Downtown Issue 1 International

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issue #001

„let‘s  save the

world

in an aesthetic way!“


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downtown issue #001

COVER fabianrapp.com ILLUSTRATION Silke Werzinger


editorial

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issue #001

lifestyle magazine with substance? A magazine that offers topics like urban mobility and culture, sets new focus and trends, and also combines design, aesthetics, and avant-gardism? A lifestyle magazine for men and women which does not want to mark time, but coin it! “Sustainability, Health & Lifestyle”? That’s what you were missing? Well, that’s what we offer. There you go! Our subtitle: Aesthetic Mobility. In a time that has turned sustainability from a movement into a culture and advertises alternative means of transportation with the most diverse slogans — Downtown is the right choice! Our goal? Presenting the lifestyle of modern mobility at its finest. Going with the spirit of an era means betting on modern, digital ways of communication— because E-Bike, E-Car, and iPad all share the same spirit. Downtown itself is just like its readers: confident, stylish, and genuine. We seek a modern lifestyle that has three core beliefs: health, quality of life, and progress. Let’s go! Let’s save the world!

Robin Schmitt


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downtown issue #001

content

issue #001

002 EDITORIAL  Let‘s go! Let‘s save the world! 008 AVANT-GARDE Winora XP3 - a classic? an E-bike with style? Let‘s see! It‘s all about Fashion, Style & Evanescence 018 W ELCOME TO ST. TROPEZ For decades St. Tropez has been know to be home to the rich and glamorous. There we looked for extravagance and the exceptional but found the unexpected. 026 V IVA LA VIDA IN BARCELONA You could say there is always a good reason for a party, especially in Barcelona: sun, beach, and more than a poquito quality of life. 042 P G ELEKTRUS A car as a mix-up of various famous creations: the shark in „Finding Nemo“; the epic sports car Bugatti Veyron; the cars in the „X-Men“ movies. 052 L AWYER‘S DARLING Electrolyte Bürohengst – a judicial testimony. 060 S OME RETRO - FOR TAKEOUT PLEASE FXX E-Slowrider: An E-Bike for 25-year-olds of all ages.


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downtown issue #001

068 S LIKE SUPERHERO Insights into a typical American story – but this time in Europe! 078 THE MASTER OF GOOD TASTE Frank Oehler, the starred chef of the restaurant „Speisemeisterei“ got himself a new “hot stove.” Light, easy and silent: an e-bike. 090 B RENNWAGEN The Brennwagen GTX 1500 embodies the same style and attitude as a Ford Mustang when barbequing in the back yard. Fantastic! 094 B OSCH Bosch - a brand and seal of quality. 098 USELESS? Far from it! Stylish and functional products to help you manage to survive in the urban jungle – or to flee from it. 106 Z ILLERTAL 2349 meters high: breezy emotions in Zillertal, Austria. 114 R ESSOURCES 118 I MPRESSUM & PREVIEW

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Avant-garde F A S H I O N ,

S T Y L E ,

&

E V A N E S C E N C E

TEXT Vincent Martini . PHOTO Fabian Rapp TRANSLATION Michaela Jammers


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N

o doubt about it! Taste is a matter of taste. It is no accident that nothing is more controversial than fashion. In magazines and advertisements they don’t pass a single opportunity to praise the newest trends for spring, summer, fall, winter or the time in between. The “best-before date” of fashion is about as long as strawberry yogurt would last. The inevitable question is: where is this going to take us? Is our taste moving this fast? Or is it the fashion industry trying to repeatedly excite us about their newest statements and fashion trends with all sorts of marketing strategies? Is there idealism behind all of it, trying to

keep up with the future, or simply the pursuit of profit? The answers to these questions could vary profoundly. But as a matter of fact: fashion trends come and go, but what sticks around is style. Style is more than cool, modern, or “in.” Style shows class and exceeds outer appearance of fashion. Some might even say it is the path of virtue “to be in style.” Style is something that shows to advantage as soon as trends and fashionable clothes wear off—something that bears witness to authenticity and simple lines. It is a timeless constant, moving towards classicism. Without a doubt, Winora’s XP3 is really trendy. The


big question: is it only a fashion trend, or is it more than that? A classic? Definitely not – the XP3 is way too young and unknown to be a classic. An E-Bike with style? Let’s see! You can tell right away that the Winora was designed on the maxim “less is more.” Its distinctive design radiates character. The simple appearance, without unnecessary bells and whistles, is an understatement. One thing is clear: this minimalistic concept shows radicalism and provocation in the otherwise slightly conservative E-Bike sector that often appears to neglect aesthetics. It is a fact that being radical, show-

ing different propositions, and being provocative are working in the world of advertisement: this satisfies the human need for scandal. Other than that, it also bursts limits and opens new doors for development and trends. Fashion works because of provocation and lives off surprise elements. We were really surprised by the clear-cut design and the smart wiring of the brakeand shift cable. Provocation was found in its minimalism: flat handlebar, with slightly uncomfortable grips, merely nine gears, and a missing splashguard. Obviously, radicalism and balance are incompatible attributes. This is why the Winora polarizes with its slightly digitally working engine and riding performance that requires experience and sensitivity. Because of the battery’s location, the center of gravity is located fairly high. This fact needs to be stressed, as it is especially noticeable in curves . The powerful but very quiet engine accelerates quickly, although somewhat erratically. The driving qualities seem to be less moderate, but radical. But in the end, the XP3 is not as radical an entry in the E-Bike sector as it may seem at first.


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The uncomfortable grips are switched easily, and the gears have enough range to even climb the steepest inclines comfortably. Hidden at the lower end of the head tube is a suspension fork that is, with its 30 mm of travel, responsible for absorbing shocks and surface irregularities. Of course it’s very subtle – the Winora wants to be clear-cut, after all. The Winora XP3 is definitely more than just a temporary fashion. All things considered, the XP3 can’t quite hide its radicalism. It goes hand in hand with an athletic component which pushes comfort in the

background and highlights experience. With a clearcut and minimalistic appearance like this, comfort is definitely not the first thing you would expect out of it anyway. Nevertheless, there is probably not another E-Bike combining function, style, and aesthetics as well as the XP3. //


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Winora Mionic XP Specifications

01 Speedometer Minimalistic, simple, but still pretty big. Operating the electric drive is fairly self-explanatory. The display is easy to read and shows basic info.

02 Rear hub motor The 250-watt Mionic XP rear hub motor takes care of the propulsion. Its battery fits in smoothly with the elegant brushed-aluminu look of the lower tube.


01

02

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n um

03 Decent comfort Located underneath the head tube, the CF1 Mionic suspension fork absorbs shocks with its 30mm rear travel.

Weight: 22,2 Kg

Price: 2.399 EUR

Info: www.winora.de


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S LIKE ST. TROPEZ GO FIGURE! WE ARE IN A TOWN THAT IS KNOWN TO BE HOME TO THE RICH AND GLAMOROUS. AND WHAT HAPPENED? RICH, YES. BUT NICE AND GLAMOROUS? TEXT Max-Philip Schmitt . PHOTO Patrick Sauter, Drakeimages.de, . TRANSLATION Michaela Jammers


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F

or years, a strong image of the rich and famous coined the local society: extravaganza, exuberance, and champagne are definitely part of being a member of their club. But a lot has changed. Money has been given a different significance in modern life planning. Concomitant with that, status symbols have changed and so did the relevance of everyone’s own image. That this could be a consequence of Facebook and consortia is unlikely. However, the message is the same: it is my decision and in my power how I want to represent myself in public and what sort of information I share about myself. If I want to stay incognito, I will not even bother to sign up. Only, whoever really wants to be part of the high-society community has to signify their will to do so—if not publicly, then at least among their own ranks. Thus, one is faced with the difficulties of knowing every member of the monetary elite in Saint-Tropez. Why this big change? How come everyone is so worried about their image?



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I

n times of the world economic crisis, where bashing the rich is part of everyday life and managers, brokers, and even businessman are made out to be villains, a good image for companies and businesses is the main priority. Companies are reinventing themselves and with them their faces,

as in their managers: the 21st racterized by social innovatio ty, and a healthy environmen More than ever, one virtue ap cates understatement: the rich fied with who they are are ra be rich. Showing off has gotte left to the newly rich. Instead, self-fulfillment equal you are and translating it in How? By using small details a


century is chaon, sustainabilintal awareness. pplies that indih who are satisarely known to en old, or rather

ls knowing who nto your image. and accessories,

such as E-bikes, for example. They convey a versatile message – bike equals sports, fitness; electric engine reflects sustainability, avant-gardism, modernism – and shows modesty. Best thing to do: choose the Swiss brand Stromer. Accessories could be the leather purse by Brooks, a pair of Japanese pants made out of linen by “PEdAL ED” or yellow, provocative socks by the long-established German company Falke. Because style and class – not money – make all the difference to the uniform crowd these days. //


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STROMER LADY ELITE

1

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1) The battery is completely integrated in the frame and easily removable by the touch of a button. The battery needs to be recharged after 30 to 90 km, depending on the type of use. 2) Power connector is worked in smoothly into the bike’s design. 3) The springmounted seat post is comfortable. The low-drawn frame makes mounting and dismounting conside3 rably easy.


STROMER ELITE

1

3

1) The interface can be operated with 3 buttons and functions as a speedometer, energy indicator, and shows the current of 4 selectable support modes. 2) In settings, you can choose among 3 engine speeds: support up to 25km/h, 33km/h or 45km/h. Of course, we choose the last option. 3) Plenty of equipment and gear is available. 2

These e-bikes saw Saint-Tropez. E-bikes by Stromer are configurable as you please. More info: www.stromer.ch


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a n o l e c r a B a d i V a Viva l

A FICT

O RY T S L A ION

A

in

ILY M A F A BOUT

TEXT Robin Schmitt . PHOTO Sebas Romero, Inga Beckmann TRANSLATION Michaela Jammers

Y

ou could say there is always a good reason for a party, especially in Barcelona: sun, beach, and more than a poquito quality of life. Anyone living here can be considered very lucky –like our family Fernandéz, for example. Today’s reason for a family get-together? No one cares, as long as it’s nice. But there is work to be done first. While daddy drives to work in “Barrio Sant Marti,” the preparations for the night’s event are running at full speed.


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s e o r e H

lass Working c

RN WAY T THE MODE

W

O WORK

ho doesn’t know them? The heroes. They are found everywhere, but describing them is a difficult task to undertake. They don’t need to be Spiderman, Superman or Whateveryou-may-call-them. But they are everyday- heroes – maybe in your family, at work, or among your friends. Cool, confident, and keen to try out new things. This is the perfect description for our protagonist, the prototype of an everyday hero. His name could be Raúl. A man who gives 200%, even working on the way to work – he can only relax on his e-bike, if he is flying through traffic, instead of adding another car to the already crammed streets of the city. The watch, brandished – being on time is crucial. But since Raúl rides his e-bike he can leave later, ride faster, and be more active. Instead of getting worked up every morning about all the traffic and hubbub, Raúl is racing along the beach of Barceloneta, with more pressure on his pedals than national hero Contador. Effectively, despite all the speed, it’s hard to be on time with the E BIKE R 001. Why? Once you hop on, you don’t want to come down! Tight pants, sweaty shirt and cycling shoes? No chance! Leather shoes, casually loose tie, and Ray Ban sunglasses . The real eye-catcher is the bike, though. It is an orange-red arrow with extravagant design and great features, summing up a change in society: means of transportation are transforming from conservative status symbols to symbols of a modern life style and the concomitant attitude. You are no longer defined by size, but instead by character. Raúl has more than enough of that going for him.



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W

hile daddy Raúl is at work, as mentioned earlier, preparations for this night’s party are running at full speed. Junior Carlos’ mission: getting fresh food from the market. He is of age and could be driving a car to go grocery shopping, but avoids taking the chance of endless traffic jams that test your patience. So it’s not only easier, more economical, and faster riding the e-bike, it’s even more comfortable: at least with the Comfort e-bike by E Bike. This bike is full of innovation. You can tell by just looking at it and you can feel it when taking a ride. A transportation device that does not need to ask for style – this design is what you call retro-futurism, and it doesn’t matter whether it’s used by the teenage son or mommy herself. Here it’s not only about being able to see the style, but also about feeling

it. The typical tricolor E Bik the other parts like the seat by Brooks. Besides a comfor sion fork up front, as well a of the handlebar, provide g The bike stays true to the p le. With fresh veggies in his Bosch engine are a real bon until 25 km/h. The fact that rear is barely noticeable at bags. To that effect, it’s an e everything needs to be set u girls are impressed with Jun


ke design is in perfect harmony with t bag or the classic leather grips made rtable position of the seat, the suspenas the adjustable height and position great comfort and good ergonomics. promise: mount and feel comfortabs bag, those 50 Newton meters of the nus. The motor supports your ride up t the battery is located right above the a nice and easy pace, even with full easy-peasy ride back home – after all, up for the party. Only natural that the nior’s confidence.


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hat am I supposed to look at first? This is probably a question not only asked by our shy Carlos but also by the girls, while their ice cream goes runny: “Yummy.� How to interpret this statement is up to you.



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D

addy Raúl doesn’t miss out on anything. That’s why he rushes straight home after work, along the “Passeig de Gracia.” Uphill, on his way home, he only finds a little time to quickly flick through the paper. Always stay informed: doomsday? How can we save the world? After a “Cortado con leche” he keeps going. Meanwhile, Junior already got the groceries and leaves matters in daddy’s hands. Raúl is not only a fast rider and

a hard worker, but also an outstanding cook – go figure! He is one of these everyday heroes. His wife Andrea? She observes with astonishment, is proud of her husband, and enjoys. Traditional gender roles? In the Fernandéz household there is no such thing – even in the very conservative Spain. Why? These days, individualism is the new religion. Generalizations do not count anymore, only your own accomplishments and actions.



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c i u j t n Mo

to o g    s ‘ t le     , y e Hon

REN E F F I D A

W

T KI

IMBIN L C F O ND

G

hile the young ones keep partying, the ones that stayed young are going for a romantic journey to Montjuic to enjoy the view over Barcelona and escape the hectic hubbub of the city. Wife Andrea is especially enjoying herself. Thanks to the e-bike, uphill almost feels like downhill. Whereas she is fine with that, Raúl turns into a wild torero with his E BIKE S002. He is taking his bull for a ride – the typical Spaniard. A man for every type of situation. An everyday hero, if you will. And yeah, he seems just a little too good to be true. //



a n o l e c r Ba

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w a S   s e k i B E These E-BIK

W

BIKE E „ Y B ES

hat is E BIKE? To be quite honest, we were a bit surprised when we first heard about the “E BIKE Advances Technolgies GmbH.” “Nothing is impossible” is a phrase that is heard and promised all too often. At E BIKE they would rather stick to “Everything is possible,” starting with the name. How on earth can a company, developing and selling e-bikes, copyright the name E BIKE? This would be like Audi trying to co-

pyright the word “car” and simply calling their products Car. “I am driving the car R6 by the brand Car” is what a cool dad would say then – cool because of the car, not the line. Oh well, maybe the naming rights are not everyone’s favorite topic. Anyway, the chain of distribution is far more interesting: E-bikes are offered in exclusive concept- and flagship stores in Germany, which are usually integrated in bigger car dealerships. //

Model: E Bike R 001 Weight: 25 kg More info: www.ebike-int.de


Model: E Bike S 002 Weight: 22,5 kg More Info: www.ebike-int.de

Model: E Bike C 003 Weight: 23,5 kg More Info: www.ebike-int.de


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READY FOR P G

E L E K T R U S

R O


R TAKE OFF

O L L I N ’

T O

A T T A C K

TEXT Benjamin Brodbeck . PHOTO Pimp Garage TRANSLATION Lisa Gretemeier


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Some things happen faster than expected. Not long ago, globalization, an economically dominant China, and pocket computers in the form of smartphones seemed to be visions of the future; but in the blink of an eye, today’s world has caught up with the future. To get one’s head around reality may, however, take a while. The situation is similar with electric cars. To be quite honest, it still feels like we are only hearing the scientists’ predictions of e-cars taking over the market and functioning as a key instrument of the mobile future.

The greater part of the news about the status quo of e-mobility is concerned with topics like short ranges, unreliable technology, long periods of charging, and cars lacking character. Altogether a little disturbing, if this is what the future is supposed to be, isn’t it? Maybe yes – if it weren’t for the nerds, outliers, and mavericks who cannot stop using any imaginative and alternative means to keep the dream alive of an automobile as an object of design and lifestyle, as a vehicle or generator of driving enjoyment,


even as an heirloom or collector’s item. And this is not only for a trial or concept-car, but also to create a fully operative electric vehicle, ready for series production. Up until now, it has always been the one and only at the top of this motion: the Tesla Roadster. It used to be one of the most famous of all of them, attracting the most attention – even though the small group from overseas used to be as inconspicuous as Barack Obama before his election as the President of the United States. Initially, the Tesla’s driving qua-

lities were strongly criticized. They were labeled as “outrageous” and “moony” because they seemd just too good to be true compared with high-volume manufacturers. But now – approximately four years later – the enthusiasm towards the Tesla Roadster is slowly diminishing. Why? New stars are rising up in the sky, providing better performance. And this is hardly surprising, because it is hard to keep up to date in one of the fastest-moving markets with great daily technological improvements and innovations – especially as a small manufacturer.


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THE SHARK IN “FINDING NEMO”;

VEYRON; THE CARS IN THE “X-MEN MIX-UP OF VARIOUS


; THE EPIC SPORTS CAR BUGATTI

N” MOVIES – THE PG ELEKTRUS IS A FAMOUS CREATIONS


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And this is how, with the beginning of 2012, the Michael Fröhlich is the inventor of the Elektrus leading edge of e-vehicles has been taken by the PG and owner of “Fantastische Fahrzeuge” (“Fantastic Elektrus – at least in the technological kind of way. Vehicles” – retailer for antique cars) in Düsseldorf, Germany. For his 50th birthday in the year 2000, PG (“Pimp Garage”) is an enterprise in Regens- he bought himself 50 automobiles from the year burg, Germany, led by the young businessman 1950, which he placed in his back yard. His newest and bike enthusiast named Manuel Ostner, who electric creation, however, is his greatest pride. Of – among other things – managed to attract inter- course! Who would not be proud to be the invennational attention and customers with his “Black tor? But there seems to be more behind his creatiTrail” e-bike, offering a speed of 100 km/h at a cost on than just a good sales and marketing strategy. of 60,000 Euro. Michael Fröhlich has had an exceedingly interes-


ting career: he studied law, philosophy and Sinology in Düsseldorf, ran a small fashion label at the same time, and also tinkered with all sorts of vehicles. He gave up his studies after eight semesters and started to completely focus on motors and racing sports. It didn’t take long for him to construct a racing car on his own based on the AC Cobra. It was good enough to get the attention of Ford’s racing department and for them to order some of the vehicles. Is it really inevitable for a high-volume manufacturer to be better than a small tinker-forge

with seven highly talented employees? Obviously not. Next to some disadvantages that should not be ignored, a small company such as PG has great advantages regarding temporal coordination of processes and executions, while internal arrangements and agreements may cause high transaction costs and delays in big enterprises. This advantage made it possible to produce the Elektrus prototype in a period of only nine months. “The Lotus Elise is simply the best foundation for such a sports car,” emphasizes the tinkerer


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and designer Michael Fröhlich. “For about two and a half seconds I was thinking about going with a 911 Carrera basis, but I condemned this thought right away, even though this would still be my second choice to go with.” The main reason for his decision was probably the basic weight because this is crucial, of course, with the battery by itself bringing along an enormous weight. For this reason, the self-made-man is a great fan of Alois Ruf and his eRUF (electro-911). However, he thinks that his Elektrus concept will run a little smoother. Nevertheless, we have to keep in mind that the potential clientele of these two vehicles are completely different. The Elektrus’ design was created with the aid

of scissors, glue, and a photocopier – and is an intended mix of various famous creations. The frontline awakes memories of the shark from “Finding Nemo”, the lateral air inlets remind us of the Bugatti Veyron sports car, and the cars from the “X-Men” movies inspired the position and shape of the taillights. The result? An aggressive and seemingly futuristic electronic sports car, which makes one thing truly impossible: to not attract attention! In total, the Elektrus weighs about a ton, manages to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 3 seconds, and in theory it can reach up to 300 km/h ( though electronically limited to 250 km/h) with its converted 272 horsepower

and the “in tiv 400 abo Ele ele sup wh the and nic of the


d a torque of 350 nm. According to Fröhlich, e cruising range of the 240,000 Euro vehicle is ncredibly far”: as, of course, this is quite relave, they decided to agree on an average of 3500 kilometers. After that, it’s charging-time for out four hours before continuing the ride. The ektrus is equipped with three independent ectric circuits: one circuit is for the engine pply, a second one offers “emergency supply,” hich is accessible separately and manually via e trunk, in case the first circuit breaks down, d a third circuit supplies the entire electrocs (interior lighting, radio, etc.) with the help solar panels that are charging the battery. By e way, an electronic engine is not as silent as

one might think. In fact, there is actually a constant humming noise. And for the ones who would like to hear even more: by pressing a particular button, it is even possible to add a V8 sound. Michael Fröhlich claims not to be an eco-activist. He simply wants to move forward with the course of time and give nature back what he once took with his Cobra vehicles. The Elektrus has a great concept; however, only time will show whether ecars will actually prevail in the market. And even if they do, it will raise the question of whether the limited-production (667 vehicles) PG Elektrus will have up-to-date technology by that time. Nevertheless, there is a plan B: if hydrogen propulsion should make its way through, a construction plan for the “Aquarius” is already finalized and ready to be taken out of the drawer. But so far, it is only a futuristic lifestyle vehicle for the well-heeled clientele, with the right amount of love for technology – brave enough to step on new terrain to follow the path of urban lifestyle, to add an urban and convenient e-vehicle to the existing long-distance SUV or Grand Turismo in the private garage. A toy? It truly is. Michael Fröhlich is a toy producer, for sure. He is a big, playful, and never-tiring child on the never-ending quest for the greatest play-mobile. //


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LAWYER‘S DARLING BÜROHENGST – A JUDICIAL TESTIMONY

TEXT Robin Schmitt . PHOTO Benjamin Hahn TRANSLATION Michaela Jammers

S

een individually, lawyers are a little peculiar. There is a good reason why a distinct stereotype dominates the legal profession: they have their own language, style, and jokes and like to join social circles with the same preferences and characteristics. You know it best if you have indulged the jurisprudence yourself. Without a doubt, there is more to being an advocate. How do you become the lawyer’s darling? An encounter with a lawyer in Heidelberg, home to the oldest law school of Germany, was going to give us more insight. In firms of solicitors, most lawyers are looking for similar characteristics in their partners – especially regarding a good collaboration. Tried and true, classy, and efficient are definitely part of the deal for our pres-


tigious advocate from Heidelberg. Another important characteristic: the ability to convince. Even if you do not want to admit it, looks actually do count – especially in public, in front of the clients. Here, the Electrolyte “Bürohengst” (Ger.: office stallion) is doing his owner proud. Titanium, leather and wood – inspiring every client’s trust, because materials also arbitrate values. Besides, the fast “Silver Srrow” vintage look adds an extra grain of exclusiveness. Talking about exclusivity, the “Bürohengst” is hand-made, and the annual production is limited to only twelve bikes. Truly good partners are rare. Not only its appearance is classy and simple: no, the “stallion” demands a little bit of work and virtue from his owner. But the fact that lawyers have sta-

mina was already proven when they prepared for their exams. Because a bike always brings along athletic values that are not to be missed with the Electrolyte. Quietly, yet very strikingly, the “Bürohengst” floats through the streets of Heidelberg. Simplistically extravagant – this is how the features are best described. A smart transmission choice makes a gear shift unnecessary. Simple and classy. Only a small, discreet button that turns the “stallion” into a Silver Arrow. Even though the 250 watt rear hub engine can be activated by simply pushing the boost button,you still need to pedal. Decently located right by the left thumb, allows you to drive faster with the power assist than you could study with a répétiteur. That is saying something! The electric engine supports you up until 25 kilometers an hour,


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and you can ride about 15 kilometers with this boost— enough to ride to the courtroom, at least for our lawyer in Heidelberg. Click. The rear hub engine releases its power. Practically floating along the streets, very quietly, is pure joy. Confused pedestrians and students on their boneshakers are left behind. This much power and speed is coming from the calves of this gentleman riding his

bike in a suit? Most certainly! The final sprint to the office is fast and confident, just as you would expect from a lawyer. At court, the classic look fits naturally into the office environment. The custom made sideboards suit the “Bürohengst” perfectly. Exactly the lawyer’s style. Same social circles. //


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THAT’S WHY OUR ADVOCATE LEA


AVES HIS CAR INSIDE HIS GARAGE.


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LESS IS MORE. TRUE TO THIS MOT

THE LAWYER’S GARAGE FOR HIS “BÜ

PURE DESIGN CAN

WWW.ELECTROLYTE.CC


TTO, THERE IS ENOUGH SPACE IN

ÜROHENGST”. ONLY LIKE THIS, THE

N BE SHOWN OFF.

C PRICE UPON REQUEST.


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Some Retro F or ta k e o u t p l e a se

SWIFT, FAST, & OUTRAGEOUSLY YOUNG. THE E-SLOWRIDER BY FXX-CYCLES, WITH ITS HIP MIXTURE OF PERFORMANCE AND TRENDY RETRO COLORS, MAKES AN EXTREMELY GOOD VIEWING – AND THAT’S FOR 25-YEAR-OLDS OF ALL AGES.

TEXT Patrick Sauter . PHOTO Drakeimages.de TRANSLATION Lisa Gretemeier



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First venue: Finale Ligure, Italy. The E-Slowrider is placed at the Piazza Principale in the historical downtown, right at the waterfront of the idyllic Italian coast, for only a little while. The sun is shining. The alleys are packed with tourists. It doesn’t take long for the e-bike by the company FXX to be surrounded by people who are admiring the avant-garde mixture of hipster and retro culture. The owner of this timeless and modern bike is sitting in a café, enjoying the last sip of his cappuccino froth. He steps out of the café to answer the pedestrians’ questions. An elderly man asks for a quick test ride across the Piazza. He claims to have heard quite a lot about these electronic bikes, but he never had the chance to actually try one out. The owner nods approvingly, in a relaxed Italian kind of way. It doesn’t even take ten meters for the gentleman to start smiling all over his face. With its 250 watts, the BionX engine accelerates powerfully. The high volume tires offer great damping characteristics and a lot of comfort – no need for a suspension fork. The iconic leather saddle by Brooks provides a comfortable seating position. The man rides another couple of circles. In the end – in an almost melancholic kind of way – he makes use of the Shimano SLX Disc Brakes. “Pretty cool!” is the surprised statement by the gentleman, a sparkle in his eye, just like a little child. Fresh like in the good old days. Just retro.



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SECOND VENUE: HEIDELBERG, THE BAROQUE UNIVERSITY TOWN RIGHT ON THE EDGE OF SWABIA, GERMANY. GERMAN UNIVERSITY TOWNS ARE USUALLY OVERPOPULATED WITH BIKES, RUSTY BONESHAKERS, AND OTHER SEEMINGLY DRIVABLE VEHICLES. YOU DEFINITELY ATTRACT ATTENTION IF YOU ARE RIDING AN E-BIKE AND THEREFORE MANAGE TO WIN EVERY SINGLE TWO-WHEELED RACE, EVEN IF YOU ARE NOT A SPORTS STUDENT. NO MATTER IF YOU ARE RIDING IN A BIKE ZONE OR IF YOU ARE GOING TO SPRINT THOUGH CHANGING TRAFFIC LIGHTS, AT UP TO 25 KM/H YOU ARE JUST INVINCIBLE– ALSO REGARDING YOUR STYLE. THE BOSS CARDIGAN, THE FRENCH CAP, AND THE LEATHER COWBOY BOOTS GIVE THE IMAGE THE FINAL TOUCH OF PERFECTION. THE MODERN LAWYER OR A DOCTOR-TO-BE WANT TO BE FAST AND COMFORTABLE, PREFERABLY IN THE LAP OF LUXURY. BEING A STUDENT IS IN THE PAST NOW – EVEN DURING ONE’S STUDIES. EVERYTHING ELSE WOULD JUST BE RETRO. //


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FXX Cycles E-Slowrider Specifications 01 Style for miles Look & feel play a major role at FXX Cycles. The leather grips not only offer a retro look, but also a retro touch.

02 Time machine The on-board computer provides all the necessa information on the move. Wondering whether t clock can measure the speed of light? No clue. B it definitely runs forward: from retro to the futur


ary the But re.

01

02

03

03 Insanely comfy Naughty, young, and conservatively classy at the same time. The E-Slowrider manages to mingle different styles to find its own!

Weight: 21,6 Kg

Price: 3.195 EUR

Info: www.fxxcycles.com


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THERE ARE A LOT OF HEROES. BUT NO ONE ELSE BLENDS IN BETTER WITH THIS STORY THAN THIS ONE. Clark Kent. The civil version of a superhero, so to speak. A man in a suit, with style and understatement, even inconspicuous. But if he has to, he will zoom through the big cities of this planet to save the world. In his blue one-piece suit, he is an eye-catcher with integrated turbo. We did not feel any less striking. Still, it would be a little over the top to claim we were Superman, as well – even if the red cape with the big S streamed while riding our bike. Nevertheless, we felt a little better and faster than the boring, smelly city traffic. Let’s just say: if not a super hero, then at least an average hero. Faster, smarter, cleaner. But what are we talking about anyway?


TEXT Max-Philip Schmitt TRANSLATION Lisa Gretemeier PHOTO Specialized ILLUSTRATION Laemmledesign.com


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IT´S A BIRD... IT´S A PLANE...

IT´S A SPECIALIZED... With this line based on Superman, Specialized invited us to Valencia to experience what Superman would fly through the cities on these days. The cape remains, but the power is created by a Turbo. Better put: THE Turbo. Insights into a typical American story – but this time in Europe, of course! The product presentation of the new Turbo – an e-bike that some Americans like to associate with superheroes. A marketing gag? Not at all! When Mike Sinyard, a bike pioneer and founding father of Specialized, takes over the presentations himself, it has to be important. No doubt about it. Right at the outset, he promises us: “You can do things you didn’t imagine you could so before.” What is he talking about? About the Turbo. The new e-bike of the American bike forge that, after three years of development, is finally being presented to the public the first time.



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Turbo is also the premise when it comes to the character of the bikes: as cool, fast, and fun as possible. To put it in Mike’s words, “You can’t get off that thing without a smile – I mean it is impossible.”

SAID AND DONE! We put on our helmet, donned our cape, and turn on the Turbo. The hunt is on, right through the busy city traffic of Valencia. Zoom, car overtaken, whoosh through the lights on amber, BAAAM, we are there! City traffic was never more fun, never more exciting, and never faster. After we reached our goal, there was only one question left to ask: why are we there already? The thought process starts. Maybe, because the bike was fast, traffic jams and the common traffic did not matter anymore? Or maybe the journey is more important than the destination? We are going with the last option – and ride “on our way” again… to save the world? Maybe. Have fun? Most definitely!


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Just like in real life, there are bikes for which this line applies: “more illusion than reality.� The clean look of the Specialized Turbo is very impressive. The components also testify to the careful selection and high standards of Specialized. However, we did not get to elaborate our test-drive at the presentation in Valencia. Therefore, some facts right now: the aluminum bike weighs roughly 21.9 kg, including a built-in battery in the lower tube. The lithium-ion battery is specially geared to the engine and is supposed to guarantee

outstanding results in performance and high effici cy. In addition to that, it is supposed to fully recha in two hours. The rear hub engine is 250 watts str and supports the rider up until 45 km/h. With the h of the wireless control element with a backlit disp you have everything under control:power-assist le battery status, light switch, and as usual all the st dard functions of a cyclocomputer. In addition to t the handle has a built-in illuminated control switch choose the power-assist level. //


ienarge rong help play, evel, tanthat, h to


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ANOT PRES

„WH AM

IF SU MAYB YOU W MATT OUR E WORL THEIR


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UPERMAN HAD A NEW MISSION, OR BE NEW COMPETITION? HOWEVER WANT TO PUT IT. IT DOESN’T REALLY TER, AS LONG AS YOU ACT. TO QUOTE EDITORIAL: LET’S GO! LET’S SAVE THE LD! THE CHURCH ALREADY GAVE US R BLESSING.


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FRANK OEHLER THE M A STER OF GOOD TA STE

TEXT Robin Schmitt . PHOTO Daniel Geiger TRANSLATION Lisa Gretemeier


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L

ife ain’t easy! Especially not in high-class restaurants offering haute cuisine. Some might suspect what’s really happening behind the friendly façade of the service personnel – but no one actually quite knows. But all of that doesn’t really matter. You go there to savor food, after all. No one probably knows better about the costs of pleasure than the head chef himself: a large team of servants, chefs and

assistants needs to be organized, customers’ wishes fulfilled, and meals deliciously refined. This means a lot of work – hardly surprising that Frank Oehler, head chef of a restaurant named Speisemeisterei (“Dish Mastering”) at Castle Hohenheim in Stuttgart, Germany, is charged up. Everything needs to go at a push, but it has to be perfect, tasty, and pretty at the same time. There is a great demand for strong


nerves and perseverance. Frank Oehler is more than simply a man of many words. He knows how to motivate his team – there is a reason why he is the main character of the German TV show “Die Kochprofis” (The equivalent to “Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares”), which is about helping out in troubled restaurants – from the setup, to motivation of the employees, up to the food itself. In a fashionably

scandalous and sensational manner, a typical episode usually includes everything at once. On top of that, Frank Oehler is also a man of action who quickly knows how to instruct, decide, and of course, how to bear responsibility. As soon as you get to meet him, you know he is a do-it-yourself kind of guy. For a head chef, hard work and swiftness are as much a part of the lifestyle as pleasure is.


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rank for su of th most expen plans to rev and most o twilight ye forget:,tasti However, t rei� at Cast the hilt. Co


EAT IS A NECESSITY, BUT TO EAT INTELLIGENTLY IS AN ART« François de La Rochefoucauld

wants more than simply appease hunger, that’s ure. He goes for taste and style. For him, the top he elaborate doesn’t necessarily mean the best and nsive – apart from his Porsche 911. Therefore, he volutionize elderly people’s eating habits with good, of all humane dishes. Accordingly, many people’s ears would look substantially lovelier and, not to ier! We lift our hats to this commitment. Chapeau! the main focus still remains on the “Speisemeistetle Hohenheim, where Frank can live up his art to ooking is based on ideas, creativity, and entering

new and so-far untouched terrains. The ones who want to go with the tenor of events need to be open-minded towards experiments. And that’s why it is not surprising for the “Speisemeisterei” to offer, in cooperation with EnBW (Energie Baden-Württemberg AG, which is one of the largest energy companies in Germany and Europe), an expressly designed e-bike. The smart atmosphere, the provocative and masterful cooking, the starred chef, and the new e-mobility concept virtually represent a perfect symbiosis between the tried and trusted and avant-gardism.


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PLEASURE ON DISPLAY – WORK BEHIND THE SCENES

Head chefs are used to being live-wired


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S

o far, and in the future, Frank is satisfied the with 420 horsepower made available by his yellow Porsche 911 - harsh, cruel, and noisy, yet aesthetic and beautiful. But in the meantime, the starred chef got himself a new “hot stove.” Light, easy, silent: an e-bike. The EnBW e-bike serves as the groundwork of his customized means of transportation. It would be wrong to claim that a ride on this e-bike would be slower and therefore more pleasant. Instead, one could say, it’s simply a different kind of pleasure. Nature, comfort, and a little less of the persistent noise of the six-cylinder engine of the 911 ensure pure relaxation. The EnBW e-bike offers the experience of riding a bike, linked with the speed of a motorbike in urban traffic and the comfort of a car. Only there is a gas tap instead of a gas pedal.


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I

More Info: www.enbw.com www.speisemeisterei.de www.frankartcolor.com

ndividualism is always incorporated into the EnBW e-bikes. The Speisemeisterei-EBike was designed on the basis of individual notions and realized by FrankArtColor in the same way as it is possible for customers to create their own bikes according to their own ideas. And that’s a good thing, because people will always argue about taste. That’s how every customer can design a perfectly customized and unique bike. There is less to argue about technical features: The EnBW e-bike battery has an average cruising range of 60 km and is completely rechargeable within six hours. The 30-month battery warranty is proof that the manufacturer is convinced of its quality. The engine, which is affixed to the rear-hub, is a 1.7 kW-powered unit with 50 nm torque that manages to speed the 45 kg lightweight e-bike up to 45 km/h. In contrast to mainstream car combustion engines with an efficiency of no more than 3538%, the EnBW e-bike converts 83% of used energy into propulsion! Reasonable comfort is provided by suspension elementsproduced by the Italian suspension specialist Marzocchi, whose products are also used in high-performance MTB and motorsports. Those who do not own a solar panel on their roofs but nevertheless go for the motto “Nuclear power? No thanks!” can relax with an EnBW e-bike. A three-year eco-certificate comes with the purchase of this bike, ensuring emission-free charging – thanks to electricity coming from 100% renewable energy. //


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A GUY‘S THING WHO HAS THE LARGEST?

There are only a few things in life that can truly insult a man’s pride. Failing at a BBQ is, without a doubt, one of those issues. There are three ways to avoid this scenario. A cowardly alternative would be option number one: you simply stop barbequing. Option number two seems a little better: you acquire some insider tips and secretly start practicing. However, the best alternative is of course option number three: the cream of the crop! Continue reading to find out the reason why you can stop practicing. One thing is

for sure: the showpiece from the company Brennwagen, which is situated in Cologne, Germany, definitely belongs to the must-haves, generating the ultimate wanna-have feeling. The style and attitude a Ford Mustang displays on the streets is exactly what the Brennwagen GTX 1500 embodies when barbequing in the back yard – or elsewhere. No matter if it’s patio, BBQ area or pit lane – with the right amount of maintenance, the fancy stainless steel smoker is ready to go, anytime and anywhere – which is also apparent in its low profile tires.


FOTO Brennwagen


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There are only a few things in life that can truly insult a man’s pride. Failing at a BBQ is, without a doubt, one of those issues. There are three ways to avoid this scenario. A cowardly alternative would be option number one: you simply stop barbequing. Option number two seems a little better: you acquire some insider tips and secretly start practicing. However, the best alternative is of course option number three: the cream of the crop! Continue reading to find out the reason why you can stop practicing. One thing is

for sure: the showpiece from the company Brennwagen, which is situated in Cologne, Germany, definitely belongs to the must-haves, generating the ultimate wanna-have feeling. The style and attitude a Ford Mustang displays on the streets is exactly what the Brennwagen GTX 1500 embodies when barbequing in the back yard – or elsewhere. No matter if it’s patio, BBQ area or pit lane – with the right amount of maintenance, the fancy stainless steel smoker is ready to go, anytime and anywhere – which is also apparent in its low profile tires.


MORE INFORMATION ON WWW.BRENNWAGEN.DE/EN PRICE UPON REQUEST


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GERMAN ART OF ENGINEER Bosch A Brand and Seal of Quality TEXT Max Schmitt . PHOTO Daniel Geiger TRANSLATION Lisa Gretemeier


ING

N

ew products of well-known brands usually tend to have a reputation before they are even produced. Regarding the company Bosch, the reputation is impeccable: the long-established German company is globally known for the quality and performance of its products. Bosch is also known for its utilitarian design and rationality, which is probably due to their broad range of products. Furthermore, the

company regularly gets top rankings regarding innovation because of their outstanding engineering performances. Well, everything seems to be perfect then, right? Almost. The identification of the customers with the brand of such a technical company remains a challenge, because who has actually ever been able to claim this was easy when creating an injection pump or windshield wiper propulsion?


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ince entering the e-bike branch, another technically mundane component added itself to the Bosch brand. But in the meantime, Bosch embodies fun experiences, leisure time, and emotions. Even more, the Bosch brand has managed to become a crucial purchase criterion. Many


consumers only know a few of the existing bike brands. So why not trust something you’ve trusted before? Like Bosch, for example. Therefore, it’s not a question of Cannondale or Merida anymore. Instead, the correct question is: does the e-bike have a Bosch engine? //

MORE INFO WWW.BOSCH-EBIKE.DE


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USELESS? Why get the twentieth pair of shoes? Why get an iPad when we already have an iMac, iPhone and iPod lying around at home? Why get an additional watch, when we already have a perfectly fine one around our wrist? Good question! Many things in our lives are actually pretty useless. Instead of watching out for friends, feelings, and friendship, we occupy ourselves with things that will break, get lost, or be out of fashion sooner or later anyway. Is consumption the new religion? Of course not. But let’s be honest. Buying new things is fun – to all of us. And isn’t it all about the small detail that makes life more beautiful? To treat yourself with something nice? Exactly. And on top of that, if we were always satisfied with what we actually own, then we would still be running around the bushes in breechcloths. And that’s why we compiled a list of some stylish and functional products to help you manage to survive in the urban jungle – or to flee from it. Useless? Far from it!


OWN A GOOD LOCK BUT WANT A BETTER ONE? The Knog Strongman U-Lock finally makes our dreams come true. Its pop design makes it a showpiece, for sure. But it’s not all about looks: the hardened steel core, ART (NL) 3 star accreditation, VdS (DE) A+ approved, Sold Secure (UK) Gold standard and a double dead-lock mechanism are just a few of the features and certifications the Strongman has to offer. With a size of 130x200x36 mm and a weight of 1,000 grams, it guards your piece of two-wheeled gold like Fort Knox. With this kind of lock, James Bond could probably have filmed one less movie. We are actually quite happy, however, that the Knog Strongman is younger than “Goldfinger.” www.knog.com.au


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SENSITIVE: PANASONIC LUMIX DMC-GH2 In times of increasingly better smartphone cameras, common hobby photographers keep asking themselves one particular question: is the purchase of an SLR camera – usually expensive, heavy, and not often fully utilized in its performance – really worth it? This automatically leads us to the next question: isn’t this all possible with a smartphone camera as well? Maybe. But would you actually grab your phone to take a photo of your girlfriend, or would you rather decide to go with something bigger and heavier and at the same time manage to give your lady a better feeling? The feeling of being important and meaningful. For everyone who just silently answered

the exact same question, there is a way out: the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 – the flagship of the mirrorless system cameras by Panasonic. In addition to the numerous high-class lenses available (from fisheye to telephoto lenses up to highly luminous fixed focal lengths), the Lumix features an extremely fast autofocus which captures even the fastest e-biker. The swiveling three-inch display, as well as various scene settings and imaging modes, facilitate great photography. Finally, the GH2 records videos in full HD quality. www.lumix.panasonic.de


Some might call the following statement imprudent… but a connection seems to exist between women and handbags that goes without saying. Basil, the Dutch manufacturer of bicycle baskets and bags, is also aware of this fact. The “Elements” represents a neat shoulder bag (40 Euros) made from recycled canvas in combination with artificial leather details. With its elegant inner lining, this bag offers crucial propurchase arguments for dedicated bike ladies – espe-

cially in contrast to mere fashion purses. It is mountable to the rack via three hooks, provides 17 liters of inner space and on top of that, it is waterproof and quite sturdy. Colors? Pale brown and pale blue. A corresponding double bag (also made of recycled canvas) and a color-matching saddle cover from the Elements line can complete the look. www.basil.nl

PHOTO Daniel Geiger

ELEMENTARY – SHOULDER BAG 2.0 BASIL „ELEMENTS“


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PHOTO Patrick Sauter

YOUTH PROTECTION – FOR ALL AGES Basically, every adult tries it: to conceal their actual age and to look like the younger part of society. There are many ways to achieve this: a visit at the plastic surgeon’s, anti-aging-crème, or simply the right clothing. The latter is probably the easiest way out. Helmets are just unpleasant accessories? Not necessarily. The Bern Lenox Helmet not only looks young, fancy, and modern – especially on Lisa – but at the same time it also protects you from getting dirty in urban traffic. “Safety first!” is the name of the game. Someday you may actually want to age. Kind of. www.bernunlimited.com


ILLUMINATING! // BOOKMAN „LIGHT“ Too light to be concerned about its weight. Too bright not to be seen around the city. And at the same time extremely stylish, which makes you want to install it on your own bike. The “Light” by the Swedish newcomer, Bookman, works with a strong white or red LED light (front/tail), is easily mountable on the handlebar or seat post via hook and loop fastener, and is easily operated. In addition to a steady light, the front and tail light offer slow and fast flashing settings. The waterproof Bookman “Lights” are available in six different colors for 19,90 Euros for the set. www.bookman.se


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MORE THAN FASHION: PORSCHE DESIGN “Fashion is like a posh woman – passing.” We don’t have to worry about this with Porsche Design though. This applies to their fashion products as well as their cars. No matter when, no matter which era, they remain aesthetic. Perhaps they are less provocative than the newest fashion creations – but not even a little less exciting. One great example is the P’1140 RawTec Blazer by Porsche Design. Its pure and timeless concept works for both ladies and gentlemen. The full grain lamb’s leather is of premium workmanship, does not need any double layers, and therefore offers a wonderfully light-wearing comfort. A special treat: the blazer was awarded with the 2012 Red Dot Award for product design. A reason for every woman to stop at the shop window.. www.porsche-design.com


The Assos novelty Zegho wants to be better in everything than its bikeeyewear companions. Street bikers and casual riders usually glance through Carl Zeiss Glasses, which are supposed to offer a generous 180° range of vision with its distinctive bend. At the same time, they are said to produce exceedingly precise pictures through marginal visual distortions. Assos claims to have solved the common sports-eyewear flaw of lenses that are a little too strongly tinted when entering the woods. The upper two thirds are tinted extremely dark, followed by a sharp transition to clear across the lower third of the glasses. The result? When entering a tunnel, a simple lifting of the head is enough see clearly. Their comfort is impressive too: highly flexible sides and an individually moldable nose bridge even reach out for the largest pig-heads without leaving marks. This high level of design and genuine “Made-in-Italy” craftsmanship has its price: the 27.5 g lightweight Zegho is priced from 299-349 Euros. www.assos.com

PHOTO Sebas Romero

EVERYTHING CLEAR!? – “ZEGHO” BY ASSOS


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meter 2349 BREEZY EMOTIONS IN ZILLERTAL, AUSTRIA

TEXT Martin Beckmann . FOTO Daniel Geiger TRANSLATION Michaela Jammers



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E

scape the daily routine with my beloved? Enjoy a couple of days of fresh mountain air? Delicious red wine? Open-fire romance at night in front of the fire-place? Climbing the mountain with an e-bike, which even my wife likes? Great idea! Sure enough, that’s exactly what I did with her. To be quite honest, it took me some persuading. “Climbing mountains with a bike? – Without me!” That was her first reaction. Somehow I managed to convince her. Easy to get to from Munich, the Zillertal was our point of destination for our weekend trip. Her initial skepticism was flown away with every meter on the e-mountain bike. As soon as she started pedaling, the power-assist started up. She started smiling and couldn’t stop for the rest of the trip! “Why haven’t we ever done this before?!” was her reproachful question. That’s when we got to that particular point: the point where I don’t un-

derstand what women want. Never mind, though – she was happy and I was, too. At least we were moving forward. Through the tourism association, we rented Centurion e-mountain bikes. After some shenanigans in the parking lot, we rode southwest up the Zillertaler Höhenstraße (a moderately inclined gravel mountain road in the Tux Alps). . You could talk a lot about the stunning view, great moments, and feelings of freedom ,but if you haven’t done it yourself, it’s only half as beautiful. We arrived at the Kristallhütte (crystal cabin) and indulged the spectacular view of the stunning mountains surrounding us. The “luxury cabin” is located exactly at the crest of the Tux and the Kitzbühel Alps. On top of this, we enjoyed a well-deserved Radler (beer with lemonade), the feeling of having accomplished something, and the fact that we reached our goal for the day faster than we expected. Simply perfect!



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The next day, with full energy and fully charged batteries, we made our way to the Wedelhütte. This meant another day full of “humane” sports in alpine terrain, fun with my wife, and fantastic views into the distance with the finest weather possible. The Wedelhütte is located on approximately 2350 meters above sea level, which makes it the highest situated tavern in Tyrol. A special goody: in-house wine vault! But we only made it there after our vi-

sit to the Finnish sauna. In a nutshell: a more than bountiful table of native food, comfort, and experiences is the best choice for a weekend away. In the car on our way home to Munich my wife asked me,a little bashfully, “Darling! Our trip was a beautiful idea, when do we get to do it again?” I smiled and was stunned. It took a while until I was able to suggest: “Next weekend?” //


FIND MORE INFO ABOUT TOURS, RENTAL AGENCIES, AND BATTERY-CHARGING STATIONS ON THE TOURIST INFORMATION SITES: WWW.ZILLERTAL.AT WWW.WEDELHUETTE.AT / WWW.PLATZLALM.AT / WWW.KRISTALLHUETTE.AT


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Centurion E-Fire 10 Specifications 01 Speedometer The “Human Machine Interface” is the heart of the Bosch engine and functions as cyclocomputer at the same time.

02 Hide it! Whoever doesn’t want to show what he’s got can hide tools and other things in the two-part top tube.

Weight: 20,8 Kg

03 State of the Art The 250-watt-strong Bosch midmounted engine provides the bike with powerful propulsion with its 50 Newton meters—even when pushed hard.

Price: 2.449 EUR

Info: www.centurion.de


Centurion Backfire Ultimate E.29 Newcomer Bigger, faster, farther. The Centurion Backfire Ultimate E.29 unites the best of two worlds and provides more ways, more comfort, and more security. The reasons for this are not only the excellent attachment parts, but also the large 29-inch tires. They have more traction and security than conventional 26-inch tires offer. There is a good reason why the 29ers are the trend mountain-

bike-wise. Even at the hard competition of the World Cup they are being used. The additional weight of these bigger tires are not noticeable thanks to the electric engine. Therefore, this model is going to be offered for rental in summer 2012 in the Zillertal – for even more fun on your trips!

Info: Available end of summer 2012


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resources

KNOG www.knog.co peeps@knog.c

issue #001

MERIDA www.meridavertrieb@mer ASSOS www.assos.com customerservice@assos.com

CENTURION www.centurion.de vertrieb@merida-centurion.com

OUOC PHAM www.quocpha info@quocph

BASIL www.basil.nl info@basil.nl

E BIKE www.ebike-int.com info@ebike-int.com

PANASONIC www.panason panasonic.de@

BERN www.bernunlimited.com connect @bernunlimited.com

ELEKTROLYTE www.electrolyte.cc info@electrolyte.cc

PEDALED www.pedaled sales@pedaled

BRENNWAGEN www.brennwagen.de info@brennwagen.de

ENBW www.enbw.com e-mobilitaet@enbw.com

PG www.pg-elekt info@pg.de

BROOKS www.brooksengland.com info@brooksengland.com

FXX www.fxxcycles.com info@fxxcycles.com

POC www.pocspor info@pocspor

BOOKMAN www.bookman.se hello@bookman.se

KASK www.thalersports.de info@THALERsports.de

PORSCHE D www.porsche porschedesign


om.au com.au

SPECIALIZED www.specialized.com info@specialized.com

-bikes.com rida-centurion.com

STROMER www.stromer.ch info@mystromer.eu

M am.com ham.com

TRIBLE2 www.tribel2.de info@trible2.de

C nic.de @eu.panasonic.com

YAKKAY www.yakkay.com info@yakkay.com

d.com d.com

VAUDE www.vaude.com info@vaude.com

trus.com

rts.com rts.com

DESIGN e-design.com n@porsche.de

WINORA www.winora.de info@winora-group.de


THE MOST EXCITING MOUNTAINBIKE MAGAZ

S R


ZINE.

SAME VISION. SAME AESTHETIC. SAME FORMAT. READY TO DOWNLOAD FOR FREE ON WWW.MAG41.COM


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impressum

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EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT DOWNTOWN www.downtown-emagazine.com email: info@downtown-emagazine.com

ADVERTISING Max-Philip Schmitt mpschmitt@downtown-emagazine.com

PUBLISHER 41 Publishing & Marketing UG Hummelbergweg 12 71229 Leonberg Germany

WEBSITE Daniel Adams (www.bowstreet.de)

DIRECTORS Max-Philip Schmitt & Robin Schmitt

REVISION Christian Luckscheiter

EDITORS Robin Schmitt, Benjamin Christopher Brodbeck, Martin Beckmann, Vincent Martini, Max Schmitt, Patrick Sauter, Florian Storch

SPECIAL THANKS TO Johann Flickinger, Daniel Geiger, Raul Carbajosa, Manfred Schmitt & all the other supporters

DESIGN Christian Lämmle (www.laemmledesign.com) PHOTOGRAPHERS Daniel Geiger, Sebas Romero, Fabian Rapp, Patrick Sauter, drakeimages.de, , Inga Beckmann

TRANSLATION Lisa Gretemeier, Michaela Jammers

© 2012 BY 41 PUBLISHING & MARKETING UG. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NO PART OF THIS DOCUMENT OR THE RELATED FILES MAY BE REPRODUCED OR TRANSMITTED IN ANY FORM, BY ANY MEANS (ELECTRONIC, PHOTOCOPYING, RECORDING, OR OTHERWISE) WITHOUT THE PRIOR WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE PUBLISHER.


FOTO Sebas Romero

ASIA IS BECOMING THE NEW CENTRE OF THE WORLD. FOR THAT REASON WE TRAVELLED TO ASIA TO EXPERIENCE THE STATUS QUO AS WELL AS TO SEE WHAT THEIR SOLUTIONS ARE FOR URBAN MOBILITY! THE NEXT ISSUE WILL BE AVAILABLE IN AUGUST.

preview

issue #002


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