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Cycle 2008: image-heavy reportBack from the show in Earl's Court, London with words and pictures. It's on until Sunday if you want to go... The Cycle show is the UK's major trade and public show of the year, and as last time it was staged this year in London's Earl's Court:  As ever, there were plenty of road and mountain bikes to see, with most manufacturers and distributors showing their 2009 ranges. I recommend fellow independent publishers Road.cc and Singletrack for coverage of these... Before getting on to products, a note to congratulate the BHPC for putting on an excellent display of racing recumbents and streamliners on a large stand:  Simon Sanderson's carbon creation attracted particular attention:  On to the CycleSense stand, where a new model of the Extrawheel trailer was on show. Rather than using side nets to hold cargo, the 'Voyager' carries two large panniers - Extrawheel make their own, too, as shown. In contrast to previous models the Voyager will be marketed mainly without a wheel, so you can add your own to suit your requirements. Both 700c and 26" will fit, though you'll clearly have to choose the right sized mudguard (included). This was just a prototype for the show, but the full version should be on sale in just a few weeks:  Also on the Cycle Sense stand were two new four-wheeled versions of the Feetz transport bike. The first is the SupportFiets, designed as a super-stable mobility platform which doubles as a walking frame, helping elderly or frail riders get around:  This, and the cargo-carrying version the BakFeetz, have spring-loaded articulation to keep all four wheels on the ground. Unlike the original three-wheeled Feetz, they don't lean-steer. The BakFeetz has plenty of cargo capacity front and rear. The front box here forms bench seats for two children facing each other - it could be fitted on the back too, for transporting up to four children...  On to CycleCentric, where the big news was the launch of the Circe tandem line, with the first model this 20"-wheeled Helios Duo. It looks like a very nice family tandem, with huge adjustment range and a compact design. Price is expected to be in three figures rather than four, which is good for a tandem!  CycleCentric also had the IF Mode folding prototype on show, with a (very provisional) UK price of £1800. There's more on this bike in our Eurobike report in Issue 31.  Amstel Cycles are importing the Batavus range from the Netherlands, and had many models on display. At the back here is a child carrier which, with seats, is under £1000, and it looked very solid indeed. Note the leg-protectors for the front child, windshield, and that both seats are clip-on, clip-off. There's also a headset lock for easy loading. This also features on the £657 'Delivery' version of the Personal Bike:  Also on the Amstel stand was a new version of the NuVinci continuously-variable drive system, which is both smaller and lighter than the one we reviewed in Issue 29. Batavus have now deployed the NuVinci across more bikes in their range, extending some way down the price spectrum, too:  The Bigfish folding bike is an Italian-made, Slovenian-designed and very distinctive-looking folder. The folded package is thin and tidy, and all of the folding catches and hinges are reassuringly chunky. They also made the point that it has the same wheelbase as a full-sized bike. They're actively seeking distributors for the UK at the show, but in the meantime anyone worldwide can order direct from their website:  After our positive review in Issue 29, it was nice to see the folks at Green Oil with ecological grease for bearings and a range of petrochemical-free bike cleaning products too, including chain cleaner and degreaser. With all of these you can return the empty packaging for a reduced-cost refill:  Design student Matt Tucker was at the show demonstrating his very clever concept to help with the cycle training of schoolchildren. The computer-based 'iRide' system would have several game-like sections, aimed at developing road hazard awareness, bike safety checks, and at helping children control their instinctive reactions in hazard situations. It looked a really good idea, and it could be deployed in schools even where there is currently no on-street training avialable, or where this is only available for older age-groups. Matt is trying to interest national cycle training bodies in developing the system further, and I've passed on what contacts I have:  Readers may remember that a few issues back we announced the Midget Campers Bushtrekka trailer which folds out into a tent. Well, they now have a UK distributor in the form of Wisper Bikes:  The Paper Bicycle, is now to be distributed by Amba Marketing. We hope to be getting a review bike at some point early next year.  On tandem specialists JD Cycles' stand was the Multicycle Double Act tandem - finally a folding, full-size tandem! A top-quality machine from the Netherlands, it's designed for easy transport and/or storage, and for leisure and touring riding. The folding hinges are very solid, with safety-locked quick-releases, locking pins as well, and with two hinges that makes three levels of safety. In fact all of the bike's QRs have locking levers. Note the independent adjustment of stoker bar position, and the telescopic seatpost extensions so it's a one-size-fits-most frame. Weight is around 26.5 kg apparently, and it's available (as here) with chainguarded derailleur gearing, or with a Rohloff system instead. They can also fit an optional freewheel system to the riders can pedal independently:  Neat touches included this built-in steering stabiliser, and note the stainless steel plate to guide the cables:  There's also a quick-release saddle clamp, letting you adjust reach and angle very easily indeed. Inside are copper clutch plates - it's a beautifully engineered device:  Also, the stems are both quick-release type so that you can adjust your riding position without tools. The 700c wheels are 48-spoke front and back, and they even have a 48-spoke version with the Rohloff hub, too (with extra drillings). And they get spokes custom-bent to match the hub flanges. As well as demo bikes at JD Cycles in Ilkley near Leeds, MSG Bikes in Lancing on the south coast have the bike in two frame designs, the step-through shown here and a Mixte model. On then to the last few items for now... The Winkku is another bold attempt at an indicator light for cyclists, and it cleverly incorporates a mirror and night lights too. It clicks into a socket on your (right) handlebar end, and projects a fair way out - which could get you more space in traffic. If knocked, it just swivels round. A push-button activates the indicator, with orange flashing lights all round and an accompanying loud beep noise. You can also switch on the night lights, which are white LEDs facing forwards, and red ones back. It's currently available direct via their website for £24.92, complete with fittings and a carry bag:  Finally, the ingenious Plantlock: fill it with earth and use it as a planter, but you can also securely lock one or more bikes each side. It looks idea for yards or the like, especially if (maybe because you're just renting) you can't drill in for an anchor point. There's also plenty of scope for municipal or business parking applications. Really neat idea! 
Posted on 10 October 2008
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