C O N T E N T S

NOVEMBER 2011

Velo Vision is published 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 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 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: Riding the oVo tandem: read the full review on page 24. Photo: Peter Eland

OPPOSITE: Spectacular scenery while touring the French Alps by Nazca Gaucho, as reviewed this issue. Photo: Henk van der Woerdt, Nazca Ligfietsen

4 News Recumbent shop opens, heavy duty trikes,

oceanic pedalling, digital developments, our 2012 event listings and more.

8 EUROBIKE 2011 Everything from Elvis to electrics at

Eurobike, the cycle show of the year in Germany. Paul Robison reports.

17 Solar satchel We try the ‘Solar Genome Messenger’, a solar-powered courier bag.

18 Review: Catrike Musashi A low, sleek and sadly soon to be discontinued recumbent from the Florida-based trike specialists.

21 Review: Nazca Gaucho High wheeling recumbent style: riding a mile-eating recumbent just back from completing the PBP.

24 Review: oVo Tandem Two ride in comfort on this remarkably compact and easily transported cycle.

28 Review: Bakfiets and Nihola cargo trikes We visit Practical Cycles and try out two heavy-duty child-carrying trikes: the Bakfiets.nl CargoTrike and Nihola Family.

32 Short reviews 32 Wheel to wallet: a recycled inner tube wallet from Balkan Tango. 32 Biologic Arx grips: ergonomic and with a useful bonus feature. 33 Tapwater.org: a bottle with free refills.

Packed with pedalling

First of all, many thanks to everyone who wrote with messages of support following the note I enclosed with last issue. Steps are being taken to ensure that the current three issues per year schedule, alternating with Electric Bike, will be a short term measure only – watch the website for announcements. Thanks to you all for your patience.

Meanwhile, I think we’ve packed a lot into this issue. Even after ten years on the job it’s included some ‘firsts’

34 The Toddlebike: a pre-balance bike for pre-schoolers. 35 Classic critiqued: the SKS Renncompressor in action.

36 Review: Intrepid Handcycles Trying their Tourer, plus news of a revolutionary new model.

39 More short reviews 39 The Bicycle Travel Journal scrapbook 39 Brake bolts: use modern brakes on old frames.

40 Review: The FollowBox trailer Pushing the limits of single wheelers.

42 Readers’ bikes 42 The offset trailer: how to reclaim road space by clever design. 44 Catrike Trail: recumbent owner reports back. 45 Tom Thumb: a better way to mount a mirror? 46 Folding for less: upgrading a budget bike.

for top performance. 48 Spinburn Solo: the fast folder you’ve never heard of !

50 Letters Cycle curiosities worldwide, cycling at 80,

Brompton bite back and more in our round-up of reader letters.

54 Subscribe to Velo Vision How to subscribe, back issues and details of our distributors worldwide.

55 Advertisements The first place to look for specialist products and services! Please support these advertisers, who support this magazine.

for me – my first proper chance outside of trade show test tracks to ride a recumbent high-racer, and to captain a two-wheeled recumbent tandem. Trying the two cargo trikes was a completely different experience, but no less interesting. Readers have reported, too, on their ideas and bikes: as ever, all contributions are very much appreciated.

I hope this issue inspires you to try a bike which is out of the ordinary, too!

Peter Eland

I S SUE 42 NOVEMBER 2011 VELOVISION

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