BikeBiz Bicycle and cycling retail news
As the e-bike sector gets closer to the proverbial tipping point in the UK, which brands can you expect to see showing their electric wares in the halls of the NEC this September? BikeBiz takes an advance look…
A2B – stand J140
www.wearea2b.com
A2B is one of several big German electric bike brands appearing at the NEC this September. Focused on blending aesthetics and engineering, a custom rack mounted battery features throughout the city, hybrid and folding bike ranges. A2B bikes feature a bespoke internal motor system – the company says it is the first to ‘truly incorporate electric motors in pedalling’. Trivia: Each model is named after an engineer, such as Thomas Edison, Ferdinand Ferber, Graham Obree and Hideo Shima.
EMU – stand K155
www.emubikes.com
British brand Emu specialises in e-bikes that just tuck under the cycle to work threshold of £1,000. A modestly sized range includes just one men’s model and one women’s model (both coming in two colours). They feature a discreetly placed Samsung battery (positioned in the down-tube), Shimano brakes and gears, light controls on the handlebars and a handy built-in USB charger port for phones and the like.
Gazelle – stand K127
www.gazellebikes.com/electric-bikes
Another Euro e-bike giant attending Cycle Show, Gazelle has a big presence as the market leader in the Dutch e-bike market, where there are already half a million on the road.
The brand offers a choice between front wheel engine or mid-engine hybrid (which provides enhanced steering thanks to a low centre of gravity). Customers have two batteries to pick from, offering value or engine silence.
Other key features include Shift Sensor Technology, providing smooth and fluid pedalling.
KTM – stand H121
www.ktm-bikes.at/en
Over in Austria the KTM team has a full range of mountain and fat bikes with electric motors to provide to UK consumers (via Fli). The brand new Macina Kapoho is a 27.5+ full suspension e-bike with downtube mounted (Bosch) battery, capable of 500Wh and a 1×11 Shimano XT 1×11 drivetrain. According to the brand, the Macina Kapoho is a MTB frame designed specifically for e-bike use with battery mount, so everything has been focused on maximising the efficiency and enjoyment of the bike.
Raleigh – stand j145
www.raleighebike.co.uk
The new Raleigh Captus will make its event debut at The Cycle Show and builds upon the success of the Raleigh Motus.
It uses a Bosch battery and motor, a system that is focused on smooth acceleration and even gear shifting. The Captus features a Suntour suspension front fork, a handlebar display to keep riders informed and it comes in a bright, eye-catching blue. The battery provides the electric bike with a range of up to 148km and comes with nine gears. Get up close with the Captus at Stand J145.
+many more
These five e-bike brands will be joined by many more in September at Birmingham’s NEC for what is promised as the biggest Cycle Show yet.
It starts on Thursday September 24th when the show opens to trade and press from 9:30am to 6:00pm. The doors will then open to the public from 9:30am to 5:00pm on the 25th, closing September 27th. More information on the range of exhibitors and tickets (free for the trade and press) can be found at www.cycleshow.co.uk/trade.
