Switchbike goes from bicycle to Chopper in seconds flat

We've certainly seen a few unique bicycles in our day, but the Switchbike truly caters to a very unique crowd. This interesting creation, seen at Holland Innovation, looks like your average cruiser at first glance, but by simply leaning back and pulling up the handlebars, this thing becomes downright Chopper-like. Reportedly, the inventor is still looking for firms to take this thing commercial, but feel free to check out the in-action demonstration waiting after the jump.

[seanstar12 @ Oct 15th 2007 1:30PM]

Now how is that useful? Did I miss something?

[Kennyb123 @ Oct 15th 2007 1:31PM]

Can something be done about the handlebars? It looks like Grandma's bike. Fun concept though. Not sure what the market is for something like that?

[Larz @ Oct 15th 2007 3:31PM]

Has there ever been a 'cool' looking cruiser?

I doubt there would be much market for it, as people who want recumbent bikes would probably go for something lighter and sturdier.

[jilie @ Oct 15th 2007 1:34PM]

nice but i'd never use one around as chopper!

[KR @ Oct 15th 2007 1:44PM]

Whose bicycle is this?

It's not a bicycle baby, it's a chopper.

Who's chopper is this?

Zed's

Who's Zed?

Zed's dead, baby.

[I LOVE THE CAPS LOCK KEY @ Oct 15th 2007 5:40PM]

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0110912/quotes

[Nushio (NDF - Blue) @ Oct 15th 2007 1:56PM]

By Chopper I thought you meant Helicopter....

[bjrcboy @ Oct 15th 2007 2:00PM]

thats what i was hoping for... this is freaking useless!!

[BPM (FDF - Hypno-Toad) @ Oct 15th 2007 2:33PM]

Get to da choppah?

[Chris @ Oct 15th 2007 2:07PM]

that's less chopper like and more recumbent like. a recumbent tends to be harder to ride at slow speeds and maneuver like busses, but easier to ride long distances since you have back support and you can push against your back for more power. This bridges the gap, sit up for slow, precise riding with a high view to see in a crowded area, then lay back to cruise.

[carl @ Oct 15th 2007 2:16PM]

I agree, more like a recumbent. But hey, whether it's a recumbent or a chopper, you'll look like a total tool regardless.

And as a regular bike, the thing's wheel base is too long to offer any maneuverability in upright mode.

Oh, and dude needs a proper bike fit, stat.

[The REAL Carl @ Oct 15th 2007 3:10PM]

god dammit, stop using my name carl.

[shelterpaw @ Oct 15th 2007 2:09PM]

Yeah... A bicycle powered helicopter would have been something else.

[triptogenetica @ Oct 15th 2007 2:31PM]

I can see a use (i often commute 22km to work):

-in the city, in the UK, at least, vehicles expect you to leap out at them (visually) if they're to give you any room / not kill you. So here, an upright riding position would be the thing to have; also much better for sharp corners.

-On the long route home, with fewer cars and straighter roads, the recumbent style would be more efficient.

However, I ride a (modified) sub-£200 bike everywhere, with no probs, and I can't see this thing's niche costing less than a thousand.

[James @ Oct 15th 2007 2:32PM]

I saw "chopper" and immediately thought of that 80's cartoon with the motorcycle that turns into a helicopter.

Oh wait! I think I found it:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M.A.S.K.

[lol @ Oct 15th 2007 3:06PM]

m-m-m-mask!

I had the toy for the one you're talking about. It was green.

This goes right up there with the Akira concept bike...interesting idea, but not all too practical.

[Tyler Strembitsky @ Oct 15th 2007 2:46PM]

He must of felt awkward when he's on his "Switchbike" and some chick rolls in on a high-tech Segway.

[carl @ Oct 15th 2007 3:12PM]

that's hella cool.
i'm in high school, and that would be so ridiculously cool.

[SpecialKDawgg @ Oct 15th 2007 3:14PM]

Yes, it is utterly useless but I still want to have to only bike that transforms while riding it. *In your face Huffy White Heat!!*

[feckineejit @ Oct 15th 2007 3:16PM]

Throw a 2 stroke engine on that bad larry and I'm there.

[terrill @ Oct 15th 2007 4:12PM]

I almost feel sorry for the old guy riding around on this thing like some kind of humanized ape at a low budget circus. If only he'd start juggling I'd be sold. Then I could take that bad boy to L.A have them put some switches and a juice maker and look just like the horrid nightmare episode of pimp-my-bike. I can see all the chicks checking me out now.... Oh Yea!

[Kevin @ Oct 15th 2007 4:30PM]

I think the idea behind this is that in the regular bicycle mode it's easier to steer and navigate tight/crowded places (like big cities) but the chopper mode is more comfortable for long trips with fewer 90 degree turns.

Just don't try to bunny hop, you'll probably hurt yourself.

[EvilGrouse @ Oct 15th 2007 4:51PM]

That is BAD ASS.

[Sirocco @ Oct 15th 2007 7:17PM]

They're right. There IS a surplus of engineers.

[pv @ Oct 16th 2007 12:57AM]

Ummm, how much does it weigh?

[hellfire43 @ Oct 16th 2007 3:07AM]

LOL i thought it was gonna turn into a helicopter i was soooo disappointed after watching that video.

[tekdroid @ Oct 16th 2007 9:13AM]

makes the Segway look cool (and more practical)


Har. Well done.

[Timmy P. @ Oct 16th 2007 7:31PM]

I thought that it was a Bicycle and then a motorcycle /moped type thing but when i watched the video I was very disappointed.

[Kade Miller @ Oct 16th 2007 9:02PM]

I agree with everyone else, it certainly does make the segway look cool

[rigo @ Oct 17th 2007 10:26PM]

well i was expecting a helicopter, but this is just odd. i can see a use. someone is less likely to jack a normal looking bike than a cool chooper thing bike, but hey that thing needs an engine, ,YEE HAW