Machka 

I've seen projects like this before during my University years. The professor picks an item and has everyone in the class come up with something to improve that item. If we use bicycles as an example, and specifically racing bicycles, usually it ends up being ridiculous things like day-glo orange reflective bar-end tassles, or heavily padded fleece saddles, or something.

The kid adds those tassles and that saddle to an existing racing bicycle and gets a "B+" for innovative thinking about ways to improve those horrible, uncomfortable existing racing bicycle ... because neither the teacher or the student have any idea about what they're talking about.

I'd be curious to know what the actual assignment is. Is it looking at designing an accessory to make our lives that much better ... or a whole new drivetrain concept ... or what?

RudeSiggy

1) 2007 Specialized Tarmac SL w/ Dura Ace

2) Great deal on frame/crankset combo. Built up the rest.

3) Yes. Cat 3.

4) A secret, mini motor that I can hide inside of my rear hub and activate NOS before sprints. Maybe it could be disguised as a PowerTap.

5) Current TT bikes are significantly uglier than the revolutionary (and now illegal) aerodynamic blobs of carbon fiber from the early- to mid-90s.

Fat Boy

So true....

ptle

1) What bike do you ride?
1989 Bianchi Brava / 2009 Motobecane Outcast 29er

2) What made you buy that bike (special feature, brand, etc...)
It was very cheap. I wanted a good steel frame commuter bike. It's a really cool bike because its a Bianchi. It it one of the best fitting bikes I've owned.

3) Do you compete in races?
Yes mostly alleycat type races. I'm looking into competing in the spring at a collegiate level.

4) Is there something you always wanted but can not find for a bike?
Steel framed, disc braked, relaxed geometry commuter bike with drop bars for under $1000. (Closet I can think of is the Salsa or Voodoo cyclocross bike.)

5) Any input in general on bike designs and/or components.
High quality aluminum is better than cheap carbon IMO. Looks matter a lot and provide a 'placebo effect'.

carpediemracing 

I think a BB based system would work (with magnets and whatever else you need for an electric motor), with a seat tube or downtube or both full of NiCad stuff.

It would be pretty funny to see a lowly rider go and put the hurt on the good riders.

cdr

wanders

The UCI wholeheartedly disagrees.

eMwolB

How to clear a room:

Hello everyone, my name is CHRIS.....HANSON.

cshell

banerjek

Hey Chris,

If you're designing things, why not design something that's actually different than what's out there? For example, I would like a very fast bike that climbs well, but which also keeps me warm and dry when it's cold and wet.

I have a fast bike that climbs reasonably well, but it's miserable when it's cold and rainy because the water accumulates on my chest



The bike that keeps the water off me is slow



I'd like a bike that combines the best of these two bikes. Also, if you could make something that handles better, that would also be good. Neither of these bikes is good at that.

TRaffic Jammer

With material advances I can't wait to see a block and tackle type doubler drive train so we can ride twice as fast. It could be housed in the main triangle. The resulting speed and torque increases would necessitate complete frame and component redesigns, keeping designers and R&D depts. busy for years. Imagine being able to comfortably ride at 80-100kph. Hub and BB generators for lighting systems need some work as well a brake lever actuated brake light turn signal for commuters would be pretty cool.

JohnDThompson 

UCI approval only matters if you intend to use it in UCI sanctioned events.