Bike Design

Cyclo’s CYLO One.

Former head of design at Nike, Eric Duvauchelle has launched a new bicycle company that will be releasing it’s first bike in the next few months. “CYLO One” is a commuter bike that is still in it’s formative stages that you can help shape. If you go to the site you can take a quick survey that will provide feedback to the designers and allow for changes.

“CYLO One” features an ultra lightweight aluminum frame for easy carrying, better handling, and a more solid ride in urban terrain. The bike features a 205 lumen built in LED light and a self activating brake light that uses an accelerometer to turn on as you slow down. The lights are powered by an internal dynamo to eliminate the need for any external power supply . In addition to the frame tech and lights, CYLO One is driven by a carbon belt drive so there is no need for oil, which means your pants stay clean well at least free of chain oil.

The Shimano 3 speed Nexus internal gear hub is paired with Shimano mechanical disc brakes for maximum stopping power. CYLO One will be introduced in 3 colors, currently black, white and red. If you take the survey on the site, you can have input on things like more gears, more colors, extra features, and what things the smartphone app for the bike will have. Yes smartphone app for the bike.

Viks, from Velonia.

Bicycles come and go, and for the most part the design remains fairly constant. Occasionally though, a bike design pops up on the radar that is different enough it really gets my attention. Viks is one of those designs. Designed and built by Estonian bike maker Velonia, Viks features a Stainless steel frame without seat tube. The frame consists of two identical tubes that form the head tube, seat tube and bottom bracket. Still in prototype phase Velonia is shooting for a small production release later in the April, with full production runs starting later in the year. If you are interested in getting on Viks send an email to info@velonia.com to join the waiting list.

Growler, A City Bike With a Purpose… Beer.

Would you look at that, a city bike designed with a dual purpose. Transportation, and transporting beer.

Designed by Joey Ruiter, the bike makes a statement with it’s rugged inverted J frame, monarch spring loaded front fork, oversized beer holder (hence the name Growler), matte black finish and two speed internal kick back hub. The bike concept is a working sketch prototype according to the designer, but I personally hope they make this into a production bike soon.

The bike has such a unique profile that separates it from all other city and commuter bikes. The frame is heavy duty, but the shape lends an air of lightness to the profile. Placement of the seat low, and inline with the top cross bar add a feeling of toughness and an old school bike aesthetic. The oversized 29 inch wheels can take on what ever city streets have to offer. The disc brakes and other features let you know that this is a modern bike.

Then there is the holder for the “Growler” a one gallon bottle of cold hoppy goodness. Not a required feature for a city or commuter bike, but definitely a feature that puts a smile on my face.