mixie

Starting with the big picture, we all know denser populations have many benefits but modern cities like Brisbane are filled with transport pollution, inactive lifestyles and congested roads. The population is expected to rise with petrol prices and health problems so you can take the germ filled bus or slowly walk to get around… or…

Ride a bike. It’s not ideal for everyone but it is a clean, healthy, potentially enjoyable form of transport and it is widely considered that more people could be riding for some of their local movements or just for fun and health.

But bikes are available now and their infrastructure is always being assessed and improving. So I looked at the physical device’s barriers to rider uptake. My research identified a desire for more enjoyment in cycling so i looked at what could make a bike more enjoyable and came up with increasing comfort and novelty or intrigue.
Cycling can present a number of discomforts in the common diamond frame upright bicycle format shaped by the popular competitive sport of cycling. Reported discomforts included Neck, shoulders and wrists as well as the more concerning problems with riders experiencing back problems, groin area nerve damage, erectile dysfunction and impotence from the seat.

Recumbent cycles however, offer a solution to these problems. They present the comfort and novelty desired. As well as other potential benefits depending on the model. My research survey respondents showed strong interest in recumbent cycles but only one had experience. So I looked into their downsides. I found that they are considered intimidating and weird, and expensive. With all recumbent cycles available in Brisbane being over AU$2,000 to purchase, they are a massive leap for the targeted casual riders to make.

This prompted the creation of the Mixie. A less expensive, less intimidating bike to softly introduce people to the idea of a more enjoyable cycling experience without regret. It offers users two bikes in one with a familiar size and shape. It’s compatible with most storage options including bike parking and car racks. There is an ability to change riding styles for different situations. Perhaps the user is more at ease riding upright on roads, but prefers the added comfort in the park. Perhaps they want to share the bike with others.
It may also be used as a transitional device to develop interest in other recumbent cycles and therefore benefit sellers and communities’ cycling diversity and development which in turn could help offset population growth and pollution, inactive lifestyles, congested roads, etc.

In conclusion, this bike isn’t for everyone but with all the bicycle styles and options available, this one doesn’t exist yet and fills a market gap to increase urban biking uptake and make the world a better place.

A combination upright diamond frame recumbent bicycle for cycling 2 ways in 1.