First impression of the "Cycle Week" in Zurich: restrained start
Until Sunday, the Swiss bicycle industry will meet in Zurich at the "Cycle Week". Over 100 exhibitors with 250 brands show the latest trends on the Europaallee. Today (Thursday, May 12), however, I decide to go to Brunau, where bikes from various brands are ready for rides on the test campus. My first impression: The start of the "Cycle Week" is a little restrained.
On Thursday at 2 p.m. there is not much activity on the Brunau. But that will change in the course of the afternoon. Also at some stands not everything is quite ready for the start: Here a logo is missing, there the last rear tire still has to be pumped. But that doesn't matter - since there's not much going on at the start of "Cycle Week," there's time for an in-depth chat with the representatives of the brands about the latest trends. Or with Fridolin, the face of the Velofestival, about how to wear sunglasses properly. The temples over the helmet straps. Not underneath. According to Fridolin, only tourists do that. Good to know.
Bike heaven on earth
And there's also plenty of time to take one or more laps around the various test tracks on one of the many bikes waiting to be tested. There are different sections for road, gravel and mountain bikes to choose from. And above all, there are quite a few bikes from the big brands to choose from: Trek, BMC, Scott or Rose, they are all there. I feel like a little boy in a candy store: Can not decide at all.
Then I grab the Stigmata CC gravel bike from Santa Cruz and take it for a spin on the gravel course. Then it must be the new Oiz M Pro TR from Orbea. I wanted to ride that for a long time. First on the MTB track, then it's once again on the gravel course.
Note to self: Mountain bikes are primarily made for trails. Not for gravel roads. Especially if it goes up the hill with 20 percent gradient or more according to Strava. But I actually already knew that beforehand.
At 5 p.m., some visitors have arrived at the area and the first short queues form in front of the test bikes. Time for me to call it a day and clear the field, i.e. the Brunau. But not without buying a shirt at the stand of Rinding Culture, one of the suppliers of freestyler Lucas Huppert. After all, you don't treat yourself to anything else.
Further information
Switzerland's largest bicycle festival in Zurich runs until Sunday, May 15. All information about the program of the "Cycle Week" can be found here. Admission to Europaallee is free of charge. Admission to the test campus and the final of the "ZüriDirt Contest" on Sunday costs CHF 10 each.
From radio journalist to product tester and storyteller, jogger to gravel bike novice and fitness enthusiast with barbells and dumbbells. I'm excited to see where the journey'll take me next.