Gold Bicycle Design · 2023
Moccle Wooden Bicycle
- A' Design Award 2023 Gold Winner in Bicycle Design
- Awarded April 15, 2023
- CLIENT: Atelier Kinopio
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 701,828
- Verification code 9A54BAF2EE · Verify this award
About Moccle Wooden Bicycle
Moccle is focused on the earthquake resistance of traditional Japanese wooden houses and used wood as the main material. A hybrid material combining wood and carbon fibre is used to balance flexibility and strength. By minimising functions and developing comfort and fun rather than speed, Moccle is not only a tool for mobility, but also a part of the interior that can be displayed in the living room.
Within the distinguished tradition of craft-based industrial design that honors material integrity while advancing functional innovation, this wooden bicycle by Masateru Yasuda emerges as a compelling meditation on the intersection of natural materials and mechanical purpose. The work participates in a lineage extending from the bentwood innovations of nineteenth-century furniture makers through mid-century Scandinavian design philosophy to contemporary sustainable manufacturing practices, yet achieves a distinctive voice through its seamless integration of multiple wood species within a structurally demanding application. The laminated construction technique, visible in the contrasting layers of darker and lighter timber, demonstrates both technical sophistication and aesthetic intentionality, transforming what might be purely engineering necessity into a decorative feature that celebrates the making process itself. The flowing curves of the frame suggest organic growth patterns—the gentle arc of a branch, the sweep of wind-shaped dunes—while maintaining the geometric precision required for reliable cycling performance. Material selection appears carefully considered: the rich warmth of the primary wood frame creates visual weight and groundedness, while lighter accent woods and the cream-toned tires provide relief and lift. The choice of traditional leather for the saddle and natural wood for handlebar grips extends the commitment to authentic materials that age gracefully, developing character through use rather than deteriorating. This synthesis of heritage craft techniques with contemporary design sensibility invites consideration of how objects might embody values of sustainability, beauty, and functional excellence simultaneously, prompting viewers to reflect upon the relationship between the materials that surround us and the experiences they enable.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- While most high-quality bicycles are developed with speed as the main focus, we made full use of that technology to create a fun bicycle. Focusing on wood, which is a carbon fiber derived from nature, we aimed to develop a comfortable bicycle that takes advantage of its vibration damping and flexibility. High quality and simple functions for everyone, we designed a bicycle that can be displayed in the living room.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- Width 1740mm x Depth 530mm x Height 970mm
- Tags
- wooden bicycle, moccle, atelier kinopio
- Production Technology
- In order to make use of the flexibility of wood, the structure of the frame was designed with a large two-piece structure to avoid cutting of the wood fibers as much as possible. Furthermore, eliminating large changes in the cross-sectional area shape, a smooth and beautiful shape was derived. Wood sheets with carbon fiber is laminated to control shrinkage and cracking due to aging of the wood and improve safety. In addition, it makes balance of flexibility and strength.
- Design Challenge
- The wisdom of our predecessors is packed into manufacturing. When you study traditional methods, you will find that necessity and coincidence are mixed. That they have been selected according to the times and have reached the present. Bicycles are the easiest and most energy efficient means of transportation that mankind has ever owned. What can we do by using modern technology into traditional manufacturing methods?
1.Traditional Italian bicycle manufacturing + approach of Toyota car manufacturing
2.Composite materials using wood + carbon fiber
3.Traditional metal casting + 3D printing, etc
Think Old+New Hybrid possibilities - Project Duration
- The project started in 1999 and the 1st wooden bicycle was made in Osaka, Japan. The 2nd model was made in Nagano and named Moccle in 2012. The 3rd model wooden bicycle started production in 2019, and was exhibited in NAHBS in CA,USA in March, Wood Collection Show in Tokyo in January 2023.
- Operation Flow
- Moccle is a bicycle that you can easily ride in casual
clothes. A simple design that anyone can ride without a
complicated transmission. Just pedaling with your usual
sneakers, you can spend a relax time at your favorite cafe.
When get home, Moccle's storage space is not a back of a garage with a big flip-up door. By a special display stand, the storage space can be expanded to a living room, and the Moccle becomes a part of your interior. - Research
- A bicycle is a tool that uses human power as a propulsive force. Vibration makes power loss, frame strength transmits driving force. The frame was designed to balance the two contradicting flexibility and strength. For reduce the vibration from the road surface, we examined the route of the vibration and challenged to create a mechanism never before. In general frames are fixed the seat tube to upper members, we invented a free joint using a sliding-bush to the part. Vibration generated from the wheel is not transmitted upward. As the main material, we developed a hybrid material that can easily balance flexibility and strength, and incorporated a structure that absorbs vibrations by bending the entire frame like a bow when weight comes on saddle.
- Inspiration
- Traditional Japanese wooden buildings that take advantage of the flexibility of wood are strong against earthquakes. And the flexibility of wood and uneven fibers also provide excellent vibration absorption. I wondered if I could make a bicycle that takes advantage of the characteristics of this wood.
Colors of Moccle Wooden Bicycle
Get Moccle Wooden Bicycle
Custom Handcrafted Bicycle Design and Frame Building
We blend traditional Italian craftsmanship with Japanese innovation to create bespoke bicycles tailored to your vision. Our award-winning atelier specializes in custom frames, from competitive racing to artistic wooden designs, each piece meticulously handbuilt in Nagano.
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