Matthew's Streamlined Bike Project
Donation protected
Hi my name is Matthew Martin and I am researching alternate means of transportation. I am concerned about our environment and the effects of emissions from fossil fuels; particularly interested in exploring Human Powered Vehicles that are practical and affordable. If you are interested in supporting this cause and find it a worthwhile endeavor then please read on and consider supporting me.
I am currently a freshman in high school and I have spent the past 5 months designing a bike prototype in Computer Aided Design-CAD software and my hope is to bring it to life. I have experience with metal fabrication but would like to develop skills with composite manufacturing techniques. I strongly believe these skills will help me to engineer and innovate.
Taking a leap into the world of composites will help me broaden my scope as to what I know as possible. This project will help me gain the knowledge and know-how that I will need for future projects, and my career. I will gain hands on experience with industry standard composite techniques, which are used in marine, aeronautics, sports car manufacturing, and many more industries.
What is it?
I have designed a recumbent bicycle with an aerodynamic fairing that allows the rider to go faster with less energy, due to lowered air resistance. It also offers wind and rain protection which can make it practical for commuters. A normal upright bicycle is not as efficient due to the larger frontal area, this means on a regular bike, at speeds over 15mph, about 80% of your energy is being used to overcome wind resistance. By eliminating much of this resistance, more energy goes toward increasing the rider’s velocity. This recumbent bicycle has a specially designed frame that fits into the fairing and can be removed to ride the bike like a standard recumbent bike. The closest relatives to this type of a bike are bikes that are raced at Battle Mountain Nevada, which can go in excess of 80 mph. If you need a visual, Google "human powered vehicle, battle mountain". The bike I designed is meant for transport, and not top speed. This means a more upright seat angle for improved visibility and greater balance.
Costs:
This project requires myriad number of raw materials, however the most expensive being the fiberglass and resin needed to make the molds. Once I build the molds I will have to make the final product which will also require more fiberglass and resin.
If you would like to see this creation come to life then please consider supporting me.
I am currently a freshman in high school and I have spent the past 5 months designing a bike prototype in Computer Aided Design-CAD software and my hope is to bring it to life. I have experience with metal fabrication but would like to develop skills with composite manufacturing techniques. I strongly believe these skills will help me to engineer and innovate.
Taking a leap into the world of composites will help me broaden my scope as to what I know as possible. This project will help me gain the knowledge and know-how that I will need for future projects, and my career. I will gain hands on experience with industry standard composite techniques, which are used in marine, aeronautics, sports car manufacturing, and many more industries.
What is it?
I have designed a recumbent bicycle with an aerodynamic fairing that allows the rider to go faster with less energy, due to lowered air resistance. It also offers wind and rain protection which can make it practical for commuters. A normal upright bicycle is not as efficient due to the larger frontal area, this means on a regular bike, at speeds over 15mph, about 80% of your energy is being used to overcome wind resistance. By eliminating much of this resistance, more energy goes toward increasing the rider’s velocity. This recumbent bicycle has a specially designed frame that fits into the fairing and can be removed to ride the bike like a standard recumbent bike. The closest relatives to this type of a bike are bikes that are raced at Battle Mountain Nevada, which can go in excess of 80 mph. If you need a visual, Google "human powered vehicle, battle mountain". The bike I designed is meant for transport, and not top speed. This means a more upright seat angle for improved visibility and greater balance.Costs:
This project requires myriad number of raw materials, however the most expensive being the fiberglass and resin needed to make the molds. Once I build the molds I will have to make the final product which will also require more fiberglass and resin.
If you would like to see this creation come to life then please consider supporting me.
Organizer and beneficiary
Matthew Martin
Organizer
Rakesh Martin
Beneficiary
