At nearly 200 years old, the simple bicycle is still a complex design challenge that many have used for testing the limits of materials, processes, and design – particularly in the more recent age of digital fabrication.
Although the two-wheeled frame design has remained largely unchanged during this time, developments made from both large companies and independent makers have significantly improved upon the riding experience – whether it’s for racing, urban riding, or even a combination of both.
More recently, Italian product designer Paolo de Giusti combined characteristics found in a velodrome racing bikes with those found on a standard cruiser with his 36/28 Postale prototype.
With its velodrome race-sized 36-inch rear wheel and a “normal-sized” 28-inch front wheel, the Postale corrects a riders ergonomic position moe than a traditional bike is capable of while simultaneously keeping the rider in a more “aggressive” race stance.
Although this first Postale “soft” prototype was constructed using a combination of 3D printed ABS plastic and PVC tubing, it was built around the premise that a commercial frame could follow a similar 3D printed design, albeit one made from titanium and carbon fiber.
Could this be the new best way to run errands on a sunny Saturday morning? Sure – why not?
