Aesthetics

 

The final step in manufacturing the bicycle was to consider the aesthetic appeal of the product. Primarily, this was achieved through its paintwork. The entire frame was rubbed down with sandpaper to increase adherence of the primer, before multiple layers of grey primer were applied and dried out for one day. The following day the bicycle was sanded down again to remove any imperfections before several coats of paint were applied as in the Figure. The paint also took 24 hours to dry at which point two layers of clear lacquer were applied to the whole frame for a more glossy finish and to protect the paint. The colour chosen for the paint work was BMW Topaz Blue as it was felt that this was in keeping with the University of Strathclyde colour scheme, and it was appropriate as the bicycle would be representing the department at the CDIO regional competition in Belfast.

 

A final aesthetic consideration, was the inclusion of stickers and decals on the finished prototype. Part of the contract with Bike Station, involved an obligation to print the Bike Station Logo on the bicycle, and this raised the notion of creating SynopTech’s own branded decals. Using a Silhouette cutting software with adhesive vinyl card, a series of stickers featuring the SynopTech logo and The Commuter name were produced. These were applied to the frame before one final coat of clear lacquer was applied, as this would seal the stickers in place.

Finally, a seat clamp, reflectors, handlebar tape and a saddle were all added to the bicycle, and the prototype Commuter was complete.