Bulgarian designer Valentin Vodev has designed a folding bike that can be wheeled when folded and uses a magnet to create the locking system that holds the frame together. Presented at at Vienna Design Week 2014 the Vello bike has recently awarded with the Red Dot: Best of the Best 2015.
The impetus for the design came from the every day challenges one encounters in highly populated cities, such as theft, the need to stow the bike into small spaces, or bringing the bike into crowded public transportation systems.
Its magnetic folding system enables the rear wheel to be brought forward with a rotary movement – within a second and without needing to bend. Folded to half of its size, the Vello bike can be wheeled along, into small elevators or the public transportation system.
A specially developed and patented foldable mudguard protects the clothing in all weather conditions. To prevent theft, the bike is branded with a personal codification system that is linked to the profile of the owner on the Vello website.
The designer created three Vello bike models to accommodate the various needs of the city dweller. Vello Urbano is the classical version with a comfortable saddle, 8 speeds and a moustache-handlebar with cushioned handgrips that allow for relaxed riding. For all-rounders, Vello Rocky smoothens the jolts of the city jungle: with its 10-speed and top-quality trekking bike components, even parks and rocky paths can be explored effortlessly. Vello Speedster is made to race in the city: 10-speed high-performance racing bike components, narrow high-pressure tires and racing bike handlebars allow for an aerodynamic riding position and minimal rolling resistance.
all images © Leonardo Ramirez Castillo / video courtesy of Valentin Vodev