World's Smallest and Lightest Folding Bicycle
by Justin Thomas, Virginia on 06.26.06
We've featured many a folding bike in the past, now here's one that is said to be the smallest and lightest in the world. It's so small that you can take it on public transport with a no-bicycles policy. The $300 A-Bike utilises automotive grade, engineering polymers for its structural components, saddle and handlebars and has a level of stiffness, fatigue and impact resistance comparable with aero-grade aluminium. By using these new materials, the A-bike’s weight has been reduced to just 5.5 kg (12 lbs). it can be folded inside 10 seconds into a compact 26” x 12” x 6” (66 x 30 x 15 cm) package and has pneumatic tyres. Via ::gizmag
With those puny tires, that looks amazingly unsafe and impractical, let alone ridiculous.
I agree with the last post. Running over a good size pebble would probably be enough to catapult you over the handlebars...
I think the concept is right on target, the biggest parts on a bike are the wheels.
Using those tiny tires is a huge sacrifice in terms of ride quality and safety, but the convenience of being able to carry this around with you is REALLLY COOL.
I'm guessing riding on of these bikes would be a bit like riding a skateboard. If you see a small bump, you don't hit it straight on with the front tire; instead you do a tiny wheelie so you don't flip. I think one of these would actually be kinda fun to ride. Anyone have experience with them???
This bike is worthless.
Being a long time cyclist I know that this bike could only be used for the most rudimentary type of cycling. I think it would work better if there were two or three wheels, INLINE, on each end. I've seen inline skaters travel at incredible speeds, downhill, for long distances.
For about $100 more you can get a Strida, which has Dahon-size wheels, and a more robust frame than this appears to have. I'm 6'-3" and found it to be reasonably comfortable.
http://www.strida.com/
Until now, the Strida held the title of smallest and lightest 'folder'.
i want to order it,how can i order?
Found the retail website...
www.a-bike.co.uk
Agree that that the wheels are too small when compared to a normal bike but this thing is like one of those micro-scooter things that were around a few years ago - but with a seat, and a bit of style. Thinking about buying one just to put in the boot of my car for emergencies, or doing my own version of "park and ride" when I go shopping in town.
Its tiny when folded, compared to a Brompton!
I think the folding handlebars and overall size/weight are neat but the small wheel size makes the bike impractical for a variety of reasons, relegating this bike to the impress my friends with my latest cool gadget category.
not only are the small wheels safety concern, just think of the peddling one would have to do to get the bike moving, normal bicycle tires are large for a reason. if this bike is in any way efficient, it would be a gearing breakthrough
You can't go by sidewalks. And you can't go where bikes ride because of the tiny wheels. And it's 6 cm too big to go folded in public without a fee. And with it's 5.5 kg still too heavy to wear all around. I recommend the micro scooter. 2 kg / 59 cm. You can be a considerate pedestrian with a large compass.
You guys may be forgetting what this bike was designed for. Its no off-roader by all means. It was made so that you could take it on the train/bus/plane, and travel a short distance to get where you need to go. For this function, in my opinion, the A-Bike is perfect.
I've read reviews from people who have actually ridden this thing ad they have all been very positive. The bike was invented by Sir Clive Sinclair, a highly-regarded genius and inventor, despite his mid 1980's failure with his electric vehicle the Sinclair C5.
The small wheel issue that everyone seems to be concerned with does not come up in the user reviews I've seen. In fact, one guy rode the bike in the UK over unpaved farm pathways on an 18 mile round trip with no problems. The wheels have high pressure pneumatic tires and the gearing system is, apparently, revolutionary (if you'll pardon the pun). Unlike those Razor scooters that have solid inline skate wheels this bike can be used on wet roads just like any other bike.
I read on their website (www.a-bike.co.uk) that the A-Bike Mk.II is coming soon . The new one is apparently upgraded in three respects: A strengthened leyshaft, an improved freewheel assembly and strengthened aluminium tubing. I am definitely getting one shipped to me in the States as soon as it's available!!
maybe they could use a radio controll car engine to power this bike
maybe they could use a radio controll car engine to power this bike
A-Bike and Strida go head to head on UK's Gadget show TV. More info see www.a-bike.com & www.strida.com
http://ie.youtube.com/watch?v=kVVgsQt1DK4