Tractor Posted January 8, 2014 Posted January 8, 2014 Check this out - designed by an industrial designer called Josef Cadek and aptly named the "Locust" ... Tumbleweed 1
Tractor Posted January 8, 2014 Author Posted January 8, 2014 Uses grip shift and a belt drive, also has a geared hub based on the Shimano Nexus system, disk brake upfront and rim brake at rear. Oh yes, the colouring, apparently it's a safety feature I like it!!
I FLY Posted January 8, 2014 Posted January 8, 2014 I also looked at a folding bike called Stride from Norway. I think both bikes are more suited to a short flattish route
Grebel Posted January 8, 2014 Posted January 8, 2014 Cool idea. That drive arrangement worries me though.... belt drives (Looks like a toothed belt type setup...) use an angle of wrap to be able to effectively transfer power. The "contact patch" between the idler and the drive pulley y is very small. There must be massive loading on the one or two teeth doing the "driving". GaryvdM 1
Wyatt Earp Posted January 8, 2014 Posted January 8, 2014 Cool idea. That drive arrangement worries me though.... belt drives (Looks like a toothed belt type setup...) use an angle of wrap to be able to effectively transfer power. The "contact patch" between the idler and the drive pulley y is very small. There must be massive loading on the one or two teeth doing the "driving". These look like computer generated concept pictures, I don't think this bike will see production, maybe as a one off. Mr Winter 1
Tractor Posted January 8, 2014 Author Posted January 8, 2014 Quite an interesting interview with the designer: An Interview With Folding Bike Designer Josef CadekBy Larry Lagarde Q: Why did you design the Locust folding bike?A: I used to race bicycles (road and track) and that is why it was always my goal to design some new, unusual bike. I consider the folding bike something very useful and practical, but most of the available ones have lots of compromises. In my work, I am always searching for new ways to solve problems and issues, ways that have never been tried or ever considered. For example, the bicycle was first invented over 100 years ago. Over the years, many bicycles have been designed and many engineering and design solutions have been applied, with time and experience determining which ideas worked (with the rest relegated to museums). Under these circumstances, it seems hardly possible to create something new, fresh and innovative; however, this challenge is exactly what excites me - creating new thoughts and things for future. Q: How did you come up with the radical design of the Locust folding bicycle?A: When I design a product, form follows function. I always look for the "inner meaning" of things to determine which design allows the product to work best. As a result, the appearance of my designs is always the conclusion never the starting point. The idea behind the Locust was developed in a very analytical way: I asked myself what parts of a normal bike can never fold? Wheels, of course. So everything else must be subordinated to wheels...and from this idea it was clear to me what shape the bike will have. Also, one of my core objectives was to keep "classic conservative geometry", using the biggest wheels possible to achieve the easy handling and feel of a normal bike. Q: How did you come up with the name "Locust"?A: Locust was the first name that came across my mind when I had completed the first sketch. Somehow, the design reminds me of a locust and the name stuck. Q: What is the target market for the Locust?A: Everyone. Kids commuting to schools, students on campuses, families, car users (it could be a trunk bike) and even businessmen in cities... Q: How long have you been working to get the Locust folding bike built?A: It is over the year now. I know it is hard and it might take a while. Q: What material do you envision using for the Locust's frame?A: Molded plastic; it keeps the weight and price low. Materials like carbon fiber would move it to the category of exclusive and luxurious goods and I do not want that to happen. Q: Have you ever rode a folding bike?A: I have rode on a couple of different models but I don't own any. Q: Do you have a favorite folding bike (among those now commercially available)?A: No. I was not happy with any. I do have a racing bike and will also be the owner of the Locust folding bicycle with serial number 0000001. :-) Q: Have you received many inquiries about the Locust?A: I am constantly receiving questions from all over the world about availability, weight, colors modifications etc. People want it and there is huge business potential in it. Companies want to sell it and I have received offers for distribution in the UK, EU, Asia etc... Q: What's your goal for the Locust folding bike?A: To see it in the streets. Everything else is just details. Q: I see that you have other designs on your website. It looks like you specialize in transportation designs; is that correct?A: Sort of, I studied in Prague at CTU (Czech Technical University) faculty of transportation science. Thus, transportation design is the main sphere of my design work, but I have done other projects as well (household products and baby products for example).
Tractor Posted January 8, 2014 Author Posted January 8, 2014 These look like computer generated concept pictures, I don't think this bike will see production, maybe as a one off. Yip, you're probably right. The design dates from 2006 according to one of the articles I read.
feetup Posted January 8, 2014 Posted January 8, 2014 i would feel like a CHOP on that thing-leave it where it came from,let them suffer
Tumbleweed Posted January 8, 2014 Posted January 8, 2014 Googled it to find out more. Came across this site: http://weburbanist.com/2009/03/03/futuristic-strange-concept-bicycles-designs/ Cycling into the Future: 15 Crazy Concept Bicycles
Grebel Posted January 8, 2014 Posted January 8, 2014 These look like computer generated concept pictures, I don't think this bike will see production, maybe as a one off. That they are. I doubt that it would see the other side of the workshop after the prototype was assembled and tested.... Cool idea though.
MTBc Posted January 8, 2014 Posted January 8, 2014 FUGLY at least you have some confidence that if you left it outside on the pavement in the CBD, you would still find it there 4 days later. Tumbleweed and Ispeed_V 2
Scooter69 Posted January 8, 2014 Posted January 8, 2014 It does not appeal to me. It does look radical, but will it work properly ?. To me it appears very flimsy, and being made out of plastic I don't think it will stand up to normal use for very long. Probably will cost a bomb as well. As a design concept it is radical and the designer certainly thinks "outside the box". But I dunno.
RocknRolla Posted January 8, 2014 Posted January 8, 2014 looks like it was made by the umbrella corporation. i wont trust it for that reason....
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