The bicycle as the ultimate machine
A manifesto on efficiency, minimalism, and freedom.
There is a famous quote by Steve Jobs where he describes the computer as "a bicycle for our minds." He was fascinated by a study showing that when a human climbs onto a bicycle, they instantly outpace every other species on Earth in terms of locomotive efficiency.
We became the most efficient machines on the planet just by adding two wheels, a chain, and a pair of pedals.
For me, the bicycle is not just a sport or a weekend hobby. It is a philosophy. It is design thinking brought to life in the physical world. In a society obsessed with adding more noise, heavier engines, and endless digital clutter, turning to the bicycle is the ultimate act of modern hacking.
1. Zero Emissions, Maximum Autonomy
We live in a world where we are constantly told that comfort means sitting in a two-ton metal box, burning fuel, and waiting in line behind fifty other identical metal boxes just to move a couple of kilometres across town.
The bicycle shatters that illusion. It is the cleanest vehicle ever created:
- 0% Emissions: Powered entirely by human energy — your morning coffee converted into instant, clean momentum.
- 100% Efficiency: No traffic jams, no parking hunts, no hidden taxes, and no unexpected mechanic bills that drain your wallet.
When you commute by bike, you realise that urban speed limits are a joke. A simple single-speed or fixed-gear bicycle can maintain a more consistent average speed through city streets than a sports car trapped in rush hour. I got tired of arguing about it, so I built RouteBattle to settle it with data — race a bike against a car across a real city and watch the podium. The data doesn't lie: bikes don't change the system; they completely bypass it.
2. The Joy of Analogue Mechanics
In my day-to-day work, I build digital products, solve complex logical problems, and interface with cutting-edge software. But there is a unique, grounding satisfaction in stepping away from the screens, heading down to the garage, and getting your hands dirty with real, physical mechanics.
There is a beautiful simplicity in a stripped-down bicycle. One chain. One chainring. One cog.
Taking ten minutes to clean the drivetrain, lubricate the links, and tune the tension is almost meditative. It is a reminder of how high-performance design doesn't need to be over-engineered. True elegance is not about adding more features; it's about having nothing left to strip away.
3. "Take the Long Way Home"
Choosing the bicycle changes how you experience your surroundings. A commute stops being a mindless chore you just want to get through, and becomes an active part of your day.
When you are on two wheels, you notice the city. You feel the evening breeze at the end of a long day, you discover hidden streets, you ride along the river paths, and you intentionally take the long way home just because the flow feels right. It leaves your mind completely clear, your focus sharp, and your energy levels charged.
Whether it's a quick two-minute dash to your favourite local coffee shop, the daily commute, or a long-distance bikepacking trip exploring new horizons with nothing but a few bags strapped to your frame, the bike gives you absolute control over your journey.
Join the Ride
You don't need an expensive carbon machine or professional gear to start hacking your daily mobility. All it takes is an old frame, a solid lock, and a shift in mentality.
The next time you need to move across town, leave the keys behind. Step outside, hop on a saddle, push the pedals, and feel the immediate superpower of moving freely, efficiently, and sustainably.
Your mind, your city, and the planet will thank you for it. Welcome to the clean movement.