In our second report from UK distributor Fisher Outdoor Leisure's '09 trade show, we bring you the highlights of the commuting kit and family cycling gear on display. Click on the thumbnails on the right for more images.
Dahon
California-based Dahon have always done well in our tests, and they were displaying their latest range of folding bikes. The '09 lineup includes the lightweight (22lb) Mµ Uno singlespeed with back pedal brake, the 18-speed Vitesse P18 – the first Dahon to have a front mech – and the XL Sport with Shimano Nexus hub gear.
Their top-of-the-range model this year is the 19.4lb, £1,999.99 Mµ EX with SRAM Red and Double Tap levers, which they claim "rides just like a normal road bike".
Dahon say their new SRAM Red-equipped Mµ EX rides just like a normal road bike
In addition to small-wheeled folders, they had a number of machines with their patented Lockjaw mechanism. The hinges are barely noticeable and Dahon say they enable you to fold the bike in 10 seconds.
The Cadenza Solo singlespeed features Dahon's LockJaw hinge technology
The LockJaw hinges on the top and down tubes are operated with a 6mm Allen key
Dahon claim LockJaw bikes can be folded in seconds but are exceptionally stiff when locked
Basil
Dutch brand Basil were showing off a range of colourful panniers, many of which can be converted into shopping bags or school rucksacks. Some come with matching saddle covers and even umbrellas. They also had a number of traditional-style wicker baskets. Okay, they won't be to everyone's tastes, but for someone looking for less utilitarian-looking bike luggage, they could be a godsend.
Basil's Blossom Postmenbag panniers are available in a range of designs and colours
Basil's Jasmin Rosa Shopper has a matching saddle cover, basket and umbrella
Lambretta
Lambretta, the streetwear brand named after the iconic scooter company, are making a move into the cycling market, and they had a pair of 'his and hers' 26in-wheeled town bikes on display which are set to cost around £700.
Lambretta's new 'his and hers' 26in-wheeled town bikes will retail for around £700
They say the devil is in the detail, and what sets these apart from the pack is the nifty-looking flat mudguards and chrome-effect finishing kit.
The Lambretta bikes boast some striking-looking finishing kit
Bspoke
Bspoke had a range of men's and women's commuter clothing on their stand, which will be launching in March. It's only the discreet reflective piping and drop tails on the jackets that give this kit away as cycling clothing, so it could be perfect for those who don't want to wander round town in a fluorescent yellow jacket after riding to work.
Bspoke's clothing doesn't look like cycling gear so it could be ideal for the office commute
Trail-a-Bike
Canadian company Trail-a-Bike were showing off a range of colourful trailer bikes – the perfect way for families with young children to go on longer rides without leaving the kids struggling to keep up.
Trail-a-Bike were displaying a range of colourful trailer bikes
Twinny
Dutch firm Twinny Load have come up with a tow ball-mounted bike rack which holds your bike in place using a crank clamp as well as the usual wheel supports. This could be useful for bikes with unusual frame shapes.
Twinny's tow ball rack clamps onto one of your bike's cranks for added security and stability
Stay tuned for more from the Fisher Expo, including highlights from Norco's '09 mountain bike range, new sunglasses from Bloc, road kit from Santini and a new helmet from MET...
