Single track concepts

Two German designers have come up with these innovative entries to the 2006 Michelin Design Challenge using a caterpillar track system on a bike.

The two designs, Hyanide and BAAL, are variations on the same theme and were put together by designers Tilmann Schlootz and Oliver Keller to meet the challenge’s theme this year of alternative powertrains.

The concepts are based around a bendable rubber track that runs the full length of the bike and can be powered by various different sources, from ATV engines to fuel cells. Steering is handled by using both your hands and feet at the same time.

The concept has been designed so it can be used for multiple purposes, hence the two separate designs. The BAAL is meant as a race machine or for serious off-roading while the Hyanide is more of an ATV replacement.