If there was one bike in the awards area at the show that epitomizes the idea of a design award, it would probably be the Rafael r-023 Ueberbike. From the driveside it may be easy to overlook if you’re not into tri bikes, but as soon as you take a glance at the non-drive side of the bike it stops you in your tracks…
Mountain bikes have the Lefty, and it looks like tri bikes will eventually have the Ueberbike – a fully single sided frame and fork.
You’ll also note a lack of exposed brakes if you look closely. The front hub housed an integrated brake which looks like a drum, but due to the Magura hydraulic levers, we’re assuming it’s some type of hydraulic set up. The rear didn’t seem to have a brake at all, at least not one that we could see. Looking closely at the cassette area you’ll find a brace that sits between the cassette and the wheel. According to the Awards doccument, the wheels can be removed “without needing to remove the drive train,” which we assume means the cassette and chain stay in place while the wheel detaches easily from the freehub body. The single sided design also makes flat repairs possible without having to remove the wheels which could be a time saver during a race.
The bike features a patent pending aero cockpit with an integrated bottle. Above is a closeup of the front hub with the brake housing.
This one needs little explanation – the Juliana Roubion picked up an award for Best In Show in the mountain bike category.
You can’t go to Eurobike without seeing more e-bikes then you ever thought possible, so of course there were e-bike awards as well. The Stromer ST2 is supposedly the first digitally connected e-bike with its own SIM card. The bike communicates with the myStromer app on smartphones and offers bluetooth, GPS, and GSM connectivity that allow it to be tracked with a geolocator as well as digital tuning, anti-theft, and battery management.
Tyler already got us up to speed on the Silverback Superbike concept 1.0, but it’s worth a look if you haven’t seen it.
The Ax-Lightness Vial Evo D is a light weight (660-720g), monocoque, frame with a great ride that’s made in Germany. Of course it won an award at the bike show in its home country. The judges even state “But it’s not just the weight and rigidity that are unusual in this racing bike, the frame, fork, and the majority of the components are German made,” and “Depite of German production it has competitive pricing.”
The Canyon Commuter has a sleek one piece integrated stem/handlebar/and light combination with the light drawing power from the front dynamo hub with internal wiring. Belt drive, IGH, and a fender system that will hold panniers, this is a sick commuter.
Canyon also was awarded for their Aeroad CF SLX aero road bike.
Another e-bike, Cube’s Elite Hybrid HPC SLT 29 rolls a Bosch e-bike system in a carbon frame.
Specialized isn’t the only company with fat bikes for kids. S’COOL’s XXfat 20-9 is claimed to be the first 20″ fat bike which rolls on 20×4.0 tires from Vee Tire.
Hey. No, I’m not trying to get your attention, that’s the name of this bike – A creative take on the urban bike.
Tyler seemed to like the new GT Grade, so we’re not surprised to see it picking up an award for its design.
Looking at the Annad Power E-bike, you’d never know it had a motor, which is why it won an award. That, and the fact that it only weighs 32 lbs (14.9kg), which for an e-bike is quite light.
A mountain bike without batteries, the Ghost Riot LT 10 LC is a 105/130mm travel enduro rig won for it’s versatility and design.
If you’re going electric, you might as well go full E. The Haibike SDURO AllMtn Pro combines a 250w Yamaha motor with the e:i shock suspension system which adjusts the suspension based on terrain.
KTM had a pretty rad touring rig with their LIFE Lontano bike equipped with the new Pinion P1.18 gearbox.
Again we find the BionX Night Crawler. I’ll let Surly explain this one.
The Kettwiesel Kross Steps was awarded due to the fact that it’s the first trike to use a mid mounted e-motor, in this case the Shimano Steps. It also has a suspension fork, independent rear suspension and a differential.
HP Velotechnik OHG adds fold ability to the mix for an electric, full suspension, folding trike. There is even a reverse. The flip side is that the trike does have a lot of accessibility options which makes this a great option for those who would otherwise have trouble riding a bike.
The Veleon may look a little odd at first but it’s actually a really cool design. The rear bike portion tilts to provide a carving sensation like you get on a bike, but keeps the front end on the ground and provides stability like a trike. That’s important since the front basket is designed to carry a number of things including your child. Most car seats will strap right in, and the rear portion of the bike easily detaches turning the front portion into a stroller.
The Protanium Mobilling e-bike is also pretty interesting with a shaft drive frame, and handlebar that is designed to hold your smarphone. The Mobilling system uses a customized app to control many functions of the bike.
Cannondale’s Contro 1 won for the way it combines the construction of the frame, rack, and fenders into a seamless design.
Check out the Eurobike award winners for parts, accessories, and clothing here.
