Stepping off a subway train, San Francisco’s Mike Silvestri noticed many commuters using either bikes or scooters instead of walking the rest of the way to work. This inspired Silvestri to ask himself “Why not have the best of both worlds?” so he went home, started cutting up and modifying bike parts and came up with the Moox. Boasting a seven speed drivetrain mounted to a frame with an integrated standing platform, Silvestri calls his creation the first ever ‘ride and glide’ bike and scooter hybrid.
While I doubt the brand’s claim that the Moox ‘allows users to get creative with different riding styles’ will spur a new generation of Moox freestylers, it’s not hard to imagine using one for convenient commuting in big cities. If your daily travels include a mix of walking, riding the bus, and taking the subway, the Moox could make the transitions a little quicker and easier. Silvestri is seeking funding through Kickstarter, and currently the Moox campaign needs a few more investors before it sees production. Glide past the break for all the details…
The Moox features a 6000 series heat treated aluminum frame with what looks like a suspension fork, but is actually rigid! I guess they couldn’t pass up on the cool factor of those gold colored ‘stanchions’. The complete unit weighs in at approx. 35lbs, and to ensure a long life of year-round operation the components were selected for durability and low maintenance.
The Moox rides on fat, knobby 20 x 4.0” tires to provide comfort and traction on various surfaces in all weather conditions (including mud and snow). The 36 spoke rims and hubs are both alloy. Mechanical disc brakes provide ample stopping power and easy servicing, and the bottom bracket and headset use sealed bearings. A Shimano grip shifter and Altus rear derailleur control the seven speed drivetrain, and the cockpit includes a BMX style chromoly handlebar and alloy stem.
Based on their video your pedalling position looks pretty close to a normal bike, and jumping down onto the platform appears to be an easy transition, even in motion. The platform pedals can be folded up and out of the way when you’re using the Moox as a scooter, so you can scoot along without worrying about smacking your shins or calves. No frame geometry or recommended height range is given, but with a generously long steer tube and quick release seat post it looks like the Moox would accommodate most riders.
The company has a working prototype in action but will use their Kickstarter funds to finalize their design, then produce, distribute and market the Moox. If all goes well, they already have intentions to create a line of accessories, expand customization options, and possibly even create an electric Moox.
While its eventual retail price will be $999, the Moox can currently be pre-purchased on Kickstarter for $649 USD. Frames will be available in Green, White, Blue, Red or Grey, and a one year warranty is included on all Moox parts. The Moox ships only within the United States, and the first units should be in the mail by April 2016.
