The Hummingbird Bike Company, supported by UNIT9, has recently launched its Kickstarter campaign for the Hummingbird bike, the lightest folding carbon fibre bike in the world.

Weighing 6.5 kg, 3 kg lighter than its closest competitor, the Hummingbird is perfect for short commutes as well as longer journeys, as it can be stored comfortably in a car or on a plane.

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Designed by 23-year-old Hummingbird Co-Founder, Peter Craciun, a product designer and bike fanatic, the Hummingbird is an innovative cycling solution for the modern commuter. “I tried to buy a lightweight folding bike, but couldn’t find one on the market. Then I came up with the idea for the Hummingbird and built it myself,” says Peter.

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The most important feature of the Hummingbird is the innovation behind the design. While other folding bikes suffer from the chain loosening when the bike is being folded, the Hummingbird’s unique patented folding system solves this problem.

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The Hummingbird’s stylish frame is made of carbon fibre, which is three times lighter than alloy. A popular performance-bike material, carbon fibre is also highly efficient at absorbing vibrations, making for a much smoother ride.

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Robert Campbell, Founder of Outsider.tv and Co-Founder of the Hummingbird Bike Company says, “The moment I saw the Hummingbird I realised I was looking at perfect form and function and I immediately wanted to be part of its future. It was an obvious investment.”

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The bike is manufactured and assembled in Great Britain to the highest standard. Entirely British-made, it is created using a range of leading technologies, including rapid prototyping 3D printers and CAM machines used by the automotive industry. The Hummingbird will be quality tested under the ISO 4210 test, which will ensure that it’s safe to ride on all roads. The bike will also be available in two versions: with 16″ wheels or 20″ wheels, in four colours – yellow, red, black and raw carbon fibre.

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Piero Frescobaldi, Chairman and Co-Founder of UNIT9 and the Hummingbird Bike Company adds, “At UNIT9 we are in the business of innovation. The Hummingbird bike’s key qualities of lightness and design can transform the industry and bring the commuter bike into the mainstream market.  We are very excited to support its launch and future success.”

The Hummingbird will be available on Kickstarter at discounted costs starting at £1100 or US$ 1650 from November 11, 2015. The bike will be available in red, yellow, black and raw carbon fibre, in single speed or five speed, with 16″ wheels or 20″ wheels.

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+ Hummingbird Kickstarter

+ Hummingbird Bike

+ UNIT9