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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