NEWS

Gocycle launched!

The Gocycle is a sleek new compact electric bike from designer Richard Thorpe, complete with optional electric assist and super-small packed size. We’ve followed the development of this bike over many years now, through models known as the FoxEFolder and EvoPro. It’s now finally launched as the Gocycle after a long development period. Key features include a sealed-forlife chain drive, with three-speed gearing (with wheels supported one side only). Gear ratios are 35", 53", 71". The 20" (406) wheels are quickremovable, and handlebars adjust for both height and reach. There’s an optional electric assist system, with the battery pack fitting inside the frame, and a small motor in the front wheel. Weight is quoted at 16.3 kg with electric assist. Designer Richard Thorpe is keen to note that the bike isn’t a folding bike as such, more a compact electric

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VELOVISION ISSUE 32 DECEMBER 2008

cycle which can be packed small if required: it stows to a package 65 x 54 x 26 cm (25" x 21" x 10"). Accessories available include a rear luggage arm for click-on bags, a front stem mount for standard panniers, the ‘Lockshock’, which has a cable lock built into the rear suspension shock, and a super-light twin-leg stand. A first batch of 150 have already been sent to ‘Gocycle Pioneers’ around the world who have been quietly testing them and providing feedback. The next production batch is expected in April 2009, and they’ll be on sale at a recommended retail price of £1158 inc VAT and delivery. However, discounts will be available for pre-orders. There’ll also be sub£1000 version suitable for purchase under the Bike to Work scheme. We’ll have a full review in an upcoming issue... Gocycle: see www.gocycle.com

Three new velomobiles

Greenspeed Glyde Australian trike makers Greenspeed’s latest development is the Glyde, an all-new velomobile. It uses a space-frame chassis, rather than the cruciform employed on their other trikes, and has suspension on all three wheels. Disk brakes are standard, and a wide range of gears is achieved by combining the SRAM DualDrive with a triple crankset. The seat is on rails for quick leg-length adjustment, and crank position is adjustable to further fine-tune the riding position making the Glyde, say Greenspeed, ideal for families where riders of differing heights may all need to use the same machine. No date has been set for full production, but it’s hoped to be out ‘next year’. Greenspeed: Tel +61 3 9758 5541 or see www.greenspeed.com.au

Trisled Avatar Another Australian manufacturer, Trisled HPVs, have come up with a very sleek

looking velomobile called the Avatar, designed with speed as a priority, and with a claimed weight of around 28 kg. It’s fitted with cable disk brakes and Rohloff transmission, and “has internal front wheel covers for full weather protection”. Ventilation is, they say, achieved through a rear-wheel vacuum system. It’s priced at AU$ 9500 (around £4000). Trisled: Tel +61 3 5981 0337 or see www.trisled.com.au

Lightfoot Rainshadow US company Lightfoot Cycles make a wide range of very practical recumbents, and the new Rainshadow winter shell is designed initially to fit their Express Trike or Microcar Quad bike models. It is designed to carry a couple of children, or a decent cargo of groceries, in all weathers, rather than with speed in mind. It should also have plenty of elbow room and be easy to enter and leave. Electric-assist systems can be fitted if required. It’s still under development as we go to press. Lightfoot Cycles: Tel +1 406 821 4750 or see www.lightfootcycles.com