Cool idea but I think if he wanted more compliance he could have done more with the same weight. Instead they took a decent idea and made it into a gimmick.
2011-08-22 02:16:54
2011-08-22 02:30:48
As a hoop performer and instructor, I approve. But purely aesthetically. I'd have to ride it to see if it's anything more than novelty. 
2011-08-22 02:30:54
But Dwillian, does that have 10 times the vertical compliance?
Their website has about 20 times more buzzword compliance.
"The RoundTail™ design delivers a bicycle that gives every rider - from the Iron Man competitor to the weekend warrior to the commuter - a strong, fast, enjoyable ride."
That's right folks, no need for a tri-bike and a commuter, this bike can do both!
I thought NYCBS made fun of this bike in depth, but I couldn't find anything except a comparison to the Trek Y-foil of old (The bike that some guy keeps trying to sell for 5k on CL)
2011-08-22 02:53:17
No rack?!
2011-08-22 02:55:20
As an engineer, I generally hate designers. With that said, their video states that a standard triangle frame flexes .00201 inches versus the hoop frame’s .02073 inches of flex. This is somehow ten times easier on your back. Well the math works out ok I guess, but .02073” is about a half a millimeter, the equivalent of putting a band-aid on your saddle. Typical ‘lets make it look cool’ and justify it with some numbers later.
2011-08-22 03:12:41
Well, according to Marko's math above, even the shittiest suspension seat posts will have over 500 times the vertical compliance.
I rarely think a bike is ugly, but that thing definitely makes the cut.
2011-08-22 04:12:53
Do they make a tall bike option?
2011-08-22 05:30:05
It looks like he rode off with a three rivers rack still locked to his bike.
2011-08-22 09:47:19
it's ASTM approved, which is awesome because this statement means nothing.
i was ASTM approved until I stopped paying my dues.
And remember, multiplying by 10 is just a shift in precision from millimeters to centimeters. I suspect this has more to do with strain comparisions between a typical mild steel frame and their frame which has noibium stuff imbued within the bike's alloy.
2011-08-22 10:31:08
As an engineer, I generally hate designers. With that said, their video states that a standard triangle frame flexes .00201 inches versus the hoop frame’s .02073 inches of flex. This is somehow ten times easier on your back. Well the math works out ok I guess, but .02073” is about a half a millimeter, the equivalent of putting a band-aid on your saddle. Typical ‘lets make it look cool’ and justify it with some numbers later.
I am curious as to what their standard frame was.
2011-08-22 12:03:02
Marko, As a designer, I generally hate engineers
So, that said, since we have proved the engineering has no benefit, I officially declare it ugly as well too. Ha. I mean there are no lugs, for starters. And as pointed out, no rack!
Also, doesn't that frame look a bit on the small side for the rider in the bottom photo? If you are making frames like this, can't you generally size it right? Whaaaat?
2011-08-22 12:54:36
Only if each loop is made of superconducting alloy that holds highly charged protons in an infinitely recumbulent cycle.
2011-08-22 13:45:43
highly charged protons
You made the chemist groan.
I bet this thing would look really ugly with a rear fender.
2011-08-22 13:53:57
A littel more flex in the seat stays? Good!
A little more flex in the chainstays? Very Bad.
My old Bianchi Avenue had curved Cromoly seat stays. And straight chain stays. It rode nicely. And it didn't look weird (unless, of course, I was on it.)
2011-08-22 16:26:53
It could in theory handle a rack.
Similar setup to my disc bike with a rack that attaches to the skewer and two c-clamps on the chain stays
2011-08-22 23:43:22
I thought this thread was going to link me to an Aerosmith video. Darn.
2011-08-26 00:56:57
You could design front and rear fenders to make it appear that you're riding around town on the logo for the olympic games?
2011-08-26 01:21:37
see, a bike like pseudacris described would be awesome. just a round thing in back by itself is dumb... OOOO with lit up pedals, rotating fast enough, and lit up rims on the wheels, you could totally be a cycling olympic logo. that would be so cool. I bet they'd let a rider light the torch if they rode that kind of bike...
Dude, someone should tell London's opening ceremonies people, they could make up 200 of these things and do like a mass BMX style dance while carrying flags, synchronized and choreographed and everything, to music and with sparklers.
THAT would be awesome.
2011-08-26 16:38:22
2011-08-26 17:23:27