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IAA Mobility 2021: Bergamont pushes E-Cargobikes as car replacements

For example, Bergamont: Under the Scott umbrella, the brand is developing into a provider of affordable e-cargo bikes and urban mobility options that are indeed intended as a substitute for cars.

Brand in Transition: Many bike manufacturers now see themselves more as systemic and are transforming into providers of eco-friendly mobility solutions, such as the St. Pauli-based brand Bergamont, which focuses on universal e-cargo bikes. | Photo: J. Reichel
Brand in Transition: Many bike manufacturers now see themselves more as systemic and are transforming into providers of eco-friendly mobility solutions, such as the St. Pauli-based brand Bergamont, which focuses on universal e-cargo bikes. | Photo: J. Reichel
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Johannes Reichel

Now that's a statement: "We are part of the mobile transformation - and shaping it." The Hamburg brand Bergamont is evolving under the umbrella of the US bike giant Scott from a "mundane" bicycle manufacturer to a provider of affordable bike mobility for commuters and families. The "Sport" department is increasingly taking over the parent brand, while the German subsidiary is focusing on being a "mobility provider." Nevertheless, the portfolio still ranges from city bikes with or without electric drive, to trekking bikes, all the way to finely crafted gravel racers, optionally with electric pedal assistance.

"We clearly feel a trend in cities away from cars and towards environmentally friendly means of transport. We want to cater to this - at an affordable price, but still with modern and robust technology," explains Area Sales Manager Bastian Steinke.

Subsequently, the brands will be strategically aligned and the product range further developed. What he means by this is on full display at the large exhibition stand at the IAA and the Open Spaces in the Hofgarten. The Bergamont team couldn't stop talking about it: The highlight at the trade fair, according to the public, was the cleverly designed, electrically assisted folding bike Paul-E EQ. The aluminum bike not only folds super easily but also makes handling in everyday life significantly easier for commuters with a grease-free Gates belt drive, a five-speed Nexus hub gear, and a perfectly placed handle in the frame. The cables are kink-resistant, and the two bike halves snap securely into place with Clickfix instead of magnets. 22.5 kilos with a partially sunken battery that can be quickly removed are not too much for transportation on trains or buses, especially since you can also pull the bike behind you like a trolley.

For Commuters and Transportation: Flexible E-Folding Bike

For quiet, proven, and thanks to large batteries (400/500 Wh), long-lasting pedal assistance, a Shimano Steps drive unit is provided along with the battery and speedometer. Sturdy mudguards, bright B&M headlights, a stable kickstand, Clickfix locking for a front basket, and a total weight of 130 kilos make the E-folding bike a universal genius, suitable for commuting as well as shopping. The belt version costs 3,700 euros, and with a chain, it starts at 2,990 euros. If you can get your hands on one of those Pauls...

Not just for bakers: The Bakery line is universal

For those looking to handle larger transport tasks, Bergamont caters with its Cargoville-E-Cargobikes, a series that is gradually being expanded and almost combined with a modular accessory kit. The compact Bakery already offers various transportation options and high load capacity with a total weight of 180 kilograms and 42 kilograms of official load on the two luggage racks, which, as usual with Bergamont, are equipped with bamboo flooring. Thule child seat lock, two-legged stand, Bosch Performance Line motor for strong pedal assistance, which also lasts a long time thanks to the 500 Wh battery, a super stiff aluminum frame in Wave design with low entry, comfortable Magura disc brakes, robust Schwalbe Crazy Bob tires make up the family package for all situations, which easily passes as a car replacement and is not too expensive at 3,750 EUR or 3,990 EUR for the LT.

Length matters: A Long Tail up to 190 kilograms

If more loading length is needed, there is a quasi-long version LT (Long Tail) on offer, which goes up to 190 kilograms of load capacity, has a low center of gravity, the option of a second battery for more range of the Bosch drive and then immediately offers four-piston Magura disc brakes and Schwalbe Super Motor tires.

The crowning glory of the Cargobike range in St. Pauli is the continuously developed aluminum bike E-Cargoville LJ (Long John), which can be flexibly adapted to individual purposes in two lengths and on the basis of a robust and easily accessible front platform with bamboo flooring. The load capacity of the 50- and 70-centimeter-long, 45-centimeter-wide loading unit is 90 kilograms. There is a beautifully crafted and lockable aluminum box with solid hinges and countless other equipment features: box, bamboo crate, child seats, rain cover, railing, everything is possible.

Bosch's Cargoline is used for the top versions

Of course, in terms of components, Bergamont stays on the bicycle side with a Shimano Deore 1x11 (optionally an Enviolo automatic and/or Gates belt), the Bosch Performance Line Cruise drive (for heavier applications Bosch Cargoline on the top versions), optionally combinable with a second battery. But Bergamont is also targeting more B2C users, although you can hear at the stand that various pizza and food delivery services also rely on the Bakery bikes. Prices for the Long John range from 4,000 to about 6,500 euros. Sure, not exactly cheap, but still affordable if you compare the costs to those of a car and really consider the bike as a replacement.

Translated automatically from German.
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