FLIZ – reinvention of a bicycle


Warning: Undefined variable $standard_size in /home/c/cl39045/public_html/wp-content/themes/simplemag/formats/format-standard.php on line 25
FLIZ – reinvention of a bicycle

FLIZ – reinvention of a bicycle

In 1817, a German inventor Karl Drais designed the Laufmaschine or Running Machine, a vehicle that was propelled by pushing along the ground with the rider’s feet. This invention then served as a basis for creating different modifications of the first bicycles.

Two young German designers Tom Hambrock and Juri Spetter undertook to revive principles of the Laufmaschine and, so to say, reinvent a bicycle. This resulted in unusual concept vehicle that was titled FLIZ, a cross between a bicycle and a scooter. The project was submitted on an international student competition James Dyson Award.

FLIZ – reinvention of a bicycle

The designers analysed drawbacks of the old construction and considerably redesigned it. The distinguishing feature of FLIZ is the innovative frame; its shape and fastening method significantly improved riding comfort, providing freedom for the running legs. The frame integrates the rider with the help of five-point belt system and works like a suspension. The belt system replaces the saddle and adjusts rider’s position. Such construction reduces pressure in the crotch and distributes the body weight while running. When the riders are not running they could place their feet to relax on special treads on the bottom of the rear stays.

FLIZ now is a concept and, in our opinion, the present modification has some negative aspects – because of the frame’s construction it could be quite unsafe for a rider’s neck and head. However, the authors intend to make a mass-production prototype, and we think that this problem might be solved in this case.
 

FLIZ – reinvention of a bicycle

FLIZ – reinvention of a bicycle

FLIZ – reinvention of a bicycle

FLIZ – reinvention of a bicycle

FLIZ – reinvention of a bicycle

Tags from the story
, ,
One reply on “FLIZ – reinvention of a bicycle”
  1. says: Manu

    Interesante prototipo, pero a nivel ergon?mico no aporta nada bueno
    Principalmente tiene una pega muy grande que desencadena otros: El apoyo del cuerpo, todo el peso del cuerpo se soporta en el arnes del abdomen-torax. Esto provoca primero una dificultad grande al realizar las inspiraciones, y como se podr? imaginar no es nada bueno. En segundo lugar la posici?n de la cadera rotada hacia delante da como resultado que para poder “caminar” haya que estar constantemente haciendo flexiones de cadera y haciendo trabajar al psoas il?aco, que es un musculo postural que ya tiene suficiente fuerza como para trabajarlo, y si lo hipertrofiamos generaremos una retroversi?n pelvica y una hiperlordosis. En tercer lugar, estoy casi seguro que por la posici?n del apoyo de brazos en una excesiva extensi?n, los musculos de mu?eca, codo y hombro acabar?n extenuados en un paseo largo.

    Adem?s de que el principal beneficio de las bicicletas (salvo en las fixed) es que en cuesta abajo puedes desplazarte sin fatiga, y aqu? para hacer eso, flexiona cadera y rodillas y aguanta un rato a ver como acabas, adem?s con todo el peso en el arnes del abdomen…
    Habr?a que mejorar mucho el sistema de arnes para hacer un buen reparto de pesos y a ser posible que los brazs quedasen encima del manillar para as? descansar las articulaciones por bloqueo de las mismas. Adem?s de a?adir alg?n tipo de soporte para los pies para as? evitar el llevar las piernas encojidas en descensos.
    Un saludo.
    Carrilero-Cases, Manuel.
    Licenciado en Ciencias de la Actividad F?sica y del Deporte.

Comments are closed.