Research!

[deadlyapp]

Hey OT, this is probably my first thread here but I'd like to request some information and a couple minutes of your time.
I'm working on a design project for one of my ME classes and I need to get a little more market research to put into my report.

We have to design a product for a certain group, and we chose affluent seniors. We're focusing on a product for road bicycles and something that hasn't necessarily been done before or that can be improved. What I need is for those who fit into my age group(45+) and like to bike is to tell me what you would like changed most on a standard roadbike.

Some ideas to get you started:

Seat
Handlebars
Something to help balance the bike for those who have diminished balancing. (what we're leaning towards)
anything else.

Thanks
-Patrick

 

[BoomerD]

Tricycle...

I'm definitely in your target age group, but with my injuries, I can't ride bikes anymore. BUT, if I were going to ride one, it has to have a nice "fat-boy" padded seat and adjustable handlebars to fit my height.

IMO, you're not going to find ONE style to fit everyone...different fitness ranges, different physical abilities, etc. will all change the needs...especially for us old geezers.

 

[racolvin]

Personally i hate the constant leaning forward - its hell on my back after a while. I'd love to get a recumbent bike but man it seems too easy to get run over in those things, being so low to the ground and out of line of sight of your average car driver

 

[So]

Wait...you want us to come up with a product for you? Isn't market research supposed to determine the viability of a product you've ALREADY thought of?

<-- Not in the target age group.

 

[ggnl]

something to prevent/fix flat tires

 

[Newbian]

A part on the bike that faps you while you pedal.

 

[nerp]

Lifecall instead of Onstar.

 

[dotcom173]

do you go to cal poly by chance?

 

[BoomerD]

Don't forget to install a "Life-Alert button" for those times when it's "Help, I've fallen and can't get up!

 

[deadlyapp]

Originally posted by: So
Wait...you want us to come up with a product for you? Isn't market research supposed to determine the viability of a product you've ALREADY thought of?

<-- Not in the target age group.

We already have many designs in mind, I'm just asking what people would like to see changed in a bicycle. I'm trying to determine a need, not justify a product is good.

Yes I do go to cal poly.

For those who have answered thank you.
We've been leaning towards the balance aid as it seems that balance is a pretty big problem as you age and there is nothing available for bicycles to keep it upright. We haven't come up with a clear design yet but we're looking into gyroscopes, suspension based training wheels, and a few other things.

Keep em coming please!

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

How about a 4 wheel bike for four ala Rhodes but cheaper?

 

[Turin39789]

Originally posted by: deadlyapp

Originally posted by: So
Wait...you want us to come up with a product for you? Isn't market research supposed to determine the viability of a product you've ALREADY thought of?

<-- Not in the target age group.

We already have many designs in mind, I'm just asking what people would like to see changed in a bicycle. I'm trying to determine a need, not justify a product is good.

Yes I do go to cal poly.

For those who have answered thank you.
We've been leaning towards the balance aid as it seems that balance is a pretty big problem as you age and there is nothing available for bicycles to keep it upright. We haven't come up with a clear design yet but we're looking into gyroscopes, suspension based training wheels, and a few other things.

Keep em coming please!

So you are planning on designing training wheels?

 

[Atheus]

Is 45 so old you need a specially modified bike?... isn't Lance Armstong like 40?

 

[Atheus]

Originally posted by: deadlyapp
gyroscopes

Doesn't it already have two large gyroscopes? I doubt adding a third would make much difference...

 

[0roo0roo]

lol big wheel for geezers

 

[deadlyapp]

Originally posted by: Atheus

Originally posted by: deadlyapp
gyroscopes

Doesn't it already have two large gyroscopes? I doubt adding a third would make much difference...

Gyroscopes which don't work at low speeds very effectively, which is the time where most people would have falling issues.

and we aren't looking clear cut at 45, but our group is focused on affluent retirees, which can ranger anywhere from that all the way up till 85. Plus we aren't focusing on world renowned athletes who have biked forever and ever.

And yes training wheels is one of the things we are looking at, but they are far more than just your typical training wheels.

 

[joesmoke]

well... road bike seats place lots of preasure on the prostate, and old people (men) tend to have prostate problems... how about an "easy on your bottom" seat