Tag Archives: folding bikes

Bygen’s Hank Direct Bike Collapses, Uses Direct Drive System

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The final size limitation that folding bikes often encounter is the chain; you can fold the bike, sure, but you can’t do the same to the chain. Bygen’s Hank Direct Bike simply ditches the chain and switches it for a direct-drive system. This means the pedals are directly powering the rear wheel, much like a Penny-farthing’s pedals power the front wheel directly. But unlike a Penny-farthing, the Hank isn’t a fixie: it has a hub transmission with three available gear ratios. The pedals extend forward and are placed at a natural angle beneath the rider, while the entire bike doesn’t actually fold but rather telescope back into itself. The top post is completely adjustable, so even when you take it out of the retracted position, you don’t have to slide it all the way forward, allowing you to lock it in place at the most comfortable distance.

The lack of chain makes this bike ideal for the business commuter since you won’t be getting any grease on your pants, and its small retracted size lets you keep it somewhere in the office without too much trouble. Price and availability haven’t been announced, however.

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[ Product Page ] VIA [ Gizmag ]

The post Bygen’s Hank Direct Bike Collapses, Uses Direct Drive System appeared first on OhGizmo!.

Sada Bike Folds into Size of an Umbrella

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Folding Sada BikeWe’ve seen quite a few folding bikes over the years but none quite like the Sada Bike. The unique part of the design here is that the wheels are hubless, having no center sprocket and no spokes. The bike folds with one motion and the wheels come away from the frame completely.

Anyone that has done some bike riding might question the loss of leverage through gears on a center sprocket, and anyone that is a little bit of a heavier rider might also quickly note that the wheels without spokes might not hold a person. But, Sada really seems to be targeting more of a compact city bike that won’t be setting speed records or taking on any significant air. The bike (without the wheels) folds roughly into the size of any umbrella and can be packed into a rolling case or backpack.

Unfortunately we can’t try one out quite yet since the Sada Bike is still a prototype looking for some funding, but you can check out the video below to see what you think.

via Gizmodo