It could be the
ultimate bike for commuter - with full sized wheels, yet able to fold into a
package the same size as an umbrella.
An Italian designed
has revealed the bike, which even has folding wheels, and a hub instead of a
chain.
However, despite its
tiny size when folded, it still boast full size 26inch wheels and can even be
folded in a single move.
The bike uses spokeless wheels which can
fold down and a rear hub which drives the rim directly
when folded, the bike is only marginally
larger than an umbrella.
Inventor Gianluca
Sada says he first came up with the idea after being disappointed with current
folding bike designs.
'The idea of a
folding bike has undertaken numerous studies that focus on reducing the weight
and dimensions which have led, to too small sized bicycles.
'They have a small
frame and wheels at the expense of stability, for the sake of compactness and
portability during transport.
'The minimum size of
the frame, in fact, penalizes the rider position while driving and the small
size of the wheels significantly are affected by variations in terrain.'
Sada said he wanted
his machine to have full sized 26inch wheels, but also a frame and components
that can fold.
After dozens of
prototypes, he developed the current bike, which includes wheels with no
spokes, and a design small enough to be used as a backback.
Inventor Gianluca Sada says he first came
up with the idea after being disappointed with current folding bike designs.
Sada said he wanted his machine to have
full sized 26inch wheels, but also a frame and components that can fold.
'In conclusion, the project may
pave the way for a new system of mobility outside the classical schemes, widely
accessible and easily transportable,' he explains - and is currently looking
for an investor to help him produce the machine.
The working prototype has already been
tested in cities around the world
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