20 pictures
Kwiggle folding bike
1 / 20
The Kwiggle could be seen as the antithesis of the recumbent: Riding on the small bike is an upright affair. Through the stretched posture, you get more pressure on the pedal compared to conventional bikes, thereby pedaling is less strenuous, advertises the manufacturer..
Photo: Stefan Weißenborn
Source: spiegel.de
2 / 20
carries his development with pride: in 2009, inventor Karsten Bettin had the first idea for his Kwiggle. Planned is also a pedelec version, but probably not before 2022 to expect.
Photo: Stefan Weißenborn
Source: spiegel.de
3 / 20
For the practiced boss, a matter of seconds until the kwiggle is unfolded. For the inexperienced, the barely intuitive process is more a matter of minutes and must be learned step by step, as with any folding bike.
Photo: Stefan Weißenborn
Source: spiegel.de
4 / 20
For the right fit, the manufacturer recommends that you also adjust the angle of the saddle individually to the driver.
Photo: Stefan Weißenborn
Source: spiegel.de
5 / 20
Developer Bettin opted for a removable plug-in pedal instead of a folding one: this would allow the Kwiggle's pack size to shrink by a crucial two centimeters in width. Otherwise, the bike would not be foldable to airplane hand luggage size.
Photo: Stefan Weißenborn
Source: spiegel.de
6 / 20
When folded, the Kwiggle is comfortable to carry. Grabbed by the handle above the saddle, the package swings back so it doesn't collide with your legs. Also, you don't have to splay the carrying arm. Who wants to pack it for transport, can buy a Kwiggle shoulder bag (46.40 euros)..
Photo: Stefan Weißenborn
Source: spiegel.de
7 / 20
Thanks to the trolley wheels, the Kwiggle can be pulled like a rolling suitcase, a feature typical of folding bikes.
Photo: Stefan Weißenborn
Source: spiegel.de
8 / 20
The Q-factor, including the distance between the pedals, is comparatively low. This is said to be much more comfortable for riding while standing..
Photo: Stefan Weißenborn
Source: spiegel.de
9 / 20
The handlebars are not wide - due to this, and because the steering angle is steep, the folding bike from Hanover steers very directly, but not fidgety, also because the swinging body of the rider exerts a counterforce.
Photo: Stefan Weißenborn
Source: spiegel.de
10 / 20
The wheels have a diameter of only twelve inches, which brings disadvantages: potholes become a danger, curbs become larger obstacles. Hardly surprising that the manufacturer praises the elaborately molded from one piece aluminum wheels and speaks of "the highest running accuracy.".
Photo: Stefan Weißenborn
Source: spiegel.de
11 / 20
Including this bolt. with which the top tube is unhooked, must be loosened when the Kwiggle is folded.
Photo: Stefan Weißenborn
Source: spiegel.de
12 / 20
The rear light, which is powered by conventional AAA batteries and must be switched by hand like the front light, seems a bit cheap.
Photo: Stefan Weißenborn
Source: spiegel.de
13 / 20
By turning the two connecting bolts, they can be changed in length, adjusting the height of the top tube and saddle - Kwiggle refers to this as the "saddle adjustment". So even children can ride the Kwiggle..
Photo: Stefan Weißenborn
Source: spiegel.de
14 / 20
The three-speed derailleur is among the many patents Kwiggle has filed. The derailleur is unusually small and inconspicuous, but the manufacturer says it is the lightest in the world and wear-resistant. The three on narrow space switchable pinions have seven, eight and nine teeth. Orderable is the Kwiggle also with six gears and a single-speed variant..
Photo: Stefan Weißenborn
Source: spiegel.de
15 / 20
The gearshift's rotary shifter, meanwhile, is mass-produced and comes from the well-known supplier Shimano. Curiosity: Gear number one is the most sluggish on the Kwiggle, and the third gear has the lowest ratio. The reason: Actually, the Shimano twist grip is used for a front derailleur, and larger chainrings mean a larger gear there in reverse to the sprockets on the rear axle. Kwiggle plans to develop its own rotary shifter, in which then also the labeling is correct..
Photo: Stefan Weißenborn
Source: spiegel.de
16 / 20
Much of the bike is thought out in detail and appears high-quality, but this does not apply to the splash guard on the front wheel. If you tilt the Kwiggle when mounting as recommended to the side, the plastic part scratches the ground.
Photo: Stefan Weißenborn
Source: spiegel.de
17 / 20
Watch out, Po swings out: The Kwiggle's seat mechanism swings back and forth. This makes for a special motion sequence when riding. The springy design brings a certain cushioning comfort, which makes riding on gravel and forest trails more pleasant.
Photo: Stefan Weißenborn
Source: spiegel.de
18 / 20
Only when the latches are completely unfolded do the pieces come off, and the wheel can be unfolded. Small "stop" signs are there to remind you not to saddle up while they are visible.
Photo: Stefan Weißenborn
Source: spiegel.de
19 / 20
The clipless pedal can be plugged into the luggage carrier to save space during transport. Luggage carrier? On the side protruding aluminum hooks can be hooked, for example, Ortlieb bicycle bags..
Photo: Stefan Weißenborn
Source: spiegel.de
20 / 20
found a spot: On public transport such as buses and trains, folding bikes can usually travel as luggage without a ticket because they are easy to store. .
Photo: Stefan Weißenborn