The ALPHA Bike

[steveo]

A cool project from the folks at UPENN:

http://www.thealphabike.com/ALPHA/ALPHA_files/BikeClean.png

We set out to create a bicycle that would push the boundaries of integrated systems. The result is Alpha, the first bicycle with a fully internal drivetrain including an electronically-controlled clutch allowing the rider to switch between fixed-gear and freewheeling configurations. All of the bike’s components, including a belt drive, brakes, and an onboard electronics suite, are housed inside the custom-machined frame. Besides protecting these fragile components from degrading environmental exposure, this integration also gives the bike a streamlined, striking appearance.

http://www.thealphabike.com/ALPHA/ALPHA.html

http://vimeo.com/22966263

[thegunner]

:hello: yeahhhhh penn *proud soon to be alum*

[dnades]

pretty slick.

[pitcrew]

Yeah, but are those tubies or clinchers.......

[bicycletricycle]

that bike is s pretty ridiculous.

[Kirk Pacenti]

For better or worse, this is exactly what I envisioned the bike of the near future to be way back in 1998. It's taken longer than I would have thought, but they are getting there.

I don't think it looks too bad, and the aesthetics will certainly get better in just a couple years. Of course the "lugs" would have to be injection molded... possibly even with the tubes held in place...

Cheers,
KP

[Fixed]

I don't think it looks too bad, and the aesthetics will certainly get better in just a couple years.

Cheers,
KP
+1

cheers

[Gummee]

For better or worse, this is exactly what I envisioned the bike of the near future to be way back in *1898.* It's taken longer than I would have thought, but they are getting there.

I don't think it looks too bad, and the aesthetics will certainly get better in just a couple years. Of course the "lugs" would have to be injection molded... possibly even with the tubes held in place...

Cheers,
KPfixt

Enclosed drivetrains are nothing new. Maybe the clutch thing is. :dunno

M

[martinrjensen]

That is the ugliest bike I have ever seen. It could not have been designed by humans

[GuyGadois]

Squint your eyes a bit and it looks like Calfee's bamboo bike.

Funny, I was just looking at my car mechanic's latest project which is restoring a turn of the century bike with an internal drive shaft instead of a chain. Think BMW motorcycle. It was a very cool idea. This 110 year old bike also had a shock integrated into the rear triangle which works great. The above bike is just a new take on that century old idea.

Gadois

[rustychisel]

I think they've done a wonderful job. On first blush that looks ok, aesthetically my major issue is with the handlebar unit, which looks cheesy. Not a dealbreaker.

I'd love to ride it.