Cycling made more fun
There are many sensible commuter bikes on the market, but bicycles designed purely with fun in mind are few and far between. Here’s a look at some quirky rides.
WHAT shall it be? Small wheels for nimble Bmx-style handling, a fake fuel tank on the crossbar for that motorbike look or maybe a rugged e-bike with a seat long enough for you to invite along a pillion passenger.
Two-wheelers like these are a far cry from humdrum trekking or mountain bikes and they appeal to individualists seeking something different.
Some of these cool models are more practical for everyday use than others but they are all sure to attract attention.
First off is the BMX, a classic fun bike which can be used for scooting around town or jumping in the dirt. These come with very small frames and tall, crossbar handlebars. The wheels have a diameter of 20 inches (50.8cm) which brings the rider close to the ground and means the bikes can be ridden in or out of the saddle.
BMX machines offer a light, snappy feel and they are great for tackling ramps and other street obstacles. “BMXS are probably the fun bikes par excellence,” said Thomas Geisler who writes about bicycles in Germany. “They are a great choice for both youngsters and young-atheart adults.”
BMX bikes originated in the United States in the 1960s as a spinoff from motocross, off-road motorcycles. They boomed in Europe 20 years later in the wake of the Steven Spielberg classic film, ET The Extraterrestial. The hero is a boy who uses his BMX bike to rescue an alien.
Adults might find a BMX a bit of a handful to ride since the steering is very direct and there are no gears. Typical complete bikes from makers like Haro, Sunday, Verde Bikes of KHE cost around ¤470 (RM2,300) to buy.
Larger models that are fitted with 24-inch (61cm) wheels are more comfortable for older riders searching for that dirt park look.
Turning heads
Cannondale has just revealed a versatile Dirt bike with BMX genes called Dave which uses even larger 26-inch (66cm) wheels once common on mountain bikes. The firm said the new model is designed for “jump lines, street jibs, skatepark flow, pump-track laps, whatever”. It costs around US$1,150 (RM4,755).
The radically styled bikes from Berlin-based Urban Drivestyle do not fit into any standard category but they sure turn heads.
The engaging, retro-styled e-bike UNI Mk Classic with its signature big front headlamp looks like a moped missing its engine and exhaust. The maker says the model
also boasts “the longest bicycle seat in the world”.
The UNI can handle loads of up to 150kg so giving a lift to a girlfriend or pal is no problem. The rear set pegs are adjustable too. By the way, the saddle is 78cm long and there is even a longer version of just under a metre on the option sheet.
The UNI’S rear hub-mounted electric motor makes it nippy enough around town but the bike is digitally restricted to 25kph on roads in Europe. A more powerful issue can be ordered for markets which have more relaxed e-bike laws. The Classic costs ¤2,700 (RM13,215).
Ruff Cycles, a German maker
based in Regensburg, offers a similar concept for rider and passenger at around the same price with its Lil’buddy. The company calls it “our homage to the crazy bicycles and mini-bikes of the seventies.”
Even more like a motorbike is the matte-black Café Racer from Varaneo with its Harley-davidsonstyle wide, curved handlebars, lowrider saddle and fake fuel tank. The makers say “it revolts against the cycling mainstream”.
This electrified steed with rear-mounted 250 kw Bafang motor is named after young rockers on motorcycles who used to hang out at transport cafes in the 1960s and enjoy daring dashes on the roads in between. The Racer sells for ¤2,690 (RM13,167) and can cover up to 80km between charges.
Beach cruiser
Fat balloon tyres and unusual frame shapes are the hallmark of another fun bike category, the beach cruiser. These are much slower than BMXS and encourage an upright sitting position.
They usually lack suspension forks and often come without gearing systems. Garish frame colours are common so these machines are not for introverts.
Cruisers are generally durable, no-frills machines with wide handlebars and a soft, comfortable saddle.
This makes them ideal for cruising around town, along seafront promenades and even across flat beaches. They are too heavy for long distances.
More flashy versions come as stretch or low-ride cruisers and feature elongated frames with the pedals located closer to the front of the bike. Both models are just fine for posing in front of the local icecream parlour.