Some of the famous automobile manufacturers in the world are now increasingly turning their attention to building bicycles. Bicycles are known to be clean and green vehicles since they are driven by human power and given the problem of increasing pollution, they may hold the key to the future as far as personal transportation is concerned. This shift in focus on part of the auto giants will also give the bicycle industry all around the world a much needed boost apart from ensuring a clean, green and efficient means of transportation. Here, I have listed 10 bicycles which are being manufactured by famed automobile manufacturers all around the world.
Volkswagen’s folding electric bike:
This all electric two wheeler was unveiled by Volkswagen at the Auto China Show last year. Named the bik.e, this portable bicycle is capable of doing 12.5 mph and can travel 12.5 miles on a single charge. To make portability easy, the electric cycle can be easily folded and carried elsewhere. The battery of this bicycle can be easily recharged from the batteries of any Volkswagen four wheeler adding to it’s utility quotient.
The M Bike from BMW:
The M Bike from BMW has both the performance and look that a future bicycle should have. It incorporates some of the state of the art technologies befitting the M-moniker, which otherwise is only used on high performance cars that BMW’s performance division builds. The weight of this bike is very light at 12.9 kg and the frame is made up from aluminum. The bike bears the hallmark of BMW design, which is a combination of performance and elegance.
CF7 of Ferrari and Colnago:
Ferrari, in partnership with Colnago, has come up with a bike for the bike lovers called theCF7. The bikes are made up of carbon fiber composite materials to keep the weight of the bike very low. The bike has been designed using 3D design elements as well as finite element analysis to give it the perfect shape.
Mercedes Benz Sports Selection 2009/2010:
The Sports Selection 2009/2010 is a collection of bikes built by Mercedes Benz, catering to a wide array of bike lovers. The off-road version of these bikes comes with an aluminum frame, SRAM gearing, a pair of DT Swiss EX 1800 wheels and Avid Elixier CR disc brakes. The on road version, on the other hand, has a carbon fiber frame, SRAM RED 20 speed gears, SRAM RED carbon fiber pedals and DT Swiss RR 1450 RWS wheels. There are other options available as well which includes a foldable bike as well as a bike for the children.
Porsche FS Evolution mountain bike:
Porsche’s FS Evolution mountain bike model came out in 2001. The bike features technologies like autoclaved carbon fiber composite frame, carbon fiber composite cranks, Lower forks, Spengle 3 spooked composite wheels and Shimano XTR gearing. Because of extensive use of carbon fiber composite, the bike is extremely light and weighs a feather light 11.5 kg.
Vorbano from Land Rover:
Vorbano from Land Rover, just like the Land Rover range of SUVs, is the perfect bike for going off-road. The frame of the bicycle is made up of carbon fiber monocoque frame with unique tube profiles and shape to provide maximum strength while keeping weight low. But despite the use of carbon fiber, the bike weighs at an extraordinary 28 lbs which is a little heavy when you compare it to other similar bikes in its class. Perhaps, its SUV genes are showing up!
Lamborghini’s 26 inch Toro Dual Suspension bike:
Lamborghini’s 26 inch Toro Dual Suspension bicycle ensures a super smooth ride for the rider. The features of this bike include Shimano 21 speed gears, a front disc brake and a V-style rear brake.
Bicycles from Skoda:
Czech automobile manufacturer SKODA has come out with a new range of bicycles which includes bikes for pro cyclists to bikes for kids. A total of seven types of bikes will be on offer from SKODA. SKODA has roped in two time cyclocross world champion Zdenek Stybar as the brand ambassador for these bikes.
Hybrid cycle from Lexus:
Lexus unveiled its hybrid bike concept at the last year’s Tokyo Motor Show. It is a dual wheel drive bike with a 25.9V lithium-ion battery pack driving the bike’s rear wheel and a 240W electric motor driving its front wheel. The battery needs about two hours to fully charge itself. The bike makes use of an eight speed internal gear system to give the rider a comfortable ride. But you cannot buy this bike since it is only a concept and the company has no plans to go in for production of this model.
Audi Cross Pro RS mountain bikes:
Last but not the least, Audi Cross Pro RS mountain bikes are made by Quattro GmBH, which is a small division responsible for making special vehicles like this Pro RS mountain bike. The Cross Pro RS is the lightest bike produced by Audi weighing at only 11.9 kg. The design of the bike has been done to maximize both the performance and riding comfort.
So there, that is the round up of the 10 top bicycle ranges that top automobile makers have designed and manufactured. Now, bundling a bicycle with each vehicle these automakers sell perhaps could really get people into the fitness mode even as they do their bit for the planet.
