For over a year I’ve successfully managed to pull my trigger finger away from the ‘buy now’ button on ebay, but last week, admittedly while at the thin end of a bottle, I finally succumbed and bought a Sinclair A-Bike.
I always knew it would be rubbish, but on receipt I’m surprised at just how bad it is. The plan was to use it for short commutes on busy trains that don’t accept bookings. Granted, it’s light and folds down to an impressively small size; I just might not make it the 3 miles to the station in one piece!
The main problems will not come as a surprise:
- Tiny frame – anyone under 150cm might be okay, but if you’re average height or above you will look ridiculous, have incredibly cramped legs that graze the handlebars and risk overbalancing. A few others had a go and one guy fell flat on his back first try!
- Tiny wheels – obvious I guess, but you have to be very careful of obstacles. The smallest pothole will have you horizontal, so using it on anything other than paths, pavements and very quiet backroads is just plain lethal.
I’ll probably try and use it a few times, but it really needs a couple of inches on the wheels and seat. Just to add - I’m not frustrated by it, as I had a rough idea what to expect - and how high the risk was that it would end up in the attic next to the Unicycle.
As is, I just can’t imagine what niche the A-Bike could begin to fill – other than a fun curio for collectors. Yep, Clive's done it again...