VIA - Urban Commuter Bicycle - The over-sized frame and front wheel would be made mainly from reinforced recyclable polypropylene. A strong inner ‘spaceframe-like’ structure would provide the strength needed while an outer shell would give the frame the quality finish. Using plastic will eliminate the chance of rusting and will provide a very lightweight structure. Components such as the back wheel, seat-post and handle bars, which all have a thinner structure, aluminium will be used to achieve the strength needed.
VIA - Urban Commuter Bicycle - A dynamo built in to the rear wheel mechanism provides the power needed for the front, rear and pedal lights. The lights turn on automatically in poor light, operated by a sensor above the rear light.
VIA - Urban Commuter Bicycle - The seat post slides into the frame to adjust to different sized riders. This brings the saddle both closer to the ground and closer to the handle bars.
VIA - Urban Commuter Bicycle - The belt drive turns a cog, featuring a variable transmission mechanism, which in turn drives the teeth on the inside of the back wheel hub. Automatically adjusting the transmission ratio inside the cog means that the rider does not have to change gear. When power drops (going downhill) the resistance increases - therefore increasing the speed.
VIA - Urban Commuter Bicycle - ‘Accessories’ such as luggage holders, baby seats, and even trailer attachments can be easily clipped in the purpose built slot in the rear of the frame, underneath the saddle.
VIA - Urban Commuter Bicycle - Hydraulic brake cables run inside the frame and fork to the front hub brake, and the rear brake, which is built in to the rollers that wheel runs on inside the frame.
Scale model of bicycle
Poster displayed at New Designers Exhibition in London
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VIA - Urban Commuter Bicycle
James Bourne
Design Technician Cheltenham, United Kingdom