by: David Díaz Blanco
Everybody likes sport cars. Even those that don´t turn their
heads when they see a Ferrari go by. This also happens with bicycles. Everyone
focus their sight in the hi-tech downhill machines or razor-like track bikes
used by the best racers.
But, are you sure you would like to go shopping in a Lamborghini Diablo?
Imagine yourself in the middle of a traffic jam with a car that is 2 m (
79’’) wide, while your eyes are less than 1m (49’’) high from the ground.
Don't forget about that 525 HP trying to break away every time you just
graze accelerator. What fun it would be to park this beast.
It is the same with bicycles. There is a German company whose name is Riese
& Müller that develops bikes that although would not be suitable to race
in a World Cup, use the highest technology available to reach the highest
comfort, providing at the same time more mobility than any other mean of
transport in some conditions. Of course, maybe sometimes a car is faster,
but riding a Riese & Müller is infinitely more pleasant.
There is one thing that makes Riese & Müller stand out in the commuter and
touring bicycle world: All their bikes are full suspension. The folks at
R&M argue that the suspension concept fits with this kind of bike just as
it does with downhill bikes. When talking about commuters or touring bikes,
weight is not a priority nor is if the rear suspension absorbs a little
percentage of the effort the rider inputs. Imagine the difference between
feeling your bones shaken by bumps, curbs and drains and the silky glide
of a R&M.
Another remarkable characteristic of every R&M bicycle is they are made
of aluminum. As is said above, weight is not a priority, but that does not
mean these bikes are heavy. R&M sell a foldable full suspension bike
that weighs in 9.2 kg (20.3 lbs). |
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The Birdyand it is the most known and acknowledged R&M product.
It is distributed almost worldwide, and it is considered one of the best
folding bikes in the world.
Its front suspension is very similar to an Earles type;
based on a strainable parallelogram configuration. This kind of front
suspension has been used since the ‘50’s in motorbikes. It was also used
some years since 1993 on the Bergonzoni DH, one of the most successful
downhill competition machine in Italy. The result: Strong, stiff and very
sensitive function. The rear system is a direct push type with a well
placed pivot.
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The same links used for allow the movement of both suspensions
act as folding joints. This avoids any hinge in the main frame which makes
the bike more stiff, lightweight and reliable. Its 20” wheels makes it
very agile and high quality slick and MtB-like tires are available. Only
15 seconds are needed to fold it.
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The Avenueis the perfect city bike. Its built in rack allow
it to face a very,very large shopping afternoon . A removable basket and
an Abus
A U-Lock is available as an accessory. This bike will not win Tour de
France, but it was judged “excellent” in the ADAC
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1999 modul+bike competition (ADAC: German national motoring
organization). A RST 806 TL isolates the rider’s arms from the ground,
and the rear suspension is an Unified Rear Triangle (URT) type with low
distance between main pivot and bottom bracket, so you will not feel the
bumps on your feet.
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R&M has developed for 2001 another bike that creates itself
a new category in the bicycle world. It could be called “ultra-comfortable
yet all-round useful bike”. Its name is Equinox. The Equinox allows a
completely vertical position for one’s back, with pedals in a forward
position and the handlebar nicely high. Just take one foot out of the
pedal and it will reach the ground.
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The chain runs inside the right stay, it is impossible to
get dirty. And the shifting? It does it by itself thanks to the Shimano
Auto D system. Its suspension system features a quick adjustment device
with two settings, the way if there is heavy load on the rear carrier
rack,it can be easily shifted to a 22% harder position. Some cars are
less comfortable.
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The Deliteis a street bike that can suit those people with
sport aims. Although it is comfortable as only a full suspension can be,
it can fight against road bikes if you are trained enough. It is a bike
that impresses everyone that is lucky to ride it due to its wide range
of possibilities. Its remarkable weight (11.4 Kg-25.1lbs) makes it fast
on any terrain.
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This bike was awarded with the IF Design prize, and it is
the first time a bicycle deserves such a prize, won by Mercedes S-Class,
VW New Beetle and Audi TT cars.
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The Culture combines the advantages of different types of
bike, the way it can be suitable for city, thanks to its strong rear carrier,
sport, by its stiff frame, and touring, with high luggage carrying abilities.
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As you have seen, an useful for everyday bike can have so
high technology and excellent engineering backgrounds as those racing machines
we have gazed at so many times.
Bicycle or car? Maybe next time you will not think it twice.
www.r-m.de |
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