German brand Storck had some prototypes of their 2013 road clothing on show at this year's Eurobike, and we at BikeRadar have just got our hands on some early samples from the production line.
A full range of men’s and women’s road kit will be on offer next year, including long- and short-sleeved jerseys, bib shorts, jackets, gilets and gloves spread across winter and summer collections. We've spotted some neat post-ride wear too.
All pieces in the lines are designed and manufactured in Italy, under direction from company founder Markus Storck. The philosophy is to use high quality fabrics and ergonomic cuts, for features and fasteners with a "timeless design".
The Storck Gear Bib Man Tight Winter Comp bibs and Long Sleeve Jersey Comp top have just landed at BikeRadar towers, and first impressions suggest that the quality of design and material matches what we expect from the Storck brand.
The black/blue bibs have hand-sewn antibacterial padding and, among other features, a semi-compressive effect. While the legs themselves are fleece-lined for winter wear, the bib straps are meshed, for breathability. The Comps are available in sizes S to XXL and cost £175.
Meanwhile, the jersey is made from Combitech material with an ergonomic cut. You get a strip of reflective material on one of the three back pockets, and one of the edge pouches has a handy zipper intended to keep your smartphone safe. An elastic and silicone waist grip should hold the jersey in place, and there's a full length zip. The top is available in white or black, in sizes S to XXL, and costs £135.
For information on UK prices and availability for the 2013 road clothing range, visit www.storckcyclinggear.co.uk.
Commuter bikes
Storck are best known for their road and mountain bikes, with founder Markus Storck working with cutting-edge aluminium and carbon frames since he founded the company in 1995.
However, in recent years the brand have put an increased emphasis on city, hybrid and electric bikes, with significant success across continental Europe and the UK. We’ve just taken delivery of a flat bar hybrid and an e-bike that's had a significant power boost.
Pedelec power-up
The Multitask SE (Non Equipped) is the cheapest aluminium, flat bar e-bike offered by Storck, and will set you back £2,499. For that you get an award-winning 250W gearless motor housed in the rear hub. This is fed by a battery mounted on the down tube of the 7005 aluminium frame – and this is the first pedelec Storck have produced with a 36v battery, and will be available in spring 2013. The 24v battery is currently available now.
Under UK law the assistance of an electric motor must still top out at 15.5mph (24.9kmh). But our initial impression is that the Multitask still manages to get you up to speed – and away from the lights – in an impressive manner. In fact, with the assist set on high, some of the tight cornering in BikeRadar’s car park was a little on the hairy side!
While the bike doesn't come with mudguards or a rack (hence the 'Non Equipped' of the name) it has mounts for them.
Hybrid price drop
We've also just taken delivery of Storck's Multiroad hybrid bike. This isn't a new bike, so you might be familiar with the aluminium frameset, Suntour fork and Shimano Deore equipment.
What is new, though, is the price tag. Previously retailing at £1,300, the bike is on special offer through the Storck Concept Store, in Gateshead, and is now priced at £999 to hit the government-funded Cycle to Work scheme.
For more details on the Multitask SE and Multiroad, visit www.storck-raddar.co.uk.
