Audi recently joined hands with Renovo Design, a Portland based firm famous for its wooden frame bikes, to not make cars but bicycles. Audi has decided to lend its name to the cycle industry. The domain of expertise would now be widened and newer horizons explored. As Audi’s new partner firm is known for its wooden bicycle frames, we can expect something new and innovative to reach the end user as a finished product. The wooden bikes would be made entirely of monocoque frames.
The bicycle structure would be making use of wood instead of Audi’s patented light weight metal, aluminum. Reason behind the concept is that wood absorbs shock and vibration in a better way when compared to any other substance. The weight of the bicycles would not prove to be a hindrance either as this is what Audi was reported as saying:
Audi says that the weight per cubic inch of wood is about one-fourth the weight of aluminum, meaning that the duo is lighter than most bicycle frames.
The duo’s creation would come equipped with a belt drive, aluminum and carbon fiber components, disk brakes and LED lighting; and to give it the Audi’s touch, the wood used would be the same as the one used in their car interiors. The best part of the Duo’s body is that it’s entirely recyclable and eco-friendly.
Made at Renovo’s Portland Ore. Studio, the product would be available for a price of US $7460. The bikes are primarily road bikes which aim towards the club and century rides. The compact design comes equipped with narrow tires, no fenders and a SRAM Red, compact 20-speed gear train. With so many features wrapped into one and a brand name endorsing the product, I seriously doubt that anything would be holding back the bikers from buying this eco-friendly product.
Via: Gizmag
