Nadejda of the Pan-Dan blog spotted this prototype bike by Dutch designer Basten Leijh at the Salone del Mobile in Milan. Renderings of the Sandwich bike, presumably named for the way the frame is assembled, can be seen on the designer’s website. Basten also has a concept Giant commuter bike on his website that you will want to check out while you are looking.

I like the idea of using wood veneer on a new bike. Recently, I have been working on a commuter bike concept (very different from this one) that is inspired in part by classic plywood furniture designs of the 30’s . I have refrained from posting any sketches because I think the idea has some merit and I might want to develop the concept and pursue it. As I have said before, I think the market for simple, style-oriented bikes will grow in the near future. Trendy bikes like this one, which appeal to young, design conscious consumers, are poised to become much more popular as fuel prices continue to rise worldwide. A few bike companies, Biomega is the first that comes to mind, will be ready to capitalize on that emerging market though good design and marketing. I hope that other companies will follow suit to help broaden base of transportational cyclists out there.