Strengthen your workshop as pillar, is what you hear from the manufacturers, the suppliers, the retailer associations or the special-interest media. Of course, they are always well-meaning. Because in this field it is still possible to generate turn-over and return, is the sequel of the advice. This is certainly correct and also Cyclinfo’s advice. However, to do so bicycle retailers depend on maintained supplies of spare parts. Unfortunately, these supplies are not always granted.
“With regard to the availability of spare parts we experience a few disasters”, says Dirk Zedler. As an expert for bicycles and electric bicycles with more than 25 years of experience, he knows what he is talking about. He sees himself regularly forced to declare bicycles as total loss, because manufacturers are not able any more to supply spare parts. There are, however, also rays of hope. The availability of spare parts of Swiss manufacturers and suppliers and the question whether bicycles turns into disposable articles is discussed by the main topic.
For a disposable article bicycle you could do without skilled bicycle mechanics in future, capable of assembling a bicycle including frame entirely. This is what was offered to the students of Berufsbildungsschule Winterthur (BBW), who will finish their formation this summer. The editorial team of Cyclinfo whishes all the best and presents the project “bicycle construction” of BBW and the works of five students in a background report.
Still more craftsmanship is displayed by the selection of road bike models of the current season. Among them there are streamlined racers with carbon frames and disc brakes, adventure ready gravel bikes made of titanium, lightweights eager to climb with mounts for rim and disc brakes as well as surprisingly light electric racers which can hardly be identified as such. All of them are available.
Author: Dominic Redli – Editor in chief
