Cannondale ON. More Than a Concept?
by Warren McLaren, Sydney on 03.13.08
We’ve had a few comments recently saying we should post on the Cannondale ON bike, a full wheel folding bicycle, with single sided front and rear ‘forks’ and an enclosed maintenance-free drive train. Err... we have. In it’s early development phase it was known as the Jacknife and then later we linked to the rejigged bike trade show concept version. Following what Cannondale decribe as: “overwhelming positive response from the cycling community and beyond” the company has “committed to bringing the ON concept bike into production in the near future.”
Torgny Fjeldskaar, Director of Industrial Design for Cannondale worldwide keeps the tease going: "Urban transport as we know it is about to change forever. In fact, we are currently working on bringing products with similar technology to the market so it's an exciting time for cyclists everywhere. This is technology you're going to want to own." ::Cannondale Sketchbook
Unless, of course, Cube can get their Urban Street Concept to market first. Although their design heritage does seem rather obvious, even down to the red on white livery (see Cannondale's bike show models).
As beautiful as the Jacknife was, you can't ride on styrofoam, which is why the Cannondale ON resembles but isn't the Jacknife.
I think Cannondale has no photos showing the ON folded because there are design problems. Somehow, that hinge in the center of the frame must pivot easily for folding without compromising ride quality or safety due to frame flex or accidental folding when being ridden. Other issues include how to fold the handlebars or seat post.
Cannondale's sketches of the ON folded show the handlebars as being parallel with the frame; yet the front wheel appears to be attached. That requires a quick release to loosen the handlebars and turn them; how do you accomplish that safely (so the handlebars won't turn accidentally when riding)? How do you keep the seat from rubbing against the rear wheel when the bike is folded and being rolled?
Ultimately, I'm confident that Cannondale will work out all the design issues. Whether the bike can be folded to a package as small, light and as competitively priced as proven, robust, full size folding bikes like the Montague Paratrooper folding mountain bike or the Montague CX cross over folding bike remains to be seen.
All bikes are cool. This is supremely so... if it rides like it looks – and 'Dales generally do so – (and if it folds well /assembles easily too) this will be an oustanding product. I'm saving up now...
Clever stuff...
I've never seen a full-enclosed drivetrain on a bike that didn't have fenders. Fenders are a much higher priority if you're trying to stay clean. Without fenders, the bike will only be useful on dry, clean roads, ie. recreational use - which is contrary to the way they are trying to sell it.