Get around town on a Yike Bike!

People hunting for urban transportation solutions might want to get familiar with the YikeBike, a miniaturized version of the original Penny-Farthing bike. Only this mini-farthing bike is powered by a battery and can be folded into something the size of a briefcase — ideal for crowded urban offices and apartments.

Parking and security — two fundamental concerns with urban living — are no longer a problem, says Grant White, the designer and founder of YikeBike, based in Christchurch, New Zealand.

The handlebars fold down, the seat tucks away, and the whole thing turns into something like a thickened disc, a procedure that takes 20 to 30 seconds. When a padded shoulder strap is added to the package, it becomes a mode of transportation that can truly be carried over the shoulder.

The bike itself is priced at $3795 and $1995 (USD)— the more expensive frame built with carbon fiber and the other from aluminum and composites, with all other features the same.

Source: Clean Technica (http://s.tt/12uNh)

4 Great iPhone apps for Urban Living

Phil Dotree of Man of the House posts an article outlining four of the best iPhone apps for living in the city. Dotree writes:

To live in the city, I’ve amassed a collection of awesome iPhone apps that serve to correct a few of these problems. What’s more, these apps can be powerful tools in any city. Whether you live in Des Moines, Chicago, or Los Angeles, here are a few great smartphone apps that will make urban living much easier.”

Stitcher - This app is perfect for commuters or anyone who spends an hour or two a day on a public transportation system. It streams podcasts straight to your phone, allowing you to listen to a wide variety of talk shows and music without filling your iPhone’s memory with mp3 files.

CraigsPro - I spend enough on rent that I can’t afford to drop $400 on a couch, so I constantly scour Craigslist for deals that will make city living a little more affordable. CraigsPro is a 99-cent app that actually makes Craigslist easier to view and search on your iPhone than it is on a normal computer. It’s full of features, and it allows me to look for gigs while I’m walking around or checking out apartments while I’m on the bus. If you use Craigslist, you need CraigsPro.

Wi-Fi Finder - There are a lot of great Wi-Fi finders on the iPhone, but this simply named offering from JiWire Inc. is very complete and serves its purpose. As a writer (and a bored guy who likes the Internet), I might need to find a Wi-Fi connection at any time of the day. Wi-Fi finder makes that easy, even in a big city. After you track down some free Wi-Fi, this app will help you get there. Not everyone carries their laptop around with them, but if you’re in that group, Wi-Fi Finder will make your life a whole lot easier.

UrbanSpoon - This free app lets you check out nearby restaurants and other establishments to view ratings before you go. With UrbanSpoon, my girlfriend and I don’t have to argue about where to go for dinner. We can instantly figure out whether a restaurant’s good or bad, make our reservations and spend the rest of the night arguing about something way more interesting.

Read more about each app at the original article.