Locust – the Folding Bike
June 30th, 2006
Josef Cadek has designed the unique bike (I think it’s still a concept) named Locust, which allows unusual folding so that it can be stored in small spaces such as cases, car trunks, etc. It’s suitable for people in the over-trafficed cities, young people and students at the campuses.
Let’s see how it is designed:
Both wheels have overhung mounting. After releasing safety lock nuts wheels can be turned around relevant axis into the frame. Because of folding of the rear wheel momentum transfer from crankset to rear wheel must be divisible.
Common chain system is replaced by belt system with outer toothing. Belt is mounted on two rollers. Both “chainwheel” and pinion have outer toothing as well. It altogether ensures right direction of turning and divisibility of the whole system.
In the rear hub there is internally geared hub, analog to Shimano Nexus system.
Shifting is of the GripShift kind. Saddle can be folded by pressing down red safety lock, it releases saddle support to be turned back towards the frame. For folding the handlebars cyclist must first release revolving safety lock nut on the top of the head set. Then the handlebars can be moved back towards the frame. Bike is equipped with disc brake in the front and the clamshell brake at the back. Thus brakes don’t block folding of the wheels.
via Yanko Design