As noted cultural critics are quick to point out, aesthetics are not one of Citi Bike's strong suits. Be you leggy Victoria's Secret model or terrified, helmet-less child, it's hard not to look awkward pedaling the bicycle equivalent of a sturdy pack mule painted blue and slapped with bank logos.
Will this new gold-plated key fob, forged deep in Sammath Naur a studio off Herald Square, transform an awkward Citi Bike commute into a thrilling, stylish adventure through Mordor? No. But it is interesting looking.
Design firm Tomorrow-Lab, working with 3-D printing company Shapeways, got it in their heads that while they can't change the appearance of Citi Bikes, they can crack open the pedestrian blue key fobs and forge something more interesting, something more befitting of benevolent gray and then later white-haired wizard. Why trudge to work on your Citi Mule when you can sail to work on your Citi-Shadowfax, your snowy locks floating behind you as you smirk at boorish traffic orcs?
(Photoshop wizardry by Ben Yakas)
You can't have it yet, though, since the amulet fob is still only a prototype. But, look! It's an edible music player!
