Comments on: Should designers stay away from bicycles?

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 22:16:00 +0000

The broad strokes have not changed. Those people who have been in the bike industry more than a few years can rattle off numerous ‘city, leisure, commuter’ products that came out over the years, that of course got the press all gushy. Specilaized Globe pops to mind. Coast is fine and dandy, but it changes little to nothing. It’s just another grouppo. You sill sit on a seat, in the elements, and go forth by your own power (or not). I don’t see this getting many non riders on a bike, as this is nothing new. Bikes, for the most part are fine. What needs to really be changed, worked on… designed… is peoples (Americans)attitudes.

By: Jamie

Jamie — Thu, 29 Mar 2007 20:39:00 +0000

Yes, as a designer and a cyclist I struggle with how much design a bicycle needs. I’m definitely a “Keep it simple, stupid” designer. But just like any other product, there is a difference between excessive “styling” and actual innovative product design. I’m not a fan of the overly styled carbon frames that are coming out. From what I’ve seen the Coasting stuff looks pretty good, because it looks as though they really considered the entire system, not just a few new products mixed in with cheap old ones. Of course there is more room for design for components. IMO, some of the best product design in the bike business is done by Sram. Their products are just as beautiful in their function as they are in their appearance.

By: Thylacine

Thylacine — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 06:41:00 +0000

Well, if you only look at the rubbish produced by Biomega, to the question “Should designers stay away from bikes” the answer would be a resounding “OH GOD YES.”

However, us ‘reformed designers’ are everywhere, it’s just unfortunate that the ones obsessed with their own ego and self-promotion get all the publicity.

By: Tyler

Tyler — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 05:32:00 +0000

Yes. Designers should stay away from bicycles, because, as we all know, the last things the cycling industry needs are fresh thinking and innovation.

/sarcasm

By: danomite

danomite — Tue, 27 Mar 2007 02:27:00 +0000

No way, we need input form all sorts of different angles including designers. Make it work, make it fun to work, make it look good while you are having fun working.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 06:07:00 +0000

I’m behind coaster – I’ve got a wife and sisters in law who don’t ride, because they cannot find a bike suitable for tootling along while sitting bolt upright (they all suffer stiff necks).

When I showed them the concepts they were very excited (one is now trying to find an importer)

Personally, the concept I want is a pick-the-kids-up bike – fast, with infinitely ajustable stoker’s seat and plenty of storage for school bags, tennis rackets, hockey sticks etc etc. The only reason I take the car is because I have to shuttle the kids. And while I’m happy to play in the traffic, I’m not keen on having my 5 year old ride with me. Besides, she can’t sustain 30kph.

Stick your designer concepts into that!
eg
* disk rear wheel and shaft drive to avoid school-bag-in-the-derailleur accidents
* coasting stoker so that the wee one doesn’t need to maintain my cadence.

By: jorgensen

jorgensen — Sat, 24 Mar 2007 15:33:00 +0000

As a reformed designer, which probably started when I told my boss, “I don’t do fluff design”… I scowl at styling exercises, I would like to try the Coaster equipment before passing judgement.

From sales experience long ago, many customers are caught up in how they are projected to others when selecting a bike, stylish bikes that solve problems are good for the cause of getting those yet to ride a bike on one.