PUREcycle by Tom Eaton (c) 2004

Source: Mark Sanders

Bicycledesign.net and bikeradar.com recently posted articles and comments about the 'Bicycle as Consumer Product' proposed by Mark Sanders, designer of the Strida and IF Mode folding bikes. During the Taipei Cycle show I had a chance to attend the 2010 Bicycle Design Trends Forum, hosted by IBDC jurors Han Goes and Mark Sanders, as well as Shikuan Chen, VP of  Compal Electronics. I got to hear Mark's presentation firsthand and participate in the ensuing discussion with the panelists and the spectators, and some interesting issues were brought up.  

The basic premise is this: "Imagine there was no bicycle industry as we know it. Now imagine that Apple, Samsung, Phillips or Ford introduce a 'Consumer Product for Personal Transport' that is small, lightweight, and takes less effort than walking, yet travels 4 times the distance. It would be beautifully designed, well made, easy to use and affordable." The proposal goes on to say that this new vehicle would connect people with busses, trains, and taxis, while being portable for complete door-to-door urban transportation that transcends the need for cars and scooters for most people. This is Mark's proposal to reach the "Blue Ocean" of potential cyclists, the 80% or more of the population who are non-cyclists. The cycling industry as we know it is currently dominated by competition in the "Red Ocean"...Sporty male cycling enthusiasts who make up a small, specific and saturated part of the market.

Aside from the shortcomings of most entry level bikes,  many reasons were brought up for why most people prefer other means of transportation: 

• People don't like to pedal or balance on 2 wheels.
• People don't like to be exposed to the elements and arrive dirty and sweaty.
• Most bikes are uncomfortable for long distances.
• Most bikes are unsuitable for hauling cargo.
• People feel unsafe on bikes, especially in areas where bikes and cars share the road.
• The bicycle retail experience is too intimidating for the casual rider, favoring "sporty male" enthusiasts.
• Bicycles are considered by many a "lower" form of transportation and convey low status. High status only exists in high end bikes among hardcore enthusiasts.

Everyone agreed that improvements in both bicycle designs and cycling infrastructure would go a long way toward changing the mindset of the casual rider, but after the discussion I began to think of ways the 'Consumer Product for Personal Transport' could be an opportunity to completely rethink how we attack the problem. Reading again the original premise, you might envision a vehicle very different from a typical bicycle:

• Does not need to be balanced. Perhaps it is lean-steering or self-balancing. Does it have 1,2,3, or 4 wheels?
• Electric powered, electric assist or alternative human powered drive system.
• Comfortable and easy to enter/exit, while providing weather protection and secure cargo capacity.
• Seamlessly integrated with existing forms of transportation, including cars, buses, trains and planes.
• A feeling of safety and security in any traffic condition.
• Affordable (Does that mean cheap as a bicycle?)
• An entirely new retail experience.
• A fresh, "gotta have it" appeal that attracts people emotionally and conveys status. "Fun to ride" factor.

While I am enticed by the idea of the bicycle as consumer product, I believe the Consumer Product for Personal Transport represents a whole new challenge for designers: Who said it has to be a bicycle?

The auto industry has been experimenting with some very interesting new concepts in personal mobility that shatter the conventional notions of cars, scooters or bikes. Honda's U3-X and GM's EN-V concepts represent very different takes on the possibilities in personal urban transport.

Source: Autoblog

Source: Autoblog

Source: Autoblog

On March 24th, GM unveiled 3 new concept vehicles based on the P.U.M.A. prototype developed jointly between GM and Segway. Basically a larger Segway with seating for two and an enclosed cabin, each of the three concepts were developed at a different styling studio in GM's global empire to show the styling flexibility of the basic platform. This could represent a major shift in how we experience personal urban transportation. More photos and details can be found at  Autoblog.com 

I was in Taipei, Taiwan last week to check out the latest trends in cycling at the 2010 Taipei Cycle Show. This was my second trip to the show, and many of the trends I noticed last year seemed to be intensifying this year.

Urban, Road and MTB Bikes: The race for ultimate high technology continues, with a variety of ultralight carbon TT bikes in wild shapes, full Dura Ace electronic shifting and integrated stems/handlebars that flowed seamlessly into the frame. The Asian style trend of "more is more" included bold colors and graphics, bikes with gold/brass trim and components, brightly colored colored anodized parts, and even a bike with a frame entirely wrapped in hand-stiched leather! Overall in Asia there seems to be increasing interest in road bikes over MTBs. Many MTBs are now being sold standard with slick tires, and the big money is spent on lightweight hardtails in carbon and titanium.

Folding Bikes and Mini-Velos: Folding and small-wheeled bikes dominated much of the show, and I believe this is the fastest growing segment in Asia. No longer an just an entry-level concept necessitated by the typical micro-apartment dweller, minis are becoming increasingly high-end fashion statements. Dura Ace/SRAM Red components and carbon frames are starting to appear more common, and the performance compromises are diminishing between minis and full-size road bikes. I had a chance to test-ride a high-end folding bike from Speed One and came away very impressed at its light weight, speed and handling.

Electric Bikes: Another fast-growing segment I've been interested in for quite awhile, there seems to be diverging trends between those that merely apply electric components to traditional bikes, and those that are cohesive, integrated transportation devices. The more innovative examples are coming mostly from Europe, where electric bikes are the fastest growing segment. One of the standouts of the show was db0 by Robrady design. The bike folds along a single hinge with integrated carrying handle, and the battery is housed within the hinge itself. I also had a chance to test ride this one. The Ultra Motor A2B and GoCycle are other excellent examples of well-integrated European designs. Most of the Asian ebikes followed the traditional route, simply applying components with little regard for aesthetics.

Weird and Wonderful: I'm always on the lookout for inventive new ideas in alternative transportation, and Taipei is the place to go for creative minds looking to get their ideas into production. There were quite a few attempts at the leaning trike concept, and several bikes with alternative drive systems. There were also quite a few stepper-type bikes with lever driven wheels. I got to test ride a few of these interesting vehicles, and I plan to talk more about them on future blog posts.

Components and Accessories: The number one trend is colored anodizing...Anodized everything! Another trend was leather, and lots of it. I think it's stemming from the recent resurgence in the popularity of Brooks saddles, but it's growing to include all kinds of bags, grips, accessories, and even entire frames wrapped in leather! In my mind it goes against the whole eco-friendly message, but to Asians it might appeal to their greater appreciation for the display of wealth and status.

Overall, Taipei is the manufacturer's show, and this is where people come to find new production opportunities. Much of what's there is unbranded, generic commodity products that buyers come to apply their logos and place their orders. You'd be amazed at some of the big name brands that come and buy from these guys. It takes awhile to find the really innovative, stand-out products. I'm told that Interbike is more about the brands, and I'm going to try to make it later this year.

I just got back to Seoul from the 2010 Taipei Cycle Show in Taiwan. Aside from the awesome weather (high '70s and sunny) it was a great chance to see the latest trends in cycling and alternative transportation. I was also able to attend the awards ceremony for the 2010 International Bicycle Design Competition and check out the amazing work from the 21 finalists who submitted their scale models. Top honors went to Hsi Huang for the "Shopping Bike" concept, which is a sleek, contemporary folding bike with an innovative storage bin that allows the bike to be used as a shopping cart while folded. Overall I thought it was a great blend of freshness and believability. The overall aesthetic was very product-inspired, and the execution and detailing of the model were top-notch. A full-scale functional prototype was built by the competition sponsor (unknown to the designer!) which was constructed almost entirely of CNC-machined billet aluminum. The Bronze-winning Solar Knight was interesting and was also made into a functional prototype, but I wonder how effective the small flip-out solar panels would be to recharge anything but a laptop! Click here for my complete Flickr photoset on the IBDC winners.

There were a few other finalists I felt were standouts, even though they didn't win the top honors. "RBL" by Marcus Hannibal Madsen is an edgy, urban concept that incorporates cargo-carrying capability directly into the framework of the fork/handlebar. "Oneybike" by Peter Varga is a fresh take on the classic penny farthing that combines recumbent seating and folding capability. "Infinity" by Stephen Henrich is nothing short of pure science fiction fantasy! AutoVelo, my entry into the IBDC took home the Excellent award.

The next day was the Bicycle Design Trend forum, which featured a presentation and panel discussion featuring Mark Sanders, inventor of the Strida and IF Mode. I'll be discussing more about that on future blog posts.

The awards ceremony for the 2010 International Bicycle Design Competition was presented today, and AutoVelo took home one of six Excellent awards presented to finalists out of 720 total entries. AutoVelo is an electric assist bike that mimics the automotive seating position, making it comfortable and convenient for people who prefer driving. Check out my Flickr photoset to see complete pics of my 1/4 scale model. Congratulations to Hsi Huang for taking home the Gold award for the "Shopping Bike" concept! More photos and comments to come on the IBDC awards.