Preliminary sketches

msb 12/10

Material testing

Looking for a liner material that wicks moisture but doesn't look like a mesh...

Thanks to Tim at Clarino for providing me with catalogs. Thanks to all the vendors, for that matter.

Cemented and Welt Construction

...this and vulcanized construction I am exploring for my construction methods. All are durable methods sufficient for my benefits, but each will definitely provide a unique style/look. TBD for line offerings.

Updated Problem Statement

Cultural benchmarks: Copenhagen and Japan

Product Study: Shoes that breathe

DZR... getting press

(who's that guy in the white shirt in the back creepin ;)

Waterproof 1, Water resistant 0 (unless your intent is for _resistant)

I have worked in the softgoods/footwear industry for roughly a combined 8 years prior to Industrial Design school. It seems as if I was never certain between the water resistant vs waterproof debate. So here it is...

To be truly "waterproof", the garment must be made from a "waterproof" fabric and have sealed, or taped seams so that rain does not leak in through the small perforations made by sewing needles during the construction of the garment. Sealing and taping seams takes special equipment and extra time. As such, it adds substantially to the cost of the garment. If the garment is made from a "water resistant" fabric, that usually means that a coating has been applied to the fabric to help repel water. Water resistant fabrics work very well for light rains, or drizzels, but may get soaked over time and are not considered to be "rain gear". If you are looking for protection from rain, you must look for garments made from "waterproof" fabrics, not "water resistant" fabrics.

–Bicycleapparel.com

The pitfalls of cleated cycling shoes. Pun intended.

Count em... i've fallen over 6x in the two months since i got my spd-sl cycling shoe system because I wasn't fast enough to twist out of my pedal.

The last incident, last night, was right in front of Bob's Donuts on Polk St. Lady inside was nice enough to scream out loud, "are you okay?"

I believe she was sincere. I couldn't help but laugh about it as I walked over.

(Lesson: shit happens all the time, and this shit could be worse. but since it wasn't the worst, you just have to smile and move on (physically, not always)!)

Image is everything, or at least a big part of cycling

link Perceptive barriers to cycling?

A recent study conducted by University of Sydney's Dr. Chris Rissel reveals "popular perceptions of cyclists can make or break our decision to take up the sport."

In other words, the image/perceptions of hardcore cyclists, such as lycra-clad racers and reckless hipsters on brakeless fixies, that many non-cyclists or newbies have may provide enough reason to not get into bicycle riding.

Dr. Rissel summarizes it best (for me and my thesis development in particular) when he says, "Cycling, and especially cycling for transport, is not yet seen as a mainstream activity in Sydney. Encouraging more people to ride bicycles for short trips wearing regular clothes, without the need for specialized clothing or equipment, will improve and normalize the image of cycling."

What do you think reader? Comments always welcome!

Clarks Air Circulation System

Clarks shoes air circulation system

May not be the chic-est, but definitely a technology worth exploring. Maybe I'll get a cross-section up soon of how it works. Check the link in the meantime.

progress wall

A snapshot of my thesis progress wall. More to come...

People For Bikes: If I Ride

Interbike highlights

Folding bikes
Unique shoe-to-pedal systems
Carbon
Fine leather
Community
Urban lifestyle
Seam technology
Customer/industry service (I say this with particular reference to my experience walking up to these booths and getting good insight and assistance when I wasn't expecting much. In other words, being that I presented myself as a student just doing research I got some thorough information as if I was an interested dealer. Chas at Look gave me a whole schpiel on their carbon tech making me want to buy a Look frame now, Alexa from Keen boasted about their bike footwear line, the lady from Volagi splurged on their new advanced bike design... I am so impressed and grateful to all that took the time out to help me!) 
These are just some predominant themes I noticed.

I had many more pictures taken, but these are some of the more relevant ones to my topic...

 bike/shoe fitting x Specialized Body Geometry

 lots of dutch style/townie bikes

as if you're on an elliptical machine... but moving forward. 

I think this belongs on the beach boardwalk

i like this–unimposing, integrated chain guard

Vans x Brooks

Simple, yet clever. But, I'm uncertain about it's effectiveness. The cleats+pedal system didn't hold very well. I'm thinking every time your foot is on the up-stroke it would pop off the pedal.

size 40, american. ?

What kept me going through each day; I never bought lunch!

DZR Shoes. The FIRST vulcanized shoe with SPD compatibility.

Shane and Fabio (black tank and brown shirt respectively), designer/owners of DZR Shoes getting press time. So proud of them!

The DZR Shoes family. literally.

had to throw this one in...hey, it's commuter related, just come to SF and you'll see all the hipsters on these. lol (does that make me a hipster bc i want one too?) :/

instep strap neoprene comfort strip (what i call it). all in the details.

Again, details. Gel-type print in heel collar to minimize heel slip.

Shimano breaking it down.

Chrome, giving free 30 minute tattoos! They have a new vulcanized SPD compatible shoe as well, but in only one color. First DZR, then Chrome, who's next... (me?)

Articulated profile for better transmission of power

Apparently, there are TWO Vittoria brands: the tire company and this shoe company. It took me two days to finally find the shoe company's booth. SPD compatible classic cycling shoe upper. This looks like something I can capitalize on...

Volagi, new bay area bike company. Their focus: long distance cycling. A more relaxed geometry while retaining the performance technology of carbon and a unique seatstay design.

Look's new ZED crankset technology. He just popped the whole crankset out of the BB hole in one piece!

Inspired.