We’re excited that the new Riese and Müller Culture is now available to purchase. This bike fills a much-needed part of their exceptional range, adding an ebike more akin to a classic bike with a minimalist design, the latest lightweight Bosch motor, the SX and some impressive innovations in production to make this a more sustainable ebike. More about the sustainability of the Culture to follow, but first, let’s cover the main details of the bike!
- Lightweight, uncluttered and minimalist, it is available in standard or mixte frame for easy hopping on and off with a lowered top tube.
- New Bosch Performance Line SX Motor, the lightest Bosch motor to date with 55 Nm of torque!
- Bosch CompactTube 400 Battery hidden in the downtube
- Pricing starts at a very appealing £3,789 for the touring specification (chain and derailleur) and £4,259 for the Vario with Enviolo hub gear and belt drive.
We have a full video review of the bike coming soon!
Sustainable Frame Design
Riese and Müller have created the Culture, an innovative E-Bike designed from the outset with Circular Design principles. This bike is a testament to their commitment to sustainability. The Culture’s frame, crafted from recycled aluminium, stands as a clear declaration of Riese and Müller’s dedication to creating the most sustainable E-Bike possible today. Explore the Culture E-Bike.
Collaborative Efforts in Material Sourcing
In collaboration with Triangle’s, the frame manufacturer from Portugal, and Hydro, the Norwegian aluminium supplier, Riese and Müller have achieved a significant milestone. Approximately 46% of the Culture’s frame is made from recycled materials, a ratio determined by comparing components to frame weight. This achievement is accomplished without compromising the high material quality that Riese and Müller are renowned for.
Challenges and Innovations in Frame Production
Achieving a frame made entirely of recycled aluminium isn’t currently feasible for two primary reasons. Firstly, to ensure the alloys meet the required material properties, a certain proportion of primary aluminium is essential. Secondly, the current supply of recycled aluminium is limited to products created through the extrusion process.
Environmental Impact and Energy Savings
This approach is pioneering in the bike industry. Riese and Müller are not just building bikes; they are working hard to reshape environmental and human rights practices along the supply chain. Additionally, they are achieving significant energy savings – producing recycled aluminium requires only 5% of the energy needed for primary aluminium.
Eco-Friendly Finishing Process
For the finishing touches, powder-coating was chosen for the Culture’s frame. This method is more resource-efficient than traditional painting, allowing for the reuse of 95% of the excess paint powder and water.
Selecting Sustainable Components
In terms of components, Riese and Müller maintain uncompromising standards. They partner with suppliers who not only meet their high benchmarks for quality and sustainability but also predominantly manufacture in Europe. This strategy significantly reduces CO2 emissions related to transportation, further solidifying the Culture’s position as the epitome of sustainable E-Bike design by Riese and Müller.
We visited Riese and MÜller and saw it for ourselves
Last summer we hopped on various trains across Europe to go and visit Riese and Müller for ourselves as part of a trip to Eurobike. Just south of Frankfurt in a town called Mühltal, Germany, the factory is a really impressive place and a tour of the site really did evidence their claims and ambitions to be the most sustainable company in the bike industry by 2025.
They are driven by reducing their CO2 emissions, reducing waste and working with supply chains to continue this.
- They generate their own power for factory production with solar panels
- The do not use air conditioning in the factory or office buildings. We experienced this first hand on one of the hottest days of the year in Germany!
- We observed items traditionally shipped in disposable plastic were shipped in reusable containers.
- Their factory has a green roof with mosses and plants .
We also had some very tasty vegan hot dogs, local beverages. 👉
Riese and Müller are also introducing that bikes are now shipped to us as a dealership in reusable containers (instead of cardboard).
You can read more about their commitment to sustainability and responsibility here.
WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE RIESE AND MÜLLER Culture?
- We’re here to answer any questions, call us on 01453 834300 or email [email protected]
- Our Culture test bike is due very soon, call us to book your test ride.
- Our Special offer: Order a new Riese and Müller and get £600 worth of essential extras, including a Bosch Connect Module (GPS tracker and alarm), a gold-rated ABUS folding lock, and 60 days of free insurance with LAKA.