The bike industry is a rich and varied place, and we’re occasionally reminded just how varied when we stumble across the likes of these marvellous cycling creations. First up and spotted by a reliable source while on a ride in Boston is this intriguing contraption, the sideways bike. We haven’t actually figured out how this thing works yet, but it’s been seen in action and it does indeed shift sideways. There are more pics to be seen here, let us know if you’ve got an idea of how it’s all rigged up, or indeed of how you ride it for more than 5 minutes without developing a crick in your neck.
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It’s weird, but the jury’s out as to whether it’s wonderful. The conference bike is a bizarrely-shaped tricycle that seats seven, yes seven, riders around a central circular bar grip. Steering comes from a separate handlebar and is controlled by just one person while as many riders pedal as fancy it. The bike is the brainchild of American Eric Staller, who moved on to bikes after the world-wide success of his light-covered VW Beetle. And the point is? “After a few minutes riding, total strangers start talking and laughing and end up exchanging phone numbers”, the website tells us. But even more inspiring is the claim that the invention “can work miracles for the humanity of our towns and cities, if applied with real imagination”. And the weight? The singlespeed wonder is plucked from a chicken’s back at a mere 200kg, but the makers say that they have managed to take it to 35kmh (down a long hill, in case you were wondering).
Before you say “Only in America”, Mr. Staller has apparently relocated production to Europe which seems to provide the heart of his business, and the conference bike can be yours for 9,500 Euro. And if that’s not enough for you, for a total love-in experience you should check out the “Love Bike”, a beautiful, deep-red five-seater with heart-shaped seats and a built-in sound system for mobile karaoke. It’s to die for. |
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