The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : Imported cycles are a hit

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Wednesday, Mar 19, 2008
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Imported cycles are a hit

Abhijit Dev Kumar

-Photo: Nagara Gopal

Slick machines: International brands of cycles.

Hyderabad: Cycling will never be the same. With international cycles foraying into the Indian scenario, cycling has got a different touch to it now. One will be shocked to see cycles equipped with disc brakes. “Well, the brakes are designed in accord to the ones in motorcycles and they are quiet effective,” informs Sameer Khan of Firefox cycles. “International cycles have more quality and substance compared to their Indian counterparts and come with a warranty,” he adds.

At present, Firefox and Trek are the only international brands from UK and USA respectively being sold in Hyderabad. Their light frames and sturdy designs help the rider save up energy and cycle comfortably.

“Indian cycles are more design centred. Most kids check out imported ones but then end up buying the Indian brands because of the design. But a professional cyclist will choose a foreign cycle as they are light weight and deliver high performance coupled with comfort”, informs Dilip Shah of Prakash Cycles.

Categorised into All Terrain Bikes (ATB) and Mountain Terrain Bikes (MTB), an international brand like the TREK 4300 D (MTB) costs Rs. 23,400. The bike is equipped with an aluminium frame, 24-speed gears from Shimano, alloy wheels, and the whole cycle weighs a mere eight kilos! Another one from the stables of TREK is Madone. Designed for road biking, Madone brags of a solid frame without any joints, weighs just three kilos and costs- hold your breath- a whopping Rs. 1, 68,000.

On the other hand Firefox has some slick-looking bikes for road biking starting from Rs. 5,000. “These bikes come with a six month warranty and have to be serviced after 20 days of buying them,” says Sameer. “Moreover, tools and other custom made accessories like gel-cushioned saddles, bells, bike carriers are also available,” he adds.

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