Since the end of last year, the Zedler institute has issued test seals for successfully passed tests of mountain bike, road racing, trekking and pedelec frames and components. The new test seals will be awarded in four categories which are classified according to the requirements of the different safety tests.
A successfully passed EN or basic test is awarded with the seal in grey.
Bronze is issued to customers for the fulfilment of the stricter advanced requirements.
Silver will be awarded for advanced plus tests. This category was introduced to meet higher loads acting on some bicycle types, such as mountain bikes and pedelecs.
Gold is awarded to products which have successfully passed the "multiload" test requirements. "Multiload" stands for block program tests reflecting, according to Zedler, reality much clearer than common single-step tests do, e.g. the EN standard. Multiload is already available for handlebars-stems and for seat posts.
Managing director Dirk Zedler looks ahead to the future: "In consideration of the latest research results we are currently working on offering multiload also for forks and frames in the near future".
Customers who have ordered tests at the Zedler company in 2012 and want the respective seals for their products, obtain the seals customized with their brand name and type.
Author: Jürgen Wetzstein