Moccle 木製自転車は by Masateru Yasuda is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2023 A' Design Award 金賞 in 自転車デザイン Competition Category.

金自転車· 2023

Moccle 木製自転車は

by Masateru Yasuda

Client: Atelier Kinopio

A' Design Award 金賞 Winner in 自転車 Category

702,408

Verified Award Winner

Verify Award Status for #149337

Visit Site View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

Colors

The Design

About Moccle 木製自転車は

モックルは日本の伝統的な木造住宅の耐震性に着目し、主材料に木材を使用しています。木材とカーボンファイバーを組み合わせたハイブリッド素材を使用し、柔軟性と強度をバランスさせています。機能を最小限に抑え、速さではなく快適さと楽しさを追求することで、モクルは移動のためのツールであるだけでなく、リビングルームに飾られるインテリアの一部としても機能します。

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award 金賞

Moccle 木製自転車はは、まさに素晴らしく傑出した第一級のデザインに授与される、計り知れないほど権威ある評価である A' Design Award 金賞の受賞作品です。金賞の受賞作品は、きわめて革新的で、先見性に富み、きらびやかに輝く創造物であり、デザイナーの天才性、叡智、卓越した技量を映し出しています。Moccle 木製自転車はは、最も称賛される、流行を牽引する記念碑的な発明であり、前例のない価値をもたらすことが期待されます。この A' Design Award 金賞を受賞したデザインは、壮観で尊敬されるプロジェクトであり、芸術・科学・デザイン・技術の境界に大きく寄与し、それを前進させます。Moccle 木製自転車はは、強い欲求を生み出し、情熱を呼び覚まし、創造性を促し、私たちを引きつけます。

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

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
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.
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.