Page Text

CYCLE2008

The ‘Cycle’ show in October is the UK’s

major trade and public show of the

year and, as last time, it was staged

in London’s Earls Court. As ever, there

were plenty of road and mountain

bikes to see, with most manufacturers

and distributors showing their 2009

ranges. But there were many interesting

commuter and transport bikes too, and

Velo Vision was there to report on the

more practical cycles on offer…

Peter Eland

2 VELOVISION ISSUE 32 DECEMBER 2008

Batavus bikes  Amstel Cycles are importing the Batavus range from the Netherlands, and had many models on display. At the back here is a purpose-built 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, seen in the foreground. Amstel have many dealers across the UK: Tel 01903 730089 or see www.amstelcycles.com

Circe tandem  On to CycleCentric, where the big news was the launch of the Circe tandem line, with the fi rst model to be this 20"-wheeled Helios Duo, seen here as a pre-production sample. It looks like a very nice family tandem, with huge adjustment range and a compact design. Price is expected to be in three fi gures rather than four, which is good for a tandem! We hope to review one as soon as they’re fully available. Cyclecentric: Tel 01954 789284 or see www.cyclecentric.co.uk

 NuVinci’s new hub Also on the Amstel stand was the latest version of the NuVinci continuously-variable drive system. The new N171B model weighs 3.8 to 3.9 kg, they say, as opposed to 4.2 to 4.3 kg for the one we reviewed on the Batavus town bike in Issue 29. Other specifi cations remain basically unchanged. Batavus have now deployed the NuVinci across more bikes in their range, extending some way down the price spectrum, too. NuVinci: see www.fallbrooktech.com

continuously-variable drive system. The new N171B model weighs 3.8 to 3.9 kg, they say, as opposed to 4.2 to 4.3 kg for the one we reviewed on the Batavus town bike in Issue 29. Other specifi cations remain basically unchanged. Batavus have now deployed the NuVinci across more bikes in their range, extending some way down the price spectrum, too. way down the price spectrum, too. NuVinci: see

Extrawheel On to the CycleSense stand, where a new model of the Extrawheel trailer was on show. Rather than using side nets to hold cargo like the former model (reviewed in Issue 17), 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

‘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 fi t, 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 as you read this, from around £200. Cyclesense: Tel 01937 530303 or see www.cyclesense.co.uk