Re:
Interesting story about that proto welded by FTW
Sbike were designed by Francesco Quinn. But if we consider parts on the Quinn bike, it seems to be before 1990. When firtst Sbike appeared in France, it was around 1991 and they were built in Italia by Verlicchi as said by Cchris2lou and marketed in swisszerland by Swatch.
Last year, I have met Christian Guillet who created Vario. He was an ex caterpillar ingeneer and developped his first bike in 90-91 with a seatpost tube which can be adjusted when riding in front position for climbing and on the rear for a best downhill. But as the Alpinestar T24, Vario got no link or copy to Sbike