Bike – Preliminary Ideas
Me and John sat down and discussed many of the ideas about bikes that we thought were interesting, some that were less interesting and some that were pretty wacky. Here I have explained a few of them.
Improved Lights
We discussed making bike lights bigger, brighter, lighter in weight, an integral part of the bike, difficult to steal and easy to charge up. The legality of flashing lights was discussed, as was having two front and rear lights. Experiments could possibly be carried out to see what flashing pattern is most noticeable.
Integral Lock
These already exist in continental Europe as a bar that locks through the spokes, although we were thinking of a retractable cable.
Front wind shield/Exoskeleton
This could be tapered to improve aerodynamics, while providing protection from the wind and rain. This lends itself to being part of an exoskeleton. Colin Oram showed us drawings of a low, recumbent bike that was surrounded by an external “shell” and said this could be possible. The riding position could be fully or semi-recumbent which would provide more comfort and also aerodynamic benefits, although issues such as transmission and pedal location would need to be addressed. An exoskeleton would cushion the impact in a fall, and would prevent the rider from hitting the road at 20mph, causing skin damage. It could also provide protection from rain and spray. Front and back panniers could also be designed to take most of the initial impact in the event of the bike hitting the road, again protecting the rider.
Folding Handlebars/Moveable Bull Bars
These would make the bike thinner when transporting or storing it, while the moveable bull bars would enable a range of aerodynamic positions to be held. An experiment was carried out a few years ago on performance by a student who used a stationary bike on a turbo trainer, and fans to blow air at it.
Folding Pedals
Again these would help to make a bike thinner when transporting it, but they could also be a safety feature in that if a cyclist is leaning over when going round a corner and the pedal hits the ground, it could “fold up”, thereby lessening the chance of the pedal digging into the ground and causing an accident.
Motor Assisted Bike
A motor could be mounted on the bike to provide power when cycling into a strong wind or up a hill.
Alternative to Chain and Derailleur
Gears within the hub could provide benefits to the rider, alternatively a continuously variable transmission could be designed.
Solid Tyres
This would put an end to punctures, while still offering a comfortable ride, as foam technology is now very advanced.
Bike Covers
Easy-to-use bike covers would keep the bike (or more specifically, the saddle and handlebars) dry so that the rider would not get wet when getting on his or her bike.
Self-Balancing Bike
A bike that balanced itself without the need to put your foot down while stopped, for example at traffic lights, could be an excellent development, especially for a recumbent bike. Retractable stabilisers could be used for this, and they could help with pulling away as well, because balancing on a bike is most difficult at low speed.
Hydration Systems
A bottle with a drinks tube that was attached in position close to the rider’s mouth would make drinking on a bike much easier.
Folding Bike for Easy Transport or Storage
This would help to make it easier to get a bike on and off a train, for example. The handlebars and pedals could fold flat, making the bike very narrow, alternatively, the whole frame could be made to fold up.
Anti-Lock Brakes
On a wet road with wet tyres, or even on a dry day with sharp brakes, particularly with thin tyres, it is very easy to lock wheels and skid, which could be dangerous when approaching a junction. Anti-lock brakes would avoid this problem and enhance safety.
