Munich – The prices for public transport have risen again, petrol is expensive anyway and the evil virus is still rampant. So there is a lot to be said for using the bike a lot even during the often uncomfortable season – which is what more and more people in Munich are doing. With the right equipment and the right accessories, it’s all-weather, safe and comfortable! Yesterday you will find new autumn trends.
Almost all of them come from Gunnar Fehlau and his “Press Service Bicycle” team, cycling experts who scrutinize just about everything: from the bell to the super carbon bike.
With grip over wet roads
Grippy tires are just as important for cycling as for motorized trips. When driving on wet asphalt or over damp leaves, they can prevent bad falls. Even in snow, they have significantly more traction than smooth, fast tires. There are now special winter tires for bicycles (e.g. “Winter” from Schwalbe, approx. 46 euros).
Less air pressure in winter
If you don’t feel like changing tires, all-season tires can be practical. Schwalbe now also offers the robust “Johnny Watts 365” (approx. 46 euros). It has a deep, open profile and sipes on the lugs. The special rubber compound is designed to ensure safety even at low temperatures. Incidentally, in winter you should ride with a little less pressure, that gives more grip.
© Photo: www.Schwalbe.com
from photo: www.Schwalbe.com
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Manoeuvrable donkey
Cargo bikes are often wide and difficult to manoeuvre. The trend is towards more agile transport donkeys. One example is the height-adjustable “One” (approx. 4,500 euros) from the US manufacturer Loden: It has the same dimensions as a normal bike and can carry up to 135 kilos including the rider. The luggage rack at the front is connected to the main frame. A child seat can also be attached to the rear. The Shimano motor manages up to 25 km/h. Gear hub, belt drive.
© Photo: voss special wheel
from photo: voss special wheel
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Mobile phone holder
If you want to use your smartphone as a sat nav while cycling, you need a clever holder. The “Compit Anywhere” (approx. 25 euros) from SKS Germany can be easily attached to all handlebars with a tube diameter of 22 to 75 millimeters – and removed just as easily. A cover (adapter/smartphone case with adapter) is also required.
theft protection
Nothing is more annoying than having your bike stolen. But unfortunately that happens far too often in Munich. Knog’s “Scout” anti-theft device (about 60 euros) is attached where the drinking bottle holders are screwed on. The device has a sensor and is paired with the iPhone (the Android version is still in progress).
If the bike is moved without authorisation, an alarm sounds at 85 decibels and the mobile phone also reports. About the function “Where is?” the bike can be found or tracked. The part, which is also available in black, is charged via a USB cable. It is hardly noticeable under a drinking bottle.
© Photo: cosmicsports.de
from photo: cosmicsports.de
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A good castle
Thieves often use the cover of darkness to steal bikes, including from basements and garages. A high-quality lock protects. Abus has the “Bordo Alarm 6,000A” lock (approx. 141 euros). It emits a loud warning sound when the wheel is moved. The new “Goose Lock” (approx. 70 euros) is flexible (without an alarm): It is made of hardened steel, the casing is made of textile.
© Photo: Abuse
from photo: abuse
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rain pants
Getting caught in the rain on your way to work and then having to sit in the office in wet pants for hours is uncomfortable and you’re almost certain to catch a cold afterwards. The desire to cycle can quickly disappear. Also: If the weather is uncertain, it is better to pack rain pants!
© Photo: Decathlon.
from Photo: Decathlon.
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The French manufacturer and retailer Decathlon offers a wide range of models that are not expensive. The BTWIN City 100 model (24.99 euros) even has integrated shoe protection. Rain trousers should never be folded when wet. Experts advise that you always let it dry thoroughly after use.
Radl trailer
Bulk purchases, crates of drinks, XXL packages – no problem for “Cargo Tuure” from Croozer (approx. 670 euros). The towbar of the bike trailer can be locked and quickly attached to any bike. When the trailer is not in use, it can be folded up or leaned upright against the basement wall. The suspension ensures a smooth, directional driving experience. The fabric is water-repellent and dyed in an environmentally friendly way. Packing volume: 135 liters, payload: up to 45 kilos.
Remote instead of dim light
A high-beam headlamp is a real improvement for those who often travel on country roads or farm tracks: for example, the IQ-XS E High Beam for e-bikes (approx. 130 euros) from Busch & Müller. It works at the push of a button and has 150 lux, the low beam 100 lux. The lamp requires at least 11 watts of nominal power at the light connection.
© Photo: bumm.de
from photo: bumm.de
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bell with sender
Another way to increase the chance of finding your stolen bike is to have a sender hidden inconspicuously in the bike bell. Apple has the coin-sized “AirTag” tracking device (about 34 euros). It sends a signal via Bluetooth and can be used in many ways to find things.
© Photo: Messingschlager
from photo: Messingschlager
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In the tried-and-tested “Airbell” bicycle bell (from approx. 20 euros) from Messingschlager, a cavity has been left out for such a transmitter. Via the iOS Apple app “Where is?” location can be retrieved when within range of other Apple devices.
