Ottolocks – lightweight lock to fight against opportunity theft

We are very pleased to work with Ottolock from Oregon USA.

Luminari has always loved working with new designs and mindsets that challenge the “Why not?” From folding bikes, to scooters to assistive mobility, we support founders and their dream to make a difference in the world.

OTTOLOCK is designed for quick stops and protecting against opportunity theft. Starting weight at just 145g and coiling to a compact 3 inch diameter, OTTOLOCK is truly portable and always there when you need it. OTTOLOCK is not a replacement for a U-Lock. For maximum security, use a redundant locking method with both a U-Lock and a secondary lock. See Use Guidelines.

See the Sizing Chart for help choosing the right length.

· LIGHTWEIGHT: Weighs only 145g – 260g and is easily stowed. So light and portable you won’t even know you are carrying it.
· COMPACT: Coils to a 3 inch diameter. Keep it in or around your saddle bag, backpack, in your pocket, or anywhere you want.
· DURABLE: Chip-resistant Cerakote® paint and Santoprene® plastic that will not scuff or harm finishes.
· CONVENIENT: Keyless resettable combination.

For longer term and unattended lockdowns, Ottolock recommends as follows:

How secure is OTTOLOCK? Will it replace my U-Lock?

We have tested the product under many failure modes including tensile pull, torsion, impact, flame temperature and more. You can watch several testing videos on YouTube to see how the OTTOLOCK stands up. OTTOLOCK is stronger than a cable lock against common theft tools such as bolt cutters or wire cutters. Specific to shears, hacksaw, or angle grinder theft attempts, a motivated thief will be able to defeat the OTTOLOCK in a relatively short period of time. It is important to note that all locks can be defeated with proper tools, technique and time.

OTTOLOCK is not a replacement for a U-Lock. For maximum security, use a redundant locking method with both a U-Lock and a secondary lock. Read more about OTTOLOCK Use Guidelines.

We are looking for dealers. Contact register@luminari.com.sg

Brand update General

Girasol Pushbikes are in Singapore

Girasol as a brand is Sunflower in Spanish. It represents passion, loyalty, sunny and positive. Founded in Tainan Taipei in 2011, it has been in the bicycle business for the last 8 years.

We love the idea of ranging stuff from young to old and Girasol puts kids Pushbike to the next level. None of these plastic frames that flex and hard rubber tires that are hard on your kids buttocks and spine. 35 PSI pneumatic tires that offer ride comfort and control when they need it. Sealed bearings for Girasol’s wheelsets bring kids bike to adult level specs.

Features that win:

100% Aluminum and light weight, your child will thank you for it!

We understand that Girasol will bring the competition circuit from China, Taiwan and HK to Singapore!

So some information about the Girasol PRO design:

Lightweight, rear suspension, sealed bearings for wheels, saddle designed for our young riders, proper headset weighing only 3.5kg. MSRP is S$380.

Let’s look at the Girasol GK, designed with shorter wheelbase so it’s easier to ride and handle. Kids as young as 18 months can start with this. It has a Safety Seat stay to prevent feet getting scratched. Weighing in at 3.3kg, your child will just fall in love with it. MSRP S$300.

Available at My Bike Shop Stores. For dealers who want to range these pushbikes, email enquire@luminari.com.sg

Brand update General

LifeGlider – helping people regain good walking posture

Singapore like many Asian countries is aging fast. With it we have a growing population faced with illnesses that comes with the aging population. Of course diet, exercise and good management of lifestyles goes a long way to have a better retirement life.

But what happens when tragedy strikes and you suffer a stroke or lost your ability to walk independently? The rehabilitation regime is always a walking aid. But most walking aids require you to hold on to it and your posture is often not ideal. They are not on wheels (therefore mobility is slow) and you will need your hand(s) to operate.

Enter the LifeGlider™. It is a new mobility device that permits upright, hands-free mobility.

It is designed to reduce the fear of falling and the fatigue sometimes associated with struggling to walk.

The patented LifeGlider represents an evolution in assistive mobility devices, and is

unique in the way it secures the user’s center of gravity. This enables upright posture, balance, and greater confidence as the fear of falling is minimized. Securing the body’s center frees the hands, since gripping the device is not necessary. (No need to hold the device – the device holds you.)

THE KEY TO STABILITY: SECURING THE CENTER OF GRAVITY

BUILT-IN SEAT: FOR FULL OR PARTIAL WEIGHT ALLEVIATION

The LifeGlider’s built-in seat is positioned to support the pelvis at the seat bones, and may be used to alleviate all, some, or no weight, as needed. When walking, the seat provides extra security and stability, enabling even those with limited leg strength to enjoy mobility and conduct daily activities

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General

2019 – A year of fresh ideas

Importing and marketing for brands is risky business. Not only do you have to invest in resources to market and win mind share, you have to raise working capital to hold stocks. As Singapore has a small addressable market 5-6 million people, you can get caught badly if you hold stocks of slow moving stocks.

Innovating-New-Ideas-for-Growth-image-2 Luminari started in 2012 and we are specialists in building new brands and rebuilding distressed ones. We take effort to listen to the brand owners, review each brand’s USPs and have a detailed conversation with them before we undertake the brand development.

We are opening up new categories to further cater to boys/girls aged between 7 to 10 years AND to those who are in their advanced seniors who may have suffered a stroke or recovering from illness. Our own “cradle to grave” product market fit.

In the next few months, we will be releasing product news of these new products that will have a new spin including innovations that help you cycle better.

Brand update

French bike maker introduces the new Alpe d’Huez – everything you wanted to know

Introduction

Where lightness and stiffness meet. The new Alpe d’Huez bike is the lightest bike that TIME has ever created. But it is also competitively stiff for power efficiency as well as those surpise uphill attacks, responsive and precise for mountain descents and comfortable for long days in the saddle. Discover our limited edition ulteam bike Alpe d’Huez.

Lightness

Alpe d’Huez 01 is the lightest bike that TIME has ever developed: -8,6% less than its predecessor, the Izon. To achieve this, we have developed a brand new optimized structure. The carbon braids, developed according to the desired mechanical characteristics allowed for the removal of the finishing fabric. These braids are meticulously positioned on the frame and remain apparent in the finished frame. A new thinner and lighter seat was also developed to match this new frame.

Stiffness

TIME worked on the lightness of the Alpe d’Huez bike, while improving the stiffness characteristics. This gives more than 25% on the stiffness/weight ratio compared to its predecessor, Izon. You will feels liveliness, responsiveness and power when pedaling. To achieve these characteristics, we have been working with high modulus fibers, a BB386 bottom bracket and a directlink seat tube to allows better energy transfer. The sloping geometry of the frame has been adapted for performance in the mountains. The Alpe d’Huez is the ideal bike for this type of terrain, responsive on the climb and precise on the descent.

3km of fibers to build a Time bike

Thanks to our RTM and braiding of carbon fibers technologies, we have a very wide choice of different braids. All our braids have very precise mechanical characteristics. They come from many studies, especially on the choice of fibers used for their manufacture. This results in unique sensations perceived during the pedaling movement.

7300 carbon braids are needed to make a TIME frame. We have a wide choice in the type of wire used and a very high precision in the positioning of the son on the frame. We choose exactly what type of wire for which braid and which part of the frame. We thus obtain very precise mechanical characteristics according to our expectations.

73 braids are used for the manufacture of the frame. The structure is thus homogeneous and the fibers remain continuous on the structure. This results in a better transfer of mechanical properties.

An engineer’s viewpoint: Discussion with our composite engineer, Frédéric Laget.

When developing a new bike, which steps do you have to go through?

First step is creating. We have to determine a customer target. Engineers, designers and marketing executives work together on that part. We have to agree on a global objective, a global idea and a targeted cost. Depending on the targeted cost, engineers search for technical solutions and state on a possible real cost.

As soon as the global objective has been determined, designers prepare drawings and we then take a decision on the definitive design.

Then, we work on an actual clay model. We need three to four weeks to make it. First feedbacks and adjustments come from this model’s analysis.

Once we have validated the model, we draw it again thanks to a CAD program. We defines sections, we measure each tube’s shape, height and dimension. Our program computes all of these data again.

After that, we work on the frame’s structure. We take a decision on the braids we should use and their positions thanks to the different fibers types we have.

We then manufacture our first prototype, and we test it: lab tests at first, followed by field tests. We process many lab tests to check the frame’s rigidity, endurance and resistance. Those tests make it possible for us to make adjustments, by adding rigidity on some frame parts thanks to other more braids for instance.

In the long run, field tests provide insights regarding actual feelings that we can’t analyze thanks to lab tests.

We have to pass standards tests, but we generally go even further to guarantee our products’ quality.

Once we have validated every step, we start producing our frames in every size.

The “Alpe d’Huez” bike is the lightest bike Time has ever developed, was that your global objective at the beginning of the project?

Weight was one of the criteria we wanted to work on because we wanted to create a bike designed for long climbs. However, that was not the main criteria in our minds. We wanted to manufacture a frame that would be light, reactive, vigorous and comfortable in the same time. The combination of those elements makes it possible to get a bike with a balanced behavior. This particularity makes Time bikes’ legend.

When creating a bike, do you sometimes have to face surprises in terms of weight, rigidity and performance, or do you settle everything at the beginning?

No, we do not. Obviously, we cannot anticipate everything and we often face things we did not expect. Several departments work the product’s different parts and we have to put all of this work together in order to have an optimal result.

Every time we make changes on the product, we have to go through other test and validation steps, this extends the development time.

What is the difference between a bike designed for climbing and a bike focused on aerodynamics?

We do not work on the same geometrics when we focus on aerodynamics. The rider will need to be very low, put a lot of strength on his pedals and stay in packs… Climbers behave very differently.

For mountain rides, the bike needs to be reactive, light, comfortable and very precise regarding descents driving. This is a very different effort. We have to find the perfect balance between all of those elements and rigidity. If the bike is too hard, it will not provide enough feelings to the rider. The bike has to be one with the rider; it has to react to any push. The rider needs to feel that the bike reacts instantly.

You have a unique manufacturing process as you make carbon fiber braids that then create a frame. When creating a climbing bike, which kind of braids do you use? Does it differ from other bikes?

Indeed, our RTM manufacturing process makes it possible to be very precise on the frame’s characteristics which depend on the initial choice regarding the fibers we use. We can choose between 25 different types of fiber, each of us has different characteristics. We need around 7000 braids to manufacture a frame.
All of the frame’s future behavior depends on this initial choice and on the braids’ manufacturing. The places where we put those braids and the way we put them are very important to get the frame behavior we are looking for.

According to our lab tests, we make slight adjustments on the fibers we use and the places where we put them.

Regarding the Alpe d’Huez 01, we mostly use high modulus fibers (60%) that are very rigid and resistant. We also use high resistance fibers (37%) that are less rigid. We also use Vectran fibers (3%) to absorb vibrations and provide more comfort.

You have been using the same manufacturing process for 30 years now. You must have a great choice of fibers and braids now. Is that something you work on every time you create a new frame, or do you use some of your “old” fibers and braids?

With 30 years of research and development, we obviously have an enormous braids library. We have around 100 of them, each one having different characteristics. However, when we have a special need we create a new one: this is custom-made.

For the Alpe d’Huez 21, we developed a braid by using basalt fiber because it absorbs vibration. Rossignol racing skis have the same technology.

As an engineer, what does that technology change in terms of work, compared to competitors?

We start from the bottom: a wire, a fiber. Then we have to study the impact it will have on the bike’s behavior. The process is similar to jewelry or haute couture: we carefully chose each piece and put it as a very precise spot. If we move this piece, all of the bike’s behavior might change. We have to be very careful on our operating method we use with the people in charge of creating the braids.

Another very interesting part is that we go through every manufacturing step: from the initial brief to tests and then production.

Your factories are located in France, how does it help you in your daily work?

This brings unique productivity and comfort. Following tests, we can achieve lab and field adjustments very fast, as well as talks between all the people involved in the project.

We also have permanent control on the products we manufacture. All of the people working with us – commercials, engineers, designers… – can see the product and give their opinions. This is the big benefit that makes Time bikes’ fame.

Brand update

Edco is getting popular among athletes

Edco is proud to support individual cyclists, triathletes and cycling teams!
edco Official Teams for 2017

Team TIBCO – Silicon Valley Bank

Coloquick-Cult

Sport Vlaanderen Baloise

Lares-Waowdeals

Monkey Town CT

Delta Cycling Rotterdam

Team EDCO Continental Racing
Caja Rural Seguros RGA
Catford CC Equipe/Banks
Destil – Jo Piels
WPGA Wielerploeg Groot Amsterdam

edco Athletes
Leanda Cave

Four-Time World Champion
Erik Merino

Professional Triathlete
Nick Stöpler

Six Day Racing
Wim Stroetinga

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Brand update

EDCO Technologies

MULTISYS

The installation keyways on Shimano/SRAM cassettes often bite into the softer aluminum material on the freehub body, making them difficult to install and remove. edco’s patent pending Antibite system incorporates three hardened steel inserts on the feeehub body, preventing damage to the soft aluminum.
9K-8mm TWILL WEAVE
A proprietary rim construction material developed by edco for use in rim construction. 9K refers to the 9,000 strands of carbon fiber specified per tow, or bundle. The fibers are then hand woven into a unique 8mm twill pattern. Extremely strong and stiff, the material helps prevent any sidewall damage from propagating through the rim structure – at a fiber areal weight (FAW) of only 150 grams. 9K-8mm Twill Weave is used in our SuperSport and AeroSport range.
ILT BRAKING SYSTEM
Our Integrated Low Temperature (ILT) braking system is used on all edco carbon and composite rims. Layered 3K carbon; high-temperature, wear-resistant resin; a proprietary surface finish; and the specially developed Cesso Red brake pads provide a high coefficient of friction while maintaining stable temperatures across a variety of conditions. Developed as part of the ILT braking system, our 3K carbon rim bed and brake track provides a stable platform for the ultimate carbon rim – a strong foundation that performs well under the temperature extremes rim braking creates.

RIM DRILLING MACHINE
In order to more precisely drill spoke holes in deep carbon rims, edco, in cooperation with Total Support Group (TSG), developed a 7-axis CNC rim drilling machine that drills from the center out. This method ensures that spoke holes will always be at the perfect location and the correct angle, eliminating unnecessary tension that can lead to spontaneous spoke breakage.
EDCO HUB BEARINGS
Rather than use standard industrial bearings in its hubs, edco has developed its own bearing specification to provide years of trouble-free, high-performance use. Lubrication, ball and raceway tolerances, seal design: everything is considered and tested – both in the lab and in the real world – before they’re assembled by hand at our factory in The Netherlands.

5-POINT SEALING SYSTEM
Every edco hub benefits from our 5-point sealing system: (1) bearing lubrication type and fill percentage, (2) a frictionless inner seal, (3) a low-friction outer seal, (4) hydrophobic nanocoating, and (5) a nitrile rubber seal to close the system.

edco Handbuilt by professionals

Brand update

Swifty Scooters – putting it all together

SwiftyONEs with all the enhancements is FINALLY here. Not only have new stocks reached our shores, we are getting the privilege to meet the man behind Swifty Scooters – Jason Iftakhar

So what have we got in store for Singapore?

3 beautiful colours and 1 special edition to choose from. A larger air filled tire gives the SwiftyOne unparalleled ride and comfort.

We have witnessed the growth of the kick scooter as an increasingly popular and fun form of transport for adults, whether it be commuting or urban leisure. There are plenty of scooters out there to choose from, some which look like kids toys, some larger scooters with hard wheels, and some which fold or dismantle – and then there is SwiftyONE!

Lets have a look at SwiftyONE’s key features.

Large 16 inch pneumatic wheels

Swifty’s scooters all have 16 inch pneumatic wheels, we believe that this is the secret to an enjoyable and adventurous journey, unhindered by terrain. Anything from a twig to a uneven flagstone could cause an accident or simply slow you down, but not with the SwiftyONE – you just keep on rolling. Also the smaller the wheels, the more rolling resistance, with 16” pneumatic wheels you can cruise, coast and freewheel – also larger wheels mean that kick for kick you will get more propulsion.

SwiftyONE folding mechanism

A folding scooter is an advantage if you use public transport as part of your journey, or have limited storage space. We believe that the unique folding mechanism of SwiftyONE is unrivalled. There are similar sized adult scooters with larger wheels, (like the Mibo, Yedoo & Kickbike), but nothing that folds like SwiftyONE.

Often the folding mechanism becomes a weak-point in the strength of a scooters frame, rattling as you scoot along, but this is not the case with SwiftyONE. The quality and craftsmanship of the mechanism on our scooter means that the frame remains strong, it’s a feature SwiftyONE owners love.

Quality design and engineering

Have you heard the motto, buy cheap, buy twice? SwiftyONE is one of the more expensive scooters on the market, but with good reason. The build quality is excellent, nothing rattles or shakes. The folding features work perfectly and are built to last.

And a special visitor – Jason himself!

We get to hear from him, his story, his ups and downs and a design entrepreneur on the 5th May at one of our Dealer’s location.

General

A Quick Guide to Knee Pain

Just like everything else, the bicycle has to fit the rider’s anatomy. If we ride without adjusting the bicycle to our needs, it could result in knee pain, which is a common issue with riders.

The 4 most common causes of knee pains are due to improper saddle height or position, have a crank that is too long for the rider, rider pushing excessively high gears, or poor foot alignment.

Here are a few things you can try out before heading to the doctor’s.
If the pain is in the front of the knee (Anterior Pain):

Pushing too high gears -> Lower gear, and increase cadence

Saddle too low or far forward -> Raise seat or move seat back

Foot too far forward on the pedal -> Move foot back to have toes in line with the pedal

Crank arms too long -> Shorten crank arms by 2.5 cm
If the pain is in the back of the knee (Posterior Pain):

Saddle too high or far back -> Lower seat, or move seat forward

Too much pedal float -> Limit float to 6 – 8 degrees
If the pain is in the inner side of the knee (Medial Pain):

Incorrect foot position on pedal (toes pointed out) -> Narrow foot position by adjusting foot parallel to bicycle

Too little pedal float -> Limit float to 6 – 8 degrees

If the pain is in the outer side of the knee (Lateral Pain):

Incorrect foot position on pedal (toes pointed in) -> Widen foot position by adjusting foot parallel to bicycle
Too little pedal float -> Limit float to 6 – 8 degrees

Good habits to adopt to prevent injury – warm up for at least 30 mins, stretch after riding, and consider taking a Glucosamine supplement to promote joint flexibility.

Brand update General

Time Pedals – Many say they are the best in their class

For TIME, performance and biomechanics are one and the same.
Xpresso series.

TIME has revolutionized clipless pedal technology and introduces its newest generation : Xpresso. The Iclic concept – pre-open clipless system (TIME patent) – allows more intuitive engagement without any rubbing. Moreover, the carbon flexion blade and the oversize 700 mm2 platform gives the pedal a record surface area/ weight factor. Pedals start from 66.5g!

Only by respecting the natural movements of your legs and joints, with angular and lateral float, as well as precise adjustment to the sensation or “feel” of the float, and with adjustable Q-factor Adjustment, can you decrease the risk of joint trauma and optimize performance following 3 points: security, ergonomics and performance.

What technologies help our users and riders? For Road bikers the Xpress are amazing, light, built for performance. Large Surface Area -Reduce pedal hot spots. Low Stack Height – More efficient power transfer. iClic System- Pre-opened pedal engagement (TIME patent)

Turning our attention onto MTB pedals. starting from 124g and filled with innovations and technologies. The ATAC System combines an ultra light design with and exceptional mud and debris clearing system, thanks to its self-cleaning concept with an easy engagement and a mastered step-out. It is the preferred pedal of elite cyclocross and mtb riders. Simple Step-in – Optimal angle for simple and fast step-in. Release Angle – NEW! 10º of release angle – ATAC EASY Cleats Cleats allow choice of release angle (13º or 17º) – ATAC Cleats.Self-cleaning- Clip in action cleans out any debris. Aluminum Body – Large platform overbuilt for durability. Oversized Axle -Large diameter axle for solid power transmission and stability in all conditions. We are recruiting dealers* for these pedals. IF your preferred dealer does not range them. You can order them direct and we will mail it to you!