is a brand of Bohle

Editorial World Edition 1 I 2011 n May n 8th year

Dear Schwalbe Partner!

None of our company’s products better embodies the Schwalbe cor- porate spirit like the Marathon tire does. It stands for longevity, quality and innovation. But it’s even more than that: the Marathon symbolizes the emancipation of the bicycle industry in Germany and in many countries throughout the world. At first we were derided, but we persevered with determination and conviction and today, just like the Aiming high: Andy industry itself, we can be proud of Schleck (center) and our solid market position. We are (right) now launching the 5th generation of from the Leopard-Trek our long-distance runner – a wor- Race Team. Foto-Roth thy new edition, befitting our most

important tire: innovative, sustain- Photo: able and more durable than ever before (page 4). But it isn’t just the Marathon, but rather in general the demand A surprisingly good combination: for bicycles is growing. More bikes are being ridden in Germany, in Europe and in North America. By Leopard and Schwalbe contrast, however, the focus of worldwide bicycle production lies Schwalbe is the tire sponsor of Luxemburg’s newest race team Leopard-Trek. The team in Asia. We opened a new logistics center in Indonesia in March, in that world governing body UCI has straightaway ranked number one has ambitious goals: order to shorten lead-times and “We want to win the 2011 tour”, says twice tour runner-up . support manufacturers producing there (page 3). “We are very pleased to be associated as suppliers as World Time-Trial Champion, , Yours sincerely, with such a strong international team from the very will lead the team, joined by German professional ri- outset“, says Doris Klytta, responsible for Schwalbe’s ders , , Jens Voigt, PR and sponsoring. Before the team was officially and Robert Wagner. Co-sponsor is bicycle manu- announced in January 2011, there had been six facturer Trek, USA. The tire choice is Schwalbe. long months of careful rider and material selection. The requirement of Leopard-Trek’s team Frank Bohle Luxemburg brothers Fränk and Andy Schleck as well managers was a tire partner interested in a par-

Faster delivery for To celebrate the 25th Wheels for the world: OEMs: Schwalbe opens anniversary of its Mara- “Prana” cargo bikes a new logistics center thon tire, Schwalbe is can be found in the in Indonesia. launching a new gene- most unusual places ration. right around the globe. PAGE 3 PAGE 4 PAGE 8 2 Sales

The first win for the new Leopard-Trek Race Team: Dominic Klemme (24) was triumphant at the Le Samyn GP in Belgium. Foto-Roth Photo:

A surprisingly months, together with the Leopard-Trek riders, he will develop among other things a further tubular good combination: tire. “We are focused on the trend towards using Leopard and Schwalbe wider rims, as well as meeting the team’s specific request to also use various tire widths – originally intended exclusively for the classic races – in all the other road races”, reveals Lademann, himself a cycling pro up until 2008.

ticularly intensive collaboration. And it was precisely “An ideal mix of speed, this point that swayed the decision in favor of the puncture protection and grip” Schwalbe concept. The tire technicians work extre- “The Ultremo tires provide excellent protection mely closely with the riders, actively including them against road hazards while feeling super fast on the in their tire development programs. A further convin- road,” states Ricardo Scheidecker, the Leopard-Trek cing part of the concept was Schwalbe Race Support. Technical Manager: “This tire provides our riders At major races and tours as well as on training runs with an ideal mix of speed and puncture protection, Material experts gathered Schwalbe’s Product Manager, Christian Lademann, as well as exceptional grip that gives them lots of together: Christian Lademann is always in attendance. “We are presently accompa- confidence even when negotiating difficult alpine (left), Schwalbe Race Support, nying the spring classic races. This is where the 25C descents and sharp corners leading into a sprint.” and Jens Voigt. version of our hand-made Ultremo HT tires is being These features of the Ultremo HT (handmade tubu- put to the test,” reports Lademann. Over the coming lar) can be attributed to the special construction: it combines classical Italian manufacturing methods with high-end materials such as the new RaceStar Schwalbe-Tour-Transalp triple compound. “This compound is presently the The most spectacular European stage race for amateur cyclists is now called the Schwalbe- benchmark in tire technology! No other bicycle tire Tour-Transalp. “The Tour-Transalp, spread over seven days, is without doubt the most well manufacturer can combine rubber mixtures in a organized tour for amateur racers. We are extremely delighted to be able to support such a tire so purposefully in series production”, explains unique and renowned stage-race with our brand”, says Holger Jahn, Schwalbe’s Technical Lademann. Schwalbe has become renowned for such Director, who has already taken part in the race several times. “As a result, we can put the qua- triple compounding, where only the combination of lity of our products to the test under the most extreme conditions and gear them directly to the mixtures can ensure the best performance. “It is our targeted application.” Running from 26 June to 2 July the Schwalbe-Tour-Transalp will again aim to constantly improve our products,“ says Doris attract around 1,300 racing enthusiasts to the Alps. The Tour, comprising seven daily stages, Klytta. “In this respect the experience gained from starts at Sonthofen, Germany and will take the riders professional racing is invaluable to us. We believe through the Austrian and Italian Alps to Arco near Lake that in the Leopard-Trek Race Team we have found Garda. This year Holger Jahn and Schwalbe’s Product the ideal partner.” Manager Carsten Zahn will again take part. Holger Jahn: “When, at the end of this long and arduous week, you catch a glimpse of Lake Garda for the first time, you get a sense of real joy, but tinged with some degree of sadness because it is finally over.” www.tourtransalp.de.

schwalbe profil 1 2011 Sales 3

Brand new and squeaky clean: Schwalbe Asia: Individual the logistics center prior to commissioning in March. deliveries for OEM customers

This March Schwalbe opened a new logistics center in Indonesia: PT. Schwalbe Asia. Alongside the headquarters in Reichshof-Wehnrath near Cologne (Germany) and the subsidiaries in the Netherlands and Great Britain, it is the fourth worldwide logistics center. As a result, the lead times for OEM customers have been significantly reduced.

The Far East region is the bicycle smithy for markets throughout the entire world. All the major manufac- turers and thousands of smaller bicycle and compo- nent suppliers largely produce in Taiwan and in other states of the region. “The delivery time of our tires for the local OEM customers has now been reduced by several weeks”, Nico Simons, OEM Sales Manager at the headquar- ters in Germany is keen to emphasize. The reason is that for the first time Schwalbe Asia will allow despatch from stock in Asia whereas, previously production was “on-demand”. This brings a range of benefits to OEM customers who have their products manufactured, or assembled in Southeast Asia. They Petrus J. Muda, General Manager of Schwalbe Asia. The new logistics center is located can be supplied in tune with their specific needs and directly next to the Schwalbe production they no longer have to purchase the merchandise in The technology, electrics and EDP system were even facility in Jakarta, Indonesia. larger batch quantities. “Of course, the prerequisite installed by German technicians – but without neg- for this is a corresponding forecast,” Simons adds. lecting to consider the local peculiarities and country Schwalbe now supplies entirely individual quan- specifics. For instance, an electricity supply indepen- tities of individual items, also relatively smaller quan- dent of the power grid was set up in order to ensure tities of individual products and sizes. This was some- that stocking and destocking always runs smoothly thing of a problem, especially at the end of the season despite the occasional power failure. Bespoke soft- when only smaller quantities were required. Moreover, ware tracks inventory management and warehousing it is now possible to respond to subsequent orders of merchandise right across the globe. The route with much greater flexibility. In the new warehouse – taken by every single Marathon, or Evolution Line tire based on the forecast – a certain stock can always be is entirely traceable via barcode scanning and track- held ready. At the same time the customer has less ing. The equipping of the work-stations complies with capital tied up in his own warehouse facility. European standards as well. The new logistics center is located directly next “Schwalbe Asia opens up a host of opportunities to the Schwalbe plant in Jakarta, Indonesia, a joint for the Asian and global market,” says Frank Bohle, The building, working areas venture between Schwalbe-Ralf Bohle GmbH and Managing Director of Ralf Bohle GmbH, Germany. and the IT system comply with manufacturing company Hung-A. Up until now tires “We can now meet our customers’ sport article European standards. and tubes were sent to the logistics headquarters in needs more quickly and with greater flexibility. We Reichshof-Wehnrath, or in direct containers to the are thus able to stay abreast of the international OEM customers. trend: more and more people are taking to their What is remarkable is the equipping of the new bikes throughout the world – and we wish to play an subsidiary PT. Schwalbe Asia to European standards. active part in promoting this positive development.“

schwalbe profil 1 2011 4 COMPANY

Marathon – 25 years the for quality bikes

In 1985 the Marathon perfectly captured the spirit of the Germany environmental movement at the time. Everyday cyclists, touring cyclists and the specialized trade were overjoyed that they had a top quality bicycle tire suitable for everyday use. With it as a symbol – including its characteristic white billboard letters – the alternative bicycle scene was transformed into the self-confident branch it is today.

It was the year Mikhail Gorbachov took office and problem was: It was unbelievably difficult to find of Boris Becker’s Wimbledon victory. And the Live high-quality bikes and parts. We had to really search Aid concerts in both London and New York had for better products, importing bikes and components millions of people world-wide in front of their TVs. from and England.” Simple Minds “Don’t You”, Murray Head’s “One “And then somebody discovered this Schwalbe Night in Bangkok” and Tears for Fears, Marathon”, recalled Ulrike Saade. “It solved our pro- “Shout” were the sounds of the eighties. In blems. Together with other VSF dealers we collecti- Germany the Green Party took their first vely placed huge orders and then piled them up in seats in parliament. In West , still our storerooms. And they always sold well. The cus- surrounded by the wall at that time, 40 tomers were just happy to be able to get something bicycle dealers created the bicycle trade of high-quality, the price wasn’t a factor.” organization VSF. And a new bicycle tire came onto the market. With it – and The everyday bike became attractive perhaps also a little by it – the bicycle The VSF played a special role in the success story industry morphed itself. of the long-distance tire. Back in 1985, today’s VSF “The Marathon was the first sign managing director, Albert Herresthal, headed up a of a new era in the bicycle culture of bicycle store: “Tire quality at that time was very poor, Germany”, said Schwalbe Managing there were few committed cyclists. However the VSF Director, Frank Bohle. It was the led the vanguard of demands for quality and cyclists. very first high-quality tire designed We urgently needed better products. We shouted long for everyday life. And it was fitted on the first high- and hard. But at the beginning only Bohle listened”. quality everyday bikes. At the time there were quite Finally in 1987 the VSF created a factory, in a few unflattering opinions circulating about the ave- order to get high-quality bikes. The sales price was rage bicycles, like “badly dressed Christmas tree” or twice as high as the average price at that time and “factory-fresh garbage”. But from the mid-eighties in the industry it was laughed at. But the quality the bicycle gradually began to change from a poor bicycle was born! In the first few years VSF bikes person’s vehicle into a valued transport medium. were exclusively fitted with Marathon. It was the The new attributes were high-quality, robustness, first high-quality component on the bike. Herresthal: longevity – characteristics which were formerly not “The Marathon embodied the fact that tire techno- associated with bicycles. Germany’s then new bicycle logy was altogether improved, because, before it federations VSF and ADFC were at first derided. “My came on the scene, there was simply rubber on a father, Ralf Bohle, was the first‚ serious business- carcass. Schwalbe enhanced tire technology, refined man to pay heed to these groups”, explained Frank the carcass and rubber compound, and coordinated Bohle. everything more fastidiously. “The Marathon was in the right place at the So, together the VSF and Schwalbe made every- Top Wolfgang Reiche in right time”, said Ulrike Saade, Managing Director day cycling more attractive. The Marathon was an 1985 on his return to of events agency Velokonzept in Berlin. In 1985, to- economic success for both sides – and for just this, Bremen. 2nd from top gether with 40 other enterprises we founded the there can be a little, mutual satisfaction. The tire VSF shop in the mid VSF which, in turn, grew out of the first German, co- supports the specialized trade with its good margin 1980s. Bottom Ulrike operative bicycle shop, in, then, West Berlin, created and today it does not have to be explained to con- Saade in the bike with 5 colleagues. “We created the enterprise out of sumers, as it is asked for by name. “My father deci- shop’s office in former true environmental conviction, and sought an alter- ded from the outset: That it should be sold only in West Berlin. native to the gridlock of cars filling our cities. With specialist shops and nowhere else”, stressed Frank our long hair, Birkenstock sandals and overalls, and Bohle. “The Marathon reflects the emancipation of bearded men, we were completely alternative. At the the bicycle industry. At first disparaged, we remain bike shows we already knew at first glance, who suit- steadfast and today, like the whole industry, we are ed us and there weren’t many. “However the main in good shape.”

schwalbe profil 1 2011 COMPANY 5 the ambassador

Made the Marathon go “green”: Schwalbe‘s Product Manager René Marks (left) and Carsten Zahn.

“Green” Marathon wins Gold

On the occasion of its 25th anniversary, Schwalbe presented the fifth genera- tion of the long-distance runner Marathon. The new features include a new profile design, innovative rubber mixture and a protection belt, from which ‚Spezial‘, reads the first Marathon incar- one third is made up of recycled material. In addition, it is E-Bike-ready. For nation, as seen on Wolfgang Reiche‘s bicycle with which he journeyed 73,000 all this, the Marathon received the Eurobike Gold award in Friedrichshafen kilometers. (Germany), the highest honor from the world’s leading bike industry show.

But at the beginning of the eighties how did The Marathon was the only tire among this years’ Bohle happen on the idea of developing a quality tire, awarded novelties. The expert jury explained: “A gen- which exactly coincided with the development of a uine classic, which for 25 years has ranked among bike culture? That had something to do with a really the most lasting products – now already in its fifth special round-the-world traveler. generation. It stands for innovation and longevity and is now even E-Bike ready. Faster one than enterpri- Globetrotting tire tester se cannot react to needs.” For the Gold awards, the In February 1981, six months before his planned trip specialist jury selected the twelve most innovative around the world, Wolfgang Reiche from Bremen products from more than 550 submitted products in (Germany) wrote to 80 manufacturers of bikes and the year. components for assistance. Five businesses replied, With its new compound and special anti-aging among them the only tire manufacturers – Bohle. sidewall, the Marathon is again made even more dur- Schwalbe sales manager at that time, Hermann able. The completely redesigned sidewall can with- The new sustainable Marathon Marx, simply sent him a pair of tires. And in this stand considerably longer the typical effects of over- rounds off the Schwinn Vestige. way Reiche became the busiest tire tester of the loading due to insufficient inflation pressure. Also the The bike is built from natural age. He journeyed for four years, 73,005 kilometers new Endurance compound adds to its durability. biodegradable flax fibers. once around the world. With utmost care the pro- Its additional plus is the “green” aspect: The fessional schoolmaster started each day with a tire three millimeter thick GreenGuard protection belt diary, sent back tire samples and sketched diagrams provides exceptional defense against punctures. And reflecting the lifespan of each individual tire. He has it has further ‘green’ credentials. Its rubber layer is the original samples even to this day. On the basis made up by one-third of recycled latex products. of his reports a completely new tire was developed. Along with improved puncture protection and higher Bohle sent, ‘poste restante’, ever refined prototypes durability the new Marathon is also E-bike ready. In to some of the most remote corners of the world. In the most popular sizes it carries the European ECE- September 1983 while on Bali, Reiche received the R75 accreditation and is therefore also suitable for first tire named ‘Marathon’. Suddenly the tire life faster E-Bikes up to 50 km/h. durability extended and the final pair of tires lasted 15,530 kilometers from Katmandu to the Schwalbe Greenbelt meets Bio-Bike HQ, at that time in Bergneustadt, where the whole A bicycle, that likewise stresses the sustainability, is company turned out to welcome Reiche. Today the 63 the new Schwinn Vestige (see photo), also awarded year old works with the cyclist federation, ADFC, and with Gold. It is made from flax fibers, which are one is responsible for beds & bikes, trains bicycle tour hundred percent degradable. The paint is water- leaders and is a cycle travel guide. He is still a con- based, fenders and hand grips are made of bamboo One third of the protection vinced Marathon fan. How does he feel about “his” wood. Frank Bohle, Managing Director of Schwalbe in belt is made from recycled tires? In reply, he says he feels “a little bit jointly Germany, stated: “The Schwinn Vestige is an extre- material. responsible”. mely worthy ambassador for the new generation of the most renowned Schwalbe tire!”

schwalbe profil 1 2011 6 NEWS Technology

Racing Ralph HT Schwalbe is Tubeless ready Particularly for Cyclo-cross competi- tion the Racing Ralph is now available in a tubular tire variant – Racing Ralph Schwalbe’s MTB Evolution tires are now Tubeless ready: They can be converted into a tube- HT (“Handmade less tire by the addition of a latex based puncture sealant liquid (“latex milk”), or used quite Tubular”) with Triple Compound and latex normally by inserting an inner tube. tube (size 28 x 1.25). Also a new 26 inch “Tubeless ready” has all the advantages of tubeless There are performance gains likewise: Tires version of the tubular riding, but avoids the disadvantages of high weight prepared with sealing liquid can be ridden at low is available for moun- in the UST tubeless system. A precondition is an air- pressure, under two Bar. The tires are thus very sup- tain bikers the Racing tight Tubeless wheel. “More and more Marathon and ple, adapt perfectly to the terrain and offer optimal Ralph HT in size 26 XC competition riders use Tubeless ready systems”, grip in any situation, with the danger of a puncture x 2.00. explains Schwalbe technician, Markus Hachmeyer. remaining low as a result. Also, since no tube is Excluded from Tubeless ready are the Freeride and required, the rolling resistance is around 15 per cent Turbo-training tire Downhill tires, as well as Smart Sam. lower. And without a tube there can be naturally no In order to make the tires “Tubeless ready”, valve tear-off caused by tire creep. An additional The Insider was developed specially for Schwalbe reduced the inside diameter slightly, thus benefit is its lightness: TL-ready tires are about training on rollers. On home-trainers the tire sits more firmly on the rim. The bead recei- five grams heavier than their predecessors and in the load is particularly high, because the ved a strengthened rubberizing and has more contact addition 50 milliliters of liquid per tire is required. whole load of the braking roller is con- area with the rim making it already sealed without However they still weigh approximately 200 gram centrated on a small area consequently the use of a sealing fluid. Latex liquid is nevertheless less than a Tubeless-tire. Therefore there is an ove- heating up the tire. Tread separation is necessary, because air can still escape from the rall weight saving of 300 grams in the rotary mass, the likely result. The Insider’s special lightly rubberized carcass. which clearly improves the bike’s agility. ‘Roller’ compound generates less Prepared with a sealing fluid, for instance Doc For whom then is the still classic Tubeless sys- internal friction, does not Blue, the tires can be ridden completely tubeless tem suitable? “For all riders, who want an all-round warm up as much and – with all advantages of the system, in particular carefree package and for whom the higher weight withstands the inten- se point loading caused by tur- 1 3 4 bo-trainers particular- ly well.

A World First: Sportsman

The Sportsman from Schwalbe is the 2 first dual compound sports touring scoo- ter tire. “The Sportsman makes scooter riding that much safer“, says Schwalbe’s Product Manager Marcus Lambertz. Schwalbe designed the tire in size 3.50- 10 for classic scooters – such as the Fitting without a tube: Coat both tire beads with an assembly liquid (Schwalbe Easy Fit) ( 1 ) and fit as usual. Lambretta and Vespa – models that are But: Before fitting the second bead, fill with fluid ( 2 ), best posi­tion is opposite the valve. Continue assembly, extremely popular especially finishing at the valve! First inflate rapidly to a high pressure ( 3 ) (Track pump or compressor). After inflation: in the UK. But this all- Rotate and shake the wheel in all directions to ensure the sealing liquid is well distributed everywhere inside rounder is suitable for the tire ( 4 ). It is normal to begin with air and sealing fluid will escape down the sidewall. Inflate again and any scooter using this repeat shaking the wheel until the wheel seals permanently. ( 3 + 4 ) For a puncture out on the road: Fit a particular size wheel. spare tube remembering to clean out the sealing fluid and removing the tubeless valve. Sportsman is approved for use up to 150 km/h and can be purchased puncture protection. Punctures caused by embedded is no concern. Because handling the sealing liquid from specialist dealers stones or thorns lose their dread, because latex fluid naturally has its downside”, describes the tire tech- from mid 2011. is evenly distributed around the tire’s inside through nician. In riding performance converting to Tubeless the rotation of the wheel when riding and thereby only brings advantages. However conversion, and/or reliably seals any small holes. Nevertheless if too fitting is not for everyone, even though the TL-ready large a hole develops while riding, a tube can be tire is clearly lighter. Here the specialist dealer has inserted. an opportunity to not only sell, but also to install the system too.

schwalbe profil 1 2011 Schwalbe international 7 NEWS

Foto-Roth Schwalbe are new title Photo: sponsor of British 4X series Fabian Cancellara takes his first victory for Leopard-Trek. (Great Britain) Schwalbe will be title sponsors of the British 4X Series in 2011. At a meeting in Schwalbe Team Leopard-Trek UK’s head office in Telford, Chris Roberts, British 4X display excellent early form Series organizer, signed the contract with Schwalbe UK’s Marketing Manager, Dave Taylor, that will see (Italy) The new Leopard-Trek racing team has shown the series become: ‘Schwalbe British 4X Series’. In its early season form in the spring classic races. addition, Schwalbe also sponsors the Euro 4X-series! Riding on Schwalbe Ultremo HT, four times World The association was a logical step for Schwalbe who Time Trial Champion Fabian Cancellara () have become known as one of the best 4X tire provider rocketed to an early lead in the final stage of Tirreno- in the World. In 2010, seven of the top Adriatico. Setting a blistering, pace-setting time of 10 UCI riders were using Schwalbe. Start of the 2011 Schwalbe 10 mins. 33 secs. over 9.3 kilometers, Cancellara Dave Taylor: “Schwalbe are incredibly British 4X series in Leamington Spa. took a nine second lead in the San Benedetto del proud to be the title sponsor of the Tronto . Only one week later he National 4X Series 2011. We view rode to his second victory in the Belgian Grand Prix 4X as one of the most exciting and in Harlebeke (Luxembourg) and showed his early technically challenging MTB disci- season class with a stage win and overall ranking plines around. We’re looking forward in the French Criterium International. The team’s to exposing 4X to new audiences outstanding early form points towards their potential and, with our range of 4X tires being successful performance in the forthcoming, presti- among the best in the business, we gious international races. Schwalbe began sponsor- hope to achieve big things this year for the 4X fans”. ing the new ProTour-Team Leopard-Trek, based facebook: www.facebook.com/british4x in Luxembourg, at the beginning of 2011 (more on : www.twitter.com/british4x page 1). Champagne Bikes Three Awards for new Marathon (France) Schwalbe Kid Plus is quite a versatile tire (Germany) The new Schwalbe Marathon with Green- that was originally developed for strollers, but it Guard is not only durable and long-lasting, but also has now also turned out to be useful on vineyard stylish: Marked by three equivalent, internationally tricycles. But not just in any vineyards, some of the important honors. In one of the most renowned prod- world’s most renowned: Vineyards that grow grapes uct competitions, the “Red Dot” design award, the for the worlds’ most famous champagnes – located jury in Essen awarded the Marathon a “Red Dot” for in Champagne near Reims, some 150 kilometers MHCS

its high quality design. Also the International Design north-east of Paris. The vineyards belong to the MHCS (2): Forum (iF) in Hanover honoured the bicycle tire with group (Moët Hennessy Champagne Services), part

its GreenGuard, which consists of one-third recycled of the famous Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy Group PhotoS latex. Beforehand Schwalbe’s long distance tire had (LVMH). Work in the vineyard is most already received the Gold Award from the bicycle of the time less romantic than meticu- Unusual trikes in famous industry’s world show, Eurobike, Friedrichshafen lous, and trikes have been used there vineyards run on Schwalbe (see pages 4 and 5). The three prizes are proof that for almost 20 years as sustainable, Kid Plus. Schwalbe had succeeded in the construction its 25th more productive, and easier form of anniversary edition and 5th generation Marathon. transport. The small, three-wheeled Added Schwalbe CEO, Frank Bohle: “Europe’s most vehicles are uncomplicated and pedal commonly sold bicycle tire has an enormous effect propelled with a load capacity of up to on everyday cycling. The fact that the new Marathon 100 Kilograms. Invented specifically has also been honored for its attractive appearance for caring for the precious grapes is additionally an extraordinary success for a tire.” this truly unique trike is named the ‘Trivigne’. It has been developed for the particular needs of the vintners; adjustable in height; strong brakes and it includes storage for cutting tools. 450 Trivignes are used in the vineyards. And now their small plastic wheels run on Kid Plus tires. “The MHCS group originally found us through an internet search for a tire manufacturer. In the past few years, the only part of the Trivigne which they have changed has been the tires”, explains Pierre Dubruc, Director of Bohle France. “They replaced the former solid tires with Schwalbe Kid Plus, for better comfort and per- formance.”

schwalbe profil 1 2011 Market 8 The nuns in Okolongo, Namibia, use the Prana to help distribute food and visit the sick.

Retrofitted with motor and basket: the Prana can be converted into an EPAC.

Wheels for the world

Whether in Kenya, Albania, or the Australian Outback: the ger wheelbase and the side panniers set at axle height mean the load is evenly distributed, making the Prana easy to control “Prana” cargo bike can be found in the most unusual places even when heavily laden. The oversized tubing ensures excel- around the globe. Not just for fun, but for transporting bananas, lent rigidity and offers a safe, predictable riding experience. Big Apple tires take care of the suspension – their large volume construction materials, firewood or livestock, not to mention guarding well against punctures. However, at prices ranging half the family as well! In other words, virtually anything and between 780 and 1,000 Euros depending on the equipment level, it is unaffordable for people in developing countries. anybody up to a maximum weight of 300 kg. This veritable work- That’s why Klaus Schröder collaborates with aid organizations horse among bicycles is also gaining in popularity in Europe. and sponsors. Schwalbe donated three Prana bikes to a local organiza- Prana is an ancient Indian word that translates as “energy of tion in Kisumu, Kenya. The organization makes bikes available life” and a fitting name for a bicycle that is propelled by sheer specifically to people engaged in projects such as those involv- muscle power. But it gives energy back as well: where gas is ing the supply of water, or waste disposal. unavailable or too expensive, where no buses operate, this Equally, from Norway to Greece, the USA and New Zea- small transporter can safeguard livelihoods and improve the land, Pranas take care of all manner of transport needs: as a quality of life. bike for the whole household, for the school run, or for people But the bright orange, or green painted Prana certainly who are a little overweight. Moreover, by adding an electric bears no resemblance to a beast of burden! “It’s so light and motor the cargo bike can be turned into a cargo EPAC. manoeuvrable to ride that you barely notice you’re sitting on Klaus Schröder: “It has taken us 25 years to reach our a cargo bike as it is just 30 centimeters longer than a conven- goal. And to really accept the bicycle as a means of transport. tional bike”, comments special bike builder, Klaus Schröder Why shouldn’t the same success be achieved in using the bicy- from Bergisch Gladbach (Germany). He attributes the smooth cle as a means of cargo transport?“ It is an independent means riding characteristics to the new frame construction. The lon- of personal mobility, without any need for petrol, or reliance on EVENTS buses. All you need is “Prana”. Go to www.velonom.com 7.2. – 7.24.2011 8.31. – 9.3.2011 EUROBIKE Friedrichshafen (Germany)

Hardcore Sitting flash What 19 year old Aaron Fotheringham from Las Vegas can do with his wheelchair is breathtaking and unique worldwide. Zooming down steep ramps, jumping over obstacles, making Backflips, Double-Backflips and Handplants. His latest trick is a Frontflip, which he performed in the extreme-sports show ‘Nitro Circus’, that Aaron has starred in since 2010. What we’d call unbelievable, Aaron calls “hardcore sitting”, a type of sport invented by him that is comparable with BMX. The only difference: Aaron’s signature weapon of choice is a wheelchair with which his skill has made him famous. But his numerous TV appearances in Germany, USA, Italy and France have made him much more than just a sports personality. He has become an international ambassador and symbol of courage for every- one. Schwalbe has sponsored this young American since 2007 Crow

Jeff and, with him, developed a sporty, everyday wheelchair tire, the Airborne. www.aaronfotheringham.com Foto:

Masthead Editor: Ralf Bohle GmbH n Otto-Hahn-Str. 1 n 51580 Reichshof-Wehnrath n Germany n Tel. +49 (2265) 1090 n Fax +49 (2265) 7022 n E-Mail: [email protected] n Internet: www.schwalbe.com

Publisher: Vincentz Kundenmedien n Postfach 6247 n 30062 Hannover n Germany n Tel. +49 (511) 99 10-312 n Fax +49 (511) 99 10-309 Staff Editor: Claudia Müller n Layout: Angelika Jungvogel

Printing: BWH GmbH n © Vincentz Network GmbH & Co. KG

schwalbe profil 1 2011