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Tag: cycling

  • Revamping Bangkok: A Sneak Peek at Pedestrian-Centric Vision for New Cycling Bridge Over Chao Phraya River

    Revamping Bangkok: A Sneak Peek at Pedestrian-Centric Vision for New Cycling Bridge Over Chao Phraya River

    Bangkok is currently evaluating proposals for a pedestrian and cycling bridge across the Chao Phraya River. This initiative is part of an effort to rejuvenate the city’s historic old town and create a fresh, urban landmark. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has recently released concept images, which include designs from an acclaimed international architecture company, MVRDV.

    Bridge Vision

    The proposed bridge aims to enhance cross-river connectivity between Phra Nakhon and Thonburi districts. At present, citizens largely depend on road bridges or limited-hour ferry services for these crossings. The bridge is intended solely for pedestrians and cyclists, filling a crucial gap in Bangkok’s transportation infrastructure.

    In addition to serving as a safe route for daily commutes, the bridge is also expected to boost cultural tourism in historic communities on both sides of the river. It provides a platform for walking, relaxing and appreciating river views, reflecting Bangkok’s “walkable city” principles. These principles emphasize an improved quality of life, reduced reliance on cars, and the promotion of environmentally sustainable modes of transport.

    Project Status

    Officials have indicated that the project is currently in the study and preliminary design phase, with an environmental impact assessment being prepared. Any actual construction is yet to be approved and will be subject to review and budget sanctions by the Bangkok Metropolitan Council.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the purpose of the proposed bridge?
    The bridge aims to enhance cross-river connectivity and boost cultural tourism. It is intended solely for pedestrians and cyclists, filling a gap in Bangkok’s transportation infrastructure.

    What principles is the bridge project based on?
    The bridge project reflects Bangkok’s “walkable city” principles which emphasize an improved quality of life, reduced reliance on cars, and the promotion of environmentally sustainable modes of transport.

    What is the current status of the bridge project?
    The bridge project is currently in the study and preliminary design phase. Any construction is yet to be approved and will be subject to review and budget sanctions by the Bangkok Metropolitan Council.

  • Rapha Spins Retail and Community in New Shanghai Clubhouse: A Modern Hub for Cyclists

    Rapha Spins Retail and Community in New Shanghai Clubhouse: A Modern Hub for Cyclists

    Rapha, the prominent cycling brand, has established its premier Clubhouse in Mainland China, situated in Shanghai, in collaboration with Seen Studios, a creative design agency. This venture signifies the brand’s debut in Mainland China and presents an opportunity for Rapha to extend its unique retail-community model to Chinese consumers.

    Integrating Retail, Community, and Cycling Culture

    Debuted in London in 2012, the Clubhouse concept is a fusion of retail, café culture, and live events, which serve as a vibrant meeting point for cycling enthusiasts. Rapha’s Clubhouses can be found in numerous locations across Europe, North America, and the Asia Pacific, epitomizing the brand’s global reach.

    Alex Edwards, the Design Director at Seen Studios, expressed that the objective behind the inception of the Shanghai Clubhouse was to construct an environment that not only embodies cycling traditions but also caters to the contemporary rider community. “In collaboration, we have built a space that transcends being just a store to become a cycling cultural hub,” Edwards noted. He further emphasized the elements incorporated into the design, such as the inviting aura of Italian café culture, the practical sophistication of 1950s design, and Rapha’s commitment to fostering connections and preserving craftsmanship.

    Classy Interiors and Rich History

    Rapha’s Clubhouse in Shanghai, housed within a restored mansion dating back to 1925, marks the site’s first retail tenancy. The interior design of the Clubhouse is an ode to Italian café style and mid-century architecture, with an elegant combination of materials like walnut, stainless steel, white oak, and ceramic tiling. The design is accentuated with subtle pink highlights, which add a touch of charm to the space.

    In addition, functional elements have been incorporated into the design, including helmet hooks and café tiles featuring patterns inspired by the iconic Roubaix race. These thoughtful touches reflect the brand’s deep understanding and respect for cycling culture.

    The Future of Rapha in China

    Fran Millar, CEO of Rapha, voiced that the Shanghai Clubhouse is a testament to the burgeoning cycling community in China. She emphasized, “Cycling has the potential to transform lives, and this is particularly evident in China at present.”

    With an optimistic outlook on the future of the brand in the region, Millar added, “The Rapha Shanghai Clubhouse will serve as a home to the flourishing local cycling community and will pave the way for an exciting new phase in our endeavor to create the world’s most extraordinary cycling club.”

    Questions & Answers

    What is the concept behind Rapha’s Clubhouses?
    Rapha’s Clubhouses are a blend of retail, café culture, and live events, aiming to serve as a communal hub for cycling enthusiasts.

    What design elements have been incorporated into the Shanghai Clubhouse?
    The Shanghai Clubhouse’s design incorporates Italian café influences and mid-century architecture, featuring walnut, stainless steel, white oak, and ceramic tiling. Functional elements include helmet hooks and café tiles inspired by the Roubaix race.

    What does the establishment of the Shanghai Clubhouse mean for Rapha’s future in China?
    Rapha CEO, Fran Millar, sees the Shanghai Clubhouse as a testament to the thriving cycling community in China. She believes it will pave the way for an exciting new phase in Rapha’s mission to create the world’s most extraordinary cycling club.

  • Hanoi considers year-long trial of public bike service

    Hanoi considers year-long trial of public bike service

    The Hanoi Department of Transportation has proposed to the municipal People’s Committee that a public bike service be launched in the capital city for a 12-month trial period.

    Under the proposal, private firm Tri Nam will provide 1,000 bikes, 50% of them electric, at 94 locations in the city.

    The pilot project is set to cost over VND30.3 billion ($1.22 million).

    The company will charge VND10,000 for a 30-minute trip on electric bikes and VND5,000 for the same duration on normal bicycles.

    Full-day rent for the electric bike will be VND120,000 and half that for pedal bicycles. Monthly tickets will also be available for commuters, who will make payments with e-wallets.

    Six downtown districts will be prioritized for the pilot project, including Ba Dinh, Dong Da, Tay Ho and Hai Ba Trung.

    The project is part of the department’s initiatives to diversify public means of transport and to reduce emissions.

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  • Victoria makes $3m joint investment in soft plastics recycling

    Victoria makes $3m joint investment in soft plastics recycling

    The Victorian and federal governments will invest more than $14 million in new organic recycling facilities in Victoria. The joint funding, announced on Thursday, will support seven projects across the state to divert up to 15,000 tonnes of food and garden waste from landfill.

    The $14.26m will improve the quality of recycled organic products such as compost, soil conditioners and mulches by removing material contaminating them. Six of the seven organic waste recycling projects will be in regional areas, with up to 134 jobs created during the construction phase.

    “When we recycle food and organic waste, we don’t just take pressure off our landfill, we create a valuable new commodity,” Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek said in Melbourne on Thursday.

    “Taking materials out of landfill, that in itself is good. But even better, we’re re-engineering those materials into precious new resources for our farmers.”

    The governments will also jointly invest $3m for a large recycling facility in Altona in Melbourne’s southwest.

    The facility will recycle 30,000 tonnes of soft plastic into food-grade soft plastic and washed flakes of low-density polyethylene.

  • Porsche Introduces 2 New e-Bikes

    Porsche Introduces 2 New e-Bikes

    We all knew Porsche as the carmaker but now the company is expanding its range of e-mobility products by introducing 2 new ebikes. Available in Europe for now, the Porsche eBike Sport and the Porsche eBike Cross are the first e-bikes from the carmaker. The full-suspension carbon frame featuring an organic shape inspired by the lines of the Porsche Taycan, the powerful, latest-generation Shimano motor and the Magura high-performance brakes are just three of the features that ensure top performance. Both models were developed in collaboration with eBike expert Rotwild and are manufactured in Dieburg, Germany.

    The Porsche eBike Sport is perfect for daily rides, whether in the city or countryside, on the way to work or enjoying some free time. The new, powerful and ultra-compact Shimano EP8 motor, which provides motor support up to 25 kmph, and Shimano electronic gear shifting system guarantee optimum performance.

    Thanks to the Magura high-performance brakes that are integrated into the handlebars, the Porsche eBike Sport has a clean and compact cockpit. The elegant and puristic design is emphasized by M99 LED lights from lighting specialist Supernova, which are embedded in the handlebar stem and aerodynamic seat post. In addition, high-quality suspension components such as the Magura upside-down suspension fork and the Fox rear shock absorber, in combination with smooth-running tires, provide a sporty and balanced ride on asphalt or gentle terrain.

    The Porsche eBike Cross is at home in the countryside, off the beaten path and away from roads. The powerful motor, newly developed by Shimano, demonstrates its full ability in difficult terrain and delivers maximum performance while maintaining a natural riding sensation. The Magura-MT Trail high-performance brakes have extra-large, heat-resistant brake discs that ensure optimum deceleration, while the mechanical Shimano XT 12-fold shifting system enables fast gear changes according to the rider’s needs and the terrain.

    The hydraulically adjustable Crankbrothers Highline seat post ensures the seat can be quickly adjusted to varying degrees in order to find the perfect position. The ergonomically designed handlebars guarantee full control at all times. They feature the Shimano color display, which shows not only speed but also distance and range in real-time. The clean design is rounded out by a full-suspension carbon frame, which perfectly combines the spirit of adventure with style.

    Both models were inspired by the sporty character of the Porsche Taycan. The wheels draw inspiration from the naturally shaped carbon frame of the vehicle’s fly line. The elaborate design, developed by Studio F. A. Porsche, ensures optimum reflection of light.

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  • Erik Buell’s New Electric Bike FUELL Fluid Details Revealed

    Erik Buell’s New Electric Bike FUELL Fluid Details Revealed

    The FUELL Fluid electric bike is the first product from the new company spearheaded by motorcycle engineer Erik Buell. Buell was a former engineer with Harley-Davidson, and had founded his own motorcycle brand, the Buell Motorcycle Company and later Erik Buell Racing. The new company, called FUELL, is a partnership between Erik Buell and two other entities, Vanguard Motorcycles, and Spark Racing Technology. FUELL’s first product is the Fluid electric bike, and has a claimed range of 200 km from its two 1,008 Wh removable batteries.

    The FUELL Fluid e-bike has a mid-drive bofeili 500W pedal-assisted motor, giving it 100 Nm of torque, and comes equipped with a Gates Carbon Drive belt system and a Shimano Alfine 8-speed Geared Hub. The twin batteries can be charged up to 80 percent in just 2.5 hours and a full charge in 5 hours. According to FUELL, both of the Fluid e-bike’s 504wh batteries are removable and have the potential to be upgradable, as and when battery technology evolves. The Fluid e-bike sports a 3.2 IPC colour screen which displays information like speed, distance traveled, battery level and five configurable motor assist settings. The Fluid also comes equipped with adjustable suspension and hydraulic brakes for impressive stopping power. The Fluid e-bike is expected to be available from September 2019 and will be shipped worldwide. It’s priced at USD 2,999 (around ₹ 2 lakh in current exchange rates).

    Erik Buell, the man behind the FUELL brand, is considered to be a pioneer in motorcycle technology and was inducted into the American Motorcyclist’s Association Hall of Fame in 2002. He has over 40 years of engineering experience and founded Buell Motorcycle Company which eventually merged with Harley-Davidson. Erik Buell Racing followed the shutdown of Buell Motorcycle Company, and has an Indian connection as well, with Hero MotoCorp picking up 49.2 percent stake in the company in 2013. Erik Buell Racing was involved primarily in building race-ready motorcycles. Erik Buell Racing eventually shut shop in 2016, and the remnants of the company were sold to Liquid Asset Partners.

    FUELL, Erik Buell’s new electric bike venture is expected to introduce more electric motorcycle models in the coming years. The next FUELL product is expected to be the FUELL Flow, an electric motorcycle featuring a hub-mounted electric motor and side-mounted rear shock. The Flow is expected to be available in two variants – with one variant producing 11kW (around 15 bhp) and the other with 35 kW (around 37 bhp). With a history of motorcycle engineering, and racing, it will be interesting to see how the FUELL brand will evolve in the coming years, particularly at a time when the entire auto industry seems to be focussing on electric vehicles as the preferred choice of technology for the future.

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  • Specialized Bicycle opened first store in Philippines

    Specialized Bicycle opened first store in Philippines

    Bicycle brand Specialized has opened the first of three stores planned for the Philippines. The first Specialized Manila store is trading now at SM by the Bay at the Mall of Asia in Pasay City.  More are planned for Quezon City and Pasig by the end of this year. More will follow in other cities from next year.

    Billed as “a bicycle brand made for riders by riders”, the 44-year-old company describes the stores as “a cyclist’s haven”.

    “We want to serve the riders where they are, and at the same time make it convenient for them to get that one-stop bike shop experience,” said Ritchie Santayana, customer development director of Gruppo Innovare Corp, the local distributor of the brand.

    Specialized makes bicycles for triathletes and sports people as well as enthusiasts of cycling as a means of maintaining fitness

    The Specialized Manila stores will stock technically advanced models including the trail bike Stumpjumper, e-mountain bikes Turbo Levo and Kenevo, the fast road bike the Venge; and the lightweight Tarmac racing bike.