![Gran Turismo 5 demo coming to PSN on Dec 17, GT Academy returns [w/VIDEO]](http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/370z-gt-academy_143x85.jpg)
BMW introduces new pedal power machines
BMW Cruise Bike - Click above for high-res gallery
Following on the heels of Mercedes-Benz launching an updated bicycle line, rival BMW has done the same thing. Bimmer's pedal power lineup isn't quite as extensive in terms of styles as the one from Stuttgart, with the new models consisting of a pair of adult-size cruising bikes targeted at day trippers, along with a little machine for youngsters.
The cruiser features a hydroformed aluminum frame. Hydroforming is a technique commonly used for shaping tubular structures like truck and car frames. A metal tube is placed inside a mold and then filled with pressurized oil until it conforms to the mold. The result is a strong, yet lightweight structure. The 27-speed Cruiser is designed for comfortable long distance riding and it starts at €849 ($1,200 USD).
BMW's so-called Kidsbike is designed to help tikes go from developing basic coordination on two wheels to full fledged riding. As shipped, the bike has no chain or pedals installed for the youngest kids. However, included in the box are a chain and pedal set that are easily installed for when the child is ready. Official press releases are after the jump.
Gallery: 2009 BMW Cruise Bikes
[Source: BMW]
Town, country and more. The BMW Cruise Bike.
Comfortable and convenient.
The BMW Cruise Bike is the optimum choice for day trips – no matter whether you want to make a countryside tour over the weekend or spend a holiday cycling along the coast. In contrast to other bikes, its stem can be individually adjusted to suit the stature of any rider. For instance, riders can now cruise comfortably on long-distance tours. The back pains resulting from the rider's bent position when riding some bikes are now a thing of the past.
The BMW Touring Bike is ideal for all cyclists who mainly ride in urban traffic situations. It has the same frame as the Cruise Bike, but additionally features a rear luggage rack as well as street fittings.
Stable and safe.
The sporty spirit of the BMW Cruise Bike is revealed not only in its special stem and its looks. Its frame is manufactured on the basis of innovative hydroforming technology, a process in which the aluminium tubes are filled with oil and shaped by extreme pressure. This results in a light and, above all, rigid frame. In combination with its resilient telescopic forks and Shimano Alivio gears, this means that even deep potholes, extreme gradients and racy sprints present no problems at all to its rider.
Purist prize material.
The exciting looks of the bike finished in red and pearl white are an absolute winner too. BMW, with its 60-year heritage of bicycle manufacturing, has already won numerous design awards. In addition to winning the Design Award of the Federal Republic of Germany and the if Product Design Award, the BMW Cruise Bike has now won the Red Dot Award for the second time.
The BMW Bikes are available from selected BMW dealers and online at www.bmw-shop.de. This is also where you can find out everything about the BMW Bike Experience Tour, where you can test the latest BMW Bikes across Germany.
Facts & Figures
BMW Cruise Bike 2009 with 24 speed derailleur system, in red and pearl white
Frame height: S (41 cm), M (46 cm), L (51 cm), only in red XL (55 cm)
Frame: Aluminium, front suspension, BMW Design
Forks: Suntour NCX-D telescopic forks, 75 mm travel
Stem: Original BMW Trekking (adjustable angle)
Weight: 13.9 kg
Recommended Retail Price: € 849
BMW Touring Bike 2009 with 9-speed hub system, in pearl white
Frame height: S (41 cm), M (46 cm), L (51 cm), only in red XL (55 cm)
Frame: Aluminium, front suspension, BMW Design
Forks: Suntour NCX-D-LO magnesium telescopic forks with aluminium head tube, 75 mm travel with lockout function
Stem: Original BMW Cruiser (adjustable angle)
Weight: 19.1 kg
Recommended Retail Price: € 1.299
BMW Touring Bike 2009 with 27-speed derailleur system, in anthracite
Frame height: S (41 cm), M (46 cm), L (51 cm), only in red XL (55 cm)
Frame: Aluminium, front suspension, BMW Design
Forks: Suntour NCX-D-LO magnesium telescopic forks with aluminium head tube, 75 mm travel with lockout function
Stem: Original BMW Trekking (adjustable angle)
Weight: 16.3 kg
Recommended Retail Price: € 1.259
The quick change artist. The BMW Kidsbike.
Two bikes in one.
Thanks to the multiple award-winning BMW Kidsbike in typical BMW design, children from the age of around two and a half can already take their place on the saddle – and can look forward to many more years of fun with their favourite bike. The BMW Kidsbike is two bikes in one. An ideal learning bike with which toddlers can gain their first experiences on two wheels and train their coordination. This makes the later transition to a bike with pedals so much easier. And that's really easy too: with a minimum of effort, the learning bike is soon transformed into a full-fledged children's bike by mounting the chain and pedal unit included in the set.
Safe and practical.
The learning bike version is already equipped with a front wheel brake to avoid inadvertent collisions, a feature that is often sorely missed in other models. A TÜV approved bicycle helmet in the colour of the frame, a bell and reflectors at the front and in the pedals ensure additional safety. A net attached to the ergonomically formed handlebars and a zipped bag on the frame offer plenty of room for essential cycling companions like the favourite cuddly toy or other playthings. 'Exercise is not only great fun, it is also important for the physical and intellectual development process', explained Family Minister Ursula von der Leyen at the presentation of the survey results. This is precisely where the BMW Kidsbike helps – from toddlers to children around the age of five.
The BMW Kidsbike and further products from the BMW Lifestyle Collection are available from selected BMW dealers and online at www.bmw-shop.de. This is also where you can find out everything about the BMW Bike Experience Tour, where you can test the latest BMW Bikes across Germany.
Facts & Figures
The BMW Kidsbike
Weight: 6 kg (learning bike), 8 kg (with chain and pedal unit)
Frame height: 36 cm, saddle height 38 – 46 cm
Maximum safe loading: 50 kg
Colours: blue, orange, red
Recommended Retail Price: € 259.00
Get a WordPress.com Blog
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
The Other Bob 9:03AM (6/12/2009)
Why would the maker of high-end cars want to out their name on such a POS bike?
Reply
RJ 12:17PM (6/12/2009)
Because they can't put a good machine to its intended use, such as their M3s...
UltimoDragon 1:54PM (6/12/2009)
Because nobody seemed all that confused when Chrysler, Jeep, and GMC did the same thing?
Bystander 3:52PM (7/29/2009)
As Hamster once said it: "You can stick a BMW badge on a dead cat - and people would still buy it."
They came pretty close to that. With every product intro, BMW is really losing its credibility. From crappy service to unreliable and under performing cars (minus a couple of models), you really would get better value from a dead cat.
fixitfixitstop 9:54PM (6/12/2009)
BMW has been selling bicycles for years. Some of you are commenting like this is a new thing.
Richard 9:12AM (6/12/2009)
Sounds like the inverse of the Jetta TREK to me...
Reply
Hamud 9:12AM (6/12/2009)
Kinda expensive for such a low end bike. Better stick with a Scott, Trek, Cannondale, etc.
Reply
Jake 9:14AM (6/12/2009)
'ring time?
Reply
MAXLD 9:21AM (6/12/2009)
For that price anyone can buy a good equipped KTM... with hydraulic brakes... and 6Kg lighter. Or an Orbea... BH... Canyon...
Reply
Stuka 9:26AM (6/12/2009)
You have got to be kidding me. 1200 bucks for a bike without disc brakes?! I think BMW needs to pay more attention to what they put their name on.
Reply
imoore 9:39AM (6/12/2009)
They do. That's why they are putting their name on everything thay can-because there are some people who are willing to pay the price for the name. No different from Porsche puttign their name on "Porsche Design" glasses, computers, radios, appliances, etc.
And I hope they're not claiming these bikes are made in Germany, because they look exactly like the same Made In China crap I see whenever I'm at Wal-Mart and Academy Sporting Goods.
sparrk 9:59AM (6/12/2009)
imoore , you are uninformed. Porsche Design , created by Ferdinand Alexander Porsche is an industrial design company , they create.. industrial designs, like designs for appliances, computers, yachts, glasses, etc.
Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG is a car manufacturer , they create cars.
imoore 11:36AM (6/12/2009)
I know,Sparrk, I've got one of their shortwave radios they designed for Grundig. A cheap, uninspired design and even worse performance. I replaced it with a Grundig/Eton E10, much better looking and reception that puts a home theater system to shame.
Jake 1:05PM (6/12/2009)
I ordered a roll of BMW brand toilet paper online. Smooth as silk, my friend.
Redline 9:59AM (6/12/2009)
Hey, it's got a BMW badge, it must be superior to any other bike hahaha!
Reply
sparrk 10:01AM (6/12/2009)
this is not a bike , it's a PPM (pedal powered machine). it's BMW we're talking about :)
Jake 1:06PM (6/12/2009)
The Ultimate Peddaling Machine!
Kitko 10:01AM (6/12/2009)
Best BMW on the market....
Reply
Ligor 10:21AM (6/12/2009)
lol
that's funny as helllllll
Dennis DeSilva 10:35AM (6/12/2009)
Looks like your average crappy department store bike. Even has the adjustable stem and quick release seat post clamp. Front shock is pointless on a "day tripper" unless you want the extra weight. Also no braze-ons for racks or fenders. Yay for BMW for putting another worthless P.O.S bike out on the market!
Reply