04-09-2010, 03:00 PM
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#1 (permalink)
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VWCw
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Saint Paul, MN
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What if the Auto Industry Designed Bicycles?
i've been thinking about the the $2000 50mpg Tata Nano turning into an $8000 35mpg car if/when it's modified for US markets.
just a thought experiment: what if the auto industry was in charge of designing/producing bicycles? what safety/convenience options would be added to make bikes more expensive, heavier, and less efficient?
so far i've got:
-crumple zones built into the frame.
-requirements that all riders wear not only helmets, but a full suit of chain-mail armor.
-safety lights pointing in every direction.
-a huge heavy battery pack to power the safety lights.
-speed governors that apply the brakes if you pedal over 10mph.
-automatic transmissions (actually these already exist).
-cupholders! everyone loves cupholders!
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04-09-2010, 03:26 PM
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#2 (permalink)
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aero guerrilla
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You forgot about power steering, plus heated seat and side mirrors. Oh, and a vacuum pump for the power brakes. And, of course, a heavy 1kW alternator to run all of the accessories. Did anyone mention the wide, low profile tires on alloy rims (optional, but standard in the DLX trim version)?
Kinda reminds me of the Twike: at first it was supposed to be a pedal-powered vehicle with electric assist, but the batteries, motors, etc., got so heavy that it ended up being electric with pedal-assist.
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04-09-2010, 04:13 PM
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#3 (permalink)
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(:
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Auto mfgs HAVE designed bikes, or at least, put their names on them.
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04-09-2010, 06:05 PM
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#4 (permalink)
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Left Lane Ecodriver
Join Date: Aug 2008
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Two or three rows of seats on every model in the lineup.
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04-09-2010, 06:25 PM
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#5 (permalink)
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EcoModding Apprentice
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Heated bike seat has already been done-
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04-09-2010, 08:41 PM
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#6 (permalink)
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Gen II Prianista
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It would look just like a car:
And at least in Toronto, it would be illegal:
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04-09-2010, 08:57 PM
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#7 (permalink)
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ECO-Evolution
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Frank Lee
Auto mfgs HAVE designed bikes, or at least, put their names on them.
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Bmw Bicycle — Luxist
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04-09-2010, 09:03 PM
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#8 (permalink)
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Left Lane Ecodriver
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04-09-2010, 09:24 PM
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#9 (permalink)
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Banned
Join Date: Feb 2008
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Quote:
-crumple zones built into the frame.
-requirements that all riders wear not only helmets, but a full suit of chain-mail armor.
-safety lights pointing in every direction.
-a huge heavy battery pack to power the safety lights.
-speed governors that apply the brakes if you pedal over 10mph.
-automatic transmissions (actually these already exist).
-cupholders! everyone loves cupholders!
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its funny, my old subae has no cup holders.
a bicycle desinged by automakers today would be a thing called "rice"
pedals to small, crank throw too small, wheels too small, top speed 5mph for 2000 rpm of foot fed rpms.... and a ridiculous wing strapped to our backs...
and an efficent sticker claiming better than all else.
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04-10-2010, 12:11 AM
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#10 (permalink)
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Master EcoModder
Join Date: Nov 2008
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You all have it wrong, if GM made a bike it would be a hybrid. You would pedal a generator motor that would charge the (lead acid for extra weight) battery that feeds 2 electric bicycle hubs. Don't forget the cost of the bike would be around 18k.
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