The Constructor’s Design Challenge FRIDAY OCTOBER 2ND
A well-designed modern transportation bike is flexible, durable, able to portage reasonable loads with ease, and ready to accommodate the many small and large challenges of everyday riding. Transportation bikes should be sturdy and durable, yet nimble enough to provide all-around utility during a short trip or a longer haul.
Custom bike builders are problem-solvers. They’re able to craft integrated, highly individualized, and functional design solutions that larger production bikes can seldom accommodate. Hand built bikes are able to express beauty, utility, and individuality in equal measure.
The Design Challenge seeks to inspire builders to develop considered, integrated, and spectacular solutions for the everyday rider, as well as to educate the public about the quality, engineering ingenuity, and functionality of handbuilt bikes.
SPECIFICATIONS
• Judged by legitimately qualified judges familiar with bike fabrication and handling
• Points are awarded in 10 Design Consideration categories, weighted into 3 points groups
• Top 12 winners (and the 3 race winners) will display in the OM Bike Union for 5 weeks
• All entries will be on public display for 2 days during the Design Challenge and Race weekend
• Top winners will travel on in a display at the OBCA show and Cross Nationals in Bend, Oregon
• All participants will be featured in a coffee table book being produced around the event
DESIGN CHALLENGE CONSIDERATIONS
1.Truly sensational solution
A genuinely unique and innovative solution for transportation use. Amaze us.
2. Handling
The bike must handle equally well with and without load. Both options will be tested against turning and straight pedaling.
3. Integration
Design solutions should be integrated into a complete and harmonious whole, rather than a checklist of details.
4. Presentation and Execution
Fabrication refinement and final presentation are important indicators of skill and thoughtfulness. Extraordinary craftsmanship can be displayed equally well in the simplest brazing or the fanciest lug. Individual design solutions should build to a single visual and functional whole.
5. Overall response to the course and challenges
Entry bikes must take into consider all elements of the race course, the 10 design considerations and the overall challenges they present.
6. Load carrying
Bikes must accomodate and securely carry the rider’s award ceremony party attire, a provided 6-pack of beverage (in glass bottles), and a provided small container of party snacks.
7. Security
Bikes must be protected from theft while unattended. A smart, easy solution for securing the bike under different conditions is expected.
8. Portage
Bikes must accommodate being carried by its rider over a section of the course.
9. Utility
Bikes should accomodate the expected need for changing weather, lighting conditions, and visibility. We know that you know what this means.
10. Quality and Rattles
If elements are loose, rattling, or otherwise inoperable at the race finish, points will be deducted for each failure.
