MRnewsBot
04-28-2014, 05:20 PM
Mazda XCM
http://youtu.be/FumPgQIkJG8
By Michael Gray (http://michaelgraydesign.wordpress.com)
The Mazda XCM is a cross-country mountain bike concept; which challenges the conventions of a triangulated frame with tubular front forks.
Control geometry is based upon a typical 29 inch cross-country bike, but with a unique design which takes advantage of the possibilities of composite-moulding technology, while eliminating high maintenance items such as external gears and hydraulic suspension dampeners.
While the idea of a mid-mounted internal gear-set is not entirely unique or new, and front swing-arms have existed on a relatively small number of motorcycles for some time, the Mazda XCM takes them and applies them somewhat differently.
The front swing-arm acts against a composite material leaf spring, as does the single-sided rear swing arm. These eliminate the need for hydraulic suspension dampeners, which typically require routine maintenance. This also saves on weight and overall complexity.
The mid-mounted internal gear set receives drive from the bottom bracket via a toothed belt. It then outputs to the rear wheel via a pinion and shaft, which are held and sealed inside the rear swing arm.
The steering is hydraulically controlled, running from a master inside the head tube to a slave inside the front of the front swing arm.
* The Eggbeater pedals used in the CAD model are the work of Brian Martina (downloaded from GrabCAD), while the Hayes Disc brake calipers used are the work of 'SG' (GrabCAD).
http://youtu.be/FumPgQIkJG8
By Michael Gray (http://michaelgraydesign.wordpress.com)
The Mazda XCM is a cross-country mountain bike concept; which challenges the conventions of a triangulated frame with tubular front forks.
Control geometry is based upon a typical 29 inch cross-country bike, but with a unique design which takes advantage of the possibilities of composite-moulding technology, while eliminating high maintenance items such as external gears and hydraulic suspension dampeners.
While the idea of a mid-mounted internal gear-set is not entirely unique or new, and front swing-arms have existed on a relatively small number of motorcycles for some time, the Mazda XCM takes them and applies them somewhat differently.
The front swing-arm acts against a composite material leaf spring, as does the single-sided rear swing arm. These eliminate the need for hydraulic suspension dampeners, which typically require routine maintenance. This also saves on weight and overall complexity.
The mid-mounted internal gear set receives drive from the bottom bracket via a toothed belt. It then outputs to the rear wheel via a pinion and shaft, which are held and sealed inside the rear swing arm.
The steering is hydraulically controlled, running from a master inside the head tube to a slave inside the front of the front swing arm.
* The Eggbeater pedals used in the CAD model are the work of Brian Martina (downloaded from GrabCAD), while the Hayes Disc brake calipers used are the work of 'SG' (GrabCAD).