Eurobike Show Daily 2010 (Issue 2)

Wed. Sep. 1ST, 2010

The Official Eurobike Newspaper

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WWW.BIKESHOWDAILY.COM

SHOW DAY 1

MUD FEST 5

Down & Dirty at Demo Day

ROBOTIC VOX POP 8

Robots Make BMC's Carbon Frames

13

What Did You Most Want to See?

BIG STEPS Shimano's E-bike System

UPBEAT 10

A Show of Optimism at Eurobike

14

E-BITES Be Careful When Buying E-bikes

30

3

SHOW DAILY 2010 `

CONTENT SHOW DAY 1

September 1st, 2010

IN THIS ISSUE ...

ROLLING IN (AND THROUGH) MUD

4

Getting down and dirty in Argenbuehl.

VERY INTER-ESTING

8

Interbike moves its show dates, and its venue.

HOLDING STEADY

`10

Eurobike leaders cite stable sales on show's eve.

MADE BY ROBOTS

13

Inside BMC’s new robotic carbon factory.

QUICK GUIDE TO STAND NUMBERS ...

It’s easy to find an exhibitor located in one of the main A or B halls.

But where are E1, FGO, FG and ZH?

E1 is a mobile hall built mainly for |German Derby Group in the inner open air ground between hall A5 and B3.

E1 divides the open air grounds into FG (Freigelände West = open air grounds west, with MTB/BMX courses plus exhibitor stands) and FGO (Freigelände Ost = open air grounds east).

For example, if you are looking for Cooper Bikes you’ll find the stand number FG A5-3, which means they are located on Freigelände West at stand number A5-3.

ZH stands for “Zeppelin Hall” which houses mainly e-bike suppliers as well as an e-bike test track.

A SHOCKING STORY

34

Retailers beware when buying an e-bike line.

COMPRESSION IMPRESSIONS

48

Cycling wear squeezes the most from compression.

ON TODAY'S FRONT COVER: Longtime Tour de France devil Didi Senft was fiendishly entertaining for the Felt/Oetztal/X-Bionic Worldcup Team at yesterday's Demo Day. © BERNHARD WROBEL

4

SHOW DAILY 2010

CYCLING SHOES & RUBBER BOOTS

VISITORS GET DOWN AND DIRTY AT Rain and flooding in the morning, sunshine at noon, and mud all day. That was the story at the Eurobike Demo Day yesterday. But the morning’s cold and wet weather didn’t stop the demo’s 106 exhibitors from showing their latest products well, except for a few exhibitors whose booths had been flooded out.

More than 1,460 retailers and 577 journalists from 35 countries attended Demo Day, Eurobike officials said.

And the sun and clearer skies finally emerged before noon.

“Despite difficult weather conditions, the fourth edition of Eurobike Demo Day was successful for both exhibitors and visitors,” said Klaus Wellmann, general manager of Eurobike organizer Messe Friedrichshafen.

He thanked the citizens of Argenbuehl, who helped clear water from the demo grounds so exhibitors could set up. Members of the local auxiliary fire brigade went to work early in the morning to pump water and build temporary wooden bridges to cover the muddiest areas.

“The entire Argenbuehl region is most proud to have the international bicycle world here on Demo Day and is keen to help out,” said show spokesman Frank Gauss. “They have done a fantastic job.”

Dutch company B-One was one exhibitor that had to wait for the water to subside before it could set up. “We built up the booth yesterday, but luckily nothing was really damaged by the flooding. It took a while before we were set up, but the fire brigade has done a fantastic job,” said Johan Muijres, a B-One sales rep.

Sport Import, which imports Felt bikes, also was affected—but product manager Oliver Kessler was unfazed.

“Due to the flooding we had a delay, but hey, let’s face it. This is an outdoor event. It can happen,” Kessler said.

Nor did the weather put off Achim Birkner, a German retailer from Bochum. “It’s not a question of weather conditions but apparel. You know about it and you have to live with it,” Birkner said. “Personally, I’m happy being here to test the latest stuff before I order. It doesn’t matter what the weather conditions are.”

Two other visitors took the morning delays in stride. Bostjan Skerlj and Andraz Celigoj arrived at 8 a.m. after driving for seven hours from Slovenia.

Instead of trying bikes, they headed for breakfast - which in their case consisted of a couple of hefeweizen beers from the nearby Farny stand.

YESTERDAY’S

A Niner customer got down and dirty in the mud at yesterday’s Demo Day. © Bernhard Wrobel

DEMO DAY

“Coffee no good for the stomach,” Celigoj said. “Beer is like food. It will make us ready to check out the latest stuff as soon as the fire brigade has finished its job.” g JB

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SHOW DAILY 2010

WHAT'S ON TODAY? SHOW DAY 1 - WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 1 , 2010

MAGNESIUM BIKES RISE FROM DEAD

Regular Events

A COMEBACK IN BICYCLES?

#

ST

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ALL DAY EUROBIKE AWARDS 2010

- EXHIBITION Prize-winning products on display.

FOYER WEST -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

09:00 SPECIALIZED "BODY GEOMETRY" FIT Ergonomy experts show how specialty dealers should do a perfect bike fit.

STAND A3-206 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

11:00 GHOST BIKES INTERVIEW AND AUTOGRAPH SESSION with MTB World Cup rider Guido Tschugg.

STAND B1-400

18:30 SCOTT EUROBIKE WILD WEST PARTY Scott says this will be the best party - for invited guests only.

ATRIUM, ENTRY, FOYER WEST -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

18:30 LIGHTWEIGHT NIGHT RIDE Powered by Sigma. Organizer: RSV Seerose. For further info, call: +49 (0)176 3811 5965.

MEETING POINT AT ENTRANCE WEST -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

18:45 GARMIN AFTER EURO-BIKE Casual 1-Hour Ride.

MEETING POINT AT ENTRANCE EAST -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

19:00 FAST FORWARD BASH Kreidler presents Jennifer Rostock in Concert. Plus free beer!

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11:00 14:00 16:00 EUROBIKE FASHION SHOW The latest colors, trendy cuts, new functions.

FOYER EAST

FOYER EAST -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Media-Only Events

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12:00 UCI & THE CYCLING INDUSTRY SYMPOSIUM

11:00 POLAR & LOOK PRESS CONFERENCE New Power Pedals.

ROOM PARIS, CONFERENCE CENTRE EAST -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

12:00 SPECIALIZED "BODY GEOMETRY" FIT Ergonomy experts show how specialty dealers should do a perfect bike fit.

STAND A3-206 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

13:00 GHOST BIKES RT & HTX SHOW with R&D Manager Bastiaan Thijs.

STAND B1-400 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

14:00 S PECIALIZED "BODY GEOMETRY" FIT Ergonomy experts show how specialty dealers should do a perfect bike fit.

STAND A3-206 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

15:00 GHOST BIKES DOWNHILL SHOW with R&D Manager Bastiaan Thijs and downhill pro Marcus Klausmann.

STAND B1-400 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

15:30 GHOST BIKES INTERVIEW AND AUTOGRAPH SESSION with downhill pro Marcus Klausmann.

STAND B1-400 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

16:00 ADIDAS EYEWEAR SYMPOSIUM Pro riders (including Hans Rey and Race Across America rider Gerhard Gulewicz) explain why Adidas Eyewear’s Light Stabilizing Technology is so important to them.

STAND B2-411 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

17:00 G HOST BIKES INTERVIEW with Team Manager Thomas Kohlhepp.

ROOM ROME, CONFERENCE CENTER EAST -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

12:00 FRW (FREEWHEELING) BICYCLES PRESENTATION Italian Lunch with Piadina Romagnola and Syrah wine.

STAND A1-427 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

13:00 UCI PRESS CONFERENCE UCI & The Bike Industry.

ROOM PARIS, CONFERENCE CENTER EAST -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

13:00 ENIT PRESS CONFERENCE (ITALIAN CENTRAL OFFICE FOR TOURISM) Tourism in Italy.

ROOM ROME, CONFERENCE CENTER EAST -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

14:00 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH PRESS CONFERENCE e-Bike Electrical Drives from Bosch.

ROOM PARIS, CONFERENCE CENTER EAST -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

14:00 SARDINIA PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM ROME, CONFERENCE CENTER EAST -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

15:00 ALFRED THUN GMBH & CO. KG PRESS CONFERENCE e-Bike Drives from Thun.

ROOM SWITZERLAND, CONFERENCE CENTER WEST

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16:00 JD EUROPE COMPONENTS PRESS CONFERENCE TranzX PST Product News 2011.

STAND B1-400

ROOM ROME, CONFERENCE CENTER EAST

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18:00 EUROBIKE AWARD 2010 - AWARDS CEREMONY The sixth edition of the awards points consumers to what is innovative, functional, environmentally friendly and sustainable.

17:30 CORRATEC BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

FOYER EAST

STAND B1-300 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PLEASE NOTE: This is not an exhaustive list.

Some events held exclusively in German are not included!

WITH HELP FROM THE DEAD SEA

IS MAGNESIUM MAKING

Officials of Segalbikes, a Dutch-Israeli company, say they have solved the corrosion problems which have bedeviled bike companies that have worked with the material in the past.

The company demoed its magnesiumframe road and mountain bikes at Demo Day yesterday.

“We believe we’ve solved all the problems,” said Kobi Gal, CEO of Alubin, the parent company of Segalbikes. He said the company puts three coatings on its magnesium tubes for protection. The company is so sure of its technology that it offers a three-year warranty on its frames against corrosion.

Alubin specializes in extruding aluminum and magnesium. The magnesium for the company’s bikes comes from the Dead Sea in Israel.

“Our tubes use a new magnesium alloy not used on bicycles before,” said Mark Wemmenhove, a director of Segalbikes Europe. “When we started to research the requirements for manufacturing bicycles in magnesium we knew tubes had to be stiff, corrosion-resistant and easily weldable.

We solved that. Magnesium offers great natural damping qualities.”

The company exhibited at last year’s Eurobike and now has bikes on the market.

Mark Wemmenhove of Segalbike.

Magnesium has a checkered history in the bike trade. In the 1980s, Kirk Precision stamped frames from magnesium, promising a quick, easy and cheap way to mass manufacture bicycle frames—but internal corrosion proved disastrous.

Merida and Pinarello have also attempted magnesium frame production, but found that carbon fiber was a more practical material.

A3-607

Segalbikes' Wilfred Oustenk said magnesium offers frames that are 35 percent lighter than aluminum but are very stiff and with high damping abilities.

Segalbike’s fully built road bikes start at €3,000. The company has distributors in Spain, Switzerland, Germany and the United States, but is seeking representation in other countries.

6

SHOW DAILY 2010

E-BIKE

BRANDS ADOPT

NUVINCI HUB

With the Europe at the hub of its business, NuVinci is gearing up for the consumer introduction of the latest generation of its continuously variable internal gear hub, the N360.

Several European brands, including Raleigh, Batavus, Simpel, Panther, and Gepida are specing the hub on some of the 2011 models, many of which will be on display at the main show, which starts today.

“Europe’s our biggest market, so this is the heart of the industry,” said Al Nordin, president of the Bicycle Technology Division of Fallbrook Technologies, the parent company of NuVinci. “This is a chance to get in front of a lot of retailers, and retailers drive the business.”

A7-314

Al Nordin, president of the Bicycle Technology Division of Fallbrook Technologies.

He said the biggest growth is coming from brands that are marrying the NuVinci hub with e-bike propulsion systems. “It fits on any traditional bike.

It really doesn’t matter if it’s on a pedal bike or an e-bike,” he said. Although Fallbrook is a U.S. company, based in San Diego, California, Nordin said Europe accounts for more than half of the Bicycle Division’s sales.

Nordin and his staff were busy explaining the hub to Demo Day visitors and will be at Stand A7-314 during the show. The NuVinci hub is a continuously variable transmission system that uses planetary gears. Unlike other internal hubs, including those from Shimano and SRAM, the N360 has no “gears.”

Instead, users can shift smoothly along a continuum of gear ratios using a handlebar mounted control that rotates like a radio dial.

Fallbrook uses the same technology for such uses as wind turbines and automobile components. g DM

VOX POP: WHAT ARE YOU

MOST INTERESTED IN

SEEING AT DEMO DAY? MARCO VITALE

President, Associazione Italiana Monociclo (Italian Unicycle Association) - Varese, Italy

JOACHIM SCHLAPHOFF

Fahrrad Galerie Schlaphoff - Berlin, Germany

Marco Vitale

We run an electronic store selling unicycles. There aren’t any of those here, but it’s still interesting for us to check out tires, pedals and other details.

Also we run a school for mountain biking, near Varese, so we have to know what’s going on in the market.

GREG STRICKHAUSEN

Fahrrad Stemper - Trier, Germany

My boss might Greg be more Strickhausen interested in electric bicycles, but I would to like to find out about the latest 29ers.

We’re having more and more inquiries since a few races were won with these bicycles in Germany. Since I’m the store’s mechanic, I have to be able to respond properly. I’ll try a Niner, because they only do 29ers, so they should know.

Our store has been selling e-bikes for some time but we’ve had quite a few issues with components, so we are here particularly to look at e-bikes fitted with Bosch.

VAGELIS VARDAKIS

Axxion Heraklion, Greece

For the time Vagelis being our Vardakis store only sells sports products, but we’re here because we’re considering offering bicycles as well.

Joachim Schlaphoff

They’re here for the first time. I would trust Bosch more, because it’s a German company that has been working on cars for many years and knows all about batteries.

Another advantage is that they have service centers all around the country.

MARTIN ANDERSSON

Cykloteket - Stockholm, Sweden Our objective here is to get a good overview of what’s happening and to take a closer look at the latest 29ers.

They aren’t really selling in Martin Andersson Sweden yet, but we think they should take off in the next couple of years. We had one Specialized model in our store, but it was hard to sell. It looked kind of funny. Now the new models are much better. In Sweden, cross-country marathon is a big trend, and 29ers are just perfect for that market.

We’re particularly looking at e-bikes and sportswear. Cycling has only just started to become more popular in Crete, and e-bikes could do well because Crete is very hilly.

RAN GEFEN

Ranofun bicycle store - Naharia, Israel We’re here to try 29ers, which have been growing in Israel for the last two years.

Ran Gefen

We’re already selling some Gary Fischer and Kona bikes and want to learn about the latest products.

This is an amazing opportunity. We’ve arrived two days ahead of the demo day, because we wanted to have a day of rest and be all ready to go this morning! g BARBARA SMIT PHOTOS BY ALAN ZHANG

8

SHOW DAILY 2010

LEAVING LAS VEGAS INTERBIKE PLANS MOVE TO AUGUST, IN ANAHEIM OR SALT LAKE CITY

A2-316

Bob Giddens & Nutcase’s Eva Schlager on the new Yuba Mundo cargo bike.

CARGO BIKES MOVE FROM DEVELOPING WORLD

TO OLD WORLD Yuba launched its new Mundo cargo bike at Demo Day. Now on version three, the new model contains many improvements, said Bob Giddens of Used GmbH, which is Yuba’s German distributor.

Giddens is a big fan of so-called long bikes, or cargo bikes. Used also distributes Xtracycle, an aftermarket accessory that converts a standard bike into a cargo bike. The Mundo requires no such conversion, however. Like the Kona Ute, it’s built as a full bike.

Giddens believes bike shops should stop ignoring cargo bikes, because their ultra-utilitarian nature has a potential market. “Our sales are consumer-driven.

There’s a growing consumer demand for these cargo bikes,” Giddens said. “They can be considered an alternative to the purchase of a second car. Fully built-up cargo bikes are ideal for bike shops; it’s where they should be bought. The sector is ripe for growth: it’s where e-bikes were three or four years ago.”

The third iteration of the Mundo includes such improvements as a better kickstand and reduced weight. Yuba has shaved some two kilograms (4.4 pounds) from the weight of version two.

Yuba, a California company, originally developed the Mundo as a cargo bike for use in the developing world. But Giddens said his first shipment of 80 Mundos have all been sold right here in the Old World, mostly direct to consumers. g CR

Interbike, the U.S. bicycle trade show, is making a major shift in show days and venue next year.

Beginning in 2011, Interbike will move to early August from its traditional date in late September, show director Andy Tompkins said yesterday.

Along with the date shift, Interbike will leave Las Vegas, where it has been staged for 14 years. Tompkins said the 2011 show would take place either in Anaheim, California, or Salt Lake City, Utah.

Tompkins responded, “We know European holidays are in early August but we have many domestic reasons for changing the date."

“We’re waiting for one more piece of information before we decide which city we go with. Both want us there,” said Tompkins, who attended the Eurobike Demo Day yesterday.

Josh Hon, vice president of Dahon, said he would be happy to move away from Las Vegas, but said the early date might cause Dahon to change its Interbike strategy.

“We would not be disappointed at all to get away from the union guys,” Hon said, referring to the restrictive—and expensive— union practices in Las Vegas.

Tompkins did not commit to specific dates for a 2011 show, but said that Aug. 8 was in the “middle of the most likely dates.”

He acknowledged the move would create problems for European exhibitors, especially Italian companies, because many of them take their vacations in August.

“We’d be in favor of Anaheim,” Hon added.

"We’re waiting for one more piece of information before we decide which city we go with. Both want us there" — Andy Tompkins, Interbike Show Director

“It’s more a response to what’s happening in the U.S. market,” he said. “Mid-summer events are moving to the fore. We have to provide a more efficient experience.”

The move would place Interbike before Eurobike, which traditionally has kicked off the retailer trade show season. Tompkins said the changes were not an attempt to compete with Eurobike.

Wolfgang Köhle, spokesman for Eurobike organizer Messe Friedrichshafen, said, “We’ve only just heard [about the switch]. We can’t really say what we think about this or comment on another fair. We focus on Europe. We’ll wait and see.”

“I can’t comment on whether or not we would participate as a company but I can say that we are not in favor of the date switch,” Kattus said. “It conflicts with Italian holidays, which are part of the heritage of the country. From discussions we’ve had with the Italian Trade Commission, they’re not in favor either.”

Interbike has been staged before at the Anaheim convention center, which is next to Disneyland.

Interbike’s parent company, Nielsen Exhibitions, also has strong ties to Salt Lake City. Since 1996, the company has staged two Outdoor Retailer trade shows a year at the city’s Salt Palace Convention Center.

Tom Kattus, general manager of Campagnolo North America, said the new dates would create problems for Italian companies.

The Italian Pavilion at Interbike is a big part of the U.S. show.

“We’re Los Angeles-based, so Anaheim isn’t far away. Salt Lake City would also be a great venue, with great potential for the Outdoor Demo days.”

But Hon said Dahon would reconsider its practice of showing new products at Interbike.

“We could have bikes ready for an early August Interbike, but do we want to launch our product at Interbike? Maybe not,” Hon said. “We’re a global brand.

We’re set up to launch at Eurobike, which we consider more of a global show.” g CARLTON REID

10

SHOW DAILY 2010

GERMAN BIKE MARKET STEADY, POSITIVE TRENDS ABOUND

SHOW SETS NEW RECORDS AMID INDUSTRY OPTIMISM

Bicycle sales in Germany in the first six months of 2010 remained at the same level as last year, despite poor weather and weak consumer confidence generally. German bike product sales are expected to continue to weather the downturn in overall domestic retail sales: in 2009 general retail was down by 2.5 percent, but bike sales grew by a nominal 6 percent, according to Thomas Kunz, president of the German dealer association VDZ. Kunz spoke at the opening press conference of Eurobike yesterday, where he gave an overview of the current state of the German bike industry. He said that the sector has about €3.3 billion in annual sales, with 54 percent of this coming from bike sales and 46 percent from accessory sales and service. The average price rose from €386 in 2008 to €446 last year and is expected to climb further in 2010, mostly due to the growth in e-bike sales, he said. The dealers in his association had mixed expectations for 2010, but overall sales are forecast to remain at 2009 levels.

Klaus Wellmann, CEO of Messe Friedrichshafen, enthused that Eurobike was “the trendsetter for not just the German and European markets, but for the world.”

Wellmann said that with 1,100 exhibitors and 100,000 square meters of exhibition space, the show will set new records this year.

Exports, 95 percent of which go to other EU and EFTA markets, edged up 0.7 percent in the first half to 580,000 units.

The sixth edition of the Eurobike Awards attracted 41 percent more applications this year, proving that it had become a sought-after accolade that is respected by consumers, he said. Wellmann also welcomed “cycle-friendly” Cyprus as a new partner for the show.

PARTICULARLY POSITIVE TRENDS

Siegfried Neuberger, president of ZIV (Two-Wheeler Industry Association), told the conference that sales, production and imports were all at about the same level as last year. Although bike sales were down by just 0.2 percent in the first half compared to 2009, this was despite unfavorable weather conditions that lasted until June.

E-bikes continue to beat the association’s forecasts for sales, Neuberger commented: “Last year we thought we might see 2010 e-bike sales of 180,000, now we expect a figure of 200,000 units. In the EU generally, we believe sales will be around 600,000 units,” he said. E-bikes are now around 4 percent of overall bike unit sales, and Neuberger thinks this will rise to 5-6 percent very soon.

Reporting another positive trend, he said that sales of road-equipped bikes suitable for commuting are rising as a proportion of overall sales.

STEADY RISE IN SALES AT SPECIALTY RETAILERS Werner Foster, managing director of Cycle Union, whose brands include Kreidler and Epple (the main supplier of bikes for German mail carriers), told journalists that he was encouraged by the steady rise in sales at specialty bicycle dealers and the onward march of technological innovation in the industry. Bikes are seen as high value products, he said: “Bicycles costing €1,000 are now seen as quite normal.”

SRAM President Stan Day listed the ways in which his company was contributing to the growth of the industry, especially through funding advocacy efforts to improve infrastructure.

The decision by the Danish government to spend 400 million euro on cycle infrastructure was an example of what lobbying could achieve, he said, with huge benefits in terms of the environment and health.

Messe FN CEO Klaus Wellmann, ZIV President Siegfried Neuberger, VDZ President Thomas Kunz, Cycle Union CEO Werner Foster, and SRAM CEO Stan Day.

g TK

11

SHOW DAILY 2010

CRATONI 25TH ANNIVERSARY

GIVEAWAY! To celebrate 25 years in business, Cratoni Helmets GmbH is giving every dealer visiting the company stand in hall B2 a free Cratoni backpack.

The first 25 dealers will also get a limited edition Sabine Spitz world championship helmet. g

B2-203

A7-415 The first ten visitors to bring this Show Daily to accessory maker Ibera’s stand today will receive a free phone case – be quick! g

WIN!

Make sure you visit Ultra Motor at Eurobike - you could be the lucky winner of a brand new e-bike.

A2B HYBRID

ZH-200

Ultra Motor, maker of the A2B electric bike, is in the Zeppelin hall to launch an OEMfriendly, integrated propulsion system.

The system allows bike makers to spec the drive without having to modify framesets.

Drop in a business card at the company’s booth and you could win an A2B hybrid, promises President Joe Bowman. It's well worth the trip to the Zeppelin Hall, even if it is a little far!

g Chance to win this UltraMotor A2B hybrid!

This pad holds stuff on your dashboard so it doesn't fly off as you drive.

Non-adhesive and non-magnetic, it grips cell phones, PDAs, sunglasses, GPS, binoculars, CDs and anything else that you want to grab quickly and easily.

(Only one entry per person per day please. Contestants are only eligible for one dashboard sticky pad per day.)

The Ibera IB-PB1 Phone Case.

AN ULTRAMOTOR

SENSO

Deposit the completed form along with your business card in the official contest registration box located at the Velo booth to also earn a chance to win a Senso saddle on each of the first three show days.

GIVEAWAY!

The Ibera IB-PB1 is available with stem or handlebar attachments, and is compatible with earphones.

BASICS WITH "How much do you know about nature?" Bring this Show Daily with your right answer to the Velo booth to pick up your Senso gel dashboard sticky pad!

IBERA PHONE CASE With this clip-on case, cyclists can carry a phone securely on their bikes where they can hear it, access it easily, and keep it away from corrosive sweat.

WILDLIFE

B2-503

SELECTION OF SENSO SADDLE WINNERS Daily prize winners will be selected in a random drawing amongst all correct entries at the end of each day and announced by 9 a.m. the following day. Winners must pick up their prize in person at the Velo booth.

SHOW DAY 1 QUESTION How fast can a cheetah run? a) 68 km/h

b) 112 km/h

c) 91 km/h

d) 184 km/h

g

12

SHOW DAILY 2010

THUN PRESENTS NEW

GROUP SET FOR PEDELECS On the first day of the show Thun is going to present „(V)elo Comfort by REEVO Technology“, the brand new set of system components for pedelecs.

ZH-207

Benefit from target group specific and flexible software selection and adjustment (also for retailers). The advanced software in conjunctionwith the torque sensing PCME sensor in the bb-cartridge (X-CELL RT) provides a natural bicycle experience.

The components are compatible to any type of frame and assembled within 20 minutes only. On top of that, the system is truly European! Get all the info with some bretzels and beer today at room Schweiz in Lobby West (1st floor) at 3pm. g

A3-305

The von Hacht brothers Wolfgang (left) and Werner.

STEVENS CELEBRATES

20TH ANNIVERSARY Bike shop owners Wolfgang and Werner von Hacht first got the idea for their own bike brand in 1990, and showed off the first ‘Stevens’ bikes at Eurobike’s debut in 1991.

EUROBIKE LIGHTING OFFER

NITERIDER SPECIAL

A7-315

NiteRider Technical Lighting Systems is launching several new and exciting products wat Eurobike.

New additions to NiteRider’s commuter series include the Lightning Bugs and Stinger Taillight.

With three LED versions to choose from, three light modes, and six different colors, the Lightning Bugs keep it fun, light and inexpensive.

The Stinger Taillight operates on a 0.5 watt LED with visibility up to half mile away. Lightning Bugs can be purchased separately or as a package with the Stinger Taillight. During Eurobike, NiteRider is offering a show special of 10% off all Lightning Bug orders.

g

The brothers, who run the Radsport von Hacht store in Hamburg, started a wholesale business in 1991 for first Stevens bike sales in Germany and as importers of Merlin Titanium, Ritchey, Cook Bros, Shimano, Campagnolo, Mavic, Basso and other. In 1994 they founded the independent Stevens Vertriebs GmbH for Stevens bikes.

The von Hacht brothers are long-time road enthusiasts, so they invested into a pro road team. Their first sponsorship was for Team Cologne in 1997. A tri- and cyclocross sponsorship with several world-champion titles followed later.

In 2002, a bike configurator module was added to the company's online store, allowing customers to choose from several customisation options for each model/frame at the time of placing an order.

“We offer the widest selection of high quality custom road or custom tri bikes of any brand,” emphasizes Product Manager Volker Dohrmann.

Some 3,000 custom-made bikes leave the Hamburg-based Stevens headquarters’ assembly operation each year.

Dohrmann is regarded in the industry as someone who moves fast: “When Shimano comes out with a new component group,Stevens Bikes is one of the first to get it. We have a reputation for specifying our bikes with homogeneous groupsets - all parts are chosen from a quality approach.”

Today Stevens markets its bike range to almost 500 specialty retailers in the German-speaking markets. Importers in more than 20 countries worldwide push overall annual sales to 90,000 units. g JB

13

SHOW DAILY 2010

CARBON FROM THE B3-202

CANTON Almost everything in the BMC factory is automated.

loading and so provide additional frame stability. Before the single frame parts are assembled, they are painted one at a time - by robots, of course. Frame logos are applied by human hands. Other workers are employed to assemble the single frame parts before another robot sticks them together.

COMPLETE CONTROL At the end, the frames are tested.

"Each frame has to pass through a static test. The data measured during this test is retained together with all figures from the production,” Eggimann said.

The development team, which has its office right next to the production hall, also uses the testing machines. "We can assure the intended quality thanks to the short distances", explained Eggimann.

Another advantage comes from the flexible production planning.

Lugs and dropouts are molded.

"Having our own factory in Switzerland, we can react quickly to changes in demand, produce popular sizes and implement color trends quickly,” he said.

Inexpensive frames, however, cannot be produced by BMC’s automated production.

At least not yet, Eggimann said. "Wages in Asia will keep increasing heavily. And therefore, handmade carbon frames from Asia will become more expensive," he said.

UNLIMITED WARRANTY The first Swiss-made BMC bike is the Impec. It was ridden in the Tour de France and will be available in bike shops in September. It ships with a lifetime warranty. That's not a EU-defined "lifetime" of 10 years, but a genuine lifetime, even if the bike is used to race. It's irrespective of a rider’s weight. Thanks to the BMC robots, this Swiss company will be able to produce 25,000 frames a year.

Robots forming an Impec frame tube.

Gourmet chocolate. Designer watches. Cuckoo clocks.

And now composite bicycle frames. Urs Rosenbaum describes how robots are building carbon fiber frames at BMC’s Grenchen headquarters in the Swiss canton of Solothurn.

In a first step, the single fibers are woven into sleeves. The alignment and density of these fibers are determined by a digital construction plan on the carrier which transports the finished sleeve to the second station where resin is added and the sleeve is baked into a tube.

BMC’s composite bike frame factory is staffed by robots.

Since July, BMC has been building carbon bikes at a factory next door to its existing facility in Grenchen. It took five years to plan and build the high-tech factory. Much of the production is automated. These bike frames are built by robots.

BMC brand manager Markus Eggimann said, "During each shift, only eight people work in the production hall." Robots don't make mistakes.

According to Eggimann, this process was the biggest challenge in developing the automated production, taking three extra years to get it right. The company's reward was a patent.

At the third station, the tubes are cut by robots with a diamond-saw blade.

According to Eggimann, the finished tubes are cut so precisely no post-processing is required. Right next to this station, a fourth machine creates lugs and dropouts by an injection-molding procedure. By computer steering, BMC succeeds in aligning the short carbon fibers in the synthetics in a way that they meet the requirements of

"Thanks to the computer-operated production, we can count on the fact that each frame is built exactly according to plan," Eggiman said. “Series variation, as happens in conventional carbon frame building, does not exist."

Such perfection doesn’t come cheap.

Entrepreneur Andy Rihs, BMC’s sole owner, invested € 31 million in the new plant.

SEVEN STATIONS A finished frame will have passed through seven stations.

Team version of BMC’s robot-built, Swiss-made Impec.

g URS ROSENBAUM

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PATENT-PENDING ELEMENTS

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Steps acts as a hub dynamo for the lighting and meets the requirements of the German STVZO (road traffic regulation) for bicycle lighting.

Several Steps components are patentpending. Until these patents are granted, Shimano does not want to divulge details of the Steps motor function.

The simple look of the Shimano's Steps e-bike group hides its complexity.

SHIMANO G EARS UP FOR

e B I K E BO O M

The industry's most important component supplier now offers an OEM-only e-bike system. Urs Rosenbaum reports on Shimano's Eurobike debut of Steps.

Shimano’s Steps system has a front wheel hub motor, a battery that attaches to a rear pannier rack and a bottom bracket torque sensor.

According to Michael Wild, a spokesman for Paul Lange & Co, Shimano's German distributor, Shimano wanted to start with a simple-to-fit system.

"Bike manufacturers do not need to make a special frame in order to mount our engine," Wild said.

The Steps front wheel hub motor powers the bike and the lights.

According to Wild, Steps meets four main requirements: comfort, economy, simplicity and reliability.

CRUISING PLEASURE Comfortable cruising is provided by an intelligent motor control.

Pulses from a magnetic crank rotation sensor at the crank arms and a torque sensor in the bottom bracket drive the control. Steps offers three levels of pedal assist up to a speed of 25 kilometers an hour (15 miles an hour).

Before reaching the maximum speed, the motor slowly reduces its assistance until it completely shuts off when the EUmandated speed limit is reached.

BATTERY LIFESPAN

The 24-volt battery with 4 Ah capacitance can be completely recharged in one hour.

The battery has a lifespan of 3,000 charging cycles, much more than most competitor's products, which typically manage 500 to 800 charging cycles.

An e-bike equipped with Steps has a range of 40 to 60 kilometers (25 to 37 miles) depending on the level of power assistance. A brake-activated regenerative function helps recharge the battery.

"The motor brakes only a little bit during a gentle slowdown, but regenerates more when the levers are pulled forcefully,” Wild said.

The braking force is sufficient even without disc brakes, although many OE clients were expecting discs to be part of the system.

Five buttons which control the motor, the lights and the display are integrated into the Steps brake levers. The handlebarmounted LCD display shows the level of current assistance and battery levels while also functioning as a tachometer and gear change indicator (when the bike is equipped with an optional, electronic eight-speed hub gear ).

Slender cable connections are integreated into the frame. Like the rest of the system, they are waterproof. Thanks to their small diameter of five millimeters, they can be mounted like conventional bike cables. The electronics work in temperatures from -10 to 50 degrees C (14 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit).

Dealers can link a Steps-equipped bike to a computer to diagnose problems. The software also configures the motor and can upload system updates. Steps will be part of the established Shimano service and order network.

The handlebar-mounted console provides a lot of information.

NOVEMBER DELIVERIES Shimano plans to deliver the first Steps systems to bike manufacturers in November. Steps will not be available as an aftermarket purchase for retrofitting bikes, at least not initially.

While Bosch's entry into the e-bike market is significant, many believe that Shimano’s role as the long-time leader in bicycle components will cross over to e-bikes, bolstering the whole sector. g URS ROSENBAUM

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NAME CHANGE FOR ANNIVERSARY

AIRACE PUMPS ITSELF INTO THE WORLD MARKET

3T TURNS 50

Last year Airace Enterprise of Taiwan showed its bike pumps at Eurobike for the first time. The company has distribution in 13 countries.

In 1961 it was called Tecno Tubo Torino, or TTT for short.

In time this was A1-320 shortened to 3T. Now, to underscore its relationship with the sport it specializes in, the Turin, Italy company becomes 3T Cycling.

Airace Enterprise offers minitools and portable high-pressure jet washers, but inflation products remain at the core of the business and is the segment it sees having the most growth potential. All Airace pumps are made in Taiwan at its Dali City plant.

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Airace Founder and GM Charlie Chen said, “Our managers have a 15-year background in the air pump business. We know this market best and are able to create some new and innovative products.”

“This model comes with a pump head with extractable hose which can protect the tire valve from damage when inflating.

It won several design awards,” Chen said.

Airace also presented a prototype of a light mini-pump that can be used for both tires and air suspension. The company is launching the finished product here. g JB

Out of 80 employees, eight are R&D managers. Airace also has a strong marketing department, evident from its internally produced catalogue.

“We have to be good in all fields when coming with a new premium brand into the aftermarket," said sales and marketing manager Felicia Lin.

In 2007 René Wiertz bought 3T from the Gruppo company. A former senior executive of the Dutch multinational firm Philips, Wiertz is also 3T's CEO. “We’re very conscious of 3T’s history and heritage. Back in the day, 3T bars and stems were used by some of the true greats like Merckx, Moser, and Fondriest," Wiertz said.

At this year’s Taipei Cycle Show, Airace showed its high-pressure telescope mini pump FIT H2 (max. pressure 120psi/8 bar).

ETRA MAKES ITs

DEBUT AT EUROBIKE The European Twowheel Retailers’ Association (ETRA) is exhibiting for the first time at Eurobike this year. It seeks to inform professional visitors about ETRA’s activities to benefit cycling in the European Union.

The ETRA booth is at Foyer West 1.OG in front of the meeting rooms. It is shared with the Light Electric Vehicle Association (LEVA) and is part of the VSF booth.

On Saturday, the groups are hosting a seminar on European regulations governing e-bikes, in Meeting Room Berlin, Foyer East, 1st floor, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

For an appointment, contact ETRA's secretary general Annick Roetynck: +32 475 500 588.

The agenda will include CEN standards and type approval, Machinery & EMC Directive, Battery Directive & UN Regulations on Battery Transport. The participation fee is €150 but ETRA-associated members, members of the joint ETRA-LEVA program, dealers who belong to an ETRA member association and members of the press enter for free. The fee for LEVA members is €100.

With electric mobility at the top of the EU agenda, ETRA is working hard to make politicians aware of the potential of electric bicycles. ETRA and LEVA work closely together and offer a joint membership program.

3T was among the first cycle component manufacturers to switch from steel to aluminum. Throughout the 1970s, 3T drove down the weight of cycling components. In 1975 it produced the world’s lightest drop handlebar, the Superleggera. In 1984, Francesco Moser used a 3T bar to capture the World Hour Record. This new ‘bullhorn’ bar put the rider in a lower, more aerodynamic position.

Robots forming an Impec frame tube.

"When we came to 3T in 2007, we felt like we were just caretakers of this heritage," he added. "We’re proud we’ve been able to extend and improve it, bring it into the modern era, and reconnect with bike racing. We’ve been here a while now, and we don’t feel like newbies any more. We reckon the 'new 3T’ is the real 3T. That’s why now, in our anniversary year, we are changing our name to 3T Cycling.”

At Eurobike, 3T is introducing Meta, a 550g crankset; Aura, an entry-level carbon fiber tri-bar; and Arxa, a lightweight stem with 70 degrees of height adjustability. g

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VISION DEBUTS COMPLETE METRON GROUPSET

FOR TIME TRIAL, TRIATHLON

11-SPEED VERSION ALSO ON THE WAY Vision, the FSA brand that specializes in components for time trial and triathlon, is expanding its offering with the new Metron groupset. These components consolidate the image of the brand in these segments. Metron is intended to be a reference group for assemblers of time trial and tri bikes.

A complete groupset comprising shift levers, rear derailleur, front derailleur, cassette and chain, Metron has - almost unnoticed - already undergone a “baptism of fire” during the most recent Tour de France. It was used in the assembling of the second rows of the Cofidis Team time trial bike.

SHIFTERS The shifters, as always the heart of the system, are placed ergonomically on the end of the aerodynamic handlebar extension.

Since the derailleur is fully compatible with 10-speed Shimano, SRAM and Campagnolo systems, Vision intends to offer it in the aftermarket to enthusiast cyclists looking to shave weight from their OEM rear derailleur equipment.

The front derailleur (95 g braze-on version and 108 g clamp version) has been designed with a sturdy pivot point and a with a chain cage profile designed for optimum performance with the bigger chainwheel gears typically used in time trial and triathlon races.

The brake levels are mounted on the ends of the main handlebar. Shifting is intuitive thanks to the lever-style design (similar to a brake lever): a touch shifts the chain to the next cog, a bit more pressure shifts by two cogs and a full pull of the lever guarantees an instantaneous shift of three cogs at once.

Downshifting the chain on the cassette, one cog at a time, is even easier: Just press on the caps on top of the shifter. All the shifting can be accomplished naturally without moving the hands from the aero bar, and consequently without having to move out of the aerodynamic position.

The functionality of these shifters, which we personally tried on a static Cofidis bicycle placed on a support, appears precise and optimally indexed, without demanding any effort on the part of the rider.

DERAILLEURS The shifters (195g/pair) work with Metron front and rear derailleurs. The rear derailleur is constructed entirely of carbon fiber with a weight of only 145 g (possibly the lightest on the market), equipped with an exquisitely CNC-machined light alloy pulley and equipped with ceramic bearings.

Douglas Chang, MD of FSA parent company TH Industries.

Shifters at the end of the aero bar.

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CASSETTE & CHAIN Suitable cassettes have also been developed. Combinations of 11-23, 12-25 and 11-21 are available, ideally combined with a TriMax Carbon crankset (805 g in version BB-30 and 890 g in MegaExo version), offered with sets of combined teeth 39-53 and 42-54, with the option of mounting the optionally maximum gear of 55 and 56 teeth.

Finally, to complete the entire groupset, the chain is 254 g with 114 links.

BRAKE LEVERS A final touch for the Metron groupset comes from a redesign of the well-known Vision Aero brake levers, now more rounded at the ends to meet the technical safety rules of the CEN (European Committee for Standardization), the U.S. CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) and the UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale).

The Metron name will be used for an entire family of products at the top of the Vision line and will be distributed to racing teams and dealers beginning in January.

The introduction means Vision becomes the fourth brand to supply a complete group to the market­- even if it is for now a specialized group.

Looming on the horizon is an extended Metron version for 11 speed that is expected to launch soon, with groupset prototypes for lower price points coming in 2012.

g ENRICO PASTORI

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RESTAURATEUR IS BIKE Food recommendations from bike fanatic Roland Jakubzyk, manager of the Strandbad Restaurant at Aquastaad, a resort 10 km west of Friedrichshafen.

Roland Jakubzyk is in great shape for a 63-year-old. This could be because of the food he eats (he runs a restaurant) or it could be because he’s mad about cycling (he rides high-end carbon road bikes).

Along with his wife, Jakubzyk runs the Strandbad Restaurant at Aquastaad, a beautiful resort in Immenstaad on Lake Constance, about 10 km (six miles) west of Friedrichshafen.

Roland Jakubzyk with his BMC racer

CHARACTER STRANDBAD RESTAURANT Aquastaad 88090 Immenstaad Web: www.immenstaad-tourismus.de/ aquastaad Tel: +49 (0)7545 909100 Jakubzyk and his friends founded the cycling club Radfreunde Friedrichshafen.

“We do our rides three times a week," he said. "Every two weeks we have a regular meeting at the table. That’s where we brainstorm next week’s trips and exchange the latest road bike technologies.”

Jakubzyk’s restaurant welcomes cyclists, and not just roadies. “Our Strandbad Restaurant is right on the 220-kilometer Lake Constance road bike loop that goes through Austria, Germany and Switzerland," he said. "A sign at the cycling path points to the Immenstaad Aquastaad, including the Strandbad Restaurant, with the note ‘cyclists welcome.' A good plate of spaghetti for € 5.20 is the perfect meal for a cyclist.”

Jakubzyk is always keen to exchange the latest bicycle gossip. His current love is his new BMC carbon race bike.

TOUR RECOMMENDATIONS His favorite route “for some leg stretching after a hard day of work” is an “easy” 70- to 80-kilometer (44- to 50-mile) loop into the country north of Lake Constance. “Starting from Friedrichshafen you ride northwest to Markdorf, Ahausen, Salem, Heiligenberg and then over to Echbeck into the valley at Hoechsten passing Urnau, Hefigkofen and back south to Friedrichshafen,” he said.

RESTAURANT RECOMMENDATIONS If he’s not eating in his own restaurant, where does he recommend in Friedrichshafen?

“Spitalkeller, right at the port. It offers typical Swabian meals. I can also recommend the view.”

SPITALKELLER Karlstraße 2 88045 Friedrichshafen Web: www.spitalkeller-fn.de Tel: +49 (0)7541 31733 Outside of Friedrichshafen, Jakubzyk likes the ride to Tettnang, about 10 kilometers northeast of Friedrichshafen.

“I can recommend Pizzeria Arco Azzuro in Tettnang. They have great noodle and vegetable dishes.”

PIZZERIA ARCO AZZURO Loretostraße 42 88069 Tettnang Web: www.arcoazzurro.de Tel: +49 (0)7542 509550 g JB

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KTM: "TAKING eBIKES OFF-ROAD" Last year KTM Bike of Austria introduced electric mountain bikes. This year at Eurobike, KTM has introduced what it calls eSUVs. Company owner and general director Carol Chen leads a young and innovative R&D team guided by the Franz Leingartner (R&D) and Josef Spiesberger (GM).

More than half of the company's sales are of high-end mountain bikes.

EXCITING NEW CATEGORY KTM marketing manager Stefan Limbrunner said off-road e-bikes are a new and exciting category.

“When we introduced our first MTB pedelecs last year for 2010, we had no clue which direction this new business would go," Limbrunner said. "Today I can say that, value-wise, our MTB pedelec e-Race with the Bionx system is the strongest single model we’ve ever brought to market.”

This is a downhill bike with seamless integration of the e-bike system and battery into the bike. Instead of a BionX kit, eGnition uses the new e-bike kit from transmission specialist Clean Mobile AG of Munich.

By the end of this season, the Austrian company expects to sell some 1,200 e-Race bikes, each retailing for € 2,400.

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According to Chen, in 2002 exports accounted for 45 percent of KTM's production. “In 2006 it increased to 62 percent and in 2010 it rose to 70 percent,” she said.

With 190,000 units of total production for the fiscal year ending July 31, KTM reached a new record, with sales growing by 9.2 percent over the prior year.

CAROL’S BICYCLE EMPIRE: KTM managing director Carol Chen and her team have led the Austrian company to new highs. She also oversees the businesses of Taiwan-based wholesaler Carol Cycle Industrial Co., Ltd., Czech-based bicycle assembler Bike Produktion Sumperk (BPS) and BTM Bike Trading GmbH (a 100% subsidiary of KTM Fahrrad GmbH).

This fiscal year, Chen believes sales will surpass €100 million for the first time.

RANGE EXPANSION Encouraged by this success, KTM is expanding the range with its "eSUV," which it is showing at Eurobike.

Limbrunner said, “The KTM model eGnition is a completely new category.

We call this category eSUV, which stands for eSportive Utility Vehicle. I call it an all-terrain, green Chayenne.”

The company calls its new 800 watt/48 volt e-bike transmission system "HCD" (for Harmonic Chain Drive).

RECORD SALES

KTM Managing Director Carol Chen

This forecast is based on estimated sales of 20,000 e-bikes, which would account for 7 percent of KTM's total production. g JB

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IDEAL BIKE CORP. ENTERS

E-BIKE MARKET

By stepping into the e-bike market, OEM manufacturer Ideal Bike Corp. - Taiwan’s third-largest bicycle producer - is widening its product range.

"We offer both front and rear motor solutions. All of the pedelec components we will introduce - battery, charger, motor and controller - are made in Taiwan. We have worked closely with home country partners”, said Ideal marketing manager William Cheng.

B2-502

WELLGO REFINES ITS

QRD PEDAL SYSTEM

For its 30th anniversary in 2010, pedal and cycling shoe maker Wellgo is releasing a raft of innovations, including further refinements of its patented Quick Release Device (QRD) pedal concept.

For 2011, Ideal is offering a full range of EN 15194approved e-bikes and kits. Some of Ideal’s e-bike kits can also charge cell-phones and power LED lights. Ideal has built up e-bike production at the company headquarters and factory in Wu-chi Town, Taichung County.

Company general manager John Chen said the idea makes sense on many levels, and for many types of bike: “Without pedals, bicycles are much easier to store in a limited space,” Chen said.

According to Michael Tai, VP of Sales & Marketing, production will also soon start at the company’s Chinese and Polish factories.

The award-winning QRD concept is a modular quick release system that makes it easy to swap inserts in the crank to allow the use of many types of pedals.

Ideal makes 960,000 bicycles a year: 180,000 in Taiwan, 700,000 in China and 80,000 in Poland. While 70 percent of production is for OEM customers, the remaining 30 percent is for the premium brands of its U.S. partner, Advanced Sports Inc., which owns the Breezer, Fuji, Kestrel and SE Racing brands.

g JB

The QRD system gives users a simple way to change the pedals on their bikes for different applications, while at the same time providing security, comfort and reliability.

B4-302

Comfort because the new QRD design does not interfere with the platform; security because pedals can be quickly removed; and reliability thanks to the one-piece construction.

Among the many new QRD pedals for 2011 is the M151 "expansion" model, which quickly converts to a city, MTB or road pedal thanks to a patented length-changeable outer surface that can also be removed (turning it into a road pedal).

Brand new, and ready just in time for Eurobike, is a further refinement of the QRD system, a magnetic device that ensures pedals stay in the horizontal position for easy mounting. It's a small luxury that makes cycling a little bit easier.

Jennifer Chen.

Another innovation is the Xpedo "suspension pedal" with small MDU shocks between the two surfaces.

The design, which is an entrant for the Eurobike Award, doesn’t provide suspension in the traditional sense, said Wellgo’s Jennifer Chen. “Our test riders said that it reduces the chance of their feet slipping off the pedal and also helps reduce impact on the knees,” she added. g

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LOOK CYCLE EXPANDS

FRAME OPERATIONS IN TUNISIA About 50 international bicycle agents and distributors congregated in an unusual meeting place a few weeks ago.

They headed to Soliman, Tunisia, where Look Cycle has built an impressive factory for frames and other carbon parts.

RELENTLESS INNOVATION The Tunisian plant was opened three years after Look Cycle was acquired by Dominique Bergin, Thierry Fournier and Chrétien, a long-time Look employee. The company was in poor shape, with sales equivalent to about €12m in 1998, and it urgently needed to react to competition from Asian manufacturers. Look Cycle did so through relentless innovation - and production in Tunisia, where an employee earns about €220 a month.

Chrétien said that he picked Tunisia due to country’s relatively high level of education and the absence of language barriers, since most Tunisians speak French. Furthermore, the government offered Look a special arrangement under which the company does not have to pay customs duties on incoming supplies or outgoing goods. A Tunisian customs official is stationed at the plant to check the flow of merchandise.

The French maker of automatic pedals and racing bicycles still has a production unit in Nevers, where Look Cycle was formed in 1994 after a split from the Look ski equipment unit.

PRODUCTION FINE-TUNED However, Look Cycle shifted most of its frame production to its Tunisian plant in 2001, and in recent years has fine-tuned a production process that enables it to deliver assembled bicycles within three weeks. For now, Look frames and other carbon parts are cut, assembled, molded and varnished in Soliman, a small town in the bay of Tunis. Employing up to 200 people, the plant produces about 10,000 frames a year. They are shipped to Marseilles and then driven to Nevers for finishing and painting.

“This investment has worked out so well that we have gradually enlarged the plant to about four thousand square meters [43,000 square feet],” said Jean-Claude Chrétien, Look’s industrial manager, who spends more than half of the year in Tunisia. “Just a few weeks ago a painting unit was added and from the start of next year we should be able to deliver entirely finished frames.”

“Suppliers often fill up stores at the start of the season, which is very costly for retailers,” said Eric Vanhaverbeke, Look’s marketing manager. “When we suggested to French retailers that they could pre-order less and replenish more often, they gladly played along. It worked so well that we decided to extend this offer to other European markets."

PEDAL ASSEMB LY Meanwhile, Look’s production unit in Nevers continues to be responsible for the assembly of its automatic pedals. Its production is estimated at about 500,000 pairs of pedals, partly made for other brands. Nearly all parts and other supplies come from France, often from companies around Nevers, so that pedal production is equally flexible. Between its frame finishing and painting unit and pedal assembly, the Nevers plant employs about 120 people.

Look remains the international market leader in automatic pedals for road bikes and is gaining ground in automatic pedals for mountain bikes.

Its eight engineers have consistently come forward with innovations in the last years, such as the Keo pedal and its carbon blade.

While carbon frames are made in Tunisia, Look imports about 5,000 other frames from suppliers in the Far East. To make sure that it has the capacity to react to orders swiftly, it always keeps a small stock of frames waiting to be finished and painted in Nevers. Once this is done, the frames are sent over to Planet Fun, a large bicycle manufacturer in La Rochelle, which has a special assembly unit for Look bicycles that are then delivered throughout Europe.

“With this organization, our production is constantly adjusted to the orders we receive,” said Fournier, the GM of Look Cycle. “This has enabled us to deal with our distributors and retail partners more flexibly, which has been particularly interesting for them in the uncertain market circumstances of the last years.”

REPLENISHMENT EFFICIENCY Look pushed its advantage last year by suggesting that French retailers reduce their pre-orders and instead take advantage of the company’s efficient replenishment system. Its managers estimate that, before this trial, about 60% of its French sales were generated by pre-orders.

The rate shrank to about 30 percent this year, but this was compensated to a large extent by stronger re-orders.

Look has two subsidiaries: one serving France and the Benelux countries, and one serving the United States. International sales make up about 75 percent of Look’s turnover, with Europe alone generating 55 percent of this export business.

DISPLAY ADVERTISING Another move by Look to tighten its relationship with retailers is the launch of Look-branded corners. The slick black displays, featuring the square colored logo inspired by Mondrian, had been installed in some French stores in recent months. The company aims to place them in some 150 stores across Europe by the end of the year. § The modules may be adjusted to fit the size of each store, from a small display of pedals to a full array of bicycles, frames and accessories. These corners could also boost Look’s apparel sales, which only make up a small part of its turnover.

APPAREL SALES Look’s apparel business should expand further through a recent licensing agreement with Rossignol, the French ski brand, allowing it to sell apparel under the Rossignol and Dynastar brands.

This business, which generated sales of about € 11.5 million in 2008, is based at the Rossignol plant in Moirans, where Look Cycle hired 15 Rossignol employees to form a Sport & Style division. The two partners have had repeated business contacts since 1994, when Rossignol acquired the original Look business and its production unit for ski bindings in Nevers.

This led to a dispute between Rossignol and Look Cycle on the use of the Look brand name, which was settled to the bicycle company’s advantage at about the same time as the licensing agreement on Rossignol apparel. The settlement allows Look Cycle to use the Look brand for any products unrelated to skiing.

STRATEGY FOR THE FUTURE The agreement paves the way for Look Cycle’s diversification, which forms an integral part of its strategy for the coming years.

ENTERING NEW MARKETS The French company’s turnover increased by about 8 percent to more than €36 million for the fiscal year that ended in June. Driving results was a sharp rise in pedal sales, which make up about half of the group’s turnover. Furthermore, Look started distribution in several East European markets and set up partnerships in several other countries.

Among the latest changes, Look Cycle opened its own business in Milan after its long-time Italian distributor, Saim, decided to quit the bicycle industry.

“In the bicycle business we want to focus on higher-end road bicycles, and the potential of this segment is limited,” Fournier said. “This means we will have to grow through diversification, and probably more acquisitions.”

After its deal with Rossignol, Look already agreed to take over Freejump, a small company from Bordeaux specialising in stirrups for equestrians.

They are now made at Look Cycle’s plant in Nevers, using much the same suppliers and resources as Look for its automatic pedals.

g BARBARA SMIT

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'A WHOLE NEW FRAME GENERATION'

LOOK’S NEW 695 MODEL

For one morning in late June, the tranquility of the Bourgogne countryside in France was not disturbed by the roar of powerful 8-cylinder race cars. On the Magny-Cours Circuit’s 4,400 meters of world-famous asphalt, which until 1998 hosted the French Grand Prix, silent and eco-friendly racing road bikes stole the limelight from the Formula One racing cars.

'TOTAL' INTEGRATION The high level of integration of the components is achieved through the use of an HSC7 series fork with a conical steerer tube that reduces from a 11/2-inch lower bearing to a 11/8-inch upper bearing.

The Mondrian version of the 695, the famous Franco-Dutch artist whose paintings inspired the colours of the Look logo. © ENRICO PASTORI

This is where Look celebrated the debut of its new 695 model, which General Manager Thierry Fournier calls “a whole new generation of frames, more or less equivalent to what the arrival of the Keo Blade was for pedals.”

The design makes it possible to align UD carbon fibers without abrupt variations.

The Head Fit 3 headset allows steerer play to be adjusted separately from the handlebar stem clamp.

Look Chairman Dominique Bergin and General Manager Thierry Fournier, with the new bike during the presentation at the Magny-Cours Visiocenter. © ENRICO

The French manufacturer’s new frame is a brilliant example of a “holistic design”­- a concept that sees bicycle design as a whole, rather than the as sum of its parts. It makes the French brand the only European producer capable of competing with the ideas coming from the other side of the Atlantic in terms of integrated design.

The 695 has a basic model, with a little flexibility lengthwise for comfort over long distances, and an SR (Super Rigid) model for pro racing.

The functional difference is obtained by building the monocoque through a laminated layup which, depending on what’s required, can change the percentage ratio of high modulus carbon fiber and high resistance fiber.

PASTORI

B2-301

Yet another new feature at the front of the bike is the C-Stem handlebar stem, which can be adjusted both for angle (from -9 to +13 degrees), and lengthwise (+/- 10 mm).

The "total integration" continues with the E-Post, Look’s well-known system for controlling the comfort of the saddle through the insulation of the structure of the frame, with an elastomer (adjustabl e within 3 centimeters).

The new 695 at the Magny-Cours Circuit that hosted the Look presentation. © ENRICO PASTORI

Integration is particularly achieved through Look's integrated ZED2 crankset, which is the only totally integrated carbon monocoque crankset (320g for the one-piece integrated crank arm and spider) on the market with an unbeatable weight-to-rigidity ratio. It works on ball bearings inside a bottom bracket with a 65 mm diameter, into which it is inserted on one side and then locked in place with a special ring.

Look’s latest family of pedals, Blade, also has a new member, a less expensive model equipped with a steel axle and another option designed for racing time trial and triathlon: the Keo Blade Aero, which thanks to the fairing of the lower part of the body promises power savings of 2 percent.

'SECRET' POWERMETER Finally, another major novelty that will be showcased at Eurobike is the Look powermeter, which had been kept secret until now. It’s an advanced system that will probably have sensors on the pedal pivot, and on the crankset axle, representing another step in the direction of total integration between the frame and the other components. g ENRICO PASTORI

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DELIVERS - THANKS TO ORTLIEB!

Located on a 6,000 sq. m. site, the headquarters accommodates R&D, sales and marketing departments.

CRATONI OPENS NEW HQ Two days ago, on Aug. 30, helmet maker Cratoni invited guests to the grand opening of its new headquarters in Rudersberg near Stuttgart. It was a welltimed event, as many business and retail partners of the German manufacturer of eyewear, goggles, and helmets for skiing, snowboarding and cycling were on the way to Eurobike’s Demo Day. “With this new building we’ve got the foundation for further expansion,” said Managing Director Günter Krauter.

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“One of the most spectacular aspects of our new headquarters is its fashionable shape which serves as a launch pad for the nearby Cratoni Bikepark. This park is not just for Cratoni athletes but for everyone."

All in all, the new building is the embodiment of Cratoni’s brand values - technologically advanced, light, sporty and environmentally up-to-date. g JB

This year, the Eurobike Show Daily (ESD) team is partnering with Ortlieb. To get the dailies out, the waterproof outdoor equipment pioneer is sponsoring two backpack models for the writing and distribution team.

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ESD's Tom Kavanagh and Jo Beckendorff said, “Our distribution team will also always have dailies in their packs.

"If you haven’t picked up a copy from the bins at the entrance, ask for a copy from anybody in the distribution team.”

Ortlieb’s PR manager, Christoph Schleidt added, “Ortlieb is proud to sponsor the Eurobbike Show Daily team with the Kuriertasche messenger bag, and the Velocity leisure bag."

ESD's Jo Beckendorff with Ortlieb’s Christoph Schleidt (right).

Furthermore the new building houses a state-of-the-art test center as well as a big showroom. For logistical reasons, modern high-rack facilities are installed.

CHOSEN CO., LTD.

g

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FROM THE CAVE OF ALTAMIRA ...

FUJI FINDS

TO THE TOUR DE FRANCE?

TOUR INSPIRATION

IN PREHISTORIC CAVE That is Fuji’s idea for its newest high-end road bike, named for the prehistoric cave in Spain. The Altamira, which will be ridden in next year’s Tour, took its design cues from the famous cave drawings, which are thought to be as much as 35,000 years old and are considered the first works of accomplished art by humans.

The Fuji Altamira.

“It’s a tribute to us being in the pro tour and to our team, centered in that region of Spain,” said Karen Bliss, vice president of marketing for Fuji’s parent company, Advanced Sports, Inc. Fuji, a newcomer to the Tour de France, recently received a huge boost when former Tour champion Carlos Sastre announced he was joining Team Geox, which is the successor to this year’s Footon-Servetto-Fuji team.

The Footon-Servetto team finished last in the team rankings for the 2010 race, but the new team is already attracting notice. Geox, the Italian footwear company, signed on as title sponsor.

At the Taipei Cycle Show earlier this year, Fuji announced that it would spec Shimano components exclusively on its line, to underscore the brand’s Japanese heritage (even though the Fuji brand is now owned by a U.S. company).

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VeloNews reported that Geox has agreed to invest as much as €50 million in the team over five years. Russian rider Denis Menchov has also signed with Team Geox.

“We were just jumping up and down in the office,” Bliss said of the news.

The Altamira will come in four versions led by the top-of-the-line Ltd, which features a high modulus carbon frame and the Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 system.

Fuji also announced the production of a limited line of made-in-Japan bike lines, the Cherubim and Nichibei, crafted by Japanese frame builders.

But ASI is not neglecting the every day rider, either. Under its Breezer brand, ASI is introducing a new American-style transportation bike it calls the Uptown Infinity.

The Infinity uses NuVinci’s new N360 internal hub, which offers a continuously variable transmission. In other words, there are no “gears,” just a smooth shifting range that the rider controls as easily as turning the dial on a radio.

Breezer Uptown Infinity.

g DM

FLYER FACTORY EXPANDS Last fall, Biketec of Switzerland opened a new factory for its Flyer electric bike. This factory, in Huttwil in the Emmental, is already being expanded thanks to a boost in sales.

Biketec will make 45,000 e-bikes this year, 17,000 more than the previous year, and Biketec managing director Kurt Schaer predicts sales of 55,000 Flyers in 2011.

Before the new storage halls are completed, a further expansion is already being under consideration. Land has been reserved to build a new warehouse and a painting facility.

“It is very pleasant to see the company constantly growing,” Schae said. Biketec also rents Flyers from its factory.

The company now has 16 parking spaces for RV motor-homes on site, double the number it had last year. Motor home tourists park there to rent Flyers. Many also end up buying, Schaer said. g PETER HUMMEL

Biketec factory in hilly Emmental.

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New HL Corp factory in Tian Jin, China.

HL CORP TO OPEN

NEW FACTORY IN CHINA HL Corp Shenzhen, owner and creator of the globally distributed Zoom components brand, plans to builds a new factory in the northern Chinese city of Tian Jin. In 2007, HL Corp became the first Taiwanese bicycle parts maker to be listed on the Shenzhen stock exchange on mainland China. This factory, the company's sixth, will produce steel bicycle parts for export and for the Chinese domestic market.

HL Corp Shenzhen will be the first Taiwanese company in this part of northern China to produce high-quality steel tubing for handlebars, seatposts, stems, and suspension and rigid forks. The factory, to be called HL Corp Tian Jin, will occupy 210,000 square meters (2,260,000 square feet) and opens in December.

HL Corp Shenzhen was founded in 1991 when the headquarters of the HL Group moved to China from Taiwan.

The group employs 8,500 people.

HL Corp Shenzhen produces over 50 million bicycle parts a year, including 4.5 million suspension forks and 1 million sets of disc brakes. Some 60 percent of HL Corp's output is for OEM customers, and 90 percent of HL Corp's production is produced in HL Corp factories. HL Corp's Zoom brand of bicycle components is known the world over. g

t

PACIFIC CYCLES SHOWCASES UNIQUE

BIKES IN MUSEUM

Known for its unusual and unique bicycles, Taiwan’s Pacific Cycles has turned part of its old office building into a museum to show off its historical collection.

Based in Taoyuan, Taiwan, Pacific Cycles should not be confused with the big North American company Pacific Cycle, which owns the Schwinn and Mongoose brands. In addition to the Birdy, Pacific’s more commercial models include the If Mode and the compact bikes Reach and CarryMe.

Pacific Cycles' bicycle museum.

Best known for its Birdy folding bicycle, Pacific Cycles has also designed such bikes as a trike for people with cerebral palsy; one that goes backwards for use on escalators; bicycle sidecars; stair cycles; rowing bikes; and four-wheeled bicycles designed for two people.

At the United Nations’ behest, Pacific Cycles also developed a handpowered cycle, with a thick steel plate at the bottom, for Ethiopians who have suffered lower-limb disabilities because of landmines.

The museum opened in June, and serves the hundreds of visitors who visit the bicycle company every year as well as the thousands of tourists who visit the nearby Yung-An Fishery Harbor in Hsinwu Township.

Pacific produces many mainstream bicycles as well, and provides research and development services for many brands of folding bikes, tricycles and mountain bikes. The museum houses some 200 “living” bikes as opposed to antiques.The museum is open to the public on weekdays and open for individual appointments on weekends

g

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FROM TURKEY

TO EUROPE

In Manisa, near Izmir, Bianchi Turkey has stepped up production at its ultra-modern factory. The expansion follows acquisitions that have expanded the company’s reach in Europe.

Bianchi Turkey was formed in 1992 from a joint venture between Turkey’s Key Group and Piaggio, which then owned the Italian Bianchi brand. Later, the joint venture was bought out by the Sarda family.

As part of an arrangement lasting until at least 2013, Bianchi Turkey pays royalties to Cycleurope, which now owns the Bianchi brand. Bianchi Turkey has the right to make and sell Bianchi bicycles only in Turkey. The company makes bikes under its own brands as well, and produced about 305,000 bicycles at its plant in Manisa last year.

Production will rise by 10 percent this year.

Turkish plant also builds wheels.

The Turkish company’s acquisition of two Italian brands, Atala and Carraro, enabled it to move into international markets with a full range of bicycles. It exported about 80,000 bicycles last year outside of Turkey and Italy.

Atala Italy made 7,000 bicycles last year but all of this production will now move to Manisa. Sarda estimates that exports of the two Italian brands have increased by about 50,000 units since Carraro was acquired. However, Sarda wants to increase the company’s international sales, and is planning to do so with the introduction of electric bikes for both Atala and Carraro.

“With the two Italian brands and their distinct positioning, we have become the market leader in Italy, and we have been able to build up distribution in all of the most significant European markets,” said Ovadya Sarda, president of Bianchi Turkey and Atala Italy.

Bianchi Turkey’s international lineup also features Whistle, a high-end brand of road and mountain bikes, which saw sales jump by 20 percent last year. Another house brand is Sarda, which used to sell about 20,000 units a year but, following the loss of a Finnish contract, has seen sales decline. The company’s remaining volume comes from OEM manufacturing.

THE MANISA PLANT BUILDS WHEELS, TOO About 100,000 of the company’s bicycles are sold in Turkey, where average sales prices are lower than in Europe. By acquiring non-Turkish brands, Bianchi Turkey is able to increase its sales volume - and, critically, boost its sales in markets with more attractive retail prices.

Atala reached sales of 180,000 units last year, retailing at an average price of €350.

“The integration of the Italian brands has enabled us to deploy a multi-brand strategy in Italy and other European markets,” Sarda said. “We are also able to make more efficient use of our facilities.”

Carraro, which is in the mid- to high-end of the market with retail prices averaging €500, achieved a volume of 30,000 units last year, with exports making up 60 percent of sales.

Bianchi Turkey’s 37,000-square-meter (398,000-square-foot) plant in Manisa handles the production, assembly and painting of frames, wheels, rims and rear carriers. The company takes full advantage of Turkey’s customs union with the EU, and benefits from its close proximity to European markets.

Bianchi Turkey’s ultra-modern factory offers in-house testing.

g BARBARA SMIT

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JOHNSON CHO TRANSFORMS JD WITH

TRANZX E-BIKE LINE

Johnson Cho is low-profile, yet his company is anything but. JD burst onto the scene with the original Razor aluminum kick scooter that two decades ago was on every parent’s Christmas list.

Now, JD is a major player in electric bikes with its TranzX PST e-bike system and its distinctive Eagle e-bike. The Eurobike Show Daily recently talked to Cho, general manager of JD, about the growth of the TranzX line.

ESD: Your company is one of the biggest movers in the EV market, but you’ve kept a relatively low profile. Could you tell us a little about yourself?

ESD: Several premium suppliers are also using your unique Eagle pedelec package. Could you tell us more about this?

Johnson Cho: I’ve been in the bicycle business for quite some time. I spent a number of years at Spinner before moving to JD in the mid ‘90s. My time at JD has been very rewarding. I’ve been fortunate to experience a number of great milestones with our company such as the success of our JD Bug aluminum scooter and our recent achievements in the e-bike market.

Cho: The Eagle was the first e-bike to target a younger target group. It also happens to be a very fun bike to ride.

Everyone who rides an Eagle has a smile on his or her face.

ESD: How did a company that became famous with its foldable mini-scooters become one of Taiwan’s leading suppliers of e-bike systems?

Cho: The aluminum scooter is indeed the product that made JD famous, but the company’s focus has always been on the bicycle industry. JD started as a components manufacturer in 1986. A little more than a decade later we introduced an electric-powered scooter that laid the foundation for our electric mobility division. So you could say that becoming an e-bike system manufacturer was a natural evolution for us. We had already accumulated significant know-how by the time we started the electric bicycle project.

ESD: Are all of JD’s designs made in-house, or do you work with an international team?

Cho: We do work with international consultants, but our final designs come out of our Taichung, Taiwan office. It is important that our designers and engineers work together through every stage of product development to make sure that the designs end up being practical.

ESD: How many pedelec suppliers use the TranzX PST system worldwide?

Cho: Somewhere in the range of 20-30 manufacturers.

By protecting our customers’ intellectual property and providing customized solutions, we have been able to reduce rivalries between the manufacturers who use TranzX PST.

The Eagle’s launch ended up generating tremendous interest and probably helped convince some of the product managers that it made sense to add the Eagle to their line-up.

ESD: At this year’s annual A-Team meeting, JD was welcomed as the group’s 22nd member. What the A-Team membership mean for JD? Cho: The A-Team’s activities and strategies have helped position Taiwan as a major production base for high-end bicycles and as one of the world’s leading bike exporters.

As a company with a strong tradition of manufacturing quality components, we identify with these strategies and are therefore proud to be a member.

ESD: In your opinion, where are the major target markets at present?

Cho: Looking at Europe, we obviously have the Netherlands and Germany leading the way.

We’re furthermore starting to see a lot of interest coming out of France, the UK, Italy, Spain and Eastern European countries. In Asia, we see Japan picking up quite a bit.

ESD: With so many new players entering the e-bike market, what does JD have to do to maintain its market position?

Cho: We are lucky in that we enjoy a head start and lead that other system developers simply can’t make up overnight. We have been developing electric transport solutions since 1998, and e-bikes have been a major focus of ours for more than five years.

In addition to R&D, current priorities are to maintain our high quality standards throughout the production cycle and deliver top after-sales service in our customers’ home markets.

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ESD: How do you currently handle service issues for your customers?

Cho: We have to be able to respond quickly to any and all service requests since consumers who own e-bikes rely on them for commuting. They shouldn’t be expected to do without their means of transportation for any extended period of time. We have to make sure that we can professionally respond at all times and without any delay.

Our European Technical Service Centre is located centrally in Frankfurt, Germany and is able to quickly respond to client demands from across Europe. We maintain a fully stocked warehouse there with just about every part necessary for our different systems and e-bikes.

ESD: As well as the booming e-bike and pedelec business, JD is also involved in other bicycle-related businesses. How is JD Components doing? How is the JD Bug business?

Cho: We have some exciting new components for 2011 that we are marketing under the TranzX label.

The JD-YSP05 seat post was just featured as best in its class by the German magazine Trekking Bike. Our new JD-SC65 seat clamp was honored with an iF product design award, and we are introducing new innovative bar ends and a fluid trainer. All of these products can be seen at our Eurobike booth.

ESD: Is the JD Group concentrating on OEM business or are you also engaged in JD brand sales?

Cho: We have actively sought to strengthen our brands in the past few years as we feel that this will help support our clients’ products. This has certainly been the case in the e-bike market.

The TranzX PST brand is now a major plus point for our OEM clients. Even so, we remain focused on the OEM business and we are not pursuing a strategy to sell our brand directly to the market.

ESD: Final question: What is JD expecting from this year’s Eurobike exhibition?

Cho: Eurobike comes at an exciting time of the year as we get to see how our clients’ products, incorporating our systems and components, are received by dealers.

g ESD STAFF

Johnson Cho, general manager of JD

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TREK’S PROJECT ONE

POWERED BY DIAMANT 125-year-old Diamant Fahrradwerke of Germany has been part of the Trek Group since 2002. For the past year, staffers trained by Trek have produced the U.S. brand's custom, high-end Project One bikes for the European market from Diamant's Hartmannsdorf offices.

“Our new division is building between 20 to 25 high-end Trek Project One road bikes a day," said Harald Schmiedel, general manager of Trek Fahrrad and responsible for Diamant, Trek and Villiger sales to the German-speaking market. "Each bike is built to a customer’s individual specifications. Project One production increases the average sales price of Diamant Fahrradwerke made bicycles. The starting price of a Project One bike is € 2,800."

“It was a huge challenge to integrate Trek’s individual Project One production into our production flow," said Michael Mittag, general manager of Diamant Fahrradwerke.

This was because the company was already busy satisfying demand for its town bikes.

However, Diamant executives said it makes logistical sense to produce Europe-bound Project One bikes in Germany rather than America.

g JB

Trek Group’s German subsidiary Diamant Fahrradwerke produces high-end custom Trek Project One bikes.

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BIGGER THAN BIKE COMPANIES NEW PLAYERS IN EBIKE INDUSTRY The bicycle business is worldwide, old, and big. We provide one of mankind’s basic and most successful tools effective individual transport that relies on muscle power alone (and are fun to ride!)

The biggest of the conventional bicycle companies are impressive. Giant Bicycle, for example, is world class by any measure, as is Hero Bicycle and other manufacturers.

We are also a low margin industry that fights over market share - usually by shaving our margins. We are boring and have little hope of future profits. No one outside the industry is much interested in investing in the bike business. The exception? Electric bikes.

Players in the electric bicycle business dwarf those in the bike industry. Some of these companies are units of divisions that are bigger than any conventional bike company.

The famous ones are well-known: Yamaha, Honda, Panasonic (Matsushita), Sanyo, Samsung, LG, Lenovo (Phylion Battery), Matra, Magna Mark (BionX), Bosch, Hero Group, Shinri, Yadea, others.

WHY ARE THEY INTERESTED? The reason: $100 billion a year - or more - in potential sales, and at a pretty good margin.

For a variety of reasons, it is increasingly clear that the world needs and will adopt electricpowered, two-wheel individual transport, at an increasingly rapid pace.

THE REASONS S Increasing demand for a limited and diminishing supply of petroleum fuels. Cars still sell very well. Many new drivers for the same amount of fuel mean very high prices for gas.

S Increasing urbanization means more people per square kilometer, with less room for roads and parking lots. Two wheelers are a

solution for parking and road congestion.

S Increasing concerns about air pollution and renewable energy is leading to more and more government support for light electric vehicles.

S Increasing affluence worldwide means that more people can afford a motorized two wheeler, and more can afford a variety of transportation tools.

THE RESULTS Over the next 15 years, I believe we will see electric-powered two wheelers replace nearly all mopeds, light motorcycles, and some cars. We will see them replace about half of all bicycles. This is roughly 110 million units a year in sales. Those numbers are interesting to any company, and especially because this is a way to both make money and to be “green.”

And that allows for an investment looks good in many ways. Electric bikes are products that work, technically and economically, and fit today's regulations. So they are the starting point for nearly everyone. Since the barriers to entry are low, thousands of small companies and many large companies are investing in, or exploring the idea of investing in, electric bikes.

GOOD NEWS FOR YOU! Since you are reading this, you are in the bike industry. And at this moment, you are the leaders in electric-powered two wheel transportation. You are in a sexy business that is attracting major attention. And you are good at it! You provide good products, good service, convenient retail locations and personalized attention to your customers.

“Normal” bike companies and retailers sell the majority of the electric bikes. Now… hang on to your business. The ride is going to be fast and furious.

g ED BENJAMIN

Edward Benjamin is the Chairman of the Light Electric Vehicle Association, and a managing director of eCycleElectric Consulting.

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CANNONDALE ENTERS eBIKE MARKET One of the most discussed topics of this year’s Eurobike is Cannondale’s move into the e-bike market, working with electronics giant Bosch. Bob Burbank, general manager of Cannondale, tells us more.

ESD: How and when did the project start?

Bob Burbank: Initial development began between Bosch and Cannondale Sports Group in the fall of 2007. By January 2009, both Bosch and CSG had created a cross-functional advanced development team with the shared goal of introducing a revolutionary system by leveraging both companys' expertise in the electronic and cycling industries.

ESD: E-bikes are more popular in Asia and Europe than in America. Why is a classic U.S. brand like Cannondale getting into e-mobility?

Burbank: Yes, Cannondale is an American brand and has strong American roots. At the same time we have a long and successful history in the European market. The brand designs, manufactures and sells innovative cycling products to more than 70 countries. As a growing segment, e-mobility is a natural progression for our brand and we wanted to develop a system that satisfies our global customer’s expectations.

It has always been important for us to meet the needs of our local customers.

E-cycling is a big issue in Europe and one of tomorrow’s key mobility drivers.

And, therefore, it is a big issue for us.

We feel that e-bikes have the power to bring many more people to cycling than 'normal' bikes are able to.

We now have a real car alternative. This was our motivation to come up with an e-bike that is truly visionary and makes the change from car to e-bike easy.

It’s a vision which we think is worth fighting for.

Our goal was to bring this positioning into the development of our e-bikes and to transform e-cycling from comfort to performance. We will start with an Urban line but show with our concept bikes where our home is and where we also see the future: yes, in the sports-oriented categories.

Our goal was to take Cannondale’s legendary reputation for innovation to the e-bike market by partnering with a worldclass automotive company and introducing a bike that provided superior performance to any system currently on the market.

“The natural progression for Cannondale is to continue providing the market with innovative transportation solutions” - Bob Burbank ESD: In Europe there are a good number of sports-oriented e-bikes.

Is this something you are thinking about, too?

Burbank: Cannondale is a performance bike brand.

ESD: Cannondale has been going strong into the commuting segments.

Are these urban mobility products created at your U.S. headquarters, or do you work together with your worldwide subsidiaries on this segment?

Burbank: Cannondale has developed products to support the recreation and urban markets both regionally and globally for more than 15 years. Typically, the products produced are designed and optimized in the markets that they are sold in. In the case of the new e-bikes, a dedicated team based in Basel, Switzerland, was responsible for developing them.

ESD: What do you expect from your e-bike market entry? Have you set sales targets?

Burbank: We expect the e-bike markets in Europe to continue to grow into new markets, and to continue to mature in existing markets like the Netherlands and Germany. As these vehicles offer an alternate solution to car transportation, younger people will also step in to take part in the e-bike trend. The result will be significant growth. Our sales targets will be set after the launch at Eurobike.

ESD: What will be your next logical step in this market?

Burbank: Cannondale has prided itself on being an innovator and leader in progressing new technologies within the cycling industry. The logical next step is to leverage our engineering expertise to create progressive and industry-leading products.

Because this is a growing market, we want to anticipate vehicle designs to meet future demand.

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g JB

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GPS ROUNDUP, PART 1

FROM SMARTPHONES TO GEOCACHING

Garmin is still the market leader in outdoor navigation, but the field is getting crowded. In recent years, about a half dozen competitors have entered the European outdoor and cycling arena and have focused on the German-speaking market.

One reason is no doubt the fact that revenues for the automotive GPS industry have fallen. Garmin, for example, lost sales in the automotive industry while its outdoor navigation segment continues to grow.

For the second quarter of 2010, Garmin’s outdoor sales rose 8 percent to some four million devices. Revenues for Garmin’s “outdoor and fitness” segment grew 32 percent.

Nearly all of Garmin’s competitors are jumping in to the high end of the category with devices that retail for €400 to €600­- three times as much as a car navigation system.

GARMIN Apparently there is a need for low-cost devices that retail for around €100, like an updated model of the Garmin eTrex H, a precise device with a brilliant grayscale screen. Without maps, it sells for less than €90.

O-SYNCE The German company O-Synce (stand A5-209) is keeping devices small, light and stylish while adding more navigation functions to its bicycle computers. While those navigation functions are limited, the price remains at around €150.

MICROSPORT Similar products include the Microsport Evidence (A3–806 at Roadlux) for €175, and the Holux/TwoNav.

GPS VS. SMARTPHONES For retailers, GPS sales are important to meet customer demands but not always profitable. A retailer needs a trained GPS specialist, yet customers often find a better price on-line. Some new GPS vendors are trying to cater to retailers by enforcing on-line pricing.

Another worry for retailers is the trend towards smartphones replacing dedicated GPS units. A study by marketing research company iSuppli predicts that the percentage of GPS-equipped mobile phones will increase from 60 percent today to nearly 80 percent by the end of 2011.

Yet even if a smartphone is protected from the elements and equipped with outdoor navigation features, many users would rather keep it safely stored in a travel bag instead of exposing it to the outside world. And some bicycle retailers have found that the current limitations of smartphones as GPS units are bringing customers to them who are looking for the real thing.

TOURISM USAGE Meanwhile, a growing number of tourism offices and hotels are renting GPS to tourists. It’s a useful way to let guests set out on hiking and cycling tours, while making sure they can always find their way back to the hotel.

Journalist & Navigation Consultant Thomas Froitzheim has specialized in GPS systems since 1999. He's the founder of Naviso Outdoor Navigation (www.naviso.de).

But sometimes the guests never learn about the rental units.

Employees at hotels and tourism agencies are afraid to talk about the GPS units because they are complicated to explain.

Offering a tourist a printed map is much easier.

RENT-A-GPS IN OSTERHOLZ The German district of Osterholz, which offers 18 rental GPS devices, trains its staff intensively and uses OpenStreetMap program.

The desire for an all-in-one-device seems indisputable. Several accessories help overcome a smartphone’s traditional disadvantages for outdoor use. More than a dozen cases are available for the iPhone, for example, to protect it from water, dirt and vibration. External battery packs extend the smartphone’s life for a long trip, while transflective screens like the one used on the Nokia Navigator can be seen in bright sunlight.

OpenStreetMap is an opensource GPS mapping program that anyone can update.

GEOCACHING Another target group of GPS users are geocachers. Unlike hikers or cyclists, these hunters of hidden treasures aren’t concerned with orientation, but are seeking out mysteries.

MAGELLAN Some cases include a battery pack and an additional GPS receiver, like Magellan’s new iPhone ToughCase. But at a price of €199, the add-on is nearly as expensive as a stand-alone GPS unit.

The GPS unit is a tool, and the treasure is a small box containing a small toy. The challenge is in the search itself, not the contents of the box.

At www.geocaching.com, users can find detailed descriptions of more than one million geocaches around the world, most of them hidden in the United States.

Many GPS receivers can store information on about 500 caches at a time, downloaded from the website, with detailed descriptions and even photos.

It isn’t just kids who have fun going on “treasure hunts” through geocaching.

More tourism offices are discovering that hiding and caring for new caches is a good way to attract geocaching tourists.

g THOMAS FROITZHEIM

© TH. FROITZHEIM

G.P.S.

GUIDE

There are plenty of GPS exhibitors at Eurobike, although some are a bit hidden. Here’s a guide to the highlights ...

For the main show in Friedrichshafen, here is a suggested route for a GPS Tour: Start in Foyer West at ADFC (Stand FW-202), where you’ll find MagicMaps, Falk and Lowrance.

Continue to Satmap (A1-106) and Tout Terrain (A2-110). Have a glance at Microsport (A3-806 at Roadlux) and MyNav/Giove at A3-603. You will find Xplova at the Winora booth (A4–100) and Busch & Müller at A4-401.

Navigation exhibitors are mainly concentrated in hall A5, including Garmin (A5-201); VDO (A5-206) and O-Synce (A5-209). Head to the B Halls, where you’ll find Dahon (B4-501), Vaude (B5-400) and Ortlieb (B5-600).Friday’s TravelTalk conference will feature GPS news and a variety of ways that GPS can play a role in tourism. On Saturday, some Holiday-on-Bike-exhibitors will show GPS solutions.

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DEVILS IN THE

DETAILS Some in the bike trade think e-bikes are the work of the devil. Such views are extreme, but it’s true that technical innovations of this kind often interfere with existing technology more profoundly than would appear at first glance. Even leaving the electrical and control requirements on one side, electric motors and rechargeable batteries create three fundamental changes with regard to propulsion.

CAUTION: frame drillings such as these could lead to breaking points. © DIRK ZEDLER

E-bikes offer the bike trade a great opportunity for additional sales, but there are risks, too, argues author and engineer Dirk Zedler.

E-bikes finally arrived on the roads in large numbers in 2010. While the revenue from these e-bikes is an intoxicating boost for manufacturers and bike shops, there’s a potential downside: intoxication is usually followed by a hangover.

This year, hardly any bicycle manufacturer will exhibit here at Eurobike without an e-bike in the booth. Similarly, bicycle dealers are likely to put in some big orders. But be careful: Some e-bikes may put consumers at risk.

Suppliers now have their models ready and, to all intents and purposes, it is too late to make any changes for the 2011 season.

However, dealers still have an opportunity, by targeted selection, to focus on quality and, thereby, long-term consumer safety and satisfaction.

The 11,000 e-bikes recalled by ZEG in July because of potential broken frames are just the tip of the iceberg and should not be the subject of gloating by companies that were not affected. The recall should act as a warning to all.

HOW E-BIKES DIFFER FROM REGULAR BIKES SPEED Speeds formerly attained by racing cyclists can now be attained by average riders on city and trekking bikes. Even untrained cyclists can reach topographically challenging areas and thus potentially go downhill too fast for their capabilities.

WEIGHT E-bikes are heavier than standard bicycles, with weights of more than 22 kg (48 pounds) as the norm. The center of gravity is different.

STRAINS Depending where the motor is mounted, frames, forks and attachments are subject to significantly different loads due to the effects of propulsion.

E-BIKE BARGAINS?

Steer clear!

Mainstream bicycle manufacturers cannot afford to release bikes with defects, but don’t drop your guard. It is still worth casting a critical eye over their e-bikes, too. Was the model in question designed as an e-bike, or was a battery and motor merely added to an existing bike?

Dirk Zedler is an engineer, journalist, expert witness and managing director of Zedler – Institut für Fahrradtechnik und -Sicherheit GmbH. He has 17 years experience in bicycle R&D and works with industry and universities producing test criteria and test standards.

Zedler can also carry out in-house testing.

Unsafe fender mountings on an e-bike are a no-no. © DIRK ZEDLER

Anyone who likes to pull firmly on brakes or shake handlebars, slalom-fashion, will soon notice whether the frame and fork being ridden were designed for load, speed and the additional stresses that electric propulsion brings.

E-BIKE MEETS CONSUMER Regularly riding the e-bikes available in-store should be part of the dealer’s duty. Even after many years as a bicycle dealer, one can still experience a surprise or two.

The manufacturer's decision to put a motor at the front, in the middle or at the rear doesn't just alter an e-bike's looks. It also profoundly affects ride performance. So can gear hubs with backpedal brakes. The various sensors to determine electrical thrust, as well as the control equipment, lend e-bikes their most varied character.

IBDs need to know their e-bikes inside and out, so they can give sound advice and information to consumers.

© DIRK ZEDLER

SERVICE AND REPAIR

E-bikes ought to be designed and manufactured differently than standard bicycles. Not all are. They also have to be equipped with better components than a standard bicycle for the same type of rider. Again, not all are.

Potential e-bike dealers must also be aware that some investment in workshop facilities will most likely be needed.

Established manufacturers with several years’ experience in the e-bike market know how to spec an e-bike for safety. Manufacturers of standard bicycles who are just now jumping on the electrified bandwagon often make mistakes on their specs.

Depending on the manufacturer, battery and control equipment require different evaluation and measurement devices. Any dealer that does not have such equipment will be groping in the dark when an e-bike comes in for service.

Some suppliers with little or no experience in the bicycle industry, but good contacts in the Far East, are introducing low-cost e-bikes.Finally, some manufacturers are offering retrofit kits to convert almost any bicycle into an e-bike.

WHO TO BUY FROM? For most dealers, retrofit kits are trouble from the get-go. These piggyback systems are time-consuming to attach, and they often turn out to be unsatisfactory as well. The dealer is transformed into a manufacturer of the complete e-bike. If any load-bearing part fails, the dealer is liable.

Is a weak dynamo OK to fit to an e-bike? © DIRK ZEDLER

Suppliers new to the bike industry may appear to represent great value for money.

But buyer beware. Watch out for the shortcuts: Brakes that don’t brake; frames that fishtail; wobbly wheels; fenders without safety devices; lights that are little brighter than glowworms.

Plug-ins like this doesn’t always hold and could leak. © DIRK ZEDLER

A solid battery attachment; neat in-frame wiring; and a sophisticated lighting system are good first indications when buying.

Above all else, ride the bike you are considering buying. Serious differences can be experienced in test rides.

cated service offering.

For this reason, dealers for whom the acquisition of such equipment is not (yet) profitable should only procure e-bikes from manufacturers that provide a sophisti-

But, if you’re not offering a full CAN Bus service with lots of extra trimmings, why are you thinking of offering e-bikes in the first place? g DIRK ZEDLER

SHOW DAILY 2010

ELECTRIFYING EXPANSION FOR THE WINORA GROUP

The Winora Group of Schweinfurt, a subsidiary of the Accell Group of the Netherlands, owns the bicycle brands Haibike, Hercules, Sinus, Staiger and Winora, as well as the parts and accessory brand XLC. “For our export business, Haibike is our most important brand. To increase the value of the brand we have hired three new designers. The result is a much stronger visual impact,” said Bernd Lesch, export manager for Winora.

Haibike is a sporty brand made for enthusiasts. “Because of market publicity, which is mainly due to Europe-wide sponsoring of teams, our overseas business has also increased enormously,” Lesch said.

Lesch expects further growth for XLC as well as Haibike. “We want to develop our foreign markets and increase sales in countries where Haibike and XLC are already established,” he said. “XLC has a new look for Eurobike and we will introduce a new international homepage for the website with great new features. XLC has over 1,500 products. It’s the perfect brand for independent bicycle dealers, with displays and sales tools.”

E-BIKE At Eurobike, Winora will be unveiling Haibike’s entry into the electric bike market.

Two 2011 models, a full Winora Group export manager Bernd Lesch

Winora’s Haibike uses the Bosch e-bike system.

suspension and a hardtail, are equipped with the Bosch e-bike transmission system.

Winora’s other bike brands have also received electric makeovers. The custom brand Sinus is equipped with SR Suntour’s new e-bike kit.

The Winora brand is equipped with the TranzX system, while two Staiger e-bikes are

equipped with the Panasonic transmission system.

The more traditional Hercules brand, mainly sold on the German market, has a lineup of e-bikes equipped with Bosch, TranzX and the two Accellowned systems, Protanium and Ion. Winora Group’s folding e-bike line increases from one to three models, while the new E-One brand gets two further 20-inch non-folding e-bikes.

“Both E-One models­- Sporty and Classic - are equipped with the TranzX system,” said Susanne Puello, managing director of the Winora Group and Accell-Germany.

E-One Hercules is also offering its traditional customers an e-bike with a low step-through frame design. g JB

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INTEGRATION &

INNOVATION

ARE KEY FOR RST RST is at Eurobike with a number of innovations, including suspension forks made info-rich with electronics.

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The RST Wireless Remote Suspension system provides on-the-fly suspension info.

RST, which stands for Rapid Suspension Technology, is the fork brand of Dah Ken Industrial Co. of Taiwan.

The RST name was created in 1991, the same year that Eurobike launched. In fact, RST was at the first Eurobike and has been to every show since.

The RST Spirit fork features an integrated front light.

"For almost two decades, Eurobike has been the best opportunity to have an open discussion with manufacturers and distributors," said James Hsu, RST vice president.

The integration of electronics into lightweight forks is the main story at this year's RST Eurobike booth.

The Spirit fork for 700c city bikes has an integrated front light. Featuring "Cable Hide-In" and ICS Crown (Integrated Crown Set), the Spirit fork is a tidy all-in-one solution for commuter bicycles.

The RST Wireless Remote Suspension system uses radio waves at a frequency of 2.4 GHz to furnish the rider with on-the-fly suspension information.

The rider is able to control the wireless system from the handlebars.

An LCD monitor provides information on the damping condition of the front suspension, as well as riding speed.

A rechargeable battery for the unit can be recharged in two hours through a mini-USB port.

The F1 Platinum fork features no electronics but remains innovative and is highly recommended by "Bike" magazine. Part of the F1RST Platinum series, the fork weighs 1,450g (including steering tube).

The F1 is designed for lightweight XC racing MTBs. It features an OCR (open-bath) hydraulic damping system and air pressure adjustable function, ie Air Preload. The fork is adjustable to suit riding conditions.

g ALAN ZHANG

Neat and light, the RST F1 fork is for fast mountain bikes.

CLEAN MOBILE PRODUCES MICRO E-BIKE UNIT Clean Mobile of Munich has produced an electric bike drive unit that's little bigger than a standard front chainwheel.

Calling it the "smallest and most efficient crank engine for e-bikes currently available," Clean Mobile officials said a prototype of the unit shown at the Taipei Cycle Show "earned lots of recognition for its excellent performance and efficiency, its small size and its small weight." A company statement said that bikes equipped with the new 150mm motor provide a "terrific driving experience."

The patented motor "always functions within its optimum efficiency window, while generating an unmatched torque of more than 100 Nm - essential for speeding, biking steep slopes and travelling long distances."

To run the motor in the best efficiency mode, the motor is brought to a speed of up to 3,000–4,000 rpm. Simultaneously a patented transmission gear (HCD: Harmonic Chain Drive) reduces the engine speed to about 70 rpm, the pedalling speed of the typical vehicle user. This results in a very high efficiency and a very high torque, claims Clean Mobile. The motor weights less than 3kg.

Clean Mobile's drive train solutions consist of Li-Ion batteries for energy storage, an electric engine/gearbox and an electronic control unit for vehicle and energy management. Clean Mobile produces electric motors for cargo bikes and electric motorbikes. It says its new e-bike unit "lets users experience higher speed, higher acceleration and greater range, thus achieving broad user acceptance and breakthrough market success."

Clean Mobile CEO Werner Gruber

Higher speed and higher acceleration from Clean Mobile's new e-bike unit

g JB Clean Mobile's 150mm e-bike motor

ZH-301

A STRONG RECOVERY AT

STRONGLIGHT AFTER MANAGEMENT TAKEOVER Stronglight, the French maker of cranksets and mudguards, is rebounding strongly after the company’s takeover by its general manager last year. Stronglight’s turnover has increased by more than 20 percent so far this year and should reach nearly €5 million, after dipping significantly in previous years.

The company was acquired entirely by Joël Glotin, who spent the last two decades as general manager of Zéfal, a French accessories maker that had acquired Stronglight as part of a diversification effort.

But two years ago, Zéfal decided to focus solely on retail customers, and accepted Glotin’s offer to buy Stronglight and Canyon, its mudguard brand.

“The first year after the takeover we focused on the integration of our production plants, and we lost a few important customers,” Glotin said. “But the restructuring has been completed, and now we’ve started expanding again, with a high-end offering targeting European bicycle suppliers.”

Based in Saint-Etienne, Stronglight once was a global leader in the production of cranksets, employing up to 800 people.

Growing Asian competition forced the company to scale back its operations, and the company shrunk further in the last few years as Zéfal quit investing in the business.

The takeover by Glotin entailed the closure of several small units, such as the production site for Canyon mudguards, which was integrated into the Stronglight plant.

A few minor aspects of production have been farmed out to Asian partners. However, the company started hiring again this year and now employs 50.

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“Two thirds of our employees are involved in production, but we have also reinforced Stronglight’s research unit,” Glotin said.

“It is a very important part of redeployment, as we want to place emphasis on our ability to innovate.”

This will become apparent at Eurobike as Stronglight Helion introduces many fresh product Bio Concept

lines, like oval chain rings and mudguards that are easier to assemble and sell at a lower price. Stronglight wants to increase sales of high-end carbon cranksets to European producers, at a time when they’re yearning for more flexible suppliers. The company also is selling its chain rings in the wholesale and retail markets - often under its own brand name as well as under the private label names of other brands, and of retailers such as Decathlon.

Stronglight hopes to stimulate growth by selling crankset and mudguards jointly. g BARBARA SMIT

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SHOW DAILY 2010

GERMAN HPV COMPANIES ARE

WORLD-BEATERS

OTHER HPVs

Human Powered Vehicles take up a lot of retail space and might be considered niche, but, as German Eslava explains, the category is here to stay and products proliferate.

JK Starley's Rover Safety bicycle of 1885 popularized bicycle riding (it was safer than riding high-wheeler Ordinaries) and popularized the diamond frame, too.

The frames on modern bikes - even downhill behemoths with huge forks and suspension "brains" - are only fractionally changed from Starley's classic design. However, at the same time as Starley and others were perfecting the bicycles as we know it, other innovators were experimenting with laid-back cycles, or recumbents.

Because a rider was reclining and low to the ground, thus exposing less of the body and bike surface to the wind, these cycles were fast. Faster, in fact, than the road bikes of the day. Famously, in 1934, the Union Cycliste Internationale banned recumbents from the hour record and from all competitions against upright bicycles.

Recumbents split from traditional cycling and almost faded into obscurity. However, in the 1970s, thanks to American researchers, they made a return. With fairings attached, and often in trike format, these modern recumbents morphed into a whole new category: Human Powered Vehicles.

The world speed record for a cycle is held by a fully-faired recumbent.

In the 1980s, HPV enthusiasts heralded recumbents as the "next big thing." Yet mass market sales never materialised even though mainstream companies such as Cannondale tried to promote the category. HPVs may be niche, but it's a steady, high-value-per-bicycle niche. And there are now more commercially-available HPVs than ever before. Holland, the U.S., the UK, Denmark and Australia have a few HPV companies, but Germany has more than any other country and can be considered the epicenter of the HPV industry.

FLUX TRIKES

TRAIX CYCLES

Some of the Flux recumbents have over-seat steering others under-seat steering.

The Flash from Traix Cycles has 20-inch wheels; the Phantom has 26-inch wheels.

The Flux short-wheelbase recumbent.

Wheel sizes vary from 20 to 28 inches. Most of the trikes are fitted with suspension.

Booth: FW-302 Web: www.flux-fahrraeder.de

HP VELOTECHNIK

HP’s Grasshopper folds in 60 seconds

these

HP Velotechnik produces HPVs from the recumbent Spirit to the sportoriented Speedmachine, and the Scorpion foldable, fully-suspended trike.

Booth: FG-B7/2, FW-300 Web: www.hpvelotechnik.com

HASE SPECIALRÄDER Hase manufactures the Tagun, a long-wheelbase recumbent.

Hase Pino tandem.

Booth: FG-B8/1 Web: www.hasebikes.com

The KMX imported by Traix is one of the cheapest ways of getting a recumbent trike.

Booth: FW-306 Web: www.traix.de

BIKE REVOLUTION The Mungo and the Mad-Max have front suspension: the spring dampers are almost horizontal to the mid-frame, reminiscent of one-time Formula 1 suspension units.

It's an upright tricycle with a patented tilt mechanism. Two rear swing-arms allow the rider to lean on the side when cornering. Swingbike likens this to carving on a snowboard.

Booth: FW-314 Web: www.swingtrike.de

PEDALPOWER GBR As well as tandems, Pedalpower manufacture cargo and child-carrying bikes.

The Long Harry is based on the Long John, a classic long wheelbase cargo bike designed for heavy or bulky goods. The cargo is loaded in a low-slung space betweem the bicycle’s front and rear wheels.

Booth: FW-305 Web: www.pedalpower.de

Booth: FW-307 Web: www.bike-revolution.at The Prana transports precious cargo.

ICLETTA Icletta GmbH distributes Trice trikes from the UK. The fully suspended Sprint and Adventure models are foldable.

The Trice-T and Trice-Q feature rear suspension.

SUN BIKES

Booth: FG-A7/5 Web: www.sun-bikes.de

The Swingtrike isn't a recumbent, but it's hard to put in any other category than HPV.

Bike Revolution also distributes the Thundersorm, the Interceptor and the Leitra fully-faired velomobiles.

On the Pino tandem, the rear rider pedals in an upright position and the stoker in a recumbent position. The KettWiesel is a long wheelbase recumbent trike.

Sun range.

SWINGTRIKE 2RAD ZEHENTMEIER

Long Harry Classic with STVO accessories.

Traix also imports KMX trikes from Ireland, BMX-style recumbent trikes which can do 180-degree skids with ease.

Bike Revolution's Mungo.

Tilt into turns with the Swingbike.

Imported from America, the Sun range includes the M2-AX long-wheelbase recumbent and the mid-wheelbase EZ-1 and EZ-Sport AX.

The Trice Borealis velomobile is based on a Trice-QNT trike with a Borealis fairing made in Canada.

Booth: FW-306 Web: www.icletta.com

Icletta’s fully faired Borealis is based on a Trice.

VELVET SYSTEMS Velvet design and manufacture transport bikes. Their latest cargo-bike is the Prana, which has been designed for heavy-duty transport.

This special bike can be used in developing nations but also in cities in the developed world for the transport of bulky goods (you know, like surfboards). The new models, some now in pedelec versions, are now sold under the Velonom brand.

Booth: FW-304 Web: www.velvet-systems.com / www.velonom.com

g GERMAN ESLAVA

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SHOW DAILY 2010 `

BOSCH MOVES INTO

eBIKE DRIVE SYSTEMS Automobile electronics manufacturer Robert Bosch GmbH spent two years developing its electric bike system, which launched yesterday at Eurobike. We talked to Rainer Jeske, senior VP of the Automotive Electronics Powertrain Systems eBike Division.

ESD: Welcome to the bicycle industry! Your entry to the e-bike market was widely rumored but you were able to keep the details secret. What is the big picture surrounding this launch?

Rainer Jeske: Longtime experience, gained in technologically related components for electrical drives and the battery technology within power tools, helped us develop the system. eMobility is a global megatrend.

It impacts several segments within Bosch such as automotive electronics, loading stations, energy supply, and battery technologies. Entering the e-bike market is a logical step.

ESD: When did you make the decision to enter the e-bike market and how did you get in touch with CSG/Cannondale?

Jeske: We started around two years ago. The market was scanned carefully. We looked intensely for a partner that fits Bosch and has market insights.

Cannondale is known for being at the forefront of innovation in the bicycle industry. Bosch brought its broad technological know-how in propulsion systems and electronics, Cannondale brought its know-how in designing high-end quality frames. Our system is open to the market, and is not exclusive to Cannondale.

ESD: What makes your system different from other e-bike systems?

Jeske: The Bosch eBike System offers outstanding performance which comes through the perfect interaction of sensors, intelligent control and a powerful drive unit.

The 3-sensor concept helps to make the ride safer. It enables smooth and comfortable acceleration. With the modular system, bicycle manufacturers receive new capabilities for profiling.

For example, the low space requirements of the system components provide freedom for positioning the battery pack.

Outstanding drive performance is provided by the strong motor, and there’s a low vehicle center of gravity, a low overall weight and a very powerful battery.

ESD: It seems that you see the future of e-bike sales in the IBD market and not the automobile market. What is the advantage of the IBD market for Bosch?

Jeske: One of our principles at Bosch is to listen to the needs of the market and especially to the end consumer. IBDs are strongly driving the market, as they best know the expectations of the end user.

We will need bike shop input and recommendations for our product development in terms of performance, quality and reliability.

We intend to have a sustainable and profitable long term growth in this market.

ESD: Some industry observers say IBDs don’t have enough know-how to offer good service for e-bikes.

A6-305 Rainer Jeske of Bosch

Jeske: The market introduction of the Bosch eBike System is accompanied by a service concept that ensures a supply of global replacement parts and a service hotline and training for manufacturers and dealers as part of the Bosch package.

ESD: It is said that you will offer your entire e-bike transmission system to the global market immediately. Where will IBDs get their spare parts?

Jeske: We have an internal partner that has long experience and established structures in spare part deliveries and warranty issues.

When it comes to direct communication with IBDs we are going to access support in service through an experienced external partner.

We are going to provide further information on this point at our press conference on Wednesday at Eurobike.

ESD: What is your strategic goal with your entry into this business?

Jeske: Our declared goal is to take a leading position in this market as an engine for innovation.

In consequence we collaborate with all well-known brand manufacturers worldwide which fit with our corporate values and our long- term customer strategy. g JB

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SHOW DAILY 2010

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O-SYNCE MACRO SERIES DISPLAY

The Skull Light’s 2 ultra wide-angle LEDs provide 20,000mcd - 600m (2,000 ft) visible distance.

The large edgeless display offers more space for data and allows perfect readability at all positions in front of the stem.

Spray waterproof and easy to install, there are nine choices of colors: Black / Red / Blue / Purple / Orange/Yellow/White / Green/Pink. (SS-L324)

S-SUN’S SKULL LIGHT

The 3-button-control concept enables secure handling directly at the handlebar. In addition to basic bike functions, all Macros can be combined with cadence and heart rate sensors.

B2-405

The internal memory allows up to 200 hours of recording which can be analyzed with the free O-synce TrainingLab computer software.

The Macro comes in four wireless versions: Macro X and highX in digital ANT+ and Macro free and highFree in analog. All “high” models have additional altitude functions.

Available on gauge Ø10 ~ Ø35mm, functions include Flash/Steady/Off and four LED colours: White, Red, Blue and Green.

HOT NEW PRODUCTS 2011 CRANK BROTHERS EGGBEATER 11 PEDAL The most widely used pedal among top cross-country racers, the Eggbeater 11 uses a titanium spindle, body and wings, resulting in a weight of only 174 grams a pair.

Durability is improved by the air/water-tight assembly, while the use of needle and cartridge bearings improves performance.

This pedal, with its foursided entry, improves rider confidence and performs well in muddy conditions.

The functionality of the Eggbeater 11 is complimented by its beauty, with graphics that are consistent with the design language of the complete Crank Brothers component line.

SIGMA SPORTS MICRO LED LIGHTS The colorful Sigma Micro LED lights are practical, useful, and let you be seen everywhere.

The application possibilities of the attractive LED lights are diverse in everyday life and sport. The flexible Velcro straps or the uni-fit strap enable a universal mounting on the arm while running or inline skating, on a stroller or a key chain.

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The new lens enhances the side visibility and thereby increases the safety of the user. The small lights with the big safety effect are available in six colors with a white or red LED.

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KOOL KNIGHT CHAIN BY KMC The KMC Kool Knight Chain is designed for extreme sports. KMC uses a unique "L" surface design on this chain to strengthen its durability.

The design also reduces serious damage to the chain generated during extreme stunts, freestyle, and glide to ensure that the chain structure provides more protection, minimizing damage to effectively avoid breakage.

In addition to its functions of high tensile strength, durable chain structure, and stylish design, the half link also fits all types of cogs with different teeth numbers.

CHOSEN FIXED GEAR CHANGEAR HUB A6-408 This is a specially designed hub for fixed gear applications, but it has a double function.

The Changear transforms quickly and easily from a fixed gear to a freewheel hub.

No tools are needed.

SHOW DAILY 2010

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3T’S ARXA ADJUSTABLE STEM Derived from the race-proven ARX fixed stem, 3T’s ARXA has been designed to work with triathlon and time-trial bikes (where the rider wants to get the bars down low) and utility bikes (where a more upright riding position is required).

With 35 degrees of articulation to either side of the fulcrum, the 100mm ARXA offers a wide range of height adjustment, including laser-etched markings that allow for accurately setting the desired angle within the total arc of 70 degrees. The ARXA’s front section is hinged to the rear section with a splined coupling that uses 3T’s patented Difflock clamp.

SYNCROS FL CARBON SADDLE This saddle looks as good from underneath as it does from the top. Syncros’ Carbon saddle comes with robust carbon rails and a carbon-reinforced shell.

This provides a secure, non-slip attachment that locks securely in place.

Built with AL 7075 T6 alloy, the ARXA comes in Team (199g) and Pro (230g) variants, both of which are significantly lighter than any previous articulated stem.

The great-looking, light and comfortable saddle is available with an easy-to-clean, black or white microfiber cover with embossed logos and weighs just 180g. The FL Carbon saddle is part of a complete carbon component group for cross-country and marathon use. It consists of a Carbon seat post, two different Carbon bars, a stem and a set of lightweight Carbon wheels.

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The inspiration for the black anodized gruppo with yellow graphics was to pay tribute to the color of the Tour as well as reflect on SRAM’s 2009 success.

SRAM Red not only won the Tour de France with Alberto Contador (Astana), but swept the podium with Andy Schleck (Saxo Bank) and Lance Armstrong in third (Team RadioShack). The black polished brake levers will feature the Tour issue oversized SRAM logo in yellow, as seen on Team Saxo Bank and Astana bikes at the 2009 edition.

SRAM RED LTE Silver becomes black, carbon remains carbon, and anything red becomes yellow. SRAM’s 1090 R2C and 900 aero shift levers will also get the black-yellow makeover.

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Features and benefits stay the same as the SRAM RED, and it remains the world’s lightest gruppo, approaching 1,800 grams in the BB30 version.

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HOT NEW PRODUCTS 2011 SKINS C400 MEN'S RAIN JACKET

B5-406

The main body fabric is Dialight, a waterproof material that breathes to avoid overheating and condensation build-up.

STORCK ADRENALIN 2.0 & REBELLION

1.3 MTBs A3-100 The two styles have a well-proven construction but now feature a new design.

The inside neck is lined with microfleece for comfort. Dual front zippers offer convenience. One large rear pocket has a waterproof zipper. Rear pocket reverses to act as pouch when garment is stuffed for stowage.

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VITTORIA CORSA SC TUBULAR

720ARMOUR SPEEDER RX LENSES Designed with high-tempo sports in mind, Speeder RX delivers cutting-edge lens technology in a corrective package to enhance performance.

When you are speeding up and down the terrain, in and out of changing light you want to focus on your strengths.

Speeder RX lets you do exactly that with corrective lenses that change with the light. With Rx-able gasket and a strong, yet lightweight build, Speeder RX are optically optimized to let you see as great as you look.

Established 1996 in Australia, 720armour combines precision, style and quality in its EDOTM (lens) and EFSTM (frame) technologies.

All 720armour products are tested and refined by extreme sports professionals around the world to ensure you not only get the most fashionable designs, but the most durable and quality eyewear to match your high standard of performance.

SKS DIAGO MINI PUMP The streamlined SKS Diago mini pump combines design and function. The use of high quality materials bestows the Diago with a classy look.

This new design will be featured on all Storck bikes. The main colors blue, white and black will be a attribute of all bikes.

The Pro peloton’s favorite, the hand-made Corsa SC is Vittoria Spa’s leading 320 TPI Servizio Corse tubular.

Available with a traditional classic looking para-color sidewall and available also as clincher, it offers an incredible ride experience, handling, grip and puncture defense.

A new and improved thread compound, Isogrip, is our new reference standard for high-performance road compounds.

A key feature is Vittoria’s Corespun 320 TPI casing with polycotton threads, a polyester core over spun with cotton then encased in latex. The puncture-resisting belt PRB 2.0 has a new higher-density aramidic fiber that is 40 percent more resistant to cuts, yet is lighter and more flexible.

The handle lock ensures the pump fits securely in the frame mount. This high-performance pump reaches 10bar/144psi and is the perfect companion for road bike enthusiasts.

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T-ONE ANYWAY BOTTLE CAGE

Want to angle your bottle cage left or right? Anyway is a T-One breakthrough innovation with an unique shape.

The cage is designed so that the rider can install the Anyway at any angle. The Anyway has two open slots so it can be fixed at either right or left angles. It weighs just 24 grams.

VELO SENSO ONERELO SADDLE By replacing the conventional two-rail system with a single track that runs down the middle of the saddle, Velo introduces a new way to connect saddles to the seat tube.

The OneRelo employs an innovative easy-to-mount system allowing for a sturdy, flexible build saddle that is extremely lightweight. With superior adjustability, the OneRelo can be secured at different points along its track and pivoted forwards and backwards for better fine-tuning.

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SHOW DAILY 2010

DAHON BIOLOGIC BLAST CYCLE SAFETY HORN

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O-SYNCE NAVI2MOVE

When you’re riding in traffic, sometimes a bell just isn’t enough.

Make yourself heard above the cacophony of cars with the BioLogic Blast, a safety airhorn that operates on compressed air and can be refilled with a typical bicycle pump.

The Blast produce up to 115 decibels of air-piercing sound to warn motorists or make your presence known.

A quick release mount allows easy removal for use off the bike. The Blast weighs 100 grams and can produce 30-50 blasts from a full charge.

Using the free map resources Google Maps and OpenStreetMap for trip planning, the arrow-waypointnavigation guides the user safely to his destination.

Unique turning arrows tell the user what to do at the next waypoint, even before reaching it.

T-One has developed a highly effective Undercover alarm system for bicycles.

The alarm system is designed to be hidden away so it can stay on the bicycle at all times.

The Undercover has two parts. The "Slave" has a wireless transmitter device and vibratation sensor that is hidden underneath the bottle cage and will not show on the exterior of the bicycle.

BMC TEAMELITE TE01 (HARDTAIL) The TeamElite TE01 sets the standard for light, hardtail bikes that are suitable for racing.

With its frame weight of 1,100 grams and 100 mm of travel, the teamelite TE01 is perfectly suited for race and performance-oriented riders who are doing cross-country or marathon races.

The teamelite TE01 is powerful, efficient, and fast.

Everything that was not necessary was left out.

The included remote control for biking guarantees a secure and simple handling at all times.

Beside basic bike functions the GPS-device comes with electronic compass, altitude reading and the ability to save up to 100.000 waypoints.

The Family 2+1 is a solution for an active family that demands the safety, reliability and efficiency. Multiple add-on possibilities are offered, with space for two seats and a front bag carrier.

The wheels come in different sizes and all these practical features are integrated into an elegant, stylish frame that presents a unified form.

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TRANZX PST FAMILY 2+1 EBIKE

A new battery integrates into the seat tube for better, lower weight balance.

T-ONE ALARM SYSTEM UNDERCOVER All you need to do is activate the alarm with the switch when you need to leave the bicycle alone for a few minutes.

Weighing only 54g, Navi2move is one of the smallest and lightest smart navigation devices on the market.

Taking the little ones for a ride turns into a breeze with this robust and fun pedelec.

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The “Master” stays with you so when someone tries to shake, vibrate, or steal your bicycle, both the “Master” and the “Slave” will ring to notify you.

Features include the Tuned Compliance Concept, which absorbs vibrations and unevenness and lets athletes ride longer without fatigue; rigidity through dimensions of the tubes and junctions as well as targeted use of the highest quality carbon material for the lightest iSC carbon hardtail frame ever built; and precise handling, through low weight and the high stiffness.

The TeamElite will be available as a frameset or custom built complete bike.

Check spec options at the BMC booth.

IBERA EASY UTILITY STAND A fully adjustable, foldable stand for repair, storage, or display. Unlike similar stands, the Easy Utility Stand (IB-ST2) holds a bike by the chain stays.

Because it is fully height and width adjustable, this tough, versatile stand can be used with any bike, anywhere.

It is ideal for home repairs and storage, or for shop display.

It folds flat and compactly for stowage, yet is light enough for portability.

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B3-202

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COMPRESSION FOR BEGINNERS

COMPRESSION IMPRESSIONS

Compression cycling garments promise great results, for riders and for retailers. Ralf Stefan Beppler explores the compression category at Eurobike.

Compression is a huge topic in endurance sports. So huge that the cycling powers-thatbe have considered banning compression garments as they may constitute an artificial means of propulsion. However, so far there is no scientific proof that compression does enhance performance in such a dramatic way.

But for comfort and recovery, compression garments are rapidly gaining market share in a sector that has always embraced new clothing technologies.

WHAT COMPRESSION ENHANCES Post-surgery compression has been around since the 19th Century. In sports, compression is a more re cent issue. It all started with rugby, a sport that is particularly demanding in terms of muscle fatigue. Compression garments were used to increase muscle repair and reduce sore muscles in recovery.

COMPRESSION AT EUROBIKE Compression specialists like Skins, CEP, 2XU, O-Motion and Bauerfeind began with compression socks, which continue to be best-sellers for 2011.

But compression products now address many other muscle groups, not just the calf.

2XU 2XU of Australia is launching a Compression Cycle Bib Short for 2011.

Company product managers recommend combining the Bib Short with the Race Socks or with the Calf Sleeves “for maximum enhancement.”

2XU focuses on cross country, all-mountain and downhill, all activities with strong muscle oscillation that can lead to severe injuries. The company claims that compression can equip the rider with better balance control, or proprioception, and more efficiency of movement through “enhanced biofeedback.”

2XU also has an Elite Compression Long-sleeve Top and a Sleeveless Top to be combined with all jersey styles. The compression tops is said to reduce muscle oscillation and increase blood circulation.

CEP CEP of Germany has a two-in-one Bike Compression Short with Inner Pants, designed for Cross Country, Downhill and Marathon cyclists who need compression but won’t want the tight look.

CEP's Compression Short is made from Schoeller Stretch Weave, with a ceramic print to defeat abrasion, and features invisible inner compression tights. The two pants are not can be separated, so consumers can wear the inner compression tights under their standard protection clothing or favorite shorts.

Pressure on the veins allows for improved circulation of blood back to the heart, for efficient distribution of oxygen. Compression also aids carbon dioxide and lactic acid removal from muscles, which are common causes for cramps and Delayed-Onset Muscles Soreness (DOMS).

Compression stabilizes the muscles and reduces muscle oscillation, leaving less immediate fatigue and fewer long-term injuries.

Product manager Kathrin Pelzner said that muscle vibration during a downhill, or while riding difficult off-road terrain, often strains muscles and causes micro-tears that may be prevented by wearing compression garments.

Improved balance control and muscle coordination give more agility, accuracy of movement, and efficiency in performance.

Using Sugoi's new Piston compression fabric technology, the Race + Recovery Series fabrics have a tight wrap knit with high stretch modulus and the company’s proprietary Powerknit process Zone Construction.

The super-light Piston 140 is used for upper-body garments while the tougher Piston 200 is used on the lower-body.

CEP also addresses road cyclists with a Compression Bike Bib Short (Men’s) or Compression Bike Short (Women’s) in traditional Lycra style. For these riders, Pelzner says that compression prolongs muscle activity before lactic acid accumulates to cause muscle soreness.

Sugoi said the benefits of the R+R-Line can be felt during training through increased circulation and a reduction of chance of injury. Post-race recovery also improves.

SKINS Skins of Australia has a bike compression range from head to toe. The C400 Series is top-of-theline compression range.

Skins developed C400 as its best gradient fit compression line with enhanced moisture management, anti-microbial property and an UV protection factor of 50+.

New at Eurobike is Skins' Cold Weather Range, offering compression for year around activity.

Booth: B5-406

SUGOI Sugoi of Canada is at Eurobike promoting the Race + Recovery Series: socks, calf sleeves, long and short tights and knickers up to longand short-sleeved jerseys.

Booth: B5-502

X-BIONIC Starting with X-Socks, X-Bionic of Italy now offers a comprehensive line of compression garments for a varity of sports, including cycling.

A mountain bike jersey is new for this year.

X-Bionic claims its compression garments don’t restrict blood flow but use: “3D knitted bridges which keep the blood vessels on either side open to allow unrestricted blood circulation.”

Booth: B5-602 g RALF STEFAN BEPPLER

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SR SUNTOUR SF11-AXON RC RLD SR Suntour’s new Axon RC has a carbon lower bonded to magnesium dropouts. The Axon RC will be delivered with the new 15mm QLOC ti axle.

Performance also gets a boost. Compression damping has been modified to make the fork more sensitive to small bumps. In addition, the air piston shape was changed to achieve a higher level of compression, which will prevent the fork from plunging down resulting in improved downhill performance.

A4-102

The main support tube is alloy, while the quick release axle is made of titanium. Also the upper has been optimized for lower weight. Internally, all xon models will come with new cartridges and improved functionality.

XLC MTB SHOE OFFROAD II Whether in black/red or in white/black - the XLC MTB shoe Offroad II is an eye catcher.

The upper on both models is a lightweight microfiber leather with an reinforced heel.

The black/red version shines with piano lacquer optics, while the white / black version is elegant.

A4-200

The fast but safe fastener consists of a combination of two Velcro fasteners and a forged, replaceable ratchet fastener. The fiberglass-nylon sole with the non-slip TPU cleats has ventilation openings, which because of the light, perforated EVA insole ensure a good fit and ventilation.

The Offroad II is compatible with the Shimano SPD pedal system.

STORCK ABSOLUTIST BIKE “Form follows function” with the new Absolutist 0.9.

The bike offers higher stiffness of around 20 percent the headset and bottom bracket.

A3-100

at

SIGMA SPORT POWERLED EVO

The size of the RLD cartridge has been reduced. As a result, less oil is needed, bringing down the weight by 60g.

Overall the fork is 130g lighter than the Axon RLC 2010.

With proportional tubing, the specially designed Aero fork (with oversized headset-size at the lower bearing of 1¼-inches), the new Absolutist offers confident riding characteristics and precise performance. The frame and Stiletto Aero weights from 990g.

A5-200 Special optics provide optimum long distance visibility. Due to the very broad light scattering, a large area of the immediate vicinity and sides are also uniformly covered.

The POWERLED EVO is the dream of all night riders with up to 900 lumens. The LED lamp guides safely through any terrain.

With a compact form and attractive design, the lamp unit delivers a sporty image to the handlebars as well as to the helmet. Burn times of 3 to 11 hours are possible, depending on light level, with the IION XL rechargeable batteries.

GHOST DH MUD SLINGER Ghost pooled its know-how with the B1-400 experience of the most successful German downhill professionals for a gravitydefying "weapon on wheels."

Several one-of-a-kind technologies offer top-class performance of the 200 mm World Cup ace.

Marcus Klausmann. 13-time German Champion.

17 years of experience.

A low transmission ratio of 2.25:1 will get your competitor’s blood boiling, but not the oil in your damper!

The chainstay needle bearing technology results in perfect responsiveness.

The Bogey roll system provides an edge for sprints, while the suspension remains fully active at all times on all surfaces.

NECO SEMI-INTEGRATED HEADSET Neco is exhibiting its latest headset model – the H385 semi integrated headset for tapered headtubes (1.5 to 1-1/8 inch).

B2-405/10 The headset offers an anodized color finish, alloy 6061/T6 top cover, alloy 7075/T6 crown race, and ACB Sealed Bearing.

HOT NEW PRODUCTS 2011

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HOT NEW PRODUCTS 2011 GEPIDA REPTILA 1100 PEDELEC Gepida launched its premium pedelec, the Reptila 1100, this year. The new model offers the usual Gepida quality and innovative technological A6-106 solutions.

The pedelec uses a 3-phase front hub motor, user-friendly control unit and Battery Management System that can optionally handle two batteries.

Tailored to customers’ needs, Reptila 1100 is available in different versions equipped with Nexus 8 or NuVinci N360 gearless systems. The Platinum edition includes leather grips, Brooks leather saddle and Magura hydraulic brakes.

GIANT ANTHEM X29ER BIKE The quickness and agility of the Anthem X gets the big-wheel boost with the 29er version.

Featuring a lightweight FluidForm Aluxx SL frameset, confident geometry and Maestro Suspension­­- with the added benefits of 29-inch wheels - the new Anthem X 29er is Giant’s most versatile XC bike. Other features include 3D forged aluminum upper rocker links,

OverDrive oversize head tube with 1-1/8” top and 1-1/2” lower headset bearings for rigidity and control, and MegaDrive oversize downtube and toptube for increased torsional stiffness, power delivery and steering precision.

B3-302

ELECTRA TICINO 1 NIMBUS GREY The retro trend A2-601 has been interpreted by a variety of manufacturers, but none have been able to develop a design that brings together aesthetics, craftsmanship and frame integrity like the Ticino collection that Electra launched in 2010.

Built using 32 Sapim Laser double-butted spokes on front and rear wheels, Sapim nipples with S.I.L.S. locking system to prevent tension loss, and Polyvax system to prevent spoke bending at the nipples, Novatec’s high-end TX29ER wheel has been designed for high performance.

The Reptila 1100 design focuses on uniqueness and innovation.

The Ticino 1 represents the purest form of the line, with a single speed freewheel, classic chromoly maintube frame and horizontal dropouts. A beautiful lugged fork, full fenders, chainguard, front and rear caliper brakes and a plush Ticino Dual Density saddle combine with relaxed lines and swept "tourist" handlebars with soft hand-stitched grips. It will be available 2011 in Europe.

A6-309

NOVATEC'S TX29ER WHEEL

The upgraded front wheel uses a 3in1 axle system, flexible enough to fit most common fork sizes. High-low flange lightweight hubs combine with oversize axles and are equipped with Japanese industrial sealed

bearings for smoothess at high speeds. (Bearings can be easily replaced and maintained.) Its advanced stiffness and light weight make the TX29ER suitable for pro cycling. Weight: 1852g/pair.

KTM’S NEW 29ER BIKE

The result is a new frame geometry with an extremely short wheelbase.

The bike comes in two different hardtail models priced at €1,999 to €3,499.

Encouraged by the release of 29er bikes at UCI World Cup races, KTM has created its own 29er.

The aim was to combine the agility of a 26-inch bike with the smoothness of a 29er.

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HOT NEW PRODUCTS 2011 RST WIRELESS REMOTE SUSPENSION SYSTEM The RST Wireless Remote Suspension system applies 2.4 GHz microwave and 24-bit encoding technology for wireless control.

THE NEW FIZIK

VERSUS CONCEPT Feedback from consumers looking for more comfort pushed Fizik to introduce a new saddle design. The Versus concept includes an ergonomic channel design combined with all the advantages of the Fizik Spine concept. The Airone, Antares and Aliante saddles keep their proven dimensions, weight and flex, and now offer a new option.

LES S PAIN

SAME PERFORMANCE

Riders can define themselves in Fizik’s matrix to find the right saddle. The Versus is the right choice for enthusiast riders who are sensitive in the genital area or who need more ventilation. Instead of a cutout design, Fizik achieves comfort by maintaining the seating surface area. Versus offers the same surface area as current Fizik road models.

Weight-bearing tissue is supported for comfort and performance. To guarantee structural integrity, Versus saddles use the same base as Fizik's road saddles. Saddles with cutouts begin to flex and sag immediately.

The Versus concept is an evolution of the company's made-in-Italy saddle quality.

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There's no need to deal with complicated cable routing for the suspension system. The user can control the wireless system using a joystick on the handlebar. In order to check the status of the suspension, the LCD monitor shows damping level for front and rear suspension, battery indicator and riding speed.

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BREEZER’S CARBON FIBER CLOUD 9 29ER ULTREMO ZX TIRE BY SCHWALBE

The first carbon fiber bike from pioneering mountain bike designer Joe Breeze and the crown jewel of Breezer’s 29er line, the Cloud 9 represents a milestone. Α high modulus carbon hardtail for racing and marathon cross country rides, the Cloud 9 brings three decades of Breezer handling to 29ers.

With a rolling resistance that is 15 percent lower, greater puncture resistance and higher mileage, Schwalbe has used new compounds and a patented protection belt to make the Ultremo ZX a highperforming competition tire.

The rolling resistance has been considerably reduced compared with the previous model, while at the same time Schwalbe has added material; nevertheless the tire remains 195 grams. Slightly reinforcing the rubber layer means it has more robust shoulders for appreciably increased durability and making it a high-end all-rounder that is tuned for competition road racing. Available in eleven colors.

3T META CRANK SET A5-401

The rechargeable battery can be charged via its mini-USB port in around two hours.

3T kicks off its 50th anniversary with a radical new crankset, the Meta. 3T used finite-element analysis to completely redesign the crank. Even the axle is made of carbon fiber.

3T says Meta is as much as 30 percent lighter than class benchmarks but is their equal in stiffness. "The crank needs fixing at only 3 of the 5 mounting points.

This will surprise many, but it’s very clear from the FEA analysis," said 3T design chief Richard McAinsh.

The axle assembly is the same for all crank and ring configurations and can be pre-installed at the factory, a useful advantage for OEMs.

B4-302

Available in Limited Edition and Pro versions or as a frameset, the Cloud 9 specifications include a high-modulus carbon fiber 1 1/8” - 1 1/2” tapered headtube, Rock Shox Reba RLT fork, Shimano XTR 2x10 crankset, Shimano XTR Press-fit BB92 bottom bracket and XTR 2x10 derailleur.

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SHOW DAILY 2010

SHOTS

FROM THE

DEMO

© BERNHARD WROBEL

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SHOW DAY #1 ADVERTISING INDEX (A-Z) 14 720 Armour

41 Eschler

12 RST

02 Taitra

10 Adv. Sports Intl. 47 Fizik

17 Schwalbe

23 Taya Chain

18 Airace

56 Giant

04 Shimano

25 Thun

13 Biketec

20 Ghost

33 Sigma

09 TranzX

43 Bionicon

15 Ibera

49 Skins

51 Ultra Motor

45 Bosch

43 S-Sun

24 SKS

35 Velo

21 Cratoni

05 Kind Shock

19 Smart

29 Vittoria

06 Crops

26 K.T.M.

03 SR Suntour

31 Wellgo

16 Cannondale

31 Neco

07 Stevens

39 Winora

27 Chosen

08 Novatec

22 Super-B

36 Xplova

01 Dahon

37 Ori

19 T-One

54 Zipvit

30 Electra

11 Pacific Cycles

55 Taipei Intl.Cycle 53 Zoom

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