Media Service News 2015:
Trike Gekko fx 26
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Download Press Release as PDF: New Gekko fx 26 (2014/08/05)
New for 2015: Large Wheels even for entry-level Models
Recumbent specialist HP Velotechnik treats the low-cost "Gekko" class to
a notchback / Large rear wheel provides a smoother ride and less rolling
resistance / Despite the size increase: the "Gekko fx 26" can be folded
up small enough to fit in a car trunk in ten seconds without tools
******** Summary ***********
Friedrichshafen.The recumbent manufacturer HP Velotechnik has
expanded its product ranges across the entire trike segment. The model
offensive does not only include the premium area with the new "Scorpion
plus" SUV trike; even sector new-comers can enjoy a sporty range of
products for this ever-more popular vehicle class at this years
Eurobike (26 31 August): the touring bike series has been expanded to
include a truly sporty new bike in the form of the "Gekko fx 26". At the
companys booth in the west foyer (FW 300), visitors can gain a
first-hand insight into how the elegant and dynamic geometric design
including a large rear wheel can cut a great figure even on speedsters
without full suspension.
Whereas 26-inch rear wheels at HP Velotechnik were previously only
available in the premium class, the smooth-running powerhouses have now
also found their way into the price segment below 2,300 Euros. The
asymmetrical structure with two steered wheels at the front and one rear
wheel as a drive is simply predestined for different wheel sizes. And
this is not only because of the effects on the ride behavior but also
due to the highly dynamic design (after all, appearances count): the
notchback and accentuated seat contours give the formerly rather tame
Gekko a brand new flavor.
In introducing these changes, the German manufacturer is representing
current trends: just as the larger wheels are currently taking over in
the conventional bike market, they are also playing a major role in the
trike class. The benefits are clear: the streamlined drive section
behind the cockpit makes the ride noticeably more comfortable. The key
elements in this regard are a smoother ride, less rolling resistance,
and easier obstacle traversing. Despite the new penchant for being
bigger, like all Gekko models, the "fx 26" can still be made extremely
small in an instant: a practiced trike rider takes just ten seconds to
fold up his vehicle to a compact size of just 107 x 83 x 58 cm. Thanks
for the patented dual flat fold system, all the parts remain on the bike
while doing so. This even applies to the optional electrical accessory
drive with rechargeable battery (558 Wh, 36 V).
The "Gekko fx 26" touring trike will be available from specialist
dealers in Magma red or Deep blue from November 2014 with a starting
price of 2,290 Euros. As with all HP Velotechnik bikes, it is
manufactured using the modular system and can be equipped with optional
components, such as two different motor versions (total price from 3,829
Euros). For further information, please visit www.hpvelotechnik.com or
phone +49 61 92 - 97 99 20.
******** Long Version ********
Friedrichshafen. Big entrance for the little Gekko: the
entry-level model from the HP Velotechnik trike plant will be exhibited
at the Eurobike trade fair (26 31 August) with a large 26-inch rear
wheel. With the Gekko fx 26, the specialist bike manufacturer is
presenting its first trike with different wheel sizes for less than
2,300 euros. The elegant speedster can be viewed at the HP Velotechnik
stand in the west foyer (FW 300).
Some designs have an instant impact. In the bike sector, recent examples
include fatbikes and hydroformed frames. In relation to sporty trikes,
the design language with the powerful solo rear wheel is developing into
a comparable trademark. The specialist press recently claimed that the
premium model in this sector, the Scorpion fs 26, has the stuff to
become the trike "icon". "After the success of the large Scorpion, it
was only appropriate to treat its little brother to such an appearance",
explained Paul Hollants, Managing Director of HP Velotechnik. The
signals from the market were clear the trend is for larger wheels.
However, the specialist bike segment can avail of a further special
aspect in relation to the big wheels from the American pioneers: "The
asymmetrical structure with two front wheels for steering and a rear
drive is simply predestined for different wheel sizes."
The fact that the large wheel behind the seat is more than just a
designer whim is clearly highlighted by Hollants co-partner and head of
development Daniel Pulvermüller "The 26-inch wheel offers a far
smoother ride. There are benefits in terms of rolling resistance and the
bike can traverse obstacles far more easily." This is of particular
advantage on the Gekkos without full suspension. A more voluminous tire
can be fitted, which, when used with a moderate tire pressure, cushions
the impact of uneven surfaces more successfully.
From a design perspective, the Kriftel-based engineers have only entered
new territory in a few areas. According to Pulvermüller integrating the
smooth-running powerhouse at the rear "was no problem at all thanks to
the previous experience gained with the Scorpion2. The patented folding
of the trike using the dual flat fold hinge also works as seamlessly as
ever. After loosening two quick releases, it takes only ten seconds to
fold up the trike to a size of just 107 x 83 x 58 cm (L x W x H) for
transportation. No tools are required and all parts, such as the seat
and wheels, remain attached to the frame.
However, Pulvermüller continued: "We had to modify the frame for the
26-inch bike, and in doing so were able to use our imagination." The
result is that the rear now looks far more dynamic. The accentuated seat
stay appears to direct its tension straight into the vehicles command
seat. Together with the ergonomically formed seat tubes, this gives the
larger Gekko a new, elegant design language.
Electric Gekko now also with a reverse gear
According to the manufacturer, this is part of the popular modular
system: the trike manufacturer can construct its bikes in more than a
hundred-thousand versions. Customers search for the options they desire
in several categories such as brakes, gears or lights and receive a
custom-designed trike in line with their specifications. HP Velotechnik
has made further refinements to the modular range for the 2015 season.
"I believe that we are sensibly rounding off the power lifting for our
Gekkos with multiple exciting new options such as the electrical reverse
gear and the hand rest", commented Hollants.
The most spectacular new feature is the hub motor with an electric
reverse gear designed in cooperation with the premium supplier GO
SwissDrive. Reversing electrically assisted with a limited maximum speed
of 3 km/h is no problem due to the sound stand of the trikes.
But the swiss motor can deliver much more: the new remote control is
attached directly to the handle. All switching can be done intuitively
with a thumb on the touchpad, rather than having to look at it, though
the large new color display (3.2") does allow for easy overview and
control. Furthermore the unit is very flexible: Ready for Bluetooth 4.0
communication it allows phonecall visualization during the ride. Service
data exchange is possible via app. In addition the USB connector enables
the rider to charge USB devices up to 5 V / 1A.
The motor can be individually programmed with different profiles. "Start
power" for example lets the motor push forward with extra force when
taking off. According to the makers the new motor offers high efficiency
even at low revs, which is to say that the motor will run smoothly even
at slow speeds with a high current flow. In addition to this the new
refined lithium ion rechargeable battery pack (36V) delivers a whopping
increase of 25% power capacity at 558 Wh. Thus the HP Velotechnik dual
propulsion option with two battery packs evenly mounted under the seat
for a low center of gravity, will allow for assisted riding distances of
up to 260 kilometers (roughly 160 miles).
Hollants also stated that there is a brand new range of "Comfort and
Ability" options: Anyone wanting to use one of the companys trikes
following a sports injury will find special brackets, which could help
for example mobilizing legs or arms. However, comfort is also available
as a "casual accessory for everyday use" in the form of a hand rest. You
dont have to be a cycling globetrotter to quickly notice that the
little cushion under the handlebar grips "provides outstanding respite
for the hands". Riders can cruise through the countryside as casually as
when driving a car with their arm resting on the center console.
The German specialist bike manufacture regards such comfort options as
"anything but minor details". Hollants: "In producing our technically
advanced trikes, we are striking a balance between bikes and cars."
After all, the future is looking bright for bikes everywhere as a form
of transport. However, to appeal to car drivers, who regard their
vehicles as a thoroughly digitized all-inclusive packages, "todays
bikes have to impress with their details as well".
The "Gekko fx 26" touring trike will be available from specialist
dealers in Magma red or Deep blue from November 2014 with a starting
price of 2,290 Euros. For further information, please visit
www.hpvelotechnik.com or phone +49 61 92 - 97 99 20.
******** For further informations (only for the desk) ********
Alexander Kraft, press spokesman HP Velotechnik OHG
Tel. +49 61 92 - 97 99 22 83, mobile +49 160 - 99 85 87 94
alexander.kraft@hpvelotechnik.com
******** HP Velotechnik at the Eurobike ********
26.08.2014 (DemoDay, only trade visitors)
Fair Friedrichshafen, Parking Area East 1, Stand DD-514
27. - 30. August (27th 29th only trade visitors / open to the general public on 30th)
Fair Friedrichshafen, Foyer West, booth FW-300
E-Trike-test parcours: Eastern outdoor area, booth FG0-109
******** Technical Data Gekko fx 26 ********
Basic model, other components on option
Frame : Gekko fx 26 (Alu 7005 T6)
10 years warranty
Color : Magma Red orDeep Blue,
other colors on option
Tires (front): Tryker by Schwalbe (20")
Tires (rear): Marathon Racer by Schwalbe (26")
Seat: ErgoMesh (airy mesh seat)
Seat height / angle: 35 cm / 34 - 42°
Brakes : 2 x Avid BB7 disc brakes
Gear system: 24-speed Sram X4, with grip shifter
Wheelbase: 114 cm
Length : 187 - 219 cm (adjustable for riders with height from 160 -
200 cm)
Width/Track width: 83 cm / 78 cm
Weight : starting from 16,7 kg
Ground clearence: 13 cm
Turning circle: 4,65 m
Max. Payload up to 130 kg
Package measuring: 107 x 83 x 58 (with removed
front wheels: 107 x 74 x 51)
Motor: GO SwissDrive 250W, Li-Ion, 36 V,
558 Wh, range 130 km;
or BionX PL250M, 26 V, 250 Wh, 65 km
(rider with 68 kg, low force amplification,
plain, no adverse wind)
Price: starting from 2.290,- €, with motor by
GO SwissDrive starting from 4.780,- € /
with BionX starting from 3829,-
Available : from November 2014
