Tag: Eurobike

Dual Chambered

Schwalbe-and-SyntaceThe human heart has dual chambers and that works really well – provided the person eats right, exercises, etc. Two chambers just works, so why hasn’t the concept been taken to bicycle tubes before?

Now Schwalbe and wheel maker Syntace have announced plans to create a new dual chamber tire that could provide greater traction and control or mountain bikes. This system is actually “tubeless” in that the tire has no internal inner tube, and instead has chambered that hold air. The inner chamber – that is the one closest to the rim – can be inflated to a high pressure to keep the tire tight on the rim and to provide a buffer from puncture-inducing hits. The outer chamber – the one that could have contact with the ground – only requires a low pressure, which means it can cut down on the rolling resistance over uneven ground and provide greater traction.

However, don’t expect to get rolling with it just yet. The system is still being worked out, and the companies look to present more details at Eurobike in August.

[Via BikeRadar: Schwalbe and Syntace unveil dual chamber tyre system]

Eurobike: Are Those Shorts Inside Out?

X-BionicNo those shots in the photo aren’t inside out. These were spotted at last month’s Eurobike, and are a new trend from X-Bionic – which offered clothing demos last week during the Demo Day. The Swiss company noted that its brand hasn’t been available in the United States, which is why these may look so odd to us. The chamois is sewn into the shorts or bibs without the usual layer of material on the outside. This reportedly allows it rest directly on the saddle and reduces friction.

X-Bionic also introduced a line of jerseys that also appear inside out and feature technology called “The Trick,” which is there to make riders sweat more.

These both look odd to us, but then again to those who don’t ride cycling attire isn’t exactly considered normal clothing either!

[Via Bicycle Retailer: X-Bionic clothing is coming to the US — Is the US ready?]

New Twist in the Fork

Lauf-ForksA fork in the road usually means that things can go different ways, and the Lauf Forks does take cycling technology in a very different way indeed. This new mountain bike suspension fork, which was designed by Icelandic entrepreneurs Benedikt Skulason and Gudberg Bjornsson, could be seeing as coming out of left field.

However, the Lauf Fork – which first made its appearance at Eurobike –  is designed with no moving partners and thus requires virtually no maintenance. It also weights just 980 grams – or roughly half traditional suspension forks. It features main legs made out of carbon fiber, but the secret to this one’s potential success is its use of “springstacks” – two on each leg – that provide the shock absorption.

This reportedly provides about 60mm of travel, which is far less than the convention suspension forks that offer at least 110mm. However, this could be just the thing that takes fork development in another direction. Video after the jump

Come Clean… From a Ride

QbikeA dirty mountain bike is a loved and well-used mountain bike. The layers of dirt can be reminders of good times, unless of course you live in an apartment or just don’t want piles of “reminders” everywhere. This is where the QBike automated bike-washing station comes in.

It was demonstrated at the recent Eurobike trade show and could be a way to get a bike clean after you have all that fun. Video after the jump

Ride or Stroll

VagabondThere are times when you might want to take the young won for a bike ride, but in crowded areas a stroller works better. It isn’t easy to bring a stroller on a bike, but the Vagabond solves the problem by transforming from bicycle to stroller in under a minute.

Developed by Spanish-based SmartBikes the Vagabond was introduced at last month’s EuroBike trade show. It features a 3-speed Shimano Nexus drivetrain with mechanic disc brakes to ensure you can stop. It offers a low center of gravity and there is even an option for a double child seat! Smart stuff. Video after the jump

Eurobike: German Leader Attends Bicycle Trade Show

MerkelPRESS RELEASE: Last Wednesday 28 August, German chancellor Angela Merkel officially opened Eurobike, the biggest bicycle trade show in Europe, a first for a German head of government. Addressing the more than 10 000 attendees of the show, Merkel said that Germany is a „cycling nation“. She also said that the more cyclists there are on the streets, the safer they are – a „reason to increase the share of cycling.“
“Angela Merkel attending Eurobike is a big day for cycling advocacy,” said Burkhard Stork, executive director of German ECF member ADFC. “With a German chancellor opening Eurobike, we have shown that we can actually get world leaders to listen to us as a cycling federation.” Continue reading Eurobike: German Leader Attends Bicycle Trade Show

Weekend Reading List (08.31.2013): Eurobike Gets Fat, Bats Evolve, Ethiopian Made

Eurobike Gets Fat

Fatties

From Bicycle Retailer: Fatties make their way to Germany
“I nearly didn’t bring this back,” said Ian Ganderton, as he dismounted Salsa’s new carbon fat bike, the Beargrease.
Ganderton, a distributor for QBP’s brands in Dubai, said he brought fat bikes in about a year ago and can’t keep enough of them in stock. “The [Surly] Moonlander has been a huge hit. Interest in [fat bikes] is just phenomenal. This past winter, they were big for us.” Continue reading Weekend Reading List (08.31.2013): Eurobike Gets Fat, Bats Evolve, Ethiopian Made

POC Goes to the Road

POCLast year POC made a big impact with its revolutionary award-winning ski and snowboard helmets and more recently with its mountain bike helmets. This year the company is looking to get on the road with new cycling helmets, apparel and eyewear lines. While snow sports sales now account for 80 percent of POC’s business the company is looking to divide its business between cycling and snow sports – likely to be more of a year round business.

POC will debut its new product lines at this year’s Eurobike and Interbike trade shows.

POC Official Website

German Chancellor to Open Eurobike

Angela-MerkelWhile it is unlikely that President Obama or even de facto health czar Michelle Obama would make a visit to the Interbike trade show, German Chancellor Angela Merkel will visit the opening day of this year’s international Eurobike trade show at the end of Augsut.

This move comes as cycling in German has seen economic growth. Merkel will reportedly open the show and then spend time getting to “know the latest trends and innovations from the biking world.”

Eurobike Official Website
[Via BikeRadar: Angela Merkel to open Eurobike 2013]

Cannondale Looks to Priority Designs

Isn’t every new design project somewhat of a priority? That likely depends, but for Cannondale its game changing CERV (Continuously Ergonomic Race Vehicle) certainly seems like it could get somewhere in a hurry. It is actually a concept bike from Priority Designs that could take cycling in a new direction.

The key to this radical shift is the fact that the bike features a “dynamically adjustable headset” that can move both vertically and horizontally while riding. During a hill climb the CERV headset could move up and back, to transfer the rider into a more upright position for optimal leverage, while in a descent the headset could move down and forward to provide less drag. Continue reading Cannondale Looks to Priority Designs

LG Takes the Eurobike Prize

At last week’s Eurobike trade show Canadian apparel maker Louis Garneau took home the Eurobike Award for its Course Speedzone Vest, which was designed by company founder and President Louis Garneau. The vest offers a new approach to outerwear layering in that it allows riders to access the jersey pocks and maintain that race numbers remain visible. This just proves that simple can help win races and awards! Continue reading LG Takes the Eurobike Prize

Mio Goes Full Cycle

At last week’s Eurobike Trade Show in Germany Mio introduced several new bicycle computers, including the Mio Cyclo 100 (above), which can record cycle times, speed, distance and calorie burn. The device features 1.8-inch display and has a waterproof casing so you don’t need to worry about getting caught in the rain – or at least you don’t need to worry about the bike computer. Continue reading Mio Goes Full Cycle