Bicycles play an important role in the development of urban mobility. Cities such as Copenhagen have implemented specific bicycle highways to offer cyclists a new and safe way of commuting within cities. The ThinBike is well adapted to the contemporary lifestyle of self-reliant mobility. In a fascinating manner it is a further development of the idea of a folding bike. It was designed against the backdrop of city dwellers often having to take and store their bicycles in their apartments as it is not safe to park them on the street. The ThinBike realises the idea of a full-size bicycle that is easy to fold and thus can be stored in even the smallest of rooms on the appropriate wall mount. The mechanism of folding up the handlebar and pedals was implemented consistently into the overall shape. With intuitive lightness, the ThinBike folds together in next to no time into a package that is easy to carry. In addition, it is ideally equipped for inner-city traffic: the belt-drive system and an automatic two-gear hub assures the right drive. The riding quality is complemented by a highly sophisticated and elegant solution in terms of safety in that the taillight was integrated formally into the seat pillar and the bell built into the brake lever. Inspired by the shape of a classic bicycle, the ThinBike emerged as a contemporary bike with impressive functionality and an elegant appearance.
Statement by the Jury
The ThinBike emerged with the perfect shape for a bicycle that is fully functional for inner-city traffic without compromise. It thus reinterpreted the classic bicycle in terms of significance and functionality. The bike is nice, light and nimble. The folding mechanisms of handlebar and pedals are functional, self-explanatory and convincing, allowing the ThinBike to be folded for easy stowing or space-saving placement in almost any apartment.
Credits
Manufacturer:
Schindelhauer Bikes, Germany
In-house design:
Schindelhauer Bikes, Jörg Schindelhauer, Stephan Zehren, Germany
