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New fixie concept bike: ugly, and useless

New fixie concept bike: ugly, and useless

No denying that fixed-gear bikes have a certain appeal, but this new stripped-down bike has little to make it appealing beyond the lack of a chain. There is so much wrong with this bike — where do we begin?

The geometry of this bike, designed by J. Ruiter (same guy?) is just bizarre. Unless you lean so far forward that you're leaning on your chest, how do you even pedal this thing? I hate to imagine what it would do to your undercarriage. Instead of pushing down on the pedals, you have to push back. Because your hip flexors are just so much stronger than your quads, right? Forget about even attempting to use the bottom of the pedal stroke for any power.

There's just no way that a wide squared-off saddle can be comfortable. I can't begin to imagine where the saddles sores will be. Ouch. It doesn't look like the seat height is adjustable. Does the purchase price include a trip to the knee doctor? Not to mention the lack of a chain. Makes for a simple drivetrain, but gear ratios exist for a reason. This thing is like a unicycle with handlebars.

Fixie bikes can be so beautifully elegant, but this one completely misses the mark. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Via CrunchGear

New fixie concept bike: ugly, and useless
 
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(3) COMMENTS

Corby:
Not to mention the (apparently) 1:1 gear ratio? Fixed gear is ok, but fixed at 1:1? This thing would only be able...More »


Comments

By Mr. Gumsandals at 9:06 AM ON 11/05/09

This is nothing new. I once saw one on display in Madrid at a museum of the Spanish Inquisition. The only difference was the seat-- it was spiked-- and the "bike" was locked down.

By Frits B at 9:44 AM ON 11/06/09

Not just the Spanish inquisition, there was a military disciplinary instrument called the horse until well into the 19th century. Same idea as this "bike" but no wheels and the saddle was a triangular bar with the sharp side up.

By Corby at 3:26 PM ON 11/06/09

Not to mention the (apparently) 1:1 gear ratio? Fixed gear is ok, but fixed at 1:1? This thing would only be able to go about as fast as the Big Wheel you had as a kid. I know this tire is larger, but it really would be intolerably slow to go anywhere. Imagine being hunched over since the handlebars are actually below seat level, traveling at a pace so slow you would be better off just walking. I think this is probably the least fun bike ever invented.


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