While we've seen a variety of solutions to carrying a cumbersome bike lock, like Levi's commuter series, the task is most often a bit of a struggle. Enter the InterLock, an integrated seat post bike lock. Currently on Kickstarter, the device replaces your standard seat post, giving you 40"…
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Even the coldest of conditions can’t deter a steadfast cyclist. To help make the daily commute safer during dark winter months, Brooklyn-based Dargelos created a line of subtly reflective accessories for the design-conscious cyclist. Entering the portage industry a few years ago, the small studio is now part of…
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News: Alex Moulton, the British engineer and designer best known for inventing the small-wheeled Moulton bicycle and the rubber suspension system for the Mini car, has died aged 92.
After an apprenticeship at the Bristol Aeroplane Co during the second world war, Alex Moulton became a consultant for British Motor Corporation.
The rubber suspension system he developed in the 1950s was eventually used in the iconic Mini, which launched in 1959. Moulton’s system allowed for the car’s small size without compromising on handling and comfort.
Above: photograph by Bradford on Avon Museum
In 1964 he launched the Alex Moulton Bicycle (pictured top), which had a small, lightweight frame without a top bar, 16-inch wheels and a rubber suspension system. In 1967, Moulton was forced to sell to rival cycle maker Raleigh, which made Moulton designs until 1974.
After commercial production ended, Moulton continued to produce a small number of the bicycles, which became collectors’ items. He was appointed CBE for services to industry in 1976.
The Moulton Bicycle Company is now run by his great-nephew Shaun.
We’ve featured lots of bicycles on Dezeen, such as a bicycle with a frame of steam-bent wood and another with a cardboard frame and wheels.
See all our stories about bicycle design »
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1920-2012 appeared first on Dezeen.
Designed to quickly convert from shopping-sized tote to bicycle-ready backpack, the Tack from SSCY bridges the gap between the two traditional bag designs. Constructed entirely by hand, the second multifunctional bag from the Brooklyn-based designer builds on a design-for-function ethos to offer a simple, adaptable bag. Wear it as…
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VANDEYK Contemporary Cycles unveils their new bicycle collection PURPLE BLAST. With their second collection, the creative bicycle designhouse continues to explore the intersection between design, art, handcrafted bicycles. PURPLE BLAST is a performance-oriented roadbike, featuring Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 electronic shifting technology with fully integrated wiring.
The frame is made from Columbus XCr stainless steel, fully handcrafted in Germany. Mmm, German steel! Other components come from premium manufacturers like Chris King or ENVE Composites. The paint is applied in a highly sophisticated process by a paint shop usually working for well-known super-sportscars manufacturers. Needless to say, DO WANT! Unfortunately the collection is strictly limited to 25 hand numbered bicycles. If you want one, you better be really really good this year because this sounds difficult even for Santa.
Designer: VANDEYK
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Israeli engineer and systems developer Izhar Gafni has invented a cardboard bicycle that’s strong, waterproof and costs less than £10 to manufacture (+ movie).
Izhar Gafni started developing the Cardboard Bicycle three years ago. “Since there was no know-how with regards to the cardboard material, the first two years were devoted to learning the properties and behaviour of the material,” explains Gafni.
Above: movie by Giora Kariv
“The idea is like Japanese origami,” he says in the movie. “You fold it once and then it doesn’t become twice the strength, it’s almost three times the strength. So I took it from there and did the same thing with cardboard.”
After the shape has been cut out, the cardboard is treated with a waterproof and fireproof coating specially created by Gafni, before lacquer paint is applied over the top.
The “urban bike” for adults costs around £6 per unit and weighs 9kg, while the kids’ bike costs £3 per unit and weighs 3.5kg.
Both are made almost entirely from recycled materials and cyclists will also have the option to add an electric motor, according to the designer.
Gafni’s business partner, Israeli investment group ERB, is currently fundraising and developing the bicycle for production.
We’ve featured lots of unusual bicycles recently, including one with a frame made from steam-bent wood and another that can carry heavy loads front and back despite its compact frame.
Other cardboard projects we’ve featured on Dezeen include a pop-up cardboard chapel in New York’s Central Park and a Japanese boutique with an interior made from cardboard tubes.
See all our stories about bicycles »
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See all our stories about cardboard »
Here’s some more information from Gafni’s business partner, ERB:
The Cardboard Bicycle Project is a new, revolutionary and green concept to produce bicycles made of durable recycled cardboard. ERB is an active partner which manages all the business and financial aspects of this project. ERB leads the worldwide business activity of the cardboard bicycle in Israel and abroad.
The first commercial model of the bicycle is designed for large companies as a vehicle for their employees and for large cities as a cheap, light-weight vehicle. Parallel to those, the electric model is being developed.
The Cardboard Bicycle can withstand water and humidity. Part of our unique technology enables us to create a product that looks like it is made out of hard lightweight polymer. The bike is stronger than carbon fibre and can carry riders weighing up to 220 kilograms. The cost to make the bicycle is around $9-$12.
The post Cardboard Bicycle
by Izhar Gafni appeared first on Dezeen.
Sparse, a start-up brand of cycling lights based in San Francisco, makes a clean and refined product that truly lives up to the company name. The ultra-simple Sparse comes as a tail light and a front, spacer light that replaces a headset spacer to lie just under the stem….
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This carbon-fibre and aluminium bicycle with no upright in the diamond-shaped frame weighs just eight kilograms.
The bicycle comes with a flip-flop rear wheel hub so the rider can chose between a single-speed and fixed-gear mechanism by pulling a lever and flipping the wheel over.
Wing mirrors can be attached to the ends of the handlebars so cyclists can see behind without craning over their shoulders.
“High-end materials and shapes along with a new concept of urban mobility is the revolution,” says Rizoma CEO Fabrizio Rigolio, who describes the bike as ”a new alternative to the luxury caItalian bike manufacturers”.
The 77|001 Metropolitan Bike is available to buy with either matte white or shiny carbon frame finish.
We recently featured a concept for a bicycle made from steam-bent wood.
See all our stories about bicycles »
The information below is from Rizoma:
RIZOMA 77|011 – New Metropolitan Bike
Rizoma, the internationally renowned brand for all things cycling, presents the innovative metropolitan bike 77|011 dedicated to those who love style and technology.
A unique commodity, ideal for navigating urban environments with style, the 77|011 has changed the rules and the concept of motion, adapting it for contemporary culture. Technically advanced and durable, the most compelling feature of Rizoma’s newest addition is its multi-functionality: with dual single speed (with a traditional free wheel) and fixed-gear (using a threaded sprocket, a growing trend among urban cyclists who prefer the greater control by using the pedals for braking) capabilities. The rear wheel comes ready with two mounts that allow the rider to choose freely between two pulleys, depending on their preferred mode of travel.
The 77|011 also comes with mounts for the optional brakes included on the base model. Rizoma’s interpretation of the ‘Made in Italy’ style and the philosophy are clearly seen in the simplicity of the design and in its plug and play functionality, all in a single frame size (thanks to the adjustable seat 92 > 96 cm), removing the complication of choosing a best fitting model.
The metropolitan bike 77|011 by Rizoma is the fusion of a cutting-edge concept with an exclusive design. The sleek carbon fiber structural skin frame and the simplicity of the belt-drive contribute to a decidedly modern look. Aluminum elements, machined from solid, make the 77|011 distinctive and a mere 8kg, so it’s easy to carry on a shoulder when climbing stairs or going into the subway. Shiny carbon and matte white (all made of carbon-fiber) are the two color variations available for Rizoma’s newest icon.
The Rizoma 77|011 costs €3,700 and can be purchased in select stores or online at www.rizoma77011.com.
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by Rizoma appeared first on Dezeen.
The steel beam running through this compact bicycle by British industrial designer Ben Wilson means it can carry heavy loads on its front and rear platforms (+ slideshow + movie).
Ben Wilson came up with the Donky Bike after noticing that mountain bikes were being used on city streets. “Bicycle use in London was growing rapidly, but many of the bikes on the street seemed unsuitable for urban use,” he says, explaining that he wanted to combine the load-carrying ability of a Dutch model with the strength and simplicity of a BMX.
The resulting design has compact 20″ wheels and is designed to handle well even when moving through traffic at low speeds, as the weight of its cargo is distributed through the steel beam rather than hanging off the handlebars.
Wilson tested different methods of attaching cargo but settled on the standard bungee cord, as it offers the most flexibility and is widely available.
To park up, riders can either lower the footstand or stand the whole thing on end so that it rests on its rear platform and wheel.
It comes in lime green or black. It’s also made from widely available components that are easily repaired or replaced, ensuring its longevity.
Wilson studied on the Design Products MA at the Royal College of Art in London before opening his studio in east London. We’ve featured two of his other projects on Dezeen – a pedal-powered car that’s framed by a neon tube light and a unicycle that places its rider inside the wheel.
We’ve featured lots of other two-wheeled transport on Dezeen, including a folding bicycle with full-size wheels and a road bike with a frame made of steam-bent wood.
Above: photograph is by Jens Marott
See all our stories about bicycles »
See all our stories about transport »
See all stories about Ben Wilson »
Above: photograph is by Jens Marott
Photographs are by John Selby except where stated.
Here’s some more information from the designer:
Donky Bike is a versatile load carrier designed to be ridden easily and safely with whatever you need to take with you. The cargo load is carried on the frame, not the handlebars, so the steering and handling remain light and balanced. The Donky is made with a tough steel frame equipped with simple low maintenance components.
The idea behind Donky bike was to create an affordable, practical bike which has a large load carrying capability. With great handling and steering, even at low speeds through traffic and when loaded with cargo. The idea was to build a bike that will last a lifetime, with durable components that can be added, repaired or replaced anywhere in the world, and is easy to build, ride and maintain. A bike for life, not landfill, a Donky bike is built to last.
The racks on the front and back are removable for storage, and in the future, Donky bike will offer further accessories which will be able to clip onto the frame. Compact strong and easy to ride – Donky is now in stock. One size, two colours.
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by Ben Wilson appeared first on Dezeen.
Whether your daily commute carries you by bicycle, car or train, Rapha’s Leather Town Gloves have your digits covered. Made by hand with leather from the African hair sheep—an animal native to the savannah of Eastern Africa and known for its thin but strong skin—these luxe gloves are intelligently…
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