If you’ve ever ridden in the city, or hell, even just walked in a city you’ve seen them. Missing parts, rusted out, vandalized, neglected, the mean streets are usually filled with the remains of bicycles that couldn’t handle the abuse. So what is one to do? Stop riding? Buy disposable bikes?
For Fortified co-founders Slava Menn and Tivan Amour, the answer isn’t changing how you’re riding, but what you’re riding. After interviewing numerous city commuters, the pair found that most riders weren’t actually riding city bikes. And because those bikes weren’t designed to survive life chained to a bike rack in the city, the bikes don’t last long.
Along the same lines as their Fortified bike lights, the team is turning their attention towards a complete bike. Appropriately named the Invincible, Fortified claims this bike is purpose built to survive any harsh city environment…
Just what is a city proof bike? For starters, it includes an 6061 aluminum frame and fork. Steel typically has better ride qualities, but usually requires additional treatments to prevent rust and inevitably scratches from locking the bike to the rack will lead to rust down the line. The Invincible is also designed to be affordable so aluminum helps keep the price down. Additional weather proofing includes a zinc-coated chain for corrosion resistance in winter climates.
To make the bike as theft proof as possible, the handlebars, seat, wheels, and lights are all installed with Fortified’s proprietary anti-theft hardware.
To keep riders rolling, the bike is equipped with 700x32c puncture resistant tires for taming pot holes, curbs, and dirt trails through city parks.
Two versions of the Invincible will be offered – a single speed rim brake build, and an 8-speed Shimano Altus bike with disc brakes. Initially available through a Kickstarter that will launch soon, we’re told the most exiting features of the Fortified Invincible are soon to be revealed. Stay tuned.
