The Bicymple: A Bike So Strange, You’ll Want to Ride It on a Dare

Welcome to what may become a recurring series: The Weird World of Bikes. Over the years, I’ve seen a lot of quirky inventions in the cycling world—but few are as strange, simple, and oddly charming as the Bicymple. I never did follow through with a full series before, but since this post has gained traction on Google, it’s time to give it a proper refresh. Let’s dive back in.

What Exactly Is the Bicymple?

The name says it all—Bicycle + Simple = Bicymple.

This unusual bike ditches the chain entirely and runs on a direct-drive system, meaning the pedals are mounted directly over the rear wheel, powering it without the usual tangle of gears and derailleur. No chain means no grease, no gear maintenance, and no derailleur issues. It’s simplicity in motion.

At first glance, the Bicymple looks like something you’d sketch in a notebook during a boring meeting: a small front wheel, a larger rear wheel, and pedals positioned directly above that rear wheel. The upright riding posture, short frame, and minimalist build make it resemble a cross between a unicycle, a BMX, and something you might see in a sci-fi movie.

Why Go Chainless?

Without a chain, the Bicymple is nearly maintenance-free. No lubing, no adjusting, no skipping gears. It’s also incredibly lightweight and easy to maneuver, which makes it a fun option for short urban commutes or leisurely rides in the park.

Despite the odd design, it’s surprisingly versatile. Riders report that it handles pavement, gravel, and light off-road paths with ease. And because there’s no drivetrain drag, the direct energy transfer from pedal to wheel is actually quite efficient.

A Twist: The Steering Poles

If the design wasn’t already unconventional enough, the Bicymple has an optional "ski pole" handlebar setup. Rather than traditional handlebars, these poles allow you to lean into corners and steer with a motion that feels more like skiing than biking. It’s not for everyone, but for those who love experimenting with body mechanics, it offers a new dimension of control.

Is It for Me?

Honestly? I’m not sure this is the kind of bike I would ride for any serious distance. The pedal placement—so far behind the rider—just doesn’t look like it would feel natural for someone with my build or riding style. Still, I’d definitely take it for a spin if someone dared me.

So, is it weird? Yes.
Is it interesting? Definitely.
Is it fun? From what I’ve seen, absolutely.

Final Thoughts

The Bicymple might not replace your road bike or touring setup anytime soon, but it’s a brilliant example of how creative thinking continues to push the boundaries of what a bicycle can be. If nothing else, it reminds us that cycling can still surprise us.

Check out the video above to hear what the designer has to say—it’s worth a watch.

Does Cycling Make Sciatica Worse? What Cyclists Need to Know

Does Cycling Make Sciatica Worse? What Cyclists Need to Know Sciatica is no joke — the sharp, radiating pain that shoots down your leg can make even simple movements feel like a challenge. If you're a cyclist dealing with sciatica, you may be wondering: Is cycling helping me or making it worse? As with most things in health and fitness, the answer isn’t black and white. Cycling can both aggravate and relieve sciatica, depending on how you ride, how your bike is set up, and how your body responds. 🚫 When Cycling Might Make Sciatica Worse Cycling can contribute to sciatic pain if certain risk factors are present: Prolonged Sitting Extended time in the saddle can compress the sciatic nerve, especially with a hard or narrow seat. Repetitive Motion Pedaling can irritate the nerve over time, especially if you already have underlying inflammation or nerve impingement. Poor Bike Fit or Posture Hunching over handlebars or riding a bike that isn’t properly fitted can put additio...

Boost Your Focus and Mental Clarity with Cycling

Cycling for Focus and Mental Clarity: How Two Wheels Can Clear Your Mind We all know cycling is great for physical health, but did you know it can also sharpen your mind and improve your ability to focus? Whether you’re struggling with concentration, battling anxiety, or just looking for a mental reset, hopping on a bike may be one of the most effective and enjoyable ways to boost your brainpower. 🚴 How Cycling Improves Mental Focus Cycling isn’t just exercise — it’s a cognitive workout. Here’s how: 1. Increases Blood Flow to the Brain When you cycle, your heart rate rises and blood flow improves — especially to your brain. This delivers more oxygen and nutrients, which can enhance memory, focus, and decision-making . 2. Puts You in a Meditative State Cycling forces you to pay attention: to your breathing, your cadence, the road ahead. This state of flow quiets distractions and trains your brain to focus on the present moment. 3. Reduces Stress and Anxiety Riding a b...

Is 30 Minutes of Cycling a Day Enough to Lose Weight?

Cycling is a popular and effective way to lose weight—and for good reason. It burns calories, builds muscle, improves cardiovascular health, and is easy on the joints. But many beginners wonder: is 30 minutes of cycling a day enough to make a difference? From my own experience, I can tell you that when I first got back into cycling after years of being sedentary, 30 minutes felt like a serious workout. I was sweating, tired, and proud of myself. But as I got more consistent, something became clear: if I was still eating poorly, even 60 minutes a day on the bike wasn't going to move the scale much. That's when I learned that weight loss is a combination of exercise and nutrition —not just one or the other. How Weight Loss Works At its core, weight loss comes down to burning more calories than you consume. Our bodies use calories for everything—from breathing to digestion to movement. When we eat more calories than we burn, we gain weight. When we burn more than we eat, we los...

The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

Search This Blog