Cargo cycles tend to look much more visually interesting than traditional bikes and trikes –
designs ШУУД ҮЗЭХ like the Velove
Armadillo are all but guaranteed to turn heads on the street. Even within a segment of such new and unusual designs, the Boxer Rocket stands out with bold, stylish looks. Inspired by both fictional and real-life aircraft from decades way past, the new bicycle carries passengers in an aluminum-skinned "rocket."
If you have that unshakeable feeling that you saw the Boxer Rocket trike
somewhere before, it's probably because the front "rocket" shell was
inspired by the most infamous aircraft of all time: the Hindenburg. It's
not a dead ringer, but the button nose and ribbed body show clear
Hindenburg influence. Boxer also took some inspiration from the aircraft
of the fictional worlds of Flash Gordon and Jules Verne, creating a
familiar but unique fuselage that Boxer calls an "Art Deco" rocket.
The Boxer Rocket looks like a piece of functional art that should be
behind velvet rope at a museum. In fact, it was originally designed as a
one-off promotional design for a local bike shop named "Rockets and
Rascals." After receiving all kinds of positive feedback, Boxer decided
to put it into production, marketing it as tricycle that can add some
fun and flair to pedaling with children.
The Rocket's front seating area offers room for up to four children on
two bench seats. Five-point seat belts keep the children safe and
secure, and the seats recline via quick-release hardware, allowing the
children to get comfortable and nod off to sleep. The seats can also be
reclined into a flat bed, allowing a child to fully stretch out when the
trike is parked. The hollow nose cone compartment accessed by the
interior panel includes space for storing up to five helmets or other
items.
While it looks like the Rocket passenger cell could be handy for
transporting other types of cargo, Boxer tells us that it wasn't
specifically built for hauling anything but passengers. The UK-based
company offers the Cargo and Shuttle models for other hauling needs.
Boxer continues the whimsical look of the Rocket trike right into the
rider section of the frame. It describes this part of the build as a
heavy-duty 1930s-airliner-inspired girder frame, and it certainly
complements the rocket box better than the typical tubular cycle
structure. The company says that the chassis geometry was custom
designed for a smooth ride. The trike includes a leaning action for
sharpened cornering.
Each Rocket cycle includes a full electrical system with centrally
mounted headlight with high/low switching, tail/brake light, left and
right turn indicators, and electric horn. The handlebar-mounted switch
cluster gives the rider control.
As of last week, Boxer was marketing both electric-assist and manual
Rocket models, but company director Jeremy Davies tells us that it's
decided to focus on the electric version, leaving manual models for
customized jobs. The E-Rocket is equipped standard with a Swiss-designed
motor system offering between 250 and 500 watts. It has seven gears and
is powered by a 36V 11.4-Ah battery. It also includes an LCD handlebar
computer and USB port for charging devices. Standard components include
front and rear disc brakes, a Brooks B33 saddle, and ultra heavy-duty
wheels wrapped in Schwalbe Marathon Plus Kevlar-reinforced tires. The
included rain cover protects the front passengers from bad weather.
As is probably clear from its design, the Rocket isn't the cheapest way
to pedal around town, starting at £5,500 (about US$8,350). The 128-lb
(58-kg) aluminum trike comes in a variety of color combinations.
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