Velo City: Bicycle Culture and City Life

Oregon Manifest 2014: HUGE x 4130

Oregon Manifest 2014: HUGE x 4130

The 2014 Oregon Manifest competition certainly looks a lot different to previous editions, which saw most entries taking the form of traditional porteurs and cargo bikes. This year, the designs are a lot more evolved, yet are still focused on creating the ultimate urban utility bike. Five cities are represented, with five design studios collaborating with a local builder on one entry. This is San Francisco’s offering, from the team of HUGE Design and 4130 Cycle Works.

Oregon Manifest 2014: HUGE x 4130

HUGE counts Microsoft, Nike, Google and GoPro on their client list, while Tom Schoeniger of 4130 has extensive training with “some of the most storied first-generation California frame builders”. Tom specialises in urban bikes and townies, so his Manifest entry is an ultra-modern expansion on those designs. Perhaps that’s the raison d’être behind its title: EVO — a self-contained bike with a built-in lock and light system, and modular capability catering for all carrier requirements.

Oregon Manifest 2014: HUGE x 4130

From the press release: “After observing city dweller’s ride patterns we realized that the only consistency was inconsistency. Not only was everyone’s needs different but their needs actually changed throughout the course of the day/week. We decided to focus on the diversity of people and places in San Francisco to inspire our bike.

Oregon Manifest 2014: HUGE x 4130

“The EVO Urban Utility bike is a hybrid bicycle that leverages a modular accessory platform for ultimate flexibility. EVO blends the utility of a city bike with the robustness and geometry of a mountain bike to satisfy the city’s diverse lifestyle and terrain. It presents a one bike solution that can take on many different environments and activities.

Oregon Manifest 2014: HUGE x 4130

“Innovative quick-connect mounts on the front and rear enable users to rapidly attach or detach cargo accessories that are normally mounted permanently to a bike. This plug-and-play system is designed to be flexible for a rider’s daily needs, ranging from a child seat to different racks for carrying everything from groceries to surf boards. These EVO accessories quickly lock into the frame and are easily removed when not in use.

Oregon Manifest 2014: HUGE x 4130

“Inspired by San Francisco’s famous towers and bridges, the symmetrical frame has been developed to support cargo loads both on the front and rear of the bike. This ‘truss’ frame geometry is as functional as it is iconic. 3D printed steel lugs allow for an efficient lug plus tube construction, thus reducing complex welding and man hours in production.

“A front fork lockout allows users to securely lean the handlebars against a wall for stable loading and unloading. In addition, this concept includes front and rear lighting systems and a cable lock integrated into the frame.

The winner of the 2014 Oregon Manifest will be decided by public vote and will then be produced by the event partner Fuji bikes. Head to the website to view all five entries and place your vote.

Oregon Manifest 2014: HUGE x 4130