The e-bike revolution
from East Westphalia
The days when a secure job alone attracted talent and top employees are over. Today, companies that pursue an overriding goal and stand for values are attractive. Reitz’s goal: to create top conditions for the further development of each individual and therefore the company as a whole.
First gear: Konrad speaks for Konrad Bikes
In 1948, company founder Konrad Reitz left his bombed-out home town of Essen to travel to his family in the Weserbergland. Due to a lack of other means of transportation, the COex expert from the Pütt made the journey by bike. There is no record of the adventures he experienced on the way, but it is known that he arrived safely and immediately rolled up his sleeves to build a future for himself, his family and his employees. If he had known that 75 years later, thanks to an e-bike from Reitz, extended bike tours would be pure pleasure, he would have found it hard not to grin. However, it is safe to speculate that the original Konrad would have come around the corner on a Konrad bike today. So the spirit of the brand is set, as is the name.
Second gear: “We move people”
“We move air” is the quintessence of the industrial fans business segment. From there, a direct path leads to Konrad Bike’s motto “We move people.” Part of the Group’s DNA is to keep turning the wheel a little further and to make the tried and tested even better. As the Konrad Bikes masterminds believe that the topic of e-mobility is far from exhausted, the question is how to make the interplay of innovative technologies even more efficient for the benefit of cyclists and the environment. After careful consideration, the Höxter team is convinced that they have the vision, the network and the possibilities to build an e-bike that inspires people and motivates them to become part of the mobility revolution.
Third gear: the infrastructure is in place
In East Westphalia, where Reitz has its roots, there is a long tradition of bicycle and mechanical engineering. Brands such as Dürkopp, Miele and Anker have benefited from an industrial cluster that has developed over decades. Today, Reitz is starting out with a powerful network of regional suppliers and partners such as the leading belt manufacturer Optibelt. This provides the basis for a pioneering e-bike that is constructed exclusively from recyclable high-tech materials and components. The ambitious claim is to build the e-bike with the fewest parts and the lowest possible CO₂ consumption.
Fourth gear: only as much bike as necessary
Efficiency is the magic word. With individually configured e-bikes that are precisely tailored to the needs of the biker, the weight is reduced. Less weight means more riding fun, more comfort, but also more energy efficiency. The motto “No frills and no waste, because only the essentials count” runs through every last detail of production. In Höxter, great importance is attached to ensuring that production does not take place in stockpiles, but only in connection with actual, individually configured orders.
Fifth gear: Wow in total!
The first impression is not deceptive in this case either. A Konrad bike is a jewel of e-bike design, fully to the point, usually weighing just under 17 kg and hardly distinguishable from a classic bike due to the sum of high-end components such as the Optibelt belt drive or the Mahle motor. There are currently two Konrad models to choose from. Urban Active is a cool e-bike for sporty design enthusiasts. Urban Comfort, on the other hand, was developed more for a relaxed and environmentally friendly ride to work or the shops. Regardless of the choice, the Konrad Bikes team would be delighted if the quality of the concept could persuade as many people as possible to swap their second car for an
e-bike and make cycling into a healthy, liveable future the best part of their day.
Sixth gear: Let’s go!
More information about Konrad Bikes at www.konradbikes.de
or in our showroom in Höxter.