-
••
W
\
LM
r
I t\
t
it
Mj
'
\\
--
-
I
-
%
1
11
9ItIPJI•
ti
F
V r
'•'
1
/
'.
/ f4
I
V Q4*'
• P ;i4
I
(1 4
j(
di
6
z
::/•
•"1U'-
Jj
.1 f 1'
77
M
AT
I
~1 1
•t,:
© 1995 Open Road Ltd, First published in Great Britain, September 95 by Open Road Ltd. 4 New Street, York, YOl 2RA Tel +44 (0)1904 654654 Fax +44 (0) 1904 671707 E-Mail: Alan @ bikecultdemon.co.uk Subscriptions/Ordering enquiries except for American orders: Open Road Ltd, P.O. Box 141, Stockport, SK2 78X. Tel/Fax: +44(0)161 483 7657 North American and Australian orders see page 147. Cover Art: David Eccles © David Eccles, all linocuts and cover art. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of the Copyright owners. Open Road Ltd has made reasonable efforts to ensure that all products featured in Encycleopedia are of high quality, from respectable sources, and are accurately described. Not every product has been tested extensively. It is the responsibility of the purchaser of a product to ensure that the product is safe and appropriate for the purpose intended. We cannot accept responsibility for the consequences of transactions between readers and producers and/or distributors of the products described in Encycleopedia. Open Road Ltd has made every effort to ensure that the shops listed in Encycleopedia are reputable, efficient and sympathetic to the aims of Encycleopedia. However, we cannot bear responsibility for the actions of shops, nor for the consequences of transactions between readers and shops. Conceived, compiled, edited and produced by Alan Davidson and Jim McGurn Edited by Jim McGurn Assistant Editor: Edgar Newton Editorial team: Jim McGurn, Edgar Newton, Gunnar Fehlau, Dylan MacDonald, Mike Dunning, Neil Campbell Commercial Direction: Alan Davidson Designed by Brian Holt Assistant Designer: Christopher Thomas DTP Production: Dave Jeffreys Subscription Manager: Amy Davidson Video Director: Amy Davidson Video Producer: Alan Davidson Video filming: Ray and Del Sagoo, Delsonic Video Production, 55, Kingswood Gardens, Roundhay, Leeds, L58 213H. Tel 0113 2664858 Video Production: Hall Place Studios, 4 Hall Place, Leeds, L59 8JD, Tel 0113 2405553 Representative in Germany: Kalle Kalkhoff Representative in the USA: Dylan MacDonald Representative in Australia; Ian Sims Product care and assembly: Mike West Film Production by Design Services, Seafire Close, Clifton, York, Y03 8UU. Printed by Garnett Dickinson Print Ltd. Eastwood Works, Fitzwilliam Road, Rotherham, 565 1JU Translated into German by Dorothee Siebecke. Tilsiter Stralte 7, 76726 Germersheim, Germany. Additional translation by Rainer Zohsel and Ralf Schneeklöth German to English translation by Jim McGurn, Peter Eland and James Grieg ISBN 1898457 02 6 Encycleopedia: The International Buyers' Guide to Alternatives in Cycling. THE ENCYCLEOPEDIA 1996 VIDEO
E LIII I This video is available free of charge with every Encycleopedia sold at the full cover price and at the time of purchase. If you want an extra video contact one of the Encycleopedia shops listed at the back of this book, or the Encycleopedia/Bike Culture Quarterly agent for your country. They can supply one (including postage) for £7.00, 2013M, $15.00 US. We always send out the video format which is standard in your country.
RRP: £12, $18, 30DM
The international buyers' guide to
alternatives in cycling
P
edal-power will not change the world on its own,
but the future will be bleak without it. This is a book of ideas and solutions: ingenious, practical responses to a whole range of real needs, going far beyond the deadening dictates of fashion. We hope it gives an idea of what can happen when we combine the potential of our bodies with mankind's most perfect machine. Cycling is a very special activity: too special and too usefulfor it to be sidelined as just a sport or just a cheap and easy way of getting about. We need to change the way we think about personal trans port, about freedom and leisure: muscle power is something to be proud
of, and rarely is it so much
good fun to help change the world for the better in such an effective and visible way.
OPEN " , ROAD
Alan Davidson i Jim McGurn
How to get the best out of Encycleopedia
'The 1996Encycleopedia Vic
\\/
elcome to the third edition of
deals only directly (this could be because a
Encycleopedia. We aim to give a much
degree of custom-building is involved, or the
needed platform for the many imaginative
product is otherwise inappropriate for shops
inventors, designers and engineers who are
sales). In many cases the manufacturer does
trying to change the world for the better by
not wish to be contacted directly by the public,
offering real alternatives. With one or two rare
because he or she would prefer you went
exceptions the products featured in this book
through a bike shop. In such cases we have not
are commercially available: most of them come
given contact details.
from small, specialised, ecologically aware
It is very difficult to give an idea of the
manufacturers, and from many different parts
price of a product. Sending a bicycle from
of the world. The growth of Encycleopedia
across the world, or even country to country, is
since it began shows that our work is useful
expensive. Then there are freight and insurance
and welcome. For the first time there is a full
costs, import duties, local taxes etc. Expect
German-language edition of Encycleopedia
to pay significantly more than the
this year: an improvement on the hefty transla-
guide price outside of the country of
tion insert sent out with last year's book.
origin, and often twice as much if a
How does Encycleopedia work? We put
product comes from another conti-
open-minded manufacturers, readers and cycle
nent. For this reason we have almost always
shops in touch with each other. Manufacturers
given the cost of a product in its country of
take part in Encycleopedia by invitation only,
origin, and in the currency of that country. This
yet we ask them for a fee, which covers various
book is read in so many countries that no other
commercial services we give them throughout
method makes sense. Your local Encycleopedia
the year (such as supplying their ordering infor-
shop will give you information.
mation to shops). We have teamed up with a number of far-
Lastly, if you enjoy Encycleopedia, you will also enjoy our magazine, Bike Culture
sighted bike shops around the world. They are
Quarterly. This is a unique and colourful forum
willing to try to supply many of the products
for all open-minded cyclists. Like
you find on these pages. Sourcing these
Encycleopedia, BCQis international in its
products is not easy, and only a few of them
outlook, and also goes out in a full German
may be in stock in any one bike shop. We
edition. You can take out a subscription which
believe that local, specialised bike shops are
includes four Bike Cultures and the next
critically important to the future of cycling.
Encycleopedia: all for a very favourable rate.
There is a list of participating bike shops at the
Details of this, and of how to contact our
back of this book, and we encourage you to
agents in various countries are at the back of
encourage them with your custom.
this book.
For the first time we have listed contact
We've enjoyed our work on this year's
details for participating manufacturers and/or
Encycleopedia, and hope you will find some-
their agents in various countries. We ask you to
thing in this edition which will bring you enjoy -
make direct contact through this means only if
ment and help make the world a little saner.
your nearest shop says it cannot help you, or
Happy cycling
where we point out that the manufacturer
Alan Davidson and Jim McGurn
Accompanying this 1996 Encycleopedia is a free video approaching 40 minutes in length, with an English sound track. It features almost all the cycles listed as main products in the book, as well as other cycling themes. We have produced this video so that you can see the cycles in action: giving you a better idea of how they perform. You can see how folders fold, how the riding positions of recuinbents look etc. In some cases the makers of individual products will be describing their work. This video is made available to all participating shops, and is sent out with all Encvcleopedias ordered directly from ourselves. If you see this video symbol on a page you will know that the main product on that page is shown on the video. If you see the same symbol with the word FETLRE beneath it, this means the P10(Illct is shown at greater length than the others, and in more detail.
FEATURE
-
contents Recumbents
6
Classics
39
Mobility
49
Velornobiles
56
Tandems
58
Family
74
Portables
81
Load-carrying
89
Accessories e7 Components
103
Encycleopedia Shops
121
Index of Manufacturers
133
Bike Culture Magazine
135
Cycle History
140
Encycleopedia and Bike Culture Merchandise
142
Index of Products
147
R
ecumbent.s can be dedicated speed machines, fast toure or high-profile city bikes. Some designers bring the rider
low down as possible to reduce the all-important aerodynarr profile for speed events, at the expense of easy balance. Oth bring the rider up to the level of the average car driver, for a safer feel in city traffic. Whether it is for record attempts, shopping or touring, recumbents are often a better choice th the traditional diamond frame bicycle. Recumbents are still a rare species. This is partly due to the U (the international cycle sport organisation) deciding in 1934 keep recumbents out of official cycle sport: this after the Frenchman Francis Foure took the world record for the 1, 5, 1 20, 30, 40 and 50 kilometre distances in the Velocar made by George Mochet. He also took a sensational hour record at o 45km. The UCI decision put the brakes on the development recumbents, and only a few cycle makers kept the candle burning. In the thirties there were more than ten recumbent makers in Europe, making over a dozen different sorts of bike could even be argued that there were recumbents before thE turn of the century. The 1970s saw a resurgence of interest in recumbent design following the 1973 oil crisis and the growing realisation of the destructive effects on the environment of motor-powered transport. In America the International Human Powered Veh Association was set up to encourage human powered machines without any restrictions on the form they took. Nc recumbent riders run their own races under the liberal regim of the HPV (Human Powered Vehicle) clubs. This encourages the development of recumbent design, and new lightweight materials for both frames and fairings have inspired yet more innovation. There are HPV clubs in The USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Sweden, Denmark, Italy, Britain, France, the Netherlands, Germany, and Belgium. They are springing up ir many other countries, too. National HPV have regular meetir where members can compete against each other, but there is also a strong sense of sociability and adventure. Because the recumbent is still a novel form it seems to excite designers from outside the field of traditional bicycle design. llyushin aircraft engineers in Moscow, an Australian sports ca enthusiast, a Danish electronics engineer, and a packaging engineer from Norfolk, England, have all got into the act.
II[YELEUrdiU
I . .umbent 5
Because the forms which recumbents take are so varied,
performance. A streamlined tail box can often be mounted to
newcomers can often make radical design innovations with the
bring unhelpful turbulences into line, and the box serves as a
skills they bring from other areas.
useful place to store luggage. A front fairing gives aerodynamic
Many recumbent designers are motivated by a strong sense of
improvements along with some weather protection.
ecological responsibility and are producing a range of everyday
At speeds of 25 kph 90% of your energy is taken up with over-
recumbents which can be enjoyed by everybody in all weathers.
coming wind and rolling resistance, and wind resistance is by far
Riders feel comfortable in city traffic with at least a partial
the greatest factor. A full fairing is the most effective way of
fairing, and have a relatively high seating position to make eye
minimising wind resistance but this is hardly practical except for
contact with motorists. These designers realise that to attract
serious competitive events. Partial fairing like the Zzipper can
people away from the motor car they have to aspire to high
be fitted to most machines.
standards of convenience and safety. By producing striking
Some people prefer to relax on a recumbent seat rather than
designs, they hope to also attract customers who might not
perch on a narrow saddle. Sitting back allows the chest to
look twice at a traditional bicycle.
expand and you can breathe more freely. The wrists are relieved
Recumbents are certainly eye-catching, which can add to their
of pressure, the shoulders relax and you have a better view of
safety. Also, with a lower centre of gravity than standard
the surroundings - which makes many recumbents ideal
bicycles, and with the rider in a recumbent position, the brakes
touring bikes. They will often be suitable for people with back
can be slammed on without the rider being thrown over the
and knee problems who would otherwise need to abandon
handlebars.
cycling completely.
Recumbent tricycles are particularly stable and can be equipped
After a period of acclimatisation, riders can undertake longer
with a tremendous gearing range. This can enable people who
journeys; the ultimate perhaps being the 1000 kilometres in a
are unable to ride traditional bikes to sit back and power up hills
day achieved recently by Axel Fehlau in a fully faired track
in their own sweet time. If they get tired they can stop and take
machine.
a breather, without moving from the comfort of their seat. The
There are sometimes drawbacks. Recumbents often weigh
stability and fast, sure manoeuvring of recumbent trikes make
more than conventional bikes, and can have complicated trans-
them a very different riding sensation from that of two-
mission arrangements. Hill climbing on a recumbent needs
wheelers, and three wheels (or four) are also good for
practise and employs different muscles to those used on a
load-carrying.
diamond frame bike, but with suitable tactics recumbent riders
This year has seen the launch of four-wheeled recumbent load
can master long and steep climbs. The fact that you cannot rise
carriers from top British designers. It seems that we may at last
out of the saddle to stand on the pedals forces you to concen-
be developing modern human-powered load-carriers to replace
trate on good gearing and careful changing.
colourful old workhorses like traditional rickshaws, which may
In 1989 Dr Paul McCready summed up the potential of Human
be fine for a city's tourist trade, but have restricted relevance
Powered Vehicles: "I feel that their greatest values are in getting
otherwise.
some people away from being 'couch potatoes' and starting to
The new transporter-recum bents can help to fill in the gaps for
think a bit about the interrelation between nature (here,
people who wish to adopt a pedal-powered lifestyle but are
muscle-power) and technology (the vehicle). This ties in with
stumped by the prospect of transporting a fridge or cooker
global ecology, conservation of resources and the big issue of
across town.
'what is man?'."
It's often said of recumbents that they are faster than standard
Our recumbent section for this year shows a continuing diversi-
bicycles. This is not always demonstrable, but it is established
fication and imaginativeness in design. We hope you enjoy the
that recurnbents are comfortable and fast at once, whereas
ride.
traditional fast bikes can be uncomfortable. The relaxed sitting position gives a lower frontal area for better aerodynamic
rn[Y[LEnpdiu
U
n the one hand Dr Loren
sizes to suit all riders from 1525mm to
Hufstetlei a trained aeronautical
1930mm in height (5'0" to 6'4"). There
engineer fascinated by bike
are three models. The Commuter
design. On the other hand Robert
6b 1itrter twt L.oreft fft4ste(.€r
SPECIFICATIONS
provides an affordable entry to recum-
Turner an architect spending most of
bent riding, the Tour has higher specifi-
his spare time making experimental
cation gearing and brakes for the long
recumbents. Put them together and
distance rider, while the Grand Tour has
you get a bicycle which appeals to the
a hydraulic disc brake for the front
conservative values of comfort, safety
wheel, a pannier rack, and a recharge-
and efficiency, and yet embodies real
able lighting system with the batteries
new thinking in recumbent design.
concealed within the frame.
Loren Hufstetler had been refining a
Robert Turner likes to race recumbents
recumbent design as a spare time
and has also designed the Aerobike
project over several years before joining
Sprint. This is a short-wheelbase track
forces with Robert Turner, a fellow
machine, nimble and controllable
4130 Cro-Moly steel for main
citizen of Edinburgh, whose enthusiasm
enough for the road, and weighing in at
frame. Front and rear forks are
and practical knowledge were essential
only 28 lbs. The Sprint is now available
to final development and the move
to anyone, with individual customer
Frame:
Reynolds Suspension:
-
Firestone air-spring giving up to
into production. The first production
specifications accommodated. Partial
Aerobikes (an appropriate name, given
and full fairings are currently under
Cordura-covered cushion with
Loren Hufstetler's original profession)
development.
nylon webbing back over Reynolds
were delivered to customers in April
9cm of travel and load adjustment Seat:
531 frame. Simple four-bolt fixing to adjust for rider height
1995.
Handlebar/Fairing:
The Aerobike is designed as a commut-
Aluminium frame with threequarter length polypropylene
ing and long distance touring bike with a long wheelbase to produce safe,
fairing. Wheels:
predictable handling and to carry lots
Front 20" x 1.25" (32-406), rear 700c (28-622). Alloy rims.
of luggage. The rider sits at the same
Weight Tour Model, Size 1 - 15.5kg
height as a motor cyclist for a good
(34lbs).
view and visibility. The high riding
Brakes: Commuter model: front alloy
position allows a compact bicycle, with
drum, rear side-pull. Tour model:
a wheelbase shorter than conventional
alloy drum on both wheels. Grand Tour model: front Sachs hydraulic
long wheelbase machines. It also allows
disc, rear alloy drum.
direct steering, and an elegant three-
Gearset: Sachs 2000, 5000, or New Success depending on model.
quarter-length fairing integral with the handlebars. Air suspension over the rear wheel damps out tiring road
The Aerobike Sprint has a 20" (406mm) rear wheel,Moulton 17"
shocks and the front fairing cuts down
front wheel, TA Cyclotouriste
wind resistance which, say the makers
chainset with Sachs 5000 derailleurs, and Dia Compe sidepull brakes.
gives a speed advantage of up to 15% over a conventional cycle. The Aerobike is available in two frame
Prices vary greatly according to country. In Britain expect to pay between £1150 and £1750.
FEATURE
----;
recumbents
Acrøhikr embt"kes Ltd /{ftCted
fkt5pr
v t"iti a6tt
n[YELEn
I
1:;... Joctckn ?么k
gtro,rd
r
Mer
SaRn
SPECIFICATIONS Frame:
open construction, WIG
t's hard to summarise the ideas and
ecologically sustainable mobility needs
A further technical nicety is the shaft
ambitions of Dieter Baum, Burkard
for the future.
drive to the front wheel. This is ready
Muller, and Joachim Pohl. As
Dieter Baum is a plastics expert, active
for production, say the makers, and
Joachim Pohl enthuses: "A Body Turn
in Formula 1 and the German Touring
should give a clean, maintenance-free
Bike with electric drive is being
Car Championships, for which he has
and long-lasting power transmission, in
planned. We can make good use of
built complete cars for the Group C
exchange for minimal mechanical
Burkard M眉l ler's knowledge of solar
class. He is responsible for the fairings
losses. The shaft drive hub, with its
technology. We're offering the solar
and MM technology of the Formula 1
three bearings, is certainly a unique
'filling station' for it", he continues,
Mercedes', and has specialised in proto-
item on the market. A patent has been
"and in 1996, the Body Turn Bike will
typing and in vacuum-forming carbon
applied for to cover the high-grade
compete in the Solar World
fibre.
steel double-frame construction with
Championships in Australia".
Burkhard Muller is responsible for the
sprung shellseat/backrest involving
Joachim Pohl is a qualified process engi-
the frame building. His firm specialises
four-fold suspension. The BTB develop-
neering and runs the Gesellschaft zur
in heating, and in solar technology. He
ers are now in close contact with a
Energie-Erhaltung: the Energy
is an excellent welder and has also
retail chain. The initial result is a BTB
Conservation Company, makers of the
made the transition to adhesive
promotion tour in branches, with
GEE Combustor. This is a a hot gas
technology.
presentation, advice, sales and rider
generator (for producing, for example,
The development of the BTB began in
training. Despite this promising start,
electricity or heat) and offering the
1994, inspired by the Flevo-Bike, and by
the makers are looking for a sponsor
greatest energy output with the
work done at Oldenburg University.
who can bring the MMM work to fruition.
minimum of pollutants. It makes only a
The open style frame creates very great
suspension.
fiftieth of the German legal limit of 250
sheer forces, which are countered by
Weight: with shell-seat,
milligrams NOX (nitrogen oxides)
the use of top grade materials such as
about 20kg.
per NM3 . The system is based on
stainless steel and special aluminium
welded, brazed, bonded, wi
Transmission:
vaporising oil through combustion with
All types. GLAD (belt drive) o shaft. Auxiliary electric power or Saxonnette combustion motor.
i insufficient air in a vacuum, with a total
alloys. The frame and spring seat need to cope with a very high maximum
absence of rust. It can't be proved by
force of 250 Nm.
the laws of physics, but actual experi-
It's hard to describe the bike's steering.
ence shows the inventor to be right.
It has rear wheel steering with partly
ergonomically shaped, divided
Well-known firms are trying to develop
central and front steering, the
into two.
similar systems but, says Joachim Pohl,
constructors explain. Anyone, they say,
cannot not reach the output and low
can master the BTB after one or two
Seating:
..-
Model Vario:
demountable, with module
pollutant achievements of the GEE
hours familiarisation. The front wheel
Extras:
combustor.
drive and the unusual steering give a
Double rear wheel attachment
With the BTB Joachim Pohl avoids well
novel riding sensation, even for experi-
unit, full fairing, cabriolet
worn paths and seek out new ones:
enced recumbent riders. Once any
fittings for the MMM system.
(airing, partial fairing, front
"The initial phase of development was
initial difficulties of seized muscles are
troublesome", he says, "because poten-
overcome, the bike gives - according to
In Germany, where it is
tial partners thought they already knew
the makers and many Body Turn Bike
made, the basic Body
all the answers and took me in wrong
riders - a relaxed, free-and-easy ride, as
directions." He is determined to turn
if on rails. It's achieved by combining
the vision of the MMM into reality. The
body movement with steering action
and/or side airbag.
Turn Bike costs DM 3970. and the Vario Model DM 4550. Soon a conversion kit for normal bicycles
MMM is the Muscle-driven Modular
using the short levers by the rider's
will be on offer which will
Multifunctional vehicle, which is to
thighs. This is due to the vertical
cost DM 2850.
11
iu
offer single and double-track options,
steering axis and the automatic
with different fairings and additional
steering 'centraliser', along with the
power-inputs: all providing for peoples'
specialised low-friction bearings.
IIlk
9
L
LL L
LL.
L
?okC -Merni/gernutft
1.
tam
4
.---S
n
O '-
M
gtrr0s
'S'P'EC1F1CATIONS
C
V
C
L
F
u
p
d
ike Burrows made the
The frame consists of 14 special
Windcheetahs primarily for his
castings, five different tube sizes and a
own enjoyment on the race
unique bonding system. Disc brakes are
track: but fellow HPV enthusiasts has
soon to be introduced, and develop-
other ideas altogether; and begged him
ment is underway on a kevlar front
to go into production. In limited
fairing and tail piece to improve aero-
numbers he did,.. and a cult began.
dynamics and weather protection, and
The Windcheetah's aesthetic appeal
to add significant luggage-carrying
and the relationship between form,
capacity. Frames are also being made in
function and materials recently led to it
a variety of sizes.
being chosen for exhibition at the New
Equipment is largely to the customer's
York Museum of Modern Art. But it's
choice. And if you want to go the
best exhibited on the road or race
whole hog you can have a custom-
track: it's an exciting machine for
made full body shell for track racing -
anyone who likes going very fast close
although this is not recommended for
aluminium lugs
to the around. The low riding position 0
use on the open road. The other good
Length of medium size:
gives the impression of added speed as
news is that there is a full spares and
1.98m(6'6"), for riders l.63mto
the road ahead rushes up to meet you,
renovation service for the early
1.83m (54" to 60
and there's little to match the excite-
Windcheetahs made in the pre-Seat of
Mainframe: -
...
aluminium, with LM25
_______
Transmission:
,
Normally TA chainset with
ment of throwing a Windcheetah into
the Pants days.
fast, tight turns without the loss of
Technical Director; Bob Dixon, and his
stability, knowing that the 17" wheels
two marketing associates have used
have the inherent strength to cope with
their business backgrounds to increase
the massive forces caused by fast
worldwide awareness of the
manoeuvrin g.
Windcheetah, bringing big sponsorship
I
n
A 41i
Shirnano XT/XTR Wheels: 17" and 26" Weight: 15.8kg(341b) Equipment is largely to
4
The pleasures of riding a Windcheetah
customers' choice
V go way beyond the race track. Many I
into the HPV world for the first time. In competitive events, the Windcheetah is
Prices vary according to
owners enjoy everything from fast day
sponsored by Loctite - whose adhesive
country. The lowest price
rides to relaxed touring. It's even been
is used to bond the frames - and by
ridden from coast to coast in the
Melram, makers of the high quality
States.
magnesium composite tubing to be
is in Britain where you
H
can expect to pay around ÂŁ2900.
Today, manufacture of the
used on a forthcoming Land's end to
Windcheetah has been taken over by
John O'Groats record attempt and
the aptly named Seat of the Pants
which may eventually be used on top
Company, leaving Mike free to advise
end racing production models.
on some well-measured product devel-
Prospective customers will soon be able
opment.
to enjoy observation facilities at the
Apart from its cruciform configuration
new Manchester factory. Once there,
and aircraft-style control column, the
they will also be able to see assembly of
Windcheetah is remarkable for its rear
the all-new 'Pickup' four-wheeled
stub axle, with the wheel supported on
recumbent load carrier; designed by
just one side, an upholstered carbon-
The Seat of the Pants Company with
kevlar seat, and a host of specialised
Mike Burrows' close involvement,
parts hand-made to exacting tolerances.
In competitive events the Wiridcheetah is sponsored by Loctite
13
recurnDeflt:5
The Seat oi
the
Pants Conpan y.
Aw-
-
-
-
---------------
-
[
IF
asy Racers' bikes have speed written all over them. At one time
v(rj,r(ft
SPECIFICATIONS The Easy Racer weighs 14kg lb) and the Gold Rush Replica
E
L
E
Li
He lowered the stoker's seat, stretched
I
H
with a mix of Shimano/Altus C50
his feet forward to the captain's pedals
components. The quick-release seat has
and was suddenly inspired.
an aluminium frame and slides fore and
bike and its even faster sibling, the Gold
Back at his shop, after some frame
aft along the top tube to accommodate
Rush Replica, have held more human-
redesign and the addition of swept-
different-sized riders, though the EZ-1
power speed records than any other
back Stingray handlebars, the Tour Easy
also comes in two sizes: men's small-
manufacturer in the world - from the
was born. The Tour Easy is both fast
medium and medium-large. The front
200 meter sprint all the way to the 24
and practical, being the first machine to
wheel is 16", the rear 20". Quality 16"
hour record. In fact, the original fully-
win the IHPVA's Practical Vehicle
tyres are difficult to source, but
faired Gold Rush bike is on permanent
Contest in 1982. It is now a time tested
Gardner is happy to sell spares with
display at the Smithsonian Museum in
design with millions of touring miles
every bike sold, and at a resonable
Washington, D.C., in recognition for
clocked up by customers all over the
price.
asP' or another Easy Racers' Tour Easy
rdter
Y
having won the $18,000 DuPont Prize
world. At the heart of the Tour Easy is a
Easy Racers were among the first
in 1986 and for being the first HPV to
tough, 4130 Cro-Moly steel frame with
pioneers to use fairings on recumbents
surpass 65 miles per hour.
a reputation for reliability. An even
for both speed and comfort, and they
higher performance ride is provided by
continue to spec Zzipper fairings
,Easy Racers' President, Gardner Martin,
1225kg (271b). Both have a
founded the company back in 1979
the lightweight, aluminium framed
(featured elsewhere in this book) as an
wheel-base of 160-175cm (63":
after an initial career as abuilder/
Gold Rush Replica. This bike is a copy of
option for all of their bikes.
69"), in sizes to fit riders 1.57m 1.93m (5'2"-6'4"). The seat is made of a carbon, kevlat foam and lycra. Gears: 21 speed Deore XT/LX, the Racer havin
'mechanic of motorcycles and race cars.
the speed-record-breaking Gold Rush
Gardner has now sold an estimated
Gardner entered the first HPV speed-
for sport riding or touring: a legendary
2,500 of his bikes worldwide. He
meet in 1975 and had the first bicycle to
machine.
himself still enjoys the thrill of speed,
break 50 mph in 1979 powered by fast
The EZ-1 medium wheelbase recum-
and the knowledge that thousands of
Gripshifts and the Replica
Freddy Markham, the Olympic bike
bent carries on the Easy Racer tradition
others are enjoying a faster and more
Ultegra bar controls
racer who won all Team Easy's records.
of comfort and user-friendliness while
comfortable ride.
The EZ-1 has a wheelbase of
These were achievements to be proud
meeting the market demand for less-
14m (55"), will fit riders from
of, but Gardner wanted to design
expensive leisure models.
something more practical. In 1976, while
The 18 speed EZ-1 is made with
on a tandem ride with a friend, he hit
Cro.MoIy and hi-tensile steel square-
upon the idea for his production bike.
section tubing and comes standard
1.52-1.83m (5' to 6') and weighs 13kg (291b). The seat is aluminium/foam/lycra. It comes standard with 18 speeds or with an optional 21 speed Gripshift. Prices vary according to country. In the USA you can expect to pay around $800 for an EZ-1, $2600 for a Gold Rush Replica and $1695 for the Tour Easy.
n -Dents r,ecum I /
I
Ez 'ctcers litc /c(5() Easy Racers, Inc.
IILYLLEVpfIiL1
Rk
Cart j'oiUnj
((if e. t54t srCik
enmark's contribution to the
your weekend break or annual tour.
early development of recum
Curt produces two basic models: the
drilling different location holes through
bents lies in the area of comfort:
Tough, and the Easy, the latter having
the fibre glass base.
the Danish term Sofacykel says it all.
rear suspension. They have the same
Much of the equipment specification
Curt Bjallby has begun putting his
basic measurements and use the same
can be varied according to customer
nation back on its back, with his fine
45mm steel main tube. The racing
choice. The basic transmission is
and elegant short-wheelbase recum-
model of the Tough weighs 12kg and
currently SunTour gears with a 42/52
bents: a much livelier breed than their
the touring model 13kg, whilst the two
chainwheel and 13/28 six speed block.
predecessors.
models of the Easy weigh an extra kilo.
You could specify hub gears if you
He began to make recumbents in 1984
Both touring models have 20"x 1
but high production costs made them
front wheels and 28 x 1 1 /8 rear wheels,
difficult to sell: a problem which affects
while the racers have 20 x
many recumbent designers. But, being
wheels and 28x1 rear with 100 psi tyres.
up their mind: and it can be an Easy or Tough decision.
expert at controlling costs. He was
90% choose the below-seat version.
The luggage carrier shown in our photo
determined to sell his bikes at a fair
The cranks are on a boom, which slides
is an option, fitting into the main tube,
price, so he carefully analysed the costs
in the main tube to allow for different
instead of the seat support of the basic
of each process and set up batch
leg lengths.The seat comes in two sizes
models.
touring and ra
100cm (all models).
The bikes are
height above road 52 cm (all
UffeHjordtBr
models).
handsome, go
Seat Foam cushioned fibre glass.
which you can
Options include the
day and (havin
luggage carrier high
use on the rao
pressure racing wheels
the rack back
and a brazed on cycle
and comforta
A frameset and seat can be bought alone. Prices vary greatly according to country. The lowest prices are in Denmark, where a complete Easy costs 7,500 kroner and the Tough 6,600 kroner.
17
with clear ideas of what they want, but they can test a machine before making
Customers can choose above or below-
area and a con
computer mount.
seasoned cyclists who come to Curt
seat steering for the same price: over
would be suit
Seat:
front
wished. Most Danish customers are
energy control systems, Curt is an
produce a recumbent with a low frontal
Wheelbase:
11/8
3/
an electronics engineer working on
production. His design criteria were to
I
and the position is adjustable, by
U
e
ecetts /Deftni,crk.
rn[Y[LEn
T (cft
Suns
dio
he Greenspeed Tandem Touring
board, but with much the same aero
and brake-fade on long descents. Then
Trike is one of the rarest beasts
drag. Furthermore, a standard solo
you have the particular efficiency of
ever to be found on the roads of
recumbent trike gives 20% more aero-
disk brakes, increased further by being
this planet, and surely one of the very
efficiency than a conventional
fitted to 20" wheels. This all gives, says
finest.
mountain bike. Combine these two sets
Ian, a braking power which has to be
It's a seriously fast, sophisticated
of advantages and you have one fast
experienced to be believed.
machine, developed from the
machine. Add a fairing and you hit even
The iTT can be built to suit any riders
Greenspeed solo touring and racing
greater speeds.
(including disabled) and normally has
recumbent trikes, whose performance
liTs have proven their worth on many
about 6 inches of leg adjustment for
is exciting enthusiasts worldwide.
Australian tours. The one in our photo-
each pedaller. The rear position can also
Greenspeed recumbents are made by
graph is to be ridden in the Paris-Brest-
be made adjustable to suit both adults
Ian Sims, in Ferntree Gully, Australia. He
Paris race, by Englishmen Pete Gifford
and children.
used to built sports cars and motorbike
and Noel Simpson. We will report in
The T1T may be a high performance
sidecars for racing: till he looked at the
Bike Culture magazine on how they
tourer for connoisseurs of the unusual,
way the world was going, and decided
got on.
but it is also a totally practical machine
reduced for riders under
to apply his knowledge and skills to
The tandem in the photo has a
for picking up visitors from the local
183cm.
pedal-power. This transformed his life.
32/42/52 triple chainring and an 11/
station, for taking a child to school, or
Track: 90cm (35.5").
He got rid of his cat which is no light
30 eight-speed cluster on the Sachs 3 x
for loading shopping onto the empty
Turning circle: 73m (241.
matter in that huge country, and writes
7 hub gear, giving a very wide gear
rear seat. A remarkable mixture of the
SPECIFICATIONS Length:350cm (138"). Can be
Frame: Reynolds 531.
regularly for Australia's Soft
range gear from 15 to 125 inches.
exotic and the useful: but good fun in
Technology magazine.
The T1T can be set up with the cranks
all its guises.
Why is the Tandem Touring Trike (iTT)
90 degrees out of phase, so that only
You can read more about Ian Sims in Issue 2
so special? It gives you all the advan-
one person has full power on the trans-
of Bike Culture Quarterly
Weight: 29kg (64 Ibs). The price of the Greenspeed TTT varies greatly according to
tages of the solo Greenspeeds: the
mission at once - halving the strain on
costs around $5000
sureness of centre-point steering
the transmission, and making hill-
Aust.
during fast cornering and sudden
climbing smoother: unlike on a conven-
braking, and the paradoxical combina-
tional tandem, where starting and
country. In Australia it
tion of lounge-chair comfort and a
cornering can be a problem with cranks
thrilling turn of speed, with powerful
out of phase.
braking to match. Then there are all the
Ian favours the Sachs hydraulic disc
1111111
generic advantages of trikes: low speed
brakes. Gone are friction in the cable
FEATURE
stability (right down to a standstill), allowing incredibly low gears for hills:
Above:
f
higher loadcarrying capacity, and good, safe road presence.
Left and far left:
The TTT adds new dimensions to
Greenspeed solo trikes
recumbent triking. It gives comfortable sociability, evening out the power coming from riders of different strengths. Any tandem is, says Ian, around 30% more efficient than a solo bike, since there are two riders on
The GreenspeedSWB
-
-
Grccnsprcd tundrm i;k greeptspeed /cstraLCa GREEi\PEED
touring trmkc
MUM= M
W'N
-
I
n
A
PRICES
[
V
C
L
E
v
p
r
d
s one of the pioneers of modern
New for 1995 is Tim's latest creation,
dard and rear suspension optional,
commercial recumbent manufac-
the Stealth. Priced at about 40% less
which augment speed and control
ture, Tim Brummer is not sur-
than a standard P-38, the Stealth is an
without sacrficing comfort on rough
prised at the fierce loyalty that his
entry-level recumbent, incorporating a
roads and performance rides. The com-
Lightning brand of bike engenders
similar frame geometry to its older
plete bike weighs a remarkable 19 lbs.
among owners. After all, he designed
brother while utilizing a simple mono-
while the R-84 frame is 50% stiffer than
the original Lightning back in 1979 to
tube frame and less expensive compo-
the P-38. A full fairing is available on all
equal the performance of expensive
nentry to reduce the price. The Stealth
the bikes and gives a cruising speed of
Italian racing bikes - considered the
does spec Lightning's well-designed
between 6 and 10 mph faster than on
standard-bearer of the time. Owners
handlebars and their legendary
an unfaired Lightning. All Lightnings can
swear by the bike's speed, comfort and
patented seat, however, to give the
be purchased as either framesets or
maneuverability and frequently take
rider as comfortable a ride as possible.
complete bikes.
the top prizes at HPV speed meets.
The Stealth features an adjustable seat
Tim built the first Lightning because
and boom to accommodate riders
traditional upright bikes with their
from 5'2" to 68" and the frame is
uncomfortable rider position made it
made entirely of Chromoly steel. The
increasingly difficult for him to ride as
Stealth follows the recent strategy
according to country.
far and as fast as he wanted. The
among US recumbent manufacturers
The lowest are in the
recumbent position promised faster
to offer less expensive variations of
USA, where you can
speeds on flats and descents while a rel-
their tried-and-true standard models.
atively high bottom bracket improved
As recumbents continue to grow in
the bike's hill climbing and acceleration.
popularity, this trend is likely to acceler -
The P-38 holds the team record in the
ate as manufacturers compete for a
Prices vary greatly
expect to pay around $1195 (frameset $805) for a Stealth, $1995 for P-38 (frameset $1280) and $5750 (frameset
Race Across America (RAAM); 3000
broader market.
$3100) for an R-84
miles in 5 days, 1 hour.
At the other end of the price and per-
with all the 'trick-bits'.
For safety, the P-38's seat height puts
formance spectrum is the Lightning R-
the rider at eye level with motorists.
84. The R-84 is primarily constructed of
Tim continues to sell over 100 of the P-
aerospace grade carbon fibre with
38 models every year, including one
some titanium pieces and oversized
recently to the American actress
aluminum tubing. This top-of-the-line
Whoopi Goldberg.
bike comes with front suspension stan-
The R-84
21
I
EC n
is
iightn lug P-58, Straith l R 84 ~
L kbt'K C cte D katn'cs /C'(513 '
I
jIG/-I TN/NC
n[YLLEupd!
T Ike Fateba Crew
SPECIFICATIONS
he long-wheelbase touring
fairings, childseats and trailer hitches.
the customer rides off.
recumbent has always been
Other accessories, such as a chain-
Customers not able to collect their
queen of the road for anyone
guard, prop-stand, map-holder, mirror
Fateba in person can order one partially
wanting fast long-distance comfort and
and dynamo lighting set, have also been
assembled. Final assembly is easy and
stable luggage-carrying.
specially designed or adapted for the
takes one to two hours. Customers can
For over ten years a little-known
Long Bike. There is even a little gadget
also order the Long Bike through their
business in Switzerland has been
for fixing across the back of the seat to
friendly cycle shop which will be able to
making the L2 Long Bike to order for
give added resistance for performance
assemble the Long Bike frame kit with
Swiss, German and Austrian enthusi-
cyclists wanting minimal 'give' in that
bike parts of their own or the
asts willing to pay the extra for a
area.
customer's choice.
Reynolds 531 frame, high component
The thoughtful design extends to the
The Fateba will soon be recognised
specification and personal service. The
storage and transportation of the Long
worldwide as a deluxe long wheel base
name is Fateba, and you won't see
Bike. With a single 5mm alien key, it can
machine which is ideal, amongst other
many of them on the road. Their
be collapsed to fit on a train or for
things, for the tens of thousands of
friendly brochure introduces the work-
easier storage. In an ingenious bit of
miles of long-distance cycle paths now
force: there is Alois Bachmann, the
lateral thinking, the low-rider luggage
being built in Europe and elsewhere, or
designer,Roll Baltensperger, the crafts-
rack forms part of the mounting when
as the machine you might take on that
Wheelbase 1509mm-1662mm
man, Jakob Bun, who assembles and
the Long Bike is loaded onto a car
world-tour you keep dreaming about
(depending on frame size).
affectionately services the products,
roof-rack.
Weight:
and Markus H채nni, who loves to be
Fateba usually sell complete machines
dragged away from doing the accounts.
direct to customers who come to
Wheels: Front 17" Moulton; Rear 700c
Approx 16kg fully equipped.
It's a top notch machine. Standard
collect them at their workshop in
fittings are Swiss-made EDCO hubs,
Winterthur. The four co-workers enjoy
complete bike costs from
bottom bracket and chainset The seat
this personal contact, and are able to
3800 Swiss Franks.
incorporates suspension elements and
make exact final adjustments before
Prices vary according to country. In Switzerland a
is adjustable for angle; both it and the handlebars can be moved independently of each other along the top tube for a precise fit. The handlebar is also
(-1
fully adjustable for angle and width. Mudguards, rack, bottle cage, pump and lock all come as part of the package. The frame itself comes in five sizes. The Long Bike is well suited to load carrying. Fateba also offer Zzipper
The Long Bike pictured is equipped
with Ortlieb towing luggage
rTc.u.m D.OfltS..
LLLLU
L7
4i6W-.
fateba/ 5w(tzertapta
n[Y1LEupdiu
A
hundred years ago the Wright Brothers experimented with different designs of aeroplane wing by
strapping them to their bicycles. Why,
SPECIFICATIONS Head angle: 72 degrees _Turning Circle: 5.5m.
Bram Moens wondered, had aircraft design then evolved so quickly, while cycle design had remained so static until HPVs came along?
As the MS is generally made to individual specifications it is not
To find the answer to this and other
Bram Moens at speed
questions Bram Moens became a cycle
normally available
designer,pioneering, over the twelve
Bram's most popular machine is the
improves the aerodynamics by control-
through shops.
years, many of the HPV design ideas
M5, which accounts for about 80% of
ling the turbulence caused in your
and building techniques which are now
his business. It is available in two
wake. If you want to break a world
common. His academic training in
versions, either with suspension (20"
record or two, you can order an MS
three-dimensional design have greatly
front wheel, 28" rear wheel) or without
carbon full-body shell, designed by
affected his work. He aims for a beauty
(26" front, 28" rear). Steering can be
Bram Moens and Dirk Thijs.
of form which comes from using the
under-the-seat or over-the-frame. The
There is also an MS tandem, which can
minimum amount of material to
steel (Cro-Moly) frame is TIG welded
be dismantled for easy transportation,
"Ifelt pretty stoned after 45 minutes. Ifound that the fulibodyfaired didn't allow enough air intake; I had to screw my head upwards to take advantage of the air coming from the wind turbulence from my rear wheel. For the final ten minutes
condensation stopped me from seeing through 90% of my windscreen, so 1 followed the white line on the trackside at over 70k ph."
achieve maximum performance, "I try
and soldered, and epoxy-coated. The
an MS made specially for children, and
to take cycle design to the stage where
MS is popular both as a fast-tourer
a production hand-cranked tricycle, for
if you take more away if would not
and as a commuting vehicle, but
which demand has been exceptionally
work anymore".
clearly shows its racing pedigree. It's
high.
Bram Moens is the renaissance man of
an exciting ride on or off the track.
the HPV world. He not only designs
Options include a rear 80 litre baggage
and builds his own recumbents: he also
compartment and a glass fibre front
races on them, with spectacular
fairing.
success. Last year on the Lelystad track
His MS Carbon (carbon-fibre) is a
in the Netherlands, seven metres below
different animal. It's considerably lower,
sea level, he broke (and still holds) the
and intended for racing or fast road
world one-hour distance record, at
training. The frame is lighter, and
77123 kilometres. He is now working
designed to optimise the qualities of
with the Technical University of Delft
the material. Even the two-spoke wheel
on a new fairing, with the aim of
is carbon-fibre. It can be fitted with a
achieving 90km in one hour.
carbon fibre rear tail section, which
Other performances on Moens machines have been impressive: his hand-cranked two-wheeler has recorded 35.376 km/h breaking the world unfaired hand-powered record. A standard steel version of his Low Racer recorded 51.091 kph on a track in Bordeaux, with the rider producing only 325 watts of power. Top professional riders can produce 455 watts; Moens himself has produced 375 watts
Bram Moens on the ride which broke the World Hour Record
on a good day. These power outputs are taken from wind-tunnel measurements.
The MS low racer
graft AuKs /Jetkertapta5
The current standard IvlS is available with or without suspension
nfYELEo
dia
strad (literally 'East Bike') are a
the rear and more than 40mm at the
easy steps between the gears. One
collective of cycle designers and
fork, to glide over the poor roads in
particular customer was so enthusiastic
builders who both run a cycle
Berlin and its surroundings. The old
about the gear range possibilities that
shop and build bikes. The young, envi-
DDR government let existing roads fall
he ordered a bike with 96 gears!
ronmentally aware team wanted to
into disrepair and scarcely built any new
Ostrad's short-wheelbase more than
produce practical vehicles which partic-
ones. Some wonderful cobbled roads
offers what is needed in the trend
ularly suit local needs. Their long wheel
survived, but made for rigorous cycling.
towards short-wheelbase machines,
-base recumbent was featured in last
what in mountain bike parlance is
without leaving behind the basic princi-
year's Encycleopedia and now they
acclaimed as 'race proven' might be
ples - the technology of articulation
have adopted the same design princi-
called 'Berlin tested' where recumbents
rear frame suspension, steering and
ples to a short wheel base machine.
are concerned.
seat have been transferred from their
Comfort is the main aim of the Ostrad
Suspension is also helps with load-
long-wheelbase recumbent, to make a
team, for what use is speed if it cannot
carrying, especially when the carrier is
speedy and nimble touring and
be enjoyed? What makes more sense:
mounted on the main frame, so that all
everyday machine, but one that will
to frantically arrive at a destination,
loads have the benefit of the suspen-
appeal to riders who also have sporting
needing half an hour to recuperate, or
sion. Wheels that are suspended also
ambitions.
to get there twenty minutes later and
grip the road better and provide a
In Germany the short-wheelbase
Forks:
step from the bike relaxed? In their
margin of safety in dangerous situa-
costs around DM4400, depending on
AMP suspension, shortened for
quest for comfort, the basis of all
tions. On a well suspended bike the
equipment.
20" wheels.
cycling pleasure, the Ostrad team
rider's legs need to cope with less
were not satisfied with modifying
acceleration and deceleration.
traditional bicycles, but started from
One of the main problems with most
The Ostrad Ie,a,m.
SPECIFICATIONS Frame: 55mm steel tube, WIG welded, three sizes.
Gears: Sachs Quarz, 35 gears, 36 tooth front sprocket, Kinex bottom
first principles.
suspensions is the interaction with the
As well as producing a comfortable
transmission system. Ostrad have got
Pedals:
ride, by incorporating suspension, they
round this by pivoting the intermediate
VIP System.
wanted a high carrying capacity, a good
drive on the same axis as the rear
choice in specifications, and an assured
swinging arm of the suspension. The
supply of spare parts. The latter was
changer operates on both lengths of
bracket. Weco Rotor gears.
Length: about 1650mm, wheelbase 1090mm. _Seat height: 660mm. _Weight: 16.8kg.
achieved by avoiding unnecessary
chain at once. It shifts the front chain
special parts and the use of standard
on up to four cogs in the intermediate
sizes and components in areas like rim
chainset, whilst another shifts over a
size. The 20 x 1.75 rims allow a very
further block of 7-8 cogs at the rear.
wide tyre choice in slicks to off road
The transmission is standardised on 35
patterns and in high or low pressure,.
gears, giving a spectrum of 1.80 to over
The suspension on all Ostrad bikes -
8.00 metres per pedal revolution, with
tandems, long-wheelbase solos or short wheelbase solos - is characteristically generous, with 200mm of travel at FEATURE
The Ostrad long-wheelbase
2XW IN ."
M OP
L
ROM
1.
Ostrc(4 gntht /gernutft1
n
etf cLt Vrts
SPECIFICATIONS Wheels: alloy, 16" front, 20" rear. Seat:
Y
C
L
E
ri
i
r
d
I
U
or many years life was fairly
whichever side of the road you ride on.
shorter front section. This too can be
predictable for Jan Roelf de Vries
It has a comfortable seat, underseat
converted to a tricycle, and the rear
He had a steady job as training
ff&rnt4 wiA 3a,r
C
suspension, and a useful rack between
ends exchanged between both models
supervisor in the engineering work-
the two rear wheels. Available as extras
To date Sinner cycles have been largely
shops of Dutch Railways, and managed
are a luggage box and a childseat. There
marketed by word of mouth. The
to fit in a daily 100 kilometres on his
is a a hitch on the rack for a trailer,or an
business is based on direct contact with
racing bike. But his spirit became
adapter can be used to join on another
customers and a high degree of
restless: he began to tire of his conven-
Comfort, making an articulated
customer choice. There is a waiting list,
tional job and his conventional bike.
tandem version. Ajunior Comfort is
but this at least gives Sinner time to
Then came a hernia operation, which
available, and can be linked to the adult
source any non-standard components
marked an end to cycling as he knew it.
version.
or accessories you require. A Sachs
Recumbent cycling began to fascinate
Before long customers began to ask Jan
front drum brake is fitted as standard
him. A low machine would be comfort-
and Harma for something faster and
on the Record, and Sachs 3 x 7 trans-
able for himself and other riders, and its
sportier. Their response was the two-
mission is very popular. A range of
lower wind resistance would take the
wheeled version of the Comfort. This
luggage is available from small bar bags
sting out of the hefty breezes prevalent
also has an aluminium frame, and
to world-touring panniers.
in the northern flatlands where Jan
shares the same front end as the three
The business will inevitably change as it
Flevo-Bike, made of polyester
lives.
wheeler, so you can convert a bike to a
grows: already Sinner have agents in
Optional integrated cycle
Together with his wife and business
trike by swapping the rear parts.
Germany and in England, and are
partner,Harma, Jan began to develop
Next they built the Record, which has a
computer. Weight: Comfort 16kg(351bs), Record 12kg (26.5lbs).
beginning to sell some of their
ideas. They felt that a comfortable seat
machines through cycle shops. Just the
and tricycle configuration would make
same, they derive great pleasure from
it easier for motorists to adapt to
leaving the paperwork and workbench
Prices vary greatly
cycling. Tens of thousands of miles
when a visitor has an appointment for a
according to country. In
were ridden on prototypes. One early
test ride.
the Netherlands, you can expect to pay around 3,200 guilders for a Comfort and 2,500 guilders for a Record.
version had a small auxiliary motor on test, but Jan was stopped by the police and told he was offending Dutch traffic law: a transgression which gave the firm its name. The motorised project is now on hold because there is such a demand for Sinner HPVs. Their trike, the Comfort, is clearly not meant to be a competition machine: but nor is it a slouch. Its light, aluminium frame helps give a fine turn of speed, and you can throw it round corners with assurance. Both rear wheels are directly driven, which improves general performance and avoids road camber problems,
29
Left: Sinner seats are designed and made by F/eva Bike Below: The Sinner Comfort
recumbents I
L
m
I
I r i r%n e r
L\L/L/L.LL L 5uter ecnthei,ts / Jetker(1cutcLs
For components there is a high degree of customer choice
n
W
)cter
hen Julius Caesar crossed the
I
V
I
I.
I
LI
t
r
d
With the exception of a few small steel
i
ii
Sachs New Success, but is happy to
Rubicon there was no turning
parts in some of the commercially avail-
advise on other options.
back. By giving the name to his
able components, there is nothing to
The powerful Hope disk brakes are
new recumbent Ray Watering rightly
rust on the Rubicon: the spokes, and all
applied with very low lever pressure
implies that riding low on three wheels
bolts are stainless steel, and the rest is
through a single master cyclinder
is a sensation which can irrevocably
mostly aluminium and plastic. Even the
connected to a T-piece which ensures
alter one's attitude to cycling.
Sachs chain is rust-resistant
equal pressure to each of the front
In the past Ray built and designed
Ackermann steering is used, and atten-
wheel brakes. There is no loss of power
Microlite aircraft. Although still a keen
tion to detail has produced some well
due to cable friction. The size and
flier he now enjoys equivalent pleasures
designed components, particularly the
unenclosed nature of the brake disks
on the terrestrial plain. Riding a low
king pin brackets which incorporate
give excellent heat dissipation, which
recumbent trike is often described in
steering arm, stub axle fixing and
avoids brake-fade on long descents,
terms of flying, a sensation reinforced
hydraulic caliper brake mount, Cables
and braking efficiency is enhanced by
by the fact that every aspect of the
from the gear shifters and tube from
the close ratio between the size of the
machine's performance (apart form
the hydraulics run through the centre
disks and the 18" wheels they are fixed
your power input) is transmitted via
of the steering column giving a tidy
to.
the control stick, so reminiscent of old-
solution to loose cabling. The customer
The 18" wheels with Hope Technology
style aeroplanes. Yet it is being so close
can specify the transmission system to
titanium front hubs and Rubicon
1950mm
to the ground which adds to the fun.
be fitted. Ray himself has a liking for
special rear hub, withstand enormous
Width:
The surface of the road often seems to
sideways forces as the Rubicon is
rush towards you, like a fast-action film,
thrown about. Tyre availability is
SPECIFICATIONS Seat: moulded fibre glass with a removable seat cover. Length:
825mm _Height: 720mm Weight:
accentuating your speed, and the
reasonable at this size. All wheels are on
lowness of the ride allows fast and
stub axles, which saves weight. It also
thrilling manoeuvres which also bring
allows the rear wheel not to be dished,
The Rubicon is also available in
added safety when you need to miss
giving added strength, and changing a
kit form.
something on the road.
tyre or fixing a puncture becomes a
A touring kit is available, of
Ray Watering is a project/technical
cinch: all bearing out the Rubicon
manager in industry who has been in
slogan: 'There's no turning back!'.
17kg (37lbs)
Carradice Super C panniers with quick release fixings.
engineering all his working life. His Prices vary according to
leisure interests have always involved
country. In the UK the
sports which involve technology, and
Rubicon costs ÂŁ2500.
one of his greatest thrills is slaloming the Rubicon down a rocky test track
EM
1
near his home.
Hydraulic disk brakes,
He is the first to point out that his
and stub axle
inspiration for the Rubicon was the
FEATURE
Burrows' Windcheetah. He took the generic format and worked afresh on angles, dimensions and features basing the design on rectangular section stainless steel. Ray has always enjoyed working in stainless steel. It has excellent welding properties, never rusts, obviates the need for a paint job, keeps a good finish, and is ultimately recyclable.
31
=,4u,
j J L
I
ri
-
rTl V e n
I A
L
-L
I
eer( /(/(frtea (doin
Etreni1e
ENGINEERING
vi I
- *W4.14
r
S
n
L
V
I
L
E
u
p
r
d
I
hort wheelbase or long? If you are
imentation which are so essential for
Vision have now produced a splendid
not sure which one you want, you
dynamic product development.
satchel-type seat-back bag for day trips.
can get both with the Vision from
The main frame of the R40 and R42 is
All Visions accept standard rear racks
based on a large diameter 5.08cm (21
and include water bottle braze-ons.
ATP. The Vision R-40 and R-42 both have a convertible wheelbase, which
backbone. There are two seat positions
For those who simply want a fast
takes about 20 minutes to change.
on the frame, and the sliding front
machine the Vision R-45 short wheel-
Both configurations are extremely
crank boom adjusts for rider size. Grip
base recumbent weighs in at 10.67kg
comfortable, high performance bicycles
Shifts change the 21 gears on the R40
(23.5Ibs), thanks to the use of alloy in
with a multitude of features. The highly
and R42. The wheels are alloy 26" rear
the boom and seat stays and some
manoeuvrable short wheelbase (SWB)
and with your choice of 16" or 20" (iso
choice components. the 1 3/4" (4.5cm)
Prices vary according to
machines are ideal for fast commuter
size 36:406) alloy front. All Visions
frame tubing gives an excellent
country. The lowest are in
rides to work, or a leisurely Sunday ride,
come with the option of either under-
strength to weight ratio. If you want to
PRICES
the USA, where they
and the short length makes them easy
seat steering (hands by your sides) or
race the R45, you can get the weight
to store. The long wheelbase (LWB)
above-seat steering (hands in front of
down to under 20Ibs.
conversion extends them into kingly,
you).
Accessories for all the Visions include a
easy-riding bicycles with a very smooth
The R40 SWB model weighs just 13.4kg
Zzipper fairing bubble to maximise
ride.
(29.5 Ibs), and the R42 SWB model
aerodynamic efficiency and improve
Both long and short are excellent for
weighs just 12.2kg (27lbs). The R40 and
comfort in bad weather. It fixes to the
camping and touring. Standard racks
R42 share the same basic frame. The
front derailleur tube in seconds with
and panniers fit on all Vision recum-
lighter weight of the R42 is due to its
just one 6mm bolt, and has two water
bents.
aluminium front crank boom, aero
bottle braze-ons and a 7/s" light
The Vision is the achievement of Grant
wheels, and higher speed equipment.
mounting bar built on. The Zzipper is
Bower,Joel Smith and Greg Bowe
The comfortable nylon mesh seat is
adjustable for both height and tilt.
who began selling their recumbent
attached to the frame with two quick-
The technical specifications are so
bicycles in 1992. They have since
release skewers, and can be removed in
varied that you need to consult the
become one of the largest recumbent
seconds. The back angle can be
manufacturer's literature.
makers in the USA, while keeping the
adjusted, and there is an optional
hands-on fascination and love of exper-
Thermarest air/foam seat cushion.
range from $995 for the R-40, to $2250 for the R-45.
1111111 FEATURE
Far Left. The Vision R4OLWB Left: The VisionSWB
I!
ME
ew
o~,
u m b e r, t s
1cLvcwecL Tra pt5putatt" m l it c
7 ('{5t3
-Th
n[V[LEn
!n
SCV0AWBik V555
kuts Seek & f(as Vss
SPECIFICATION
W
5 p ezt'a [ -'acL gft b O / g erftaq
hereas the design of recum-
overall length is only a tiny bit longer
not prove inconvenient. Once you get
bents has centred on the long
than that of a Dutch roadster, and the
above a certain speed there is very little
bottom bracket is sited at a comfort-
lateral movement in the front wheel.
debate, two experienced cycle design-
able 10cm below seat-level.
Front-wheel drive also allows better
modates riders up to 1.90
ers, Klaus Beck and Hans Voss, have
Once the rider's weight is on the
storage, since the rear triangle can be
metres (63").
developed an important new variation:
BEVO-Bike the riding position becomes
folded under the frame. At the same
Brakes:
the BEVO-Bike, with an emphasis on
more recumbent than it appears in our
time, the seat can be folded down.
Magura Hydraulic on front,
comfort, efficiency and safety.
photograph. A specially made Zzipper
Only hub gears are possible with the
They see the seat as critically impor-
fairing further improves aerodynamics,
BEVO-Bike: the Sachs Super 7 gives a
tant. The angle both of the back rest
and the under-seat frame suspension,
welcome 284% range. Luggage can be
Frame: The single-size frame accom-
DiaCompe Hybrid on rear. Wheels: front, 20", rear 26", with
versus short wheelbase
mudguards.
and the triangular leather cut-away
with a 100mm travel, takes out serious
carried either behind the seat, in a clip-
Wheelbase:
base can be adjusted, and the seating
bumps.
on Karrimor rucksack/bike bag, or in an
1,36m. Overall length 1,95m.
position is higher than usual on recurn-
The front-wheel drive system, patented
under-frame low-rider rack.
Weight:
bents. The direct steering is above the
as Top Drive, avoids the problems asso-
The makers do not see the BEVO as
16 kilos (351b). Gears: A five-speed is optional. The BEVObike was reviewed in more detail in the 94/95 edition of Encycleopedia.
bars, which feels reassuring to many
ciated with a long chain to the rear
simply a recumbent for beginners, but
riders. The handlebar is easily adjusted
wheel. The twisting force is applied to
rather as a recumbent equivalent of the
for position, and a longer or shorter
the chain only when the wheel is
Moulton APB: a recumbent All-Purpose
stem can be fitted. Almost any
turned severely, which is not the case in
Bicycle: a comfortable and enjoyable
newcomer to recumbents can master
normal use. In any case a restrictor
vehicle for almost every cycling need.
the BEVO-Bike within a few minutes. Its
system limits the turning circle: this did
Prices vary according to country. The lowest price is in Germany, where you can expect to pay around 2680 DM for the standard version, including the 7-speed hub, front Magura hydraulic brake, full dynamo lighting system and mudguards.
The riding position is slightly lower than in our photograph. The rider's weight pr down on the suspension
35
recumWents-_
Uftear
Au kfactkrt'*Ptj kc I 6h
Steve jcutse(
inear Manufacturing is an underes-
quick-release and then slide fore and
the demise of SunTour in the US, basic
timated giant of the recumbent
aft along the top of the frame for easy
Linears are now spec'd with Shimano
industry They sell about 1500 bikes
adjustability, The quick-release stainless
STX componentry with an upgrade to
Prices vary greatly
every year worldwide, yet their bikes
steel steering pivots can be tightened
LX also available. And also new this
according to country. 1
do not seem to enjoy as high a profile
manually assuring a tight linkage and
year is a lifetime warranty on all of
lowest prices are in the
as their flashier, high-performance
positive steering. The Linear is also
Linear's bikes.
USA, where you can
competitors. Steve Hansel, Linear's
foldable, with the front fork and rear
L
President, doesn't mind: "Our bikes are
stays tucking under the main frame
easy to learn, comfortable to ride and
and the seat folding down. In fact the
forgiving of rider's mistakes. They're
folding design was adopted by neces-
not designed for speed." Happy
sity: Steve discovered early on that, as
customers range from world tourers to
an oversized package, the original
a cake salesman in Cape Town, South
Linear couldn't fly with him to bicycle
Africa, who makes all his deliveries
trade shows.
on a Linear.
New for this year is a short wheelbase
The Linear frame is extruded box
version as well as a short wheelbase
section aluminium, save for the
tandem. The 'original' long-wheelbase
chromoly forks and a few parts
Linear is actually a third generation
specially machined from solid stainless
design, though Steve has no immediate
steel. The seat and steering assembly
plans to tinker with it further. Due to
PRICES
expect to pay around $1250 or $755 for a frameset.
*0:21
cn[Y[LEvpriu
C
C
C
I
C
j
4 LL
L
fakrra&erkstatt 'ccLftcthe(1 /germa"
eter gakwapot
SPECIFICATIONS
C C
mew he Radnabel ATL is multi-cultural.
earth comfortably.
or back, Anew 'Sharkhead' fairing
Designer and manufacture
The seat has a low contact area,
holds more luggage and keeps the feet
Dieter Baumann has taken the
reducing sweating, and making it easy
warm and dry in winter, and a rain
best from other areas of cycle design.
to look behind with no wobble. You can
cover can extend back from this. An
Mannesmann 25CrMo4,
Finely constructed tubing in areas such
lean forward and get more weight over
improvement for this year is a chain
lugless, in three sizes.
as the rear rack show that this bike is a
the low pedals when needed.
protection tube.
Length:
labour of love. It does lots of things
The tyres are high-pressure, made
The Radnabel ATL is a delightful do-
Frame, Forks and suspension tubing:
between 187cm and 199cm.
well, with a good turn of speed, plenty
comfortable on small wheels by the
anything machine, like nothing else on
of luggage capacity, and a pleasant
suspension. The rear rubber suspension
the road. It leaves very little excuse for
easy-rider position; but it keeps a
is progressive, and works irrespective of
car journeys round town.
strong personality of its own. It won
the load on the carrier. There is parallel-
Weight:
the 1994 European Championship for
ogram suspension at the front
With all basic equipment
best everyday recumbent.
The two Sachs hub brakes can just
Groupset: Sachs New Success. _Lighting: B
e7
M Lumotec and Toplight
approx. 17.Skg(3831b). Colours: bordeaux-violet, ocean blue, matt black. Further options front luggage tray (max. load: 30kg [661b]); rear carrier (max. load: 18kg (401b), side pannier racks, stand. Prices vary according to country. The lowest price is in Germany, where you can expect to pay between 4200 DM and 5000 DM, depending on equipment.
FEATURE
0
Despite the long-wheelbase, the two
about stop you dead without a hint of
20" wheels keep the ATL relatively
a skid: the safest braking we have come
short. Low speed handling is good, as is
across on any cycle. A Kettler childseat
the turning circle. You can put feet to
(for smaller children) can be fitted front
recunlbent5.
StrcrtIL. FktkreC de5 /t4ted
aôn'u
3ôakcut freco, ?ctrc Slutu, lart Crôoder
pecialising in recumbents and the
in a busy high street as on a fast road.
custom-made bar ends. Ideal for any
less conventional side of cycling
The frame makes no compromise on
type of riding, a Streetglider recently
has brought expansion to Patrick
quality, and is made from Reynolds 531
gave one satisfied customer an excel-
Shaw and his design team of Ian
and aerospace industry equivalents by
lent tour across America.
Crowder and Jonathan Frewing at
George Longstaff, one of the most
700C box section.
FutureCycles. Their business in East
respected names in the business. The
Wheelbase:
Sussex runs a tuition and hire service
anatomically sculpted seat now
940mm. Telescopic front tL
and organises recumbent week-end
features detachable upholstered
breaks in rural Sussex, on the edge of
cushions for even greater comfort; on
the beautiful Ashdown Forest.
the back are D-ring attachments for
Storage length:
Prospective customers are encouraged
day-bags, tool kit, rain gear etc. It also
1580mm -1730mm.
to test thoroughly the various models
includes mounting points for a safety
Weight:
on offer, including FutureCycles' own
flag and high level LED light or reflec-
from 125kg (2751b).
creation, the Streetglider.
tor. This year a grab-bar option has
The unique reversed fork geometry of
been added to make the Streetglider
the Streetglider gives it exceptional
easier to manhandle, and the handle-
Chainset:
handling and manoeuvrability; as easy
bar design has been refined with
Stronglight48/38/28.
S
SPECIFICATION Wheels: Alesa alloy; front 500k rea
provides 150mm (6") of adji ment. Extra long or short flu available at no extra charge.
Gears: Shimano LX with Ultegra bar-end changers.
Gear range: 27" to 118". Options: Magura hydraulic brakes, mudguards, standard flthn rack, grab bar, rear LED and safety flag. FutureCycles will be happy 1 discuss alternative compon to meet customers' specifl needs. Prices vary greatly according to country. Expect to pay betwee 1350 and £1495 in ti UK, or around £795 fc frameset.
EMI FEATURE
n
,
Y
E
L
E
Li
p
O1kS
&
11
t:
I
LLLLLLIL LL Lit L
A
Put
E
LI
Wheels:
E
ngineering and business studies
panniers while riding.
provided Daniel PulvermĂźller and
Much of the comfort of the Street
Paul Hollants with the skills to
Machine comes from its suspension
-
32-406 (20")front
launch the Street Machine. Still
polymer foam at the rear (available in
25-622 (28") rear.
students, they continue to refine their
three levels of hardness) and
Frame:
successful design.
adjustable 'Ballistic' forks for the front.
CroMo, powder coated,
The Street Machine combines the
The seat, which comes in three sizes, is
comfort of a long-wheelbase touring
sited relatively high, giving good visibil-
recumbent with the manoeuvrability of
ity. It is cushioned with a waterproof
Complete about 14kg (311b).
a short-wheelbase racer. It performs
closed cell foam from which rain can
Seat:
equally well as a fast tourer or as an
be wiped in seconds.
Glass fibre, 3 sizes.
inspiring commuter bike. One
The Street Machine is available as a
Options:
customer uses the bike as a courier and
frameset, or as a fully equipped
also took it on a trip to Tunisia.
machine. The frame is CroMo steel. An
Luggage capacity can be increased with
aerodynamic Speedbag can be fitted
adjustable for length
Weight: Frameset 4.3kg (9.41b),
Rear and low rider carriers,
,
above-seat steering.
Prices vary greatly according to country. In Germany the frameset costs DM2SSO and a comølete bike around
a
Jr
f*' Vet6teckKlk /ger tnu~
Velotechnik
Dat(e( 17kvernLt(er
SPECIFICATIONS
1
a new low-rider carrier fitting between
behind medium sized seats. The chain is
the wheels. This provides very stable
now protected by teflon tubes.
load carrying and also good access to
classics L
A
bicycle may become a classic because of excellent design, because it evokes an era, or simply
because of fashion. Who would have thought a Raleigh Chopper would ever become an extremely fashionable item among certain young people, who prefer to put styling before performance. In contrast the understated elegance of the Golden Sunbeam, produced in England at the beginning of the century, represents the highest standards of design, durability and craftsmanship. It had an integral oil bath chain case, superb bearings, extremely durable paintwork, and real gold leaf as a finishing touch. We cannot predict which bicycles will be picked up by future fashions. However,we have chosen here a few machines which have, or ought to have, classic status: many of them already have devoted enthusiasts. Since each of our 'Classics' has its own distinct story and reason for being, we have given as much background as possible within the features, rather than putting the whys and wherefores in a general introduction, as is the case for other sections of Encycleopedia. We would have to admit that there are many products within the genre sections which could justify the description of classic - but taking them out would have weakened the content and balance of the section in question. We hope you find that each entry is of interest in its own right
;
i
n
PRICES Prices vary according to country. In Britain they cost from ÂŁ795, to ÂŁ960.
Y
C
L
E
ii
p
r
i:1
ike West, who lives in York, has
to balance. Direct drive allows you to
been building and restoring
accelerate and decelerate through the
classic cycle designs since 1983.
pedals, and the wheel size and tangent
Each Mike West high wheeler incorpo-
(crossed) spokes soaks up unevenesses
rates somewhere a part of an original
in the road which would otherwise be
I
11
machine from the 1880s. A symbolic
felt through the non-pneumatic tyres.
gesture which allows a little of the spirit
Although a few late high wheelers were
of high bicycle riding to live on through
fitted with pneumatic tyres they were
history.
not a huge success. Riders of the
A basic machine will typically have
Challenge have, of course, no fear of
straight bars, plain wooded grips and
punctures.
plain bearings. A top-of-the-range
Wheel sizes are from 50" to 54" (127cm
model has downward-curved bars,
to 137cm). The bigger the wheel you
The bicycle in our photograph is two
T-shaped wooden handles, ball
can comfortably ride on, the faster you
years old: it has been ridden by lots of
bearings to front and rear wheels, and
can go, since every turn of the pedals
people but crashed only once. It came to the studio fresh from winning first
original-style cranks and pedals. The
takes you the same distance as the
top of the range is also fitted with an
circumference of the wheel. A rider 6
place on the grass at the Cyclists'
old leather saddle. Machines weigh
foot (183cm) tall can ride a 50"(127cm),
Touring Club annual Rally in York, with
from 40lbs (18kg) to 44lbs (20kg).
but 53"(135cm) is recommended. A
Mike's son David in the saddle.
Mike West constructs bikes only to
critical measurement is from the
Prospective purchasers will need to
order, so that individual sizes and
underside of the foot to the top of
check the road law of their own
requirements can be taken into
thigh, since this determines how much
country if open road riding is antici-
account. He prefers people to collect
clearance there will be under the
pated. This is not a machine for riding in
their machines personally, so that he
handlebars.
busy traffic.
can make final adjustments and give
Mike West strongly recommends that if
Mike also occasionally makes bicycles
them some basic instructions in riding
you are going to ride one of his bikes on
using the Facile design: where interme-
technique.
a regular basis you should take the
diate lever drive allows for a smaller
Despite their spartan appearance, these
modern and cheaper crank and pedal
wheel in relation to the rider's leg length.
bicycles are are not intended as replicas.
option: they make for a more enjoyable
The high bicycle design is not confined
ride and don't look particularly out of
to history and is a valid design for
place.
modern cyclists who want something very special for personal pleasure, and perhaps to give a boost to local cycle events, fetes etc. Getting on and off using the step on the rear of the backbone takes a little practice at first, but, once you've got it, there's little to match the sensation of sitting majestically up on a high wheel, gliding gracefully - for the higher the bicycle is off the ground the easier it is
41
[
Each Challenge Racer incorportes somewhere at least one part of an original machine
a s5 IMA
6(5kutkupe gtoNcte5/ iu"ted vtopwd5m
U
CYCLE
ii
p
r
di
hen Josef Mesicek first discovered a battered but original high bicycle he took it apart and rebuilt it for youngsters in his local cycling club. But one bike did not go very far among 64 members, so Josef decided to produce another. And another. Making high bicycles quickly became a hobby, then a passion, and before long a business. Josef and his son Zdenek
--
constructed their own high-wheelers by combining various design elements of the original high bicycle. They now spend sixteen hours a day in their workshop, hand-fashioning every component to their very exacting stan-
4
dards. Nothing is rushed. Six of these
month, almost all of them sold in Western Europe by Kalle Kalkhoff of KGB in Germany. (KGB's Copenhagen
' Net MeSLCeL
The golden age of high-cycling was the period from 1870-1885.
noble machines are produced each
Pedersens and Galaxes are both
& kLs bO 56t5:
Ike kfk qjcLe Team
featured elsewhere in Encycleopedia.) Mesicek's bicycle reflects the design principles of the early high bicycle, but is not a copy. Their craftsmanship is a homage to the brave pioneers of
PRICES
cycling and to those who made the early high bicycles. These amazing
Prices vary greatly according to country. In Germany a Mesicek high
machines from the Czech Republic do not pretend to be originals. The colours
installation. The backbone itself is
The high bicycle was a development of the heavy 'boneshaker'.
seamless Mannesmann tubing and
This evolution involved,
forks are made of 1.5mm bent sheet-
amongst other things, the introduction of a much larger
metal. The backbone and wheel rims are powder-coated. Accessories include a battery-operated replica of an oil lamp, a bell, a horn, a handlebarmounted luggage holder and a toolbag. The largest size bike, fully equipped, does not exceed 14kg. Wheel
front wheel: to produce a faster machine, each revolution took you the same distance as the wheel's circumference, and the wheel became as high as the length of a man's legs would allow. Demanding but liberating, it became the fastest vehicle on the road. The high
sizes range from 28 "to 56
cycle was never a safe machine.
The Mesiceks are now prototyping
To maximise pedalling efficiency the rider sat directly above the
their version of an early tricycle design.
front hub, always in danger of falling forward. Going downhill,
wheeler costs 5,400 DM
are many and varied: customers can
regardless of the wheel
choose among 89 shades for the
size.
backbone, while the pedal and tyre
he would sling his legs over the handlebar in the hope of being
rubber can be either black or red.
flung clear should he hit an
However most customers prefer the traditional black with red tyres and pedals.
EM1 FEATURE
The handlebars, brake lever; hubs, pedals and cranks are nickel-plated. Handlebar grips are made of cherry wood. The cowhide saddle is 'preseated' for a couple of weeks before
History for the future.
The hub of history
obstacle. Manufacturers made considerable technological advances. Ball-bearings replaced brass bushes. Hollow drawn tubing and hollow rims were made for lighter machines. Adjustable tangent spoking created an extremely strong wheel. An average machine would weigh about 23 kilos (SOlb). Racing machines could be as light as 11 kilos (241b). The high bicycle reached its zenith around 1885. By 1895 it was a rarity on the roads.
43
; r z-, S
CS
if
単i
LL
LI
//L
II
11
1
II1
L'L'
Aes(ceL gait kfact/Czeck epkbt(c
U
rnCY[LEupdi
T 1e
e-ctes
he average town bike consists of
making. They sell around 2000 cycles
Other Utopia products include the
an uninspiring conventional
each year; and in a very innovative way.
London, which is ideal for the tall
diamond frame with cheap acces-
How, they asked themselves, do you
person who wants to ride in upright
sories. It looks like you're getting a lot,
give maximum customer choice as to
regal style, but is also available in
but problems soon set in. Utopia have
components, yet keep the benefits of
smaller sizes.
taken a different route. They have gone
larger scale production? Their answer is
There is also the Muli, a robust but
for quality, appealing to customers who
to offer nine different models, each
elegant load-carrying bicycle. Utopia
want something special. Why should a
with a set of component options. All
also carry in their range the Dolphin
bike which is to be used day-in, day-out
models and options are set out in their
child-trailer and the Donkey cycle
be any less prized, any less valuable,
annual Radratgeber (Bike Advice) publi-
trailer; both made by Winther in
than a prestigious lightweight tourer; or
cation, a compendious and informative
Denmark and featured elsewhere in
a gee-whizz mountain bike might be to
magazine-size 116 page booklet Having
this Encycleopedia.
riders with different tastes?
made a decision, the customer orders a
Utopia bicycles will always cost more
Utopia's Seagull, based on a distinctive,
personally specified Utopia bike
than mass-produced machines. The
well-triangled mixte-cross frame
through a good bike dealer, thus
Seagull, for example, will cost up from
(Columbus Aelle Chrome Manganese)
ensuring on-the-spot customer care.
1800DM. You pay for hand-made
was once voted Bike of the Year by the
As an example, you can order a Seagull
frames and for environmentally benign
Germany National Cycling Club. It is
with a Schmidts Original hub dynamo
manufacturing processes. More than
made to outlast its owner - but not at
(previously known as the Wing). You
90% of components are of European
the expense of riding pleasure in the
can specify hydraulic brakes, and a
origin. The bicycles are delivered in a
here and now. It represents Utopia's
Sachs 3x7 transmission system, combin-
reusable protective container made of
policy of making bicycles appropriate to
ing a seven-speed block and a three-
felt rather than in cardboard and
most people's real needs. Too many
speed hub gear. You can chose between
bubble wrap.
'town bikes' are, they say, simply 'tamed
a 49cm, 54cm, or 59cm frame. In fact,
Most sales are within the German-
racing bikes' with twitchy fork angles, a
Utopia generally offer six different
speaking area, although enquiries are
forward sitting position and a short
choices of gear system, ten choices of
welcome from any country, and English
wheelbase.
handlebar and eight choices of luggage
is well understood.
The relaxed frame angles and rigid
rack.
frame of the Seagull make it both comfortable and easy to control: essential when carrying a child or heavy goods over bumpy city roads or rocky off-road paths. The high steering tube allows the fitting of a forwardfacing childseat The low step-over height makes it easy to board when loaded up with luggage or children. The inspiration behind Utopia comes from owners Ralf Klagges and Inge Wiebe-Klagges: both life-long cyclists. Inge has a background in business
Above: The Radratgeber' is published in German, but is well
administration, and Ralf in cycle-
set out, with helpful illustrations. It is available from Utopia for Marks plus postage (contact details are on page 133)
Above left: The London Left: The Phoenix
I.::-
t6p(a /gertnaptj
rnCYCLEBpriu
JjJ ii;' it 4 iui!" 11ff thJl Alylt
i3Lex Moit
Alex Moulton Limited
SPECIFICATION Prices for the Moulton
J
NeK Wkttm Ltd Aiu"tea V(itjhm
ccentric, yet scientific and well
suspension is adjustable to the rider's
çengineered; very advanced but
weight and damping preference. The
with traditional craft smanship."
frame divides at its kingpin into two
AM Series vary according
These were the words of one Japanese
separate halves, each easy to handle for
to country. The lowest
convert to Moultons. The unceasing
stowage.
interest in Moultons amongst the
The 17" x 1.250 alloy Moulton wheels
where you can expect to
Japanese is based on their deep regard
are immensely stiff and robust. Their
pay from ÂŁ1300 for the
for quality engineering.
high pressure tyres are exclusively made
prices are probably in the United Kingdom,
AMS to2950 for the Stainless Steel GT.
F ITI
i
Developments in the USA have been
for Moulton by Wolber.
equally exciting: Moultons are
The load-carrying capacity is posi-
becoming more widely recognised as
tioned on the centre line and low
The Jubilee L featured in our main
competition machines by triathletes,
down. There is a range of optional
photograph, utilises smaller Reynolds
through the enthusiasm and promotion
plug-in AM front and rear racks with
531 tubing, and a unique adjustable
of Steve and Anne Hed of Hed Cycling
AM bags, and an AM Zzipper fairing for
wishbone stem. It weighs 24 1 /2 lbs and
Products.
aerodynamic improvement and cold
comes in a choiceof seven colours.
The object of all this enthusiasm is
weather protection.
probably the world's most successful unorthodox bicycle, with the longest pedigree. Its unique frame of Reynolds 531 small tubes is bronze-welded to be stiffer and stronger than a conventional frame, with finely engineered full suspension. The pivoted rear triangle gives self-damping and suits a wide load range, while the leading-link front
I
gataa Uer /Demnark
JeLs keLcL Mc45et
nspired by a folding bike used by
side-walls, black anodised Alesa rims,
Two is adorned with Woodguards and
British paratroopers in the Second
SR folding pedals, KSS bottom bracket
a Woodguard chain protector. Version
World War,the Galaxe is ironically
axle and bearings, and Burnm 4-D-Lite
Three, the most popular, has the added
Prices vary greatly
(and gratifyingly) most popular in
lights. For protection against rust
advantage of elegant rims made of
according to country
Germany, the very country those
frames are now coated in zinc before
hickory wood, stained mahogany-
I
soldiers were fighting against. Even
powder and clear coating is applied.
colour, and crafted according to tradi-
more surprising is that the Galaxe is
Folding takes about ten seconds and
tional methods by the last surviving
made in the Danish workshop of Niels
leaves the chain on the inside. Twin
maker of wooden cycle rims. Version 3
Keld Madsen.
levers on the frame allow a single fold,
comes with a Sachs VT5000 front
The Galaxe is stronger, lighter and
and the handlebar swings parallel. The
wheel hub brake, to keep brake pads
decidedly more elegant than the
folding facility does not affect
off the rims.
original Parabike: the forks and elliptical
performance.
See the Encycleopedia entry for
(regular oval) frame have been
The Galaxe is produced in three fully
Woodguards and for Kunst and Leder's
redesigned for strength. Components
equipped versions. Version One has the
frame-fitting Galaxe bags.
have been tastefully and astutely
equipment listed above, and comes
chosen, from the factories of European
with black plastic mudguards. Version
PRICES
Germany, Version Or costs 2,800 DM, Vers Two costs 3,100 DM Version Three costs 3,400 DM.
FEATURE
manufacturers: a Brooks B66 saddle, a Pentasport 5-speed hub with allweather back-pedal braking (or a Sachs Super-7), leather Søgreni grips from Denmark, Vredestein Monte Carlo tyres with reflective puncture-resistant
The Galaxe fits into a carrying bag stowed on the handlebars
ntYELEpaiu
Jesper 5øU1( C e(1procLttkt( / eftnutrk. Original Pedersens were unavoidably costly, and the enterprise failed to survive the First World War
SPECIFICATI04 1 Pedersens are supplied fully equipped, but many buyers opt for the frame only Typical
M
ikael Pedersen, a Dane living in
new Royal Large version, which is a
Dursley, England, was the origi-
'copy' of Pedersen's 1906 model, with
nator of one of the few
the handlebar brazed to the stem. A
successful departures from the
nickel-plated frame and a shaft-driven
standard safety bike, involving 14
version will soon be available. Pedersens
separate tubes, connecting in 57 places.
are supplied either fully brazed-up, or
The Pedersen 'space frame' combines
in 'knocked down form', for easy
lightness and strength.
delivery.
weight fully equipped: 17 kilos
High quality Pedersens are now made
Nuts and bolts are stainless steel, and
(3741b). Colours: black, blue,
(fittingly) in Denmark, by Jesper Sølling,
there are braze-ons for a low-rider rack
dark green and bordeaux
and use appropriate modern compo-
The fully equipped version features
nents, almost all European. The
Vredestein Monte-Carlo semi-slick
around 700 Pedersens a year, most of
(maroon). Other colours to special order. Tandem Pedersens are sold as frameonly. Prices vary greatly according to country.
Pedersens today: elegance in motion
comfortable hammock saddle, made
tyres with reflective side-walls, attrac-
which are sold in Germany by Kalle
from shoe-quality leather, supports an
tive Woodguards, Alesa 917 hollow-
Kalkhoff of KGB. Mr Pedersen made
upright, stately riding position, with the
section black anodised rims and a
about 8000 cycles. There is now regular
rider's weight keeping the frame in
Bumm 4-D-Lite LCD rear light, which
international gatherings of enthusiasts
In Germany they range
balanced tension.
stays on when you stop.
who own Pedersens, old and new.
from DM 3000 and
There are five frame sizes, including a
Jesper and his three co-workers make
Details KGB - see pages 133/4.
DM 4000 for a fully
equipped machine. Frames cost from DM 1500.
FEATURE
M
ost cyclists take for granted the freedom of jumping on a
bike and going where they want, when they want. For disabled people it's not so easy, but the pleasures are still there to be had. Specialised cycles designed to give mobility to the disabled or otherwise handicapped need a great deal of work putting into them. They often have a degree of unavoidable complexity, but must be reliable in all circumstances. We feature on the following pages two manufacturers who have made their names in this field.
IIGY[LEUpdiU
F
toajas gcuoctrcL
SPECIFICATIONS.j CITIBIKE STEPTH ROUGH
or many people there remains a
backed up by background electric
pedalling or 38km (24 miles) if you do
gulf between what they can
power.
some of the work (all depending on
achieve on a bicycle and in a car.
The power of the Citibike's small, virtu-
how hilly your journey is and how
There needs to be a variety of trans-
ally noiseless motor can be brought in
much effort you yourself supply).
port alternatives, a continuum of solu-
at any time, whether you are pedalling
Citibike has developed a range of
tions, especially for those who are
or not, by means of a smoothly operat-
tricycles for those who want extra
physically unable, through disability or
ing twist-grip. Acceleration is continu-
stability or load-carrying capacity.
advanced years, to ride a bike. Citibike
ous, with no gears within the motor.
These are custom-built to your specifi-
have met this need with an attractive
There are still conventional derailleur or
cation. There is an optional childseat
range of electrically assisted bicycles,
hub gears fitted on larger models. The
and a trailer which will also fit any of
which also fold for convenient storage.
new Stepthrough has a six-speed
the bicycles.
Riding a Citibike does not stop anyone
Shimano twist-grip changer. The motor
You can adapt an existing bicycle by
being a cyclist - the electric motor is
fitted to all Citibikes is conventional:
fitting a Powerkit to practically any
there to make possible what was not
the sort used in many industries and on
mountain bike or roadster to give a
possible before: and any pedal-power
many products. It is the electronics,
maximum powered speed of 15mph
added to it saves on energy. However;
general design, styling and comprehen-
with the same range as the other
these are not cycles designed for more
sive range which set Citibikes apart.
models. The motor is engaged through
Wheels:
than short journeys without the motor
The 16" wheel folding Citibike won the
a handlebar throttle and the batteries
Cast aluminium alloy.
operating. The makers have opted for
Bicycle Association of Great Britain's
carried on a special rack.
Brakes:
high motor/battery performance at the
1995 Bike of the Year award.
inevitable expense of weight. For most
The Stepthrough and the Roadster,
Frame and front forks: Powder-coated welded steel.
Drum front and rear. Gearbox: Worm-drive, 25:1 reduction. _Battery:
journeys a steady pedalling input will be
both of which fold, have 26" wheels and the motor drives the chainwheel,
Cassette 17AH 24V, sealed lead
and thence to the rear gears. The 16"
'cyclic'.
wheel Citibike has a single speed chain
Speed: Maximum 24kph (15mph). Weight with short range battery: 29kg (651b), with (standard) long range battery 36kg (791bs). Recharge time depending on discharge; typically 5 hours battery charge cycles, dependent on discharge. Battery life is typically 500 cycles. The manufacturers recommend that the when the battery eventually fails to recharge, it be disposed of through a recognised local authority recycling/disposal scheme.
-
drive direct from the 24v 200w motor to the rear wheel, which has a separate freewheel. The manufacturers claim a range of 19km (12 miles) without
The 16"whee!foldingcitibike
ritibikc stcptbrou 9 h CVD=
C(u'b(Le Ctectr c Cjc(1es /({td ~
Above: The 16" wheel Citibike in a bag Below: The Stept hrough
1ddOnhi
1
P
Peer & Jeait Tcujor
fl
C
V
C
C
E
o
p
r
d
Taylor was already manufaceter
plastic wheels and solid tyres on the
The Discoverer neatly complements
turing the Victorian tricycle and a
wheelchair saves weight and solves the
Taylor Cycles' Victorian Tandem and
trailer bike. The last thing he
problem of tiresome punctures. "Most
Tagga Trailer Cycle. Described as 'a
wanted was another design project. But
of the time the nearside wheel is travel-
tricycle made for two' the Victorian is a
his son, Pip, asked an awkward
ling in or close to the gutter which is
fun machine designed for use by a
question. If Peter was specialising in
where all the broken glass and other
handicapped or disabled rider and
cycles for the disabled, how was he
sharp objects tend to be, so it makes
companion who steers from behind.
going to meet the needs of anyone
sense to use solid tyres," says Peter. We
The two riders sit close together and
with a serious physical disability?
have sat in the wheelchair and confirm
can enjoy a conversation as they share
A wheelchair/cycle combination was
that it's a comfortable ride.
the pedalling. The Victorian can also be
the answer, and Peter was not a man to
The bike, which can be ridden solo, is
supplied as a solo machine.
resist the challenge of such a complex
fitted with a triple 22/32/42 chainset
and socially useful design task. It was to
and six-speed block (14/32) to provide
take two years of research and devel-
awide range of low gears. The wheel-
opment. A trained metallurgist and
chair is made from aluminium tubing
former process supervisor in a motor
SPECIFICATIONS
cycle factory, Peter started looking at the design of motorcycle/sidecar
Weight:
combinations: "There are certain
Bike - 183kg.
details you have to get right such as
Wheelchair - 16.5kg.
'toe-in' for the sidecar and 'lean' on the
Bike wheels: 26", aluminium rims. Wheelchair: Plastic, non-pneumatic. Prices vary greatly according to country:
bike, otherwise the combination won't handle properly. But the sidecar config uration is very stable". The bike has an additional frame tube to provide a connecting point for the
In Britain, the Discoverer
wheelchair. Welded to the main frame,
costs ÂŁ1,695.00, and the
the tube runs from the headtube to
Victorian tandem ÂŁ812.
just above the rear axle. Its curved shape leaves enough room for the rider's leg. The cycle can be attached and
53
detached in a matter of seconds. A
and incorporates a car-type seatbelt.
quick-release mechanism makes for
Like all good manufacturers, Peter is
rapid removal of the inner wheelchair
developing his products all the time. He
wheel which can be fastened to a
is currently working on an 'electric'
pannier rack when not in use. Once
Discoverer following an inquiry from a
separated the combination can easily
customer wanting one with a motor.
be transported by car. The wheelchair
Weighing 35kg the Discoverer is no
will also fold whilst on the bike.
lightweight However Peter has tested
An ingenious stand allows the cycle to
it at up to 42 kph (26 mph) which
be attached and detached with the
should be fast enough for most people.
wheelchair passenger remaining seated.
It's best suited for leisurely rides along
The Discoverer is fitted with as many
quiet country lanes, cycle paths and
standard parts as possible to keep its
seaside promenades, enabling rider and
The wheelchair comes
price down and make the replacement
passenger to share the joy of cycling in
folds for storage.
of components easier. The use of
comfort.
off in seconds, and
a.
Ao
Sam&
Ta~t u C~ dn /Aha bij am
cORD
U
H
E
Y
C
C
C
Li
J
IL
iI
I
U
•I
R
SPECIFICATION ROLLFIETS and DUET Cycle Frame:
-
obert Hoening has one of the
The seven-speed hub gear can be
Smith, a small, friendly company run by
most rewarding jobs in cycling:
combined with the two-speed
Hans and Kate Brndum.
he produces and adapts
'Mountain Drive' bottom bracket gear.
Worldwide distribution outside
specialised cycles which bring precious
There is now a Rolifiets Club newslet-
Denmark is through Robert Hoening,
mobility and pleasure to handicapped
ter for the many satisfied users of the
who has the Co-Pilots made to his own
people and their relatives,
machine.
specification. He ensures that they are
The Rollfiets (also called Duet) tandem
Other specialised cycles are designed
then distributed through agencies in
wheelchair is an impressive achieve-
elsewhere, but all are tested and
individual countries, since the under-
ment It took Peter Messerschmidt six
further developed at the Hoening
standing and fulfilment of special needs
years to design, and Robert Hoening
factory. The Trio three-wheeled recum-
are best done at a local level.
has the unenviable task of sourcing
bent is ideal for many disabled people,
In some countries, including Germany,
high-tensile steel.
1500 different parts from 50 suppliers.
but has also become popular with long-
the cost of Hoening cycles is often
Wheelchair Frame:
It consists of a rugged wheelchair which
wheelbase recumbent enthusiasts who
covered by social security or health
Brakes:
attaches to half a bicycle, and which is
want the added stability and other
insurance provision.
90mm hub brakes, equalised.
usable on its own. The specially
advantages of the tricycle format.
Hoening Special Bikes also produce two
aluminium alloy.
Length:
designed chair, orthopaedically shaped
Families with a disabled or partially
machines, based on the Rollfiets design,
chair 0.85m (2'91 plus 25cm (10')
from glassfibre-reinforced plastic, has
active child gain fun and a new sense of
which take the vehicle out of the
with foot-rest
padding and adjustable foot and head-
freedom with the Co-Pilot tandem.
disabled sphere. The Allegro is a
rests. When fixed to the cycle the chair
The child takes part in the steering
workbike version: sturdy but with light-
tilts back, lifting the small front guide-
process, giving him/her the important
weight parts. The Infocycle, designed
wheels off the floor. This gives a
sensation of having control over what's
for campaign groups, carries a large
combined unit 2m (67"), wheel-
Drive unit 1.31 m (4'41. Width: 64cm (211 68cm (27) with hand-rims. Weight: combined unit 37kg (811b),
relaxed, stable seating position and
happening, while the greater leverage
chest with a hinged lid, and contains a
wheelchair 26kg (571b).
makes conversation easier.
in the parent's handlebars overrides
folding display top and two parasols.
The chair has good suspension and
any mistakes the young one might
light handling, and its off-road tyres are
make. The Co-Pilot is not exclusively
Wheels: 26" (650mm), ahoy ATB. There are many optional accessories, including a motorised version. Prices vary according to
excellent on gravel tracks. There are
for disabled children. It can be used to
twin drum brakes on the chair's wheels,
ferry around other children (and small
and a back-pedal brake on the cycle
adults). It has been made in Denmark
wheel, which works well in the wet.
for over twenty years by Meyland-
country. In Germany they start at 7,15013M.
CO-PILOT Length: 250cm Wheels: 24" Weight: 30kg (661b) Options include: footplates with straps, back-support with straps, special cranks for invalids, freewheel system on the front, holder for crutches, extra-large saddle. In Germany you can expect to pay between 4000 DM and 5000 DM, according to the specification.
Above e7 right: The Co-Pilot can give children a new sence offreedom
4,4
SSf
tv 4
1
1L
J,
LL.LLLLL/L
1. LLLLLLL
~
obert ffOeftt
5pez(aicikrzee rn1ff / gernui ---1
ROBERT HOENThG SPEZIALFAHRZEUGE GMBM
Vim
-
Ir;
F \
1
i
4I
I
veto oblies J
ust when the cycling world was beginning to adjust to the arrival of recumbents on the scene, a new set of designers and engineers, mainly from
Northern Europe, have been developing a new genre: velomobiles. Although these take some design features from the recumbent world, their keynote is practicality. The term has come to be recognised among the international HPV community as denoting a vehicle that will take on some of the practical functions expected of the motor car. Thus a velomobile will often have more than two wheels for stability, and it will have, in most cases, a full-body fairing - as much to give protection against the elements as to increase speed. It might also typically have an advanced and fully integrated lighting system. For many years to come velomobiles must be able to use the existing trans:ir/f.
••-(
t"
portation infrastructure. They therefore need to operate in mixed traffic at minimum risk. A recumbent seating position is generally safer than that of an ordinary bicycle in the case of head-on collision, or under sudden heavy braking. Work is underway to design fairings to absorb and distribute collision impact. Velomobiles were designed in the 19th Century as horseless carriages, in the 1920s as a cheap alternative to the motorcar, and are now being proposed as a solution to urban traffic pollution and congestion. This new interest is also stimulated by the application of modern materials to bring the weight down, so that velomobiles can be comfortably propelled by human power. Once single seaters weighed between 35 to 50kg, whereas today they weigh in below 30kg. At one end of the spectrum the term velomobile might include the likes of the Alleweder (All-Weather), a fully faired recumbent trike from Flevobike in the Netherlands. At the other end the term might include vehicles designed from the start to include an electric motor. The Carbike from Germany, for example, is designed to carry two adults and two to three smallish children, taking up to a third of the road space of a standard car, with only a tenth of the weight. Each person has an independent transmission with gears. The motor is for background use, and the top motorised speed is 22 kph. At the far end of the spectrum is the Twike, an electric two-seater trike with pedal-assist at low speeds: it has a top speed of 75kph. Its Swiss manufacturers are about to start a production run of 1000. The classic velomobile, and the one with an established high reputation, is the Leitra, by Carl-Georg Rasmussen. These remarkable vehicles, which are sold mainly in Denmark and Germany, have travelled more than 2 million kilometres in traffic without injury. They are designed to be ridden without a motor, but can also be supplied fitted with one. We feature the Leitra opposite, and look forward to extending the section in future editions.
Leitra:Tel: +45 42183377 Full details
of how to order are on page 1331134
Twike: Tel: +41619815408. Carbike: Tel +49 8382 73582
I
L L/L
Ll
A-4 .
LL Ldtra
I
W5 /DeptftarL
n 1950 Carl-Georg Rasmussen built
Rally in 1983 and the Paris-Brest-Paris
can be carried and a rechargeable
a velomobile faired in wood to a
in 1987
battery fitted under the seat provides
design by Ulf Croneberg. This early
SPECIFICATION
The front wheels of the Leitra are
six hours of power for the lights.
Length:
experience proved to him the value of
steered and the rear propelled. This
The Leitra is a tried and tested velomo-
195-205cm, depending on I
the weather protection and of the
configuration gives high resistance to
bile with satisfied owners in many
length. Width:
extra speed provided by an aerody-
tipping over, which is important in
countries. A perfect answer for anyone
namic shell.
strong side-winds and rapid turns.The
wanting to take the plunge and give up
After establishing a career as a pilot and
driver has his eyes at the same height
motoring. An article about someone
aircraft designer,Carl-Georg turned
as car drivers and the good turning
who has done just that appears in Bike
Wheels:
back to Velomobile design, prompted
circle ( two metres radius) gives excel-
Culture Quarterly Issue 8 (See page 135
20"x1 /8, each with drum I
by the energy crises of the 1970's. He
lent manoeuvrability in city streets.
for details on ordering BCQs).
98cm Height:
discarded the monocoque design in
The hinged body fairing, which lifts in a
favour of an adaptable trike which can
second, protects the rider from the
be ridden unfaired, with a lift-off body.
extremes of the Danish winter, with
It has been in production since 1985.
adjustable air vents for more clement
The Leitra did the Trondheim -Oslo
conditions. Up to 100 litres of luggage
120-139cm
Gears: Sachs Orbit 12 speed. Suspension carbon fibre le springs. A childseat can be fitted be the rider. Prices are normally quoted in Deutsch M You can expect to pay about 10,000 DM for fully faired Leitra or about half that much an unfaired one.
0
4 I
J.
!'
kI
nCYELEup
iu
tandems
11 T
wo wheels - but twice the joy of cycling. With legs in harmony, tandem riders can also travel a good deal faster than on a solo. For a tandem
weighs a lot less than two bikes, but with just about the same rolling resistance and air drag as a solo. The extra momentum flattens out rolling roads and if one partner eases off for a few revs the other can urge them on with direct leg-to-leg communication. Two riders of unequal strength and range can comfortably ride together. While the stronger rider can pile on the speed, the weaker can contribute without the fear of being left behind. Riders who wouldn't venture on the road alone can still savour the thrill of bike riding. Almost anyone can take to the back of a tandem for a short or medium ride. If you want to present cycling to non-cyclists, the most irresistible way must surely be to take them for a tandem ride. Another great joy of tandeming is, of course, sharing the delights of cycling with those who can ride only on a tandem - the blind and those with balance difficulties. Tandems are also great for transporting children to school or into town. Tandems do have their drawbacks: being shackled together can test the most loyal of friendships - going your own way is never on the agenda. The controls are usually all in the pilot's hands. The stoker must practice the art of becoming a dead-weight, by not leaning to steer. Yet the stoker position affords opportunities for bird-watching, navigating, orange-peeling and backscratching: activities which are denied to the ever vigilant pilot. As a general rule the heavier rider should steer. The only exception would be if the lighter rider has much greater upper body strength or if one of the team cannot ride a bike. Steering is harder work than on a solo and greater concentration is needed to stop and start (only the front rider should put a foot down). You need to be well practised in town traffic, but the open road becomes a shared joy. The tandem is also an effective substitute for the motor car. Shopping, exploring, picnicking, visiting, travelling to work are all activities amenable to tandem travel. Gone are the problems of parking, pollution, noise or danger to others. A taxi service is also a possibility: go to the station, pick up your visitor, and whisk them home on your tandem. You can ride a tandem solo quite comfortably, so the journey to the station is no problem. And while everyone else is queuing for a taxi, fumbling for their car-keys, or arguing with the traffic warden, you and your visitor are winging through town without a care in the world.
•
*\
.l
T t; 5
tande s
6 Cteilk. C cte Quks /'t5fl
cn[Y[LEp
I
t was in England that American
acknowledges that the most of his
fold into backpacks when not in use.
Stephen Bilenky first learned the
English mentors would have insisted on
Bilenky was also among the first to use
noble trade of frame-building. He is
still a bicycle Anglophile, and has
Steve g(e
io
using lugs), and by offering models with
a new type of tubing in their frames.
several unusual options. For example,
The 'Air' series of tandems and singles
created a frame-building bike shop in
BCW was the first tandem manufac-
uses a revolutionary new high-tensile
the great English tradition, offering
turer to specify the S e7 S Machine
alloy (cobalt and nickel) steel tubing
customers design features from bikes
Bicycle Torque Coupling system on
called AerMet 100. Originally devel-
of decades past that are rarely found
their Tinker line of bikes. This is a high-
oped for use in the landing gear of
on current models.
quality coupling system fitted onto
fighter aircraft, AerMet 100 is manufac-
Bilenky's craftsmanship is based on 28
bicycle tubing by framebuilders during
tured by Carpenter Technology
years of experience in the bicycle
the manufacturing process (though
Corporation using a patented process
business. Add in the frame-building
retrofits are also possible). They allow
which results in a tube which, say the
experience of his two main associates,
standard sized bicycle to be divided in
makers, is three times stronger than
Andy Dyson and David Bard, and
half for easy transport. A tandem using
conventional steels and has a higher
Tandem framesets cost
you're looking at 50 years of accumu-
just three Links can fit into a case 28"
tensile-strength-to-weight ratio than
from $1850 to $3450.
lated skill and knowledge.
high by 40" long by 8" thick and a single
Titanium. This combination is particu-
PRICES
The Se,S Machine Torque
For the last 11 years Bilenky Cycle
bike with two Links can fit into a box
larly critical in tandem applications as
Works has been building both solos and
the size of an ordinary suitcase. S ei S
the frame has to be strong enough to
the well-respected Sterling brand of
Machine makes Links in five different
endure the weight and torque of two
custom tandems in the historic city of
diameters for different sized tubes:
riders while having excellent resilience
S er S Torque Coupling
Philadelphia.
13/4"; 13/8"- 11/4
tandems are $240
Bilenky Cycle Works (originally Sterling
they also make collapsible cases which
coupling option adds between $450 and $900 to the price of a tandem. The carring cases for the
upwards.
"; 1 1 /8"; and 1", and
Bilenky makes seven sizes of tandems
Cycle Co.) started out making
(eleven if you mix-and-match wheel
various commuter and utilitarian bikes.
sizes), which means that even the tallest
The Metro 5 was designed to be the
captain and smallest stoker will likely
ultimate commuter bike: an elegant mix
find the correct fit in a stock size rather
of high quality, lugged Reynolds tubing
than needing a bike custom-built.
frame and an internal 5-speed hub
Plans for the future include a Tinker
topped with the requisite Brooks
triple tandem, an 'Air Hog' tandem
sprung leather saddle.
with rear suspension, an independent
BCW ceased making these models, due
cadence tandem with rear suspension,
to escalating costs and increased
as well as a possible short-wheel-base
competition from quality mass manu-
recumbent tandem to be developed
facturers who inappropriately
this winter. Bilenky will also will be
marketed their mountain bike brands
coming out with their own CNC-
as 'practical' utility/commuter bikes.
machined 7075 aluminium sealed
BCW went on to produce the popular
bearing cassette tandem hub featuring
'Midlands' brand of loaded touring
an oversized axle and four heavy duty
bike, and still makes mountain bikes
Forks before and after the Bilenky beauty treatment
and custom singles to special order. Stephen looked to the tandem market,
pawls. It is designed to work with a wider variety of drum brakes and
Below: The e7S Machine Torque Coupling
drillings than other cassette hubs. We
and developed an exceptional knowl-
hope to report on all of these develop-
edge of the genre. The gamble has paid
ments in next year's Encycleopedia.
off as the tandem market has exploded in the States - particularly in the last few years. Although there are several manufacturers offering quality tandems, BCW has set itself apart by fillet-brazing all of its frames (Stephen
1!
for rider comfort.
nEYELEGp
fyou'vegotaconventionaltan-
i
.
t
in
¶
T.1
dem, and you've got to take it somewhere as luggage, then you've
.
-
'-
ã........ . e
got a problem. It's a struggle to get one even on to a specialised car rack, or to pack the beast for an afiight only to be surcharged for the large and unwieldy box you've put it in. The Green Gear TwosDay tandem
Hanz and Alan Scholz with their Bike Fridays
neatly solves the problem at two levels
SPECIFICATIONS
of complexity. You can do minimal
less than a minute to reduce the
When you've unpacked your Two'sDay
disassembly, with some folding, to get
tandem to a manageable package for
from the two sturdy Samsonite suit-
Frame:
it into a car boot (or trunk, as they say
the car or for packing in a soft bag to be
cases, you can tow them behind you on
custom-built chrome-moly filet
in the States), or you can disassemble it
taken on a train. The stem can be
a specially supplied
brazed/Tig-weld.
further, to make it fit into two
removed, remaining attached to the
lightweight trailer.
suitcases.
handle bars and cables, and quick-
The performance of the Two'sDay is
This versatile machine is the latest
releases on the main frame allow the
superb. It handles like a conventional,
cassette, Sachs 5000 front
product of Hanz and Alan Scholz
seat tubes and rear triangle to be
quality tandem - maybe even better,
derailleur.
whose Pocket Rocket folding
folded towards the centre of the bike.
and the 20" wheels with wide, high
Wheels:
lightweight featured in last year's
To reduce the tandem to two packages,
pressure ACS road tyres add to the
Transmission: Sachs New Success rear derailleur, Shimano 8-speed
36 hole aluminium rims with stainless spokes. Hope suspension hub with Deore cantilever brake (front), Hope disc brake
Encycleopedia, and has since been
the frame is split in two by loosening
accelerating power. The low frame is
enthusiastically reviewed all over the
allen bolts and unlocking a cam. Brake
particularly suitable for short riders
world. The Pocket Rocket is a version of
and derailleur cables are in two parts
and children.
hub and disc brake (rear).
the Bike Friday - so now you know how joined by connectors. Indicators on the
Weight:
the Bike Two'sDay got its unusual
front chain and both chainwheels are
can be supplied with a number of
complete bike 178kg (3921bs).
name. The mechanisms of the solo
matched to confirm that the crank
accessories, such as front and rear racks,
machine have been incorporated into
arms are in line when the bike is
rear disc brake and the trailer.
the tandem. The folding process takes
reassembled.
_Prices vary greatly according to country. In the US they start at
$2,995 for the basic model to £4,086 with the trailer kit, suitcases and disc brake.
Brake and derail/car cables are in
r LI I FEATURE
63
two parts joined by connectors
The Two'sDay is made to measure and
tanaems a
li
V
I
/
greeft gear G u cttka
/ c15
1_
1
4
ii~
-
*
I;
f-W
FRI PAY
n
Y
I
L
I
o
p
r
d
I
or long-distance touring a good,
heavily loaded long-distance touring.
general use on a tandem with brakes
' fully equipped tandem can beat a
The wheels of both tandems are built
which are already powerful, and the
around high quality Edco hubs, from
drag brake brings a weight penalty of
one rider's frontage is presented to the
Switzerland. Andy finds that his choice
over a kilo, including cables.
elements, and the person-to-metal
of Panaracer and Avocet equiped 26"
There are some particularly nice
ratio is excellent.
wheels gives unparalleled weight, grip
touches - double seatpost clamps,
The Discovery is one of a new range of
and rolling resistance advantages over
concealed mudguard bosses under the
Thorn tandems, named after Robin
existing 700 x 35 tyres. Fat tyres also
fork-crown, seatstay, chainstay, a curved
Thorn, owner of St John Street Cycles.
impart less shock to tandem wheels.
seat-stay bridge to reduce twist in
The Discovery Expedition, designed by
Direct drive transmission, using a triple
oversize stays, and - most impressive -
Andy Blance, gives you a tandem you
connected to the necessary 'link' chain-
49 braze-ons. A Discovery weighs
can buy off the shelf, but in a size to
wheel, reduces strain on the rear
around 21.4kg (47Ibs), depending on
pair of solo touring machines: just
td Slaitce cutd
I
suit, leaving you ready for a lengthy
bottom bracket, and makes crank
size and specification. Each is prepared
PRICES
tour with no further equipment
replacement easier.
to a customer's personal requirements,
worries.
Discoveries are fitted with SunTour XC
and there is a refund policy for dissatis-
Prices vary according to
There is also a Thorn Audax for fast,
Pro Self-Energising rim brakes:
fied customers.
country. The lowest price is in Britain where you can expect to pay around ÂŁ2000 for both the Thorn Discovery EXP 1, and
light touring, and a medium wheelbase
powerful, very light and easy to set up.
The Discovery could be as close as you
Vitesse for time trialing. The Expedition
They pivot on a 45 degree thread.
will get to owning a custom-made
uses over-size 531 tubing and comes in
When operated the rotation of the rim
tandem and still remain friends with
nine different sizes, for just about every
pulls the blocks forward and inward,
your bank manager.
EXP 2.
pilot combination. And if there's still no
thus harnessing the kinetic energy of
There is also a standard
suitable size for you, they'll make you a
the wheels. These brakes were
Discovery tandem for ÂŁ1600.
special at no extra cost.
designed as rear brakes only, being
A touring/expedition tandem needs to
deemed by SunTour to be too
carry enormous loads in rough condi-
powerful for the front. But they hadn't
tions, so Andy opted for the tried and
thought of tandems! A bellcrank allows
tested 'marathon' design, giving
these brakes to be fitted behind the
strength and stiffness to the rear
front forks of Discovery tandems. If
triangle, where large loads are carried.
you are heading for serious hills, with
The marathon supports both seat-
big loads on board, then you might
tubes, resisting flexing in the bottom
order an Arai 'drag brake': a drum
bracket area. This design is suitable for
brake which screws onto the side of the
all but the smallest frames or lightest
hub. It will help overcome brake heat
tube sets. Tube diameters are fatter
dissipation problems on long descents -
than is usually found on tandems, and
Andy feels this is unnecessary for
vary according to the size of the frame. The headset is oversize and wheels are 26". St John Street Cycles claim their
26" wheels are lighter and stronger than conventional 700c ones, and require fewer spokes (36). The Discovery EXP 1 is shod with Panaracer 26 x 1.5 tyres on Mavic 121 SUP ceramic CD rims, giving impressive braking power. The Discovery EXP 2 has 48-hole, thick-walled Sun rims for additional strength, and Avocet Kevlar tyres: both being appropriate for
65
tandenis Ar
5t, J5kK 5treet C ctes /('{(ted Vbtja5m
I
n
SPECIFICATIONS _Weight: Complete machine 16.4 kg
E
V
[
L
E
o
p
c
d
I
o make a tandem as light as many
up to 50% faster. It has been calculated
of the range Shimano (SPD pedals, XT
standard solo tourers is no mean
the force required to stop a tandem is
chainsets and XTR front and rear
achievement. The weight of -
450% greater than with a single
mechs). The hubs are Swiss-made
Santana's latest all-terrain machine, the
machine. With this in mind Santana fit
Edcos; the oversize headset is Dia
Encore, is counterpointed by the robust
over-sized forks that improve steering
Compe and the tyres are Avocet Cross,
looks and rugged performance. In fact,
and reduce brake shudder. The
The Encore is available in a choice of
Santana has gone for the big four: light-
Encore's forks are, say the manufactur-
anodised or painted finishes.
ness, stiffness, strength and comfort.
ers, twice as stiff as those fitted to
Santana has a remarkably wide range of
The heart of this 'burnished beast' is its
many tandems.
tandems, including cro-moly, nivacrom
distinctive frame built from seamless
The 26-inch wheels are of a special
and titanium models. The latest
7000 aluminium double-butted tubing:
symmetrical 'dishless' design with equal
aluminium frames are a full four
with wide diameter to increase stiff-
spoke length, tensions and angles on
pounds (1.8kg) lighter than their steel
ness. The Californian company uses
both sides of the wheel. Loads are
equivalents.
only custom-drawn tubing in its
distributed more equally resulting in a
For those who want their tandeming to
tandems instead of lower quality
sturdier and longer-lasting wheel.
be a family affair Santana also supply
Blueberry Swirl (Blue/Black),
'aircraft-grade' tubes. The full-length
Santana also use wider spacings
triplet and quad models. Demand for
Raspberry Ripple
aluminium top tube is 'quad-butted',
(160mm compared to 140mm on an
these 'stretched' models is growing
Colours: Anodised - Magenta, Blue,
(Purple/Black) or any stock
making it extremely light, yet strong.
8-speed hub) to increase wheel
particularly among tandeming couples
colour
Santana favour the direct lateral frame
strength. They fit a minimum of 40
who want their young children to share
design in all twelve of its tandem
spokes and strongly recommend 48 on
their pleasures. Kiddy-cranks can be fitted as an optional extra.
Frame Material: Super Size Seamless 7000 Aluminium double-butted In the USA an Encore costs $3895. In Germany the costs are 8,790 DM and 5,690 DM.
1-I
models.
heavily-laden machines or those used
The Encore's eye-catching polished
off-road by a strong crew.
look is achieved by rolling the frame in
Features include powerful, long-arm
six tons of ball-bearings. This heavy-
cantilever brakes (an Arai hub brake can
duty treatment gives an improved
be fitted as an optional extra), and
finish and, according to Santana, it
specially strengthened freehubs to
relieves weld stresses and surface-
withstand higher transmission loads.
hardens the metal.
Rider comfort is maximised by the rear
Further weight savings are achieved by
shock-absorbing seat-post and an
fitting, as standard, double-butted
adjustable stoker stem. Extra long
bottom bracket shells and a double-
175mm cranks are used on the front
butted oval ised 'drainpipe' bottom
and 170mm on the rear in an attempt
tube. While precious ounces have been
to match the proportions of the riders.
trimmed from the Encore's thorough-
As you would expect on a top-rate
bred frame, Santana's engineers have
tandem the componentry is mostly top
added weight to certain areas to boost performance. A good example are the over-sized 'monster' chainstays that maximise the pedalling energy transmitted to the rear wheel. Safety is a key consideration with any tandem. Because tandems have double the mass, yet around the same frontal area as a single, they can descend a hill
67
tafldevTLs
I:L1 /
i
t jetf/
LlL-L L/ 5apttapta C ctes
/c{5c
ust when cynics might begin think-
conventional tandem. Experiences are
A luggage rack can be fitted to take up
ing that all useful configurations of
easily shared, and the riding style is
the forward seating position. -see pic-
specialised cycle have already been
relaxed. The rear rider steers via a rod
ture top left, opposite page.
combined, adapted, and enjoyed, along
connected to the front fork., and the
Where-ever it is used, the momentum
comes an idea which looks just like it
front rider holds a static handlebar.
of a fast moving tandem demands
ought to have been around all the time,
Also available is the option of steering
good stopping power, and this is pro-
so many are its advantages.
via both sets of handlebars, but with
vided by two sets of Magura hydraulic
Marec Hase's amusingly named
the rear rider having greater leverage so
brakes. Heavy braking is much less likely
J
Maec ffctse & kCs frCeta rset
SPECIFICATIONS Frame: Seamless precision steel, pow-
Periscop cleverly integrates design
that she can overrule the steering of
to cause rear-end lift-off thanks to the
aspects of many different types of bike,
the front rider.
fact that a tandem has more rearward
yet has a distinctive character of its
The high specification on the Periscop
mass than a solo.
own. The rear section takes from the
makes it an excellent if unorthodox
The Periscop is not the only original
traditional elegant, upright Pedersen
long distance 21-gear touring machine.
design from the inventive Marec Hase,
design, together with comfortable
On longer tours the two riders can ring
who makes a living from specialised
hammock saddle. The front section is
the changes by swapping positions
cycle-making at the youthful age of 24.
semi-recumbent, giving relaxed com-
every so often. With no alterations
His popular Easy Glider trike recum-
der-coated, three sizes.
fort, especially for riders who have
needed the Periscop makes an equally
bent (see inset picture, opposite page)
Gears:
problems riding a standard bike. Above
good round-town bike: thanks to its
was featured in the 94/95 edition of
Sachs 3x7 'Racing Groupset
all, the Periscop is a tandem, with
safe handling, weatherproof hub
Encycleopedia, and he also makes a
5000'.
added sociability.
dynamo lighting system and Sachs 3x7
two-wheeled recumbent in some num-
_Lighting:
Its configuration gives some remarkable
transmission. This gives all-season relia-
bers. Marec feels that he would not
advantages: placing the front seat
bility for giving grandfather a lift to the
have been able to achieve so much
above the wheel permits a wheelbase
station or taking a child to school in
without the skill and advice of his col-
of just 122cm, making the Periscop just
style - as a family tandem it grows with
league, Heinz Flaig, who brings with
about as manoeuvrable as some stan-
the child, since the front part of the
him many years high level experience in
can expect to pay around
dard bicycles - its total length at its
main tube can be extended telescopi-
aircraft engineering. Already we won-
4785 DM.
shortest setting is 190cm, which is
cally as your child grows. You can also
der about what these inventive people
shorter than a Dutch roadster; a great
order a Periscop with footrests replac-
will think up for next year's
bonus is that this compactness helps
ing the pedalling facility, perhaps con-
Encycleopedia.
keep the weight down to just 24kg.
verting to pedals at a later stage.
Busch und Muller, with automatic cut-in when stopped. Prices vary according to country. The lowest price is in Germany, where you
Both riders get an excellent view of
I—
their surroundings and the road ahead, and their heads are close enough together for easy conversation; something which is not always possible on a
tan dens
crgnr A
Hase Spezia lräder
Aarec Oa5e 5pez(atra"aer germa
•;:'
..." •4
I '/
-
-
•
n[
SPECIFICATIONS
L
F
n
hey like their tandems fast in the
and fun. For enthusiasts it also means
releases, remove the front wheel and
good handling and extended touring
fold the front and rear triangles, secur-
designing a folding 'twicer' Harry
& kts
C
States. So when he set about
Montague knew not to fold up perfor-
ffrr, Mce
Y
capability.
ing the fold by tightening the quick-
The TriFrame folds down to 91cm x
release levers. No tools are required for
mance in the process.
91cm x 30.5cm (36" x 36" x 12"), to
this easy, three minute process.
Harry was an established Washington
store conveniently in the trunk of a ca
At the heart of the TriFrame design is
D.C. architect and inventor before he
or to check in as airline luggage. Folding
the patented Concentrus System: each
founded the Montague Corporation,
is simple: unlock the quick-release
seat tube has a second seat tube
to produce a folding solo bike in 1984:
mechanisms, disconnect the derailleur
sleeved concentrically inside it, provid-
the 'Montague BiFrame'. The BiFrame
cables using the barrel cable quick-
ing the lateral pivot system to allow the
received great acclaim, as a sturdy, inge-
frame to fold in thirds.
nious design for a full-size bicycle that
Five high-pressure quick-release locking
folds.
levers, located on the seat tubes, are
Frame:
The BiFrame design was developed fur-
designed to withstand the loadings
Patented Montague TriFrame,
ther,leading to the introduction in 1988
from high-speed cornering and out-of-
of the Montague Corporation's initial
the-saddle sprints. Automatic lock-pins
-Concentrus folding system. Frame tubing: Custom drawn 4130 Chromoly,
flagship model: the Montague BiFrame
and micro-adjustment screws ensure
M-1000. There then followed an explo-
your frame folds only when you want it
sive period of growth. The company
to, and ensure proper alignment.
entered the international market, offer -
The TriFrame's 4130 chromoly tubing is
-TIC pulse welded. Groupset: Shimano Deore LX with
ing several different models of
custom-drawn, and every frame incor-
Other extras:
Mountain and Cross bikes, as well as a
porates Zerk grease fittings for easy
Montague special bracket for
number of associated accessories.
lubrication of the folding system. Inner
BiFrames have even found their way
seat tubes are nickel-plated to prevent
into strongholds of the motor industry,
corrosion, and spiral-grooved to distrib-
53cm/43cm (21"/17).
being sold by BMW as an accessory to
ute the lubricant evenly. Pump pegs,
Unfolded size: 236cm x 104cm
their cars.
water bottle mounts and special braze-
Designing the TriFrame Tandem has
ons for a rear rack and drum brake are
-GripShift.
attaching rear rack without -impeding folding. Size:
-x 505cm (93"x41"x20"). Folded size:
96.5cm x 71cm x 45.5cm
been even more of an achievement: it
all standard and are positioned so that
packs down to a third of its size for
the accessories they hold do not inter -
travelling and storage - a feature which
fere with the folding process.
can make the critical difference when
Accessories include a new line of hard
-(38"x28"x181. Airline II hard-case size: 94cm x 79cm x 33cm (37"x31"x131.
Prices vary according to
deciding whether to take a tandem on
cases for convenient airline travel with
a journey or not. It can even be critical
a Montague. The Airliner I accommo-
in helping someone decide whether to
dates a folded Montague BiFrame and
buy a two-and-a-half metre tandem in
the Airliner II a Tn Frame: both with
the first place. For this unique accom-
space left over for riding gear, as well as
$2495.95 for a complete
plishment the US technology publica-
the new trailer. The OFT (One Fast
machine.
tion, Popular Mechanics, awarded the
Trailer), is an agile, one-wheel trailer
TriFrame a 1995 Design and
conversion kit for towing any Airliner
country. The lowest price is in the USA, where you can expect to pay
Engineering award.
hard case. Tow your gear in the same
The TriFrame is a stylish, full-size high-
suitcase your bike flies in. Montague
performance tandem with the good
Corporation thinks big about thinking
ride characteristics you would expect
small.
from traditional frame design. For recreational riders it means comfort
71
L4
ct e ms -
L
LL
IL.
Ll IL L L.. Amta
ke
Corpuatt"m/ t'{51 MONTAGUE
nEYELEc
I
'Ickctrd GresscieU,
d!n
ichard Cresswell is fast develop-
The basic Two's Company is aimed at a
The weight:, at 20kg (441b), is very
ing an impressive range of robust
family with young children, young cou-
respectable for a budget tandem. An
ples who want a budget tandem, and
alloy chainset, alloy rims and stainless
and abilities. Being an engineer rather
weekend riders. Sachs drum brakes and
steel spokes are optional extras.
than a salesman, he develops products
a five-speed Pentasport hub gear give
Later in the year,Cresswell Cycles will
only when he can see a need, and then
low maintenance and reliable operation
be offering the tandem with Sachs 3 x
modifies them as further applications
in all weathers. With the front wheel
7, a three-speed hub gear and seven-
are recognised: a good example of this
folded sideways, the tandems will fit
speed derailleur for couples who want
being his trailer-bikes, featured else-
across the back of a car on a standard
to ride further. A Sachs hydraulic disc
where in this Encycleopedia.
carrying rack. The Two's Company is
brake will be fitted at the rear for peo-
machines for cyclists of all ages
The Two's Company Tandem, designed
216m (7'21 long, or 1.84m (69 when
ple who want to load up with camping
by Peter Radnell, was further devel-
the front wheel is turned 90 degrees.
gear and go touring. It will cost 695.
oped by Richard because he felt that there was nothing to fill the gap for
PRICES:
1
growing children between his trailerbikes and full-sized machines. He thor-
Prices vary greatly
oughly enjoys tandem riding, as do his
according to country. In
children, because they can travel at the
the UK you can expect to pay from ÂŁ495 to ÂŁ695.
same speed as Dad. So Richard realised that building a tandem with 20 inch wheels would create a tremendously versatile machine for all age groups. He has taken maximum advantage from the small wheel-size, by making the rear of the frame just 38cm (151. Now his four-foot-tall daughter can ride on the back: her feet can't touch the ground yet, but that doesn't matter. Although the low top tube allows small riders to enjoy tandeming, two riders of 183cm ( 6') can also enjoy the benefits if the seats are raised on their long posts. Even taller riders can order extralong seatposts. The 1 1/2" main frame tube copes with the extra weight. Using fat tubing creates a strong frame since the stiffness of a tube increases by the power of three when you increase its width.
All aboard! Cresswell bike-train in action
9
II
uresswei Qjci1es / t'tecL 1'
CL
a么n
1;
:1
A
4*14
75
nLYELEup
!u
C
ycling is a pleasure to be enjoyed from birth. Specialised cycles enable children too young to travel alone to experience the exhilaration and sat-
isfaction of cycling, allowing them to connect directly with the world around them, and providing them with the healthiest outlook on life for the future. Out of the car and away from the television, cycling enfamille can be as much of a liberation as a pleasure. Enthroned on a bicycle childseat, young ones can also offer a running commentary on both the surroundings and the performance of the parental power-unit. There are numerous child-seats on the market, and they vary enormously in quality and age-suitability. Best to buy from a good bike shop. A practical and more stable alternative is a child-carrying trailer. These carry one or two children with boot-room for luggage. Or you can fill them entirely with shopping on the way back from the nursery. They attach to your bike only when needed. On a tandem or trailer-bike children experience the thrill of speeding along under combined power. A shared machine also allows an adult to power a weary child home. A trailer bicycle is essentially half a bicycle which bolts onto a purpose-made rack fitted to the parent's cycle, and which can be transferred to other bicycles with appropriate attachments. You can use your bike as a solo whenever you need. On a trailer-bike your child is active, but stays under your control, watching what you are doing and developing traffic sense. If she tires she can freewheel and be towed along. If she has the energy to spare, she can contribute a surprising amount of power. If all the family enjoys cycling, tandems are an excellent investment. A lowbacked tandem with a long seat pin can accommodate adults on the rear, as well as children, although you may also need to change the saddle. Tandems can also take a child-seat and tow trailers. There is a huge variety of configurations: some tandems are also tricycles, some are recumbent, and some even take the form of a two-seat trailer. Another excellent family vehicle is the child-carrying tricycle. Unlike a bicycle with a child seat, trikes don't present problems of balance. You are safe on slippery roads, can ride easily at very slow speeds and you can park anywhere, leaving your child in place, with the parking brake on. There are lots of other possibilities: you can buy a specialised cycle with a large area on the front for children or luggage, On the bike paths of Denmark you often see transporter trikes with children sitting in the front box. There are cycling solutions to meet every family need, and when your children grow up you can pass your specialised cycles on to another cycling family. Never before have there been so many good ideas for keeping cycling families on the road together.
ti
ince its debut in last year's
PRICES
C
Y
C
L
E
0
P
r
d
tube sizes increased to deal with heav-
I
a
shopping, and a standard childseat can
Encycleopedia Richard Cresswell s
iei taller riders. It is particularly suited
be fitted with minimal modifications,
U+2 tandem child-trailer has
for physically challenged and older rid-
or supplied fitted from the factory. A
become his best-seller. Hundreds of
ers. The U+1 comes with six indexed
special heavy duty rack is available for
families are now cycling these impres-
gears.
fitting two childseats side by side. The
sive flagships for cycling: each giving a
All trailers can have a Sturmey-Archer
Tr-1 is wide enough to give you plenty
nice balance between the need for
drum brake fitted to the right-hand
of useful road presence but just nar-
parental control and children's inde-
wheel, together with a large rack and
row enough to fit through a standard
pendence. The two parallel wheels,
mudguards. The U+2 has a 6-speed SIS
front door.
complemented by a fully articulating
Shimano derailleur, The Add 1 can have
The 6 or 12 speed derailleur gears
connecting joint, mean that the trailer
a double chainwheel, giving 12 speeds.
make for easy hill-climbing: and you
can find its own level on the road, leav-
Spare hitches are available, to allow a
can specify extra-low gears if you wish:
ing the towing bike (or trike) unaf-
trailer to be linked to a number of
going slow up hills causes no wobble
fected by wrenching forces, and if the
machines. The whole range has 20 x
problem. The two drum brakes stop
towing bike falls over the trailer stays
1.75 wheels.
you well in all weathers, even when
where it is.
As if a new range of innovative trailers
fully loaded, and a ratchet arrange-
The basic model can be disassembled
were not enough, Cresswell Cycles
ment gives you a parking brake. The
for the U+2, ÂŁ380 for the
in 7-10 minutes. Or you can just
have now developed a new tricycle:
Tr-1 is a do-anything urban workhorse,
U+1,:6388 for the Add 1
unscrew the wheels and tow-tube in a
the Tn-1. The chunky round steel tub-
and perfectly useful for taking young
and ÂŁ428 for the Tn-1.
couple of minutes, allowing it to fit into
ing of the hand-welded frame give it
children out on a day ride.
the boot of most cars. A sturdier, all-
incredible rigidity and an attractive
welded, non-collapsible version is also
modern appearance. The forks are
available, to meet the demands of the
straight to improve handling, for tricy-
hire trade.
cles have a tendency to follow the road
Prices vary greatly according to country. In the UK they start at ÂŁ475
Cresswell's have also discovered a
camber with standard curved forks.
demand for a single-seat version: the
The semi-dropped cross-bar and step-
U+1. From there it was a logical step to
through frame make for easy mount-
develop an adult two-wheeled trailer
ing and dismounting whether you are
unit: the Add 1. This is simply an 18"
tall or short.
frame version of the U+1 with all the
The rear carrier will take a large bag of
IN
This page: The Tn-i Top of Opp, page: The ,1
77
Tri
Addi AW
AW
Cresswett C ctes
/'{'t(tea ssw
Vtkja6ft
n[Y[LEnp
LLL'L
i
LULLLLs
'
eDes" Gmperat ( ve /6t Statoll
-JrLr
here are no two ways about it.
well. Active parents can convert the
Child trailers just have to be right,
trailer into a stable, sturdy stroller for
ity are well suited to carrying the gear
otherwise they shouldn't be on
walking or jogging, by fixing the
for a camping trip or bringing home a
d'Lites; 20" alloy with Sachs
the road. Burley are a workers co-oper-
optional Walk'n Roller kit.
week's groceries.
A lower budget alternative is the
SPECIFICATIONS Wheels:
I
hubs, Solo and Roo: 16" five
ative who have been making and per-
spoke plastic.
fecting trailers since 1975. The more
Burley-Roo which has smaller, plastic
Fabric:
care they put into their trailers, the less
wheels and a plastic hard shell bottom.
parents have to worry.
An optional pouch at the rear gives
Burleys are designed for all round con-
additional carrying capacity. If you have
venience. You can fold their best selling
just one child to transport you can save
d'Lite machine down to 35" x 32.5" x
both weight and money by buying the
8 oz nylon pack cloth covers sunscreens for child trailers, convex tonneau cover for Cargo. Childseat with harness in child trailers. Six foot safety flag with all models. Prices vary greatly
9.25" in less than a minute. As the
pared down Burley-Solo; it is narrower
frame is made of aluminium tubing, the
which makes it more manoeuvrable
folded package is easily portable and
and can also be converted to a stroller.
the durable nylon fabric is
Burley also make a lightweight Cargo
reinforced at all stress points to wear
carrying trailer using the d'Lite chassis.
The wide track and low centre of grav-
according to country. In the USA, you can expect to pay $375 for the d'Lite, $270 for the Burley-Roo, $250 for the Burley-Solo, and $305 for the d'Lite Cargo.
LAMMS,
0, I
/
_W_ "j J~ VA
79
Phin & no nkcy Ot"itther/Demnark wo attractive and thoughtful
lugage trailer.
up and down steps. A jockey wheel
products from Winther in
The Dolphin weighs 17kg, and will
gives the Donkey stability when off
Denmark are the Dolphin child-
carry 60kg.
the bike.
Prices vary according
trailer and the Donkey luggage trailer.
The Donkey is an elegant extension to
Its advantages apply equally to touring:
country. The Donkey
The Dolphin seats one or two children,
any bicycle. It attaches in seconds, leav-
unhook your luggage in a second, and
comes in three versioi
or a single child up to 7 years old. It has
ing the luggage rack free for other uses,
take it to your place of security for the
and costs between 16
an aerodynamic shape, rubber wheel
such as fitting a childseat.
night. You can also use it for carry
suspension, adjustable seating position,
It's narrow and manoeuvrable. With an
work-tools, sports equipment etc.
plenty of luggage space behind the
over-all width of 61cm it fits through
The capacity is 65 litres and the weight
T
seat, a roll bar, and a touch-down front
virtually all doorways - even bus and
is 10.2kg, including coupling. The maxi-
wheel for parking, jogging and walking.
train doors.
mum recommended load is 50kg.
The Dolphin is lighter and faster than a
The Donkey does not look out of place
Both the Donkey and the Dolphin are
pushchair when used in this way. It is
inside a shop. And when you arrive
distributed by Utopia in Germany.
easily dismantled with an alien key, and
home with your shopping you roll it
Enquiries from other countries should
the seat can be adjusted for sleeping or
straight into the kitchen to unpack. You
be directed to Winter in Denmark.
be removed to give you a simple
can even bump a fully loaded Donkey
PRICES
and 1720 Kroner in Denmark. The Dolphin costs around 4866 Kroner.
tlJ
CYCLE
fl
U
Li
L LLLL/'L KocLSroP ORIGINALS.
spw hild-trailers are complex things.
65 6 t 5p /6 ~ all-weather top, and vertical and reclin-
The Original and the Papoose come
ing seat backs. Colours available are
with a quick-release wheel system as
1s" they have to be comfortable,
yellow and teal.
standard, while accessories for the
make good use of internal space, have
There are three child-carrying models:
Original include a detachable side
America where you can
flexible seating, and pack flat easily.
the KS-T5S (The Original), the KS-TPC
pocket, runner kit, drop-in hard pan
expect to pay $359.95 for
The Kool-Stop designers have achieved
Papoose Caboose and the KS-TLT Little
and protection cover.
the KS-TFS folding trailer,
all this.
Trooper. Each can be assembled in
Kool-Stop Originals have also intro-
All Kool-Stop trailers have cantilevered
about three minutes, folded in under
duced a new cargo trailer, ideal for
wheels to increase stability and improve
two. All have a five-point safety harness
transporting bulky goods such as
tracking, and a steel frame and wheels,
with fully adjustable dual seats and
camping gear groceries, etc.
giving a towing capacity of lOOlbs. The
clear PVC panels which can be rolled
Lightweight and easily transportable,
coupling incorporates an optional key-
up in warm weather. Bright safety-
the KS-TKV Kargo Van has a heavy
operated lock, making the hitching
yellow sides and top, a seven-foot
duty pan floor quick release tongue
process foolproof, and the trailer
safety flag, and a red reflective strip
and wheel system, and an extra large
secure. There's also a one-piece
ensure visibility.
cargo area -11 cubic feet.
PRICES
First they have to be safe. Then
Prices vary according to country. The lowest is in
$ 299.95 for the KS-TPC Papoose Caboose, $219.95 for the KS-TLT Lii' Trooper and $319.95 for the KS-TKV Kargo Van.
,
,
IL)
A*
\
Above: Papoose Caboose Right inset: The Original Right: Kargo Van
81
A
n idea whose time has come'. This may be a cliche, but it seems to sum up the folding bike of the 1990s. A compact folder, compatible with bus, train
or tram, sounds like the ecological answer to the late 20th century's transport problems. It's this compatibility between different modes of transport which lies behind the current folding bike revival. As traffic worsens commuters are looking for an alternative means of getting to work, and a stultifying mesh of regulations, fees Nick Andrews on his own design
of
seperable/foldingrecumbent
and fines make it ever more difficult to combine a full size bike with public transport. A folder makes life simpler - no need to lock it outside the office: just take it in with you. You do need a sense of the theatrical if you're going to join the fold. Adults, children, dogs and ticket inspectors are all fascinated by folders, and a small crowd often gathers just when you would rather be moving off. The answer, if you're in a hurry, is to unfold with a nonchalant flourish, and pedal off towards the horizon before popular amazement can be converted into a series of questions. Folding wasn't always so simple. Not so long ago the average folder looked, felt and rode like a committee-designed camel: the 'stodgy shopper' generation of the '60s and '70s were heavy and generally a pain to ride. They gave smallwheeled bikes in general, and folders in particular,a bad reputation. But now things are changing. It's not just that many of the latest bikes fold smaller. There is a wider range and some of them are as expensive as a top-end mountain bike. Like any other bike, each is a compromise. Each offers a different solution to the weight/rigidity/folding/price equation - it really depends on your priorities and on how much you can spend. What are the criteria? Any decent folding bike should fold/unfold without tools in less than 20 seconds. It should lock together for ease of carrying, and all oily components should be enclosed. It should weigh less than 13kg and be as easy and stable to ride as a conventional bike. None of this applies to high performance demountables like the well-known Moulton AM series which take a couple of minutes to dismantle, but offer the performance of a lightweight road bike. Another exception are the full-size bigwheeled folders. In the coming year look out for a titanium-framed, hub-geared bike made in England. In folding bike terms we live in exciting times. If you want to know more, why not join the Folding Society? Set up in 1993 by David Henshaw, it acts as a club, forum and information source for any folding or demountable bike. Although based in Somerset, England, the Society has members all over the world, including Germany, Australia and the US. And the mem-
Afolder designed by the late Doi Lloyd
of Sheffield
bers are as varied as their bikes. One of them even has a collapsible caravan and folding canoe. Others see the bike as a simple transport tool for getting to work on. A bi-monthly magazine, the idiosyncratic 'Folder', keeps everyone in touch, and gives news and road tests. Its fictional series 'Virtues Thief (the hero rides a small-wheeled folder) is acquiring cult status among the collapsible fraternity.
Ayeors membership costs ÂŁ6 for the UK, or ÂŁ750 for the rest of Europe, and ÂŁ9 or 74$ US for the rest of the world. For more details, write to The Folding Society, 19 West Park, Castle Cary Somerset, BA7 7DB, England.
fi
A katmIrL ?rrj
PRICES Prices vary according to country. In Britain the basic frameset, including
Y
E
L
E
n
fter recording his best ever ten
racks encountered in Intercity and
fications. A custom-made rear rack is
mile time Malcolm Parry had
Eurostar railway trains. The folding
also available.
particular cause to be pleased.
process is self-apparent and takes
The design and accessories have been
He had ridden it on a D.O.G. In fact, he
about three minutes which is more
patented, and production is now
had been riding the first prototype of
than compensated for by the bike's
underway. Manufacturers are St John
his own design of portable bicycle: the
high performance. It is lighter and
Street Cycles, who produce the
Demountable Orthodox Geometry
stiffer than many comparably equipped
Discovery tandems featured elsewhere
(D.O.G.). As a lecturer in physics and
road bikes. Malcolm reckons that only a
in this Encycleopedia. Potential cus-
engineering Malcolm was well placed to
keen eye will identify a production
tomers are invited to register interest
develop his ideas. The motivation was
model as a folder. When not in use the
with them.
already there. As an life-long cycle-
carrying bag fits into a medium-size
tourist he was constantly frustrated by
bum-bag.
not being able to combine cycle tours
The bikes are hand-made, so angles,
with rail and coach journeys.
tube lengths, braze-ons, colour and
Since he wanted to transport his bike to
equipment are to the customer's speci
-
cycle for pleasure, Malcolm was determined to design a folder that would
stem, bottom bracket
perform like a full size road cycle. He
cassette and custom-
also wanted it to dismantle quickly with
made shoulder bag,
few or no tools, and to use the mini-
costs ÂŁ499.
11
!
mum number of non-standard parts.
/
Hence the name: the geometry is :•.
orthodox, and the bike is demountable.
-
-
-
-
The seat stays of the D.O.G. are clamped to the seat tube and the
[1111_I
chainstays terminate in split rings artic-
FEATURE
ulating around the bottom bracket. Thus when the wheels are removed, and the fixing on the stays released with just three quick-release levers, the back of the bike can turn around the bottom bracket A further reduction is achieved by removing the quick-release handlebar stem from a boss on the steering column, and reversing the forks. The result is a package which measures a very creditable 30" (76cm) square and 10" (25cm) wide - the size of one wheel and two axle widths. Four riders and their D.O.G.s can all fit ttt
inside a car.
4.
The bike when in its bag fits all luggage ;
Y
'7
t rt -) /
/1 83
0 rta
77,17 Aatc5lft Parr~ /St J56 Street C~ des/A ~Iea
I Nq
/
II
am
n
PRICES Prices vary greatly according to country. In the UK the Fold-It costs
Y
C
L
E
u
p
d
I
The bike's success as a folder justifies
hinge mechanism, but the sixteen inch
is how one magazine described
the years spent during the eighties,
wheels mean that the folded machine is
when it was developed for a
more compact than the Fold-It It has a
Its 20 inch wheels with optional
completely different function. It was
three-speed hub, side-pull brakes and
knobbly tyres give it a strong and stable
designed with a non-folding frame, as a
weighs 10.9 kilos (241b). It has folded
feel when belting down muddy tracks
radically new carrier bike for the British
dimensions of 65cm x 55cm x 29cm
or gravelly towpaths. The other tyre
Post Office. In the end the design was
(26" x 22" x 11"). Whilst the Micro Bike
option, the Vredestein 37-406
far too novel for bearers of mail: the
is being ridden, the carrying bag
'puncture resistant', converts it to a
British postie has seen only minor
becomes a hold-all which hooks onto
general purpose city bike. The Sachs
modifications to the stock carrier bike
the handlebars or behind the saddle.
hub brakes and a Sachs 7-speed hub
during the last fifty years. Cresswell
Cresswell Cycles also produce several
gear give the Fold-It extra class.
Cycles are about to capitalise on the
trailers, the Tr-1 trike and the Two's
It seems that Richard Cresswell has
bike's inherent carrying capacity by
Company tandem, featured elsewhere
again succeeded in filling a niche in the
providing front and rear carriers which
in this Encycleopedia. Their Rapide
market with a robust, good value
will take standard bags.
recumbent and U+2 trailer appeared in
project. At £285 for a three-'speed
The designer was Peter Radnell, a
the 1994/95 Encycleopedia.
version and £365 for the seven-speed it
Birmingham bicycle components
is at the bottom of the price range for
manufacturer. In 1978 he had designed
serious folders. The tubing, which is
a smaller machine, the Micro
oversize to reduce flex, lends a chunky
Bike to stow on his yacht The
£285 for the three-speed
look, which, with knobbly MTB tyres,
Micro attracted considerable
and £365 for the seven
will be very appealing to fickle youth,
attention, along with a Design
speed version, and the
who wouldn't be seen dead on some
Centre award. Unfortunately,
bargain basement folding shopper.
the manufacturer who took it
Micro Bike costs £250
r
little gem from Cresswell Cycles"
U A Richard Cresswell's new Fold-It
clwd & IUsoIt CressoeLL
C
including the bag.
People entertain almost magical expec-
up went bust
tations of folding bicycles. They
It is now being produced again
imagine that something that folds
by Cresswell Cycles. The Micro
down to a minimal package, can open
Bike was designed as a simple
up to perform like a full size lightweight
inexpensive folder suitable for
bicycle. The Fold-It performs well in
short journeys. It has the same
conditions which would defeat smallFEATURE
wheeled machines, or send less robust folders into a terminal wobble. Its
Above: Cresswell's Micro Bike, with carrying bag.
simple hinge gives a very rapid fold, although it cannot match the compact-
co-worker, Andrew
ness of more elaborate folding mecha-
Edwards tries out the
nisms. A quick-release device allows the
Fold-It over the rough.
handlebars to be swivelled round, to lie
Left: The Fold-It folded.
parallel to the folded bike. The Fold-It weighs 14 kg (311b). The folded dimensions are 86cm x 86cm x30cm (34" x 34" x 12").
85
Opposite top: Cresswell
aj--ik4Aql,= -
:It&Mt ir io~ Cress w ett â‚Ź
eer(/('{i'uted V btj a 6 in s folk,
IIC
V
C
L
i
n
C
c
d
7gjj,
I
ft
i>L'J1 il
L/
L- I! I
i!
Rmas gemcLs /gerftuj he Bernds Folder, with its stiff,
sporty riding style and the real benefits
saddle down, take the handlebars out,
cruciform frame and unusually
of the high riding position. The rubber
then turn the front forks backwards.
curved one-piece stem and bars,
suspension on the hinged rear triangle
Then tuck the rear wheel under and to
country. In Germany
gives a ride as fast and elegant as its
adds to comfort. A conventional rear
the right, to lie next to the front. Then
you can expect to pay
appearance.
carrier has been added, and the belt
push the stem through the spokes of
1399DM.
It offers an upright ride, but is also fast,
drive has been improved by spring-
both wheels, and into a fastening
thanks to its low weight and narrow
loading the tensioner.
device on the rear forks, thus keeping
tyres - 20x1 1 /8 (28-440) on alloy Alesa
The Shimano seven-speed hub gear
the bike folded. Not the most compact
rims. The frame is high tensile steel.
shown in our picture has been super -
folder, but fine for fitting into a bag for
PRICES Prices vary according to
Components match what you'd expect
seded by the new Shimano four-speed,
the train, and at 11.7kg (26lbs) it's easy
on a decent touring bike, and the
which has a wider range of gears, from
to carry in a shoulder bag.
gearing is ideal for light touring holidays.
1:1 down to 1:2.5. This is available with
The Bernds is a fine, fast bike for
Since its appearance in the 93/94
back pedal or hub brake, and is
country rides, and spins round-town. It
Encycleopedia, Thomas has lowered
operated by a twist-grip on the
is especially useful for mixed mode
the bottom bracket by five centimetres,
handlebar.
bike-and-train trips.
making the bike easy to mount. Like
To pack the Bernds away, you fold the
many mountain bikes, you need to move forwards off the saddle to reach the ground: a consequence of the
Right: One of Thomas Bernds' best-selling products is the Roller; a scooter; used for quick journeys in large industrial complexes, office blocks and hospitals. It's afun machine, and popular for getting around within pedestrian zones where pedal cycling is banned
EM1 FEATURE
87
1
*
drp
ivdy
__
m
r
hen Markus Riese and Heiko
9.1kg (19.81b). Folding is simple: the
stronger or weaker ones, to suit the
Muller began thinking about a
front and rear swing-arms tuck in on
rider and/or the ride.
new, high-performance folding
either side of the main tube, the saddle
Accessories for the Birdy include a
Wheels:
bike they gave themselves four clear
pin goes down, and the handlebar folds
lighting system, rack, suspension tuning
17"x1 1 /4".
objectives: good riding characteristics,
down. It all takes about 15 seconds.
system, carrying bag, mudguards and
comfort, low weight, and an easy,
Thanks to its suspension the Birdy can
frameset.
compact fold.
be fitted with high-pressure, low-rolling
Birdy Red: Dia-Compe.
Achieving an ideal balance between
resistance tyres. Leading arm front
Transmission:
low speed manoeuvrability and fast
suspension is designed to take out any
performance, the Birdy has the set
bobbing of the front wheel when the
BirdyElox: Shimano Deore
position and geometry of a conven-
brakes are applied. The pivot position
equipment with 8-speed E
tional bike, and a CAD-designed frame
of the rear swing arm ensures that
W
SPECIFICATION
Brakes:
Birdy Blue and BirdyElm: Shimano RX-100.
Birdy Blue: 7-speed Shiman STX.
Birdy Red: 7-speed Shiman Alivio.
made of oversized aluminium tubing,
interaction between transmission and
giving high rigidity. There is no hinge
suspension is avoided. Both the front
72cm, 58cm, 30cm
in the main frame, which keeps the
and rear elastomer suspension units
(28' 23"1 12").
weight down to an astonishing
can be exchanged in minutes for
Folded Dimensions:
Prices vary accordin country. The lowest
I ITI
1
FEATURE
price is in Germany where you can expec pay 1690 DM (Birdy 2190 DM (Birdy Blue 2990 DM (Birdy Elox 179.90 DM (Birdy Fol Bag).
C
tore
[ BROMPTONI
ckie
-
SPECIFICATIONS
T
ii
C
V
C
C
E
0
rn'tptOft
p
C
d
fi l l c(e
i
A ~uhcL
ou see them cropping up in
the full works: dynamo lighting system,
smaller riders, even young teenagers.
towns and cities everywhere: the
rack and five-speed gearing. None of
One keen owner completed a 3000 km
Brompton has truly hit the world
these affect foldability, but the
tour on his Brornpton TS, including two
steel. Forged hinges. 16" by
stage. Between 1992 and 1994, output
complete set of accessories adds 10%
crossings of the Pyrenees. Another
1 3/8" wheels. Alesa alloy rims.
almost doubled, and so did exports.
to the weight, bringing it to 28.41b
finds it just the machine to store in his
Standard tyres.
After years of struggle Andrew Ritchie's
(11.5kg): about the weight of a moder-
tiny Tokyo apartment. The Brompton's
London-based company, Brompton
ately good touring bike. The fold takes
remarkable folding capacity becomes
Bicycle has this year received the
about 20 seconds, and leaves the sensi-
apparent each time it is taken on and
Queen's Award for Export
tive, oily bits on the inside.
off a train, and many sales result from
545mm, (21.5").
Achievement
There is an optional quick-release front
owners fielding questions from
Folded width:
The Brompton is not designed as a high
bag with two external pockets and an
envious fellow-passengers.
250mm (9.81. Options: extra-
performance touring bike. However it
internal documents pocket. It has virtu-
gives a reassuring ride, with a rubber
ally no affect on handling, being
suspension unit just behind the
attached to the frame, not the steering
standard gearing, involving a
seatpost. It comes either as a basic
assembly. A quick-release foldable
smaller chainring fold-up pedal
bicycle, or fully equipped. The busy
basket is also available. The seatpin can
with sealed bearing; and a bike
commuter usually goes for the T5, with
be lowered through the frame, to suit
Frame and forks:
Colours: red or black. Folded height 565mm (222"). Folded
length:
long seat pins (30mm and 60mm longer than the standard pin); lower than
cover. Apart from the T5, the models available are the similar T3 (with a three-speed gear), and the L3 and L5, which come without rack and lighting system.
Prices vary greatly according to country. In the UK they range from ÂŁ364 to over ÂŁ600.
1111111 FEATURE
A.
89.
irrvng
F
M
;-
..
ost of the congestion and pollution in cities comes not from cars but from freight and delivery vehicles. But now many businesses and mdi-
viduals are looking towards pedal-powered freight transport for flexibility,
1.
economy and general good vibes. Pedestrianised city centres are fine for shoppers and tourists but if towns are to hold on to their commercial vitality, ways have to found for delivering small loads at all times without degrading the environment. At the Encycleopedia office, we use our old black carrier bike to take parcels to the post office, and transport goods around town. One of us even used it to move house. On a machine such as this you feel safer than on an ordinary bicycle because motorists tend to keep their distance perhaps more out of fear than respect. You can still buy traditional workhorses like this, designed to give years of service in return for the occasional squirt of oil and dab of black enamel. But there is now an exciting range of carriers which make effective use of modern materials and components to provide fast delivery machines for modern city centres. The choice is breath-taking. You can buy single wheeled trailers designed to follow a mountain bike over rough tracks, quadricycles weighing as little as 18kg, and tricycles built on traditional lines but with alloy components and derailleur gears. They are so well made that bearing a burden becomes a pleasure: chores become an excuse for fresh air and exercise, or vice-versa, depending on your outlook on life. The freight cycle could help change city life all over the world. In Manhattan, Airborne Express, the third largest overnight package service in the US uses 150 tricycles made by a local manufacturer to take parcels directly from a conveyor belt at the distribution centre. A courier service based in the same district uses a modern version of a long wheel base carrier bicycle to deliver goods in a fibreglass container. This year, two British firms have introduced the highly sophisticated quadricycles in this section. They can both be used to carry passengers which provides yet another opportunity for pedal powered city transport. Traditional rickshaws deployed in the modern city, have gener ally been more of a spectacle than serious transport. The human need to carry things is varied to say the least. At the one extreme, you can hitch a light trailer to your bike only when you need it. In Holland there's even a transporter trike with a ramped front, for carrying a person in a wheelchair...
91
*
,
WW
• .,The possibilities are exciting, but remember that it is you that is providing the sole motive power so ,
be realistic about planning your loads and examine carefully the manufacturer's specifications. Some
dw
III
trailers can develop a will of their
I•.I
I II
own if overloaded, and disturb your balance.
•
Happy trucking!
L~'
4--m-t-
I 4
Iry
\T :i
1k
G
W gruk take, a friee4 ftr a ctnthj rCdt
SPECIFICATIONS Chassis: 38mm (1112") steel Seat: fully reclaimable
Y
C
I
E
o
p
r
d
hen Rob Brock was seeking
head height as a Ford Fiesta. Marek
To extend the versatility of the Brox, it
employment which was both
Utkin of Poland designed the splendid
incorporates a pull-handle which makes
bodywork. Rob regards it as a van
it easy to manoeuvre when it is not
healthy, he looked at traditional pedal-
without an engine, and far less compli-
being ridden. This can be used to take
environmentally sound and
powered load carriers from the East,
cated: the ideal delivery vehicle for
the Brox across pedestrian areas and
such as rickshaws. When he saw their
distances under five kilometres. Part of
even inside buildings to provide true
limitations he became determined to
his company's mission statement is to
door to door deliveries.
apply Western technology to produce a
break the dependency on motorised
A number of different bodies can be
modern load carrier which could be
traffic, and he would be very happy if
mounted on the standard chassis to
pedalled by unskilled riders.
the vehicle was regarded as a main-
form a van, pick-up, courier or passen-
He called upon the expert design team
stream transport option.
ger vehicle. Some owners design and
of Dave Wrath Sharman and Chris Bell,
The Brox allows cyclists of all abilities to
fabricate their own body to suit their
and feels that they have produced a
carry loads which would normally
particular needs.
vehicle that performs beyond his
defeat them, to transcend the limita-
wildest dreams. The wide range of
tions of public transport with its fixed
gears and four-wheeled stability means
stops. The foursquare stability will
polypropylene
that nearly everybody can pedal the
reassure the rider who may be nervous
Wheels: 20" aluminium rims
Brox. Rob's eight year old son can carry
of trying other options such as trailers.
Brakes: Swing cam drum,
him as a passenger, and a 77 year old
The carrying capacity is also greater
front and rear
woman with a spinal disability recently
than trailers which generally have a safe
Groupset: Sachs
I
managed to ride with two friends on
upper weight limit of about half that of
the back. The 38kg weight of the Brox
the rider.
Electrical: 6V/4Ah fully rechargeable Weight: 38kg(841b)
is much easier to propel than a 100kg
Payload: 250kg(5501b)
rickshaw. The Brox has a four-wheeled
less driver's weight.
braking system, and an articulating facility which keeps all four wheels
Prices vary according to
firmly on the ground. Rob delights in
country. In the UK, the basic Brox costs £2820.
demonstrating this by riding down
The bodystyles range
flights of steps.
from £294 to £646.
The transmission is in two sections with two freewheel sets. Such an arrangement can give a very wide, yet closely spaced range of ratios with a 16" bottom gear. A customer recently rode the Brox up the escarpment of the Cotswold Hills, so the Brox will certainly manage most urban climbs. The Brox is made even more userfriendly by a disengagable clutch which allows the driver to change up or down to any gear whilst stationery. So you can get away to a smooth start without the enormous effort which it takes to start traditional load carriers. Both rear wheels are driven. The Brox is very conspicuous and is designed to give the rider the same
Above: The pull-handle
Li
articulates the front wheels
o ai d - ; c a r r y ng
Ike Sr6K Gupuat(m /
Vtkjd6ft
n[YULEn
arrying luggage or children has
shopping, and for Sunday rides. Every
option, front and back are extremely
traditionally involved fitting acces-
busy family should have one!
effective, and, as if that weren't
The Lorri's low centre of gravity gives
enough, there is an all-weather back-
good riding characteristics when
pedal brake, benefiting from the full
sories to a standard bicycle. Michael Kemper has taken a more
Mcka.e( 1enper
SPECIFICATIONS
fundamental route: he designs bicycles
loaded, and the low step-over frame
power of your legs.
specifically for everyday carrying tasks.
allows the rider to mount without
The Lorri is not confined to family use.
Eight years ago he quit aircraft engi-
tilting the loaded bicycle. It remains a
Like its big brother, (or is it big sister?) it
neering to design and make practical
perfectly useful bike when unloaded -
can be supplied with a large aluminium
but unorthodox bicycles: a move from
for getting to the cinema or for a fast
delivery box fitted on the front
just about the most energy intensive
spin to unwind after work.
platform.
means of transport to the most energy
Safety features are many and varied: a
conscious.
two legged stand ensures safe parking
The Lorri, which was voted Bicycle of
stability, even with a full load on board.
the Year 1995 by the National German
By swivelling the bike on one of its legs
Cycling Club, is the smaller brother of
it can be turned full circle on the spot.
the Filibus, a transporter bike with
The 'carrying handle' behind the head-
Length:
indirect steering, featured in previous
tube also helps with off-the-bike
1.60m
Encycleopedias. Both are built around
manoeuvring. Magura brakes, as an
Frame: 55cm (22")
_Weight: 15.5kg
!u
the principal that a central widediameter tube combines simplicity with
Transmission: Five-speed Pentasport hub gears with back-pedal brake
stability and strength. The use of lightweight tubing and alloy
Wheels:
parts is a measure of how important
20"
the role of the transporter or child-
Front rack:
carrying bike should be in modern
steel, with powder-coated paint finish Lighting: Union lights, union or axa
society. The Lorri has been designed with child-carrying options in mind: a rear child-seat is complimented by
dynamo.
another which can be fitted in the
Colours:
ample space between saddle and
yellow, red, turquoise and white.
.
handlebars. Michael himself uses a Lorri regularly, for taking his young son
Prices vary greatly according to country. The lowest prices are in Germany, where you can expect to pay around DM 1500 for the economy version shown in the picture.
Above: An intrepid Amsterdam family on the Filibus, the Lorri's big brother Right inset: Michael Kemper also produces a highly regarded Pedersen bicycle: here shown with the cow-horn steering which was typical of the traditional Pedersens. A machine for connoisseurs
.-.,.
-Il
95
dCarryin$
LL
.010
110
Vetnper fakmateckK(k /gertnait, 'A',
A Ike Seat 6f t ke Pats teat
SPECIFICATIONS Chassis:
11 too often there seem to be two
The Pickup is made by the Seat of the
simple, pragmatic alternative to a
tendencies within the cycling
Pants Company, who also produce (in
second family car: a conspicuously
world: on the one hand are the
the same factory) the Burrows
pleasant way to bring home the
lovers of speed, expensive technology
Windcheetah, which is featured in the
shopping or take children to nursery (a
and exciting international competition.
recumbents section of this
van-version and a people-carrying
On the other hand are the 'carers and
Encycleopedia. The business brains
version of the Pickup will soon be avail-
sharers' who want to change the world
behind these two remarkable products
able). The biggest market for four-
by bringing practical pedal-power into
is Bob Dixon, who left a safe manage-
wheeled carriers is probably commer-
everyday life.
ment job in the haulage business to sink
cial: many delivery van journeys are
Of course, there are millions of cyclists
his savings into a less harmful way to
short and extremely damaging to the
who care about both these important
transport goods. Bob is lifelong cyclist,
urban environment. Companies who
aspects of cycling, and a shining
with a particular love of classic British
turn to pedal-power will buy them-
example of modern broadmindedness
racing bikes, his favourite being a
selves a fresh, new image, and their
is Mike Burrows. The world fame he
Hetchins.
advertising message, on the side of the
6000 series aluminium
has achieved through his record-
The Pickup has tremendous stopping
Pickup, will be constantly on the move,
nylon
beating carbon track bikes and
power, with four hydraulic disc brakes,
visible in a city centre to hundreds of
Wheels:
Windcheetah racing recumbents has
and hydraulic drum brakes as a lower
thousands of potential customers all
20" aluminium rims
not stopped him from enjoying a ride
cost option. There is also the option of
day long. Far-sighted city councils,
Groupset: Shimano or Sachs
down to the post office on his his old
derailleur or hub gears. The ingenious
anxious that delivery and access
delivery bike, loaded with exquisite
two-wheel drive system incorporates a
problems do not harm the commercial
Seat:
Lighting system: Nycad rechargeable or dynamo
goods for dispatch around the world.
differential. Burrows regards this as one
health of inner city pedestrian zones,
Weight:
To the delight of his admirers, Mike has
of the most challenging design tasks he
may give privileged access to carrier
18kg (411b).
been closely involved with the design
has ever undertaken. The result is a
cycles, and the people-carrier version
of a load-carrying cycle. The Pickup
machine which uses virtually no special
may one day transport shoppers in and
departs from tradition in two impor-
parts: all wearing components are avail-
out of crowded town centres. The
tant ways: the most obvious is its four-
able off the shelf throughout the world.
possibilities are endless.
Brakes: Sachs discs or drums
Payload: 200 kg (441 lb) plus the weight of the rider
wheeled semi-recumbent configura-
Bob Dixon sees the Pickup as the key to
tion. The other is its lightness. Made
a saner city, and as a multi-purpose
Britain they range from
from alloy tubing, it weighs just 18kg
vehicle for anyone anywhere. For some
£1756 to £2344 for a
(411b), which is not much heavier than
it will be the beginning of a totally new
fully equipped machine.
some conventional bicycles.
lifestyle. For others it will be a cheap,
Prices vary greatly according to country. In
The standard Pickup with a bare chassis costs
£1639.
There is little that the Pickup won't take on board
ON
17
L all
L L L L LL L Tke Seat o{ tke Put5
C6ftpu
The Seat of the
Pants Compan y.
Ltd iuled kdtn
T It
ci
a
V
I
L
E
a
p
c
d
i
a
factories such as Opel have bought
back pedal brake and there are drum
centre and yet allow easy, pollu-
them for carrying parts from one area
brakes fitted to each of the front rollers.
tion-free access for businesses
to another.
Five and seven speed hub gears can be
and individuals? How do you give conti-
The Triset will be a boon to market
fitted to order. Currently the gripshift
nuity to a journey which has several
gardeners and parks employees who
lever is mounted on a tube welded to
distinct and different parts to it? First
need to move produce or materials
the seat tube. It will soon be mounted
you need to get to the city centre, then
from one area to another. There is a
on the handlebars, with a detachable
fl
5ereo & Varm 5chramrr,
I
ow do you pedestrianise a city
you need to avoid parking problems
lever to drop the little pneumatic roller-
cable to allow easy separation of the
while you walk in, but you need to take
wheel when the carrier is detached, and
two units.
with you something to carry your
you can swivel the handles around to
Whilst the carrier trike is very versatile,
goods or shopping in, which combines
provide a better angle for pushing.
two other front units give even more
again with your form of transport for
Coupling and uncoupling are achieved
potential for bringing added fun to a
whisking you home again.
by applying the parking brake to the
pedal-powered life style. The addition
Prices vary greatly
Siegfried Schramm has the answer:
front unit, raising the rear unit so that
of a bicycle front section makes it into a
according to country. In
their versatile Triset. This impressive
the connecting pieces engage, and
Cityboy, a compact low step-over city
PRICES
Germany, the Transport bicycle costs 1,995 DM, the Cityboy costs 79813M, and the Rolistuhiboy costs 1,875DM
machine takes tried and tested carrier
securing the connection by tightening a
bicycle for the whole family.
bike technology several steps further.
safety knob. Once on the road you
Or the Rollstuhlboy attachment
With the Triset carrier trike you simply
benefit from an anti-tip tilting mecha-
converts it for use with most wheel-
pedal to the edge of the pedestrian
nism for faster cornering, and a
chairs. The wheelchair can easily be
zone, detach and lock up the rear cycle
hydraulic damper to steady the
detached and when folded, both
unit, and wheel the front carrier unit in
steering.
sections can be put in the boot of a
the centre of town. You wheel your
There is a three-speed hub gear with
passenger car.
heavy purchases back to your 'propulsion' unit and within seconds you're heading for home, mission completed. The same Triset doubles as workhorse for servicing your allotment - the polyethylene box section is made to be easily cleaned. You can also install a childseat into the box section, to get your young one to nursery: the stable tricycle format and impressive road presence help make this a carefree experience. Even with child or shopping on the front, you can store more luggage on the extra wide rear rack. It's the sort of multi-purpose vehicle you can leave outside your house for virtually any family transport task which might come your way in the course of a busy day. The Triset gives an excellent, upright ride, and you can choose virtually any handlebar position you want thanks to the individually adjustable bars. It feels reassuringly stable even when operating without a load up front. The 100kg carrying capacity is already proving to be useful to commerce. Car
99
Left: The main tube swings out of the way when the front unit becomes a handcart
Top left, opposite page: The Cityboy
o d --,- c a r r y zi ng
I
I
\
5ckrawn 5pez(atfakrra"4er/gertnu (9 Schramm
1n
5ttctrt Mrrts
PRICES
BIKE-HOD
[
ke-j
Y
C
C
C
o
p
r
d
I
ii
Terrcthi, Tra(tm Aiuha Vuthft
n the 1980s Bike-Hod seemed to
trailer with a load-carrying capacity of
wheel of the bike kicks up in a rut, for
be the principal make of cycle
up to 50 kilos: enough to carry the
example, the hitch gently persuades it
trailer in Britain. We used one to
week's shopping, or to tow all the gear
down again. Lean into a sharp corner
according to country.
take magazines by train to cycle shows.
and provisions for a cross-country
and the trailer adjusts comfortably
In the UK they start
Then, for a while, Bike-Hods seemed to
weekend camping expedition. Specially
without skidding, straining or fish-
at ÂŁ179.
fade from the scene: the inventors,
made carrying containers can be
tailing. If the bike tips over; the trailer
Stuart Morris and Derek Henden, sold
supplied, inluding an Urban Bike Bag in
will stay on its wheels.
the rights to a larger company, who did
vinyl, a green leather trimmed Travellers
Off the bicycle, the Bike-Hod works as
very little with it.
Bag and two basket work carriers,
an excellent general purpose trolley,
Nov after an absence of some
including a Pet Pannier.
and is great for hauling heavy parcels up
Prices vary greatly
fourteen years, Stuart is back in style,
It's smooth to tow, thanks to the
and down stairs.
with a new design of Bike-Hod,
patented hitch attaching it to the bike.
A standard US-made childseat can be
showing many improvements on the
Made partly of high-pressure air-hose,
supplied with a special modification kit
earlier version.
it acts as a universal joint, shock-
with several safety features, for use off
The Bike-Hod is a lightweight, compact
absorber and stabiliser. If the back
public roads. The Bike-Hod fits, says Stuart, to any bicycle or tandem. Special tow arms are available for very small frames and recumbents. The bare bones Bike-Hod weighs 5.5kg (12lbs), and the spokeless, pneumatictyred wheels have twin rows of bearings.
A range of
EM
baskets are available
FEATURE
1
__
..
.
I
Mk-
A Bj 1
C~ L e tfa b r ~' Uvt /Dem a rL
r
ive yourself a big box up front and
tion of knowing that his work is helping
carrier. There are open-box and closed-
you open up possibilities: and not
to change people's lives and bring
box options, and special orders can be
I
just for load-carrying. Trikes have
ecology to commerce.
carried out.
become immensely popular even fash-
The version for carrying children has a
The rear section incorporates a
ionable1 especially in Denmark where
bench seat, with a handy lockable
steering damper and tilts slightly on
they are made. ft's seen as a robust,
storage space underneath it. There is a
cornering, to help neutralise the
protective child-carrier with lots of
safety belt, to go round one or two
effects of centrifugal force. We feature
road presence. A big advantage is that
children, but most parents simply fit
the seven-speed version, with a back-
your child is always in your sight, and
their own choice of childseat and
pedal brake and front hub brakes.
can see the world.
harness. The optional hood has two
There is also a version with a wide ratio
Made on the Danish island of
windows to keep children warm and
trip le-chainwheel derailleur system.
Bornholm, these trikes are now sold
dry. Even with children on board there
throughout the world. Responsible for
is usually lots of room spare for the
,
their development and manufacture is
shopping. Of course, Lars Engstrom's
,
Lcrs Esrønt & tft1:e
Lucke
SPECI FICATIOI Frame: welded and brazed, eleci plated steel. Carrier box: marine plywood.
Wheels: alloy or steel, 23 x 2 and: Dimensions: 119cm x 89.4cm (6'6 x 2 Weight: 40kg (881b).
Capacity: 100kg (2201b).
Prices vary accordir country. The lowest price is in Denmark, where you can expâ‚Ź pay between 7000 9000 Danish Kronei according to the specification.
n
t
I !
L
/
[
Y
[
L
E
a
p
r
d
i
a
IL 4
.
I LL LL Narolil
Oarda P55te /A (t ea Vtkja5in
?OO&.
PRICES Prices vary according to country. In the UK you can expect to pay ÂŁ399.
secured and locked with a strong metal
The hitch allows the bike and trailer to
problems of bicycle powered
pin. Hitching and releasing take only
be parked with bike standing upright.
load-lugging after a life time of
seconds.
Park the bike and trailer at right-angels,
arold Poole came to solving the
work in transport engineering.
The Miklink hitch is unique. It moves in
and walk off. Besides being a bike
A passionate, life-long engineer, and
all planes, so that the trailer can bounce
trailer once uncoupled the draw-bar
Fellow of the Institute of Agricultural
around without the movement being
can be locked rigid, turning the Miklink
Engineering, his designs have halved
transmitted to the bike, and its load-
into a sturdy hand-cart - further
bulk-transport costs in projects as far
transfer function solves the problems
extending the trailer's load-carrying
afield as African sugar plantations and
that have dogged bicycle trailers for
ability.
major British civil engineering projects.
years. Under acceleration, the front
Although designed for developing
At the age where most engineers are
wheel stays firmly on the road and the
countries, the Miklink is finding uses in
hanging up their spanners, Harold's
bike steers as normal. When braking,
Europe. Local authorities, outdoor
engineering expertise was called upon.
the trailer stops in a straight line
event organisers and businesses with
"Half the food grown on Ugandan
without jacking up the back wheel - a
difficult vehicle-access around their
farms rots before it gets to market",
problem common with under-seat
sites are placing orders for the Miklink's
said the Ugandan Ministry of Agri-
hitches:
applications.
culture, "Walking and head-carrying are
Extensive testing in Africa, the USA and
Real heavy-duty load-lugging trailers
inefficient We have 2,000,000 bikes in
Britain reveal that the chassis and
have long been the missing link in the
Uganda, and need a robust cycle trailer
wheels are equal to the worst terrain. If
pedal-powered revolution. With the
to move produce to market Solve it"
the bike can be ridden over or through
Miklink, it's here.
So the Miklink was born.
it, the trailer will follow.
"I'm a cost-conscious engineer," Harold Poole says."Transport costs
-
can be 50% of a product's
cF\ A
price, and the Miklink is designed to cut that cost burden — whether it be for African farmers or EurODean business.'
I
The Miklink system turns a bicycle into
i.F
an Heavy Goods Bike, A Miklink trailer allows your bike to tow heavy, unwieldy loads - previously beyond the scope of bicycle transport. The heart of the system is the Miklink hitch. A cast aluminium hitch-plate bolts to the bike's rear triangle, the draw-bar is offered to the hitch-plate,
103
\
.
p-
. .
9.
e s
V [UiI
entilation fans, parasols, musical chimes, anti-dog fireworks, skirt-clips, miniature revolvers hidden in
the handlebar ends - when it comes to cycle accessories and components the fount of human ingenuity seems endless. What follows is a selection of more sensible accessories and components which have caught our eye. We have looked for the innovative and unusual, but have occasionally come across old ideas done especially well. Few small manufacturers are represented, since cycle accessories and components tend, for understandable reasons, to come from factories with mass-production methods. The bicycle is such a minimal machine that it is no easy matter to decide which accessories and components should be fitted, and which left out. Car drivers can bedeck their vehicles with all manner of gadgets good and bad but a cyclist, having no external power source, needs to weigh up the pros and cons of each new offering with the greatest of care.
AMR
rn(YCLEup
in
Attfithr", Mrr & iinggy " rr dr Lux o!~ . 5tw Aetadw are itfabr(ek b v/O dt ud 1*61
T
he Dutch easy-riding roadster is
gadget for the rear rack to hold a crate
and put on with ease. The makers say it
seen as the essence of practicality,
of beer fast!
is suitable for almost all childseats and
but you can go even further by
A thoughtful Steco product is the
all standard buggies (which means up
fitting a delightful range of simple
Buggy-meede Luxe. Where but in
to 5kg). It incorporatesa strong fasten-
accessories. The Dutch company Steco
Holland would a designer sit down and
ing strap, and folds safely inwards when
make everything from simple map-
solve the problem of carrying a child-
you don't need it. All this goes hand in
holders to substantial two-sided stands
buggy on a bicycle with a childseat on
hand with the intrinsic stability of the
which hinge up behind the rear
the back, without sacrificing the rear
Dutch roadster and a IoW step-over
mudguard. They even make a pronged
panniers? The Buggy-mee may not be
frame. For safety reasons the Buggy-
compatible with the clip systems of
rnee fits onto the left side of the rack,
some touring panniers, but allows
but, given a sizable order Steco will be
,
typical Dutch panniers to be taken of
,
happy to produce a right-sided version for countries where traffic drives on
PRICES
the left. Another enchantingly simple Steco
Prices vary according to
country. In Holland you
product is the AttachĂŠ-mee briefcase I
4f
carrier, which avoids the damage
can expect to pay around
caused by using a spring clip or bungies
155 for the AttachĂŠ-mee
to hold down an expensive leather
and f43 for the Buggy-
rnee de Luxe
briefcase. The Attache-mee fits on
(f 28 for the
practically every kind of rear rack, on
standard version).
either side. Commuting made easy, for busy people.
jb4
Steco were founded in 1928, and bought by the van den Top family in 1938. The owner, Mr van den Top, is third generation, and proud to be meeting real European needs with
Iii \
European products. Steco supply almost all the big Dutch bike factories,
I
so good quality control is essential. Given the Dutch maritime climate, and the amount of salt in the environment, they make and test their products for
I
long-term corrosion-resistance: hardy stuff for hardy cyclists.
accessores
CarracUce/ ft(te
hin
or over 60 years Carradice have
useful for everyday wear, which is why
pouch. Internal tapes secure it to bike
made robust cycle luggage in the
their bags with shoulder straps, for
and body. The jacket has a detachable
cotton county of Lancashire,
students and shoppers, are very
hood, adjustable side-tabs and cuffs,
Prices vary accordin,
England. Their current range includes
popular in Germany. A few years ago
and a rear zipped pocket. The
country. In Britain
the classic black cotton saddlebags with
Carradice had the bright idea of finish-
overtrousers have a narrow cut to
Classic long flap sad
leather straps that our grandparents
ing their Super C bags with red trim,
prevent flapping and calf length zips
bags start at £35, SL
might have used, and modern Cordura
which gave them a fashion edge:
with storm-flaps to allow easy
.
PRICES
C rear Panniers cost £78.95 a pair and
designs and features KLICKfix fittings
although their existing fashion appeal is
changing. Full-length over-the-knee
on some models.
already strong amongst the many who
spats complete the range, and have
Many long distance tourers still choose
appreciate natural materials.
elastic stirrups positioned to avoid
hooks extra in both
the cotton duck bags for practicality as
Carradice have widened their use of
cleats,
cases). The Duxback
they are extremely hard-wearing. The
natural materials by producing light-
cotton is breathable and waxed to
weight waxed cotton cycle clothing in a
make it waterproof, while the sewing
dark olive colour, bucking the trend for Tk
h
rkr
front/universal pan £51.95 a pair (KLICK
jacket costs £79.95 the poncho £39.95.
n
1V
U
L
E
ii
p
r
d
n
i
f7 I
L\LtLL
LVI,
L&
i
a
L
5epkzi &
I =7 n
V m 5t & Leaer /gennu~
K
NA SAWN
AMM IF
unst und Leder (Art and Leather)
closing mechanisms prevent frame
bags match the classic style and
scratching. Larger bags have a shoulder
quality of Pedersen and Galaxe
strap and some have a handle. There
cycles (both featured in this
are frame bags for Pedersens (in four
Encycleopedia). All bags are meticu-
sizes), tool bags, and a special handlebar
lously handcrafted in Franconia,
bag for the Royal Pedersen. Too!, frame
Germany, by Stephanie and Gerhard
and special handlebar bags are available
Schulz-Rothemund, using ecologically
for the Galaxe.
tanned leather (1.5 and 2.5mm thick-
Under development is a range of bags
ness) stitched with woven, waxed
for Moulton space-frames, and bag
nylon.
designs for other classic bicycles are
Catches and buckles are nickel-plated,
undertaken.
and leather patches beneath most
PRICES Prices vary according to country. In Germany they range from 120 DM for a simple tool bag, to 560 DM for the largest Pedersen bag.
I
107
s c-" .#
L'LdLLLLLtLLL1I L'LU'L ntaifliVe
ftvt'm 5ck (k ftpf /5w(tzertaiia
he story began when Florian
light kick with the heel on the button
The mountain-drive is fitted using a
Schlumpf wanted to make a
at the end of this shaft changes gear.
hooked spanner which can be supplied
three-speed hub gear suitable for
Type I has a direct-drive (1:1), and a 2.5
by the manufacturer; but some milling
The prices of mount
mountain use. Calculations showed
to 1 reduction gear. In practice, a 46
is needed in fitting the mountain-drive 1
drives vary from
that only a gearing ratio of 1:2.5 could
tooth chainwheel is geared down to
(using perhaps a 45째 milling machine as
country to country. Switzerland, the
T
give a range wider than that of a 21-
the equivalent of a 19 tooth one. Even
made by Mavic or Campagnolo).
speed derailleur, and without duplica-
when combined with a seven-speed
Type I, which can be fitted with
PRICES
mountain-drive I co around 422 SFr, and
tion. After five years of development
gear there is no overlap between ratios.
standard chainwheels. weighs 1265gm.
work the mountain-drive was presented
Type II is intended for more sporty
This includes the bottom bracket axle,
560 SFr: both prices
to the world.
cycling. A light kick changes the direct
bearings, chainwheel and crank. Type II
VAT, packing and
It's a super-smooth cable-free planet
gear into a 1 to 1.65 overdrive. Thus a
weighs 1285gm and hardened chain-
postage.
gear system which hides between the
38 tooth chainwheel acts like a 'dinner
wheels of various sizes between 26 and
chainwheel and the bottom bracket. A
plate' with 63 teeth. Type II gives a
38 teeth are available. Further technical
ratio which compensates for the small
details and options are in the excellent
wheels one bikes such as folders and
English-language literature. See page
recumbents.
133 for contact details.
su1 Aga-
a:. ..
mountain-drive It aro
nGYfLEopdin
Pitlock gksse 5afet Te ckut5 /gerin aK~
Peter &sse
PRICES
F
or many cyclists, theft overshad-
the real owner to order spares. Fitting
spindles, and it also saves the weight
ows the pleasure of riding. You can
the Pitlock set is easy. Simply remove
and cost of extra spanners. Peter Busse
take massive precautions to lock
the quick-release spindle from the
plans to offer a set for every size and
made, Set 1 costs DM
up your frame, but expensive individual
wheel and replace it with the Pitlock
type of wheel spindle, and in titanium
64.50 and Set 2 DM
components, such as quick-release
spindle. There is a pressure plate, a
as well as stainless steel. The Pitlock Set
74.50.
wheels and seatpins are still vulnerable.
security ring preventing direct access to
1 consists of spindles for front and rear
The idea for the Pitlock system came to
the code nut, the code nut itself, and a
wheel. Set 2 also includes a seat pin
Peter Busse when he got fed up with
Teflon ring on this spindle. The spindle
fastening. It is suggested that the
In Germany, where it is
109
the palaver of taking his bike apart
is fastened with a code key.
device be tightened to at least 5NM of
before locking up the frame with a
The set is weather and dirt resistant,
torque, but no more than 10NM. The
U-lock on every shopping trip. He set
thanks to the stainless steel compo-
set for saddle, front and rear wheel
out to develop a solution which did not
nents and the Teflon ring. Peter Busse is
weighs 122gm.
offer a false sense of security like many
confident in saying that the spindle will
others. He first showed his bike security
not come out, despite vigorous assault.
system at Eurobike in 1994, to great
Pliers and other tools cannot grip the
acclaim.
angled spindle end or the security ring.
The Pitlock set has 256 possible keys,
The security set has another advantage,
each having a code which allows only
in being lighter than most quick-release
.
- -- -
SACHS
Rchtet & 5acks / g ertn u~
.*
ichtel and Sachs have decades of
tional derailleur, but gives a 20 gm
experience making three-speed
weight advantage if fitted to a 20"
hubs. So they were off to ahead
wheel.
SPECIFICATIOI Weight:
start when they decided to integrate
For 1996 the 3x7 will be available with a
this technology into a 21-speed gear
disk brake, and a steel-bodied budget
Material:
system.
version of the standard 3x7 is planned
steel-aluminium.
The technology of the 3x7 has two
(30gm heavier).
..
=
about 9350ms.
W i dth needed for fitl 135 millimetres.
parts to it. There is the three-speed Spoke holes currently 36, a
hub, which allows gear-changing in a
version with 32 holes is pla
stopped position, and taking over the role of the three chainwheels on a
In Germany the 3x7
traditional 21-gear transmission. The
around 175 DM, md
hub is provided with a cassette-body,
cables and fittings.
to take a seven-sprocket Power Glide or Hyper Glide block. This turns on the hub in the same manner as the traditional hub single sprocket. The seven derailleur gears can be changed under full pedal pressure. The 3x7 is fitted mainly to city bikes -..i
k.;,I.- D - , .,—k--+
it
L
n
I
I
L11. L "' 6.- U1 ,
I
I.
E
n
p
ft
t LL
j
Q( (f r(ed 5cktn ~' dt
/ g ertnu
)rcecL 5cknid±
PRICES Prices vary according to
T
he heart of any dynamo system is prototype which was ready for produc
dynamo. At that point Union
the generator. Dynamos driven by tion. It produced 3 watts of power and
Frondenberg took up Wilfried's ideas
the tread or sidewall of the tyre was over 60°ib efficient.
and in 1994 launched the Wing
,
country. In Germany the
have been much improved in recent
dynamo and modified
years, but still have inherent problems.
audience at the IFMA cycle show in
Now Wilfried has produced an
headlight cost about
Both are susceptible to wet weather
1990, but although it received a great
improved version, and is marketing it
290 DM.
and have a high rolling resistance,
deal of interest, no manufacturer was
under the name: Schmidt's Original
Wilfried Schmidt first took an interest
won over. For mass production the
Hub Dynamo. It has an efficiency of
in dynamo lighting systems as long ago
dynamo needed to be simpler lighteç
about 65%, an electrical output of 6
as 1981. He studied hub dynamos as a
more efficient and freer running. He
volts and 3 watts with a 26" to 28"
principal part of his studies in mechani-
decided to simplify the dynamo by
wheel. The power consumption when
cal engineering, and constructed a
dispensing with the gearing,
switched off is 1 watt. The hub, which
geared hub dynamo in a 70mm drum
His work coincided with a growing
has inner ball bearings, weights only
brake hub.
interest in hub dynamos. In 1992 DT
650gm, and can be connected to
By 1987 he has developed this into a
Swiss brought out the RND geared
existing electronic cut-in systems for
,
He presented his invention to a wider
dynamo, based on his work.
,
cycles, so that you have light when you stop. The flange is corrosion-resistant aluminium, with countersunk spoke p.- .
_______
it I
t
holes. The equipment includes the specially modified headlight supplied with a switch and two-wire coaxial cable, which greatly simplifies wiring up. Different models are planned for other wheel sizes.
~14 OF. -
z*
I
iR
I
I4W
1iI'/!
L
1 L
1
I
iWECOO>
:•
1 I
I
L/L/
<
t'
.
ii'i 11 LLL/LLL L
Qec5 /gertnu~
he 3BS-SYNCRO hub embodies a
with ease the bike becomes more
pawls engage in synchrony. It's a low-
remarkable list of features:
stowable for car boot or public
noise and low-maintenance mecha-
ruggedness, compatibility, avail-
transport.
nism, and breaks with convention by
ability of parts, ease of repair, low
3BS-SYNCHRO blocks are available
dispensing with springs in favour of
(Including quick-releases
weight and a reasonable price.
individually, which means you can put
magnets. These, say the makers, have a
450gm.
It consists of three elements which can
in an alternative wheel any time:
considerably longer life and the are
T
SPECIFICATIOI Weight:
Spoke holes: 36 and 32.
be separately dismantled after installa-
perhaps one with a tyre for changed
what keeps the noise down.
tion. The freewheel and cogs unit is
riding conditions.
The 3BS-SYNCHRO can, in principal, be
attached to the drop-outs, as is the unit
Engineer Herbert Schmidt is largely
fitted to any bike with a drop-out
with the quick-release fixed on the left-
responsible for the development of
distance of 126mm to 135mm. It's
Cassette:
hand side of the frame. The assembly
the modular hub, and his work has
important to check, however that the
Aluminium with steel tn
consisting of hub-shell, spokes and rim
attracted much praise from experts in
drop-outs are absolutely parallel with
Shimano 7 and 8-speed,
is simply quick-released and taken out
the cycling world.
each other.
of the rear frame triangle.
A particular technical nicety is the
Weco began developing a separable
SYNCHRO freewheel, in which three
Colours:
,
Silver; with black, blue, râ&#x201A;Ź gold finish.
Sachs Power Glide. Four precision bearings.
rear hub in 1991. A modular hub brings advantages. It's easier to take out the rear wheel, and you can keep your hands clean. You no longer have to remove the freewheel block to change a spoke. Since the wheel comes out
Prices vary accordit country. In German can expect to pay around DM 250.
C
i1
V
C
!.
E
a
p
d
1"
I
4
LU.\ 1 LU LLL7LYLL
L Ll
Should,cr onol, InArt & Mr HJWkt Bag Ja& Qo tfsUk / erna PRICES Prices vary greatly according to country.
.,
r
Jack V Ol o Wolfskin
ack Wolfskin has been producing a
the bike, tuck the pannier hooks under
most day trips. The Royal Flash packs
wide range of high quality outdoor
a flap and attach the strap, to carry it
into its own back pocket and the
products since 1981. This now
on your shoulder. There is a broad
breathable Texapore-Ripstop material is
reflective strip on the flap and lots of
totally windproof. It is body-hugging at
includes a comprehensive selection of
In Germany, the
specially designed cycle clothing,
little compartments for securing
the front and has a long rear panel.
Diogenes costs 129 DM,
ranging from a new version of the
smaller items.
Sleeve width and underarm ventilation
the Mr Bike costs
traditional long cape to underpants
Jack Wolfskin make several cycle day
panels are adjustable.
with a windproof crotch. We have
packs for leisure trips, when you need
chosen to feature useful items for
to carry even more accessories off the
everyday cycling, two bags and a
bike. Mr Bike has a front compartment
129 DM and the Royal Flash costs 299 DM.
pack-away jacket.
for a helmet or waterproof, and mesh
The Wolfskin bags meet the daily
side pockets for bottles and other
cyclist's need for carrying a clutter of
accessories. It also has mesh back
items for both the bike and for work.
system for maximum ventilation,
The Diogenes is a satchel that clips on
detachable waist strap and large
the bike like a pannier and is big enough
reflectors.
to carry a lap-top computer. Take it off
A packaway waterproof is essential for
ar
113
Qmaj kara /gertna it~
I
n these days of alloy, titanium and carbon
kit, it's refreshing to find
product is a beechwood wheel rim.
degree of spring in them which copes
Beechwood is the traditional wood for
well with heavy loads. Owners need to
Jokaius
555IUe
PRICES
this purpose, and was used extensively
avoid bringing their bicycle directly into
Prices vary accordin:
most traditional material under the
in the 1890s. These rims are crafted
a warm room after a ride in the cold.
country. The lowest
sun. Johannes Resseguier handcrafts
according to traditional methods by
And, of course, rim brakes are out.
price is in Germany,
wooden mudguards and chainguards in
the Ghisallo family in the depths of the
These rims are made for standard wire-
where you can expe'
his workshop in Bremen. These aristo-
Italian countryside: the last surviving
on tyres. They require extra-long spoke
cratic accessories consist of nine layers
makers of wooden cycle rims. They are
nipples, which are readily available from
of Swedish birch and are amazingly
then brought to Bremen to be stained
DT Swiss.
DM for a chainguard
strong. They bequeath distinction to
and coated according to a special
Newcomers to the Woodguard range
and 300 DM for a pa
almost any quality bicycle, but are most
formula.
are elegant wooden handlebar grips,
beechwood rims.
commonly seen on Pedersens and
These beautifully made rims are clearly
rear rack and front lamp.
Galaxes (featured elsewhere in this
rust-free, and are lighter than steel or
Encycleopedia).
aluminium alloy. According to
The other remarkable Woodguards
Johannes, Beechwood rims have a
someone making accessories of the
pay around 195 DM pair of mudguards including fittings, 1
N'
I.I
/ /
Li LlLi
The three most important biomechanical elements in clipless pedal design are: low stack height (the distance between the bottom of your foot and the centre-line of the pedal spindle), float (the degree to which your foot
665P
(KC
/ tI{SA
can freely rotate when clipped in), and entry/exit motion (how you get in and out of the damn things). Bebop believe their radical
Prices vary accord-
new clipless pedal system, which is for on and
ing to country. In
off-road use, improves upon most systems in all
the USA you can
of these respects, and in minimalist style.
expect to pay
Their SPD-compatible shoe cleat is made of
around $195 for a
spring stainless steel for flexibility when walking
pair of Bebops, and
and rigidity on the pedal. Bebop pedals use
$36 for a Disk
hardened stainless steel - weighingjust 260
Jockey.
grams a pair with cleats. The sealed needle bearings can be dismantled with a few Allen (hex) keys. Bebop also make the Disk Jockey derailleur pulley. It combines an abrasion-resistant metal matrix material with a floating 'jockey' wheel and sealed bearing design. This reduces drivetrain friction, facilitates STI shifting and won't quickly wear out
LL l
L Ll
Freedom Bikepacking is a cottage industry in Devon, England. They make a range of innovative specialist panniers and bike bags, including
freehft / $uhd
hm
their famous Limpet pannier system: a really simple pair of front panniers which have their own integral support hoop. This mounts on the quick-release and onto the fork itself. The Limpet is popular with everyone from fastriders needing carrying capacity to mountain bike users with suspension forks. The bags are amongst the most stable on the market, yet easy to get on and off. Freedom also have a full range of other bags. When David Blight noticed that the weight of his son, Paddy, on a childseat was beginning to
Prices vary according to
bend the bike, a solution had to be found. As
country. In the UK you can
Paddy already had a 16"-wheel BMX the answer
expect to pay around ÂŁ60
was a rigid tow bar - the Freedom Tug. This
for the limpet (including alloy hoop) and around ÂŁ70 for the Tug.
contoured steel bar makes a rigid extension to the child's bike, but has vertical and horizontal movement at the adult bike end. It can be used in a wide variety of adult/child bike combinations and provides a really economical way to get families out cycling together.
accessc.res
I nsidcr Tw u ft ( c / g erfta it~ The Insider is ingenious: a light aluminium pump, weighing between 90 and 124 grams (depending on which version), and housed in the the seat-post. This makes it difficult to lose, protects it against light fingers, and keeps it away from dirt. The Insider seat-post pump is designed to insert into seat pins of 20mm to 30 mm. By means of the expander ring the Insider is easily made to fit inside various diameters of seat-post By turning the Insider clockwise the expander ring moves outwards until it presses hard against the inner wall of the seatpost. The seat-pin and the Insider are now firmly 'of a piece' and can be put back into the frame. A rubber spacer prevents rattling inside the seat-tube. The Insider matches all standard valves, and is available in three lengths: 340,390, and 440mm. The Insider-Mini is available in a 250mm length, for seat-posts with an inner diameter from 24mm.
Prices vary according to country. In Germany the Insider costs about 30DM.
# M 0Irryfic & 1OfrCd1hC11 Al ,
"
rp么r(么it /
t'{5t
These clever little safety devices take the clutter off your handlebars by fitting neatly into the bar ends. The bar end Incredibell, is convenient to use and easy to reach. It allows you to ring without moving your hands away from the brake and shift levers. It also works with drop style handlebars. The Mountain Mirrycle's 76cm (31 convex mirror gives a wide field of view and is fully adjustable to any angle. It can be mounted to either side of the handlebars.
Prices vary according to country. In the USA the Incredibell costs about $9 and the Mirrycle about $13
Vredestak / 'Jeker(1cti,d5 In 1993 Vredestein took note of the needs of the recumbent world for fast and comfortable small tyres and began making their Monte Carlo tyre in size 37-406 (20"). It has also opened up the options for manufacturers of quality small-wheeled bikes everywhere. The Monte Carlo has an outstanding resistance to punctures and a long life thanks to the specially developed rubber on the tread surface. The carcass is woven by winding a single fibre around. This gives better rolling resistance than C
is offered tyres based on the usual method of
Prices vary greatly
layering, and the round profile makes for a
according to coun-
comfortable ride.
try. In Germany
Monte carlos are available in sizes 35-559,
you can expect to
37-622,37-406,47-622,32-622,28-622:
pay around 41 DM.
with reflective bands.
ralidr Drlrur' Pakt Gmpmmt teer 7 6 The Powerglide Derailleur sounds like an anachro-
PA
UL
nism. Fully disassemblable. Fully serviceable. Every piece replaceable. The Pivot pins can be removed, greased and replaced in seconds. Both body pivots are fully sealed with an 0-ring for long lasting performance, yet can be broken down and rebuilt with ease. If it takes a nasty whack, the upper pivot bolt is designed to break under heavy impact - replacing a bolt is much cheaper than replacing an entire wasted derailleur. On top of all this, the Powerglide is light. At 169 grams (6oz) it is far lighter than the throwaways. On top of all this the
Prices vary greatly according to country. In the USA you can expect to pay $325.
117
Powerglide has, for many owners, an inherent beauty, closely allied to its function. Perhaps it's not an anachronism: maybe it's the shape of things to come.
Trtrfid Vdt Lektnapvt / genna ii~ The cyclist's arms play no active part in the cycling process. However, with the Tetrad, designed by engineer Veit Lehmann, the arms are integrated into the whole act of cycling. Doctors in particular are aware of this, and every fourth Tetrad is sold to a doctor. The active use of the arms does not compromise riding position or demeanour on the road, says Veit Lehmann, and aids arm and upper body muscle development The rider can use arms and legs together, legs only, or arms only: the latter is liberating for those without full use of their legs. The Tetrad can be ordered as a complete bike, or can be retro-fitted: only the handlebars, forks and front wheel are affected. The gearing is Sachs 3 x 7 operated by twist-grip or bar end levers, with the same system used on the rear where a complete bike is ordered. Depending on the customers specifications, prices range from DM 2700 to DM 3200. The retro-fit unit costs DM 1680.
Tinihuk 2 0
Rft6k 2 Des t~A5 /t'(53
Fancy a colourful customised bag? Tim buk 2 can make you a courier bag in four styles with three panel construction in 12 colours of fabrics. Timbuk2 bags are made of rugged 1000 Denier Cordura Nylon. Each bag is lined entirely with a single piece of 'truck tarp' vinyl using only one triple stitched seam, eliminating the potential for liquid seepage through multiple seams. High-impact Deltrin buckles snap tight and keep it all together. Reflector tails are a prudent addition for night riding. Internal and external pockets keep your kit neatly packed. The range consists of the Thrasher (capacity 900 cubic ins), Dee Dog (1800 cubic ins), Bob (2200 cubic ins) and Tag Junkie (3300 cubic ins). Prices vary according to country. In the US they range from $49.95 to $84.95.
1.
Yak
9, 0 . 9 , Tm'~ m 6~ The YAK trailer, designed by Philip Novotny, transforms your favourite bicycle into a versatile load-carrier, on and off-road. The aerodynamic frame, with its low-centre-of-gravity and weight-saving single wheel, creates a harmonious union of agility, ease and performance. The Yak quickly mounts to touring bikes, mountain bikes, tandems and recumbents, using an adjustable quick-release skewer that replaces the one in your rear hub. Extras for your second bike are available. A fixing for solid axles affectionately named 'BOB. NUTZ' is also available. Frame: 16mm round tubing Wheel: 16 x 1.75
Prices vary greatly according to country. In the USA the Yak (including Yak Sak) costs $259.
ZZIP P rr Road fairings
Dimensions: 1.14m x 432mm x 356mm (45" x 17" xli") Weight: 5.59 kilos (12.3 Ibs) Capacity: 32 kilos (70 Ibs). Yak Sak capacity: 94 htres (5,700 cubic inches)
2zCp DesQfts Karl Abbe's Zzipper road fairings come in a wide range of shapes and fittings to match most configurations of recumbents and conventional bicycles. By reducing aerodynamic drag, the rider can maintain higher speeds for longer periods of time.
S6,e 1976
The fairings are a lightweight, high-clarity windscreen made of shatter-proof polycarbonate plastic.These fairings can roll up for ease in transport but offer strong resistance to wind forces, when mounted in stategic points. About 15 fairings and mount systems have been designed since 1976. Zzip Designs also have experimenter kits for the designer/builder. Prices vary greatly according to country. In the United States they range from $130 for a road bike fairing to $500 for a recumbent fairing and fittings
119j
Ckrs 'eseadrckrat6rtes / The Chronos Hammer is an electric motor that
0 the battery and motor control circuit. The start-
encourages more pedalling, not less. The power
up torque pushes the motor against the tyre,
assist is restricted to low speeds, (those encoun-
cutting down the number of cables required.
tered on hill climbing), and is not available at
The output is maximum of about 02 horse-
high speeds since this would turn nearly all rid-
power for 10 to 15 minutes of continuous, full-
ers into passive electric scooter pilots. The stan-
power climbing or enough for an average bicy-
dard gear ratio gives an operating speed of 5-12
cle ride of one to three hours, depending on the
mph, which is perfect for 98% of users.
terrain.
Optional ratios are available.
Prices vary from country to country.
The Hammer is light: 0.9 kg (21b) for the motor-
In America the systems are available
transmission-clutch unit and 1.68kg (3.71b) for
for around $600
fYdC 5fJrM16rr6r sck & MUer / gerftai tj Knowing what's behind you can be critically
to only 100gm, and avoids rust
important, and the Cycle Star mirror feeds you
Cycle Stars are particularly useful on recum-
the information with little effort and no wob-
bents, if a good mounting point can be found.
ble. Some clever new thinking has gone into this
One recumbent rider told us he was going to fit
product: the acorn-shape plastic housing
one so that he could see which gear he was in.
swivels 360 degrees around a ball joint at its
Two alternative fittings for bar-end or round-
base and the mirror can be adjusted through
bar fixing are supplied, with an allen key.
180 degrees, folding inwards if you want to squeeze through narrow gaps. The 60mm mir-
Prices vary according to country. In
ror has an exceptionally wide field of vision. The
Germany the Cycle Star costs from
aluminium construction keeps the weight down
20-25 DM
Kant -Stop Brokcs 么i-5 p iftter'tat(osu
(ite
Kool-Stop pioneered the process of moulding
The blocks are moulded around a case-hard-
brakes around a backbone rather than crimping
ened backbone with an aluminium post They
them into a metal shoe. Their original design
are longer, lighter, work well in both wet and dry
was round with cooling fins, hence the name
conditions. Eagle 2 brake blocks are available for
'Kool-Stop'.
cantilever systems or for conventional brakes.
Since the early 70s Kool-Stop have made improvements to high friction compounds and
Prices vary according to country. In
product design. Their new Eagle 2 brake blocks
America you can expect to pay
require no toe-in and cause no squeal. An
around $9 a pair.
angled tip drives rain and mud from your rims.
0
#
U~ 0
Koo14- stop Repair Kit itter'ta,tC么s'tcL (itc / {5ft
-5t
Enthusiastic cycles can become obsessive in
have curved ends which act as tyre levers, the
their quest to save wright. They drill holes in
one forming the top, clipping into the other,
scanners, or share a tooth-brush on a tour -
forming the base of the case. Inside is a tube of
having first cut off half the handle. However a
rubber solution, some repair patched and a
puncture repair kit is an essential item of lug-
square of emery paper. The case is so compact
gage which can be left behind only for the
and convenient, that it can be carried on every
shortest of rides. So the traditional tin and two
trip.
levers are carried, rattling merrily, amongst the Prices will vary according to country.
other tools.
$5.
The Kool-stop puncture repair kit is a minimal-
In America you can expect to pay
ist's dream. The two parts of the plastic case
around
FJ,S, PrC/C1510" Hubs 55
z(,cer-Veftreb / germattj
w
AN
ZS0
KSS precision bottom bracket hubs incorporate
steel axle (TLML), titanium road axle (TLT),
two mechanisms which make them especially
superlight bored titanium(TLTL) and case
durable. Firstly they have high quality triple
hardened steel axle with needle bearings on
sealed bearings, with one seal provided by the
the right side.
screw in bush and one seal on each side of the
KSS was recently taken over by Christian Sachs
bearing. Secondly they incorporate spring wash-
who has worked as a technical manger for Fichtel
ers which readjust the play of the bearing in
and Sachs. His main objective is to add some new
case of wear and allow a frame tolerance of
and innovative products to the KSS range
about 1mm.
Prices vary according to country. In
At present there are 6 different types of bottom
Germany you can expect to pay
bracket sets with different axle materials: case
from.28 DM for the basic TLMs model
hardened steel axle (TLM), bored case hardened
to 260 DM for the TLTL model.
Thorn Kiddyfrook 5t. Jokft 5tre Cc(es / {iIte4 (d么ni Robin Thorn's Kiddycranks can be fitted to
Prices vary according to country. In
almost any tandem. It's an aluminium block
the UK the Thorn Kiddycrank, includ-
housing a Shimano chainline-adjustable sealed
ing bottom bracket, costs 拢49.95. A
cotterless bottom bracket.
complete fitting kit costs 拢110.
The block with bearings is supplied separately,
Prices include UK delivery.
or as a kit with chainwheels and chain. The standard set up is as pictured, with the connecting chain going to the front right, but any configuration is possible.
12j
ij
A
mong the many excellent reasons why you ride a bike will be one or
two ethical ones. You ride because you care about pollution and the survival of real communities. But if you bought that bike from a superstore, or even mail-orde you have taken business away from the bike professionals in your neighbourhood. Your decision as to how and where you spend your money will play a part in the struggle of specialised cycle shops against cheap but suspect bikes of Mammon on the by-pass. Quality specialist bike shops are essential to the fabric of a society which values cycling. Mass-retailers and non-specialists will take little interest in the kind of bikes you see in Encycleopedia. They are often expensive to keep in stock, need specialised knowledge, and are difficult to demonstrate. It usually takes many times longer to explain and sell an unconventional cycle than it does to sell a standard bike with no complications and a more transparent function. Virtually all the shops listed on the following pages are, in some respects, just ordinary neighbourhood businesses. Yet they have, by affiliating to Encycleopedia, shown their interest in new genres of bicycle, and their general willingness to stock or order products which appear in Encycleopedia. Some shops will stock quite a few of these products, others may stock very few of them: but they will all have details from the publishers of how to source the products in this book: not always an easy matter given the international nature of our publication. However, a shop may decline, for very understandable reasons, to source a product for you. They may suggest you try sourcing through a different shop. If all fails contact us and we will do our best. We hope you will support these shops. The service they offer involves more than just getting hold of the bike in the first place: the shop will have spent a time advising you, a trained mechanic will most likely spend hours assembling it; you will get maintenence advice, and then aftersales service. Many of these shops also help you indirectly, by engaging in local cycle campaigning. A few manufacturers prefer to deal with customers directly. This is usually because their products are too specialised even for specialised shops, or may require a high degree of custom building, or perhaps, being big and bulky, they take up too much precious floor space in the average shop. However, you or the manufacturer may prefer to have the machine delivered to your local shop for assembly, final fitting and aftersales service. We give contact information on page 133.
fanWra Cycles
australia
Canberra cycles have grown as part of the cycling boom in Australia, and the size of their showrooms and repair shop reflects the popularity of cycling in the sunshine continent The staff enjoy the variety of customers who walk through the door. One person may be looking for a $2000 touring bike, and the next might be a student from the university who needs advice on how to make her limited resources stretch to the bike of her dreams. Access: 35km from Canberra Station, 5km from Queanbeyan Station.
Open: Mo-Fr 8.00-18.00; Sat 8.00-16.00; Sun 10.00-15.00. 70 Newcastle Si; Fyshwicic Canberra 2609. Tel: +61(0)6-2804984 Fax: +61(0)6-2391257
Cycle Science
australia
Located 20km east of Melbourne's central business district, and half-way between the sea and the mountains, Cycle Science stock a large range of new and secondhand bikes of all sorts, including recumbents. They offer same day turn around on most repairs, and have a large range of parts and accessories. The friendly staff, all of them enthusiastic cyclists, strive to fit the bike to the customer, and encourage test drives. They also run a bike hire service, and supply infor mation on organised rides.
Open: Mo-Th 9.00-1830; Fr 9.00-21.00; Sat 9.00-1700. 478 Whitehorse Road, Mitcham, VIC 3132 Tel: Âą61(0)3 98748033 Fax: +61(0)398748442
rairfirld Bikes
canada
With their emphasis on practical bikes for the real world, Fairfield Bikes is a commuters' oasis in an MTB desert. They specialise in bike conversions, custom wheel building and frame brazing/trueing. They also offer courses in bike repair. The staff are involved in the local cycling coalition and have a fondness for older bikes and older riders. Nothing interests them as much as esoteric bikes and thought Access: 15km from downtown ferry and bus terminals.
Open: Mo-Fr 9.00-18.00; Sat 9.00-1700; Sun 11.00-1700. 1275 Oscar St; Victoria, BC Tel: +16043812453 Fax: +1604 3611547
Christiana 1yk1rr
denrinark
In the 1970s a group of Danes set up a community based on alternative thinking and lifestyles. Cycling was part of their vision. Ten years ago Christiana Cykler was founded, and has grown from a workshop repairing bikes for local people to a professional shop that attracts customers from all over Copenhagen. The reason for its success is the tangible enthusiasm of the staff. They specialise in mountain bikes and Pedersens, and in selling spare parts for these bikes. Access: 2km from Central Station, Norre Port, and
Oster Port Open: Mo-Fr 10.00-1730. Refshalevej 2, DK-1432 Copenhagen K Tel: +45-32-954520 Fax: +45-31-544593
Canberra A city of fine modern architecture and green open spaces. Cycling around Canberra is a less claustrophobic experience than in many other cities, and you are never far from water. Lake Burley Griffin gives the city a sense of openness and tranquility. Canberra houses a cycle museum, and is the centre for many organised cycle rides.
BERRA CYCLES -
Melbourne Melbourne, the state capital of Victoria, is a cosmopolitan bayside city of approximately 3.25 million people. Famous for parks and leisure facilities throughout the city and suburbs, it has an extensive network of cycle paths used by the regular commuter and the recreational cyclist
cycle science 3
Victoria Victoria, the smaller and shyer but better-looking sister of nearby Vancouver, is the capital city of Canada's Pacific province. This university city is situated on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, much of which remains in a pristine state and is home to mountain lions, elk herds, ancient rain forests, and, of course, MacDonalds. From Victoria, various ferries transport you and your bike to the Canadian or to the many surrounding smaller Gulf Islands which offer splendid opportunities for bike touring and camping.
Copenhagen Copenhagen is 825 years old, and unlike most capital cities it is cycle friendly. There were 50km of cycle tracks as early as 1912 and now there are many more. The bike could be said to be the cultural symbol of Denmark On the roof of one building you can see a bronze statue of a cyclist appear if the weather is good, but if it rains you can see the same lady appear holding an umbrella.
Square Wheel lyr1tworks iSAteland Dublin Ireland's capital and literary centre. Home to George Bernard Shaw, James Joyce and Oscar Wilde, all of whom, and many more, are celebrated in the Dublin Writers' Museum. Dublin is a seat of learning, and many a student has learnt a lot on a trip to the Guinness Brewery or Whisky Corner. Dublin makes an excellent starting point for an unforgettable cycle tour of rural Ireland.
Square Wheel Cycleworks are a community-based shop. They campaign for cycling at city level, and have had some important successes. Their knowledge of the best cycle routes in the countryside around Dublin is worth its weight in gold. An expert repair service is offered, with spare parts supplied for most bikes. They'll even renovate your beloved old heap. Square Wheel run a supervised cycle park and a cyclists' information centre. Access: 700 yards from Tara St Station, 1 mile from Heuston Station.
Open: Mo-Fr 830-18.30. Temple Lane South (Off Dame Street), Dublin 2. Tel: Âą353(0)16790838 Fax: +353(0)16774234
Sq uare t.ihcct (Etdnuorks
Optima lyrIts Liffirtstn netherlands Haarlem Haarlem is beautiful 750 year old city known for its historical hofjes and famous market place. There are numerous bike paths running through Haarlem to the bulb fields, Amsterdam, and the dunes - all of which lie within 20 kilometres of Haarlem.
Optima Cycles is an open minded and innovative bike shop run by two engineers. They currently stock 15 different types of recumbents, including their own successful Eagle, Kolibri and Swallow models, all of which are available for hire and testing. Their wide range of alternative bikes include the original Pedersen, the Galaxe, and the Brompton. They also stock many other interesting high-tech and conventional bikes. Access: 15 minutes walk from Haarlem train station. (It's behind the Botermarkt).
Open: Tu-Sat 9.00-12.00,13.00-18.00. Gedempte Raamgratht28Azw, 2011 Wi Haarlem. Tel/Fax: +31(0)23130119
Wim Kok f
netherlands
1
足4
t
CC,
Utrecht Utrecht has a rich history as a centre of Dutch trade and culture. It is home to Holland's largest university. The historic town centre features the Oude Gracht Canal, which has many beautiful bridges dating back to mediaeval times. A cycle friendly city, and afine base fora cycling holiday in the Netherlands.
Win Kok Fietsenwinkel have been trading since 1970, and
Open: Tu-Sat9.00-18.00;Th late night 19.00-21.00;
have established a nationwide reputation for stocking and promoting specialised cycles and accessories. They have a strong sales and repair service, and hold a wide range of leisure bikes: recumbents, tandems, hybrids, touring bikes, trailers and 'strollers'. One of the most important shops in the Netherlands, Wim Kok run courses in cycle maintenance and roadside repairs. Access: 3km from Utrecht Station.
(Mo. closed). Naditegaalstraat 51,3581 AD, Utrecht Tel: +31(0)30-315780 Fax: +31(0)30-316675
1yr1t Works
new zealand
Until recently, Cycle Works was a workshop-based mail order supplier of non-mainstream cycles and components. Now it is a city centre cycling showroom/resource centre. They stock awide range of recumbents, trailers, folding bikes, associated small wheel componentry and Pedersens. Although at the time of printing, the final location and hours of business had not been confirmed, the city is very compact (0.5km radius), and a phone call will quickly point the enquirer in the right direction.
P0 Box 33051, Christchurch, New Zealand Tel: +64(0)3-3386803 Fax: +64(0)3-3386231
My n Sykktl
A.iAVM
Felgen Sykkel is an enthusiastic and friendly shop. They were established in 1991, and have since moved three times to expand their growing business, becoming well known across Norway. Whilst they stock road bikes, they concentrate on high-quality off-road bikes. They intend in future to be able to offer a bike for every need, including special bikes for the disabled. They currently undertake lots of specialised bike-
Access: 8km from Stavanger Railway Station. Open: Mo-Fr 9.00-19.00; Sat 9.00-14.00. Randabergveien 372,4070 Randaberg Tel/Fax: +47(0)514-19477
AIM1
Christchurch Christchurch is the hub of the Canterbury Plain on New Zealand's South Island. Noted for its agriculture, the region offers a wide variety of on and off-road cycling and has many cycle shops. Christchurch is New Zealand's second largest city, with 300,000 residents, and is known as both The Garden City and Cyclist's City.
Cycle Works
Randaberg (Stavanger) Randaberg, on the tip of a headland near Stavanger in Western Norway is surrounded by bays and inlets. It is a farming community, with some recent industrial development and popular tourist attractions include a lighthouse and a Stone Age cave dwelling.
building for the disabled. The firm is proud of its comprehensive workshop and customer service.
ir4ki
Avon Vullry [yr1fry
united kingdom
This unusual business aims to be different, especially in the wide spectrum of cycling it promotes: from recumbents to child trailers. As well as being Neatwork agents, they are the only Citibike dealership in the Bath area, and are specialists in the Moulton AM and APB range of bicycles. They have a
Open everyday, 9.00-18.00. Rear of Bath Railway Station, Bath. Tel: +44(0)1225-442442 Fax: +44(0)1225-446267
Bath Bath has been a tourist city for 2000 years, its Roman Baths being among Britain's finest Roman remains. The city also contains stately homes, elegant shops, parks, and beautiful architecture, including England's largest Georgian crescent A centre for some excellent cycling, and the County of Avon has a transport plan which aims to increase cycle paths and parking. Bath is linked to Bristol by a very well used cycle path.
reputation for the trouble they go to tracking down unusual components. Their large hire fleet includes eight tandems and two rickshaws. Access: Only 2 metres from Bath Spa Station ("behind it, unfortunately").
AVON VALLEY
Mud Back [yr1tworks
united kingdom
rugged low-tech furniture, their cafe accounts for over 40% of the shop's space and is licensed to open three evenings a week Good cheap continental-style food is served up by the shop's own French chef. Their cycle business hires out an extensive range of bikes and trailers, and aims to sell cycles made by forward-looking companies. Brands such as Trek and Cannondale are stocked.
The bike workshop opens lu-Sat 8.30-18.00. The cafe opens Mo-We 8.30-18.00; Th-Sat 830-11.00; Sun 10.00-1730. 40 The Grove, Bristol, BS1 4RB.
grin Hayward fyrlfs
united kingdom,
Trading since 1912 Ben Hayward Cycles specialise in "service, quality and value". They stock a wide variety of touring, mountain and commuter bikes, including the mould-breaking Moulton range. The staff particularly enjoy the sheer variety of bikes which they deal with in the course of their working day. Cycle clothing is one of the shop's strong points - they have a separate shop dedicated to clothing, helmet and general cyclewear (Ben Hayward Cyclewear). They also operate a well established mail order service. Access: 1.5 miles
from Cambridge Station. Open: Mo-Sat 8.30-1730. 69Trumpington Street, Cambridge, CB2 1RJ. Tel: +44(0)1223 352294 Cyclewear Tel: +44(0)1223 301118
Bristol A city with a rich sea-faring past. Bristol will host the 1996 Festival of the Sea, which is expected to attract 70 tall ships. Also a cosmopolitan city, Bristol is at the end of the famous Bristol to Bath cycle path - the first of a national network of similar routes. Located in a grand refurbished warehouse on the Bristol docks, Mud Dock Cycleworks have been offering a unique cycling/culinary experience for over a year now. Filled with
Tel: +44(0)117 9292151 Fax: +44(0)117 9292171
Cambridge Cambridge is one of England's oldest and most famous university cities. The university colleges are rich in architectural heritage: Pembroke College was Sir Christopher Wren's first building. A great bicycle city, Cambridge is known for its throngs of cyclists, many of whom are students, whilst the county is known for its dramatic fenland skyscapes and for its cathedrals at Ely and Peterborough.
enHayord
L CLES
U. TO
Alk
Ely D. Tek is a treasure house of specialised cycles nestling in the pretty, quiet village of Little Thetford, near the cathedral city of Ely. The local cycling opportunities are excellent, and you have to travel some distance before you encounter a hill.
across the globe and operate a national hire service. Active in many local and national cycling campaigns, D. Tek helped to found the Friends of the Duet recumbent group. They stock a large range of mountain bikes and children's trailers, as well as a wide variety of clothing accessories and spare parts. D. Tek also operate a special service whereby customers can return their bikes within 30 days of purchase and settle
instead for a pre-arranged hire agreement alternative. Access: 2 miles south of Ely Train Station. (A cycle path runs directly from the station to the premises). Open: March-October: 7 days aweelรง 9.00-17.00. October-March: Mo-Fr 9.00-17.00. Little Thetford, Nr. Ely, Cambridgeshire C1363HA Tel: +44(0)1353 648177/648577 Fax: +44(0)1353 648777 Advisable to phone.
gridyf Bike Hire
united kingdom
Bridge Bike Hire is a cycle hire centre situated on the Camel Trail: an all-weather,all purpose recreation trail, perfect for cycling, running alongside the tranquil Camel River through the beautiful countryside of North Cornwall. Mountain bikes and hybrids are the main forms of hire transport. Dial-a-Bike was introduced last year to provide a delivery and pick-up service for weekly hires, and also caters for one way trips for larger parties.
Open: Mo-Sun 9.00-1700,364 days a year Bookings are essential. The Camel Trail, Wadebridge, Cornwall PL277AL Tel: +44(0)1208813050. Dial-a-bike: +44(0)1208813050.
Founded in 1990, D. Tek is an Aladdin's Cave for most types of specialised cycle, they receive visits and enquiries from
Wadebridge The ancient, beautiful foot of Britain is famous for its rugged moors and majestic coastline, where one can ride to the tip and gaze across the vast moody Atlantic It has a strong tin mining tradition which gave rise to the popular Cornish pastie snack - the early miners' equivalent of the modern convenience fast food fad.
LI
BRIDGE HIKE HIRE
future ryllf
united kingdom
Founded four years ago as a recumbent specialist. Patrick Shaw's Recumbent Hire now stock a huge variety of convenional and alternative cycles. Home of the Streetglider recumbent, they are one of the few stores that manufacture as well as sell and hire cycles. Having recently moved to big-
with a hybrid. Access: 3 miles from East Grinstead station. Open: Mo, Tu, Th, Fr, Sat 09.00-18.00; We 09.00-13.00. Friends Yard, London Road, Forest Row,
ger premises, they now have a large yard where customers can try out bikes. They also run weekend recumbent courses. A centre of enlightenment, many a customer has entered the shop to purchase a mountain bike, only to leave
East Sussex RH18 Tel: +44(0)1342 822847 Fax: +44(0)1342 826726
Forest Row The celebrated home of Winnie the Pooh, Sussex comprises one of the largest areas of heathland in the country as well as the spectacular, 6400 acre stretch of Ashdown Forest - an area ideal for cycling. Famed for its breathtaking fields of bluebells, it is also home to the stately Sheffield Park, the largest steam-train park in the country.
FutureCycles
Geoff Wilts Cycles
united kingdorr
Established almost 20 years ago, Geoff Wiles Cycles specialise in made-to-measure cycles. They offer a very personal service, and are always willing to build a cycle up from scratch in order to ensure that each customer gets exactly what
recumbents and trailers. Access: 5 minutes walk from Strood train station. Open: Mo-Sat 9.00-18.00. 45-47 Cuxton Road (A228), Strood, Rochester, Kent ME2 213M Tel: +44(0)1634722586 Fax: +44(0)1634727416
Rochester Known as The Garden of England, Kent is a picturesque county with a rich diverse heritage. Traditionally a hop-growing county, it has good ferry connections for the touring cyclist from Continental Europe. The history of Kent, together with its intricate network of off-road paths, make it a fascinating area for cycling.
he/she is looking for. Keen to develop the manufacturing side of their business, they have recently launched a new brand of trike axle, which gives variable drive to both wheels, and are currently developing a range of performance tandem hubs. They also stock a wide variety of everyday bikes,
GEOFF WILES CYCLE
Northwest HPV
united kingdoff
Peter Cox runs a cycle business aimed specifically at the kind of service that most high street shops cannot or will not provide. Offering a large range of recumbents and trailers for sale and hire, Northwest HPV also runs a mobile repairs service and a mail-order parts finding service. Whatever the component or cycle, new or old, they will do their best to find it For visitors to the area, BeB lists and local touring routes can be provided. A local cycling track provides an ideal testing place to try out the machines for beginners.
Access: 5 min from Lancaster station. Open: Times include weekends and evenings. Phone for details. 32 St George's Quay, Lancaster LA1 1RD. Tel: +44(0)1524849083.
sicyc lf Doctor
united Mingdoff
Bicycle Doctor was formed twelve years ago, as a workers' co-op. It now has six members, all committed to getting the people of Manchester on bikes. They have recently expanded their premises and offer touring, racing, mountain bikes, and recumbents, as well as clothing and accessories, and a full repair service in their workshops. The shop's free notice board lists clubs, events and second hand sales. There is a 10% discount for students. Their Mountain Bike Club organises regular off-road rides for all abilities.
Access: two miles from Oxford Road Station. Open: Mo-Fr 10.00-18.00; Sat 10.00-1730. 68-70 Dickenson Road, Rusholme, Manchester, M14 SHE Tel: +44(0)161-2241303 Fax: +44(0)161 2573102
gikcfix
united kingdoff
Bikefix is central London's only specialist repair shop. In their large workshop they custom build frames and wheels, and carry out any and all frame repairs. Tandems and other cycling oddities are usually available for hire. Behind Bikefix you can find Bike Trader: a new section offering a full hire and sales service on a wide range of recumbents, luggage and child trailers, hybrids, tourers and mountain bikes, as well as a good selection of touring equipment Access: Russell Square and Holborn tubes. 10 minutes from King's Cross.
Open: Mo-Fr 830-19.00; Sat 11.00-16.00. 48 Lambs Conduit Street, London, WC1. Tel: +44(0)171-4051218 Fax: +44(0)171-4051099
Brixton Cycles Co-op
united kingdorr
Brixton Cycles Co-op is a lively workers' co-operative which has been trading for ten years now, in the heart of Brixton, a multi-cultural centre south of the Thames. They began with a workshop that was little wider than a corridor, but now benefit from very spacious showrooms. Brixton Cycles spe-
Open: Mo-Sat 9.00-18.00; Th 9.00-19.00. 435-437 Coldharbour Lane, Brixton, London, 5W9.
Lancaster Built up on the cotton trade, Lancaster developed strong sea-going connections with the United States. Until recently it was a bastion of car-culture but nowadays cycle paths are cropping up fast in the city. Lancaster is now world famous amongst cyclists for Cycle Fest, a successful annual cycling festival which celebrates pedal-power in all its manifestations.
Manchester A city brimming with culture, theatre, music, art, museums, universities and some classic Victorian architecture. Manchester is developing an impressive pedestrian zone, and the new tram system is benefiting all non-motorists. The city council are beginning to use cycling as a means of boosting the city's environmental credentials. A step in the right direction was the recent opening of the new Manchester Velodrome.
BICYCLE DOCTOR
LONDON One of the world's great capitals, and often the inevitable starting point to a visit to Britain. Armed with a cycle route map from the London Cycling Campaign (available from bike shops), and with a very good cycle lock, the visitor can spend happy days on a tour of the world-class museums, art galleries, visitor centres and monuments. The London Cycling Campaign is one of the largest in the world, and the London local authorities amongst the most stubborn.
bikefix
LONDON Although London has many committed and active cyclists, the city has yet to fully recognise the bicycle as the answer to its crippling transport problems. London cyclists regularly remind the authorities that a thousand-mile network of cycle routes had been promised. Nevertheless, an alert and confident cyclist can enjoy slipping past the slow moving traffic queues, leaving almost every other road user behind. Most London cyclists use mountain bikes, although adapted touring machines are beginning to make a come-back.
cialise in custom building, commuter bikes and related products. Trailers and racks can be ordered on request and are available on hire. Access: Brixton British Rail 400 yards; Brixton Tube 300 yards.
Tel: +44(0)171-7336055 Fax: +44(0)171-7335595
8R1f101 ()Uhi (il-OP 1
London Rtrumbmts
united kingdom
London Recumbents is the perfect place to visit if you are considering buying a recumbent, because they are based at Herne Hill Cycle Stadium, where you can try the machines, and take them around the local lanes and parks. Bikes are hired as well as sold, and the hire fee is refunded if you buy. As well as recumbents from Britain, Europe and America,
Open: Times include weekends and evenings:
LONDON You come across all kinds of cyclist on the roads of London. Watch out for the cycle couriers, whose riding style can be unorthodox to say the least - how things have changed since the upper middle classes cycled sedately round Hyde Park in long tight-waisted clothing. That was in the 1890s. Hyde Park itself has changed little, and the speakers on their soap boxes at Hyde Park Corner on Sundays are worth a visit There is a fine collection of bicycles in the Science Museum, South Kensington.
London Recumbents also stock luggage and child-trailers, and specialised bikes for the disabled. Access: half mile from both Herne Hill and North Dulwich Stations.
phone for details and appointment Herne Hill Cycle Stadium, Burbage Road, London SE24. Tel/Fax: +44(0)171-6359761 LONDON RECUMBENIS
oi%
On Your Of
united kingdom
Established in 1983 by Rob Chappel,to satisfy the needs and demands of the commuting cyclist, On Your Bike now consist of a chain of 16 stores. They offer a wide variety of mountain bikes, tourers and racers, as well as an extensive range of clothing accessories and spare parts. Placing great priority on customer care, they strive to provide a fast, efficient service, and operate a same-day repair scheme. An exhaustive range of cycles can also be hired.
Open: Mo-Fr 9.00-18.00; Sat 9.30-1730; Sunll.00-16.00.
Wt First
united kingdom
Gary Hooper's store is a specialist 'one-stop shop' for recumbents, luggage and child-carrying trailers, folding bikes, and a wide variety of other alternative cycles - all of which are available both for sale and hire. His huge range of cycles include the Radius, Kingcycle, Ross, Rapide, Ryan and Vanguard. Placing great priority on customer care, clients are encouraged to try bikes before they buy them, and Gary is always on hand to offer his professional tuition services. Keen
routes in and around Birmingham. Access: 50 yards from Widney Manor train station. Open: Mo-Sun 10.00-16.00. Advisable to phone in advance. 170 Widney Manor Road, Solihull, West Midlands, B91 3JW. Tel/Fax: +44(0)1217044412
LONDON There is much more to London than the city centre and the traditional tourist attractions. There are published routes, devised by London Cyclists, which take you on tours of the often delightful London suburbs. These routes often have a theme, and describe the kind of social history which is frequently missing from guide books to London's centre. A book of leisure cycle routes out of London, written by Patrick Field, was published recently.
52/54Tooley Street, London Bridge, London SE1 2S1 Tel: +44(0)171378 6669 Fax: +44(0)1713577600
ON1BIKE
Birmingham Local campaigners have fought long and hard to improve the cycling paths and facilities within and near Birmingham. However car-culture is not so close to breaking down as in other towns and cities. Despite this, cyclists remain hopeful for the future. Quiet roads, perfect for cycling, can however be found in the beautiful surrounding county of Warwickshire.
to encourage cycling, he regularly campaigns for more cycle
. E'EE'T' vI IRSI
madytts [YrIts
united kingdom
Established 70 years ago, Madgetts is a family cycling business run by an enthusiastic staff, all of whom are keen cyclists. Their large selection of cycles includes tandems, recumbents, racers and mountain bikes, as well as a series of tricycles adopted for disabled people. They also stock a wide variety of clothing accessories and spare parts. One of their specialisms is frame and wheel building, and they are prepared to go to any length to satisfy individual customer requests.
Access: 1 mile from Diss train station. Open: Mo, We, Th, Fr, Sa9.00-17.30; Tu 09.00-13.00. 8-10 Shelfanger Road, Diss, Norfolk IP223EH Tel: +44(0)1379 650419 Fax: +44(0)1379 642735
valify [YrIts
united kingdom
Formed two years ago, Valley Cycles offer a wide selection of recumbents, trailers and tourers, as well as a full range of clothing accessories and spare parts. A strong repair service is also provided. Owner Vince MacKenzie is keen to promote recumbent culture in Wellingborough, a town not noted for its go-ahead cycle culture. Vince takes a strong interest in the retailing of Bike Fridays, and runs a popular hire service from the store. Access: Five minutes (all downhill!) from the train station.
Open: Mo-Sat 9.00-1700; or by arrangement Unit 2, Nene Court, The Embankment, Wellingborough, NN8 1LD.
Diss Once famous for its church bells (alas now silent), Diss is a peaceful little market town situated around The Mere (a lake), on the Norwich to London rail-line, in the beautiful county of Norfolk. A cycle path runs through the town, but better cycling routes can be found nearby in Thetford Forest.
ipx
MADGEITS
Wellingborough Wellingborough is a market town near Northampton. The local countryside, which is relatively flat, was the scene of much conflict during the English Civil War. Northampton has been, and to some extent, still is, a centre of the boot and shoe-making industry
Tel: +44(0)1933271030.
1â&#x20AC;˘LZE CYCLES
lastIf rylits Newark The district of Newark and Sherwood is steeped in histocy,
Founded in 1981, Castle Cycles have an established reputa-
and was, of course, once the home of Robin Hood and his Merry Men. The Major Oak in which Robin is thought to have hidden from the Sheriff of Nottingham still stands in Sherwood Forest. A cycle ride around the area becomes a journey into the past. The many surrounding villages often have historic significance, East Stoke for example, was the site of the final conflict in the War of the Roses.
tion for providing customers with good service and aftersales care. They stock a wide range of value-for-money bikes, accessories and spares, including the Linear and Kingcycle recumbents. For the younger bicycle enthusiast they also stock kiddy trailers. Access: a quarter mile from Newark Castle, half mile from North Gate.
Open: Mo-Fr 9.00-1730; Sat 9.00-1700. 16 Boar Lane. Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG24 1AJ. Tel: +44(0)1636-79893 Fax: +44(0)1636-79578
fn
C A S I L E C I C I. S S
St John Strf f t fyrlfs
ur ea
Established thirteen years ago, St John Street Cycles specialise in cycles and components not easily available from the local bike store. Tourers, Audax bikes and Tandems (by Dawes, Cannondale and their own specialist brand 'Thom') are just some of the many bicycles stocked, while components include platform pedals, tandem spares, chainrings, hub-dynamos, hub gears and brakes as well as odd sized tyres. They also offer a free delivery service on all items to
Access: 200 yards from Bridgwater Station.
Bridgwater North of Taunton, Bridgwater sits at the heart of Somerset and numerous cider orchards. An hour's ride to the east is Glastonbury the alleged burial place of King Arthur, and the site of an annual music festival. Close by are the Quantocks, a range of undulating red sandstone hills which are ideal for gentle touring.
Open: Mo-Sa 9.00-18.00. 91-93 St John Street, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA65HX Tel: +44(0)1278-423632 Fax: +44(0)1278431107
ST JOHN STREET CYCLES
any part of the UK
Action Pucks
united kingdom
Action Packs is based in the booking hall of the station, where it hopes to lure visitors from London for a day cycling in the country. They specialise in mountain bikes and other products that they have tried and tested. Bike hire is the main business and this allows customers to try some of the unusual machines featured in Encycleopedia. They can then buy the machine at a discount of up to 10%. Access: At Boxhill/Westhumble station, half hourly service to London.
Open: 6 days aweek; 9.30-1730 except We 930-13.00 (Tu. closed) Best to phone and book The Booking Hall, Boxhill Station, Dorking,
Dorking Boxhill, near Dorking, is a well known beauty spot, owned by the National Trust, where visitors can enjoy views of the green hills of Surrey. Cyclists can ride from here along the North Downs. Boxhill Station is nearly 130 years old and built in the Gothic Style.
Westhumble, Surrey RH5 6BT Tel: +44(0)1306-886944 Fax: +44(0)1306-880332. \ON P1
Hurdisty [YrIts Newcastle-upon-Tyne This lively industrial city on the north east coast of England is famed for the friendliness of its populace. It is, however, anything but cyclist's paradise. A dedicated group of campaigners have made some progress, and a number of locals (or Geordies as they are better known as) are beginning to discover the rural wonders, as seen from the bicycle saddle, of the vast and various county of Northumberland to the
Established fifteen years ago, Hardisty Cycles is now one of the biggest and busiest stores in Britain, catering for all
north.
shops to use television advertising.
cycling needs. Priding themselves on excellent customer service and after-sales care, they offer a huge selection of mountain bikes, tourers, recumbents and trailers, as well as a wide range of clothing accessories and spare parts. Indicative of their success, Hardisty Cycles were one of the first cycling
Open: Mo, T We, Fr,Sa9.00-17.30; Th 9.00-19.00; Sun 10.00-1700. 5-7 Union Road, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne NE6 1EH. Tel: +44(0)1912658619. Fax: +44(0)191 265 4072.
CF
1H A R D I CYCLES
[YrIf Hfun"
united kingdom
It was whilst living in Miami that the owner of Cycle Heaven became convinced that the motor car would be the death of all civilised urban life. After completing his MA on "The Culture of Cycling in England 1870-1900", he found himself as the unlikely manager of the car parts shop "Motorist's Mecca". He began converting it into a cycle shop, bought out the lease, and within two years Cycle Heaven was born. Dedicated to the renaissance of mass utility cycling, Cycle Heaven will sell you anything from recumbents to trailers.
Access: ten minutes walk from York station. Open: Mo-Sa9.00-18.00. 5 Bishopthorpe Rd. York, Y021NA Tel: +44(0)1904-636578
York Awarded the title of Britain's Top Cycling City York is a historic and splendidly preserved city which has kept its long tradition of cycling. The city council has a positive cycling policy, and the cycle paths charity, Sustrans, have built crosscountry routes out of York. Their Inverness-Dover and HullLiverpool routes will meet just south of York. Open Road, the publishers and editors of this book, live and work in York.
firar of G lasgow
united kingdom
This family business has been open two years and specialises in recumbents which they demonstrate to people in a nearby park. They want to promote all types of cycling, so suggest machines only after determining the customer's needs. Another speciality is trailers for shopping, luggage or children. Gear have started a recumbent club, members of
Open: Mo-Sat 10.00-18.00. 19 Gibson Street, Hillhead, Glasgow, G12 8NU. Tel/Fax: +44(0)141-3391179
Glasgow One of Europe's "Cities of Culture", Glasgow is host to opera, ballet, the Royal Scottish Orchestra, museums and art galleries. It is city which has yet to fully appreciate the wonders of the bicycle. In the meantime there is a choice of bus, boat, taxi, foot and helicopter tours of the city. Cyclists will be more interested in quieter pleasures of the Glasgow and Loch Lomond cycleways.
which cycle off to the beautiful Scottish countryside. Access: five minutes walk from Kelvinbnidge Underground station.
Norm Rriumb rut fyiIes
Q
. 19
EA 9
LSQV
41:
Flagstaff Flagstaff, Arizona, is located 60 miles from America's Grand Canyon - one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Arizona boasts many ancient American-Indian ruins as well as present-day Hopi and Navajo cultures. Arizona's desertto-alpine scenery and wide open spaces with little motor traffic are ideal for cyclists looking to explore the ancient archeology, geology and anthropology of America
Flagcom Recumbent Cycles of Northern Arizona claim to have the greatest variety of recumbents in the entire Southwest Their stock includes ATP Visions, Greenspeed trikes, Ryans, and Easy Racers' new EZ-1. Flagcom rent out all of their bikes and owner Tom Price provides personalized service to every customer. Here all your recumbent needs will be fulfilled with expertise and courtesy. Access: Public bus within one block, with connections to Amtrak.
Open: 7 days, 9.00-18.00. Appointment preferred. 1925 No. Main, Flagstaff, AZ 86004 Tel: +1520-779-3818
Missing Link
usa
The Missing link is a radical shop setup by Berkeley students as a worker-owned co-operative in the early 1970s. The workers are committed to promoting the imaginative use of pedal-power as an antidote to the State's heavy and destructive reliance on the automobile. The Missing Link offers free repair classes, with a shop area open to customers who want to carry out their own repairs, with varying degrees of supervision. Access: 2 blocks away from the Berkeley Bart station.
Open: Mo-Fr 10.30-18.30/19.00 in summer; Sat 10.00-18.00; Sun 12-00-1700. 1988 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley, CA 94704. Tel: 510-8437471 Fax: 030-2151566
email: tomp @ pnimenetcorn
Berkeley Berkeley is dominated by the University of California with its 30,000 students and impressive buildings in the centre of town. It was the centre of protest against the Vietnam war, challenging the authority of the then Governor, Ronald Reagan. There are many good bookshops and cafes in the area Part of the avenue where Missing Link is located is a 'Gourmet Ghetto' with restaurants, delis and bakeries.
fat Tirt Trading Post Fairfax Fairfax is in the heart of Mann County near Mt Tamalpais, the site of the very first mountain bike race. Fairfax is 20 miles north of San Francisco, located between Alpine Lake and the Pt. Reyes National Seashore. Fairfax offers the best of both worlds: natural beauty in close proximity to a sophisticated urban center.
Founded in 1986 by Chris loakimedes, the 'Post' specialize in classic and antique bicycles, parts and restorations. They also offer the latest in mountain bikes (for sale and hire), parts and service. Staff lead guided rides and tours of the area, and lodging is available at the Post for up to six cyclists at $10 per night The Post also give away as many as 8 refurbished bikes per month in an attempt to get 'bike-less' area locals riding instead of driving. Access: Within a block of the Golden Gate Transit bus #24.
Propic Mours
28 Bolinas Rd, Fairfax, CA 94930 Tel: +1415-258-9120 Fax: +1415-258-9176 Open: Mo 16.00-20.00; Tu,Th 8.00-13.00,16.00-20.00; rr, Fr, Sat 8.00-13.00,16.00-00.00; Sun 8.00-13.00,16.00-18.00; (We. closed). .ffflf Art
P
Q
Orange Orange is at the centre of Southern California's tourist attractions, including Hollywood and Disneyland. But it also offers many more subtle delights for the cyclist It is twenty minutes away from beautiful beaches and an hour away from mountains. You can get away from it all and maybe try
People Movers has been open for three years and now stocks over 15 different American-made recumbents. The owner, Jim Wronski, is such an enthusiast that he bought twelve for himself. They rent out beach cruisers, simple sixspeed tandems, hybrids, mountain bikes and hope to hire
a long distance ride along a dried river bed.
out some recumbents soon. People Movers are always looking for good new products to add to their line of speciality bikes and act as swiftly as possible to meet the customer's requirements.
Access: half mile from Anaheim Stadium Amtrack Station. Open: Everyday from about 10.00-18.00. 980 N.Main Street, Orange, CA 92667 Tel: +1714-6333663 Fax: +1714-6337890 PEOPLE MOVERS (
Start to finish
n
.
San Francisco With its beautiful vistas, abundant Victorian architecture and mild climate, San Francisco is the fifth most frequently visited tourist destination in the world and first in the US. For cyclists, the city offers tolerant drivers, a compact urban core and stunning natural scenery just across the Golden Gate Bridge in Mann County. San Francisco also has the largest Critical Mass bicycle demonstration ride in America on the fourth Friday of every month.
Start to Finish have eight shops in the Bay Area. The shop's retail objective, according to owner Chris Foley, is to provide a balance of transportation and recreation products and services to its customers. Providing the right bike for the customer is particularly critical. Start to Finish also support many local bike charities and devote a percentage of their print media campaign to bicycle advocacy issues. Access: #15 bus stops within one block; Muni Metro (light rail) within 3 blocks.
Owner: Chris Foley 599 Second St, San Francisco, CA 94107 Tel: +1800-600-BIKE Fax: +1415-920-6715
A gicyrIf Odyssfy
ua
was only 19 years old. As an occasional mechanic for several race teams and a crew member for a few transcontinental record attempts, Tony prides himself in his shop's service department and mechanical expertise. A Bicycle Odyssey specializes in wheel-building and high-end componentry and accessories. Mountain and road frames by two local framebuilders, among others, are also sold alongside road, touring
workshops at local schools. Access: Golden Gate Transit bus stop within two blocks of shop. Open: Mo-Sat 10.00-19.00; Sun 10.00-1700.
Web Site: httpi/wwwstf.com Open: 째 Mo-Fr 9.00-19.00; Sat 10.00-18.00; Sun 11.00-1700.
Sausalito Sausalito is in the heart of Mann County immediately north of San Francisco, California, and the birthplace of the mountain bike in the late 70s and early 80s. Mt. Tamalpais, located a few miles from downtown Sausalito, inspired those early cycling pioneers and continues to attract riders from all over the world because of its mountain biking legacy and natural beauty.
1417 Bridgeway, Sausalito, CA 94965 Tel. +1415-332-3050 Fax: +1415-332-5344
and track bikes by the English builder, Cooper. The shop also sponsors three local racing clubs and organizes bicycle safety
Anylffrrh lyfltry
LLSea
Located at 8600 feet above sea level, the shop is an alterna tive cyclist's dream. AngleTech Cyclery was an early importer of Moulton bikes, and began stocking recumbents as early as 1978. Kelvin continues in this progressive tradition, stocking a full line of recumbents, folding bikes and bikes for customers with special needs. AngleTech also specializes in optimizing any given design of bike, fitting aerospoke wheels, Zzipper fairings and 63 speeds, and custom-paint designs to most of the bikes in stock. Access: Nearest public transit in Colorado
Springs, 18 miles away. 318 No. Highway 67, P01893, Woodland Park, CO 80863. Tel/Fax: +1719-687-7475
Woodland Park Located in the heart of America's Rocky Mountains, Woodland Park is minutes away from Pikes Peak, one of the most frequently ascended mountain peaks in the world. The prehistoric Fluorescent (dinosaur) Fossil Beds, hundreds of campsites, Olympic training center and excellent mountain biking and winter skiing draw visitors all year round.
Rapid Transit
email: anglezoom @ aol.com Open: Mo-We, Fr-Sat 10.00-18.00; (Th e7 Sun closed).
ANGIETECH"
s. a
Chicago Although not the bike-friendliest city in the nation, Chicago's urban density and stunning architecture makes cycling an effective and stimulating transportation choice. Situated on the western shore of Lake Michigan, the shore has a popular cycle path 35 miles long as well as a number of scenic rail-totrail conversions in the nearby suburbs. Ethnic diversity art museums, theatres and the Mercantile Exchange make Chicago perhaps the most influential American city between the coasts. And let's not forget the pizza...
Chris and Justyna Frank opened their shop a couple of years ago to cater to the urban cyclist. The owners and employees are all dedicated bike commuters and understand the demands of those who use their bikes for year-round transport. Rapid Transit is one of just a few shops in the region who carry recumbents (including the ATP Vision), which are also available for test rides. The Franks hold safety classes and maintenance workshops for their customers and take pains to stock a variety of accessories that are of particular
interest to the city cyclist Access: 3 blocks from the Damen L (subway) stop. 1900 West No. Ave., Chicago, IL 60622 Tel: +1312-227-2288 Fax: +1312-227-2328 Open: Mo-Tu,Th 10.00-20.00; Fr, Sat: 10.00-18.00; Sun 12.00-1700; (Wed closed).
RUB rylits
Uesa
Long known for their custom bicycles and excellent bicycle sizing and fitting, RRB operate out of an old two story farm house. They specialize in mountain bikes and Kestrel carbon fibre road bikes and have a complete line of clothing and accessories. They also support several local children's charities. Access: 300 yards from Metro train stop.
Open: Mo-Th 11.00-20.00; Fri 11.00-18.00;
Kenilworth Kenilworth is a northern suburb of Chicago, Illinois, and with low traffic congestion and great scenery, has the best bicycling in the area. Particularly spectacular is the ride along Lake Michigan past the multi-million dollar homes that line the shore. Chicago, with its gfeat restaurants and cultural institutions, is just a quick train trip south.
Sat 10.00-1700; (Sun closed). 562 Greenbay Rd., Kenilworth, IL 60043 Tel: +1708-251-7878
frffwhff I sicyclf Ăa Minneapolis Despite notoriously cold winters, Minneapolis has less snowfall than other American mid-western cities, making winter riding feasible. Summers here are usually mild with many residents taking advantage of the warmth to pedal along the city's many parks, lakes and bike paths. Minnesota is currently working to complete a greenway running between the twin cities of Minneapolis/StPaul and Duluth, 200 miles to the north. The twin cities are also a cultural mecca with many museums and performing arts institutions.
The Freewheel was founded in 1974 as a worker-owned cooperative. The Co-op is very involved in the community, offering repair classes and providing a public shop where cyclists pay by the hour to use the professional and wellstocked facilities to make their own repairs. The Freewheel carries a full line of mountain and road bikes and trailers and carries an unusually large number of parts and accessories. They will also begin carrying recumbents soon. Access: 6 different buses stop within 4 blocks.
Open: In-season; Mo-Fr 10.00-20.00; Sat 10.00-18.00; Sun 12.00-16.00. Out of season: Tu-Th, Sat 10.00-18.00; Mo, Fr 10.00-20.00; (Sun closed). 1812 South 6th 5., Minneapolis, MN 55454 Sales: +1612-339-2219, Service: +1612-339-2235 Fax: +1612-339-8268
FREFWHEEL BICYCLE
Lincoln GuidtStrvict
as
Mike Famey's shop is dedicated to "helping create and nur ture a culture of, by and for the self-propelled" In keeping with this, the 25-year-old shop sells and rents a complete line of human-power equipment including bikes, cross country skis, snow shoes and in-line skates. Bikes carried include Ryan and Lightning recumbents. The shop also hosts repair and safety classes, organizes public rides and sponsors activities throughout the annual Bike-to-Work Week in May. Access: The Boston subway's Purple line stops within two miles of
the shop. Open: Mo-Fr 10.00-18.00; Sat 9.00-1700; Sun 12.00-1700. 152 Lincoln Rd. Lincoln, MA 01773-0100 Fax: +1617-259-1722 Tel: +1617-259-1111
Northfust Raurnbrnts
u.s.a
Owner Johannes Groessbrinlç a German engineer, established NorthEast because he could not find any recumbent dealers in his area. He offers advice to the recumbent novice and facilitates custom modifications. The shop, which serves the international cycling community, rents and sells over a dozen different brands of recumbents and specialty bikes, including the ATP Vision, Easy Racers, Lightning Cycle Dynamics, Linear, and Pedersen. The shop is situated next to a quiet, residential neighborhood, perfect for test rides.
Access: 5 minute walk from bus making connections to New York City and Newark International Afrport. Open: Open daily. Please call for an appointment 9 Wayland Dr Verona, NJ 07044 Tel/Fax: +1201-239-8968
Lincoln Lincoln is located near Boston, Massachusetts, the epicenter of the American Revolution. Nestled in the heart of New England, this area boasts more historical sites than any other region in America. Environmental Pragmatism was also born here with Emerson and Thoreau scribing their great transcendental thoughts on the banks of the Concord River and Walden Pond, respectively. The area is also a great starting point for two-wheeled exploration of New England's many beautifully preserved small towns and historical sites.
Verona Located in the valley between the First and Second Watchung Mountains in eastern New Jersey, Verona's bucolic location is only 15 miles from New York City - the largest city in the US. With green and peaceful cycling just to the west and the wonderful diversity and vibrancy of New York to the east, Verona combines the best of both worlds. Not to be missed is a trip to the Annin Flag Company - manufacturers of the American flags planted on the North and South Poles and the one used on the first Moon landing.
AbrMEaStReCUM5Fn _ tS
Toga Or Shop New York The borough of Manhattan in the great cultural "melting pot" of New York City. Manhattan is probably the most effective, though flat-out scariest, place to ride a bike. The great urban Central Park, the pedestrian-walk/bikeway across the enormous George Washington Bridge, the new bike path along the southern Hudson River Promenade in southern Manhattan and beautiful beaches an hour away on Long Island to the east of Hudson, all make for excellent urban cycling.
Eugene Located in America's Pacific Northwest. Eugene is one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in the US. Hundreds of miles of bike paths, both on and off the motor streets, allow cyclists to get around quickly and safely. Pleasant seasonal climate and spectacular plant life make bike-riding here ajoy all year round. Ocean cliffs, wooded mountains, rivers and hotsprings are within a day's ride of the city.
Richard Newman along with manager Richard Bothwell have turned Toga into New York's premiere bike shop. The largest shop in the city, Toga boasts an enormous clothing section, and a large selection of high-end mountain and road bikes and componentry. Toga also possesses the world's only known ten-man tandem. Toga, a keen supporter of charities, sponsored Nelson Vails, the former New York bicycle messenger who won the first ever US Olympic cycling medal. Vails was on the Toga team. Access: #1 train 3 blocks away
and West End Ave. Bus stops right in front of store. 110 West End Ave, New York, NY 10023 Tel: +1212-799-9625 Fax: +1212-799-2834 Open: Mo, Tu, Fr 11.00-19.00; We, Th 11.00-20.00; Sat 10.00-18.00; Sun 11.00-18.00. BIKE SHOP
Eugtnr girydr Wurks/ frntrr for Appropriutr Transpurt
u.s.a
CAT founder, director and chief framebuilder Jan VanderTuin believes that bicycles are essential tools for modern civilization. His center builds, sells and rents utilitarian bicycles. Cargo bikes, heavy-duty trailers, recumbents and adult tricycles. CAT is also home to a rideable bicycle museum, a do-it-yourself workspace, a youth education machine and welding shop, the editorial offices of the state's only bike advocacy magazine and a bicycle cargo-delivery service.Access: 1/2 mile from Eugene Amtrak station.
Open: We-Fr 11.00-18.00; Sat, Sun 11.00-1700; (Mo,Tu. closed). 455 West 1st Ave, Eugene, OR 97401 Tel: +1503-683-3397 Fax: +1503-686-1015
1'
ER FOR
.\l'I'R()I'RIAIE
TRANSPORT
Iitybikts Workers' loo p crati vt
a a
Portland Portland's rapid growth in recent years is partly due to its reputation for natural beauty and livability. Despite the city's increasing reliance on the automobile for its citizens' mobility, Portland has made great strides in promoting biking by painting bike lanes to the streets, attaching bike racks to the public buses and allowing bicycles access to the city's light rail. Portland also has its own Critical Mass ride, held monthly, much to the chagrin of the police and some motorists.
Citybikes and Citybikes Annex are worker-owned cooperatives whose main focus is to get people of limited means onto bikes. Consequently, Citybikes sells only used and refurbished bikes. Their specialty is 3 speeds and other classics which are found in abundance around the city. The recently opened Annex has given them extra space in which to begin carrying trailers - giving customers one less excuse to own a car. The Cooperative currently has 15 workers, 6 of whom have become part owners. Although a third of the workers
Mt. Moriuh Bicyclt to I n c.
are female. Access: #12 bus stops one block away. Open: Mo-Fr 11.00-19.00; Sat- Sun 11.00-1700. 734 e71914 S EAnkeny Portland, OR 97214 Tel: +1503-239-0553/6951
uâ&#x201A;Źsa
Memphis Memphis is the home of Elvis Presley's mansion Graceland, one of the most popular tourist attractions in the southern
Started in 1917 by the grandfather of the current owner, Gene Amagliani Jr., Mt Moriah is the oldest continuous
US. Memphis has also got the Blues with Beale St boasting clubs owned by legendary Blues musicians such as 88 King. Although Memphis itself is not very bike-friendly, Shelby Farms park on the outskirts of the city has mountain bike
Schwinn dealership in the world. Nowadays, it focuses on servicing Triatheletes' special needs as well as retailing other high-end cycles and accessories including recumbents (Ryan and Linear), the Moulton and Brompton folders as well as other alternative bikes. They stock a wide range of componentry and have over 100 frames hanging on the walls. And, of course, Elvis is a regular customer.
trails and Natchez Trace Parkway runs the width of the state and hosts many credit card tourers.
Avalon Rtrumhrnts
Access: public bus within one mile of shop. Open: Tu-Fr 10.00-18.00; Sat 10.00-16.00; (Sun, Mon closed). 5715 Mt. Moriah, Memphis, TN 38115 Tel: +1901-795-4343 Fax: +1901-795-4310
Zoe 4Pki
16A
Pleasant Grove Pleasant Grove is surrounded on all sides by the 11,000 foot peaks of the Wasatch Mountains. Mormon pioneers settled in the area in the late 1800s because of the rich soil and abundant water supply. The beautiful backcountry trails suitable for mountain biking - wind through forests of Aspen and Maple and fields of wildflowers. There is also an excellent century ride around Utah Lake. Nearby attractions include the spectacular Bridal Veil Falls, Robert Redford's Sundance Resort and Timpanogas Cave.
Avalon specialize in recumbents and hard-to-find bikes, handcycles, special needs bikes and trikes, trailer bikes, trailers, and folding bikes. The brands they carry include the ATP Vision, Moulton APB, Linear's new SWB tandem and Winchester trailers. Avalon is a small shop which allows Dale Pitts, the owner, to pay close attention to the special needs of his clientele. Avalon also have bikes available for rent and customers are invited to call ahead and bring their cycling clothes. Access: UTA bus stop within 1 mile.
Open: Mo-Sat 9.00-16:30. Appointments preferred. 465 So. 1250 EastEast, Pleasant Grove, UT 84062 Tel/Fax: +1801-785-1461
follrgr Park gicyrifs
U 4 a
This splendid emporium has over 800 used bikes for sale, dating from 1900, alongside dozens of recumbents, tandems, triplets, and folders. They have a rapid frame repair and modification service, and general repairs and wheel building can be done the same day. Hundreds of frarnesets and six type of trailers are available. An extensive hire service includes recumbents, tandems and folding bikes. Access: College Park Bicycles are in Maryland but on the Washington metro system, one mile from the College Park metro station.
Open: Mo, Th 10.00-21.00; Tu, We, Fr 10.00-19.00; Sat 10.00-18.00; Sun 12.00-1700. 4360 Knox Road, College Park, Maryland 20740 Tel: +1301-8315151 Fax: +1301-8310111
Elliott Buy gilyrIcs
u+sa
Elliott Bay Bicycles is a complete shop in the old-fashioned sense. Home of the Davidson line of handbuilt bicycles, they can perform any type of repair, and sell everything from frames to running gear. While catering to a wide range of cycling interests, they specialize in high-performance road racing and touring cycles. In fact many trans-American tourers begin their trip at Elliott Bay Bicycles. The owners have a wealth of experience in racing, international touring and custom bicycle design and manufacturing.
Access: Within 3 blocks of public bus stop. Open: Mo-Fr 10.00-19.00; Sat 10.00-18.00; Sun 12.00-1700. 2116 Western Avenue, Seattle, WA 98121 Tel: +1441-8144 Fax: +1206-441-1815
t!4 110U~, 2% 0
0
College Park Whilst the obvious image of Washington is of the political centre, there are many attractive back road routes for cyclists in the area, including 40 disused rail tracks, and routes through local park land. You can get free publications about cycling in Maryland by contacting the 24 hour free Bike Hotline on +1800-252-8776.
Seattle Many consider Seattle and the Northwest to be one of the best cycling areas in the US. Its proximity to islands, mountains and farming valleys give cyclists a vast choice of day tours, overnights and longer tours. There are a few major annual cycling events including the Seattle-to-Portland ride which attracts 10,000 riders. Seattle is also agreatjumping off point for tours to Alaska, down the Pacific Coast and across the country. Seattle's mild climate and bike-friendly planning makes cycling there a pleasure.
LLIOTT
BAY_ BICYCLES
other affiliated shops AUSTRIA Baden B J.E.R. Fahrrad-Studio Jagerhausgassel2, A 2500 Baden. Tel/Fax: +43(0)2252-47690
Salzburg
Erlangen
Lübeck
Freilauf
Sattelfest
LazarettStr. 4,91054 Erlangen.
Kanalstr. 70,23552 Lübed<.
Tel: +49(0)9131-202220 Fax: +49(0)9131-201710
Tel: +49(0)51-704687 Fax: 49 (0)451-7063742.
Frankfurt
Lauda
Radschlag
Forum Fahrrad Zukunft
Hallerigartenstr. 56,60389 Frankfurt
Postfach 1234,97912 Lauda ad. Tauber.
Tel: +49(0)69-451064 Fax: +49(0)69-453284
Tel: +49(0)9343-5554 Fax: +49(0)9343-1599
Tel/Fax 0662-435595.
Freiburg
Mainz
Wien
Radhaus
Fahrradladen
Münchhofstr. 4,79106 Freiburg.
Albinistr. 15,55116 Mainz.
Tel: +49(0)761-280832 Fax: +49(0)761-280838
Tel: +49(0)6131-225013 Fax: +49(0)6131-23017
Germersheim
Oldenburg
VELOactive Willibald-Hauthaler-Str. 10, A-5020 Salzburg.
Cyclopia Stiegengasse 20, A-1060 Wien. Tel/Fax: +43 (0)222-5867633
GERMANY
Haasies Radschlag
Die Speiche
Marktstr. 22,76726 Gemiersheim.
Donnerschweerstr. 45, 26123 Oldenburg.
Tel: +49(0)7274-4863 Fax: +49(0)7274-779360
Tel: +49(0)441-84123 Fax: +49(0)441-83471
Bad Bevensen
Grolking
Reutlingen
Fahrradhaus
Norbert Henkel Muskelbetriebene Fahrzeuge
Transvelo Fahrradladen
Medinger Str. 20,29549 Bad Bevensen.
Haus nummer 3, D-83139 Grolking 3.
Planie 22,72764 Reutlingen.
Tel: +49(0)5821-1305.
Tel: +49(0)8053-2374 Fax: +49(0)8053-2374
Tel: +49(0)7121-470727 Fax: +49(0)7121-470727
Stuttgart
Bamberg
Halle
Muck's Radladen
Fahrradies
Doppelaxel
Schrottenberggasse 2,96049 Bamberg.
Windthorststr. 20, D-06114, Halle/Saale.
Lerchenstr. 40,70176 Stuttgart
Tel: +49(0)951-57853 Fax: +40(0)951-57809
Fax: +49(0)345-36865
Tel: +49(0)711-2261515 Fax: +49(0)711-2261984
Bergisch-gladbach
Hamburg
Troisdorf ey Tat
Veloladen
Pro Velo
Vambike Rat
Bensberger-Str. 117,51469 Bergisch- Gladbach 2
Reetwerder 7,21029 Hamburg.
Alte Poststr. 21,53840 Troisdorf.
Tel: +40(0)2202-41221 Fax: +49(0)2202-41822
Tel: +49(0)40-7213109 Fax: +49(0)40-7212988
Tel: -49(0)2241-78645 Fax: +49(0)2241-83357
Berlin
Hamburg
Wuppertal
Ostrad
The New Cyclist
Radfinesse Spezial Racier
Winsstr. 48,10405 Berlin.
Grindelberg 45,20144 Hamburg.
Haspeler Str. 10,42285 Wuppertal Unterbarmen
Tel: +49(0)304-411164 Fax: +49(0)304-411163
Tel: +49(0)40-4220658 Fax: +49(0)40-4220659
Tel/Fax: +49(0)202-81512.
Berlin
Hamburg
Zentralrad
Radhaus Am Werkhof
Oranienstr. 20,10999 Berlin.
Gau8str. 15, D-22765 Hamburg.
Tel. +49(0)30-6152388 Fax: +49(0)30-6151558
Tel: +49(0)40-393992. Fax: +49(0)40-3902302.
SWITZERLAND
Bielefeld
Hannover
Langenthal
Freilauf
Räderwerk
Velorama
August Bebel-Str. 16-18,33602 Bielefeld,
Calenbergestr. 50,30169 Hannover.
Spitalgasse 3, CH-4900 Langenthal.
Tel: +49(0)521-63811 Fax: +49(0)521-172853
Tel: +49(0)511-717174 Fax: +49(0)5511-715151
Tel: +41(0)63-229690
Braunschweig
Hüllhorst
Solothurn
Radhaus
Radhau.s
Velo Werkstatt
Heinrichstr 25,38106 Braunschweig.
Kurze Str. 9,32609 Hüllhorst
Basel Str. 47a, 4500 Solothurn.
Tel: +49(0)531-339650 Fax: +49(0)531-337146
Tel: +49(0)5744-5454 Fax: +49(0)5744-5469
Tel/Fax: +41(0)65-234676
Darmstadt
Kerpen
S-villingen
Luftpumpe
Rückenwind
Tour Wider Im Zentrum
Liebigstr. 52, D-64293, Darmstadt.
Uhlandstr. 63, D-50171 Kerpen.
Obere Str. 12/1,78050 VS- Villingen.
Tel: +49(0)6151-291884 Fax: +49(0)6151-292739.
Tel/Fax: +49-(0)2237-52603
Tel: +41(0)7721-54416 Fax: +41(0)7721-57664
Dortmund
Köln
Wabern (Bern)
Das Rad
Zwei Plus Zwei
Bricomec
Stiftstr. 21,44135 Dortmund.
PalanterStr. Sb, 50937 Köln.
Seftigenstr. 225,3084 Wabem, Schweiz.
Tel: +49(0)231-529324 Fax: +49(0)231-551320
Tel: +49(0)221-424012 Fax: +49(0)221-422700
Tel: +41(0)31-9611796 Fax: +41(0)31-9614123
Duisburg
Konigsdorf (KöIn)
ZUrich
Das Radwerk
LowRider
Velolaboratorium
Oberstr. 42,47051 Duisburg.
Starenweg3, Konigsdorf, 50226 Frechen.
Schmelzbergerstr. 40,8044 Zurich.
Tel: +49(0)203-24032 Fax: +49(0)203-288116
Tel/Fax: +49(0)2234-63892
Tel: +41(0)1-22514707 Fax: +41(0)1-2514762
G
enerally, if you are merely seeking more information on the featured products, it is
nanulacw.r-ers' details
best to write directly to the manufacturers or their agents - the dealers listed in
Encycleopedia do not necessarily carry this information. With regard to purchases, in
Citibike
the first instance please contact your nearest listed dealer to see if they can supply the
Citibike Manufacturing Co Ltd, 27-29 Thorpe Road, Kirby Cross, Frinton-on-Sea, Essex C013 OL Tel ±441255852211 Fax+44 1255 852210.
product. Please note that a few of the featured products are marked with an * which signifies that those products are available only directly from the manufacturers (or
Cycle Star Mirror
their agents).
Busch ez Mullet D-58540 Meinerzhagen, auf dem Bamberg 1, Germany Tel ± 49 235 4915710 Fax 5700. Austria: Ingrid Konig GmbH Tel (Germany) +490944 5099 Fax 1403 Belgium: Ets. J Cochez Tel + 32 2334 6866 Fax 2343 8884. Netherlands: Koch Kleeberg B.V Tel ±31365320504 Fax 2548. Switzerland: Aktiengesellschafrvorm Walter Schmid WS Tel ±4118366131 Fax 4490. UK: ARC Marketing Tel/Fax +441582611309.
Aerobike Aerobikes Ltd,Unitl3 Duddingstone Yards, Lasswade Road, Edinburgh, UK, EH1 6RZ Tel/Fax +44131 657 5655. England and Wales: Dennis Tumer Tel +441244 37 6665.
Air Tandem Bilenky Cycle Works, 5319 North Second St, PA 19120. Tel +1215329 4744 (US toll free 800 213 6388) Fax 5380.
AM Series: Jubilee L Alex Moulton Ltd, Halt Road, Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire, BA15 1AH, UK Tel+44 12.25 865895 Fax 864742. Australia: Noel Mc Farlane Holdings Tel + 612797 8028. Netherlands: Pashley Continental Tel +318362 26568. Germany: L ezH Automobile Tel +49 6963 5973. Karl Griesbeck Tel + 4989 224113. Radius Tel +49 251 780342. USA: Dekker Services Tel +1206 6419639 Fax 0151. Switzerland: Andreas Naegli Tel +4112514707 Fax 4762.
Attache-Mee er Buggy Holder. Steco Metaalwarenfabriek by 3776 LP Stroe Holland Tel +31342 41441 Fax 41584
* Discoverer and Victorian PJ Taylor Cycles, 375 Birchfield Road, Redditch,Worcs. B79 4NE Tel +441527545262.
* Discovery Expedition Tandem St John Street Cycles, 91/93 St John Street, Bridgwater, Somerset TA6 5HX Tel +44 1278 423632 Fax 431107
*DOG Folder St John Street Cycles, 91,'93 St John Street, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA6 5HX Tel + 44 1278 423632 Fax 431107
Dolphin ey Donkey Utopia(Winther) Eschberger Weg 1,66121 Saarbrucken, Germany Tel +49 681816506 Fax15098. Winther of Denmark Tel +4586847288 Fax 48528.
Bebop Clipless Pedals
Easy er Tough
Beepop Incorporated 8570 Hamilton Ave, Huntington Beach, Ca 92646, USA Tel ±17143740200 Fax 0268 (toll free 800 213 6388).
Bjallby recumbents,Stationsvej 104, DK-3520, Farum Denmark Tel +45 42956005.
Bernds Folding Bike.
Santana Cycles Inc, Box 206, La Verne Ca 91750, USA Tel +1909 596 7570 Fax 5853. Europe: Haas Fahradtechnik Tel +49 8031 14573 Fax 34795.
Berndts, Wittekind Str. 16,32758 Detmold, Germany Tel ±4952311777, Fax 17778.
Encore Tandem
Bevo Bike
EZ-1
Voss Spezial-Rad Gmbh, Tulpenweg 2, D-25524 ltzehoe-Edendorf, Germany Tel ±49 4821 41409 Fax 41014.
Easy Racers Inc, 2891 Freedom Blvd, Watsonville CA 95076, USA Tel/Fax +1408 722 9797
Bike Hod
Fold-it
Bike Hod All Terrain Trailers P.O. Box 2607, Lewes,Sussex BN7 1NH Tel/Fax +441273 480479.
Cresswell Cycles, 340/342 Cherry Wood Road, Bordesley Green, Birmingham, W Midlands B9 4UU Tel 0121 7722512 Fax 7739548.
£7
Micro
Birdy Folding Bike
Freedom Bikepacking Bags
Riese und Muller,Erbacher Str. 123, D-64287 Darmstadt Tel ±496151424034 Fax 424036. Austria: Radsportgrosshandel Franz Spilauer Tel/Fax ±43 2233 54521. Switzerland: Rudlinger accessoires Tel ±413251980, Fax 7204. Denmark: Master Consult Tel +45 3582 3032 Fax 3034
Freedom Bikepacking, The Barn, Church Lane, ClystSt Mary, Devon EX5 lAB Tel +491392877531 Fax 877872.
* Body-Turn-Bike Body Turn Bike, Postfach 910622,51076 Koln,Germany Tel + 491612243055 Fax +49377486267
Brompton Folding Bicycle Brompton Bicycle Ltd, 2 Bollo Lane, Chiswick Park, London, W4 5NU Tel +44 81742 8251 Fax 8353. Germany: Voss Spezial-Rad GmbH Tel +49 4821 41409 Fax 41014. Austria and Switzerland: Diverso, Walser and Rufer Tel+41 617126. Holland: Fiets a Parts Tel/Fax +3138 551580, USA: Linear Manufacturing Tel+1 3192521637 Fax 3305.
Brox Brox Corporation Ltd. P.O. Box 12 Manchester, M44 6DZ Tel +44 161775 4977 Fax 4881.
Burley Trailers Burley Design Cooperative, 4080 Stewart Road, Eugene, OR 97402 USA Tel +15036871644 Fax 0436. Austria: Funbike Tel +43 662 854 101 Fax 1055. Denmark: Dansk Cyclist Forbund Tel ±45 3332 0121 Fax 7683, UK: UK Trailer Co. Tel +441208815715 Fax 4407 Holland: Wim Kok Tel +3130315780 Fax 6680. Switzerland: Ha So's Velo-lade Tel +4119374330 Fax 3573.
Burrows Windcheetah Seat of the Pants Company P.O Box 5, Sale, Cheshire, MK 33 4AP Tel/Fax +44161976 5662. Germany: Norbert Henkel Muskelbetriebene Fahrzeug +49 8053 2374 Fax 2397.
Carradice bags er Duxback Clothing Carradice of Nelson Ltd,Westmoreland Works, St Mary's Street Nelson BB9 7BA Tel ±441282615886 Fax 602329. Germany: Rasko Tel +49 241553006 Fax 557350. Switzerland: Vitelli Velo-Bedarf AG. Tel +41 61361 7070 Fax 5770. Sweden: BG Saljkonsult Tel +461854 8188. USA: Rivendell Tel +1510 9337 304 Fax 305.
* Challenge High Wheeler Bishopthorpe Bicycles, 35 Keeble Park North, Bishopthorpe, York Y02 1 SX, UK Tel ±441904703413.
Chronos Hammer Chronos, 2936 Avenida Theresa, Carlsbad CA 92009, USA Tel/Fax +16199429049.
Galaxe Folding Bike KGB-Fahrradhandel, Donnerscheer Strasse 45,26123 Oldenburg Germany Tel ±494418850389 Fax 0388.
*Greenspeed Tandem Trike Greenspeed, 69 Mountain Gate Drive, Femtree Gully,Vic 3156, Australia Tel +6137585541 Fax 7524115.
* High Box Tricycle Christiania Smedie, Dammegardsvej 22, DK-3782 Klemnsker, Denmark Tel +45 5696 6700 Fax 6708. Benelux: Christiania lmprt, Holland Tel/Fax +31519 49539. Germany: Christiania Bikes Tel +49 306188015 Fax 113697 or Hanover Raderwerk Tel +49 511 717174 Fax 715151 or KoIn: Zwei plus Zwei Tel +492219514700 Fax 95147020.
Insider Pumps. Teconomic GmbH, Angersbachstr. 12a, 34127 Kassel Germany Tel + 49 56 1983360 Fax 0280129.
JackWolfskin Jack Wolfskin, AusrUstung für Draussen GmbH, Starkenburgstrasse 2, D-64546 Morfelden-Walldorf, Germany Tel +49 6105 93370 Fax 933769. Britain: Adventure Equipment Tel +44122877624. Holland: Wijsmann 87 De Jong VO.E Tel +31703212985. Belgium: Alpinisme ez Randonnee s.c. Tel/Fax +32 2633 5447
KoolStop Brake Blocks £, Puncture Repair Kit KoolStop, 1061 S. Cypress St, La Habra CA 90632 Tel ±1714 7384973 Fax 9926191.
KoolStop Original Trailers KoolStop, 10161S. Cyprus S; La Habra, CA 90632, USA Tel ±17147384973 Fax 992619. UK: Neatwork International Tel +44 890 883456 Fax 882709. France: Huret Cycles Tel +33130827152 Fax 6273, Switzerland: Hubacher Cycles Tel±41 223619360 Fax 20863. Europe: Third Wave Carriers Tel +3120 627 3312 Fax 3355.
KSS Hubs KSS Prazisions Fahrradkomponenten GMBH, Hauptbahnhofstrasse 1 b, 97424 Schweinfurt, Germany Tel +49 9721 87584 Fax 87218. France: Action Louis Long Tel +33 8169 4318 Fax 4949. Denmark: Anderson cz Nielson, H.I.Holstvej 6, DK 2610 Rodovre-Copenhagen Tel +45 314100 200 Fax 06 932. Switzerland: Hans Fuchs AG, Rutistri9, CH 08952 Schlieren Tel +4117304055. Fax 4850. USA: Trident Sports, 7140 Meeker Road, Dayton, OH 45414 Tel/Fax +15138909004.
*
Kunst ey Leder Bags KGB Fahrradhandel, Donnerschweer Strasse 4526123 Oldenburg, Germany Tel +49 441886 0389 Fax 0388.
Linear Linear Manufacturing Inc, Box 173, Guttenberg Iowa 52052, USA Tel +1319 2521637 Fax 3305. UK: Neatwork +44 890 883456 Fax 882709. Germany: Voss Spezial-Rad Tel +49 48214 1409 Fax 1014. Canada: Hi Trans Technologies Tel ±1514335911 Fax 8722.
iianufácurer? detaI's * Rollfiets/Duet Robert Hoening Spezialfahrzeuge, Ulmer Stra8e 16/2, D-71229 Leonberg, Germany, Tel +49 715 243046 Fax +49 715 273589. Denmark H. Meyland-Smith Tel +45 989 6 85 Fax 619 86. North America: Frank Mobility Systems Tel +1412 695 2122 Fax 2922. UK: Neatwork Tel +44 890 883456 Fax 882709.
LB-2 Fateba
Rubicon
Fateba Fahrradtechnik, Rosenstril, 8400 Winterthur, Switzerland Tel ±41522126911 Fax 213 7841.
Extreme Engineering, 22 Oak St Southport, Merseyside, PR8 6DD U K Tel/Fax +441704543916. USA: People Movers Tel +1714 633 3663 Fax 7890.
* Leitra Leitra Aps, P0 Box 64, DK 2570, Ballerup, Denmark Tel +45 421 83377 Fax 333 23235
Sachs 3 x 7-System
Lightning Recumbents
Fichtel ez Sachs AG, D-97419 Schweinfurt, Germany Tel 49 9721982 656 Fax 290.
Lightning Cycle Dynamics, 312 Ninth Street, Lompoc CA 93436 Tel +1805736 0700 Fax +1805737 3265. Germany: K Pichler Radtechnik Tel ±4972137 6166 Fax 0722. Holland: MS Tel +3131180 28759 Fax 37099.
Schmidt Maschinenbau, Kdnigswiesenweg 4W-7900 Ulm, Germany, Tel ±49731387533.
Lorri
Seagull (Möwe)
Kemper, Phil lipp-Reis-Str 11,40215 Dusseldorf Germany Tel/Fax 0049 211 343371.
Utopia, Eschberger Wegi, 66121 Saarbrücken, Germany Tel + 49681816506 Fax 15098.
Mesicek High Wheelers KGB Fahrradhandel, Donnerscgweer Strasse 45,26123 Oldenburg, Germany Tel +49 441 885 0389 Fax 0388.
* MS Brak Straat,11, 4331 - TM Middelburg, Netherlands Tel +31118028759 Fax 37099.
*Mikli n k Trailer
Schmidt Original Hub Dynamo
Streetglider FutureCycles, Friends Yard, London Road, Forest Rov. East Sussex RH18 5EE Tel +441342 822 847. Fax 826 726. Unable to supply to USA and Canada.
Street Machine HP Velotechnic Rossstr. 80, D-65830, Kriftel, German, Tel/Fax +49 61921479.
Miklink Ltd, 13 Rax Lane, Bridport, Dorset DT6 3JN Tel +441308421032 Fax 421034.
Tetrad
Mirrycle and Incredibell
Veit Lehman, Laubenhohe 10,69509 Morlenbach, Germany Tel/Fax ±49 6209 4189. Unable to supply to Australia, USIA, Canada, New Zealand.
Mirrycle Corporation, 6101 Ben Place, Boulder, Co 80301, USA Tel ±13034423495 Fax 4479273. England: Fisher of Finchley Ltd Tel ±4481 805 3088 Fax 8821. Germany GROFA Tel +49 6434 20080 Fax 200834. Klaus Schlote Tel +49 441920890 Fax 9208936. Trumpf Tel +49 9544 94421 Fax 944444. Switzerland: Bikewan Tel/Fax +41735537 Velok AG Tel +4119326200 Fax 6162. Australia: Biketech Tel +617278 20080 Fax 200834.
Monte Carlo Tyres Vredestein b\t Broekweg 29, NL-7005 AL Doetinchem, Netherlands Tel +318340 70555 Fax 70500. Germany: Schulerstrasse 23a, 66994 Dahn Tel +49 6391 5105 Fax 5207. Switzerland: Tel +411954 2060.
Mountain Drive Florian Schlumpf Ing. HTL Dorfstri0, CH-7324 Vilters, Switzerland Tel ±41817238009 Fax +41817238364.
Ostrad Recumbents Ostrad GmbH, Winsstr. 48,10405 Berlin, German. Tel ±49 304 411164 Fax 63. UK: Gears of Glasgow Tel/Fax ±44 141 3391179.
Pedersen Tandem KGB-Fahhradhandel, Donnerschweer Strasse 45,26123 Oldenburg, Germany Tel +49 441885 0389 Fax 0388.
Periscop Firma Marec Hase, Karl Friedrich Str.88, 44795 Bochum, Germany Tel+49 234 9469 050 Fax 099.
Pickup Seat of the Pants Company, P0 Box 5,Sale, Cheshire, MK 33 4,A. Tel/fax +44161976 5662. Germany: Norbert Henkel Muskelbetriebene Fahrzeug Tel +49 8053 2374 Fax 2397
Pitlock Sichersheittechnik, Peter Busse, Liegnitzer Str.42, 10999 Berlin, Germany Tel ±49 30 612 3961 Fax +49 30611 4336.
Powerglide Derailleur Paul Component Engineering. P0 Box 4826 Chico, California 95927, USA Tel +1 916 345 4371 Fax +19168999537. Australia: Subcultcha Tel +6115124790 Fax 730011771 Austria: Beader Vienna Tel +431865164024 Fax 1869 2212 Benelux: Vertex Cycle systems Tel + 31 2550718184 Fax 18606. Germany: Rabbit Tel/Fax ±49 80312 19933. Switzerland: Intercycle Tel +414523 6511 Fax 6352. UKAmpro Tel +331423711211 Fax 212.
Radnabel Fahrradwerkstatt Radnabel, Jakobgasse 19,72070 Tubingen, Germany Tel ±49 7071 23896.
Record Sinner Recumbents, Walkumweg 6,9923 PK Garsthuizen, Netherlands Tel/Fax +3159546 4318. England: Norfolk Recumbents Tel +441263861162. Germany: Alexander Zink Tel +49 721 375 834.
Thorn KiddyCranks St John Street Cycles 91/93 St John Street, Bridgwater,Somerset TA6 5HX Tel +44 01278 423632 Fax 431107
Timbuk2 Bags Timbuk2 Designs, Inc. 5327 Jacuzzi Street 3E-2, Richmond CA 94804, USA Tel +1510 526 0579 Fax 0599. Europe: Tel +4125 34 3800 Fax 3803.
Triframe Tandem Montague Corporation, 432 Columbia St, Ste 29, CambridgeMA 02140, USA Tel +1 617491 7200 Fax 7207.
Triset Schramm Spezialfahrradet Richtofenstr. 29, 31137 Hildesheim, Germany Tel +495121760372 Fax +49 5121 760326. Italy: Tend system, Trafoier K ez co.KG, 139011 Lana (BZ), Sudtirol Handwerkerzone, Italy. TeI+39 473563810 Fax 3363.
Twos Company Cresswell Cycles, 342 Cherry Wood Road, Bordesley Green, Birmingham, W Midlands B9 4UUTeI +442177 22512 fax 39548.
* Two'sDay Tandem ATP Green Gear Cycling 4065 West 11th Avenue 14, Eugene OR 97402, USA Tel +15036870487 Fax 403.
U+2 Cresswell Cycles, 342 Cherry Wood Road, Bordesley Green, Birmingham, W Midlands B9 4UU Tel +491217722512 Fax 7739548.
Vision Recumbents ATP, 952 Republican Street, Seattle, WA 98109, USA Tel +12067897323 Fax 4670175.Europe: Future cycles Tel +441342822847 Fax 826726.
Woodguards KGB Fahrradhandel, Donnerschweer Strasse 45,26123 Oldenburg Tel +49 441885 0389 Fax 0388.
Weco 3 BS- System G. Weymeyer Zweiradteile GmbH, Engerstrasse 2Z Postfach 1170, D-33824 Werthet, Germany. Tel +49 5203 225/6/8 Fax 227
Yak Trailer Beast of Burden Bike Trailers, 3641 Sacramento 3, San Luis Obispo CA 93401, USA Tel +18055412554 fax +1805543 8464. Europe: Third Wave Tel +3120 627 3312 Fax 3355. Canada: Cycle tech Tel +1403 273 1244 Fax 2481221. USA: Riteway Products West Tel 800 869 9866 Fax 800 6374.
Zzip Fairings Zzip Designs, P.O Box 14, Davenport CA 95017 USA Tel ±14084258650 Fax 1167 Germany: Voss Spezial-Rad Tel +49 4821 41409 Fax 41014. Radius Tel +49 251780 342 Fax 358. Pichler Radtechnik Tel +49 72137 6166 Fax 0377. UK: Neatwork Tel +4489088 3456 Fax 2709.
Bike (Iultur.( Talking Culture
These extracts are from articles which appeared in Bike Culture Quarterly, issues 1-6. BCQ is an ads-free magazine for cycle freaks everywhere. Details are at the back of this Encycleopedia.
Culture is not a word to use lightly for an activity as pleasurable and thrilling as cycling. Yet cycling has, for many people, become much more than great fun. It has become an expression of practical, individualistic alternatives to the destruction of our eco-systems, our communities, our health and our sanity. We are not talking here about the more commercialised, mainstream forms of cycling. These undoubtedly bring benefits to millions. But there is now a deeper bicycle culture, whose happy adherents see cycling as a way of life rather than an occasional leisure activity. They wish to see cycle design cutting free from conventions, so that pedal-power can be used in more varied and meaningful areas of our lives. This is matched by similarly dissident views in the area of transport politics and the environment. The bicycle may be a joyous vehicle for personal liberty, health and happiness; but it is also critically important in what will be a desperate struggle to save the world from ecological and social catastrophe. Bike Culture Quarterly is an international forum for the kinds of people whose ideas and visions can make things happen. It is a meeting place and information exchange for campaigners, designers, inventors, idealists, traditionalists, rebels and visionaries - any cyclist with an open mind and insights to share. By its nature Bike Culture Quarterly will appeal to relatively few cyclists. There are other cycling magazines which give fashion pages, basic maintenance advice and mountain bike reviews. There are no paid-for advertisements in BCQ. Adverts are inappropriate for an international magazine of ideas, and there is always the danger that they will influence editorial independence. Having no ads means that each issue has to cost more than a consumer magazine... ...Telling each-other how wonderful cycling is will not do much to change the world. By publicising good campaign ideas, and presenting the arguments well, we hope to inspire readers to get out there and campaign. Additionally, BCQ will be sent to key decision-makers in governments and agencies world-wide, bringing the best thinking in cycling to the people who have the power to make things happen in the political arena. (BCQ 1)
Bike theft - who gains, and who gives a damn? ...Bikes are marketed through happy, care-free leisure imagery. Buy a bike to quit the city and hit the hills. Buy a bike to be free, to be butch, to be fit... To mix the possibility of cycle theft into the selling message destroys its potency. Yet customers have other concerns, and there are clear signs that the likelihood of cycle theft is causing many of them to move downmarket in their buying patterns, or to buy secondhand. Could it be that cycle manufacturers decline to push security since they don't think they can offer anything meaningful in this area? Lack of a good idea has never stopped them before. All kinds of useless marketing gimmicks have been foisted on the public, yet even inadequate security innovations have never, to my knowledge, been promoted as unique selling points. In fact there are at least three ways in which mass-produced bikes can be made theft-resistant. Frame-locking is one. The other is the siting of the frame number in large figures in a prominent place, making the numbers part of the frame-making process. The third is the provision of brazed-on fittings for permanently attached cable locks by the front and rear wheels, so that both wheels can be secured to the frame in seconds. None of these is a perfect solution, but the lack of any effort in these directions begs the fundamental question as to what the cycle manufacturers of the world gain by their disinterest in security. Jim McGurn (BCQ 1).
Cycling on the Web For cyclists, a journey through cyberspace at 186,000 miles per second is a wild ride, indeed. This type of global access to and communication with bikies everywhere is unprecedented and has endless possibilities. In this vast electronic community, your neighbours live half way around the world and your personal library contains practically every book ever published. You can take a bicycle tour of Jotunheimen, Norway, trade bike accident war stories with other bike veterans, download gear inch ratio calculator programs, read entire magazines online - complete with photos - or even plot the coming 'velorution' with your fellow bike advocates, all from your home, office or school. Or someday, if communications technology developers have their way, even from your bike. Dylan MacDonald (BCQ 6).
The decadence of Dutch cyclists Dutch cyclists are a decadent species. Like animals in a zoo, they are lazy, lousy and unambitious. This is because they do not have to cope with their natural enemies and do not have to compete with other creatures of their own breed. This unnatural situation is created by their cyclepaths network (unknown in the rest of the world), which is responsible for the insane separation of the cyclists from their predators - motorists. In normal conditions survival belongs to the fittest, most aggressive and fastest among cyclists. The Dutch situation is similar to that found in the forest, where there are deer and no wolves. In such poor conditions
a
the human being must take on the role of predator. Otherwise there is an increase in the deer population in terms of health and size. These bicycle paths should be closed down immediately, danger as they are to the fitness of Dutch cyclists. Doctor Cracker (BCQ 2).
A Doctor Addicted
Go for the Money Perhaps the greatest problem in promoting the development of cycling as a widespread means of general transport is that cycling is economical. The low personal cost of travelling by bike, and on a broader scale, the huge investment savings in environmental damage, road construction, hospital and emergency services that come with increased use of bikes, are seen as virtues. Yet it is precisely because cycling is economical that governments do little to promote bicycles... ...lnstead of taxing motorists, governments should sub-
...During the training part of my general practice I was often politely but firmly told by my superiors that the bicycle was not quick enough or that it would just be impractical because of bad weather. What they really meant was that the sight of a doctor on a bicycle reflected badly on the Practice - a question of professional dignity... ...Congestion in Glasgow is bad news for doctors or ambulance crew trying to reach emergencies, but I can still slice through traffic at some speed on my bike. I was once at a heart attack within about two minutes, well before the ambulance which had been ordered at the same time. I accompanied the patient to hospital and, as a courtesy, the ambulance took me back to where I had left my "transport". I can still remember the faces of the crew when I directed them to my parked bike. I have a mobile phone so that I am always instantly available and I found the best place to locate it is the back of a waistband. I had a tailor make me up some waistcoats with fluorescent yellow backs. My choice of machine depends on the weather and my mood. Because we live very near to the surgery I can swap bikes during the day. If I am taking my youngest to nursery school then I use a tricycle which has a childseat between the rear wheels. I also use this machine if the weather is particularly windy or icy.
Cohn Guthrie (BCQ 1).
sidise cyclists. Paying people to ride bikes would be a cost effective option, and would directly help the people in most need... ...At a practical level, implementing a subsidy for cyclists is well within the bounds of possibility. The technology
Whole roads, p
that has placed cash vending machines on every high street and shopping mall can solve the problem of monitoring cycle usage. Ride your bike to work and earn your lunch money. As for where the money would come from, just a portion of the huge budgetsfor road building would be ample... ...What cyclists have to realise though, is that we are well past the stage of playing Mr Nice Guy. It is no good spending time politely saying how wonderful the bicycle is and hoping that politicians will promote it. Politicians, like governments, run on money. They will pay attention to bicycles only when cyclists are an economic force to be reckoned with. And that will happen only when cyclists assert and hold an inalienable right to first priority in transport planning and budgets. Richard Ballantine (BCQ 1).
...If there are two roads, each going to the same place, why not close one of them to motor traffic, making the other an exclusive byway for cyclists and walkers? Who needs expensive new cycleways tortuously adapted from existing facilities? Just hand over entire roads to us! After all, motor traffic has entire roads exclusively for its own use... ...An attractive and integrated route network will be a mecca for cyclists. They will flock to whichever area has had the courage to force such measures through... ...This has to be the tourism of the future: harmony with the countryside, safe, integrated facilities and lots of fun. The routes are there already. A road network dedicated to cyclists could be in place within a few years, given the political will.
Jim McGurn (BCQ 6).
Bicycling beyond the Dinosaurs Images of age ...The arguments have been won. Bicycle advocacy is over. We live in exciting times... ...Before the universal acceptance that bicycle and pedestrian traffic are an important part of any viable transport economy, it was possible to campaign in favour of cycling and walking without addressing the problem of the automobile head-on. Now We must move our campaigns from 'as well as' to instead of'... ...The prosperity of the motor-industry is still used to measure the prosperity of the world. Waste equals human happiness, Banking 011 the cal' to keep the global-ecoriom going in the same dead-enddirection is as futile as campaigning for war to keep mu iii turns workers in jobs. The motor-industry is huge and powerful, it is also little more than tile sum of millions of human choices. We can defeat it... ...The arguments have been von. Riecle advocacy is over, Patrick Held (BCQ 1).
The back door to Utopia ...Then, moving the solutions closer to the cities, there might be a series of pedal-powered activity parks just outside of major conurbations. These would be commercial enterprises, perhaps sited at existing visitor attractions. They would offer something which many would-be cyclists yearn for: a safe, controlled, Supportive environment for exploring all the possibilities within cycling. Leafy, lanes for cruising round on roadsters, off-road tracks for mountain-biking, a smooth track for trying out some speed cycling, safe arenas for young children to belt round on tricycles. Every kind of cycle would be there to be tried out: from unicycles to multicvcles, from fast recumbents to transporter trikes, from Dutch roadsters to monorail cycles. Throw in a small cycle museum, all interactive cycle technology exhibition and a cafe: to give a lowinvestment leisure centre exactly in line with all the predictions made about future tourism and leisure patterns... ...A 'themeci' activity park based on pedal-power would not be an escape from the world outside, but a means of changing the world outside for the better. At the same time it would be much more fun than holding conversations with sickeningly jolly people in Mickey Mouse masks... Jim McGurn (BCQ 3).
...So numerous will be the grey-haired generation that they will create their own strong identity, their own concepts of what is fashionable in cycling and what is not, ignoring the brash irrelevance of youth-culture cycle fashion... Already, some older people are showing an independence of spirit by recognising the specific advantages which recumbents, and especially tricycle recumbents, can bring them: such as alow frame, relaxed position, lower wrist fatigue and, for tricycles, easy low speed manoeuvrability and very low no-wobble gearing on hills. The grey-haired generation will spend on good bikes and on quality accessories, on cycling facilities and on cycling holidays. This trend has begun, and will increase markedly. Millions of cyclists with decades of experience to call on, and the leisure to apply it, will put further pressure on government for ever better facilities The future looks interesting. Jim McGurn (BCQ 6).
The charge for the future ...One of the best guides to the scale of the coming changes lies in the behaviour of the oil companies. They've been leaning on car manufacturers and regulatory agencies, dispatching lobbyists with the message that electric cars are slow, unreliable, and expensive. Yet electrics provide more performance at a lower price with each passing year. Like it or not, electric cars will arrive in large numbers soon. So are we on the path to paradise? Anyone who has understood the complexity of the transport problems we have today can only say no. Brendan Mernin (BCQ 5).
A leg to stand on Old things sometimes seem to last for ever. Right up into the seventies, for example, some cars still had running boards: a design inherited from the days of the horse carriage, and even today 90 percent of cars show in their design at least some vestige of the old carriage mudguard. It's not much different with us cyclists. Because the venerable Baron von Drais hung the wheels of his first hobby-horse within a two-pronged fork we ride around now, at the dawn of the 21st Century on the same arrangement. Hans Christian Smolik (BCQ 6).
The bicycle and the rise of individualism
The P3 to Paradise The P3 cyclepath was already alive with cyclists, mostly commuters, as Stella freewheeled from the Cityrail platform to the entry gate...
...The railway had been a precursor to the bicycle, but it did not meet the changing needs of modern transport since it followed predetermined routes, at predetermined times, to specified destinations. It served the masses who were prepared to subordinate themselves to official timetables, who were willing to fit into someone else's regime. The bicycle can be used for countless self selected routes, at every hour and in every direction of the compass. It meets the needs of individuals and matches the eternal multiplicity of the human will... ...Other areas of the economy were affected. The American monthly magazine The Forum reported in 1896 on how different trades were suffering from cycling. For example, wealthy people who used to give their children such presents as a gold watch, a piano, or furniture for their rooms, no longer did so. The magazine reflected that piano and clock-makers might well be complaining, but this was not necessarily a bad thing given the numbers of talentless people playing the piano, and it was beneficial for anyone to get out on a bike. It was good that a healthy sport drove out a dispensable luxury. Albert Herrestal (BCQ 3).
...Stella programmed in her co-ordinates and disabled her message receiver. Then, with a trace of a smile, she keyed in her gear ratio requirements for herjourney - setting the indexing for mostly high-end gears. She opted for manual
The culture crunch
rather than CVT She had no objection to Continuous Variable Transmission, but today she wanted the fast responsiveness and acceleration of manual changing. This was going to be some ride. As she rolled onto the bike path Stella primed the servoassist on her braking system, her legs sensing a strong drag for a few seconds while the servo springs in the hub brakes took their one-use charge. The path was filling up. Mostly schoolchildren and commuters, with a few delivery trikies trying to beat the rush hour. There were as many people on the footpath. Stella quickly joined the fast riders and electro-assists in the express lane. The path had been duelled just three years previously, and there were already plans for two extra lanes. The morning sunshine smiled broadly over the countryside ahead, glinting on the blades of a wayside wind-and-solar
...My own view is that the UCI ban was irrelevant. What stopped recumbent development was World War II. After the War there was nothing to prevent recumbent advocates from doing what was eventually done: forming an organisation outside the UCI. Perhaps it was post-war economic hardship which kept people back. Perhaps there were cultural factors. For example, anyone who has toured in France is familiar with the packs of club racers that show up on the rural roads on Sunday mornings. Having a racing bike like your friend or like your Tour de France hero is what is important to the amateur French cyclist in the very social club racing scene. A recumbent would be out of place.
John Riley (BCQ 6).
electro- charging station on the horizon. Stella cruised at 30 kays and relaxed.
Jim McGurn (BCQ2).
Safeties first ...The UCI is holding out for decent non-commercial values and rider safety, protecting a high-powered, volatile sport from chaos. Yet their belated and grudging acceptance of tn-bars and disk wheels, after years of resistance, has shown them to have no clear policy. Why, after years of No, No, No and Definitely Not, do they suddenly say Yes, and accept a design change? Instinctive conservatism, heavy lobbying,and committee politics are more in evidence than good logic.
Mike Burrows (BCQ 2).
The Crossing of Hokkaido .011 a bicycle, time is lengthened, then stretched, then lengthened some more. Minutes are massaged. Hours are decompressed. Suddenly you see the farmers standing quietly in their rice fields, tending the summer crop; slowly you breathe in the panorama of an entire fishing village working in the morning light on the beaches below. Atop a bicycle it is still possible to stumble upon a gaggle of children playing on an empty side street, or a hunched grandmother trudging home at dusk still attired in traditional indigo blue work clothes. Alan K. Suemori (BCQ 3).
I, 71
I
Prehistory The Industrial Revolution did not clasp the velocipede to its mechanical heart. Coal and Capital were intent on using the power of steam to break through the traditional limitations of Nature. In an age much taken with large-scale alternatives to animal and human-power there was little interest among professicnal engineers in the development of humanpowered vehicles ... It was the enthusiasts of the back yard and tool shed who experimented in velocipede design... "Sir, I propose a hot air balloon velocipede. My object is to secure the perpendicularity of the machine by a balloon just large enough for that purpose, thereby securing confidence in the rider, at the same time it will assist the machine in climbing hills and passing over rough roads. There is an oil lamp to supply the balloon with hot air."
Boneshaker Mania
i
ow na
P
L)
M111111
rc
EM
,
In the course of 1996 the publishers of Encycleopedia will bring out an illustrated and truly international social history of cycling entitled 'The Perfect Machine, the Story of Cycling' This will be a new and much updated edition of 'On Your Bicycle'..which was written by Jim McGurn, co-publisher and editor of Encycleopedia. It was much acclaimed when first published by John Murray in 1987, but has been out of print for six years. The text will be considerably altered, and, with afew exceptions, fresh illustrations (including many in colour) will be used. Format and design will also change,, and the book will be published simultaneously in German. This will be a handsome and lavishly produced book, probably in hardback. As we go to press we do not have exact publishing details, but readers are invited to register an interest. We'll contact you with exact details before publication, to see if you want to order. All orders taken before publication attract a 10% discount - so get in touch with us. Signed copies on request.
At the Pare de Saint Cloud, on the southern edge of the Bois, a wide cross-section of Parisian society turned out regularly to watch gaudily dressed competitors rattle their machines around a race track. At night in Paris velocipedes with lanterns swinging in front of them darted among the carriages like fire flies. Some riders strapped miniature lanterns to their chests; and velocipedes displaying illuminated advertisements were sent out by enterprising tradesmen. Velocipedes also found their way into the theatres and music halls, where scantily dressed women rose acrobatically. Religious authorities pondered the moral implications of velocipeding. Should one, for example, velocipede to church or to a funeral? Henry Ward Beecher, the celebrated pastor of the Plymouth Congregational Church of Brooklyn, hoped to see a thousand velocipedists wheeling (ie riding) their machines to Plymouth Church. At the other.extreme was the case of a youth from a religiously conservative Shaker community who made his own velocipede. His father maintained that such a machine could be ridden only towards the devil and smashed it with an axe. The boy left home.
Market Forces Pope's hard work in the cause of cycling certainly prospered his business. Yet he appears to have believed firmly in the rightness of his cause and in securing benefits for the public as a whole. He was himself a touring cyclist ... Pope's bicycles, and those of later competitors, were manufactured in quantity and on the principal of interchangeability of parts. This move away from individualised handworking was based on machine tool standardisation and micrometer measuring. Pope's marketing was also standardised.
The Tendency to Tricycle
One basic reason for the tricycle's role as a denominator of class was its expense. The mechanical complexity of tricycles made them
two or even three times as expensive as a bicycle of comparable quality. It is possible that costs were increased by the shortness of production runs; the huge potential for design changes, which was so lacking in two wheeler technology, encouraged rapid obsolescence and could leave manufacturers with expensive but unsellable stock on their hands. Those consumers who saw their tricycles as tokens of their status would want to be seen riding (and affording) the latest models.
Difficulties in Germany Whereas the French state smiled kindly upon the bicycle, cyclists in Germany were met by the forces of conservatism. Wilhelm the first's disdain was matched at ground level by the legislatures of individual states, provinces and cities. The touring cyclist needed to be familiar with the intricacies of cycle law in each province en route. Many roads, both rural and urban including 50 percent of all Bavarian roads, were closed to cyclists, or else open only at certain times of day. Most provinces insisted on single file riding, and on busier streets cyclists were obliged to ride at distances of ten metres from each other. Tourists who failed to notice relevant road signs, or who otherwise transgressed, were at the mercy of plain clothes policemen who sometimes hid behind trees or in ditches.
The end of womanhood The militant Women's Rescue League, based in Washington D.C., was warning that cycling fostered a familiarity with men which led to immorality, and that cycling was so injurious to women that it would rather render them invalids within a decade. The danger to health argument was more usually propagated by male doctors. It was claimed in Paris that "the bicycle signifies the end of womanhood since its use causes serious damage to the feminine organs of matrimonial necessity."
National Socialism In Germany the liberating ethos of cycling was subverted by the National Socialists strident philosophy of physicality. They organised, among other things, a Day of the German Cyclist in 1933, which included a vast cycle rally of uniformed party members in Berlin. National Socialism was marketed through cycle shops in the form of accessories bearing swastikas. There was even a tyre which left an imprint consisting entirely of swastikas.
The quiet revolution The bicycle is the vehicle of a new mentality. It quietly challenges a system of values which condones dependency, wastage, inequality of mobility and daily carnage. Cycling provides little scope for selfaggrandisement, consumerism or big business profit: it is perhaps too simple, cheap and independent for its own good in this age of excess.
•
I
Riding the High Wheel
So demanding was the high bicycle / that it appealed to athletic and adventurous males who found plea'1 sure in sharing the sense of risk • L3 with fellow clubman, and in mastering the fastest vehicle on the roads. And if personal status was 4' sometimes associated with the height of a rider's wheel, it was an infinitely more innocent failing I than the later forms of self-aggrandisement through fast motor cars. A Communal bravado and mutual . '. . admiration were not the only reasons for joining a bicycle club. Riding in a club gave some protection against the ridicule, insults and stones which were sometimes aimed at wheelmen The choice of Saturday for club runs handicapped the many working class men who worked all that day, although a good number of clubs had Saturday afternoon rides for those whose work was over by mid-day. Sunday riding was frowned upon by the Church of England and by the Lord is Day Observance Society. Club rules often disallowed the wearing of uniforms and club badges on a Sunday, and runs tended to be unofficial. Riders often referred to such outings as 'church parades', perhaps to draw a humorous contrast between ecclesiastical and cycling activities, but possibly in reference to the large number of churches which a rider would pass on a day run. The Cyclists' Touring Club requested members who rode on a Sunday to remove or cover up their CTC badges. Since Saturday work and Sunday observance were so prevalent, many clubs held evening rides. Most clubmen were middle-class town or city people, and they were exclusively male. The pastime was considered too dangerous for women, and long skirts made it impossible for them. The upper classes preferred their own, less controversial pastimes such as boating, tennis, riding, polo and carriage outings. -7 1
••
L
T=Shirts *Encycleopedia 94195 T-St
All our T-shirts are made from top of the range premium 100% cotton by Screen Stars and are available in either large or extra-large.
The Encycleopedia 94 T-shirt features the wi Encycleopedia (in black with 'cy, picked out in red) as a small rn on the front, and a colour reprod tion of David Eccles' Encycleope 94/95 cover design on the b
Bike Culture T-Shirt The simple Bike Culture T-shirt sports the BCQ logo, designed by David Eccles, reproduced as a small crest on the front and enlarged right across the back, printed black on white.
UA VLT
/
-.'
/
BCQ2 T-Shirt The BCQ2 T-shirt also sports the BCQ logo on the front as a small crest but features the popular cover picture from BCQ No2, by David Eccles, in full colour on the back.
Videos
Owing to popular demand, are now also offering our T-shirts I special format for the recumbent cycl. This format features the main image on i front as opposed to the back with the smai logo/crest on the left sleeve. If you would like t format please remember to tick the appropru box on the order foi * The Encycleopedia 96 T-Shirt will be available so Prices and sizes are the same as those for the 94195 T-S
F Fl 1
Postcards
Encycleopedia accompanying video Accompanying this 1996 Encycleopedia is a free video approaching 40 minutes in length, with an English sound track. It features almost all the cycles listed as main products in the book, as well as other cycling themes. We have produced this video so that you can see the cycles in action: giving you a better idea of how they perform. You can see how folders fold, how the riding positions of recumbents look etc. In some cases the makers of individual products will be describing their work. This video is made available to all participating shops, and is sent out with all Encycleopedias ordered directly from ourselves. If you see this video symbol on a page you will know that the main product on that page is shown on the video. If you see the same symbol with the word FEATURE beneath it, this means the product is shown at greater length than the others, and in more detail. Extra copies can be ordered directly from the publishers or their agents - see pages 145/146. Copies of the video produced to accompany the 1994/95 Encycleopedia are still available. This video was produced and retailed separately from the book and has a correspondingly higher price tag. The Encycleopedia 96 video has around 40 minutes running time and the 94/95 video runs for around 20 minutes. Both videos feature an English soundtrack, are available in either PAL or NTSC formats (you will automatically receive the format most appropriate for your country), and are for VHS use only.
Bicycle - the cycling video
These two images are now available in postcard format, each in packs of ten. Ideal for spreading the message amongst your friends. The reverse side has space for a message and address, with an unobtrusive message about BCQ
,..
.e.-
-1-
YRKHLMS OF F N:; 1 A N
We are continuing to offer PAL copies on VHS of this universally acclaimed video. This two hour tape is a specially edited compilation of six, half-hour programmes originally broadcast in 1991: Invention - the evolution of the modern bicycle. Wheels of Change - Mass production and craftsmanship. The mountain bike ascendancy. Recumbents and the aerodynamics of cycling. The Ultimate - a season with Greg LeMond, riding with the Tour de France. The Business - How the powerbase of cycle production has shifted towards the East. The multi-billion yen racing business of Japanese Keirin. Free Spirits - The sweetspots and obsessions of those who live by the bicycle. Vehicle for a Small Planet - Clean air, road space and fossil fuels are being sacrificed to the motor vehicle. The argument for a mass return to the bicycle is irrefutable. The Bicycle video costs ÂŁ14.99 + postage. The sound track is in English.
AUSTRALIA AND USA. The York Films Bicycle video is available in Australia and the USA only from their agents. The retail price may differ from the above price. Australia: The Video Bookshelf, 25 Nelson Street, Balaclava, Victoria 3183. Tel. (03) 534 7246. USA: Famous Cycling Videos Inc, 704 Hennepin Avenue, Box Cl, Minneapolis, 55403. Tel. 1 800 359 3107
Prices and ordering details are on page 145/146
Binders A smart, high quality binder is now available f Culture. It can hold at lei issues, and has 'Bike Cul Quarterly' printed in gol the spine. Copies can be read ' bound or individually pu out and replaced.
David Eccles Prints
4 ALPHA BANTAM CIRCA 1898 The Alpha Bantam was built by the Cry pto Cycle Company in Clerhenwell Rood, London and was one of the last in a series of attempts to maintain the popularity of
ryyyy.yyyyy
We commissioned David Eccles, one of Britain's foremost cyding illustrators, to produce original images of 19th century cycles in the form of a limited edition set of four linocuts. Conceiving an image and printing it from a block of cork linoleum is a rare and delicate craft. Alinocut has a limited capacity for printing due to the fragility of the material. David produced 75 individually numbered and signed sets of the four prints before cancelling each block The size of mo-block David those for our prints is near the maximum size for his AJbion' press. Because both the printing and the inking are done by hand no two prints will be exactly the same. The paper, made entirely from 100% cotton and acid-free, has been specially made by hand for this edition by Chris Bingham of Ruscombe Valley Paper. It replicates exactly paper made in the mid-to-late 1700s, and is normally used for repairing books and documents of that period. For our purposes we had the making hot-pressed by the Wookey Hole Mill. The paper is called 'Queen Anne', the colour is 'Edinburgh Shade' and the weight llOgsm. It was supplied by Limehouse merchant John van Oosterom. These prints are offered individually and subject to availability, also in sets of all four prints. Each print is numbered, signed and dated by the artist The prints have all been window-mounted on 46cm x 41cm acidfree conservation board. For practical reasons, we cannot supply the prints ready-framed. The prints can be ordered individually or, subject to availability, as a complete co-ordinated set of four.
direct front-drive against the ever increasing popularity of the chain-driven rear wheel drive. The Bantam sported an epicyclic hub gear in the front wheel.
0
7M
MERGAMOBILE The 'Mergamobile' was made of wood and propelled via a pulley system operated in a treadle fashion via the pedals. The origins of the machine are unclear, and opinion varies considerably. We would welcome any new information on this mysterious machine.
4 Bicycle Racing mid 1880s High bicycles were exciting and precarious thoroughbreds. Direct drive meant that one rotation of the pedals translated into one revolution of the wheel: so wheels remained large until the gradual introduction of the smaller-wheeled safety bicycle, made possible by the happy idea of running a chain to the rear wheel.
DURSL.EYPEDERSEN TANDEM, turn of the century. Pedersens, in solo or tandem form, were an elegant and expensive alternative to conventional diamond-framed bicycles. At least one Pedersen tandem weighed an astonishing 281b (12.7kg) and was designed to carry 24 stone (153kg).
.1
Posters ~11
The Pedersen bicycle never made it into the colourful world of 1890s lithographic poster art - partly because the Pedersen came along towards the end of the poster period, but also because it was too specialised a machine for mass-circulation posters. We put things right, late in the day, by commissioning David Eccles to produce this sensuous new Pedersen poster working from a French original of the same period. Printed on high quality 170gsm gloss art paper the A3 poster measures 420 x 297mm. This poster, by Bonn van Loon, is the kind of image which governments should be issuing. We hope that it will inspire readers to spread the message of the joy of cycling, and inspire the unconverted to give cycling a go. The poster is printed A3 size (420 x 297mm) on high quality 170gsm gloss art paper for framing, but is also available on cheaper paper for bulk sales to individuals and organisations who wish to use it for campaigning or promotional purposes. Please contact us to discuss terms for bulk purchases.
Prices and ordering details are on page 145/146
The publishers of Encycleopedia also produce Bike Culture Quarterly. BCQ1s something very special. It's
ed cyclists everywhere: inventors, campaigners, visionaries and traditionalists. It's original from tip to
an unconventional, full-colour magazine of ideas,
toe, starting with its specially commissioned David
technology, cycle art, literature, recumbents and
Eccles front covers. With no ads and a lack of result
touring: and it does not take advertising. It brings
based editorial, BCQ has a timeless appeal. Most
together a community of free-thinking enthusiasts
newcomers to the magazine want to start at the
the world over. BCQis a lively forum for open-mind-
beginning and obtain a full set
IIuIIIII
Ii1T!h 4utht
flCyC/eopedja
.&
-
This 1996 Encycleopedia is the third edition in the series. The first two editions are still available and although prod uct prices and dealer lists may have changed the earlier editions can still offer useful insights as well as being a good read in their own right This is particularly true of the
.
-:-J
---
...-4 I
1994/95 edition which has, bound into it, the full issue Three of Bike Culture Quarterly, making 180 pages in all.
'
â&#x20AC;˘.
.
BIKE -
CULT P1
-=
--
-
What they're saying about Bike Culture and Encycleopedia around the world "These beautifully produced magazines are chock full of
"A very pleasurable read, opulently produced"
wonderful and wierd machines and the fascinating and
Fiets Magazine, Holland
often controversial topics that make up the grand sport
of cycling. If you're like me, you'll treasure every issue". Jim Langley, Senior Technical Editor Bicycling Magazine "Creates a bridge between the small manufacturer and the general public ... gives an insight into the world
of small
makers with great ideas"
of cycling alternatives successfully ...
marries reference material with entertaining information" Cycling Plus, Britain
"The best alternative cycling magazine (apart from our own) that we have ever seen" Recumbent Cyclist News
Radfahren Magazine. Germany "A treasure trove
"The latest Encycleopedia/BCQ is awesome beyond words light years ahead!" Network News, USA
"A reassurance that there are people out there who are still thinking... a breath
of fresh air in a traffic jam, clearing the
head and prompting a second look at what you're doing." Australian Cyclist
Prices anpordering details are on page 145/146
Open Road Ltd has made reasonable efforts to ensure that all products featured in Encycleopedia are of high quality, from respectable sources, and are accurately described. Not every product has been tested extensively. It is the responsibility of the purchaser of a product to ensure that the product is safe and appropriate for the purpose intended. We cannot accept responsibility for the consequences of transactions between readers and producers and/or distributors of the products described in Encycleopedia Open Road Ltd has made every effort to ensure that the shops listed in Encycleopedia are reputable, efficient and sympathetic to the aims of Encycleopedia. However, we cannot bear responsibility for the actions of shops, nor for the consequences of transactions between readers and shops.
Aerobike Air Tandem AM Series Attache-Mee Racks Bebop Pedals Bernds Faltrad BEVO-Bike BikeHod Trailers Bike TwosDay Birdy BrornptonT5 Brox BTB Burley Trailers Burrows Windcheetah Carradice Bags Challenge Racer Chronos Hammer Citibike Cycle Star Mirrors D.O.G. Diogenes e7 Royal Flash Discoverer Discovery Expedition Dolphin e7 Donkey Trailers Easy e7 Tough Encore EZ-1 Fateba LB2 Fold-it e7 Micro Freedom Bags Galaxe Greenspeed High Box Transporter Insider Mini-pump Kool Stop Brake Blocks Kool Stop Original Trailers KooI Stop Repair Kits KSS Bottom Brackets Kunst e7 Leder Bags Leitra Lightning P-38, Stealth, R-84 Linear Lord M5 Mesicek Miklink Trailers Mirrycle Mirrors e7 Bells Monte Carlo Tyres Mountain Drive 2 Speed Mdwe (Seagull) Ostrad SWB Pedersen of Denmark Periscop Pickup Pitlock Security System Powerglide Derailleurs Radnabel Record Rollfiets (Duet) Rubicon Sachs 3x7 Gears Schmidt's Original Hub Dynamos Street Machine Streetglider Tetrad Thorn Kiddycranks Timbuk2 Bags Triframe Triset Twos Company U+2 Vision Weco 3BS-Syncro Hubs Woodguards Yak 16 Trailers ZZipper Fairings
Aerobikes Ltd Bilenky Cycle Works Alex Moulton Ltd Steco Metaalwarenfabriek by Bebop Incorporated Bernds Voss Spezia]-RadGmbH Bike Hod All Terrain Trailers ATP Green Gear Cycling Riese undM端ller Brompton Bicycle Ltd Brox Corporation Ltd Body-Turn-Bike Burley Design Cooperative The Seat of the Pants Co Carradice of Nelson Ltd Bishopthorpe Bicycles Chronos Citibike Manufacturing Co Ltd Busch e7MuIIer St John Street Cycles Jack Wolfskin PJ Taylor Cycles St John Street Cycles Utopia (Winther) Bjallby Recumbents Santana Cycles Inc Easy Racers Inc Fateba Fahrradtechnik Cresswell Cycles Freedom Bikepacking Niels KeldMaskinfabrik Greenspeed Cykel Fabrikken Teconornic GmbH Kool Stop Kool Stop Kool Stop KSS Walzlager-Vertriebs GmbH Kunst e7 Leder LeftraAps UghtningCyde Dynamics Linear Manufacturing Inc Kemper M5 Mesicek Miklink Ltd Minycle Corporation Vredestein Florian SchlumpfSpezialmasthinenbau Utopia Ostrad GmbH Jesper SoIling Cykelproduktion Firma Marec Hase The Seat of the Pants Co Busse Sicherheitstechnik Paul Component Engineering Radnabel Fahrradwerkstatt Sinner Robert HoeningSpezialfahrzeuge Extreme Engineering Ltd Fichtel e7 Sachs AG Schmidt Maschinenbau HP Velotechnik Future Cydes Firma Veit Lehmann St John Street Cycles Timbuk2 Designs, Inc Montague Corporation Schramm Spezia]-Fahrrader Cresswell Cycles Cresswell Cycles Advanced Transportation Products G. WehmeyerZweiradteile GmbH Woodguards Beast of Burden Bike Trailers Zzip Designs
8-9 60-61 46 104 114 86 34 100 62-63 87 88 92-93 10-11 78 12-13 105 40-41 119 50-51 119 82-83 112 52-53 64-65 79 16-17 66-67 14-15 22-23 84-85 114 47 18-19 101 115 119 80 120 120 106 57 20-21 35 94-95 24-25 42-43 102 115 116 107 44-45 26-27 48 68-69 96-97 108 116 36 28-29 54-SS 30-31 109 110 38 37 117 120 117 70-71 98-99 72-73 76-77 32-33 111 113 118 118