The 30th anniversary is coming up and the Swiss cult manufacturer is giving itself a new look both internally and externally. The bikes are assembled in Switzerland and the model range is rolling into the 2014 bike season with a new design.

Markus Zuber was one of the formative figures behind the MTB Cycletech brand and for many specialist retailers in Switzerland, he was simply the face of the brand. After suffering from cancer, he passed away on Sunday night at the age of just 50.

The Swiss bike manufacturer had already exhibited the Greenwheel drive system at Eurobike in 2011; this year, the bike is ready for the market and comes with a corresponding application for the iPhone. Also new in Friedrichshafen are e-bikes equipped with the Acron drive. And Velobaze also has news for full-suspension mountain bikes.

A major appearance at Eurobike 2012, new products in the everyday bike and mountain bike sector, a production-ready electric drive - these are just some of the innovations currently on the agenda at MTB Cycletech. In other respects, too, the Swiss bicycle manufacturer is all about change.

Great honor for Butch Gaudy: His Papalagi is the first bike ever to win the "Golden Bunny" design award. The touring bike from MTB Cycletech impressed the jury with its timeless look as a whole and the numerous improvements and updates in detail.

Eurobike is stepping on the gas, and the Swiss exhibitors with it. Several Swiss companies showcased clever new bikes, parts and accessories at the world's biggest bike show.

MTB Cycletech's "Pura Vida" rolls along without frills, but with a tidy look. One of the strengths of this model is not to be seen: MTB Cycletech treats it to a "Premium Warranty", which covers all repair costs in the first year after purchase.

The parent company of MTB Cycletech, Schliermer Velobaze AG, is venturing into Germany. According to a press release, the company plans to offer the brand across the Rhine in the future, and the German version of the website is already active.

In the current 2004 season, MTB Cycletech already presented the versatile full-suspension "Opium". For 2005, the finely functioning four-bar linkage developed by Martin Schütz will also be available in more affordable versions. The "Opium 2.0" models are intended as a kind of starter kit: Shimano's new LX groupset is responsible for shifting and braking, Manitou provides comfort with a "Black Platinum" suspension fork and a lightweight "Radium RL" suspension strut, and the customer can choose between a Rapidfire and a Dualcontrol version ? very nice, this choice! Incidentally, these affordable "Opium" models come in matt black or silver instead of all white.