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Open the bike lock with a smartphone instead of a key?
No longer having to worry about driving with insufficient tire pressure?
All of this has been around for a long time, because the offers on the bicycle market are becoming more and more digital.
In addition, many customers pay a lot of attention to individuality, says Gunnar Fehlau from Pressedienst Fahrrad (pd-f): “Almost every bike you've ever dreamed of can be bought.
There are only a few gaps left. "
But what are the trends?
Seven developments at a glance.
Smart bike lock
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The new model 770A SmartX from Abus, for example, has a Bluetooth receiver and is linked to an app.
The lock (around 200 euros) is unlocked when users approach the bike with their smartphone, which can remain in their pocket.
Digital technology in the Abus 770A SmartX U-lock is designed to help prevent bicycle theft and increase comfort
Source: dpa-tmn
It works just as easily the other way around when locking.
It is, however, made difficult for bicycle thieves: the integrated alarm function provides a short warning tone if an attempted theft is detected, but this can rise to a deafening 100 decibels.
Bike tire pressure monitoring like a car
Mounted on the valve, the Airspy sensor (around 100 euros) permanently measures the tire pressure and transmits it in real time via Bluetooth or Ant + radio.
An app shows the data, as well as the temperature and the battery level.
The Airspy tire pressure monitoring system transmits the air pressure to an app
Source: dpa-tmn
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In the event of pressure deviations, smartphone users are informed by an alarm.
At the same time, the Airspy, used as a mobile manometer, can digitally measure the tire pressure each time it is inflated.
Pedelecs from the modular system
This is exactly what the bike manufacturer Velotraum promises.
“Off the shelf - we already had that.
We develop bikes for people for whom the bike plays a central role, ”says managing director Stefan Stiener.
The body dimensions of potential customers are specially measured and each bike is built individually.
As an example, Stiener cites the FD2E e-bike, which weighs just under 20 kilograms and can be ridden with different tire widths depending on the surface.
The base price here is 5250 euros.
New inner workings in the bicycle saddle
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A special feature of the new SM E-Mountain Core Prime saddle (around 150 euros) from Ergon is the ergonomic core between the seat and carrying shell.
It is intended to help e-bikers off-road by improving power transmission and stability during long uphill drives and relieving gender-specific problem areas.
A special feature of the new SM E-Mountain Core Prime saddle from Ergon is its special ergonomic core
Source: dpa-tmn
According to the manufacturer, the particle size of the material used has become even smaller, so that "more filigree designs" are possible for women and men, according to Ergon spokesman Lothar Schiffner.
More tire models for mountain bikes
The tire manufacturer Schwalbe has also adjusted to the specialization in mountain bikes and revised the casings of its tires.
Twelve models (from EUR 34.90) are now tailored to various areas of application - from lightweights with low rolling resistance to tires with maximum grip and puncture protection.
Belt drive instead of chain
Belt drives for bicycles have now become established, they are considered to be a low-maintenance, clean, quiet and long-lasting alternative to chains.
In 2021, the market leader Gates will be offering its corresponding CDC system for mid-range e-bikes.
E-bikes with CDC drives are available from around 2500 euros.
Manufacturers like Gates rely on low-maintenance belts instead of chains for their drives
Source: dpa-tmn
Gravel biking remains a trend
Just a few years ago, gravel biking, i.e. riding racing bikes with wide tires and slightly flared handlebar ends, was hardly known.
Today it has found increasing friends.
You can jet through the terrain on 45 millimeter tires with bikes like the Stevens Prestige (from 1799 euros).
In addition to the greater tire clearance, it also has a longer wheelbase, and provisions have been made for the attachment of pack options.
Still in trend: Gravel bikes for cross-country and road
Source: dpa-tmn