The Bicymple: A Bike So Strange, You’ll Want to Ride It on a Dare
The Weird World of Bikes #1: The Bicymple — Chainless, Strange, and Surprisingly Smart
Welcome to what may become a recurring series on this blog: The Weird World of Bikes. Over 50+ years of riding, I’ve seen everything from bamboo frames to belt-drive crank systems. But few inventions grabbed my curiosity the way the Bicymple did.
This post originally ran years ago, and I’ll be honest — I thought it would fade into nothing. But lately it’s been attracting steady organic search traffic, so it deserved a fresh rewrite.
If you're new here and want real cycling advice for older riders, be sure to check out my cornerstone guide: Cycling for Seniors: Smart Tips for Riders Over 60. It’s loaded with safety, endurance, comfort, and gear tips specifically for older cyclists.
What Is the Bicymple?
The name tells you exactly what it is — Bicycle + Simple. The Bicymple eliminates the traditional chain and derailleur entirely. Instead, the pedals sit directly over the rear wheel, powering it through a direct-drive system. No chain slap, no grease, no gear system. Compared to every bike you've ever seen, it looks wrong — and oddly brilliant.
The Bicymple has a tiny front wheel, a larger rear wheel, and a super-short wheelbase. Upright riding posture, minimalist frame, and a silhouette that looks like a BMX bike drawn by a sci-fi cartoonist. In real life? It actually works.
Why Go Chainless?
No maintenance. No lubing, no derailleur tuning, no greasy cassette. The frame is incredibly lightweight, and the direct power transfer from pedal to wheel is surprisingly efficient.
People ride them on gravel, pavement, and park paths. Because nothing drags through a drivetrain, the ride feels smooth and punchy. It’s a novelty bike for sure — but not a toy.
The Steering Poles — Yes, Really
The Bicymple has an optional steering setup that replaces handlebars with two ski-pole style arms. You lean and sweep them to turn. It looks ridiculous. It also looks fun as hell.
I don’t know how my old shoulders would feel about skiing down a sidewalk on wheels, but hey — for someone with balance skills and curiosity, it could be a blast.
A Senior Cyclist’s Take (From a 70-Year-Old)
Would I tour the country on this thing? No. The pedal position sits far behind where I’d want the pressure on long rides. For older riders with knee or hip sensitivity, the geometry might feel awkward.
But would I try it? Absolutely. Bikes are supposed to be fun. We get so caught up in speed, wattage, mileage, and gear ratios that we forget bicycles started as toys. The Bicymple reminds you of that.
If someone rolled up with one and dared me to climb on, I’d be on it in five seconds flat. That playful spirit matters more than any spec sheet.
Looking for a Practical Chainless Alternative?
The weird truth is: you can’t buy a Bicymple on Amazon. But if the idea of low-maintenance riding appeals to you, modern belt-drive bicycles are the real-world evolution of this idea.
Low-Maintenance Bicycle Options
- Belt-Drive Bikes: Browse belt-drive commuter bikes
- Lightweight Folding Bikes: Shop folding bikes
- Comfort Hybrid Bikes: See comfort hybrid bikes
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases — at no extra cost to you.
Final Thoughts
The Bicymple won’t replace your road bike or touring setup. But it’s a brilliant example of what happens when creativity slams into engineering. Cycling doesn’t have to be serious. It doesn’t have to be perfect. Sometimes it should just make you smile.
So here’s my conclusion as a lifelong rider:
Weird bikes matter. They stretch the imagination. They remind us cycling is more than carbon frames and watt charts. And they make this sport feel alive.
Stay tuned for more from this new series — I’ve got some strange machines coming.
Related Reading
- Cycling for Seniors: Smart Tips for Riders Over 60
- Why Touring Changes Who You Are as a Cyclist
- Humor & Strange Stories From the Road
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