What your new CaBi will probably look like (the seat goes to 11)

Motivate, (nee Alta) the company who manages CaBi for it's local government owners, now makes it's own bikes to use in the system. 

The new design retains the thick boomerang-shaped frame — the notable differences are in the guts and components of the bike. Gearing has been adjusted so riders don’t spin so much in the low gear. The seats, notorious for cracking and retaining moisture in the current models, got an overhaul. “The construction and material are both supposed to improve wear,” said Serotta, “plus the hole in the middle allows water to drain and not puddle in the middle… and provides a more comfortable, better ventilated ride.” 

Comments

[Charlie]

Works with existing docks? The dock locks looks familiar ?

[washcycle]

Yep, works with existing docks.

[dynaryder]

What really needs changing:

1)pedals,they're way too slippery in the rain

2)rear lights,way too dim

3)front rack,the flat front acts like a sail in headwinds

4)rear fender,needs a mudflap

Would also be nice if we could get the 5spds they have in Seattle. Sounds like they've raised the gearing,which is going to majorly suck in places like Wisc Ave. Drums in place of Roller brakes would also be a good idea;Rollers were never intended for the speeds/hills we have around here.

[SS]

That Ben Serotta? Wow!

[Kevin Diffily]

They need a better basket for carrying a full bag of groceries, etc.

[washcycle]

I'd like to see a rear rack. But the concern is that people would sit on it. So my thought was one shaped more like a fin. One bar, with a narrow edge on top (ouch). An then sell panniers specifically designed for the CaBi rack.

[Mike]

you wouldn't even need special panniers. just make a rack with a triangular profile (as seen from the rear. in both senses.) and add horizontal bars on either side, a couple of inches down from the top. make sure there's something to clip the bottom of a bag against the bottom, and any pannier should work.