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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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 NEWS

New Strida models

Three new Strida models were launched at Interbike at the end of September. The new models are the MAS (Mark A Sanders) Special (as pictured above), a stripped down, high performance model with racing saddle and alloy crankset; the Sport Duo, and the XT for taller riders. The MAS and Sport Duo have Schlumpf drives to provide two speeds as opposed to the normal singlespeed, and the XT features a larger frame and 18" wheels instead of the regular 16". All three models should be available in Spring 2009. Strida: www.strida.com

Zeppy’s channel attempt In late September French pilot Stephane Rousson made an attempt to cross the English Channel in his pedal powered airship, Zeppy. Having waited in vain for two weeks for a calm enough day, Stephane was eventually thwarted by a headwind two thirds of the way across. The airship descended to one of the accompanying boats and was deflated. You can read more about the project, with press cuttings in French and English, on the project website. We wish him better luck next time! Zeppy blog: http://zeppy.skynetblogs.be

Electric bike facts and figures

A press release from our friends at A to B Magazine gives a glimpse into some UK sales figures – a rare thing in cycling, where market statistics are extremely hard to come by. According to A to B, UK sales are on target to hit an all-time record of over 15,000 electric bikes this year, and further growth expected for next year too. The total value of the UK electric bike market was about £13 million in 2008, they say, with sales of £25 million predicted for 2009. E-bikes are even more popular on mainland Europe – in the Netherlands, over 120,000 will be sold this year, and it’s thought annual sales

could hit 300,000 in a few years. In Germany, e-bike sales are expected to double between 2007 and 2009. David Henshaw of A to B notes “These figures are for manufacturers whose average price exceeds £600, and excludes kits.” A to B: Tel 01305 259998 or see www.atob.org.uk

Berkelbike

The Berkelbike from Germany (pictured left) is an impressive device powered by both arms and legs, intended to offer mobility to people with multiple sclerosis, polio, stroke or spinal cord injuries. Electrical muscle stimulation systems can be added if required. The Berkelbike can be supplied to attach to an existing wheelchair, as a complete trike, or for home training with the user in their own chair. Expert advice and consultation is available from the manufacturers or their UK distributor Cyclone Mobility and Fitness. Berkelbike: see www.berkelbike.com Cyclone Mobility: Tel 0151 346 2310 or see www.cyclonemobility.com

Velorbis distributed Congratulations to Copenhagen-based Velorbis, whose traditional-style bikes are now distributed in the UK by Moore Large, which should make them more widely available via the dealer network. Tel 01332 274200 or see www.moorelarge.co.uk for details. Velorbis: Tel +45 31 11 00 30 or see www.velorbis.com

ISSUE 32 DECEMBER 2008 VELOVISION

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