bysykling http://bysykling.posterous.com The everyday bicycling adventure posterous.com Wed, 28 Mar 2012 08:20:00 -0700 The electric Specialized Turbo: First ride http://bysykling.posterous.com/the-electric-specialized-turbo-first-ride http://bysykling.posterous.com/the-electric-specialized-turbo-first-ride

Yesterday evening I was lucky enough to be in Valencia, Spain, where Specialized's founder and owner, Mike Sinyard, unveiled the company's very first electric bike – the Specialized Turbo. 

Specialized-turbo-full

March 28th 2012: To me, this is the most impressive e-bike ever made. Specialized may be the last big brand to arrive at the e-bike scene, but they sure know how to make heads turn on the red carpet.
Most passionate bike riders still pay no interest at all when faced with the current offerings of electric bikes. They are generally seen as very unsexy aid for those unable to handle uphills on their own (though I beg to differ). And besides: Most of the e-bikes are butt ugly. 
Turbo-profile

My first impression after effortlessly cruising the roads of Valencia on the Specialized Turbo at 45 km/h is a whole different story: 
This is a beautiful, serious commuter bike that is all about pure speed. Despite the weight of 21,5 kg, it handles like a true performance bicycle, as the motor in the rear hub boosts your own power with 250 watts of smooth, convincing authority. 
The bike has no throttle at the handlebar. Instead, your right thumb can adjust the level of power assist with two push buttons. 
Turbo-controls
Sensors in the rear wheel monitor how hard you push the pedals, and immediately provide the level of assistance you want. The harder you pedal, the more extra power you get. If you stop pedaling, the motor stops pushing. 
In max mode, I could sprint the green light from standstill in the highest gear (48x11) and easily outride the gas driven scooter by my side. The motor was totally silent. While I would probably have laughed a lot louder, if I didn't have to concentrate so hard on the cars surrounding me in the busy dual lane street. 
Turbo-traffic
SUPERMEN ON SUPERBIKES: Specialized made their guests don red capes on our electrified flight through town. The superman theme was mirrored in the tongue-in-cheek launch slogan; "It's a bird, it's a plane, it's Specialized".

No doubt: This bike is huge fun, and a truly addictive ride. And with a price tag of a whopping 5500 Euros, it better be good.

NOTE: Specialized is now online with the new Turbo section on their website. Check out the technical details over there! It's lots of them.  

 

The concept behind this bike is plain and simple: The Specialized developers have built the e-bike they wanted to ride themselves. The team behind the Turbo is a nice bunch of happy, speed loving race heads. It shows in every detail. 
And that's obviously why they ditched the widely regulated e-bike speed limit of 25 km/h. This bike assists you up to 45 km/h.
In most EU countries, e-bikes must cut the power assist at 25 km/h. If the bike keeps giving you battery-driven tailwind above that limit, it will have to be licenced as an electric moped (Light Electric Vehicle). Germany has made an exception here, to allow super-e-bikes up to 45 km/h as long as they keep off the bike lanes, and Specialized hopes other countries will follow.
Turbo-numberplate
It seems like Specialized chose not to worry too much about this, though. In the press kit, there is an image of the Turbo with a registration number plate fixed to the seat post. 
As far as I understand, any Turbo dealer can – in theory – adjust the speed limit settings in accordance with the given legislation. And voilà; the Turbo is a regular e-bike again. Almost.
But Specialized don't want the Turbo to be slowed down. They want to challenge those regulations, which they think is based on yesterday's reality. In their opinion, a high-end, sporty commuter bike will easily be ridden at 25 km/h with no power assistance. To make sense of an electrified version, it needs to go much faster, according to the Californian racing bike brand.
This is for sure not a bike built for crowded towpaths and bike lanes. This is first and foremost a fast, green vehicle for the road.
Turbo-motor
Specialized have had one person committed to work on the legal bits and pieces around the speed limitations in the different markets, and the effort has already paid off: The traffic legislation authorities in Holland agreed only days ago to classify the Turbo as a regular e-bike, according to the Specialized reps.
The brains behind the Turbo, which is developed at Specialized's Swiss office for the European market, claim that every single part of the bike is designed from scratch, during nearly three years of development. 
Turbo-computer

The first rideable prototype was ready about two years ago. Since then, the bike has been tested in a diverse range of climatic conditions, including year-round commuting in Finland – with temps down to minus 20 degrees. 
No issues, neither there nor in hot and humid Taiwan summers, according to head engineer Jan Talavasek – who came into this project after developing Specialized's world cup winning 29er mountain bikes.
Turbo-battery
NICE TOUCH: To charge the battery, you need to remove the plug cap. To avoid loosing it, Specialized made it magnetic – and put a magnet inside the downtube close to the charge plug. That's where you keep the cap while charging. 

The lockable battery is integrated into the downtube, is claimed to deliver 35% more current than any competitor, weighs 3,5 kilos, features an advanced cooling system and can be charged from empty to full in 2,5 hours. One button releases the battery so you can take it with you.  
The first production run of about 50 bikes will be available for demo rides at selected European dealers soon. In June, the Turbo will be available for sale, priced at 5500 Euros (that is 7330 US dollars right now – in the Nordic countries we will probably have to pay between 40-45 000 kroner).
That premium price tag alone goes a long way to explain what kind of bike this is: A very powerful demonstration of how Specialized's engineers and designers think an ultimate electric-assisted commuter bike should be. 
Img_1943
THE MAN: Specialized's president Mike Sinyard founded the company in 1974, and has stayed true to it's performance racing image. That's why the fast and sporty Turbo belongs under the Specialized name, instead of Globe – Specialized's line of urban, relaxed transportation bikes.

And yes, I was no doubt totally stoked after the Turbo test ride yesterday. My heart rate was up there, not because I had worked hard – but because I was so thrilled by the unique ride experience.
But in my opinion, the real party begins when the Turbo technology shows up in more affordable, urban transportation bikes. No one at Specialized would confirm any of my speculations, but this is of course just a first step into their electric future.
Turbo-light
LIGHTS ON: A real commuter needs good lights. The Turbo has front and rear lights in place, powered by the battery. Compared to the motor, the lights use almost no energy at all – but provide lots of candlepower for fast rides in the dark.

That's why I'm looking forward to see what Specialized will do with their somewhat downplayed Globe brand of urban bikes in the near future. 
With this kind of engineering dedication to every little detail, it's not too hard to get a bike geek like me super excited about a high end speed monster like the Turbo.
The really impressive trick is to make the bike that will convince lots of non-cyclists about the idea of electric bikes as the smart, safe and realistic solution for their everyday transportation needs.
I keep my fingers crossed.
Turbo-geek
YOUR GEEKNESS: Myself, yesterday. Rather stoked at the time, to be honest.

 

Specialized Turbo: Complete bike specification

  • Frame: Turbo alloy, integrated down tube battery, internal cable routing, tapered head tube, X12 through-axle rear dropouts, full mudguard/rack mounts
  • Fork: Turbo custom alloy fork, tapered steerer, Q15 dropouts, mudguard eyelets and lowrider mounts
  • Headset: 1-1/8in Campagnolo-style upper cartridge bearing, 1-1/2in lower integrated
  • Stem: CrankBrothers Cobalt, alloy, custom polished anodised black
  • Handlebar: Flat top riser bar, alloy, 680mm wide, 31.8mm, polished black finish
  • Grips: Specialized BG XCT lock-on, integrated right-hand side remote
  • Front brake: Magura MT Carbon hydraulic disc, one-piece forged caliper, 180mm Storm rotor
  • Rear brake: Magura MT Carbon hydraulic disc, one-piece forged caliper, 180mm Storm rotor, integrated switch to activate regenerative braking
  • Brake levers: Magura MT Carbon
  • Rear derailleur: SRAM X0, 10-speed, long cage
  • Shift lever: SRAM DoubleTap flat bar trigger, 10-speed (right side only)
  • Cassette: SRAM PG 1030, 10-speed, 11-36t, black finish
  • Chain: KMC X10 NP, black
  • Crankset: FSA Gossamer Turbo BB30, alloy, 1x10, 4mm carbon guard
  • Chainring: FSA 48t alloy, 110mm BCD, five-arm
  • Bottom bracket: FSA 386 Mega Evo outer-style, includes BB tool
  • Pedals: SBC-10 platform
  • Rims: Jalco DD32, 622x26c, double-wall alloy disc, non-eyelet, 36-hole
  • Front hub: Formula SP9177, alloy bolt-on disc, 15mm through-axle, 36-hole
  • Spokes: DT Champion stainless steel, 2mm (front); DT Alpine, stainless steel, 2.34/2mm (rear)
  • Front tyre: Specialized Electrak, 700x45c, wire bead, Armadillo protection, 60tpi
  • Front tyre: Specialized Electrak, 700x45c, wire bead, Armadillo protection, 60tpi
  • Inner tubes: Kenda PV 32, presta valves
  • Saddle: Specialized Body Geometry Targa Pro, 155mm, carbon rails
  • Seatpost: Specialized Turbo, carbon, 30,9mm, 400mm
  • Seat clamp: JD, anodised black
  • Motor: Specialized Turbo Direct Drive rear hub motor, 250 watt, waterproof connector
  • User Interface: Illuminated display, wireless remote thumb control, integrated grip mount
  • Battery: Turbo Integrated down tube battery, self-locking key release, on-board or outside bike charge capable, LED power indicators, start-up diagnostic feature, magnetic connectors, 342Wh capacity
  • Charger: SBC Turbo quick-charge, magnetic connectors, top-view LED indicator, custom fanless design for total silence, two hours for full charge

 

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1040259/geiranders-portrait3.jpg http://posterous.com/users/he6mcIdt0zu4i Geir Anders, Oslo, Norway geiranders Geir Anders, Oslo, Norway Thu, 18 Aug 2011 04:53:00 -0700 The Yeti ARC touring bike http://bysykling.posterous.com/66085765 http://bysykling.posterous.com/66085765

My inner bike geek likes looking at bikes wherever I go. All kind of well used bikes attracts my eye. Most of them tells a story, but most of the time I'm left to guess how the story goes. Sometimes I'm lucky, though. That's what happened when I catched a glimpse of a Yeti ARC on our local campsite the other day - with the rider on the bike. 

The Ekeberg Camping is the most central campsite in Oslo, only a couple of kilometres up the hill from the Central Station downtown. I see a lot of nice touring bikes there, as I live right up the street.

But I've never ever seen a Yeti ARC there, sporting a rear rack! This is a legendary cross country racing frame, built with love in Golden, Colorado, rooted deep down in the history of the mountain bike sport. I've never even contemplated the possibility of seeing this bike with a rack!

I had to make a snapshot and a quick chat with the owner, Claus Tews from Germany - before I had to hurry on.


Arc-claustews

(Yes, that's a German super high quality Tubus Disco rack, folks...)

 

I forgot to ask if he really was out there touring Norway on a Yeti ARC with no fenders and knobby tires - or if he actually had a car, with the bike on the roof...

Luckily, I got his email adress, so I could get the whole story in my inbox later. Turns out it goes like this, big thanks to Claus for taking time to share the details:

 

The bike was my main mode of transportation throughout Norway!

I made a 3 week trip from Oslo -Gjovik - Lillehammer - Hatfjell Toppen - Otta - Rondane - Vagamo (MT Blaho) - Lom - Jotunheimen - Nigardsbreen - Sogndal - Stryn - Maloy -  Floro / Bergen (both via Fjordline Ferry) - Rallarvegen and back to Oslo (via train), most of the nights putting up my tent somewhere in the wilderness.

I wanted to be independent as possible and therefore my bike and equipment to be as lightweight and versatile as possible. I pretty much wanted the handling of the bike to be typical "mountainbike"  in order to being able to go offroad anytime!

I therefore reduced the equipment to only what's absolutely neccessary for being out in the nature on a 3 week trip - fenders, front racks or a even an air-pump or spare tube I considered "unneccessary" (instead I used a notubes.com tubeless sytem with sealant which I can highly recommend - even though I understand it was risky to not even bring a air-pump:-).

Arc-loaded-1024

In the end I was able to reduce the weight of my equipment to:

- 8,9 kg for the bike and 16,5 kg for the bags+equipement (incl. tent and sleeping bag)

The 16.5 kg don`t seem to be that lightweight, but one have to consider that it includes: a netbook (1.5 kg which I had to bring..), a camera body with 3 prime lenses (2.5 kg), 2 books (1 kg), binoculars (400gr) and food (milkpower, eggpowder, pemmikan, dehydrated meals..) for three weeks. I also slept on a feather filled air mattress (990 gr) - which will bee by a standard lightweight camping mat next time.

So without all that stuff I would be under 9 kg!

You were interested to see the bags I used, so I attached a picture with the fully loaded bike. The bags are 3 x 20 liter dry bags from Sea To Summit.

The whole system was less than 450 gr (without the rack of course)- so I saved approx. 1,5 kilo in comparison with the popular Ortlieb bike bag system. It only required some dilligence while packing, because it was a hassle to load and/or unload the bags.

A true adventure, indeed. Thanks for the shot and the story, Claus - see you around next time!

 

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1040259/geiranders-portrait3.jpg http://posterous.com/users/he6mcIdt0zu4i Geir Anders, Oslo, Norway geiranders Geir Anders, Oslo, Norway Wed, 10 Aug 2011 04:16:00 -0700 Kindergarten: Day one. http://bysykling.posterous.com/kindergarten-day-one http://bysykling.posterous.com/kindergarten-day-one

Our youngest daughter had her first day in kindergarten yesterday. As they sleep outside in strollers for their lunch nap, I had to bring an old one to keep there. The Winther Dolphin trailer had no problems with the rather bulky load! Felt kinda cool having two devices for transporting kids in tow, while transporting the actual kid on the top tube!

Lokaltog-ekeberg-1000

(In case you wonder: The suspension seat post is gone, because it was stolen the day before... Better get one of those Pitlock bolts, I guess...)

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1040259/geiranders-portrait3.jpg http://posterous.com/users/he6mcIdt0zu4i Geir Anders, Oslo, Norway geiranders Geir Anders, Oslo, Norway Wed, 29 Jun 2011 03:17:00 -0700 The best co-rider ever sits on the top tube http://bysykling.posterous.com/the-best-co-rider-ever-sits-on-the-top-tube http://bysykling.posterous.com/the-best-co-rider-ever-sits-on-the-top-tube

This spring I got myself a German-built Bulldog child seat - mounted on the top tube. It's such a super nice setup: My 18 months old daughter can't get enough of bike riding these days.

After ten years of transporting our kids in bike trailers, this is the first time I have a child seat on the bike itself.

Wish I found this one before.

It's just *so* nice having her almost on my lap like this, being able to touch her and talk to her while riding. This can of course not replace a trailer - which is the number one choice for taking small kids out - but for short and easy cruising around the neighbourhood, it's a winner.

Of course, it requires a bit more of a John Wayne-ish stance of my knees to clear the seat while pedalling - but I adapted to that one in a matter of minutes.

I bought this of a friend who imported a few, but don't know where to find the manufacturer online, if they are online at all.

Anyway, the German store Stilrad seems to have this in stock. 

Check the SmugMug gallery for more pictures

 

Bull-happy-xl Bull2-xl
See the full gallery on Posterous

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1040259/geiranders-portrait3.jpg http://posterous.com/users/he6mcIdt0zu4i Geir Anders, Oslo, Norway geiranders Geir Anders, Oslo, Norway Wed, 29 Jun 2011 02:07:00 -0700 The story of the super expensive rear hub http://bysykling.posterous.com/the-story-of-the-super-expensive-rear-hub http://bysykling.posterous.com/the-story-of-the-super-expensive-rear-hub

This is the rear wheel of my 2008 Trek 69er mountain bike. I bought that brake rotor new two weeks ago. I bought the rims and spokes new five years ago.

And I bought the hub new fourteen years ago, back in 1997. It's still going strong.

At the time, I was a student, had just broken two Shimano rear hubs and was left grumbling about the repair and replacement costs. So I decided to ignore my budget life and find a hub that would last me for life. I ended up with an insanely expensive Chris King rear hub - bought by mail order from a store in California.

This hub has been a trusty companion through several different bikes and wheels over the years. The internals has been cleaned and lubed by a mechanic a few times. That's all.

I don't remember the original price tag from way back when, but lots of people would buy a complete bike for the same amount of money. On the other hand; I knew I would be riding a mountain bike for the rest of my life - and assumed that the Chris King would last me longer than any other hub on the market. My theory: It would probably end up as a sweet deal in the long run.

I'm now 14 years into the long run. It seems I was right.

I made this phone snapshot this morning while taking the wheel downtown to the mechanic for a hub checkup. If anything should wear out inside, I know that every single spare part is still readily available - because the main design hasn't been changed since 1997.

This is the most expensive bike part I've ever bought - and the best deal I've ever made.

Wald-king

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1040259/geiranders-portrait3.jpg http://posterous.com/users/he6mcIdt0zu4i Geir Anders, Oslo, Norway geiranders Geir Anders, Oslo, Norway Thu, 10 Mar 2011 00:53:00 -0800 The bliss of commuting by bike http://bysykling.posterous.com/the-bliss-of-commuting-by-bike http://bysykling.posterous.com/the-bliss-of-commuting-by-bike
Three simple snapshots: My girlfriend arriving home from her commute, after trying out a new and longer route just for fun. I happened to see her turning into the driveway, had my camera in my pocket and spontaneously popped out the door to catch the everyday life moment.

She's been through a long day at work, after a very early start in the morning. She knows that three kids are waiting at home. Dinner, homework, laundry, diapers, you know the drill. She knows that there will be not one single minute of peaceful solo time until late at night. Plus, it's cold and gray and windy outside - and she's not the strongest rider out there.

So happy after enjoying her precious slot of solo time, freedom and fresh air - clearing her mind with every pedal stroke while climbing the hills back home in her own pace.

If this isn't the bliss of commuting by bike, I don't know what is.

Bike geek details: 2008 Trek 7.5 FX WSD, stock - except for Magura HS-33 hydraulic rim brakes, a short Salsa stem and her favorite 685mm wide Easton EA 70 riser bar. Civia/Ortlieb pannier bag handles the cargo, Planet Bike Cascadia fenders takes care of the muck.
Karoline-collage3

 

 

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1040259/geiranders-portrait3.jpg http://posterous.com/users/he6mcIdt0zu4i Geir Anders, Oslo, Norway geiranders Geir Anders, Oslo, Norway Wed, 23 Feb 2011 07:48:00 -0800 Why adding 6350 grams made me happy http://bysykling.posterous.com/why-adding-6350-grams-to-my-bike-made-me-happ http://bysykling.posterous.com/why-adding-6350-grams-to-my-bike-made-me-happ

Last year I got myself a new everyday bike. It's much heavier than the previous bike I had, and it makes me so much happier.

 

Uh, wait... Something sounds wrong here, right? Maybe. But everything is just right: Adding weight to your bike might be the best thing you ever did – as long as you add something really useful. My previous bike was a light and sporty hybrid, with an aluminium frame, a rigid fork, lightweight rim brakes and… well, not much more, actually. It was really light, and really fast.

 

But a few complaints soon developed:

 

- The outboard drivetrain wears fast during daily, all year, all weather riding

- The rim brake pads grind down the rim walls fast in wet or mucky conditions

- The gears and the brakes need frequent cleaning, lubing and adjustments

- The bike has no racks, leaving my backpack as the only cargo room

- The bike had short, low-quality fenders that kept breaking, causing me to ride without

 

The bike needed regular love to keep going, and I had no time for that.

I wanted a new, simple bike that could do it all and still cause me no worries. 

Civiahyland-skis

That's why I got a Civia Hyland with internal gears, disc brakes, long aluminium fenders, racks in both ends and even a basket - and of course a dynamo hub for the lights. Pannier bags and a suspension seat post added even more feelgood points. Even if I noticed it being a quite different ride, more stable and relaxed - I never really pondered about the weight issue. All that mattered was utility.

 

Until the other day, when I was geeking over the concept of a perfect urban utility bike, in a discussion with a few weight conscious buddies. I thought about the features that I love on my own bike, and started looking at the numbers - just for fun.

 

Whoa... Compared to my previous commuter in it's basic incarnation, I have attached a whopping 6350 extra grams of metal to my new bike!

 

In my other cycling universe of die hard mountain biking, I would never fathom how anyone could do such a cruel thing to a high quality bicycle. So I guess it's time to explain myself: Why did I do this? OK, here goes...

 

(NOTE: The weights listed are approximately right, let me know if I'm way off) 

Weight-alfinehub
The internal gear hub:
Around 500 grams added compared to the Shimano 105 outboard drivetrain
Shimano Alfine 8-speed 

 

WHY: No more drivetrain maintenance. This is a no-brainer, really. An internal gear hub tucks the moving parts inside the hub shell - leaving only the chain and a sprocket exposed to the elements. During the last 9 months of daily riding, my drivetrain has worked flawlessly. I have cleaned and lubed the chain once - that's all. No more gears out of adjustment, no more suffering chain noise. Lovely. 

Weight-dynohub

The dynamo front hub:

500 grams added compared to my old Shimano 105 front hub

Shimano Alfine

 

WHY: Because it makes life easier and safer. I have always had a battery-driven, powerful light on the handlebar. It worked fine, but I had to bring it with me inside everytime - and make sure the batteries were ok. With a dynamo hub and a permanently mounted light, I never have to think about this. I switch on the front light and roll away - with full power to the Busch & Müller IQ Cyo light every time. 

Weight-discbrake

The disc brakes:

Around 500 grams added compared to standard rim brakes, v-type

Magura Julie (old version)

  

WHY: Because they are more powerful than rim brakes, because they work perfectly well no matter the weather, don't cause rim wear at all - and require so much less care and maintenance than rim brakes. Need more arguments? Switching to hydraulic disc brakes for my everyday bike has really been such a relief. Besides, the Maguras looks cheap and ugly, which is just perfect downtown. 

Weight-rearrack Weight-frontrack
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The front and rear racks:

900 grams added

Tubus Vega (rear) and Racktime Topit (front)

  

WHY: Would you buy a car for your daily transportation without any luggage capasity whatsoever? Of course not. Your bike is able to carry way more stuff than you think. Put on some racks, a basket and a couple of bags. You'll be surprised by how much you'll bring home by pure muscle power! An urban bike with no racks seems more like a toy - while I like to think of my bike as a tool.  

Weight-basket

The basket:

300 grams added

Wald 137

 

WHY: Because it's incredibly useful. My little basket has carried groceries, a tent, a football, a camera bag, my jacket when I get too warm on the climbs, my helmet when I stop for a rest - not to mention a decent stack of firewood for a campfire in the woods. Once you got one, you'll find lots of uses for it. Riding with a load on the front wheel took me a few rides to get used to. Now it's no issue at all. 

Weight-seatpost

The suspension seat post:

500 grams added compared to my rigid seat post

SR Suntour SP8-NCX

 

WHY: Because it feels so much better. Two steel coil springs inside the seat post driven by a parallellogram on top takes the egdes away from all those cobblestones, tram lines, curbs, potholes, stutter bumps and all kind of messy road surfaces I encounter on my daily rides. If you ride with a heavy backpack, you will really appreciate how a high quality suspension post like this one softens your ride.    

Weight-pannier

The pannier bags:
950 grams each (I sometimes use two)

Ortlieb Backroller Civia Edition

 

WHY: Because  it feels much more comfortable riding with nothing on your back - so cool air can flow beneath your shirt when you break a sweat. I resisted for years and always rode with backpacks, because those pannier bags looked so incredibly dull to my mountain biking eyes. Actually, they still do. But they carry more stuff than my backpack, and makes me feel better when riding.  

Weight-lock

The big lock:

1600 grams added

Abus Bordo Granit X-Plus

 

WHY: Because I don't want my bike to disappear, but hate having to carry a lock around my waist or in a bag. It seems outrageous to bolt an anchor like this on a high end frame. But high end bikes need high end locks, high end locks are super heavy - and mounting it on the frame means it's always there, ready to fold around a pole or a rack in seconds. Ugly, heavy and unfortunately necessary.  

Weight-fenders

The fenders:

600 grams added

Civia Market aluminium fenders

 

WHY: Because I don't want the weather to decide if I should take the bike or the bus. I keep seeing people riding without fenders. They probably feel sporty, even if it must be a pain having that wet stripe of muck going up along the back of your pants and jacket. These Civia fenders have the longest front fender I've ever seen. Meaning: My pants and shoes stay dry, even if the road is flooded.

  

There is something missing from this list, I know. I haven’t bought myself the swiss-made, two-legged Pletcher center kickstand I know I would love – being able to park everywhere, being able to load the bike with groceries without struggling to keep it upright and the front wheel from flopping.

 

I know where they stock those.

I know I can afford one.

 

But come on… a kickstand on a high end bike? And hey, it’s another 542 grams!

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1040259/geiranders-portrait3.jpg http://posterous.com/users/he6mcIdt0zu4i Geir Anders, Oslo, Norway geiranders Geir Anders, Oslo, Norway Tue, 22 Feb 2011 12:50:00 -0800 Grant Petersen telling it straight http://bysykling.posterous.com/grant-petersen-telling-it-straight http://bysykling.posterous.com/grant-petersen-telling-it-straight

Grant Petersen is the man behind a bike company named Rivendell Bicycle Works, based in Walnut Creek - 30 miles east of San Fransisco.

They sell their own practical, beautiful steel bicycles, classic leather saddles, tartan cotton shirts designed by a 90 year old man in Pennsylvania and all you need to go bike camping, among a lot of other things.

Grant Petersen is since long a legendary designer in the bike industry, well known for his honest, down-to-earth and absolutely un-racing approach to bicycling. 

37signals.com just posted this entertaining interview with Grant Petersen

Anyone interested in how to run a bicycle business should read this article.

Two quotes:

"99 percent of the bike market — designers, buiders, distributers, retailers, buyers, and riders — are selling the wrong bikes to the wrong people for the wrong reasons".

"Do something that matters enough to you that you can honestly tell yourself that if business is bad, if nobody’s buying, it’s because they’re misinformed, backwards, or just dumb".

Don't forget the comments section, where Grant himself shows up, answering a lot of questions from readers.

(If you'd like to know Grant Petersen better, also consider this conversation between the late Sheldon Brown and his friend Grant Petersen - available as an audio podcast as well).

Rivendell

GO CAMPING: The Rivendell Atlantis is Rivendell's most popular model. This lovely photo sums up a lot of reasons why it is made just the way it is.

Photo by Cosmiccountry/Flickr on a Creative Commons licence 

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1040259/geiranders-portrait3.jpg http://posterous.com/users/he6mcIdt0zu4i Geir Anders, Oslo, Norway geiranders Geir Anders, Oslo, Norway Mon, 21 Feb 2011 08:30:00 -0800 The getaway bike http://bysykling.posterous.com/the-getaway-bike http://bysykling.posterous.com/the-getaway-bike

February 21, 2011: I spent this weekend at a Swedish island called Koster – the westernmost point of the west coast, and a car-free haven with only about 350 inhabitants. You need half an hour on the ferry to get here, and once you arrive you have to travel on foot, by bike or one of the small moped trikes often used by the locals – with a front loading deck over the two front wheels. 

 

Not surprisingly, I prefer the bike.  

I have an old singlespeed standing at our place here, bought at a fleamarket for less than the cost of driving here and back – by car it’s one and a half hour each way from our home to the harbor on the mainland. This bike has to stay outdoors all year. This weekend we had 13 degrees celsius below zero – and the bike hadn’t been used for months.

 

It just worked, like always. 

It took me down to my favorite beach before a late breakfast, rolling over frozen puddles and crisp snow – giving me the chance to enjoy a quiet moment before returning to the rest of the bunch.

 

Bikes like this deserve so much more love than they get.  

Basteviken-syd1 Basteviken-tett1 Basteviken-vest1
See the full gallery on Posterous

 

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1040259/geiranders-portrait3.jpg http://posterous.com/users/he6mcIdt0zu4i Geir Anders, Oslo, Norway geiranders Geir Anders, Oslo, Norway Fri, 18 Feb 2011 05:40:00 -0800 Cargo baskets: Ugly, cool and super useful http://bysykling.posterous.com/baskets-ugly-cool-and-super-useful http://bysykling.posterous.com/baskets-ugly-cool-and-super-useful

February 17, 2011: Over the last year I have purchased two new items for my two main modes of transportation: My car and my bicycle. They both got a cargo basket.

When I installed the huge Yakima Megawarrior basket on the roof of my boring Toyota minivan, a few friends chuckled in amusement, wondering if I didn't feel manly enough in this dull family car, and was trying to fool myself into some kind of super tough Paris-Dakar adventure rally image. In short: They found the basket too macho.

When I installed the small Wald 137 wire basket over the front wheel of my newly aquired Civia Hyland - a high end commuter bike, a few die hard mountain biking friends also chuckled in amusement, wondering why on earth I had to ruin the cool bike with such a grandma-like accessory. In short: They found the basket too feminine.

Interesting.

All I know is that both baskets are super useful, and that they will stay on. I also realize that both is kinda ugly, but at least they are utility ugly, which in turn makes them cool, sort of. But obviously, I don't care. I just like being able to carry stuff. And when it comes to carrying stuff; baskets rule.

Basket-birdseye2 Yakima-basket2
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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1040259/geiranders-portrait3.jpg http://posterous.com/users/he6mcIdt0zu4i Geir Anders, Oslo, Norway geiranders Geir Anders, Oslo, Norway Fri, 11 Feb 2011 03:58:00 -0800 One of those days http://bysykling.posterous.com/one-of-those-days http://bysykling.posterous.com/one-of-those-days

February 10, 2011: There is a steep hill on my way home from work that I can hardly pedal while sitting down. It's granny gear-steep, and the first times I couldn't believe how I would ever be able to pedal all the way up. Now it's a benchmarking habit; I simply have to nail that hill. If I can't, something isn't right. Yesterday something wasn't right. Thankfully this wasn't about me.

Hard work, though. 

Bs-ekeberglia-snow1000

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1040259/geiranders-portrait3.jpg http://posterous.com/users/he6mcIdt0zu4i Geir Anders, Oslo, Norway geiranders Geir Anders, Oslo, Norway Thu, 10 Feb 2011 04:37:00 -0800 Narrow tires? Snow? Put your foot down! http://bysykling.posterous.com/narrow-tires-put-your-foot-down http://bysykling.posterous.com/narrow-tires-put-your-foot-down

February 9, 2011: This morning: One heavy snowfall, some steep hills on my way down to work - and 35mm narrow spike tires on my commuter bike... That's a pretty minimal set of contact patches when going downhill fast on snowy streets.

The ninja skill solution: Lowering myself down in front of the saddle, putting one foot down, like a sliding outrigger - allowing me to ride speedway-style around the bends with a surprising amount of control. This puts more weight on the front wheel for added grip, and more important: more smiles on my face.

Not the best idea in mixed traffic, but I picked a quiet street today - and had a blast. If I wasn't this old and dull, I'd make braaaap-sounds, too. But I didn't. Next time.

Marathon-winter-35-1000 Marathon-winter-slide-1000
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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1040259/geiranders-portrait3.jpg http://posterous.com/users/he6mcIdt0zu4i Geir Anders, Oslo, Norway geiranders Geir Anders, Oslo, Norway Wed, 09 Feb 2011 05:05:00 -0800 21st Avenue Bicycles workshop feelgood movie http://bysykling.posterous.com/21st-avenue-bicycles-feelgood-movie http://bysykling.posterous.com/21st-avenue-bicycles-feelgood-movie

Good times in the workshop at 21st Avenue Bicycles in the bicycle city of Portland, Oregon. This is Amanda Sundvor building what looks like a Raleigh Clubman, surrounded by a bunch of happy loonies. Made my day!

http://www.21stbikes.com/movies/

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1040259/geiranders-portrait3.jpg http://posterous.com/users/he6mcIdt0zu4i Geir Anders, Oslo, Norway geiranders Geir Anders, Oslo, Norway Tue, 07 Apr 2009 09:11:00 -0700 Yehuda Moon: The bike shop cartoon http://bysykling.posterous.com/2009/04/yehuda-moon-bike-shop-comic.html http://bysykling.posterous.com/2009/04/yehuda-moon-bike-shop-comic.html

Yehuda-strip

If you are a cyclist and have any pleasure of comics at all - you'll most probably love the Yehuda Moon series by Rick Smith. It's available online for free, but can also be ordered as a collection in two paperback books.

Frankly, I must admit I don't know much about Rick Smith - and only recently stumbled upon the series about Yehuda Moon and his work and life at Kickstand Cyclery.

In short: I love it. Rick Smith obliviously knows the ways of the bike shop life, and not only delivers solid artwork - he also manage to combine humour and bicycle activism in his very own way.

Besides: Any cartoon revolving around utility bicycling, cargo bikes and alternative transportation deserves a big plus in my book...

You may read the strips online, and it's up to you whether or not you want to donate or pay a monthly subscription fee to support the cartoonist's work. So far, the strips are collected in two books that can be ordered on this site.

Here's how he introduces the second book collection of his strips, published February 2009:

"Yehuda Moon lives on his bicycle. With his buddy Joe, the intrepid Moon runs the Kickstand Cyclery, a bike shop that caters to a variety of bicyclists. Together, they advocate for the bicycle as a means of transportation and fun. This is the first album of collected comic strips. You’ll meet a bevy of characters whom Yehuda and Joe encounter: the bike ninja, the bike hypochondriac, their elderly compatriot Fred, the Shakers who build the bicycle frames, neighborhood kids starting riding clubs, roadies, commuters, and many more."

Recommended!

Follow Yehuda Moon on Twitter


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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1040259/geiranders-portrait3.jpg http://posterous.com/users/he6mcIdt0zu4i Geir Anders, Oslo, Norway geiranders Geir Anders, Oslo, Norway Sat, 04 Apr 2009 22:51:00 -0700 Longtail bicycles: Entering the mainstream http://bysykling.posterous.com/2009/04/longtail-bicycles-entering-mainstream.html http://bysykling.posterous.com/2009/04/longtail-bicycles-entering-mainstream.html

Long-madsenfamily
Ten years ago, the American company Xtracycle launched a bolt-on bicycle accessory - extending the rear end of any bicycle, converting it into a cargo carrying bicycle. Now the longtail bicycle concept are slowly entering the mainstream bicycle market, as a useful everyday transportation tool. Here is an overview.
 
Top photo: Madsen bicycle by Carfreedays under a Creative Commons licence

You may wonder what is the point of this bicycles. (You may also wonder why anyone will buy bicycles this ugly). Both questions can be answered rather simply: They are useful. They can carry a lot of stuff. They allow you to use your bicycle instead of your car from time to time. That's the main points of longtail cargo bicycles. If you are too bothered by the looks, you are missing the point.

There are lots more to be said about the growing longtail cargo bicycle category, and the ever excellent Bike Hugger has already summed most of it up in these three articles:

http://bikehugger.com/2008/11/cargo-bikes-and-stone-tablets.html
http://bikehugger.com/2008/12/cargo-bikes-and-stone-tablets-1.html
http://bikehugger.com/2008/12/cargo-bikes-and-stone-tablets-pt3.html

That easily saved me a whole lot of thinking and typing, leaving only the pictures left... Well, actually, I'll for sure get back to this topic (partly because it's gonna be hot in the bicycle business soon) - but for now, here is simply an overview of who makes what.

Someone is missing, I know, the question is who?
Email me at bysykling@gmail.com, and I'll put 'em up.

Surly Big Dummy
Surly has always been strong on utility, with a no-nonsene line of bicycles. The Big Dummy is built by the now open source Xtracycle Longtail Standard - meaning any of the useful Xtracycle accessories will fit directly on the rear end.

Yuba Mundo
The heavy duty bicycle truck among the longtails - this robust German longtail can handle up to 440 pounds/200 kg of load on the back wheel. A very sturdy (and heavy) frame combined with a super strong, 48-spoke rear wheel is key here.

Kona Ute
This is the 2009 version of the Kona Ute - the American/Canadian bicycle brand most known for their mountain bike lineup is among the very few mainstream companies with a longtail on the market. Not Xtracycle compatible, though.

Xtracycle Radish
Longtail pioneers Xtracycle deserves credit for being the driving power of the modern longtail movement, at least in the US market. After ten years of making the Free Radical longtail conversion kit, they now finally released their first complete longtail bicycle.

Gary Fisher El Ranchero
This is only a prototype, shown at the 2008 bike shows. But mountain bike pioneer Gary Fisher is a strong believer in the utility bike market, and the El Ranchero is expected to launch for 2010 in compliance with the open source Xtracycle standard:

Madsen
The Madsen kg271 lends to the European box bike-tradition, with their very own twist - placing the box behind the saddle, and using a smaller reat wheel to maximize the capacity. The "bucket" can seat three childres without problems.


Vanilla Cycles
One-off custom build. Photo by Clever Cycles

Pereira
One-off custom build.
Photo by EthanPDX at a Creative Commons licence

Fietsfabrik Pack Max Duo
This Dutch special model is the odd one out here, with two kiddie seats mounted and ready. The Dutch market is already stuffed with several different cargo bike models - but this one is one of a few that place most of the luggage in the back.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1040259/geiranders-portrait3.jpg http://posterous.com/users/he6mcIdt0zu4i Geir Anders, Oslo, Norway geiranders Geir Anders, Oslo, Norway Sat, 04 Apr 2009 07:28:00 -0700 Handsome Cycles: Advertising with style http://bysykling.posterous.com/2009/04/handsome-cycles-advertising-with-style.html http://bysykling.posterous.com/2009/04/handsome-cycles-advertising-with-style.html

Handsome-office
I don't know much about Handsome Cycles yet, but those folks sure have sense of style. One look at these promotional quality shots is enough to wet my appetite for their aptly named model Handsome Devil.
The Handsome Devil seem like just the bicycle most people would love to have ready outside their door: Understated, classy and oozing with quality details. Totally in line with the company's convincing slogan:


People are handsome. We make their bicycles.

I gently lift my hat in respect.




Photos by Handssome Cycles

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1040259/geiranders-portrait3.jpg http://posterous.com/users/he6mcIdt0zu4i Geir Anders, Oslo, Norway geiranders Geir Anders, Oslo, Norway Tue, 31 Mar 2009 14:23:00 -0700 Swobo Baxter: Lightweight *and* sensible http://bysykling.posterous.com/2009/03/swobo-baxter-lightweight-and-sensible.html http://bysykling.posterous.com/2009/03/swobo-baxter-lightweight-and-sensible.html

Swobo-baxter

Swobo, the bike apparel company that made their name with cool, functional clothing and lovely merino jerseys, are now launching the Baxter. A light, yet low-maintenance, weather-proof urban performance bike with the usual, cool Swobo twist. Nice work!If I should quickly sketch up the perfect urban bicycle for those who need to get up, down and around efficiently and in style, without having to spend time tuning their machine, I guess the wish list would look pretty much exactly as the Swobo Baxter does:

Weather-proof Shimano disc brakes and eight internal gears. A nice, wide handlebar securing a comfortable riding position. Light, fast-rolling tires. A steel chain case, so you don't have to worry about oily pant legs. All put onto a light, aluminium frame with a carbon fork.

Swobo released their first line of bicycles back in 2007, designed and developed by designer and product manager Sky Yeager - in the industry well known for the rather fabulous models she once designed for Bianchi USA, the American division of the legendary Italian brand.

Now she is heading Swobo further into the market of cool, functional urban bicycles - with the new Baxter, as well as the more racy Crosby model.

Yes, it's superficial - judging from the pictures alone, but I'm already a fan of the Baxter: Bikes with this attitude are usually made of pretty heavy steel tubes, forsaking light weight and efficiency for old-fashioned streed cred. With the Baxter, Swobo and Sky Yeager has come up with an very well thought-out frameset flush with sweet details for the aficionado, yet clean and simple looking for the uninitiated.

Have a look.

SLIDING DROPOUTS: If you are a bike geek, you'll appreciate this picture a lot. WIDE IS GOOD: This is the handlebar your hands would ask for if they could talk.

INTERNAL AFFAIRS: Swobo could of course have fastened the brake cable for the rear wheel to the top tube with ordinary frame stops and zip ties. But Sky Yeager don't want that stuff snagging your pants, and put it inside the frame. Clean, tidy and smooth.

 

LIGHT BEER: The seat post have an integrated light which look great but won't allow you to lower the saddle. The saddle itself feature an integrated beer opener which can hardly be seen, but will allow you to lower your shoulders.


GEEKERY: If you are a bike geek, you'll think: "Look! A trigger shifter for a internal gear hub! Wow!". If not, all you need to know that pressing the big lever will get you a lighter gear.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1040259/geiranders-portrait3.jpg http://posterous.com/users/he6mcIdt0zu4i Geir Anders, Oslo, Norway geiranders Geir Anders, Oslo, Norway Wed, 25 Mar 2009 22:52:00 -0700 It's Your Ride: 3 min 47 sec of cinematic bliss http://bysykling.posterous.com/2009/03/its-your-ride-short-film-to-love.html http://bysykling.posterous.com/2009/03/its-your-ride-short-film-to-love.html

 

It's Your Ride from Cinecycle on Vimeo: I have never seen the beauty of urban bicycling captured on film like this before. Made by Cinecycle, sponsored by French tire maker Hutchinson, this short film is worth spending four minutes on.

Who are the folks who made this? Answer: Cinecycle is a film and video production company based in Brooklyn, New York.

Acccording to director Daniel Leeb, the filmmakers are all first an foremost cyclists and bicycle enthusiasts - and currently in post-production of a feature documentary of bicycle messengers. But first they let this Hutchison-sponsored short film out on on Vimeo, showing all the world the beauty of being a bicycle rider in a flat city...

Director is Daniel Leeb of Cinecycle Productions, director of photography is Bill Winters, editor is Adam Barton, and composer is Alan Wilkins. The music "The Hustle" was written specifically for this film.

Check out what Daniel Leeb himself have to say about the film, and enjoy the spring that's in the air!

"This short film features Alfred Bobe Jr. and Fatimah Durkee. The film spins a visual ballad between the two cyclists experiencing the city in their own unique ways. Both cyclists are city dwellers who amidst the chaos of the concrete jungle have created a private and peaceful psychological space as they traverse the streets. They are both alone and yet they are both very much aware of each others presence. The film speaks to the harmony with one's environment that can be found while riding a bicycle in a city and the synchronistic connection we can have with those we have not even met. The short was commissioned by Hutchinson tires".

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1040259/geiranders-portrait3.jpg http://posterous.com/users/he6mcIdt0zu4i Geir Anders, Oslo, Norway geiranders Geir Anders, Oslo, Norway Wed, 25 Mar 2009 10:05:00 -0700 Contrail: Color your way through town http://bysykling.posterous.com/2009/03/contrail-color-your-way-through-town.html http://bysykling.posterous.com/2009/03/contrail-color-your-way-through-town.html

25 November 2009:  Have a look at this elegant idea, named Contrail: US product designer Pepin Gelardi shows how cyclists can color their own space on the road while riding, creating a visible, colorful trail of chalk lines - silently showcasing the community of urban bicycle riders.

First of all: You can't buy this product yet. The illustrations here are a contest entry found at the social design network Design 21, whose mission is "to inspire social activism through design". According to the UNESCO-partnered project's website, they "connect people who want to explore ways design can positively impact our many worlds, and who want to create change here, now".

Following their own mantra "better design for the greater good", Design 21 announced the design contest Power To The Pedal - closing for entries in April 2008. Pepin Gelardi and his co-author Teresa Herrmann didn't make it all the way to the podium with the Contrail concept, but ended up as one of a few finalists, among a total of 221 entries.



Gelardi reports that he will be doing a working prototype before summer 2009, and have already got loads of positive response.

No wonder.

Check out the Contrail idea in his own words:

*

THE ROAD: A bicyclist on the road often feels that they are under assault by passing vehicles. Particularly in cities where bicyclists seem rare, motor vehicles aggressively dominate the road, discouraging potential bicyclists from joining in.

THE CONTRAIL: Contrail is a small bright bike accessory that allows bicyclists to color in their own space on the road. It’s like playing with sidewalk chalk, but faster.

THE WORKS: Contrail holds 200 grams of chalk, enough for about 20 miles (32km) of riding. It functions much like a carpenter’s chalk line: A small amount of powdered chalk is filtered through a brush inside the device and picked up on a felt wheel. The felt wheel transfers this chalk onto the rear tire leaving a fine layer. As chalk builds up, the tire leaves a faint line of color on the roadbed. This is you contrail. It is a colorful and ephemeral representation of your path.

JOIN IN: Making your mark is easy. (1) The device snaps onto the rear seat tube just below the seatstays with the felt wheel resting lightly on the rear tire. A custom molded rubber band holds Contrail in place. Rubber shims may be used to insure a tight fit. (2) Once you begin to ride, you’ve already started to contribute to the strength of the community and the safety of your fellow riders. Your path becomes evident and lets others know where you’ve been. (3) The more riders present, the brighter the community’s paths become. Motor vehicles become more aware of our presence and potential riders find themselves encouraged to join in.

NOTES: The housing is made from durable recycled HDPE and the felt wheel from recycled cotton. We chose chalk because it is eco-sensitive, non-toxic and temporary. Like a jet’s contrail, the lines on the road will fade with time and rain. Chalk powder refills are already available in red, white, blue and green at hardware stores world-wide. Or they could be purchased in a full rainbow of colors online.

["skittle bikes" photo by Jessi Pervola, used with permission]



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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1040259/geiranders-portrait3.jpg http://posterous.com/users/he6mcIdt0zu4i Geir Anders, Oslo, Norway geiranders Geir Anders, Oslo, Norway Tue, 24 Mar 2009 11:29:00 -0700 E-bikes: Future stars of urban transportation http://bysykling.posterous.com/2009/03/future-of-urban-bicycling-1-electric.html http://bysykling.posterous.com/2009/03/future-of-urban-bicycling-1-electric.html


After only a week of testing, I'm convinced: Electric bicycles are the rising stars of urban transportation. Super fun to ride, getting you faster and further with less sweat. The quality are better than ever, but unfortunately, steep price tags and boring looks still put people off.

(Picture above) EXPERIENCED: Giant of Taiwan is already a veteran among the e-bike manufacturers. The Giant Twist range is their 2009 offering for smart cyclists.

Electric bicycles are close to a commercial breakthrough in the European bike market, even though they still fly under the radar of the general public.

No idea what this is all about?
Follow me.

Electric bicycles are just like ordinary bikes, except for an electric motor, delivering 250 watts of power assist up to 25 kmh. They are legally classified as bicycles, and thus do not require any registration or insurance, and can be ridden in ordinary bicycle lanes.

Most e-bikes require the rider to move the pedals while riding, though, if not, the assistance cuts off. The same goes for exceeding the speed limit of 25 kmh. Beyond that speed, the motor cuts off in order to meet the EU legal classification as a bicycle.

FAST COMMUTER: The German Kalkhoff Pro Connect is one of Europe's most sought after e-bikes at the moment. This one has the motor placed in the crank, instead of the front hub.

The e-bike should be the genius of urban transportation. You get all the advantages of a bicycle, but with much less sweat. Perfect for the hilly street or the long commute, or with a child trailer in tow. I've tested an e-bike for a week only, and loved every second of it. Incredibly fun, and a cool surprise. But most people don't know that they exist, and most bike riders don't get the point of electric assisted bicycles.

No wonder: Just looking at one is enough to make anyone with the slightest appreciation of bicycle design sick. Not only do they look bad and downright clumsy, electric bicycles have long been looked upon as transportation aid for "physically challenged" people. Bikes for those not able to ride up a hill by themselves.

And, since most bicycle shops largely are staffed up with sporty, young Duracell bunnies - the electric bicycles have been belittled for years. Of course it never helped that they cost and weighed twice as much as conventional bikes, struggled with unreliable electronics -and, as mentioned, looked like sh*t.

That is about to change. The bikes are slowly losing weight and improving looks, batteries are faster charging, longer lasting and more compact than ever - and a new e-bike standard for electronic fittings are established, as well as a business network for electric bicycle makers and lobbyists.

BATTERY CHAMP: Schwinn Tailwind feature the latest in Toshiba battery technology.

Still, lots of people find the assistance bit off-putting, as bicycling are widely known as an effective way to exercise while transporting yourself from A to B. This is no different with e-bikes: You can mash the pedals as hard as you want, the motor assistance will only help you ride faster for longer.

I've taken a heavy e-bike up a long and painful uphill traverse from downtown Oslo to my own home, pedalling like a champ, and was just as sweaty and tired on the top as usual. Except I was there several minutes earlier than usual.... Next time I didn't push all that hard, and was home at the usual time - but with no sweaty shirt. With an e-bike, you simply have more choice. If you doubt the effect, check out this rather unusual bicycle race report.

What about actual sales numbers? In European markets like the Netherlands, United Kingdom, France and Germany, the sales of e-bikes have been booming since 2006. Netherlands is taking the top spot with 120 000 e-bikes sold last year (total population 16 mill), and the German market are reported to double between 2007 and 2009.

The UK market are smaller in numbers, with a record sales figure of 15 000 e-bikes last year, but shops already provide more than 100 different models to choose from. The Asian market finds itself in another league - estimates of the annual e-bike sales in China in 2007 ranged between a whopping 20 to 30 million units. There are estimated to be 260 bicycle manufacturing companies in China making electric bikes and electric bike components, according to 2005 numbers from the Promotion Association of Electric Bicycles (PAEB), Taiwan.

In the Western world, the e-bike movement rolls at a slower pace, but nevertheless in a clear direction:

US bicycle maker Cannondale, owner of the e-bike maker Schwinn, expect their e-bike sales to jump fivefold from their upstart in August 2007 and until end of 2009. Cannondale, well known for bold and innovative product development, are doubling their investment in e-bikes in 2009 and plans to establish e-bikes as a separate product group within their company. Giant, one of the world's largest bicycle makers, have been working on e-bikes for more than years, but very few other big brands have been following suit.

Trek, best known as bike sponsor of Lance Armstrong and probably the most responsible advocate of everyday bicycling in the business, are one of the few big brands rumored to have an e-bike in the works. A Trek e-bike will probably open the eyes of both the consumers and competitors, generating a broader understanding of the concept.

NEW BREED: The british GoCycle takes a whole new approach to the electrik bike. It is designed from the ground up as a electric assisted, partially foldable urban bicycle.

While serving a small, but fast growing market, the e-bike industry are looking to the battery manufacturers for marketing push. Today, most e-bikes need at least 4 hours for a full charge, and will run between 20-40 km before needing another plug-in. '

Toshiba is one of the battery makers who are pushing these boundaries. The japanese brand has has, according to the BBC, "announced plans to build a new factory to make its new super charge ion battery (SCiB), which can be used in electric vehicles. Toshiba said it had selected a site in northwest Japan for the plant. Local media reports say it will cost up to 30bn yen ($332m; £224m)". The Schwinn Tailwind is currently using the Toshiba battery, with a record-fast charge time of only 30 minutes.

Shown in this article are e-bikes from the mainstream bicycle makers. In addition you'll find lots of models on the market, made by brands dedicated to electric bikes. I find most of those bikes utterly lacking in the design department, and wonder why they doesn't pay more attention to that aspect - knowing the importance of a well thought-out layout on the showroom floor.

There is of course difficult to achieve a clean look with a 3-5 kilo battery pack involved, but innovative designers have already proven that new thinking will find a way - look at the Gocycle for a prime example.

My bet: A few years forward, we'll se e-bikes that are cheaper, lighter, stronger, longer lasting - and way better looking, and not at least: far more people realizing the huge potential they carry for smarter transportation.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1040259/geiranders-portrait3.jpg http://posterous.com/users/he6mcIdt0zu4i Geir Anders, Oslo, Norway geiranders Geir Anders, Oslo, Norway