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Hummingbird Is the World’s Lightest Folding Bike

More than seven billion people breathe today on our planet. Less than half have access to Internet and a lot fewer buy merchandise online. When it comes to setting a first, things can become rather difficult, but this start-up claims they have created the lightest folding bike in the world.
Hummingbird Bike 9 photos
Photo: Kickstarter
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The first thing you wonder when you hear about this bike is how it translates into numbers. The start-up that came up with it says the bicycle weighs 6.5 kg or 14.33 lbs. This is quite impressive, considering a 19-inch flat screen TV is about 15 lbs, which is the same as a bowling ball, 2,000 paintballs or a medium bag of dog food.

How? It’s made of carbon fiber and allegedly weighs three kgs less than any other folding bike on the market. Using this material is not that special anymore, one would think, so what sets the Hummingbird Bike apart from its competitors? Apparently, it’s better than all the other folding bikes in production, which are expensive, not that light, and not even that compact.

The design itself is not that bad either. Currently looking for pledgers on Kickstarter, the start-up claims the folding system is the biggest invention, as it solves a problem every folding bike has. The pivot for the rear triangle is around the bottom bracket shell, and the chain tensioner is removed. This makes it a lighter system, as well as a safer one. The chain can’t fall anymore, which translates into no more dirty hands while commuting with it.

Regarding figures, the new two-wheeler will come in many configurations, ranging from single-speed models to five-speed ones. The Hummingbird Bike comes with either 16’’ or 20’’ wheels and has a range of color finishes customers can choose from. Nevertheless, there’s no way you will get your hands on one without at least £990 ($1,550 at the current exchange rate) for super early birds, and the price goes all the way up to £3,000 ($4,500 at the current exchange rate) for the VIP configuration.

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