Zeitgeist #Pioneers
Every time has its own Geist, dynamic, trends, and opportunities. In this issue we are tracking down the Zeitgeist. But painting a portrait really was no easy undertaking: we report on fear, euphoria, upheaval. And a spirit of optimism.
Those who have already have the app installed can simply load the new issue directly. Everyone else needs to download our free app for iPad/iPhone or Androidtablets or can use our Online-Viewer to get started right away!
No time has offered as many chances and opportunities as ours. Countless manufacturers, magazines, and sellers vie for your attention and try to keep pace with the Zeitgeist. With some of them them it feels desperate, with others authentic. Some won’t accept the new situation and continue to do what they’ve done for years; in doing so, they deny reality and even their own future.
That affects the apparent conflict between online- and bricks-and-mortar retailers. However, a harmonious co-existence isn’t unthinkable. Our certification program, “Top100 — Germany’s Best Bike Shops” aims to get back to traditional values and will help consumers, retailers, and bike brands alike
Technical progress must be accompanied by mental progress; you can read about that in our essay “Radio Killed the Video Star”. But it isn’t just here that different worlds come together — for our meeting of the ages, grandfather, father, and sons have scaled the peaks around Garmisch-Partenkirchen for generations on their iron horses and high-tech transport. Every one of them has or had their own motivations in doing so.
Stay true to yourself whilst constantly allowing reinvention — this is our motto. That’s why enduro means trail fun regardless of categorisation, suspension travel ranges, and separation of disciplines. Fun on the dirt isn’t defined by the type of bike you ride — we proved that to ourselves undertaking a comprehensive test of the six most exciting full-suss XC race bikes.
Working together with the Polish brand Zumbi, we had fun riding and developing (as they build custom bikes with your own geometry wishes). We accompanied the whole evolution process of one bike based on our spec and preferences.
A trip to the South Tyrol was a bit more relaxing: the finest trails accompanied by the finest dining. What could be better? A holiday, just like it should be — fun, action, and breathtaking ambiance.
The Bocholt-based direct sales brand Rose also proves to value individualism. With a concept store and progressive-yet-conservative product strategy, it has developed from bike shop to strong international brand over a 100-year history — always with the Zeitgeist and staying hot on the heels of customer demands. We visited the Rose press camp in Kirchberg, Tyrol, and tested the new Uncle Jimbo on established enduro race tracks.
Speaking of races: our UK Editor Trevor Worsey set off for the Enduro World Series event in La Thuile in order to spend a weekend in the shoes of a real professional racer, none other than world champion Jerome Clementz — full works support, trainer, mechanic, and Jerome’s actual race bike.
But sometimes you just need some peace and quiet away from the whole hustle and bustle. So we set off for a multi-day adventure trip in the Scottish Highlands — no phone reception, electricity, or civilisation ensured that the experience was one of pure freedom.
As varied as this issue is, so fleeting is the Zeitgeist. You can see that everything is possible — you just have to want it. Be open to new developments, try them out, set off on adventures. In times when information is on-tap everywhere, when GoPro and social media allow everyone to experience your adventures, it’s even more important to make your own discoveries and inform your own opinions. See this issue as an inspiration! What you actually make of it is up to you: you have the choice, and that is a damned fine thing.
EGS Rockatreellity Race – Round 3 – Parnassos