Tuesday, January 31, 2006

One handed quick release wheel removal

BikeBiz.com had this bit of news about a new quick release system from Montague -- builders of military folding bikes. BRaIN has more details about what appears to be a true innovation: a wheel quick release that allows the rider to adjust, secure, or remove the wheel with one hand. According to the BRaIN article, "the Montague System looks like a conventional quick-release system, but it automatically clicks the wheel into the fork and simultaneously locks it into place."

Pacific Cycles announced they will use the Montague Wheel Fastening System in 2007 Schwinn, GT, and Mongoose bikes. Before anybody snickers about "Wal-Goose" bike shaped objects, recall that GT bikes are sold exclusively in the IBD channel.

I searched through the US Patent Office database for this invention but couldn't find anything. I did find a number of patents pending and recently awarded to Thomas Ritchey for mechanisms for folding and take-apart bike assemblies.

There's a Pacific Cycles design center in my city. I'll drop by and see if they have any details about this new quick release doohickey.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

I don't have any particular information about this new QR system except to ask what was so awkward about the old QR system?