Bicycles

Titanium-framed Burke 8 is one tiny bike, no matter how you fold it

Titanium-framed Burke 8 is one tiny bike, no matter how you fold it
Mike Yap with his Burke 8 at Interbike 2015
Mike Yap with his Burke 8 at Interbike 2015
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Mike Yap with his Burke 8 at Interbike 2015
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Mike Yap with his Burke 8 at Interbike 2015
The Burke 8 is limited to one gear
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The Burke 8 is limited to one gear
The Burke 8's handlebars are located beneath the seat, to keep the bike compact
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The Burke 8's handlebars are located beneath the seat, to keep the bike compact
The Burke 8 has a titanium frame
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The Burke 8 has a titanium frame
The Burke 8 should be available next year, although pricing has yet to be determined
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The Burke 8 should be available next year, although pricing has yet to be determined
Along with its titanium construction and eye-catching looks, some of the Burke 8's other features include a rear bag, a leather saddle, and itty-bitty fenders
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Along with its titanium construction and eye-catching looks, some of the Burke 8's other features include a rear bag, a leather saddle, and itty-bitty fenders
At a weight of 7 kg (15 lb), though, it's not a big deal to carry the Burke 8 for short distances
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At a weight of 7 kg (15 lb), though, it's not a big deal to carry the Burke 8 for short distances
The Burke 8 folds down in less than 10 seconds
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The Burke 8 folds down in less than 10 seconds
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Scooters and folding bikes are both becoming popular forms of "last-mile" transportation – riders can carry them aboard buses or trains, then ride them the last few blocks between transit stops and home or work. It's important that they be compact, however ... and Seattle Cycles' all-titanium Burke 8 is definitely on the small side.

The single-speed Burke 8 has a wheelbase of just under 21 inches (530 mm), and folds down in less than 10 seconds. Once it's folded, it can still be rolled along on one wheel. At a weight of 7 kg (15 lb), though, it's not a big deal to carry for short distances.

Because of its tiny 8-inch wheels and quirky under-the-seat handlebars, the Burke 8 probably won't be putting too many traditional bicycles out of a job. According to Seattle Cycles founder Mike Yap, however, it's not intended to. He tells us that he sees it more as an alternative to a scooter, allowing riders to sit and pedal instead of stand and kick.

Along with its titanium construction and eye-catching looks (it brings the A-Bike to mind), some of the Burke 8's other features include a rear bag, a leather saddle, and itty-bitty fenders. Commercial production should begin by the middle of next year, with pricing currently expected to be "in the range of a high-end single-speed bike."

Source: Seattle Cycles

View gallery - 8 images
4 comments
4 comments
Silversalty
Two types of drive mech - chain/belt. Chain non-standard to accommodate small rear cog. Looks to be very unstable in use. Hate to hit a bump with that.
Tom Lee Mullins
While it is compact, it might be too small for many. It looks like it would be uncomfortable too. I would go for something a little bigger that folds.
Vincent Bevort
The weals are as big as the back gear! Will be a lot of peddling to get somewhere. Maybe on foot is faster
unklmurray
With other commenters I agree walking would be just about as fast but then again I can ride a whole lot further than I could ever think about walking.....walking is very painful but sitting and peddling causes me zero pain, there is no pounding my feet N2 the ground......I do want something with larger wheels though......I want to try an ''A-bike''-or a ''Strida'' they look like more fun!!.......LOL :-)=