Highlights at the Eurobike: electricity, rivets and a flying carpet
Is that still a bike or already a moto? Electrification doesn't even stop at children's bikes at Eurobike. There are also plenty of rivets, an ultrabike and a flying carpet.
Where there's a tube, there's a motor. That's mean for all those who rely on pure muscle power. But there's no denying that at some point, technology will win out in all segments and pretty much every vehicle will be equipped with an "E-". The sales figures suggest that the industry will continue to be energised. Accordingly, Eurobike, the leading global trade fair for the bike business, is increasingly becoming a motor show. E-drives are becoming smaller, more efficient and cheaper. And the target group, which prioritises fun and individuality over sporting ambition, is growing. Some models look correspondingly wacky. And their names are just as wacky. Here you will find a selection of interesting bikes.
The ultrabike
An E- can't be everything. Pack in even more technology - and the ultrabike is ready. With its clean design, the Calamus One is not only an eye-catcher, but also hits a nerve. It was funded on Indiegogo within an hour. Among other things, the stylish frame contains ultrasonic sensors that detect the traffic situation and warn of critical situations via vibrations in the handles. There is also a display with a fingerprint scanner and Android as the operating system. Soon it will probably be: "My bike has crashed!"
Swiss design
The Asfalt LR also serves the trend towards stylish, fully integrated bikes. Although the Solothurn-based company has not equipped its gem with frame sensors, it does have two battery systems. One is installed in the down tube, the other can be removed via the seat post. With full battery power, it has a range of up to 120 kilometres, which makes it interesting not only for urban commuters.
Riveted, not welded
How would you like your bike? Welded or riveted? The manufacturer Avial Bikes relies on technology from aircraft construction, so the prototype looks out of the ordinary. However, this unusual frame is 3.5 kilograms light, can carry up to 140 kilograms and offers new design possibilities.
The flying carpet
Gravel bikes have long been a trend in the all-can-not-must segment. Whether road or gravel, the on-and-off-roaders with racing handlebars can do it all. The MCR 9 RDO from Niner is the first full-suspension model to iron out bumps at the front and rear. Whereby "MCR" stands for "Magic Carpet Ride". Niner wants to combine the confidence and control of a cross-country bike with the fit and responsiveness of a gravel bike. Or rather: combine them. If a flying carpet with purely mechanical suspension is too old school for you, you might be interested in the electric suspension Fox Live Valve. It analyses the surface and adjusts the suspension settings automatically
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The trick with the kink
Springs can also go like this: The strikingly curved steel frame of the Urwahn Stadtfuchs may not be for trails, but it should also make for a more comfortable ride. A light system is also integrated into this eye-catcher so that you can be seen even in the dark. Because being seen is obviously also what this Red Dot Design Award-winning bike is all about.
On the beaten track
The QiruBike is completely without electricity, but wonderfully wooden. The elegant bikes made from European veneer wood are simply beautiful. And every now and then it's good to see a bike without a motor. Weighing in at around 11 kilograms, you'll probably still be able to make great progress - if you're not surrounded by curious passers-by. If you want to combine wood with electricity, that's also possible: the makers of myEsel equip their wooden frames with electric motors.
With the power
If mum and dad have at least 250 watts under their bums, their offspring should also be able to go with the flow and master climbs electrically. At least that's the view of children's bike manufacturer woom, which is launching a motorised model on the market in 2020. However, this won't be of much use to younger children in Switzerland, as e-bikes are only permitted from the age of 14 with a category M driving licence and from the age of 16 without one.
Last (but not least) donkey
Unlike children's bikes, there is no doubt that cargo bikes can benefit from a motor. The trend towards motorised cargo bikes is understandable and has a great future, which is why so much work is being done on innovative children's and cargo transporters. The Chassis X can not only rumble cargo through the neighbourhood, but should also hold it securely in place thanks to tilting technology and full suspension while offering driving pleasure. Whether three-wheeler or two-wheeler, one thing is becoming clear: the boundary between bike and motorbike is slowly disappearing, the e-volution is in full swing.
Simple writer and dad of two who likes to be on the move, wading through everyday family life. Juggling several balls, I'll occasionally drop one. It could be a ball, or a remark. Or both.