Reality Redesigned Episode 9: People's Choice Award Bike

 I think they're asking people to come up with a new frame design. The winner gets a bike. And I guess they get to steal the winner's design (if it's any good) and patent it themselves. I don't really see the point, I mean you can't design much of anything except for a single-pivot or a 4-bar linkage. All the trick linkages have been patented like FSR, ICT, VPP, Maestro, DW, Delta, and so on.

 Yea I think you'r right, this is it, can't design much else anymore, we'v hit the plateu. Just like with computers 10 years ago right? Just like Da Vinci and Einstein thougt right? :p

On the horizon I spy:
- Other linkage systems, for instance: six-bar (like felt equilink), sliders (like yeti 303), Nicolai is doing a lot of interesting stuff as well. Basically new combinations of four- and six-bar configurations for braking, drivetrain, axle path and shock activation. Also there is all the stuff I can't think/know of
- Four-bar front end, BMW telelever or duolever style
- Gearboxes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- Maybe some CVT system
- And of course materials. More stuff made from carbon. Maybe other composites come up, or some polymer. I can also imagine different material structures, like rear end links with a structure like a crane, or tubes with internal structures. I can imagine those structures/materials being one-piece, which means they are somehow "grown", like crystals, or 3D printed, stuff like that. And then at some point biomechanical materials I guess. Maybe some real interesting tyre material comes up.
- And of course damping and springing, but this is more than enough blabla allready.

That's just some stuff I see on the horizon, no doubt other people see more. And then there is the VAST unknown beyond the horizon, no way to tell what's beyond, it sure isn't a wall if you ask me. Maybe robots take over though

Besides, all the stuff you mention is ALL four-bar. Patents? There is plenty of fairly unknown four-bar bikes who use a "patented design" without a license. Also plenty of four-bar bikes who are exactly like certain other patented designs, but have managed to get their own patent. A patent license makes you hop on someone else's hype bandwagon.

 K. - Not sure why we continue to struggle with what we are doing with this. We have a link up top before the vid that explains it all very clearly if you will take the time to read it. Here is the point. RR is about getting young people stoked on making things themselves. We have students from around North America designing biking gear for themselves. They are not sitting on the sidelines letting someone else do it, whether their idea is original or not, they are thinking and learning how they can get manufacture something for themselves.

 That's nice. Doesn't mean your not going to take the idea, license it, patent it and make sure you walk away with the technology. Glad I didn't waste my time designing something thats just going to get stolen..

 JohnDeceIn, you're right, there's no way they can convince you that they are not going to do that. So you think of your awesome ideas, let them sit on your computer or used napkin while the rest of us take this opportunity to meet and work with some of the biggest companies in the industry. Good luck with that.

 sucks if it was the wrong size

 Jeremy AKA "Goofy Dude" here. Sorry I wasted your life. Some of this will become clear when the judges evaluate and cost out the students submissions. These episodes come out in april. We are still just filling the gap of time while the students are coming up with designs. Submissions close tomorrow.

 Always funny when the actual 'dude' comes on and replies

 lol yeah... Not trying to be a jerk just was expecting a bit more than the series is giving. I'm sure your/he is a cool guy but this series has been a disappointment.

 I see what you did there

 I guess males that can cross their legs have small balls, otherwise their balls would, like with most of us, get crushed.

 What you did there, I have seen it

 $7000 bike with no seat. If I was the winner, I'd be too happy to sit down anyways.

 Haha, who is the douche that negative propped me for recommending the best wheelset on the market?