Sinclair A-bike
Designer: Sir Clive Sinclair // Date: 2006The Sinclair A-bike is the result of a five year research and development project by the team at Sinclair Research, in collaboration with Singapore design agency DAKA. An incredibly small and lightweight folding bike with tiny wheels it weighs in at just 5.8 kilos and folds to the approximate length of an umbrella. Designed to be easy to carry on public transport it is named after the A shape it forms when in use.
The A-Bike takes its name from the distinctive shape it has when unfolded. The tubular frame and tiny wheels allow the bike to take on a very small form when folded, with the working parts of the chain enclosed and hidden from view. The A-Bike is interesting because it has two very different shapes, both of which are essential to the success of the overall design.
The A-bike is made from lots of different materials, including plastic, heat treated aluminium and nylon reinforced with glass fibre — a technique most often used in the aerospace industry. These materials make it very light, which is important when the bike needs to be carried. The manufacturing techniques used are ultra modern and rely on cutting edge engineering processes.
The bike was designed to fold as small as possible for easy carrying when it's not in use. The frame is made of telescoping tubes and although the wheels are very small the pedal power required isn't much more than a normal bike. It has an enclosed, oil free chain system which won't catch your clothes, or make them dirty. The bike uses an unusual twin chain gearing system with small drive axels, offering a substantial weight reduction over traditional bicycles. Semi-circular band brakes are a lightweight and robust alternative to traditional shoe brakes.
The A-bike is designed for use by commuters. As a bike it is intended to be used for short journeys, for example between home and a railway station and from the station to an office. It has been designed to fold as small as possible so that it's easy to carry when not being used as a bicycle. The use of bicycles makes public transport a better option for many commuters, something that has positive implications for congestion, pollution and the environment.
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