Schwalbe is a German company, so it makes sense that you would see their tires in a trade show in Germany. But, of the thousands of bikes on display at Eurobike, I guess that about three-quarters of them were sporting Schwalbe tires. I’m not sure why the brand was so dominating. There is another big German bike tire manufacturer, after all. Maybe Continental’s logo is too subtle for me to notice.

Anyway, I learned about some more Schwalbe models and variations for the coming year. The hot-stuff Vectran belt in the top-end Marathon Supremes will be playing second-fiddle to the new “Double Defense” technology on the Marathon Extreme and the Ultremo R. Double Defense is Vectran plus a ceramic coating! (“tough ceramic particles that blunt the edges of glass preventing its destructive migration”) The ultra-flat-proof-but-heavy Marathon Plus and Marathon Plus ATB will be joined by a Marathon Plus “Tour” version. Other popular lines will have more sizes available. For instance: More sizes of Kojak and folding Kojaks.

I think we are going to have to build some more shelves in the wallwarehouse.

Standard disclaimer: When (insert brand here) introduces a new product at a trade show it doesn’t mean that the (insert brand here) truck will be backing up to Wallbike the next day. Sometimes new products take a while to get up to full production and sometimes they take a while to navigate the seas. Once in a while (insert brand name here) surprises us and has something ready to go when they announce it but we don’t expect much. It’s more fun to be surprised than disappointed.

Tags: eurobike, new, Schwalbe, Tires

note: 6/18/09 – The Berthoud saddles will be here any day. See this post.

Friedrichstafen, Germany -Gilles Berthoud presented his new leather saddle to the world bicycle trade yesterday to a very favorable reception.

The Berthoud leather saddle comes in three colors: black, “cork” and natural. The natural color is not dyed and will vary with the hide used. The saddles are pre-softened by hand.

The initial model is a casual-riding saddle, something between the B.17 and the Team Pro. It will come in men’s and women’s version. Plans include sport models and lightweight models.

The Berthoud saddle has many unique features. A partial list includes:
Extra thick leather
The leather can be easily removed with an allen key
Patented tensioning mechanism that won’t twist
Flexible cantle plate for extra comfort.
Lighter than a Brooks
Brass washers engraved “Gilles Berthoud France”
Nose washer engraved with sequential serial number

M. Berthoud has also developed leather grips, bar tape, and handlebar plugs.

The saddles should cost in the $250 neighborhood. I wil be able to say better when I know the price the US Importer will charge. Be assured we will have these beautiful new saddles as soon as they are available.

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Update: 16 September: The Berthoud distributor in the US (Euro Asia Imports) tells me they expect to get their first shipment of the Berthoud leather line towards the end of December.

Tags: Berthoud, eurobike, new, saddles

Leaving for Europe this morning. The hurricane seems to be veering West a little. Fingers still crossed.

I got a look at Gilles Berthoud’s new leather saddle yesterday. It is a knockout. Pictures after the official unveiling at Eurobike. Hints: “cork” color as well as tan and black. Leather tape, grips, and plugs.

Tags: Berthoud, eurobike