Eurobike: Mobiky MY16
 

From VeloVision:
Mobiky Express
We're currently reviewing the Mobiky Genius 12"-wheeled model. At Eurobike they'd revealed a successor - the MY16 with 16" wheels (and the 12"er is now the MY12). It's a rather larger folded package of course...

http://www.velovision.co.uk/storyima...ike/mobiky.jpg
http://www.velovision.co.uk/storyima...bikyfolded.jpg

http://www.velovision.co.uk/cgi-bin/...l?storynum=877

Looks like a nice long wheelbase, at least!

But it folds fast ... right?

-G

Protected chain, nice design...but isn't the folded package kinda big?

If the 12" model weighs 30 pounds then the 16" model must weigh what? 40 pounds?

I have the 12 inch version, and I love it. I can fold it in about half the time of it takes for my Dahon Jetstream - 8 seconds vs. 15 seconds. And if I'm just doing a partial fold (just collapsing the frame and folding the handlebars down) it's about 4 seconds. This partial fold - I like to call it a footprint fold, because it minimizes the footprint - is what I use when I wheel the bike indoors with the intention of opening it up again soon. Often I will ride up to an open elevator door, hop off a few feet away from the door, and footprint fold as I walk in, without the bike ever stopping rolling. The tradeoff for the weight is a very sturdy bike. And the weight isn't so much an issue because the bike rolls when folded. I only pick it up to go up stairs or put it in the car.

The most significant downside for me is fixing a rear flat. Takes more than the usual tools and a good amount of time.