Comments on: A student design for a bent-ply bike

By: Build Your Own « In The Spin

Build Your Own « In The Spin — Sat, 02 Oct 2010 13:02:46 +0000

[...] seeing this bike on a bicycle design blog I was inspired to build my own. It was made by someone named John Hobson. [...]

By: karlpinturr

karlpinturr — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 17:38:20 +0000

Why all the harsh stuff? John was only 18 when he designed/built this – give the guy a break! So what if his prototype doesn’t include a rack, chainguard (I’ve not seen one of those on a new bike for about 15 years) or mudguards? There’s certainly room for them (and, yes, improvement). Perhaps the mudguards (and chainguard?) could be a darker colour.. As for a rack, the only ‘problem’ I can see is marrying the usual need for a flat bed to the curves of the frame.

Apart from that, I just wonder how environmentally friendly plywood is, given all the (synthetic?) glue needed to laminate it? But, maybe that’s just my lack of knowledge?

Anyway, John, I hope you continue to refine and develop your ideas – and keep an eye out for stuff (like LonToe’s Instructable) that you inspire, and that it keeps you inspired in return.

By: Tweets that mention A student design for a bent-ply bike | Bicycle Design -- Topsy.com

Tue, 28 Sep 2010 21:38:22 +0000

[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by James@BicycleDesign, A Vehicle for Change. A Vehicle for Change said: Where there's a will, there's a way. http://fb.me/xtguLCyR [...]

By: Hot Monday « Bike Monkey Magazine

Hot Monday « Bike Monkey Magazine — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 22:16:11 +0000

[...] Cool Instructable: the Plywood Bicycle (project inspired by Bicycle Design. [...]

By: Hot Monday » Cyclelicious – Interbike 2010

Hot Monday » Cyclelicious – Interbike 2010 — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 18:03:07 +0000

[...] Cool Instructable: the Plywood Bicycle (project inspired by Bicycle Design. [...]

By: rascodesign

rascodesign — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 06:29:54 +0000

you can see another bike on my blog http://rascodesign.blogspot.com/

By: Major Taylor

Major Taylor — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 19:46:51 +0000

Interesting…sure wish they would've been alot more creative with the 2*4 seat tubing

By: bmike

bmike — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 03:00:36 +0000

as an entrant to the 'commuter bike' competition i'm glad this didn't go anywhere...

as a woodworking / bike project it is an interesting concept.

as i've said on this and other blogs before - to make it a practical 'commuter' i think you need to spend some time commuting... in all weather, at all times of day and night. and remember that it doesn't have to be just for getting to work - how about a run to the grocer, a stop at the cinema, farmer's market, to hang with friend? why not a longer ride to a picnic or trail for a hike?

a neat concept for the frame doesn't solve racks / fenders / gear / lights / rider comfort. and the suspension is overkill for most normal streets and paths, and even most dirt roads.

bent ply is a cool and very adaptable material. integrate that with intended function - and you will have a better product.

By: Sean

Sean — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 20:21:39 +0000

Good work, John, keep going with this and resubmit to the blog when you have worked out the details. As a designer with Renovo Hardwood Bikes, I've noticed that your bike has a similar profile to our new road frame, the R4. I like it. As for the weight, our frames are a hollow monocoque, I wonder if you could make hollow bent-ply pieces to lighten up the frame while maintaining the rigidity.

If you would like to check out the new R4, go to renovobikes.com

By: John Hobson

John Hobson — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 21:37:19 +0000

Hi, firstly thanks for all the comments and constructive criticism

Secondly to answering a few questions:
Random Ray - "What do you find to be an acceptable material for bicycles?" I think an acceptable material for a bicycle frame is anything that is strong enough and durable enough to withstand the stresses and strains produced from cycling, the choice of material depends on what properties you want in what balance i.e. steel tends to be softer and produce a more comfortable frame, carbon fibre provides increased rigidity and lightness.

Astroluc - "Is this a working prototype or just a mock-up?" the frame is a working prototype, in fact I rode it on my school commute a couple of times, however it is very much a prototype as there are a few issues such as gear alignment so there are only 3 working gears, woops!!

"How did you integrate the stem/stearing tube/headset to the wood?" The steerer tube and BB are currently epoxied in place, again a prototype solution, the idea would be to weld a small plate onto the side to provide a larger surface area and possible an area to bolt the part into the frame.

"What type of finish be (or would) you use for the wood to fight off the inevitible weather?" The frame has been given a few coats on oil to initialy seel it, coats of varnish or laquer would provide additional protection against weathering.

Bazza - the head angle is indeed very slack, I hold my hands up, I made a mistake setting up the drill and got it at the wrong angle but it still works!

Think thats about it for now, im happy to try and answer any questions you have to ask so feel free to do so!!

Thanks John