Urban Transport

The fast-folding Switch Commuter Bike

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Switch Commuter Bike
Switch Commuter Bike
Switch Commuter Bike
Switch Commuter Bike
Switch Commuter Bike
Switch Commuter Bike
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June 5, 2009 Using pedal-power to get to work makes sense - get fit, reduce your carbon footprint, save money and probably time too - but for many cyclists, negotiating the urban sprawl often means using other forms of transport like trains for part of the journey. That's where the folding bike comes in. We've seen some cracking designs in recent times that incorporate large wheels and make the bike easier to handle when folded, and this award winning example from student designer Robert Dumaresq ticks all the boxes. Called the Switch Commuter Bike, Dumaresq's lightweight, fast-folding design takes up only the footprint of one wheel when collapsed so it can easily be maneuvered in crowded environments.

Taking the Gold prize at the Australian Design Award - James Dyson Award announced last week, the Switch Commuter Bike consists of a carbon fiber upper frame with aluminum used for the rest. This combination lends itself to a lightweight but strong design - the carbon fiber provides shock absorbing ability while the aluminum ensures ease of manufacture and provides abrasion resistance where the two parts of the frame lock together.

The Switch is designed to collapse in "one smooth motion", folding at the rear stays and head-stem so the main section of the frame remains intact. When unfolded, the weight of the rider keeps the frame open and rigid rather than relying on a structural locking mechanism. A spring loaded ball bearing also stops the rear section of the frame from unfolding prematurely when boarding a train or stowing the bike in a car trunk.

And the attraction of the design also goes beyond convenience and clever engineering - it looks great. In fact, when unfolded, it's difficult to pick its sleek form as anything but a high-end two-wheeler of the non-folding variety.

Noel McKeegan

View gallery - 17 images
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2 comments
gadgetmind
I can't see any mudguards. Commuters usually have to travel at set times rather than just when the sun is shining. Mudguards to keep the muddy water off your clothes, and prevent it spraying on other road users, so are pretty much essential for commuting. OK, this bike might work in Australia, but forget it in any country that doesn't have "drought" as the default weather type. Ian
unklmurray
I get so tired of seeing someone complain about the lac of mudguards......there is more to life than you constantly trying to find something wrong with this or that bike.....front fender maybe but the back is covered with the rack......so stop complaining already!!.......LOL