Deuter: Leap in time - Deuter BIKE 1 backpack from 1991 & Deuter Trans Alpine (2024) in comparison

1991: The Deuter BIKE 1

• Year of publication: 1991
• Development time: 1 year
• Weight: 600 grammes
• Material: Polyester
• Price: 109 DM
• Volume: 25 litres

As is so often the case, things are born out of necessity. Andi Heckmair, Transalp pioneer and son of a mountaineering legend, was the first mountain biker to cross the Alps in 1990. Back then, Heckmair had to make do with an ordinary hiking bike as a means of transport for his adventure. After the Transalp, he realised one thing more: a special rucksack for bikers was needed. The idea was born shortly afterwards over a wheat beer in a pub. Together with Bernd Kullmann, then product developer at Deuter, Heckmair sketched out the "Bike 1". Important to him were: a quickly accessible pocket for the water bottle, a helmet holder, a tool bag and a comfortable, well-ventilated carrying system. The sewing machines were fired up at the company headquarters in Augsburg. From today's perspective, the BIKE 1 looks as old-school as a Dolomiti ice cream from Langnese - by the standards of the time, the design was boldly futuristic. The rucksack went on sale a year later and was sold out in no time.

Details of the Deuter BIKE 1

• Design innovation: Round cuts were an exception at the time.
• Padded shoulder straps for high carrying comfort, even with heavy loads.
• The helmet could be attached to this strap.
• Side pockets for water bottle or spare inner tube. New: The elasticated rubber ensures that the contents do not get lost.
• Centrepiece: The special carrying system should ensure sufficient air circulation on the back
• The tool bag was deliberately designed to be quite large - mini-tools were a thing of the future

2024: Deuter Trans Alpine

• Year of publication: 2024
• Development time: 3 years
• Weight: 1080 grammes
• Material: recycled polyester
• Price: from 140 Euro >> available here
• Volume: 22, 24, 28, 30, 32 l

Admittedly: The original model and the latest generation don't have all that much in common. The Bike 1 has been continuously developed over the years. The Trans Alpine was born in 2000. Inventor Andi Heckmair also had a hand in this. The name still says it all: the Trans Alpine 2024 is designed to meet the needs of bikers on multi-day tours. The Deuter engineers have put a lot of brainpower into the project: ergonomically padded shoulder straps, ventilated hip fins, numerous adjustment options, a hydration bladder compartment, an inner compartment for wet laundry, flexible aluminium rails, a signal whistle, a removable seat mat, the optimised tool compartment, rain cover or the bottom compartment for a sleeping bag. Due to its environmentally friendly production, the rucksack has been certified as a Blue Design product and awarded the Green Dot.

Details of the Deuter Trans Alpine (2024)

• The tried and tested Airstripes back system is the further development of the previous system.
• The upper compartment has plenty of space for a pump, tube, bar or headlamp
• Glasses holder
• While the helmet dangled loosely on Bike 1, it is now securely fastened in a mesh pocket
• There is space for your smartphone in a cleverly positioned side pocket
• There are zipped mesh pockets in the hip fins for keys or a mini-tool.
• As with the original model, a water bottle can be stowed on the side. An additional strap ensures an extra secure fit
• A rain cape is stored in the floor

Want more MTB history? Leap in time - MTB technology and accessories then & now

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>> Shimano leap in time: rear derailleurs yesterday and today <<

>> Time leap Scott Ransom: Enduro mountain bikes yesterday and today <<

>> These are the early milestones of our sport. <<