MINIMALISM ON TWO WHEELS

I was drawn to the MONoPOLE because of its design—it’s architectonic, compact, and visually striking compared to traditional diamond-frame bikes. For an architect, its structure speaks volumes. At the same time, as a photographer, I needed it to be functional—capable of carrying a heavy backpack full of camera gear, yet still agile enough to ride around Zurich.

Commuting with a heavy backpack full of lenses, cameras and photo equipment can be challenging. Instead of feeling weighed down on a regular bike or resorting to public transport, I can ride comfortably without too much hassle getting to my destination. It’s that seamless integration of practicality with aesthetic elegance that truly raises the quality of my daily commute.

I love cycling and bicycles in general. I cherish them as objects, the elegance, lightness and the essential nature they have are extremely appealing qualities to me. Since my arrival in Zurich in 2018 I always used a bike as a commuting solution. Cycling has really become part of my lifestyle. It’s freedom, rhythm, and inspiration. Riding allows me to observe my surroundings differently, which also feeds back into my photography and architectural work. The MONoPOLE adds to that by giving me freedom from constraints—no timetables, no discomfort, just a smooth way of moving through the city.

I've taken it beyond Zurich—like commuting to Aarau—by combining bike and train in a perfect multimodal routine. The MONoPOLE fits easily on trains and handles last-mile transport beautifully. It’s the flexibility to switch vehicles without hassle, while maintaining rhythm and ease, that makes it indispensable.

Its simplicity and geometric clarity set it apart. The parallel lines, closed-form frame, and proportions between the front 20" and rear 24" wheels create a striking, compact profile. It almost feels sculptural—a bicycle that’s more than a tool; it's a statement piece that matches my design sensibilities. Despite offering cargo opportunities, the MONoPOLE maintains the look—and the weight—of a traditional bike. Its form factor, especially when you compare it to other cargobikes, is crucial when parking it and when storing it at home.

It’s definitely a head-turner. The clean, minimalistic aesthetic resonates—it captures both functional and artistic interest. It’s rare for a bike to reflect such a conscious design identity in our field.

Just a few thoughtful refinements. I'd love an integrated locking system for the front basket—maybe magnetic or embedded—to secure items without extra straps. The battery works well but drains faster in high-assist modes. Though the current hidden design is elegant, I’d be open to a well-designed visible battery if it offered longer range—without losing the bike's simplicity. And an integrated controller on the handlebars would streamline operation even further.

I love the subtle grey tones—they let the bike exist as a pure object. It becomes a base, a blank canvas, that reflects the layers you can add—for example a folding crate in a bold color. The exposed cable routing—brake lines, shift cables—is not about hiding complexity. Instead, it's a celebration of transparent, functional design—echoing a discipline where every line reveals intent.

It’s a beautifully minimal, compact tool that merges design and function—an everyday bike that reflects architectural clarity while making urban life simpler and more enjoyable.