Bicycles

Third incarnation of radical seatless trike hits Kickstarter

Third incarnation of radical seatless trike hits Kickstarter
The Halfbike 3's planned retail price is $699
The Halfbike 3's planned retail price is $699
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The Halfbike 3 folds down when not in use
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The Halfbike 3 folds down when not in use
Maneuverability and the overall sense of control are said to be better than before, thanks to alterations in the Halfbike 3's geometry
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Maneuverability and the overall sense of control are said to be better than before, thanks to alterations in the Halfbike 3's geometry
The Halfbike 3 features a Sturmey Archer four-speed hub transmission
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The Halfbike 3 features a Sturmey Archer four-speed hub transmission 
The Halfbike 3's planned retail price is $699
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The Halfbike 3's planned retail price is $699
The Halfbike 3 weighs a claimed 19. 5 lb (9 kg), and can handle riders weighing up to 210 lb (95 kg)
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The Halfbike 3 weighs a claimed 19. 5 lb (9 kg), and can handle riders weighing up to 210 lb (95 kg)
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Back in 2014, Bulgarian architects Mihail Klenov and Martin Angelov introduced the Halfbike, a minimalist stand-up trike designed for short commutes. That was followed in 2015 by the improved Halfbike II. Now, they've upped their game once again, with – you guessed it – the Halfbike 3.

The first two versions of the Halfbike featured a front wheel with a chain-drive single-speed drivetrain, along with two tiny rear wheels that pivoted as the rider shifted their weight – those wheels also incorporated the trike's single brake. And whereas the original model had a rather bizarre broomstick-like steering "stick," the II replaced that with a very narrow handlebar.

On the Halfbike 3, a Sturmey Archer four-speed hub transmission has been added to the front wheel, better allowing riders to climb hills and let loose on the flats. Stopping is also improved, as the front wheel also now features a drum brake.

The Halfbike 3 weighs a claimed 19. 5 lb (9 kg), and can handle riders weighing up to 210 lb (95 kg)
The Halfbike 3 weighs a claimed 19. 5 lb (9 kg), and can handle riders weighing up to 210 lb (95 kg)

Maneuverability and the overall sense of control are additionally said to be better, thanks to alterations in the trike's geometry. What's more, the 3 is smaller than its predecessors, plus a quick-release mechanism allows it to fold down easier, making it simpler to carry in a car or on public transit.

The main frame is made of laser-cut aerospace-grade aluminum, while the handlebar is constructed of water-resistant beech plywood. The whole thing weighs a claimed 19. 5 lb (9 kg), and can handle riders weighing up to 210 lb (95 kg).

If you're interested, the Halfbike 3 is currently the subject of a Kickstarter campaign. A pledge of US$499 will get you one, when and if it reaches production. The planned retail price is $699.

You can see the trike in action, in the following video.

Source: Kickstarter

What is a Halfbike?

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4 comments
4 comments
JoelTaylor
At 20# it's actually a little heavy for what it is and the weight limit is a little low (standard target is usually 225-250). The inclusion of a Sturmey 4 speed IGH is nice but I'm not sure how much it would benefit from it.
Leonard Foster Jr
I want to see it take pot holes ??
MarylandUSA
These promotional videos seldom show traffic.
ljaques
I want to see it stop on a dime. Let the price stop you, because the brakes sure can't. Your weight is 6-8 inches behind the brake hub, and 90% is vertically above it. They look as stable as a Penny Farthing.