L. M. Lloyd

This article was originally going to be a simple review of my new Bike Friday Tikit folding bike. However, as I started comparing it to the other folding bike in our home, a Mobiky Genius, it became apparent that there was a much more interesting subject in here. Putting the two side by side, I couldn't help but notice that they were almost case studies in the difference between how a designer approaches a problem, and how an engineer approaches the same problem. The Mobiky is an international award winning design, and quite a beautiful work of art, while the Tikit has an undeniably Frankenbike look going on. However, where the Mobiky looks wonderful, it kind of falls down when it comes to accomplishing its intended purpose, especially compared to the remarkably capable Tikit. In a way, both bikes succeed wonderfully, while somewhat failing at the same time, and in exactly opposite ways. The funny thing is that any close examination of the two bikes, and it is painfully clear where their different development processes diverged. You can literally see the different philosophies at work in each finished product.

I think what makes this such an interesting examination of the production process is that, for the most part, the two bikes are seeking to solve exactly the same problems, in very much the same way, just coming at it from different perspectives. They are both targeted at urban dwellers and travelers, who want to use multiple modes of transportation including bike, car, bus, taxi, train, plane and boat. They both think the best solution to this problem is a bike which can fold up in a few scant seconds, fit in a suitcase, be rolled while folded, and fit in just about any storage space. They both feature handles on the top of the frame to make them easier to carry, lift, and maneuver while in folded state. In fact, if you were careful with your wording, you could make one fairly accurate description which fit both bikes perfectly. The two bikes could literally be two different designers' submission for the exact same design specification. Yet the two bikes could not possibly pick more divergent solutions to the same design challenges had they been trying, nor could they possibly look more different.

I do have to say as a qualifier though, this isn't a head to head review of the two bikes, even though at times it might read like it. As bikes, there is really no comparison between the two, as the Mobiky is a one-size-fits-all mass market item churned out of a Taiwanese factory and sold on Amazon, while the Tikit is custom hand-made in Oregon specifically to the rider's measurements and specifications. If you are reading this article to see which is a better bike, let me save you a lot of time. My Tikit cost more than three times the price of my wife's Mobiky, and I wouldn't have spent that money if I didn't think it was worth every penny. As far as which bike I prefer, I am loath to even compare the Tikit to the Mobiky, because it is on a whole different level, as I am concerned. Ultimately the Mobiky is an interesting little toy, better compared to a Razor scooter than a real bike, while the Tikit is one of the best bikes I have ever owned. What I am looking at here is not which is a better bike. I am looking at the interesting differences, brought about by the clearly divergent design philosophies.

One of the odder things about LA, is the rather schizophrenic attitude the city, and its residents have towards bicycles. On the one hand, you have some of the most progressive, or at least some of the least restrictive, laws of any city in the US. It is legal to ride your bike anywhere you want LA county, sidewalk or street, provided you aren't recklessly causing a hazard to either traffic or pedestrians. The city will provide free bike racks to business who ask for them, and even come install them for you. Politicians and resident are always talking about how important it is to encourage alternate forms of transportation, like bicycles. You can take your bike on the subway, and all buses have bike racks on them. I even have people occasionally walk up to me and thank me for riding a bike instead of clogging the road with another car. It sounds like the perfect bike city, on paper.