The A-bike, so named, because of its 'A' like shape in use, folds in under 10 seconds and fits in a bag and weighs only 5,6 kgs.
Sir Clive explains “The principle use for the A-bike is city or town travel over relatively short journeys but also very much for mixed-mode journeys where you’re hopping on and off a bus or a train.
For example a typical commuter needs to get from home to local station and then from destination to his or her office – and all without any worries about portability, parking or security.”
“The key to its successful introduction,” adds chief designer, Alex Kalogroulis, “is an entirely fresh approach to the main challenge: how to minimise weight and optimise foldability while retaining full functionality.
At the heart of the solution are light, highly-reliable telescopic tubes coupled with telescoping brake cables."
The Frame Materials
Heat treated aluminum and high strength glass fibre reinforced engineering polymer constitute the majority of the frame.
The Twin Chain
The twin chain gearing system specifically uses small drive axles, often one of the heaviest parts of a traditional bicycle. Pedal cadence remains the same as a normal.
The Wheels
Each weighs only 350g and this includes the pneumatic tyres which give such a smooth and comfortable ride.
The Brakes
Designed specifically for the A-bike, the semi circular band brakes fit the wheel perfectly providing a lightweight and robust alternative to traditional shoe brakes.
Technical Specification
Folded size: 67cm x 30cm x 16cm
Unfolded size: 100cm x 70cm x 43cm
Weight: 5.6kg / 12.6 lbs
Dual Chain ratios: 14:8 and 35:9
Max. weight tolerance: 85kgs / 13st 5lbs
Max. braking force: complies with BS1602 Part 1:1992
Polymer Composite: 30% GF PA66
Aluminium: heat treated 6061T6
Tyre Size: 15cm/6’’ diameter x 3.2cm/1 ¼”
Tyre Valve type: Shraeder
Pneumatic tyre pressure: 90psi
Max saddle height: 90 cm
Min saddle height: 82cm
Ukrainian inventor Johan De Broyer has conceived the idea for a re-sealable aluminum soda can read more
Richard Vennix MSc
co-founder of Matbase and innovation consultant
08-12-2009 08:33
Last november was a memorable month for us at Matbase, we passed the milestone of 1000 visitors per day. So I guess we were not that far of when we thought it would be a good idea to make the material database we used as students during our stay at the Delft University of Technology accessable to other people. Apparently, people appreciate the easy way they can lookup the material properties and how we present the data.
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