Everyone Needs a Cardboard Bike

Bikes become more efficient every year. Mechanics improve plus technology and metals make things lighter and more mobile.  More and more people are going eco-friendly and moving to pedal commuting thanks to these efficiencies. How much more efficient can a bike get?

Designer Izhar Gafni thinks bikes can go much further when it comes to efficiency. This year he finalized design of a mostly cardboard bike called the Alfa. All components are recycled materials. The belt-driven bike means no maintenance is required. Alfa weighs just 20lbs. but can support UP TO 485LBS! The concept evolved from that fact that when you fold paper or cardboard it becomes not two but three times stronger. That makes sense. Ever try to tear a pile of papers? Oh, the other great part about Alfa is the fact the estimated cost will be $9-$12. Let's see: 100% recycled materials, can support 24 times its weight and costs less than $15. I think we have a winner. Gafani spent three years designing Alfa. See the video below to learn about the process. Where will Alfa lead? Who knows. But the thought that a 100% sustainable form of transportation exists should at least lead us to ask what else is possible in preserving our planet.

Thanks: FastCo. Design
[ Everyone Needs a Cardboard Bike copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

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Original Page: http://www.coolest-gadgets.com/20121221/cardboard-bike/

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