Without a chain, folded in split-second, with two wheel drive – new type of bike
 

I would like to show you the prototype of a completly new kind of bicycle. It doesn't have a chain; it has got a front-wheel drive; it can be folded in a split-second. You can even install a two wheel drive for easier riding on slippery terrain. This vehicle it is much easier and faster to fold than all other folding bikes - all you need to do is to grab the frame and the whole bike folds in half (without any tools). It is very effective (no loss of energy on the chain).
It gives more dynamic and enjoyable ride and it’s cleaner in use (no chain).

If you want to see how it works check this out:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UqgQlM2inaI

The author of this bike is my father. I try to support him and promote his idea – for example i submitted him to this comptetition:
http://velo-city2013.com/?page_id=2337&project_id=205

The main prize is possibility to present prototype of his bike during the conference Velo- City 2013.
If you like his project, please vote for it. Thanks for all comments too.

And sorry for my english – it’s not perfect, but it’s not my native language.

nice concept i guess. for the city commuter. looks a little funny.

what about crashes? in a certain collision wouldnt the entire bike fold on you?

I can see this replacing cruisers (lighter, more efficient, comfortable, compact). But you can't go very fast on that little thing, unless your legs can jolt like a v8 engine piston.

Interesting - and I'd like to see more details. Gears were mentioned but not explained well enough to really evaluate what activities they'd be practical for.

Its also probably pretty safe to assume you've driven this yourself so some driving impressions would be nice. Aside from the design being different - how do you feel the ride stacks up compared to other bicycle geometries?

It's really interesting! The cable actuated steering was a real surprise. I would love to try this out.
The rider position reminds me of other 'feet forward' bike designs.
The internal geared hub looks neat. I wonder what the gear range is.

It looks like they add a center wheel to drive the rear. Can't imagine that would work well in snowy or muddy conditions.

I'm guessing it's fixed gear right? It didn't look like anyone was coasting. You'd def need to add a brake on there somewhere for anyplace but the flattest cities.

Finally,the steering. Are the steering cables push/pull? What happens if one slips or breaks?:eek:

As is,this is a toy,not a serious vehicle. If you want to call this a real bicycle,then bring one to DC and go on a ride with me. We'll climb up Wisc Ave and bomb down Mass. It'll be fun to watch. I'll be on a real bike,of course.

Next.

Izzy what's the advantage of having the pedals forward on the front wheel? I know you save 2%-4% efficiency loss of a chain drive, but other than that? Also how much efficiency do you lose with the "2-wheel drive" option, with which looks like a friction gear in the middle?

Having the direct drive is like a 1-1 gear ratio, which is going to be limiting (my granny gear is about 1.5). That breaks the design for most riding other than sidewalks. Have you considered somehow modifying an IGH to integrate the crank with it? So you could keep the spirit of the design and also shift gears.

I see another problem; wind. There's just no way to ride that bike without being a human drag chute. Why not go a bit farther and make it a recumbent design?

Looks heavy.

No offense...but it seems like an answer to a problem which doesn't exist.

Wrong and wrong. You should watch the video.

Wheelbase seems rather short..


good luck ..

Cruisers are different animals. They're not bought for performance reasons.

It's an interesting design. A return to the velocipede of 150+ years ago. Doesn't look like it folds down enough to be be worthwhile.

I gotta say, I think it's pretty cool!

Rewatched. They should make a better video. Ok,there's one instance of someone coasting;maybe they should spell out exactly how the drive works. And found the brake(only front wheel);again,crappy video talking style over substance.

This thing still isn't going to go up and down hills well. And you're still trusting your steering to the cables.

Next.

Its cool in a gimmick sort of way. But what ever energy that is saved with no chain, is lost again with lack of high gearing & a pedal forward design. Get thoes pedals under the sattle or market it to senior rec centers.

everyone's talking performance. who cares if this doesn't have multiple gears, caliper brakes, or the ability to climb hills. this is a better version of the beach cruiser. Is the beach cruiser obsolete? no.

This could really catch on, imo.

I think it's pretty cool also, but with a top speed of 6 or 7 mph it's not an ideal bike or even an alternative to the bikes we ride.

true. I also forgot about cost effectiveness. . . That front wheel looks like a lot more work to build than your regular spoke wheel.

I doubt it's meant to be. I see it simply as a totally different type of bike. Its foldability means you're allowed to take on European trains at rush hour. It won't win too many races, but who here wouldn't like to try it once?

I could see it as a novelty for recreational riding in urban plazas and squares where there is more pedestrians than vehicles. Might could be used as a back up bike for a multimodal commuter that doesn't have much ground to cover to/from station/stop and home/destination. Or used as a spare for any guests you have staying with you.

one ride is worth a thousand words. i'd want to try it. i really would.

Already done. Cruzbikes. Doesn't need cable steering/stabilization; just need to learn how to ride it.

http://cruzbike.com/sites/default/fi...u_icon_394.JPG

Sales pitches I don't need. I'm an enthusiast, not a venture capitalist.