In addition to the host of new Mercedes models making their debut in Geneva this week, another Mercedes has undergone a redesign for the show, but not one many people are familiar with.

If you haven't already guessed it, the newest MB model to benefit from a redesign is the Mercedes-Benz Automatic bike, a bicycle that made it's debut last year and boasted of unrivaled safety and ride quality for its occupants.

For 2006, the latest Mercedes Automatic bike has received a number of new enhancements, a few of which include a Shimano Cyber-Nexus eight-speed gear shift system, an on-board computer that provides the rider with current speed and the engaged gear, and a system that automatically monitors pedal cadence and then chooses the optimal gear ratio automatically.

To improve rider safety, the Mercedes Automatic bike also features an intelligent lighting system with a front and rear light, both of which are activated and deactivated automatically by means of a sensory system.

Pricing in Germany for the bike starts at EUR 1,690 for the basic version (no luggage rack or lighting system), while the fully-equipped version will set you back EUR 1,890.

It all sounds inviting, but I think I'll stick with my Specialized S-Works (if you have to ask you wouldn't understand).









OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE


Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH presents the Automatic Bike 2006: Safety and comfort - the Automatic Bike

Stuttgart/Geneva , Feb 28, 2006

The new Automatic Bike (model year 2006) features a wealth of technical modifications and a much-enhanced sporty design. With a choice of two equipment lines, it brings a whole new dimension to muscle-powered movement. Most importantly of all, the Automatic Bike is a full four kilograms lighter than last year's model, thus making the ride even more enjoyable – fully in keeping with the Mercedes-Benz tradition.

Equipped with a Shimano "Cyber-Nexus" eight-speed gear shift system and sensor-controlled lights, the bike adapts itself to the current cycling conditions. The central on-board computer mounted on the handlebar stem provides the rider with important information such as the current bike speed and the engaged gear. Furthermore, the computer collates riding parameters such as cadence (pedalling frequency) and bike speed and then selects the optimal gear ratio automatically. As an alternative to automatic mode, the rider can change gear manually using the handlebar-mounted rocker switches.

Another safety and comfort-enhancing feature is the intelligent lighting system consisting of a front and rear light, which are activated and deactivated automatically by means of a sensory system, and also incorporate a parking-light function. Plus the rear light flashes when the bike is being ridden slowly. The Mercedes-Benz Automatic Bike comes with a choice of frame heights – 46 cm or 54 cm – and is available in two equipment lines: the basic version, which does not include the lighting system or luggage rack system, retails at € 1690 whilst the fully-equipped version costs € 1890.

The Mercedes-Benz Automatic Bike is available from authorised Mercedes-Benz dealerships. Sales in Germany start in April. The prices quoted are recommended prices for the German market only and include VAT.

Copyright © 2006, DaimlerChrysler AG