Question: What is made out of cardboard, lightweight, has a frame that’s stronger than carbon fiber and costs $9? Answer: The Alfa Cardboard Bike designed by Isreali designer, Izhar Gafni, of course! The Alfa weighs 20lbs, but can support riders up to 24 times its weight thanks to its incredible design and engineering. Gafni was inspired by a cardboard canoe he’d heard about and as enthusiastic industrial designer (touting awards for his industrial machines that peel pomegranates and sew shoes), he knew he had to take a swing at designing a sustainable and functional bicycle. The Alfa is made out of 100% recycled materials and features a belt-driven pedal system that makes it maintenance free. Don’t let the seemingly simple materials fool you – the complex design took three years to master (two of which were dedicated exclusively to figuring out the complications of working with cardboard), and the final year saw the the conversion of a cardboard box on wheels to a relatively normal looking bike. At the moment, the bicycles are not available for purchase, but Gafni is working with a company to raise funding for the manufacturing process. We hope for his sake and the environment’s, that this incredible design is brought to fruition – after all, the world needs more zero emissions modes of transportations just as much as it needs more cool design.