CONTENTS

DECEMBER 2009

Velo Vision is published quarterly by Velo Vision Ltd. Subscription details, news and updates can be found on www.velovision.com ISSN 1475-4312 Velo Vision Magazine York Eco Business Centre Amy Johnson Way Clifton Moor York, YO30 4AG, UK Tel/Fax +44 1904 692800 (from UK, 01904 692800) Email peter@velovision.com Website www.velovision.com EDITOR AND PUBLISHER: Peter Eland EDITORIAL ASSISTANT: Sue Archer PHOTO ASSISTANT: Debz Butterworth ART DIRECTOR: Brian Holt WEB PROGRAMMER: Simon Ward PRINTER: Stephens & George Magazines Ltd PUBLISHING SCHEDULE: Issue 37: March 2010 Issue 38: June 2010 Issue 39: September 2010 Issue 40: December 2010 Velo Vision is a member of INK, trade association of the alternative press in the UK. www.ink.uk.com Velo Vision and Velo-Vision We weren’t first with the name. Velo-Vision is a bike shop in Körten, near Bergisch-Gladbach, Germany. Velo Vision magazine exists in friendly harmony with Velo-Vision in Germany. Velo Vision is printed on paper produced from sustainable forests to Nordic Swan standards.

COVER: The Bullitt cargo bike takes on the hills near Wakefield. Photo: Richard Peace OPPOSITE: Low sun catches morning commuters over York’s Millennium Bridge. Photo: Arthur Clune

4 News

Recumbent records tumble, new designer bikes, pedal submarines, cargo monsters, and more…

8 Cycle 2009

New products and imaginative designs from the Earl’s Court show.

10 Workbikes round-up

Reviewing three of the latest two-wheel load-carrying machines – in town and country. 12 Bullitt Clockwork 14 Madsen kg271 16 Yuba Mundo Ezee

20 Dropping in on dealers

Our series of visits to specialist dealers continues. This issue we cover: 22 London Recumbents 24 Futurecycles 26 Bikes and Trailers

28 The Velo Vision Villiers

Unveiling the custom built frame which will be the new Velo Vision test bed bike. Was it worth the wait?

32 The diminutive Dash

Catrike’s recumbent trike for kids or small adults has reached the UK – and our 4' 11" test rider likes its proportions.

36 The traveller’s trailer

An exclusive look at the Free Parable T1 trailer, a smart suitcase which you can also tow behind your bike.

38 Short Reviews

A collection of new products, including Hubmaster dropout protectors, Puncturesafe fluid, Riding with Ghosts and A Bit Scott-ish books, GroundEffect Ranchslider trousers, Mirrycle bell and mirror update, and the latest wind-up bike light and head torch.

42 Readers’ bikes

42 Going Grasshopper: a retired airline pilot rides the short wheelbase recumbent from HP Velotechnik. 44 Lemon to Lemonade: remedial work makes an electric-assisted recumbent trike from a disappointing Ebay purchase.

46 Touring with dogs

How a lack of pet-sitters led a cycle touring couple to travel Europe with two dogs in tow – plus the kit and strategies they use to make it work.

50 Letters

An Olympic suggestion, coloured chains galore, Estrellita updates, purchase feedback, Brompton bags and more…

53 Subscribe to Velo Vision

How to subscribe, back issues, and details of our distributors worldwide.

54 Advertisements

The first place to look for specialist products and services! Please support our advertisers, who support the magazine.

Looking forward

As we come to the end of 2009 and so complete nine years of Velo Vision publication, it’s as well to look past the dark evenings here in the northern hemisphere and towards next year’s cycling season. At some point in 2010 we’ll have to think about organising a tenth anniversary bash…

Before that, though, I’d best get on and organise the third SPEZI coach trip. As last year, we’ll run a sleeper coach to the German show in late April. This is probably the cheapest and least-hassle way for UK

enthusiasts to experience an extraordinary special bikes gathering. Basic details are in the adverts section, and watch the website for updates. Past trips have been fully booked, so do get in early if you can.

Meanwhile, thanks to everyone who enquired about the health of my leg following last issue’s front cover. To avoid confusion, it was the Rapto which ‘bit’, not the Nazca I’m riding in the picture! The bruise has now faded completely away…

Here’s to happy cycling in 2010!

Peter Eland

I SSUE 36 DECEMBER 2009 VELOVISION

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