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AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands — March 20, 2006 — The Dahon Ciao folding
bicycle was declared the winner of the annual, Dutch "Bike of
the Year" competition at the Fiets RAI show in Amsterdam, announced
Dahon, the world's largest manufacturer of portable bicycles. The
"Bike of the Year" award is the most prestigious cycling
award in the Netherlands, a country that boasts the highest per capita
ownership of bicycles. This marks the first time that a folding bicycle
has won the Dutch "Bike of the Year" award.
"It's a fantastic honor to win this award from a country that we and many others consider to be the bike capital of the world," stated Dr David Hon, Dahon President and CEO. "It speaks volumes about how important folding bicycles have become as a solution for urban mobility. We're proud to be recognized for our contribution to green mobility."
"The combination of excellent riding performance, fast folding, the extra low step-through design and the complete selection of parts and accessories for everyday usage make the Dahon Ciao the appropriate bike to meet the requirements of one of the most important target groups - the everyday commuter who combines the bike with public transport or car use," stated Arnould Hackmans, jury member and Chief Editor of Tweewieler (The Netherlands leading bicycle trade magazine). "And especially the more mature consumer groups (50+ consumers) will appreciate this design which also works perfect for leisure time usage in combination with a cycle touring, boating or caravanning lifestyle."
The jury unanimously voted for the Ciao citing superior ride quality, design and execution as the factors leading to its win. Other finalists included entries from Cannondale, Trek, Batavus, Sachs, and Sparta.
The Ciao's innovative frame design includes several patented features that allow folding in under 10 seconds, making the Ciao a convenient, compact city folder that is easy to carry onto trains and buses. The Ciao comes fully equipped for city riding and includes lights powered by a hub dynamo, a suspension seat post, rear rack, and front and rear fenders.
2005 figures from RAI/BOVAG show that, although small in absolute numbers, the folding bike market accounts for three to four percent of the overall Dutch market and is experiencing strong growth. Bike Europe research shows that the Dutch spent an average of €680 on bicycles during this period.
The Dahon Ciao is available now. MSRP: € 649 - 775 (in the Netherlands)
Jury members:
Ferry Smith, Chairman, ANWB,
Menno Grootjans, Technical Editor, 'Fiets '
Arnauld Hackmann, Chief Editor 'Tweewieler '
Hans Ostense, TNO Wegtransport
Martijn Kuiper, Fietsersbond
Lida Tol, Nederlandse Toerfiets Unie (NTFU)