Mobiky Genius Folding Bike

by Mobiky

Product Features

• Folding bike for easy city commuting and even easier storage
• Folds to just 25 by 12 by 32 inches and includes integrated carrying handle
• 12-inch tires cover same distance as 24-inch tires thanks to advanced dual chain system
• Adjustable seat post fits riders measuring 52 to 72 inches tall
• Comes with carrying cover; frame is backed by two-year warranty

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

The Mobiky Genius folding bike proves that more bike isn't necessarily mo' better. Perfect for commuter travel in congested city streets, the Genius is ready to roll from folded position to riding-ready in just about three seconds. Once folded, though, it's easily storable or transportable on city busy or subway and it includes a carry handle. It measures 50 by 18 by 41 inches, and it folds to just 25 by 12 by 32 inches. The bike weighs just under 30 pounds.

While small in stature, the Genius has an adjustable seat post that can adapt to riders measuring from 52 inches to 72 inches in height and weighing up to 240 pounds. While the tires measure just 12 inches in diameter, the Genius offers an ingenious dual-chain system that results in covering two tire rotations with one pedal turn--enabling you to cover the same ground as a bike with 24-inch tires.

It features a three-speed Sturmey Archer S-RB3 internal gear hub that's fitted on the rear wheel and is fully encased within the aluminum hub shell to reduce maintenance. This ensures a very safety gearing and prevents the chain from jumping the teeth. The chains are specially developed to resist in normal outside conditions, and they do not require any particular maintenance or greasing. The Genius has 120mm front disc brakes with an APSE caliper and rear roller brakes. The frame and tube sections that make up the direction cases are alloy aluminum 6061, and Aluminum AS6G7 where more pressure is experienced.

The Genius comes with a standard zippered carry cover. It's backed by a two-year warranty on the frame and a one-year warranty on other components.

Feature Details:

• Chains: Specially developed to resist in normal outside conditions, the chains do not require any particular maintenance or greasing. They offer reliability even when exposed to different environments such as by the sea or on board a yacht.
• Front Brakes: Rotor 120mm with APSE caliper
• Rear Brakes: Band brake system 80mm outside diameter
• Brake levers: Tektro
• Gear: A 3-speed Sturmey Archer Type S-RB3 internal gear hub is fitted on the rear wheel. It is fully encased within the aluminum hub shell and no maintenance is required, ensuing safe gearing while also preventing the chain from jumping the teeth.
• Tires: 12-inch Kenda, inner tube with bent valve
• Rear and Front tire pressure: 35 PSI - 2,5 Bars
• Rims: 12-inch aluminum 6061
• Weight: 28.6 pounds
• Folded Dimensions: 25 by 12 by 32 inches
• Unfolded Dimensions: 50 by 45 by 40.5 inches
• Saddle Max Height: 40.5 inches
• Handelbar Max Height: 38.7 inches

Product Description

Mobiky has spent 2 years and over $1 million of R&D in developing Genius. Mobiky Genius is the winner of 2005 observeur deisgn award for its unique design. Mobiky Genius revolutionary design and mechanism are changing the way people view folding bicycles. Many of the Genius parts and frame are unique and patented. In less than 3 seconds, Genius can be folded and unfolded. Even in folded position, Genius can be rolled by your side. Folded rolling action easily allows user to take it work, shopping and in and out of public transportation. Genius comes with 3 speed internal gear hub and disk brakes. Genius is design with dual chain link that allows rider to peddle with same effort as peddling traditional bicycle. It is also adjustible in height. Anyone 8 years and older can ride Genius. It has maximum load of 240 lbs. Genius's aluminium frame makes it ultra compact and light. In folded position dimensions is only 25" x 12" x 32". Since Genius is ultra compact, it can be stored easily in a closet, car trunk, boat, small airplane, and rv.

Product Details

• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B000BVZHD8
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #362,431 in Sports & Outdoors (See Top 100 in Sports & Outdoors)
  • #72 in Sports & Outdoors > Bikes & Accessories > Bikes > Folding Bikes

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

69 of 71 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Mobiky compared and contrasted with other small-wheel folders, July 19, 2007

By 

David Shepard (California, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Mobiky Genius Folding Bike (Sports)

I don't drink, do drugs or run with fast women but I do seem to collect folding bikes - Mobiky is the latest - and ride one or the other of them about eight miles a day. The Mobiky with its 12" wheels is unique but there are some points of comparison with two others I have with 16" wheels - a Brompton and a Dahon Presto - and I thought it might help potential buyers if I compared and contrasted.

All three folding bikes have in common beautiful design and construction --they are worthy of museum exhibit as superior achievements of the machine age. Folders come in several sizes, but these small-wheel ones are meant primarily for intermodal transportation - folded, they can be taken on buses and trains where full size bikes (the folding community calls them `cumbersomes') are not permitted, so you can begin and complete your journeys on them. All use three-speed hub gears - a super-reliable hundred-year-old technology which won't get grease on clothes. The gear range isn't sufficient for, say, a postman in the Swiss alps, but it's fine for modest rolling hills. Folders take up much less room in confined living spaces. They can be packed for plane travel without incurring airline surcharges, checked at cloakrooms, brought into offices, kept in the trunk of even a small car, taken into restaurants; and by being with or near the owner, are much less likely to be harvested by thieves than bikes left locked on urban streets.

Because folders are more complex and critical machines, they cost more than equivalent cumbersomes. However, one can find lots of cheap folding bikes from China. Avoid them like poison; let user comments on the internet be my witness. A good small-wheel folding bike will likely cost $500 or more, and with these products, you get what you pay for. In many instances, a folding bike will pay for itself in funds not spent elsewhere, plus they're fun to ride, good conversation-starters, and excellent exercise.

To get down to cases, the French Mobiky has three advantages over all others: it rolls nicely when folded, so you don't have to carry it on train platforms and the like; it really does fold to rolling position in about three seconds; and when folded to rolling position, the seat and handlebar settings are retained, so you can actually unfold it, hop on, and go in three seconds. When you do have to carry it, there is a padded handle, but it's about 28 pounds, one of the heavier folders on the market. The wheelbase is short and the tires are small and with recommended pressure of only 35 psi, have noticeable rolling resistance (I inflated them to 40 psi yielding a great improvement in performance), but once a rider is a bit used to Mobiky, it's very agile and pretty comfortable, although it's really designed for fairly short trips, definitely not for the Tour de France. It would be great to use running errands and making frequent stops.

My Brompton is a T6. It's regarded the Rolls-Royce of small-wheeled folders. The three-speed hub is doubled to six gears by an ingenious two-position derailleur. The fold is amazing - Brommie comes down to a package little larger than the wheels. It's a fairly fast fold but realistically takes me 30 seconds or so, and the seat must be repositioned each time. With its excellent 100 psi tires and fairly long wheelbase, it rides beautifully and I have done 40-50 miles on it without fatigue. It has a great system for carrying luggage. Mine weighs about the same as Mobiky, but newer Brompton models offer optional expensive titanium bits for savings in weight. I'd rather eat more salads, fewer potatoes, and take the weight off myself instead. For a combination of compactness and performance Brompton is unbeatable; it's also made in England by fine craftsmen who live in heated houses and is much more expensive than the competition.

The Dahon Presto (no longer made, the current equivalent model is the Curve) is a beautiful little aluminum bike, two-thirds the weight of the Brompton or Mobiky and substantially less expensive than either. It rides almost as well as, but does not fold as small or as fast as Brompton, and folding speed is pathetic compared to Mobiky. Still, if you don't have to fold and unfold it several times a day, it's a superb piece of machinery, excellent value and a serious contender. Dahon tweaks all its models every year. The older Dahons were not so hot, but the last few years have been outstanding. ADDED COMMENT AS OF APRIL 11, 2009: It appears as if Mobiky may have withdrawn from the U.S. market. As this bike contains many unique parts, I would suggest any prospective buyer carefully verify whether this product is still supported before purchasing one. (I got parts for mine via a friend in Paris who ordered them for me direct from Mobiky's headquarters in that city, and they were graciously supplied at no charge).

61 of 63 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I'm SO happy with my Mobiky!, March 24, 2006

By 

Douglas L. Chew "Douglas Chew" (Oakland, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Mobiky Genius Folding Bike (Sports)

I first saw the Mobiky featured on "I Want That", a TV show about new products on the HGTV cable network. I was impressed by the Mobiky's easy, quick folding and the ability to roll on its own wheels when folded.

Thanks to Abikestore.com, a week after the show I had my new, cobalt blue Mobiky.

FIRST IMPRESSION
The Mobiky's construction speaks "high quality". The aluminum finish, the paint quality, and weld joints are all exceptional.

Due to weather, the Mobiky stood in my living room for a couple of evenings before my first ride. Many times, I'd catch myself looking at it, as if admiring a piece of industrial art. If the Aeron office chair can be on display at the Museum of Modern Art in NY, so can the Mobiky. I regretted riding my Mobiky, because it will get dirty.

PRE-RIDE
My Mobiky needed a little adjustment, before I could ride it. The manual warns riders to make sure the "stay tube" locks in place. Mine did not. After using a screwdriver and hammer to reseat the plug the "stay tube" rests on, my Mobiky was ready to go.

Adjusting the proper height of the handlebars and seat will take some experimenting. You'll also have to play with the tension of the adjusting clamps or your seat will slowly sink as you ride. If you collapse the Mobiky for maximum smallness, your height adjustments are lost. I wish the tubes were scored with measurements, so settings could be remembered. I will mark the tubes with a felt pen.

The front and rear brakes were in perfect, factory adjustment.

RIDING
The Mobiky will not compete in the next Tour de France. Someone on a conventional 10-speed breezed right past me. The Mobiky has 3 speeds so that's an unfair comparison. But the Mobiky is a lot faster than walking.

The factory literature touts the Mobiky as a tool for bridging short range commuting. To that design goal, the Mobiky is on target.

I did notice an alignment issue with the front and rear tires. My Mobiky wants to veer right ever so slightly; maybe one degree. I feel this excusable when you realize there are 9 connection and weld points from axle to axle. With that many connections, it's amazing the alignment is as good as it is. Remember this is a folding bike. To compensate, you can offset the handlebar down tube with the front wheel so the bike goes straight when the handlebar is held straight. I believe I can correct this misalignment, as I get familiar with the mechanics of my Mobiky. If you're not as handy, bring the Mobiky to a professional bicycle mechanic for a final tweak.

As promised, the Mobiky pedals like a big bike. The ingenious, dual chains are silent and smooth. The 3 speed shifter a bit stiff, but I expect that to wear in over time.

STAR APPEAL
The Mobiky will draw stares. As I pedaled past a gas station, 60 feet away, a dude and his chick were gassing up their Harley. These hardcore bikers were dressed head to toe in black riding leathers and skull caps. Without a word to each other, they turned and stared as I pedaled by.

At the first store, I folded the Mobiky in 2 seconds, opened the door, and parked the Mobiky inside with easy approval from an employee.

At my next stop, I got bolder and didn't ask for permission to bring the Mobiky in. I folded the Mobiky in 2 seconds, opened the door, and parked the Mobiky at my lunch table. The employee making my sandwich wanted to know more about this unique looking bike.

At my third stop, I folded the Mobiky in 2 seconds and rolled the bike around the store drawing stares and comments from store customers and employees. In the folded position, I found the seat to be a comfortable armrest, too.

At my fourth stop, I folded the Mobiky in 2 seconds and paraded up and down the narrow aisles of a neighborhood market. The aisles were so crowded, I had to fold one pedal and ½ the handlebar. I noticed people stop their shopping to get a look at the Mobiky. An employee nodded in approval. A four year old kid twisted his head backwards as his mom towed him away.

When folded, the Mobiky has an incredible turning radius, which makes easy maneuvering in very small spaces. Unlike most other folding bikes, the Mobiky's ability to roll while folded cannot be oversold.

When folded the built-in, padded, carry handle is well placed. Although the Mobiky is a bit aft heavy, it certainly balances well enough to easily lift over stairs.

The kickstand works well.

Why can the Mobiky go places no "ordinary" bike would be tolerated? Star appeal. I believe people are spellbound by its beauty, unique folding, and small footprint, so, like a movie star in a public place, it gets the "star treatment".

LESS EXPENSIVE THAN YOU THINK
At first blush, the Mobiky seems expensive. But you don't need a $150+ bike rack to transport it. And, how much is it worth to not damage the finish of your car with a bike rack? What about not having to install, remove, and store a bike rack? Does the inconvenience of installing a bike rack keep you from using your bicycle more often?

Also, consider not having to buy a $50+ bicycle lock. Never worry about your bike being stolen because you take the Mobiky indoors with you. How stupid is it to buy a lightweight bike only to add the weight of a lock and chain? Also, you don't have to waste time looking for a safe place to chain up your bike, too.

The true value/cost of something is proportional to how much you use it. I plan to use my Mobiky to shave time off my 40 minute, 3 mile, daily walk to work. I also plan to keep my Mobiky in the car, so I never need to stress over convenient automobile parking. I can park blocks away and simply Mobiky in. Also, the US distributor tells me a hardshell luggage carrier is planned, so you can take your Mobiky on commercial airplanes. However, you will have to pay an oversize charge, as the Mobiky misses the airline luggage maximum size by 5 inches. Maybe they won't notice.

In other words, what`s a better value; a seldom used $400 bike (plus bike rack + lock/chain) or a bike that costs more but is used more often?

SUMMARY
The Mobiky is of French design and construction. It is the pinnacle of folding bicycle engineering. Because of it's convenience and cool factor, you'll be riding this bicycle more often. That's good for your heart and the environment. Vive la France!

Douglas Chew
Oakland, CA
"Please don't bike-jack me."

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Pretty good, February 11, 2008

By 

Lee Lloyd (Los Angeles) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Mobiky Genius Folding Bike (Sports)

I researched a lot of folding bikes before deciding on one. I wish I could take my full-sized bike everywhere with me, but I am going to be traveling a lot this year, and taking a full-sized bike in a case on airlines around the world is expensive, and complicates travel. As such, I wanted to find a bike that I could check as luggage, and use for multi-modal transportation around the cities I was visiting. Of all the bikes I checked out, the Mobiky seemed to be the best fit. I wouldn't want to go on a 10 mile ride on it, but for short hops from one train station to another, or just around a neighborhood it is pretty cool.

It does have some problems though, that keep it from being perfect. I am pretty tall (6'4"), and weigh a fair amount (200lbs), so the bike feels a little flimsy with everything cranked to the highest settings. Also, as someone else noted, the front brake isn't the best in the world. It can be tightened down to work better, but on my bike at least, the rotor was slightly warped, and I had to spend some tender time with a pair of pliers carefully truing it before I could really get the brake working like it should. I also hate the saddle that came on it as the fabric it is covered with sticks to everything, making it hard to get on the bike, but that is easy to fix with a new saddle. I am also not all that impressed with the shifting hub that came on the bike. The gear range isn't very good, and it is very stubborn about shifting into first if there is any tension at all on the chain. However, I haven't found a bike yet that will fit in a suitcase that doesn't require some sort of sacrifice.

On the plus side, the build quality is quite good, and the design is very well thought out. It handles much better than I expected it to, and while I would never replace my street hybrid with it, those little wheels on the Mobiky soak up more bumps and road irregularities than you would think. The real selling point though is the fold. Most of the other folding bikes brake apart on a hinge, and then basically have to be locked up somewhere, or carried when you go on a train or in a store. Not the Mobiky! I ride up to where I am going, fold it up in a few seconds, and walk right in with it. I haven't had a single person complain, going into restaurants, bookstores, grocery stores, large retailers, or trains. You just roll it beside you, and it hardly takes up any room at all. It also seems to be the most popular bike I have ever owned. Normally people don't even notice my bike, except to note that there is a guy on a bike. I can't go anywhere on the Mobiky, without people commenting on how cool it looks, and asking me questions about it.

It isn't a perfect bike, but it is good enough that I am going to buy a second one for my wife, which I guess is a pretty good recommendation.

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