Interbike Vendor Spotlight: Electra

Electra was back at Interbike 2009 with a large booth featuring their full line of bikes. There’s a lot to cover, so let’s get right into it.

New for this year is the Ticino line. The Ticino bikes offer a sporty, lightweight 700c frame with a relaxed geometry for increased comfort. Inspired by European handbuilt bicycles, the line offers classic English touring style and bikes are available with everything from a single speed all the way to 20 speeds. The bikes are equipped with a gruppo of “updated classic” components – hubs, cranks, chainrings, handlebars, brake levers, forks are more.

The colors and graphics of the Ticino line are period perfect as well. While offering mid-20th century style with 21st century updates, nothing seems out of place. If you are looking for classic style without going the custom route, Ticino may be just what you need.

The Townie line returns for 2009, but it has seen some growth as well. Of course, there is the Townie Sport 105 that we got to review earlier this year, but there is the Townie Euro 700c , which brings some classic Dutch city bike style to the line. The Townie Euro comes with matching full fenders, a rear rack and front and rear lights on some models.

The entire Townie line is built with Electra’s Flat Foot Technology, which rotates the traditional road bike position 23 degrees backwards, resulting in a more straight up and relaxed body position. The riders arms are relaxed and their head is upright, allowing a better view of the road and surroundings. All of the Townie bikes come with a lightweight aluminum frame, high end componentry and plenty of options to personalize.

For classic Dutch style that would not look out of place on Copenhagen Cycle Chic or the Sartorialist, you should check out the Amsterdam line. I especially liked the Girard models that looked like the Dutch city bike passed through the studios of Marimekko or Ikea.

Of course, Electra has a complete line of bikes for the entire family, with cruisers, tandems and kids bikes.

We’ll be getting our hands on another Townie soon, for an upcoming video podcast series for commuters. Check back soon.

Tags: amsterdam, bikes, commuter, Copenhagen, dutch city bike, electra, electra amsterdam girard, electra bicycles, electra ticino, electra townie euro, electra townie sport 105, Europe, Interbike, interbike 2009