The SHIFT bicycle is a training tool designed to help children learn how to ride a bike by themselves. The SHIFT bike, unlike conventional training tools, can be used by the child and does not require outside help. It also allows the child to learn at their own pace. The SHIFT bicycle requires more balance when at speed, therefore allowing the children to gradually work their way up to full speed and the balance that is required by them.

Three Purdue University industrial designers who tapped into memories of their own childhood cycling misadventures have built a bike that ditches the training wheels but keeps rookies stable.

Lead designer Scott Shim hopes the design, which won top honors recently at an international bicycle design competition, can help children slowly gain the skill and courage to pedal off on their own.

Shim, an assistant professor of industrial design, said he and his two collaborators came up with the idea while brainstorming a concept to enter in the 9th International Bicycle Design Competition in Taipei, Taiwan. IDEA 2005 Gold winner