Gallery: The 15 Craziest Bikes You'll Ever See

Image via Complex Original

We all know bicycles can be a lot of fun. The simple act of going for a bike ride can put a smile on you face any day. In many ways, bicycles haven't changed in almost a century. The basic idea is two wheels and some pedals. Some people have been working hard to push the boundaries of what a bicycle can do. They've used technology to make bikes simpler, faster, and more ridiculous than anything you can imagine. Take a look at some of the amazing bikes we've gathered. You will be blown away by what's possible.

15. Grow Your Own

Complex Says: You could buy a $12,000 carbon frame road bike, or you could just grow your own. Bamboo is one of the world's fastest growing plants, and it's amazingly strong. There are some great movements that teach people in developing countries to build their own bikes.

14. Never Be Late Again

Complex Says: Highway speeds on a bike? That might be easy in the crawl of L.A. traffic, but not so much on the wide-open, fast-moving desert highways of Arizona. Sam Whittingham piloted the Varna Tempest to 83mph on flat ground with nothing but pedal power. Just think, you could get to work in no time going that fast. You will definitely need a shower when you get there, though, 'cause it's gotta be hot in that bubble.  

13. Like Riding A Hula Hoop

Complex Says: If two wheels seem like one too many, but you have too much self respect to travel on a unicycle, check out the mono bike. This single-wheeled machine is more engineering accomplishment than function, but it proves to be a pretty unique ride.

12. Space Dock

Complex Says: Sick of looking at your buddy's backside all day while riding a tandem? With the back-to-back tandem, you can spot cars and look ridiculous.

11. Pedal-Powered Mixed Drinks

Complex Says: Ever feel ashamed to enter a weekend in Margaritaville into your calorie counter? With the Fender Blender, there is no need to do so, because you're going to have to earn each drink.  

10. Like Walking, But Lamer

Complex Says: Wanna' look like a complete dork? Buy this.

9. Empathy For The Wheel

Complex Says: This bike has only one party trick, but it's a good one. Pedal along and then lock the brakes for a fun loop-the-loop. We're waiting for the back-to-back tandem version. Then you could really surprise your passenger.   

8. Not Apartment-Friendly

Complex Says: Just like driving an SUV, riding a tall bike helps you see the road better. And just like with SUVs, people seem compelled to build bikes bigger despite their inclination to roll over. Here's a world-record attempt video with a couple good crashes. 

7. How About Another Round?

Complex Says: Pedaling home from the bar drunk can get you a full blown DWI. No one ever said you couldn't pedal the bar, though. Cities around the world are starting to get these law-bending contraptions that you can pedal while drinking with friends at the bar.

6. Now This Is An Enjoyable Commuter

Complex Says: If the roads where you drive are unsafe for cycling, why not just take off and fly? Pedal-powered flight has been around since the '50s. The current record held by the MIT Daedalus 88 is 74 miles! Imagine if an afternoon on a mountain bike took you over the mountain! Although this seems like science fiction, you really can fly around on a bicycle (even without ET in your basket).  

5. Live Free

Complex Says: Ok, we know this looks like a joke, but imagine the possibilities of the camper bike. No more mortgage, car payment, or car insurance. Tour around the continent at a snail's pace with your home on your back. Why not? True off-the-grid living is a reality.

4. Why Walk When You Can Pedal

Complex Says: This doesn't even look real. Hydrofoil technology looks like some kind of voodoo. This water bike could be really fun, and it must be a great workout. Just don't stop pedaling or you're sunk. It's the fixed gear of water bikes.

3. Hobo Life

Complex Says: There is a real danger when you're literally "riding the rails." You and your bike are going to lose in a bad way if you meet up with a train. Although this looks strangely fun, let's make a no-headphone rule.

2. Ride Over Anything

Complex Says: Make your bike into a tank? We say--hell, yes! Sure, it's slower and less efficient then a normal wheel. But it's a tank track! A real live tank track on your bike thanks to the K-Trak upgrade rear "wheel," with optional front ski.

1. Monster Bike

Complex Says: Far from a "bicycle," this spider-like "Panterragaffe" is an engineering marvel. We would absolutely love to take this for a ride--or "run"--through the park.