bikes – DesignApplause

Public bikes – wheels shipped right to your door.

Mar 19, 2012

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Four years ago I drove to New York from California with my faithful beach cruiser strapped to the roof of my car. I rode the hulking thing to work and play for three solid years, but after pedaling fifty pounds of steel up an extra steep bridge one hot, Summer day, I decided it was time to get a “real” bike, something lightweight and fast. I love my current bike, a speedy little Specialized, but whenever I see the classic, swooping lines a beach cruiser my California heart goes pitter-pat.

Today I discovered Public bikes, a light-weight beach cruiser-style bike. It’s about a year too late for me, but if you’re inclined to cruise these easy-shifting, seven-speeders are super affordable. Normally they’re $595, but for another week ( SALE ENDS 3/21 ) you can knock $100 off the normal retail price – just in time for the warm spell that’s sweeping the East coast.

about perrin drumm

Bikes get wicker-bombed.

Feb 23, 2012

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We talk a lot about the latest, fanciest and most ergonomically efficient bikes here at DesignApplause, which is probably why it was such a delight to come across Jarbas Lopes’ hand-crafted bike from his “Cicloviaerea” series, which he exhibited earlier this month at New York’s VIP Art Fair. Apparently, it’s a commentary on “capitalism and mass production values” versus “a fuel-less transport system and meticulous craftsmanship,” and that’s great, but it’s so much less interesting and ultimately less impactful than the experience of just looking at the meticulous craftsmanship itself.

The bikes aren’t actually made of wicker; rather, natural fibers are woven over the structure of the bike much like yarnbombing, only with reed and bamboo. Technically speaking, these babies are ridable, but wear pants – there’s nothing quite like wicker burn after a long ride.

about perrin drumm

Eco 7 folding bicycle.

Oct 19, 2009

the eco 7 folding bicycle’s concept is to be as compact as possible, including collapsible wheels.

the design is intended for urban use and folds up to save space when not in use. while folding bikes are nothing new, aleman takes his design to a new level with folding bike wheels.

above: each wheels is composed of six pieces connected through double-pivot joints. the spokes of the wheel fold into the rim and fold out when opened up to provide structure to the wheel. the tire isn’t inflatable, allowing it to break into segments. the bike frame itself also shrinks down in size when taken apart, folding into itself and the core components.

the design may take awhile to fold and unfold and not for everyone but the folding wheel concept is interesting. the pedals should go back to the drawing board or stay with the conventional, especially clips or cleats. maybe traditional tubes tires too.

Designer: victor aleman