Opening Soon: «Thömus Bike World»

Posted on 19. February 2025, Updated on 28. February 2025 by Tina Kalume

A Hub for All Cycling Enthusiasts

The Swiss bike manufacturer “Thömus” is expanding significantly, increasing its presence across Switzerland. Starting March 1, the six “Thömus Factory Stores” will be joined by thirteen new “Thömus Bike World” locations. These stores will offer a meeting place for cyclists, a wide range of bikes, clothing, and accessories, as well as extensive test and service options such as bike fitting and repairs. Each store will open with a three-day celebration, including a Bike Expo and a VIP event.

“The bicycle is the future of mobility, with immense potential in leisure, tourism, sports, and commuting,” says Thomas “Thömu” Binggeli, CEO of Thömus AG. The company is pursuing an aggressive growth strategy. Last September, Thömus acquired Migros’ “Bike World” business, including its 111 employees and 22 trainees, expanding its network from six to nineteen locations.

A Community for Cycling Enthusiasts
Before reopening as “Thömus Bike World,” all former Migros stores were completely redesigned. Each location will feature community events and a “village square” where cycling enthusiasts can gather, exchange ideas, and enjoy free beverages. The stores will showcase various brands, a “Black Room” for discovering new products, and a fan shop for the successful “Thömus maxon Swiss Mountain Bike Racing Team,” which includes world champion Alessandra Keller, European champion Lars Forster, and Olympic silver medalist Mathias Flückiger.

The Perfect Bike for Everyone
The largest experience area is dedicated to Thömus’ own bikes, which are developed, designed, and assembled in-house. The selection includes a wide range of bikes, from standard to high-speed e-bikes from “Stromer” and “TWINNER.” Thanks to partnerships with “Cresta,” “Trek,” “Scott,” and “Cube,” every customer will find the ideal bike, including children’s bikes from “Woom.” Accessories and apparel are also available from brands like “X-Bionic,” “Vaude,” “Gorewear,” “Shimano,” “Five Ten,” “Scott,” and “Giro.”

High-Quality Service Offerings
“Thömus Bike World” places great emphasis on top-tier service. All bikes will be serviced and repaired, and existing Migros warranties will remain valid. Every purchase includes a bike fitting to ensure optimal adjustment. The company also plans to expand its service offerings and create additional apprenticeship positions, aiming to double the current number of trainees.

Contact:
Thomas Binggeli, CEO & Owner, Thömus AG | +41 79 410 90 40
Stefan Honegger, Project Manager | +41 79 677 41 05

GO TO THÖMUS BIKE WORLD

19 Locations
Starting in March, “Thömus Bike World” will open stores in Affoltern am Albis, Au Wädenswil, Baden, Ebikon, Muri bei Bern, Payerne, Pratteln, Romanel-sur-Lausanne, Schlieren, St. Gallen, Volketswil, Winterthur, and Zuchwil. The six existing “Thömus Factory Stores” are in Oberried (headquarters), Bern, Kriens, Lenzburg, Schaan/FL, and Zurich.

Bike Expos
Lausanne: March 6–8, 2025
Payerne, Volketswil, Muri: March 13–15, 2025
Pratteln, Affoltern am Albis, Baden: March 20–22, 2025
Ebikon, Schlieren, Zuchwil: March 27–29, 2025
Winterthur, Wädenswil, St. Gallen: April 3–5, 2025

Thömus takes over 12 ‘Bike World’branches from Migros

Posted on 10. September 2024, Updated on 10. September 2024 by Cornelia Noti

‘Thömus AG’ from Oberried near Bern is taking over 12 ‘Bike World’branches and their employees from Migros. The locations will be redesigned and reopened under the name ‘Thömus Bike World’ on 1 March 2025. ‘Thömus Bike World’ is the perfect combination of over 30 years of experience and innovative strength in bicycle construction on the one hand and an efficient, broad network of branches on the other – the best basis for developing the history of ‘Thömus’and ‘Bike World’together and driving forward the bicycle revolution in Switzerland.

Cycling is already the second most popular sport in our country and Switzerland aims to double the number of kilometres cycled to 5.3 billion per year by 2035. Against this backdrop, the takeover of most of the ‘Bike World’ branches and the brand rights by ‘Thömus AG’ offers a wide range of opportunities. Strengths and traditions complement each other perfectly: ‘Bike World’ brings with it a busy branch network with a clear focus on bicycles and highly qualified employees. The bicycle manufacturer ‘Thömus’ gains well-established distribution channels to an almost nationwide network and thus strengthens its position in the Swiss market.

Ideal complement and Swissness

‘Our entire value chain is characterised by Swissness. We research, design, develop and produce our bikes in Switzerland, where we assemble them according to our customers’ needs and sell them directly. With ‘Bike World’, we are expanding our sales network further into the country,’ says Thomas ‘Thömu’ Binggeli, owner and Managing Director of “Thömus AG”. The takeover is therefore an ideal addition for ‘Thömus AG’, which has already opened various locations in recent years. Binggeli assures: ‘We remain true to our values as an agile SME majority-owned by the founding family that lives and breathes cycling passion and drives innovation.’

Peter Schmid, CEO of Migros Fachmarkt AG, on the takeover: ‘This takeover is extremely promising and we are very happy about it. We are pleased that we can place the majority of the Bike World shops in experienced, bike-enthusiastic hands from Switzerland, who will continue to look after our customers and take on the employees.’

The parties have agreed not to disclose the sale price of the 12 out of 14 branches. The locations being taken over are Affoltern am Albis, Au Wädenswil, Baden, Ebikon, Muri (BE), Payerne, Pratteln, Romanel-sur-Lausanne, Schlieren, St. Gallen, Volketswil and Zuchwil.

Shopping experience and home for cycling enthusiasts

Following a redesign in February 2025, ‘Thömus Bike World’ will reopen its shops from 1 March 2025. These ‘Thömus Bike World’ locations will continue to focus fully on bikes in the future. In order to be able to offer customers a choice in all segments, the ‘Thömus’ range will be supplemented with additional bike brands as well as clothing and accessories.

Like the current ‘Thömus’ locations, the redesigned shops will also offer a unique shopping experience. This includes community offers for cycling enthusiasts, a wide range of test options and additional services such as bike fittings and performance tests. In the centre of each shop, there will also be a meeting zone for socialising, which will also provide a home for cycling and bike clubs from all regions.

In the new ‘Bike World’ branches, the focus will not only be on service, but also on training. ‘We want to do even more to train young talent in the service and sales area. We offer young employees attractive career opportunities,’ says Urs Schaeppi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of ‘Thömus AG’.

Caring for employees and customers

Thömus AG is particularly pleased that it can continue to employ all the staff in the 12 branches it has taken over and can count on their many years of experience. Thömus AG will make the employees in the other ‘Bike World’ branches an equivalent offer of employment.

The takeover will also bring major benefits for existing ‘Bike World’ customers. In future, they will be able to choose from a wider range of products. In addition, ‘Thömus AG’ will provide all warranty work on bicycles and articles purchased from ‘Bike World’.

Further information:
Thomas Binggeli, CEO and owner of Thömus AG | 079 410 90 40
Stefan Honegger, Project Manager | 079 677 41 05

Media-Kit:
https://bike.thoemus.ch/media-kit

The new Lightrider R3 Worldcup

Posted on 29. February 2024, Updated on 1. July 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

@maxsulliphoto – Bike Stills -029

@maxsulliphoto – TMR Training Camp-210

@maxsulliphoto – Bike Stills -142

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, newly developed ball bearings from WIB AG in Bulle

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.

Flückiger at the top again – Keller a great runner-up

Posted on 27. August 2023, Updated on 30. August 2023 by Christian Rocha

After more than a year, Mathias Flückiger is back on top of the World Cup podium! In the fifth World Cup race of the season in Andorra, the Swiss champion takes his tenth World Cup victory overall. Alessandra Keller climbs to the second place on the podium and with her impressive performance ensures the second best career result at an XCO World Cup. With Lars Forster (6th), Luke Wiedmann (8th) and Vital Albin (10th), Thömus maxon achieved a fantastic team result.

Right from the start it was obvious that Mathias Flückiger was extremely motivated and self-confident going into the race. Already in the second lap he took the lead and extended his advantage lap by lap. Until, two laps before the end, the Frenchman Thomas Griot was able to make up more and more ground and got as close as ten seconds to Flückiger one lap before the end.

“Winning again feels great”.

Flückiger had to fight hard for victory: “My goal today was to go as hard as I could to the limit. I think I managed to do that. I am glad that I was able to handle it well when Griot put a lot of pressure on me. I just concentrated on myself”, Flückiger analysed totally exhausted at the finish and added: “A little more than a year ago I won my last World Cup race here in Andorra, in Short Track. After that I got Covid and what happened afterwards, everybody knows. It just feels good to be back, just to be able to race. Winning a World Cup is just great,” said Flückiger, letting his emotions run free.

Second best XCO World Cup result for Keller

In the women’s race, Alessandra Keller started well and was able to pull away from the leader Pauline Ferrand-Prévot before the race was halfway through. But then Mona Mitterwallner came from behind, who caught up with Alessandra Keller in the second-last session and ultimately left the woman from Nidwald no chance in the fight for victory. Although it was not enough for the second victory within 48 hours, Alessandra Keller was satisfied at the finish: “I am very proud to be first and second here in Andorra. Today I was close to winning, but at the end I was extremely cold and Mona was a bit stronger than me in the last two laps.” Second place was Alessandra Keller’s second best career result in an XCO World Cup.

All riders in the top 10

Not only the performances of Mathias Flückiger and Alessandra Keller were outstanding, but also the performance of the whole team Thömus maxon. Lars Forster worked his way up from a place outside the top 15 position by position and in the end missed the podium in sixth place by only six seconds. Vital Albin was very active and present in the chasing group behind Flückiger for a long time. Albin managed to keep up his pace over all seven laps and finished in a strong tenth place. Already in the morning, U23 rider Luke Wiedmann competed in his race and also finished in the top 10 in eighth place.

Team manager Ralph Näf was overwhelmed: “This is probably the best World Cup weekend in the team’s history. All five riders in the top 10 – madness!”

Results XCO Andorra

Keller starts the World Cup weekend with victory

Posted on 25. August 2023, Updated on 30. August 2023 by Christian Rocha

After an animated women’s race, a no less exciting men’s race took place. While Alessandra Keller was able to take a victory, the race was half a lap too long for Mathias Flückiger to make it onto the podium.

Alessandra Keller rode at the top of the field in the high altitude of Andorra from the beginning and controlled the events. She got rid of most of her opponents on the home straight of the second last lap. Only Evie Richards from Great Britain was able to follow the dry attack of the rider from Nidwalden and finished second behind the brilliant Thömus maxon rider. The young Dutchwoman, Puck Pieterse secured third place. At the finish, Keller admitted that all the pieces of the puzzle had fitted today. “Every weekend you have two chances and if you can already win on Friday, then everything is actually already perfect.” With this victory, she took the lead in the overall XCC standings.

Flückiger’s efforts not fully rewarded

In the men’s race, two riders from Thömus maxon were on the front row of the grid. While Lars Forster was not able to compete for the top positions until the end, Mathias Flückiger was one of the animators of the XCC race in Andorra. Several times he tried to distance himself from the competition with short attacks. In the end, he had to pay tribute to his efforts and let his competitors go in the second half of the last lap. Nevertheless, he was able to secure a good fifth place. The race was won by Schwarzbauer (DE), ahead of Schurter and Sarrou (FR). The other riders from Thömus maxon placed eleventh (Forster) and 23rd (Albin).

Wiedmann already in action on Thursday

As always, the short track races of the U23 categories already took place on Thursday. Luke Wiedmann was able to place himself in a solid fourth place.

Results XCC Andorra

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

Gold for Keller and Flückiger – total triumph for Thömus Maxon.

Posted on 4. June 2023, Updated on 15. June 2023 by Christian Rocha

The Swiss Cross Country Championships in Crans Montana (VS) turned into a great celebration for Thömus Maxon. Gold for Alessandra Keller and Mathias Flückiger, who successfully defended their titles from the previous year. With silver for Lars Forster and bronze for Vital Albin, all three medals in the Elite Men’s category went to Thömus Maxon. With U23 rider Luke Wiedmann also finishing third and making it onto the podium, Thömus Maxon achieved the maximum of five medals.

In the women’s race, Alessandra Keller left no doubt throughout the race about who would wear the red jersey with the white cross for the next 365 days. The rider from Nidwalden took the lead already in the first lap and defended her title from the previous year convincingly. After winning gold in the Short Track on Friday, Keller is now a double Swiss champion.

Keller’s dominance and control

“This title means a lot to me today. We are a Swiss team, embodying absolute Swissness, and now I can start races with the Swiss cross on my chest all over the world. It was a perfect day for me because thanks to my substantial lead, I could control the race well, manage the risk, and even save energy in the last two laps in preparation for the upcoming competitions with the home World Cup in Lenzerheide,” the Swiss champion expressed her joy.

Mathias Flückiger also lived up to his role as the favorite. Already after the starting lap, he had a 15-second lead, which he continuously expanded. Behind him, Lars Forster and Vital Albin also showed that they are in excellent form. While Flückiger won with a lead of around two and a half minutes, Forster and Albin secured the silver and bronze medals.

“This jersey simply belongs to me,”

said Flückiger, who clinched his third consecutive title and fourth overall. A very important victory, as he said at the finish: “It means a lot to me that I was able to defend this title today. I love this jersey, it simply belongs to me. Although I didn’t feel really good at the beginning of the race, I was able to deliver a great race afterward and maintain my rhythm. I had a lot of fun on the new course in Crans Montana today and I am looking forward to competing in a World Cup here in 2024 and the World Championships in 2025.”

Medals for Forster, Albin, and Wiedmann too

Thanks to the extremely strong performances of Lars Forster and Vital Albin, Thömus Maxon even achieved a clean sweep in the Elite Men’s race! In addition, Luke Wiedmann fought his way to a bronze medal in a close U23 race.

Team manager Ralph Näf expressed his joy, saying, “It’s never easy to go into a race as the favorites and win in such a dominant manner. The fact that the entire team delivered such an impressive performance makes me proud. We are ready and looking forward to the World Cup in Lenzerheide next weekend.”

Results of the Swiss Cross Country Championships in Crans Montana.

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.

Lars Forster joins Thömus maxon

Posted on 28. December 2022, Updated on 28. December 2022 by Christian Rocha

The two-time European MTB champion Lars Forster joins the team Thömus maxon. Forster will make his debut in the red colors of the Swiss mountain bike team already on 2. January 2023, at the final of the Swiss Cyclocross Cup in Meilen. Thömus maxon also presents ASSOS, a new clothing partner.

Team Thömus maxon enters the 2023 season even stronger and even more broadly positioned. With the signing of 29-year-old Lars Forster, team boss Ralph Näf’s squad will be competing with three riders in the elite men’s category for the first time. Mathias Flückiger and Vital Albin will have a third strong man at their side: “We are very pleased to have signed Lars Forster. Despite his two European Championship titles, his World Cup victory in Snowshoe in 2019 and other international victories, Lars still has great untapped potential. In addition, he also fits very well into the team on a personal level,” says Ralph Näf, explaining the reasons for signing Lars Forster.

Forster: “The decisive factor was trust”.

Lars Forster, on the other hand, is very much looking forward to the new collaboration with Thömus maxon: “The decisive factor for me was that Ralph and the team have placed their trust in me and believe in me. That gives me great confidence. What’s more, Thömus maxon has everything it takes to be successful: a professional environment, a super team spirit and great equipment.”

The goals for Thömus maxon are clear, as Ralph Näf looks ahead: “We want to win World Cup races, national and international titles this season and be one of the world’s best mountain bike teams!” These objectives also match those of Forster. The newcomer wants to be in top shape already at the start of the season and the first World Cups. Forster’s biggest goal for the season is the World Championships in August in Glasgow, Scotland, the same place where he won his first European title in 2018.

ASSOS new clothing partner

There is also a new addition to report in the area of partners. The team is now dressed by the traditional Swiss brand ASSOS. This makes Thömus maxon even more “Swiss”. The motivation is extremely high to ride into the international spotlight with the high quality ASSOS products. The new jersey is still based on the color red from the main sponsor Thömus and convinces with its simple, classic and yet very eye-catching design.

Cross-country cycling as the start of the season

As in previous years, the season will be launched with two cross-country cycling events. Alessandra Keller, Vital Albin, Luke Wiedmann and Lars Forster will perform on Monday, 2. January 2023, at the Radquer Meilen. This is also the final of the Swiss Cyclocross Cup. Barely two weeks later, the Swiss Championships in Mettmenstetten (January 15) are on the agenda. After that, the focus will be on preparing for the MTB season.

Lars Forster in a nutshell:

Date of birth: 1. August 1993

Height/weight: 177 cm, 68 kg

Greatest achievements:

European champion 2018 and 2021

World Cup victory Snowshoe (USA) 2019

Cape Epic overall victory 2019

Swiss champion cyclo-cross 2016, 2018, 2020

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.

The world number 1 Alessandra Keller stays with Thömus maxon

Posted on 29. September 2022, Updated on 22. November 2022 by Christian Rocha

Alessandra Keller from Nidwalden and the Swiss mountain bike team Thömus maxon have extended their cooperation for another two years, until 2024. This means that the double overall World Cup winner, Swiss champion and current world number 1 will be entering her eighth season in the team structure of the current Thömus maxon team next season.

The collaboration between Alessandra Keller and Ralph Näf began in 2016. After three difficult years marked by injuries, the absolute breakthrough to the top of the world followed this season. This is precisely why the 26-year-old Keller has decided to continue wearing the color red from Thömus maxon: “For me, consistency was the deciding factor. The consistency of working with a team and people who know exactly what I need. The team represents values and a philosophy that suit me. We have developed and professionalized a lot together in recent years, and I feel very comfortable at Thömus maxon,” says Alessandra Keller, summarizing her reasons for extending her contract.

Team owner Ralph Näf is also pleased that the shared history will continue to be written: “I am very happy about this contract extension. Alessandra is a very important person for our team, both as an athlete and as a person. For us as a pure Swiss team, with Swiss sponsors and partners, Swiss athletes, Swiss staff members, it’s great that we can attack next season strengthened in the international mountain bike circus.” The objectives for Alessandra Keller and her team are clear: “I want to continue to establish myself among the absolute world leaders and thus also win international titles.”

For Alessandra Keller, the current season is not over yet. Next Sunday she will compete in the final race of the Proffix Swiss Bike Cup in Gstaad. After that, the three-day road tour Tour de Romandie Féminin, from 7. to 9. October, on the program.

Sensational overall World Cup victory by Alessandra Keller

Posted on 4. September 2022, Updated on 22. November 2022 by Christian Rocha

At the World Cup final in Val di Sole (Ita) Alessandra Keller (Thömus maxon) sensationally secures the victory in the overall MTB World Cup ranking with a sixth place! This means that the 26-year-old from Nidwalden has won the double together with the discipline ranking in short track, which she had already won on Friday! Keller is only the third Swiss woman to win the overall World Cup, along with Barbara Blatter and Jolanda Neff. In the men’s race, Vital Albin achieved another brilliant result at the end of the season with 9th place!

Interview with Alessandra Keller on SRF

Results XCO World Cup Val di Sole (Ita)

E-Bikes

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Road

Gravel

Urban