17 Innovative Concept Bicycles: A Glimpse into the Future of Cycling
The most remarkable concept bicycles ever released. Would you choose any of them?
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Concept bicycles are designed to grab attention, but they rarely make it to production. Some are unimpressive, while others spark interest. There’s even a possibility that some of them might actually be functional.
City bike: PG Bugatti
Actually, this PG Bugatti city bike, which was shown at Eurobike in 2017, is for sale, but who will buy it? The cost of driving is insanely expensive – from 45 to 90 thousand US dollars.
It is so far the lightest city bike in the history of bike building, at just 5 kg, thanks to components such as Lightweight Meilenstein wheels.
Guillaume Bout/Zebra carbon penny farthing
Guillaume Bout, a computer graphics specialist, has reimagined the classic Victorian-era penny-farthing bicycle as a modern off-road machine, with a carbon frame and rear wheel suspension. In his rendering, the bike looks real, with well-thought-out technical details.
Specialized fUCI
When Specialized creative director Robert Egger disregards the strict UCI rules on racing bike design and lets his imagination take the lead, you get fUCI.
Canyon Eco Speed
Looks like a bike for RoboCop? Canyon recently created a concept dual-suspension electric bike called the Eco Speed, powered by a hydrogen fuel cell, with unconventional disc brakes and a concealed transmission.
Cannondale CERV
Cannondale has released several bikes in recent years that have been much debated. What if the CERV (Cannondale Ergonomic Race Vehicle) is a twist on a possible future for the road bike? It can change geometry on the fly and transform from an aggressive racing bike into a comfortable endurance bike.
GT Mileno
The GT Mileno is gaining attention in the realm of city and cargo bikes. It can easily transform from an e-drive city bike to a cargo bike by attaching a two-wheeled stroller to the front.
Cannondale On – folding bike concept
Cannondale introduces a folding bike, larger than a Brompton but comparable in size to a standard road bike. Press the button, activate the hinge, and the bike folds in half.
Bicycle designers often create urban bike concepts. The Cube Urban Street is a folding bike that fits into a backpack when folded and unfolds to the size of a regular road bike. The integrated headlights in the frame are powered by a dynamo in the front wheel.
A bike inspired by the Porsche 911
David Schultz, a senior industrial designer at Microsoft, has crafted a daily commuter bike taking inspiration from the Porsche 911. Described by the designer as a blend of speed, lightness, simplicity, durability, and timelessness, there seems to be merit in his vision.
BMC Impec concept bike
Swiss cycling brand BMC fearlessly explores innovative concepts. Crafted by Impec’s R&D lab, their bike offers a potential glimpse into the future of racing bikes, should UCI rules evolve. Noteworthy features of this design include disc brakes, a sleek aerodynamic frame, a discreet transmission, and an integrated head computer.
Mazda, the car manufacturer, is once again venturing into bicycle design. This track bike, featuring a minimalistic design, seems to be crafted from a single sheet of metal. It stands out as one of the most practical ideas in recent years.
City bike J.Ruiter inner city
Yes, city bikes vary in shapes and sizes. However, this one, crafted by a design firm in Michigan, defies the conventional expectations of a regular bike. Resembling a “shrunken” mountain bike, it features almost no frame, with pedals directly attached to the rear wheel and a single front disc brake.
Chris Boardman Intelligent Bike Concept
In 2009, Chris Boardman introduced the concept of a smart bike that tracks calories burned while riding and activates a solar-powered motor when the cyclist needs assistance. Carbon frames, spokeless wheels, and puncture-resistant tires represent Boardman’s vision for the bikes everyone will be riding in 2029.
Canyon MRSC Connected Bike Project
A couple of years ago, Canyon presented its vision for the future with the MRSC bike. Some of the technologies used in it may soon be introduced into production. The bike features onboard telecommunications and full GPS support, enabling the MRSC to know its location, track rides, and serve as an emergency call system in case of an accident.
Futuristic racing aero bike from Scott
This stands out as one of the most practical concept bikes in recent years, created by former Scott designer Julien Delcambre. It appears ready for racing, featuring a low-profile frame designed for fast riding, hidden brakes, and extra-deep section wheels that enhance its speed. Perhaps, this concept will develop into the next racing Foil Aero.
Aerodynamic tandem Specialized S-Works Shiv
Specialized presented this impressive two-rider build at the 2010 Eurobike show. The tandem incorporates a concealed drive shaft connecting the two systems, and the saddle, seatpost, and rear handlebar are fused together. This unit can be removed and reconfigured for each rider.
Cannondale inline skate bicycle
And lastly, an unusual concept – a combination of a bike and roller skates.
What’s most remarkable is that it’s not just for leisure; it’s a prototype designed for practical use. At least in theory. Cannondale aimed to enhance aerodynamic efficiency by removing the large spinning front wheel but unintentionally sacrificed the primary source of stability. Nevertheless, this contraption managed to cover several meters when a bike trials champion sat on it.
