More bikers taking to the streets means more designers putting their skills to use thinking of ways to make this more environmentally and cost friendly way of commuting safer and more convenient.
Recently, a new way to save space for commuter bikes was announced at the PSFK Conference in New York. The announcement came from LifeEdited’s Graham Hill, whose site is dedicated to helping those of us living in less-than-spacious apartments and houses reduce our excess junk and live more efficiently.
The newest addition to Hill’s methods for streamlining life is the ThinBike. It’s a fixed-gear commuter bike that features collapsible MKS pedals as well as a Speedlifter quick-release system that allows the owner to twist the handle bars in without moving the front tire.
These two concepts take the bike from 21 to six inches in an instant, making it easier to keep in a more confined living space.
Here’s what LifeEdited says about ThinBike:
“Bike storage can be a hassle in small spaces. It’s bad enough that you have this big rectangle; but then you have handlebars and pedals jutting out, ready to snag a passerby. And while easy-to-stash foldable bikes are great, sometimes our riding habits and preferences demand a full size frame and wheels.”
The bike was made in collaboration with German company Schindelhauer to accomplish these design goals while still maintaining the size and integrity of a regular commuter bike.
Hill’s original suped-up package, that includes a Gates Carbon Belt Drive and white rims and tires is slated at a pricey $1800. However, giving your current bike an upgrade with the news pedals and stem can be done for approximately $200.
With this system, you can more easily store your bike without mounting it anywhere, or catching the handlebars on your legs when you pass: It’s a simple and practical design solution for an everyday problem.
