The cycling industry is being transformed by modern technology like other industries. Similarly to other fields, cycling wasn’t left behind and newer and modern models are coming on the market. In this world, driven by innovation, the winners of the FIT Sport Design Awards stand as proof of the progress in the world of sport. These new developments allow the creation of new, more advanced models crafted to accommodate the different needs of each customer.
In this story, we’ll dive into three projects that won the FIT Sport Design Award in the category of Sports Equipment Design. The following designs distinguish themselves by using innovative technologies and materials to produce customizable features.
Kickr Rollr
Designed by Wahoo Fitness and Creature Product Development, Kickr Rollr is the first trainer to combine smart resistance training with the natural riding feel of rollers. Moreover, it eliminates the learning curve of riding typical rollers.
Creature Product Development and Supply + Demand
Creature Product Development and Supply + Demand
This product is innovative for a few reasons. First, smart trainers use electronically controlled resistance to engage riders through interactive training that can mimic the hills, intervals, and paces of racecourses, measure rider output, and enable riding in a virtual peloton. Kickr Rollr is the first indoor smart trainer that combines realistic resistance with the natural motion and ride feel of classic rollers. It also eliminates the learning curve of riding typical rollers. Another innovative feature of this trainer is the chance to attach and remove the bike by simply lifting it on or off the trainer without removing a wheel. There are no tools required, no axle adapters or skewers, and no contact with any of the aesthetic components of the bike.
The main frame of Kickr Rollr is steel, the rollers are anodized aluminum and the remaining components are composite-reinforced plastics with molded-in precision metal inserts for all mechanical interfaces. Wahoo Fitness focuses on creating an adjustable product that fits any man or woman’s needs. Furthermore, beyond size, it also fits any rider’s ability level, unlike other indoor cycling trainers.
Cyklær
Cyklær is a new category of sports design e-bike. It combines digital technology, innovative design, and high-end bicycle construction.
What makes Markus Storck’s design innovative is the functional benefits of the carbon frame. This comes from the special geometry of the frame that allows for increased comfort. In addition to this, the most significant feature of the Cyklær is its smart connectivity such as a digital rearview mirror or route planning with community features.
Superstrata Bike and E-bike
As the world’s first 3D-printed, all-carbon-fiber, custom-fit bike, Superstrata is a combination of green mobility and additive manufacturing. The frame of this bike could be customized up to 500,000 combinations. This means that the technology used for this project allows customization of body measurements, resulting in a bike that is unique to every owner. With this project, Arevo focused on developing a product that would be not only functional but also aesthetic and innovative. The bike realizes an eye-catching no-seat-tube frame design, without compromising strength and performance, by employing the potential of 3D printing and next-generation carbon fiber thermoplastics.
Conclusion
The cycling industry doesn’t lag behind technological advancements and it mirrors the trajectory of innovation seen across various sectors. The above-mentioned projects are not only examples of engineering and artistry but also underline the transformative power of technology in shaping the future of cycling.
