Riding and Camping in Style: The Cercle Bike Camper - A Revolutionary Design
Is it possible to integrate overnight accommodations with a bike?
Are you an avid cyclist looking for a new adventure? Look no further than the Cercle Bike Camper, designed by Austrian inventor Bernhard Sobotta.
Sobotta, an Austria's FH Johanneum University of Applied Sciences graduate, completed his Bachelor of Industrial Design with a thesis asking, "Is it possible to integrate overnight accommodation with a bike?" As the Cercle Bike Camper demonstrated, the answer is a resounding yes.
The Cercle Bike Camper is unique in its design, featuring a flat-packed module known as the Camping Companion, housed within the bike's aluminum circle frame. The hanging handlebars connect to the front wheel via steering cables, allowing smooth and easy maneuverability while on the road.
But the Cercle Bike Camper isn't just a bike, and it's a home on the road. The Camping Companion, which is affixed to the front and rear side modules of the Cercle, includes storage racks, gear, and panniers, allowing you to bring everything you need for your journey. However, it's important not to overload the Cercle as it is pedal-powered, and you'll need to be prepared to lug everything with you.
When it's time to take a break and set up camp for the night, the Cercle transforms with just a few easy maneuvers. The two-legged kickstand is kicked out, the Camping Companion is swung out, and you have a reclining chair with a small dining table ready. After dinner, the module folds back flat to serve as a cot for the night.
Is Cercle the perfect Camping Companion?
Unfortunately, there is no natural weather protection other than an always-handy tarpaulin. However, Sobotta has plans to integrate an over-the-frame tent in future iterations, so you can sleep under the stars without worrying about rain.
Currently, the Cercle is only a prototype, and Sobotta has put in over 620 miles testing his creation, reporting that it performs very well. A second generation of the Cercle is planned for a crowdfunding initiative in 2022, and for now, the Cercle is a custom-design, one-of-a-kind bike camper.
So, if you're ready for a new cycling adventure, keep an eye out for the Cercle Bike Camper, the ultimate combination of transportation and overnight accommodation. With its unique design, easy maneuverability, and all-in-one functionality, the Cercle Bike Camper is sure to take your cycling adventures to the next level.
Cercle Bike Camper Specs and Price
Designer: Bernard Sobotta
Location: Austria
Price: TBA
Weight: 7.7 lbs / 3.5 kg for the Module
Material: Aluminum
Number produced: Only 3 currently exist
All-in-One: Chair / Clothes Stand / Table