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Red Dot Design Award 2023: Five winners from the bike sector

27.6.2023

Translation: machine translated

The Red Dot Design Award has been presented since 2001. Thousands of products receive the red dot every year. Here are five winners from the cycling sector.

Every year: The Red Dot Design Award is one of the largest design competitions in the world and is awarded in the areas of product and communication design as well as design concepts. Malicious tongues claim that there is now hardly a product that will not be "honoured" with the red dot sooner or later.

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This year, the international jury awarded the red dot to a record-breaking 2149 products, 33 of them in the bicycle category. Inflationary or not, in my view the following award winners justify an award that recognises clever design concepts. On the one hand, because they deal strongly with the topic of the economy of propulsion. And on the other hand, ecology is also addressed, especially in urban areas.

Bianchi Oltre RC

With the Oltre RC from Bianchi, the jury honoured a full carbon aero bike that makes it possible to "dominate" the air resistance: an air deflector pushes the air around the head tube and thus creates a reduced negative pressure area directly behind it. This reduces drag overall, even when the wind angle changes. "Similar to the front wing of a racing car, the air deflectors play a decisive role in the design of the bicycle frame, which visually conveys robustness and speed," said the jury.

The deflector from Bianchi.
Source: Red Dot Design Award

Enduo Cargo from New Motion Labs

Enduo Cargo is a patented drivetrain for e-cargo bikes and e-bikes. According to the jury, the redesigned shape of the sprocket teeth and the halving of their number reduces the relative movement. This reduces wear on the product and extends its service life. The Red Dot Design Award goes on to say: "Thanks to the sophisticated geometries, an industrially manufactured chain can be used that allows for more than three times the driving distance with minimal maintenance. This means that a delivery company can deliver an average of 300 per cent more parcels per chain with each delivery bike." The jury also praised the fact that Enduo Cargo from New Motion Labs combines ecological and economic advantages.

Preserves the chain: Enduo Cargo from New Motion Lab .
Source: Red Dot Design Award

Bosch eBike Systems

There are several components behind Bosch eBike Systems: App, battery, display, operating and drive unit as well as ABS for optimised braking and improved stability. This convinced the Red Dot Design Award jury, who wrote: "They are all networked together and can be used for every bike category thanks to their modularity. All of the system's functions are controlled via the app and individualised for the respective requirements - whether on the way to work or on the trail at the weekend." The jury also emphasised that the combination of high-quality hardware and digital features improves the e-bike experience, safety and efficiency without detracting from the bike's appearance.

My colleague Lorenz Keller was recently able to see the benefits of Bosch eBike Systems for himself:

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Swytch Kit

The Swytch Kit is a conversion kit consisting of a pocket-sized battery, a bracket with an integrated motor controller and a wheel with an integrated motor. This allows any conventional bike to be converted into an e-bike. The Swytch Kit is pedal-assisted: The pedal sensor mounted next to the cranks recognises the cadence and the motor controller draws power from the compact battery. To convert, the front wheel is replaced, the pedal sensor fitted and the battery holder attached to the handlebars. The bike can then be used as an e-bike. "An environmentally friendly, easy-to-install solution", according to the jury.

Airhead face mask

The jury writes about the face mask from British manufacturer Airhead:

"The Airhead face mask is used during increased physical activity in outdoor urban areas with high levels of air pollution. The target group is primarily cyclists, but it is also suitable for joggers, scooter riders and employees who work outdoors." Special mention is made of the high-performance air filtration with an ergonomic seal, which ensures an airtight fit for different face types. Airhead is also said to be suitable for people who wear glasses, as the two ventilation valves on the back prevent the glasses from fogging up. The front part of the mask can be easily opened, for example to make a phone call or have a drink.

This is what the future of cycling in an urban environment will look like?
Source: Red Dot Design Award

We don't currently have these products in our range, but our purchasing department is working on it.

Cover photo: Red Dot Design Award

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Patrick Bardelli

Senior Editor

Patrick.Bardelli@digitecgalaxus.ch

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.

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