Photos: Bike design works the angles
The Shift, from industrial designers at Purdue, angles its wheels to match the speed at which you pedal.
Bike design works the angles
This design from a team at Purdue University took first place in the 9th International Bicycle Design Competition. Called Shift, it's meant to help toddlers get their bearings and keep their balance when learning how to pedal on their own.
Credit: Purdue University
Bike design works the angles
Purdue professors Scott Shim (left) and Steve Visser review the design of the Shift.
Credit: Purdue News Service/David Umberger
Bike design works the angles
As the Shift picks up speed, its wheels gradually change their alignment. The back wheels start with a wide base when stationary or moving slowly and then essentially become a single wheel when the bike is moving faster.
Credit: Purdue University
Bike design works the angles
The PD3, also a tricycle design, was the second-place finisher in the Taiwan competition. It's meant for mail carriers, though it looks like it would work for hot dog vendors as well.
Credit: International Bicycle Design Competition
Bike design works the angles
Third place went to the Hybrid, which supplements leg power with a small electric engine. The batteries are charged by the pedaling.
Credit: International Bicycle Design Competition
Bike design works the angles
The 2003 winner of the International Bicycle Design Competition was the Xiclet, developed by Marcelo Martinelli of Argentina.
Credit: International Bicycle Design Competition
