Frequently asked questions

GENERAL QUESTIONS

WHO IS WHIPPET BICYCLE FOR?

For both bicycle enthusiasts and design enthusiasts - for people who love cycling, whether young or old, male or female.
 

WHAT IS IT DESIGNED FOR?

Whippet Bicycle is designed for fine riding on the roads. Its slim and compact retraction-mode ensures that it can be easily stored when not in use, making it ideal for urban dwellers or anyone for whom space and security is a priority.
 

Why Slim ?

Our focus wasn't on achieving the most compact fold - for us it was always about having a really nice bicycle to ride, as well as providing an alternative slim storage solution for compact urban living (being only 190mm wide and at least 30% smaller in volume when folded). Our focus was therefore to give equal consideration to the design of both bicycle and slim storage modes.

IS IT EASY TO FOLD?

There are three key stages to the retraction - we call them 'the Tilt', 'the Tuck' and 'the Tidy'. No tools are required and the in-line nature of the design means that the folding process can be quickly understood and learned. Retracting and un-retracting takes about a minute. Sure, it's not the fastest ‘folder’... but hey what's the rush really?

HOW EASY IS IT TO MOVE WHEN FOLDED?

Very! Lifting is hard work, so Whippet Bicycle was designed to be rolled along on its rear wheel when retracted, using a unique wheel-along handle integrated at just the right balance point. We think rolling is always preferable to lifting and carrying. Being slim and almost symmetrical (from above) it's easy to wheel along in an upright mode - meaning it doesn't want to try and swing open and bash your shins when you carry it. Of course you can also lift it over obstacles, or up and down steps if you need to, using the folded down steerer tube as a handle.

HAS IT BEEN TESTED?

Our prototypes have been ridden for well over 2500 miles to date - on short and long rides and in all weather conditions - with no major problems. From the very beginning Whippet Bicycle was designed with key bicycle industry standards very much in mind and our production models will be fully tested to ensure they comply and conform.

WHAT ABOUT RAIN AND MUD?

We have designed and built custom narrow mudguards that can be fitted to both front and rear wheels - to keep everything nice and dry in the rain. Rest assured, the bicycle still retracts in the normal manner when they are fitted (see images on Instagram+).

CAN IT ACCOMMODATE LUGGAGE AND/OR FRAME RACKS?

Yes, we've designed and built a custom rear rack that utilises key fixing points and 'eyes' on the frame. Again the bicycle still retracts in the normal manner when the rack is fitted (see images on Instagram+).

IS IT ADJUSTABLE FOR DIFFERENT SIZED RIDERS?

Yes, both the saddle and the handlebar adjust in height. The saddle height adjusts between 900 and 1060mm while the handlebar height adjusts between 900 and 1050mm. The recommended rider height range is from 152 to 193cm (5' to 6' 4"), and with a low step over height of just 560mm it's really easy to get on or off the bicycle.

what about rider reach?

The reach (measured between the saddle and the handlebars) can also be significantly adjusted to suit each rider's preference, by using the wide range of standard seatpost and handlebar stem components already on the market.