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The Airnimal folding bike suitcase that becomes a bike trailer

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17:08 April 18, 2009

The Airnimal folding bike suitcase that becomes a bike trailer

The Airnimal folding bike suitcase that becomes a bike trailer

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April 19, 2009 There are more than 130 folding bike manufacturers and all of them produce bicycles designed as supplementary transport – designed to be carried in a vehicle for last mile transport, or on a train, plane, boat or bus as ground transport on arrival. Accordingly, most come with their own carry bag, but the latest prototype concept from Airnimal promises a new level of functionality. The concept involves the hard carry case doubling as a bike trailer with a significant carrying capacity. It's a perfect solution for the traveller … almost. We'd like to see another suitcase which clips onto the trailer so you can carry your other stuff.

The bike pictured in the concept drawings is an Airnimal Chameleon, one of the most competitive folding bikes available – the ultimate version of the Chameleon, the Ultima, has been ridden to placings at international level in open bike racing and triathlon competition – no other folding bike can claim such a competitive pedigree. The Chameleon is an extremely high quality machine.

It's probably time to take stock of the folding bicycle carry case concept and consider the role of the folding bicycle and how the Airnimal concept might function. Most folder bikes are used as transport for one person and have very little consideration for luggage – luggage racks can be purchased as accessories for the more complete, more expensive solutions. The Airnimal concept is one of the best we've seen. It offers protection enough for the bike to be packed as airline luggage, but neglects the obvious need for another suitcase for all the other things you'll need when you're travelling.

We're really keen to see the prototype become reality, because we believe that it will kick off a whole new level of human-powered two-wheel travelling.

About the Author
Mike Hanlon
Mike Hanlon
Mike grew up thinking he would become a mathematician, accidentally started motorcycle racing, got a job writing road tests for a motorcycle magazine while at university, and became a writer. He went on to edit or manage over 50 print publications before embracing the internet – a dozen start-ups later, he founded Gizmag. Now he can write again.

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User Comments (1)
 

Bike Friday folders have had this feature for several years now. It uses an existing samsonite (large) suitcase. The bike is fits inside the suitcase when folded. Wheels, axle and hitchbar attach to the suitcase to convert it to a trailer. Although the suitcase is technically oversized for airline luggage, many users have been able to take it onboard without paying any extra charge. More info at this link:

http://www.bikefriday.com/newtravelsystem

Nick Hein

Morgantown, WV

comment Nickolas Hein - April 19, 2009 @ 11:25 am PDT
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