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Trying to discover the next big innovation in any field of design inevitably leads one to buck traditional trends, so it comes as no surprise that a concept product like the 36/28 Postale would stir controversy. Created by Italian product designer Paolo de Giusti, the bike gets its name from the unorthodox a 36” rear wheel and 28” front wheel that immediately catch ones eye, causing the whole bike to slant forward in profile. But besides capturing your attention, the bike also tells a story, as the name “Postale” recalls both messenger bikes as well as a nickname for the big buses that rush around corners each morning on their mission to bring workers from the outskirts to the center of Rome.
The bike gets its name from the unorthodox a 36” rear wheel and 28” front wheel that immediately catch ones eye, causing the whole bike to slant forward in profile.
Though at first it may seem like these buses (and this bike) could never take corners at such a speed, their ability to do so in reality proves you can’t judge a book by its cover. And though some may find the concept too extreme, in reality the bike’s design still respects the fundamental qualities of a traditional bicycle, but has just translated them into a more invigorating framework. The Postale maintains the ergonomics of a traditional design, as the distance and angles between the pedals, seat post and handlebars are kept to the basic ratio, and despite its unusual geometry it is actually extremely rideable, with the slant giving one an intense amount of momentum akin to an hour record bike (whose special frames also took advantage of what’s called “pursuit sloping”). The black and white palette of the work helps the wheels to really stand out against the frame, with the back wheel wrapped in a black matte Noeprene film to solidify the cleanliness of the overall design. One of the most exciting aspects of the concept is its integration of new 3d printing technology into the design, showing that these parts can still look elegant alongside more traditional materials. The bike features a plastic ABS 3d printed frame and 3d printed titanium junctions in its construction, while the rest of the parts can be found easily on the market. This means that the manufacture of the bike would be relatively simple as all customized pieces are printable (meaning no extra machining is required). Though only a concept right now, the 36/28 Postale takes big strides through a crowded field, and lays groundwork for an ever-richer search for the ultimate in riding design.
