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Can Mokumono Make Dutch Bikes More Modern?

Auto industry tech meets cycling simplicity in Dutch-made bikes

By Kat Bauman - April 21, 2016

in Bikes | Crowdfunding | Digital Fabrication

The Dutch are internationally famous for their cycling culture. But while the country was at the forefront of bike tech and production 100 years ago, Dutch bikes nowadays aren’t known for being light, modern or domestically produced. Designer Bob Schiller is hoping to change that with Mokumono. Mokumono is a sleek city bike with a design that responds to the precise difficulties of traditional bike building, currently up for funding on Kickstarter.

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What began as a student project while Schiller was finishing studies at Design Academy Eindhoven could have real world viability. His first step was recognizing that labor cost was the key factor in driving production overseas, since thin tube welding is precision work and still largely done by hand. Looking to other structural production types already in use, he eventually landed on laser welded aluminum monocoque.

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In the bike world, “monocoque” tends to be associated with misguided early carbon fiber bikes or used in vague descriptions of fancier new ones. What’s different is the material. We’ve seen this type of aluminum frame-skin used in everything from wartime aviation to car parts, but it’s never been big in bikes.

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In the case of Mokumono, the method seems like a shockingly simple way to cut down on assembly. (A similarly interesting technique was the 3D printed frame components by Renishaw and Empire Cycles in the UK.)

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Using just two formed halves joined around a head tube, seat tube/bottom bracket and drop-outs, the welding is simplified and streamlined for automated production. The three non-integrated pieces were left out to account for shifts in industry standards and different styles on subsequent models. The geared style weighs in at a reasonable 24 pounds, and features several niceties that appeal to a modern commuter.

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It has internal cable routing, a belt drive, road disc brakes, a squishy Brooks seat, room for wider road tires, plenty of fender and rack mounts, and that super slick invisible seatpost. Though the cafe racer set-up and the fact that it comes in all of one size for people over 5’7” means it’s not my type of tea, the form is interesting and certainly slick.

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However, Mokumono is on their first working prototype and there is no talk about frame geometry, impact testing, shock rating, or ride quality, which gives me… pause.

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Does this thing ride as stiff as a car door? Can it take an impact without turning to soup? Does that fin on the top tube make anybody else’s groin anxious??

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The components are all solid, the mechanics look reasonable, and monocoque production might in fact be a way to bring production back home, or just cut costs.

Is this a good use of it? All in all, I think it might be, and it's definitely a nice look at what happens when a student bike design graduates to the next level. And who knows, some of you danger-lovers still ride Stridas.

The Mokumono campaign runs through May 20, 2016.

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Sean Horita

8 years ago

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"We've seen this type of aluminum frame-skin used in everything from wartime aviation to car parts, but it's never been big in bikes."
Isn't this basically the same application as Marc Newson's first bike for Biomega? He called his process "superforming" - regardless its formed aluminum sheet.
Curious about the design choice to create a 'dangling' bottom bracket and using only a seat stay, rather than the more structurally sound method of the chainstay.
Its an attractive form and despite the valid questions posed here I hope it succeeds, wherever it may be built.

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David Beck

8 years ago

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In addition to Ryan's correct comment, Dutch bikes are meant to be utility bikes. This example is far from it. There are no racks for carrying belongings, or young children for that matter. I don't even see eyelets for fenders. How do I keep my arse dry in the rain?

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- Bob Schiller
  
  David Beck
  
  8 years ago
  
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  Hi David, we are not claiming to make a classic Dutch bike but we are simply making them in the Netherlands. There are eyelets for fenders and racks and fenders even come as an option.
  
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Ryan White

8 years ago

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This bike is "Dutch" only in country of manufacturing origin. The attraction of Dutch bikes, and what makes them a category unto themselves is their relaxed and upright riding position that allows for a slow paced, comfortable ride. The slack seat angle also allows for putting a foot down at a light without getting out of the saddle. This bike geometry wise is the anti-Dutch bike.

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- Bob Schiller
  
  Ryan White
  
  8 years ago
  
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  Hi Ryan, you are right, the Mokumono is not your typical Dutch bike. We want to make high quality bikes in the Netherlands and choose a more sportive geometry because we believe it is the best way to get around.
  
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