New York Times Magazine: 32 Innovations That Will Change Your Tomorrow

New York Times Magazine just released their Innovation issue.  One of the innovations is the future of the commuter bike.  I was lucky enough to be asked to talk about what an ideal commuter and urban bike might look like.

I have many pages of content on commuter bike design that I hope to post at some point.  I’ve been fortunate to work with a number of companies on commuter and urban designs.  Some day I’ll compile a list.  One of my all-time favorites is Public Bikes – Rob Forbes rocks.

Here’s an excerpt from the magazine – this is what they posted online.  From looking at this online summary I was flattered that they highlighted three of the bike elements I discussed with the writer – Alex French; all the other innovations are single points.

BUILDING A BETTER BIKE

By Alex French

Rob Vandermark of Seven Cycles imagines his dream commuter bike.

7. Anti-theft handlebars:  Here’s an old idea whose time has come again. The bearing system that allows the bike to turn can be locked so that a thief can’t steer his stolen bike. The lock is internal, meaning that he’d have to destroy the bike to ride it away.

Years away: 4+

8. No more greasy chains:  An updated shaft drive — which replaces the chain with a rod and internal gear system — would be perfect for urban riders. They’re popular in China right now, but new versions will be lighter and have more sophisticated gearing.

Years away: 4+

9. One-piece plastic and carbon-fiber frames:  Plastic frames were tried back in the ’90s, but they were too heavy. The materials and technology have improved. Thermoplastics are cheap and practically impervious to the elements.

Years away: 4+

I’m thankful to Alex for searching me out, asking my thoughts about cycling, and including som many of my ideas.  I can’t wait to see the entire article in their magazine.