Product news: the steel beam running through this compact bicycle by British industrial designer Ben Wilson means it can carry heavy loads on its front and rear platforms (+ slideshow + movie).
Ben Wilson came up with the Donky Bike after noticing that mountain bikes were being used on city streets. "Bicycle use in London was growing rapidly, but many of the bikes on the street seemed unsuitable for urban use," he says, explaining that he wanted to combine the load-carrying ability of a Dutch model with the strength and simplicity of a BMX.
The resulting design has compact 20" wheels and is designed to handle well even when moving through traffic at low speeds, as the weight of its cargo is distributed through the steel beam rather than hanging off the handlebars.
Wilson tested different methods of attaching cargo but settled on the standard bungee cord, as it offers the most flexibility and is widely available.
To park up, riders can either lower the footstand or stand the whole thing on end so that it rests on its rear platform and wheel.
It comes in lime green or black. It's also made from widely available components that are easily repaired or replaced, ensuring its longevity.
Wilson studied on the Design Products MA at the Royal College of Art in London before opening his studio in east London. We've featured two of his other projects on Dezeen – a pedal-powered car that's framed by a neon tube light and a unicycle that places its rider inside the wheel.
We've featured lots of other two-wheeled transport on Dezeen, including a folding bicycle with full-size wheels and a road bike with a frame made of steam-bent wood.
Above: photograph is by Jens Marott
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Above: photograph is by Jens Marott
Photographs are by John Selby except where stated.
Here's some more information from the designer:
Donky Bike is a versatile load carrier designed to be ridden easily and safely with whatever you need to take with you. The cargo load is carried on the frame, not the handlebars, so the steering and handling remain light and balanced. The Donky is made with a tough steel frame equipped with simple low maintenance components.
The idea behind Donky bike was to create an affordable, practical bike which has a large load carrying capability. With great handling and steering, even at low speeds through traffic and when loaded with cargo. The idea was to build a bike that will last a lifetime, with durable components that can be added, repaired or replaced anywhere in the world, and is easy to build, ride and maintain. A bike for life, not landfill, a Donky bike is built to last.
The racks on the front and back are removable for storage, and in the future, Donky bike will offer further accessories which will be able to clip onto the frame. Compact strong and easy to ride - Donky is now in stock. One size, two colours.
