What will change in terms of content in BIKE in the future, what does the new magazine concept look like?
In short: in the new BIKE, we are trying to combine the best of the three worlds under one title, i.e. EMTB, FREERIDE and (the old) BIKE. Each title had its own character, its strengths - and certainly also its shortcomings. Take EMTB, for example: this was our most test- and technology-orientated title. This is simply due to the fact that most innovations are created in the e-MTB sector - motors, batteries and a flood of new models in a wide variety of categories. With only six issues, other subject areas were somewhat neglected. FREERIDE is a completely different story: not so much is happening here in terms of development. That's why FREERIDE has developed more and more in the direction of entertainment and infotainment over the last few years - with great features, reports from the scene and entertaining sections.
In the new BIKE, we will therefore combine the strengths of the three magazines. However, this can only be realised if the size of the magazine is increased. That's why BIKE will be published in a large magazine format with a minimum size of 164 pages from 1 October. In the end, hopefully all readers will have the feeling that they are not having to do without something, but are getting something in return.
What should I do if I want to read BIKE instead of EMTB or FREERIDE?
For EMTB and FREERIDE subscribers, this means that existing subscriptions will be automatically converted at the beginning of October with the publication of the first new BIKE (BIKE 11/24). FREERIDE and EMTB subscribers will receive the first two issues free of charge. After that, the regular BIKE subscription begins. Of course, every subscriber can make use of their special right of cancellation at any time. So if you don't want to read the new BIKE, you don't have to. Our tip: just try it out for free and then decide. Further information can be found here: >> BIKE, EMTB; FREERIDE - Answers to the most important questions <<
Why does it make sense to integrate the EMTB and FREERIDE magazines into BIKE today?
To explain this, you have to take a step back to the founding of FREERIDE and EMTB magazines. FREERIDE was a reaction to the gravity trend in 2006. There was a growing target group, especially of young bikers, who had focussed heavily on downhill and mountain biking in bike parks. However, this was a type of mountain biking that 85 per cent of the BIKE readership could not identify with at all. So we provided this target group with special topics in FREERIDE four times a year. It was similar with the e-mountainbike trend. There was a firewall across the scene - many mountain bikers had a real aversion to electric mountain bikes in the first few years. If we had integrated the topic into BIKE, many subscribers would have been on our backs. That's why it was a sensible step to found EMTB in 2016. This allowed us to properly reflect the rapid development in this area.
In recent years, however, we have always kept an eye on whether the overlaps in subject interests and acceptance between the target groups are increasing. And the results of our reader surveys have now encouraged us to make this merger. Example: Over half of BIKE readers are now also interested in e-mountain bikes. On the other hand, 80 per cent of EMTB readers also belong to the wider BIKE readership. The situation is similar with FREERIDE: most readers there ride enduro mountain bikes - an MTB category that is also becoming increasingly important in the BIKE readership.
But we don't just rely on our own surveys when making this decision. Gut feeling also plays a role. And all you have to do is head out into the mountains, onto the trails - or even better: to one of our BIKE festivals. There you can experience at first hand how the target groups mix, share the trails and also the interests.
Who is part of the new BIKE team?
We are bundling all our competences: The FREERIDE and EMTB teams are moving completely under the BIKE umbrella. With this team, we are not only well positioned in the test & technology sector, but the entertainment expertise of our FREERIDE colleagues will also come to the fore in the new BIKE. But the team will not only guarantee the quality of each issue, our web, social media and YouTube presence will also benefit.
What can EMTB and FREERIDE readers expect from BIKE?
Of course, a single issue of the new BIKE can't do what a single issue of EMTB or FREERIDE offered its readers. For that you have to evaluate the overall product over the year. But all individual BIKE issues will contain exciting topics for all target groups. For example, we have taken over many entertaining sections from FREERIDE. But there will also be an exciting duel between two affordable freeride bikes in the next issue of BIKE. And of course, the most important developments and products from the E-MTB sector will also have priority in the new BIKE.
Were there already many overlapping topics among the EMTB, FREERIDE and BIKE readers?
Yes, and there are more and more of them. Examples include accessory tests as an intersection between all three titles. The travel stories are usually equally interesting for EMTB and BIKE readers, and some are also of interest to FREERIDE readers. There are also more and more categories in complete bike tests that are of interest to several camps. For example, light or minimal-assist bikes, i.e. e-mountainbikes with compact, weaker motors and small batteries.
What are the benefits of being a subscriber? What does a BIKE subscription cost?
As a BIKE subscriber, for example, you have unrestricted access to the BIKE website, including content that is hidden behind our paywall. An additional advantage: subscribers have access to the entire digital magazine archives of all three titles via the Delius Klasing Kiosk app. This means: all BIKE, FREERIDE and EMTB issues up to 2018!
Another piece of good news at the end: despite the significantly larger size and larger magazine format, the subscription is not expensive. Twelve issues of Print + Digital cost 89.90 (D), 94.90 (AT), 114.90 (CH) or 119.90 euros (other countries).
