IMAGE: Carlos Fernandez Laser

The St. Pauli area in the heart of Hamburg is a place of contradictions, where new sits comfortably alongside classic and spontaneity and perfection both have a place. That vibe extends to Bergamont, a bike manufacturer that started off at the back of a bicycle repair shop there in 1993 and has since become a respected name in the industry. While the company has been established for over 25 years and bicycles are nothing new, the company’s attitude to them is.

“We think outside the box, we do things differently, we may seem a little rough around the edges, but we're always sincere and possibly a little crazy,” they claim.

The company recognises that a second age of the bicycle is upon us and champions the role of the cyclist now and in a greener future. Although they make few sustainability claims, not wanting to promise “something they can’t ensure” at present, they recognise that both push-bikes and e-bikes are in the unique position of providing a practical, versatile green transport option that also provides independence and a unique experience. They believe cycling is the most efficient and sustainable way to ensure individual mobility in a big city and recognise that the production, equipment and shipment of bikes all have to become far more sustainable as well.