Special Sustainability: How can cycling be even better for the environment?

The two pictures above are practically two sides of the same coin. On the one hand: broken e-bike batteries end up in the shredder, toxic substances have to be treated, valuable raw materials have to be painstakingly collected and recycled. On the other: carefree biking in the great outdoors, the fun of a new MTB, functioning components. But the two are directly related. So we need Sustainabilityso that resource consumption and environmental pollution do not jeopardise the lives of billions of people.

In recent years, more and more players in the bike industry have taken a new direction - as have many consumers. The demand for environmentally friendly, perhaps even ecological, products is also increasing in the bike biz. However, it is not only the production of new parts, lubricants and clothing that is part of a more sustainable economy, but also the recycling of existing ones. Anyone who has an MTB shoe repaired, who takes good care of their bike, where used e-MTBs are resold, is actively extending the life cycle and thus supporting sustainability.

8 examples of sustainability for bikes

In our sustainability special, we want to show you eight of hundreds of ways in which the bike industry can become a little more environmentally friendly, how raw materials can be saved and how cycling can become even better for the environment.

1 - Battery updates also for older e-bike models

The product life cycle of electronic devices in particular has shrunk considerably in recent decades. What was still high-end in 1990 was still pretty good in 1995. What was amazing in the shop in 2020 was practically already on the junk shelf at the end of 2021... This also applies to e-bikes in many cases. All the better if older e-MTBs can also get an update from the manufacturer. One example of this is Giant, which launched the giant battery at the beginning of this year. Energy Pak Smart 800 but which fits many older e-bikes from model year 2019 onwards. The centrepiece of the e-MTB is not only much cheaper than a completely new one at around 1000 euros, but also extends the life cycle of an e-bike.

2 - How to extend the e-bike battery life

However, before a new battery has to be fitted to the e-bike, everyone can do their bit to ensure that the expensive power pack lasts longer on the cranks. This involves such simple things as charging, storage and fault diagnosis. We have summarised 9 answers to the most pressing questions about the e-bike battery. After all, a battery that remains in operation for years is more sustainable than a new one.

3 - Environmentally friendly lubricants: vegetable greases instead of mineral oil

To keep everything running smoothly on the bike, we need to lubricate, grease and oil. If you look after your MTB conscientiously, you know that components work longer, they wear less and biking is more fun. When it comes to sustainability, you score double points if you use environmentally friendly lubricants. They have less impact on the environment and the bike parts get the right care. We tested 14 bicycle chain oils for their function and environmental aspects. This much can be revealed: the chain never needs to see a drop of oil again!

4 - Environmentally friendly bike cleaners in the test

As with chain oils, there are also a number of differences between bike cleaners in terms of cleaning performance - and environmental impact, i.e. their sustainability. Some are labelled "organic" or "environmentally friendly", but is that enough? And how well do they remove oil and dirt? We analysed 13 supposedly environmentally friendly bike cleaners. This also involved the use of recycled material, for example in the bottle or refill options.

5 - Recycled bike clothing with style

Sustainability was an issue for clothing very early on: not only should toxic colours be avoided for the sake of the environment, but the working conditions in the factories and the supply chains also became the focus of consumers years ago. It took a little longer for functional clothing, as we need it for biking. The water-repellent coating in particular is still contaminated with critical substances (keyword: PFAS). The French sporting goods manufacturer Picture, for example, which has long been well-known in winter sports, produces more environmentally friendly outdoor clothing. The new collection for bikers is made from recycled and recyclable materials as well as organic wool. And because the Picture parts actually last quite a long time in our experience, this is a good step towards sustainability.

6 - Disposing of old bike tyres: Schwalbe offers tyre recycling for everyone

Another challenge with bicycles are the wearing parts, if they are really worn out: Chains, sprockets and sprockets - if they are made of steel - can be melted down and recycled quite easily. When it comes to the number one wear part - tyres - most manufacturers are still looking for sustainable ways to recycle the black conglomerates of rubber, carbon black, steel and petroleum. Tyre manufacturer Schwalbe, on the other hand, keeps it simple and diligently collects old coats - regardless of the manufacturer. According to Schwalbe, almost 80 percent of CO2 is saved through tyre recycling and the raw materials are reused.

7 - Used bikes: private, refurbished or better to buy new?

When the point comes when your own bike can no longer be saved, whether due to an accident or signs of age, or you simply need another one, the question arises as to whether it has to be a brand new one! In recent years, so-called refurbished providers have emerged alongside the well-known classified adverts (portals) and flea markets. They offer refurbished bikes and provide a guarantee: "used as new", so to speak. In terms of sustainability, this is a win-win situation for sellers, buyers and the environment. In our research, we shed light on the advantages and disadvantages of buying used bikes. The fact is: an almost new used bike doesn't consume any new raw materials - but it has everything that a new bike would have.

8 - Parcel returns: good for shoppers, bad for the environment

Last but not least, we all like to order more and more online. Even ergonomically adapted items such as bike shoes, cycling clothing or saddles. Where you used to realise in the shop: "Oh, size M is very tight!", today you send it back quickly - and thus at least cause CO2 during transport and unnecessary packaging waste, but often even the goods are simply disposed of again after the return. In a major study, the University of Bamberg investigated the effects of parcel returns. In 2021 alone, there were 530 million returns in Germany with around 1.3 billion items. That has quite an impact on the sustainability of an economy.