There are so many folding bikes on the market today, but most of them fold down to be smaller. Pop Cycle is reportedly taking a different and better approach by utilizing a slide-in/slide-out frame.
The Pop-cycle, made by South Korean company Bokyong, is currently being targeted for a Kickstarter campaign. It features a die-cast aluminum frame and various parts are bolted instead of welded. And yes, that frame slides.
The rear end of the bike incorporates a seat post, crankset, chain drive and a 16″ rear wheel with an interesting two speed internal gear system. The entire rear assembly slides back and forth along horizontal rails that extend rearward from the front end of the bike.
Pop Cycle US Inc.
This means that when stowing the Popcycle for transport or storage, the back end slides forward, keeping the bike as short as possible. The handlebars and pedals also fold down, making them narrower. According to the designers, the entire process takes just 4 seconds.
When riding, fold the bars and pedals and slide the rear end to a length that fits your body. A lever is used to lock and release the slide mechanism.
The seat and handlebar heights are also adjustable, making it a single-model pop cycle that fits riders between 4’9″ and 6’3″ (150-190cm) tall. The bike can reportedly tip the scales his 29 pounds (13 kg) and accommodate riders weighing up to 242 pounds (110 kg).
Pop Cycle US Inc.
Assuming the pop cycle reaches production, you can buy it for a US$468 pledge. Planned retail price is $780. In the video below you can see the bike sliding through the frame.
This isn’t the first sliding frame bike made in Korea. Another example is Bygen’s Hank Direct Bike, which utilizes its own lever-actuated drivetrain.
Popsicle? pop cycle!All-New Folding and Sliding Bikes
Source: Kickstarter
