Newton-Rider team /Blog posts

Greetings, fellow seekers of the road less traveled! Today, we embark on a journey of wit, wisdom, and a dash of irony as we unravel the peculiar fascination that our American cousins seem to have with their big, heavy, and old-fashioned SUVs. 

As European cyclists, we may raise an eyebrow at this automotive obsession, but fear not, for we shall explore the heart of this matter with open minds and hearts, while pedalling our way towards sustainable transportation glory!

The Great American SUV: A Love Affair with 'Cool' and 'Big'

Ah, the American SUV, a true icon of the open roads and vast landscapes. To be fair, there's no denying the sheer might and presence these behemoths exude as they rumble down the highways. It's almost as if they are declaring, "I'm king of the road, and no one can stop me!" 

But, let's admit it, dear readers, there's a touch of irony in their pursuit of "coolness."

The undeniable allure of American SUVs lies in their sheer size and the feeling of safety they offer. They become a cocoon of comfort amidst the hustle and bustle of city life. From transporting groceries to family trips, these four-wheeled giants have got it all covered, which probably makes them hard to resist.

The Cargo-Bike Revolution: Europeans' Ecological Elegance

Now, let us shift gears and hop over here to the charming continent of Europe. Here, we embrace a different approach to mobility—a blend of elegance, practicality, and environmental awareness. Enter the cargo-bike, a two or three-wheeled marvel designed to carry not only goods but also the weight of a conscious conscience.

Imagine gliding through quaint cobbled streets, carrying your groceries, or even your adorable little ones, all while reducing your carbon footprint. It's a sight to behold, and a sensation that goes beyond the superficial realm of "coolness." 

Europeans have tapped into the secret of true wisdom: choosing to make a positive impact, one pedal stroke at a time.

The Irony Unraveled: When 'Cool' Clashes with Climate

Here's the twist in the tale, friends! While Americans may think their SUVs are the epitome of coolness, we must ponder upon the inconvenient truth that their love affair with these gas-guzzlers or battery-heavy, significantly impacts the climate. The sheer emissions, resource consumption, and environmental footprint leave a trail that's hard to ignore.

On the other hand, Europeans have embraced the cargo-bike revolution, embodying both style and eco-consciousness. The irony lies in how an SUV, a symbol of perceived greatness, may inadvertently contribute to a not-so-great future for the planet, while a cargo-bike, a humble yet elegant ride, symbolises a brighter, greener path ahead.

Breaking the Myth: Why Size Doesn't Always Matter

Let's delve deeper into the psyche behind the SUV syndrome. There's a certain allure to basking in the glory of "bigger is better," and for some, it becomes an extension of their identity. But dear readers, allow me to share a nugget of wisdom with a pinch of humour: size doesn't always matter!

The true essence of "coolness" lies in making conscious choices that empower both us and the “hot” planet we reside on. Europeans have long understood that smaller, lighter, and greener can be the new definition of cool. By choosing a cargo-bike, we embrace a lifestyle that is not only sustainable but also healthy, efficient, and enjoyable.

Breaking Stereotypes: Unveiling the Real "Smartness"

Now, let's talk about "smartness." Europeans don't ride cargo-bikes just to show off their eco-savvy credentials; they do so because it's genuinely intelligent. Imagine zipping through traffic with ease, bypassing congested streets, and effortlessly parking in the tightest of spots—now that's what I call "smart!"

While American SUVs may come equipped with the latest technology, let's pause and reconsider what "smart" really means. Is it about fancy gadgets or rather the wisdom to make choices that benefit not just ourselves but the collective future of humanity? Food for thought, indeed!

United by Wheels: A Call to Action

Dear American friends, this isn't a battle of wheels; it's a call to unite our approaches to transportation. While we appreciate the allure of your SUVs, we also invite you to consider a more sustainable and enlightened path. Just imagine, pedal power could be your superpower!

Fellow Europeans, let us continue to lead the way, not with arrogance but with open hearts and a willingness to share the joy of cargo-biking. Encourage your friends and family to join the revolution, one cargo-bike at a time, for the collective good of our beloved planet.

In Conclusion: Choose Your Path Wisely

In this journey of words, we've laughed at irony, explored the essence of coolness, and discovered the true meaning of smartness. Whether you choose the American SUV or the European cargo-bike, remember that it's not just about wheels; it's about the legacy we leave behind for generations to come.

So, dear readers, let's come together, embrace the diversity of our choices, and pave a new path—one that blends the American spirit of adventure with the European wisdom of sustainability. Let's pedal towards a future where coolness and smartness find common ground, and our wheels become emissaries of positive change.

Hop on your trusty cargo-bike or rev up that SUV with newfound consciousness, and let's embark on a journey towards a brighter, greener, and united world!

Remember, it's not just about the destination; it's about the road we take to get there. Choose wisely, ride joyfully, and let's shape a future where wheels roll in harmony with the heartbeat of the planet.

Safe travels, fellow adventurers! May the wind be at your back and the sun upon your face as you pedal—or drive—towards a better tomorrow.

Pedal On, Drive Mindful, and Embrace the Ride! 🚴‍♂️🚗

A proud cyclist in Europe

(Note: My views and comparisons presented in this blog post are for illustrative purposes, aiming to entertain but surely also to inspire. I encourages respectful discussion and appreciates the diversity of transportation choices worldwide as long as it makes sense ;)

 Listen to this blog post as a podcast

Once upon a time, a transformation was taking place in the bustling streets of a city. People were ecstatic and anticipatory as they observed the beginning of a new era in urban mobility. The city had adopted the cyclist's point of view, opening the stage for a future in which bicycles would reign supreme.

Cars used to govern the roads, wasting valuable space and suffocating the city's vibrancy. Instead, large bike lanes lined the streets, enabling people to ride their way across the cityscape. The city had become a refuge for those looking for a healthier, more sustainable mode of transportation.

The steady sound of bicycle tyres filled the streets as the sun rose each day. Commuters, who had previously been locked in their metal boxes, could now feel the wind in their hair and the freedom beneath their feet. They sped through traffic, navigating the city's diverse boroughs as if they were part of a choreographed dance.

The advantages of this paradigm change were numerous. The air, which had before been contaminated by exhaust fumes, now felt crisp and pleasant. The beautiful tinkling of bicycle bells and the laughter of children pedalling alongside their parents replaced the noises of honking horns and screeching brakes. The metropolis has turned into a human-powered movement symphony.

Individuals recovered their health and well-being with each pedal stroke. Sedentism, which had afflicted so many people, was now a thing of the past. Obesity rates have dropped, and the city's citizens were full of energy. Cycling had become a daily routine, a pleasurable method of connecting with nature and with one another.

The city's landscape also witnessed a transformation. Previously congested roadways have been turned into beautiful boulevards decorated with flowers and greenery. Parks and public spaces grew in popularity, replacing the concrete jungles that had previously dominated the metropolis. Families picnicked, friends met for coffee at charming pavement cafés, and the city transformed into a tapestry of human connection.

The cyclist's perspective not only brought new vitality to the city, but it also paved the door for innovation. Bike-sharing programmes prospered, making bicycles available to those who did not own them. Cycling applications directed riders across the city, providing real-time route and traffic updates. Entrepreneurs established businesses that catered to the requirements of bikers, from stylish bike stores to creative accessories that enhanced the cycling experience.

This dramatic transition was not without its difficulties. Sceptics and sceptics emerged, seeking for the comfort and familiarity of their car-centric existence. But the city's citizens remained steadfast in their belief that a future centred on cyclists was worth fighting for. They recognised that embracing cycling meant reclaiming their streets, building community, and ensuring a sustainable future for future generations.

As a result, the city continued to evolve, creating a precedent for others to follow. People came from all over to experience the cyclist's paradise, their hearts full with hope for a future when cities were not synonymous with traffic and pollution.

In this story, the city's streets were more than just thoroughfares; they were a blank canvas on which a vision for the future was created. The cyclist's point of view reinvigorated the urban environment, bringing joy, health, and sustainability to every corner. It was a narrative of transformation, of dreams coming true, and of the power of embracing change for the greater good.

As word spread about the city's bike revolution, cities all over the world were motivated to follow suit. They, too, desired the freedom, connection, and vigour that riding provided. And in their pursuit for a brighter future, they discovered the answers by peddling forward, one revolution at a time.

Here is why regular bicycle helmets, to some, make them feel look “dorky.”

The polystyrene EPS (expanded polystyrene) helmet was invented in the 70s and today more or less is still the same; a bulky, rock-hard, and rigid device that can protect your head in bike crashes.

However, today, convincing cyclists to ride with helmets is no small feat as we have become much more aware of how we look and appear to our friends and social circle.

To become looking like a dork from riding with a big and clunky polystyrene helmet is, to many, not an actable tradeoff for the sensible thing it simply is riding with a helmet.

So why is it polystyrene helmets always will make you look like you are wearing a too-big helmet.

First of all, polystyrene needs a certain thickness of approx 30 mm to be able to protect your head in the event of a crash.

Secondly, by nature, the EPS materials used in bicycle helmets are rock-hard and stiff. There is no flexibility or comfort in a naked bike helmet. This becomes a problem when various human skulls have to fit in. No two head shapes are the same, even if we look at only heads of the same size/circumference. This is simply the beauty of us humans; we are all unique and special.

The only way to solve this when different head shapes fit into a stiff helmet is to make the helmet larger and do all. 

Third, because of the hard and stiff polystyrene, there needs to be some soft padding added here and there inside the helmet to ensure a minimum of comfort and to make up for the different head shapes that now have to fit in the rigid polystyrene shape.

All this is why a head of, say approx 57 cm circumference ends up with an outside circumference of some 77 cm when wearing an EPS helmet!

This is one of the reasons why Newton-Rider has reinvented the bicycle helmet as we know it. 

We have developed the N1 helmet using new materials with the same protective abilities as EPS but ~40% thinner. The N1 is also semi-soft and adapts automatically to different head shapes and thus does not need extra padding.

The N1 helmet design creates a much sleeker profile on one's head with an outside circumference of only about 68 cm.

The above animation illustrates the considerable difference between the two concepts. The red presents an EPS helmet, and the green represents the N1 helmet and how it adapts to different head shapes because of its semi-soft pads and the flexible soft liner.

Last but not least, the N1 can fold to fit into a bag to further adapt to the lifestyle of modern urban commuters.

/the Newton-Rider team