A friend sent this link to the new "Moof" bicycle, designed in Amsterdam Sjoerd Smit and offered for sale ($600) by Areaware, a NY design firm.
(See more on the Moof here)
At first, I was taken by the in-frame light and the recognition of the basic beauty of the commuter bike frame.
The more I look at those huge TIG welds and think about the unforgiving aluminum, the more I'm inclined to dismiss it as a designer project that will come and go without leaving much mark. But what do I know?
Any thoughts?
Posts
I would more expect to see this in the Museum of Modern Art than on the road. But, it has piqued my curiosity. Maybe just once around the block--at night.
ReplyDeleteI like the athestics of it...but the practicality leaves a bit to be desired. No racks and if the lights quit where do you get spares? Also it claims they are solar powered, that won't be worth a crap if you park it in a shed or lock up in the shade. I am not a huge fan of aluminum frames, having had a couple fail under me. FWIW I do own a couple of aluminum bikes...but that is 2 out of 30.
ReplyDeleteAaron
@Aaron,
ReplyDelete30? Wow. Kind of puts my garage-bursting 10 in perspective. Only 7 of the 10 are actually mine, but since I bought them, it's fair to blame me for the lack of space. But 30... you're my new excuse: "But Aaron has 30 bikes! If he gets to, why can't I?"
There was a time when 30 would have sounded crazy. Now I totally get how you get to a number like that. One cool, irresistable, must-be-saved bike at a time.
@Anon,
ReplyDeleteThere are moments when I like that top tube and moments when I really hate it. Over time, I think the "hate" side would win. Something about it sticking past the stem and seat post looks brutish.
@Mike,
ReplyDeleteThat 30 is my bride's count...I think there may actually be a few more ;-)
Not all are mine, she has 3+ bikes plus 1/2 the tandem. A couple more are stored for my children (who are grown).
There is plenty of storage room, I have a 40' shipping container that serves as my storage/shop as well as a couple of barns if needed, sometimes it pays to live in the country. :-D
Aaron
Um...that toptube is weird, not in a good way.
ReplyDeletethat settles it. i'm with Dottie.
ReplyDeleteThese designer projects are usually focused more on making some sort of conceptual point, than on making the object serve its purpose. Aside from liking the forms, I am also not a fan of aluminum bikes. I'll pass.
ReplyDeleteOne new bike concept I do like is Wytze van Mansum's project for Cannondale.
Filigree, that Cannondale project is stunning. I love the integrated fenders and I'm mesmerized by that bottom bracket.
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