Stop press! The Future of Cycling is here!
OK, a future. Maybe.
It’s sort of possible, right?
Um, probably not.
Billed as “the worlds most advanced and versatile Smart Bike,” the Cyclotron promises to be the next big step in the cycling evolution. Digitally connected, built using space-age carbon fibre, and (of course) entirely spoke-free, the Cyclotron future is only ONE YEAR AWAY!
Not just a bicycle, the Cyclotron is “it’s [sic] own small universe” in which creatives and athletes can convene and collaborate to “improve the Cyclotron Universe with each day.” Not only is it small for a universe, the Cyclotron is light for one too: mechanical 12-speed models are forecasted to weigh an impressive 25.35lb, with electronic and manual 18-speed models coning in at 26lb or less. How? Space Grade Composite Construction, of course.
Why do futurists hate spoked wheels so much? Maybe because they waste valuable luggage space with “swirled air?” After all, if you can do away with spokes you can replace them with circular Utility Slots, which can be filled with messenger bags, baskets, electric motors, or child seats. Of course, front wheel mounted accessories (like the Butterfly baskets pictured above) could make for interesting handling on breezy days- but no matter: progress will not be stopped.
Before you say that this is all too good to be true, consider the price: these revolutionary lightweight, aerodynamic, spokeless bicycles can be had for as little as €999 (£825) with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Yeah, we’re going to stick with too good to be true.
While we truly wish the Cyclotron team the best in their project (and are impressed that they have built what appears to be a rideable prototype), regardless of their merit there are so many leaps here that it’s hard to picture any future in which this project can deliver in the time frame promised. Remarkably, the Cyclotron Kickstarter Project has already been funded to the tune of $47,000 with a target of $56,000 (£43,000) and nearly a month to go. That’s right, to date twenty-six Cyclotrons have been pre-sold for June 2017 delivery. If any supporters are reading, we’d honestly love to hear from you in a year’s time.
Comments (9)
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*Instantly doesn’t GAS about hoverboards*
How about this- “If your test ride will not 100% convince you, we’ll refund you on the same day. With no questions asked! (via Kickstarter or Paypal)”
I am soooo tempted! It’ll be like owning a Sinclair C5!
Just watched the video… Wonder why it’s so er… Wobbly..?!
^could be the lateral compliance of the spoke-free wheels.
Chainstays (& use the term loosely) look a bit long.
Looks incredibly uncomfortable to me. Only one hand position on the drops = pain in my experience. Just checked calendar to make sure it’s not April 1st. If it really is for real then it’s fixing a problem that doesn’t really exist. As for putting the shopping in the front wheel!!! I’m assuming the designers have never ridden on British roads..
Obviously bonkers, but just to get a ridable prototype is some going!
As DezB said. Wobbly. Should have maybe got someone with a little more skill to show it off.
Nobody seems to be worried about the huge weight / resistance caused by the spokeless wheels? You need a roller bearing the size of the rim. Maybe someone can come up with a super-conductor, friction-free mag-lev type arrangement?