A hefty 22.5 kilos, Velib bikes come with a range of neat features. Since they are each used 10-12 times per day and travel about 10,000 km per year, they need to be very durable. JC Decaux designed them specificially for this purpose. Each feature represents a compromise between comfort, safety, resiliance and weight. Each feature is reinforced.
They have a low, step-through frame which make them easier for ladies in skirts to board as well as more flexible for people of all heights.
The seat height is easily adjustable.
All bikes have a bell without hammer, since the hammers broke off. Instead, bells ring simply by turning them entirely.
Three gears are integrated into the system, and shifting is possible even without pedaling. They have no derailer.
Bikes have both front and rear breaks inside the center of the hub like disk breaks but heavier.
Front light uses LED technology and is charged by the motion of the bike when in motion and a battery when still. There is a generator inside the rear light.
The large comfortable seat is an Italian brand.
The mud guard is uniquely desiged by JCD so that no one can sit on it and the flexible material is not likely to break.
Bikes provide a large basket for your stuff.
Double kick stand is very sturdy.
They come with a small cable and key for when you need to run a quick errand without returning the bike.
They have no visible cables.
One improvement JCD made after the lauch of the program was to reinforce the part of the bike that connects to the station -- they were breaking. This photo shows that reinforcement.
A solid tire would be more durable but heavier.
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