ThisWay bicycle.
ThisWay bike concept.
Description:
A comfortable pedal powered bicycle with weather protection.
Emphasis is made on automotive qualities in the design, to attract non-previous cyclists used to cars and motorcycles.
Another selling point to attract more people riding a bike (particularly here in Europe) is weather protection – ThisWay has a roof.
Built in composite materials (carbon or flax fiber) and some hydro-formed aluminum, this vehicle is very lightweight (approximately 11-12kg). It has built-in LED lights front and rear, powered by a rechargeable battery obtaining its power from roof mounted solar cells. For minimum maintenance ThisWay’s built-in belt drive is well protected and all cables are hidden within the frame.
The car-like ergonomics offers a riding position lower than a traditional bike to keep a low center of gravity and optimal aerodynamics.
The design has simple controls for ease of use; single hand brake lever and hub gears type Torpedo Duomatic providing Low and Hi gear.
The rear of the frame has a “luggage connector”, where the user plugs-in his/her luggage (e g briefcase, helmet box or rack for shopping bags). The design also benefits from flexibility and comfort for riders of different sizes, as the crankset and seat is adjustable in length/height.
A “hybrid” version (pedal power/electric motor) is possible and additional battery pack plugged-in into the luggage connector will extend the range further.
Although this design is more expensive to manufacture compared to its traditional rivals, it is still just a fraction of the price of a car and virtually zero in running costs…
Motivation:
There are roofed bikes out there on the market already such as rickshaws, recumbents, HPVs (Human Powered Vehicles)/velomobiles etc., so covered bikes do exist since a long time but the challenge is to design a functional and desirable bicycle that even appeals to non-previous cyclists.
It makes sense for a commuter bike here in Central and Northern Europe to offer some degree of weather protection for improved comfort. Instead of creating a totally enclosed design similar to other HPVs/velomobiles risking the user to feel isolated, a more open design will allow a higher degree of interaction with the surroundings.
Winner Bicycle Design “commuter bike for masses” design competition. See the Bicycle Design list of finalists .
Designer: Torkel Dohmers
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THIS CONCEPT? — comment below.
Uzi-proof fashion.
Here’s a nice Valentine gift for that special person who likes casual, protection from the elements, and protection from Uzi’s & 44 magnums.
Plus it’s waterproof, with an optional stab-proof lining. It’s a bit pricier than one that protects you from bird shot. The sales rep wouldn’t say how much but our research guesses at about $10G’s USD. A less is more polo shirt is about $12G’s. Country of origin for bullet-proof apparel? You’re right! Columbia.
Designer: miguel caballero “The Armani of Armor”
Retailer: Harrods (London) and many other spots in Central America
Measurement gloves.
Value item: Looking for a ruler? There’s never one around when you need one. Too bad they’re knitted.
But they are a fashion statement of sorts and it does send a message that you’re handy.
via nerd approved Retailer: up to you
The face of Paris men's wear.
Newly created design applause category
( Ouch! ) inspired by… well, you be the judge.
More images of the show can be seen via The Guardian.
Designer(s): Jean-Paul Gaultier, Dries Van Noten, Henrik Vibskov, Louis Vuitton, Yohji Yamamoto, Gaspard Yurkievitch
Wilkhahn Velos.
Fascinating minimalism: the Velos lounge chair.
The extremely graceful and inviting chair has been especially designed for places where informal encounters happen.
Places where a light and loose atmosphere can be created that also projects quality. The smooth lines of the foot section and the distinctive seat frame are fascinating due to their subtle, organic minimalism – plus a high degree of seated comfort that is provided by an innovative, seamless and structured cover using shaped knitting technology. The range is completed by a footstool and a matching three-legged side table.
Available from mid-2009 Introduced at Orgatec 2008
Design: Eric Degenhardt
Producer: Wikhahn
Shimano electric shifter.
Shimano, a company that’s been at the forefront of the cycling-component industry for decades, has got a new product. It’s an electronic shifting system that forgoes mechanical cable for electronic impulses and servomotors. (more…)
Carbon dioxide scrubber.
It is cool to be green these days, and David Keith and his team think the Carbon Dioxide Scrubber could be the next big thing. This device is supposed to capturing CO2 straight from the air and purify it, making our air much cleaner.
Also known as the eCO2, this personal scrubber unit aims to help an individual reduce or even erase his/her personal carbon footprint throughout the day. How does it do this? Fashioned after a futuristic looking wristwatch, it relies on kinetic energy to power it, pulling in air via intake vents to collect CO2 and expelling clean air through its exhaust vents. We wonder whether wearing five of these on each arm will help us offset more than our fair share of carbon footprint. As an added bonus, the eCO2 also doubles up as a timepiece, and we think it has plenty of potential when used with a Wii while you’re busy trying to knock your opponent out in Wii Boxing.
Designer: james kershaw & Chad Garn
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THIS CONCEPT? — comment below.
ECCI TrackStar 6000
Speed freak racer controller. The ECCI TrackStar 6000 is simply the best PC steering wheel and pedal set available in the world. If you can afford it, you’ll never regret buying one.
We’re talking a two-tone leather steering wheel, fluid damped steering which emulate the feel of tyres on pavement, fine tuned customizable steering resistance, high precision USB electronics and a shock absorbing desk clamp. Matching pedals also available. That’s enough for us, we’re sold. Now where’s that copy of Colin McRae’s rally from 1992?
Unlike most wheels that are circular in grip section, the 6000 Talladega wheel is deeper than it is wide in frontal profile. This creates a more natural grip shape for the hand. The grip contour at the nine and three o’clock positions is ideally suited to actuate the close fitting shift paddles behind. Lock-to-lock road course racing is a snap, but it is large enough in diameter to offer the incremental control critical to oval
track racing.
An all-new breakthrough design, the 6000 features true automotive ergonomics with a top-pivoting hang down pedal mounting. This is mated with a heel rest offering a stable platform for pedal operation.
Unique to the new 6000, all critical pedal geometric relationships are fully adjustable to uniquely suit each user. These include: pedal angle from vertical; heel rest angle and distance from pedals; pedal height from heel rest; pedal to pedal lateral spacing; and individual pedal resistance rate.
Priced at USD$989 with the tricked-up 6000GT and clutch-pedal packing 6000GTS models at $1198 and $1398 respectively.
Producer: ECCI
Paul Smith. Pencil set.
Value item: Stocking stuffer under $25.
For the pencil sharpener crowd a set of 12 multi-stripe pencils with rubber tops in a matching presentation box.
100% wood, 100% graphite, 100% rigid cardboard box. $12.00US
Designer: Paul Smith (UK)