sizes and abilities but tough enough to withstand weather, potholes, and vandals. Leading the pack are bikes made by Bixi (bicycle plus taxi—get it?). Since its launch barely two years ago, the Montreal-based company has deployed more than 13,000 sets of wheels in cities like London; Melbourne, Australia; and Washington, DC. Why so popular? Here’s a look at how they roll.

LIGHTS
Front and rear LEDs powered by the wheels’ motion via a dynamo housed in the front hub. Sorry, there’s no dock for your BlackBerry.

GEARS
Three-speed internal-gear hub on the rear wheel.

CHAIN
A spring-loaded arm keeps the chain from slipping off, and a metal guard keeps your pant leg from getting caught in the front sprocket.

TIRES
Extra wide and extra thick for a smoother ride and fewer flats. “These bikes are built for reliability, not speed,” says Michel Dallaire, Bixi’s head designer.

SEAT
It’s the only component riders can adjust. What’s more important than your butt?

BRAKES
Low-maintenance car-style drums sealed in the wheel hubs, with the cables threaded inside the frame.

THEFT PREVENTION
Solar-powered stations (findable via iPhone app) lock the bike. Custom components won’t work with other bikes and can be removed only with Bixi tools.

FRAME
Rust-resistant aluminum-alloy frame with heavy joint welds looks macho but is easy to mount.

Authors: Vince Beiser

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