6 replies to this topic

[mmiller2002]

Here what they came up with. It looks like a tank, built to survive the elements...and students

http://maroonbikes.com/bikes/

[Ron Payne]

Kind of pricey, but I like it!

[Doohickie]

Why?

No advantage of that bike over a more conventional bike. If those urethane tires were worth anything, they'd already be widely available.

[Ron Payne]

That paraphrases what my great-grandpa said when the first cars hit the streets

[mmiller2002]

Why?

No advantage of that bike over a more conventional bike. If those urethane tires were worth anything, they'd already be widely available.

I think its clear that the point is weather resistance and low, or no maintenance. College kids' bikes sit outside, uncovered in all weather, rusting...and they do not get maintained. Conventional bikes are certainly not meant for that.
As for the tires, they are probably not as appropriate for your type of cycling at speeds higher than campus type riding.

The downside to me for college kid appeal: Dorky looking, heavy, and pricey.

I hope they sell/lease, because that was probably a very good and fun mechanical engineering/business cooperative project.

[Ron Payne]

I'm pretty sure there was a lease option on the webpage - I agree - at $990 starting price, I'd rather use the money as 1/3 of the price of the custom Tim Reede 'Salamander' guitar I have my eye on!

[Doohickie]

For a college campus, you could spend $150 for a bike off Craigslist, another $150 on tires and tubes, pump, etc., and be set for 4-5 years of college for a third of the cost of that thing.