Kristen Baumlier

The Constructor’s Design Challenge, held in Portland, OR is a one-of-a-kind design/build competition, in which some of the country’s best custom bike craftsman and design teams work together to create the ultimate modern utility bike.  The mission of the contest is to inspire and foster design innovation around a bike that recognizes the needs of modern living, to celebrate and champion the resurgence of American bike craft, and to show riders and enthusiasts that a well-crafted bike can be a tool integrating seamlessly into everyday life

The bikes are constructed by various teams and then are put through the “Oregon Manifest Field Test,” a road test that assesses the real function of each bike in real world environments including hills, byways and off-road sections. The Field Test requires riders to keep a fast pace that will stress their bikes to the limit, and demands a well-crafted, expertly assembled entry in order to complete the route in good time.

I attended a presentation in May by Ziba Design as part of the Cleveland Institute of Art Spring Design Dhow, and learned about the collaboration between Ziba and Signal cycles for the challenge. Ziba is a dynamic organization that works on projects that range from tactical product design to in-depth strategy. Signal Cycles, who is the team of Matt Cardinal and Nate Meschke who make bikes that are drawn, cut, brazed and finished in their North Portland, Oregon workshop.  What happens when you put these two groups together?  A bike  with a sidecar, custom bags, and a lock that all fit well on a great looking well-crafted bike that would be great to use when doing errands around town.

The project took 6 months to do, and the final bike was called The Fremont.  In the design, the focus was on how to get a regular person around town and take care of everyday tasks without a car.

The team made the frame of the bike a step-through frame, which is helpful when carrying cargo and wearing normal clothes.  The unique belt drive design on the bike is a great choice, since chain grease and drive side maintenance can be annoyances to the everyday rider. The overall design is very classic and understated and will appeal to riders who do not want their bike to stand out.  The cargo bags fold flat when they are not in use, are easy to install, and can be locked to the frame.  Another great feature on the bike is that the lights are powered by a generator hub, so the lights do not need batteries or recharging.

I recently traded in my road bike for a more practical commuter, upright bike.  My cargo baskets are not as cool as on the Fremont – but I am excited to have a bike that is more practical for everyday errands, and also is better for my shoulders that I injuired the last couple of years.

If you want to see other great inspirational commuter/ everyday bikes from the contest, check out the  Constructor’s Design Challenge website, or Ziba’s article about working with Signal Cycles on their site.

Image Source:
www.ziba.com – article about the-fremont

Links:
www.ziba.com – article about the-fremont

oregonmanifest.com/

signalcycles.com

www.ziba.com