The Netherlands is widely regarded as the cycling capital of the world, and until recently had a burgeoning bicycle manufacturing industry dating back to the late 1800’s. However, with costs rising several larger Dutch brands have moved their production overseas. By adopting more automated and less costly manufacturing techniques borrowed from the automotive industry, the Mokumono’s creators want to bring back bicycle production to the Netherlands.
Their simplified, yet thoughtfully equipped commuter bike certainly seems like the most suitable way to accomplish that goal. The name Mokumono is an abbreviation of the words ‘mokum’ which refers to Amsterdam, and ‘mono’ as a reference to the frame’s monocoque construction.
The Mokumono is currently seeking funds on Kickstarter, and the campaign needs some support before it ends on May 20th to see this bike go into production…
The Mokumono bike was initially created by Amsterdam’s Bob Schiller as his final grad-year project at Eindhoven Design Academy. Two years and three prototypes later its design is now finalized and ready for production.
The bike’s frame is constructed from two 7000-grade sheets of aluminum which are pressed into shape, then laser welded into one piece. The Mokumono’s design leaves the middle seam as a feature that aesthetically splits the frame into two halves as a nod to the production method. The cantilever rear stays were designed to allow some degree of ride compliance from the typically stiff aluminum, versus a traditional triangular seat/chainstay arrangement. This design also eliminates the need for a coupler to facilitate drive belt installation and removal.
The bike is offered as a single speed or an 8-speed version equipped with a Shimano Alfine internal rear hub. While the Mokumono comes with 32c tires, the frame and fork can accommodate widths up to 50mm. The make and model of the fork hasn’t been determined, but it will apparently be made of aluminum.
The component build is a clever setup of commuter friendly components, most notably the no-maintenance Gates carbon belt drive system. It also includes puncture-resistant Continental Grand Prix 4 Season tires, and a Brooks Cambium C-17 saddle. They didn’t skimp on the brakes, as the Shimano 105 hydraulic calipers are set up with finned brake pads and heat-shedding Ice tech rotors.
The frame also features internal brake cable routing, plus rack and fender mounts. Low-profile Curana C-Lite aluminum fenders will be available as an accessory if the campaign is successful.
The Mokumono frame only comes in one unisex size, which should fit riders between 5’7” and 6’3” most comfortably. However, to fit a wider range of riders the creators plan to sell the bike as S/M/L models with three different length stems (70, 100 and 110mm) and ship the bikes with uncut fork steer tubes and spacers to allow up to 50mm of stack height adjustment.
Estimated weight for the complete bike is approx. 21lbs for the single speed and 25.5lbs for the 8 speed model. Mokumono will offer a five year warranty on the frames against defects in material or workmanship to the original owner. The bike will be sold in your choice of Gloss White, Matte Black, Deep Metallic Blue or Deep Metallic Red.
Currently, super early bird buyers can pre-purchase a single speed for approx. $1310 USD, or an 8 speed for $1597. Global shipping is available (at an additional cost), and delivery is estimated for Nov. 2016. For more information, check out the Kickstarter campaign here.
