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hey Geeks

today at the university, our Doctor ask from us to build a bicycle:
that is made form paper and cardboard (carton)
that is fully functional
only half a kilo of other materials can be used

the grade will be based on the following:
5 points if the group managed to build the bike
+1 point if it lifts a student weight
+1 point if it actually works
+1 point for the one who win the race (there's a race)

Any ideas?
Ive seen a small boat made of hard cardboard, but a bike? Hmm, guess there is a 1st time for everything!
I've done a little research and apparently this is not a first:
http://www.treehugger.com/files/2008/06/meet-the-cardboard-bicycle.php
but I think he used more then just half a kilo of other stuff :s besides there's no mentioning on how did he build this bike, I mean what did he use for the assembly or is there any precaution that should be taken into consideration?!
Now I will us his design as a basis of my design but I believe a lot of modification must be taken into under consideration.
I actually had something similar in mind to Bridge's design: use industrial packaging cardboard: it's the most durable and sturdy type around. As for the wheels, no need to use those for biking, get something lighter like something with a plastic inner frame or if you have time build the frame from cardboard as well. Lots of calculation should be done concerning forces on the beams used to hold the student, the seat and the wheels.

I'll think through some designs tonight.
After reading these articles:

http://edition.cnn.com/2008/TECH/science/06/17/cardboard.bike/
http://www.bbc.co.uk/southyorkshire/content/articles/2008/06/13/cardboard_bike_feature.shtml
http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/06/13/160608_cardboard_bike_feature.shtml

especially the article from CNN, you can get a pretty good idea about Bridge's design. The type of cardboard he uses is called Hexacomb which is not only sturdy cardboard but is coated with a waterproof agent. Also, the things that are not constructed from cardboard but rather taken off another bicycle are the steel wheel rims, crankset (chain and sprocket), and tires:



As I've mentioned before, you can do your own wheel set, where instead of steel spokes on the wheels try using light plastic spikes and arrange them in a similar manner.

I've also seen this model (though not ridable and was an April fool's joke, it's interesting to look at):



and this one which was used as a golf course obstacle:

thanks a lot Mesa177:D
the one used as a golf obstacle gave me an idea for the wheels part but I will surely make some changes; the biggest challenge will probably be the chain system and the handling system.
looking forward to hear more from you:)
Any idea from where I can get hexacomb cardboard?
Metalloy wroteAny idea from where I can get hexacomb cardboard?
mostly shipping ports and freight companies like TNT and DHL. I might have some around in the storage room at my company, I'll check out today. Try also printing shops who cut out CAD designs on plastic for graphic design students (there's one on Tayouneh but forgot it's name), they have all sorts of weird material you might actually find hexacomb cardboards therel
5 days later
So after turning our storage room upside down, I found out that the hexacomb cardboard was used to ship some of our medical equipment for recalibration. Will see if some local shipping terminal has any.