When companies like Trek, Giant, and Electra started offering cruisers with a single speed or a 3 speed Shimano Nexus hub, we started to see more people of all ages out on the bike paths. Something about the simplicity of the shifting (or complete lack thereof), along with a coaster brake and comfortable seat/position really appealed to people that may not have otherwise taken up riding, even if only for short trips.
Now Trek is taking that a step further with their new Lime. Their full press release is below the photo, so I won’t go into too much detail. I just can’t get over the design. The bike itself looks deceptively simple, yet has a computer-controlled rear hub that shifts automatically. Too cool.
TREK LAUNCHES NEW BIKE, NEW WAY TO RIDE
Trek Bicycle Corporation, the country‘s premier bicycle manufacturer, is reintroducing millions of Americans to the joy of bike riding with the launch of its new Lime bike. Lime is the ideal bike for the casual rider who wants a fun, convenient and stylish way to run out for a cup of coffee or a breath of fresh air. With its comfortable, upright riding position, automatic transmission and pedal brakes, Lime is designed to ride the way we did as kids -spontaneously, socially and to experience the sheer joy of motion.
Hidden technology: Lime features the superior quality and elegant design Trek is famous for, coupled with cutting-edge coasting technology developed by Shimano, the industry leader in bicycle components. While the 3-speed automatic transmission technology is sophisticated, its result is the simplest, easiest bike ride ever. A sensor detects the bike‘s speed and sends a message to a computer telling it to shift up or down. The turning of the front wheel generates the energy to operate the computer -there are no batteries. The computer controls the selection of the perfect gear for the bike‘s speed and always returns to first gear at a stop. And all of this is hidden from view providing a clean, classic look. Lime is also equipped with a coaster brake; pedal forward and you go, pedal backward and you stop. It doesn‘t get any easier than that.
Two miles, two wheels: It is estimated that 50 percent of the automobile trips taken in this country are for distances less than two miles. Lime is a fun, efficient alternative to a car, bus or cab for those short distance errands. With a bike using only 35 calories per passenger-mile compared to a car‘s whopping 1,860*, if only half of those brief trips were accomplished by Lime rather than a motor vehicle the energy savings would be enormous. Fresh air, exercise and an enhanced connection to your neighborhood and neighbors are all additional benefits to living the Lime life.
Enjoy the ride: Lime‘s natural heads-up riding position, puncture-resistant tires, comfort saddle, soft pedals and hand grips, stable geometry, ease of operation and virtually maintenance-free mechanics combine for a riding experience that frees you to enjoy thescenery, socialize with your riding companions and focus on the sheer joy of the ride. Bike riding the way it used to be. Bike riding the way it can be again.
Where can I get one of these? Lime bikes are available in two models, Lime and LimeLite. Both versions are available at Trek retailers nationwide. For more information, visit trekbikes.com.
About Trek:
Headquartered in Waterloo, Wisconsin, Trek Bicycle Corporation is a global leader in bicycle design and manufacturing. From the original hand-built steel touring frames introduced in 1976 to the revolutionary OCLV carbon fiber first introduced in 1992, Trek‘s passion for innovation, quality, and performance leads the industry with next-generation technology and thinking. With a record seven consecutive Tour de France titles, six straight 24-hour World Solo Mountain Bike Championships, and countless other professional wins, Trek enjoys a rich tradition of victory in the world‘s premier cycling events. Today, with a broad range of bicycles and cycling products under the Trek, Gary Fisher, LeMond, Bontrager, and Klein brand names, Trek continues to pursue new ways to bring the joy of cycling to all people. TREK BICYCLE CORPORATION : 801 W. MADISON STREET : WATERLOO, WI 53594 USA
interesting