Creative Backpack Bike
Carry It Up the Mountain and Ride It Down
For a long time, humans have loved conquering one mountain peak after another. But after we painstakingly reach the summit, we often face a rather serious problem: how to get down safely? Most mountain trails are rugged, which puts tremendous pressure on our knees and ankles when descending, greatly increasing the risk of injury. Because of these factors, many mountain enthusiasts have to think twice—or even give up—before tackling steep and dangerous peaks.
However, a product recently launched by the Dutch company KOGA can largely alleviate such concerns for hikers. According to a British website report on November 18, KOGA has introduced an oddly shaped “backpack mountain bike” that not only eliminates the aforementioned worries but also allows riders to enjoy the thrill of speeding downhill.
This “backpack mountain bike,” called the Bergmonch, features a lightweight and foldable design. It can be easily folded into a comfortable backpack in just two minutes, weighing only 9 kilograms in total. Hikers can carry it up the mountain and then ride it down, significantly reducing the physical strain caused by descending. In addition, to ensure safety during the descent, the front wheel of the Bergmonch is slightly larger than the rear wheel. The manufacturer also recommends riding in a standing or semi-squat position to slide down the mountain.
Research data shows that 67% of hikers experience knee and ankle issues to varying degrees, primarily because their joints bear several times their body weight while descending. Now, KOGA hopes the Bergmonch will enhance the safety of mountain hiking and trekking in the Alps while reducing tourists’ reliance on transportation methods such as trains and sledding runs.
The name “Bergmonch” means “mountain walker” in Dutch, suggesting that this uniquely designed mountain bike can handle various terrains, including smooth tracks and rugged mountain paths. It’s reported that this eye-catching mountain bike comes with a rather steep price tag—£1,200 (approximately 11,900 RMB) per unit.