Bike to Baggage in 3 Seconds: The Mobiky Genius
by Warren McLaren, Sydney on 11.30.06
Whoops, we’ve been sprung. Ana of Portugal has dug through our vast archival library and discovered we are bereft of the Mobiky Genius. How slack is that? For about $700 you get an aluminium framed and rimmed bicycle, with 12’ wheels, that folds into hand luggage is a mere three secs. And the scissors-like folding action still allows the wheels to hang down, so you can trundle the Genius along without needing to carry it. Though there is a built-in padded handle for when you do have to lift or carry its 13 kg (~30 lbs). A three speed sealed Sturmey Archer Hub (read minimal maintenance) provides some assistance on hills, for a bike that is said to suit riders of 130 – 195 cm height, weighing up to 110 kg (4’3” – 6’ and 240 lbs, for metrically challenged). The French designed folder comes complete with folding pedals, bell, fenders (mudguards), kickstand, and carry bag. A suspension stem saddle is available as an option. And if green trim is not your thing, then try cobalt, dark blue, orange or red. The Genius is said to ride like any standard diamond frame bike, though it is ideally suited to short urban distances. Or mixed commutes - riding from home to local train station and thence from city station to the office. Ana so loves her Genius that she started spreading the word in Portugal. Six out of six Amazon reviewers rate it a full five stars, for function and cool. ::Mobiky Europe and ::Mobiky USA.
Hey Warren! Thanks for mentioning my project for spreading the word and sharing the love! :-)
I really do LOOOOOOOVE my Mobiky! :-D
Cheers,
Ana
Warren,
Earlier this week, I came across Ana's Mobiky photos on Flickr. They are truly awesome and, unlike her blog, you don't have to read Portugese to enjoy them :-)
By the way, I got my first Mobiky last November and have been selling them since. These are terrific folding bikes.
Respectfully,
Larry Lagarde
RideTHISbike.com
Urging bicycling for recreation, commuting, health and a better future.
small point: perhaps the post meant to say 12" wheels instead of 12' wheels.
___________
Too True, says writer, ashamed at his typo. Gracias.
hi-
love folding bikes but this one seems to have wheels that are a tad tiny. for a good folding bike, one that has been around for awhile, try a brompton. wheels are a bit bigger, specially designed folding pedals and been used in london for years by commuters.
but then again, all bikes are good, some are better
Monroe, one is not necessarily better than the other. They are different in concept and have different applications. Some are overlapping, and some are not. The choice should just take into account what kind of use the person wants to make, and where the bike will primarily be used. ;-)
Hurray!!! Mobiky now in scandinavia as well. Check out www.mobiky.se and www.mobiky.dk out! I will go and buy one right away!
Anyone tried this bike for bigger distances (10-12km)?