At first glance, the Clarity bike by designaffairs studio looks like a typical fixie or singlespeed road bike.  Closer inspection though reveals a transparent frame that appears to be made of glass. Actually, the material is an advanced polymer that, according to the designers, “combines high impact resistance, lightweight properties and a gentle flexibility that usually would only be expected on an old Italian steel frame.” The polymer  is injected molded, and can be tinted for different color combinations. It has a lower density than polycarbonate or acrylic, and is exceptionally impact resistant, as well as chemical resistant and thermally stable. That is why designaffairs believes that it is the “perfect material match for creating a low cost bicycle characterized by convenience and an unmatched unique style.”

Pro Bike Roma was the place where I first saw the Clarity bike, and that website is also the source for this 36er concept by Paolo De Giusti. Based on the wheel diameter, the bike is called XXXVI DG, and according to the Pro Bike post, the “frame takes its shape from a simple desire for asymmetric aesthetics, while at the same time providing a stable cave-like covering for the wheels and preserving the bicycle’s ergonomic features.”

Speaking of large diameter wheels, you may recognize Joey Ruiter’s name for the City Simplicity bike that he designed a few years ago.  Like that earlier design, his latest concept bike is generating a lot of attention on the web. On the transport section of his website, you can see his latest bike, which was designed around a Growler from the local pub. Overall, the bike has an updated retro aesthetic that I like, and I think the form works well with the “One Horse” electric moto version based on the same frame.  While you are on the website, take a look at some of the furniture and products designs as well…overall a very interesting body of design work.

nCycle is an concept by Marin Myftiu and Skyrill.com  that aims to “revolutionize the future of e-bikes.” The feature that stands out most is the “nlock system”, which uses the handlebars as an integrated locking device. Read much more about the bike, and see quite a few renderings and development sketches, on the Behance project page.

Finally, I will mention a home-built bike project by David Lightbourne. David designed and built the wooden frame that you see above in 2011, and since then has used it “regularly for training, time trials and triathlons with some pleasing results.” It’s a great looking bike, and I am sure that it garners quite a bit of (well deserved) attention at the races.