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Urban Bicycle Concept with Folding Wheel System

TheFuture — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 06:20:24 +0000

The compactable bicycle concept was driven from the need of boosting urban space efficiency when it is not in use or being transported. The wheel is made of six modules, each with double pivot in their joints, allowing the wheel to be folded and become smaller. The spokes of the wheel are contained in the internal structure when you fold the bicycle and the spokes rotate to the system’s center where they attach with the center wheel. This bicycle is designed in a double triangle structure made of expandable modules with foldable ability. To keep the structure in position, the system has utilized a special X shaped component that aligns the modules to the exact position.

Victor says :
The Wheel is composed by six modules, each one has a double pivot in the joints, this allows the wheel to fold and become smaller, the spokes are contained in the inner structure of the wheel, when you unfold the system, the spokes rotate to the center of the mechanism where it attach to the center of the wheel.

The double triangle structure is composed by expandable modules, each one collapses to a smaller dimension and then this modules align by the rotation of the axis in the joint of the structure, to keep in position all the structure is used an special part in a form of an X that aligns all the modules to their position.

Designer : Victor M. Aleman

Futuristic Epine Concept Car was Inspired by Racing Vehicles

TheFuture — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 03:41:12 +0000

Epine concept car derived from a project to create a hybrid eco-friendly vehicle that is able to provide a racing track experience to its occupants while at the same time offering a new way of being in touch with the nature. The minimalist design of this car gets inspiration from racing vehicles – Formula One cars and motorcycles – and comprises a whale skeleton as a token of natural element. The major technical feature of this car is the Epine system that allows a complete seating arrangement by adopting the drive-by-wire technology to run the steering system.

The storage compartment is located in the front and the powerplant is at the rear side of the car. Michelin Tweel concept which actually is airless wheels has been used in the suspension system of this car and is housed within the wheel itself. The structure and the materials of the wheel spokes allows to compress and decompress, offering a collection of motions. The total length of the compact car is 4,260mm, width 1,882mm and height 1153mm.

Designer : Daniel Schumpert

Buell Blade Concept Motorcycle with V-Twin Engine

TheFuture — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 15:16:10 +0000

Buell Blade is a motorcycle concept with various innovative features for both performance and visual aspects and is designed concentrating on American tradition. This bike comprises a classic V-Twin engine that has made this bike a powerful vehicle on road. This sports bike will create a new riding experience with its unique wheel that has been designed without any sorts of spokes or rims. Buell Blade motorcycle features a rear suspension system integrated with the bikes core design and an internal drivetrain to make it extraordinary. This bike has been designed to rule the streets of the future city transportation system.

Designer : Brad Mitchell

Futuristic Car Design with Transforming Multifunctional Wheels

TheFuture — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 02:47:10 +0000

Transforming Multifunctional Wheels is an innovative device that is created with sheer caution and brilliant conceptualization. This wheel is used in the most powerful motor cycles on United States. The wheel contains around 24 spokes and all of them are made from carbon fiber. They are elastic and strong enough to make the wheel even more efficient. The stark red color on the outer surface makes it more attractive and unique. The design of the wheel feature serrated portions which is unique indeed. This is a guarantee from the manufacturer that the vehicle will run smoothly with these wheels installed in it.

From the designer :
We bring up a new American icon in the subject of Brave and Bold. We were inspired by Harley-Davidson, the American motorcycle symbol and Pontiac-Firebird, a muscle car, therefore we designed the body from which is dynamic and progressive.

The entire body has been designed to have the wheels in front of it like motorcycles, so it is totally different from other cars. The wheel design, which is unique and aggressive, maximizes the design of the body. We call the wheels “the Transforming Multifunctional Wheels”.

A wheel has 24 spokes and each spoke is made up by a special carbon-fiber which has very strong elastic characteristic. The wheel associates a caterpillar tread of tanks. And each spoke can tilt 15 degrees back and forth to be formed to steer the car without any additional steering equipment. The wheels transform and the body tilts in the same direction when the car changes its direction so you can drive safely and dynamically.

Each spoke is constructed independently so that you do not need to replace whole wheel when the tire is flatted but only spokes which are flattened. Therefore, it is an environment-friendly concept. The body can minimize impact of collision to a driver by its body construction of the arms of the wheels. Due to the advantage of the construction, it can run easily off-road, such as the deserts of the United States of America.

Designer : Su-Yang Park & Chang-Hoe Heo

Marguerite Bike Parking Rack for Urban Environment

TheFuture — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 06:11:59 +0000

The new Marguerite bike parking is surely a practical solution for the urban living. Designed by Italian designer Yoann Henry Yvon Lopez, the stand has rows of bike holders which are shaped as petals coming out of a centerpiece. The petals act as holders which are placed on the spokes of the bike thus making it immobile. The advantage that one has with this device is that it occupies less space while giving maximum result. These can be placed anywhere in the city without worrying about space. Thus it can be said to be a perfect solution for urban living!

Designer : Yoann Henry Yvon

Camping Activity Mobile Vehicle for Travelers

TheFuture — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 09:37:10 +0000

The CAM is Camping Activity Mobile. More than your typical camping vehicle, this heavy duty off-road camping vehicle can take the happy camper anywhere they would like. The wheels are dual mode, with the 5 spokes extending proud of the try to give additional grip when needed and the front and rear bumpers are made of rubber to allow for minor bumps and scrapes without the need to replace them.

This new camper design by David Fearnley is surely something for the one who love to travel. At the onset the front looks more like been lifted from the batman movies as it looks a little mean machine; the side doors have been designed such that it acts as a sitting place wherein after a long drive one can just relax over there or take a snap to capture the scenic beauty.

The unique seating configuration allows the driver to have a clear view of obstacles ahead and be more confident to drive on. The other seats are designed to allow the passengers to look out of the windows and enjoy the scenery while they travel. These windows has been envisaged as being able to be tinted at the flick of a switch for privacy and security when the vehicle is left alone.These seats then fold down to allow for a flat floor within the vehicle, and for added space the rear section extends to for an additional space when the vehicle is stationary. Under the main rear section is a pull out draw that is a great storage area for anything wet or filthy as it is away from the rest of the gear.

Designer : David Fearnley

Pi Electric Bicycle with Semi-Automatic 8-Speed Transmission

TheFuture — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 07:00:32 +0000

The Pi electric bicycle uses a semi-automatic 8-speed transmission to downshift into a lower gear for climbing hills, then up shift for rapid acceleration to a maximum of 20 mph on flats and allows you to pedal normally because the motor automatically disengages when not in use. Powered by a 750-watt electric motor housed in the horizontal chain and motor assembly, the Pi electric bicycle is capable of three modes of operation: electric motor power, human power, or the human-electric hybrid power combination. The electric motor and rider utilize the same 8 speed semi-automatic transmission making rapid acceleration from a stop or lower gears available for steep inclines possible (but with slower acceleration.

The motor automatically disengages from the pedals when desired so as to preserve battery life. Construction begins with a 12’ foot straight piece of 3⁄8-gauge, aircraft aluminum 6061 alloy that is roll-formed and annealed for uniform wall thickness into a complete 6′ diameter circular tube with a 4″ exterior diameter (the NiMH batteries reside within the tube from the front fork to the seat), which is then bisected to make a 6′ long arc for the bicycle’s frame. The sturdy frame supports riders up to 300 lbs.

The top of the arc provides a 26″ stand over height, allowing you to place both feet on the ground. The padded ergonomic gel seat provides for comfortable, relaxed riding. It attaches to the frame via a gas strut assembly that raises and lowers like a pneumatic office chair, accommodating riders between 5-7′ tall in a semi-recumbent position for ideal pedaling or powered coasting. A dynamo in the front wheel’s hub provides power for auxiliary lighting.

The bicycle has a range of up to 30 miles at 20 mph before requiring a five-hour re-charge from its AC adapter. Precisely tuned hydraulic disc brakes provide sure stops, and the wheels are made of dual-walled aluminum alloy and stainless-steel spokes; the 26″ semi-slick tires are ideal for roads or paved trails and use Presta valves. The bicycle is wet-painted in Rossa Corsa red using the same PPG color specification as high performance sports cars and treated with a clear coat finish for a luster that will last.

Designer : Marcu Hayes

The Trailblazer, Mercedes Benz Bike

TheFuture — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 02:44:42 +0000

A new mountain bike is added by Mercedes Benz to its exclusive bike collection, called The Trailblazer. No need question about the materials, all is made with high-quality components and elegant design, perfect for serious off-road riding. The price tag is €2,790, really high in our opinion if you just use it for small ride in a park, but if you have so much money to spend, why not? The Trailblazer features a sophisticated four-link rear suspension that ensures outstanding riding comfort and excellent traction on difficult terrain. Mercedes Benz Trailblazer is available in two edition, sport edition and comfort edition, with a number of parts specially adapted to the different physiques of men and women.

Official Press Release :
With the uncompromisingly high quality of its equipment, its premium craftsmanship and its modern design, the new Mercedes-Benz mountain bike fulfils the high demands of experienced cycling enthusiasts. At its heart is an elegant and functional full-suspension frame with a sophisticated four-link rear suspension. The high-quality aluminium design was developed in collaboration with premium German cycle manufacturer ADP Engineering GmbH, a company renowned for its exclusive, handcrafted Rotwild brand of cycles, who have already proved themselves reliable partners of Mercedes-Benz with other bike designs.

The exclusive Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH range enables customers to further tailor their bikes to their own requirements. The collection contains everything from an electronic bike computer with twelve functions, a practical pannier with a capacity of seven litres and an ultra-light mini-tool for repairs on the road to a handy mini pump, a useful hydration rucksack and a first-aid kit.

Technical data

Frame
Material: Aluminium 7005;
Colour: Sport Edition: anthracite
Comfort Edition: white with red and black elements
Size: Sport Edition: S (47); M (50); L (53)
Comfort Edition: S (45); M (48)

Rear-wheel suspension
Suspension/damping: Rock Shox Monarch 3.1 oil-air suspension strut adjustable rebound and compression stage
Travel: 120 mm

Front-wheel suspension
Fork: Rock Shox Recon 335 with aluminium crown
Suspension/damping: Solo Air/adjustable rebound stage,
Compression stage adjustable up to lockout
Travel: 120 mm

Drive system
Crankset: Truvativ Firex 3.3
Crank length: Sport Edition: S: 170 mm; M/L: 175 mm
Comfort Edition: S/M: 170 mm
Pedals: Wellgo, SPD compatible
Chainrings: Truvativ Alu 44-32-22T SRAM
Inner bearing: Truvativ Firex 3.3 BSA

Shifter
Cassette: Shimano HG 50; 11-32T; 9speed
Shift lever: SRAM X.7 Trigger
Front derailleur: SRAM X.9
Rear derailleur: SRAM X.9 long cage, 9speed

Brakes
System: Avid Juicy 5; 185 mm rotors front/rear

Wheels
Hubs front: H 220D
Hubs rear: H 400D
Spokes: DT Comp 2.0/1.8
Rims: DT SWISS X430 Disc 26″
Tyres: ContinentalMountainKing Falt; 26 x 2.20″

Removable parts
Stem: S 140
Sport Edition: S 75 mm; M 90 mm; L 115 mm
Comfort Edition: S 60 mm; M 75 mm
Handlebars: B 240
Sport Edition: 640 mm
Comfort Edition: 600 mm
Grips: Sport Edition: VeloLight
Comfort Edition: Ergon GP1
Saddle: Topeak Allay Racing
Saddle post: P 260; 31.6 x 350 mm

Weight
without attachments: approx. 13.5 kg

Designer : Mercedes Benz via BenzInsider