The next time you walk into an IKEA store, you might just be able to leave with a new bicycle. While it may seem to be a strange direction for a furniture company to take, the expansion into transportation connects with the company’s larger vision of sustainability. With more and more people moving to dense urban areas, car ownership is becoming increasingly impractical for many. As part of its push toward sustainability and elegant, everyday solutions, IKEA has designed an innovative new chainless bike that can be adapted for just about any need.
The Sladda bike is built for more than simply riding from place to place: it comes with a host of accessories that allow users to customize it for their needs. An optional front rack can add extra space for bags, and a rear rack can provide additional storage.
IKEA even sells an attachable saddle bag that can be converted into a backpack when it's not attached to the bike. For riders with more serious cargo needs, there’s a trailer that can be hitched to the back of the bike. Naturally, IKEA is also offering all the usual accessories you’d want along with the bike - including helmets, U-locks, and bike pumps.
Related: IKEA is launching a whole range of “no waste” products made from recycled materials
The bike itself has already won multiple awards for its unique design, including a Red Dot Design Award in the “Best of the Best” category and a 2016 Good Design award in the sports and recreation category. It features a lightweight aluminum frame that makes it easy to carry up and down stairs or take on public transportation, as well as a rust- and oil-free belt drive and disc brakes. A built-in bell is integrated into the hand-brake to help improve safety for riders. The bike contains an automatic two-gear system that switches depending on how fast you pedal.
Starting in February 2017, you’ll be able to pick up IKEA’s new Sladda bike in stores across the US. Or, if you just can’t wait, you can order it now on IKEA’s US website, starting at $399.
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