25Seven

Bike Project: Earth Day Limited Edition – Part III

Here’s the third installment in a series on Seven Cycles’ Earth Day Bike.  The other installments can be found here:

Part I:  Product details
Part II:  Fuel consumption and commuting by bike

In this third installment I describe some of the manufacturing processes we employ, and how they differ from Seven Cycles’ standard production methods.  As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, this information isn’t meant to be a “how to” series of posts; it’s not the way to build ecologically low impact bikes.  I’m simply sharing how we went about it—as more and more people have asked for details.  I’ve also learned that we have a lot of room for improvement for future Viridianesque projects.

Within the framework of this low ecoimpact bike project, we had a number of internal and external goals; here I’ll explain another of our primary internal goals:

Bike Project: Earth Day Limited Edition – Part II

Here’s a follow up to the Seven Cycles Earth Day post from a few days ago—part one is here.  I mentioned I would explain some of the internal business processes and manufacturing thinking that we employed on this Viridianesque project, and how it’s affected my thinking about frame building in general.

I’ll preface the details by clarifying that this information isn’t meant to be a “how to” series of posts.  I’m not suggesting that this is the way to build ecologically low impact bikes, or that what Seven is doing on this project is the right way, or the best way.  I’m simply sharing how we went about it—as a number of people have asked for details. 

Minimizing Seven’s Ecological Footprint

For this project we evaluated more than just carbon emissions—a popular topic right now.  I have a lot to learn about designing and building low impact products, but I’ve been involved in enough sustainability projects to know that reducing carbon emissions is only a piece of the puzzle.  So, we made an effort to view the entire process of bike building from cradle-to-cradle—with an emphasis on the steps over which we have the most control.

Bike Project: Earth Day Limited Edition

Recently we completed a Seven Cycles limited edition bike design that was a bit different from our previous limited editions.  This project was different because it turned out—for me—to be more about the process than about the product.  Normally we don’t discuss process with the public; mainly because it seems that most people are a lot more interested in the finished product, rather than the process—or how a project comes to fruition.

The recent limited edition I’m referring to is Seven’s Earth Day bike.  I call it our Viridian model.  I’m a bit of a Viridian.  Even though, technically, the movement is officially dead—as stated by its founder—I still find it worthwhile.

Anyway, why did the process overwhelm the project?  I think that the product—the bike—is actually really cool--I'm jealous of those that will own one.  If you’re interested, you can read a bit about the bike on our site.  The process, however, has had a lasting impact on the way I now think about building bikes. 

Made In the U.S.A. vs. Made In China

I was interviewed today by an industry magazine writer. The writer is working on an interesting article that he probably doesn’t want me talking about in any detail—so I won’t.  What I can say is that Seven Cycles was asked to explain why US made bikes are preferable to Chinese made options.  A different interviewee had already defended the position that Chinese and Taiwanese made bikes are superior to US made bikes.

In some ways, this seems like a bit of a silly conversation, or comparison; I believe that most people would agree that US manufactured bike frames are of better quality than the best Chinese frames.  It does seem a bit difficult to argue with that.

Or is it?

Early Adopters in Local Food, or Any Industry

A few weeks ago Seven Cycles was fortunate to be invited to participate in, and host, an exploratory discussion called a “Local Food Creative Session”.  I think we were invited because we had the space to host… but they got stuck with me in the bargain.  The event was put together and moderated by Wayne Maceyka for one of his classes at the Bainbridge Graduate Institute.

It was a really interesting session and we covered a lot of ground in a short amount of time.  I have a number of thoughts about which I would like to post—at least on the ideas that relate to the bike industry, but Wayne is working on a paper for BGI and I don’t want to get in the way of his work.  Once he completes his work, I’ll post some additional ideas.

One of the primary questions we explored in the session was, “How can we get 10% of food produced and consumed within 100-mile circumference?”

Commuting Conspiracy

Just a short post today; it's been a very good and very long day--lots to post about when I'm not exhausted.

A few words about my commute.  I have had a Toyota Prius for about four years now and I love it.

Not only is it just about the best hybrid available, I can get really good mileage on it, particularly if I work some of the tricks.

Now, I know that I shouldn't be driving--that would get me the best mileage of all.  However, when I do drive to work, and if I pay attention to maximizing mileage, I can get over 80 miles to the gallon.

Here's proof.