Merge could be the ultimate bike for NY commuters

Design studio Pensa has developed Merge, which comes with an array of features that make it perfect for big city cycling.

More and more people are considering taking their bike to work, whether it’s due to concern over their car’s impact on the environment, a need to save money, or to simply keep fit. To cater for this influx of commuting cyclists, we’ve already seen Parker Dusseau create a business suit that keeps riders sweat free on their way to the office. Now design studio Pensa has developed Merge, which comes with an array of features that make it perfect for big city cycling.

Merge is the result of Oregon Manifest‘s Bike Design Project, which challenged designers from New York City, Chicago, San Francisco, Seattle, and Portland to create a bike that would attract more people to cycle commuting. Pensa worked with Horse Cycles to create a bike especially for NYC, valuing storage facilities and lightweight design. The bike frame itself includes built-in bungee cords and an extendable rack that can be pulled out and repacked at any time. A braided steel cable is also tucked into the frame and can be used for extra security when locking up. Embedded bike lights run off a dynamo connected to the bike’s wheels, meaning riders don’t need to constantly replace the batteries or take off their lights when locking up. The dynamo also features a USB charger that can power riders’ phones while they cycle. At the same time, its light frame makes it easy to carry up city steps and apartment stairs.

Watch the video below to see the bike in action:

Although Merge didn’t win the Oregon Manifest competition, the bike could still make it onto the streets of NYC. Are there other ways to make bikes more city-friendly to encourage commuters to cycle?