You've really got to be into IKEA stuff to go for this one: the Sandwich Bike is a flat-packed, self-assemble bike with a plywood frame.
The designers reckon that it can be manufactured cheaply enough that at the price urban trendies will pay for them, two can be produced: one for the customer and one to be donated for transportation use in third world countries. A noble and clever idea: "the stylish are encouraged to do good", as they say in their propaganda pack.
Treehugger's Warren McLaren gave it the thumbs up, but I notice most of the commenters think that it won't make a very practical vehicle. But as McLaren notes in a follow up:
the real beauty of this bike is the intent. It is an idea given form. Whether this particular form ultimately becomes a real world product is largely less important than the thinking behind it. The concept alone may stimulate other designers to create different products altogether (not even a bicycle) that realise the grand goals these guys have.
Quite right, although I'm sure these guys are very keen for this innovation to make it as a commercial product (they're openly fishing for investors).
Speaking for myself, while I admire the cleverness of the design, IKEA-style doesn't really turn me on. Never say never but I don't reckon I'll be getting one if they ever get it to market.
Comments
Can't say as I've lusted for bamboo, but I've certainly admired. And on a strength-for-weight ratio, bamboo would almost certainly win over plywood surely?
I have long lusted after a Bamboo Bicycle. IMHO, a far more elegant solution than a plywood sandwich that looks like a toy.