Genius by Mobiky
 

This little bike was introduced at Interibke last week. It folds very compact in 2 to 3 seconds, comes with 3 speed Sturmey-Archer internal gearing, transport handle, disc brakes, 12 inch tires, and folding pedals.

It seemed very well built, but I did not see it as a practical transport for a lengthy ride. It weighs in at around 28lbs.

For more information: http://www.mobiky.fr/genius/en/Genius_technical.html

Cost? Around $1000 retail.

Looks like the R+M (Birdy) Frog, maybe with smaller wheels. Is the frame suspended; i can't tell from the photo. If not, then it probably isn't suitable for much at all.

Mobiky is $700 on Amazon and bfold.com. If it will really work for my purposes that is not too much for me to pay.

I am a 55 year old (out of shape) woman looking for something only for short hops for errands, and being able to just pop it into the shopping chart (or the shelf under the cart).

Anybody have experience using a Mobiky under such circumstances? Is this the easiest bike to use that way? Am I exaggerating the ease of use?

Also, is there a way to attach a rack/basket to this? If so what kind?

Mobiky USA:
http://www.mobikyusa.com/

Hi Frazzle,

I don't have any personal experience with it, but found it very interesting when I first started looking for a folder. At this point 28 pounds seems pretty heavy for what it is, and I always thought the 12 inch wheels were rather small. If I were to eventually get another folder (I am a very happy owner of a Downtube VIII H) for only purposes such as you describe, I would go with a Strida (22 pounds, 16" wheels) before a Mobiky. It is real nice looking though, isn't it?

Anna

I haven't owned one myself, but I have a feeling that some in here would point you towards a Brompton. The Mobiky does look pretty neat, but I'm not sure that it has the proven track record of a Brompton. If you plan on using your folder for light errands, there are several luggage options for a Brompton, including rear racks, front bags, and saddle bags.

Best of luck with your selection.

I took a test ride and thought it was heavy, although that may have been corrected on later versions. Small diameter wheels amplify bumps. Every bike with wheels less than 20" I have ridden felt unstable.

"I am a 55 year old (out of shape) woman looking for something only for short hops"

I think Strida would be better unless you are very short and don't fit on it.

In the same class as mobiky you might consider dahon sweat pea or the downtube mini.

A rake that clamps to the seat post seems possible. It may interfere with folding.

THe problem with this bike (and several other folders that seem like they'd be small) is that their folded dimensions really aren't that small. That bike is much larger, folded, than a Brompton or the new Downtube Mini. For that reason, it makes no sense to buy one when something that folds smaller can be found for less money that won't have the same drawbacks as something with 12" wheels and a non-proven design.

Having something with wheels that small that weighs 28 lbs (and that's without accessories) seems to negate the advantages. I wouldn't want to lug around anything that heavy.

In theory the Strida seems great for rolling it folded around a supermarket but that would leave only one hand free to push the cart. And I don't think it would fit under the standard shopping cart without sticking out. Someone should invent a folding attachment to the Strida that converts it into a wheeled shopping basket when folded.

This bike can be folded in more ways than I can count. 28lbs is heavy for a 12" wheel bike, however I do not think normal weight stereotypes should apply to this bike. It is made to roll, I can't imagine carrying it anywhere.

I am sure it would attach and roll with a shopping cart without much hassle.

Thanks,
Yan

Don't know about the Mini but I tested a Mobiky for a week and the folded dimensions were pretty close to my Brompton. Note: the Mobiky was taller but slightly narrower, my Brompton has the saddle high and far back. The Mobiky was heavier, had lighter steering and the rear brake was dubious (front was nice).

My experience with the Mobiky
 

From the perspective of a short person 5'0". I just got my Mobiky today, one of the dealers listed on the website was selling them for $599. I only hope Mobiky is not coming out with an upgraded or lighter model in the next year or I'll cry.

Anyway, this is a very cool, unusual bike. It folds extremely easily, and the folding is easier and more intuitive than the Handybike that I just bought, the Brompton I test drove and the Dahon Helios that I own. The seat is very comfortable and the ride feels very stable, shifting is easy. I took it home and was immediately able to ride it, I didn't have to make any adjustments. Also, I didn't have to read the handbook to figure out how to fold it.

The only drawback is that the canvas sack it comes with is more of a cover, it is not a carrying case. But they sell some kind of quilted carry case on various websites made for it.

For those of you who like bikes that look cool, I think the Mobiky wins on that account too. Very cool bike, very rideable for the short distance flat terrain rider.

I did read (in A to B I think) that Mobiky were producing a new 16" (or was it 14") version. Don't worry though - if the bike suits your needs, that is all that really matters...

More Mobikys
 

Right now on ebay there are 3 Mobiky's for sale. They are priced quite low, but who knows what will happen. At those prices, I'm tempted to get another and give it as a gift. This is a really cool bike. And No, I'm not the one selling it, I already have my green one. It makes me wonder though why the seller is selling it starting at $200, like is Mobiky coming out with another model so they are dumping them at low cost?

More opinions on the Mobiky
 

So I've had my Mobiky for a week or so now and have ridden it further. Despite the small size I do feel a slight problem with the front end feeling unstable and think this must be due to the way the bike is weighted, much like how I felt with the Dahon. I found that if I shift my weight forward I feel more stable though a heck of a lot more uncomfortable. I don't think this is a bike to use for long distances as other people have said, but for a few miles, it would be great. It folds up in a second and fits easily in my trunk. I plan to use it tomorrow to ride to work 1 mile after dropping my car off at the shop. I wonder if Mobiky is going to come out with a new model? Someone was selling 2 bikes on ebay with no reserve, and got maybe 1/2 of what they normally sell for. They told me they were a re-seller of close-outs. It makes me wonder then if the current model is being phased out. If they could improve it by reducing the weight but keep all the other features, it would be even cooler. For now, my Downtube Mini is the best bike for the money and for me as a short female.

I wonder if Mobiky is going to come out with a new model?

Summer season is over, seasonal businesses need to get rid of stuff or pay storage fees. Either Mobiky goes out of business or they will come out with an improved model, probably in a year or so.

More Mobiky and No, I'm not a dealer
 

Took the Mobiky to work, about 1 mile of almost perfectly flat ground. It worked great, seemed to go about as fast as a regular bike but I didn't time it, so this is all subjective. Got it in and out of the car at the car shop, and all the mechanics stopped and stared at it appreciatively and smiled. I rode off. Didn't get hit by a car. Got to work, put it in my tiny office. Showed it off. Everyone thought it was the coolest. I was then rolling it across the parking lot and a motorcycle rider actually came up to me and asked me about it. It sure gets attention. I will say though, that when I mention the price, the interest drops a bit.

Great fun. Its like having a new outfit!

I like the Strida too but who knows when it will be available again? This bike introduces disk brakes which is where the commuter bike should be going. In addition, it uses a Sturmey Archer 3 speed hub so it's probably faster than a Strida.

If only this bike were 20 lbs and costs about $400.00, we wouldn't consider the Strida anymore.

Why do you say that? I'm not taking a contrary position. I'm just curious what forms your opinion.

Like this you mean? :-)

http://www.flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne...ostream&size=l

you got disk brakes on a Strida? is that custom or a new model?

That would be nice to try, but no. I don't think I could even easily get spoked alloy wheels here in the UK!
I found those pic's whilst doing a bit of research. Clearly it exists though, probably for the Asian market, since I see they can have lots of anodised aluminium colours there too. The crank looks improved too. Maybe this bike is destined for a US launch next year?

Maybe this is a clue.http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l1...Interbike1.jpg
Notice the reference to "my12 / my16" on the banner in the background. This photo was taken at the recent Interbike show in Las Vegas.

Mobiky Pics
 

Cool pics Sooner Later! I wouldn't have wanted a bike with bigger wheels so I feel my blood pressure coming down to normal levels now. I wonder if it is lighter though.

I will say, that when I was rolling the bike up to my office through the elevator, yada yada, it was quite easy to roll it, and people just stared at me because they had no idea what it was. I work in a hospital, I suspect some people may have even thought it was some kind of wheelchair. So the weight is not a huge consideration. I'm a 5'0" female weakling and I can lift it in and out of my SUV easily.

I have been commuting via my Mobiky and public transportation for several months now. I like the quick-folding features, and the rolling mobility when I am maneuvering indoors, also the handy kickstand in all positions. And the small wheels. Where I ride, street traffic is pretty adversarial, and sidewalk traffic is light so I can ride on the sidewalk 95% of the time and the small wheels make it seem more at home there...less threatening to the baby-buggy set. The unexpected part is the attention I get on or off it. The mechanically-inclined are curious about the design, the disc brakes, etc. Surprisingly, a lot of people expect it to be motorized. My focus is on getting somewhere, not on the biking experience, but I am bike-girl wherever I go with it. Most of my rides are short hops of 15 minutes or so, with an occasional 30 minutes, maybe 25 miles a week total. I am satisfied with it and definitely wouldn't want bigger wheels, or longer rides.

hi,

i'm a mobiky owner for 7 months... I read a lot about it on this forum.

I think the good points of this bike are:
- the design (everybody is looking at you in the street)
- the quick and easy folding system
- the rolling position

the bad points:

- it is not light enough
- you have to put your weigth on the handlebar to not rolling unconfortable
I'm happy wth my bike because I'll just use it for 8 km a day and it is just right for this.
so that's all..
:-)
sorry for the faults i'm german