I know lots of designers who absolutely love bikes. They are very unlike the bicycle mechanics and pro-am racers that I know. Rather than their apartments and houses being filled with bikes in various states of disrepair, they often prefer to have one bike that serves multiple purposes. This is at the core of the UNstable; as few bikes as possible to cover as many uses as possible. The Oregon Manifest concept is just this as stated on their website:
"The two-wheeled revolution won’t come on the saddle of a race bike or a specialty bike. The utility bike is the transportation mode of the future for millions of Americans who want to live healthier, more sustainable lives, but don’t think of themselves as “cyclists.” The key to realizing this future is thoughtful, innovative bike design that fills multiple needs and fits into their lives."
This year's Oregon Manifest challenged five design firms, each partnered with a framebuilder based in their home cities, to create the most efficient, streamlined, and progressive bicycle possible. A sexy, functional machine for the non-competitive cyclist.
Go vote for your favorite of the five competitors over at the Oregon Manifest page here!
The winning bike will be reproduced by Fuji for sale in the US.
Robb Hunter, a friend over at INDUSTRY in Portland, OR, has been working as a part of a team partnered with Ti Cycles to create the perfect utility bike. To do this, they've taken the model of the internally-geared town bike and brought it into the 21st century in a big way.
In Robb's words:
“We designed SOLID for the urban environment, but living in Portland, we have to give equal service to the beautiful off-road terrain that surrounds the city. The overall geometry is slightly on the more aggressive side of a commuter bike, giving a super responsive and quick handling ride, even when loaded down with panniers. Additionally, we went with a 650B wheel size in order to give the flexibility of a tire that can take on the trails or pavement with ease. It’s a wonderfully quick package in the end!”
Firstly, the frame is 3D printed titanium, and then is expertly welded by Dave Levy at Ti Cycles.
Secondly, the drivetrain incorporates user friendly Shimano Alfine Di2 11-speed drivetrain components, shifted by an inset button on the handlebars, and TRP Hy-Rd brakes modulated by PAUL (yeah!) levers. A front generator hub keeps a GPS beacon charged so that in the event the bike is stolen, it can be tracked. The bike uses 650b wheels to enable flexibility between tires for dirt or road.
Thirdly, integrated fenders, removable rack, and a double kickstand make this extremely user-friendly especially in Portland where it rains for nine months out of the year.
Lastly, the other onboard electronics include integrated head and tail lighting that can be controlled remotely with the SOLID "Discover My City" app and also have an ambient light sensor to adjust for current conditions.
The aforementioned app is really where the entire project comes together, as it enables communication with haptic technology integrated into the grips. In coordination with real-time Google Maps information and the SOLID app, the bike uses haptic signals to navigate you towards your chosen destination. Future updates of the app will allow for pin-drop style destinations as contributed in a crowd-sourced format.
Remember to vote for your favorite here before August 2nd.
No comments:
Post a Comment