‘E-bike technology is here to stay in the sports bike segment’, according to the organising team of industry trade show Eurobike, which takes place from 30 August to 2 September. The Eurobike team notes that… ‘the bike industry is opening entirely new perspectives for bike sports. But even for models without an ‘e’ in their name, there are plenty of exciting new things to discover at the 26th Eurobike International Bicycle Trade Exhibition.’
Eurobike asks if ‘racing bikes with electric motors have the same potential for success in the market like e-mountain bikes did when they were introduced?’ Anyone who stops by the Focus Bikes stand and takes a closer look at the racing bikes in the company’s experimental Project Y line will answer with a ‘yes’. The bike manufacturer from Cloppenburg in Germany combines a compact, centrally-mounted motor made by Munich start-up Fazua with a lightweight battery that is completely enclosed within the bike’s carbon frame. The result is a ‘visually appealing e-racing bike that weighs only 12.5kg.’
Meanwhile, the Fantic brand has made a push on the e-mountain bike market from its home base in Veneto, northern Italy. With the new XF1 Integra model that Fantic will present at Eurobike, the company is continuing to build momentum in this area. The new bike will roll into stores equipped with the latest generation of the Bosch e-bike drive from Germany, which is reportedly regarded by mountain bikers as a real powerhouse.
With its new PowerTube batteries, Bosch has opened new possibilities for system integration on e-bikes. The new e-bike batteries, which can be completely integrated into the bike frame, have been applied by Austrian bike manufacturer KTM and others. This is evident in the 2018 edition of the Macina Kapoho E-MTB, with a 160 mm spring travel that shows the new model to be taking a focus off road, with power.
What is interesting is that, for the first time, KTM has combined different wheel sizes on one bike. With a 29-inch front wheel, the Macina Kapoho can roll over obstacles and stay on track, while an extra-wide 27.5 plus rear wheel offers traction and stability.
Grenchen, Switzerland is not only the home base of several exclusive Swiss watch manufacturers, it’s also where BMC designs and manufactures its racing bikes and mountain bikes. The asking price for the top version of BMC’s new Trailfox AMP model, that it will introduce in 2018, is €12,000. For that, the Swiss manufacturer not only equips the full suspension e-mountain bike with ‘nearly every expensive, high-quality component possible, but the carbon frame is practically custom made to be form-fitting for the e-bike drive components from Shimano.’
The battery and the motor disappear within the twin hollow core carbon tube, which is light yet also offers stability. With its short rear triangle and flat steering angle, the bike’s geometry offers manoeuvrability on narrow trails but also smooth operation in fast stretches.
Continuing the performance theme, Vorarlberg-based bike developer Simplon has a new 2018 model that combines a lightweight design with aerodynamics. It also aims to win over even the hardest sceptics with a number of innovative features such as a quick-release axle for disk wheels and a cockpit concept that integrates every cable into the frame, thereby offering the lowest possible wind resistance. Prices for the racing bike start at €5,299.
Given that there will be 1400 exhibitors at this year’s Eurobike, the new models are a small selection of the extensive number of innovations that will be shown at the show. Visitors to the show will be able to get a complete overview from Wednesday 30 August to Saturday 2 September. Whereas the industry trade show in Friedrichshafen will be open to industry professionals and media in its first three days, on its final day Eurobike will open its doors for all bicycle fans.
