Formula One Pedigree Carbon Fiber Folding Bike Coming

by Larry Lagarde

DesignWeek, a design industry publication located in the UK, noted today that former Ferrari Fomula 1 designer John Barnard and furniture designer Terence Woodgate are collaborating on a high end carbon "fibre" folding bike.

According to DesignWeek, the team's goal is to produce a "lighter, more efficient and cleaner fold-up bike." Woodgate has noted that they want "to make sure that people can't trap their fingers in hinges, that there is no dirty chain exposed and that mud guards are fitted so you don't get a line up your back." Obviously, this will be a very high end folding bike but they do wish to produce 'thousands' of them and are now searching for a manufacturer to make the bicycle.

Although there is already a production folding bike made from carbon fiber (the Hasa Minimax), it will be interesting to see what comes of the collaboration between Barnard & Woodgate. They have worked together on carbon fiber furniture (producing a beautifully sleek table known as the Surface) and both designers have received the distinguished title of "Royal Designers for Industry," an honor awarded by the British Royal Society of Arts (or RSA) to designers that have achieved "sustained excellence in aesthetic and efficient design for industry".

For the record, John Barnard has extensive experience working with carbon fiber in racing designs and appears to be the driving force in the creation of this carbon fibre folding bike. Barnard cut his teeth designing sports cars for Lola. Over the years, he's created winning racing cars McLaren, Ferrari and many others (including Johnny Rutherford, Benneton & Toyota). His carbon fiber racing designs have been widely copied. Most recently, his racing work has been focused on motorcyles (he's the tech director for Team KR Moto GP).

I'm working to interview the design team about their carbon fiber folding bike. Look here for a follow up story when more info is available.

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