Really Serious Toys
Which Mountain Bike?
If there was a type of mountain bike that just begs to be miniaturized, it would have to be the downhill bike! It's hands down the speed and technology darling of the sport, so it's the obvious choice for replication. However, other design challenges became apparent... this time, in the area of aesthetic balance.
In the real world, BURLY and CUTE don't mix. So, we had to devise a formula that would somehow make them equate to... COOL!
Cycling enthusiasts are highly familiar with their machinery, so without a certain amount of faithful replication of ardent downhill racing technology, a mini downhill mountain bike would simply be perceived as a small children's bike with no novelty factor whatsoever. Therefore a correctly designed pocket downhill bike should have the fundamental attributes of front and rear suspension, disc brakes and more importantly a frame geometry that can be pedalled efficiently. Admittedly as a result, the ideal miniturized bicycle would not be as small as its engine-driven cousins, but there has to be a deliberate compromise so that an acceptable level of control through correct body posture can be attained.
The main frame of what we would call a Pocket DH bike was consequently built utilizing industry-standard 3D engineering CAD software, employing manufacturing processes and design expertise necessary in producing the "real deal" in a small package.
Keeping it Real
Of course, none of this means diddly-squat if these mini downhill bikes would cost the same as their full-scale counterparts. Yes, technology is essential, but design constraints had to be clearly defined at the on-set so that the product would not be priced beyond its intended market... the recreational market! In most cases the POCKET DH bike will be distributed in an entry-level spec (12 inch wheel size) with the lowest allowable component spec so that it can be priced suitably for older children.
Upgrade Path
The POCKET DH was also designed to be compatible with modern bicycle components so that upgrade options would be virtually unlimited, although the maximum wheel size has been restricted to 16 inch. Upgrade kits are likely to be released later on, however enthusiasts with basic bicycle mechanical skills (and a garage full of surplus bike parts) should be able to customize the base-model into a high-spec beastie!
Market Testing
Ideally, a well designed mini mountain bike should be rideable by anyone who cares to do so. Product testing was conducted right across the board - kids, teens, grown-ups, with various skill levels. Variable set-ups were explored to make sure that the frame design would suit both short and tall riders ranging from 4ft-3in (130cm) 7 year old novices all the way to 6ft-4in (193cm) experienced adult riders. The testing process was as much fun as it was interesting!
Please note, the short clip (Windows Media Video 1.2MB) is B&W in origin with no sound
If there was a type of mountain bike that just begs to be miniaturized, it would have to be the downhill bike! It's hands down the speed and technology darling of the sport, so it's the obvious choice for replication. However, other design challenges became apparent... this time, in the area of aesthetic balance.
In the real world, BURLY and CUTE don't mix. So, we had to devise a formula that would somehow make them equate to... COOL!
Of course, none of this means diddly-squat if these mini downhill bikes would cost the same as their full-scale counterparts. Yes, technology is essential, but design constraints had to be clearly defined at the on-set so that the product would not be priced beyond its intended market... the recreational market! In most cases the POCKET DH bike will be distributed in an entry-level spec (12 inch wheel size) with the lowest allowable component spec so that it can be priced suitably for older children.
Upgrade Path
The POCKET DH was also designed to be compatible with modern bicycle components so that upgrade options would be virtually unlimited, although the maximum wheel size has been restricted to 16 inch. Upgrade kits are likely to be released later on, however enthusiasts with basic bicycle mechanical skills (and a garage full of surplus bike parts) should be able to customize the base-model into a high-spec beastie!
Market Testing
Ideally, a well designed mini mountain bike should be rideable by anyone who cares to do so. Product testing was conducted right across the board - kids, teens, grown-ups, with various skill levels. Variable set-ups were explored to make sure that the frame design would suit both short and tall riders ranging from 4ft-3in (130cm) 7 year old novices all the way to 6ft-4in (193cm) experienced adult riders. The testing process was as much fun as it was interesting!
Please note, the short clip (Windows Media Video 1.2MB) is B&W in origin with no sound
| Market Testing Ideally, a well designed mini mountain bike should be rideable by anyone who cares to do so. Product testing was conducted right across the board - kids, teens, grown-ups, with various skill levels. Variable set-ups were explored to make sure that the frame design would suit both short and tall riders ranging from 4ft-3in (130cm) 7 year old novices all the way to 6ft-4in (193cm) experienced adult riders. The testing process was as much fun as it was interesting! Please note, the short clip (Windows Media Video 1.2MB) is B&W in origin with no sound |
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