Germany – Major European bicycle trade show, Eurobike opened its doors to welcome approximately 1,350 exhibitors from more than 50 countries including about 100 new exhibitors. On the first evening after the show, Gold Award winners of the 13th annual Eurobike Awards were announced. The winners of the Eurobike Gold Awards 2017 were:
Påhoj Child Seat
The child bike seat by this start-up from the Swedish bicycle centre of Malmö can be easily removed from the carrier rack and then used as a buggy thanks to its integrated wheels. "The concept is simply brilliant,” was how the Eurobike Award expert panel described this product.
Rohloff E-14
The Rohloff hub is a classic amongst bike transmissions which now, in collaboration with Bosch, is entering a new era as an electronically controlled version. "The new option delivered instant proof in a test ride,” was the verdict of the Eurobike Award judges on this Gold Award winner.
Linka Smart Bicycle Lock
The Linka Smart Bicycle Lock not only looks good but also opens up new application horizons with its Bluetooth and smartphone lock control. The Award panel was greatly inspired: "Linka has developed an intelligent lock with an exceptionally high quality finish and design, considering the company is still in the start-up phase.”
Mokumono Delta
Mokumono from the Netherlands is aiming to revolutionize the manufacturing process with its fully automatic production of laser-welded bicycle frames using aluminium profiles. "The concept enables added value to be increased in Europe, thus helping to keep transport routes short,” was the panel’s observation in reaching its decision.
Adlerwerke Bicycle Carrier
Under the traditional name of Adlerwerke, the bicycle manufacturer of the same name is presenting a new roof carrier, which impressed the judges with its minimalistic approach. "By attaching to the handlebars and saddle, this carrier system provides a quick and low-cost solution for transporting high-end bikes,” they said.
Durbanis LocLock
The Spanish Gold Award winner Durbanis demonstrates that the ingenuity of many a solution lies in its simplicity. The Award panel came to the same conclusion: "The combination of cement for durability and a surface that reduces the risk of damage to frames is a very good idea.”
Tucano Urbano Magic Parka
With its functional jackets, the Italian supplier Tucano Urbano is already a highly sought-after brand among motorcyclists. At the Eurobike Award, the Milan-based company was also presenting solutions for cyclists and instantly managed to impress the Award panel. "This really is the Swiss army knife of cycling apparel,” the judges declared.
Rondo Ruut CF1
Rondo has taken the young gravel scene by storm with its optically and technically inspired bike models. And the Award panel was similarly unable to resist the attraction of this start-up from Poland: "What makes the Ruut CF1 so special is the option of adjusting the forks, allowing the rider to adapt the bike for wheel size and terrain.”
Focus Project Y
With its Project Y, the sporty bicycle manufacturer Focus is showing a new angle for the racing bike market, where members of the Award panel also see great potential: "Until now, the trend towards electrification had largely passed road bikes by. We are convinced that this is set to change with Project Y.”
Fazua Evation
Integration is currently the magic formula for innovations in the e-bike segment. One company that provides the best possible conditions for this is the young drive producer Fazua: "Fazua is creating an entirely new segment with its evation drive. Motor and battery can be easily removed so that a normal bike remains,” was the panel’s comment on this Gold Award winner.
Van Nicholas Skeiron
Titanium is among the classic materials for frames and one that is known to send bike fans into raptures. This modern implementation by the Dutch manufacturer with its new Skeiron model also managed to produce an ecstatic reaction from the Award panel: "The market for titanium road bikes may be small, but the Skeiron particularly impressed us with its classic retro design and its unique integration of cables in the cockpit and frame.”
The Eurobike Green Award Winner - Green Compound by Schwalbe:
However, the judges for the Eurobike Award not only observed innovations in the technical development and design of bicycles but also in the sustainability of products connected with the bike. The tyres from the new Green Compound by Schwalbe particularly impressed the panel members, who judged it to be deserving of a Green Award.
"We are delighted by the large number of entrants in the Eurobike Award and the high level of innovation displayed among them. This year’s competition has shown once again that the bike industry is now one of the high-tech segments and in some areas, such as electromobility, materials technology and digitization, is actually assuming a pioneering role. Added to this is the fact that product design has long been a subject that suppliers in the cycle market master with aplomb,” explained Stefan Reisinger, who as Head of Eurobike, is one of those responsible for the fair at Messe Friedrichshafen.
This year's Eurobike will be open to the trade from August 30th to September 1st, with a festival day on Saturday September 2nd open to consumers.
