Mercedes-Benz to Market an Emissions Free Vehicle
by Warren McLaren, Sydney 
on 11.15.07
This is not exactly breaking news, but somehow it slipped through our net until now. Due for release in April 2008 Mercedes-Benz will offer not some new fangled hydrogen fuel cell car, but a folding bike. Designed, we’re told, to fit into the boot (trunk) of something like their CLK Cabriolet.
Created with assistance from German bike maker ADP Engineering GmbH, A.K.A. RotWild, the folder is said to collapse in two separate stages down to about 80 x 80 x 28 cm, all without getting one’s hands dirty, apparently. It comes with front suspension via a spring in the front forks and a dampener between the aluminium alloy frame and rear forks (shades of the early Moultons, the dual suspension bike from the 60’s & 70’s)
Other cute features run to disc brakes that double as the bikes lock, which the media release suggests acts like a cars immobiliser. The rear rack is integrated into the bikes fold so it and the matching seven litre pannier bag can be still attached and accessed even when the bike is folded. Via ::ridethisbike.com
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That's a great looking bike. But is it really worth it for the minimal amount of space it saves?
Is that Benz branded bike worth the price? Probably not.
Is a collapsing bike worth the price? Depends.
Very useful for those who a combination of biking and busing is a good option for commuting. For example: Buses do not allow a full size bike to be brought on. And bike rack space on a bus is limited. But a folding bike can be brought on, at least in my area.
Further points are the ability to take the bike with you wherever you go, so if some coworkers or something want to go hit up a club or something after work. Fold the bike, stash it in the car, and off you go.
I could add more but that should be plenty to get your immagination going. Plus I'm out of time.
Yes those brakes act just like an immobiliser for a car. With those locked down no one is going to ride off on the bike....but they can pick it up and carry it.
Main use for this bike: When the overpriced car it is in brakes down and the cell phone can't get a signal, the driver can use the bike rather then being forced to walk to get help. Face it folks, this thing seems to be smaller the average kids bike. There are reasons they put big tires on bikes. One is speed, another being comfort of ride.
I think it is a great idea. About 15 years ago I had a vehicle which continually had different problems and would often clonk out. I began to think of ideas that would not leave me stranded. If I had this bike onboard I would still get where I was going. Great idea!
I think it is a great idea. About 15 years ago I had a vehicle which continually had different problems and would often clonk out. I began to think of ideas that would not leave me stranded. If I had this bike onboard I would still get where I was going. Great idea!
folding bikes have been around for years, why would you pay for an over priced mercedes one when you can get an off brand for much less
It is a 17 inch bike that holds the international speed record of 51mph or 82 kph for a bike ridden in the upright position, ie not a recumbent. It has held this since 1986!
It is a Moulton.
But don't take our word for it. The International Human Powered Vehicle Association think so too:
"An early AM still holds the world speed record for an upright bicycle , and models throughout the range share a characteristically brisk ride and responsive handling. They also make unusually comfortable touring bikes, having suspension tuned to reduce road vibration."
This in response to Pan's comment that you need big wheels for speed and comfort
This sounds like an April Fool's joke. What, a car company making bikes? Makes no sense from their point of view - car companies only care about their own profits, which means selling more companies. If this is real, I will buy my bike from a bike company, thank you very much.
So Andrew, if it is not real, who will you buy your bike from?
Could it be Land Rover?
BMW?
Mercedes Benz 2005 collection?
Mercedes Benz 2006 collection?
or maybe even Cadillac?