Santander Cycles get a design overhaul
Posted on in Business News , Cycles News
Puncture proof tyres, smaller wheels, brighter lights, Bluetooth and GPS are all coming to the new-look TfL bikes.
The newly designed TfL hire bikes will feature a gel saddle, lower frame, puncture-proof tyres, bigger mudguards and upgraded Shimano brakes. The first of the new bikes are already on the streets of the capital, with thousands more being added over the coming years.
The bikes are also fitted with bluetooth and GPS which will allow TfL to "record the performance" of the cycle hire scheme.
The bikes are being built by UK brand Pashley Cycles and will all be fitted with improved, brighter lights developed by London company Blaze.
TfL says the bikes have been redesigned to be "easier to ride and maintain" in an attempt to reduce maintenance costs and ensure more bikes are available at all times.
Changes also include an easier to adjust seat clamp, smaller wheels for faster acceleration and a less cumbersome frame to make the bikes easier to manoeuvre.
Since launching in July 2010, more than 60 million journeys have been made on the TfL cycles. 2016 saw a record 10.3 million hires completed and this year looks set to break that with almost 9million hires already.