EUROBIKE 2006

Introduction

With over 800 exhibitors and around 32000 trade visitors from 76 countries, Eurobike is a monster of a show. So I joined the 1000-odd journalists covering the event, and it took a good three days to walk the halls at the venue in Friedrichshafen in southern Germany. As the fi rst show of the September show season (it’s followed by IFMA in Cologne then Interbike in Las Vegas), Eurobike is the place to go for the latest news in cycling. We delayed the publication of this issue slightly to allow us to include this report, compiled immediately after returning from the show in early September. So without further ado, here are some of the items which caught my eye at Eurobike 2006.

Peter Eland

Family cycling and workbikes

SMIKE There have been cycle sidecars before, but most modern ones have been for children. The ingenious Smike from Switzerland is aimed at adults too: perhaps as transport for a non-cycling or elderly family member, for special needs applications, or even as a small business vehicle for taxi services. Constructed in reassuringly chunky aluminium, the Smike consists of a bike (available and usable separately) and optional Heinzmann electric-assist. The sidecar fi ts onto pivot points at front and rear, with its lean regulated by a spring/damper. I took a ride with a full-size male passenger, Roman Zellweger of Smike, on board in the passenger seat. Handling was remarkably safe and easy – you just need to stay aware of the extra width. The electric assist will certainly be welcome for all but the strongest riders, especially on anything other than level terrain. The bike alone weighs 18.4 kg, the electric-assist adds another 10.6 kg, and the sidecar an additional 16.4 kg. Prices are from just over € 2000 for bike and sidecar, or around € 3200 including the electric assist system. SMIKE: Tel +41 44 768 32 22 or see www.smike.ch

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TRIOBIKE The Danish Triobike adds a new twist to the ‘tadpole’ (two wheels in front) family/ load trike concept. With a spare bicycle front wheel tucked under the load bed at the front and a clever quickrelease hitch system, it splits in two. The rear end converts back to a normal bicycle, while the front is then a push-along child carrier or load trolley, with a neat fold-down front wheel. I must admit I’m not quite sure why you’d want to do this, although such versatility can’t be a bad thing. The makers suggest that one parent could leave the child-carrying front end at school after dropping off the kids, and use the bicycle to get off to work or whatever. The other parent, with a second bicycle, could then arrive to pick up the kids up later. Prices are from around € 2400. Triobike: Tel +45 3670 0070 or see www.triobike.dk