I edited some video of the Shanghai Maglev Train from a recent business trip to China. We covered the 40 km distance from downtown Shanghai to the airport in 8 minutes. Top speed 430 kph (267 mph).

It’s not directly related to cargo bicycles, but more so with hybrid commuting (using a bicycle locally and a train between cities). Imagine if a high density region like the US West Coast corridor (Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, LA, and San Diego) were connected with a high speed rail line like this.

It would definitely make hybrid commuting a more viable and enjoyable option. Plus imagine all the fun bicycle tours that become a realistic option. The rail lines wouldn’t have to be magnetic.

But wouldn’t that be cool?

For those interested in folding bikes, check out the Folding Society site.

Bikefold.com sells various models of folding bikes.

To the right, are folders made by Airnimal.

Bike Friday, the famous maker of folding bikes, have  a new model called the Tikit.  They claim that it is the fastest folder in the world.

Check out the this youtube clip featuring the Tikit.

I just posted my photos from the North American Handmade Bicycle Show at the San Jose Convention Center. There was a huge number of custom bicycle builders from all over the world attending the show. The variety of bikes ranged from all out velomobiles to rat bikes built with found materials. It was great talking with the builders who went out of their way to be friendly and answer any questions.

Some of the themes I noticed throughout the show:

• Resurgence in bicycles designed for daily riding
• Lots of custom racks for carrying stuff
• Large diameter wheels for smoothing out the road (29″ mountain bike tires vs. standard 26″ wheels)
• Wheels with internal geared hubs for low maintenance
• Long wheelbase bikes designed for hauling stuff & touring
• Castellano Designs Downhill Wheelchair

Some fun stuff I saw at the show:

• Whiskey flask holder
• Coffee jug holder
• Seatpost bottle opener

My photos from the show on Flickr