On December 05, Bridgestone Cycle Co., Ltd. (president: Keiji Watanabe) will release on nationwide sale the 2009 version of the Albelt, which has led the bicycle market for spring demand with a combination of aluminum frames and belt drives, to which new mechanisms and new measures have been added. Mirai Shida, who is active in television dramas, movies and commercials, has been selected as the new image character, and great effort will be put behind PR on such media as television, magazines and the Internet.


Mirai Shida and the Albelt

Back ground behind the Development of the Albelt
The main theme for the 2009 model is safety and peace of mind, with the emphasis being placed on the demand for school commutation bicycles.
From the point of view of safety, two high-luminance white LEDs have been used in the automatically operated "White flash double-power Tentoumushi"(White flash double-power light) that provides high visibility for the front light, and a solar battery and vibration sensor have been built into the high-powered "Solar Tail II" light to provide high-awareness on both sides. These features have been added to improve safety during nighttime cycling even further.
In addition to this, a "Ippatsu Nijyo" that simultaneously locks the rear wheel and the handlebars has been incorporated owing to the rapid increase in bicycle thefts recently, and this takes anti-crime features to a new dimension.
In order to prove the reliability of the "Ippatsu Nijyo"(Simultaneous front and rear double lock) , we have also extended the length of our compensation plan on new bicycles to provide "a three-year theft compensation package", so in addition to the new mechanism features, the new model is also fitted with new measures to guarantee peace of mind.
We will be putting much weight behind promoting the sellout of this model on television, in magazines and on the Internet as an indispensible model for catering to 2009 spring demand.

Features of the Albelt
1. "White flash double-power Tentoumushi"(White flash double-power light) using high-luminance white LEDs to improve safety when cycling at night Equipped with a white flash double-power light using two high-luminance 1W LEDs to improve safety when cycling at night. The use of LEDs that do not require light bulbs means that the user no longer has to worry about blown bulbs, and they light up immediately even at walking pace. They are stored away neatly beneath the basket to make for a compact design.

2. "Ippatsu Nijyo"(Simultaneous front and rear double lock) and" three-year bicycle theft compensation campaign".
When the rear wheel is locked, a connecting wire that runs through the frame head also locks the handlebars so that two locks are applied with a single touch. The lock uses a dimple key that is difficult to pick, which greatly increases theft-resistance in comparison to conventionally bicycles.
As the effects of the "Ippatsu Nijyo"(Simultaneous front and rear double lock) improves effectiveness in combating crime, we are implementing a "three-year bicycle theft compensation campaign" for customers who purchase this model up until October 2009.
Subscriptions are free of charge (although a 50yen stamp will be required for applications sent by mail. Web registration is free of charge,) and in the event of the bicycle being stolen, we will compensate the victim with the same model for a compensation handling charge of 3.150yen (including tax.)
We believe that this high-performance model with improved mechanical features and an anti-theft compensation package will encourage more users who are anxious about having their precious bicycles stolen to use it.

3. "Belt drive" using floating gears
Our in-house developed resin belt utilizing "floating gears" (made of aramid fiber with a tensile strength five times higher than metal) boasts superior maintenance-free capabilities, such as reduced shock to the legs when starting off, no rusting and no stretching, which occurs with chains, in order to enhance the cycling experience.
The Albelt Royal Eight, which is the top-of-the-line model, uses a "built-in 8-speed belt drive".

4. "Lightweight aluminum frame"
The use of a "full-aluminum frame" has reduced the weight of the cycle by approximately 3kg in comparison to our other general lightweight models. This reduced weight together with the use of the belt drive makes cycling much easier.

5. "Front roller brake" for enhanced safety in wet conditions (Albelt Royal Eight and Albelt Royal only)
"The front roller brake" ensures smooth stopping even in the rain when braking performance is weakened to provide extremely high levels of safety.

6. "The Solar Tail Lamp II" recharged by solar power (Albelt Royal Eight and Albelt Royal only)
The light sensor and vibration sensor detect conditions when riding in the dark, and the red LEDs begins to flash. As two of these lamps begin to flash, it improves visibility of both sides of the cycle and consequently improves safety when cycling at night.
The flashing will continue for approximately forty seconds after coming to a halt to ensure safety when waiting for traffic lights to change.
A rechargeable battery using a solar panel is built into the bicycle, and it will not require replacement for a long period of time.

7. "The Super Comfort Saddle II" and "the Super Comfort Grips" for improved interface comfort
The lightweight and sporty "Super Comfort Saddle II" and the "Super Comfort Grips" that use a foam material to provide superior levels of gripping comfort despite the fact that they are fitted with side guards in the event of the bicycle toppling over provide increased comfort and greatly enhance the cycling experience.

8. "Kuuki Miharu-kun"(an Air Monitor function) (Albelt Royal Eight and Albelt Royal only)
A red indicator appears when the tires contain insufficient air pressure to inform the user at a glance that the tires need additional air.
Pump up the tires until the red indicator disappears to complete the task.
Maintaining suitable levels of air pressure at all times not only helps prevent punctures, it also extends the life of the tires.

9. "Ultra Super Tubes" that are more durable and of higher quality to prevent air leaks
Uses the durable "Ultra Super Tubes" with an amazing thickness of 1.5mm to prevent punctures and air leaks.

10. Fitted with the BAA (Bicycle Association Authorization) Mark
This model conforms to the BAA (bicycle safety standards) enacted by the Bicycle Association.
The new BAA standards enacted in 2008 require that no parts contain toxic substances that can have adverse effects on the global environment.


Albelt

The Albelt comes in five types in a price range from 53,800yen to 77,800yen. Our sales plan
forecasts annual sales of 100,000 (within one year of release.)

Overview of the Albelt
1.Product Name: Albelt
2.Product Configuration and Price