The new Lightrider R3 Worldcup

Posted on 29. February 2024, Updated on 29. February 2024 by Cornelia Noti

Thömus first launched a full-suspension carbon mountain bike 20 years ago with the Lightrider CT. Today we are setting new standards with the Lightrider R3 Worldcup.

The new Lightrider R3 World Cup was launched immediately after Mathias Flückiger’s silver medal at the Olympic Games in Tokyo. Ralph Näf, the team manager of Thömus maxon Swiss Mountain Bike Racing – currently the most successful team in the World Cup – asked the decisive and groundbreaking questions: How will competitive cross-country biking change in the coming years? What requirements will a bike have to meet in three years’ time, at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris? As a former world-class athlete, Näf was the brains and the driving force behind the new Lightrider World Cup. With his vast know-how as a rider and team manager, he and Mathias Flückiger contributed a great deal to the project.

Thömus CEO Thomas Binggeli comments: “The story of our first cross-country bike continues – and how. Twenty years after the launch of the first Lightrider, the new Lightrider R3 Worldcup is ready for the toughest XCO trails in the world. “Swiss Made” is not only written on it, it’s also inside. Because the proximity and close cooperation with the Thömus maxon team and other partners from Switzerland make the bike unbeatable in many respects.”

XC, Marathon, Light Trail

120/120mm or 130/120mm

1876g Frame incl. Damper

@maxsulliphoto - Bike Stills -148

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@maxsulliphoto - TMR Training Camp-210

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No compromises. When developing the new wonder weapon for the race track, the requirements were clear: to build the fastest bike in order to win the biggest and most important races. The answer: a high-performance mountain bike with state-of-the-art technology.

Simply the best:
Developed hand in hand with the number 1 World Cup team

Extra low center of gravity for improved handling characteristics.

The race DNA of the Thömus maxon team characterizes the Lightrider R3 World Cup. With a sophisticated XC chassis with 120 millimeters of suspension travel, it masters the most demanding race tracks and challenging trails. The bike’s adaptive geometry enables racers and trail bikers to achieve their best possible riding performance.

Developed in close cooperation with the Thömus maxon Swiss Mountain Bike Racing Team, the Lightrider R3 Worldcup sets new standards in the cross-country sector. With a frame made of 60T Ultra High Modulus carbon fibers, it offers an optimal stiffness-to-weight ratio and presents itself as the lightest XC frame in the history of Thömus.

The development journey of the Lightrider R3 World Cup began with the impetus following Mathias Flückiger’s silver medal in Tokyo. Ralph Näf, as an experienced team manager, drove the project forward in order to meet the changing requirements in the cross-country sector. But Flückiger himself has also made a big contribution: “The Lightrider R3 World Cup sets new standards in our sport. It will give me and the whole team a remarkable advantage in the new season. It means a lot to me that I was able to make an important contribution to its development with my expertise, knowledge and experience.”

The aerodynamically shaped down tube prevents dirt and mud from sticking to it

Individually adjustable headset angle +/- 0.6° for even more flexibility

“We strive for perfection as a team, with our athletes and our partners. Our goal was to develop an XC bike that can do everything. Whether uphill, downhill or technical passages, every second counts. It makes us proud that we will be at the start with the Lightrider R3 World Cup, the most versatile bike ever in terms of performance and speed.”
Ralph näf, team manager thömus maxon swiss mountain bike racing

Deflection lever and bearing made in Switzerland

The frame offers more clearance for tires – even in conditions with lots of mud and dirt.

The Lightrider R3 Worldcup is ready to break records. Are you too?
Configure yours now!

Lightrider R3 Worldcup
Team Edition

Lightrider R3 Worldcup
Night

Lightrider R3 Worldcup
Weiss

GEOMETRY WITHOUT COMPROMISE

Cross-country races have never been as demanding as they are today. That’s why we make no compromises with the Lightrider R3 Worldcup: Maximum control and maximum riding pleasure on the increasingly technical XC race tracks are our benchmark. The geometry of this high-performance bike, developed based on feedback and tests, is correspondingly uncompromising.

Download images and press release

Contact for more information
Thömus AG – Cornelia Noti | [email protected] | +41 31 84 82 214

About Thömus

For over 30 years, Thömus has been an independent producer of technically high-quality bikes – and thus trumps even in the midst of the bicycle boom with fast delivery times. “Swiss made to fascinate” is the motto of the company with 120 employees.Thömus produces in its own factory in Thörishaus near Bern with creativity, innovation and passion. Whether mountain bike, road bike or city bike – the high-quality Thömus bikes are available with electric assistance and without motor. Because everyone’s anatomy is different, as are their needs, there is no “one bike” at Thömus. Each bike is built individually according to the customer’s wishes. Thömus cares about the community and its feedback. Velo fans of all ages and strengths meet at many events for joint activities and exchange. The experience gained from customers and athletes flows directly back into the further development of the models.

FACTORY SALE 2023

Posted on 21. August 2023, Updated on 4. September 2023 by Cornelia Noti

VELO FEVER IN OBERRIED

with novelties, bargains and much more.

Let yourself be carried away and inspired.

For over 30 years, Thömus has stood for high-tech cycling from Switzerland. From the most successful cross country team in the professional circus to the dedicated racing bike beginners and the everyday commuters – we are always happy when we can live out the bike fever and inspire bike fans. Discover at the ramp sale novelties, bargains, second hand and much more. Let us spoil you with culinary delights and entertain you with an exciting evening program.

Register using the following registration button if you would like to benefit from a personalized consultation during the Factory Sale.

Secure an appointment

The proof of the pudding is in the eating

A bicycle must fit its rider. The feeling must be right, it must meet your needs and should really fuel the anticipation of more. Test yourself at the ramp sale through our models and find exactly your bike.

Use our convenient shuttle bus to get there! On Thursday and Friday, the shuttle service requires a pre-registration by phone at 031 848 22 15, on Saturday and Sunday the bus runs according to the timetable.

Pure Swissness: Thömus Bikes with maxon Drive

Whether in the Lightrider E Ultimate for off-road use or in the Swissrider for urban use: the maxon BIKEDRIVE AIR drive system is a lightweight at only 3.5 kilograms – but still impresses with its power of 250W and peaks above 300W at a torque of 40 Nm. The driving experience is through the barely noticeable additional weight as natural as on bikes without E-support. However, as soon as it gets steeper on the climb, it feels like a magic hand is pushing you lightly. The unique freewheel technology of the maxon BIKEDRIVE AIR e-bike system ensures natural engagement and disengagement of the assistance. The result: an e-bike with the perfect balance between weight and agility.

Test TWINNER – the mobility of the future

In Switzerland, the daily distance of each individual is 30 kilometres on average, the perfect distance for a speed pedelec. No traffic jams, no search for a parking space and still accelerate from zero to 45 km/h in just 3.6 seconds – that’s exactly what the Twinner stands for. Test the mobility of tomorrow today in Oberried. TWINNER, It’s so tomorrow.

Fascination Gravelbike

Freedom, adventure and nature. Crunching gravel, dust on your skin, wind in your hair – away from the noise of the road. Crossing borders, exploring horizons. Gravelbiking is a passion that inspires and excites.

During the ramp sale we unveil exclusive Special Editions of our Gravel Bikes; the Sliker X Ultimate! Three new colors – one more beautiful than the other – which can be ordered directly at the Factory Sale. Come and see them live for the first time!

Opening hours and shuttle service

At the ramp sale we are there for you at the following times:

Thursday, 7. September
10 – 20 h
Friday, 8. September
10 – 21 h
Saturday, 9. September
9 – 21 h
Sunday, 10. September
9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

From Monday to Wednesday there are already evening events. Please note that the number of parking spaces at the pre-events is very limited and it may be that you have to park in an outdoor parking lot with shuttle service. The best way to get there is by bike or PubliBike.

timetable shuttle bus

Exciting evening program

registration exclusively for the evening program

PRE EVENT: Monday, 4. September
The TWINNER makers

The TWINNER stands for the mobility of tomorrow. Developed and designed in Oberried, made to make urban mobility faster and more efficient.
The TWINNER makers talk about challenges, approaches to solutions and design successes.

PRE EVENT: Tuesday, 5. September
Women on the (racing) bike

Although Switzerland is a country of female and male cyclists, only 23% of licensed Swiss Cycling athletes were female in 2021. Co-initiator and National Councillor Aline Trede talks about this and many other exciting topics related to the “cycling gender gap” as well as possible solutions such as the Tour de Berne.

PRE EVENT: Wednesday, 6. September
New life for old batteries

How good can batteries be? Prof. Dr. Andrea Vezzini and his team at the Bern University of Applied Sciences are working on this. In a pilot project, the team has developed a demonstrator that shows how retired e-bike batteries can be used as solar storage, for example.

Thursday, 7. September
Political evening in Oberried

Panel discussion on the elections to the Council of States with Werner Salzmann, Council of States member, and Flavia Wasserfallen, National Councilor/candidate for the Council of States. Short talk with the retiring Council of States member Hans Stöckli and former Council of States member Werner Luginbühl, co-chairman of the Swiss Bike Park patronage committee.

Friday, 8. September
Football, bike and business

YB CEO Wanja Greuel talks about the similarities and differences between sports and business and how important it is to “keep at it” in general.

Saturday, 9. September
The success maker

As coach of top athletes like Natascha Badmann, Toni Hasler is partly responsible for over 100 international medals. What is his secret?

registration exclusively for the evening program

24h Tour 2023 – Off to Lake Garda!

Posted on 28. June 2023, Updated on 13. July 2023 by Cornelia Noti

Goethe already recognized the beauty of Lake Garda during his trip to Italy in 1786. No wonder, because the mild climate on the lake allows a Mediterranean vegetation with palm trees, olive trees and lemon trees and attracts travelers from near and far. For us, this was reason enough to head for Italy again this year and take on the 461 km to Lake Garda.

To start with, we went through the Oberland: the route took us through the Gürbe and Stocken valleys to Spiez, along Lake Thun and Lake Brienz and into the Haslital, before the first highlight awaited us after just 100 kilometres: the Grimsel Pass.
The large dams in the upper part first gave the impression that the top of the pass had already been reached – but then it was time to grit our teeth once again, because there were still a dozen hairpin bends to go before we reached the pass sign.

The descent to Gletsch was characterised by the wide and pleasant serpentines, further through the Goms to Ulrichen, where the first ramp to the next pass was already waiting for us at the end of the village: the Nufenen. At 14 km, this is significantly shorter, but steeper.
After a final effort with a maximum gradient of around 13%, we reached the top of the pass, the first groups in a wonderful evening atmosphere, marmots and ibexes included. The long and fast descent into Val Bedretto to Airolo followed, down the Leventina to Bellinzona, where the second refreshment post was waiting for us. Strengthened, we tackled the Ceneri Pass, at night and wonderfully without traffic, and left Switzerland after almost exactly 300 kilometres.
The last stage was mostly flat with the exception of Brescia, one of the most beautiful cultural cities in Lombardy with a pretty castle, rather unspectacular. Most participants were now driven by the thought of the lake and the well-deserved aperitif.

We passed Sirmione, spotted another castle in the corner of our eye and headed for the lake just before Peschiera del Garda, where an incredible hero’s welcome awaited us. The sight of countless people wearing cycling shorts and drinking Aperol in the lake may have taken some getting used to – but it was an absolute highlight for the participants themselves.

Impressions of 24 hours zämä lide, zämä schwitze, zämä fiire.

TWINNER – The mobility of the future

Posted on 7. June 2023, Updated on 13. July 2023 by Cornelia Noti

As a company dedicated to the fascination of “Swiss Made”, we have already revolutionised the bicycle industry several times. With the Stromer, the first communication-capable speed pedelec, and recently with the Lightrider E Ultimate, the lightest full-suspension e-mountain bike, we have underlined our pioneering role in the industry.

Now we are setting new standards… as we did before. Our newest creation: TWINNER.

Developed in the Swiss high-tech network, TWINNER embodies a revolutionary integration of vehicle technology and offers unrivalled range and maximum driving comfort.

Now we present our latest breakthrough: TWINNER – a mobility concept, a computer on two wheels. The TWINNER, developed in Oberried, is a carbon speed pedelec that combines optimum riding comfort, safety, style and durability.

With its unprecedented technology, TWINNER sets new standards in electromobility. The advanced integration of state-of-the-art technologies ensures an exceptional driving experience. Equipped with a powerful motor, TWINNER offers impressive speed and acceleration and propels riders effortlessly. The long-life battery enables long ranges and extended rides without compromise.

But TWINNER is more than just a means of transport – it is a statement of elegance and future-oriented thinking. Doch TWINNER ist mehr als nur ein Fortbewegungsmittel – es ist ein Statement für Eleganz und zukunftsorientiertes Denken.

Discover Twinner

New lightweight e-bike and more locations

Posted on 20. January 2023, Updated on 20. January 2023 by Cornelia Noti

With new Swissrider and three more locations into the new year: Thömus launches the new Swissrider, probably the nimblest e-bike ever. The launch took place in Santa Monica (USA), where Thömus has a new location and is entering a new market through a partnership. At the same time, Thömus is strengthening its presence in its home market with new locations in Lenzburg and the Principality of Liechtenstein.

The Swissrider with its modern design and its light weight of 11.5 kilos is the bike for daily use. Its basis is the ultra-light carbon frame and the drive technology from maxon, which has also proven itself in NASA’s Mars Rover. In the summer, Thömus launched the Lightrider E Ultimate, the first e-mountain bike with Swiss drive specialists maxon.
For Thomas Binggeli, CEO and test rider at Thömus, the new development is a milestone: “The Swissrider is an e-bike for life. Light enough that it can be carried up the stairs and hung on the train without effort, yet with enough power to ride with ease.” Only a discreetly integrated control element on the top tube suggests that there is more power in the bike.
The Swissrider is available now in dark red, sand and black starting at CHF 4,750 and is designed as a bike for all situations – with mudguard, luggage rack, the light integrated into the frame and the fast road tires. The Swissrider is also available with wider gravel tires, with straight handlebars or with racing handlebars. As with every Thömus bike, components and equipment are freely selectable and configurable.

Thömus goes USA

Thömus also developed the Swissrider at its headquarters in Oberried, where Binggeli started his bike production on his parents’ farm. But he presented it on the occasion of the opening of his new location in a good location in Santa Monica, California.
“In the USA, velomobility has huge potential, and Swiss precision is in demand there. I am delighted about the partnership with Bernardo Gonzalez,” says Binggeli. He offers the entire Thömus range in a franchise and assembles the bikes there individually. Gonzalez has already successfully opened up new markets in partnerships with Nespresso or Technogym.
“Switzerland is a technology and design center, especially for bicycles and e-bikes,” says Bernardo Gonzalez, explaining why he wanted to partner with Thömus. “When Thömu Binggeli explained his vision to me, it was clear that this would be a success story in California.”

Also present in Santa Monica was former NASA CTO Thomas Zurbuchen, who is very familiar with maxon’s drive technology through a wealth of experience from various Mars missions. The CEO of maxon Group, Eugen Elmiger was also present at the presentation of the new Swissrider. “We are convinced that light e-bike drives have a lot of potential in urban life. The Swissrider relies on sleek design, super-light construction and electric tailwind from maxon. A promising package for this market.”

Two new locations

Thömus is also strengthening its presence in its home market. Since the beginning of the year, there have been additional locations in Lenzburg as well as in the Principality of Liechtenstein – currently in Triesen, and from April in Schaan.

Der Swissrider – als Road, City oder Gravel Version

Thömu Binggeli im Gespräch mit Thomas Zurbuchen

Pictures and further facts

About Thömus

For more than 30 years Thömus has been an independent producer of technically high-quality bikes – and thus trumps even in the middle of the bicycle boom with fast delivery times. “Swiss made to fascinate” is the motto of the company with 120 employees. Thömus produces in its own factory in Thörishaus near Bern with creativity, innovation and passion. Whether mountain bike, road bike or city bike – the high-quality Thömus bikes are available with electric assistance and without motor. Because everyone’s anatomy is different, as are their needs, there is no “one bike” at Thömus. Each bike is built individually according to the customer’s wishes. The community and its feedback is important to Thömus. Bike fans of all ages and strengths meet at many events for joint activities and exchanges. The experiences of customers and athletes flow directly back into the further development of the models.

About Bernardo Gonzalez

Born in Mexico City in 1973, Bernardo Gonzalez founded his first company (cement trading) at the age of 21, which he successfully resold seven years later. He took over a food services company that grew to become the largest of its kind in Mexico. Nespresso – which he brought to Mexico – was the first time he came into direct contact with a Swiss company. Gonzalez founded Cascada Fund, took over the trading company for Technogym distribution and founded Spinciti. He holds master’s degrees in entrepreneurship from Babson University Boston and in economics from Monterey Tech, was also a finance professor there, and attended two executive programs at Stanford.

Thömus takes over 2-Rad-Center Hartmann in Lenzburg

Posted on 8. December 2022, Updated on 8. December 2022 by Cornelia Noti

In a succession arrangement, Thömus AG will take over the traditional company 2-Rad-Center Hartmann in Lenzburg from January 2023, opening its first store with workshop in the Aargau region. All employees will be retained.

René and Anita Hartmann have been running the family business most recently. Regarding the succession plan, they say: “Finding a Swiss solution was very important to us. With Swissness, personal advice, quality and a wide range of services, Thömus stands for the same values that 2-Rad-Center Hartmann has lived by for the past almost 60 years.”

In addition to modern premises, a spacious workshop also belongs to the specialist dealer established in the region. With this acquisition, Thömus continues its expansion throughout Switzerland and makes Velo Hightech from Bern also easily accessible for the Aargau region in the future.

“Swissness is in our DNA,” says Thomas Binggeli, CEO and test driver at Thömus. “We rely on Swiss development, Swiss production and our community. It is central for us to bring our proven service close to our customers.”

It’s not just selling bikes. The community is a particularly important point for Thömus, a philosophy. Velo fans of all ages and strengths meet at various events for joint activities. The customer experiences gathered in the process flow directly back into the further development of the models.

The acquisition is effective as of 2023. From February 1, the premises in Lenzburg will also visually appear under the Thömus flag. Of course, bikes of all brands will continue to be repaired and serviced.

CONTACT:
Daniel Uebersax, CMO und COO Thömus AG
079 734 60 96 | [email protected]

ABOUT THÖMUS:
In 1991, the then 17-year-old Thomas Binggeli founded “Thömus Veloshop” on his parents’ farm in Oberried near Köniz (BE), where the headquarters are still located today. Since the step from bicycle dealer to bicycle developer in 1998, the company stands for bicycle high-tech from Switzerland. Cross country overall World Cup winner Alessandra Keller and Olympic medalist Mathias Flückiger have also been relying on this for several years. Whether gravel bike, racing bike, mountain bike or e-bike – all Thömus bikes have one thing in common: they are developed, designed and built here in Switzerland exactly according to the wishes and needs of the customers. This means that the shortest possible delivery times can be offered – completely “Swiss made to fascinate”.

ABOUT HARTMANN:
After about 40 years in the family business, 20 of them as owner and managing director, René Hartmann has decided to focus, together with his family, on the sports and health practice, which he has built up over the last 30 years in parallel with the bicycle business.

Concentrated female power!

Posted on 5. September 2022, Updated on 22. November 2022 by Cornelia Noti

Monique Halter, the only 18-year-old from Appenzell in the Thömus Akros Younstars team has won just about everything there is to win this season. Swiss Championships (both in cyclo-cross and cross country), European Championships, World Championships. She is also currently leading the overall World Cup.

Alessandra Keller from Thömus maxon Swiss Mountain Bike Racing has finally established herself at the top of the world this year. After bad luck with injuries in the last few years, the athlete from Nidwalden secured the double at the end of the season: the overall victory in both the short track and the Olympic cross country distance after the Swiss championship title, World Championship silver in the short track and the first World Cup victory.

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