Folding Bicycle Eliminates Need for (a Big) Lock

Kind of a neat idea. Some structural concerns, though.

While I’m totally down with using a system like that (or even a simple cable) for the downtube, since it only experiences tension loads (which a cable can easily handle), but the top tube is highly loaded in compression. Even with those stiffening rings, when you push on a rope, well…you’re basically left with a series of unconnected pipes pressing against each other. I’d have made them fit together with more of a puzzle cut in order to avoid the potential for the individual pipes shearing sideways.

where the brakes at?