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Bicycles

Reframed bike costs under $200, but some assembly is required

By Ben Coxworth
April 13, 2015
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The Reframed bike's frame is made from extruded aluminum, and is bolted together by the buyer
The Reframed bike's frame is made from extruded aluminum, and is bolted together by the buyer
Because the Reframed bike's frame isn't welded together or painted, there are less production costs to recoup
Because all sales are conducted via the Reframed website, there are no physical brick-and-mortar stores that have to cover their overhead
Reframed designer Pieter-Bas de Visser, with the Reframed bike
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While a lot of people would like a simple no-frills bicycle for basic transportation, they also don't want a poorly-made piece of junk. That's where the Dutch designers of the Reframed bike are hoping their product will fill a niche. It's a single-speed bike with a frame made separate pieces of extruded aluminum, that the user puts together themselves.

There are three main ways in which the Reframed bike is intended to be a low-cost (but reliable) alternative to traditional bicycles.

First of all, because the frame isn't welded together or painted, there are less production costs to recoup. The different frame elements are instead anodized in a color of the buyer's choice, and then bolted together by the buyer once they receive the bike kit – the whole process reportedly takes about an hour, and includes just 15 steps.

Secondly, because the bike is sold as a kit that's packed into a relatively compact box, shipping costs should be lower. Finally, because all sales are conducted via the company's website, there are no physical brick-and-mortar stores that have to cover their overhead.

Because all sales are conducted via the Reframed website, there are no physical brick-and-mortar stores that have to cover their overhead

The Reframed bike is currently the subject of a Kickstarter campaign, where a pledge of €179 (US$189) will get you one, when and if they reach production ... and in case you're wondering, it does have back-pedal braking.

For a couple of other takes on assemble-it-yourself bikes, check out the wooden Sandwichbike and Sawyer.

Source: Kickstarter

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Ben Coxworth
Based out of Edmonton, Canada, Ben Coxworth has been writing for New Atlas since 2009 and is presently Managing Editor for North America. An experienced freelance writer, he previously obtained an English BA from the University of Saskatchewan, then spent over 20 years working in various markets as a television reporter, producer and news videographer. Ben is particularly interested in scientific innovation, human-powered transportation, and the marine environment.
10 comments
Freyr Gunnar
Only one speed, the bike doesn't look sharp, and it might not be as rigid as a welded bike. And at $200, it's not even particularly cheap.
Looks just like the Xyz Cargo Trike/Bike: www.n55.dk/manuals/spaceframevehicles/spaceframevehicles.html
As usual, no fenders (commuters do ride in the rain) and no racks (required to carry stuff.) Those bike aren't for people who rely on their bike to get around.
The Skud
I agree with Freyr - Any bike designed for even short-distance commuting (not a trail bike, those riders WANT to get dirty) needs fenders at least, plus some sort of rack or bag hanging hooks. They will miss out on a lot of sales if they don't add those features, even if they end up as options. Looking at the picture, I see nothing of lights or attachment fittings either, so the rider is limited to daylight?
The Skud
Added comment - That close-up of the bike at the bike rack does not even appear to have chain cover or chain tensioner! Talk about a 'bare bones' kit! It is a wonder they supply a seat ...
Bertje Butje
I think you guys should first take a good look at the movie on Kickstarter. The bike does have the option to add fenders, lights, a lock etc. The idea is that the user isn't obligated to order all these parts when he or she doesn't need them. You start with the basic model and you can add whatever you want. I personally don't know anybody who uses a rack nowadays but I can understand if some people would like that option. And the project page says that chain tensioners are added in teh final design.
martinkopplow
Okay, I admit it: I use fenders, I use a geared hub, I use a rack, I wouldn't do without a front dynamo hub and always-on lights any more, I insist on an independent second brake, chain tensioning is a must, and I don't like skimming my knees on that sharp edgy profiles. That certainly makes me an absolutely boring non-modern old school commuter bike rider on these usual days. When I'm feeling more adventurous, I can still get onto my bare boned lightweight pretty rigid sharp looking all red single speeder I built for little more than 200 bucks. This Reframed Bike does not seem to fit any of the use cases or price niches I see in the bike market: It is neither versatile enough for commuting and everyday errands, nor is it sexy enough for fun rides.
Larry English
one size fits all?
can you mount a front brake ? [coaster brakes are terrible]
i also think it would be not very rigid, or if it is, very heavy
i also think the square tubes look bad, are heavier/weaker than round ones, and could potentially injure a rider
it does not look good, to me, there are already $200 single speed bikes out there [SE]
basically this is an ugly toy
wle
Lbrewer42
Problem: bike needed Solution: 10-speed from garage sale for 10.00-15.00. Savings: 190.00 and 1 hour of time not needed to assemble. Con: bike not able to be torn apart (not sure most people have this as a need anyway).
William Bungay
I bought my aluminium bike new for £60. This seems really quite expensive for reasons that aren't very clear.
Bike fanatic
Hahaha yeah that really is a great comparison Lbrewer42... I got a few more of those.
Problem: car needed
Solution: a nice second hand volkswagen golf for $1500
Savings: $18000
And I don't know where you got your new aluminium bike for 60 pounds William, but I haven't seen any rear wheels with back-pedal brakes for under 40 pounds... I think it is a very cool concept and these kind of design help innovate the bicycle industry
unklmurray
The price is great I'll buy a bunch at that price I can afford to add after market equipment.....fenders / racks / lights Etc And...Skud, It doesn't need a "chain tensioner" nor does it need a chain guard....its'a Bare bones bike....for $189.00 SUPPLY your own!! You guys just like 2 B ,NAYSAYERS!!!!
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