Everything else

EUROBIKE2006

TOUT TERRAIN German company Tout Terrain had some very fi ne touring bikes on display, with some unique design features. The ‘Panamericana’ is particularly striking with its rear suspension built into the integrated carrier rack – they say that this offers superb sideways rigidity. The built-in racks are also available on their unsuspended

FIXIES The craze for fi xed-gear bikes has never grabbed me, but it’s grabbed enough riders to sustain a number of manufacturers making some very lovely bikes. This one’s from Fixie Inc, a German outfi t who also have connections with the UK specialist fi xed suppliers Hubjub – their websites all link up.

models, and are of stainless steel so that the inevitable scratches from pannier hooks won’t lead to corrosion. The steel forks are of asymmetrical design to more evenly absorb the one-sided loads from disk brakes. For Rohloff models, an eccentric bottom bracket is fi tted to handle chain tensioning. Finally, the headset system has a stop to prevent the bars swinging right round and damaging the frame. Tout Terrain: Tel +49 761 5899744 or seewww.tout-terrain.de

CANNONDALE RETRO I liked the look of this Cannondale ‘Vintage Ultra 8’ urban bike, with full Chainglider chaincase, discreet front suspension and rack, lights and mudguard all in a lightweight package. Cannondale: www.cannondale.com

Fixie Inc: see www.cycles-for-heroes.com

USED BIGBOY With the larger cyclist in mind USED have launched the ‘BigBoy’ range of bikes, in gents and ladies frames, apparently tested to withstand rider weights up to 135 kg (21 stone). The bikes look well appointed with the Chainglider full chaincase, hub dynamo lights, Schwalbe ‘Fat Frank’ tyres, leather saddles and lugged frames. USED: Tel +49 5431 908 9980 or see www.used-hq.com

PRIMO QUAD The ‘Primo’ quad from Pfau-Tec looked like a useful vehicle for any rider with balance problems or limited mobility. A low stepthrough frame and easy, upright position should make for a stable ride. A spring-loaded front axle means the frame can articulate over uneven ground, and there’s a reverse gear. Maximum rider weight is 100 kg, and luggage capacity is another 20 kg. Vehicle weight is a hefty 45 kg, so best use it on fl at journeys only. A trike version is also available. PFAU-Tec: Tel +49 5431 902048 or see www.pfi ff-vertrieb.de

VELORUTION’S SCORCHER Launched in London while Eurobike was on, the Scorcher is a modern interpretation of the town bike from London shop Velorution, using steel frames equipped with “superior componentry” from Nitto, Brooks and Sogreni and fitted with handbuilt wheels, all for £850-£900ish. Velorution: Tel 020 7637 4004 or seewww.velorution.biz

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