Eine Verifox-Umfrage räumt mit dem Mythos teurer E-Mobilität auf: Ist für Sie Laden schon günstiger als Tanken?
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Interview with Suspension Experts: Why Separate Components are Needed for Cargo Bikes
VISION mobility: You had "Parts-Premiere" at the 2nd National Cycle Logistics Conference in Frankfurt 2021. Question then as now: Independent components for cargo bikes – why is such a thing necessary? There are already high-performance bicycle and, inexpensive and robust, motorcycle technologies.
Jochen Coconcelli: We have developed a lightweight, robust, maintenance-friendly, and hydraulic (mineral oil) brake system for e-bikes, cargo bikes, and LEVs for both commercial and private use. With a focus on long service life (mileage over 5,000 km) for single-track vehicles, two-wheeled, and three-wheeled vehicles. Conventional bicycle components are typically designed for system weights up to 150 kg and definitely not for heavy-duty commercial use.
Motorcycle components are designed for similar weights but significantly higher speeds and are often oversized and unnecessarily heavy. They generally meet automotive standards, which also lead to drawbacks, such as environmentally harmful brake fluids. Additionally, these components are difficult for vehicle manufacturers to procure in small quantities.
VISION mobility: What differentiates the Fahrwerker brake from bike and motorcycle components?
Jochen Coconcelli: We utilize the advantages from both worlds, the robustness and longevity of motorcycle components combined with the mounting standards and lightness of bicycle components. So, a clever mix. This results in a significant difference in performance and appearance.
VISION mobility: The Fahrwerker components likely cost significantly more than motorcycle parts and also more than the relatively expensive B2C bicycle components in comparison to the automotive sector. How is the higher price justified?
Jochen Coconcelli: No! Our network of top suppliers and our own production in Metzingen lead to attractive and market-appropriate prices at a high-quality level. Our modular system offers individual solutions for all our customers. A price comparison with components produced in Asia in the millions, with mediocre quality, offers no basis for comparison here.
The brake system is a safety-relevant component! Safety should be worth a certain price to every vehicle manufacturer and user.
VISION mobility: How high are the brake service lives and how exactly is this realized?
Jochen Coconcelli: Significantly over 5,000 km! Our organic brake pad is characterized by high durability and reliability. Thanks to its special composition and a large friction surface, it offers strong braking performance with minimal wear. To achieve this, the pad volume was maximally utilized. The friction ring of the brake disc was developed to work optimally with the brake pad. With a height of 20 mm, the friction ring offers a large contact surface to achieve the best possible braking power. This ensures stable and consistent performance with less system pressure and lower hand force.
We continuously develop our brake pads and brake discs further, and in initial field tests, we are already achieving service lives of over 10,000 km.
VISION mobility: Wouldn't it also require differentiated braking systems for light and heavy cargo bikes, possibly even for trailers?
Jochen Coconcelli: Our modular system can precisely cover these requirements. The diameter of our brake discs 180/200/220 mm is a key factor here. Additionally, we also offer braking systems for trailers.
VISION mobility: Is the system also retrofittable?
Jochen Coconcelli: Yes, for all bikes, e-bikes, cargo bikes, and LEVs. We also make use of our modular system to offer various adapters and mounting standards for the brake discs (6L, Rohloff, 3x3). In addition to B2B, we also offer attractive brake sets for B2C.
VISION mobility: With which manufacturers are the brakes already in use, and how are the practical experiences?
Jochen Coconcelli: Our customers provide us with honest feedback from the first test ride to series deployment and installation. In addition to much praise, we also critically question and continuously want to improve our product. Our customers include, among others, Deutsche Post AG, Onomotion, Mäx&Mäleon, Radkutsche, Citkar, UrbanMobility, Veload, and many others.
VISION mobility: Again and again, we hear from practice that most defects occur in tires, wheels (including spokes), forks, and brakes, making the economical operation of a cargo bike fleet significantly more difficult. How does Fahrwerker plan to change this and what are the further plans?
Jochen Coconcelli: These are exactly the problem areas and it was therefore a logical consequence to develop the braking system for series use first. Furthermore, we already offer suspension forks for heavy, three-wheeled vehicles.
At Eurobike, we have already presented the prototype of our aluminum die-cast wheel. We are developing this wheel with an automotive supplier.
Production will take place in Germany. In the future, we will offer all individual components as a coordinated system. We continue to place value on the robustness and long durability of the components and systems, which directly positively affect the TCO.
VISION mobility: In the commercial vehicle sector, the success of a manufacturer depends crucially on service and after-sales competence. How will you ensure a nationwide service network with the corresponding know-how?
Jochen Coconcelli: We work with service partners, such as 2-Rad-Meyer in Germany. These service partners are deployed for fleet operators. We train the specialist staff of these service partners on-site, at our location, or online. Spare parts are accordingly stored decentrally. Additionally, we have our own technician, whom we deploy in case of service needs.
Spare parts can also be ordered directly from Fahrwerker and are usually with the customer within 1-2 days. We are gradually expanding this same concept across Europe.
VISION mobility: During the pandemic, a decisive factor was the ability to deliver components and delivery times. How is Fahrwerker positioned here – keyword supply chain?
Jochen Coconcelli: We produce our braking systems in-house and are therefore very agile. We source our individual parts mostly from Europe and have concluded corresponding supply contracts with our suppliers. We manufacture our wear parts, such as brake pads and brake discs, in Europe/Germany. We have adequate stock of raw material for this.
Translated automatically from German.
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