COMMENTS

There is a similar concept on concrete.be that won a Dyson design award.

Posted by: Nick on 15 Oct 2007 | 01:32 pm

they are called recumbent bikes normally.

Posted by: Angstrom on 15 Oct 2007 | 02:59 pm

@Nick: I see a lot of bikes at [url=http://www.tim.be]http://www.tim.be[/url], the site that concrete.be refers to, but none of them are like the Switchbike (none of them have both options, city bike and recumbent bike (thanks Angstrom ;-) ) in one bike). Or am I overlooking something?

Posted by: Fresh Creation on 15 Oct 2007 | 04:09 pm

I think the term you are looking for is "chopper" style. that sounds the coolest anyhow, for this "switchblade" of a switchbike.

So it goes from city bike to chopper in an instant, ready to rumble...

Posted by: Rick in San Francisco on 15 Oct 2007 | 08:33 pm

@Rick: I heard the term 'lowrider' a few times. Or is that only used for motorbikes?

Posted by: Fresh Creation on 15 Oct 2007 | 08:37 pm

Last year, Robin Blondeel, a student of product development in Antwerp mastered (I suppose) with [url=http://www.ontwerpwetenschappen.be/po/projecten/index.cfm?section_id=61&category_id=484&year=2007&startrow=1&maxrows=1]a very similar project: the Cyclone[/url]. I don't think he went further with the idea because I can't find more info on google.
Either way, the SwitchBike looks a lot more impressive and sophisticated (and perhaps comfortable) than the Cyclone. I would love to see it.

Posted by: Jixop on 15 Oct 2007 | 09:24 pm

I want one. how can I get one?

Posted by: stanley on 15 Oct 2007 | 09:53 pm

What's the weight? Will it take a triple chainring? It's very hilly here.

Posted by: Fran Taylor on 15 Oct 2007 | 11:38 pm

I also want one of those.

The best of both worlds!

Posted by: BJS on 16 Oct 2007 | 12:00 am

A lowrider is usually a car AFAIK.

Posted by: trr on 16 Oct 2007 | 01:03 am

As a gadget guy and bicyclist I MUST HAVE ONE IMMEDIATELY!

OMG that is so friggin sweet.

Posted by: bill burton on 16 Oct 2007 | 01:09 am

If this design proves to be reliable, I can see it solving two problems with long wheelbase recumbent bicycles (that is essentially that the switchbike is in "chopper" mode). First, the rider could switch to upright bike mode for hill-climbing. Climbing steep hills on an upright bike is easier than on a recumbent because you can stand up on the pedals when needed. Second, in upright mode, the bike would be compatible with bike racks on cars, busses, etc. that normally do not accomodate LWB recumbent bikes.

If someone manufactures this and it's affordable, I'd sure consider buying one!

Posted by: recumbent_rider on 16 Oct 2007 | 03:25 am

lame

Posted by: Taco on 16 Oct 2007 | 03:41 am

Ron may want to enter his creation in Specialized's "Innovate or Die" contest [url=http://www.innovate-or-die.com/]http://www.innovate-or-die.com/[/url] It might help give this impressive accomplishment some more publicity. Of course, they might primarily be looking for non-transport uses of cycle power, but I think any innovation that might encourage more people to pedal themselves around fits their agenda. Give it a try.

Posted by: Howdy on 16 Oct 2007 | 03:53 am

I'm impressed by the ease of transformation, but it's not a recumbend bike.
To be a comfortable recumbend bike the pedals need to be in front of the front wheel. that was our main challenge in our convertable bike, and that's the system that has been patented.

but still very impressed

Posted by: pieter lesage on 16 Oct 2007 | 01:37 pm

The problem I see is that the upright mode has little or no saddle height adjustment - it looks as if you would need to change the frame length to accomplish this.

Posted by: Moz on 17 Oct 2007 | 03:02 am

Cool, but how to transport 2 kids and a case of beer on this bike?

Posted by: Jos on 17 Oct 2007 | 10:19 am

oh heeeeeeell yes. please let me know if/how I can get one.

Posted by: marc on 17 Oct 2007 | 08:03 pm

Lowrider can also mean bike or motorcycle. Recumbent comes from the word recline, and this bike reclines. The seat and handlebar heights are also adjustable. Pedaling in the reclined position looks ok to me. When reclined you aren't looking for a lot of speed anyway. If you are, add a motor or an engine. I want one.

Posted by: hal on 12 Nov 2007 | 11:59 pm

Very cool, and innovative.

It would appear to make a good commuter bike, as well as a class 1 trail ride, here in Orange County, on our river, and mountain to sea trails.

Posted by: Kiril The Cycling Dude on 29 Nov 2007 | 07:42 pm

Keep me in the loop if they become available. Sure would free up space in the shed (instead of 2 bikes, I could have just one!)

Posted by: Harold Hedelman on 16 Dec 2007 | 11:28 am

how many gears?

Posted by: rasta on 17 Dec 2007 | 07:22 pm

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