A little ode to the bicycle

Patrick Bardelli

12/5/2026

Translation: Natalie McKay

Pictures: Patrick Bardelli

The bicycle’s a marvel of engineering. But more importantly, there’s an emotional aspect to it. Or: how my initial ignorance turned into infatuation.

We all live in our own worlds. I don’t mean this as a sociopolitical statement along the lines of «social media bubbles and their algorithms are to blame for the fact that people are growing increasingly distant from one another and society’s falling apart through polarisation.» It’s all about cycling – or rather, your relationship with your own bike.

I know very few people who are interested in multiple sports at the same time. It usually goes something like this: the footballer plays football, the handball player plays handball and the cyclists, well, they just ride bikes. We feel self-assured when we’re moving within our own (close-knit) circles. I am – or perhaps was – no exception.

From ignorance to infatuation

Back when I still called myself a runner and laced up my trainers three to five times a week, my relationship with bikes was clear and easy to explain: it didn’t exist. A frame, two wheels and a few mechanical parts bolted on. Done. That was my take on bicycles. I was always suspicious of the almost fetishistic relationship that some cyclists have with their bikes. Those days are long gone.

That’s how I recently found myself at Transalpes, a small but mighty Swiss bike manufacturer in Baar. There I stood, cheeks flushed, waiting for my new all-mountain bike, which I had custom-built to my specifications a few weeks earlier. Find out more on that here:

And suddenly I had to hold back my emotions. «All because of a bike,» the thought flashed through my mind. «Seriously?»

Mario from Transalpes was just about to give me a detailed explanation of how the Fox Factory suspension works when tears started to well up in my eyes. «That’s ridiculous,» was my second thought. And: «Don’t you remember? Just a frame, two wheels and a few mechanical parts.» As if.

«The bicycle» takes many different forms

Ever since I was forced to give up running around five years ago, I’ve been into bikes. I almost have to laugh when I write that. As though it’s as simple as just «bikes». There are road bikes, mountain bikes, gravel bikes, city bikes, dirt bikes, children’s bikes and cargo bikes. Not to mention all kinds of electric versions of the individual models.

Then these bikes themselves consist of components – some of which are highly complex – that are, in their own right, small marvels of engineering: the frame, wheels, drivetrain and brakes, suspension, motor and battery, saddle and seat post, handlebars, and so on and so forth. All in all, they represent about 200 years (linked page in German) of development and engineering skill.

Of course, technology plays an important role when it comes to getting from point A to point B as quickly, efficiently and safely as possible on two wheels. Whether it’s on a mountain bike with Shimano’s XTR Di2 drivetrain, an E-bike with the latest version of Bosch’s drive unit, or a gravel bike with tubeless tires and a tyre noodle.

When I think about it, it feels as though my journey into the depths of the «tech rabbit hole» has only just begun, and I’ve barely scratched the surface. Speaking of technology: here (linked page in German) you can also configure your dream Transalpes bike yourself, down to the last grammes and Francs.

It really has an effect on me

But it’s about emotions too. «The bicycle» lets me have experiences I wouldn’t have otherwise. When you look at it that way, it’s not just a few pounds of carbon and aluminium spread across the frame, wheels and a few mechanical parts. My bike’s a companion that goes everywhere with me. And sometimes even accompanies me through physical and mental challenges.

Suddenly I understand the emotional bond that I used to treat with indifference and a weary smile. Oh, here come the tears again. So I’d better wrap this up now. All that’s left for me to say is: happy cycling!

Patrick Bardelli

Senior Editor

Patrick.Bardelli@digitecgalaxus.ch

From radio journalist to product tester and storyteller, jogger to gravel bike novice and fitness enthusiast with barbells and dumbbells. I'm excited to see where the journey'll take me next.

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