Eco Factor: Bicycle design for zero-emission commuting.
Bikes are fast catching the inventions in technology and we often see bikes that do much more than just making people go from one place to another. And today we have a stunning example of how technology can change the overall design and features of innocent looking bicycles. BERU f1systems has developed the Factor 001, which is being touted to be the world’s most advanced bike.
Costing over £20,000, the bike is made from materials usually used to develop Formula One cars. Weighing less than 7kg, the carbon fiber bike is designed with powerful modeling and analysis software used to build Formula One race cars. The features that make the bike the most advanced bike in the world are on-board systems including systems to monitor ergonometric, biometric, physical force and environmental data. The information is then relayed to an on-board computer for the rider to analyze his performance.
All the necessary wiring and the batteries are well concealed in the carbon-fiber frame, making the bike look like any ordinary bicycle on the outside. To keep the rider and the bike safe, the design team has incorporated ceramic brakes to provide exact braking performance at any temperature.
The Dark Side:
A bike costing £20,000, no matter how feature-laden it might be, will be affordable by very few people, mostly those with millions of dollars lying under their carpets.
Via: Gizmodo/Gizmag/Factor 001
