Skoda bike? Yes,

the car is faster

SKODA, once the target of so many jokes, is moving into the bicycle market. A few years ago the move would have spawned quips that the cycles would travel faster than the Czech car maker's motor vehicles. But in recent years the company has been taken over by Volkswagen and reversed its reputation as cheapskate manufacturer to a firm that provides high quality, yet affordable cars. It has now followed Audi and Ferrari into the mountain bike market. The £700- plus Skoda Vision One, with 27 gears, sprung forks and disc brakes, is due to be launched in Germany next month. It marks a return to the company's early roots.

Metro October 2001