While things like comfort, light weight and durability are important considerations when selecting a bike, it is OK to want one that looks unique, too. If you place a lot of emphasis on the latter, then the Sync might be for you.
As can be seen, the Sync's steel frame takes the form of what its British designers call a "double S." Although it's definitely eye-catching, they claim that it also offers strength and stability while still allowing some natural flexibility.
If its looks aren't polarizing enough, it also has no brakes or gears – its reversible rear hub allows it to be used in fixed-gear or freewheeling single-speed modes. The frameset with fork weighs 5.2 kg (11.5 lb), while the complete bike tips the scales at 9.8 kg (21.6 lb).
Sync Bicycles has already been making Syncs in small batches, since the bike was unveiled at the Excel London Bike Show in February. The company is now looking to increase production, however, and has turned to Kickstarter for funding. If all goes according to plans, backers can get a frameset for a pledge of £499 (about US$764) or a complete bike for £899 ($1,376).
You can see the Sync in action, in the video below.
Source: Kickstarter
Besides, a single speed is just not enough for most people: You need at least three (one to start from a full-stop, one to cruise, and one to ride up-hill). A three-speed internal gear hub would solve this without changing its look.
$1400 bucks for an ugly suicide machine with a single gear and no brakes, skip the seat, loud the tubes with lead and charge another $2000 as a lawn ornament...
Give it brakes and proper gearing, and put the seat on a sufficiently stiff leaf spring leading off the top tube, and you'd have a winner methinks.
A freewheel and no brakes? Someone is missing something, probably between the ears.
Three speed hubs have been made with internal brakes but I do not know of any currently making them. A hand brake would be required. Dragging your foot does not work well.
As for the frame: another oddball design looking for 15 minutes. Fix the goofy seatpost mount and you might get an hour.
What country requires a front brake?