Editor's note: This week we are featuring retailers who received Interbike Retailer Innovation Awards at the Interbike show this month. Staff from the National Bicycle Dealers Association, The Mann Group and Interbike selected 10 retailers from a pool of self-nominated businesses. Stores were asked to apply and share strategies and ideas that they have implemented and which have yielded positive results over the past 12 months. Interbike Innovation Award winners also were featured in the Sept. 1 issue of Bicycle Retailer and Industry News. 

Babcock Bicycle in Endicott, New York, is owned by Kevin Babcock. It's been in business 39 years. 

Kevin Babcock found innovation, and retail survival, by simplifying his inventory and creating a modern showroom. Babcock has been in his current space about 15 years.

But things weren’t looking good.

“I look across the street and see an empty store. … Our numbers were starting to dip and I knew we couldn’t keep doing business like we were doing or we would be next,” he said.

So Babcock cut back sharply on the store’s SKUs — but went deeper on key items.

“We still fill the rack. We just have a smaller selection. We looked at carrying what our customers really needed, not what Trek wanted to make,” he said. Instead of a wall of helmets, he offers just two models now: one road, one mountain.

He also removed barriers. “We were old-fashioned: We had glass cases and we’d help people find what they needed. Now we’ve taken out three of the cases and put in more slatwall and put things where people can get them.”

With less inventory, he’s selling more. “I think we had so much inventory people got brain freeze. Now it’s simpler for them, and for me,” he said. 

Shop website: babcockbikes.com.

WASHINGTON (BRAIN) — Trek Bicycle has been granted a utility patent on the technology behind its IsoSpeed feature, an adjustable compliance system incorporated into some of the company's road, gravel, cyclocross and mountain bike frames. The company first introduced the feature on its Domane endurance road bikes. 

Patent 10,086,899, issued Tuesday, was awarded to Trek's Tim Hartung and Steven Moechnig.

The patent background section reads, "The present invention relates to bicycles and, more particularly, to bicycle frames with adjustable compliance. Riders may desire different levels of compliance in their bicycles. Further, riders may desire to alter compliance in their bicycles based on riding conditions. Therefore, new and improved ways to modify and control compliance in bicycle frames are needed."

The patent can be viewed on the U.S. Patent and Trademarket Office website. 

CHICAGO (BRAIN) — Supporters have raised over $25,000 to help retailer Annie Byrne, the owner of BFF Bikes. Byrne was injured in a bike crash during a cycling camp in Tucson, Arizona, last February. A GoFundMe campaign is hoping to raise $32,000 to help Byrne with personal financial burdens during her recovery and to help keep BFF Bikes operating.

According to the campaign's website, was put in a medically induced coma for several days following the accident. She broke her collarbone and a bone on the back of her skull and was paralyzed on her right side. She was diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury. TBIs have a recovery window of six months to two years.

When she came out of the coma she regained some movement on her right side. She stayed in the Tucson hospital all of March and after an intensive rehab program returned to Chicago in early April.

"While she has made great strides with the physical effects of the accident, her brain injury will take much longer to heal, and makes it difficult for Annie to concentrate on her business and limits her ability to work," supporters said. 

"Annie and BFF Bikes have added so much to Chicago and the biking community; if you'd like to see the impact she has made continue and also help her healing process, we hope you will consider donating to this fund. All sized donations will help and are appreciated!" 

More information at gofundme.com/help-lift-annie-byrne-spirits.

Barnett's Manual has been a powerhouse reference guide for bicycle mechanics for decades. Since 2006, the manual has been published digitally in order to grow without having to eliminate valuable content. Now growing to over 14,000 digital pages, BBI is releasing the 13th edition of Barnett's Manual DX in October, and is currently offering an advance purchase price on presold copies—the 13th edition price will increase when it is launched in mid October, but customers can pre-purchase the manual now for the current selling price of $169. The new edition adds 550 pages and over a thousand high resolution pictures.

Among the topics that have been added in the 13th edition are:
• Fox Transfer dropper post service
• RockShox Reverb dropper post service (current and prior generation)
• SRAM Guide disc brakes (2nd/current generation; all models)
• SRAM Level disc brakes (all models)
• SRAM Code R and RSC disc brakes
• Shimano DuraAce, Ultegra, and 105 flat-mount disc brakes & hydraulic disc-brake Dual Controls

Customers who currently own the 12th edition may be eligible for a pro rated discount on the new edition, and customers who place a pre-order can get a free copy of the 12th edition to use before the 13th is released.

Barnett's Manual DX 13th Edition is an incredibly valuable resource that ensures mechanics are equipped with the best possible information to perform highly technical tasks. Bicycle technology is a very nuanced and specific field, and can be hard to navigate without guidance or experience. BBI has done the research and taken the initiative to publish DX to guide mechanics of any level through every imaginable task.

Barnett's Manual DX is the most comprehensive bicycle repair manual, and is sold exclusively by BBI. For more information or to order a digital copy, visit www.bbinstitute.com/the-barnett-manual or contact manager@bbinstitute.com or 719-632-5173

 (San Diego, CA — October 2, 2018) - 100% brings new talent to the San Diego-based team, hiring Mike Wilson as Marketing Manager.

Wilson most recently served as a marketing and public relations agent for LOOK Cycles and Corima Wheels in their return to North American direct distribution. Prior to that, he served as North American Brand Manager for Mavic and Suunto, two brands in the Amer Sports portfolio.

"We are extremely excited to have Mike join the team," said Ludo Boinnard, CEO of 100%. "He brings a wealth of cycling and motorsports knowledge and specifically go-to-market and marketing expertise. Our goal is always to enhance the experience consumers, dealers and distributors have when interacting with our brand."

"100% dominates the motocross eyewear category and has exploded onto the cycling scene," said Wilson. "I'm excited to help continue that momentum and expand the brand's presence across all markets and in all categories. This is a great moment for 100% and I'm thrilled at the opportunity to take part in their ongoing growth."

Wilson arrives in this newly created position with more than 20 years of experience in go-to-market strategies and brand management. He will be working with the team to further the brand's presence in the eyewear, protection and gear market across existing sports with an eye towards expanding markets and sport opportunities.

TAICHUNG, Taiwan (BRAIN) — The U.S.-based business development firm Lucidity showed a new quick release thru axle design at last week's Taichung Bike Week. The company is hoping to sell the product to original equipment manufacturers and aftermarket brands. 

The QRTU can be easily retrofit to most current thru axle frames and forks. It offers quick wheel removal and installation as well as improved safety, said Richard Wittenberg, the chief solutions officer of Lucidity.

The patent pending design was developed by a Belgian group, he said. Lucidity is the worldwide agent for the product. 

As the video below shows, it consists of a knob that is threaded into the frame or fork threads from the non-lever side, an axle and a lever similar to a standard QR lever. Pushing a button on the knob and opening the lever allows quick removal of the axle. Tension is adjusted from the lever side and doesn't need to be readjusted once it is set. As long as the end of the axle is popped into the knob, the axle cannot come out, even if the lever is left open. "That makes this the ultimate 'lawyer's tab,'" Wittenberg said. 

He said the design allows removal of a disc brake front wheel faster than a standard QR/lawyer's tab combination can be removed, while also being stiffer and safer. Knobs can be made available to fit varying axle thread pitches on frames and forks. 

Because the push-button knob has to be built fairly solidly, the QRTU does have a small weight penalty over standard thru axles, he said. Using a titanium axle minimizes that penalty. 

Initially, the product is being targeted at the high-end, retailing for about $130-$150 per pair in the aftermarket. OE costs would be less. Eventually the product could be offered with a steel axle to reach lower price points.

Other brands have offered quick release thru axle designs but they usually require a specific fork and frame insert, reducing the potential for interchangeability. Wittenberg said he hopes the QRTU design could become a standard across the industry. Brands could distinguish their products by modifying the appearance of the lever portion. 

Wittenberg said he had discussions with about 15 OE brands and several aftermarket distributors at TBW, which is a big annual get-together for OE suppliers and product managers from the major bike brands. 

Events in cities across the nation are open to the public

BOULDER, Colo. (October 2, 2018) -- Camber Outdoors, the active-outdoor industries organization committed to a vision of Everyone’s Outdoors, is excited to announce eight October events in the 2018 Camber Exchange series.

Hosted by Camber Outdoors partner companies, Camber Exchanges  are a nation-wide meet-up series that brings together a community of people with a love for the outdoors and the companies that support their passion. These unique events provide thought-provoking conversation, and a chance to connect with leaders, entrepreneurs, and colleagues in the active-outdoor industries. Registration is open for all October events.

October 2018 Camber Exchange series schedule:

October 16: Portland, Ore.

Host company: REI Co-op

Speakers: Holly Van Fleet, Portland Store Manager at REI Co-op; and Clare Hamill, VP Global Growth Initiatives at Nike Inc.

October 16: Newbury Park, Cali.

Host company: Liv Cycling and Giant Bicycle

Speakers: Brook Hopper, Global Marketing Manager at Liv Cycling; Serena Bishop Gordon, Liv Factory Team Rider and Program Director for the Conservation Alliance; Jen Gurecki, Co-founder and CEO of Coalition Snow; Lindsey Richter, Founder and Director of Ladies Allride; Jen Audia, US Marketing Manager at Liv Cycling; Shannon Ellis, Senior Director of HR at Patagonia

October 17: Colorado Springs, Colo.

Host company: SRAM

Speakers: Ayesha McGowan, Founder of A Quick Brown Fox; and Ashley Rankin, Founder of Shredly

October 17: West Valley City, Utah

Host company: Backcountry

Speakers: Diana Seung, EVP of Merchandising at Backcountry; Hillary Benjamin, SVP of Brand at Backcountry; Betsy Haws, Assistant General Counsel at Backcountry; Nora Stowell, Global Sales Leader at W.L. Gore; Laura Schaffer, Sustainability Director at POWDR

October 18: Ferndale, Wash.

Host company: Superfeet

Speaker: Linda Balfour, Director of Marketing at Superfeet

October 18: Boston, Mass.

Host companies: Vibram and Brooklyn Boulders

Speaker: Sandra Wilson, Controller at Vibram

October 25: Boise, Idaho

Host company: REI Co-op

Speaker: Julie Lochner, Retail Divisional Vice President at REI Co-op

October 25: Madison, Wisc.

Host company: REI Co-op

Speaker: Karen Repine, Madison Store Manager at REI Co-op

“Year over year we have continued to build the Camber Exchange program to elevate the vision of Everyone’s Outdoors through community engagement,” said Deanne Buck, executive director of Camber Outdoors. “Through Camber Exchanges, we are able to give leaders at our partner companies a platform for why and how they’re prioritizing women’s leadership as a business imperative.”

Sponsored by CamelBak, Bell, Giro, and Bollé, the 2018 Camber Outdoors series includes 25 Camber Exchanges across the continental U.S. and Canada. With increased interest and participation from individuals and partner companies, Camber Outdoors has grown its Camber Exchange series year over year.

All proceeds from Camber Exchanges support connecting African American people with nature to change the face of leadership in the outdoors through a partnership with Outdoor Afro.

Additional information and registration can be found on the Camber Outdoors Events web page.

About Camber Outdoors

Founded in 1996, Camber Outdoors (formerly OIWC) envisions a future of “Everyone’s Outdoors” with a mission of equity in the outdoors, from boardroom to backcountry. Its innovative and thought-leading programming and initiatives include the Thought Leader Keynote, CEO Pledge, Pitchfest, Workplace Equity Working Group, and cross-industry/company Professional Mentoring Program. More than 185 companies, 5,500 individual members, and 18,000 constituents engage with Camber Outdoors.

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (BRAIN) — Ibis Cycles co-owner and CEO Hans Heim said he was inspired by his daughter, a high school league mountain bike racer, to develop the brand's new 29-inch carbon hardtail, the DV9. The DV9 frame retails for $999 and complete builds start at $2,199.

"The DV9 delivers unprecedented versatility with slacker-than-XC (aka Downcountry) geometry and massive tire clearance. Which is why we offer it with two distinct build kits," the brand said.

Heim's daughter, Lil, took three varsity race wins, five varsity XC podiums, and first place overall in the 2018 Northern California NICA league on a prototype DV9 frame.

One build kit for XC racing includes a 100 mm travel Fox Step Cast fork with remote lockout and 2.25-inch tires. A more trail-oriented build has a 120 mm Fox Rhythm 34 fork and 2.6-inch tires. There are a total of six build kits priced up to $7,299 and optional upgrades also are available.

The DV9 is available in two colors and four sizes. Frame weight is 1,204 grams and it has a 7 year warranty.

More information at: ibiscycles.com.

New QR website has a real-time "build your own bike" feature for PRSeries models

Chattanooga, TN (October 1, 2018) – American Bicycle Group (ABG), manufacturer of award-winning high performance bicycles - Litespeed (LS) and Quintana Roo (QR) – today announced the launch of its newly designed websites at https://quintanarootri.com/ and https://litespeed.com/. Restructured with a focus on user experience and a seamless mobile interface, the new websites feature a streamlined and simplified design, improved functionality and enriched content areas to help customers choose the bike that best suits their needs, including color, components, wheels, accessories, fit and budget parameters.

Within the Quintana Roo site, the website architects have developed a "bike builder" feature where the customer can choose every aspect of their new PRseries bike. The custom builder feature allows the customer to walk step-by-step through the process of building his/her own bike: model; color selection; component kit; wheelset; and size. As each element is determined by the customer, the imagery of the bike immediately updates to display the precise bike that will be shipped. If help is needed during the building process, a support agent is available to answer questions in real-time.

"We are thrilled to debut the new websites to our customers, retail partners, media and visitors," said Peter Hurley, CEO and president of American Bicycle Group. "The goal of this investment is to create a fully responsive site that affords customers the opportunity to navigate through Litespeed's and Quintana Roo's extensive product offerings with ease. We're particularly excited about the ability for QR customers to build their own PR bike to their personal specs."

The new websites support other strategic plan elements that have been implemented within ABG in the past year. Staffing in the Tennessee plant has been expanded to keep up with customer demand, and a second paint booth was added allowing more athletes the ability to order specific color combinations and specific bike configurations within a seven to 10 day turn-around window. The in-house professional bike assemblers have also seen new staff added.

The investment in the new websites, increased staffing, and new production lines are assets in ABG's multi-channel selling platform making it quick and easy for a Litespeed or Quintana Roo customer to select their bike, adapt it to their needs and make the purchase.

Customers can order directly from QR or Litespeed, or through a QR or Litespeed retail partner. Financing is also available for qualified Litespeed and QR buyers.

SEATTLE (BRAIN) — Amazon is increasing its minimum wage to $15 per hour for all full-time, part-time, temporary, and seasonal employees across the U.S., effective Nov. 1. The company said its new minimum would apply to more than 250,000 Amazon employees as well as more than 100,000 seasonal employees who will be hired this holiday season. It also applies to Whole Foods employees. 

"We listened to our critics, thought hard about what we wanted to do, and decided we want to lead," said Jeff Bezos, Amazon's founder and CEO. "We're excited about this change and encourage our competitors and other large employers to join us."

The company's previous minimum was $11. The company said it will give workers who currently make more than $15 a pay raise, as well. 

The company said it also will lobby congress for an increase in the federal minimum wage, which is currently $7.25.

Editor's note: This week we are featuring retailers who received Interbike Retailer Innovation Awards at the Interbike show this month. Staff from the National Bicycle Dealers Association, The Mann Group and Interbike selected 10 retailers from a pool of self-nominated businesses. Stores were asked to apply and share strategies and ideas that they have implemented and which have yielded positive results over the past 12 months. Interbike Innovation Award winners also were featured in the Sept. 1 issue of Bicycle Retailer and Industry News. 

Frisco Bikes Shop in Willard, Missouri is owned by Cari Harrison, who opened the business in the spring of 2018. 

Cari Harrison thought that the town of Willard needed a small bike shop directly on its popular 35-mile rail trail. The challenge was that the landowner didn’t want a permanent structure on the property.

The solution: convert two shipping containers into a store.

In its first season, Harrison said the store has been a raging success.

“It’s been fantastic; it’s more than we ever imagined,” she said.

The shop offers rentals, service, bike sales and food and drinks for bike path users. One surprising success has been the store’s weekly mountain bike rides at a local park. The shop brings a fleet of rental bikes and leads rides for various skill levels. They attract about 40 people, most of whom rent bikes.

“We have rentals booked out a couple weeks in advance” for those rides, Harrison said.

The shop has been such a success that it’s outgrowing its space.

The solution: Harrison will insert a third shipping container between the first two. “All we have to do is pull down some decorative and pop one into the middle,” she said. She plans to make the addition this winter.

Shop website: friscobicyclerental.com.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (BRAIN) — Orbea has tapped Matthew Smith to become the brand's USA country manager. The position became effective on Monday.

Smith takes the job following the move of Gonzalo Garcia De Salazar to Spain to become Orbea's global sales director last year. Smith is a former regional Orbea sales rep and USA sales manager.

"It's the culmination of years of enjoyable work, and it's going to be an exciting new chapter," said Smith. "One of my favorite aspects of working with Orbea is the opportunity to confront challenges and grow in a supportive environment. I have a strong sense that the current success of Orbea and the frankly awesome team we have assembled here will make the road ahead fun and rewarding as we grow the brand together."

"It's a great move for Orbea and Matthew is going to do a terrific job. We are happy to welcome Matthew to Little Rock and look forward to this new era," said Gonzalo Garcia De Salazar.

LOS ANGELES (BRAIN) — The documentary featuring mountain biker Rebecca Rusch won an Emmy award Sunday for Outstanding Graphic Design and Art Direction in a documentary.

The 2017 film follows Rusch and her Vietnamese riding partner, Huyen Nguyen, as they pedal 1,200 miles along the Ho Chi Minh Trail through the dense jungles of Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. Their goal was to reach the crash site and final resting place of Rebecca’s father, a U.S. Air Force pilot shot down over Laos some 40 years earlier.

The film can be seen for free on Redbull.tv. 

Editor's note: This week we are featuring retailers who received Interbike Retailer Innovation Awards at the Interbike show last month. Staff from the National Bicycle Dealers Association, The Mann Group and Interbike selected 10 retailers from a pool of self-nominated businesses. Stores were asked to apply and share strategies and ideas that they have implemented and which have yielded positive results over the past 12 months. Interbike Innovation Award winners also were featured in the Sept. 1 issue of Bicycle Retailer and Industry News. 

Outback Bikes in Atlanta, Georgia, is owned by Peter Wicker and Kate Rockett. It's been in business 32 years. 

When Peter Wicker suffered a heart attack and stroke in June 2017, his health became the priority. That’s when his wife, Kate Rockett, and daughter, Josie Hickok, stepped up to the plate to not only take over operations but grow sales in a tough market.

Rockett said that initially her husband’s absence was felt, with sales plummeting and some of the worst months in the business’ 32-year history.

“We started doing clinics and classes and more group family rides not just enthusiast rides. And it took three to four months for us to become flat again. But this year we’re beating numbers from two years ago,” Rockett said.

She and her daughter began hiring more women, and they brought on another brand, Giant, which adds to the store’s mix that includes Specialized, Bianchi and a few other niche brands.

Hickock also built a new website and linked it to some brands for instant online purchases.

Wicker’s family forced him into retirement, but Rockett said she’s hopeful the business will continue to be a family owned and run, with their son Liam showing interest in going to mechanic school and working at the shop, and Hickok running the shop as store manager.

“We are truly fortunate for where we are currently,” she said. “We as a family and staff have increased sales over last year gradually each month in a flat economy overall.”

Shop website: outback-bikes.com.

PORTLAND, Ore. (BRAIN) — Islabikes, whcih specializes in enthusiast-quality kids bikes, is closing its U.S. office here and liquidating its remaining stock in the U.S. The company is headquartered in Ludlow, United Kingdom.

The company said it has decided to focus energy on the UK and EU markets.

"We will sell all remaining stock of bikes, accessories and parts in the US at substantially discounted prices before closing this fall. At this time we have not set a closing date," the company announced on its website. 

"We really appreciate all the support from our customers over the past 5 years. Thank you for all the photos and videos of your kids enjoying their Islabikes and the emails and phone calls describing family vacations and adventures; we have so enjoyed getting to be included in those experiences," the company said. 

LEADVILLE, Colo. (BRAIN) — Former pro cyclist Floyd Landis is using some of the proceeds from his settlement with Lance Armstrong to fund a new pro road cycling team. The team will be called Floyd's of Leadville Pro Cycling Team and will be registered in Canada. It will be managed by one of Landis' former teammates, Gord Fraser and will seek a UCI Pro Continental license. 

In an interview with BRAIN last month, Landis said he was funding the team in part as redemption following his doping scandal, which led to the stripping of his 2006 Tour de France title. Landis later was involved with a federal whistle-blower lawsuit against Armstrong, which was settled this spring with Landis set to receive about $1.1 million from Armstrong.

"It matter to me that people think (the suit) was about the money," he told BRAIN. "I do like the sport, and what went on back then is part of the reason it is at a low point now. I can't fix it, but I can help. There are teams going away so I can help that," he said.

Landis was referring to the dissolution of two long-standing U.S.-based pro teams, Jelly Belly-Maxxis and UnitedHealthcare.

"I understand I hurt the cycling community," Landis said in a statement Thursday. "Now I'd like to take all proceeds I made from the settlement and put it back where it belongs, on the development of aspiring pro cyclists."

Landis said that after legal fees, he expects to receive less than $1 million from the settlement. 

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. (BRAIN) — QBP has opened registration for its first Service Summit, to be held Jan. 27-29, 2019 in Portland, Oregon. 

The distributor announced the event in July. The summit is geared toward service managers and other managers and will focus on the nuts and bolts of running a profitable bike service department.

"From service writing, to preparing your business for e-bikes, to training and developing service employees, industry experts will share tailored solutions and key insights that you can implement right away to increase the profitability of your service department," QBP said. 

Registration costs $425. A $50 discount is available for dealers who place a Dealer’s Choice order with Jagwire, iSSi, SRAM, or DT Swiss at the time of registration. The event is held at the Sheraton Portland Airport Hotel and discounted rooms are available for participants.

More information and registration available on the QBP website. 

PHILADELPHIA (BRAIN) — As of Oct. 1, exhibitor registration for the Philly Bike Expo is up 17 percent, and the annual trade and consumer festival has sold 250 percent more tickets than at the same time last year as this year's edition approaches on Oct. 27 and 28.

Within those advance ticket sales, retailer count is up 58 percent compared with a year earlier. To date, retailer now represent 12 percent of overall registration, compared with 7.5 percent last year, Philly Bike Fest founder Steve BIlenky told BRAIN. "It shows that among dealers, the interest is there," he said.

Bilenky expects overall attendance to grow 12 to 15 percent this year, to 5,500 who will come to the Pennsylvania Convention Center for the expo and side events including demonstration rides, riding skills exhibitions, artisan demonstrations, art and culture, food trucks and group rides.

Some 141 exhibitors had registered by Oct. 1, and organizers were expecting additional signups as the event approaches. "The show has been steadily growing and registration is up. Considering that usually a lot of exhibitors wait until the final two weeks to register, I'm excited about the way it's going," show organizer Bina Bilenky said.

First-time exhibitors include SRAM, J&B Importers, Phil Wood and Altruiste Bicycle Company, the New Brunswick, Canada-based framebuilder that won the honor for best mountain bike at this year's North American Handmade Bicycle Show.

"It's interesting that we're seeing more midtier dealer brands — brands like Jamis, Masi, Cinelli, Bianchi, Breezer, Haro, Wilier — than we have in the past," Steve Bilenky said.

More information: phillybikeexpo.com.

Irvine, Calif. – Bosch eBike Systems' PowerTube 500, a battery which can be sleekly integrated into the frame of the bicycle, won the prestigious Interbike 2018 "eBike Product Innovation" Award. Interbike partnered with Hi-Torque Publications to evaluate and select winners in mountain, road and electric categories.

"The PowerTube 500 sets a new eBike standard by showing it's possible to get both a really capable, high-range eBike that looks more and more like a regular bicycle," said Claudia Wasko, Vice President & General Manager of Bosch eBike Systems Americas. "We're proud of this award and to see so many gorgeous PowerTube-equipped eBikes start to hit dealer showrooms." North American brands using PowerTube on their newest eBike models include Bulls, Cannondale, Cube, Fuji, Gazelle, Haibike, Mondraker, Raleigh Electric, Riese & Mueller, and Trek.

New design dimension: PowerTube 500 combines style with efficiency
Bosch's new eBike battery can be integrated into the frame of an eBike, invisible from the outside. This considerably widens the range of options available to bike designers, manufacturers and end consumers. The PowerTube 500 combines style and practicality, offering the power of an eBike with an aesthetic that more closely resembles a traditional bicycle.

The PowerTube 500 can be built into different types of frames, and is therefore suitable for a wide range of cycles – from city bikes and roadsters to eMountain bikes. The battery can be removed from the top, bottom or side. A two-stage mechanism ensures complete safety and easy handling when the battery is being inserted or removed: when unlocked, the battery clicks out of the frame by less than an inch and can easily be handled. A safety device prevents the battery from falling out. The battery is also optimally protected by the frame. Alternatively, the PowerTube 500 can be charged directly on the bike. The recesses on the upper side can be used for a bottle holder or for design trims. The surface of the PowerTube 500 stands out with a high-grade anodized aluminum in black.

Maximum compatibility with Bosch product lines
The integrated battery has a capacity of approximately 500 watt hours (Wh); it measures just 13.7" x 3.3" x 2.6" inches and weighs only around 6.2 lbs. The PowerTube 500 has an impressive power density and is one of the lightest batteries currently on the market. The new lithium-ion battery is also available in combination with DualBattery: if it is installed horizontally by the manufacturer, the lower tube can be used for an additional frame battery or a bottle holder, for example. The PowerTube 500 is compatible with all of Bosch eBike Systems' product lines.