presented at the north american handmade bicycle show in charlotte, USA, czech republic-based festka introduced their handmade carbon fiber urban zero bike featuring illustrations by tomski & polanski.
the urban zero draws on the company’s well-proven road frame, but
removes all clutter, leaving a sophisticated but simple gates carbon
belt drive system. the bike has been set-up with a gear ratio of 60-22,
and is well balanced to for riding both in the city and off-track.
capable of handling hilly terrain, the urban zero features
classic road geometry and is adaptable to many handlebar configurations. 50mm rocket wheels complete the art piece and unify the appearance.
‘we decided to use the same style of linking with carbon because we like the way it looks,’ says festka. ‘the
secret of carbon tubes structure lies in a unique zero degree axial
fiber laying process developed through an ongoing research, analysis and
practical application. the difference that a few degrees make is pretty
significant, we are talking about 15% in stiffness and up to 40% in
strength. it is highly resistant to mechanical damage.’
‘when tomski & polanski accepted our offer to design the frame finish, they came up with a theme that draws on the natural element of wind in its literal and figurative reach,’ they add. ‘freshness, spontaneous power, the ever changing colors of the sky and the drifting of the clouds take you flying like the birds and lets you become an active part of the universe. the color scheme may remind you of a super hero and wake up the noble character in you. it also matches our national colors – captain czech republic conquers america.’
from designboom