram, President TI Cycles of India. “We intend to manufacture and sell around 1,500 Montra bikes in 2011 - 2012, with an initial investment of around 2.5 million US dollar.” The series will be available at TI Cycles retail outlets and key multi brand outlets across the country. “We have branded this “Made-in-India” range of performance bikes ‘Montra’. The popularity of carbon for manufacturing bicycle frames is a growing phenomenon in the international market. Leading international players have been producing carbon bicycles for the past years and Montra is the first in this category in India.” The model’s in-

While the American market had been convinced on the advantages of 29-inch wheels for mountainbikes a few years ago, the concept has not become mainstream. Not yet, as the bicycle industry gives the concept a second chance as was clearly visible at this year’s Taipei Cycle Show. The 29-inched MTB frames and Dr. D. Raghuram, President TI Cycles presenting the new carbon Montra – Made in India. Photo Satnam Singh

creased stiffness and aerodynamics achieved through unique tube profiles. Moreover, it has vibration absorption features to meet the Indian riding conditions. The light weight Montra has alloy wheels and aerodynamic body with 10, 9 and 8 speed variants in price range of 475 to 1,360 US dollar. SS

Velocite Magnus Evolved Started in 2009 the company Velocite launched their new Magnus at Taipei Cycle Show this year. According to Velocite the new Magnus offers greater stiffness than the acclaimed original Magnus while improving on aesthetics and comfort. “After over one year of refinement and development, encompassing extensive live testing and 9 different carbon layup alternatives, the new Velocite Magnus carbon road frameset is ready”, said Victor Major, CEO of Velocite at the presentation of this new model. Velocite is a company focused on achieving engineering excellence where the first and foremost priority is to apply the relevant engineering and scientific principles when developing new products in order to deliver the best riding experience.. “When we set out to revise the original Magnus, we decided that we must deliver real performance improvements, rather than just aesthetic changes. We also had to ensure that we remained true to the Magnus’ core value of being the stiffest road bike in the market.” The new Magnus delivers exactly the same stiffness numbers as its predecessor while reducing the frame weight by 40 gram per size. During the long term live testing of the new Magnus, the riders all reported that the new frame felt stiffer, while improving comfort. This addi-

“After over one year of refinement and development the new Velocite Magnus carbon road frameset is ready.”

The 29-inched MTB frames and components were widespread in the showfloor ready to conquer the market.

Hydroforming has settled on the bicycle market.

Photo Velocite

tional stiffness was achieved through use of a new full carbon monocoque Velocite Bora S tapered 1.5-inch fork which is 20% stiffer than its predecessor while weighing 360 gram. The comfort improvements are a result of the unique new layup that utilizes up to 13 layers of mixed modulus carbon fiber, including ultra high modulus carbon fiber in critical areas. Additional improvements over the original Velocite Magnus include aerodynamically profiled, curved seat stays, and a patented seat post clamping mechanism that allows up to 10Nm of torque to be applied to the bolt without endangering the seat post, or the frame. JWvS

Photos Bike Europe

components were widespread in the showfloor ready to conquer the global market. The 29er trend could offer a much needed boost to the MTB market. Large frame suppliers are now all offering a wide range of 29er models in different categories, in alloy as well as carbon. Even the component suppliers who are not fully dedicated to the US market have invested in 29-inch product development. Hydroforming has settled on the bicycle market as a generally used technique for frame tube manufacturing. At the Show it was clear that hydroforming is no longer exclusive technique of frame building but a generally applied technology on the mid to high end ranges. JWvS

BIKE europe

Safety in numbers In 2009, ETRA began to consult with the electric bike sector on the relevant European regulations. Since then, ETRA has been working continuously and meticulously at developing and lobbying a proposal that is aimed at getting rid of legal obstructions. ETRA wants more companies to be able to sell a broader range of electric vehicles in order to convince more people to leave their their car aside for short trips. Today, ETRA’s proposal is 21 pages long and contains 14 detailed amendments to the Commission’s proposal for the review of the type-approval. The proposal is based on 3 main principles: the exclusion from typeapproval of all electric pedal assisted cycles with assistance up to 25 km/h without specification of a motor output limit, exclusion of all very light electric vehicles with a weight of < 25 kg and a maximum design speed of 25 km/h and, the development of appropriate requirements for electrically assisted cycles and light electric vehicles which are not excluded from the type-approval. In the meantime, Colibi, Coliped and ECF keep opposing any changes in the current regulations. At ETRA, we find this difficult to understand. The 3 associations do not argue their position in a 21 pages document, nor do they propose any amendments to the Commission’s text. They just keep “expressing concerns about the safety aspects” without any further solid argumentation. As a result they oppose for instance to the man suffering from obesitas living in the hills, say around Grenoble in France, trying to get some physical exercise by commuting on a pedal assisted bike of which the motor cuts out at 25 km/h but has a maximum continuous rated power of 0.5 kW, because 0.25 kW is not enough to get him and his bike on the hills. Instead they want his vehicle to be considered a moped. They believe this man should wear a helmet (in some EU countries a motorcycle helmet), have a driving licence, a number plate and pay insurance, That on top of the fact that his vehicle will be more expensive than a 0.25 kW counterpart because it has to be typeapproved. It also means that whenever for instance his Shimano brakes, Selle Royal saddle or SRAM gear system will need replacement, he will have to pay more because on his bike these components will need to be type-approved. On a 0.25 kW, the very same Shimano brakes, Selle Royale saddle and SRAM gear system may be used without typeapproval. Furthermore, Colibi, Coliped and ECF do not want this overweight man in Grenoble to use the cycle paths because he may endanger other cyclists, “especially children and elderly people”. Amateurs on carbon racing bikes trying to equal average speeds of professional racers are not hampered by any similar objections from Colibi, Coliped and ECF. What’s more, the 3 organisations do not raise any safety concerns about mountain bikes with assistance up to 45 km/h and motor output up to 4 kW, vehicles which the Commission wants to exclude from the type-approval. Perhaps Colibi, Coliped and ECF should read the Commission’s proposal a litte bit more in detail. They will find that if that proposal is accepted, overweight men not just in Grenoble but all over Europe will continue to commute in their car. The question therefore is what should cause the biggest concern: an overweight man on a 0.5 kW pedal assisted bicycle or in a 2000 cc motor vehicle?

Pro-Lite’s Bella Pro It’s developed by Pro-Lite with direct input from professional racing teams in Germany and the UK; the Bella Pro GP is the answer to current race trends, including heavy climbing, cobbles and aerodynamic intensive long hauls. Redesigned for the 2012 model year, the rear stays features Pro-Lite’s SoftStay 3D Profile, with improved flexing in the vertical plane for comfort, but flared laterally to give even better Power Transfer on sprints and climbs. Taking the Aerobuster system one stem further, the Aerobuster 40 slims things down to improve weight and moves to a

cold bent downtube to retain all of the benefits of forging and maximize strength to weight ratios. Key Features Pro-Lite Bella Pro: - SoftStay 3D Profile dual carbon stays - Aerobuster 40: lighter weight, no loss of strength - Tapered Headtube standard - Featherlight 7046 alloy with cold bent downtube - In-house alloy and carbon manufacturing - Made in Taiwan by skilled workers - Available with the Liguria Carbon monocoque fork JO

FSA & BH Bikes Present New Bottom Bracket and Frame Standard At the Sea Otter Classic, which took place April 13-17 in California, Spanish BH Bikes and Full Speed Ahead (FSA) unveiled the latest results of their cooperation in product design. The two companies have developed a new bottom bracket and frame standard, the BB386EVO. According to both, the BB386EVO is wider, stiffer and interfaces with all current BB systems. Three years ago the BB30 revolution took the bicycle industry by storm. By promo-

ting a free international standard for both frame and component companies, BB30 gave consumers more options and a dramatic increase in performance. The BB386EVO is the next step in frame and component design. Designed by BH Bikes and developed in close partnership with Full Speed Ahead, the new BB386EVO system continues the evolution of the 30mm spindle standard with an eye towards expanded integration with frame manufacturers. With BH’s extensive knowledge of frame

design and manufacturing, the new BB386EVO system integrates the benefits of oversized, 30-millimeter spindle designs into a new-standard bottom bracket shell, which greatly enhances stiffness and overall performance characteristics. The BB386EVO design is an opensource solution, available to all in the industry, to provide real performance gains through better integration of the frame and its components. JWvS

According to ProLite the Bella Pro GP is the answer to current race trends, including heavy climbing, cobbles and aerodynamic intensive long hauls. Photo Pro-Lite

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22 BIKE europe

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International Show Calendar

Show News

Bike Europe distributes extra copies at all major international shows

Bike Expo Expands Side Program

More International Focus for China Cycle

MUNICH, Germany - For the first time Bike Expo will feature a Demo Day for dealers and members of the press. The event will be held one day prior to the opening of the Munich trade show, on July 20th, 2011, at the Samerberg Bike Park. The picturesque alpine valley near the Samerberg encompasses more than 200 km of marked bike trails and invites participants to put the innovations for the upcoming season through their paces.

SHANGHAI, China – ‘Happy Ride, Happy Life’ is the theme of this year’s 21st China International Bicycle & Motor Fair which will open up at Shanghai New International Expo Center on May 4-7. As one of the well-known cycle shows around the world, the event will break its own record this year with 100,000 square meters and 5,300 booths.

The Bike Expo Test Area and start area for all demo trails will be located in the bike park itself. Participants will be guided to the trails designated for each segment. E-bike testers will ride on a 3.5 km trail leading through a few selected hamlets. Road racers have a 12.5 km, well-maintained asphalt trail at their disposal, which also contains an extensive incline with an average 10% grade and altitude difference of about 200 meters. Mountainbikers will be guided to a trail with a number of different terrain variations pleasing freeriders as well as dirt

bikers. Testers who prefer not to cycle all the way up to the bike park will enjoy complimentary use of the Hochriesbahn gondola located close to the Bike Expo Test Area providing convenient access the bike park terrain. A complimentary shuttle service from the East Entrance at the New Munich Trade Fair Center, offers easy and convenient travel to and from the demo event. The Bike Expo show will be held from July 21st to 24th, 2011 at the New Munich Trade Fair. The Bike Expo BrandNew Award is a startup competition for companies with innovative products in the bike industry. Every business, not older than 4 years can take part. There will be 5 categories and each of the winners will get a free booth at the BrandNew village and finalists will receive an extensive communication package. The deadline for free applications is May 11th, 2011. The application form as well as all the information about the materials that need to be handed in can be found on www.bikeexpo-brandnew.com JWvS

China Cycle is building up an attractive and charismatic exchange platform of trade, competition, culture and information for the development of bicycle industry. After two decades this event is showing a more internationalized image to the world. The organizer, China Bicycle Association (CBA) and co-organizer, Shanghai Xiesheng Exhibition Co., Ltd. (SXEC) have taken an initiative to stride forward. They want to extend Sino-foreign trade communications even further and therefore visited all famous cycle shows around the world and talk with their bicycle associations and organizers for practical co-operation. Next to that they provide

the new service of taking domestic exhibitors abroad together with inviting overseas exhibitors into China. Last year SXEC acquired an agency which is specialized in taking Chinese companies to participate in overseas cycle trade shows. Now exhibitors can enjoy a one-stop service on participating trade shows home and abroad. New contacts have also been established between SXEC and the governments and NGOs from those countries with rich bicycle historical heritage and culture such as Demark, The Netherland and France. Domestic visitors to the show will have the opportunity of eye-opening of the different bicycle culture background and history. Over 1100 companies from 16 countries including Indian and Taiwan Pavilions have confirmed group participation. The on-site Creative Demonstration Hall will present the opening ceremony and interactive activities and events, the Innovative Product Award show stage will have those awarded products and designing displayed here. JWvS

People Scott Hart has joined the RockShox marketing and communications group in Colorado Springs, Colorado as the company’s new Brand Communications Manager. A lifelong cyclist, Scott’s background in the industry is diverse. He has competed in pedal-powered events in nearly every genre of the sport, from road to BMX and mountain bike, and obtained several national titles. After competing in the first ever Red Bull Rampage, Scott hung up his competitive helmet to pursue a full-time position in journalism. Sander Rigney, 38, has recently been promoted to SRAM Category Manager for Suspension. Rigney started at RockShox in 1998. In his career he has had a variety of roles ranging from dealer service to technical writing to aftermar-

ket sales. For the past 8 years, Rigney has been a product manager for RockShox. In his new professional role Sander Rigney will lead the RockShox Product Management team located in the Development Center based in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Nick Becker joined Zwei plus zwei as the company’s director together with founder Andreas Gehlen. Becker will be responsible for marketing and sales. Andreas Gehlen remains in charge of corporate organization, finances and corporate strategy. Easton-Bell Sports Inc., appointed Paul Stratta to Managing Director-Action Sports, Europe with regional responsibility for its

Giro, Bell, Easton cycling and Blackburn branded businesses. This newly created role is indicative of the company’s aggressive pan-European growth strategy. Paul Stratta’s previous roles include GM/Commercial Director (Europe North) at the Coleman Company, VP - Global Marketing at Hi-Tec Sports, Country Manager at Coleman’s Argentina subsidiary, as well as International Director at Alpargatas for Argentina and Brazil. Swiss high-end parts producer DT Swiss opened a 100 percent subsidiary in Germany, led by longtime German DT Swiss employee Wolfgang Monscheidt. DT Swiss Deutschland GmbH is based in Monscheidt’s hometown of Herzebrock near Gütersloh and employs a team of three people. In his new role as branch manager he will oversee the new subsidiary and also guide two new sales reps – Frank Kickert and Michael Lücke. (JB)

German bike supplier Cube Bikes bolstered its graphic design division by hiring industry newcomers Carolin Lippert and Alexandra Pfletscher. (JB) German waterproof bag and pannier pioneer Ortlieb hired industry newcomer Bertram Breitenbach as international sales manager. This new position is seen as “a reaction to the company’s constantly increasing tasks in national and international customer support.” The 33 year old Breitenbach has worked for companies such as Liebherr and Wolffgran. (JB) Former roadbike pro Thomas Ziegler joins the Storck Bicycle team in Idstein/Germany as a sales area manager. His specific sales area is not yet defined. After his career as road-biker Ziegler worked as GM of a bike shop in Hanover that he founded with roadbike colleague Grischa Niermann. (JB)

May 4-7

China International Bicycle & Motor Fair Shanghai, China

26-29

Inabicycle Jakarta, Indonesia

June 11-13

Bike Festival Willingen, Germany

July 2-24

Bike Expo Demo Day & Show Muenchen, Germany

26-28

Dealer Camp Dear Valley, USA

27-30

Asiabike Nanjing, China

August 20-22

Ausbike Melbourne, Australia

30-3

Eurobike Demo-Day & Show Friedrichshafen, Germany

6-8

EV Battery Forum Asia Shanghai, China

11-13

ExpoCycle Montreal, Canada

12-16

Interbike Show & Outdoor Demo Day Las Vegas, USA

16-18

Festibike Las Rozas, Spain

16-19

Paris Cycle Show Paris. France

24-26

ExpoBici Padova, Italy

29-02

Cycle Show Birmingham, United Kingdom

October 4-9

Saloa Duas Rodas Sao Paulo, Brazil

5-9

Roc d’Azur Frejus, France

14-17

Bike Motion Benelux Utrecht, The Netherlands

11-13

Bike Brno Brno, Czech Republik

March 2012 2-4

GoExpo Helsinki, Finland

7-10

Taipei International Cycle Show Taipei, Taiwan

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BIKE europe

Advertisers’Index AD-II Engineering Inc. ................19 ......+886 4 25628518 ..........Taiwan................www.microshift.biz Bike USA ......................................20 Bike Europe / Reed Business ..4/17 ......+31 314 349896 ............Netherlands........www.bike-eu.com Govind Rubber ..............................5 ......+91-22-2309 2296 ........India ..................www.govindrubber.com Herrmans B. Ab Oy ......................15 ......+358 672 331 10 ............Finland ..............www.bherrmans.fi JD Components ..............................9 ......+886 4 768 0575 ............Taiwan................www.jdtranzx.com Kenda Rubber ..............................10 ......+886 48331865..............Taiwan................www.kenda.com.tw Lee Chi Ent ....................................6 ......+886 47382121..............Taiwan................www.promax.com.tw Logan Industrial............................8 ......+886 222 235 470 ..........Taiwan Megnha Tyres ................................3 ......+880 2 9887674 ............Bangladesh ........www.megnhagroup.com.bd

Int.’l. Bike P & A DIRECTORY 2011

Company Name : ACTIVE DDK GROUP CO., LTD. Contact : JOY SUNG Address : 1F., NO 95, TIANMU E RD., TAIPEI,TAIWAN Postal code + City : 111/TAIPEI Country : TAIWAN Telephone : 886-2-2874 2886 Fax : 886-2-2874 5549 E-mail : ddk@activeddk.com Website : www.activeddk.com Categories : Handlebar, Saddles and Pedals Accessories ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Company Name : ALLIGATOR CABLE ENT CO., LTD Contact : HOWARD YEH Address : NO.46 TUNG KOO RD. HOMEI Postal code + City : 508/ CHANGHUA Country : TAIWAN Telephone : 886-4-7357739 Fax : 886-4-7353665 E-mail : info@alligatorcables.com Website : www.alligatorcables.com Categories : Cables & Grips Accessories ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Company Name : Aprove Products Co., Ltd. Contact : Lance Hsu Address : 400 Dadun S. Rd., Nantun Dist.,Taichung 40854 Postal code + City : 40854/Taichung Country : Taiwan Telephone : +886 4 2475 1266 Fax : +886 4 2475 1997 E-mail : lance.hsu@aproveproducts.com Website : www.aproveproducts.com Categories : e-Bike Components ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Company Name : Boutique Co., Ltd. Contact : Amy Chen Address : No. 3, Alley 15, Lane 155, Gongsyue Rd., South District Postal code + City : 40245/ Taichung Country : Taiwan(R.O.C) Telephone : 886.4.22610820 Fax : 886.4.22615841 E-mail : chiiamy@hygia.com.tw Website : www.hygia.com.tw Categories : Cables & Grips ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Company Name : Chiih Chinn Industry Co., Ltd. (NECO) Contact : Neco Wang Address : No.190 Zhongzheng Rd., Wufeng Township, Taichung Couty 41362, Taiwan Postal code + City : 41362/ Taichung Country : Taiwan Telephone : +886-4-23323966 Fax : +886-4-23329366 E-mail : neco@necoparts.com Website : www.necoparts.com Categories : City and Trekking Bike Components e-Bike Components ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Company Name Contact Position Address

: Chuan Wei Industrial Co., Ltd. : Mr. Dollar Cheng. : Vice General Manager : No.107 Lane 580, Sec. 01, Yuan Shui Rd., Yuan Lin Town, Changhua Hsien, Taiwan R.O.C. Postal code + City : 510 / Changhua Country : Taiwan Telephone : +886-4-8314959 Fax : +886-4-8311428 E-mail : info@chainway.com Website : www.samox.com.tw Categories : Transmission Components e-Bike Components / ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Company Name : CIONLLI IND. CO., LTD. Contact : Vivian Chang Address : No. 323, Chung Hua Rd., Nantou City , Taiwan Postal code + City : 540 Country : Nantou City Telephone : +886-492254526-8 Fax : +886-492254529 E-mail : sales@cionlli.com.tw Website : www.mcselle.com www.cionlli.com Categories : Accessories / (max.2) Handlebar, Saddles and Pedals / ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Company Name : CROPS CO., LTD Contact : SABURO SHIMAMURA Address : 1-11-12-203,Ebisu Minami Shibuya-ku,Tokyo 150-0022 Japan Postal code + City : 150-0022/ Tokyo Country : Japan Telephone : +81-3-5724-5951 Fax : +81-3-5724-5933 E-mail : shimamura@crops-sports.cm Website : www.crops-sports.com Categories : Accessories ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Company Name : DIA-COMPE TAIWAN CO., LTD Contact : Mike Lin Address : No.62,35th RD, Taichung Industrial Park. Taichung, Taiwan R.O.C. Postal code + City : 40768/ Taichung Country : Taiwan Telephone : 886-4-23591117 Fax : 886-4-23593188 E-mail : diatech@ms15.hinet.net Website : www.diacompe.com.tw Categories : Cables & Grips City and Trekking Bike Components ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Company Name : Haoli Precision Industrial Co., Ltd. Contact : Mr. Sanderick Chang Address : 18, 10th Road, Taichung Industry Park Postal code + City : 40755/ Taichung City Country : Taiwan Telephone : 886-4-2359-1837 Fax : 886-4-2359-1003 E-mail : sc@akslen.com Website : www.akslen.com Categories : Accessories -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------Company Name : INNOVA Contact : Michael Address : NO.23,Jingcheng Rd., Changhua Taiwan. Postal code + City : 50067/ Changhua Country : Taiwan Telephone : 04-7521037 Fax : 04-7521062 E-mail : Innova@innovatires.com.tw Website : www.innovatires.com Categories : Wheel Components ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Company Name : Joy Industrial CO., LTD Contact : Mr. Jeff Chen Address : 183 Chung Cheng Road Postal code + City : 428/ Ta Ya Hsiang, Taichung Hsien Country : Taiwan Telephone : +886425668888 Fax : +886425675456 E-mail : jeff@joy-tech.com.tw Website : www.joytech.com.tw Categories : Transmission Components Wheel Components ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Company Name : Kengine Enterprise Co., Ltd. Contact : Ken Lee Address : No.10 Lane 141 Tieh Shih Rd, Tieh Shan Li, Ho Mei Town, Changhua County, Taiwan Postal code + City : 50848/Changhua Country : Taiwan Telephone : 886-4-7353558 Fax : 886-4-7357262 E-mail : Kengine.hantool@msa.hinet.net Website : www.kengine.com.tw Categories : Accessories ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Messingschlager GmbH ................2 ......+49 9544944440 ..........Germany ............www.messingschlager.com Noslar Int.l ..................................22 ......+91 7480423400............India ..................www.noslar.co.in Polisport ......................................19 ......+351 256410230............Portugal ............www.polisport.com Ralf Bohle GmbH ..........................7 ......+49 226 570 22..............Germany ............www.schwalbe.com Tianjin Golden Wheel....................8 ......+86 2282108000 ..........China..................www.tjgoldenwheel.com Taya Chain Co Ltd ........................11 ......+886-6-2703166............Taiwan................www.tayachain.com Sha Dar Accessories ....................18 ......+886 2268682779 ........Taiwan................www.pillarspoke.com Spark Eng. ....................................22 ......+91 120 2896862 ..........India ..................www.sparkeng.in SRAM Europe................................24 ......+31 334 570 200 ............Netherlands........www.sram.com

Company Name Contact Position Address

: Kind Shock Hi-Tech Co., Ltd. : Grace Chen : Director of Sales & Marketing : No.72, Kung-ming South 1st Rd., An-nan Dist, Tainan City 70969, Taiwan Postal code + City : 70969 / Tainan City Country : TAIWAN Telephone : +886-6-2568575 Fax : +886-6-2567293 E-mail : yenyue@ms49.hinet.net Website : www.kssuspension.com Categories : Seat post ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Company Name : LIXING CHAIN CO., LTD. Contact : Address : No. 101, Jhensing Rd., Dali City, Taichung County 412, Taiwan Postal code + City : 41263/ Dali City, Taichung County Country : Taiwan Telephone : 886-4-24937601 Fax : 886-4-24937577 E-mail : pycjessie@kspyc.com pyctw@kspyc.com Website : www.kspyc.com Categories : Transmission Components ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Company Name : SHINE-HO KNAPSACK & BAG MFG. CO., LTD. Contact : KELVIN HO Address : NO.10, ANLIN RD., SITUN DISTRICT, Postal code + City : 40762/ TAICHUNG CITY Country : TAIWAN Telephone : +886 4 2461 2299 Fax : +886 4 2465 3366 E-mail : info@ltg-sports.com Website : www.ltg-sports.com Categories : Accessories ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Company Name : SUN CHANG industry CO,L.T.D Contact : Jimmy Shiue Address : 75,Lane 260,Sec 1,Chung-Shan Rd, Beitou,Changhua Hsien,Taiwan Postal code + City : 52142/ Changhua Country : Taiwan Telephone : 886-4-8874713 Fax : 886-4-8888528 E-mail : scs.com.tw@gmail.com sunczang@ms19.hinet.net Website : www.scsco.com.tw www.sunczang.com.tw Categories : Transmission Components Cables & Grips

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Company Name Contact Position Address

: LOONEY-MAX ENTERPRISE CO., LTD. : LOONEY WU. : PRESIDENT : JUNG GUNG RD. HSIHU CHEN, CHANGHWA Postal code + City : 514 / CHANGHWA Country : TAIWAN , R.O.C. Telephone : +04-8811960 Fax : +04-8857048 E-mail : rubis@ms17.hinet.net lm@rubis.com.tw Website : www.rubis.com.tw Categories : Accessories

Company Name : SUNNY WHEEL INDUSTRIAL CO.,LTD. Contact : MISS VIVIAN HSU Address : NO. 50 SAN YI ST. YIHSING TSUN, HSIUSHUI HSIANG, CHANGHUA, TAIWAN Postal code + City : 50442/ CHANGHUA Country : TAIWAN Telephone : 886-4-7616188 Fax : 886-4-7612008 E-mail : service@sunnywheel.com.tw Website : www.sunnywheel.com.tw Categories : Accessories

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Company Name : Lun Feng Industry Corp./First Bicycle Components Co., Ltd. Contact : Johnson Li Address : No.45, Kung 9th Rd., Yu Shih Industrial Zone, Taichia Town, Taichung Hsien 43769, Taiwan Postal code + City : 43769/ Taichia Town, Taichung Hsien Country : Taiwan Telephone : 886-4-26815039; 26815040 Fax : 886-4-26815917 E-mail : sales@firstcomponents.com Website : www.firstcomponents.com : Frames & Frame Components Transmission Components ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Categories

Company Name : SUPER B PRECISION TOOLS CO.,LTD. Contact : GINNY YANG Address : NO.12 LANE 802, FENG-LUEN ROAD, FENG-LUEN VILLAGE,PYI-TOUR HSIANG, CHANG HWA,TAIWAN,R.O.C Postal code + City : 52344/ CHANG HWA Country : TAIWAN Telephone : 886-4-8922207 Fax : 886-4-8922205 E-mail : superb@superbiketool.com ginny@superbiketool.com Website : www.superbiketool.com Categories : Accessories ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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customeradministration@reedbusiness.nl

Applying to all offers, estimates

Company Name : Propalm Industry Co., Ltd. Contact : Kevin Si Address : No.28-3, Ta Shin Rd., Hsin Shui Tsun, Puyen Hsiang, Changhua Hsien, Taiwan Postal code + City : 51646/ Changhua Hsien Country : Taiwan Telephone : +886-4-8656623 Fax : + 886-4-8656624 E-mail : hungya.hungfe@msa.hinet.net Website : www.propalm.com.tw Categories : Cables & Grips ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Company Name : S.D. COMPONENTS CO., LTD Contact : Monica Chang Address : No.239,Zhang Shui Rd. Sec.1, An Tong Village, Xiu Shui Xiang Postal code + City : 50445/ Changhua Country : Taiwan Telephone : 886-4-768-2245 Fax : 886-4-768-4198 E-mail : sd.sd@tmars.com.tw Website : www.tmars.com.tw Categories : Accessories City and Trekking Bike Components ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Company Name : XPEDO Contact : JOHN CHEN Address : NO.3, KUNG 7TH ROAD, TACHIA, , Postal code + City : 43713/ TAICHUNG HSIEN Country : TAIWAN Telephone : +886-426816991 Fax : +886-426816988 E-mail : sales@xpedo.com Website : www.xpedo.com Categories : Handlebar, Saddles and Pedals -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------Company Name : Yung Fang Plastic Co., Ltd. Contact : Pochen Chen Address : No.306, Sec 4, Chang Nan Rd., Chulin Tsun, Fenyuan Hsiang, Changhua Hsien 50241, Taiwan Postal code + City : 50241/ Changhua Country : Taiwan Telephone : + 886-49-2522259 Fax : +886-49-2526719 +886-49-2524553 E-mail : sales@yungfang.com.tw Website : www.yungfang.com.tw Categories : Accessories ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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