Bikoff briefcase bike

Results are in for the international Seoul Cycle Design Competition 2010, organized by design magazine designboom in collaboration with the Seoul Design Foundation, and they're sure to make you rethink your old balloon-tired cruiser with the coaster brake.

More than 3,000 designers from 88 countries submitted ideas for bikes that could advance Seoul as an eco-aware, design-conscious city; they came up with everything from bikes that double as shopping carts to folding bikes, solar-powered electric cycles, and bikes made from recycled wood.

A few of the winning designs have already hit the pavement; many more are still in the concept stage. Among the shortlisted entries is the Bikoff, created by Marcos Madia of Argentina in hopes of convincing urban office workers to ditch their cars and commute via bike. The compact, foldable bike features a removable briefcase incorporated into the lightweight frame.