In addition to the rest of their 2011 bikes, Schwinn has unveiled the Vestige, a flax fiber bike that claims to offer the performance benefits of carbon fiber, but in a much more eco-friendly package. But that’s only half the story. The bike uses a front-hub dynamo to power lights inside the frame, which glow through the flax in the dark (photo after the break).
PRESS RELEASE: The Schwinn Vestige bike has won a 2010 Eurobike Gold Award for innovative design. The Schwinn Vestige is built from natural, biodegradable flax fibers and coated with water soluble paint, a first in the bicycle industry. It is a functional urban bike that propels the cycling industry to the forefront of eco-friendly and sustainable design and production practices.
“We are honored to receive such a prestigious and highly-anticipated Eurobike Award,” said Hillary Benjamin, Global General Manager for Schwinn. “Schwinn is committed to providing fun, innovative bikes that inspire people to get out and ride. The Schwinn Vestige combines style and function, and has a low carbon footprint that any rider would be proud of.”
The Schwinn Vestige is a commuter bike with an eco-twist. Its organic, recyclable Flax fiber provides similar performance benefits as a carbon fiber frame, but its construction process produces a much lower carbon footprint. On top of that the natural flax fiber has a high phonic insulation which gives it a superior ability to absorb and dampen vibration, even compared to carbon. Product highlights include:
- Translucent tubes allow for stunning visual appeal when illuminated by the Vestigeâ?Ts internal lighting system. The frame lighting system is powered by the front hub dynamo, eliminating the need for batteries and maximizing energy efficiency.
- Fenders and grips are made of a natural bamboo material
- Tires are made by Schwalbe and include a unique recyclable rubber insert.
- 9-speed Shimano drive train, Schwinn custom designed components.
“The Vestige highlights our invested effort to produce bikes in the most sustainable ways possible,” said Morten Kristiansen, Global Senior Product Manager for Schwinn. “It is quite remarkable and exciting that we can produce a high-quality bike with such a low impact on the environment and look forward to further improving on our efforts in the years to come.”
