table of contents
project overview review in context review of methodologies documentation
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Research Lewis Rattray Interview Albert Park equipment showcase iterations and adjustments Kew training session development and variances fields of joy competition essendon fields renders packaging instructions adverts previous research
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Project overview: Australian Automotive manufacturing will be ceasing quite rapidly. With the closure of several factories including Holden, Ford and Toyota inlocations such as Broadmeadows and Geelong between now and 2017; many people will struggle to reskill themselves for other job opportunities. There have been efforts to make the job losses more bearable through initiatives like the Ford Transition Program(FTP). The FTP injects $5 million to the national automotive industry training advisory body, Auto Skills Australia (ASA). FTP focuses on “assisting workers through the recognition of their current skills and reskilling” thereby ensuring employees “have the right skills to find employment once they leave their current employer (Ford)” (Ford, 2013). Whilst reskilling and finding new employment is an effective way to support our economy and those who have lost employment; there may be other opportunities that are not to dissimilar to the current line of work being undertaken by some of those made redundant, thereby potentially providing a smoother transition into a new job position. Currently Melburnians take 81,500 bike trips each weekday and 29,000 on the weekend, with numbers still growing. The City of Melboune is “continuing to invest in bicycle facilities and programs.”(Alexander, 2012). The increase in the amount of people riding bicycles will
directly effect the demand for bicycles and of course the demand for bicycle components. With the closure of the manufacturing industries coinciding with the expansion of the cycling industry in Melbourne it would appear to be a perfect area to place those currently unemployed. Utilising existing skill sets of the automotive manufacturing industry, to cater for a growing cycling market. Through collaborative design with Lewis Rattray and extensive research of where growth is currently being found within the cycling industry, Prefontaine was created. Directly aimed at the emerging cyclocross movement currently taking place in Melbourne.
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review in context: Prefontaine was conceived out of the desire to have an accessible brush during cyclocross competition where mud build up can get so severe it affects the cyclists ability. There are three main areas of mud build up, the front tire the rear derailleur and the chainset. However, the most detrimental to speed and prohibitive to grip (which is very important in the varying terrain) is the mud build up around the front tyre. Within Cyclocross cyclists will alternate between bikes in the pit lanes over the grueling one hour race. The changes can occur for a number of reasons including tyre punctures, loose handlebars and most notably mud build up. However, there are only generally two pit lanes with the rest of the course a savage battle between the cyclist and the mud. Prefontaine aims to reduce mishaps between the change overs in the pit lanes and the rest of the course by reducing the mud build up in the crucial tyre area.
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review of methodologies: Observational Research - Gathering statistics of passersby at St Kilda Beach -Cafe Racer bicycle equipment diversity. -Lewis Rattrays Night training in Kew -Fields of Joy research in Essendon Fields Interview: -Lewis Rattray Equipment precedent research -Lewis Rattray meeting at Albert Park. Collaborative Design: Developing communications with Rattray created a strong direction for which my design developed. Rattray was incredibly patient in answering a number of questions at all hours of the day whenever I unsure of the purpose or function of particular elements within cyclocross. Through developing this collaboration I was able to receive instant feedback and frame my design exactly around what was required rather then making
assumptions or designing in a vacuum. Cyclists do currently collaborate with their major sponsors and creators to create ‘ultimate bicycle’ in an effort to get immediate feedback on their designs which really is an effective way to design when the market is so specific. (Giant, 2013)
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documentation: Prefontaine was exposed whilst Lewis was showcasing his extensive cyclocross range at Albert Park. Rattray said “It would be good if there was just a brush that could get rid of the mud build up around the tyre” this idea hadn’t really been considered just yet as I was still fixated on padding the shoulder from the top tube that appeared to be the cause of much discomfort when ‘shouldering’ the bike. However, after realising that the attitude of most of these cyclists was ‘toughen up’ when it comes to such discomfort I became discouraged from the shoulder pad concept and examined more closely some of Rattray’s suggestions.
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The manufacturing process: Main brush component: Titanium -Low pressure die-casting which is ideal for non-ferrous materials in low pressure die casting the mold and furnace are connected by a feed tube. The mold is mounted on top of the furnace with a horizontal split line. Molten titanium is forced through the feed tube and into the die cavity. Gas pressure is maintained until the part has solidified In stage 2 when the gas pressure is released, the molten metal remaining in the feed tube runs back into the crucible(Thompson, 2012) -Such services can be found locally in melbourne comercially at http://www.melbournegravity.net.au/lowpressure-die-casting.htm
Low Pressure Die Casting: http://www.themetalcasting. com/pressure-die-casting.html
Back and front hinged door components: Both components would need to be injection molded as each has small features that require precise measurements
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The neoprene component: can be produced locally in Australia at Linkron, which is located in Melbournes outer suburbs in Scoresby. As many bicycle headtubes vary this is where most of the variances in customisation will be found.
variances in velcro
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research After having fully investigated the sport of cyclocross for the creation of my bike “Cloudbreaker� I looked more specifically at a potential component that would be suitable for the sport. The next stage was seeing if there really was a need for a cyclocross component and to research this a little deeper. To do this I looked at the Dirty Deeds and Fields Of Joy race competitor lists which were all local in Melbourne. This community of racing was quickly growing and new names featured in all lists. However, from this investigative work I realised that there was one competitor that seemed to be in all the racing finals and placing highly. I knew he would have some idea of what equipment was necessary so I quickly contacted him. Lewis Rattray: Rattray has raced for number of years in cyclocross having originally started in Mountain Biking. To get an idea of how valuable his insight and knowledge was, below are a few of his career highlights: Represented Australia - 2012 Cyclocross World Championships 3 World Cups 1st - 2011 Dirty Deeds Race 1 and 2 1st - 2011 Cross Melburn Race 1 2nd - 2012 Flemish Cycling Federation CX Race 14
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These images are what inspired my pursuit of an effective way to reduce mud build up which was eventually realised through ‘Prefontaine’.
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lewis rattray interview From going through countless Cyclocross images I eventually came to the conclusion that my opinion was thoroughly subjective and somewhat redundant without the expert knowledge and experience that surrounds the area. Unfortunately the Cyclocross season has come and gone in July. Al though through looking at the competitors list and placing’s it seemed that there was in fact an outstanding rider that lived locally. Lewis Rattray has raced in World championships in Belgium, Tokyo Japan, Lousiville U.S.A, Hoogeheide, Luxembourg and many more (all before the age of 25)
When competing in Cyclocross I imagine the course to be so diverse that it can be hard to anticipate which body part is going to hurt the most afterwards, what sort of training do you do to get around this?
Having undertaken some reaserch on what the components were for a cyclocross. I wanted to get an idea on what the big names preferred so I interviewed Rattray on his design preferences and any challenges he had in cyclocross.
Its difficult to store food so most riders don’t. I like to take one of two energy gels with me and when training I usually take more like a banana of something.
I do a lot of training just on the bike and in the sand for resistance. When cycling the intensity is so high but there must be a rapid loss in energy depletion. How do you store your food whilst riding?
Within cyclocross you need to alternate between bikes to get the mud off and wash parts down, where does the mud predominantly build up? Mud builds up at the back and front chain cogs so that needs to be cleaned up quickly as there’s a risk of the chain coming off otherwise. Mud also builds up around the seat tube and chain stays.
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lewis rattray interview continued The bike spends quite a lot of time over your shoulder and is held towards the middle does this get uncomfortable, and would you benefit from some sort of inbuilt shoulder pad. Yes this can get really sore over time, everyone just sucks it up though although there is a jersey with padding in it that I have seen. Most people wear onepiece as this reduces the chance of material getting caught on awkward spots on the bike.
What is the setup of your bike at the moment? Brakes, gears ect? I use two at the front as a single speed is harder to get the chain back on, especially if you’re ages away from the turn arounds. I use disk brakes less and less people are using cantilever I use clinchers for training in but tubes for race day In a broader perspective what is the hardest thing about cyclocross? The interdisciplinary nature of running and riding which makes for uncomfortable dismounts and mounts.
When mounting and dismounting what are the main difficulties? When mounting there is a real discomfort in the crotch as when trying to move at top pace you need to jump on a moving bike. The best option is to land slightly to the side of your leg but this isn’t always possible. So maybe some kind of suspension system in seat would help reduce this unpleasant pain.
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interview conclusions From the interview that I gained with Lewis, basically cyclocross is voluntary punishment with the glory of mud and pain combined with burning muscles on steep inclines and sand in your pants. However, it sounded incredibly exciting and an area where there was a lot of opportunity for growth as it seems that a llot of the product used in cyclocross have really been designed around mountain bike riding so sometimes aren’t quite right. Some areas where I found opportunity are: Footwear: isn’t appropriate for the cross country terrain and lack proper grip on inclines and wet conditions Storage for food: There aren’t many places people can place their food when in need of an energy hit. Shoulder discomfort: there isn’t really a garment that advertises for this purpose. Most of the forums indicate the people will sew shoulder pads on from old jackets if they needs them. However, there seems to be a level of stigma around having pads perhaps viewed as a weakness in such an intense sport? This may not necessarily involve a garment but maybe a flatter bottom on the tubes or even cushioning?
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The interview with Rattray was effective in guiding the direction for various features incorporates in my bicycle Cloudbreaker.
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Albert Park Equipment showcase (september 23rd)
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potential velcro placement and structure of component at a conceptual stage
conceptual stage of component
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development of lever actions that could be used to compress and release the component.
more developed stage of reaserch into component and the placement of the component around existing mechanisms like the internal hydraulic disc brakes.
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varying ways in which the component could be fastened on to the bike
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kew training session (october 1st)
The Kew training session was really great to get an understanding of what exactly the cyclocrossers dealt with and their training methods. It identified some key elements to the sport and what was involved in the cyclocross lifestyle.
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This experience also allowed me to see other cyclocross bikes other than Rattrays
The fact that these athletes descended down to Kew they lived all within the Melbourne area confirmed my research that the sport was growing and expanding. Amongst Lewis training I could see many other mountain cyclists and road cycylists also training
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development and iterations
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Prefontaine was the result of some collaborative design work that occurred between Lewis Rattray and myself. Prefontaine aims to address the issues that cyclocross competitors have with mud build up on the front tyre. Mud build up on the front tyre effects the movement of the tyre through the front fork and can detrimental effects on the overall time of the competitor. Essentially Cyclocross is an intense race against ones mind; the paralysing lactic acid in the hamstrings, quads and calves and the clock. Races typically go for around one hour and the courses on which they are held feature some of the most difficult terrain in competitive sport. Cyclocross courses often feature sand, mud, steep inclines and
treacherous declines with the objective of making the ride all the more difficult for the cyclist, thus entertaining for the spectators. Cyclocross has a major following in Belgium, in particular Flanders where between October to February, there is nearly a race every weekend. Belgium is home to some of the sports most prolific riders including Sven Nys. However, more and more the sport is growing and riders are travelling to compete across the globe. Within all of these incredibly difficult terrains during these cold winter muddy months is where Prefontaine finds its niche.
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FIELDS OF JOY CYCLOCROSS COMPETITION-Essendon fields (October 26th) Primarily this competition excursion was an effort for me to get some good footage of the cyclocross environment. The footage captured doesn’t really characterise the European market that I would be aiming for. The Fields Of Joy Event is one of the last events in the Cyclocross calendar in Australia as we head into the summer months, thereby making the scenes I was able to get very dry and somewhat contradictory to the purpose of the product! Nonetheless it was really great to see the intensity and the ferociousness at which the riders attacked the sport. Which further highlights the bright future that cyclocross has within the Australian cycling scene
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#stachelyf
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Prefontaine references the aerodynamic moustache that held by Steve Prefontaine a 1970’s elite long distance runner who took the world by storm at the age of 24. This product plays off those misunderstood concepts of reduction of speed due to hair. Prior to Prefontaine various other names were considered like Australian fast bowler Dennis Lillie and famous Australian tennis player John Newcomb. Each of these names was considered; However, Prefontaine personified the assets of speed and longevity in one incredible moustache.
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PACKAGING
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INSTRUCTIONS
WINNING RACES WITH A CLEAN RIG
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packaging
ADVERTS
Whilst Prefontaine would be primarily geared toward cyclocross users it may also have potential to be applied within the road racing format slightly repackaged.
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Lid is able to be customised if the inidvidual would prefer a different style moustache on there Prefontaine
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ADVERTS Prefontaine would have majority of its manufacturing created in Australia with the exception of the injection molded components of the hinged doors. The product would be sold within Giant Stores in Australia to match the individual cyclocross bike specifics of the Giant
Brand. Through further investigation and collaboration, Prefontaine would be able to expand its market into various brands of bike. Due to weather conditions Prefontaine would be most effectively retailed within the European market, specifically Belgium
in Flanders where the most prestigious and muddy cyclocross races are held.
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Previous research and exploration relevant to cyclocross OBSERVATIONAL RESEARCH
Observational research: Aims: -what are people riding -what gender are they -how old are they -can you determine where they are going (towards the city?) -Purpose: leisurely, sport, commuter
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There were still some things that I was a little unsure about and needed to determine . So I undertook some Observational research to see if I could find anymore answers. I arrived at 8:15 and began my count immediately. I after around fifteen minutes it became rather apparent that women in the cycling world are scarce. After holding my post for an hour I counted one hundred and forty six (146) cyclists of that the 146, ten (10) were women...I also saw two dolphins.
The data that I gathered represents men as being a staggering 93% of the cycling population. According to austroads “Males are more likely to participate in cycling than females: 20.9% of males and 12.4% of females had ridden in the previous week.� (Munro, 2013) This is a lot higher than I had initially thought. Also worth noting is the age. This may be hindered by the time of I chose to do my survey but the majority of riders appeared to be between the ages of 18-40. Its difficult to say whether or not my results were at all representative of the cycling population but I think it does represent a group of cyclists who are enthusiasts. Through observation I was able to deduce that majority of these individuals did have sporting attire on so this wasn’t just a leisurely ride. Also worth noting again is the time of day, they may have potentially be cycling to work but this is difficult to determine without actually interfering!
https://www.onlinepublications.austroads.com.au/items/AP-C9113
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Bibliography Alexander, K. (2012). Bicycle Plan 2012-2016. In C. o. Melbourne (Ed.). Melbourne. Ford. (2013). Ford Transition Program. http://www.ftp.org. au/about-the-program/ Giant. (2013). New Glory 27.5. Thompson, R. (2012). Manufacturing Processes for Design Professionals (2 ed.). United Kingdom: Thames and Hudson. Resources: Bannerman, G. (2013). Darren Baum: pushiesgalore. Baum, D. (2014). Baum Cycles Homepage. Retrieved 17/08/2014, 2014, from http://baumcycles.com
Hall, S. (2014). Inside Story: The death of the Australian car industry. Motor news. Retrieved from http://www. drive.com.au/motor-news/inside-story-the-death-of-theaustralian-car-industry-20140221-3367i.html website: Munro, C. (2013). Australian Cycling Participation. Sydney Australia: Austroads. Rattray, L. (2014). Insight into Cyclocross. In N. Liston (Ed.), Industrial Design. Melbourne: Nicola Liston. http://www.bikeradar.com/blog/article/different-biketypes-39921/ http://www.bikeradar.com/road/news/article/gt-grade2015-builds-and-pricing-41995/
cyclocrossmagazine. (2014). Cyclocross Tech. http://www. cxmagazine.com Du, M. T. X. (1998). Design by Customers for Mass Customization Products. University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong
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facebook pages: https://www.facebook.com/Cyclocross/info https://www.facebook.com/FOJCX https://www.facebook.com/CyclocrossOz https://www.facebook.com/GiantBicyclesAustralia https://www.facebook.com/ReidCycles https://www.facebook.com/SwiftCarbonBikes https://www.facebook.com/ShimanoAustralia
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fin