Bicycles

MC2 Chopper gives the penny farthing a modern makeover

MC2 Chopper gives the penny farthing a modern makeover
The heads on the handlebars are an option on the MC2 Chopper
The heads on the handlebars are an option on the MC2 Chopper 
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The MC2 Chopper has a laid-back seating position
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The MC2 Chopper has a laid-back seating position 
The battery pack on the MC2 Chopper is neatly hidden on the back of the seat
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The battery pack on the MC2 Chopper is neatly hidden on the back of the seat 
The MC2 has odd-sized wheels on the front and rear wheels
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The MC2 has odd-sized wheels on the front and rear wheels 
The pedals are attached to the front wheel on the MC2 Chopper
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The pedals are attached to the front wheel on the MC2 Chopper 
The MC2 Chopper is sprung at both ends
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The MC2 Chopper is sprung at both ends 
The battery on the MC2 Chopper is hidden behind the seat
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The battery on the MC2 Chopper is hidden behind the seat
The frame on the MC2 can be customized with included sticker packs
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The frame on the MC2 can be customized with included sticker packs
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The unique frame on the MC2 Chopper
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The unique frame on the MC2 Chopper 
A white-framed MC2 Chopper
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A white-framed MC2 Chopper 
The seat on the MC2 Chopper is designed to deliver a comfortable ride
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The seat on the MC2 Chopper is designed to deliver a comfortable ride 
The hydraulic disc brakes on the MC2 Chopper
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The hydraulic disc brakes on the MC2 Chopper 
If you're into standing out, the MC2 Chopper will fit the bill
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If you're into standing out, the MC2 Chopper will fit the bill 
The frame on the MC2 Chopper is an interesting piece of design
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The frame on the MC2 Chopper is an interesting piece of design 
The heads on the handlebars are an option on the MC2 Chopper
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The heads on the handlebars are an option on the MC2 Chopper 
View gallery - 15 images

We've seen plenty of inventors try and reinvent the bicycle, but there aren't many that take inspiration from the penny-farthing. The first MC2 caught our attention with its odd-sized wheels and multi-mode riding position, and its follow-up is just as interesting. With no chain and a laid-back driving position the MC2 Chopper is every bit as strange as its predecessor, but it's strange in the best way possible.

As you can probably see, there's nothing conventional about the MC2 Chopper. Rather than running with a conventional chain and derailleur setup, the Chopper has its pedals mounted directly to the driven wheels like a fixie. Except it isn't a fixed-gear bike, because it has a two-speed gearbox integrated into the hub, and riders benefit from a pedal-assist electric system.

The battery for the pedal-assist system is cleverly disguised as a water bottle on the back of the seat, and offers 50 km (31 mi) of range in Chopper guise or 80 km (50 mi) in Chopper+ trim. The 6.8-Ah battery in the base model contributes to its 20 kg (44 lb) weight, while the 10.2-Ah Chopper+ tips the scales at 22 kg (49 lb).

Riders are treated to an adjustable suspension setup, and there are hydraulic disc brakes on the 26-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels. The frame itself is made of aluminum alloy and the front fork is carbon fiber, while the tires come from Schwalbe. Artistic riders are able to customize the frame with the included sticker packs.

MC2 says the laid-back seating position provided by the noseless saddle and back support makes the Chopper comfortable and easy to ride, while the chunky frame and odd-sized wheels mean you won't have any trouble getting noticed.

At the moment, Che Jing is seeking funding for the MC2 Chopper on IndieGogo, where it has raised more than US$20,600 of its $20,000 goal with 17 days remaining. Pledges start at $999 for a Chopper, while $1,099 is enough to reserve early birds a Chopper+. Should the bike reach production, it's expected to retail for $1,599 in base trim and $1,799 in Plus trim.

Source: MC2

View gallery - 15 images
2 comments
2 comments
sk8dad
Where does one begin? High speed intability due to negative caster; push left to turn right steering; burn your calf when you turn; cutoff your toes or brake your spokes if you too suddenly; scrape your pedals when you lean; sever your achilles tendon if your foot slips off the pedals at high speed due to lack of freewheeling; low torque hub motor useless for steep hills; knee issues from cranking 2-speed drive train up steeps; knee issues from tiny crank circle. I'd love to see a video of this thing on any grade at speed.
Imran Sheikh
I like the seating arrangement and the form factor.. not the design though.. good weight distribution along wheels..