Expedition: Riding e-bike through desert to prove performance of thermoplastics

In early 2024, three riders, Mike Fuchs, Oliver Gehrking and David Arlandis, will participate the Xtreme-Tech expedition 2024 – a 1,300km e-bike expedition through Erg Chegaga, Morocco’s largest sandy desert.

The expedition is of 1,300km through Erg Chegaga, Morocco’s largest desert.

The goal is to demonstrate thermoplastics bicycle frames and components can withstand toughest conditions while fulfilling sustainability commitment.

High-performance and sustainable e-bike

The riders will ride high-quality Buddy X1 electric bicycles. These bikes are a product of partnership between Norway-based Buddy Bike and ISOCO/V Frames from Saalfeld, Germany. They establish benchmarks for sustainability and performance.

The Buddy X1 electric bike.

Used for the production of these products, the thermoplastic carbon fiber materials are made by LEHVOSS.

The bicycle frames are with the following features:

• V Frames bicycle frames have a 68% lower carbon footprint than traditional aluminum frames.

• V Frames are lighter than aluminum frames.

• V Frames bicycle frames are 100% recyclable at it product end-life.

• The Buddy X1 frame was the first off-tool, injection-molded frame to pass all relevant tests for this bicycle class with flying colors.

Behind the riders

The three riders are with expedition experience and sports profession background.

Mike Fuchs is a seasoned photographer and experienced expedition manager. Oliver Gehrking is a versatile athlete who is at home in cyclocross, MTB and road racing. David Arlandis is an adaptable athlete who is proficient using road bikes, MTBs and gravel bikes.