Have we discussed this new round tail bike design? should we?

[eddief]

http://roundtail.us/

Where is Dave Kirk when you really need him?

and maybe a hot oem deal for Campy.

[slowandsteady]

I find that to be EXTREMELY fugly

[AngryScientist]

i didnt read the propoganda, is there any advantage at all for this design? i suspect not really. i also think its ugly, but interesting.

[mgd]

godawful.

[eddief]

Laboratory testing and Finite Element Analysis proved that the RoundTail™ provides more than 10 times the vertical compliance of a standard double-diamond frame, and the ring design absorbs 60 times more road vibrations. This breakthrough reduces stress and fatigue to the rider's body, which means you can spend more time in the saddle - comfortably.

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.

Yes, it's beautiful, but it's also functional. You can stare at your RoundTail™ - just don't forget to ride it. You'll turn more than a few heads when you do.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X1mPd97x6r4&feature=player_embedded

[Kevan]

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Xq7E_pMxnCI/SlkZsPUXeGI/AAAAAAAAEhw/zkvddPc2dy4/s800/bike-rack-and-shadow.jpg

[Peter B]

http://roundtail.us/

<snip>
...should we...


No.

[eddief]

i hear ya.

No.

[David Kirk]

http://roundtail.us/

Where is Dave Kirk when you really need him?

and maybe a hot oem deal for Campy.

I'm right here - what am I supposed to do about this? :)

It's an interesting idea but I think they may have taken the circle theme a step or two too far.

Dave

[eddief]

just wanted to make sure you were staying ahead of the curve :)

I'm right here - what am I supposed to do about this? :)

It's an interesting idea but I think they may have taken the circle theme a step or two too far.

Dave

[William]

I dunnO, I find it kind of interesting. But then, I am kind of different. :)



William

[rwsaunders]

Inspired by a safety pin?

[Fivethumbs]

Someone told this guy that "design trumps materials." And he believed it!

[spamjoshua]

The shortest distance by which to connect the dots.

[rustychisel]

Jan Ulrich's new bike!!


Pi, geddit? Ugh, nevermind

[Kontact]

I've seen this before, and got the distinct impression it was all about the visuals - which no one seems to dig that I've run into.

The shortest distance between two points is a straight line, so this thing is going to be heavy.

And the symetry of a circle seems just as likely to discourage flex than a triangle whose tubes vary in stiffness. The circular tubes are essentially curved the wrong way - it is easy to flex a bow, but not to compress an arch.


RPS's frame design makes more functional sense for rear end dampening, for instance.

[kenmetzger]

But how else will I be able to say something along the lines of: "I was out with these cat 2 racers, and I was riding circles all around these guys."

Not sure if that is worth the money, though.

[djg21]

a solution in search of a problem?

[Seramount]

the design induces a small gagging reflex...

[johnnymossville]

If you could light that ring on fire and have little poodles jump through it while riding,... now that would be entertaining.

[spacemen3]

Looks like good fun to me. :)

[DreaminJohn]

If you could light that ring on fire and have little poodles jump through it while riding,... now that would be entertaining.


Now THAT opens up a world of possibilities. Hilarious. :p

[Chance]

RPS's frame design makes more functional sense for rear end dampening, for instance.
Assuming you mean damping neither frame appears designed to promote much if any damping.

[konstantkarma]

Now someone will have to sell curved water bottles...if you want to carry 2!

[weiwentg]

Interesting, though, that Paul Taylor built the steel versions of his bikes. I don't know Taylor but I assume he wouldn't do this if it were completely worthless.

http://roundtail.ca/pdfs/articles/radical-looking_roundtail_bike_claims_radically_smoother_r ide-gizmag_2011-04-13.pdf

[eddief]

chain stay protection.

[eddief]

naked matte finish carbon with a nice steel to carbon connection right under the saddle and at the bb.

[keevon]

I don't know Taylor but I assume he wouldn't do this if it were completely worthless.
A framebuilder's gotta eat too...

[slowandsteady]

If you could light that ring on fire and have little poodles jump through it while riding,... now that would be entertaining.


BING BING BING, we have a winner.

Post of the day!!!

[false_Aest]

i think the idea is superbe.

but it should be CF.


edit: that rear circle should be laminated bamboo

[William]

edit: that rear circle should be laminated bamboo


....with stainless couplers so you can work your sticky hands at rest areas. :banana:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fUXBhRD-3XE


It could work...... right? ;)




William

[JMerring]

i took a look at the 'benefits' section of their website; they almost had me at 'vertically compliant, laterally stiff '. i decided to reserve judgment 'till i see the lugged version, tho. i'll accept nothing less than square lugs, in case they're interested.

[eddief]

think flywheel effect:

http://www.autopure.com/spinner2.htm

[jmoore]

I concur with the fugly comments.