CYCLE2008

The ‘Cycle’ show in October is the UK’s

major trade and public show of the

year and, as last time, it was staged

in London’s Earls Court. As ever, there

were plenty of road and mountain

bikes to see, with most manufacturers

and distributors showing their 2009

ranges. But there were many interesting

commuter and transport bikes too, and

Velo Vision was there to report on the

more practical cycles on offer…

Peter Eland

2 VELOVISION ISSUE 32 DECEMBER 2008

Batavus bikes  Amstel Cycles are importing the Batavus range from the Netherlands, and had many models on display. At the back here is a purpose-built child carrier which, with seats, is under £1000, and it looked very solid indeed. Note the leg-protectors for the front child, windshield, and that both seats are clip-on, clip-off. There’s also a headset lock for easy loading. This also features on the £657 ‘Delivery’ version of the Personal Bike, seen in the foreground. Amstel have many dealers across the UK: Tel 01903 730089 or see www.amstelcycles.com

Circe tandem  On to CycleCentric, where the big news was the launch of the Circe tandem line, with the fi rst model to be this 20"-wheeled Helios Duo, seen here as a pre-production sample. It looks like a very nice family tandem, with huge adjustment range and a compact design. Price is expected to be in three fi gures rather than four, which is good for a tandem! We hope to review one as soon as they’re fully available. Cyclecentric: Tel 01954 789284 or see www.cyclecentric.co.uk

 NuVinci’s new hub Also on the Amstel stand was the latest version of the NuVinci continuously-variable drive system. The new N171B model weighs 3.8 to 3.9 kg, they say, as opposed to 4.2 to 4.3 kg for the one we reviewed on the Batavus town bike in Issue 29. Other specifi cations remain basically unchanged. Batavus have now deployed the NuVinci across more bikes in their range, extending some way down the price spectrum, too. NuVinci: see www.fallbrooktech.com

continuously-variable drive system. The new N171B model weighs 3.8 to 3.9 kg, they say, as opposed to 4.2 to 4.3 kg for the one we reviewed on the Batavus town bike in Issue 29. Other specifi cations remain basically unchanged. Batavus have now deployed the NuVinci across more bikes in their range, extending some way down the price spectrum, too. way down the price spectrum, too. NuVinci: see

Extrawheel On to the CycleSense stand, where a new model of the Extrawheel trailer was on show. Rather than using side nets to hold cargo like the former model (reviewed in Issue 17), the

‘Voyager’ carries two large panniers – Extrawheel make their own, too, as shown. In contrast to previous models the Voyager will be marketed mainly without a wheel, so you can add your own to

‘Voyager’ carries two large panniers – Extrawheel make their own, too, as shown. In contrast to previous models the Voyager will be marketed mainly without a wheel, so you can add your own to

suit your requirements. Both 700c and 26" will fi t, though you’ll clearly have to choose the right sized mudguard (included). This was just a prototype for the show, but the full version should be on sale as you read this, from around £200. Cyclesense: Tel 01937 530303 or see www.cyclesense.co.uk Feetz Also on the Cycle Sense stand were two new fourwheeled versions of the Feetz transport bike. The fi rst is the SupportFiets (from around £1810), designed as a super-stable mobility platform which doubles as a walking frame, helping elderly or frail riders get around. This, and the cargo-carrying version the BakFeetz, have spring-loaded articulation to keep all four wheels on the ground. Unlike the original threewheeled Feetz, they don’t lean-steer. The BakFeetz (£1950) has plenty of cargo capacity front and rear. The front box forms bench seats for two children facing each other – this could be fitted on the back too, for transporting up to four children in total. Cyclesense: Tel 01937 530303 or see www.cyclesense.co.uk

has plenty of cargo capacity front

Bigfi sh folder  The Bigfi sh folding bike is an Italian-made, Slovenian-designed and very distinctive-looking folder. The folded package is thin and tidy, and all of the folding catches and hinges are reassuringly chunky. They also made the point that it has the same wheelbase as a full-sized bike. They were actively seeking distributors for the UK at the show, but in the meantime anyone worldwide can order direct from their website. Bigfi sh Bikes: see www.bigfishbike.com

iRide  Design student Matt Tucker was at the show demonstrating his very clever concept to help with the cycle training of schoolchildren. The computerbased ‘iRide’ system would have several game-like sections, aimed at developing road hazard awareness, bike safety checks, and at helping children control their instinctive reactions in hazard situations. It could be deployed in schools even where there is currently no on-street training available, or where this is only available for older age-groups. After some matchmaking by Velo Vision, Matt is now talking to the UK’s national cycle training organisations about developing it further. Matt Tucker: see www.mtucker.co.uk

Plantlock  Finally, the ingenious Plantlock: fi ll it with earth and use it as a planter, but you can also securely lock one or more bikes each side. It looks ideal for yards or the like, especially if (maybe because you’re just renting) you can’t drill in for an anchor point. There’s also plenty of scope for municipal or business parking applications. Really neat idea!

Plantlock: Tel 020 7485 7618 or see www.frontyardcompany.com

Winkku The Winkku is another attempt at an indicator light for cyclists, and it incorporates a mirror and night lights. It clicks into a socket on your handlebar end, and projects a fair way out – which could get

you more space in traffi c. If knocked, it just swivels round. A push-button activates the indicator, with orange fl ashing lights and an accompanying loud beep noise. You can also switch on the night lights, which are white LEDs facing forwards, and red ones backwards. It’s currently available direct via their website for £24.92, complete with fi ttings and a carry bag. Winkku: Tel 0845 310 2440 or see www.winkku.co.uk

Green Oil After our positive review in Issue 29, it was nice to see the folks at Green Oil with ecological grease for bearings and a range of petrochemical-free bike cleaning products too, including chain cleaner and degreaser. With all of these you can return the empty packaging for a reduced-cost refi ll. Green Oil: Tel 020 8313 9074 or see www.green-oil.net

Multicycle folding tandem On tandem specialists JD Cycles’ stand was the Multicycle Double Act tandem – fi nally, a folding, full-size tandem! A top-quality machine from the Netherlands, it’s designed for easy transport and/or storage, and for leisure and touring riding. Note the independent adjustment of stoker bar position, and the telescopic seatpost extensions so it’s a one-size-fi ts-most frame. Weight is around 26.5 kg apparently, and it’s available (as here) with chainguarded derailleur gearing, or with a Rohloff hub gear system instead. They can also fi t an optional freewheel system so the riders can pedal independently. Neat touches include a built-in steering stabiliser,

and the quick-release saddle clamp, letting you adjust reach and saddle angle very easily indeed. Inside the clamp itself are little copper clutch plates – it’s a beautifully engineered device. The stems are also both quickrelease, so that you can adjust your riding position without tools. The 700c wheels are 48-spoke front and back, and they even have a 48-spoke version with the Rohloff hub, too (with extra drillings). And they get spokes custom-bent to match the hub fl anges. Demo bikes are available at JD Cycles in Ilkley near Leeds, and MSG Bikes in Lancing on the south coast also have the bike in two frame designs, the step-through shown here and a Mixte model. JD Cycles: Tel 01943 816101 or see www.jdcycles.co.uk. MSG Bikes: Tel 01903 752308 or see www.msgbikes.co.uk. Multicycle: see www.multicycle.nl

a beautifully engineered device. The stems are also both quick

ISSUE 32 DECEMBER 2008 VELOVISION

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