Your typical fixed gear rider is either a bicycle courier or someone who attempts to mimic that particular style of cycling, - often seen darting between cars in the city. Both of these groups of people share the same persona as quirky, fun-loving, somewhat eccentric and unique individuals. The norm is not of great interest to them, and similarly nor is it your typical spanner . Thus I have developed my “Fixed Gear Fixer” which aims to capture this niche and offer ‘fixie’ riders a tool that is fun to use, appeals to their quirky taste and is a great conversation starter amongst fellow riders. It is also safer to use than a normal rigid spanner.
The “Fixed Gear Fixer” is a flexible silicone encased spanner and lock ring tool. It is flexible as this allows the user to bend the body/handle of the spanner out of the way of sharp points while using it. If a normal rigid spanner were to slip whilst using it, this could cause serious injury to one’s hand. With the “Fixed Gear Fixer”, the silicone body provides the user with a comfortable and ergonomic handle with which he/she can apply maximum tightening torque easily and safely by bending it away from sharp edges. The multi-coloured silicone aims to appeal to the fun and quirky nature of the typical ‘fixie’ rider.
The “Fixed Gear Fixer” has a core consisting of a hardened steel socket for the wheel nuts and a hardened steel lock ring spanner. These two ends are joined by a section of bicycle chain encased inside the silicone handle. This allows for the tool to be flexible in one direction (left to right) but when bent in the other direction (up and down) it remains straight and strong, allowing the tool to perform as a normal rigid spanner would. The body of the tool is cast “RTV Addition Cured” silicone with colour pigments added. This product was used as it has good colour vibrancy with the addition of the pigment. It is also very strong with great stretch properties for a long lasting product.
Four Pleasure Analysis
Ideological:
- Motivated, high energy and goal driven.
- Like to be noticed for their quirkiness
Psychological:
- The fixie rider is trendy and quirky with passionate focus on their hobbies, clothes and other lifestyle choices.
- They have a preference for instant gratification and do not like to wait for anything.
Physiological:
- Young, active, fit and energetic
- Conscious of their carbon footprint and awareness of the need to be eco-friendly.
Sociological:
The colour choices for this product are perfect in that they fit the specified market really well. The silicon construction with the embedded chain for strength is a great idea for functionality and durability. My one concern is to do with the size. I feel that such a tool could be compacted more as weight capacity and size are limited when cycling.
ReplyDeleteI like the overall form of your product but would probably alter it a little to have a more ergonomic grip with grooves.
ReplyDeleteI was drawn by your choice of materials and found that the model had a nice weight to it.
I think combining these two tools is clever, making it convenient for riders. And the chain construction inside is economic and functional. but i am little worry about the thickness and the sharp edge of the spanner. It may broke or twist while applying hard force.Another concern is that its sharp edge may hurt users when using the lock ring tool. My suggestion is to make it like swiss army tool, the spanner can be folded into the body after use.
ReplyDeleteI think the use of a bicycle chain through the handle is particularly interesting. It offers additional functionality by allowing sideward bending, while re-affirming it's relationship with bicycles.
ReplyDeleteOverall, I like the look of the tool, but I feel like the hooked spanner end could be better integrated into the rest of the tool. This may mean extending the silicone handle along the top of the hook, thus extending the top line across the entire tool. Or perhaps enabling the end to be folded into the handle (as suggested by Wawen).