Traveling by bike – faster, nicer, safer

"The bicycle is becoming more and more similar to the car," says bike expert Gunnar Fehlau from the "Press Service Bicycle" branch service. Families use the new cargo bikes as a replacement for a small car, for transporting children and for bulk purchases.

In the two-wheeled FS 200 Life Family (from Ca Go, around 8300 euros) with a Bosch motor and belt drive, the children sit protected from wind and weather in ergonomic seats in a safety passenger cell, there are removable floor mats (the muddy rubber boots!), footrests to help them get on and a luggage rack. The fact that father or mother is still exposed to the rigors of the weather on the saddle becomes a minor matter.

Another cargo bike can legally even piggyback a slim adult (up to 65 kilos): The Multitinker (from Riese

In 2021, more than 234,000 bicycle thefts were reported in Germany. And a YouGov poll in April 2022 found that around a quarter of respondents had had a bike stolen at least once. So it is obvious that more and more people are relying on trackers such as Apple's AirTag to find their valuable possessions if the worst comes to the worst.

Special tracking devices for bikes can be hidden in the bell or installed under the bottle holder: for example the Scout (from Knog, around 60 euros*), which is also equipped with an 85 decibel alarm - and can be charged via USB.

So that it doesn't get that far in the first place: always secure yourself! The new Goose Lock (from Abus, around 70 euros*) is similar in appearance and flexibility to the textile locks from the young supplier TexLock (from 120 euros*), but under the chic fabric cover there is a chain that is also encased by two intertwined metal spiral springs.

Stiftung Warentest recently tested U-locks, folding locks and chain locks - the winner was the chain lock Keeper (from Kryptonite, around 45 euros*).

Parents who are enthusiastic about cycling increasingly want bikes for their offspring that have similar features to their own: A maintenance-free belt drive such as that offered by the young Dutch company Bungi Bungi (e.g. for children from six to nine years of age, around 630 euros*) and by Be an early rider (from 150 euros*) or have the impression of a mountain bike. Traditional manufacturer Puky has founded a new brand called Eightshot (e.g. X-Coady 20 SL, around 440 euros*) for the sporty runabouts.

Comforting with the stately prices, which can also reach 800 euros: When the child has outgrown it after two years, the bikes can be easily resold.

Every second bicycle sold is now an e-bike. And they can be slim and shapely. The selection of pedelecs that weigh less than 20 kilos and look almost like a normal “bio bike” is growing all the time. Also included: providers such as Ampler (from 2800 euros), Schindelhauer (from 1700 euros) or Riese

Reduce, reuse, recycle - the bike industry also relies on resource-saving processes. Schwalbe, manufacturer of the almost indestructible Marathon bicycle tyres, now recycles tires as well as inner tubes. The resulting pyrolysis oil is used by the Vaude company for the material of the Yaras zip-off cycling shorts (around 160 euros*). Schwalbe plans to launch a tire made from recycled carbon black this year.

They still exist, the bikes that do not require electrical support and are operated purely with muscle power. Some call them “bio bikes”. The elegant Endurace CF 7 eTap (from Canyon, around 3000 euros) with a carbon frame weighs 8.62 kilograms and is equipped with wireless SRAM gears and 30 mm tires. If you want to drive away from paved roads, you can also mount 35 millimeter wide all-road tires. Around 3000 euros.

For quick access, this waterproof backpack with a laptop compartment from Ortlieb (Soulo, around 180 euros) has a magnetic closure with an invisible lock, as anti-theft protection for trips in the crowded subway. The same manufacturer offers a small "fuel pack" for mobile phones or energy bars for sporty riders, which is attached to the top tube and can be opened with one hand. The Fidlock company also relies on magnetic force – as an attachment for smartphones, tool boxes or bottles (around 30 euros*).

So much has got around in the meantime: When cycling, a helmet belongs on the head. For example this one from POC (from 170 euros*). The Omne Beacon MIPS is clearly visible with its orange area on the back of the head and also has LEDs on the back. Around 200 euros, available from late summer. And if you don't want to wear a helmet for aesthetic or other reasons, it can be worth investing in an airbag collar (from Hövding, around 330 euros*).

Rain annoys cyclists, there's no talking about it here. A waterproof poncho helps. The ones by Rainkiss (around 75 euros*) have a practical cut and their patterns put you in a good mood. Many models are also available in children's sizes (around 65 euros).

The book "As fast as the wind" by Joan Negrescolor (Kleine Gestalten, around 15 euros*), which was published in 2020, tells the (true) story of the Italian cyclist Alfonsina Strada (1891-1959) with beautiful illustrations, who won the famous Giro in 1924 d'Italia competed, although participation was actually reserved exclusively for men.

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