Designer Ryan Carroll and the iF Mode
I usually don’t like to post old news or over-hyped/well-covered stories and products without having a different spin, but I happened to run into Ryan Carroll one of the designers of the award winning iF Mode on my walk to the Sands Expo and he invited me to come check out his bike. So I have a good excuse.
First let me disclose that I’m all for commuter bikes, but as a long time racer I tend to be particular about choosing my rides when it comes to design and performance. In fact, (dare I say) I may be more snobby about bikes than Bike Snob himself. The graphic image of the bike on Ryan’s business card is smart marketing and was cause enough for me to check it out. It looked like a thing of beauty. I already congratulate Ryan on this accomplishment in design. Most foldable commuter bikes look, well, unsexy or just plain dorky. But just like a hot SF Marina chick, you can’t judge a book by it’s cover. So were there any brains to this bike at all? Absolutely.
While I have yet to test ride it, there are some of the great features to point out. First, the thing opens up in no time flat. And I mean no time.
Kickstand even works when folded
Breaking it down takes a bit more time but the design is super smart. In addition to the trick folding frame, the handlebars, pedals, and seatpost all collapse. When folded, the wheels are side by side and with the handle shaped stem it can be wheeled easily alongside you. The custom aluminum rim wheels never need truing and mount on one side. Should you flat, you wouldn’t need to remove the wheel. (I forgot to ask if you can mount tubeless tires or Stan’s. hmmm…) Bonus for commuters is the enclosed drive train to keep pants/skirts out from snags and grease. The enclosure also keeps debris out and the chain clean.
Mode's Heel Push Shifter
The ride? Well, as I mentioned, I have yet to mount one but with the 26″ wheels I have to imagine it performs quite well – more stable and better handling than its competition which tend to be smaller wheeled (and sketchy). Disc brakes, leather grips and saddle, and heel tap shifting (see photo) are some of the finer details. It’s only a dual speed (12t) and it does weigh a bit much at 32 lbs so commuters with hillier terrain (like SF) might find pedaling a bit more challenging.
As for looks, if you got it, use it. Ryan told me everywhere he goes he gets stares and is stopped by admirers with endless questions. As such he says this bike is not meant to be locked up outside (for risk of theft), rather you bring it with you indoors. Is this a problem? So far Ryan says no. In fact he even gets into nice restaurants where the owners not only allow him to bring the bike in but often want him to keep it in plain view so customers can see it as they walk in. It’s that elegant and cool.
Here’s a “Qik look” at the iF Mode…
Retails for $2250. Where to buy? Your not likely to find this in your traditional LBS. Online check out: www.areaware.com or Amazon.com
Note to Celebs: Those looking for more attention, this is THE bike to ride around town. Do not buy this bike if you want to be incognito. Beyoncé, if you need help finding a less flashy but killer bike let me know. I’m happy to help!
