BIKEPGH MESSAGE BOARD ARCHIVE

I saw this last week and got a good laugh from it.

Its just a prototype from a student, so you won't find any more information than what you posted.

I'm guessing the "ratchet system" referenced in the story functions like the shock cords in my tent poles, pulling everything tight and giving the frame rigidity.

Cool. Would also probably make it easy to fold up and put in a car for transport.

I would worry about someone either mischievously or with intent to steal, cutting said cord. I'm sure the sections of tube will be/are designed with theft/mischief prevention in mind.

Each section should be painted with vertebrae on them

This is the sort of product that is a 'narrow design', being that it looks neat, has one cool feature, but lacks any level of engineering or practicality. I build prototypes for people with the same mentality every day, and it makes me sad.