BikeBiz Bicycle and cycling retail news
Eurobike delivered on its promise to include more e-bikes than ever at this year’s trade show, and the UK’s Earls Court-set Cycle Show looks set to continue that electric focus in October.
Eurobike dedicated a zeppelin hanger and test tracks to the electric bike phenomenon, but the presence of the sector was felt throughout the 12 halls of the show, with heavy hitting bike brands including e-bikes in their cycle stands and portfolios.
Cube launched it’s first ever e-bike – the Electronic Performance Optimiser, while the likes of Giant, Cannondale, Scott, Winora and many others all had electric bikes and products on their stands.
BionX launched a new control console, a new lightweight HT-Motor and advanced extra long range downtube battery system. Powabyke also used the show to unveil an enhanced, sleeker version of its Xbike. Now with a number of new features, the Mk II has a new battery case and an easy-to-disconnect control box to aid servicing. MD Nick Child revealed to BikeBiz that dealer feedback had been key to the development of the enhanced Xbike.
BEBA member Wisper launched its e-bike conversion kit – dubbed Daahub – at Eurobike. Pitched as an easy-to-fit kit that can convert almost any type of bike into an ebike – including road, mountain or racing bikes.
Wisper will be launching the Daahub to the UK trade at Cycle Show in October. The firm will be joined by Powacycle, FreeGo and fellow BEBA member Ultra Motor.
Ultra Motor will debut its A2B Hybrid 24 at Earls Court, reportedly the first electric bicycle in the UK to adopt CAN technology, meaning that it can be plugged into a computer to access web-based software for fault diagnosis, warranty confirmation and change ride options for the rider. The Hybrid 24 has a 50 mile range and a recharge time of three to four hours, priced at £1.999.
The firm will also be launching a new brand – Fast4ward. Three new models – Edge, Peak and Ride – will form the stylish range. Coming with a Panasonic Li-ion battery and two year warranty on electronics and battery, the range has an LED control panel mounted to the handlebars and range in price from £999 to £1,249.
Cycle Show 2010 takes place from Thursday October 7th to Sunday 10th at Earls Court. Thursday October 7th is the trade-only day.
