Custom carbon builder Lios Bikes has one of the most trick folders out there these days with their little Nano. There are a lot of high-end small-wheeled commuters out there, but we don’t know of many carbon folding bike options. The Lios Nano though, combines a simple compact folding carbon fiber frame with some high performance components to deliver a quick ride to zip around the city, and at the same time a low weight making it easy to transport as well…
The Nano uses a single sized monocoque carbon frame with internal rear brake and shift cable routing that works with the mid frame clamp. The bike is disc brake only and gets Shimano SLX hydro brakes as standard equipment for solid, predictable braking.
The bike is meant as a city run-about, but Lios was really looking to offer something more sporty than your run-of-the-mill Brompton, even though they recognize them as great bikes and a source of inspiration. Lios even partnered with the GB Olympic cycling team to send a some Nanos with the Brits over to tool around Rio, and also used it as a chance to work on a prototype of their travel bag
It is also designed to work with Gates belt drive set ups for light weight, dependability, and clean running whether in single speed or gear hub builds. Tension is handled through an eccentric BB, and there is also a derailleur hanger and rear derailleur routing for those looking to build up with more gearing range (including with a Di2 option.)
Beyond the carbon frame the Nano also gets a tapered-steerer carbon fork, a long carbon seatpost, carbon bars, full carbon saddle, and carbon wheels, all to keep the weight in check. All of the bike builds get 60mm deep carbon clincher rims for a light, aero, high-performance setup with the tiny 18″ wheels. While weight is saved in a lot of places, the Nano sticks to a tried-and-true alloy folding stem and extended bar post, plus some pretty basic folding plastic platform pedals.
The Nano is available direct from Lios via their webshop, or through a couple of retail partners, now just in London. The most simple complete bike is also one of the lightest; in its singlespeed guise the Nano Superlight will set you back £3250, with a weight of just 8.2kg. If you add in an 8 speed internally geared Alfine hub, the weight climbs a kilo with the added versatility, and the price tag up to £3500.
But an even more exclusive Monaco version is also available for a cool £5000 with XTR brakes, a Rotor 3D crank, and DT 180 ceramic hubs, which shaves a few hundred grams off the singlespeed build. Lios also says they can build a custom bike all the way down to 7kg, presumably if the component spec budget is limitless.
