Welt_Profil 2_2008 17.11.2008 16:04 Uhr Seite 1

is a brand of Bohle

EDITORIAL World Edition 2 I 2008 I December I 5th year

Dear Schwalbe further Schwalbe Partner! developed its successful Ultremo ”R“.

The world economy may be at the beginning of a long-term slow down, but the sector could once again defy this development by posting strong growth. 2008 could mark a turning point for the future. Not just in Europe, but globally. The climate debate and the huge price hikes in oil caused a quiet consu- mer revolution, because people have noticeably begun cycling more intensively for everyday commuting and leisure purposes. Herein lies a golden opportu- nity, not only for us to support this socio-political trend by providing good service and excellent prod- ucts, but also, at the same time,

expanding our own businesses for Photo: Cube the future. For the forthcoming 2009 sea- son we have prepared a strong line up of new developments in all three Ultremo with the ”R“-Factor segments – Racing, Touring and Mountainbiking – that are highligh- Weighing in at just 180 grams, ten percent lower and reduced ted in this issue. risk of punctures – by using special innovations Schwalbe has again improved the Ultremo to the Ultremo ”R“. Yours

The ”R“-Factor reflects the innovative additives that silver and white graphics on the ’s side walls, have been introduced into the Ultremo: Radial con- while the red ”R“ signifies its new characteristics. struction principle, Triple Compound with nano-sized The Ultremo’s ‘R’ stands for radial, the con- particles and patented puncture protection with cera- struction principle that enables the tire to incorporate mic particles. The tire first made its debut in 2006 a protection belt. „We didn’t include it as an after- Frank Bohle and within months it became the ‘must have’ racing thought – diagonally under the – but tire and nowadays it is ridden by two ProTour teams. rather inbuilt it radially (see page 2 illustration). The top of the range model is distinguishable by its That means: The cross-weave of the HD Ceramic

Sales display: New New models at the Vélib’ hire bikes in ”Flat-less“ display with shows : Alpine specialist Paris: Over 25 million the Marathon Plus and Fat Albert Front and bike rentals since the new Marathon Plus Rear with Triple Nano July 2007. Tour. Compound and U-blocks. PAGE 3 PAGE 4 PAGE 8 Welt_Profil 2_2008 17.11.2008 16:04 Uhr Seite 2

2 SALES

Ultremo rider: Mark Cavendish (Columbia) won four stages of the Tour de France. Photos (2): Foto-Roth Photos

Ultremo with Also new is the coating of ceramic particles: Tiny shards of glass that become lodged in the tire and the “R“-Factor which slowly work their way through a protection The radial construction princip- belt are stalled when they come into contact with le contributes to reducing roll- the ceramic particles and because ceramic is harder ing resistance by ten percent. than glass, the shards are blunted. ”The use of these high-tech materials and of the radial construction principle puts the Ultremo Guard is at 90 degrees and zero degrees relative to ’R‘ into a class of its own“, said Markus Hachmeyer. the direction of . The threads running at ”Only by using our High-Density Technology was it zero degrees correspond to the belt of a radial ply possible and practical to incorporate a protection belt tire“, explained Schwalbe technician Markus Hach- radially into a bicycle tire. In this way the tire retains meyer. This radial construction contributes – along its shape and both internal friction and consequently with the new compound – to reducing rolling resi- rolling resistance are reduced.“ stance by around ten percent. Triple Nano Compound improves grip Patented protection belt and rolling resistance with ceramic particle coating Strengthened defence against A special, new polymer of nano-sized particles has glass shards: The High Density The ”R“-Factor features an improved protection belt. made a crucial improvement. Instead of the former Guard is coated with ceramic High Density Guard is a unique technology, developed ”gigantic“ 200 nanometer particles, they now measu- particles. for the Ultremo in co-operation with American firm re only ten nanometers, i.e. 0,00001 millimeter. Or to Warwick Mills. Warwick holds 14 international patents illustrate it better: A nanometer is to a meter, what for its high density woven fabrics and is the world a football is to Earth. This decrease in size has two leader for innovative industrial . ”No other fundamental advantages: The internal friction of the protection belt used in bicycle is nearly so den- rubber is reduced, which in turn lowers rolling resis- sely woven“, said Hachmeyer. Use of this technology tance. And many small particles provide a greater enabled the Ultremo to not only remain light, but also surface area than fewer, larger ones – the result of to achieve a far greater level of puncture protection. which is more contact area and therefore appreciably better grip. The outcome is an outstanding All-Round- Compound used in the tread center. Underneath this lies an extremely easy rolling base layer compound. And on the tire sides is a grippy shoulder compound. ”All three make up the unique Triple Nano Com- pound“, explained Hachmeyer. The new Ultemo „R“ The Ultremo ”R“ will be available from 2009. As available from 2009. well as black, the tire shoulders are also available in white, silver, pink, red, yellow and blue. There is also an optional ”Double Defense“ version: An additional fabric layer (SnakeSkin) which protects the tire’s shoulders and side walls – useful for the ‘Spring Classic’ races and tough courses.

Christian Lademann (left), Schwalbe Race Support, and Gerald Ciolek, Team Columbia.

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SALES 3

Rocket Ron goes like a rocket

Rocket Ron is a new super-light – weighing 410 grams – MTB racer with astonishing grip. Sabine Spitz (Germany) won the Gold Medal on Rocket Ron in China and rode them to her European title championship success in St. Wendel, Germany, in May.

This Rocket fulfills racers’ wishes all at once: Low years: The grippy Nobby Nic and the fast Racing weight and lots of grip – both straight-line Ralph. Rocket Ron has a more prominent pro- power and in curves – and it works file than Racing Ralph, but nonetheless rolls just as well in wet or dry conditions. The just as easily. Above all: It is an out and out lugs are widely spaced and provide a great competition tire, so puncture resistance and self-cleaning action as with Racing Ralph. durability are limited. In order to achieve these seeming- Sizes: 26 x 2.10 inch (410 grams), 26 ly opposing characteristics Schwalbe x 2.25 inch (445 grams) and 26 x 2.40 inch equipped its MTB-Racer with a lot of (530 grams). Rocket Ron is also available technical finesse such as: 127 epi evo in tubeless versions (2.1 and 2.25 inch). The carcass, Triple Nano Compound and Evo-Tubeless-Technology is characterized by bitingly efficient U-Blocks. extremely low weight and low rolling resistance. This MTB-Racer takes its place Integrated into the tire’s structure is a strengthe- amongst the two most popular MTB ned side wall and a coating that prevents loss of competition tires of the past few Rocket Ron inflation pressure. Highlight-Display – a unique sales presenter

In addition to the new tires Ultremo R, New ”Flat-less“ display with Rocket Ron and Marathon Plus Tour, cut tire sections of both the Schwalbe presents an attractive sales Marathon Plus Tour and Marathon Plus. display exclusively designed for specialist bicycle dealers.

Showing many tires can be easily achieved by using For more information the Schwalbe Shop System that can display from 75 up to one hundred tires as well as tubes, rim tapes, please contact or catalogues. Now there is a new display for single tires. The your local distribution Highlight-Display is a feature presenter that stands 1.70 meters tall, acting like a beacon within the store partner. and is a real eye-catcher. ”Specialist dealers are able to draw their cus- tomers’ attention to any particular tire of their choos- ing“, said Product Manager, Carsten Zahn. Top of the line products like the Ultremo R or the Marathon Supreme can really be high-lighted. ”Dealers can The Highlight-Display either contact us directly or through their area re- allows dealers to presentative“, explained Zahn. emphasize a particular The Highlight-Display is made of plastic and tire. has a sturdy metal base – it is also easily assembled using just two screws and is perfect for showing off the accompanying tire pack of Ultremo R, Rocket Ron, Marathon Extreme and Marathon Supreme.

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4 TECHNOLOGY Photos (2): Christoph Malin (2): Christoph Photos Now the new All Mountain Duo: F

Although now nearly ten years old, Fat Albert is still one of the most popular Mountain- bike tires and it was one of the first large volume, light weight tires. Now Schwalbe has created a whole new generation of all-rounders.

Fat Albert excels in the Alps. ”Nothing is more impor- cian Markus Hachmeyer. Freerider Johannes Fisch- tant in alpine crossings than a fat tire. The Fat Albert bach admirably proved this: In May 2008 he became grips and performs in any terrain – either dry, or German 4Cross champion in Wilthen, Saxony, using wet. Providing maximum safety with the greatest the new Alberts. possible riding enjoyment“, said Tom Bierl, who is Large volume and low weight – the core com- both ”Alps Biketours” alpine guide and editor in petences of Fat Albert have not changed. Its strength chief of ”Trekkingbike“ magazine (Germany). lies in the combination of the new Triple Nano Com- Schwalbe has redesigned and redeveloped every pound, a robust snake skin and grippy U-blocks. Fat Albert performs feature. Making the new Fat Albert Front and Rear Snakeskin: A tough snake skin protects it from sharp reliably on any ter- tires noticeably grippier, much truer while cornering, rocks that otherwise quickly tear apart the side walls rain. quieter on hard surfaces and easier to ride at altitude of lightweight and fast racing tires. “Snakeskin” is – ”like running on rails“, promised Schwalbe techni- one of the most effective discoveries we ever made for Mountainbikes“, added Markus Hachmeyer. The 50 grams weight penalty is well worthwhile. Triple Nano Compound: Nano-sized polymers and fillers have greatly improved rolling resistance. The hitherto ”gigantic“ 200 nanometer particles have been reduced to only ten nanometers i.e. 0,00001 millimeter. This reduction has two benefits: The internal friction is reduced, that in turn reduces roll- Fat Albert Front and Rear: ing resistance. And because many smaller particles The best combination for present a greater surface area than fewer larger alpine crossings. ones – the superior contact area provides better grip.

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TECHNOLOGY 5

For years Fat Albert has been a favorite Fat Albert Front and Rear MTB tire.

The result is an outstanding Allround-Compound perfectly positioned U-Block lugs, the undisputed for the tread center, beneath which lies an extreme- best pairing for Alpencross. ly easy rolling base compound and to the sides lie The latest incarnation – like the preceding Fat grippy shoulder compounds. „All three complete Albert – have sturdy and robust lugs, because dura- the unique Triple Nano Compound“, stressed Hach- bility is far more important than saving the very last meyer. gram. U-Blocks: Additional grip is generated by the, so called, U-Blocks. Schwalbe technicians positioned Tubeless or Double Defense are also options these specially shaped lugs against the direction of rotation and therefore contradicting the traditional Double Defense version uses an additional HD Cera- thinking that lugs should always run with the mic Guard to protect against penetration punctures rotation. The U-Shape lugs and their positioning and in thorny areas that is particularly important. develops even more cornering grip. It is natural for The variant of Fat Albert is some- the tire to want to wander out of curves. U-Blocks what heavier, but much stronger. Air retention is Celebration: The prevent this by lifting the tire by the nature of their not maintained by incorporating butyl in to the tread Front & Rear duo is forward-facing, half-open design. The surprising compound, but by applying an internal butyl layer to given a special ‘Alpine effect is less under-steer and more stability in cor- the tire. The resultant combination means that deep look’ outfit to comme- nering. cuts in the tread cannot reduce air pressure morate its tenth birth- and penetration punctures can be sealed day. Fine tuning for front and rear by applying a conventional patch to the hole inside the The Front version is designed to enhance braking tire. Outside the Snakeskin and steering performance. The shoulder positioned fabric protects the side U-Blocks grip positively in curves providing precision walls. steering. Fat Albert Front and Fat Albert Rear provides powerful propulsion. Rear are available from The special Rear Version features U-Blocks running specialist dealers in sizes in the traditional direction for better control in cor- 2,25 and 2,40 inch from ners making Fat Albert Front and Rear, with their 2009.

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6 NEWS TECHNOLOGY

Tubeless tires – know-how

Tubeless tires are considered safer from punctures than their tubed cousins, but they are not impervious to flats. Additionally: Air can often escape from a tire puncture by taking an indirect path.

Above all Tubeless tires offer two safety advantages: Service Representative, ”the allegedly tire is fre- There can be no valve tear-off with the consequent quently only affected by a normal puncture – and is New size Paceman catastrophic air loss and with punctures, air escapes therefore not faulty. When the defect is repaired, the only very slowly. However, it is not necessarily the tire is again completely airtight.“ Schwalbe has a new size motor scooter case that air will escape at the obviously defective It is usually only by using a water bath that the tire, Paceman: 130/60-13. The semi-slick, place as, in the case of damage, air finds the weakest whereabouts of a puncture in the tread can possibly developed in co-operation with racing path to escape; through the tire’s internal rubber be discovered. However, not only must the tread be rider Günter Kübler (Germany) is conse- layer, the carcass fabric, or through the side wall, observed for visible air loss, also the side wall must quently poised in fast corne- because this only has an extremely thin rubber be examined in the greatest detail. The simplest way ring and rides just like a coating. that a Tubeless tire can be repaired is by the applica- true racing tire should. As a consequence: Air escapes in many diffe- tion of a puncture protection liquid such as Doc Blue. The compound is also rent places. This makes tracing the leak much more Air leaks at the valve or rim (for example caused by a suitably tuned: It is really difficult. ”With any complaint regarding a leaky tire“, nipple) can only be found, if the complete grippy and provides good reported Bettina Kreft, Bohle Germany’s Customer wheel is immersed in a water bath. road contact – in racing and everyday use. Correct fitting is crucial New autumn Defects can be caused by incorrect assembly, so here are a few fitting tips: color Fat Frank - Moisten the rim well with proprietary 1 2 fitting liquid, or soapy water (1 ) so that the tire slips easily onto the rim. - Pull the first into the rim (2 ). - Fit the second tire bead into the rim. Begin exactly opposite the valve position (3 ) (4 ). It is important that both tire beads are seated side by side in the rim well. Take care when using tire levers as they can damage the internal rubber 3 layer.

Retro is ”in“. Not only in clothing, but al- so bicycle tires are going back to their 4 roots. This ”look“ has always been a favorite with Brooks saddles with their natural brown leather color. - Check that the tire is evenly and securely seated (5 ) (6 ). Favored by Retro racers, Ensure that the valve is centered between the tire beads in order it is now also matched by to avoid air escaping from either side. a warm and tan toned Fat - Inflate the tire quickly so that the tire beads emit an audible Frank in the balloon size of ’pop‘, indicating that they are in their final, correct position (7 ). 26 x 2.35 (60-559). Examine the tire and wheel for correct fit and seating. The tire’s rim line should run evenly parallel to the rim edge.

5 6 7

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SCHWALBE INTERNATIONAL 7

NEWSRiding the Road on an MTB (Italy) Traveling from Venice to Beijing by MTB could seem a crazy idea, but this is just what two bicycle enthusiasts, Giovanni Sirotto (53) and Giovanni Cira- vegna (62) have realized. Between April and the end of August 2008 they rode without any assistance for about 14.000 kilometers through eleven countries on all kinds of surfaces; asphalt, dirt-road and desert. During this undertaking they relied on Schwalbe’s Giovanni Sirotto and Marathon Plus and suffered not one puncture! Renato Ciravegna in front (www.lafiocavienmola.it) of the Arena in Verona. Sabine Spitz won gold on the Rocket Ron in Beijing. Gold medal winner to ride Schwalbe in 2009 Olympic win on Schwalbe (Great Britain) Nicole Cooke, Britain’s World and (Germany) Feeling so elated that she carried Olympic gold medalist, will be riding on the new her over the winning line: Sabine Schwalbe Ultremo R’s in 2009. Swift Motorhomes Spitz (Germany) won the Beijing Olympic Games had to withdraw sponsorship from their racing Gold medal in Cross Country. She chose as her team due to the "Credit Crunch" which left team ground-contact partner the new Rocket Ron, manager, Stefan Wyman, in something of a dilem- which she had been riding since the beginning ma. However, Stefan had already been talking to of the year. Schwalbe Profile talked with the Nicole during the year, and out of this has come the INTERVIEW 36-year old about the role tires played during formation of the brand new team “Vision 1 Racing” the competition. led by Nicole. Some of the former Swift team will remain in the new squad, but the emphasis is on How would you rate the performance of Rocket developing younger British girls and taking them Ron tires in your Olympic victory? into the ranks of professional cycling. It is intended Olympic champion Nicole Sabine Spitz: To come straight to the point, abso- to be at least a four year program, with ambitions of Cooke rides Schwalbe lutely outstanding. The tires added an incredible winning at forthcoming events such as the World Ultremo R. level of cornering and braking grip – all with a low Cup, National and World Championships, Common- weight and low rolling resistance. So Rocket Ron wealth and Olympic games. was the first choice for my Olympic race. I could have also chosen to use Racing Ralph for the front wheel. But Rocket Ron gave me a better More and more French feeling in curves. This was important, because riders choose Schwalbe the course in Beijing meant that you had to carry (France) Two events helped make the Schwalbe as much speed as possible through the corners. brand more popular in France. ”At ’L'Ardéchoise‘ and ’Roc d’Azur‘, the feedback for both MTB and road Generally, what role do tires play in competition? racing product ranges was overwhelming“, reported Sabine Spitz: A very large part. Tires are crucial an optimistic Pierre Dubruc, director of Bohle France to a bike’s handling characteristics. Often they are Sarl, and added. “We expect a considerable increase the deciding factor whether you will get the right in market share next year.” For the first time, Bohle result. Just like Formula 1 racing, we spend a lot France had a stand at the renowned L'Ardéchoise, of time before deciding on the right choice of tire one the most important road racing events that also for the prevailing conditions. While the decision has a show. Some 13.000 competitors attended the is never easy, with Schwalbe the possible permu- event that took place in St Félicien, Ardèche (south- The Schwalbe Stand at the tations offered can be found to perfectly suit any east France). “Some riders told me that after trying French Mountainbike-Festival, course. the Ultremo, they would never switch to any other Roc d’Azur. tire.“ Others reported, the Ultremo rolled in an What kind of feedback do you share with Schwalbe unusually smooth way and was more durable than technicians regarding tire development? any other. In addition, Bohle France also had a stand Sabine Spitz: I first raced Rocket Ron in Cyprus at the 25th Roc d’Azur Mountainbike festival. With early this year. It was ideal, rocky and bumpy more than 16.000 riders and about 100 companies testing terrain. I was able to pass on to Schwalbe exhibiting, nowadays this is one of Europe’s largest my experience of its handling and performance events. It started out, by contrast, in 1984 with exactly especially in terms of durability and puncture seven participants. ”At this years’ event riders parti- resistance and my ideas about how the tire could cularly appreciated the technical design aspects of be improved or changed by altering the carcass the special front and rear versions of Fat Albert. And and rubber compound. However with Rocket Ron they were enthusiastic about the great performance I felt from the outset that it was perfect in almost of newcomer Rocket Ron“, stated Pierre Dubruc. every way.

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MARKET 8

1,450 hire stations hold around 21,000 bikes – all equipped with Schwalbe

Photos: JC Decaux Photos: Marathons.

rental business functions using credit cards. The first Velo-Revolution in Paris half hour is free, then each further half-hour period costs one Euro, a year’s subscription costs just 29 Who would have thought that? Parisians riding rental bikes! Euros which, up to June 2008, 90,000 Parisians had taken advantage of. Each day in Paris there are some Since the start of the Velib' rental system more than a year 135,000 bicycle rentals. ago, Parisians and tourists alike took around 25 million trips To enable the whole thing to run smoothly, Vélib' workers centrally supervise the operation; directing on hire bikes, all of them equipped with Schwalbe. twenty transporters, which constantly replenish or remove from the hire stations’ while 600 A passion for racing cycles – this is, what the French employees maintain the bicycles. Tires are very low are famous for. But as a means of transport, the bicy- on their list: The Schwalbe Marathon’s are replaced cle has always been rather smiled at. But times are extremely rarely. changing and in the land of the ‘Revolution’ alternati- “The public and political focus on bicycles is ves are usually fraternally embraced and especially very pleasing”, says Pierre Dubruc, managing director so since the meteoric rises in gas prices. From “Velo” of Bohle France. JC Decaux already installed rental (bicycle) and “Liberation” (freedom) came ”Velib“ – systems in Vienna, Brussels and Seville and has fur- “bicycle freedom”, which offered Parisians an alterna- ther expansions plans. “Going hand-in-hand with bi- tive to the car. Velib’ has since successfully changed cycle rentals are increasing sales of new bicycles and Paris where bicycle usage has risen by 70 percent. a decrease in motor traffic”, says a spokesman for JC Operator JC Decaux spared no expense and installed Decaux. Besides which, trend researchers and traffic the world’s largest rental system. The Lyon based planners foresee a renaissance of city centers. If one company, which is the one of the world’s largest city takes the constantly rising gas prices and the aware-

center hoarding advertisers, established over 1,450 ness of CO2 emissions, nothing should stand in the hire stations with altogether circa 21,000 bikes. The way of a cycling boom! EVENTS February 14. – 22. 2009 Tour of California www.amgentourofcalifornia.com March 17. – 20. 2009 Taipei International Cycle Show www.taipeitradeshows.com.tw/

SOLAR CAR FRAGMENT

Sun in your tank – it is possible these days. The world’s most beauti- ful solar powered car was constructed by Bochum University (Germany) and runs on . Around 2,000 solar cells are used to catch sunlight and convert it into usable power. The solar cells are made of gallium arsenide and have a power output of around 1,500 Watts, which can provide acceleration up to a top speed of 80 kph. Pictured: “Solar World No. 1“ during the World Solar Challenge staged in Australia in 2007. The German car not only achieved 4th place, but also won the design prize for the world’s most beautiful solar powered car. ”In the future it may be possible for static solar plants to produce energy for electric vehicles, but at the moment they are just too expensive”, explained Arne Austing Bochum’s technology trendsetter. Schwalbe specially developed a tire with an extremely low rolling resistance ’Solar‘ compound for the project. (www.hochschule-bochum.de/solarcar)

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

Publisher: Vincentz Kundenmedien I Postfach 6247 I 30062 Hannover I Germany I Tel. +49 (511) 99 10-315 I Fax +49 (511) 99 10-309 Staff Editor: Claudia Müller I Layout: Angelika Hanke

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

profile 2 2008