The new Gi Bike is a full-sized folding electric bike with wireless smartphone integration. Weighing a scant 15.4 lb (7kg)*, the aluminum frame bike is loaded with features, looks futuristic and comes with its own app and USB port for both Android and iOS phones.
Folding in a mere 3 seconds with a single-motion operation, the Gi Bike can run 40 miles on one battery charge and reaches speeds up to 15mph (25kph). Powered by a lithium ion battery, you get five levels of assistance along with a smart mode that analyzes your use and adjusts itself accordingly.
“The intelligent app will foresee any detractions from your set-route, enroute,” says Gi Bike. “Hazards, constructions, heavy traffic, will be constantly updated by users via social integration, making the Gi your perfect companion when time’s running short.”
The Gi Bike comes with integrated rear lights, LEDs on the sides of the front wheel, and an anti-theft lock system that switches on automatically when you walk 10ft away from the bike.
Once folded, it’s only 900mm (3ft) long and 1,020mm (3ft 4in) tall, and you can shift it around like wheeled luggage.
The bike is fitted with a monoblade fork, an off-centre seat tube, a one-sided chainstay and no seatstays at all. It’s belt driven and you get a USB port in the down tube so you can recharge your phone while you’re riding. The rims and spokes are custom-made for the Gi and the tires are 26x1.5 in. Accessories are currently being developed, including a rear mudguard and a briefcase holder.
And just added, this new teaser video:
*A standard, non-electric version is considerably lighter at 26.5lb (12kg).
For more info check out www.gibike.com and be sure to look out for the launch on Kickstarter soon.
A few cool sets of wheels from fashion and furniture designer James Perse. Each available in four colors, the design of both the beach cruiser and trike combine a retro look with a luxury style. Both bikes are available in matte black, olive green, orange and ivory.
above photo by Mark Rabiner for The New York Times
Designer Harry Allen loves trucks. His immaculately restored 1964 Willys Jeep was recently featured in the New York Times, but it was his fond memories of playing in the dirt that lead him to the idea of "Pickup". The beauty of any pickup truck is its utilitarian aesthetic - four strong wheels and the capacity to haul cargo and Harry turned that aesthetic into functional art as his latest piece for AREAWARE.
Below is Harry Allen at his Pound Ridge home with his restored Willys and his basset hounds, Ben and Emma: above photo by Mark Rabiner for The New York Times
Harry had function on his mind as he cast a toy pick-up truck and turned it into a catch-all bowl. As with all REALITY products, it is the material transformation that completes the idea. The cool-looking "Pickup" is an objet d'art that can serve as a bowl for keys, coins or even a planter for small succulents.
The Pickup by Harry Allen is now available in chrome ($150) or white ($85). Blue chrome ($180), gold ($150) and orange ($85) are available for pre-order. Made of resin and marble, measuring 5 x 12 x 6 inches. Buy them here.
John Dodelande of Artcurial invited artist Xavier Veilhan to draw a nautical sculpture to be built by the Frauscher shipyard. This unique project marks the first time artist Xavier Veilhan has been invited to design a functional object in sync with his aesthetic beliefs.
above: Veilhan's oversized animal sculptures are faceted and always one color
First off, if you're not familiar with Veilhan's work, he's best known for his sculptural installations and had an impressive show at Versailles in 2009: above: Veilhan's purple horse-drawn carriage at Versailles
Now, back to his RAL 5015 with tons of images, auction info and a video, too.
The name of the boat refers to the actual color. RAL is the standard color system when it comes to painting and coating (the way Pantone is for printing).
above: The artist, Xavier Veilhan, stands in his RAL 5015
The unique design corresponds perfectly to Xavier Veilhan’s approach to movement and means of transport – from the horse to more sophisticated types of craft… such as this motor-boat.
Veilhan's moving sculpture can hold 8 people and functions beautifully with a maximum speed of 40 knots:
The Shark - Stainless steel Shark sculpture (50 cm length) on remote controlled platform.
As an integral part of the RAL 5015 boat, "The Shark" is a small object with a length of 50 cm, made of solid stainless steel that ascends and descends by remote control! A rectangular cover of composite material is provided, which is why you don't see the shark in all the images) and protects the piece from unwanted attention.
Dimension of the Shark : 20 x 49,7 x 21,7 cm Dimensions of the stand : 3,5 x 6 cm made of solid stainless steel, fitted in the bulk. Material : Polished solid stainless steel Surface treatment : The shark is permanently protected from sea salt as the roughness of the metal has been diminished through a special wash, making it non-oxidizing Protective case : In blue composite material (monochrome RAL 5015) ; 60 x 30 x 25 cm Remote control : 2 buttons
The boat was designed on computer:
And thanks to the expertise of the Frauscher shipyard, the work of Veilhan, RAL 5015 is also a powerful boat and at the forefront of marine technology.
A sneak preview of the boat was shown from May 27 to June 14, 2010 at the Hôtel Marcel Dassault, Paris, prior to its auction.
The functional artpiece, made of composite resins and metal was auctioned on July 20th at the Hôtel Hermitage in Monte-Carlo, by Artcurial. The sale results have not yet been disclosed. Estimate for the auction price was $235,000.00 to $260,000.
Specifications of the piece: Frauscher 686 Vessel hull identification number (HIN) : AT FRALOO82D010 Length : 6.90m Width : 2.20m Water-level : 6.40m Visible height above water : 1.25m Draught : 0.65/1.00m Dry weight : 1700kg Tank capacity : 157 litres Maximum speed : 40 knots Cruising speed : 25 knots Engine : MERCRUISER Output 220 HP Cubic capacity : 4.3 l MPI, 220 PS ; Alpha 1 Number of persons : 8 max.
A standard gauge and construction certificate, as required for navigation permit, will be provided to the purchaser.
The hull of the RAL5015 has a 2-year guarantee from the Frauscher shipyard; its engine has a 3-year constructor’s guarantee.
Born in 1963, living and working in Paris, Xavier Veilhan has established itself as one of the major artists of his generation, winning over his exhibitions international recognition. Emerged in the early 90s, Veilhan established the elements of a singular and unique vocabulary. If his work borrows the most varied forms: from sculpture to painting, photography, installation, film or live performance, all these practices converge towards creating a world whose wealth stems from a relationship very strong history and a profound reflection on modernity.
Although I think it ought to be named the Scroller, The Roller Buggy is a multi-functional baby carriage transformable into a scooter designed by Valentin Vodev, a member of the design trio behind CIO, Creative Industrial Objects.
Through a simple pull of the lower body, it extends the normal baby carriage into a scooter, creating a more sportive and faster transportation on various terrains and giving both parties a good time.
For the development of the Roller Buggy, a great amount of design and market research was invested. At first, the combination of baby carriage and scooter was tested in numerous plans and models after which the best results were optimized in a 3D model.
After the 3D model was created, a prototype was built and tried out in a park by placing a life size dummy into a third-party seat with seat belts. As the security of the child has priority, two front brake disks are provided to enable speed reduction at any time.
Child safety- Roller Buggy has a specially-made hydraulic brake system with two disk brakes that allow to reduce the speed and to stop. There is also a safety belt on the child's seat. The child should be older than 1,5 years and the speed shouldn't be faster than 15 km/h.
For children 1.5 - 4 years Materials: Aluminium, plastic and rubber Characteristics: Easy to store away, multifunctional purpose Usage: Alleys, parks, streets
