Ykick
1 GW
Who's going to be the 1st to put a motor on it?
http://www.baekdal.com/design/inner-city-bike
http://www.baekdal.com/design/inner-city-bike
inner city bike...
- Thread starter Ykick
- Start date
USAEBIKECO
10 kW
Looking at the shape of the bike, its probably very light. If it was even possible I would put a 250 watt 36V front hub motor from amped bikes. Perhaps a 36V 10ah battery in a backpack or something for the power source.
dogman dan
1 PW
Testicle smasher. 
mwkeefer
1 MW
A unicycle for idiots with too much cash and zero balance?
-Mike
-Mike
mwkeefer
1 MW
Stig and all,
I don't mean to be harsh, just as a 6'1" rider who frequently books 15-20mi a day on a 20" folder... well I have a bit of experience on compact frames...
I look at the natural positioning of that seat and the geometry of pedal stroke and one thing becomes painfully clear, there is no sitting down while pedaling for a man on this bike {look at the rider positioning}.
In addition it seems an awful weight balance to the rear and really could perhaps be viable as a taller fullsized folder with addition of center tube hinge but as it stands... It's too tall and cramped (short wheelbase) to be a stable platform as a pedal bike let alone an electric...
Given the requirement or a customer turning up at my door with one of these things...
I would do lipo packs mounted aside the main tube (left and right 2 x 6S per side looks to be a good fit) for a 12S2P pack... then I would go front geared, probably loose the sus fork in favor of weight offset.
Even with the added frontal bias, I don't think it would be very safe to ride.
I'm only going on past experience, frame geometry, weight bias and yes being top heavy to begin...
-Mike
I don't mean to be harsh, just as a 6'1" rider who frequently books 15-20mi a day on a 20" folder... well I have a bit of experience on compact frames...
I look at the natural positioning of that seat and the geometry of pedal stroke and one thing becomes painfully clear, there is no sitting down while pedaling for a man on this bike {look at the rider positioning}.
In addition it seems an awful weight balance to the rear and really could perhaps be viable as a taller fullsized folder with addition of center tube hinge but as it stands... It's too tall and cramped (short wheelbase) to be a stable platform as a pedal bike let alone an electric...
Given the requirement or a customer turning up at my door with one of these things...
I would do lipo packs mounted aside the main tube (left and right 2 x 6S per side looks to be a good fit) for a 12S2P pack... then I would go front geared, probably loose the sus fork in favor of weight offset.
Even with the added frontal bias, I don't think it would be very safe to ride.
I'm only going on past experience, frame geometry, weight bias and yes being top heavy to begin...
-Mike
All things considered, I'd rather ride a penny-farthing than that. I'd probably be more comfortable, and it'd be easier to pedal the PF. A little harder to mount and dismount safely, though.
A little harder to mount and dismount safely, though.mwkeefer what your saying makes sense. And no longer sounds like your just trying to flame the poor little bike. I know some people might bash this bike because it wont fit them(mwkeefer) or its not their style(ehem amberwolf). But this bike could be pretty cool among some young and <normal height ppl.
Dogman the seating position, if anything, is better than on a roadie bike.
Dogman the seating position, if anything, is better than on a roadie bike.
dogman dan
1 PW
And who said they weren't also testicle crushers?
Seriously though, hop on your bike, and put your feet near the rear wheel hub and see what part of your body is getting all the pressure. If the bike is ridden with similar posture to a regular road bike, then the wheelbase is too short to ride more than 10 mph.
Bike frame geometery is pretty well figured out after 100 years of development. People who draw up wild new ideas for it are going to have to be really really smart to improve on the current format. All kinds of fancy frame shapes fine, but messing with the current wheelbases, and where the pedals are, not so fine.
It's not that it's impossible, just that it will take a really smart dude. Somebody as genius as Rutan was with aircraft design, that was also pretty set in stone for awhile.
Taking one more look at the pics of that bike, the one showing a rider shows the seat is too low for efficient pedaling, and to get the pedals under him, the rider is hanging off the back inch of the seat. Another inch further back, and he'd wheelie. Riding that bike with the body in the middle of the seat would put your legs back, instead of forward as they are on a road frame, or even more forward as they are on a "comfort" bike.
This is clearly a discomfort bike! Nice concept but unrideable.
Seriously though, hop on your bike, and put your feet near the rear wheel hub and see what part of your body is getting all the pressure. If the bike is ridden with similar posture to a regular road bike, then the wheelbase is too short to ride more than 10 mph.
Bike frame geometery is pretty well figured out after 100 years of development. People who draw up wild new ideas for it are going to have to be really really smart to improve on the current format. All kinds of fancy frame shapes fine, but messing with the current wheelbases, and where the pedals are, not so fine.
It's not that it's impossible, just that it will take a really smart dude. Somebody as genius as Rutan was with aircraft design, that was also pretty set in stone for awhile.
Taking one more look at the pics of that bike, the one showing a rider shows the seat is too low for efficient pedaling, and to get the pedals under him, the rider is hanging off the back inch of the seat. Another inch further back, and he'd wheelie. Riding that bike with the body in the middle of the seat would put your legs back, instead of forward as they are on a road frame, or even more forward as they are on a "comfort" bike.
This is clearly a discomfort bike! Nice concept but unrideable.
Evoforce
10 kW
At my stage in life comfort is everything. Bad back, bad knee, gout. Haven't posted any pictures of my build yet, (need to take time to figure how), but both my electric sled, and Harley have pulled back 10" ape hangers. Also have big schwin spring seat. In fact, a recumbent, not too far laid back for the neck, would even be best. Problem I see for recumbent, is that it isn't easily transportable in the trunk of a car. And remember, anything can look stunning and beautiful, but if it's still a B*##h it just isn't worth it. 
Ok Dog, now I have a better idea of wha you mean by testicle crushers. So all touring/road/fixie bike riders have crushed testicles. I do think this bike would be a little more comfortable than those sorts of bikes. but clearly no good for old folks. No good for efficient pedaling and no good for long range, ie riding outside the city. You'd have to stand up for hard pedaling. It may have some advantages in the city though, maybe some agility in traffic, you can touch the ground while stopped, hop on a bus or train with it, and it might be comfortable for short distances. hence the name "INNER CITY BIKE." It may appeal to some of the younger fixie crowd. Where you much of an inner city bicycler?
With my ebike I lower my seat in the winter for better stability and four point riding, and I keep it fairly low all the time so I can touch the ground when stopped. I dont get as much power from my legs but I got used to it quickly and its comfortable for my legs. All I'd like to see is some first hand experience or at least a video.
With my ebike I lower my seat in the winter for better stability and four point riding, and I keep it fairly low all the time so I can touch the ground when stopped. I dont get as much power from my legs but I got used to it quickly and its comfortable for my legs. All I'd like to see is some first hand experience or at least a video.
JennyB
1 kW
dogman said:
I remember an Italian track bike concept from the late '80s that was quite similar, but with the rear wheel further back. It had a very interesting split hammock saddle to accommodate the ... dangly bits.
If it could be made to work - say with an Obree mark 1 handlebar position and fat 20" wheels, then you would have a nice unified space in front for luggage and batteries.
etard
100 kW
Have you guys ever seen a fixie?? Massively uncomfortable positionings, but you look cool while riding it, and that's what counts. :wink: Most of us ride for all sorts of reasons, but if I were to hop on something to go a few blocks, seating position would not matter as much as unique and fun. I never got into BMX, but most young hipsters grew up on these bikes with low plastic seats. I think that is where this design aims. I like it alot. Besides, you try to design a bike that is completely unique and does not look similar to any other designs out there, I bet you can't. After 100 years of development, this design is a breath of fresh air.
If I were to put a drive on it ,I would attempt to put a two wheel drive electric roller system with conical roller between the tires that the front wheel would catch power from while being straight and still be able to steer with batteries under the seat plank. Maybe even add suspension in front of the seat.
If I were to put a drive on it ,I would attempt to put a two wheel drive electric roller system with conical roller between the tires that the front wheel would catch power from while being straight and still be able to steer with batteries under the seat plank. Maybe even add suspension in front of the seat.
dogman dan
1 PW
Of course, when I was young, I rode fixie style too in the city. I left it in the highest gear permanently, and could have just removed the seat and never missed it.
So yeah, for the colledge student with massive legs and huge energy, it might work well.
But I still think the short wheelbase will suck above 15 mph. Which is as fast as you get before the next stop light in the inner city.
So yeah, for the colledge student with massive legs and huge energy, it might work well.
But I still think the short wheelbase will suck above 15 mph. Which is as fast as you get before the next stop light in the inner city.
wheelbender6
100 W
In tight quarters, I'd stick to a standup e-scooter. You dont fall as easy or as hard.
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