Dealing¹ with a rusty³ bicycle chain can be a messy affair, but an innovative⁴ new bike from Ikea solves that pesky problem.

 

自行车链生锈是件麻烦事儿，但家具零售巨头宜家最新推出的创意自行车，完美地解决了这个问题。

 

The furniture retail⁵ giant recently introduced its new "Sladda" bike, which uses an oil-free and corrosion-resistant drive belt rather than a metal chain. 

 

The drive belt is designed to last about 9,320 miles, which is about two to three times longer than a typical steel chain, according to Ikea. Moreover, the unisex Sladda bike has a "click system" that lets the rider snap on accessories, such as a basket, a bike bag rack and a towing trailer, the company said. 

 

Sladda is like tablet apps: You can add endless accessories to enhance ease of use. 

 

The new drive belt may be a boon⁶ to riders who take to their bikes even during inclement⁷ weather. Over time, steel bike chains tend to rust², particularly when they're covered with corrosive⁸ salt that's left on the roadways. 

 

Accumulated rust can be difficult to remove, and it can also affect the chain's flexibility⁹. But Ikea's new bike won't have those problems. 

 

Moreover, the bike has automatic gears that are hidden in a sealed hub placed in the rear wheel. 

 

Sladda's frame is made from aluminum¹⁰, meaning it will be easy to lift and carry up and down stairs. The bike, which comes with either 26- or 28-inch wheels, also has two layers of lacquer that will protect the frame from mud, salt and scratches. But it's not for little kids — Ikea recommends that only people age 12 or older use it.

 

The bike is expected to be available beginning in August for $797.

点击收听单词发音