Mobike - new MCR bikeshare!
Manchester has just got its very own bikeshare scheme, thanks to Beijing based Mobike.
The whole thing works through a smartphone app, which helps you find a bike, reserves it, and upon arriving at the bike, unlocks it (the bike is internet connected & the Dutch wheel lock is electronic).
The cycle is very interesting in its construction as may or may not be obvious at first glance. The magnesium wheels have a new type of solid tyre meaning no punctures.
The hubs are single sided & the single speed transmission is shaft driven, rather than chain or rubber belt. Whilst not as friction free, the shaft was fine in use although it's bulk meant the pedals were noticeably far apart.
On the rear is a disk brake, whilst the front has a Shimano Roller Brake which was super smooth to use. At low speeds my motorcycle head has me using the rear brake usually but I much preferred the front Roller Brake on this bike.
The only grumbles we're the limited saddle height adjustment. At 5'11" I'm at upper limit & would've preferred a bit more. If the saddle could go higher an adjustable handlebar stem would be nice too. Lastly, those mudguards look like a token effort. It often pisses it down here & whilst I want to be proven wrong, I'd expect to get wet with these.
Otherwise? Well, brilliant really. More of the same please!
Update: have heard there may be longer seatposts in the works.
Mobike - new MCR bikeshare!
Manchester has just got its very own bikeshare scheme, thanks to Beijing based Mobike.
The whole thing works through a smartphone app, which helps you find a bike, reserves it, and upon arriving at the bike, unlocks it (the bike is internet connected & the Dutch wheel lock is electronic).
The cycle is very interesting in its construction as may or may not be obvious at first glance. The magnesium wheels have a new type of solid tyre meaning no punctures.
The hubs are single sided & the single speed transmission is shaft driven, rather than chain or rubber belt. Whilst not as friction free, the shaft was fine in use although it's bulk meant the pedals were noticeably far apart.
On the rear is a disk brake, whilst the front has a Shimano Roller Brake which was super smooth to use. At low speeds my motorcycle head has me using the rear brake usually but I much preferred the front Roller Brake on this bike.
The only grumbles we're the limited saddle height adjustment. At 5'11" I'm at upper limit & would've preferred a bit more. If the saddle could go higher an adjustable handlebar stem would be nice too. Lastly, those mudguards look like a token effort. It often pisses it down here & whilst I want to be proven wrong, I'd expect to get wet with these.
Otherwise? Well, brilliant really. More of the same please!
Update: have heard there may be longer seatposts in the works.