Profile Media Reporting of the Newly Started Racing Season Are Unfailing and Reliable Stimuli That Reawaken Con- Sumers’ Interest in Cycling

is a brand of Bohle

Edition 1/2005 ■ May ■ 2nd year

Big Apple: First came the tire, then the bike Balloonbikes

Editorial with suspension Dear Schwalbe partner,

Bicycles are back. The warm spring weather and high profile media reporting of the newly started racing season are unfailing and reliable stimuli that reawaken consumers’ interest in cycling. Now is the time to use this ever increas- ing interest in all things cycling! We shall continue to support you with innovative tires developed exclusively for the specialised trade, along with appropriate and effective marketing. This second edition of "Schwalbe Pro- file" is packed full of great ideas to help you make the best of the forthcoming season. With this in mind we shall be concentrating on two new concepts that you can take advantage of: Balloonbikes with pneumatic suspension and our race More comfort for everyday cycling: trekking bikes, cool teenage bikes, city- Trekking or support of the Gerolsteiner team. The super-wide Big Apple absorbs cruisers, step-through frame bikes for city: Balloon- I hope you enjoy reading this latest bumps and acts almost like a full sus- seniors as well as children’s and folding bikes are issue and wish you a great season, pension bicycle. Numerous bicycle bikes. More than 30 distinguished ma- versatile. makers have developed their own nufacturers have realised their visions Sincerely, concepts for this tire. The 60 or so Big for the Big Apple, most of which are Apple equipped bicycles now have one everyday city bikes. Jan Derksen, head name: “Balloonbikes”, because they of Giant Europe, placed emphasis on are comfortable, light weight and low reduced weight and the easy way their maintenance, making bicycles with Balloonbikes provide ride comfort. This Schwalbe balloon tires a genuine has seen other manufacturers emulate trend. the trend for carefree and low mainten- Frank Bohle, ance cycling. On the other hand Riese Managing director of Ralf Bohle GmbH, The versatility of Balloonbikes are de- and Müller, a German manufacturer of Germany monstrated by their adaptation as exclusive, full suspension bicycles, sup-

Compact version Stelvio wearing International hub: of Schwalbe’s well: Gerolsteiner Bohle’s logistic Shop-System have been racing center in Reichs- available from Schwalbe for five hof Wehnrath in August. years. Germany.

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Continuation plishes what frame suspension alone is incapable of, so making possible true "suspension cycling" – that is company Balloonbikes with suspension philosophy. And naturally the fat black tires plement their sophisticated suspension nance. This ‘simplicity’ principle is re- look good too. So some manufacturers technology with fat tires. peated throughout the bicycle’s entire have themed retro style designs around “We created the Balloonbikes brand construction with components that them using frame colours such as ivory, name for the numerous bicycle models, make riding easier and more comfort- sky-blue or salmon-pink that contrast which reflect and incorporate the Big able, like enclosed chain-guards, dyna- well and add to the overall elegant Apple philosophy in their design." ex- mo hubs and gears. The Big Apple is the frame design. The steel frames of these plained Bohle managing director, Frank most obvious, most consistent way of high-quality specification models unite Bohle. He believes that these new bicy- attaining a ‘comfort concept’. The new logo for elements of the Balloon bike, Dutch bike cle concepts will set a genuine trend in Utopia, a German manufacturer of Balloonbikes. and US Street Cruiser. the market. And these bicycles give IB- high-quality custom made touring cy- The high-end, Euro 3,000, trekking D’s a chance to offer distinctive models cles, also decided on ‘air suspension’ bike ‘Easy Rohler’ from Idworx has no at reasonable prices and thus distin- and took full suspension bicycles com- competition in its class. "It’s the purest guish themselves from discounters. A pletely out of their range. In the mean- technology", said designer Gerrit Gaas- comprehensive website (www.bal- time more than 50 percent of the indi- tra. And the German bicycle magazine loonbikes.com) enchances the brand vidually configured bikes were reque- ‘Aktiv Radfahren’ agreed when judging image and informs specialist dealers sted with Big Apple, while during the it, "The most perfect bicycle we have yet and consumers about the entire Bal- past autumn shows dealers ordered 75 ridden.” loonbike range. percent of Utopia’s bikes with the Big “The models are very versatile and Apple. stimulating", summarised Frank Bohle. Less is more Reduced weight is the priority of "As tire suppliers it is not an everyday Giant Europe’s, Jan Derksen: "The Big event for us to develop a concept that in- In 2002 the German Sports University Apple is fundamental to the principle volves the whole bicycle." So we created in Cologne confirmed that the Big Ap- of cycling. That’s to say: One has to use the brand name “Balloonbikes" under ple suspension eliminated 25 percent ones legs to move." The lighter the bicy- which the many developments can be of impacts on the spine, since when cle, the easier it can be ridden. And ac- grouped. Frank Bohle recommended: evermore manufacturers have become cording to Derksen this simple fact has "Let customers experience the unique interested in the simple, but effective been mostly forgotten over the years. feeling of a balloon tire by allowing principle of ‘air suspension’. By compa- "The Big Apple, is equivalent in com- them a test ride”. rison a full suspension bicycle is only fort, but is, however, substantially For further information: www.bal- just more effective at 33 percent, but lighter than frame suspension." For loonbikes.com such bicycles are technically much example, the Giant ‘Triple X’ city bike more complicated, expensive and con- weighs only 13 kilos and Derksen re- siderably heavier. vealed that there would be further Bal- questions to Frank Bohle Less technology marks out a typical loonbikes this year. 3 Balloonbike. The high comfort level is Heiko Müller, managing director of Frank Bohle, managing director achieved by the fact that the volumi- Riese and Müller, views the character- of marketing and sales for Ralf nous tires can be ridden with a low in- istics of balloon tires as additional to Bohle GmbH in Reichshof-Wehnrath, flation pressure of just 2 bar. Because suspension technology, because fat Germany. they do not have complicated techno- tires respond particularly well to minor logy, Balloonbikes are not only light, roadway defects of up to about 1.5 centi- What are the advantages of the Big Apple’s but also comfortable and low-mainte- meters. The Big Apple therefore accom- "tire suspension" to everyday cyclists? Recent tests carried out by the German ews Sports University of Cologne suggest that the immediate effect of the Big N Apple tire suspension irons out potholes much more effectively, as opposed to the Valve caps Corporate brochure delay resulting from suspension travel. For decades the small plastic caps The Bohle family has The Big Apple cushions road unevenness have been grey in colour. Bohle have been involved in the almost as well as a full suspension bike now made them from transparent, bicycle industry for and substantially better than a suspen- high impact polycarbonate that bears nearly 100 years and a sion fork. Inflated to just two bars the the Schwalbe logo. Owing to its origi- new 24-page brochure Big Apple readily absorbs up to 25 per- nal "see-through" effect the design gives a great insight in- cent of all vibrations. has been patented and from 2005 to how this European What kind of bumps are absorbed best? the "most pinched item from the market leader operates: It describes The frequency of the "shocks" is more in- Schwalbe show stand" will be on all how ten million tires and twelve million teresting: Cobbles have a high frequency, Schwalbe tubes. tubes are distributed annually from its while occasional bumps in the road na- logistics center in Reichshof-Wehnrath, turally have a lower frequency. The ad- Germany and looks at the research and vantage of the broad, Big Apple tire is its development, marketing, sales and ability to immediately absorb any shocks. management functions. To receive the Who would benefit from this fat tire? brochure contact: Celeste Renee Steindl- All cyclists wanting a lightweight bicycle, Moser, P: 1-250-598-0397, F: 1-250-598- a comfortable ride, at a low maintenance 2018, E: [email protected] cost.

profile · 1/2005 Sales3 Black Shark SX: The off-road allrounder Schwalbe aces

They are not in the 2005 spotlight like the more exclusive Big Betty or Racing Ralph, but in the bicycle specialist trade they are genuine "fast movers": The Black Shark SX MTB allrounder and the Blizzard folding tire offer in- comparable value for money.

For the 2005 season Schwalbe has re- introduced the popular Black Shark SX MTB tire. "Every rider needs an all terrain tread", said Frank Bohle, managing director of Ralf Bohle GmbH, Germany. "Most Mountain bikers are normal riders who do not participate in races – but ride on light and me- dium terrain, forest paths, or on the road." Here the tire shows its allround talent: It rolls easily on tarmac and at the same time has sufficient grip off road. Besides it is relatively light for a wired-on tire at 650 grams and its value for money alone will convince many customers. The Blizzard is similar price-wise, Customers can deeply into his pocket for the fold- belt, low weight and high mileage. being an entry level, branded folding now choose from ing version, but then gets all the ad- The red, yellow, blue or black tires will tire and optionally a wired-on tire. The Blizzards in new vantages: Dual Compound, silica fit any racing cycle and its modern customer only has to dig a little more colours. tread, Kevlar puncture protection lozenge tread on the flanks, while op- tically fashionable at the same time Schwalbe Mini-Shop also gives a feeling of safer riding. In- stead of 22 millimeters wide, Bohle now offers the Blizzard in the popular Attractive tire presentation 700 x 23C size. No high-speed tire, but a good mar- From August 2005 the Schwalbe Shop gin is to be had from a further new of- system will be available in a compact fering: The Marathon Plus ATB in 700 version for specialist dealers who x 40C (42-622) is particularly suitable can get a high-quality, value for mo- for winter journeys with its tougher ney tire display. tread. "Flat-less will remain the ab- solute top tire topic", forecast Frank "Modern product presentation in spe- Bohle. Schwalbe conceived the Mara- cialist bicycle shops is becoming ever thon Plus ATB as an all-year-round more important", said Frank Bohle, tire for cyclists who sometimes ride managing director of Ralf Bohle GmbH. off road, but its continuous center rib "Because it is difficult to present bi- allows it to roll easily on the road. cycle tires due to their size, we have developed a professional merchandi- Tire evolution ser for the specialised trade." The unit is an attractive eye catcher in the spe- The Marathon XR Evolution expedi- cialist shop, yet at the same time it tion tire is also suitable as an all-year- integrates well with the rest of the round tire. "For cyclists with a sophis- fittings due to its compact size. It pre- ticated preference for high-quality sents bicycle tires in a high-quality accessories", recommended Frank surrounding and marks them out as Bohle. People, who ride a lot attach as a branded product while also acting much importance to excellent quality as a silent salesman, providing custo- The Shop-Sys- folding tires or around 100 tubes. Op- as looks and they appreciate the high- mers with pertinent information ab- tem displays tionally the shop unit can be supplied tech, long distance runner with its out applications and sizes at a glance. tires as high- with a light-box. Likewise the specia- crisp white labels. The light, high end The unit is 1.25 meters wide and quality brand- list dealer can choose to present tires tire (590 grams in 700 x 35C) can be 2.40 meters high. Depending upon ed products. on either hooks or tie bars. ridden sportily, but for expedition cyc- their width about 40 wired tires can For further information: Celeste lists it is first choice anyway. be displayed below the backlit Schwal- Renee Steindl-Moser, P: 1-250-598-0397, be logo. Each shelf can hold about 25 E: [email protected]

profile · 1/2005 4Technology

Early form: Gerolsteiner in action on February’s Mediterranean Tour. Photo: Foto-Roth

Tire strategy - ever more important in pro cycle racing Gerolsteiner wins on Schwalbe

Purpose made tires, rain tires for Roubaix, lights for dry these tires would wear out much optimum pair: More grip on the front mountain stages: Tire sponsorship means far more too quickly. and low rolling resistance on the rear. than simply supplying rubber. For years the German Bicycle tires must both grip and “There are great exchanges of ideas professional teams Gerolsteiner and Comnet Senges as roll as easily as possible at the same between the team and our tire develo- well as several others such as Columbia Selle Italia and time. However, improvement in one pers ", reported Doris Klytta. And the Team DFL have been riding Schwalbe. This year Schwalbe characteristic is always to the detri- former German national team cyclist is providing race support to Gerolsteiner in all important ment of the other, so rubber compo- and stage winner of the Tour de France events, in order to advise riders’ selection of the correct unds are always a compromise bet- Féminin knows what she is talking tires. ween rolling resistance and grip. It about when she discusses tire perfor- depends on which is required more - mance with riders, mechanics or team Will tire selection ever be as impor- either extra grip, or less rolling resi- assistants. With her Gerolsteiner has a tant in cycle racing as in Formula 1? stance. Tire designers therefore refine competent coordinator and apprecia- "Tires are not so influential", says Do- the rubber mixture in order to create tes it: "The way that Schwalbe reacts, ris Klytta, Schwalbe PR and sponsors- the right tire for the prevailing condi- innovatively and cooperatively to our hip manager. "However, the correct tions. suggestions, is exemplary. Schwalbe choice of tires in cycle racing plays During the past five years of coope- is an ideal sponsor ", praised Hans an increasingly important role." With ration between Schwalbe and Gerol- Michael Holczer, team boss of Gerol- Formula 1 it’s all about grip, to have steiner several special tires have been steiner, which last year attained third the grippiest possible compound for developed: Stelvio Rain for wet con- in world rankings. the given road conditions. So a softer ditions, as used in the Spring Classics tire can be used in the wet, because and the Stelvio Light for Time Trials, water cools the tires, whilst in the while Stelvio Front and Rear are the

profile · 1/2005 Technology5 Schwalbe Race Support In races the 26 Gerolsteiner riders support Davide Rebellin and Levi Leip- heimer. "Everyone is happy with the Schwalbe tubulars", said Hans Michael Holczer. When riders are racing and want to win no one wants to experi- ment, so the proven advantages of tubulars of being able to run flat for a short distance and puncturing in a non-catastrophic way are very important. Nevertheless the old fashioned, hand made tires do have disadvanta- ges: "Gluing tubulars onto rims is always a crazy expense", said Holczer. Therefore in training folding tires are always used. "Perhaps preference for tubulars is also a generation question", suggested the 50-year old team manager. "as riders still do not have enough experience of folding tires in race conditions there is insufficient knowledge to judge them". Because of Schwalbe things will Frank Hoj rode res. Klytta revealed: "That will be our lian Olympic winner and world cham- be different: This year and for the first the April Tour of secret weapon for the Belgian Spring pion Stephen Wooldridge – 4,000 time, the tire maker will offer race sup- Flanders on 25 classic races, in particular for heavier meters Team Pursuit – will race ex- port at all important races. "Two me- mm wide Stelvio riders." clusively on folding tires. "The Austra- chanics will accompany the riders tubulars. lian disclosed a preference for special to advise and fit the optimal tires Photo: Foto-Roth Folding tires tires such as Stelvio Rain and Stelvio at every stage of the race", reported go well in racing Front and Rear", said Markus Ganser, Doris Klytta about this world-wide rider and manager of the former GS 3 initiative from a bicycle tire manu- The Italian team, Columbia Selle Ita- team which now belongs in the "Con- facturer. Road conditions, distance lia is also racing on Schwalbe tires. tinental Team" category . and weather all have to be taken in- In most races the riders are rding on "What is quite amazing is the to consideration when selecting the folding tires, tubulars are used only team-wide preference for the Stelvio right tire. Thus Schwalbe developed in the time trials and mountain stages. Rain", pondered Ganser. "We do not different tire vari- Schwalbe has supported the "Profes- just ride it in the wet – it has great ants particularly sional Continental", formerly GS 2, grip!" The tire’s adhesion advantage for Paris-Roubaix team since 1996. Recent successes of far outweighs the slightly higher and the other cob- the 15-strong team: Jose Rujano won rolling resistance. Ganser: “Folding ble paved, Spring the Vuelta Venezuela 2005 and was tires are simply more practical. Fitt- races. second overall in the Tour de Lang- ing tubulars is not a realistic option In time for Pa- kawi, Malaysia 2005. for us." ris-Roubaix 2005 The tire strategy of team Comnet The riders have a lot of plans for the and for the first Senges from Stolberg near Aachen is 2005 season. The team starts all im- time, a Rain Com- clear: The 13 riders around the Austra- portant racing in Germany with some pound tubular stages also abroad, except with Pro will be available Tour races. Good performance is the in a width of 25 goal, as it could bring within reach a millimeters. "Pro- move up into the "Professional Conti- viding tubulars in nental" category, formerly GS 2. different widths and with special Tires rubber compounds of the future for individual applications is a real Italian desire: Espresso machine and Bohle has long been convinced that first", stressed Do- bar is the communication hub of the folding tires could replace the de- ris Klytta. Some- business. Photos: Dudenhöfer cades long dominance of tubulars. thing else new: "Folding tires are the racing tires of A Stelvio Rain, folding tire, 28 milli- the future", said Doris Klytta. Never- meters wide. Its grippy Maximum theless, depending upon personal Grip Compound (MGC) tread is com- preference and conditions Schwalbe plimented by additional Snake Bite Race Support can offer racers a wide protection – a strengthened sidewall, selection of tubular and folding which protects against pinch-punctu- tires. Klytta is convinced: "Tire stra- Gerolsteiner boss Hans-Michael Holczer tegy plays an important role in cycle in his bicycle business "Espresso Raed- racing. This tendency will continue le", Herrenberg, Germany. to grow."

profile · 1/2005 6Technology

The finely woven fibres not only en- hance puncture protection, but also improve rolling resistance: In this res- pect the Marathon XR now offers 10% better performance than before. Folding and unbeatable

The Marathon XR Evolution is only available as a folding tire. “Folding tires are high-end products, incorpora- ting the very latest technological ad- vances, enabling the 700 x 35C version to weigh in at just 590 grams and to be conveniently tucked away in luggage”, said Jahn. The tire’s other features also live up to the expectations of expedition cyclists. The tread pattern is designed to be sure-footed, even in tough off- road conditions, while the rubber tread compound is the most durable in the Riding Marathon XR: Circumnavigator, Claude Marthaler in Ladakh, Himalayas. entire Schwalbe range. An additional safety feature is the reflective lines Aramid protection belt with patented weaving process that render the tires clearly visible in poor light or even in the dark. Following the trend towards wider tires, the Marathon XR is now also Extreme touring available in 28” x 2.0” (50-622) and 26” x 2.25” (57-559). Besides increased comfort, the wider sizes are capable of bearing more load than narrower tires, with Marathon XR making them ideally suited for tan- dem use and touring bikes with heavy The new Marathon XR Evolution is now better protected luggage. For precisely these reasons against thorns – the most frequent destroyers of tires on Schwalbe has incorporated a special long journeys: The new, aramid Travelguard protection chafer strip around the tire beads, thus belt protects expedition cyclists’ from suffering flats preventing the sidewall from scrubb- caused in particular by penetration punctures. ing against the rim under extreme loading. Hardly any other material can handle as much as aramid. The fibres (well Marathon XR and known through Du Pont’s trade name Marathon Plus ‘Kevlar®’) reinforce bullet-proof vests and, among other things, is also used The Marathon XR folding tire should in space exploration. The golden-yel- not be confused with the everyday Ma- low, organic material has extreme rathon Plus tire. Both offer excellent resistance to loads, is durable and has puncture protection, but are designed high tear strength. Marathon XR for the whole family: A for completely different user groups. In bicycle tires aramid protects special protector prevents the bead The Marathon Plus is intended for particularly against long, pointed for- from scrubbing-out on the rim under everyday cycling, where its Smart- eign objects, like thorns. "Although extreme loads. Guard protection belt, made from ex- aramid protection belts have long tremely elastic rubber, is designed to been used in the bicycle tire industry”, than puncture the tire. Schwalbe deve- protect against sharp-edged objects explained Holger Jahn, Technical and loped Travelguard together with the that become embedded in the tread Joint Managing Director of Bohle, “the U.S. manufacturer Warwick Mills, and which the constant wheel ro- outstanding thing about the new Tra- which also supplies materials to NASA. tation forces through to the tube. Even velguard protection belt is its extreme- In order to incorporate the material thumbtacks cannot penetrate the ly dense weaving that makes it funda- into the Marathon XR Evolution, SmartGuard layer. mentally superior to other products Schwalbe had to change the produc- Bohle has developed the Marathon when it comes to puncture protection process. Only by developing new XR Evolution tire particularly for ex- tion”. The patented weaving techno- construction methods was it possible pedition cyclists, who demand tough logy makes it almost impossible for to combine the tightly-woven protec- equipment for tough conditions. As sharp objects to penetrate the protection belt with the other flexible materi- Travelguard is made from aramid and tion belt. “In particular the protection Patented weaving als used in tire manufacture. Albeit uses ultra-modern technology it not belt is most resilient at first contact technology: Travel- aramid protection belts are used in only provides superior protection with a thorn – just at the instant when guard is more densely many brands, they are loosely-woven, against long thorns, it also makes the the penetration forces are at their woven than any whereas Schwalbe is the only manu- tire considerably lighter while achiev- greatest”, continued Jahn. If a thorn is other puncture facturer currently using a tightly-wo- ing a similar high level of protection as ridden over, it usually breaks rather protection belt. ven fabric. afforded by the Marathon Plus.

profile · 1/2005 Schwalbe international7 Bohle UK: New sponsorships

sponsorship of two of the three newly formed UK based UCI ranked teams. Team DFL and Team Rochelle. Both of these teams have some of the top racers in the UK along with riders from Ireland, Australia, South Africa and the USA. They will be competing in all of the major UK races along with a few races in Europe and will be using a selection of both the Stel- vio Evolution and the new Stelvio tubulars. The support for the reform- ed for 2005 Scott XC Team continues into its fourth year with the new signing, and current National Cyclo Cross Champion Nick Graig who, along with team captain Oli Becking- sale, will be competing in the National Championships in both MTB XC and Ironman Normann Stadler. Cyclo Cross and also the Merida Ma- Thanks to a very successful Tour of Everywhere: rathon series. With their ever gain- Britain and many medals, some gold, Schwalbe ing popularity, the Merida 100K Ma- Ironman at the Athens Olympics in 2004, the sign-on bags. rathon Series increase to five rounds British road racing scene continues for 2005 (as if four weren't enough!) rides Schwalbe gaining popularity after some very and once again the now ever present lean years. With this in mind, Bohle Schwalbe sign-on bags will be to the Normann Stadler from Mannheim, UK has managed to secure the tire fore. Germany won the 2004 Hawaiian Ironman on Schwalbe Stelvio. "I’ve tried to win by concentrating on the bike stage for six years. Today my Schwalbe North America tactics paid off", said the 31-year old. In front of over 5,000 spectators he In addition to the well known, top thanked his tire sponsor Schwalbe – USA cycling team, Subway (former- Stelvio tires carried me safely through ly Seven-Eleven) Schwalbe North the 180 km lava desert without a America is also sponsoring the newly puncture. The legendary Ironman is formed Subway women’s team. Both considered the ultimate discipline by teams focus on UCI and National Race triathletes: 3.8 kilometers swimming, Calendar events. Another team on 180 kilometers cycling and 42.195 ki- the SNA’s sponsorship roster since lometers running. The first Ironman 2002 is the DeFeet Women’s Cycling took place on Hawaii in 1978 and since Team. In 2005 they will ride Schwal- then the annual event, held in Octo- be’s custom pink Stelvios for road ber, has become the most prestigious races and TTs and the UST tires for triathlon in the world. mountainbike races. SNA also sponsors Team Velo Bella: National Cyclo Pink is beautiful. Cross champions, district time trial champions and participants in the many. In total, 68 teams and clubs are Colombia Selle Cyclo Cross championships in Ger- riding Schwalbe tires in 2005. Italia in the Giro

The Colombia Selle Italia team will La Poste visit Bohle in Germany compete in the Giro d'Italia in May 2005. "This is tremendous recognition, Jacques Martin Demezil of La Poste, men are riding Schwalbe Marathon, because besides the 20 pro race teams France, and Cydric Consigny of but 30,000 new bikes are due to be only two wild-card teams are allowed", Cycleurope visited the Bohle logistics supplied shortly. Cydric Consigny, stressed Dr. Vito G. Guerriero, sales di- center in Reichshof-Wehnrath near of Cycleurope who is responsible rector of Bohle Italia s.r.l., who has sup- Cologne in December 2004. M Deme- for the production of the post office ported the "Professional Continental" zil is responsible for the selection of bicycles, was principally interested category, formerly GS 2, team since all vehicles for the French post office - in the load bearing capability of the 1996. Recent successes of the 15-strong from bicycles and scooters to cars and long distance tire, because daily a team: Vuelta Venezuela 2005 won by trucks and in particular was interes- postman has to carry up to 150 kilo- Jose Rujano who also came second ted in the Marathon Plus. Currently grams a distance of approximately overall in the Tour de Langkawi, Ma- approximately 23,000 French post- ten kilometers. laysia 2005.

profile · 1/2005 8Market High deliverability: Every item just in time European Market Leader

Ralf Bohle GmbH, Germany is the European market leader in bicycle tires and with its subsidiaries in France, Great Britain, Italy and the Netherlands, the Bohle Group em- ploys more than 120 people. From its German logistics center it can deliver goods throughout Europe and overseas.

The headquarters of Ralf Bohle GmbH is situated in Reichshof-Wehnrath, about 30 miles east of Cologne, where International Marketing, Sales, Logistics and Support. sales and supply routes converge from hub: Bohle’s A further 40 people are employed in all over the world. logistic center subsidiary companies in Great Britain, Chairman Ralf Bohle’s son, Frank in Reichshof Holland, Italy and France. Schwalbe and son-in-law Holger Jahn are the Wehnrath. tires are not only available throughout third generation now managing the Europe, but worldwide through a net- business, which, with its Schwalbe work of 35 distribution partners. brand, has a market share of around “Our partnership of more than 30 60% in the German specialist trade. quickly to customers worldwide from years with Korean supplier, Hung-A “Our concentration on high quality stocks of up to three million tires and is unsurpassed in the sector”, remarked bicycle tires and distribution through four million tubes held in the four Frank Bohle. In 2000 the companies IBD’s has been our recipe for success”, gigantic warehouses of its logistics entered into a Joint Venture agreement said Frank Bohle. center that cost over 20,7 million dol- to supply and distribute Schwalbe bicy- Bohle’s comprehensive range of lars in 1995. There, 80 employees are cle tires from the factory in Jakarta, In- over 1,700 items can be delivered engaged in Research and Development, donesia.

Travel fragment events 8.26. to 8.28.2005 NORBA CHAMPIONSHIPS Vermont

8.13. to 8.14.2005 ALPINE CLASSIC - Taos, NM Taos, NM

9.2. to 9.4.2005 SF GRAND PRIX San Francisco, CA

9.4. to 9.6.2005 EXPO CYCLE 2005 Montreal, QC

9.26. to 9.27.2005 INTERBIKE 2005 - O.D.D. Las Vegas

9.28. to 9.30.2005 INTERBIKE 2005 - EXPO Las Vegas By folding bike over the high Atlas mountains – Bohle product manager, Carsten Zahn cycled through Morocco for two weeks in October 2004. His transport: A Bike Friday (www.bikefriday.com) folding bike. "Travelling with Masthead it by aeroplane is simply so practical and since it was made to measure for Editor: Ralf Bohle GmbH, Otto-Hahn-Str. 1, 51580 Reichshof-Wehnrath, me, it rides just like a regular touring bike", said the 35 year old, who has Germany, Tel. +49 (22 65) 10 90, Fax +49 (22 65) 70 22 worked at Bohle for seven years. He chose Morocco for its “warmth, beauty E-Mail: [email protected], Internet: www.schwalbe.com and hills”, as he finds riding through flat country less exciting. Zahn rode Publisher: Vincentz Kundenmedien, Postfach 6247, 30062 Hannover, on wide BMX tires that made even the bad tracks of the 1,250 plus kilo- Germany, Tel. +49 (5 11) 99 10-315, Fax +49 (5 11) 99 10-309 Editorial staff: Claudia Müller (responsible) meters through the Atlas and Sahara plain sailing and where fantastic, Layout: Angelika Hanke green valleys and meetings with Berber tribesmen in the mountains were Impression: BWH Buchdruckwerkstätten Hannover GmbH just some of the wonderful experiences. © Vincentz Network GmbH & Co. KG

profile · 1/2005