
first image
'the clarity bike' by designaffairs studio is fully transparent
image courtesy designaffairs studio
using new materials and manufacturing techniques, german designaffairs studio has envisioned the future of bicycle
frame engineering and production with their latest project - 'the clarity bike'. by using 'trivex' - an alternative to
polycarbonate, the advanced polymer combines high impact resistance with flexible and lightweight technologies
that can be found in traditional italian steel frames.
as the polymer is able to be injection molded, it allows for affordable and precise mass production,
expanding on the possibilities for different form and color combinations. initially used in military applications,
it offers outstanding chemical resistance and thermal stability for withstanding extreme temperatures.
like the FYLM speaker, the project is still in conceptual stages, but proves valid as technologies and production
capabilities advance with time.

frame detail of the 'clarity bike'
image courtesy designaffairs studio

transparency detail
image courtesy designaffairs studio
“project is still in conceptual stages” ie doesn’t work
there is NO reason to leave conceptual level just yet.. a few issues you have to consider first.
1. New material + new tech’ = new shape (if design is the issue)
2. Transparency has to give something extra to usability.
3. As a polymer you have to prove that it is better than traditional materials &
Technologies in aspect of weight, stiffness, resistance and unit cost.
4. It seems suitable for a ”ONE-OFF”. Not more.
BEING SIMPLY COOL IS COOL, BUT IT IS NOT ENOUGH..
Put some ed lights in the frame, if the whole frame can chance color or be brightly lit it will provide fantastic visibility and saftey for cyclists.
the sad thing is that had they opted to make a frame with bamboo, no one would challenge the concept
bamboo is very stiff, this stuff is not.
I would be terrified to ride that number, but I love the concept. Interesting geometry with the head tube – not sure if I like it or not.
as a cyclist, you want to be seen, not invisible
As elegant looking this bike is, I would be too conscious not to damage it or even make it dirty when I ride it.
exhibition worthy, id ride it once.
What is te problem statement?
What are the designers trying to achieve?
Is there a need for such a bike in the market?
…sometime we have to ask ourselves enough questions before deciding to design – designing for design’s sake can be futile
Add some fluorescent lights in the frame, it’ll be the safest bike to ride at night…
fake ? …
How many cyclists are killled on our roads? If you feel the need to redesign yet another object which is perfectly fit for purpose then please at least make it highly visible. Any cyclist will tell you that.
What an utter waste of time & energy.
man you people are critical: my 2 cents.
visibility: if you read the text is says that it can be any colour, or combination of colours, this or comments about adding lighting into the frame solves the visibility issue.
Why: if you can injection mold the frame, makes it allot easier to mass produce, and potentially cheaper, with less material wastage. potentially easier cheaper stronger and more environmentally sustainable.
How “light” is it?