Please help industrial designer!
 

Hi guys!

I'm a completely new member in the forum and I joined 'cause I need your professional help.
I'm industrial designer (doing my MA) and I'm doing a mountain bike project. As you know, it's not the easiest job. I want to improve the existing design and performance so I really need your feedback about the actual problems in mountain biking. I'm also a mountain biker but not professional, and many heads think better than one.
Please tell me all the problems that may occur to you (from pain in the ass :) to suspension problems, body position, anything and everything)...
Please write 'cause without your help this doesn't make any sense!
Thanks!
Milan :)

Well, I would like a combination of super quick and super rigid (ok, maybe a hardtail) bike, but that would mean a lightweight bike that could take a lot of beating. I want a better body position and affordable suspension for long rides, yet something adjustable so I could take the same bike on really technical mountain bike rides or urban rides.

Can you make my all-in-one wonder for a good price too?

I'll take a DH Racer, that's under 30lb. and under $1K.... To Go!

a 12 inch travel dh bike that can be pedaled up hill like an xc bike, and has at least a 15" BB height, this bike has to be able to handel the toughest terreain imaginable(SP?i know i cant spell tonight)everything from the jah drop to the kamakazie DH. oh and by the way its gotta be sub 30 pounds and cost less then 2000$ :D ;) :p

A full-suspension bike with a high (around 16" to 17") bottom bracket that does not make you feel as though you are sitting in the clouds or that you are going to go over the bars.

At least 150mm of rear wheel travel and geometry that will accommodate a fork from 150mm to 205mm of travel.

The seating position should be somewhat neutral but a little closer to that of a DH bike.

Head angle should be something that will turn quickly yet be stable at high speeds. The stays should be a medium length so you can still lift the front relatively easy but have stability at speeds.

The rear suspension should be fully active but have no reaction to pedaling (no "BOB"). There should be no effect on the chain while the rear moves through its travel. No adjustable travel either.

It would be nice if the frame weighs less than 6lbs made of Ti or carbon fiber/scandium mix but not break the bank (this might be asking a bit much).

:beer: