Folding Bikes - Cannondale folding bike - prototype

Hi,

I just spotted this in the news section of a German cycle magazine. On the Eurobike Chris Dodman from Cannondale shows a prototype of a foldable bike (http://www.radfahren.de/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=3055&mode=&order=0&thold=0). It's a 26" model, driven by an Sram I-motion 9-gear hub with fully enclosed chain. It seems to be some kind of Hebie chainglider.
They write that they still work on the details of the folding mechanism.

Andreas

Cannondale now has a full article about this bike on their website. The prototype was previously known as the "Jackknife", but is now called the "ON".

The chain case definitely does not sit on the chain like a chainglider. In fact, the chaincase is the rear (single sided) fork. If it glided on the chain then the entire frame would be gliding on the chain.

I really like all the bold ideas used in this design. I'd be very keen on seeing actual specs to see what the payoff is in terms of folded size and weight. It seems like the design would be very amenable to scaling down to 20" or smaller wheels for an even smaller fold without much change in the riding position. It's also great to see it coming from a big company like Cannondale which might actually have the capability to bring it to the mass market at a reasonable price.

http://www.cannondalecommunity.com/default.asp?item=272389

Looks like they nicked the frame design off the EPX Mako.
http://www.roadbikereview.com/Channels/RoadBikeReview/images/products/Product_139232.jpg

Except the EPX Mako folded by swivelling the back wheel forward like the Brompton or Birdy. Front wheel is removed.

The more I look at this bike, the more it grows on me. But I'm still confused as to what market segment it's trying to reach: mountain bikers? Commuters? I think it's overkill for city riding.

Too bad it won't be competitively priced against Dahon's offerings.

http://www.cannondalecommunity.com/sketchbook/default.asp?item=298976

The more I look at this bike, the more it grows on me. But I'm still confused as to what market segment it's trying to reach: mountain bikers? Commuters? I think it's overkill for city riding.

Too bad it won't be competitively priced against Dahon's offerings.

My thoughts exactly.

With a right leg fork and all the drive-train and brakes on the right side... it would have to be right-side-heavy?

I do admire the design though, and the very "euro" look of it... very clean and uncluttered.

.

The tubes that support the seat are hinged where they meet the main tube. Those hinges give me the heebie-jeebies.

How do they get the handlebars parallel with the main tube when folded, and still have the front wheel parallel with the main tube?

I can tell that a lot of engineering went into this bike, and it's gorgeous, but what practical or performance advantage does it have over something like Dahon's Cadenza?

Looks like they nicked the frame design off the EPX Mako.
http://www.roadbikereview.com/Channels/RoadBikeReview/images/products/Product_139232.jpg

Except the EPX Mako folded by swivelling the back wheel forward like the Brompton or Birdy. Front wheel is removed.

I loved the Mako, and will be reintroducing it as a frameset in March.

Thanks,
Yan

I loved the Mako, and will be reintroducing it as a frameset in March...

I've got a couple of these stuck in my attic, one with a Rohloff hub. I liked the idea, but I found that the effective toptube length was too short for the frame size. Any chance of stretching it out slightly?

ok, how come we never see a folded picture of this bike?
only the same pencil sketch again and again!
i want to see a folded pic!

That press release was from February '08. They were bought by a new owner shortly thereafter. Maybe they're still going ahead with it, maybe not.

Wake me up when it's actually shipping....

At least they were smart enough to change the name from "Jackknife". Not exactly inspiring to a piece of equipment that folds.

Check out Pacific's IF Bikes.
http://www.pacific-cycles.com/product2.asp?cat1=1&cat2=4

These full sized folders (IF Cross & IF Mode) are already selling in Asia and due to come to US anytime now :) I love the IF Mode, it looks great and folds pretty small, AND rolls. Main thing is these are not vapourware - they work ! (Pacific also make Birdy, Airnimal and many mountain bikes).
For me the IF Cross is THE one - available with 700c wheels !! Joy :thumb:

^ Excellent! Those Pacific folding bikes!!