The A-bike is a folding bicycle released by Sir Clive Sinclair in the United Kingdom on 12 July 2006. It was designed by Hong Kong design agency Daka, in collaboration with Sinclair Research, over a 5-year period. It was announced to the public in 2004. Clive Sinclair envisioned the A-bike, and Alex Kalogroulis was the main designer. It weighs 5.7 kg (13 lb) and folds to 67×30×16 cm (26.4×11.8×6.3 in), small enough to fit in a rucksack. The first version had 15 cm (6 in) wheels, which was increased to 20 cm (8 in) in later models. In 2015, an electric version, the A-Bike Electric, was introduced to the public as part of a Kickstarter campaign.
The A-bike was designed by Sinclair Research, in collaboration with Hong Kong design agency Daka, over a 5-year period. [1] It was announced to the public in 2004. [1] Clive Sinclair envisioned the A-bike, and Alex Kalogroulis was the main design engineer. [2] It was released on 12 July 2006, and was priced at £199. [2] The official Europe distributor, Mayhem UK, hoped to sell 25,000 units in the first 12 months. [3] By 2007 it was being noted that a "large number of counterfeit" A-bikes were appearing in China and elsewhere. [4]
Early reviews praised the A-bike for being lightweight and easy to fold, but noted the flexing frame and uncomfortable saddle, and criticised the tiny wheels for being unsafe on uneven roads. [2] [5]
In 2008 the Mark-II version was released: officially known as the A-Bike Plus. [6] This version had strengthened aluminium tubing, a new air-sprung cushioned saddle, and an upgraded drive mechanism. [6] The Mark-III version was released in 2010, and was officially known as the A-Bike City. [5] The main changes were larger 20 cm (8 in) wheels and it was priced at £299.99. [5]
The A-bike is a small wheel bicycle with 15 cm (6 in) wheels, increasing to 20 cm (8 in) in later models. The original model weighs 5.7 kg (13 lb), and folds to 67×30×16 cm (26.4×11.8×6.3 in) reducing its volume to about 25% of its original size. A twin-chain system enables the bike to travel about 3.2 m (10.5 ft) per crank rotation despite the bicycle's small-diameter wheels (15 cm (6 in)). The crankcase housing almost completely encloses the drive mechanism, protecting it and preventing oil stains on clothing or floor surfaces.
In November 2006, A-bike was featured on UK television programme The Gadget Show , alongside the Strida. [7] The distribution company behind the A-bike was featured on the UK Television programme Badger or Bust broadcast on 5 June 2007. In the Top Gear epic race Car vs. Train 2. Richard Hammond and James May carried A-bikes in their suitcases and unfolded them to bike from a ferry dock to a cable car.
In 2015, an electric version, the A-Bike Electric, was introduced to the public as part of a Kickstarter campaign. The design featured 20 cm (8 in) wheels, as well as a larger seat and sturdier frame. [8] The funding campaign was successful and production began before the end of the year. [9]