Lunartic_Hubless Wheel Prototype.mov

Lunartic is a Loughborough University Design and Technology final year project by Luke Douglas.

The aim was to use a hubless wheel to create a compact bicycle, with the benefits of a large wheel and belt drive.

Hubless wheels have appeared in bicycle concepts already, and were first invented by Sbarro. However, few concepts have made it to prototype and when only used for aesthetic purposes, the disadvantage of extra cost out weights the visual gain. Lunartic uses the hubless for a reason; to house the working parts, reducing the wheel base but not sacrificing conventional riding geometry.

Lunartic is supposed to be as compact as possible without folding or being awkward to ride, however there is the potential for the front wheel to fold up into the rear or for that space to be used for a laptop back, motor or dynamo.

This first prototype proves the unique theory behind the design but will require further development before being ready for mass manufacture.

• Category

  Science & Technology

[Klayperson]

can't go as fast as my 21-speed.

[wwwShadow7]

I'm not a fan of a small front wheel. It's fine on a well maintained and paved surface.  But in practice such surfaces are the exception, not the rule. Possible advantages, arrows or javelins that pass through the hub-less region won't break all the spokes. You could fairly easily mount an engine in the hub-less region. Or create a storage space. Possible disadvantages, less shock absorption, more weight, and a large wear surface.

[Stormas3000]

the easy part is to change the back tyre!

[cool5293]

Cool! assorted bicycle wheel struck

[ragers66]

Does away with spokes on the back wheel which can break & are a pain to replace. Could be difficult to change a flat tyre though.

I like the belt drive concept though...very cool.

[ariclegomaniac]

make that a few advantages lol

[ariclegomaniac]

well there is one advantage at least your shoe laces or a skirt or any torn parts of jeans wont get caught in it

[merickful]

Next!

[Jacob Chapman]

they're isnt any they just look cool apparently... thats a hell of a reason. Imagine if the dude that invented the atomic bomb gave that reason for its existance.

[Luke Campanelli]

This kinda looks like one of them folding bikes I use to own called a Dahon 3

Only difference is the wheels on the Dahon both are only 12inches in size I loved that bike