All about bicycles, electric-assisted bikes, technology and safety in the press

In our daily work as we deal with bicycle safety, technology and user manuals we come across lots of safety risks. The most frequent ones are published in articles of the leading German special-interest magazines TOUR – Europas Rennrad-Magazin Nr. 1, BIKE – Das Mountainbike Magazin Europas Nr. 1 and E-Bike – Das Pedelec-Magazin to make this information important for the sector accessible to a wider public.

For many years now the Eurobike Show Daily accompanying the annual international Eurobike Show has given us the opportunity to publish our perspective on major developments in the cycle industry in full-page articles.

We also speak regularly in independent lectures about all topics relating to bicycle technology and bicycle market. In addition, we are regularly cited by further special-interest magazines or trade journals as well as more and more by radio and television and in their media reports, which shows us that we are completely right with our information. The section NEWS informs you about the latest news from our specialist fields. The reports and publications of this section are listed chronologically or according to topics of interest.

BIKE 06/2000
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Cash & Carry

Buying a bike at the supermarket: in, out and on the bike. Freedride joy starting at 399 German Marks. Impossible? BIKE has bought three special offers and ran them over the rock-hard test course at Monte Brione

Expert judgement - At first sight, the bikes seem to have passed the test, but the expert eye sees everything: Inspection by Dirk Zedler, engineer and bike expert.

With bikes from self-service department stores, the greatest danger is the bad pre-assembly. Most buyers already fail when it comes to adjusting the brakes. Statistically, however, the accident mode is similar to expensive bikes. The classic cause: bursted tubes and badly biting brakes. The hoplessely overchallenged suspension parts without moderation and the cheap bearings of the three supermarket-bikes made by Sprick, Fischer and Mountec are especially annoying. Dirt and humidity quickly get in and reduce function. Dangerous, however, are the fast-loosening grips and the badly fitting rim tapes. The bikes’ visual effect suggests a field of use they are not made for. Although only with a fine print hint in its owner’s manual, the Sprick-company at least is honest in this point: "We do not assume liability for damage caused by improper use (e.g. curbsides, riding down stairs or in rough terrain)." I generally expected worse quality – but those who want to ride athletically with these bikes run a risk.

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