31.10.2008
Hase’s popular semi-recumbent tandem can now be dismantled for easy transport.
Its predecessor was already much more than just a bicycle built for two: The Pino, from the specialized bicycle manufacturer Hase Bikes in Waltrop, Germany, has always offered unparalleled variability though its sophisticated design. The new Pino, which Hase presented at the international bicycle trade show EUROBIKE 2008 in Friedrichshafen, Germany, will solve the transport problems of many biking duos: The new aluminum frame can be dismantled. In a mere 10 minutes, this innovative frame can be split into two parts that fit into practically any compact car with folding rear seats. Reassembled, the tandem guarantees the same unprecedented Pino fun for tandemists of all ages.
There’s no question: The tandem is in. More and more cycling fans are getting hooked on the unique fun and team spirit associated with tandem riding. Tandemists come from every age group and walk of life, and the Pino offers more flexibility than any other tandem: Be it old or young, speedy or laid-back, around the world or around the block, the Pino’s growing fan club has always been as diverse as the options offered by this unusual cycle. And now there are more options than ever before because the completely redesigned aluminum frame can be dismantled, making it possible to pack the tandem in the smallest compact car – or even in a special bike case for plane trips.
This new level of transportability represents a world of new perspectives for tandemists. Tandem travelers can now take their wheels to any destination with an airport or toss their tandem in the car and explore neighboring regions which have always been a bit too far for a day trip. There’s even enough room left in the car for your holiday luggage, so you can now pack the velomobile in the automobile and head for the nearest coastline.
The new Pino is available in three versions. The Pino Allround comes with standard equipment for daily and weekend use, the Pino Tour has a luggage rack and additional lowrider rack beneath the mesh seat, and the FAST guarantees even more riding enjoyment with its super-light, high-tech components: For anyone whose idea of ultimate fun is powering down smooth asphalt roads at top speed with two wheels and four legs. As a traditional “manufactory”, Hase also offers custom-made cycles: Tandemists who prefer having their cycle built to specification can choose from a wide range of components, from gear systems to luggage racks.
Ready for transport in 10 minutes flat
“Making it possible to dismantle the frame was, for me, the most important argument for designing the new Pino,” said Hase Bikes head and founder Marec Hase. “But, in the process, I also wanted to continue improving many smaller details for the new tandem.” For this development work, Hase listened to the feedback that has come from countless Pino enthusiasts who – be it on world tour or weekend trip – have gained extensive experience with the Pino in practice. The result is a tandem that borders on perfection for trips of any length without having lost any of its tremendous flexibility. When dismantling the Pino for transport in a car trunk, you simply remove the two wheels, open the patented frame joint, and take off the brake levers, chains, and handlebars – almost everything with quick-release mechanisms. In spite of the two-part frame, the new aluminum Pino is even stiffer than the steel model – which means even better handling stability with the fully loaded Tour and even faster fun with the high-speed FAST.