Tag Archives: bicycle

Vocational school students transform Skoda Superb wagon into bicycle carrier truck

Did you know that Skoda did not originally start as a vehicle manufacturer?

Founded in 1895, Skoda’s founders, Václav Laurin and Václav Klement, established the company Laurin & Klement, and their first product was bicycles!

It wasn’t until 1905 that they began producing cars, before the company became known as Skoda Auto in 1925.

In celebration of its 130th anniversary, Skoda has produced a special vehicle, the L&K 130, as a tribute to the early history of the company.

Originally a Superb wagon, it was transformed into a ute truck by students at the Skoda Auto Vocational School in collaboration with engineers from Skoda.

Among the modifications made are the redesigned B and C pillars, as well as the removal of the rear section to make room for a custom bicycle rack.

With this rack, the ‘truck’ can hold up to three bicycles at a time.

Interestingly, the rear door now opens in a minivan style and features two door handles.

The second-row seating can now accommodate only one passenger, as the left side has been fitted with a cooler box and a speaker kit.

In the cockpit area, there is a radio communication unit and a tablet for video display from a rear camera.

According to Skoda, the L&K 130 project required over 2,000 hours to complete and will be showcased at the upcoming 112th Tour de France next month.

This Decathlon e-bike has an aluminum frame and will offer 160km range

I’m sure we are all familiar with Decathlon brand. A variety of sports goods and recreational activities can be found at the store, with affordable prices.

Don’t be unaware, Decathlon is now also starting to offer electric bicycle products under the brand Van Rysel. The bicycle, called the Van Rysel E-EDR AF Apex, is Decathlon’s first attempt in the ultra-light electric road bike segment using an aluminum frame weighing only about 14 kg.

Not only that, in addition to aluminum, this bicycle uses a front fork component made of carbon for a more agile handling.

It uses a 250W (0.34 hp) Mahle X35 electric motor with 250 Nm torque and three assistance levels, coupled with a Sram APEX 12-speed gearing system, assisted by the Sram APEX hydraulic brake system.

The 250Wh 36-volt battery pack allows for a range of up to 160 km on a full charge. According to Decathlon, this new e-bike has undergone thorough real-world testing for six months.

Decathlon has priced the Van Rysel E-EDR AF Apex starting from 2,800 euros (RM14,318).