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* [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/5173612.stm BBC Review of the A-bike]
* [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/5173612.stm BBC Review of the A-bike]


{{Folding bicycles}}


[[Category:Folding bicycles]]
[[Category:Folding bicycles]]

Revision as of 03:34, 7 April 2009

A-bike unfolded
A-bike folded

The A-bike is a type of folding bicycle invented by Sir Clive Sinclair in the United Kingdom and released on 12 July 2006. It weighs 5.5 kilograms (12 lb) and folds to 67×30×16 cm, small enough to fit in a rucksack.

The A-bike was designed by a team at Daka, Hong Kong and Sinclair Research Ltd over 5 years, and was originally announced in 2004. Clive Sinclair envisioned the A-bike, and Alex Kalogroulis was the main design engineer.

Characteristics

The A-bike's telescoping structure reduces its apparent volume to about 25% in its collapsed state. A twin-chain system enables the bike to travel about 3.2 metres per crank rotation despite the bicycle's small (6 in diameter) wheels. The crankcase housing completely encloses the drive mechanism, protecting it and preventing oil stains on clothing or floor surfaces.

Media appearances

In November 2006, A-bike was featured on UK television programme The Gadget Show, alongside the Strida. The distribution company behind the A-bike was featured on the UK Television programme Badger or Bust broadcast on the 5 June 2007.

A-bike was featured in the Top Gear epic race Car vs. Train 2. Richard Hammond and James May carried A-bikes in their suitcases and unfolded them to bike from a ferry dock to a cable car. The magazine A to B described the A-bike as a "fabulous folder, but almost unrideable".[1]

References

  1. ^ "Folding Bikes. A Buyers' Guide". A to B magazine. 2006. Retrieved 2008-10-30. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)