Bizarre Bikes

Did you know that the first bicycle-like device was constructed almost 200 years ago?!  It was made entirely of wood and didn’t have pedals.  Baron von Drais invented this “walking machine” that would help him travel around royal gardens faster.  It had a frame that mounted with two in-line, same size wheels.  The front wheel had bars to steer and moved by pushing your feet along the ground, like a scooter.  He called it a Draisienne, after himself, but it also became known as the “hobby horse.”

Photo credit: Library of Congress

Over the next 200 years, modifications in design material and functionality led to the modern day bicycle, and now even electric bikes!  However, inventors haven’t stopped inventing, and what is now considered “modern,” may not be modern for long.  Here’s a look at some new and strange, but amazing, bikes.

Glow in the Dark

Pure Fix Cycles recently came out with a new series of bikes that features a highly reflective, glow in the dark paint for the frame, wheels, or both.  The paint is solar-activated, like those plastic stars you stuck on the bedroom ceiling as a kid.  An hour of sunlight provides for at least an hour of nighttime fun.

          

Photo credit: Pure Fix Cycles

The Di-Cycle

Imagine taking your bike off-roading… over water.  The Di-Cycle is designed to carry its rider over both land and water.  GBO Design is developing this concept for citizens in the Netherlands, which has roughly 40 canals, making commuting by water as convenient as commuting by road.

Photo credit: Dvice

“Dogsled” Quadbike

If two’s a party and three’s a crowd, four must make for one interesting ride.  This quadbike was designed and dubbed the “Dogsled” by Tom Wilson and his son for when they attend the Burning Man festival.

Photo credit: The Geeky Globe

Theft-Proof and Puncture-Free

Olympic cyclist Chris Boardman designed this bike with a carbon fiber body and built-in locking, anti-theft mechanism which is only activated by the owner’s fingerprints.  Pretty awesome, considering that in 2010, there was over 700 bicycles reported stolen in Fort Collins, Colorado alone.  Other features will include a calorie monitoring system, battery powered assistance, and puncture free tires that have the ability to self-inflate!

Photo Credit: Hype Beast

MyHandleBar

MyHandleBar combines many Coloradans’ love for beer, biking, and adventure in an all-in-one touring experience.  This giant party bike seats up to 16 people and has 10 pedaling seats that allow you to travel around Boulder and Fort Collins with panache.  MyHandleBar was founded by Colorado native, Theresa Preston, who is also a Colorado State Alumni!  I think it’s time the Ridekick team took this out to New Belgium and Odell microbreweries to enjoy some local craft beer favorites.

           

Photo credit: MyHandleBar

Whether you’re on two wheels or twenty two, pedaling with friends, zooming across town on a Ridekick trailer, or your own custom-built bike, we hope you travel safely and have an adventure worth sharing!