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

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.

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".

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."

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