Imagine a typical day in the city: between traffic jams, the stress of public transport, and the search for a parking space, you need a fast, convenient means of transport that offers the possibility of carrying belongings. while not being too bulky.
This is where Gambade bikes come in. With their unique convertible bike concept, you can switch in seconds from a classic bike to a cargo bike, adapted to the specific needs of your urban journeys.
👉 In this article, discover the story of Gambade, its unique concept and the originality of its convertible bicycle.
Photo of the Gambade workshop, where it all began! A bit like Steve Jobs...
The story of Gambade and Timothy, its founder
Timothée Gamonet is 33 years old and is an engineer by training. and he created Gambade. a year and a half ago. Before embarking on this adventure, he worked for 10 years in the industry in various companies, some larger than others.
He always wanted to start his own business. He quickly made a connection with cycling, why? He has always been passionate about cycling and is used to using it daily.
As a cyclist in an urban environment, he quickly noticed the problems he encountered getting around. He realized there was always some issue with using his bike.
Timothée told us, "I did 80% of my journeys alone by bike, which suited me very well, but I had to keep a car for the remaining 20%."
Furthermore, he didn't want to invest in a cargo bike if he was only going to use it occasionally. then he would have been complicated to tidying up in his apartment.
This is often the problem one encounters in the city.
With the Driven by a desire to fulfill an environmental mission, he created a bicycle model that met all these needs: "the convertible bicycle" and founded his company on its design.
An innovative concept: the convertible bicycle
Timothy designed the "The convertible bicycle". Designed and manufactured in Avignon, they support the local economy by guaranteeing controlled quality from manufacturing to finishing.
Its concept? To be able to switch from a cargo bike to a regular bike in a few seconds.
It is actually both a Biporteur cargo bike and a regular bike.
You can choose to activate cargo mode only when needed by adding the front cargo box, which includes an 80 kg cargo area. The front cargo box and the standard fork are interchangeable, allowing you to quickly convert to a simpler, lighter, conventional bike in just a few minutes.
The bicycle is designed for utilitarian purposes, which means it often needs to be electrified. Gambade has therefore created an electric version. They have chosen to motorize their bicycles with Virvolt.
Why did you choose to work with Virvolt?
Gambade's objective is to create a French industry, "not just selling bikes for the sake of selling bikes" As Timothy tells us, the goal is to meet a real need.
"From this perspective, it made sense to work with French suppliers, including Virvolt for the motors," explains Timothee.
The two essential criteria he looks for in a supplier are that it operates in "Made in France" and that it is accessible, especially for repairs.
He adds: "I also need to have partners with whom I can easily exchange ideas." For him, it is essential to be able to quickly contact the after-sales service or sales team of a supplier and for that, the simplest thing is for them to be local.
It was by meeting these criteria that we began our collaboration with Gambade.
How Have you met Virvolt?
Timothee states: "I was already familiar with the brand before creating Gambade."
He has He met Yvan, the general manager of Virvolt, and the team in general at trade shows, specifically at Prodays in Paris two years ago. In addition, he had heard about the brand through various readings.
A unique project on the market
What sets them apart from other bicycle manufacturers, in a few words...
👉 Made in France
Their bicycles are entirely manufactured and assembled in France, from the frame to the specific systems of the convertible bike. This is rare for traditional bicycles. Furthermore, they select local suppliers and customers.
👉 Innovation
The concept of a convertible bicycle doesn't exist on the market at all. Gambade is the only one to offer this system.
The advantages of the Gambade convertible bike
After stress, pollution, delays, traffic jams, and insufficient transport capacity, discover serenity, freedom, punctuality, health, decluttering, and family time. All this while adopting an eco-friendly approach.
What are the objectives? Gambade?
Timothée tells us : "The goal is to become a benchmark in urban mobility by continuing to design convertible bicycles, generally by designing products specifically dedicated to urban use and which address very specific problems."
In short, the brand's vision is to reach all those who are not finding what they need in what is currently available on the market.
"The brand's long-term goal is to enable more and more people to take up cycling, to offer them the tools to make cycling their main means of transport," says Timothée.
Timothée explains that he also wants to continue developing the innovation aspect. He specifies: "Like more and more people, the bikes are assembled and manufactured in France." "We favour local products, whether for specific systems, but also for the bicycle frame."
What is the future of our partnership?
"My goal is to develop the convertible bicycle, and these bicycles are equipped with a Virvolt motor." explains Timothee.
He specifies that it would be interesting to strengthen links by organizing round tables and cross-communications with bicycle shops, because their convertible bicycle is intended to be sold to shops, especially shops that are looking to electrify "Made In France" bicycles.
Gambade answers your questions about its convertible bike
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With a convertible bike, can I transform my bike from cargo mode to classic mode every day?
Yes, transforming a classic bike into a convertible bike takes less than a minute and requires no tools, so you can adapt it to your needs every day, and even several times a day if necessary!
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How do I maintain and repair my GAMBADE convertible bicycle?
Gambades bikes are maintained exactly like any other cargo bike. So you can go to your favorite bike shop.
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I bought a mechanical GAMBADE convertible bike and I would like to electrify it at a later stage, is that possible?
Yes, it's absolutely possible. Our frames are designed to accommodate a motor and battery, even retrofitted, which can be easily installed in the bottom bracket. You can do this yourself. However, if you're not experienced with this type of installation, we recommend contacting a professional.
In short...
Gambade bicycles offer an innovative and practical solution for urban travel, combining flexibility, durability, and comfort. Thanks to their unique convertible design, they perfectly meet the needs of those looking for easy city commuting. With bicycles manufactured in France and a strong partnership with local suppliers, Gambade is committed to supporting the local economy while offering a high-quality product.
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