The Tato is a $1,500 commuter with one added gimmick. Instead of schlepping a load on your back, on a rack or in a basket, you slide it into a slot in the frame itself. As you can see in the photo, the briefcase (or laptop-bag) sized cage is integrated, putting your luggage safely between your legs.
It's a nice idea, although whether it is worth adding the weight of the extra tubing is debatable. I have seen a similar thing done with mixte bikes, those step-through frames which have two top-tubes running from the head-tube down to the wheels. The gap between these two tubes is perfect for holding a D-lock.
The Tato comes with a rigid or suspension fork, hydraulic disk-brakes front and back and a trouser-dirtying exposed chain running through derailer* gears. All the components are Shimano Deore. The bike, should you decide you want one, will come from Lichtenstein, so you may be looking at a rather hefty shipping charge depending on where you live.
I have mixed feelings about this novelty frame. It is certainly very good at its single task: carrying a briefcase to work whilst keeping the bike unencumbered by carrying devices. But if you're not carrying a package that is 400 x 320 x 95 mm (16 x 13 x 4-inches) or smaller, it is pretty impractical. Available now.
Tato CSSB [Tato via Oh Gizmo!]
See Also:
- City Concept Commuter Bike for Non-Cyclists
- Bike With a Roof Wins Commuter Design Contest
- IF Mode Folding Bike for $2500
- Roundup: Tools for Bike Commuters
- Public Bikes: Fixed-Gear Style with Granny-Bike Ride
*Thanks, Sheldon!
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