By Andrew Liszewski
We all know that riding a bike is an all-around better solution to driving a car when it comes to emissions (not to mention physical fitness) but the Innervision 1 takes things one step further. Created by industrial designer Matt Clark, the IV-1 bike’s frame is made entirely of recycled plastic, but thanks to a specially designed “spaceframe-like” inner structure of triangles and molded beams, it’s as strong and rigid as a regular aluminum bike frame.
The bicycle is aimed at improving and solving multiple issues involved in production. It is also designed to utilize automated processes and more cost efficient materials (plastics).
The bicycle consists entirely of reinforced and unreinforced recyclable polypropylene. The patent-pending bicycle features a two component frame: the plastic INNERFRAME and the plastic outer structure, both dual components.Ideally, the material would be sourced from recycled plastic sources (IE: old bottles etc) to reduce environmental impact and costs.
The INNERFRAME, which gives the bicycle it’s rigidity, is most easily described as a spaceframe-like structure that features triangulation and molded “beams” to increase it’s strength. Additionally, this prototype, utilizes reinforced polypropylene for the inner chainstays. One main objective was to make the frame fully recyclable and it, absolutely, is.
And while I’m sure that those who specifically ride a bike for environmental reasons will like the idea behind the Innervision 1, hopefully the fact that it’s made from recycled materials will give it a price tag that will appeal to all bike riders.
[ Bike Commuters – Exclusive! Matt Clark Design Plastic Bike IV-1 Prototype ] VIA [ Wired Gadget Lab ]
Steel and aluminum used for current bicycles are already infinitely recyclable. In fact, a large percentage of the steel and aluminum used for bike frames and components has already been through the recycling process. Additionally, the lifespan of a steel or aluminum bicycle frame will be orders of magnitude longer than ANY plastic bike, especially recycled polypropylene. Please, leave the engineering to engineers.
“Please, leave the engineering to engineers.”
We did, and look how the planet turned out. I think it’s time we started listening to other ideas as well.
So, gas is now more expensive than it has ever been. The timing seems perfect for a Bicycle to Work! group on the LinkedIn business networking site. Oh! There already is one! Members pledge that they will try to ride their bicycle to work or on an errand at least once a week. Put more money in your pocket and not in your gas tank.
Gas prices are never going down folks. Never. Get used to it.
Human powered and public transportation will become vastly more important in the next 50 years. Not because its the right thing to do. Which it is. Not because it will help global warming. Which it will. Not because it will help you get and stay in shape. Which it will. Not because it will cut back on our dependence on foreign oil. Which it can. Not because of the decreased demand on bio-fuels. Which will help keep more people from starving as more arable land is converted from food crops to bio-fuel crops. (Don’t get me started on the bio-fuels scam).
Bikes are going to become more important in the next 50 years for one main reason – ITS WAY TOO EXPENSIVE TO DRIVE EVERYWHERE ALL THE TIME. So get out there and start riding everywhere all the time. Spread the word. Make it a movement! Bicycle to work one day a week and start saving some dough..
Just go to my profile at http://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffreylstevenson and you can click on the group to be included. While you are there, don’t forget to ask to link to my network of more than 11,000,000 like-minded professionals. I accept all invitations and look forward to meeting you.
Jeff
Please, leave the engineering to engineers. – We did, and look how the planet turned out. I think it’s time we started listening to other ideas as well.
WOW! Never expected that response.
I’ve got no problem with biking. I’m a cyclist myself. I’m also a mechanical engineer. Sorry – a plastic bike is a waste of plastic. It will never outlast a steel or aluminum bike. It looks nice, I guess, but it is not more efficient. Is it lighter than an aluminum frame? Cheaper? Stronger? No. So what is the point? Will a “cool” looking bike get more people to ride? Doubtful.
You’ve executed an interesting industrial design, but every single bicycle already in existence, except for some with molded thermoset plastic frame tubes, is ALREADY RECYCLABLE!
Good luck with it, though.
that is really cool. could be a lot of fun to ride.
Interesting…hope it does go into production and comes to spore
when you are done riding you can recycle the bike.
“Gas prices are never going down folks. Never. Get used to it.” — You still stand behind this comment? Last I checked down the block, gas was $1.80. Two months ago it was $4.
“Gas prices are never going down folks. Never. Get used to it.” — You still stand behind this comment? Last I checked down the block, gas was $1.80. Two months ago it was $4.
this actually a very nice concept environmentally friendly