Come on - It is a Merc,even if it is a bike......
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Mercedes-Benz launches 2005... bicycles
March 14, 2005
Mercedes-Benz has launched its 2005 range of bicycles (with three models, including what it claims is the first really comfortable and safe bicycle with an eight-speed automatic gearshift system and active spring suspension.
There's also a new fully sprung mountain bike and a fitness bike aimed at leisure riders, available in either "sport" or "comfort" edition.
The technological star of the range, however, is an automatic bike with electronically controlled air suspension, a new type of eight-speed automatic gearshift and sensor-controlled lights
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The central processor, controlled by the "flight deck" on the handlebars, controls the "Cyber Nexus" technology, reading data such as speed, current gear and damper settings.
It combines the parameters of pedal downstroke frequency and speed to select the optimum settings for suspension and gear ratio so the rider scarcely notices gear changes or adjustments to the dampers.
The rider can also manually change any of the settings and choose any of three preset drive programmes: "light", "normal" or "sport".
The bike's lights are switched on or off by sensors and the rear light flashes when the rider brakes to alert following road-users. The rear light also functions as a parking light.
The bike has roller-type brakes that are unaffected by water.
The Mercedes-Benz automatic bike is available in frame heights of 48 to 54cm; it costs €2490 (about R20 000 at 15/03/05)
Mountain bike
The mountain bike has fully adustable, oil-damped air suspension. Preload is adjusted by varying the air pressure. Among the accessories available from M-B is a high-pressure pump to do just that.
The rear oil/gas pressure damper can be adjusted manually.
The dual-control gearshift system is operated by the brake lever, allowing the rider to change gear without having to let off the brakes – very useful on rough off-road downhills. The bike has hydraulic disc brakes at each end.
The Mountain Bike is available in frame heights of 44, 49 and 54cm and costs €1790 (about R14 300).
Fitness bike
The fitness bike is available in either sport or comfort models and is meant for the everyday rider and for touring. The lower tubes of the aluminium frames are bent inwards and have aluminium mudguards and black spokes and hubs.
The sport version comes in frame heights of 48 and 56cm, the comfort model is 42 and 50cm. Each costs €1290 (about R10 300).
Accessories and carriers
There's a wide range of accessories such as side stands, carriers, water bottles, bike and fitness computers as well as splash sets for all three models – and of course roof and rear-mount carriers for most Mercedes-Benz cars.
