As was alluded to in August, Fortified Bicycle is launching the first bike in the company's history. Having previously focused solely on bicycle products (such as lights and anti-theft gear), the decision to launch a Fortified bike is a momentous occasion for the Boston-based startup. The release for the bike is set for November, with no specific date established at this point. And for the first time, a curious public can see photos of the "Invincible" bike.
Though much of the project remains under wraps, BostInno was able to get Fortified co-founder Tivan Amour to speak about some aspects of the new bike. One major topic includes a particularly important factor for city cyclists: How well the bike is able to stand up to the elements. A weatherbeaten bike is extremely likely in Boston, given not only the often intense weather conditions, but also the fact that many residents have to leave their bikes' outdoors.
In fact, Amour admitted he's in this group:
I've only lived in small apartments since moving to Boston 4 years ago, so I’ve never had a place to store my bike besides on the street. I’m also always in a hurry to get everywhere, so I don’t leave myself any time to clean off my bike when it’s wet. As a result my bikes have always rusted, started making noise, and fallen into a general state of disrepair. I always wondered, what if my car rusted this quickly? Would I just deal with it? When it came time to make our own bike, this was a problem we knew was worth solving.
And with that, we have our first look at some specific aspects of Fortified's bike, with Amour's insight into the design.
The Frame: "We decided to use 6061 Aluminum, which is rust-proof and lightweight."
The Chain: "Our zinc-coated anti-rust chain comes standard. This means low maintenance and a smooth, quiet, rust-free ride."
The Seat: "We went through a hundred samples before we landed on the perfect weather-resistant bike seat. As soon as we thought we’d found the right one, we’d test it and it wouldn’t pass. This one is tough enough to withstand rain, sleet, snow, and the tough synthetic resists everyday scratches that make your average seat susceptible to taking on water."
Amour noted that the weather-proofed aspects on the bike are "guaranteed for life."
In terms of the process that went into the design, Fortified has been working on this for months, extending back into the historic winter which inevitably played a role.
Having to choose between two different options (rust-resistant steel or the 6061 aluminum), Amour and fellow co-founder Slava Menn faced the classic "quantity vs. quality" choice. In the end, the New England winter made the final call.
"The decision was actually made for us when we looked at the snow piling up outside the window," Amour recalled. "I think Slava said something like 'Our bike is going to have to survive that.'"
For more information about the "Invincible" bike, check out Fortified.
Images via Fortified Bicycle
