Cycle Mobility Group
Group Leader(s): Dr Shpend Gerguri
Contact: sgerguri@brookes.ac.uk
About us
The Cycle Mobility Group carries out design, manufacture and research work in the area of bicycle design, such as exploring the use of sustainable materials and their unique vibration damping properties in terms of ride comfort. Other areas of research include the use of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to evaluate characteristics of bicycle components in a range of operating conditions to allow detailed performance parameters to be evaluated. The latest scope of research will expand to look at cycling laptime simulator, bicycle tyre grip model.
The group also has a strong specialism with focus in knowledge exchange activities related to product design, joining, materials and testing, and over the past ten years has built a strong portfolio of work related to bicycle design and research.
Related courses
- Engineering (MPhil / PhD / Masters by Research / PhD by Published Work)
- Mechanical Engineering (MSc)
Research impact
Research and engineering design work into new technologies for enhanced strength and fatigue performance, using a unique design of blended flax and hemp fibre joints let to the development of a bamboo bicycle frame that capitalises on the unique damping properties of bamboo (resulting in a commercially licensed product to RAW Bamboo Bikes Ltd)
Generated significant media interest e.g BBC interviews (local and world news services) and various international, national and local newspapers, e.g https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-15198952
Contributed to a case study by the University Alliance titled “Transformative knowledge: Collaborating on the world’s first 3D printed and bamboo bicycle”
Hosted a sustainable enterprise from Ethiopia to facilitate knowledge transfer on the design and manufacture of an Ecobike that will make use of Ethiopia's bamboo resources. The bikes will be manufactured locally and provide transport for rural communities in Ethiopia to promote and enhance mobility.
Industrial collaboration with Witney-based Shape Machining Ltd on the design and manufacture of lightweight bicycle saddl based on the concept of 'Embroidered' composite material using Shape Tex Manufacturing Technology.
Leadership
