Subscribe via any of the following services:
Connect
About Grant Ryan
YikeBike founder, Grant is an addicted inventor and entrepreneur. He has founded a number of companies including GlobalBrain.net (sold to NBCi), RealContacts, SLI Systems (profitable fast growing SaaS search company) and Eurekster (North America Red Herring 100 in 2006). He is on the board of Canterbury Development Corporation and has also served on the board of the New Zealand Government's $140 million Venture Investment Fund and $430 million Foundation for Research Science and Technology. Grant has a degree in Mechanical Engineering and a PhD in Ecological Economics from the University of Canterbury. The YikeBike perfectly combines his love of mechanics, environment and innovation.
Manufacturing Update
Posted on July 26th, 2010 by Grant - YikeBike
We have started making production YikeBikes, however at this stage we are only making ones required for testing. We will not be in full production now until September, mainly because we were too optimisic about the time it would take to get the quality of parts we are looking for.
The good thing about the delay is that it means we have done more testing and made a few tweaks that mean your YikeBike will be even more robust. YikeBikes have now done a lifetime of being folded and unfolded and have gone over hundreds of thousands of high impact bumps.
Thanks for your patience.
YikeBike has also just won an International Design Award - First place in the Urban Sustainable Design category.
Comments
I can't wait for the YikeBike to come to Canada! I would be a little hesitant to ride this bike in Canadian winters though; perhaps studded tires will be an option for those of us who live in harsher climates? Just like we change the tires on our cars, from summer tires to winter tires (and vice versa, when the seasons change), maybe one day we can do the same for our YikeBike?! I'm sure that if it were possible to change to studded tires during the winter months, Canadians would be more likely to join the Yike movement!!
Like normal bikes the YikeBike is best suited to mild weather. Winter tires are an option we make look at some time but not something we have tried yet. The anti-skid brakes work well in snow but it is the sideways movement that is the main issue in 2 wheel vehicles.
wow im impresed ive worked alot with engines and technology and this is a major step in technology im also 14 so most teens in the usa will love this bike:)
smash
I love your new invention. Great Green concept.
Once the more affordable model becomes available in North America (Canada), I here in 2011, I'll be one of the first in line to purchase one.
Has the YikeBike been tested under tempered weather conditions, (wet roads), and how does it perform on ice and snow?
I was picturing myself riding the YikeBike to work but thought where would I place my laptop/notebook. I'm sure I could haul it over my shoulder as I do when walking to work from the bus but thought it would be nice to see some saddle bag(s) or a pack that can accomadate a laptop. This pack can be mounted on the side(s) although this may cause some balance issues. Having said that, perhaps mounting the pack on the back of the seat would make more sense. As well, making it easy to remove and well secured when installing it back onto the bike would be great.
Regards,
Mark Taylor
We have done extensive testing in the wet and some in the snow but like all two wheel vehicles they are not the best in snow and ice. The anti skid brakes work well in the snow but tight turning can be less stable.
With regard to bags we have found that a small back pack seems to work very well for most things. We may develop additional bags etc at a later date and requests like this will move this up the list - thanks.
Post new comment