Sunday, June 28, 2009

First User Test Succesful!

During the photoshoot for The Rebicycle also the first user test was performed. I knew that the cranks, fork and steering pin weren't stiff enough yet, but I was curious whether it was possible at all to drive the prototype. After a shoot in the field we went to a cycling path and I started to drive by the photographer. Surprisingly it went quite well and even quite comfortably. Though one flaw in the design was revealed, being vibrations caused by the non tension loading of the spokes in the wheels during production. This allows the wood rim in the space between two spokes to flex too much, resulting in a sligthly bumpy ride. This has to be redesigned as well, but overall it was a great sensation to be able to ride my wooden bike prototype!

Saturday, June 27, 2009

TU Delta published an article on the Rebicycle

TU Delta, the university journal, has published an article on the Rebicycle project. You can read the article and react to it on:
http://delta.tudelft.nl/nl/archief/artikel/houten-fiets-vervuilt-niets/19616
The article explains in short what the Rebicycle project is about (in Dutch). I hope it comes across that we need to push the limits in sustainable product development.

Revealing the Rebicycle to Minister Cramer

On the 9th of June, I got the chance to present the Rebicycle Project at the Greenovator Tour with Minister Cramer. Business professionals, young entrepreneurs and students (amongst which was yours truly) discuss and present their ideas for the future of sustainable development, entrepreneurship and green innovation ("Greenovation") to Minister for the Environment Jacqueline Cramer and an audience of approx. 150 interested people. The evening and further Greenovator Tour developments can be seen on http://www.youtube.com/user/greenovators.
A general introduction is published on the website of the Ministry for the Environment: