Schwinn News http://www.schwinnbike.com/stingray/detail-a24.html/News Schwinn is always trying to stay in touch with its customers. Through press releases, news articles and special events, Schwinn prides itself on customer service, awareness an.communication.Choose articles that you wish to read by clicking on the items below. © 2008 SCHWINN 5 Schwinn’s Tailwind – The Fastest-Charging Electric Bike in the World –
Schwinn’s Tailwind – The Fastest-Charging Electric Bike in the World –
Will be Available in Stores Starting this January

The Tailwind (MSRP $3,199), Schwinn’s latest electric bike, will be showcased at the Consumer
Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas (Jan. 8-11, 2009), and will be available through
Independent Bike Dealers (IBDs) throughout North America before February 2009

BETHEL, Conn. – Jan. 08, 2009 – Schwinn Bicycles, America’s most recognized bicycle brand, today announced that its Tailwind electric bike (the fastest charging electric bike in the world) will be available for purchase beginning later this month at Independent Bicycle Dealers (IBDs) throughout the United States. Schwinn Bicycles is part of the Cannondale Sports Group Division of Dorel Industries (TSX: DII.B, DII.A).

The Tailwind represents the next generation of eBikes and will be on exhibit this week (Jan. 8-11) at the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas at the Sands Convention Center (Booth s4840). The Tailwind features the world’s fastest-charging battery – a battery built by electronics giant, Toshiba Corporation; in fact, the Tailwind was the first product in the world to use Toshiba’s new SCiB technology.

Toshiba’s SCiB power technology will enable Tailwind owners to recharge their eBike in 30 minutes
through a standard electrical outlet (or as little as five to seven minutes through a commercial charger).
By comparison, it takes approximately four hours or longer to fully recharge the battery of virtually any other eBike in use today through a standard electrical outlet, allowing riders to recharge their Tailwind eBike in one-eighth (1/8th) the time of other electric bikes.

"We’ve seen tremendous growth in the eBike market in the last couple years, and expect the Tailwind will break out to lead the pack as it incorporates the latest battery technology in a very sleek and stylish electric bicycle," said Bruno Maier, Executive Vice President of Marketing for the Cannondale Sports Group. "Initially we are starting out with a smaller inventory in the U.S., but we plan to grow the number of eBikes available to IBDs throughout the year to meet what we will expect will be a growing demand."

Details on the Schwinn Tailwind eBike
The Tailwind (like all Schwinn electric bicycles) is a so-called eBike hybrid and can be ridden in either motor-assist mode or as a conventional bike. The eight-speed Tailwind utilizes a lightweight, Schwinn-designed 6000 series aluminum alloy frame and an SR Suntour NEX-4610 suspension fork with lock-out.

The electric motor in the Tailwind is housed in the hub of the front wheel, an innovation found in all Schwinn eBike models. In addition, all Schwinn eBike models (including the Tailwind) utilize the Plug N’ Drive removable battery pack which is built into stylishly designed rear bike rack systems, allowing riders to quickly detach the battery for recharging.

It is projected that owners will realize an industry leading 2,000 (minimum) recharge cycles with the Tailwind electric bicycle versus the industry standard of 600 – 1,000 charges before needing to replace the battery. Tailwind riders will also find they can ride 25 to 30 miles per charge (depending upon such factors as climate, rider weight and terrain). The Tailwind also comes with a 20,000-mile or two-year limited warranty.

Other specs for Schwinn’s Tailwind include
  • A Shimano Nexus 8-speed internal geared rear hub,
  • A brushless motor with 180 watts of continuous power or 250 watts at peak power,
  • Schwinn’s PowerDial™ on and off power assist system, with three pedal assist power settings,
  • Rear roller braking system,
  • Double wall alloy rims and Continental Town Ride tires (with flat protection and reflective sidewall),
  • Inside-the-frame electric wire routing,
  • Full fenders, chain cover, Basta Defender wheel lock, and B+M dynamo powered light set,
  • Selle Royal Look In gel saddle (seat), with suspension seat post and adjustable rise stem,
  • Two standard frame sizes (M, L), and
  • One step-thru frame size (M).

According to the Electric Bikes Worldwide Report, 2008 Update, sales of electric bikes are growing quite rapidly in several markets around the world, including the United States and Europe. For example, U.S. eBike sales projected to hit 220,000 units in 2009, a two-year sales increase of 83 percent from U.S. eBike sales of 120,000 units in 2007. In Europe, the projections are even more impressive: 750,000 eBike sales forecast for 2009 up from sales of 250,000 units in 2007 — a three-fold increase.

With the addition of the Tailwind, Schwinn will have seven electric bike models in its complete line of eBikes. For more information about the Tailwind, please visit
http://www.schwinnelectricbikes.com for more information about Schwinn’s other eBike models.
]]> http://www.schwinnbike.com/stingray/detail-a24.html/News/Detail/2813-Schwinns-Tailwind-–-The-Fastest-Charging-Electric-Bike-in-the-World-– 2813-Schwinns-Tailwind-–-The-Fastest-Charging-Electric-Bike-in-the-World-– %RFC_date% Schwinn to Demonstrate Quickcharging Electric Bicycle at CES
Schwinn to Demonstrate Quickcharging Electric Bicycle at CES
By Eliot Van Buskirk, Wired Blog Network
 
Schwinn makes its first appearance at the Consumer Electronics Show this year to show off its Tailwind bicycle, which uses new battery technology from Toshiba to enable faster charging and extended battery longevity.
 

 
]]> http://www.schwinnbike.com/stingray/detail-a24.html/News/Detail/2811-Schwinn-to-Demonstrate-Quickcharging-Electric-Bicycle-at-CES 2811-Schwinn-to-Demonstrate-Quickcharging-Electric-Bicycle-at-CES %RFC_date% Schwinn Unveils the Tailwind Electric Bicycle at Interbike
New Tailwind eBike from Schwinn utilizes Toshiba’s Super Charge ion Battery (SCiB) technology to deliver an industry-leading 30-minute recharge time (through a standard residential electrical outlet), one-eighth (1/8th) the time of competing electric bikes (or less), setting a new standard for the electric bike industry
 
BETHEL, Conn. – Sept. 24, 2008 – Schwinn Bicycles, America’s most recognized bicycle brand, today unveiled the Tailwind electric bike to bicycle dealers attending the annual Interbike International Bicycle Expo, the largest bicycle trade industry event in North America. Schwinn Bicycles is part of the Cannondale Sports Group Division of Dorel Industries (TSX: DII.B, DII.A).

The Tailwind will also be showcased tonight from 6 to 9:30 p.m. (EDT) at the ShowStoppers media-only reception being held at the Millennium Hotel on Times Square in New York City at 44th and Broadway.

“The Tailwind sets a new standard of excellence in the eBike industry,” said Bruno Maier, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Cannondale Sports Group. “Through our new cooperation with Toshiba Corporation, the Tailwind is powered by the world’s most innovative and fastest charging battery, a battery that can be recharged in 30 minutes through a standard electrical outlet (or as little as five minutes through a commercial charger) versus the industry standard of four hours or more. That’s one-eighth the time or better of competing eBikes.”

“We know that more and more people are riding bikes for a variety of reasons, including economic factors, health benefits and environmental concerns. Industry reports forecast a dramatic rise in electric bicycle sales here in the U.S. and around the world, and we expect a significant interest in the Tailwind eBike when it arrives in Independent Bicycle Retailers (IBDs) in early 2009,” said Maier.

Details on the Schwinn Tailwind eBike Disclosed
According to Schwinn, the Tailwind electric bike represents the next generation of eBike and will be available in early 2009 at a suggested retail price of $3199.99.

The Tailwind (like all Schwinn electric bicycles) is a so-called eBike hybrid and can be ridden in either motor-assist mode or as a conventional bike. The eight-speed Tailwind utilizes a lightweight, Schwinn-designed 6000 series aluminum alloy frame and an SR Suntour NEX-4610 suspension fork with lock-out.

The electric motor in the Tailwind is housed in the hub of the front wheel, an innovation found in all Schwinn electric bike models. In addition, all Schwinn eBike models (including the Tailwind) utilize the Plug N’ Drive removable battery pack which is built into stylishly designed rear bike rack systems, allowing riders to quickly detach the battery for recharging.
 
It is projected that Tailwind owners will realize an industry leading 2,000 recharge lifecycles with the eBike versus the industry standard of 1,000 charges before needing to replace the battery. Tailwind riders will find they can ride 25 to 30 miles per charge (depending upon such factors as climate, rider weight and terrain). The Tailwind also comes with a 20,000-mile or two-year limited warranty.

Other specs for Schwinn’s Tailwind include A Shimano Nexus 8-speed internal geared rear hub, A brushless motor with 180 watts of continuous power or 250 watts at peak power, Schwinn’s PowerDial™ on and off power assist system, with three pedal assist power settings, Rear roller braking system, Double wall alloy rims and Continental Town Ride tires (with flat protection and reflective sidewall), Inside-the-frame electric wire routing,

Full fenders, chain cover, Basta Defender wheel lock, and B+M dynamo powered light set, Selle Royal Look In gel saddle (seat), with suspension seat post and adjustable rise stem, Four standard frame sizes (S, M, L, XL), and Three step-thru frame sizes (S, M, L).

According to the Electric Bikes Worldwide Report, 2008 Update, sales of electric bikes are growing quite rapidly in several markets around the world, including the United States and Europe. For example, U.S. eBike sales projected to hit 220,000 units in 2009, a two-year sales increase of 83 percent from U.S. eBike sales of 120,000 units in 2007. In Europe, the projections are even more impressive: 750,000 eBike sales forecast for 2009 up from sales of 250,000 units in 2007 – a three-fold increase.

With the 2009 addition of the Tailwind, Schwinn will have seven electric bike models in its complete line of eBikes. For more information about the Tailwind, please visit www.schwinnelectricbikes.com/tailwind or www.schwinnelectricbikes.com for more information about Schwinn’s other eBike models.

About Schwinn
Founded in 1895, Schwinn is an American icon and has built some of the best-known and best-loved bicycles of all time. Schwinn has been an indispensable player in revolutionizing bicycling around the world. With a continued dedication to quality, forever synonymous with the Schwinn name, America’s most famous bicycle brand looks forward to providing another century of innovation, freedom and performance to people of all ages. Information about Schwinn bicycles is available at www.SchwinnBike.com.

 
About Dorel
Dorel Industries Inc. (TSX: DII.B, DII.A) is a world class juvenile products and bicycle company. Established in 1962, Dorel creates style and excitement in equal measure to safety, quality and value. The Company’s lifestyle leadership position is pronounced in both its Juvenile and bicycle categories with an array of trend-setting products. In the Juvenile segment, Dorel’s powerfully branded products such as Quinny, Maxi-Cosi, Safety 1st and Bébé Confort have shown the way to safety, originality and fashion. Similarly, its highly popular brands such as Cannondale, Schwinn, GT, Mongoose and SUGOI have made Dorel a principal player with both independent bicycle dealers and mass merchants. Dorel’s Home Furnishings segment markets a wide assortment of furniture products, both domestically produced and imported. The Company exerts relentless innovation and marketing flair across all of its divisions. Dorel is a $2 billion company with 4,600 employees, facilities in 17 countries, and sales worldwide
.
U.S. operations include Dorel Juvenile Group USA; the Cannondale Sports Group; Pacific Cycle; Ameriwood Industries (which produces ready-to-assemble furniture); Altra Furniture; and Cosco Home & Office. In Canada, Dorel operates Dorel Distribution Canada and Dorel Home Products. Abroad, operations include Dorel Europe and IGC in Australia, a manufacturer and distributor of juvenile products. Dorel Asia sources and imports home furnishings products. Dorel China has eight offices which oversee the sourcing, engineering and logistics of the Company’s Asian supplier chain.
# # #

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Michael De Leon, Schwinn Bicycles, 608-268-8309(w)/608-358-9412(c), mdeleon@cannondalegroup.com or
David Politis SOAR Communications, 801-523-3730(w)/801-556-8184(c), poppa.p@soarcomm.com or
Chip Smith, SOAR Communications, 801-523-3730(w)/801-597-7515(c), csmith@soarcomm.com or
Rick Leckner, Dorel Industries, 514-731-0000(w), rickl@maisonbrison.com
]]> http://www.schwinnbike.com/stingray/detail-a24.html/News/Detail/2807-Schwinn-Unveils-the-Tailwind-Electric-Bicycle-at-Interbike 2807-Schwinn-Unveils-the-Tailwind-Electric-Bicycle-at-Interbike %RFC_date% Bicycle makers offer commuters two-wheeled hybrids

By David Colker, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
7:48 PM PDT, September 23, 2008

LAS VEGAS -- If you lose your car to the economic downturn, you can get a hybrid that uses no gasoline. The two power sources: electricity and your thighs.
 
]]> http://www.schwinnbike.com/stingray/detail-a24.html/News/Detail/2806-Bicycle-makers-offer-commuters-two-wheeled-hybrids 2806-Bicycle-makers-offer-commuters-two-wheeled-hybrids %RFC_date% Schwinn and Toshiba Collaborate to Dramatically Alter the Electric Bike Market
Worldwide Collaboration between two of the most recognizable brands on the planet will
allow riders to recharge their Schwinn Tailwind eBikes in 30 minutes through a standard
electrical outlet, one-eighth (1/8th) the time of competing electric bikes (or less)
 

BETHEL, Conn.– Sept. 24, 2008 – Schwinn Bicycles, America’s most recognized bicycle brand today announced a strategic collaboration with Toshiba Corporation (TOKYO: 6502) that is expected to dramatically alter the electric bicycle landscape in the United States and around the world. Schwinn Bicycles is part of the Cannondale Sports Group Division of Dorel Industries (TSX: DII.B, DII.A).

Schwinn has incorporated Toshiba’s new Super Charge ion Battery (SCiB) technology into the Schwinn Tailwind, a brand new electric bike to be formally unveiled today in Las Vegas to bicycle dealers attending the annual Interbike International Bicycle Expo, the largest bicycle trade industry event in North America. The Tailwind will also be showcased tonight from 6 to 9:30 p.m. (EDT) at the ShowStoppers media-only reception being held at the Millennium Hotel on Times Square in New York City at 44th and Broadway.

Toshiba’s SCiB power technology will enable Tailwind owners to recharge their eBike in 30 minutes through a standard electrical outlet (or as little as five to seven minutes through a commercial charger). By comparison, it takes four hours or longer to fully recharge the battery of virtually any other eBike in use today through a standard electrical outlet, allowing riders to recharge their Tailwind eBike in one-eighth (1/8th) the time of other electric bikes.

In addition, Tailwind owners can expect to see an industry leading 2,000 recharge lifecycles with the eBike versus the industry standard of 1,000 charges before needing to replace the battery. Tailwind riders will find that they can ride 25 to 30 miles per charge (depending upon such factors as temperature, rider weight and terrain). The Tailwind also comes with a 20,000-mile or two-year limited warranty.

“We are very pleased to supply our first SCiB product to such a well-known and respected company as Schwinn Bicycles and its parent company, Dorel Industries,” said Shoshi Kawatsu, General Manager, Super Charge Battery Div. of Toshiba’s Transmission Distribution & Industrial System Company. “Schwinn is one of the most recognized bicycle brands in the world, and we are happy to provide Tailwind owners with our innovative SCiB technology.”

The Growing Market for Electric Bikes
According to the Electric Bikes Worldwide Report, 2008 Update, 20.8 million eBikes were sold worldwide in 2007, a total expected to show only modest worldwide growth in 2009 to 21.6 million units. However, eBikes represent the fastest-growing bicycle category within the U.S., Europe and a number of other regions.

For example, U.S. eBike sales are projected to hit 220,000 units in 2009, a two-year increase of 83 percent from 2007 U.S. eBike sales of 120,000 units. Projections for Europe are even more robust, with eBike sales in Europe expected to hit 750,000 units in 2009 a three-fold increase versus 2007 sales of 250,000 eBikes in Europe.

Schwinn has six models currently available for purchase in its electric bicycle line, with the Tailwind expected to arrive in dealer stores in early 2009. Each Schwinn electric bike is a so-called eBike hybrid and can be ridden in either motor-assist mode or as a conventional bike. In addition, all Schwinn eBike models (including the Tailwind) utilize a removable battery pack built into stylishly designed rear bike rack systems, allowing riders to detach the battery for recharging.

“We believe the convergence of environmental concerns, economic factors and proven health benefits are making everyday bike-riding a reality for more and more Americans,” said Bruno Maier, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Cannondale Sports Group. “Industry research and our own data tell us that electric bikes are a dramatically growing phenomenon within the U.S., and we intend to be a serious contender within the eBike category, particularly in this country.”
“For this reason, we are honored to partner with Toshiba, a world leader in battery and power technology. We are confident that deploying Toshiba’s breakthrough, fast-charging SCiB technology for the first time ever in our new Tailwind eBike will thrust Schwinn to the forefront of the electric bike marketplace,” said Maier.

With a suggested retail price of $3199.99, the Schwinn Tailwind will arrive in dealer stores in early 2009 with four sizes for standard frames (S, M, L, XL) and three sizes for step-thru frames (S, M, L). For more information about the Tailwind, please visit www.electricschwinnbikes.com/tailwind/ or http://www.electricschwinnbikes.com/tailwind/ for more information about Schwinn’s other eBike models.

About Schwinn
Founded in 1895, Schwinn is an American icon and has built some of the best-known and best-loved bicycles of all time. Schwinn has been an indispensable player in revolutionizing bicycling around the world. With a continued dedication to quality, forever synonymous with the Schwinn name, America’s most famous bicycle brand looks forward to providing another century of innovation, freedom and performance to people of all ages. Information about Schwinn bicycles is available at www.SchwinnBike.com.

About Dorel
Dorel Industries Inc. (TSX: DII.B, DII.A) is a world class juvenile products and bicycle company. Established in 1962, Dorel creates style and excitement in equal measure to safety, quality and value. The Company’s lifestyle leadership position is pronounced in both its Juvenile and bicycle categories with an array of trend-setting products. In the Juvenile segment, Dorel’s powerfully branded products such as Quinny, Maxi-Cosi, Safety 1st and Bébé Confort have shown the way to safety, originality and fashion. Similarly, its highly popular brands such as Cannondale, Schwinn, GT, Mongoose and SUGOI have made Dorel a principal player with both independent bicycle dealers and mass merchants. Dorel’s Home Furnishings segment markets a wide assortment of furniture products, both domestically produced and imported. The Company exerts relentless innovation and marketing flair across all of its divisions. Dorel is a $2 billion company with 4,600 employees, facilities in 17 countries, and sales worldwide.

U.S. operations include Dorel Juvenile Group USA; the Cannondale Sports Group; Pacific Cycle; Ameriwood Industries (which produces ready-to-assemble furniture); Altra Furniture; and Cosco Home & Office. In Canada, Dorel operates Dorel Distribution Canada and Dorel Home Products. Abroad, operations include Dorel Europe and IGC in Australia, a manufacturer and distributor of juvenile products. Dorel Asia sources and imports home furnishings products. Dorel China has eight offices which oversee the sourcing, engineering and logistics of the Company’s Asian supplier chain.

About Toshiba
Toshiba is a world leader and innovator in pioneering high technology, a diversified manufacturer and marketer of advanced electronic and electrical products spanning information & communications equipment and systems; digital consumer products; electronic devices and components; power systems, including nuclear energy; industrial and social infrastructure systems; and home appliances. Toshiba was founded in 1875, and today operates a global network of more than 740 companies, with 198,000 employees worldwide and annual sales surpassing US$76 billion. Visit Toshiba's web site at www.toshiba.co.jp/index.htm. For more details on Toshiba’s environmental management, visit: http://www.toshiba.co.jp/env/en/index.htm. For Toshiba’s SCiB Battery, visit:
http://www.scib.jp/e
# # #
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Michael De Leon, Schwinn Bicycles, 608-268-8309(w)/608-358-9412(c), mdeleon@cannondalegroup.com
Rick Leckner, Dorel Industries, 514-731-0000(w), rickl@maisonbrison.com
]]> http://www.schwinnbike.com/stingray/detail-a24.html/News/Detail/2808-Schwinn-and-Toshiba-Collaborate-to-Dramatically-Alter-the-Electric-Bike-Market 2808-Schwinn-and-Toshiba-Collaborate-to-Dramatically-Alter-the-Electric-Bike-Market %RFC_date% NBC5.com Off the Record: Fun with Electric Biking
Zoraida and Rob both got a chance to try out a Schwinn electric bike on the plaza.
 
Chicago, IL, June 12, 2008 -- My Bike of Tinley Park visited NBC 5 Chicago's Zoraida Sambolin and Rob Elgas who both got a chance to try out a Schwinn electric bike on the plaza.
 

]]> http://www.schwinnbike.com/stingray/detail-a24.html/News/Detail/2796-NBC5.com-Off-the-Record:-Fun-with-Electric-Biking 2796-NBC5.com-Off-the-Record:-Fun-with-Electric-Biking %RFC_date% Schwinn Campus E-bike Earns Award
The March issue of Domino Magazine has included the Schwinn Campus in it's Green List.

The list highlights innovative green companies. Here's what they had to say about the Campus:

"Bona-fide 'cruiser' lines plus an innovative battery that takes you 60 sweat-free miles - this is an easy-breezy alternative to a car."

Look for the Campus and other Schwinn e-bikes hitting retailers nationwide this spring. Domino's list can be found at http://www.dominomag.com/resources/2007/02/greenlist

]]> http://www.schwinnbike.com/stingray/detail-a24.html/News/Detail/166-Schwinn-Campus-E-bike-Earns-Award 166-Schwinn-Campus-E-bike-Earns-Award %RFC_date%