With a long wheelbase and refined geometry, the Panache has excellent handling. The frame is aluminium, and the Panache weighs just 12kg fully-equipped. The design places special emphasis on adjustability and comfort: seat and handlebar posts are made from lightweight heat-treated, cromoly steel, with a natural 'spring' for comfort, and both use a reversible, swan-neck telescopic design to give a wide range of independent reach and height adjustment. Even the brake levers have adjustable reach, and the standard bike fits everyone in the household from 147 to 198cm (4' 10" to 6' 6"). The five-speed model comes with a new quick-release stem to smoothly adjust the handlebar reach as the height is changed.

You can fold the Panache into a compact package in less than 20 seconds, and, fully-folded, it's strong and stable enough to act as a seat. Reverse the process, and saddle and handlebar are returned precisely to their correct positions. As we go to press, new clamps are under development, which will lock into position with a quick rotary action, and will self-adjust to ensure that the correct closing torque is applied. Leave the handlebars unfolded, and the Panache is transformed into a luggage trolley: your load remains undisturbed on the rear carrier, and you steer with the handlebars, so both brakes and bell remain within easy reach. You can pull even heavy loads up and down stairs without undue effort.

Three and a five-speed versions are available, and both use Sturmey-Archer hub gears, with or without back-pedal rear brakes. Close attention has been paid to equipping the Tactic with quality components, including twist- grip gears, dual-pivot brakes, and cartridge bearings. The five-speed version comes with a Selle Royal suspended saddle and 16" (305) Primo tyres. Dynamo lights are standard, and the five-speed uses a Lumotec halogen front light and a Busch & Müller Toplight with a 'standlight' facility - it stays on when you stop. High-quality durable paintwork comes in burgundy red, turquoise or titanium.