BikeBiz Bicycle and cycling retail news
Just like the big car companies, Cannondale is good at releasing info on concept models. At Interbike, it teased with the Simon digital suspension platform. Now the company has released pix on what Cannondale calls the "future of urban mobility."
The Cannondale Dutchess is a result of the final year graduation project of Wytze van Mansum, from the Delft University of Technology.
"Designed for women keen to express their style amongst the fast paced and ever changing urban vibe, the Dutchess brings modern lines to the environmentally conscious whilst at the same time offering longevity and low maintenance," said a company statement.
The rear mudguard acts as a structural part of the frame, supporting the carrier with a load of up to 50kg. The arch connects the bicycle from the handlebars to the tail-light.
The hub brakes are self-adjusting to compensate brake pad wear and since the brake lines are integrated into the frame, they can double act as wheel locks by folding the levers into the handlebars. Adjustable handlebars allow for different riding positions and can be folded together for easy storage or used for locking the bicycle securely to a fixed object.
The total weight would be kept under 14kg through the integration of parts and functions. Gearing and transmission are fully enclosed, allowing the bicycle to be ridden in normal clothing.
Although fully rideable, the project is currently "only a prototype used to prove certain design and technology elements that may feature on future Cannondale urban bicycles."
