Market: Contec has been an integral part of the German bicycle landscape for over a decade and has steadily expanded its portfolio ever since. There are also some innovations in 2017 - including the chic Classic Exclusiv product range with saddles and accessories made of real leather.
Almost everyone who regularly deals with the subject of bicycles in this country has probably come across Contec products. The wide product portfolio includes attachments in many different variations, accessories such as bicycle lights and also workshop utensils such as assembly stands or floor pumps. Many might assume some faceless Asian major manufacturer behind the name - but that is not the case: Behind Contec is the German bicycle giant Hartje, which also owns brands such as Conway, Victoria or Tern.
The Contec brand has existed for more than ten years and has steadily expanded the product portfolio ever since. The product catalog for the model year 2017 comprises over 175 pages; it contains almost everything you could need for a two-wheeler: add-on parts for a wide variety of bicycle types, components, lighting, bags and tools.
Contec Classic Exclusive: High-quality retro accessories made of leather at a fair price
Although attachments such as saddles, handles or panniers are anything but new territory for Contec, the orientation and the stylish retro look make the products stand out from the huge range of the Lower Saxony. The total of seven saddles come with matching saddlebags, grips and handlebar tape. The upper is made of smooth leather in three different colors throughout the collection: coffee (black), gravy (brown) and honey (brown-yellow).
With the vintage look of the Contec Classic components, you are right in the spirit of the times - bicycles have now firmly established themselves in the lifestyle sector and bicycles with a certain retro charm are booming again. Unfortunately, if you want to give your bike a vintage makeover afterwards, it is often expensive - the selection of suitable leather accessories is not large and is usually limited to manufacturers in the high-price sector. With the Contec Classic Exclusiv add-on parts, however, there is now a new, interesting and also very cheap alternative.
The focus of Contec's new retro series is on a total of seven different saddle models. A wide range of different possible areas of application is offered here: In addition to comfortable saddles with compression springs for comfort lovers and city bikes, there are also sporty models that look really good on an old racing bike, for example. All models are available in the three color variants mentioned.
Matching the saddles, the Classic Exclusiv Line also includes a small saddle bag that naturally fits onto the saddle holder. With the two leather straps, however, it can also be attached to most other saddles. Australian cowhide is also used as the surface material, and two integrated magnets keep the flap securely closed while driving. The Contec Classic Exclusive costs €79,90.
The Classic Exclusiv product line is rounded off by grips and handlebar tape - also made of leather, of course. The Classic Exclusiv Geebee grips come on the market at an RRP of €29,95 and are available in widths of 125mm and 95mm. The 30mm wide Classic Exclusiv Bee Tee handlebar tape costs €59,90.
Contec NEO Pace: Two new sports saddles
Those who prefer something sportier should take a look at the two new saddles Contec Neo Pace ZX and Contec Neo Pace. The saddle base consists of a nylon fiber material that is nice and light, but still robust enough for everyday use. Not only the sporty, thin PU padding matrix provides additional comfort, but also the ArcTech Suspension, which absorbs shocks from the ground before they reach the buttocks. The saddle shape of the two models is largely the same, on the Neo Pace ZX only the perineal area is completely left out. The price for both models is €49,95
Both saddles are available in the different Neo colors from Contec. The Neo-Line includes a wide range of accessories, from drinking bottles and bicycle locks to lighting and handles.