Cannondale. Collapsable Jackknife.

Have been sitting on this post awhile getting into the mood for collapsable concepts and product. Though the “Jackknife” was created in 2006 it was worth posting as the styling and design was noteworthy.

The concept was designed by Philippe Holthuizen and Rodrigo Clavel for a contest sponsored by Cannondale Europe. Both are graduate students of transportation design at the Elisava Design School
in Barcelona.

The pair’s design for an urban bike called the Jackknife was so named because of the way that it folds for easy handling in elevators and on public transportation. Another feature that makes this bike practical for commuting and riding around town is the hydraulic drive system, which stays clean and requires very little maintenance. The design incorporates several features that characterize the Cannondale brand such as oversized tubing, HeadShok front suspension, and a “lefty” monoblade fork.

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A year later the above photo from Bicycle Design with words from the author. “Just recently, I ran across this picture of the Jackknife prototype from the 2006 Fiets Rai show in Holland. Can anyone who attended the show let me know what was being said about this concept bike? I assume that Cannondale Europe is just using it as a show bike to generate attention, but I am curious if they are actively developing any elements from it. If any of you have heard anything, let me know.”

The following pics are from the Cannondale site with a historical development story inspired by the Jackknife concept…

Heritage: Cannondale Raven II with Lefty fork (1999)


Raven III Urban Concept (2004)


Jan 2006 – ID Dept. starts The Quantum Leap Project Goal: A ridable and fully functional bike inspired by the Jackknife

Frame, Righty Fork, and Case Closed Technology

Sweet looking final Product.

via bicycle design cannondale

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