The Bike Design Project by Origen Manifest challenges five teams based in cycling-centric cities in the United States to redefine the utility bike. Each team is required to build a fully functional prototype and at the end of the development period, cyclists are invited to vote on the winning project.
That bike will be then be produced in a limited run through the a partnership with Fuji and will eventually be available in retail shops. Drop past the break for an overview of the entries and then vote!
CHI: Blackline
Constructed from 4130 steel, the Blackline bicycle blends classic construction with seamlessly integrated electronics.
The custom Helios handlebar conceals an integrated LED headlight and internal GPS Sensor. The sensor allows you to track the bikes location and syncs with the side blinkers, to give you turn-by-turn directions, and alert drivers to your movements. All of these systems can be charged via a USB port located on the stem cap.
The bike also incorporates tool free removable cargo supports in the front and rear. The front rack has bungee cord tie down mounts while the rear is compatible with most panniers.
An internally geared three speed hub gates drive drivetrain is virtually maintenance free and shrugs off adverse weather conditions.
NYC: Merge
Built by a team in NYC, the Merge was designed with tight quarters and space constraints in mind. Most of the features are stored inside the frame and the nimble handling make it easy to navigate the congested city streets.
A USB charging cable, lock cable, spring mounted pannier, and fenders all disappear inside the frame when not in use.
PDX: Solid
The Solid is a 3D printed titanium commuter with a smartphone app that pairs via bluetooth to guide riders via curated routes that expose them to new districts and sights.
3D printed titanium handlebars look awesome!
The bike communicates directions via haptic feedback and self regulating light sensors keep drivers aware of your movements.
A dynamo front hub charges the integrated GPS module, which also helps keep tabs on the bike in case it’s stolen.
An Shimano Alfine Di2 11 speed hub provides maintenance free performance.
SEA: Denny
The most Jetson-esque of any of the bikes featured in the design competition, the Denny features several sci-fi features like an ET worthy lighting system, auto electronic shifting, and a minimal fender design straight out of art school sketch book.
My favorite feature is the removable handlebar lock system. You can either remove part of the bar to lock the bike, or remove the handlebar entirely to lock the bike through the frame in more high risk areas.
The front rack has a cargo net system to hold items in place. Underneath the black rack is a removable battery, which powers the electronic pedaling assist, and integrated lights, and can be removed for charging.
Auto on/off lights on the the bike keep you visible, and lights integrated into the sides of the front rack act as blinkers, which can be activated via pushing forward on the brake levers.
The minimal fenders keep the freshman stripe at bay without adding the weight of a full fender set.
SF: EVO![SF_HUGEx4130_evo2-e1406408269862-1160x730](data:image/svg+xml,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 600 377"></svg>)
The EVo utility bike is a hybrid designed to perform equally well on well paved streets or light fire roads, to allow you to take advantage of all the places a bike can take you.
It also features a plug and play rack system, which allows you to easily convert it to hold grocercies, a child seat, or whatever else life demands.
Front and rear lights are integrated, as is a removable cable lock.
Now that you’ve seen the contenders, head to the Oregon Manifest website to vote for your favorite!
