Mercedes-Benz presents the innovative Automatic Bike

Press Release

Enjoy riding a bike without the hassle of gear changes

·         Three new bikes for different terrains

·         Automatic Bike: comfort and safety

·         Mountain Bike: powerful dynamics

·         Fitness Bike: distinctive design with two bike variants

Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH is launching the 2005 bike season with three new bike model developments for different types of application. Mercedes-Benz is the first automotive manufacturer to produce a really comfortable and safe Automatic Bike equipped with an 8-speed automatic gearshift system and active spring suspension. This range also sees the addition of the new fully spring-loaded, powerful and dynamic Mountain Bike. The Fitness Bike for amateur and leisure riders rounds off the Mercedes-Benz bike range and is available in either a “Sport Edition” or “Comfort Edition”, both of which combine individual design with high quality fittings.

Automatic Bike: comfortable and safe high-tech bike

The technological star of the Mercedes-Benz bikes is the elegant, safe and exceptionally comfortable Automatic Bike. Through its electronically controlled air suspension, a new type of 8-speed automatic gearshift system and its sensor-controlled lights, the bike adapts automatically to prevailing conditions, delivering an enjoyable riding experience under all circumstances – just as you would expect from a Mercedes product. The central on-board computer, controlled by the “flight deck” on the front section of the handlebars lies at the heart of the ”Cyber Nexus” technology. Data, such as speed of travel, the gear currently selected and the damper setting can be read off this. The computer combines and processes the parameters of pedal downstroke frequency and speed to select the optimum setting for suspension and ratio. The rider then scarcely notices gear changes or adjustments to the damper setting. In addition to being able to select from the three preset drive programs of “light”, “normal” or “sporty”, the rider can also manually change all settings. The bike’s intelligent lights are a further guarantee for comfort and safety. Headlamps and a rear light are automatically switched on and off by sensors. The rear lights flashes as the bike brakes to indicate possible dangers to any road users travelling behind the bike. The rear light also offers a parking light function. Roller-type brakes which remain unaffected by wet conditions round off the outstanding range of safety equipment fitted to the Automatic Bike. The Mercedes-Benz Premium Bike is available in frame heights of 48 and 54 centimetres at a price of euro 2490.

Mountain Bike: a sportsman’s dream to take on the rough and the smooth

The Mercedes-Benz Mountain Bike is a robust full suspension bike ready to face any challenge. Air suspension and oil damping can be individually adjusted using the fully adjustable fork which has a spring stroke of 100 millimetres. The spring hardness is set by regulating the air pressure. The accessories range available from Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH includes a high-pressure pump designed especially for this purpose. The rear oil/gas pressure damper has a spring stroke 80 millimetres and can be adjusted manually. The design of the newly developed aluminium Y-frame serves as a perfect example of the “Form follows function” specification. The bike is equipped with Shimano Deore LX technology, one of the highest quality pieces of equipment currently available on the market. One very special feature is the new dual-control gearshift system which is operated by the brake lever. Advantage: the rider can change gear without having to come off the brakes. This offers additional safety for off-road riding in particular. The hydraulically actuated disc brakes deliver the best possible braking under all conditions.

For the Mountain Bike, Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH can also provide a carrier designed especially for this bike type – something which is a bit of a rarity in the bike sector. The frame and yoke on the Mercedes-Benz Mountain Bike are fitted with mounting points as standard to which the carrier, with a load-bearing capacity of up to 18 kilograms, can be attached in a few simple steps. The Mountain Bike is available in frame heights of 44, 49 and 54 centimetres and this exclusive bike costs euro 1790.

Sensational design available in two variants: the Mercedes-Benz Fitness Bike

The Fitness Bike, available in either a “Sport Edition” or a “Comfort Edition”, adopts a classic bike design and follows on from the successful bikes of the 2004 collection. The bikes designed for the everyday all-round rider and for touring have Shimano Deore equipment and set new benchmarks with their sensational design. The most eye-catching features are the lower tubes of the newly designed aluminium frame which are bent inwards to emphasise the sporty yet elegant character of these bikes. High quality aluminium mudguards combined with black spokes and hubs underline its dynamic image. The only difference between the two bikes is their frame geometry. Their fittings and price (euro 1290) are the same. The Sport Edition of the Fitness Bike is available in frame heights of 48 and 56 centimetres while the Comfort Edition comes in frame heights of 42 and 50 centimetres.

Exclusive bike accessories and special carrier systems

Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH offers a wide range of accessories such as side stands, carriers, water bottles, bike and fitness computers as well as splash sets to cover individual requirements. The relevant bike carrier systems for roof-mounted and rear-mounted transport as well as for interior options available for most of the Mercedes-Benz car models round off the accessories.