As a road cyclist, Ive kept folding bikes at a safe distance.
In my defense, Ive never had a need for one.
Ebikes are equally alluring for the modern commuter.
Putting the two together must lead to something incredible, right?
Sounds like a winning combination.
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Its origami-like features are taken care of by a substantial hinge in the middle of the frame.
Its all wonderfully simple.
The bike is reminiscent of designs from legendary bike builder Mike Burrows, and theres a reason.
They eschew convention in pursuit of building no compromises bicycles for a given purpose.
Thorpe tells me GoCycles aim is to build a bike thats perfect to live with.
So lets see if it succeeds.
The design
Most modern bicycles use a diamond frame shape.
Unless, you start from scratch and completeley redesign the bicycle, from the ground up.
Its built on engineering principles common in motorsport, and is also the design that GoCycle uses.
It makes perfect sense when you consider Thorpes background in automotive design.
For GoCycle, following these design principles allows it to remove unnecessary weight.
As it should be.
But for me, the singlesided approach just makes the bike look cool and futuristic its what turns heads.
Thats simply not the case here.
Fully integrated ebikes that dont have removable batteries will never be able to compete on these terms.
Even though its a folding bike, its strong, robust, and rigid.
So much so, I had to let some air out the tires to provide a more cushioned ride.
When it comes to the bikes handling, Ill be honest, I wasnt expecting great things.
Usually the compromises of riding a bike that folds rear their head in how it handles.
The impressive part here, is that one GoCycle can cater for a range of riders of differing heights.
Allowing one frame size to work for a majority of riders.
However, compared to the sporty steering, the seating position feels a little too relaxed.
Dont get me wrong, its a wonderfully fun bike to ride, as Im sure all ebikes are.
But it had a double-edged personality.
Fundamentally, bikes are the wonderfully joyous liberating tools of transportation that they are because of their simplicity.
So Im often weary that apps can overcomplicate things.
Thankfully the GoCycle app is simple and helpful.
Whats more, the ebike works without the app.
Ok, so whats the price?
Ive managed to make it this far without mentioning the GoCycles price.
With a heavy sigh, I have to say: its not cheap.
The GoCycle GX retails at 2,899 ($3,299).
On face value, that sounds like a lot.
The front pannier costs 150, but you could live without that if you had to.
But with these accessories, the GoCycle is a complete tool for urban living its the total package.
Is it a good buy?
If you ask me, none of these are as much of an all-rounder as the GoCycle, though.
And with the accessories, its pretty much the everything the multi-modal city commuter needs.
The GoCycle is a wonderful balance of simplicity, usability, and functionality.
Its easy to fold, light, and simple to maintain.
Its an ebike that would fit into anyones routine with ease.
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Story byMatthew Beedham
Matthew is the editor of SHIFT.
He likes electric cars, and other things with wheels, wings, or hulls.
