It’s pretty amazing how much stuff we can cram into our backpacks, from laptops to 2-liter water bottles to a bundle of chargers and cables. Of course, these are objects that were designed to be small enough to fit in bags in the first place, so that’s not exactly out of the ordinary. Unfortunately, we sometimes need to carry things larger than the largest backpacks in the market.
This bag might be designed for bicycle racing, but it can definitely do more than just carry spare wheels for an emergency. Its literally open design actually offers a bit more wiggle room that will let you carry large or odd-shaped items without breaking a sweat. Unless, of course, they’re actually too heavy to carry on your back.
We often think of bags as enclosed containers with a single opening, but there really isn’t a formal definition of a bag’s design. This “Bike Backpack” might look like a regular backpack from the front, but its open sides definitely break the stereotype. Then again, the idea of carrying a bicycle wheel or a large box is itself already unconventional.
The Sherman Bike Backpack has a tri-fold design that opens vertically like a flap. The idea is that you stuff things that are too large or too wide for regular bags in between the flaps, letting the sides extend beyond the bag’s confines. Alternatively, you can also hang something outside and secure it with straps.
This is how you can carry one or two bicycle wheels that are thin and light enough to put on your back while cycling or racing. Of course, boxes, drawing boards, blueprint tubes, and other large objects are also fair game, as long as you secure them properly with straps. It definitely makes for an odd sight, but your comfort and convenience definitely outweigh any awkwardness.
The backpack also has compartments for carrying regular stuff, and you might be able to use it for carrying laptops, tools, or even clothes. That said, it isn’t the ideal backpack for all weather conditions, since the open sides make it very vulnerable to water, snow, and even dust.
Electric bicycles are a sustainable and energy-efficient way of navigating congested cites, reason enough established brands and startups are adding this option to their lineup. Urban areas in major metros in developing nations are already going mainstream with the idea as manufacturers are offering a wide range of e-bike models catering to varied preferences.
This concept e-bike is tailored for city life on weekdays and a confident drive to the mountains on weekends. Dubbed E-THUNDER, the electric bike is a performance two-wheeler destined for second looks.
The handlebar of the electric bicycle has an aggressive and sharp stance complemented by the big wheels. This sharp aesthetic continues down to the frame which supports the high saddle. It reminds me of the Stealth bomber aircraft profile in more ways than not. The creator positions it as a modern solution for both daily commutes and intense lower-body training in the hills. The high-grade suspension system and wide tires make this one a comfortable ride even on steep ascends. Riders can also adjust the positioning of the handlebar to make the driving inputs ultra comfortable.
E-THUNDER comes with a vertical display to display all the vital information including navigation maps, waypoints, depleted battery level, current speed, and air pressure in tires. There’s a unique dial integrated into the display housing to input the Menu adjustment value or the details of the navigation location. The bike has a leaned forward positioning of the rider for reduced drag at high speeds. Just like other e-bikes, this one has an optimized power delivery, especially in the hybrid mode when you get assistive power from the electric battery while paddling at steep grades.
Those big tires can you through a rough dirt trail or medium-level off-road tracks with stones and pebbles. Interestingly if you don’t notice the pedals on this one, you’ll mistake this one for a high-performance bike.
Sergii Gordieiev is well known for his unique creations, showcasing his DIYs on the YouTube channel ‘The Q’ for people who love things out of the box. The wheel-less bicycle and square-wheeled ride are the prime examples. His love for customizing an ordinary bicycle is not going to fade away soon, as the slipper bicycle proves it all right.
As weird as it sounds, wait until you see the full video transcript. Sergii manages to slap the tarmac with this unusual ride one slipper at a time and that trippy sound is so irritatingly addictive. Everything apart, the level of detail and the amount of creative intent that the DIYer brings to each of his DIYs is worth appreciating. What next is he going to do with a bicycle is anybody’s guess, but for now, enjoy this one.
On first look, it seems the slippers will wear out from all the spanking on the road but there are 14 metal cutouts to take all the weight and contact force when the bicycle is paddled forward. These metal cutouts become the base for an outrageous-looking set of wheels for an adult bike. Both the wheel frames are designed from scratch with meticulous cutting and molding of the metal. Thereafter the wheels are attached to the bicycle frame.
The final step involves sliding on the rubber slippers onto each of these metal struts. Sergii fits each of the wheels with 12 yellow slippers and two black slippers to create a contrasting look when the wheels turn. The best thing about his creations is that no matter how much non-functional the bikes look, they glide on the road beyond anyone’s expectations. This one is no different as he takes a casual ride in the park to onlookers’ amazement.
We’re in a time and age where people have started living more sustainably and consciously, and this is reflected in their everyday decisions. They’re making changes in their daily lives, consumption, and even means of transportation! People are slowly but surely adopting bicycles as they are eco-friendly alternatives to the pollution-causing automotive, but also they’re an excellent source of exercise. I mean, not only do we get to save the Earth from air pollution, but we can also get some intense cardio done. And, we’ve curated a whole range of innovative designs for you that caught our attention. From a bicycle with treads to a bicycle with triangle wheels – these impressive bicycles will surely convert you to Team Cycles!
1. Bicycle With Treads
If you’ve spent much time on YouTube, you’ve probably come across the Q or Sergii Gordieiev who creates truly innovative and out-of-the-box bicycles. This time the Q has struck again with a bicycle with treads instead of wheels! The ingenious bicycle features handlebars, a seat, and a frame that have been made from scratch using unique elements. The bicycle has a lower profile at the rear than the front fork. Both the seating and handlebar are aligned, ensuring that the bicycle to quite comfortable to fit on.
2. Firefly MiniVelo Travel Bike
This customized bike is the Firefly MiniVelo travel bike for Ming Thein! It is a titanium bicycle specially tailored for Ming Thein, and designed to fit perfectly into a Rimowa travel case. The bike is custom-made, and it can be easily assembled and disassembled like a puzzle, to fit snugly into a briefcase, and back to ride without a single flinch or issue. It features a lightweight and durable chassis that can be efficiently unfastened into two halves, with the other parts also following suit.
3. The Moccle
Dubbed the Moccle, this fun and innovative bicycle with a unique aesthetic is designed to create an enjoyable riding experience for you. It doesn’t feature a dashboard, gears, or even shock absorbers, but it has been incorporated with a bent-wood frame to ensure shock absorption. The frame is supported using a metal fixture, and it flexes in response to pressure, ensuring that any stress from rocky terrains or challenging surfaces is absorbed.
4. Three Chair Bike
This reimagined bicycle has a chair as the saddle! You can go either riding on the streets or have it parked by the side to rest for a bit. The body is essentially the Furakazu Shushu model from the Maruishi Cycle, which is quite popular in Japan. The designer merges a chair design with a bicycle, to create an ingenious cycle with three chairs. It is designed to not only be a mode of transportation but also as an important element of your living environment. It doesn’t seem like an extremely practical design, to be honest, but it will definitely garner a lot of attention in Japan.
5. Infinity All-Wheel Drive Bicycle
Dubbed the Infinity All-Wheel Drive Bicycle, this innovative bicycle design by Stephan Henrich is truly one-of-a-kind. This bicycle is really one of the most out-of-the-box automotive designs I’ve seen in a long time! The unique bicycle moves ahead using a monotyre-clip chain system which forms a temporary rim on the wheel sections as well as the dental belt drive in the interior groove. The central wheel powers the monotyre as the crank generates the force needed to churn the wheels.
6. CeramicSpeed Bicycle
The CeramicSpeed bicycle features a new drivetrain without the ubiquitous chain, making it mess-free, low on friction, and pretty soothing on the eyes. It is equipped with a rotating shaft that eliminates the need for a greasy chain, and it works really well too, reducing friction by 49%. CeramicSpeed has also incorporated ceramic ball bearings on the shaft, which reduces friction, as the bearings push against the gear teeth and rotate as well, forming a smooth movement.
7. RE:CYCLE
Designed by Jimmy Östholm, the RE:CYCLE bike is made from recycled aluminum coffee capsules. The aluminum in the coffee capsules is melted down and then used by the brand to build a bike that is durable and sturdy. The bicycle is the perfect culmination of sustainability and design, creating a design that retains Vélosophy’s simple and iconic design philosophy as well. The bike features a minimal and sleek ethos marked by clear-cut edges. It has a vibrant purple-colored frame which draws inspiration from Arpeggio (the popular Nespresso coffee).
8. The J.Laverick Aston Martin .1R
Called the J.Laverick Aston Marin.1R, this good-looking sleek road bike is made from advanced titanium. A mixture of 3D-printed titanium lugs and sculpted carbon fiber tubes were used to build the lightweight yet durable bike, without placing any exposed bolts on the outer body. This is supposed to be the world’s first, and is described as a “titanium hypercar on two wheels”. You can make a choice between a saddle or a handlebar.
9. ONEBOT-S7
Meet the ONEBOT-S7, an innovative and nifty little bike featuring a unique three-fold structure instead of the typical two-step folding design that we’ve all grown accustomed to. This one-of-a-kind design makes the e-bike quite compact and small when folded, so you can easily place it into the boot of your car, or stealthily slide it under your workstation. And when the need for the bicycle arises, you can conveniently remove it and use it.
10. Bicycle With Triangle Wheels
The Q strikes again with this mindblowing bicycle featuring triangle-shaped wheels! This rather cleverly-designed bike moves along in a linear form, building adjacent lines between the rollers and the flat surface it is placed. This enables the triangle-shaped wheels to overcome limitations and challenges, allowing them to move quite comfortably without any issues. The triangular wheels may look impractical and ridiculous, but they’re really quite fun to ride, and more comfortable than you think.
The excitement of learning to ride a bicycle came with the realization that the more time you rode the more pain was inflicted on the butts. Yes, those days of early riding were all about non-stop riding the bike as speeds increased with every confidence boost, and the consequent sore rear by the end of the day.
To keep any bicycle true to the basics and long-lasting, the saddle has to be firm and contoured for maximum comfort. That however is counterintuitive as the seat can be uncomfortable during long rides. The solution is to prevent the body part from being pushed against a stationary support surface. How do you do that? With a movable saddle mechanism that doesn’t strain your butts. Thank god!
The story of this unique bike saddle’s development started with the idea of a compliant bicycle seat in 2016 by Australian engineer Robin Macan. Sometime after that, he met with industrial designer Philippe Guichard to take things further and create a two-part bicycle saddle that makes it ultra-comfortable for riders no matter the length of time they paddle. This ultimately led to the partnership with Melbourne-based Whistle Design Group to take the vision further and develop an actual product.
Macan finally created his startup ataraxyBSC to solve the problem of a pain-inducing bicycle saddle that’s been left in the shadow for decades. The solution is the vabsRider bicycle saddle with a split seat design. This simple yet clever saddle moves with the movement of legs, rotating around the hip joints to eliminate any pressure-inducing surface contact. Both the sides move independently with the leg movement, transferring pressure from the sit bones to the femurs, This creates a balanced load distribution, and gone are the sore muscles when bicycling for long hours at a stretch.
The user can further adjust the fore/aft and height, or toggle the angle or width of the saddle. The latter I’ve always wondered why no one thought about before. There’s no word about the pricing or availability of the vabsRider bicycle saddle, but you can express your willingness as an early adopter by emailing ataraxyBSC.
I’ve always been intrigued and amazed by the idea of Mamachari bicycles from Japan that can be used as grocery carriers, kid transporters, or riding to work with all your gadgets. Virtually every family in the land of the rising sun owns or has owned a Mama’s Chariot.
The unisex bicycle has proven itself as a age-old solution to city commuting and the Mama bike is not going to dwindle in popularity any time soon. Not when you see outlandish inspirations like the Homo Mobilitas pictured here. The reimagined bicycle has a chair as the saddle. Yes, a chair to either go riding on the streets or relax being parked by the side of a breezy pavement to catch some air.
The body of this unique bicycle is the Furakazu Shushu model from Maruishi Cycle which is popular in Japan as the first kids-carrying solution in the country. While the famous ride is not safe by any stretch of the imagination, it still solves the purpose if you keep all your senses in overdrive. The axis of the front handle takes all the weight and the clever mechanism links the stand to the front fork to lower the center of gravity to stabilize the bicycle. Takuto’s idea is to debunk the safety norms and address gender biases by transforming how we look and interact with bicycles.
By fusing a chair design with a bicycle, the designer wants to reinterpret how we see our relationship with everyday objects. The motivation to create this design is to see bicycles not just as a mode of transportation but also as an important part of our living environment. Thus, a bicycle with not two chairs, but three. How practical would it be to drive a bicycle with three chairs holding the weight of adults, I’m not too sure. One thing is clear though, this creation will have eyeballs turning in Japan.
James Bruton and his out-of-the-world creations never cease to amaze us. His Star Wars Speeder Bike is a good example of his inventive thinking. The DIYer knows his craft and his latest creation has got us mystified, yet again!
This omnidirectional bike gives the rider great freedom to move in multiple directions, allowing them to move sideways, diagonally, or even rotate on the spot. Now, who would say no to such a cool way to commute in the city?
Dubbed the Screw Bike, this two-wheeled commuter justifies the namesake. I can’t resist but see the reminisces of the retro Motocompo here, but that could be a pure coincidence. James has a thing for omnidirectional wheels and this could be his best one so far. Each of those peculiar wheels on the bike is 360 mm in diameter and comes with a packing of smaller wheels positioned with engineering craft for multidirectional movement. Originally called Mecanum Wheels, these unique tireless wheels are used widely in the scope of robotics and often in competitive robotics due to their ability to introduce fully omnidirectional movement onto a drivetrain. These rollers typically each have an axis of rotation at 45° to the wheel plane and at 45° to the axle line.
While your high-end bicycle will beat this thing in a straight spring, on the tracks of Monaco this thing will have the moves. For this bike’s custom design, the inventor employs 3D printing technology and uses materials like plywood. Implementing such a complex wheel design could only have been possible with 3D printing. There are 48 small wheels and 96 wedges that make possible this complex iteration. The movement of this bike is so smooth, that it calls for due credit to James.
The steering input from the handlebar is perfectly synched with the direction in which the inventor wants to move. He demonstrates the movement of Screw Bike inside a room and out in the open too. This very well justifies that the smooth moves are no fluke.
Some people cycle for exercise, some do it for the commute, and some do it as a sport, exploring the toughest terrain on the planet. Common sense dictates that all those activities would require bicycles of different calibers and capabilities – the Heybike Hero wasn’t designed for ‘common sense’… it was designed to absolutely defy it. Armed with a 1000W motor and an incredibly resilient carbon fiber frame, the Hero conquers all, whether it’s well-paved bike lanes or harsh off-road terrain. Available in two styles, the Hero has an overall range of 60 miles on a full charge, weighs just 75 lbs, and comes with a staggering 10-year warranty on the bike’s solid carbon fiber frame.
The Hero comes in two variants, the Step Through with its distinct frame design, and the Trapeze, which is slightly more conventional, but just as spectacular looking. Along with the two frame designs, you also have the option between a 750W mid-drive motor, or a 1000W rear drive motor. The mid-drive motor is notable for its efficiency, and its position plays a crucial role in boosting the e-bike’s power. This central motor configuration offers a few distinct advantages – By strategically placing the motor near the pedals, the Hero achieves a more balanced weight distribution. This translates to improved handling and stability, particularly crucial when navigating uneven terrain or challenging inclines. Traditional hub motors, often located on the front or rear wheel, can cause the bike to feel unbalanced and hinder maneuverability on technical trails. The Hero’s mid-drive motor placement ensures a more natural riding experience, akin to a traditional bicycle.
Furthermore, the mid-drive motor delivers torque directly to the drivetrain, resulting in a smoother and more natural power delivery compared to hub motors. This translates to effortless ascents on challenging inclines and smooth power delivery on rugged trails. Riders can conquer diverse landscapes with confidence, knowing the Hero can handle demanding climbs and uneven surfaces with ease. For riders on a budget, the 1000W rear-wheel variant offers a good balance between power and price, having a tag that’s $300 cheaper than the mid-drive motor variant.
An e-bike isn’t really complete with just a motor, though… the Hero also packs an intelligent torque sensor that continuously monitors the rider’s pedaling input, adjusting the motor’s assistance accordingly. As the rider applies more pressure to the pedals, the sensor detects the increased effort and seamlessly increases motor assistance. Conversely, when the rider eases off pedaling, the sensor reduces motor assistance, creating a more natural and intuitive riding experience. This eliminates the jerky starts and stops sometimes associated with e-bikes, minimizing rider fatigue and maximizing efficiency. You’ve also got 5 levels of pedal assist to choose from, letting you either rely heavily on the motor for a more relaxed riding experience, or go entirely analog and test your cardio and stamina.
Conquering new territories and exploring hidden gems becomes easy thanks to the Hero’s impressive range. On a single charge, the Hero boasts an overall range of up to 60 miles, powered by a rigorously certified 864Wh battery. This eliminates “range anxiety,” a common concern for e-bike riders. Furthermore, the 48V/4A charger offers a full charge in just 4 hours, letting you spend more time on the road and less time attached to a power socket.
The meticulously crafted T800 carbon fiber frame also plays a crucial role in the Hero’s exceptional performance. Preferred by elite automotive and aerospace industries for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, the carbon fiber build allows the Hero to achieve a remarkable weight of only 2.8kg. This translates to superior maneuverability on the trails, particularly when navigating tight corners or uneven surfaces. A heavier e-bike can feel sluggish and cumbersome, especially when navigating technical terrain. The Hero’s lightweight design allows for effortless handling and increased control, empowering riders to tackle challenging trails with confidence. The frame is also exceptionally durable, allowing the Hero to tackle even the most demanding terrain without breaking a sweat.
Both the Step-through and Trapeze variants cater to riders of all sizes, ranging from 5’3″ to 6’6″ feet tall, thanks to an adjustable saddle design. The saddle comes with shock absorption too, along with the frame’s full-suspension build, offering a smooth riding experience regardless of the terrain you shred on. 26×4-inch tires let you glide on rocky roads as if they were paved concrete, and hydraulic disc brakes let you stop confidently to keep you and others around you safe.
The e-bike comes with its own dashboard that displays relevant riding information, although what sets it apart is a companion smartphone app that adds a layer of ‘smartness’ to your e-bike experience. The Heybike app seamlessly integrates with the e-bike, providing riders with valuable data and functionalities. The app displays real-time data on speed, distance traveled, and battery level, allowing riders to monitor their progress and plan their journeys effectively. It also boasts navigation assistance, a valuable tool for exploring unfamiliar territories. Riders can pre-plan their routes or utilize the app’s navigation features to discover new trails. Additionally, the app offers various intelligent features that can further enhance the riding experience. These features may include customizable settings for motor assistance levels, trip history tracking, and maintenance reminders.
Once you’ve zeroed in on a frame design, you can choose between the 750W mid-drive motor that offers 160Nm of torque and a much more powerful ride experience, or the 1000W rear-drive motor that opts for a more standard e-bike architecture and offers just 100Nm of torque. The 750W Hero starts at a discounted $2699, while the 1000W comes for $2399. Both variants have a 2-year warranty on the e-bike itself, but a 10-year warranty on Heybike’s state-of-the-art carbon fiber chassis.
Ming watches exist for a clock enthusiast like me. No wonder then, I knew a thing or two about the lead founder and designer Ming Thein. I was aware that he is an avid photographer and a horologist, but honestly, I didn’t know he is also big enough a cycling buff to get Firefly to customize him an everyday bike that could fold to fit into his Rimowa luggage for easy travel.
Firefly Bicycles needs no introductions. It is known for customizing bikes to order whether you need a racer, a durable one for off-roading, or something “totally different,” in the case of Ming, a truly foldable commuter with all the bells and whistles.
Tailored to Ming Thein, is the pictured Firefly MiniVelo travel bike. It is by virtue a titanium bicycle designed to fit perfectly inside a Rimowa travel case. The custom-made bike has been specially designed to disassemble and assemble like a puzzle to fit into a briefcase and back to ride without a flinch.
The MiniVelo thrives on its lightweight and durable chassis that can be unfastened into two halves, with other parts following suit, disassembling to fit into a piece of compact luggage. The main highlight here, which makes the entire assembly and disassembly routine interesting, is the hydraulic line couplers built into the bike frame.
The innovation of this bike design extends to the 3D printed forks, SMC Govan tri-spoke wheels, and seat post made of carbon fiber, which together contribute to the lightweight of the MiniVelo travel bike. Furthering the idea of unique travel customized to user style, Firefly allows the titanium frame to be a canvas for anodizing.
The MiniVelo, as mentioned, is made to order for a horologist with a love for travel and cycling. Firefly is not likely to, at least at the time of writing, replicate the idea for mass production. But if you are fascinated by the idea of a titanium mini bicycle, you can fit in Rimowa luggage, head over to Firefly Bicycles, and request a customized option right away.
Our typical fossil-fuel-consuming means of transportation need to be replaced by greener and more environment-friendly alternatives, and Electric Bicycles are an appealing option! Not only do they curb fuel consumption and reduce automotive emissions, but they’re also a healthy source of exercise for us! I mean, not only do we get to save the Earth from air pollution, but we can also get some intense cardio done. And they’re becoming an increasingly popular option day by day. It’s estimated that the total number of electric bicycles in circulation around the world will be 300 million soon, which is an exponential increase, from 200 million back in 2019. It looks like everyone is slowly and steadily hopping onto the e-bicycle bandwagon! And, we’ve curated a whole range of innovative designs for you that caught our attention!
1. Popup Scooter
Meet the Popup Scooter – a two-wheeled electric bicycle that can be transformed into a kick scooter, or the other way round! The transformative design allows the rider to pick a configuration that suits his or her riding needs. The cycle is equipped with a hydraulic cylinder that allows it to move smoothly and swiftly. The mechanism can lift an adult person, so lifting and lowering the rider’s body shouldn’t be an issue at all.
2. Electric Mobility Bicycle
This Cake bike-inspired electric bicycle takes the hybrid nature of personal commuters to a whole another level. The commuter has a modular nature that makes it ideal for different kinds of users. The bicycle takes inspiration from everyday gadgets, featuring a sleek form without compromising on the bike’s robust aesthetic at all. Although the saddle does have an awkward shape, that may not be comfy for the rider for long durations.
3. Electric Fixie
Designed by Andrey Avgust, the Electric Fixie is a fixed-gear bike with the same working principle of the genre, as well as the added and boosted capability of an electric drive, making riding on inclined roads as easy and simple as riding on level ones. The bike is equipped with traction control and regenerative braking for battery recuperation, and the latter can be controlled via the bike’s handlebar.
4. The ONEBOT-S7
The ONEBOT-S7 features an innovative three-fold structure, unlike the two-step folding design we are all accustomed to. This e-bike is ultra-compact once it is folded, making it super easy to fit into the boot of a car or slide under your workstation. The bicycle can be compressed into the smallest single unit possible, and when folded it only measures 60 cm in height and length, as well as 35 cm in width.
5. The VanMoof Bike
Dubbed the VanMoof bike, this minimal yet robust-looking bike features an amazing red and black colorway. This bike seems to be a custom version of the e-bike company’s Red Dot Award-winning S3 model, and the colorway is designed by Dao-Yi Chow, a New York-born-and-raised designer who co-created the street-savy fashion brand Public School in 2008.
6. IEDEX
Dubbed IEDEX, this electric bicycle is an exploration cycle with a generous amount of storage space to store your camping essentials without being a complete eyesore. The electric bicycle features ad-hoc space to store luggage bugs in the frame itself. The bicycle eliminates the down tube courtesy of the unibody design, unlike conventional bicycle designs.
7. Nireeka Mega eBike
The Nireeka Mega eBike is powered by the 1500W Bafang Ultra mid-drive with a peak torque of 200nm. The impressive vehicle can take you on speeds of up to 38mph and features a removable 840Wh extended battery that can easily help you reach a range of 51 miles on a single charge. It features a full-suspension geometry with 140mm travel on both ends which absorbs bumps.
8. The ENGWE X26 All-Terrain E-Bike
The ENGWE X26 all-terrain e-bike is the e-bike you need to conquer any road and distance! It features a powerful 1000W motor that can push your speed to 31 mph max. That is the maximum power, the e-bike can push out, and it also has a steady and sturdy delivery of 750W output that is greater than the average e-bike’s 500W motors.
9. PXID-A1
Called the PXID-A1, this compact electric bicycle can be folded down to the size of a small suitcase which makes it super easy to carry around. You can easily transport it in the boot, or even carry it to the office floor if your boss allows. The cycle rides on 14-inch tires, while the rear tires derive their power from the onboard electric battery for assistive riding on ascends.
10. Pendler Bike
Named the Pendler bike, this unique e-bike is a nod to the country’s deep cycling culture. It features a U-shaped frame which is essentially a thick structural element. This allows the two-wheeler to have an identifiable silhouette which caters perfectly to your urban riding needs.
