Schwinn unveils “Tailwind” electric bike at Interbike

That old Schwinn bicycle has come a long way.

Keeping one wheel in the past with children's bikes, Schwinn has evolved over the past 114 years into racing bikes, touring bikes, mountain bikes and hybrids.

At the Interbike Bicycle Expo in Las Vegas this week, Schwinn unveiled its Tailwind, a hybrid-electric bike that uses Toshiba's ion battery technology.

While Schwinn already has six eBike models on the market, the Tailwind has the fastest recharge at 30 minutes from a standard residential outlet. The charge is good for 25 to 30 miles.

Schwinn's owner, Canada-based Dorel Industries, bought Schwinn in 2004.

— Press release —

BETHEL, Conn. – Sept. 24, 2008 – Schwinn Bicycles, America's most recognized bicycle brand, today unveiled the Tailwind electric bike to bicycle dealers attending the annual Interbike International Bicycle Expo, the largest bicycle trade industry event in North America. Schwinn Bicycles is part of the Cannondale Sports Group Division of Dorel Industries (TSX: DII.B, DII.A).

The Tailwind will also be showcased tonight from 6 to 9:30 p.m. (EDT) at the ShowStoppers media-only reception being held at the Millennium Hotel on Times Square in New York City at 44th and Broadway.

“The Tailwind sets a new standard of excellence in the eBike industry,” said Bruno Maier, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Cannondale Sports Group. “Through our new cooperation with Toshiba Corporation, the Tailwind is powered by the world's most innovative and fastest charging battery, a battery that can be recharged in 30 minutes through a standard electrical outlet (or as little as five minutes through a commercial charger) versus the industry standard of four hours or more. That's one-eighth the time or better of competing eBikes.  

“We know that more and more people are riding bikes for a variety of reasons, including economic factors, health benefits and environmental concerns. Industry reports forecast a dramatic rise in electric bicycle sales here in the U.S. and around the world, and we expect a significant interest in the Tailwind eBike when it arrives in Independent Bicycle Retailers (IBDs) in early 2009.”

Details on the Schwinn Tailwind eBike Disclosed
According to Schwinn, the Tailwind electric bike represents the next generation of eBike and will be available in early 2009 at a suggested retail price of $3,199.99(US).

The Tailwind (like all Schwinn electric bicycles) is a so-called eBike hybrid and can be ridden in either motor-assist mode or as a conventional bike. The eight-speed Tailwind utilizes a lightweight, Schwinn-designed 6000 series aluminum alloy frame and an SR Suntour NEX-4610 suspension fork with lock-out.

The electric motor in the Tailwind is housed in the hub of the front wheel, an innovation found in all Schwinn electric bike models. In addition, all Schwinn eBike models (including the Tailwind) utilize the Plug N' Drive removable battery pack which is built into stylishly designed rear bike rack systems, allowing riders to quickly detach the battery for recharging.

It is projected that Tailwind owners will realize an industry leading 2,000 recharge lifecycles with the eBike versus the industry standard of 1,000 charges before needing to replace the battery. Tailwind riders will find they can ride 25 to 30 miles per charge (depending upon such factors as climate, rider weight and terrain). The Tailwind also comes with a 20,000-mile or two-year limited warranty.

Other specs for Schwinn's Tailwind include

• A Shimano Nexus 8-speed internal geared rear hub,

• A brushless motor with 180 watts of continuous power or 250 watts at peak power,

• Schwinn's PowerDial™ on and off power assist system, with three pedal assist power settings,

• Rear roller braking system,

• Double wall alloy rims and Continental Town Ride tires (with flat protection and reflective sidewall),

• Inside-the-frame electric wire routing,

• Full fenders, chain cover, Basta Defender wheel lock, and B+M dynamo powered light set,

• Selle Royal Look In gel saddle (seat), with suspension seat post and adjustable rise stem,

• Four standard frame sizes (S, M, L, XL), and

• Three step-thru frame sizes (S, M, L).

According to the Electric Bikes Worldwide Report, 2008 Update, sales of electric bikes are growing quite rapidly in several markets around the world, including the United States and Europe. For example, U.S. eBike sales projected to hit 220,000 units in 2009, a two-year sales increase of 83 percent from U.S. eBike sales of 120,000 units in 2007. In Europe, the projections are even more impressive: 750,000 eBike sales forecast for 2009 up from sales of 250,000 units in 2007 – a three-fold increase.

With the 2009 addition of the Tailwind, Schwinn will have seven electric bike models in its complete line of eBikes. For more information about the Tailwind, please visit www.electricschwinnbikes.com/tailwind/ or www.schwinnelectricbikes.com for more information about Schwinn's other eBike models.