design of bicycles

bike design

Bicycles have been a staple of transportation for over a century, offering a sustainable and efficient mode of travel. The product design of bicycles is a meticulous process that blends art, science, and technology to meet the evolving needs of riders.

Commuters, leisure riders, athletes, and children all use bikes. Each group has specific needs and preferences. Commuters might prioritize durability and storage options, while athletes look for lightweight frames and performance-enhancing features.

Our designers focus on creating bicycles that accommodate various body types and riding styles. Adjustable seats, handlebar positions, and frame sizes ensure a personalized fit, reducing strain and enhancing the riding experience.

crazy about bikes

We are a bit crazy about bikes. Some in our team do a 1000 km ride in 8 days for fun. Others love riding their mountain bikes or gravel bikes.

It does not matter, cargo bikes, e-bikes, city bikes or any other bike: we are excited a lot when we design new bicycles, build them and test ride them.

Today we do not only design bicycles and e-bikes, but also components like hydraulic brakes, shifters and belt tensioners. And it does not stop with only concept development.

In our workshop we build prototypes, but also small scale production of high-end carbon full suspension mountain bikes. Overall we build about 50 bikes a year, so you might say we know one or two things about bikes.

strategy

We start off with research into the use of the bike, observations of riders, operating conditions, technological limits, innovation opportunities, company identity and many other factors that are important for a successful design project.

We also develop detailed idea’s about geometry, kinematics, drivetrain, components and sizing strategy.

The research leads to a strategy document with a clear innovation focus, potential risks and visual identity of the new product and serves as a strategic guide throughout the total project.

kinematics and geometry

During the design and development of bicycles we use simulation software to develop solutions for bike suspension, kinematics and geometry.

We do not only simulate, but also riding many bikes, testing with mules and making small iterations helps us to design a geometry and kinematics that fits the bike we are developing.

concept development

Through rapid cycles of sketching our senior designers investigate many potential rough bike design idea’s and test this with early mockups.

We identify and choose the best bike design direction from all the possible ideas and make choices based on testing, experience and strategy.

During the concept design phase, we have a ‘look-in-the-kitchen’ session with your team. We present directions in sketch-form, functional and technical solutions, manufacturability solutions and mockups.

Together with your team we discuss focus, risk, level of ambition and push the design direction further into a concept that we will develop further.

engineering

The first important milestone during the design of new bicycles is to bring the concept bike to a first fully functional prototype. This first prototype we call the P1.

To do so, we use powerful 3D CAD software to develop the bike. We design all frame parts, pivots, bearings, rockers and integrate standard components. In parallel we select materials, production methods, treatments, possible coatings and colors.

To achieve maximum performance at minimum weight we use 3D CAD simulations and tests with prototypes.

In addition to a set of 3D CAD files, a bill of materials and a first brief 2D package of drawings are made during the transition to production of the first P1 prototype.

prototyping

Both during the concept and engineering phases we build prototypes. Early prototypes are mostly more like mockups and are often 3D printed. We use them mainly for testing shapes, ergonomics and engineering solutions.

At the end of the engineering stage we build the first P1 full functional prototype. These prototypes are high quality, often CNC milled, coated, with graphics and fully functional.

The P1 prototype will be tested, both on functional, ergonomic and performance aspects. We document all the learnings and develop improvements in stability, cost, weight and performance. Mostly this leads to an updated prototype P2.

After one or sometimes more cycles of improvements the product is ready for manufacturing on a larger scale.

Instinctiv Kodiak

The Kodiak is a line of high-end carbon mountain bikes. The bikes are masters of rough terrain with their athletic design and extremely plush suspension.

The Kodiak bikes are equipped with high-end German made Pinion gearbox drivetrains.

They come in four different models, from the Kodiak 130 for fast trail riding with 130mm rear suspension up to the Kodiak 150 with coil, ready for enduro races.

All models share their enduro genes, long and slack athletic design and the patented PUMA multilink suspension.

forcome e-bike

This new crossover ebike for the US market is using elegant, yet aggressive forms in the frame to communicate the sporty and adventurous character.

The bike is targeted at people above 50 years of age that like to use the bike as a leisure bike, going out into nature and taking a gravel path now and then.

Big tires and a slightly sporty geometry give the bike some offroad genes, while the rear hub motor and nicely integrated battery give the bike the looks of a bio-bike.

mtb brakes

Development of a set of high-end mountain bike hydraulic brakes. The set includes both a completely new developed lever and 4-piston caliper.

We helped PINND both with concept design, full development, prototyping and testing on our mountain bikes.

e-mtb

Development of a high-end electric mountain bike, with top notch components and newly designed rear suspension system.

Market introduction will be most likely in 2024 after which we can share more images and information.

We are product designers. Our team is based in Amsterdam and specialized in bicycles, e-bikes, mobility, sports and medical products.

Our products were tested, manufactured, won races, won awards and are used worldwide.

We can support your team from an early idea, through research, strategy, ergonomics, kinematics, component testing, concept design, full detailed engineering, prototyping till production.

We invest in our people and will not hire specific people for a project. Because we want to keep valuable knowledge inside of our own team.

Apart from that we fully finance ourselves. We are not part of a group, we have no bank loans and no investors. All with one reason: to be a stable, independent industrial design partner for you.

This makes that both start-ups as well as multinationals love to work with us.

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