The nominees for the Bicycle of the Year 2022 have been announced. During the test days in Zandvoort, a total of 35 bicycles were subjected to a critical test by the professional jury. A total of 9 bicycles have been nominated this year, divided into 3 categories. The winners of the Bicycle Awards 2022 will be announced on March 10 during a special online event.
Nominations E-bike of the Year 2022 'Sporty'
- Specialized Turbo Vado 4.0
- Stella Tierra Pro MDB FI
- Kalkhoff Entice 5.B Advance+
Nominations E-bike of the Year 2022 'Urban'
- QiO Eins P-5
- Sparta d-RULE Energy
- Specialized Como 5.0 IGH
Nominations Gravel Bike of the Year 2022
- Giant Revolt Advanced Pro 0
- Specialized Diverge Expert Carbon
- Trek Checkpoint SL6 eTap
After 35 editions, the Bicycle Awards can now be called a household name in the bicycle industry. The Awards stand for safety and quality, as well as for comfort and innovation. Properties that are increasingly determining in consumer choice. Just like last year, the Awards will be presented this year on March 10th during an online event where the annual sales figures will also be announced.
New categories
The E-bike has become the standard for the bicycle industry in 2022 and is occupying an increasingly prominent position in new sales. The introduction of new innovations and broadening of the range therefore often take place in this category. Of the 35 entries this year, 26 were E-bikes. The structure of the Bicycle Awards elections has therefore been adjusted in the E-bike category and subdivided into subcategories 'E-bike Sporty' and 'E-bike Urban'. The 'Bicycle of the Year' category, which consists of bicycles without pedal assistance, will expire this year due to the small number of registrations in this category.
Also new this year is the Gravel Bike of the Year category. In recent years, this type of bicycle has gained a lot of popularity and forms the ideal mix between a road bike and MTB. Due to the current market conditions, the number of introductions of new racing bicycles, MTBs and Speed E-bikes was much lower last year, as a result of which these award categories have also been canceled this year.
Judgement
The bicycles have been assessed by an independent jury of experts. The jury consists of experts and experiential experts, including the editors Fiets, Fiets Actief, ANWB Media, Tweewieler, NieuwsFiets.nu, Bike Europe and BOVAG. The jury for the gravel category consists of experts and bicycle journalists. The assessment mainly focuses on the bicycle's intended use and to what extent the bicycle meets the needs of the specific user group. Important assessment criteria are: construction and finish, design and styling, originality and innovation, safety, driving behaviour/comfort, materials used, price/quality ratio. And last but not least, the 'x-factor' of the bicycle also plays an important role in the assessment of the bicycle. Royal RAI Association.
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