hello all!

sharpo88

I am new to this forum as you all may of noticed. I am an avid mountain biker, located in Scotland, but more to the point I am currently studying product design at Glasgow Caledonian university, I am in my final year and for my honours project I am designing a mountain bike, And was wondering if you kind and gracious people would fill out a short questionnaire to aid me in this endeavour. Don't worry it is only 7 questions long!

Questionnaire

1. What would you class your riding style as? Freeride, XC downhill etc

2. When you think about past trips what images does it conjure?

3. What does riding your bike mean to you?

4. What bike or bikes are you riding at the moment?

5. Would you consider a bike that takes it back to basics, strong hardtail, with no bells and whistles and is all about having fun?

6. If yes why is this appealing?

7. If no why is this of putting?

8. How much would you pay for a hardtail frame like this?


Thanks a lot! I will post up some pics of the final design once finished for your critique!

Chris

supersonic

Always makes me wonder when I see the questions what you are actually going to gain, but guess that is down to you lol. Anyway...

1. What would you class your riding style as? Freeride, XC downhill etc.
Mainly cross country, bit of commuting, and that All Mountain stuff.


2. When you think about past trips what images does it conjure?
Trips? Need to be more specific.


3. What does riding your bike mean to you?
Fitness, enjoyment.


4. 4. What bike or bikes are you riding at the moment?
Mainly a custom GT Zaskar Carbon Team.


5. 5. Would you consider a bike that takes it back to basics, strong hardtail, with no bells and whistles and is all about having fun?
Leading question. Why is a rigid hardtail more fun? In a word, no.


7. If no why is this of putting?
Front suspension is more comfortable and lets me ride harder for longer, for most of the riding I do. Can't always say the same about rear sus, but definitely front.


8. How much would you pay for a hardtail frame like this?
Bike or frame? Hardtails imply front suspension, and any rigid frame can be fit with front suspension! Aluminium, £200 max. Steel, wouldn't even bother. Carbon, £400.

sharpo88

Thanks for your answers! The purpose of the questions is to build a user profile, to see if what I am thinking will be accepted by the market, and what genre of mountain biking it will fit into or of it will create a new one, but judging by its past the style of riding comes first and products are developed around this!

Thanks!

Long_Time_Lurker

You need to get on Survey Monkey or similar - get it hosted online so you don't have to trawl through threads collating info.
But here are your answers...

1. What would you class your riding style as? Freeride, XC downhill etc
XC - long hikes (40+ miles). Or short 2 hour blasts along cross-country trails.
2. When you think about past trips what images does it conjure?
Mud, lots of mud
3. What does riding your bike mean to you?
The ability to get away with friends. Some peace and quiet away from screaming kids. Getting out in the open, miles from civilisation.
4. What bike or bikes are you riding at the moment?
Cube Race SL, an old Felt Virtue.
5. Would you consider a bike that takes it back to basics, strong hardtail, with no bells and whistles and is all about having fun?
I need front sus. Or is that what you consider the norm? (I do - I would never consider rigid front forks.)
6. If yes why is this appealing?
Depends on what you see as back to basics. I have a bmx - that is back to basics. I'll stick with my bmx for a bit of stripped down biking.
7. If no why is this of putting?
I need a decent front fork. I would never be able to finish a ride without it.
8. How much would you pay for a hardtail frame like this?
Up to £400

cooldad

1. What would you class your riding style as? Freeride, XC downhill etc - pretty rubbish style really.

2. When you think about past trips what images does it conjure? - at my age I'm lucky if I remember what I had for breakfast.

3. What does riding your bike mean to you? - in a zen like way?

4. What bike or bikes are you riding at the moment? - office chair with 5 wheels.

5. Would you consider a bike that takes it back to basics, strong hardtail, with no bells and whistles and is all about having fun? why I have fun on my full suss with some bells and whistles.

6. If yes why is this appealing? - I give up. Why?

7. If no why is this of putting? The same reason I don't wear hair shirts.

8. How much would you pay for a hardtail frame like this? - A bazillion gazillion pounds - always worth paying for new fresh ideas. No wait - £35, as it's been done by plenty of people.

IBISMojoHDamon

1. What would you class your riding style as? Freeride, XC downhill etc
XC / Free-ride / Downhill

2. When you think about past trips what images does it conjure?
Beautiful scenery, flowing trails, sunny, dusty, edge of grip / skill / on the edge. (The Alpes)

3. What does riding your bike mean to you?
Fitness, freedom, escapism, stress relieving, fun, social

4. What bike or bikes are you riding at the moment?
Ibis Mojo HD, Intense Uzzi, Trek Road bike

5. Would you consider a bike that takes it back to basics, strong hardtail, with no bells and whistles and is all about having fun?
No, my back is shot, I need full suspension, hardtails don't appeal to me in the slightest

6. If yes why is this appealing?
N/A

7. If no why is this of putting?
Uncomfortable, painful, not suitable for my style of riding

8. How much would you pay for a hardtail frame like this?
I would never buy a hard tail in any form, regardless of price

miss notax

1. What would you class your riding style as? Freeride, XC downhill etc

XC with a bit of tame downhill thrown in

2. When you think about past trips what images does it conjure?

A nice flowy peice of singletrack

3. What does riding your bike mean to you?

Having fun, challenging myself and just getting out there

4. What bike or bikes are you riding at the moment?

Orange 5 Diva and Kona Minxy

5. Would you consider a bike that takes it back to basics, strong hardtail, with no bells and whistles and is all about having fun?

No!

6. If yes why is this appealing?

It's not appealing....

7. If no why is this of putting?

I like having a comfy bike with all the bells and whistles. I accept that other people like the challenge of riding other stuff, but for me I like having good full suspension and all the other fancy bits - it means that I can ride for longer and gives me the confidence to tackle the tricky bits.

8. How much would you pay for a hardtail frame like this?

Sorry but I wouldn't :?

NJG01

1. What would you class your riding style as? Freeride, XC downhill etc
XC / Trail I guess.

2. When you think about past trips what images does it conjure?
Fun, freedom, fantastic views, and wishing I could be out there making more memories.

3. What does riding your bike mean to you?
Erm doesnt really 'mean' anything in a deep and philosophical way, I ride for the sheer fun of it.

4. What bike or bikes are you riding at the moment?
Cannondale SL3 hardtail.

5. Would you consider a bike that takes it back to basics, strong hardtail, with no bells and whistles and is all about having fun?
See above. Already ride HT.

6. If yes why is this appealing?
... Would rather have a FS bike, so guess thats a no.

7. If no why is this of putting?
Its not. I do it anyway.

8. How much would you pay for a hardtail frame like this?
Would I really spend more money on another HT rather than saving for a FS?

As has been said, you should stick this on Survey Monkey and post the link everywhere. (facebook, your university email - get your dept. to send it round, twitter if you have it, on here, on PinkBike etc. etc.) You *should* gets loads more replies in a quicker, easier to gather method.

ilovedirt

1. What would you class your riding style as? Freeride, XC downhill etc
XC, AM (I would class XC and AM as the same thing anyway, if you do it right), DH, I enjoy it all

2. When you think about past trips what images does it conjure?
Having fun on the bike and with friends.

3. What does riding your bike mean to you?
Freedom, being able to get away from some of the crap life throws up, having a laugh with some good friends.

4. What bike or bikes are you riding at the moment?
Rocky Mountain Slayer, Orange 223.

5. Would you consider a bike that takes it back to basics, strong hardtail, with no bells and whistles and is all about having fun?
Yes

6. If yes why is this appealing?
Low maintenance, Fun.

7. If no why is this of putting?

8. How much would you pay for a hardtail frame like this?
Around the £300 mark

angry_bird

1) XC through to DH, BMX stuffs.
2) Fun times, nice views, lots of cake and tea.
3) It's what I look forward to most of all. Drives me crazy being away from them.
4) BMX, XC hardtail, 160mm heavy duty hardtail
5) Yes, I have one.
6) Loads of fun, simple, easy and rewarding to ride.
7)
8) Depends, upto £350-£400 potentially, at the same time my last frame only cost me £170ish and it does all I want.

EyesintheSky

sharpo88 wrote:

I am new to this forum as you all may of noticed. I am an avid mountain biker, located in Scotland, but more to the point I am currently studying product design at Glasgow Caledonian university, I am in my final year and for my honours project I am designing a mountain bike, And was wondering if you kind and gracious people would fill out a short questionnaire to aid me in this endeavour. Don't worry it is only 7 questions long!

Questionnaire

1. What would you class your riding style as? Freeride, XC downhill etc
XC, Trail centres, day trips over the local Malverns, and the odd downhill sections I have the balls to go down on said trips.

2. When you think about past trips what images does it conjure?
Freedom, views, a laugh with your friends, and great fun barreling down hills and tech sections.

3. What does riding your bike mean to you?
Well it's a hobby, so getting away from life/work etc... It's just pure enjoyment.

4. What bike or bikes are you riding at the moment?
Cube Hardtail which I've spent a tad too much on...

5. Would you consider a bike that takes it back to basics, strong hardtail, with no bells and whistles and is all about having fun?
I'm on a hardtail, but I like the Bells and Whistles, sure I could function without, but you feel better when you do have them, and I don't have any less fun with said Bells.

6. If yes why is this appealing?
It was my first proper MTB to get my skills on, in hindsight it would have been better to save all the cash spent on upgrades, and wack them into a full susser. I do love my hardtail though, and I guess it does suit my day trips better...

7. If no why is this off putting?
Well when you've put so much time into your ride, why would you willingly want to go back?

8. How much would you pay for a hardtail frame like this?
I would have to be given it as a present so I have to ride it!


Thanks a lot! I will post up some pics of the final design once finished for your critique!

Chris

Answers in Pink!

t0pc4t

sharpo88 wrote:

I am new to this forum as you all may of noticed. I am an avid mountain biker, located in Scotland, but more to the point I am currently studying product design at Glasgow Caledonian university, I am in my final year and for my honours project I am designing a mountain bike, And was wondering if you kind and gracious people would fill out a short questionnaire to aid me in this endeavour. Don't worry it is only 7 questions long!

Questionnaire

1. What would you class your riding style as? Freeride, XC downhill etc

Probably XC

2. When you think about past trips what images does it conjure?

Like surfing but without the getting wet and 5 hour drive to find out it's flat

3. What does riding your bike mean to you?

The main thing I do for fun and fitness, a lot but there's stuff that comes first (wife, family etc)

4. What bike or bikes are you riding at the moment?

Commuter is a Cube Curve, off road Giant Anthem X4

5. Would you consider a bike that takes it back to basics, strong hardtail, with no bells and whistles and is all about having fun?

I'd think about it but ultimately would decide against it

6. If yes why is this appealing?

I like simplicity


7. If no why is this of putting?

I only have time to ride one bike really and the best choice is always going to be the one that allows me to go fastest and flatters my riding best, this will always be a full suss.


8. How much would you pay for a hardtail frame like this?

N/A



Thanks a lot! I will post up some pics of the final design once finished for your critique!

Chris

wordnumb

sharpo88 wrote:

Questionnaire

1. What would you class your riding style as? Freeride, XC downhill etc

Predominantly off-road.

2. When you think about past trips what images does it conjure?

Huh? - Mud, sweat and beers.

3. What does riding your bike mean to you?

Pedalling + more than I could hope to express.

4. What bike or bikes are you riding at the moment?

I'm sat at a computer at the moment.

5. Would you consider a bike that takes it back to basics, strong hardtail, with no bells and whistles and is all about having fun?

I often ride a steel rigid frame. Love the simplicity of it. Full sus is fun also.

6. If yes why is this appealing?

Because it isn't sitting at a computer being underwhelmed by questionnaires.

7. If no why is this of putting?

Despite underwhelming questionnaire I have a big soundsystem playing good music and a cup of green tea.

8. How much would you pay for a hardtail frame like this?

Nothing. I already have one.

Thanks a lot! I will post up some pics of the final design once finished for your critique!

Glad to be of assistance.

Chris

Briggo

Another set of poor questions from someone at Uni and then they wonder why we're not going to subsidise the fees (or not as much) anymore.

sharpo88

thank you for all who answered constructively, for those of you who have nothing of value to add don't waste your precious time posting. As for fees? I am at uni in Scotland, fees are of no issue to me, and soon enough I will be paying tax to fund someone else going to uni, so keep your pointless opinions to yourself thank you.

but again thanks for those of you who answered. please continue to answer if you would like to.

chris

ilovedirt

Briggo wrote:

Another set of poor questions from someone at Uni and then they wonder why we're not going to subsidise the fees (or not as much) anymore.

You got some sand in your vagina there?

Torres

1. What would you class your riding style as? Freeride, XC downhill etc
I'm not a massive fan of the labels, I like to just ride my bike. However; a marketing man would probably classify most of my riding as XC/Trail (and too slow )

2. When you think about past trips what images does it conjure?
Good times with good mates.

3. What does riding your bike mean to you?
Fun, a release from the tedious, transport.

4. What bike or bikes are you riding at the moment?
Rigid on-one 29er and a Commencal Meta 4x

5. Would you consider a bike that takes it back to basics, strong hardtail, with no bells and whistles and is all about having fun?
Yup, i think my hippie bike sums that all up really.

6. If yes why is this appealing?
Far less to go wrong and puts an greater emphasis on ability to pick lines and negotiate obstacles.

8. How much would you pay for a hardtail frame like this?
Probably less than £300, decent strong (hard-core) hardtails such as the NS Surge, Identiti Mr Hyde and the Carbon 456 can be had for around this price so I don't see much point in paying more.