From safe e-scooters, electric carbon road bikes and smart helmets

In 2019, the 28th edition of Eurobike is once again assuming a leading global position: more than 1,400 exhibitors are showing their latest ideas, start-ups are displaying their skills as pioneers and award winners are presenting their high-calibre products. “The bike industry is in a process of constant change and it is exciting to see where the Eurobike journey takes us each year. We are delighted by the fully booked exhibition halls that offer a port of call for all those with an interest in bikes”, announced Eurobike Show Director Dirk Heidrich. From 4 to 7 September the order of the day on the exhibition grounds in Friedrichshafen will then be: contacts, inspiration and test-rides.

“The breadth of products on offer at Eurobike is unique on the international stage”, reports Show Director Dirk Heidrich. “In particular, the on-trend topics of pedelec and e-bike, urban mobility and digitisation mean that there are many new companies and products with a high level of innovative force to explore.

The press conference on Thursday previewed a number of trends in the bike and accessories range.

This is the way to make errands fun: the “Steps” e-muli cargo bike impresses with its folding basket, clear, plain styling and the clever integration of the new Shimano drive. Utility has priority here – and that makes the agile and space-saving cargo bike a real aid for everyday tasks.          

With an innovative steel frame made for every imaginable situation in urban traffic, the “Stadtfuchs” from the Magdeburg-based start-up Urwahn really stands out from the crowd. The seamlessly integrated LED light system comes with functional support from an in-built GPS tracking system.

Chat brings mobility for all: the rickshaw bicycle has been developed to provide mobility for people not capable of being independent road users. There also a number of inspiring safety features – one of them being the good visibility through the canopy.

Everyone is talking about e-scooters at the moment. Yet the large wheels of the AER 557 Adult Electric Scooter make it feel considerably safer than its smaller counterparts. In addition, the sturdy frame construction provided by the British company adds to dynamics of the ride.

Minimalism combined with quality: the “Asfalt LR” from the Swiss start-up Asfalt impresses with its outstanding finish, love of detail, quality of the joints and integration of the cables. One of the two batteries can be removed to reduce weight for shorter trips. The e-bike weighs between 17.5 and 19 kg.

Mountain bike or road bike? The “MCR 9 RDO” is a true multi-talent: all the features of a full-suspension mountain are cleanly integrated. The US manufacturer, Niner Bikes, combines them with drop handlebars and the handling of a gravel bike.

With its “WI.DE” gravel bike, the Swiss firm Open Cycle has set a new benchmark: the bike from Switzerland features extra-large tyres and successfully meets the technical challenges imposed by factors such as achieving the ideal chain line.

This year Simplon is presenting road bikes with and without a drive. The model Pride may be regarded as a “revolution in the road bike segment”. Its unique cockpit concept integrates all the cables, offers minimal drag and allows for a large number of ergonomic configurations. Simplon’s successful model Kiaro is now performing with extra-boost. The Pmax version contains a minimalist low-resistance motor on the rear hub as well as an invisible battery in the downtube.

Regional production, wood as a regenerative resource: the e-bike, “My Esel E-Tour Diamant” uses biometric software to produce an individual frame precisely tailored to its rider’s dimensions.

With “Kiox” the manufacturer Bosch is presenting a compact colour display that now links the rider with the digital world as well via the smartphone app “eBike Connect”. As from the model year 2020 Kiox users can also acquire the new premium function “Lock”, a clever digital supplement to the mechanical lock.

Fox Factory guarantees the fastest suspension system and more riding fun with its “Fox Live Valve”. The smart system that reads the terrain and makes very fast setting changes to fork and shock brings extra safety for its riders and allows them to concentrate on the trail.

A clean appearance and symbiosis of handlebar and brake: the hydraulics of the Magura “Cockpit Integration” are concealed in the handlebars – which increases resilience. After all, any tubes that are not exposed cannot be damaged in an accident.

In any serious crash, the “Tectal Race Spin Nfc” can certainly offer smart assistance. The technology in this mountain bike helmet by POC has been tried and tested in mountain rescue operations. An integrated RFID chip adds passive safety by storing the riders’ medical details.

There’s no chance of not being seen with the Cobber 330º Bike Light from the Australian producer Knog. The light features practical USB charging, while the good craftsmanship of this Cobber package also scores points on the sustainability scale.

Easy to handle, smart, practical – the mobile washing unit for bikes form the specialists Kärcher has a modular construction, its own battery and is generally well thought-out. The water tank is sufficient for rinsing off the worst of the mud.

Return of the Festival Day on Saturday, 7 September

This year also sees the return of the Eurobike Festival Day with a varied programme of events. Dirk Heidrich picks out some of the highlights for visitors: “Alongside the balance bike circuit for the youngest guests and the Demo Area for those a little older, there will be some 1,000 bikes available to test on the Festival Day. Additional attractions include spectacular shows by the professional BMX riders and the Dirt Jump during the Silver event of the FMB World Tour.”

The 28th Eurobike show is open only to trade visitors and accredited journalists from Wednesday, 4 September until Friday, 6 September 2019. The Festival Day on Saturday, 7 September, is intended for all bike fans. Eurobike is open every day from 09:00 to 18:00. For more information, please visit: www.eurobike.com  and www.facebook.com/eurobike.tradeshow.