Radon Oversized Magazine 01/2016 EN

1ST ISSUE 2016

HAll oF FAmE raDoN oversIZeD MaGaZINe

2016

BIKES, TRENDS & TEAMS

BIKE TESTS 2016

WE loVE SUNSHiNE!

PENNY BOARDS

3.000 Km

BY BIKE FROM GERMANY TO SPAIN おい; オイ [OI] »

HAllo!; JApAN

VISIT BY SUZUKI JAJA UMA CLUB

SiEGFriED

THE RHINELAND GIN

A YEAR HAS 365 DAYS, BUT 365 DAYS ARE NOT ENOUGH. Dear reader, It’s the same every year. The Oversized edition lies in front of me, it needs to be revised, reread and proof-read and I ask myself, where has all the time gone? In the fi rst edition we announce what our new year business resolutions are, at which events we’re going to be, where our brand is (hopefully) going to be positioned and of course, which innovations we’re going to develop and present and fi nally, what’s being planned for the future – and, before we’ve noticed it, time’s gone.

This year has just begun and we’ve made extensive plans. Everything will be better, more affordable – whether we can manage that – we’ll see! The preparations are done; new developments are going into production; the new 140 seems to be a massive hit. We’re looking forward to the design and innovation award 2016

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Our 120 has already harvested premature praise. The racer has been revised and the brand value – according to the recent reader survey from relevant bike magazine, has increased substantially. Every 5th ‘bike’ reader would buy a Radon brand bike – and third position in the Mountainbike magazine.

Over 90% of the readers of Bike, Trekkingbike, Tour and Freeride confi rm best price-performance ratio on the German market. Our construction teams have success in international competition.

Raphaela Richter achieved the overall victory in SRAM enduro series at the early age of 17. Our downhill team established itself winning top positions in German championships.

We were also able to sign up acting German champion Johannes Fischbach, who, at the beginning of this year won his fi rst downhill in RADON tricot.

The entire RADON Team wishes you all a fabulous start in 2016.

Christopher Stahl and the whole RADON Team.

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NEWS 2016

36 » Johannes Fischbach

star gain in RADON Downhill Team 88 » Elisabeth Brandau

Gold medal in Cyclo Cross 90 » Tests 2016

Overview of winner bikes 94 » ZR Race Hybrid 98 » Swoop 170 9.0 100 » Slide Carbon 160 9.0 HD 102 » Skeen 120 104 » Slide Carbon 140 10.0 106 » Design & Innovation

Award 2016 – Shaping the

Future 110 » R1 4.0 112 » Spire 7.0 120 » Service partner network

Action

10 » Events 2016 – See, touch & Ride RADON 48 » Ferrari Dino 246 GT– The legend lives 60 » 10 years SUZUKI Jaja-Uma Club

places

to be

22 » Viva Cuba, viva Cohiba!

30 » White peaks

ACTION made in St. Anton 64 » Japan – land of the rising sun 82 » 3.000 km with RADON across Europe 114 » Mallorca –

paradies for bikers 128 » Crankworx

Bike Festival 2015

LIFESTYLE

Imprint Company‘s seat: H&S Bike-Discount GmbH Wernher-von-Braun-Str. 15 | 53501 Grafschaft Tel.: +49 2225 . 88 88-0 E-Mail: info@radon-bikes.de www.radon-bikes.com Responsible for contents: Dipl. Volkswirt Christopher Stahl Design and implemetation: motion-marketing.de Editors: Lars Wiegand, Andreas Solinski, Sansibar, Markus Boy, Joost Wiechmann Fotos: Stefan Eisend, © istockphoto.com, fotolia.com, Sansibar, PeopleImages, Armin Küstenbrück, Thomas Dietze, Irmo Keizer, © H&S Bike-Discount GmbH 2016

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Siegfried Rhineland Gin – honest, special, artisanal Riva Aquarama We love sunshine!

Penny Boards Must Haves for 2016 Sansibar World

LIFESTYLE  >> GIN

Honest special artisanal 6 | radon-bikes.com

LIFESTYLE >> GIN

SIEGFRIED Rhineland dry gin is a regional distillation and a gin in the classical sense: flavourful, mature yet subtle. Siegfried thrills with its delicate composition of 18 botanicals, delights with its charm and pleasures with its straight character.

BIG NAME, MUCH BEHIND The lime tree played a big part in the Niebelungen’s Ring. As Siegfried was bathing in dragon blood, a leaf from a lime tree fell onto his back.

Similar to the saga, the lime leaf plays a role in SIEGFRIED Rhineland Dry Gin recipe – or we like to call it Siggi. Lime blossom is the head botanical and so joins the symbiotical connection between brand and distillate.

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LIFESTYLE >> GIN

SIEGFRIED RHINELAND DRY GIN – best German gin Only after a couple of months after ‘Siegfried Rhineland Dry Gin’ was born, this fine distillate attained highest recognition in international specialist world. Siegfried won the medal ‘Double Gold’ in World Spirits Award in 2015.

SIEGFRIED GETS GOLD IN AMERICA ‘This international award confirms once again the result of the jury of the World Spirits Award 2015.

Our regional distillate Siegfried Rhineland DryGin has due to its mature, yet subtle taste, delicate composition of 18 botanicals’ its straight character has convinced the renowned American jury’

Aroma profile

Raphael Vollmar (38) and Gerald Koenen (37) from the Rhineland distillery UG

Odour/Nose: Smooth citrus notes of the bitter orange are accompanied by thyme, cardamom and juniper therefore unfolding such an harmonious complexity.

Taste: The freshness of lavender meets a spicy-earthy note of ginger, angelica root, Javanese pepper and the discreet-warmy character of lime-blossom rounds up to make SIEGFRIED what SIEGFRIED is.

Driven by pure passion for honest and simple products, Raphael and Gerald created this premium gin using traditional techniques, exquisite ingredients, without any industrial tools, artificial aromas or additives. It is produced in small units with time, patience and with much love to detail. ›› www.siegfriedgin.com

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09. – 10.04.

RADON TESTDAYS STROMBERG Test your RADON bike in the wild, on the fl owtrail in Stromberg

15. – 17.04.

E-BIKE FESTIVAL DORTMUND Europe’s largest E-bike event goes to Dortmund

29.04. – 01.05.

BIKE FESTIVAL RIVA Europe’s season begin in the mountain bike scene

30.04. – 01.05.

HAPPY BIKE DAYS HOUFFALIZE

11. – 14.02.

LONDON BIKE SHOW

For the fi rst time we’re in Houffalize and offer you the possibility to circle the fabulous tracks in the Ardennes.

UK’s largest Bike fair

02

03

04

05

06.03.

ADFC (GERMAN BIKE CLUB)

13. – 16.05.

DIRT MASTERS WINTERBERG

cycle trip fair in Bonn

Again, in 2016, we’re in Winterberg with our RadonEvent Trailer and will be introducuing our gravity bikes for extensive testing.

21. – 22.05.

RADON TESTDAYS IN BIKEPARK HAHNENKLEE 27. – 29.05.

BIKE FESTIVAL WILLINGEN Germans most spectacular mountain bike event

DETAILS OF ALL EVENTS AT: www.radon-bikes.de/radon-life/events/

28. – 29.05.

LANDELIJKE MTB TESTDAG

03. – 05.06.

VELOVERT FESTIVAL VILLARD-DE-LANS With over 25,000 visitors, this is one of the largest festivals in the French mountains!

11. – 12.06.

RADON TESTDAYS RABENBERG Test your RADON bike in the wild, in the trail centre Rabenberg in Erz Mountains.

18. – 19.06.

RADON TESTDAYS IN SERFAUS-FISS-LADIS 06

07

05. – 09.10.

ROC D‘AZUR

31.08. – 04.09.

EUROBIKE

Cycling in autumn under the French sun? Then, off to Roc d’Azur festival

Bike-industry meeting in the 2016 new edition.

08 07. – 10.07.

GLEMMRIDE – BIKE FESTIVAL SAALBACH Saalbach Hinterglemm transforms to a sporty party weekend. From 7-10 July 400 km marked mountain bike paths. 5 cable cars and much more.

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10 17. – 19.09.

LENZERHEIDE TESTRIDE 40 exhibitors, 100 brands, 5 test tracks. The testival highlight in Swiss bike park lenzerheide

22. – 25.09.

MOUNTAIN BIKE TESTIVAL BRIXEN Here again in 2016. The red hot bikes of the coming season can be tested here.

A must!

LIFESTYLE >> rePort

Riva Aquarama A NAUTICAL LEGEND & A SUPERLATIVE IN BEAUTY, CRAFTSMANSHIP AND PERFORMANCE

Riva is the Italien motor boot producer. The name originates from the constructor Carlo Riva who, in 1949 –at the age of 27, started working for himself with his shipyard in Sarnico, Lago d’Iseo. At the beginning in compliance with the American Chris Craft he then designed and built his own motor boots.

Riva boots are classifi ed high-quality and have been, from the 50’s a symbol for luxury and extravagant joie de vivre. They are named “The Rolls Royce of the seas“.

Classic Riva boats are designed with seamless, deep red mahogany panels. Powerful inboard engines with penetrating sound thrust the boats over the water.

Lots of chrome, panorama windows, a classic dashboard with a white steering wheel, white leather seats and a cushioned reclining surface as well as a streamlined stern are standard design features.

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LIFESTYLE >> rePort

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LIFESTYLE >> rePort

Riva Aquarama

The list of owners reads like a who-is-who of the jetset scene from the 50’s to the 70’s: Brigitte Bardot, Sean Connery, Sophie Loren, Richard Burton, Gunter Sachs etc.

An estimated 4000 Riva boats have been built and the rumour has it that half of them still exist. Looked-after boats can bring up to a sum of 100 000euros – They are handled as old-timers.

Who hasn’t dreamt of owning one of these generously motorised mahogany boats? Perhaps some of you have admired one or two Riva boats in harbours. From 1962 till 1972, Carlo Riva built the famous Aquarama at Lake Garda and

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the 8,45 metre-long Super Aquarama. Originally these boats were developed for Upper Italian lakes, as the mahogany trunks didn’t like saltwater.

Those who dared put their luxury wooden boats in the salty sea, had to completely grind and newly lacquer them.... annually. The Chrysler or Cadillac motors performed up to 2 x 350 HP, which allowed the boats to accelerate to around 75 km/h. The distinctive features were the Turkish seat cushions and the extravagantly pretentious fi xtures, which, at that time stole even the show from a Ferrari. With its curves and abundant chrome accents, the Aquarama qualifi ed itself as a bathing platform, trophy sunbed or as a mean of water-ski adventure.

Photos Riva Aquarama Š by Spartan7W - Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

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PIMP MY BIKE

Or: „poser instead of loser .“ Tips at first hand.

Off the shelf bikes are like cheap suits – a means to an end! The 99 euro suit keeps you warm but doesn’t really make a good figure..

FFF - form follows function has been Sullivan’s motto for modern architecture since 1924. The

Saddle: the saddle is the number one consideration in coolness. A wider gel saddle - a no go!

Stem: coolness factor 2 – the stem must be near to vertical otherwise, either stay at home or buy yourself a bus ticket.

aim: not to sink in cheap suits and still be allowed to enter hip clubs. There’s only one thing left to do; pimping and posing! Gucci shoes, belt from Prada, a submariner watch, a cool look and the doorman is on your side!

The same applies to your first bike. It is a sensible buy, must serve the FFF purpose- but you won’t be a trendsetter with it. You don’t understand why your biker friends meet at places you’ve never heared of – your bike is made fun of at the train station and at the baths and when it needs maintenance you have a 4-week-wait… in short, you are not hip - you’re mega out.

The absolute ‘no go’ are non-ridden flanks on knobby tyres, you zebra crossing poser!

Remedy: sandpaper

Wheels: Wheels are similar to rims. Without a cool design you can stop before you’ve begun.

Weight: saving weight is the genuine pimping: just take everything off that weighs too much, doesn’t look good or just isn’t necessary.

Further attachments; shorten the seat post and handlebars, bottle holders are so old fashined, buy a Camelbak, refit aluminium screws. Colour; attracts, don’t have bar-ends, take neon coloured grips - bar ends are sold at discounters.

Accessories: mini pump, spare tube, tools etc. – these can be carried by others. Optical killer number one.

Fork: push the rubber ring of the suspension fork upwards – shows that you need lots of spring deflection

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PIMP MY BIKE

Gears: take the the upper chain rings out of the cartridge and the inside of the crank HAS TO be clean. Men ride chain on the right side (nobody should notice) Pedals : without clickies you are the top of the losers. Alternative; chic flat pedals with long monster spikes (the longer the better) Speedometer: really important! Just choose top series speedos, change the total mileage to 4589 km. Don’t use a pulse monitor, nothing is more embarrassing when it starts peeping at the smallest ascent. Take it off – keep smiling, whatever!

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Lights: You’ve won when you’ve got an expensive night ride capable light at the front. Shows that you train when it’s dark – which of course you don’t do! And, it doesn’t cost as much as a complete light that only lies in one of the garage drawers, anyway.

Outfit: sunglasses and shaved legs – a must. Arms and legs - self-tanning lotion. Shows that you were cycling in Mallorca and you’ve made kilometres.

Secret tip: old starting number. You get those after competitions and races. Just pick one up, pin it on your tricot and behave as if you’ve forgotten

to take it off. When somebody talks to you about it, say thanks, and oh! I forgot to take it off – but, leave it on!

your bike fall and stretch your right leg. Somebody will immediately come and help relieve your cramp.

Notice: Sa Calobra, Soller on the tunnel, Formentor. All easy and boring – next year, no thanks, it’s too full anyway. Perhaps March Lanzarote and preparation for Iron Man.

Then, carry on slowly behind, swearing slightly over your disappointment.

When cycling in a group: Never at the front. Always smiling and never moan.

If you are tired, do not get off your bike. Yell, let

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OTHERS FOLLOW THE TRAIL.

WE LEAVE IT BEHIND.

HARDTAIL

www.radon-bikes.com

ZR TEAM 27,5

ZR RACE 27,5

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ZR TEAM 29

ZR RACE 29

RADON. THINK BIKE.

ZR LADY 27,5

BLACK SIN 29

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LIFESTYLE >> eNJoYMeNt

Viva

Cohiba 22 | radon-bikes.com

LIFESTYLE >> eNJoYMeNt

uc ed cig ar s ar e Th e pr em ium pr od ou ntr y a s ‘ Ha kn ow n i n t he na tive c Ha va nn a. Th e , pe ro ba no ’ an d in Eu obacco and the original black Cuban t ust two of the e j ar lity hand-made qua ia tha t s pe cif ies ma ny st an da rd cri ter SA. It is worldos an ab the company H y t ha t sell ‘real’ wid e t he on ly co mpan Habanos. are the ‘Cohibas’.

Habanos SA fl agship se exce pti on al he f t Th e d isc overe r o s Fidel Castro, as qualities of cigars wa od yg ua rds ga ve s b hi on e d ay, o ne of him one. air and are have They have a special fl du e to i ts lon g is his . T ice pr a stately that they are ct fa tradition and to the ed ci ga r h as over ha nd m ad e. A f ini sh rk. For a genuine wo 300 sequences of y between 11 and Cohiba you have to pa 48 euros.

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LIFESTYLE >> eNJoYMeNt

Viva

Cohiba

The name Cohiba originates from the language of the Taino Indians. That was the name of their tobacco wraps that they smoked. This connection is still used in the company logo.

It shows Hatuey’s head – one of the Taino Indians.

We recommend smoking a good Cohiba at special occasions with an excellent glass of red wine or, to quote Arthur Rubenstein ‘Cigars are as delicious as life. Life can’t be preserved. Enjoy to the full.

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LIFESTYLE >> eNJoYMeNt

Cigar sizes the whole cigar sizes Of course, as well as other criteria, the size of the cigar is of great importance for your choice.

‘Beginners’ should take into consideration that they have to slowly get used to the cigar taste and that’s why we recommend beginning with a smaller size, for example a half corona.

With the following geographical list of all current (international) cigar types, we would like to simplify the choice of cigars for you. radon-bikes.com | 25

LIFESTYLE >> INtervIew

Kent Hahne (*17.1.1962 in Michigan/ USA) is in the 90s the youngest lincensee of McDonald’s, and developed successful concepts for the American Chain, in Germany.

Your Name Kent Stephan Hahne Your job Managing director of Apeiron Restaurant & Retail Management GmbH Your age 53 What does happiness mean to you?

Family and health is happiness for me What would be a disaster for you?

A calamity in the family

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LIFESTYLE >> INtervIew

Where would you like to live?

Everywhere were I can be happy.

What was your biggest mistake?

Not to be there as my father died.

Which mistakes can you forgive easily?

When somebody confesses to have made a mistake and recognizes that it was a mistake, then I can forgive easily.

What do you appreciate most about your friends?

That I can talk to them about everything and that I can trust them.

Which characteristic do you value the most?

Honesty and the courage to make decisions.

Your favourite virtue?

Frankness and transparency.

What is your dream of happiness?

Eternal youth.

How would you like to die?

Quickly and painless.

Your favourite occupation?

Spending time with my family.

What is your motto?

The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.

Who or what would you like to be?

James Bond.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?

In my children’s company as advisory council.

What is your main character trait?

I think of myself as somebody who is very dogged and strongly self-assertive.

Which car would you like to drive?

Al Capone’s car.

Do you have a bike?

Yes! I love touring on the Rhine.

On 22 October 2002, Kent opened, with 4 other co-founders, in Hamburg the first Vapiano restaurant. Due to the international expansion in 2013 (for which Keith is responsible), a turnover of 350 million euros was achieved from the more than 100 Vapiano restaurants. In this year

Keith sold his shares in the business. Since then he has been devoting himself to other concepts in the catering trade, (among others Segafredo, Le Pain, Quotidien). Now, with Gin Yuu, he is blending the diversity of the Asian, European, Mexican and Californian kitchen.

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OTHERS TRAVEL THE NEIGHBOURHOOD.

WE HAVE THE WHOLE WORLD IN MIND.

ROADBIKE www.radon-bikes.com

R1

IGNITE

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SAGE CARBON

SPIRE CARBON

VAILLANT

RADON. THINK BIKE.

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Travel  >> skiarenas

Dreaming of white 30 | radon-bikes.com

Travel  >> skiarenas

Ski arenas at the highest level Who hasn’t been dreaming (since late summer) of brilliant sunshine, biting cold and crunchy fresh snow. To be the first out of the ski lodge and up on the slope‌ freshly prepared ski runs, fabulous huts and breath-taking panoramas. The Arlberg region offers this and more.

Snow guarantee starting from the end of November until the beginning of May. All in all 97 cable cars and lifts in the entire Arlberg area. Access to 340 kilometres of prepared ski-descends and

200 kilometres of variety in open terrains as well as a fun park. St. Anton in Arlberg offers the perfect setting for winter holiday deluxe. Local guides and multi-lingual info teams are there to inform and help with information which slope offers optimal conditions. But not only skiers have fun in St. Anton. Cross-country skiers have around 40 kilometres to ski on. Toboggan runs in St. Anton am Arlberg, Pettneu, Schnann, Flirsch and Strengen, as well as skating rinks and icestick shooting provide alternative sporty events. There is also a highly modern multifunctional sport-centre arl.

TVB St. Anton am Arlberg / Josef Mallaun

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Travel >> skiarenas rock that invites to many indoor activities, ball games and climbing activities even with via ferrata on the roof. Ice climbing here in winter is just as possible as boulder – in every season.

It’s more cosy with a romantic run in a horse-sleigh across the snowy landscape. ARLBERG-well.com in St. Anton offers a wellness park that is open from the early morning till late in the evening for relaxed hours.

What makes a holiday extremely special in St. Anton is the unique combination of ski-pleasure, après-ski and a multitude of gastronomical delights – starting with Tirol delicacies up to international top cuisine.

We love the diversity in St. Anton and we’re already dreaming of our next holiday in Arlberg.

TVB St. Anton am Arlberg / Josef Mallaun

TVB St. Anton am Arlberg / Georg Gindl

TVB St. Anton am Arlberg / Josef Mallaun

TVB St. Anton am Arlberg / Thomas Klimmer

TVB St. Anton am Arlberg

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REPORTAGE >> travel

E D I W D WORL R E T N I W iers, ski boarders, sk w o sn e ar e ‘cause w junkies, d deep-snow an rs ee in ta moun tried out e that we’ve in ag im n ca you

SIERRA

NEVADA, SPAIN

no t a jo ke. In pa in? N o, th at ’s Wi nter sp or t in S the provin in nd

fi ’ll ou ountry y the south of the c t mountain es Nevada’. The high ce Granda, ‘Sierra th-taking ea br a ns t fa or inter sp in Spain offers w eginners r b the r everyone, whe skiing, skiing area. Fun fo rom h f ug no d e ha ou’ve njoy or pros. And when y d e an ain nt top of the mou you can sit at the and af – ng kii ; s ing az rica. Am the view over to Af nt – Perfect! he African contine terwards a view to t

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KITZBUHEL, AUSTRIA Th e hi gh -s oc ie ty from a ll over th e wor meets here. Yo ld u see luxury c ars, attractiv people and m e any well-know n shops on th city streets. N e ot only that, b ut every yea th e fa m ou s H r ah ne nkam m s ki ra ce ta ke place where th s e participants ‘fl y’ with ove 100 km/p.h o r n their skis .

REPORTAGE >> travel

S T O P S HOT alll ve al e’ve we’ dw and oots ts -- an sp sp to th o h r r te te in win rall w vera ’t se seve esnn’t dooes it d at it that uusi sioonn th cl n cl n co co e e th th to mee to co com d.. and rlan zerl itze wit sw bee s to b avee to ayss hhav way al alw

IN MIND: . wItH tHIs orlD wIDe w G N II k s HaPPY

DOLOMITES, ITAlY ZEAlAND

QUEENSTOWN, NEW

nd adowned for action a Queenstown is ren r skiou s f fan rt po winter s venture and offers to slopes up es lop r s ne gin ing areas. From be ere for ere’s something th for absolute pros th e foolr th e, the fun park fo everyone. Of cours all but sm . A ing iss an’t be m hardy daredevil c les Ski ab ity; in the ‘Remark noteworthy special . ee r fr i fo sk r 10 can Area’ children unde

Twelve Skiing areas have jo ined together the Dolomite in s to make the biggest netw ‘the Dolomiti S ork, uperski’ With yo ur ski pass you can race aroun

d 1200 slope kilometres. A when you’ve fi nd nished them a ll y ou can watch the annual Sas

long Race.

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LIFESTYLE >> INtervIew

AIN IN G R A ST ADON R E H T HILL DOWN TEAM

Exclusive interview with Johannes Fischbach 36 | radon-bikes.com

LIFESTYLE  >> Interview

radon-bikes.com | 37

LIFESTYLE >> INtervIew

Johannes Fischbach – our new star gain in the RADON downhill team

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LIFESTYLE >> Interview

How are you getting on with your new work tool, RADON Swoop 200?

I was thrilled with it right from the beginning. The size and geometry fits perfectly. Its absolutely modern geometry is constructed for racing; it’s long and it’s a smooth runner. That’s why we were friends from the start – I was really satisfied with it. You notice that Swoop 200 is really well developed - and a World Cup Team supports it.

You will probably be participating in many races in 2016; European level as well as world cup. Have you set yourself any personal goals?

The main target this year is that I’m successful in World Cup. The last couple of years I had a bit of bad luck. My aim is to be in the top 20, perhaps a little bit more at the front. My second aim is to defend the Europa Cup overall title. Furthermore, I’d like to compete in the City Downhill World Cup. A further highlight this year is naturally the German Championship, where I’d like to defend my title.

How can we imagine the life is of a downhiller?

I think that downhill has become a serious sport. You have to be very well prepared. There’s no point in just wanting to shoot downhill. You have to be fit, mentally strong – these things have to be trained. Of course it’s good when you always want to cycle, and that helps, but you really have to force yourself to complete your trainings-circuit. This is my opinion how you can be involved (at the top) in World Cup business.

How much does fear ride with you that you could be injured early in the season, and can’t carry on?

It’s not neccessarily fear, but It’s something that you have to think about….that it could al bel over pretty quickly. If you get injured at the first World Cup or at the first training and the whole season is over before it’s begun, then this is of course (sh..) a shame. But I think you must be very careless for this to happen. I don’t think that this should be on you mind. Just do that what you are supposed to be doing; as fast as possible down hill - focussed –That’s what it’s about.

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You’re on the road now in the new RADON Team, together with several cyclists whom you know from the past. Are you pleased that you train together and travel together.

Or is it just that you meet at races, and that’s it?

The team is extremely important. The complete background fits perfectly: I have known the mechanics, the team manger and the team bikers for a long time. Benny Strasser was there when I did my fi rst downhill. He is really quick and that’s why I love training with him. He pushes me and I push him. Nick Beer is also an excellent biker, especially when it gets technical. He has knowhow and knows how to ride at the front in World Cup. That’s why it’s helpful to have such a good team around me.

We’re looking forward to an exciting, fast and successful season.

Most important success: 5 x German champion in 4cross ( acting German champion) 3 x German champion in downhill ( acting German champion) 2 position 4cross World cup Val di Sole/itA 2011 several podium placements in 4cross World cup 2008-2011 5 position 4crossWorld championship champery/SUi 2011 9 position Downhill World championship pietermaritzburg/rSA 2013 12 position Downhill World cup cairns/AUS 2014 1 position citydownhillworldtour Bilbao/ESp 2015

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LIFESTYLE >> INtervIew

JETZT VIDEO ANSEHEN !

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OTHERS FOLLOW THE TRAIL.

WE LEAVE IT BEHIND.

FULL SUSPENSION www.radon-bikes.com

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SKEEN 100

SKEEN 120

SLIDE 130

SLIDE CARBON 140

RADON. THINK BIKE.

SLIDE 150

SLIDE CARBON 160

SWOOP 170

SWOOP 200

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Everything comes back or stays as state of the art – the same applies to those skateboards that have had a massive revival over the last couple of years. Ben Makay, found of Penny skateboards, was, since a child, inspired by skateboarding and his inspiration had infl uence on all chapters of his life.

He stood on a synthetic skateboard at the early age of 5. He asked his dad to take the Kingswood out of the garage so that he could build a kicker. ’I bought a used board and painted it blue with golden stripes. It was the best thing ever, for me.

After I had captured the garage I began racing down every hill. It was spine-chilling, exciting and the pure sense of happiness. 30 years later I understood that it was time to bring the synthetic board back– for ever.’ So Ben Mackay.

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With over 12 years of experience constructing skateboards, Penny has an all-round understanding of what is needed to build high-quality skateboards. The result of all this experience in production and design are high-quality, durable synthetic skateboards with best performance - that give so much fun.

When you look at a skateboard, you can immediately see whether the basics are balanced. You can see how the single components melt to a unity – and you notice this all in your hand and under your feet. That’s the reason why Penny skateboards are superior to all others.

Jump on the synthetic skateboards and longboards and enjoy the sun and have lots of fun with the multitude of colour combinations, e.g. the board series pastel and fresh prints, Penny guaranties that you will find a board that fits your style.

Genius. Penny lifestyle. Have fun and find the best Penny products online at www.bike-discount.com

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LIFESTYLE >> FerrarI

FErrAri DiNo 246 Gt THE LEGEND LIVES.

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LIFESTYLE >> FERRARI

Danny Wilde (Tony Curtis) in the Persuaders had an exclusive taste.

While Lord Sinclair (Roger Moore) travelled around in the noble sport limousine Aston Martin DBS, the American playboy wanted it sporty.

The Ferrari 246 GT ‘Dino’ (Named after Enzo Ferrari’s son, Alfredo) was estranged. Ferrari needed a new engine for the Formula 2 championships in 1967. To reach the homologation of 500 aggregates, the new small batch Ferrari Dino 206 was born.

Ferrari Dino 246 GT

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Because this was sold only a mere 50 times, the Dino 1969 was re-named 246. And the aggregate was placed in Fiat Dino and Lancia Stratos.

The Dino got the Ferrari logo back due to its 6 cylinders. The 246 Dino had, because of the mid-engine concept, exceptional handling characteristic. Due to its light weight of 1000 kg, it offered excellent driving performance and with its 180 hp engine was a direct rival to the Porsche 911. In 1972, analogue to Porsche 911 a Targa version was introduced, the Ferrari 246GTS. In total only 1868 GTs and 1274 GTS were sold. Preserved models have increased in value over the last few years and are being sold between 350 000 and 500 000 euros.

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LIFESTYLE >> INtervIew

ASHOK SRIDHARAN IN A COMPACT INTERVIEW

You can’t see it immediately but:

Foto: Michael Sondermann/Bundesstadt Bonn“

I AM A BONN lAD!

My name is Ashok-Alexander Sridharan. My mother comes from Lengsdorf and laid the link to my hometown in the crib, My Indian father didn’t only give me the colour of my skin but also my bi-lingual education and an insight into a totally different

culture. I was born in Bonn 50 years ago, finished my A levels in 1985 at Aloisius college in Bad Godesberg and studied law at university and worked here in Bonn as a junior lawyer fi rst.

Bonn is also very important for my family now – my wife comes

from Bonn. We met each other 27 years ago during our studies and 22 years ago we married.

Since autumn 2015 Ashok Alexander Sridharan is Lord Mayor of Bonn.

LIFESTYLE >> INtervIew

KEYWORD ‘POLITIK’ What’s is your opinion of urban mobility with regard to the theme ‘bike’?

As active Lord mayor, how often do you use your bike?

Do you have any plans to improve the infrastructure in the city for cyclists?

Basically I believe that we must do more for the reachability

to and in the city by bike, bus and also car. The bike plays a very important role because we can effectively relieve the roads and is additionally relatively cheap in comparison to other sanctions. In inland traffic, cycling is an essential pillar because around 50% of the journeys are under 5 km. That’s why I’d like to build Bonn to be more a bike city than it is now, for example with

rental systems, safe bike paths and further infrastructures.

Students must be able to pedal between universities quickly, meaning that new tracks have to be built. It would be positive if we could use more buses with room for bikes – this would relieve the traffic congestion problem a little. Whether I’ll have time to cycle as Lord Mayor?, I’m not quite sure.. time will tell.

Are your family bike fans?

What do you think about e-bikes /pedelecs?

KEYWORD ‘HOBBY’ What relationship do you have to your bike?

Which route, or which country would you like to travel by bike?

How much do you and your family use the bike?

My bike was the most important means of transport as I was a student. Family bike tours in our region belong to our weekend activities (when we have time) and I would like to keep the tradition. Our dream, to have a 2nd home at Lake Constance, is unfortunately far away.

I have noticed that in my (personal) environment more and more friends have e-bikes. I think they are a good idea and functional for everyday life. I also have an e-bike that I really enjoy using.

It’s environmentally friendly and I arrive - not out of breath and not sweaty.

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OTHERS DREAM OF ADVENTURE. WE LIVE THEM.

TREKKINGBIKE www.radon-bikes.com

TCS

TLS

SUNSET

RADON. THINK BIKE.

IF YOU’RE AT THE TOP, THERE IS NO ROOM FOR COMPROMISES. TODAY MORE THAN EVER. Mag. Otto Leodolter managing Director Löffl er GmbH

Premium clothing for endurance athletes. LÖFFLER has been THE brand for 40 years. Uncompromising quality and consistent innovation – inspired through cooperation with top-ranking athletes that have characterized all these products. Each one is an expression of LÖFFLER’S vitality-concept and therefore sets standards in functionality, comfort and design. At the same time placing high value on sustainability. LÖFFLER produces fair sportswear with commitment to ecological and social responsibility. That’s why LÖFFLER produces only in Europe, mostly Austria. The success confirms that we are on the right way and this motivates us for new goals.

Welcome to the LÖFFLER world.

THE MISSION

‘INNOVATIVE, SUSTAINABLE CLOTHING FOR ENDURANCE ATHLETES IN SOPHISTICATED DESIGN AND HIGHEST COMFORT AND PERMANENT VITALITY: LÖFFLER, THE PREMIUM BRAND FORM AUSTRIA.’ Whether Nordic sports, ski tours, running, biking or outdoor, LÖFFLER’S desire is to optimally clothe thrilled athletes with sportswear and underwear. LÖFFLER products convince in various operating conditions; they keep you effi cient and healthy – even by rain, wind and weather.

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LÖFFLER SPORTSWEAR IN PORTRAIT

LÖFFLER AND TOP-RANK ATHLETES THE FIRST CHOICE WHEN WE’RE TALKING ABOUT RANK 1 LÖFFLER and high-performance sport; a success combination OVER decades. Top athletes believe in the highest quality from Löffl er and are at the same time emitter for perpetual innovation and development of our products. As well as the Austrian Ski Team, we are starting in the season with athletes from the German Ski Union (DSV) in sportswear from LÖFFLER. Nine of the German ski-springers wear LÖFFLER.

Ski-springers Michael Neumayer, Anna Rupprecht and Marinus Kraus present the LÖFFLER transtex®-sport underwear.

All three spring with LÖFFLER.

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LÖFFLER produces environmentally friendly and fair. Premium sportswear from LÖFFLER is a through and through Austrian product, from the development up to completion. This high-quality fashion is produced by regional people with practiced sustainability. More than 80% of the total net products are made in Ried in Innkreis (Upper Austria) where they’ve been producing for more than 40 years.

Even 70% of all materials with which LÖFFLER works are produced in their in-house embroidery workshop. In total, LÖFFLER manufactures 99% in Europe.

This is unique and an important foundation for the excellent quality that elevates LÖFFLER sportstwear.

As well as the STeP-certifi cate for sustainable textile-production, nearly all products carry the OEKO-TEX label. This independent test label signifi es skin-friendly and health-safe products. LÖFFLER has been intensively engaged with these themes for over 20 years. Environmentally friendly is not just a word – LÖFFLER lives it; daily, with the choice of near-natural basic materials, the minimised energy consumption and environmentally friendly waste disposal.

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The 70s are back!

It’s the 140th family jubilee at VERPOORTENS, and it’s showing its nostalgic side after finding an old treasure from the 70s in one of its old drawers full of old advertising.

To have good ideas doesn’t mean that you’ve got to invent them. Sometimes it’s better to look around attentively, it doesn’t make any difference where you look, the 70s are back. In fashion, fi lms, by cars… fashion designers are linking the cool new-interpretation of bell-bottoms, a great amount of Ethno–fl air and late-hippy style in their Films. Film take us back to the good old wild times, TV detectives drive young-timers, and on the roads you are overtaking orange Ford Capris or green Sciroccos and VW beetles. All over the place there are motto parties and the invitations for a 70s party enter your home. So, don’t hesitate… off to a colourful epoch..

with the look of the 70s, gives a positive attitude to life, more than that, it lets the era from the end of the 60s, beginning of the 70s for many Verpoorten customers, who were young at that time – become vivid.

VERPOORTEN fans form that time are still loyal to this brand. The bottle awakens more than youthful memories; it can be enjoyed across the generations, with the children, who are know longer small.

And for the next 70s party, the VERPOORTEN retro bottle defi nitely belongs there!

Back in time to 1970 at VERPOORTENS Due to our 140-year jubilee, it was time to look back, and to have a peep in the old drawer of adverts from that time. We found real treasures that we couldn’t put by side without a couple of comments. The totally unconventional pop-art poster with the slogan ‘High with Ei’ (rhymes, and means, in German, high with egg!) This was the beginning of the VERPOORTEN advertising campaign, the design we used for the bottles, the recipes, all that refl ected the fl ower-power-spirit of that age, and turns out to be an immortal reservoir of ideas for the current wave and desires for the 70 revival.

We were infected with the idea to make the 70s alive again. We wanted to use the original bottle from the 70s for a limited jubilee batch in the retro-design to make it come back to life again. Which point in time is more suitable than our own jubilee?

We are ready!

From January till April 2016 you’ll fi nd the limited retro-edition from the 70s, with original recipes.

With this authentic and cheerful fl ower-power-jubilee campaign VERPOORTEN goes straight to the heart; whether young or old. The retro edition 1970

2016

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In 2004 Suszuki presented a new project at the INTERMOT; the Suzuki Jaja-Uma Club. This club, thought for Suzuki riders and fans (similar to the club in the Japanese hometown) was planned to be the central contact point for Suzuki friends. President was (famous from television) Alex Jolig. Alex still leads the Suzuki club and uses his contacts to give club members the biggest advantages possible.

The club is now over 10 years old and has over the years , grown immensely. Nearly 15 000 members trust in the offi cial Suzuki club today. Due to its direct connection to Suzuki International Europe, the Jaja-Uma club acts as a platform for private clubs, forums and interest groups.

These are (in various forms) supported form Suzuki; raffl es, gratis exhibition space in the Suzuki Club World at the motorbike fair in Dortmund and professional advertisement in their annual meetings.

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In this year’s jubilee there has been a change in the membership system. There are now three types of membership: • Red-membership: Lifelong gratis membership as a ‘thank you’ to buyers of new and used vehicles at Suzuki traders.

• Silver-membership: for only 29 euros per year. For everyone who loves motorcycle riding.

• Gold-membership: 5 years gratis for everyone who’s cracked the 100 000 km limit.

Silver is equal to the gold membership.

The members receive (at the beginning) a high-quality welcome packet and special promotional actions with up to 30% savings.

Every Suzuki member has an individual membership card.

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The Suzuki club organises and supports motorbike tours and meetings. It is at events and fairs and forms a link between the brand Suzuki and its fans, friends and motorbike riders. At many renowned events there are exclusive member-areas and Suzuki members receive the Suzuki Club Magazine several times per year. The Suzuki Club team work together with the numerous partners to acquire the best possible advantages for all Suzuki members. To celebrate the 10-year-jubilee, the Suzuki Club Dolomite tour is being put back to life in September. The participants over the past years are thrilled that it is being repeated to life again.

The whole Suzuki Club team looks back on 10 fabulous years in which, on uncountable events, they got to know many interesting people. The individual requests und partly unbelievable stories of motorbike riders give the Suzuki Club motivation to carry on in the next 10 years, looking after the Suzuki riders.

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THE LAND OF THE RISING SUN Suzuki Club president Alex Jolig tells us about his journey to Japan; in the homeland of Suzuki.

While in August in Germany, it’s the best weather to ride your motorbike, the week of the motor bike was celebrated in Japan. Alex Jolig accepted the invitation from the circle of the Suzuki managerial level and set off to the land of the rising sun.

Hamamatsu, Kyoto, Tokyo and Yokohama were the places Alex was going to visit. We asked him, as he arrived home, what were his impressions of the homeland from Suzuki.

Alex, after working for 10 years for Suzuki, was the journey to Japan something special for you?

Oh, yes! Defi nitely. To travel to the birthplace of our brand is always something very special.

Suzuki top manager Muraki-San invited me and I was happily surprised as the journey fi nally began. My wife, Britt and I were welcomed, heartily.

The last time I was there was at the beginning of 2004 – just job for Suzuki – because we wanted to present the GSX-R750. So it was really time to make my wish come true and to go back again.

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What’s so special about japan?

Our first impression after the long but not boring flight with Etihad Airways to Tokyo was positive.

At the airport Narita and on the way to Hamamatsu we could see (with growing enthusiasm) that, although there were so many people around everything functioned punctually. We saw people who radiated peace and serenity and seemed to react positively and happily to strangers. We were thrilled, right form the start, by their thoughtfulness and amiable way.

First point after landing was the journey with the high speed train Shikansen, which we really enjoyed. This type of travel leaves many impressions of the various vegetation as well as impressions of the city.

The first stop was Suzuki headquarters in Hamamatsu. What was your programme there?

The visit began with a barbeque event with the motto ‘Daytona Bike Week’ in the mountains of Hamamatsu. High-ranking people from managerial positions as well as engineers from the motorbike area of Suzuki motor corporation, members from the MotoGP and Motocross world champion team, racers, their wives and children.

Everybody enjoyed the delicacies of Japanese barbeque and other specialities from the country and region. We chatted in an informal atmosphere about anything and everything. The ambience was enriched due to the very well known Japanese singer Mami Hatanaka who played on the guitar and thrilled everyone with her voice.

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Next day we went to the ‘real’ Suzuki headquarters. It was really impressive to stand in this powerful building, where all important decisions are made in the president’s Osama Suzuki; bureau.

For the very first time I had the possibility to visit the Suzuki Museum. Really interesting; a complete overview of the 106 years of history around Suzuki, the development from the loom up to hydrogen driven high-tech-motorbikes. A real highlight for Suzuki enthusiasts. Various areas of production were shown in a 3D cinema which gave a real insight to the effective production process up to the finished product. No questions left open in this museum - which spreads over 3 storeys. Suzuki fans – when in Japan – shouldn’t miss this.

In the afternoon we visited an event that was on our Suzuki programme – the reason for being in Japan; the Japanese week of the motorbike; a mixture of motorbike meeting and fair. The offered products were all very far-out and colourful – just typical for Japan.

In Kyoto, your first station after Hamamatsu, you were able to spend a couple of days getting to know country and people. What did you experience there?

Kyoto is definitely one of the most important cities in Japan. That’s why it was important for my wife and me to travel here. And it was really worth it. This city is unbelievably beautiful. There are so many things worth seeing in this dreamlike place.

It’s like travelling through time; classic Japan with its wonderful temples and then Manga exhibitions. The 3 days we planned for Kyoto flew by too quickly.

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After these days you went to Tokyo?

Yes! We stayed 5 days in this unbelievable, exciting metropolis from which we were, to be honest, gobsmacked! Tokyo is fast moving and massive. We were just thrilled with the many facets and the uncountable impressions that kept pelting down on us.

Even the subway net is an experience. It’s massive and at the beginning, seems complicated and unclear. But after a while, it’s quite easy to fi nd your way around.

We had a tight programme and collected many unbelievable impressions. The Imperial Palace, the Museum of Modern Art, the exclusive shopping mile Ginza, the crazy fashion mall Shibuya109 or the Tokyo Tower. This city has many faces. From a silhouette full of skyscrapers up to the traditional district Asakusa. Tokyo really fl ashed us.

What made you go to Yokohama?

Our last day in Japan was spent as guests in Unicorn, Yokohama. Takashi Ikeda, the owner of Unicorn, is correctly named the guardian of the Suzuki Katana. Thousands of specimens of this cult-bike have gone through his hands over the last 30 years. He has restored and refi ned the engines in an incomparable manner and is classifi ed as the point of contact for all Kata fans in the whole world.

After an impressive insight in his work and a delicious lunch in Katana Club House, which was served by his wife, Yuriko; Takashi-San lead us through his showroom and stock. We immediately fell in love with a white Katan 750 with pop-up headlights.

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On the way back to Tokyo, Takashi-San even had time for us to show us a typical Japanese motorbike store. There was everything there that makes motorbike hearts beat faster.

Now you’ve been home for a while.

How do you see your journey?

We had many striking days in the homeland of our loved brand and we can recommend travelling to Japan. The Japanese were welcoming and polite. The country and culture are full of treasures and positive surprises. And, we were really pleasantly surprised at the manifold of meals offered.

For me, as a sushi and sashimi fan – it was a dream! Even my wife, who doesn’t like fi sh or shellfi sh, was extremely positively surprised about the country-specifi c offers. It doesn’t matter in which restaurant we ate, from sophisticated or low budget, it was top-notch food.

We hope that we can visit this unique land soon and, we can’t say enough how friendly, polite and helpful our hosts were in Japan.

Contakt to Suzuki Jaja-Uma Club: www.suzuki-club.eu

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Travel information to Japan • A valid passport is necessary to enter the country. There are many flights from England to Japan. For example, with Quatar from Heathrow.

• The climate is similar to the UK. Meaning that there is no perfect season to travel.

• You can use the well built railway network with many speed trains that connect the larger cities.

• The headquarters from Suzuki is in Hamamatsu. The city is approx. 250 km south west form Tokyo and is easily reached by train.

• The Suzuki museum is also in Hamamatsu and is open Tuesday -Sunday, and public holidays.

• Katana Reifiner Unicorn is at home in Yokohama. The address: 2 Chrome -13-21-Fukuura, Kanazawa Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture 236-0004 Japan.

Internet: www.unicornjapan.com Accommodation in Japan is numerous and in all price categories. We lived in the following hotels and can recommend them all. Hamamatsu: Okura – Art City Hotel, Kyoto: Hotel Granvia, Tokio: Park Hotel.

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LIFESTYLE >> MUst Haves

MUST

HAVES FOR

BIKE SHELF The bike shelf is ideal for bikers, who take their bikes in their apartment to protect it against bad weather and other adversities. There is enough storage space such as bike lock, clamping light or gloves behind the front flap. The bike mounting is made of north European Birch wood, the front is handmade and in dark walnut wood. The flap is easy to move due to the Zysa- brass hinges. www.sonntagsstaar.de/ products/Bicyclerack

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2016

LIFESTYLE >> MUst Haves

TRAILER WITH TENT Holiday on your bike? This ingenious trailer with a tent makes it possible. Just engage it to the bike and the journey can start. And there’s lots of storage space. www.gizmag.com/ midget-bushtrekka-bicycile-trailer/22167

REVOLIGHTS Revolights is the new generation of bike lights. Extremely bright, extremely safe and extremely sexy. Make your bike to the absolute eye-catcher and with this ingenious object that doesn’t only look good but provides top safety. With this gadget you won’t be overlooked. www.revolights.com

PICNIC-SET Picnic on wheels!

This clever part offers complete picnic equipment that can be buckled onto the carrier. www.brit.co/springtime

6 BOTTLE BIKE BAG The optimal gadget to carry six 0,5 l. bottles. It’s designed that your pedalling is not affected and is additionally, it‘s waterproof. www.fi rebox.com/product/5927/ 6-Bottle-Bike-Bag

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ORLEBAR BROWN CRUISE COLLECTION 2015 Orlebar Brown was born in 2007 out of a wish to give men’s swimwear a more exclusive ‘coating’. With the motto ‘not only swimming shorts but shorts that you can swim in’. These brand of shorts can be worn on the beach, at the pool, at the bar or even in the city.

Starting with the swimwear range, Orlebar Brown has developed further and now offers a complete travel and casual wardrobe. The brand gets its inspiration from the resort-culture of the 60s and the pictures from the famous photographer Slim Aarons who shot pool utopias in Palm Beach and on the Riviera. The designs from Orlebar Brown remind of the exclusive savoir vivre, that was once connected to travelling and holidays at the sea.

Less high fashion more classical resort style – everything that Orlebar Brown produces is made of well-cut simplicity and has a special focus on detail. Functionality and style – this duality is one of the most important attributes of the brand.

As the every year Orlebar Brown has, as well as th summer and winter collection, a cruise collection.

With this mid-collection, that is made for all jetsetters, the brand takes you in 2015 on a journey in tropical paradies – Sout Pacific. The luminosity of this landscape and the colour of the atolls gave him the inspiration.

Searching for new prints, Orlebar Brown experimented with the 2000 year old culture of batik and that of the tamanu – a unique sand painting technique, practiced by the natives of the island-group Vanatu. These techniques have been transferred to print and offer a new depth and diversified texture to the printed collection.

Also aeriel photography is one of the themes in the cruise collection. The American pilot, architect and photographer, Alex Maclean contributes with his breath-taking landscape pictures of unique aerial photography….

Since serval seasons Orlebar Brown has been ackowledged for his photo-prints – in cooperation with the Hulton archives from Getty Images. Also for winter 2015 the brand has chosen exhilarating photographs from these archives- this time many black and white pictures have been given new life with digital-colour post-processing. The result; luminous prints.

The ready to wear collection offers exciting clothes combined with well-tried materials such as Italian cotton, terry towelling, pique and seersucker. Here are the names of the exiting colours such as sunburst, aloha, pacific blue, jungle and atoll.

Inspired from the South Pacific’s rich palette .

OTHERS DREAM OF ADVENTURE. WE LIVE THEM.

E-BIKE

www.radon-bikes.com

ZR RACE 29 HYBRID

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SUNSET HYBRID

SCART HYBRID

RADON. THINK BIKE.

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FILET OF VEAL WITH VEGETABLES, AVOCADO TATAR AND CRISPY BREAD Meat • Remove fat and tendons if necessary and cut in 2 cm pieces (or keep whole when wished) and cook at a temperature of 56 degrees.

Vegetable -tatar

• And enjoy with crispy, fried bread and crème Fraiche.

Fried bread • Thin slices of bread, fried in oil.

• Dice one aubergine and season with salt and pepper.

• Bake one red and one yellow pepper in the oven, skin and dice.

• Add two ripe avocados and dice as well.

• Season with salt, pepper and lemon juice.

• Spread on top the meat .

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ASIAN MEATBALLS WITH FRIED MUSHROOMS, CURRY SAUCE AND PINEAPPLE RICE Meatballs

Curry sauce

• 500g mincemeat.

• 5 tablespoons of teriyaki sauce • 2 cm of ginger, grated • 1 slice of toast, soaked in water then pressed • cumin • chilli • form small meatballs and cook in the oven at 160 degrees

• 400 g onions • 20 g fresh garlic • 30 g fresh ginger • 1 tablespoon ground turmeric • 1,5 tablespoons of paprika powder • 1,5 tablespoon of Garam Masala spice mix • 1,5 teaspoon salt • 125 g tin of tomatoes • approx 500 µ 750 ml coconut milk • 20 g of melted butter

Fried mushrooms Cut various types of mushrooms and fry in butter till gold-brown. Season with salt and pepper and when fi nished give a dash of lemon and coriander to the mushrooms.

Pineapple rice • 275 g pineapple • 1 onion • 1 clove of garlic • 150 ml coconut-milk • 175 g basmati rice • 250 ml vegetable stock 1 – 2 teaspoons of sambal oelek • 1 teaspoon turmeric • 1 teaspoon of grated coconut • 2 tablespoons of butter • salt and pepper • fry the onion and garlic in butter till gold-brown. Add rice with the stock and when cooked,add the coconut-milk. Bring to boil and then leave for 15 minutes.

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preparation Peel and chop the onions, garlic and ginger.

Put the ingredients in the blender with half of the coconut milk and blend until creamy.

Put this mixture in a pan with the rest of the coconut-milk, all the other ingredients and the tomatoes (if necessary, also blended).

Cook for 30 minutes – stirring now and again. let the sauce cool. Blend the now cooled mixture until creamy.

This mixture can now be put in an air-tight container. For you next curry, just use 4-6 tablespoons of the curry basis; fry meat, fi sh or vegetables and stir with yoghurt or coconut-milk.

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MULLED WINE PARFAIT Parfait

Sweet milk foam

• Reduce 500 ml mulled wine to 200 ml (Recommendation Sansibar mulled wine) • 8 egg yolks whisked with 200 g sugar • boil the reduced mulled wine and 300 ml milk together and add the egg yolk mixture, but don’t let it boil.

• Stir 2 leaves of soaked gelatine and 400 g whipped cream and fi ll in glasses.

• Warm milk with vanilla sugar, then foam and place over the plums.

Stewed plums • Cook 500g of frozen plums, 100 g sugar and 150 ml mulled wine 20 minutes until you have a thick ragout.

• Cool and place over the parfait

SANSIBAR MULLED WINE There’s no other drink that we associate more in winter than mulled wine and Christmas. When it’s freezing cold outside, a deliciously warmed mulled wine heats you from inside. A winter without this drink? Unthinkable!

3,49 €

It’s not only delicious with biscuits and stolen, but also with Christmas desserts. Be imaginative!

0,745 liter | 3,49 € | 4,68 €/liter alcohol content: 8,8 % Vol. | contains sulfi te

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3.000 km by bike From Germany to Spain to complete the bachelor thesis My name’s Eric Seehof, I’m 25 and I’m on my bike from Freiburg to Tarifa (the most southern point on the European continent) for my bachelor thesis. You’re probably thinking, ‘What subject are you studying to to be able to finish your studies like this?’ To make it short, media design!

I specialised in photography and I took pictures of Spanish- building ruins on my travels.

My first bike tour began with 20, immediately after finishing civilian service. Starting from Bavarian Donauwörth to Verona, on the tracks of the Via Claudia Augusta (an ancient Roman trade route), I was now infected by the travel bug. It was clear to me that I had to travel to Spain by bike. A couple of weeks before my journey began, my bike was stolen directly in front of my door and as my financial leeway was not the biggest, a new bike just wasn’t in. I began fantasising that with my knowledge of photography – perhaps I could barter with a trekking bike company; I could supply professional product photos of a trekking bike and in return my journey could be sponsored. Shortly after these thoughts, I contacted RADON and a couple of days later my fantastic RADON TLS 9.0 was parked in front of my house.

(Thanks for your support). The journey could begin!

The first couple of days and nights were cold and uncom-

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fortable. Now and again rain showers surprised me and the temperatures dropped at night to around 7 degrees. My sleeping-bag was constructed for 12 degrees, but with a couple of modifications it was bearable, (tip; wrap a fleece-pulli loosely around your feet.. a miracle!) As I heard that in Besancon the weather forecast should only be three degrees at night, that was just too much for me, and so I took a room in a youth hostel. This was not what I had planned, but the pros and cons had to be thought about.

Well invigorated, I started the next day with a continual head wind and the consistant rain I finally arrived in Lyon totally soaked and due to the unfavourable weather conditions decided to spend two further nights in a youth hostel, to dry my clothes and time for me to do a bit of sightseeing. Finally on the way to the Cote d’azur, the weather decided to be my friend. The wind stopped blowing and the sun was my constant companion. Around 120 km from Lyon I came to a dreamlike town, Valence. Here I was able to follow my photographical ideas free from cares. One of my favourite photos was shot here.

The next day I cycled deeper south and it was my aim to be at the sea – the same day. It wasn’t quite clear, though which route I was go-

ing to take and also it wasn’t quite clear how far away it was -meaning that the 169 kilometres one of the longest and furthest trip was on my tour. I arrived, exhausted; and just managed to buy a couple of beers before the shop closed.

Most of the time i cycled along the coast of the Cote d’Azur. But it wasn’t as simple as it sounded. It’s quite surprising when suddenly the path is flooded by seawater and your choice is, either to go back and find a new route or just somehow get through! I decided to remove my

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luggage from the bike and wade through the knee deep, flooded 400 yards of marshes. After some time along the relatively flat coastal area I crossed the Spanish border behind Cerbere; a small hilly area. Although my bike inclusive luggage weighed 35 – 40 kg, the steep ascents were nothing to me. I was, apparently, in form.

Just before Barcelona and searching for a good place to sleep, I met Stefan; a cyclist from Stuttgart. We arrived at our night camp on a serpentine-similar country lane, without tent directly below a beautiful starry sky.

The next day we travelled together to Barcelona where I took for the third and last time a bed in a hostel. The city is just too beautiful than just to cycle through it. I stayed there nearly two weeks and met lots of very special people.

My schedule pushed and I took advantage of my fitness to overcome the very mountainous landscape. Perhaps a little too much? A couple of days later my knee started giving me hell. A real pain was noticed by every single tread of the pedal. I had no choice but to carry on, so I changed my technique. My left leg was from now on just a senseless extra, that was just ‘on’ the pedal. My right leg did about 90% of all the work. It sounds all quite hilarious, and a couple of days later, my body had got used to it, and so I could travel on further without problems.

Wild camping is forbidden in Spain, as in most of the European countries and can be find with a very unpleasantly high fined fee. As I wanted to have my camps on the beaches as often as possible – I had to be very cautios. After a couple of nights, I knew how to do it. All I had to do was to look for advertised nudist beaches. These

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beaches are, due to their remoteness, did mostly empty at nights. If anybody does pop up, they were more interested what I had seen up till now and which routes I had chosen. I often got valuable tips which beaches in the south were recommended to overnight on. I travelled further as ‘one-leg-biker’ along the coast – direction south. I travelled past Valencia and a couple of hundred kilometres further reached the southeast tip of Spain, the national park ‘Cabo de Gata’. I had heard so much about this park; how beautiful it is and that a hippy community lives there – and reachable on a two-hour walk. I wanted to see this so I cycled to Las Negras from where I pushed my bike over a inaccessible mountain pass to the hippy community ‘Cala san Pedro’. Arriving there, I made my sleeping place, stayed a couple of days in San Pedro and was able to heal my knee. There is no electricity here and therefore the nights are really dark – REALLY dark!

I don’t think I have ever seen such fascinating starry skies. After the fourth night I was woken with a rustling at my tent and a Spanish voice spoke to me, I answered, ‘Habla ingles?’ and opened the tent at the same time.

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An unfriendly park ranger looked at me and said ‘passport, please.’ I sleepily gave him my passport.

He checked the details and made it clear that I had to leave the bay. I packed my things and began to push my bike up the mountain to get back to Las Negras from where I travelled further down to Tarifa.

I kept to the coast and followed the stoney beach, direction Malaga. The sun shone offering temperatures not seldom around 40 degrees. I was used to the sun now and I had no problems travelling at midday. After a couple of days I reached Malaga and was looking forward to my last passage. It was only 160 kilometres from Malaga to Tarifa.

The nearer I came to Tarifa the the windier it bec- ame my motivation was so high that nothing could stop me. On the 13th June 2015 I finally reached the city of Tarifa. Happy and exhausted I looked for a camping site and enjoyed the end of my travels with one or two cold shandies.

Many, many thanks to RADON. You really gave me a fabulous bike that never let me down.

More pictures at www.flickr.com/ericseehof/

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our gold girl!

Elisabeth Brandau is the new German champion in Cyclo Cross

New year – same motivation. Elisabeth Brandau has, since 1999 and until now, never gained the German Cyclo-Cross championship. In 2000 she achieved the unoffi cial title of youth champion in spite of her focus on street cycling. That was the beginning of more vice titles; These vice-titles were not caused by lack of performance but due to mental and emotional constitution. She worked against this weakness intensively last year and this investment is being paid off. Also working together with the Stapsinsitute has helped enormously.

Elisabeth is travelling with her family on Thursday evening to Vechta, 700 km north from her hometown. In 2014 she delivered a tough and exciting race against Hanka Kupfernagel. The offi cial training began on Friday and the mountain bike cyclist had to train by snow, ice, a partly changed course and wintry conditions. She mastered this with calmness and confi dence with support from fans.

Elisabeth Brandau presented herself at her best in the last world cups and must now put into practice what she has trained for on a quite technical but less hard course. The starting shot for the ladies race was on Saturday at 1.50pm. 40 women started with Elisabeth Brandau, one of them was the current German champion, Jessica Lambracht.

Elisabeth Brandau had only a-200-metre uphill straight to show her strength. She used this power in every round, attacked at the top and at the bottom to enter the terrain with a lead. She managed this, even at the starting shot. But on this slippery course mistakes could be easily made. Alternate leading between Elisabeth Brandau and Jessica Lambracht up to the last round. After a change of tyres Elisabeth, nothing could get in her way and kept on attacking. Jessica couldn’t catch up any more and the long awaited dream fi nally happened and she had her Cyclo-cross championship.

Now she’s going to the world championships in France and The Netherlands to have a good starting position in the world championships in Belgium, Zolders.

Photos: Armin Küstenbrück

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RADON >> revIew

TESTS 2016

AND THE WINNER IS …

Every year all renowned national and international print and online editors as well as online portal want to test. Bikes from every manufacturer are put to the acid test – this means for us at RADON: blood, sweat and a flurry of excitement. Pressure is high – is our project as good as it was last year? Do the editors and testers like our geometry? What are the test conditions? Weeks after we’ve sent our bikes the whole team is (even though we’ve been doing this for years) totally excited and nervous. Have we been successful?

And every time the joy is great and motivates us further.

Over the next pages you will see a choice of current test results of our 2015 and 2016 bikes.

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RADON >> revIew

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RADON >> revIew

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RADON >> revIew

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RADON >> revIew

RADON ZR Race Hybrid was already in test in 2015. Last year it was the only E-MTB from a direct Forwarder, today it’s still the only one. This bike has received an optical facelift, as well as the new Bosch performance CX drive and as new components from Shimano. Doesn’t sound much but makes this already very good RADON E-MTB bike signifi cantly better. The Bosch Performance CX drive has noticeably more power and the Shimano 1x11 –equipment brings am additional plus to transmission – taking the dread away even from steep ramps. That in short.. but now a little more detail: The RADON ZR Race Hybrid’s frame is based on the wellknown ZR Race, and has an engine mount. Not only that, but the frame has the possibility to mount a side stand. Except for a 10 mm top tube and much longer chainstays, the geometry is unchanged, A Shimao XT 1x11 equipment, Shimano XT brakes, a Mavic Crossride wheelset and a Fox Float spring fork with 100 mm spring defl ection make this bike complete.

To dismantle the akku you need an Abus key. Customers can also order a same-locking bike lock. The bike weighs only 19,3 kg, although it has well-profi led Nobby tyres, and is one of the lightest aluminium models in test. Only the Simplon with its carbon frame is lighter.

MATERIAL/SIZE SUSPENSION FORK/ SPRING DEFLECTION

REAR DERAILLEUR /LEVER

CRANK/ FRONT DERAILLEURS

Alu/16/18/20/22

ox 32 Float F Performance/100 mm

himano XT/ S Shimano XT, Shadow+

SA CK-745 E-Bike F 175 mm/KMC X11e

BRAKES

Shimano XT BR-M8000

SEAT POST

evelnine Race L 30,9 x 350 mm

WHEELS

avic Crossride M FTS-X 29“, 6-bolt

TYRES

chwalbe Nobby Nic, S PerfL, Kevlar, 29 x 2,25“

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coNclUSioN High-quality aluminium frame, powerful drive and well-equipped Shimano parts. Radon has fi tted this bike with components that make sense. You can order this package at a top price by the forwarder.

RADON >> revIew

ZR RACE HYBRID PRICE 2,999 EURO

TESTWINNER IN PRICE/ PERFORMANCE RATION IN „WORLD OF MTB – E-MTB SPEZIAL 01/2016“

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RADON >> revIew

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RADON >> revIew

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RADON >> revIew

Radon names its 170 mm missile ‘Super-enduro.’ Uphill as an enduro should be, downhill like a free-rider – is this possible? For over two years, the Bonn online-distributor has been making the enduro scene ‘randy’. Slide 160 won two times in a row the enduro tests from mountain bike editors.

And in 2016? Its big brother is coming: Swoop 170. It springs with even more hub -. 170mm at the front and rear, it has a sold solid operating aluminium frame and a strong downhill-orientated geometry. RADON calls this all Superenduro.

What is also super is the quality-price ratio. The parts are not the most classy, but well planned to the last detail, and the price is boiling hot! Apropos, there are Fox-spring elements in the test version, in series on Swoop 9.0 a fi rst class RockShox fork ( LYrik) and dampers (Monarch Plus). As usual, RADON trusts mastermind Bodo Probst with his four joint rear kinematics. What’s new, is a Flip-chip on the damper mount over which the handlebars and seat position can be altered in three positions and maximum one degree. It’s is really long. The enormous reach of 460mm, size M, as well as the long wheelbase are responsible for safety and smoothness. Together with this chassis from Probst, the Swoop eliminates, downhill, and never loses its head – a downhill monster! Talking about manoeuvrability, we have to admit to a couple of cut backs. Although this Swoop isn’t sluggish, tight curves need to be handled with highest concentration.

In return, the downhill pleasures given, other than with pedigree free-ride bikes, can be pedalled easily. The peddling position is successful, the rear is drive-neutral and with its 13.7 kilos, not that heavy.

MATERIAL/SIZE SUSPENSION FORK/ SPRING DEFLECTION

SPRING STRUT

Alu/S/M/L/XL

Rock Shox Lyrik RCT3/170 mm ock Shox Monarch Plus R RC3/170 mm

REAR DERAILLEUR /LEVER

Sram GX1/GX

CRANK/ FRONT DERAILLEURS

Sram GX1/Shimano XT

BRAKSE

ram Guide RC 200/180 S mm

SEAT POST

ock Shox Reverb R Stealth (Vario)

WHEELS

T Swiss E1900 D Spline Two

TYRES

Continental Trail PT 2,4“

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coNclUSioN Runs and runs and runs! Swoop fascinates me with its impertinent downhill quality and still lets itself be pedalled uphill, nicely. It’s just not plaful and lively.

+ Violent downhill power + very good, balanced framework + fabulous quality-price ratio – -little agile for an enduro

RADON >> revIew

SWOOP 170 9.0 PRICE 2.799 EURO

TEST REPORT: FOUR ENDUROS IN TEST MOUNTAIN-BIKE 12/2015

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RADON >> revIew

SLIDE CARBON 160 9.0 HD PRICE 3.599 EURO

MOUNTAINFRIENDS; LOVE NEW ENDUROS IN TEST ‘SUPER’ IN BIKE 11/15

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RADON >> revIew

coNclUSioN With its moderate geometry and light construction, Slide 160 builds a bridge between enduro and all-mountain. Its more a downhill than a pedigree enduro.’

+ lightweight frame + low total weight + good driving force – leeway with head set – not smooth running

With its light full-carbon frame (2198 grams without dampers) and sophisticated features, Radon fl exes its distributor muscles and brings the only enduro in test under 13 kg on the market. As the 20-inch frame wasn’t available we had to make do with a slightly shorter steering angle and a lively 18-inch frame. In combination with the moderate tyres on this enduro, Radon raises this bike to the top of the uphill evaluation. By fast passages downhill a little more smoothness and reserves would be desirable - on this smaller bike – even when the delicate chainstays do a very good job. (…)

With its moderate geometry and light construction, Slide 160 builds a bridge between enduro and all-mountain. Its more a downhill than a pedigree enduro.’

MATERIAL/SIZE

arbon/16/18/20/22“ C (46 cm)

FORK/DAMPER

ock Shox Pike RCT3 / R Rock Shox Monarch Plus RC3

CRANK/ FRONT DERAILLEURS

R ace Face Turbine / Sram X01

TRANSMISSION

32; 10-4

WIDTH OF HANDLEBAR

760 mm

BRAKES

Sram Guide RS

DIAMETER OF DISC FRIRE

180/180 mm

WHEELS/TYRES

T Swiss E1700 Splie2D Systemlaufräder, Schwalbe Hans Dampf 27,5 x 2,35-Reifen

REACH

417 mm

STACK

611 mm

BB-OFFSET

-15 mm

TYRES

Continental Trail PT 2,4“

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RADON >> revIew

120 millimetres of spring defl ection, 27,5 wheels, frame-material aluminium and starting at 1699 euros in the online shop.

RADON revealed Skeen 120 at the Eurobike Mediadays in Kirchberg. At this time, without any lacquer and the decor not complete but everything else as it is when it goes on the market in November. Talking about lacquer, one model is in raw-design and is very similar to the test-bike. The Skeen is very similar to the now available Skeen 100 models with 29-inch wheels, but with the smaller and more agile wheels and the plus on spring defl ection it will be used less in XC and marathon areas and will be making the tourers and trailers happier. Bodo Probst, a veteran developer for RADON, sticks to proven technology on this new model and has chosen a Radon-typical frame design. The brake line lies service-friendly along the frame, only the shift cables and the Vario-support hydraulic line disappears in it. This all-round bike from RADON hast turned an ideal companion on the selective Fleckalm trail in Kirchberg/Tirol. It presents its sporty, agile side less than being a balanced tourer. The very stable frame accepts steering movements and you can nippily wind around close-to-each-other-bends. Everything on the cockpit is ready to hand, from the gears to the brakes, our to be the adjusters for the seat post – everything is perfectly postioned. The chassis fi ts to the character of this sporty bike.

The rear shows better capability as with the built-in Reba with 120 mm spring defl ection. Those who seek for comfort should choose more negative spring defl ection on the shock strut.

Downhill is one aspect, but a trail bike must be able to climb.

Propulsion-oriented seat position combined with sporty, stiffer chassis and Skeen willingly marches up over a variety of steep sections, provided that you kick the 1 x transmission, as built-in on the test bike. If not, don’t worry, then alternatively there are three models with dual cranks offering therefore a broader transmission range.

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coNclUSioN The new all-rounder from RADON turns out to be a sporty, tight trail bike; playfully wiggling from one bend to the next.

You can expect a mature newbie with proven design and technology. Price for the 120millimetre-fully starts at 1.699 Euro.

RADON >> revIew

SKEEN 120 PRICE 1.699 EURO

FOCUSED ON THE TRAIL TEST FROM ‘WORLD OF MTB 10/2015

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RADON >> revIew

SLIDE CARBON 140 10.0 PRICE 5.199 EURO

SLIDE CARBON 140 IN ENDURANCE TEST IN ‘BIKESPORT 11/12/2015 SLIDE CARBON 140 AS QUICK AS LIGHTNING FULLY ‘MTB MAGAZINE 2/2016

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RADON >> revIew

coNclUSioN RADON Slide Carbon 14 is a very lightweight all-mountain with excellent performance. The 140 millimetres are tough.

A bike that invites you to accelerate.

RADON Slide Carbon 140 shows how lightweight a powerful all mountain can be – and not only have the developers been generous with all equipment.

One thing upfront; our test bike does not quite conform with the 2016 series features, but is very close to top-model Slide Carbon 140 10.0. The most obvious differences are, in the future, the cranks; in series Race Face turbines will be built in, and the saddle. Instead of Ergon, a Selle Filte Carbon will be provided. Small details, in which weight will be disposed of, rather than details. This Slide 140 is convincing.

It combines a long top tube with a short stem. This gives Slide a modern trail-geometry that is effective to pedal, but also offers excellent control in every situation downhill. Slide is a trail-rocket – with its short chainstays, deep low-focalpoint and a mere eleven kilos. Slide accelerates effortlessly and playfully chases around terrains.

Downhill is this RADON reliable, the chassis simply ignores obstacles. Technical and angled passages are easily travelled as high-speed passages. Pleasing is the well-balance, the effective pedal position and, of course, the lightweight.

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DESIGN & INNOVATION AWARD 2016

SHAPING THE FUTURE How and what will we be riding in the future?

Will there be E-mountain bikes? Who makes the trends? And how will sport develop? And when does the wheel-size-insanity stop?

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RADON SLIDE CARBON 140 10.0 Usually you have to choose two of the three attributes by trail bikes; light, stable or fast. RADON Slide Carbon 140.0 10.0 offers everything and thrills with its excellent performance. 10,81 kg lightweight rocket fl ies short, tough ascents easily and provides when cycling downhill, untamed biking pleasure . It’s often the exaggerated lightweight construction that causes nervous and insecure handling – but not by RADON. Slide is perfectly balanced and the many components well chosen. This bike has managed optimal balance from maximal acceleration and suffi cient driving stability. A trail bike of the future, that you can have today – and that at an attractive price.

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RADON >> revIew

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RADON >> revIew

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RADON >> revIew

This bike earned test winner last season; a complete 105 group as well as high quality add-on components and excellent wheels- at this price is just marvellous. The racers also love the R1 on the roads; they love the compact position of this full-blood racer, the control the direct steering and love being carried along by the forward thrust. Why hasn’t it managed to obtain a test winner? Because the competitors (Canyon and Rose) are better. Their frames have become lighter. This makes the R1 on the whole, not more inferior, It is a tip for smart spenders.

coNclUSioN With compact driver position and direct handling, this RADON thrills every sporty smart spender. The features for this price, are super.’

+ high quality features + distinctive forward thrust – suspension comfort

MATERIAL/SIZE

ALU /50/53/56 /58/60/63

REAR DERAILLEUR

SHIMANO 105, 11-28

CRANK

SHIMANO 105,50/34

BRAKES

SHIMANO 105

WHEELS

MAVIC AKSIUM

TYRES

SCHWALBE ONE, 25

HANDLE BAR

YNTACE F149/ S RACELITE

SEAT

SELLE ITALIA SLS/RFR

WEIGHT

8,2 kg (without pedals)

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RADON >> revIew

R1 4.0 PRICE 999 EURO

11 RACERS STARTING AT 999 EUROS. ‘VERY GOOD’ IN ROADBIKE 06/2015

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RADON >> revIew

SPIRE 7.0 PRICE 1.999 EURO

IN TEST: 4 BIKES FROM DISTRIBUTOR SPIRE 7.0 MARK 1,9 IN ‘TOUR 06/2015’

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RADON >> revIew

coNclUSioN Harmonious bike without technical weaknesses. Best equipment in test, very sporty seat position, small assembly faults.

In comparison to its predecessor the new Spire frame has improved signifi cantly.It’s 100g lighter and at the same time stable. The frame is, due to the change of the seat post measurement with 27,2 millimetre, much more comfortable than before. The seat position looks extremely sporty due to to the short head tube. Those who enjoy this coordination will have lots of fun on this bike.

The distributors H&S from Bonn (who is the company behind RADON) have shown much generosity with features.

As well as complete Ultegra there are also lightweight Ksyrium-Elite-Wheels from Mavic that roll on 25 millimetre tyres.

The Syntace-handlebar lies perfectly in your hands. The saddle, mounted on a carbon seat post from Syntace, is rightly one of the popular racing saddle. The robust transport carton reminds of the one from Canyon and protects the bike well. There is need for improvement by the assembly condition. The front derailleurs weren’t perfectly adjusted and the silicon stopper to seal the small D12 vent in the seat tube was defect. RADON did however deliver the stopper immediately.

MATERIAL/SIZE

Carbon /54/56/58 60 /63 cm

FORK

Radon Spire Full Carbon

DRIVE/BRAKES/ GEARS

Shimano Ultegra (50/34 Z.; Press-Fit BB86)

WHEELS / TYRES

avic Ksyrium Elite S / M Mavic Yksion Pro 25C

WEIGHT

7,3 kg (without pedals)

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Travel >> Mallorca

Mallo

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Travel >> Mallorca

orca

the bike(el)dorado It’s not only for celebrities such as Leonardo di Caprio, ex world champion Max Hürzeler, German politician Rudolph Scharping or the Tour de France teams who love exploring the island of Mallorca.

The best time for a trip to the haven for bikers is between September and May. Mallorca is approximately 3500 square kilometres large and is the most diversified island of the Balearics. Steep slopes in the west of the island, wide plains in the centre and in the south east, impressive cliffs along the Serra de Tramutana and swimming bays that nestle around the 554 kilometres of coast. Those who sit in the saddle will not be disappointed. The top racing teams of the world have been training here in mild Mediterranean climate for years, or fighting for diverse triumphs such as ‘Cinturion Internacional’ or ‘The challenge of the masters.’

The administration department have been expanding bike paths between the north and the south, the east and the west for the continuously growing numbers of bike tourists. In the future there should be, as well as the 10 km cycle path along the promenade of Palma a total of 1000 kilometres of new cycling paths. Totally vehicle-free-zones are seldom. How nice that in the winter and spring season the small roads through picturesque villages such as Sollér are not that busy.

What racers attract, bore cross-fans; they find along rocky trails and guided mountain tours down the old donkey tracks

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TRAVEL >> Mallorca

attractive routes. A department of the tourism ministry offer eight to ten ‘Cicloturismo-Routen’, for everyone. Depending on ability, pedal-cracks can even enjoy and master increase up to 800 metres.

The trips are individually planned and offer as well as picturesque breaks to take unforgettable photos, also the possibility to visit one or the other restaurants. The royal stage to Sa Calobra is a must for trained sportsmen. Long, drawn out endlessly beautiful serpentines along the route.

A reconciling view from the top after a diaphoretic ascent.

Breath-taking wild landscapes lead to pauses.

Surprisingly how many areas of Mallorca under nature conservation are reachable by bike. As well as the national park Cabrera, the island has four other national parks: S’Albufera, Sa Dragonera, Mondraq and Peninsulla de Llevant’ Furthermore there are numerous dependancies – the complete island Formentor, parts of the peninsula La Victora near to Alcudia, the dunes de Son Real near can Picafort, Punta de n’Amer near to cala Millor, the area around Ermita de Sant Salvador near to Felanitx, the area around the Cape of ses Salinas in the south of the island, unspoilt parts of the east and south coast, the Salinas near Campos, the marina of Llucmayor around Cape Blanc, the forests around the mountains of Randa, the Cape of Cala Fiquera in south west and nearly the whole area of Tramuntana. In the vast carob tree forests and the woods of holm oak you can fi nd beautiful blossoms of arum and gorse.

Nearly all airlines carry bikes for a low fee.

Well-packed in a bike bag or case, this fee costs 50 euros with the Lufthansa. Do not send your bike by post. Of course you can send your bike to Spain but usually this is carried out by private companies. These companies are usually complicated and expensive. Even when insured, when anything happens, you normally stand there without any guarantee. You can hire bikes; this is possible to book from home. But, compare prices. The same goes for professional tours.

M

Those who have fi nally managed an energy-sapping excursion can enjoy the evening on a balcony; perhaps a round in the swimming pool. But, not in community baths or spas. If you want your private sphere, you should book a private villa or fi nca with friends.

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TRAVEL >> Mallorca

Mallorca radon-bikes.com | 117

TRAVEL >> Mallorca

TraumDomizil

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le

TRAVEL >> Mallorca

OUR DREAM DOMICILE – FOR YOU:

f071

One of the best online addresses for sophisticated domiciles is www.fi ncas4you. com. You can find beautiful accommodations at chosen spots for a fair price in every category.

At the foot of Serra Tramuntana is the ‘Finca Montserrat’ - Reference number f443.

Elegantly equipped with all amenities such as a modern kitchen, two bathrooms and designer indoor swimming pool. Here is room for six guests and costs for a week in February or March 1900 euros.

f422

Similar is the historical ‘Fincas Flores (f515). This fi nca is in the picturesque Buger near to sa Pobla, 18 kilometres away from the gates of Alcudia and Pollenca.

The Finca Vistabellea (f254) is in Pollenca.

It lies embedded at the back of the Tamuntana Mountans. There is room for eight guests. A comfortable dining/living room and cosy interior design in country house style. This costs 160 euros per night.

In the fl atter regions in the south, not far from Mondra, is the Finca La Manga / f071). This also offers a cosy atmosphere, barbeque and its own pool; a washing-machine, modern kitchen and room for six people at a price from 1200 per week.

There are also places for smaller groups.

In the Finca Refugio (f442) in the north of the island directly in Sa Pobla, (where there’s room for two to three people) you don’t have to forego the luxury of the larger fi ncas. Price starting at 130 euros per night.

Or there’s also Sa Caseta (f422) with sea view in south eastern Porto Colom for two people for just 100 euros per night.

f422

f422

f442

All these places offer a wonderful starting point to explore the Island form a new perspective.

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RADON >> servIcePartNer

SERVICE-PARTNER tHE iDEA As a bike-distributer we send high-quality bikes equipped with top class components at top conditions. When purchasing a bike buyers like to have a contact person for advice and need somewhere for maintenance or repairs. This is why we have brought the Radon Service Programme to life. This concept is – till now- unique. Local bike shops profi t as well as consumers. At the moment there are 150 service partners over Europe.

AN oVErViEW oF oUr SErVicES (1) Radon service partners are a qualifi ed contact point for service, maintenance and repairs on your Radon bike.

(2) All new orders._ Your new Radon bike can be delivered to your nearest service partner who will complete the fi nal assembly as well as any tuning tasks. The only thing you have to do is to pick up your bike.

(3) The fi rst service check is at a fi xed price of, 25 euros for racing bikes, 30 euros for’ hardtails’ and 35 euros for ‘fullys and trekking bikes’.

(Switzerland 80 Francs) (4) Do you need any changes on your bike? Do you have equipment that should be mounted?

Are you not quite sure what type of additional equipment you need? Your service partner will help you with any questions and queries and will also fi t your parts onto your bike.

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BENEFitS Service partners offer a whole range of benefi ts for you. As a purchaser of a new radon bike, your bike can be directly delivered to the service partner who does the fi nal assembly and tuning on your bike. The only thing left for you to do is to go and pick it up. For any repairs, maintenance or assembly work you can bring your bike to any of the service partners.

(5) A service partner can also order your dream bike by Radon for you. When delivered to a service partner, the fi nal assembly costs are dropped. In peak season, this means shorter delivery time.

(6) A couple of service partners have a choice of Radon bikes for you to test. Just give them a call to see which bikes they’ve got there.

(7) In case of guarantee. Our service partners decide whether the bike has to be sent back to the manufacturer or whether it can be repaired (unbureaucratically) by the service partner.

RADON >> servIcePartNer

ADDRESSES The Radon Service Partner Programme offers you the best of both worlds: high-quality bikes at top-conditions and a qualifi ed service in the near vicinity. Just try it out and order your next Radon bike by one of our service partners.

00000 Bike Performance, 01099 Dresden · Radsporthaus Päperer, 01326 Dresden · Elbbikes, 01796 Pirna · Fahrradhaus Marquardt, 01968 Senftenberg · Fritz Fahrräder, 02763 Zittau · StadtRad Mattuschka, 03046 Cottbus · Mike-Bikes, 03253 Schönborn · Fahrradwerkstatt Leipzig, 04229 Leipzig · Servicestützpunkt Leipzig, 04277 Leipzig · Fahrradwerkstatt Zwenkau, 04442 Zwenkau · DRAHTESEL Der Fahrradladen, 04910 Elsterwerda · INMOVE - Sport & Rad, 06122 Halle (Saale) · Fahrzeughaus Kilian, 06493 Ballenstedt · Bike Shop S. Schuster, 06774 Muldestausee · Fahrradwerkstatt Hansemann, 07629 Hermsdorf 10000 Con-Radskeller, 10829 Berlin · Fahrrad-Vermietung-Handel-Reparatur, 18569 Gingst 20000 Räderei Hamburg, 22083 Hamburg · Pi Quadrat Fahrräder Kiel, 24116 Kiel · Pi Quadrat Fahrräder Altenholz, 24161 Altenholz · Die Fahrradhalle, 26197 Ahlhorn 30000 Greenbike-Shop, 31708 Ahnsen · DrehAmRad, 32051 Herford · Velomobile, 33689 Bielefeld · Fahrradschmiede, 35108 Allendorf · Ökologische Antriebe, 35716 Dietzhölztal · Pöttis-Bike-Corner, 36043 Fulda · Optimum Bike, 36199 Rotenburg A. D. Fulda · Velo unlimited UG, 37073 Göttingen · Radsport Erdmann, 37308 Heilbad Heiligenstadt · Radpraxis Welle, 38100 Braunschweig · MMX Quadracing, 39307 Genthin 40000 Bicycle Doctor, 40479 Düsseldorf · bike tec sports, 42499 Hückeswagen · Radhaus Gerhardy Köln, 44287 Dortmund · Rad & Tat, 44797 Bochum · Berg Rad Touren, 44799 Bochum · perPEDALi, 45147 Essen · Raum26“ (fantisports), 45966 Gladbeck · Zweirad Büchter, 46342 Velen · 2-Rad-Service Sicking, 46354 Südlohn · One2Bike Rönskenstr., 46562 Voerde (Niederrhein) · Zweirad Dütsch Greven, 48268 Greven · Zweirad Dütsch Emsdetten, 48282 Emsdetten · Fietsen-Delle, 49824 Ringe 50000 Maybike, 50670 Köln · Cycle WERX OHG, 50679 Köln · Knut´s Radladen, 51373 Leverkusen · Cycle-M, 51429 Bergisch Gladbach · Trailacademy Radstation, 51570 Windeck · Fahrrad Schuster, 52372 Kreuzau · Sportwelt Scherer, 52531 Übach-Palenberg · Radhaus Mehlem, 53179 Bonn · 2Rad-Leuer, 53340 Meckenheim · Pro-Cycling-Golla, 53359 Rheinbach · 2Rad Kurbelwerk, 53567 Asbach · Zweiradtreff Pütz, 53757 Sankt Augustin · Der-Fahrradmister, 53879 Euskirchen · Zweirad Spitzl, 53937 Schleiden · Sattelfest Bikes, 54668 Ernzen · Bike & Triathlon Shop Wein, 55124 Mainz · Fahrrad Becker, 55543 Bad Kreuznach · Tretmühle, 58313 Herdecke · Bruno Fahrradreparaturen, 59269 Beckum · Bikeshop Sundern, 59846 Sundern · Uppu Bike Tours, 59955 Winterberg 60000 Velo-Doctor, 60439 Frankfurt · Haus+Rad Service, 63110 Rodgau · threeoak - bicycles and lifestyle, 63303 Dreieich · Bike activ, 63538 Großkrotzenburg · ODENWALDBIKE, 64653 Lorsch · Frame Factory, 65199 Wiesbaden · Pfadfi nder-Outdoor, 65385 Rüdesheim am Rhein · Radsport Boldt, 65510 Hünstetten · Tolle Räder, 66117 Saarbrücken · Radsport Walzer, 66424 Homburg · Wheelsports, 66919 Weselberg · Schell E-Motion-Bike, 67551 Worms · Bike-Keller, 69190 Walldorf · KM Bikesport, 69483 Wald-Michelbach 70000 FLOWRIDE, 70176 Stuttgart · Gerlinger Radcenter GRC GmbH, 70839 Gerlingen · EB-Sport GmbH, 71101 Schönaich · Pedaliero Bikeshop, 72119 Ammerbuch · Lauterbikes Saline, 74177 Bad Friedrichshall · Uggahh!BikeService, 75210 Keltern · Fahrrad Terminal, 76149 Karlsruhe · simcycles, 76669 Bad Schönborn · Faisst Bike Sport, 78132 Hornberg · Hegau Bike & Coffee Shop Ltd., 78244 Gottmadingen · Lauf & Rad Guth, 79108 Freiburg · Breisgau-Velo, 79336 Herbolzheim · Sport und Zweirad Ltd, 79674 Todtnau 80000 Werkstätte für Zweiradmechanik, 81241 München · vit:bikes, 81673 München · bike-station preisinger, 82041 Oberhaching · Michis Bike Service, 82515 Wolfratshausen · Fahrrad Kerscher, 83022 Rosenheim · sportrad ZOEPHEL, 83052 Bruckmühl · Radar GbR, 83088 Kiefersfelden · Wasserburger Radhaus, 83512 Wasserburg a. Inn · Radl-Rasti Brauneck, 83661 Lenggries · BikeBase Schliersee, 83727 Schliersee · OutdoorSport Heller, 85110 Kipfenberg · 29bikes.de, 85232 Bergkirchen · Bikestation Freising, 85356 Freising · MUC. repairs Sand & Moser OHG, 85622 Feldkirchen · use-wheel cycles , 86911 Dießen am Ammersee · Hofmann Bikes, 87534 Oberstaufen · Bikestation, 88069 Tettnang · Vinyard-Bikes, 88481 Balzheim · 2-Rad Stegmaier, 89278 Nersingen 90000 Bikedevilz, 90513 Zirndorf · Mobiler Fahrrad Service Hoffmann, 91086 Aurachtal · Sport Hiltel, 92249 Vilseck · Schlossgarage Fahrradservice, 92281 Königstein · Bäumler Bikes, 92699 Bechtsrieth · Bikeambulanz Regensburg, 93047 Regensburg · Rad & Sportservice Wall, 93173 Wenzenbach · Broken Spoke, 93449 Waldmünchen · Denk Bike & Outdoor, 94032 Passau · RAD U. SKISERVICE, 94362 Neukirchen · Radsport Krebs, 96332 Pressig · Speed-Max, 97440 Zeuzleben · Klein-Der Fahrradladen, 97786 Motten · Radhaus bikes and more, 98574 Schmalkalden · Radmarkt, 99427 Weimar · Cycle Service, 99817 Eisenach Belgien JaBo Bikes, 2360 Oud-Turnhout · RDN-Bikes, 3920 Lommel · Antenna bikes, 5670 Nismes · OBSIS, 6043 Ransart Dänemark MTB Tours, DK-3500 Vearloese Frankreich DC BIKE, 49122 Le May Su Evre · Velo-Boom, 86000 Poitiers Großbritanien Cloud 9 Cycles, London WC1E 7DB irland Mad Elk Cycles, 24 Dublin Tallaght italien BESTWIND, 58020 Puntone di Scarlino · Pianeta Bici, 95033 Biancavilla luxemburg NextBikeParts, 5275HE Den Dungen · Bike-Dokter, 5423 Ersange · LT-Sports, 6541 AJ Nijmegen · Cycle Trend, 9729 GH Groningen Österreich X-Sport, 1230 Wien · BikeFeeling GmbH, 4020 Linz · Rad-Sport-Technik, 4280 Königswiesen · B&B Handels GmbH, 4372 St. Georgen Am Walde · Fahrradtechnik Wallner, 5721 Piesendorf · Silvertip Tours GmbH, 6020 Innsbruck · 2RADMARTIN, 6700 Bludenz · PP Radlshop & Kreativwerkstatt, 8054 Graz- Strassgang · Weiss-Racing, 8430 Leibnitz · eazy GmbH, 8700 Leoben · Radldoktor, 9062 Moosburg · Triasport, 9535 Schiefl ing polen No Limited, 36-053 Kamien portugal Bina Clinica, 1100-138 Lisboa · Tomazzini Bike, 2430-275 Marinha Grande · Almaisbikes, 2435-535 Rio De Couros · Escola de Mecânica de Bicicletas, 2605-658 Belas · BikeScience, 3090-433 Paião · SILBIKE, 4585-719 Sobreira · MYBIKE, 4620-123 Lousada · PedalCenter, 4715-403 Braga Schweden Häggs, SE-570 13 Schweiz Garage Ehrismann AG, 5426 Lengnau ·JR Bike Solution, 8487 Zell · velotob , 9000 St. Gallen Slowenien BIKE CENTER MARIBOR, 2000 Maribor · JB Center, 8222 Otocec · RIDE, 9000 Murska Sobota Spanien CiclosCuevas, 04820 Velez Rubio · BIKESTYLE, 08005 Barcelona · Biciclon, 28032 Madrid · DIBIKE, 28260 Galapagar · JIP CARBONO, 41710 Utrera (Sevilla)

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RADON >> servIce PartNer

rADoN service partners are our local heroes. overall in Germany they handle everything to do with our bikes, advise and help with any queries around rADoN. We‘d like to introduce a few of our heroes and we‘d also like to say thank you from the complete rADoN team for all yoour fabulous work.

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RADON >> SERVICE PARTNER

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1. BIKEAMBULANZ* - BIKEHAUS GmbH Bahnhofstr. 18, 93047 Regensburg T: 0941 599 88 08 service@bikeambulanz.de www.bikeambulanz.com

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2. Firma Sport- und Radwelt-Scherer Otto-Hahn-Straße 1 52531 Übach-Palenberg T: 02451 - 914666 info@sportwelt-scherer.de www.sportwelt-scherer.de 3. Faisst Bike-Sport Hauptstr. 12, D-78132 Hornberg T: +49 7833 96 05 65 info@faisst-bike-sport.de www.faisst-bike-sport.de

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4. Triasport - Das Rad nach Maß Keutschacher Straße 179 9535 Schiefling am See T: +43 (0)676 - 970 25 20 office@triasport.at www.triasport.at 5. Pedro Capelinha pcapelinha@gmail.com T: 91 744 66 68

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RADON >> SERVICE PARTNER

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6. Biciclon C/Aquitania 48, local 5 28032 Madrid España T: 917759168/665880907 biciclon@biciclon.com www.biciclon.com 7. Rad und Sportservice Wall Regensburger Straße 7 93173 Wenzenbach T: 09407/5529127 wall@rad-sportservice.de www.rad-sportservice.de

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8 Radhaus Mehlem Mainzer Str. 151, 53179 Bonn T: 0228-55077835 radhaus-mehlem@t-online.de 9. TolleRäder Vorstadtstraße 45, 66117 Saarbrücken T: 0681/52676 info@tolle-raeder.de www.tolle-raeder.de 10. Die Fahrradhalle Wildeshauser Str. 14, 26197 Ahlhorn T: 04435/3867820 info@die-fahrradhalle.de www.die-fahrradhalle.de

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RADON >> SERVICE PARTNER

11. Freerider Kroska ulica 41, 9000 Murska Sobota Slovenia T: +386 2 524 15 66 info@ride.si www.freerider.sl

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12. FLOWRIDE Lerchenstr. 22, 70176 Stuttgart T: +49 (0)711 407 467 09 bikes@flowride.de www.flowride.de 13. Sattelfest Bikes Daxlaystr. 17, 54668 Ernzen T: +49 (0) 176/23 57 90 85 info@sattelfest-bikes.de www.sattelfest-bikes.de

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14. ODENWALDBIKE Hirschstr. 1, 64653 Lorsch T: 06251/70 55 657 info@odenwaldbike.de www.odenwaldbike.de 15. Rund ums Rad Fahrradtechnik Wallner Salzachstr. 214, 5721 Piesendorf, Austria T: +43 6549 20525 rw-fahrrad@sbg.at

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16. Radsport Erdmann Robert-Bosch-Straße 5 37308 Heilbad Heiligenstadt T: 03606/605147 service@radsport-erdmann.eu www.radsport-erdmann.com 17. HOFMANN BIKES Reparaturen - Bikes - Tours Immenstädter Str. 3 a, 87534 Oberstaufen T: 08386/9914166 info@hofmannbikes.com www.hofmannbikes.com

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18. BIKEDEVILZ Fürther Straße 9 90513 Zirndorf T: 0911 89 624 007 info@bikedevilz.de www.bikedevilz.de 19. Sport und Zweirad Ltd Freiburgerstr. 3 79674 Todtnau T: 07671/9925462 sport-zweirad@t-online.de

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Crankworx

Bike-festival 2015

Travelogue from out team manager and former 4x World Champion Joost Wichman

The mountain Walhalla New Zealand; land of the Maoris, hobbits and untouched nature as far as the eye can see. An island of endless opportunities and the Walhalla for outdoor enthusiasts. Without a doubt the right spot for the Crankworx Bike Festival 2015 – and that was the reason for a journey to the other end of the world.

Together with his team colleague James Shirley and photographer Plons van der Plons, I have been sitting for over 35 hours in a plane. This time it has to be perfect. The planning is an important matter. I had been to New Zealand in 2007, but at that time my energy was around the 4X Chamionships. I was only concentrated on the race and not on the landscape. This time it‘s going to be different, not least as three New Zealand motorcross pros will be accompanying us.

Plons has ensured that everything has been perfectly organised. We have the best outdoor guides for two weeks and will be travelling to three different places in an old VW bus. But, far wrong – the VW bus is an old Toyota Hi-Ace with more than 350 000 kilometres on the tachometer. First stop: Queenstown on the south island.

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Queen of the mountains in Queenstown Here you are, THAT is nature – pure! In Queenstown you find on every corner a vast offer of outdoor activities. One supplier next to the other; mountain biking, rafting, walking and motor cross. The town is a relaxed nest, that lives from tourism. You see backpackers and Japanese – and always with them, their camera – ready for selfies, snapshots and more. We can’t blame them for that, nature here is just breath-taking and worth a couple of pictures.

We’re at home from Scotty Columb – a multiple national motor cross champion. He’s with us for four days and shows us the best place for mountain bikers near to Queenstown. Scotty’s family has a company that specialises in motor cross and off-road 4x4 tours. We can sleep in his house and we’re not the only ones. Queenstown is popular, and full – and that’s why we can sleep on the floor in the living-room. No problem, it doesn’t cost anything.

It is impossible to cycle all trails around Queenstown. There are just too many. Scotty leads us first to the trails on his land. We drive with two quads in farther hilly terrain, our bikes tied behind us. The beginning is

quite hard, especially after 35 hours of travelling.

It’s very rocky here and the trails have drops and large springs. The landscape is breath-taking and we enjoy a fantastic view of the sea. But the weather could be better. We finish the day with Verge Burger – a real attraction in Queenstown. There is a queue in front of the door as everyone wants to order a burger. It tastes delicious – really to be recommended. Whether it’s worth waiting half an hour for it, is another question.

The Lord of the Rings The next morning, we travel up the high mountain to ride Cornet Peak. We travel by shuttle to reach the skiing area – from there we have along ascent.

Along the way there are a couple of special wide laid out trails. But we’ve got to go further up. The Cornet peak will take us to Arrowtown, a town about 25 minutes from Queenstown.

Did I mention Lord of the Rings? Well from up here, it looks like we’re in the midst of the film. A spectacular view of the valley with many lakes. In front of us a natural single trail that travels on the mountain crest and then direction left to the valley. We’re are cycling through open scenery, hardly any trees, but a concentration of various shades of green.

At the beginning, the trail seems simple, but we’re wrong. It gets steeper and the rocks make it more difficult for us. James can let off steam here, whereas I have sweaty hands and don’t really feel comfortable on my bike. It takes us 30 minutes down to Arrowtown and as we arrive, a steamy cup of coffee awaits us.

Skyline Bike Park The next day we took things slowly. We went on a cross-country tour over the land, one and a half hours along a lake with a lot of trail. Our 29 hardtails were perfect. Before we left Queenstown, Scotty took us to Skyline Bike Park. We use our skiing pass to travel by cable car. The brilliantly arranged paths are made for downhill bikes, but our RADON Slide 650 B endure go down with ease.

We find many jumps and steep bends, and because the mountain is steep anyway - speed increases. Still in my comfort-zone and this is my thing, whereas James cycles with sweaty hands this time. He feels better on technical trails. At the end of the day I’ve got to stop. My hands hurt and are marked form the fabulous runs. Scotty takes us to a steak restaurant on this evening, near to Atlas. We pass in review what we experienced here. We all agree that this is one of the best places we have ever cycled. The next day our journey takes us to Motueka. We decide to drive along the west coast over the Fox glacier – then supposedly, this is worth stopping at. The 12 hour journey is a pleasure; the view fantastic.

Mountain bike with style Motueka is on the northern tip of the southern island and here we’er knocking on Joshua Coppins door. It’s like an episode from ‘MTV’s Cribs’. Really impressive; white house on a hill and has a view to the sea. But that’s not even important as he has a complete motor cross and super cross course in his garden! That is stylish. We drive away with our old Ford Falcon to organise something to eat.

But we’re to ride our mountain bikes. There are no real mountains around Monuteka, just hills that you compare with to Ben Nevis. And that’s where the comparison stops; even to compare it to Quennsland makesy no sense. The trails there had wild alpine charcter – this here is totally different. Most of the trails leasd through woods and there is little

open space. The rocky cliffs aren’’t here.. good for the tyres. But, we begin at the beach. We park our cars there to make our way to Abel – the mountain bike mecca.

We find countless kilometres of bike trails which seem to be loved by many locals. There are mountain bikers from young to old. We start at see level with the ascent through the forest on a lovely single trail with many, many serpentines. This is good to ride on my SRAM 1x11. All over the place you can see turnings on the wayside and many trails that have been signposted according to level of difficulty. It takes us about an hour to reach the peak, to be rewarded with a fantastic view of the bay below. The other side isn’t that attractive as there are thick grey clouds.

Nelson’s Network Josh wants to cycle down the toughest course. But I don’t really find it so difficult. The course is fast, has a couple of drops but it’s good to ride and I’m in flow.

You can say the same about all the other trails, as well.

They are nicely laid out and they are suitable for all grades of difficulties, but if you love technical trails, then Abel is not the right place for you. Just as we arrive back in the town and have parked our bikes to buy the best burger in New Zealand - it starts to rain – perfect timing.

The next day is rain – non stop. That’s a shame but not a tragedy. We decide to stay in Josh’s garage and to bring our bikes back in form. But at the end of the day I decide to test one of Josh’s cross-courses. The next day, the last one by Mr Coppins, we drive to Nelson. There are high mountains there and is only 30 minutes away from our sleeping place. The network of trails here is massive; here we have both technical and natural single trails.

James beams. It can’t be technical enough for him.

We literally dive from the outskirts into the forest. There is no shuttle service or cable-cars here, so we’ve got to ascend on our own. We are amazed how many mountain bikers you can see here. The sport is alive here in New Zealand and has reached a totally new level for me. But perhaps that shouldn’t be so surprising when there’s such a fabulous trail network.

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Trail with their own character The higher the more natural the trails. James smiles and is more than happy. In Queenstown the grade of difficulty came from the steep cliff passages, here, it’s serpentines and roots that define the trails. Every path has its own character. The higher, the darker the forests and moister, the roots more slippery – exactly the way James likes it. The lower, the more set-up steep bends and jumps – exactly the way I like it.

We could have gladly stayed a couple of days more, but we had to move to our next destination. When we summarise, then I would say that both Nelson and Motueka are great for nearly every type of mountain biker and recommended for nearly all types of bikes.

There are fast trails for XC 29s and technical trails for enduros. Only real downhillers come off badly.

The next morning begins quite early – at 3 am.

We’re on the ferry, on our way to the north island.

Apparently the journey is interesting, but I didn‘t notice much as I slept the whole journey. We pay 40 New Zealand dollars per person and 200 dollars for our old bus. As soon as we arrive we drive direction Rotorua.

Tarzan on his bike Ben Townley (motor-cross world champion) has reserved 2 rooms for us in his holiday park, in Roturua.

He’s on his way back from Japan after testing Honda bikes. On the first day, James and I try a couple of the course-steps from the enduro world championships.

This competition is held within the Crankworx-Festival. It had rained and the locals warned us about slipperiness. The trails are in two separate parts of town around Roturua. In the Skyline Bike Park there’s a cable car and the most sportsmen there are downhillers.

There are three routes downwards, seriously steep and with laid out rock gardens, large drops and jumps. This is the first step of the competition and after 200 meters I crash into a tree trunk. Not my thing! But James rides as fast as a rocket and he‘s in his element.

The other location is Redwoods. It’s just fantastic here.

You feel like Tarzan ‘cause you cycle in the jungle. We find light flow-trails here but also difficult and technical single trails with a natural character. There are no rock gardens, the ground is volcanic – soft and not craggy.

The only disadvantage is the slope. The paths are not very steep and therefore, speed is slower. The biggest problem is the rain; so many roots are laid open and it’s so slippery that it’s impossible to cycle. But that applies

only for a couple of the many trails.

The real, unique mountain bike atmosphere.

The highlight in New Zealand? Redwoods. Thanks to its beautiful and massive diversity. How often do you have the chance to ride through the jungle?

Furthermore, the cross-country trails are the best (in my opinion) and the shuttle service is ideal; it’s a big school-bus (50 people fit in) with a trailer. The only negative aspect is the price, it’s quite expensive – 40 New Zealand dollars for 6 tickets.

In Redwoods you can really feel the mountain bike atmosphere.The bike-shops have coffee-corners. You don’t talk about enduro, downhill or cross-country – you talk about mountain biking. Just as it should be.

It is a real pleasure being in New Zealand. The last day for us and a childhood dream comes true for me.

Ben Townley takes me to is own motor-cross course and lets me have a few rounds on his factory bike – Honda 450. A delight! New Zealand is number 1 for me for mountain biking. This list is of course not set, but says more than a thousand words.

OTHERS TRAVEL THE NEIGHBOURHOOD.

WE HAVE THE WHOLE WORLD IN MIND.

URBAN

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