Di Blasi R24 Folding Bike
by Warren McLaren, Sydney on 03.13.06
An apology to our bicycle enthusiasts, we’ve been a little lax in your department. Please accept the R24 as a peace offering. Claimed to be the smallest folding bike on the planet, with a collapsed volume of 83.5 litres, it is also one of the lightest at 12.3 kg (27 lb). A mix of steel and alloys, the standard model is polyester powder coated, but if you live within the range of rust inducing sea spray, you can opt for an all stainless steel version. 16” wheels and folding pedals are just some of the tricks that allow the R24 to squish up so small in just 5 seconds. An automatic folding front fork and handlebar are others. Developed from an idea originally conceived by the Italian company’s founder, who wanted to bring his bike inside, to avoid The Bicycle Thieves of the day. Di Blasi have a list of dealers all over the place. ::Di Blasi D24
Strangely, the woman also increases in size as she unfolds the bike.
Yep, I noticed that too. The pictures on the left are smaller to give the illusion the folded bike is more compact than it actually is. I am all for more earth friendly products and solutions but why do companies have to sully the effort with dishonesty?
Heh, the wheels look *almost* the same height...perhaps they are changing the model (look at the chinlines...I don't think it's the same girl!). What a tangled web they weave...
Now, now; don't jump to conclusions. Obviously, the photographer on this shoot was into hot Italian babes and couldn't help edging ever closer to the model with each shot ;)
Sir Clive's A-Bike is the smallest folding bike I know but it's not practical. Measuring just 22"x22"x10" and 25 lbs, the Brompton S3L is smaller & lighter than the R24 (which measures 25"x23"x9" & weighs 29 lbs).
My money's on the diecast Magnesium ultra lite folding bike though. It weighs just 23 lbs, measures only slightly larger than the DiBlasi, has 6 speeds and costs well under $200!
nope, the wheels aren't the same size, there's a small increase from pic 2 to pic 3 and a large increase from pic 3 to pic 4. but go folding bikes!
Actually this is a very pratical bike.I have used a Brompton and a Diblasi. The Diblasi folds instanly , luggage can be lift on the rack.If the space is limited this bike will store in a reduced footprint on its end than the brompton.It wii take up less space in a car due to its thinness and less space in locker rooms also due to this.The Biblasi is slower than a Brompton so if your journey is longer the Brompton is a better choice ,but if its folding praticallity then the Dibalsi is better than pratically anything . The quailty of party needs to improve or the price come down though.