That's a fair point. I did muck around in some of the old A-Bike forums that are still out there and from the sound of it, while the official was marginally better, the design itself was flawed enough that it didn't really matter for a lot of the complaints I make. It's a great bit of engineering, I just personally am not well suited to riding it.
Not only is this a Chinese clone. It's a 10" wheel model that Sinclair NEVER made. I'm a collector and have owned and ridden all the models. The 10" wheel model has the worst geometry.
I have had the 8" model for many years with the air tires. Had a previous model with solid tires that rode much worse; could feel every bump in road. The model with air tires are not bad to ride. Rode it to/from train/subway stations in downtown Philadelphia over pretty crappy surfaces. Biggest issue I have is the seat. Both my bikes were chines knockoffs. If interested make sure to get one with air tires
I do, they make a remarkedly loud bang and crunching noise when a lorry reverses over one, that will turn heads right down the street! I remember thinking that's a daft place to park, when I saw the rider leave his C5 parked across the exit directly behind a lorry...
Don't know if it is true, but I read somewhere that the A-bike knock-offs were actually direct copies of the prototype a-bike, so lack the changes made for the final design to address issues found in testing, which if I recall correctly included trying to stiffen up the frame a bit. On top of that the fakes use inferior plastics. Should really mention it is a fake A-bike in the title. I was vaguely interested in the later electric version, because it was small enough to take on buses, but decided against.
I have done a ton of research trying to improve mine because I love the bike except for some of the issues with it. The original did not use bearings, but the same plastic bushings for the headset bearings which I believe is one of the biggest problems as the added friction really makes you feel the frame flex more than necessary and makes it unpleasant to ride. Was thinking about designing a 3D printed replacement to some of the parts to allow for proper bearings but I don't ride it enough to merit the effort. Really, I am just too heavy for it.
@@Pilotgeek It's a bit appaling that the original did not use bearings. One can prob avoid 3D printing by using standard ID/OD tubes and clamps? 3D print plastics are very non-durable. One can use 3D printed metal parts b.c. they are essentially sold metal (I have had great success with Shapeways Aluminum, Bronze and Steel), but the cost might be prohibitive in sizes needed for a bike.
I own an 8-inch one with air tires. tried taking it on bus to the countryside and rode for 30 km in 5 hours. Get home safely and have fun . [weigh 54kg Height 1.75m]
@@mr.wigglemunch3856 I would scour ebay or facebook marketplace. That said, I have spent a lot of time on abikecentral.com forums and it seems the original really was not much better. If you want something about as small, you can look for the Pacific CarryMe. I just got one recently and it's SO much better to ride.
Soon, I hope. Was gonna try to get some drone footage of my Chimera shotgun shooting clay pigeons and releasing the plans for that. Also, may do a mini review on the Reprringer.
I heard that even the official ones ride similar. I think replacing some of the plastic parts with machined aluminum replacements would really help, but probably not worth it.
@@Pilotgeek I have original A-bike Electric (without battery unfortunately....cost me 130 EU) and I regret for spending too much money on this garbage. Totally unsafe to ride on street. This is a toy not a bike. Sinclair Fiasko vol.2.
The original Sinclair A-Bike has 6” wheels much smaller than this Chinese model which is 10” wheels and the latter definitely has a better ride quality than Sinclair’s.
I actually took this bike on a group ride recently and lead the group on the reverse trip. It has actually held up really well, but I only bring it on trips where a folding bike makes sense, or as a novelty bike to events.
Not fair to call the sinclair the worst bike when your riding a chinese knockoff
Seems unfair to judge the Sinclair bike based on a Chinese clone. This little fact should go into the video title.
That's a fair point. I did muck around in some of the old A-Bike forums that are still out there and from the sound of it, while the official was marginally better, the design itself was flawed enough that it didn't really matter for a lot of the complaints I make. It's a great bit of engineering, I just personally am not well suited to riding it.
Not only is this a Chinese clone. It's a 10" wheel model that Sinclair NEVER made. I'm a collector and have owned and ridden all the models. The 10" wheel model has the worst geometry.
I have had the 8" model for many years with the air tires. Had a previous model with solid tires that rode much worse; could feel every bump in road. The model with air tires are not bad to ride. Rode it to/from train/subway stations in downtown Philadelphia over pretty crappy surfaces. Biggest issue I have is the seat. Both my bikes were chines knockoffs. If interested make sure to get one with air tires
Who is old enough to remember the Sinclair trike thing in the 80s that was gonna replace cars, lol?
I do, they make a remarkedly loud bang and crunching noise when a lorry reverses over one, that will turn heads right down the street! I remember thinking that's a daft place to park, when I saw the rider leave his C5 parked across the exit directly behind a lorry...
It's meant to be ridden only for about 5-10 minutes. Last Km/Mile, connection from train station to office in the city.
One could build a carbon fiber bike with the same dimensions that would fix the flexing. Unfortunately it still wouldn't not fix the rider's dignity.
I wish somebody would do this
I wonder if the original sinclair would be less dodgy (bearings in the steering, stiffer plastic or steel connectors etc).
It's loads better. No comparison. I've owned and ridden all of the models, fake and original.
Don't know if it is true, but I read somewhere that the A-bike knock-offs were actually direct copies of the prototype a-bike, so lack the changes made for the final design to address issues found in testing, which if I recall correctly included trying to stiffen up the frame a bit. On top of that the fakes use inferior plastics. Should really mention it is a fake A-bike in the title.
I was vaguely interested in the later electric version, because it was small enough to take on buses, but decided against.
I have done a ton of research trying to improve mine because I love the bike except for some of the issues with it. The original did not use bearings, but the same plastic bushings for the headset bearings which I believe is one of the biggest problems as the added friction really makes you feel the frame flex more than necessary and makes it unpleasant to ride. Was thinking about designing a 3D printed replacement to some of the parts to allow for proper bearings but I don't ride it enough to merit the effort. Really, I am just too heavy for it.
@@Pilotgeek It's a bit appaling that the original did not use bearings. One can prob avoid 3D printing by using standard ID/OD tubes and clamps? 3D print plastics are very non-durable. One can use 3D printed metal parts b.c. they are essentially sold metal (I have had great success with Shapeways Aluminum, Bronze and Steel), but the cost might be prohibitive in sizes needed for a bike.
"Feel like I'm'a break this damn thing.." - Agent J
How much is this? I wonder if the Jetson Bolt Pro is a much better bike/
Soooooo, the wheels are tiny and the frame is janky, and it STILL doesn't fold down as small as a MUCH nicer Brompton...
the zx spectrum brought me here, lol
How much
I own an 8-inch one with air tires. tried taking it on bus to the countryside and rode for 30 km in 5 hours. Get home safely and have fun . [weigh 54kg Height 1.75m]
The shape looks similar to a triangle-shaped bike Sharper Image sold back in the late '80s.
Where can i buy a good and original one?
@@mr.wigglemunch3856 I would scour ebay or facebook marketplace. That said, I have spent a lot of time on abikecentral.com forums and it seems the original really was not much better. If you want something about as small, you can look for the Pacific CarryMe. I just got one recently and it's SO much better to ride.
@@Pilotgeek Thanks my friend 🙏
I agree it's the worst bike, the body structure is very weak so when you pedal it wobbles.
the seat's too short?
almost like it's copied directly from a design for an English market
Jesus wtf I had to really look for this vid. Awesome vid though man
How much do you weigh? It says max 65kg. Are you over that?
I'm far over 65kg, more like 85kg 😅. Also, don't reply to that other guy, that is NOT me.
Can I know if it's a 8" or 10" one?
This was the 10" one
That looks like a death trap lol . Love your reviews !! When will we see some news 3D printer pew pews ? :)
Soon, I hope. Was gonna try to get some drone footage of my Chimera shotgun shooting clay pigeons and releasing the plans for that. Also, may do a mini review on the Reprringer.
@@Pilotgeek I actually may do a build video on your maverick revolver… I have all the pets printed up, and the hardware ready to go.
Recently bought from China. Experienced very bad. Need more effort to run this cycle. Not recommended..
I would recommend the Pacific Carryme as an alternative. I recently purchased one used and they are very good, and about the same size.
Can you shift gears on this thing?
No, single speed.
It works even it’s not the Sinclaire
Great vid:) How much are they?
I cant help but wonder if it was built better how it would ride (for such a small bike) or if the design is flawed
I heard that even the official ones ride similar. I think replacing some of the plastic parts with machined aluminum replacements would really help, but probably not worth it.
@@Pilotgeek I have original A-bike Electric (without battery unfortunately....cost me 130 EU) and I regret for spending too much money on this garbage. Totally unsafe to ride on street. This is a toy not a bike. Sinclair Fiasko vol.2.
It's so small cos it's a Chinese design.
The original Sinclair A-Bike has 6” wheels much smaller than this Chinese model which is 10” wheels and the latter definitely has a better ride quality than Sinclair’s.
@@Pilotgeek the official ones ride loads better. No comparison there. But don't expect the ride of a proper bike.
I t's been 1 year since you made this video. Is your A-bike still in one piece?
I actually took this bike on a group ride recently and lead the group on the reverse trip. It has actually held up really well, but I only bring it on trips where a folding bike makes sense, or as a novelty bike to events.
@@Pilotgeek Excellent! Cheers!
Soo crappy bike😅😅😅
The inventor passed away after attempting to ride his inventions downhill
Now electrify it. I know you want to.
There was an electric version of the original.
The most useless tool in the video is the twerp slandering an innocent company.