Before I begin, let me briefly apologize for the lack of updates over the past few days - we've been attempting to archive our past articles to make finding older stories a little easier, but unfortunately it's taken a little longer than we originally anticipated.  Despite the delay, we should have our archives up and running this week, so stay tuned for a slightly improved navigation structure.

Taking a break from our behind-the-scenes work, however, Mercedes today has published a slew of press releases covering a number of topics that we felt were necessary to publish.  To get the info out as quickly as possible I'm going to abstain from commenting, but we will resume regular posting immediately following the completion of our archiving.

First up, details of a new Mercedes-Benz Mountain bike - the perfect way to get outdoors and take advantage of the beautiful spring climate. 

For photos of the model as well as its complete list of specifications, keep reading for the official details.

Enjoy.



OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE


New top model for the Mercedes-Benz 2008 Bike Collection: The trailblazer

From May 2008, Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH is adding a new mountain bike to its exclusive Bike Collection. The all-mountain machine with its high-quality components and elegant design is perfect for serious off-road riding. The impressive features of this high-end cycle include a sophisticated four-link rear suspension that ensures outstanding riding comfort and excellent traction on difficult terrain. The bike is available in a Sport Edition and a Comfort Edition, with a number of parts specially adapted to the different physiques of men and women.

With the uncompromisingly high quality of its equipment, its premium craftsmanship and its modern design, the new Mercedes-Benz mountain bike fulfils the high demands of experienced cycling enthusiasts. At its heart is an elegant and functional full-suspension frame with a sophisticated four-link rear suspension. The high-quality aluminium design was developed in collaboration with premium German cycle manufacturer ADP Engineering GmbH, a company renowned for its exclusive, handcrafted Rotwild brand of cycles, who have already proved themselves reliable partners of Mercedes-Benz with other bike designs.

Exclusive design and fashionable colour scheme
The details of the design –developed in close collaboration between Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH, ADP Engineering GmbH and the Mercedes-BenzDesignCenterin Sindelfingen–take account of the physical differences between men and women. The "Comfort Edition" with its white paint finish incorporates subtle black and red elements, giving it an extra touch of elegance which will appeal to the fashion-conscious cyclist. Several components have been specially adapted for women, such as the narrower handlebars, a seat post which is 2 cm shorter and the Ergon handlebar grips with ergonomic handling surface. The "Comfort Edition" is available in frame heights S (45 cm) and M (48 cm).

The “Sport Edition” for men comes in S (47 cm), M (50 cm) and also in frame height L (53 cm), with the components modified accordingly. The monochrome colour scheme in anthracite accentuates the bike's masculine appearance.

Individual tuning with oil-air suspension strut
The four-link rear suspension can cope with the toughest demands, providing superior motion on virtually any terrain. Crucial for perfect control is the position of the pivots, based on sophisticated calculations taking into account all relevant dynamic riding factors such as the influence of the drive system and braking.

The bike's technical components are impressively adaptable. For example, the extremely sensitive response of the rear wheel's high-tech Rock Shox Monarch 3.1 damper opens up completely new possibilities for cyclists wanting to tune their suspension to their individual requirements. Instead of the conventional steel suspension it uses an individually adjustable air chamber –similar to the principle of AIRMATIC in Mercedes-Benz's S-Class. The different air pressures allow significantly more flexible adjustments. The damping is controlled by an adjustable oil cycle, and the rebound stage (upward deflection speed) and compression stage (downward deflection speed) can be set independently.

The suspension and damping of the front wheel is handled by the Rock Shox Recon 335 suspension fork with 120 mm travel. Its rebound and compression stagescan be individually adjusted by riders according to their personal preferences. If required, they can lock out the damping unit completely to enable them to use their strength more efficiently on steep climbs. The aluminium crown and magnesium lower legs guarantee a low overall weight.

Excellent brakes and high-quality components
No cyclist depends more on their brakes than a mountain bikeron a steep descent on loose surface covering. That's why Mercedes-Benz uses fully hydraulic Avid Juicy Five disc brakes, which have received top reviews in the technical press, at the front and in the back for its new mountain bike. The 185 mm rotors with their outstanding response ensure optimum braking power even in critical situations.

With DT SWISS X430 rims and double-butted DT SWISS spokes, the mountain bike's wheels provide a solid basis for efficient and comfortable use. The SRAMshift and drive components combine low weight with perfect shifting ease and high precision while being extremely robust. The excellent technical equipment of the bike is matched by the superior quality of its other components. Like the frame, the saddle post, handlebars and the stem are also by ADP. The innovative saddle from Allay includes special ergonomic features, such as an air cushion that is individually adjustable to the sensitive pressure points of men and women.

The price of the Mercedes-Benz mountain bike is €2,790 (incl. VAT, in Germany) and it is available from Mercedes-Benz dealers from May 2008. The bike is part of the Mercedes-Benz 2008 Bike Collection, which also includes the Fitness Bike, Trekking Bike and Racing Bike, as well as the Kids' Bike and the Folding Bike*. All models are perfectly adapted to the requirements of their target groups in respect of their technical and functional features.

Comprehensive range of accessories and branded outfits
The exclusive Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH range enables customers to further tailor their bikes to their own requirements. The collection contains everything from an electronic bike computer with twelve functions, a practical pannier with a capacity of seven litres and an ultra-light mini-tool for repairs on the road to a handy mini pump, a useful hydration rucksack and a first-aid kit.

The accessories collection is complemented by a selection of clothing, with men's and women's jerseys and shorts, as well as cycling glasses and cycle helmets. This contemporary clothing combines high functionality and ergonomic design with the elegance characteristic of the MB brand. It goes without saying that an appropriate carrier system for each Mercedes-Benz vehicle model is also available.

* in the 3rd quarter of 2008


Mercedes-Benz 2008 mountain bike
Technical data

Frame
Material: Aluminium 7005;
Colour: Sport Edition: anthracite
Comfort Edition: white with red and black elements
Size: Sport Edition: S (47); M (50); L (53)
Comfort Edition: S (45); M (48)

Rear-wheel suspension
Suspension/damping: Rock Shox Monarch 3.1 oil-air suspension strut adjustable rebound and compression stage
Travel: 120 mm
Front-wheel suspension
Fork: Rock Shox Recon 335 with aluminium crown
Suspension/damping: Solo Air/adjustable rebound stage,
Compression stage adjustable up to lockout
Travel: 120 mm

Drive system
Crankset: Truvativ Firex 3.3
Crank length: Sport Edition: S: 170 mm; M/L: 175 mm
Comfort Edition: S/M: 170 mm
Pedals: Wellgo, SPD compatible
Chainrings: Truvativ Alu 44-32-22T SRAM
Inner bearing: Truvativ Firex 3.3 BSA

Shifter
Cassette: Shimano HG 50; 11-32T; 9speed
Shift lever: SRAM X.7 Trigger
Front derailleur: SRAM X.9
Rear derailleur: SRAM X.9 long cage, 9speed

Brakes
System: Avid Juicy 5; 185 mm rotors front/rear

Wheels
Hubs front: H 220D
Hubs rear: H 400D
Spokes: DT Comp 2.0/1.8
Rims: DT SWISS X430 Disc 26"
Tyres: ContinentalMountainKing Falt; 26 x 2.20"

Removable parts
Stem: S 140
Sport Edition: S 75 mm; M 90 mm; L 115 mm
Comfort Edition: S 60 mm; M 75 mm
Handlebars: B 240
Sport Edition: 640 mm
Comfort Edition: 600 mm
Grips: Sport Edition: VeloLight
Comfort Edition: Ergon GP1
Saddle: Topeak Allay Racing
Saddle post: P 260; 31.6 x 350 mm

Weight
without attachments: approx. 13.5 kg








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