NAHBS 2013: Silk Cycles’ Engineering Marvel, Donkelope Goes Steampunk
At first glance, this road bike from Silk Cycles seems to have to many tubes. Upon closer inspection however, I quickly realized the engineering work at hand here. The bike is a full size folder, and an elegantly designed one at that.
See just how the bike breaks down on the other side, plus a wild steampunk build from Donkelope…
With the rear saddle bag removed, you gain access to a pin in the frame that allows for disassembly.
The rear triangle swings around on the bottom bracket.
This oddly placed QR is anything but, as it is designed to hold the wheel once the bike is folded. The gap in the custom made bottle holder allows for the tire to pass through.
The bottom bracket hinge sits just above the BB shell.
This was easily one of the most innovative and well designed bikes on the show floor.
Donkelope
On hand in the Donkelope booth was an inspiring mix of the old and new dubbed the Steampunk Bike. This bike houses hydraulic disc brakes, Alfine Di2, and very special headlight within the classic aesthetic.
The custom brake line is from the auto parts store, and was hand bent. That vintage headlight isn’t so vintage anymore. The inndards have been gutted in favor of an LED retrofit.
The guts were taken from a Busch and Muller light, and it’s powered by a front generator hub.
The unique fender mounts are some of my favorite of any custom.
In keeping with the Steampunk theme, the headtube was covered in brass and then distressed in places.
Donkelope had a bike a bit more on the normal side on display as well. This S & S coupled touring rig was good example of the work that comes from the shop on a regular basis.
Custom made front and rear racks were fitted. The lower “low rider” portion of the front rack is removable for those times when a smaller bag is all you need.
Comments
Why would I want to fold my bike up like that? It’s just as big as it is unfolded.
Looks like less of a folder and more of a taker aparter.
A travel bike? Is there a bag it goes in? Looks too big for airlines.
I hate how all the comments on this website are always negative or critical of someone or something. (Except for the fat bike at walmart, it deserved it.) This is a great looking bike. A different take on a folding bike.
who makes those panniers?
One too many?
Do people actually buy 700c wheel folding bikes? How do they transport them when not riding? If I’m in the market for a folder, it damn well better turn into something I can actually carry or pack up and carry.
-Walt
Seriously, two typos before the fold? Are you guys even trying anymore? Does spell check not exist on your computers or browsers?
On a positive note, nice bikes.
dig the bars and levers on the folder. Are those moto levers?
The panniers are made by Swift Industries out of Seattle.
Pannier bags by swift industries
Jordan, the panniers are made by Swift Industries out of Seattle. I have a set myself and they are awesome!
Looks like you could get it down to the same size as a Ritchey breakaway bike. I am sure you could use the case as well.
@ Your Face – folders are a different thing than coupled bikes. The whole point of a folder is that you don’t have to do *anything* but pull a pin or a quick release or two, fold, and grab a handle, pick up, and get on the train/subway/whatever, then fold it back out when you get off and ride to your office/home.
You don’t disassemble the whole bike and put it in a case so you can reassemble and ride while you’re on vacation in wine country – totally different idea and purpose than a Breakaway or S&S bike.
-Walt
Fantastic folder. Finally something I can take on the train that doesn’t look like a child’s toy after I pedal away on it.