If the old Romanian saying “In fair weather prepare for foul” still makes sense today (translated literally from Romanian: “in summer prepare your sledge and in winter your cart”), the idea of an article on bicycles in the season of those nightmarish winter tires looks quite right. The more so as it deals with some particular bikes that make ordinary ones appear as if they “go by foot”: it is all about the winners of Eurobike Awards competition organized by IF – International Forum Design.
Reaching its 7th edition, the event designed to highlight the most innovative, functional and sustainable bicycles and accessories has gathered a record number of entries this year: 430 enrollments out of 27 countries (but from Romania still nothing, although it would have deserved an award for the cutting edge innovation of the capital city tracks as luxury accessories of kiosks, poles and cars parked on them). 59 proposals were awarded, out of which 10 received the golden prize and one the Eurobike Green Award – for the most gently environmental and sustainability friendliness. The six members of the jury (five Germans and one Dutch) have taken into consideration the following criteria: aerodynamic, efficiency, ergonomy, functionality, utility value, design quality, weight, degree of innovation, comfort, loading, brand value, choice of materials, service, safety, stability, environmental friendliness and workmanship. Here is our selection of the bearing-crowned winners:
Gekko Trike – Recumbent three-wheel bike
Category: Special-purpose Bikes
Company: HP Velotechnik Hollants und Pulvermüller GbR
Design: Daniel Pulvermüller, Martin Wöllner, Paul J.W. Hollants
HP Velotechnik Hollants und Pulvermüller GbR, Kriftel/Germany
The Gekko trike combines efficient cycling in the aerodynamic and comfortable recumbent posture with a clear, reduced design appearance. The ergonomic, breathable seat is integrated in the frame, step less adjustable and can be folded forwards to save space. Due to the innovative frame design the Gekko trike can be separated within 60 seconds to form a compact package for easy transport. 2 front wheels for a save roadholding and excellent braking performance in curves. Low weight from 15,4 kg due to space frame made from AL7005. High payload up to 150 kg gross weight. Touring equipment and E-motor available. 10 years warranty.
Michelin Protek Max – Bike innertube
Category: Accessories
Company: Michelin Reifenwerke AG & Co. KGaA, Karlsruhe/Germany
Design: Michelin Reifenwerke AG & Co. KGaA, Karlsruhe/Germany
Ultra resistant to punctures. Thanks to its uneven design, the Protek Max inner tube has a compression reaction in the event of piercing (the hole closes up naturally) whereas a classic inner tube has an extension reaction (balloon effect). The self-plugging effect is increased by the built-in sealant which is added during the manufacturing process. Easy to fit Thanks to its square profile, the Protek Max inner tube is naturally positioned in the rim well and does not twist, unlike a completely tubular classic inner tube. Excellent pressure maintenance Protek Max needs to be inflated two times less often than a classic MICHELIN Airstop.
FLYER Cargo – Transport Bike
Category: E-Bike / Pedelec
Company: Biketec AG, Huttwil/Switzerland
Design: Biketec AG, Huttwil/ Switzerland
Sustainable transport. This versatile workhorse can be used for almost any challenge in your everyday life and spare time. Offering a number of different loading options, it permits major shopping sprees at the market, a Sunday outing with a picnic basket for the whole family and even use as a company vehicle for craftsmen.
Thanks to its patented .Racktime” quick release fastener, the rear luggage rack can be taken off in a few simple steps. Attachment points for luggage bags offer additional transport possibilities. The frame is designed specifically for heavy loads. The permitted total weight is 160 kg.
Oratory Jacket – Bike jacket
Category: Clothing
Company: Brompton Bicycle Ltd, Brentford/Great Britain
Design: Brompton Bicycle Ltd, Brentford/Great Britain
The Oratory Jacket makes garish cycle wear obsolete, combining technical performance and elegance. Off the bike, it is a fitted jacket, with smart detailing and modern touches (headphone loops, transport card pocket in the sleeve). On the bike, the reflective features (collar, lapel, cuffs) and a (revealed) high-visibility panel offer safety, while the “action back” and fold-over cuffs ensure a good fit. Made out of EPIC cotton to ensure a dry arrival, the bamboo lining and “pit zips” ensure it is also sweat-free. Now there-s no excuse for not cycling to work!
AGT – Automatic gear shifting
Category: Electronic Components / Components
Company: JD Europe Components GmbH, Bad Nauheim/Germany
Design: JD Europe Components GmbH, Bad Nauheim/Germany
With the Automatic Gear Transmission (AGT), JD introduces a revolutionary new automatic shifting system that is specifically designed for TranzX PST energized e-bikes. A choice of either automatic or semi-automatic shift modes provides a superior and effortless riding experience while improving the e-bike’s energy efficiency. AGT
technology optimizes the power ratio, achieving higher throughput and greater range. Perfectly integrated into the TranzX PST drive system, the computer-controlled system automatically changes gears at the right points to assure optimal power support. AGT is compatible with coaster breaks.
Octane SL III – Racing bike shoes
Category: Clothing
Company: PEARL iZUMi GmbH, Kirchzarten/Germany
Design: Tony Torrance, Philip Majure
PEARL iZUMi USA, Inc., Louisville/USA
Feather-light and breezy like sandals. Extremely Breathable. The one piece bonded Clarino Rovenica upper is as supple and stretchable as natural leather and yet strong and shape-retentive. Great comfort and excellent power transfer. Direct-Vent mesh for cooling and drainage. Breezy like sandals 195g. Feather-light. Absolutely lightweight due to the new 1:1 Octane Power-Plate with ultra low 6.5 mm stack height.The concave shaping for
anatomic support and enhanced plate stiffness –> maximum power transfer
BT 20-112 – Park and rental station for bikes
Category: Accessories
Company: e-bike-mobility / a brand of Stone Manufaktur GmbH
Design: Patrick Bartsch, Timo Bartsch, e-bike-mobility, Markdort/D, MAP Architekten Meckenbeuren/Stuttgart/ Germany
Fully automated bicycle park and hiring station for 20 to 112 bicycles. Depending on the number of bikes, the height varies from one to six floors. Can be used 365 days a year, 24 h a day. Available for all bicycle types. With inductive charging for e-bikes and electric vehicles. Resource-saving thanks to solar energy. Façade design can be variably adjusted to the architecture of the town/company/location. Highly vandalism- and theft-proof thanks to the use of high-grade materials.
Jury’s Opinion: “A great ecological and efficient concept that really needs a push forward. Thanks to its appealing design and theft protection features, people will be encouraged to use bicycles more than ever before. A really convincing, forward-looking concept that fits well into any city landscape. Powered by solar energy, the garage also does its part to save our resources. It can be used 365 days a year, around the clock. A real innovation: the first one was installed at the main train station in Meckenbeuren in mid-August 2011. As we see it, a real trailblazer for ‘green mobility’.”
The jury:
Peter Feld, Fahrrad XXL Feld GmbH, Sankt Augustin / D
Jack Oortwijn, Bike Europe and Tweewieler, Amsterdam/ NL
Hans,Heinrich Pardey, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Frankfurt/ D
Ulrike Saade, Velokonzept Saade GmbH, Berlin/D
Dirk Zedler, Zedler – Institut für Fahrradtechnik und *Sicherheit GmbH, Ludwigsburg/ D
Nils Holger Moormann, designer, Aschau am Chiemsee/D
