10 Men in kilts 20 Stepping into trouble 28 Smart, very smart
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The Official Eurobike Newspaper www.bikeshowdaily.com Day 3-4
Aug 29, 2014
10 Men in kilts
Scotland hosts its first Eurobike pavilion
20 Stepping into trouble
Why step-through pedelecs are dangerous 42 Stamping out steel
Monocoque frames — made of steel
28 Smart, very smart
How smartphones are helping e-bikes 43 Power to the people
Lower-cost power meters proliferate
Friday, August 29, 2014 3
What’s on today and tomorrow Table of Contents
Friday, Aug. 29 / Saturday, Aug. 30 VoxPop
What was the most exciting thing at Eurobike? ............................................ 6
Friday: All Day Events
Open Air Grounds West
11:30-12:30
ExtraEnergy (Entrance East, ExtraEnergy Stage) Men in kilts
Danny MacAskill’s Drop and Roll Tour LEV Components Special Exhibition: Energiespeich- Scotland hosts its first pavilion at Eurobike ................................................ 10
Watch some daredevil trials riding. ersysteme
Open Air Grounds West
Talk on energy-storage systems for pedelecs. In
German.
Function first
Nutcase Unframed for World Bicycle Relief To sell fashion to commuters, make sure its functional ........................... 14
Nutcase Unframed brings artistic helmet design 11:45
alive to benefit World Bicycle Relief. Room Berlin A taste of Poison
Direct-sales brand Poison debuts at Eurobike ............................................ 17
Travel Talk: The Tourism Industry Focuses on Cyclists
Additive Bikes (FG WAK-11) Results of a 2014 reader survey
Spacer One tryouts
Additive Bikes, manufacturer of e-bikes and bike ac- 12:00-12:45 Smarter security
cessories, offers a free test of its Spacer One water Eurobike Academy (Room Helsinki) Lock8 inventors say smartlock can boost rental fleets .............................. 18
bottle adapter unit for retailers — 100 tryouts per Ettrak – A Supply System for Electrical Transport in
day. Cities and Urban Areas
German-language talk by Tilmann Künzel. Little Monsters
Friday: Scheduled Events Innova unleashes Monsters in MTB tire .................................................... 20
12:10
07:00-08:30
Rapha Racing (A2-503)
Room Berlin
Travel Talk: Trends and innovations
Stepping into trouble
Rapha Eurobike Invitational Rides Reports on bicycle tourism in the Pecha Kucha for- Why step-through pedelecs are so dangerous ........................................... 22
Ride to Eurobike. Start in either in Langenargen or mat: 20 images, 20 seconds each, including e-bikes,
Meersburg, with Rapha carrying your essentials to
the show. Registration required, at the Rapha stand
Taiwan, big cities and racing cyclists. Dutch diehards
or http://pages.rapha.cc/stories/eurobike-2014 13:00-13:40 3 longtime Eurobike visitors say why they like the show .......................... 25
Eurobike Academy (Room Helsinki)
09:00-09:45 Next Generation of Head and Brain Protection Tires for everybody
Eurobike Academy (Room Helsinki)
Good Red Wine and Fat Cigars in the Back Room?
Johan Thiel, MIPS AB, presents the MIPS Brain Pro-
tection System.
They don’t get all the hype, but they get the job done .............................. 26
What actually is advocacy for the bike today?
Christophe Schleidt presents the ADFC e.V. (in Ger- 13:00-14:00 Smarter e-bikes
man). Compex (A1-203) How smartphones make e-bikes smarter .................................................... 28
Sabine Spitz
09:00-09:45
Eurobike Academy (Room Rom)
German cross-country star greets fans and signs
autographs. Travel talk
Potential of Cargo Bikes in the Commercial Sector Learn how cycling and tourism can work well together ............................ 36
What does the B2B sector 13:00-14:00
require from producers
and retailers? Presenta- 18:30
ExtraEnergy (Entrance
East, ExtraEnergy Stage)
Author, author!
tion from Arne Behrenson Open Air Grounds West LEV Components Special New cycling books from the Show Daily staff ............................................. 46
(VCD), Karl Reiter (FGM) 23rd EUROBIKE PARTY Exhibition: Pedelec-
and Kevin Mayne (ECF). Come let your hair down after Service
09:00-12:00
Devinci (B3-206)
Damien Oton
another great Eurobike! German-language talk
on pedelec maintenance
and bike leasing.
TODAY
Oton, in second place overall in the Enduro World 14:00 August 29
Series 2014, appears at the Devinci stand. Foyer East
10:00-11:00
Eurobike Fashion Show
Friedrichshafen
ExtraEnergy (Entrance East, ExtraEnergy Stage) 14:00
LEV Components Special Exhibition: Pedelec-Ant-
riebe in Europa
Talk on pedelec drive systems in the European mar-
ket. In German.
Room Berlin
Travel Talk: Cross-marketing
Riese & Müller: examples of successful collabora-
tions between e-bike manufacturers, luxury hotels
220C (71 F) 0
and tourist associations; the “Cycling in Dutch” Clouds with sun and
10:00-11:30 Campaign; 15 Years cross-marketing in bike tourism chance of showers
Eurobike Academy (Room Helsinki) – a progress report. (Dual language.)
Battery Testing, Storage & Warranty Handling
A primer for e-bike dealers. Talk by James Post of
Battery Condition Test International Ltd.
14:00
Room Paris
TONIGHT TOMORROW
Travel Talk: MTB Cycling Innovations
13 C (55 F) 22 C (71F)
0 0
10:30-18:00 How dropper seatposts are revolutionizing riding, 0
Conference Center East and does wheel size really matter. In German.
Rooms Paris and Berlin
13th Travel Talk: The Bike and Tourism Congress 14:00-14:45
Cloudy Sun and clouds
Visit the trade congress for cycling tourism. No addi- Eurobike Academy (Room Helsinki)
tional ticket necessary. (See related story, page 36) The Future of Retail – physical and digital custom-
er’s experience A quick guide to stand numbers at Eurobike
11:00 Talk by Steven Cook of Edenspikermann.
Foyer East It’s easy to find an exhibitor located in one of the main A or B halls. But where are E1, FG, FW
Eurobike Fashion Show 14:00-14:30 and ZH? E1 is a temporary hall in the outdoor grounds between halls A5 and B3. The open air
See the latest collections at Eurobike’s famous high- iXS (B3-100/101) grounds are divided into FG (Freigelände = open ground area west) and FGO (Freigelände Ost
energy Fashion Show. Featuring Inverse/Ciro Sport, Cedric Gracia, Richie Schley and Hans Rey auto- = open ground area east). For example, if you are looking for Karbon Kinetics, you’ll find the
Cube, Dare 2b, Funkier Bike Wear, Giant, Gonso, graph session. stand number FG-O121 – which means they are located at Freigelände East, stand number 121.
Gore Bike Wear Wear, Pearl Izumi, Scott, Shimano Grab a free iXS cap while you’re there.
FW and FO stand for “Foyer West” and “Foyer Ost” (= Foyer East). ZH stands for “Zeppelin Hall”
Cycling Wear, Sugoi, Vaude Sport, and X-Bionic/Trere
Innovation. 14:00-15:00 which houses mainly e-bike suppliers as well as an e-bike test track.
Compex (A1-203) COVER: Messe FN
11:00-18:00 Timo Bracht
Corratec (B1-300) The two-time Ironman Europe winner signs auto-
Mauro Sannino graphs.
The Italian framebuilder takes measurements for
custom frames. 14:00-15:00
ExtraEnergy (Entrance East, ExtraEnergy Stage)
11:15 LEV Components Special Exhibition: Innovative
Room Berlin Fahrzeugkonzepte
Travel Talk: Future Prospects for MTB German-language talk on innovative Light Electric
In which direction is mountain bike tourism devel- Vehicle concepts.
oping?
14:25
11:30 Room Paris
Room Berlin Travel Talk: Mountain Biking in Scotland
Travel Talk: Alpine Pearls
Sustainable mobility for a successful tourism region 14:30-16:30
Giant and Liv Stand (B3-300)
11:30-12:15 Liv Happy Hour
Eurobike Academy (Room Prag) Enjoy complimentary beverages and celebrate the
The Future of Payments launch of this new women’s cycling brand.
Talk by Armin Schmid of Paypal. Continued on page 4
Thanks for reading the Eurobike Show Daily. Goodbye from the staff, and see you in Taipei!
4 Eurobike Show Daily Friday, August 29, 2014
... continued What’s on today and tomorrow
14:45 TSG International (B1-203) Trend Lounge presented by Eurobike & Fahrstil first served!
Room Berlin Thomas Genon, Sam Pilgrim, Amir Kabbani, Peter Join bicycle adventurers including Tom Ritchey
Travel Talk: GPS & Navigation Systems Henke, Oszkar Nagy und Daryl Brown and Mike Hall. 08:30
The dirt and slope style stars sign autographs. Foyer West
14:45 Friday: Press Events Tirol Press Breakfast
Room Paris 16:00-16:45 Tirol Tourist Board
Travel Talk: Flow as a Travel Motif in MTB Tourism Eurobike Academy (Room Helsinki) All Day Meet with the Tirol Tourist Board about the
Your Good Reputation Sells. Nothing else. introduction of the Tirol Mountain Bike Safari, a
15:00 German-language talk by Jürgen Linsenmaier. Haibike (A4-200) mountain bike route serviced by a network of 18
Foyer East, Fashion Show stage Press Survival Kit giveaway cable car systems.
Excellence on Wheels, Taiwan Bike Show 16:15 Members of the media are invited to pick-up a
Taiwan brands present nearly 40 bike-related Room Berlin free care package from Haibike, featuring prod-
products on stage. Travel Talk: Communication Interface in Pedelecs ucts from across the Winora Group. First come,
Potential & advantages of the integration of GPS,
15:00-15:45 smartphone, etc.
Eurobike Academy (Room Helsinki)
Protect your BEST 16:30
German-language talk on head injuries from Di- Room Berlin Saturday: All Day Events 12:00-13:00
SRM (A2-212)
eter Speiser of the State Office of Criminal Investi- Travel Talk: Concluding round. Andreas Binbacher
The day’s experts take stock. EUROBIKE PUBLIC DAY
gation in Baden-Württemberg. The champion biathlete signs autographs.
Foyer West
15:00-16:00 17:00 12:00-13:00
Holiday on Bike
Holiday on Bike (Foyer West) Room Berlin POC (B3-403)
Jolanda Neff Travel Talk: Eurobike live. Thomas Dekker
Open Air Grounds West
The U23 MTB World Cup leader signs autographs Group discussion with experts of trends and new Garmin-Sharp rider signs autographs.
Danny MacAskill’s Drop and Roll Tour
at the Bodensee-Radmarathon stand. products in e-bikes, navigation, etc.
Open Air Grounds West 12:00-13:00
15:00-16:00 17:00-17:40 ExtraEnergy (Entrance East, ExtraEnergy Stage)
Holland Slowbiking Contest
ExtraEnergy (Entrance East, ExtraEnergy Stage) Eurobike Academy (Room Helsinki) LEV Components Special Exhibition: LEV Compo-
LEV Components Special Exhibition: LEV-Kompo- Life, Lifestyle, Luxury – Bicycle nents
Open Air Grounds West
nenten German-language trends talk by Frank Jeniche. Speakers from Schaeffler Technologies, King Meter,
Paolo Patrizi
German-language talk on Light Electric Vehicle Marquardt Mechatronik, Methode Electronics,
Trial Bike Show
components. 17:00-18:00 Busch und Müller, Sempu Motor Co., and Tianjin
ExtraEnergy (Entrance East, ExtraEnergy Stage) Songzheng Electric Science & Technology Co. will
Lake, Entrance West
15:00-17:00 LEV Components Special Exhibition: Iceland Chal- outline several products now on the market.
Animal WD-40 Action Sports Tour
Stereo Bike (A3-800) lenge - By Pedelec Through Ice and Fire
Featuring Ben Savage, James Jones and Blake
Finland’s Top Model and Greek National Star Susanne Brüsch of Pedelec Adventures presents a 13:00-14:00
Samson
spectacular journey that shows what is possible GoPro (B2-400A)
16:00 on electric bikes. Danny MacAskill autograph session
Open Air Grounds West
Foyer East
Nutcase Unframed for World Bicycle Relief
Eurobike Fashion Show 18:00 13:00-14:00
Nutcase Unframed brings artistic helmet design
Open Air Grounds West alive to benefit World Bicycle Relief. ExtraEnergy (Entrance East, ExtraEnergy Stage)
16:00 Holland Slowbiking Contest LEV Components Special Exhibition: Bike/Pedelec
Room Berlin Neonon (ZH-304) Sharing
Travel Talk: VeRa Atrium, Foyer West Mini Nini How bike share programs with pedelecs, together
Bike Route Planner Germany: linked route planner Five Ten Party Mini Nini presents the new Neonon Drevis dresses with internet connectivity, might revolutionize
and information services for cyclists private and public transportation.
Devinci (B3-206)
16:00-16:30 Room Österreich 2013 World Cup Champion Steve Smith 14:00
Foyer East
Eurobike Fashion Show
Saturday: Scheduled Events
14:00-14:30
10:00-11:00 iXS (B3-100/101)
ExtraEnergy (Entrance East, ExtraEnergy Stage) Cedric Gracia, Richie Schley and Hans Rey auto-
LEV Components Special Exhibition: Pedelec Drive graph session.
Innovations
For product managers, a quick update on the 14:300-15:30
must-know innovations, and an opportunity to Solestar (B2-108)
meet the people behind the products and con- Anne Haug
cepts.
14:30-16:30
10:00-16:00 Giant and Liv (B3-300)
Holiday on Bike (Foyer West) Liv Happy Hour
Claudio Chiappucci Enjoy complimentary beverages and celebrate the
The popular Italian former pro, known as “El Dia- launch of this new women’s cycling brand.
blo,” promotes Lake Maggiore
15:00
11:00 Open Air Grounds West
Open Air Grounds West TSG Nipper Race
TSG Nipper Race
Kids 2 to 5 years old take the start line. 15:00
Show Stage, Foyer East
11:00 Bike-Bergsteigen by Harald Philip
Foyer East
Eurobike Fashion Show 15:00-16:00
The latest apparel trends in action. Bodensee-Radmarathon
Jolanda Neff
11:00-12:00 Autograph session with the Cup leader and the
Canyon Bicycles (B4-404) U23 world champion.
Canyon Factory Enduro Team
15:00-16:00
11:00-12:00 ExtraEnergy (Entrance East, ExtraEnergy Stage)
ExtraEnergy (Entrance East, ExtraEnergy Stage) LEV Components Special Exhibition: Pedelec und
LEV Components Special Exhibition: Energy Stor- Reisen
age Innovations German-language talk on pedelecs and travel.
Mo-Hua Yang and Thilo Hack of Ansmann
The experts in battery chemistry research and 16:00
manufacturing summarize energy-storage devel- Foyer East
opments for the next generation of cell technolo- Eurobike Fashion Show
gies.
16:00-17:00
11:30-12:00 Canyon (B4-404)
Merida & Centurion Germany (A3-302) Nils Frommhold and Anne Haug
Markus Kauffman and Jochen Käss
2014 winners of the Bike Transalp race, for the 16:00-17:00
second time in a row. ExtraEnergy (Entrance East, ExtraEnergy Stage)
LEV Components Special Exhibition: Pedelec-
12:00 Kaufberatung
Ghost (B1-400)
Signatures 17:00-18:00
Ghost shows a mountain biking movie ExtraEnergy (Entrance East, ExtraEnergy Stage)
LEV Components Special Exhibition: Iceland Chal-
lenge - Per Pedelec durch Feuer und Eis
German-language presentation of the Iceland
Challenge adventure.
6 Eurobike Show Daily LIVE FROM THE SHOW Friday, August 29, 2014
Vox Pop Question: What was the most exciting thing at Eurobike?
Vivian Xu,
Mike Horan, VIP, Taichung, Taiwan Kristof Kuppens, Anthony Duvernay,
Chief Engineer, Rechargeable Power BA Outdoor, Menen, Belgium La Bicycletterie, Lyon, France
Energy, Las Vegas, USA I was really impressed by the range of
fat bikes, I like the big tires. These think The Thule ride-along mini is cool. I run a run a café and bike shop in Lyon
We build battery systems in the US for they will be great to ride on uneven Really well made and easy to attach and specializing in urban bikes. So I loved
e-bikes, so the Bosch mid-drive unit is ground. remove. the Guv’nor by Pashley from England.
one of the biggest things I’ve seen at the It’s the original urban bike.
show. Also the new motor by BionX
which looks fantastic and that e-bike
charger that won a special Eurobike
award. All three of these companies are
due to join the US market.
Ray Asante,
President, Inertia Racing Technology, Maria Connaughton,
Pasadena, USA Business Development, Spin11, Dublin, Jose Maldonado,
Ireland Buyer, Bike Apparel, Competitive Cyclist,
I’ve been to so many shows over the Utah, USA
years and do this so often that nothing As a clothing manufacturer from
really excites me anymore. The thing Ireland, we are most interested in new We have a web-based retail business in
Daniel Hoehn, that does excite me is that people are technologies and fabrics. There are the US. I look after the bike apparel side
Fahrradwerkstatt Hohn, Herbolzheim, starting to manufacture in their home a lot of makers showing new fabrics, of things. I got this amazing brochure
Germany countries and are not outsourcing including reflective materials for the from Maloja clothing. It’s actually a
everything to Asia. I noticed that there commuter market and flexible and aero book with beautiful images. It caught
The LED wheel lighting system from were a lot more things being manufac- fabrics for the competitive side. We my eye initially and their clothing range
MonkeyLectric is great. I also really tured in Germany and this prompted are also looking at other parts like zips lives up to expectations. The design
liked some of the Cruiser bikes, they me to fly over to Eurobike. We have and pads. Each manufacturer is trying quality is really nice and I especially
come in some cool colours and are 10 lines of wheels and we are bringing to come up with something new so like that they have produced clothing
equipped with nice components. one of those lines to Germany to test there is a lot to see. Our final clothing for children in the same style and
out manufacturing here. The quality designs take their inspiration from the quality as the adult range. I also like the
of production here in Germany is very individual items available. ION range of clothing - it’s a nice brand
high and it will suit the top end product that combines swimwear and outdoor
that we want to produce. clothing.
8 Eurobike Show Daily LIVE FROM THE SHOW Friday, August 29, 2014
Ideal takes minority share in Ridley Goal Zero energizes
folding solar panels
Ridley comes into Eurobike with a new wind at its back. Belgian The investment
should help Ridley STAND A first-time exhibitor is trying to
investment company LRM and the Ideal Bike Corp., Taiwan’s third-largest A7-300
broaden its product generate some buzz for its power-
bike producer, became minority investors in the premium Belgian brand.
range and boost its generating solar products.
global distribution.
Goal Zero is showing easy-to-use,
“This is one of the major goals
portable solar panels for
of this recapitalization. We will STAND
owners of conventional
increase our product range one day
and electric bikes. B2-400E
to mountain bikes,” Aerts said. The
Ridley brand currently offers about 10 “We are eyeing e-bikers
carbon and five aluminum road and and travel bikers, because we can charge
cyclocross bikes. or power almost any USB product from
No recreational products are on the sun,” said Philipp Tenuis, European
Ridley’s radar, however. “Ridley will marketing manager for the U.S. company.
always be a sportive competition “With our solar generator kit, the Yeti
brand,” said Rik Vanhoof, commercial 400, you can easily charge your e-bike.
project coordinator. And if you have the right number of solar
With the investment from Ideal, panels, you can charge the Yeti after a
Ridley becomes a cousin of Advanced day of sunshine,” he added. “Keep the
Sports International, the U.S. company panel with the Yeti at your campsite while
that owns the Fuji and Breezer brands, riding and charge your bike when you get
among others. Ideal is also a minority back.”
owner of ASI. Goal Zero also has different sizes of
But Aerts said there are no plans a folding solar recharging kits. Each kit
at present to form a closer partnership consists of a portable solar panel and
with ASI. battery pack. n JB
Jochim Aerts (Photo: JB) “This wasn’t on the table now. It’s
too early to give any details,” Aerts
“For us, Ideal is a great partner,” investors since the Kemper family,
said. “Nevertheless we have to see what
CEO Jochim Aerts said yesterday. “All which had owned a 50 percent share
collaborations might fit. The fact is, at
of our bikes for the markets outside of of the company since 2004, pulled out
the present time Ridley sells direct to
Europe are already assembled by Ideal. earlier this year.
the U.S.A.”
But where we see a major benefit is Aerts said he sought new partners
Aerts founded Race Productions
from supply chain and purchase, not who “shared the cycling passion with
in 1990 by building and painting
to mention distribution. The plan is to us.”
custom frames for local brands. He
distribute Ridley in Asia through the He said Ideal now owns 25 percent
later launched the Ridley brand, which
existing Ideal network.” of Race Productions and LRM 5
is now the market leader in Belgium.
Ridley is owned by Race Productions percent, while he maintains control of
Ridley is based in Paal-Beringen,
NV. The company has been seeking the company with a 70 percent share.
Belgium. n JB Philipp Tenuis (Photo: JB)
10 Eurobike Show Daily LIVE FROM THE SHOW Friday, August 29, 2014
Men in kilts showcase six bonny bike brands
Italy has a huge one. Taiwan has had one since year zero. Japan has had motorcycle
one since 2003. Now, Scotland has one too — a pavilion at Eurobike. Or, at supplies STAND
least, a booth. brand with FG-WB115
a bicycles
“We’re starting small but we aim the blue-and-white Scottish flag – was division that
to get bigger,” Gordon Todd, a senior bathed in sunshine yesterday at makes Ultimate Bike Solution, a
executive with Scottish Enterprise, Eurobike. new water-based bike lubricant
said yesterday. Scottish Enterprise is an Dotted around the tent-shaped stand and maintenance spray.
agency of the Scottish Government. are representatives from Free Flow Drop in a business card for
Scotland isn’t just a world-class Technologies, an electric bike brand, a chance to win – what else?
mountain biking destination, it’s also an and Launch Components, a gravity MTB – a bottle of single malt Scotch
incubator of bike brands. Six of them, all brand . Among other trick parts, Launch whisky. Naturally, the “Scottish
Eurobike debutants, are represented at sells a €270 ($488) 300g magnesium pavilion” also has information
the stand. pedal. on road and mountain biking
“We walked the show last year and Fashion designer Alex Feechan riding in Scotland.
were determined to get a space,” said is seeking distributors for Freedom McLean is based at the
Graeme McLean, MTB project manager Foxx, her new women’s cycle clothing Glentress mountain bike center,
for Scottish Cycling, the governing body collection. Scotland’s oldest dedicated
for cycle sport in Scotland. “Endura [the Tom Durham has developed a mountain biking park, which
Scottish apparel company] is a great role modular range of pumptrack parts and is was opened by a private
model for us. Our stand is a platform seeking manufacturing partners for his developer in the late 1980s.
for smaller brands, but brands which start-up business, Collective Training. “Scotland has a lot going
want to grow like Endura. We want to Russell Stout is here representing for it,” McLean said. “But don’t
showcase Scotland’s bicycle businesses.” custom bike builder Shand Cycles. blame us for the rain at the start Gordon Todd and Graeme McLean
The stand – topped with a saltire, Scottoiler is a long-established of the show.” n CR
Suspend disbelief with Canyon's road bike conception
Older readers may remember a few attempts in the 1980s to bring nascent it to “magneto-
STAND
mountain-bike suspension technology into road biking, but RockShox at rheological” fluid
bearings. An electric B4-404
Roubaix didn't last.
current polarizes
With the MRSC Connected concept faster bike,” said Sebastian Wegerle,
metal particles to change the level
bike, launched at Eurobike, Canyon Canyon's lead engineer.
shock absorption.
is resurrecting the idea. It's road bike Canyon says muscle fatigue caused by
The prototype is not slated for
suspension, Jim, but not as we know it. bumps and vibration are an overlooked
production, but Canyon has a good
“Our focus is always to make the bike contributor to performance loss. To
track record of demo-ing ideas that later
faster, and your body has to do less work eliminate this, it placed carbon leaf
become common currency – hydraulic
if you have a comfortable bike frame. springs at the front axle and seat stays.
road discs and integrated brakes being
Bumps from the road make the system An on-board CPU, from Deutsche
cases in point. n ML
slower, so it is really about building a Telekom, processes sensor data and relays Canyon MRSC Connected concept bike12 Eurobike Show Daily LIVE FROM THE SHOW Friday, August 29, 2014
Faraday, a stylish e-bike Ride Onn with polo-inspired
startup, looks to Europe helmets from Argentina
The biggest attraction at the Gates Carbon Drive booth is the Faraday
Porteur, an e-bike that is getting attention because it doesn’t look like an Argentina has long been famous for polo players and other equestrians.
e-bike. If Onn has anything to do with it, the country soon will be famous for
bike helmets.
the bike’s
Onn is a two-year-old Buenos Aires Russian Cossack-
clean lines STAND
and color- A2-203 company that makes eye-catching, inspired fur hat for STAND
coordinated equestrian-inspired helmets for the women of a certain age. B2-206
accessories, urban market. “We have a big
instead of a bulky battery. “The technology comes less from market among older
That’s on purpose. Adam cycling but from motorcycles,” said people, because they don't want to wear
Vollmer, the Porteur’s creator, Miguel Cadeiras, one of the founders. a race helmet in town or going to the
proposed the bike as an “The outer shell is fiberglass. We were supermarket,” Cadeiras said.
entry to the Oregon Manifest scratching our heads how to make it Garcia Resta, another founder,
design project in 2011. He was thinner.” said, “Now, with electric bikes, cycling
working for IDEO, the famous The lids are very light, while among older people will continue to
international design firm. meeting all the relevant safety increase. Our helmets work very well
Vollmer and his team standards. Under the fiberglass there with it.”
ended up winning the are layers of EPS foam, breathable The Onn founders are envious
People’s Choice Award. He fabric and washable padding. They are of Europe’s stylish bike culture and
soon left his steady job to see entirely handmade in Argentina. Onn the prevalence of cycling for urban
if he could commercialize employs eight in addition to its three transport and convenience. They said
the Porteur, even though he founders. cycling is growing in Buenos Aires and
knew little about the e-bike Style-wise, the fabric-covered across Argentina.
industry. head protectors take much of their The brand is strong across Benelux,
Adam Vollmer with the Faraday Porteur Through a successful inspiration from horse riding — and Portugal and Spain, but is looking to
Kickstarter campaign, Faraday that's not just the shape. expand distribution in the UK, France,
Although it has just launched in pre-sold 50 bikes at $3,500 “You see in horse riding how Germany and Poland. n ML
its home market of the United States, (€2,650) each. He sold another 100 after everyone is really well
Faraday’s owners are already looking to the campaign ended. Those bikes have dressed. Everything
expand. been delivered, and the company is now that they have should
“There’s a huge market in Europe,” preparing for production in Asia. look perfect,” Cadeiras
said Steve Domahidy, a founder of Niner The Porteur can travel up to 32
said. “We think it's
Bikes who is a part-owner of Faraday. kilometers (20 miles) on one charge.
a good thing; we're
“We get emails every single day. There’s A Gates Carbon Drive belt turns a
a lot of interest. We’re over here trying to Shimano Alfine 8 internal-gear hub. trying to merge these
start the conversation on how to support two worlds.”
Other features include bamboo fenders, a
the infrastructure to sell over here.” Onn offers 19 styles
Brooks B17 saddle, removable front rack,
Domahidy said Germany and the UK, disc brakes and integrated lights. in all.
along with Amsterdam and Copenhagen, For men, this
At 18kg (37 lbs), the bike is light
are priorities. Faraday intends to sell year’s hot design is a
enough for riders to pedal the bike
through IBDs, but wants to ensure it has without power, heft up stairs or load onto tweed-inspired pattern,
a customer service structure in place a bus or train. while last year's was
first. “A lot of people are using it as an corduroy. For women,
The Faraday Porteur has a custom alternative to a Vespa,” Domahidy said. a curvy, red polka-dot
lithium battery that fits inconspicuously “It’s a pretty wide demographic. A lot number has supplanted
in the downtube, and a 250-watt motor of people buy it for the design and it’s a last year's animal-print
integrated into the front hub. On first bonus that it’s an e-bike.” n NF look.
sight, your eyes make a beeline to And there's a Garcia Resta14 Eurobike Show Daily Friday, August 29, 2014
2015 Apparel: Commuting/urban wear
Commuters won’t buy fashion unless
it’s accompanied by a lot of function
Cyclists everywhere have long understood the point of a good rain jacket, the Mobility Cuff Pant, a free-moving
a lightweight top or padded shorts for their daily treks to and from the garment made from stretch fabric with an
workplace. Only recently has the concept of “fashion” entered into the elastic cuff.
This is the first year British company
discussion about apparel that, above all, has to be serviceable.
Dare2B has had an
urban range on the DARE2B STAND
market. For 2015, B5-606
it’s expanding the
collection to include
jeans, jean shorts and shirts, all with
technical, functional details including
reflectivity and odor-control fabric.
Styling and color combine, the
company said, to enable the “fashion
conscious to cycle to work safely, work
through their day and be ready for
any last minute socializing without
compromising on style or ability”.
For commuters who practice Casual
Friday every day, the German brand
Maloja has expanded
MALOJA STAND
its range of casual
FG-WB133 Ziener
cycling wear, with
new men’s and Houston, Texas, specializes in bikewear
women’s hoodies and T-shirts in its made from bamboo white ash — an
Shimano Explorer Stretchlite Rain Jacket signature bright pastel colors. ultra-soft, breathable, thermo-regulating
And — here’s an “natural performance fiber.” Its
interesting angle — ZIENER STAND Metropolitan Polo is made from recycled
Nevertheless, commuting wear that is an in-your-face, hi-vis colorway; turn B5-501 polyester blended with up to 55 percent
Ziener says its new
not purely utilitarian but sits at the hard it inside out and it’s an office-friendly bamboo white ash. It sports a three-
bike shorts are ideal for
edge of fashion can be a hard sell. How do discreet black. It features a lightweight, button collar and breast pocket and is cut
lifestyle cyclists … and for e-bikers. Who
companies convince riders that a nicely windproof and showerproof shell, slightly looser than performance jerseys,
knew that e-bike riders require specific
tailored jacket or a pair of bike-specific Primaloft insulation and has zipped to allow cyclists to transition seamlessly
gear? Given the strength of the German
jeans are worth a premium to pieces that handwarmer and chest pockets. from commute to office.
e-bike market, it might take a German
simply get the job done? Many brands The trendy Japanese Fanfiluca also FANFILUCA STAND
PEDALED STAND company to figure out what e-bike riders FG-WB116
say their clothing works “as well in a café brand Pedaled joined incorporates natural
as it does on the bike,” but it remains a forces a few years A5-301 need. The loose-fitting shorts have an
fibers in its commuter
inner lining with one of the company’s
tough ask. Here are some apparel brands ago with Brooks, the wear. Instead of bamboo, Fanfiluca’s
own pads, which can be removed to
that manage to deliver a fashionable edge traditional UK accessories and saddle commuter shirt uses Cocona, a Polartec
create “sporty leisure trousers.”
in this most functional of categories. brand. That’s made this niche, high-end product made from activated carbon
brand a lot easier to find in Western derived from leftover coconut shells.
Totally coconuts. Given the bicycle’s
retailers. Pedaled’s new Saddle Packable (Apparently, there are a lot of coconut
deserved reputation as environmentally
Jacket is made in made in Italy from a shells left over by the food, medical
friendly town transport, it’s not
Nanosphere-coated cotton/nylon mix and filtration industries.) According to
surprising that many companies are
that resists rain and dirt. Made for spring Polartec, the activated carbon creates a
boosting the green credentials of their
and fall, the Saddle Packable Jacket moisture-wicking effect, aiding cooling
togs.
is sharply tailored and comes with a DANNYSHANE STAND and speeding up drying times.
DannyShane, a
carrying sleeve.
first-time Eurobike
B2-208 The most significant “greening” is
Giro’s Insulated taking place in waterproofing treatments.
GIRO STAND exhibitor from
Shirt is a 100 percent
DWR-coated reversible
B2-400F
shell with 25g Primaloft
insulation within, and a full zipper and
button closure without — all designed to
Endura FlipJak
look like an overshirt.
“The Men’s Insulated Shirt was
something Giro designers collectively
wanted, but couldn’t find anywhere,” the
Function junction. company says. “It’s a versatile staple that
Endura, from Scotland, ENDURA STAND keeps you warm and dry, yet packs down
knows something about B5-504 easily for storage.”
clothing that performs in The Frisco Coat, which is available
cold, damp and generally in both men and women’s cuts, takes
grizzly conditions. Yet for years the its cues from military ingenuity. It uses
company somehow under-marketed its a waterproof dense-weave cotton fabric
expertise. originally developed to keep a fighter
Its new Urban collection, which offers pilot alive in case of an emergency
“office-compatible chic,” might change landing at sea. Both styles feature an
that. The Urban FlipJak Reversible jacket adjustable reflective hood.
is, the company says, something of a For women there’s the Insulated
Jekyll and Hyde: Worn one way, the three-quarter legging for spring and fall Maloja
lightweight and insulating jacket has riding with a Cytech chamois pad; andFriday, August 29, 2014 15
Dare2B
Many manufacturers are moving to wettest downpour. The back pocket
PFC-free materials and treatments. holds a few essentials and doubles as
PFCs, or perfluorinated a pack sack when needed.
compounds, enhance a material’s Shimano’s
water and oil repellency and Explorer Stretchlite SHIMANO STAND
durability without causing it to lose Rain Jacket is A1-200
breathability. However, its use comes light, compact and
with significant environmental and stretchable, and boasts a cycling
health concerns. cut. Smart details including a
For its Officer commuter pant, Napoleon pocket, cuff adjusters and
Fanfiluca uses a Swiss-made fabric a drawstring spindle adjuster on the
that is impregnated with a fluorine- hem. It’s also packable and comes
free compound for a more ecological in an eye-catching green and blue
water repellent colorway.
finish. GONSO STAND Finally, because keeping your
Gonso is also B5-402 fingers and toes dry is sometimes 90
moving away from percent of the battle, the Sealskinz
PFCs, switching to All Weather Cycle Glove is totally
a polyurethane treatment for its Uwe waterproof, anti-slip and has a
and Temo all-weather jackets for touchscreen-friendly material on the
men, and the corresponding Ulla and index finger so you can Instagram
Agave versions for women. your commute and keep your digit
dry.
It’s slightly more bulky than the
brand’s Dragon Eye glove, but still
slim enough not to impede dexterity.
The company also makes waterproof
socks, and its classically styled
3-panel Waterproof Cycling Cap will
keep the rain out of your eyes and a
smile on your face. Until you reach
the office, at least. n ML
Endura FlipJak
Come rain or shine. Rainwear is
a big deal for dedicated bicycle
commuters, so it’s well represented
among the apparel brands at
Eurobike.
Vaude is showcasing its latest
Bike Rain Sympapro jacket.
Sympatex is
a 100 percent VAUDE STAND
recyclable, B5-400
PTFE-free
membrane that
makes up the mid layer of the
jacket’s three-layer fabric. The
jacket also protects against wind
while retaining breathability.
The Sympapro also has taped
seams and waterproof zips, a
fold-out collar, long back and
reflective elements, all to keep
Fanfiluca Officer Pant
riders safe and snug in the darkest,Friday, August 29, 2014 17
Despite selling direct, Poison
brings refocused line to show
Poison Bikes is making its debut at Eurobike, but the man behind the brand
has been an exhibitor almost since the show began.
Poison Atropine 28
Poison general manager Hans Werner Theisen (far left,
in glasses) and the Poison Bikes team are showing at
Eurobike for the first time.
Hans Werner Theisen
STAND
headed the Chaka brand,
which sold to IBDs. Now,
A3-708
Poison is focused on selling
directly to consumers.
“We stopped exhibiting five or six years
ago because in those days, and different from
Chaka, the focus of our young and successful
second brand, Poison Bikes, has been on direct
sales through the Internet,” Theisen said.
As Poison had more success with its direct
sales model, Chaka moved more and more
into making custom bikes. In 2012, however,
Chaka’s parent company — Bike Trading
GmbH — filed for bankruptcy.
Theisen and his team founded Poison and
took over all of Chaka’s assets.
“Since than we have concentrated on
Poison, but now with a completely new
approach that we are presenting here at
Eurobike,” Theisen said.
He said the Poison brand, which had been
a sportive bike brand, is refocusing on touring
bikes.
“This is the field that we, as a small
supplier, see as our niche and our main area
of competence,” Theisen said. “That’s the
category we want to focus on and grow.”
Poison’s top long-distance touring bike is
the Atropine 28 Randonneur Rohloff Gates
2015.
It’s an aluminum-framed, robust beauty
that pairs a Rohloff hub with a Gates Carbon
Drive belt. Customers can choose between
26-, 28- and 29-inch wheels among several
other choices.
Because of the decision to reposition the
brand, Theisen said it made sense for Poison to
show itself at Eurobike for the first time.
“We have some interesting products to
show. To introduce them to the international
market we have to show a real presence,” he
said.
“This is what we are doing at Eurobike,
not only on the trade days but also on the
consumer day,” Theisen added.
Apart from complete bikes, Poison also
offers frame kits as well as some sub-assembly
services.
“Some customers out there want parts
mounted on the new bike they have already
bought. We can build up their new bike with
the parts they bring in,” he said.
While Poison is a premium brand that
is sold mainly through its website, www.
poison-bikes.de, a few IBDs continue to offer
the brand.
But Theisen said Poison would remain
focused on direct sales. He said 80 percent of
sales currently come from within Germany
and the rest from neighboring countries.
Theisen hopes Eurobike will help increase
Poison’s presence outside of Germany. n JB18 Eurobike Show Daily Friday, August 29, 2014
Slide2Go seeks OEMs for Lock8 inventors say ‘smart
its new Easy Click mount lock’ makes rentals easier
For years, industry vet Louis Mühlberger puzzled over how to create an Two former Oxford students have launched the Lock8, a “smart” bike
system for mounting bags or baskets to a bicycle that would have “no lock, just in time for Eurobike.
comparison,” as he puts it.
the foundation of a STAND
bags and baskets,”
STAND worldwide bike rental A3-805
Mühlberger said. “They
can even select their B5-605 network,” Salzmann
said. He said the Lock8
own bag and basket
is compatible with 90 percent of all
collection from the
bicycles, making it ideal for bike rental
Konnix collection. From waterproof bags
to natural wicker baskets, we have all of services.
them at our here at our booth.” Zajarias-Fainsod said the Lock8
This year, Slide2Go is offering a stem could reshape the global bicycle rental
cap solution for electric bicycles. and bike share experience.
“It works especially with the Bosch Lock8 smartphone app “If a person needs a rental bike, they
Lorna Chen with a waterproof Slide2Go bag.
(Photo:JB) and Shimano e-bike stems,” he said. will find Lock8-equipped rental bikes in
“Simply replace the stem cap and you Pronounced like “locate,” the Lock8 their proximity using the smartphone
He thinks he accomplished it with the
have a mounting system for all Slide2Go system is designed for bicycle rental app,” he said. “Once booked, the bike
latest Easy Click system for his Slide2Go,
bags and baskets.” fleets or bike share bikes. Within the can be unlocked using the app, and off
which is on display at Eurobike.
“Slide2Go is the only integrated He said the Slide2Go mount attaches lock are GPS and Bluetooth modules. you go!”
mounting system. It is integrated into the without interfering with the on-board Cyclists can use a smartphone to find a Salzmann added, “This makes bike
stem or rack of the bicycle, which means cycling computers. bike equipped with a Lock8, unlock it, renting simpler and more flexible than
it is the perfect match for the OEM Mühlberger is in charge of research, and pay for it. ever before.”
bicycle market,” Mühlberger said. development and testing from his office The founders of Lock8, Franz The founders, both 28 years old,
As the name implies, the Easy Click in Cologne, Germany. Financial support Salzmann and Daniel Zajarias-Fainsod, recently moved their company,
system works with a “click.” for the Slide2Go comes from Konnix are offering products for sale at their Velolock, to Berlin. n JB
“The basket or the bag is inserted with Industry of Taiwan, which oversees booth.
the holder into the Slide2Go housing and production of the system in Taiwan. n JB “We will sell our first 1,000 devices
locks automatically with a click,” said at Eurobike, exclusively to business
Lorna Chen, sales manager for Konnix, customers who want to test the system
which manufactures the system. for the 2015 cycling season,” they said.
Chen and Mühlberger are seeking Salzmann, who is CEO of the young
OEM customers. company, said the company has received
“Customers can buy the system, pre-orders from customers in more than
including Easy Click as a stand-alone 30 countries.
Slide2Go Easy Click
product, or buy the entire package “It has enormous potential and is
from Konnix, which comes with The Lock8 on a bike20 Eurobike Show Daily Friday, August 29, 2014
Innova unleashes its Monsters
on the mountain bike market
Many Taiwanese tire producers have made their way into bicycle tires from the car
and motorcycle market, but Innova Rubber went the other way around.
Apart from tires for motorcycles and ATVs, bicycle said Michael Chen,
tires are Innova’s biggest product group. The range it is Innova’s sales STAND
showing at Eurobike is a special one because Innova is and marketing A3-602
celebrating its 20th anniversary in the bicycle market. manager. The
Its latest innovation is a mountain bike downhill tire Innova Pro downhill range,
range that uses different types of patented plastic studs. Downhill Monster, walked off with
Innova also created a new brand, Cyclours, that sells a d&i award at the Taipei Cycle
bags and wallets made from recycled inner tubes. Show earlier this year.
The company recently created a new private label, Driving Innova’s innovation is its Michael Chen (left) and Grace Tsao with
Monster tires and Cyclours bags (Photo: JB)
Innova Pro, for its top-of-the-line aftermarket products. founder and president, Tony Hsieh.
“With Innova Pro we target the high-end market,” When his R&D team first set out
to craft a tire that would hold its grip in snow
and wet conditions, they tried spikes made of
steel, and later aluminum.
“First we put in these spikes by hand, but
then we invented a simple machine that now
automatically stamps into the tire,” Chen said.
Even while the team worked to perfect the
metal studs, Hsieh was brainstorming another
solution.
He found it by creating a variety of spikes, or
studs, made from different blends of plastic.
These patented plastic studs are not only
lighter than steel or aluminum but can be made
in different variations that are tuned to different
types of surfaces.
“While our classic Monster tire rolls into the
market without studs, the Little Monster relies
on softer studs and the Big Monster on harder
engineered plastic studs,” Chen said.
Innova’s Monster Tire provides a balance of
softness and strength, while shoulder blocks
give it good grip, especially on dry ground.
With its softer plastic studs—colored
red — the Little Monster tires are intended for
semi-wet and dry ground.
The Big Monster, meanwhile, featuring
yellow, harder studs, is made for wet, muddy
ground and snow.
Chen said mountain bikers can experiment
with combining different Monster tires.
“Racers can consider having a mix of
Monster and studded Monster tires for the front
and rear wheels to handle different levels of wet
and dry ground, and find the perfect match for
grip and speed,” he said.
Meanwhile, Innova’s Grace Tsao is
promoting the company’s Cyclours brand at
Eurobike.
“This brand concentrates on bags and wallets
made out of recycled and rejected tires and
tubes,” Tsao said. “For dealers, we also offer
a nice display to go with our new Cyclours
products. It helps when they put these products
in the spotlight.” n JB
Michael Chen with Innova’s Big Monster (left) and Little
Monster tires.22 Eurobike Show Daily Friday, August 29, 2014
The biggest troublemakers in the
industry: low step-through pedelecs
They’re unisex, convenient, and they let just about anybody become a
cyclist no matter how athletic. They are pedelecs with low step-through
frames, and they have become the top sellers on the e-bike market.
Even without knowing exact sales such high risk of breakage, especially
figures, it’s easy to see that this style when used as a pedelec?
is the No. 1 pedelec on the roads of According to research and from
Germany. personal experience, riding a pedelec
A central tube that curves very low increases a cyclists’ average speed by
to the ground for an easy step-through about 5 kmh (3 mph). That doesn’t
makes these bicycles available to sound like much, does it?
broad target groups. That’s a welcome However, this means a typical
development, because it enables people 250-watt pedelec is constantly traveling
who are overweight or have a disability to with 75 percent more kinetic energy
start cycling. That’s healthy for them and than a conventional bicycle. Impacts
gives them more mobility. and bumps therefore affect pedelecs
Young mothers can reach the saddle more severely than regular city bikes.
easily and comfortably. When riding with Other factors contribute to the
a mounted child seat, they don’t have problem:
to risk the shaky business of throwing a • Pedelec riders tackle terrain that is
leg over the top tube, as is the case with more challenging than they are used
conventional frames. to. In other words, pedelecs let cyclists
In short, low step-through pedelecs climb mountains that were previously
have a lot going for them. insurmountable to them. The problem
isn’t going uphill; it’s that they
Pedelec physics. Unfortunately, they eventually have to come back down as
have a lot going against them, too. No Testing equipment at the Zedler Institute
well.
other frame design has seen more recalls • Pedelec users do not sit athletically
than low step-through frames — with or in the saddle, but crash into every manufacturers. shimmying. The safer these riders are, the
without electric motors. Most of these are bump and rumble over every curb. Taken together, this demonstrates fewer accidents they will have.
made of supposedly reliable aluminum. • Pedelecs are heavier and therefore that the potential for damaging a In addition, the durability of a low
There have been many cases of frames under more strain. The electric assist pedelec is significantly higher than for a step-through pedelec can become
breaking, resulting in falls that have encourages cyclists to carry heavier loads. conventional city or trekking bike. comparable to that of a mountain bike
sometimes severe consequences. • Low step-through frames are not The e-bike components add to the that is made to endure hard use.
Products recalled by reputable redundant. In other words, if one tube problem. With the weight of a motor and Only then will these kinds of pedelecs
companies are only the tip of the iceberg. fails, there isn’t another tube to hold the a rechargeable battery, typical pedelecs be able to cope with the increased strain
As bicycle experts, we know of many bicycle together. The rider falls head first with low step-through frames mutate of a heavy motor, heavy loads and heavy
other problematic frames whose problems onto the road. into genuine wobblers. cyclists on a permanent basis.
are being ignored. • Pedelec users ride more often, Inexperienced, less athletic cyclists n Dirk Zedler
Why are these rider-friendly frames at according to research by several — the typical clientele for these kinds
of bikes — fall more because they often
cannot cope with the pedelec’s handling. The Zedler Institute
A wobbly pedelec doesn’t necessary Since 1993,
unseat its rider like a balky horse. graduate
Instead, riders alarmed at their bike’s engineer Dirk
shaking may brake too hard in panic, or Zedler has been
ride the brake as they creep down a hill. an analyst and
That can cause the brake to fail, leaving expert witness
the pedelec totally out of control, and for courts,
there we go! insurance
Dirk Zedler
companies,
Stepping up to the challenge. The good corporations and individuals
news: It is entirely possible to design concerning bicycle accidents and
stable and durable pedelecs with low material failures. Since 1994 he has
step-through frames. To do so, the been a sworn expert on bicycles, and
designer, product manager and testing
since 2014 on electric bikes. His team
institute have to treat the pedelec as
publishes about 800 experts’ reports
something other than a conventional
every year.
trekking or city bike that just happens to
Zedler – Institut für
have a motor attached.
Fahrradtechnik und- Sicherheit
It does take some effort, but with
makes testing equipment for
the help of CAD systems and testing
bicycles. Manufacturers can buy the
laboratories, safe pedelecs with low
equipment or use it in the Zedler
step-through frames are possible.
There isn’t a simple recipe, such Institute’s laboratory.
as adding an additional gusset or a The Zedler Institute has
welded-in cross tube. It requires the complied the findings from
sum of many improvements, such as thousands of experts’ reports
an adapted frame geometry, optimized and court proceedings to develop
tube dimensions, sophisticated welding comprehensive user manuals. The
procedures with thermal finishing manuals help consumers use bicycles
treatments, a solid mounting of the and pedelecs appropriately, and help
bicycle rack, and functional cable routing. release manufacturers from liability.
It is possible to improve the riding For more information, visit www.
characteristics of these kinds of pedelecs zedler.de.
A broken frame on a step-through pedelec
so customers can feel safe without24 Eurobike Show Daily Friday, August 29, 2014
Super B is super busy
designing new tools
With more than 200 products on the market, Taiwan toolmaker
Super B never stops innovating.
For 2015, Super B is highlighting among many
STAND
two new products: a travel that have
toolkit for bike mechanics and an sprung out
A7-413
adaptable wall-mounted holder for of Super B’s
bikes and gear. in-house research and development
The toolkit case is made of team. From initial designs to
aluminum and plastic, “so it’s light tooling to production, everything is
and easy to move like a trolley. It done at the company’s headquarters
comes with a practical assortment in Changhua, Taiwan.
of professional bike tools in three Sales manager Tina Hsu said
drawers,” said Marcus Lee, manager 80 percent of production is for the
of Super B’s marketing and sales Super B brand and the rest is for its
department. “It is in our eyes the OEM business.
best tool case for traveling.” Officially known as Super
The bike holder won a d&i B Precision Tools Co., Ltd., the
award at this year’s Taipei Cycle company was founded in 1990
Show. With its special structure and specializes in bicycle tools and
and center of gravity design “it repair equipment. n JB
needs just one step to fold and
saves more space,” Super
B’s Eric Chen said. Hangers
and elastic bungee cords
safely accommodate
all kinds of gear. “The
universal hangers are for
gloves, jersey and other
cycling items. With this
flexible bike holder in your
apartment you have all of
your bicycle gear on hand,”
Chen said.
A shock-absorbing
From left: Super B’s Eric Chen, Tina Hsu and Marcus
material protects the bike Lee with the bike holder, travel toolkit and other
and wall from scratches. 2015 products. (Photo: JB)
The new products are
JD gets back to basics with
‘parts innovation offensive’
Just when the industry thought JD Components and its TranzX brand
was only an e-bike supplier, the company has launched what it calls
a “parts innovation offensive.”
products.”
The TranzX parts STAND
range, on display at A6-204
its booth, includes a
new line of dropper
seat posts with remote controls for
mountain bikes.
TranzX is also launching a new
antishock stem and seatpost for road
bikes.
Lily Ding (Photo:JB)
Its new Quick Park Stem, the
JD says it plans to seek a first-row company says, lets bike riders quickly
seat in the broader parts and rotate their handlebars by 90 degrees
accessories category, not just e-bikes. for convenient storage.
The company’s Lily Ding said JD JD is pushing its TranzX products
let its existing bicycle parts range for the aftermarket but is also seeking
fall by the wayside as it pushed its OEM customers.
TranzX line of e-bike motors and “All of these new parts are ideal
components. for OEM customers,” Ding said.
“That’s what we want to change More high-end parts are in
with a range of innovative parts we the pipeline, she added. JD plans
are introducing at Eurobike,” said to create products for “excellent
Ding, who is vice general manager ergonomics and comfortable rides.”
of JD and responsible for sales and JD’s recent focus on e-bike
marketing. systems helped it create an
“It took a while before we were international awareness for its
ready. But if you want to stay in the TranzX brand, Ding said. The
first row and increase market share, company hopes to build on that with
you have to present some innovative its new line of accessories. n JBFriday, August 29, 2014 25
Q&A: Dutch retailers
Show diehards say Eurobike
lets them jump on trends
Eurobike mainly attracts retailers from the German-speaking market,
but many Dutch IBDs make the trip to Friedrichshafen to see the
trends with their own eyes.
in cycling, including sporty e-bikes,
accessories and spare parts. We also
get a broader perspective on the
international market, because you can
see much more than what’s happening
at the time on a national level. We
believe that you can get there, for
your own company, a good vision of
the near future and probably have an
advantage over your competitors.
ESD: Do you come to Eurobike by
yourselves or with colleagues?
Rob van der Wal
Van der Wal: Usually with a colleague;
This trio — Hans and Rik de Bruin
it’s very cozy, but also useful. During
and Rob van der Wal — are die hard
our visit and during the trip we always
Eurobike regulars. On the eve of
have very valuable discussions.
this year’s Eurobike, the Show Daily’s
Arnauld Hackmann asked them why
De Bruins: We visit Eurobike preferably
they keep coming to Friedrichshafen,
together. You’re both focused on
and what they look for.
different things and you can also see a
Father Hans and son Rik de Bruin
lot more together. In addition, you can
own Gek van Fietsen (“Crazy About
discuss new products with each other
Bicycles”) in Alphen a/d Rijn, in the
and talk about what you see there. By
western part of the Netherlands. From
going together you can pick up more
their 500-square-meter (5,380-square-
from your visit to the fair.
foot) shop they sell brands including
Flyer, Koga, Gazelle, Giant and Van
ESD: Where are you going to look for
Nicholas.
specifically this year?
Rob van der Wal owns De Pedaleur
(“The Pedalist”) in Doetinchem,
Van der Wal: Developments of
close to the German border in
disc brakes on racing bikes and
the east. Van der Wal focuses on
developments in clothing appeal to me.
sportive and e-bikes. From a spacious
Beside that we are very interested in
1,900-square-meter (20,450-square-
dynamic measurement systems. It is
foot) location, van der Wal sells brands
understandable, but I do regret that a
including Batavus, Cannondale, BMC,
number of reputable bike brands will
Specialized and Koga.
not be present at Eurobike.
ESD: Why do you think, as Dutch bike
De Bruins: We see that the market is
shop owners, it is important to visit
changing rapidly and it is important
Eurobike?
to respond early to new trends. For
us, it is therefore very important to
Rob van der Wal: I want to be updated
be aware from the beginning, so that
on what is happening in our industry.
we can play in these trends properly.
I also like to be informed about the
We also expect a lot of news about
brands we don’t sell in our store. After
e-bikes, certainly from the major
Eurobike we determine which brands
players in the bicycle industry but
we will add to our collection for the
also from the electronics business. We
upcoming season.
really hope to encounter new products
that complement our store and our
Hans and Rik de Bruin: At Eurobike you
customers and that we can promote
get the first overview of new trends
and sell exclusively in our region. n AH
Hans and Rik de BruinYou can also read
