Red Dot Award: Product Design

Award-winning bicycles

EUROBIKE 2019: award-winning bicycles in the spotlight

EUROBIKE in Friedrichshafen is seen internationally as the leading trade fair for the bicycle industry. From 4 to 7 September 2019, trade visitors and consumers can discover the broad scope of this area over roughly 100,000 square metres of exhibition space, featuring everything from the latest bicycle models to sports and mobility accessories. The trade fair shines a light on innovations and product premières. Once a year, the Red Dot Award: Product Design also focuses on new products, including innovations in the bicycle industry. Designers and manufacturers from all over the globe can use the category “Bicycles and bicycle accessories” to register their best products in the competition and enter the race for the sought-after distinction “Red Dot”. Once again in 2019, the entries won over the jury with aesthetically pleasing, functional and high-quality solutions.

Through the city on an e-bike

For example, the “COWBOY” e-bike by the manufacturer of the same name won the top distinction in the competition, the “Red Dot: Best of the Best”. Designed by Propeller Design, the bike was developed specially for urban commuters. It offers numerous advantages for city use: The intuitive motor system is agile and dynamic, as the rider doesn’t have to shift gears or press any buttons. The motor is used only when needed. In addition, the bike is lighter than comparable models, weighing in at just 16 kg. Hydraulic brakes ensure a controlled stop, while integrated front and rear lights guarantee a high level of safety. The rear light intensifies during braking. The battery is removable with a range of up to 70 km. Furthermore, the dashboard supplies the rider with continuous live data. The corresponding app and the integrated GPS navigation system also offer numerous additional features.

“COWBOY”

“The COWBOY e-bike fascinates with its clear and minimalist design. It embodies an intelligent reduction to the essentials and invites users to want to discover e-bikes as a means of transportation. The removable battery offers a high range and is uncomplicated in use. With its innovative engine system, this e-bike delivers an advanced approach to mobility. The digital features accessible via app connectivity are also highly convenient”, said the Red Dot Jury in relation to the award-winning bicycle.

Urban all-rounder

A bike that is geared to similar needs yet quite different is “Stadtfuchs” by Urwahn Engineering. The name translates as ‘city fox’ and, as the name suggests, this is another bike that is ideal for urban use. With the aim of improving ergonomics, functionality and safety, the steel frame – manufactured in Germany – was designed to meet the requirements of the fast pace of city traffic. The result is a novel elastic rear-wheel suspension that compensates for uneven surfaces to give a comfortable ride. Fitted with a belt drive, an 11-speed hub gear and disc brakes that work hydraulically, the bike provides a fast-paced and noiseless ride. The LED light, the smart GPS tracking system, internal cable routing and a seat clamp are further details that prompted the jury to award a Red Dot: Best of the Best.

“Stadtfuchs”

“The stylish design of this bike perfectly integrates all the elements one would expect from a high-quality urban bike. Its appealing proportions give it a timeless and at the same time very modern look. The innovative construction of the elastic rear-wheel suspension makes this bike safe and comfortable to ride. Its outstanding features including the smart GPS tracking system and integrated LED lighting truly enrich everyday life”, said the jury in its statement.

Canyon scores on the double

Another deserved award winner in the Red Dot Award: Product Design 2019 was Canyon. The manufacturer that received the Red Dot: Design Team of the Year title of honour in 2017 won two Red Dots, for the “Canyon LUX CF” and “Canyon Strive CF” bicycles. The “LUX CF” professional bike was developed specifically for cross-country riding. Its winning features include its extraordinary lightness, streamlined appearance and precision suspension technology.

“Canyon LUX CF”
“Canyon Strive CF”

The “STRIVE CF” mountain bike used in the Enduro World Cup, an international mountain biking championship, has a newly developed Shapeshifter system that can be used to change riding behaviour and suspension travel at the touch of a button while riding. The bike also features striking graphic lettering that raises recognisability enormously.

Easing the burden of everyday

“muli” by muli-cycles was designed with a very different purpose in mind.This cargo bike won a Red Dot and is the ideal companion for everyday life. The streamlined bike has a basket that holds 100 litres and a payload of up to 70 kg. Up to two children can be transported with a special child seat. Because the basket folds, the bicycle is particularly agile and can be used on the underground, for example.  

“muli”

Cleverly designed

“Burley CoHo XC” is perfect for all those who prefer to transport their luggage in front rather than behind. This single-wheel cargo trailer, made by Burley and designed by DesignThink, was designed to hold belongings on longer bike tours. The trailer can be attached quickly and intuitively thanks to the tool-free one-hand lock and the quick-release axle. Large items can be secured easily, as the top of the mudguard is flush with the frame. The jury awarded a Red Dot in recognition of the outstanding design achievement.

“Burley CoHo XC”

Drive for challenging trips

Even with a trailer, no path is too steep and no challenge too great for the “Bosch Performance Line CX” drive unit, manufactured by Robert Bosch and designed by KISKA. The impressive drive unit is especially light and compact, yet powerful and efficient. Thanks to the new drive unit concept, there is minimal resistance beyond 25 km/h, even when the engine is switched off.

“Bosch Performance Line CX”

Geared up: award-winning bicycle accessories

A longer bike tour calls for more than just the right bike. It also requires suitable accessories to make the trip a real highlight. The “Norco Belford City Bag”, “Norco Kilmore Commuter Bag” and “Norco Portree Rucksack Bag” have all won Red Dots as particularly suitable for stowing luggage. Paula-D Design designed the storage accessories, which are ideally suited to city use and for “ASISTA Teile fürs Rad”. By contrast, the “Mountainbike Backpack” rucksack by OUTENTIC is designed specially to cater to the needs of mountain bikers.

“Norco Belford City Bag”

“Norco Kilmore Commuter Bag”

“Norco Portree Rucksack Bag”

„Mountainbike Backpack“

Riders need a helmet to protect their head when cycling. The award-winning “Park & Diamond Helmet” looks like a baseball cap and is perfectly suited to this purpose. Other safety-focused products include the “Burner Brake” rear light and multi-function LED light “Pixel 2-in-1 Light” by Beryl. The former was designed by GEO Product Creation, the latter by Mettle Studio.

“Park & Diamond Helmet”
“Burner Brake”
“Pixel 2-in-1 Light”

Other winners in the industry:

Red Dot Award: Product Design 2020

The new round of the Red Dot Award: Product Design commences on 14 October 2019. From that date, designers and manufacturers from a vast range of industries have the opportunity to enter their latest products in what is one of the world’s most renowned design competitions. They can register their products either in the “Bicycles and bicycle accessories” category or in any of roughly 50 others – from “Home and seating furniture” to “Urban design” or “Heating and air conditioning technology”.