The international cycling industry really gets moving at the EUROBIKE in Friedrichshafen. This year, manufacturers will present about 350 world premiere products at the show, which runs from Wednesday, August 31st, to Saturday, September 3rd, when it is open to the general public. The EUROBIKE press conference on Thursday, August 25th, provided a tantalizing glimpse of the about 20 most interesting new innovations in cycling. Electric bicycles (e-bikes) are once again a dominant theme, and this time include a model from Smart and automatic transmissions. But trekking bikes for the city and the country, as well as multifunctional clothing, are also hot for 2012.
According to Klaus Wellmann, CEO of Messe Friedrichshafen, the steady increase in the number of exhibitors showing at the EUROBIKE has reaffirmed its international reputation as the trade show of innovation. For its 20th edition, 1180 exhibitors from 45 countries will be presenting at the cycling industry’s leading international trade show, premiering their innovations related to all aspects of cycling. This makes Friedrichshafen the world’s hub for cycling experts, specialists and opinion-makers. EUROBIKE project leader Stefan Reisinger emphasized the strong development of the EUROBIKE over the past two decades. In 1991 268 exhibitors participated, this year 1180 exhibitors will fill 14 exhibit halls. “In the meantime, 100000 square meters – over 1 million square feet – are filled with bikes and everything related to them” explained Reisinger.
In the future, Smart won’t just be building cars. Starting in 2012, the Daimler company will be playing a role in the bicycle market with its e-bike. Today, Dr. Annette Winkler, head of Smart, presented the model to media representatives in Friedrichshafen. “The Smart e-bike is a genuine Smart – just on two wheels.” The advantages of the new model lie not just in the fact that the e-bike looks good in the Smart portfolio, but that it is also practical and very easy to use. Engineers from Daimler and from Grace, the bike specialists from just outside Berlin, surveyed residents of major cities around the world about their mobility needs. “The Smart e-bike is the logical result of these surveys”, said Dr. Winkler. For example, Smart’s e-bike includes refined features, such as an integrated USB connection for smartphones.
Other manufacturers who have been riding the wave of e-bike success for some time, are declaring war on quickly drained batteries with automatic transmissions. Many e-bike riders tend to shift rarely and use higher gears combined with lower pedaling rates. However, this practice quickly drains batteries. This is where an automatic transmission can help. Another novelty is brake lights, which warn following vehicles when the rider slows down or brakes (Busch & Müller).
Cycling is perfect for going to work and getting around the city in a quick, environmentally friendly way. This means that many bicycle producers have an interest in ensuring that their components are also environmentally friendly. Thanks to a French saddle (by Selle Royal) padded with cork, or a boot bag from the Netherlands (Basil) made with recycled materials, these products’ CO2 impact is looking good.
Trekking bikes are also redefining themselves on the market, with a view towards the successful 29-inch mountain bikes (MTBs). 26-inch wheels long dominated the touring bike market. Now the twenty-niner trend is crossing over from the mountain bike scene into the touring bike market. Although MTBs are intended especially for use in wilderness areas, trekking bikes are also often seen on city streets. Instead of the previously standard 26-inch wheels, respected Dutch producers are equipping their bikes with “big wheels”. Their advantages: better traction, better rolling over obstacles, and sophisticated geometry for better handling and maneuverability.
Anyone who takes the bike to work usually takes along a backpack with a change of clothes. That’s no longer necessary, because many producers are now offering clothing suited for cycling as well as for everyday wear. For example, at the EUROBIKE, England’s Brompton is showing office clothing with hidden reflectors.
On the days in which the EUROBIKE is open to industry and media visitors, Wednesday August 31st to Friday, September 2nd, the show is open from 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM. On Saturday, September 3rd, the show is open to the general public and will be open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
