A lot of exercise bikes have you put in the miles without actually going anywhere. But the Ciclotte spin cycle will have you getting nowhere in true style. The bike even looks much like a real work of art, but that’s because it is actually based on a concept bicycle is now part of the permanent collection of the Milan Design Museum. As such it is one piece of workout equipment that you probably wouldn’t mind having in your living room, even when you’re not actually using it!
Designer Luca Schieppati took his concept bike, which was based on the classic unicycles from the 19th century, and reinterpreted its operating dynamics. This in turn became the Ciclotte stationary bicycle, which does look like it belongs more in a museum than a gym. It utilizes a minimalist design but with the utmost of high-tech components and materials, including fully adjustable saddle, pedals, handlebar and support arms. Instead of a chain-driven system the Ciclotte uses a dual satellite epicycloids system that features four gears with varying cogs. Thus the bike doesn’t have a traditional drive train, and instead has gears that turn the magnetized main wheel, in turn creating a magnetic field and thus maximizing the level of resistance. The result should be a good workout once you get into a nice spin.
The carbon fiber designed body, which is being produced by Lamiflex Composites, also makes for a fairly lightweight package with this bike, although the suggested price of nearly $10,700 could be a bit steep for many riders. But as the Ciclotte isn’t yet available for purchase you should have plenty of time to save up. And with its great looks it would be like buying a piece of fine art and workout gear all in one.