INDUSTRIAL DESIGN

VANMOOF CITYCROSS

Product Design - 2021

Design Features

Design Approach

The CityCross maintains VanMoof's iconic minimalist aesthetic while incorporating features that make it more versatile for challenging urban environments. The frame geometry has been adjusted to provide a more upright riding position for better visibility in traffic, while the wider tires and front suspension absorb shocks from uneven surfaces.

Key Features

• Hybrid Frame Design: Combines city bike comfort with mountain bike durability
• Front Suspension: Absorbs shocks from cobblestones and rough urban terrain
• Wider Tires: Provides better grip and stability on various surfaces
• Integrated Technology: Maintains VanMoof's smart features like theft protection and automatic electronic gear shifting
• Disc Brakes: Offers superior stopping power in all weather conditions
• Integrated Lighting: Ensures visibility and safety in urban environments

Concept Development

Concept comparison between the standard VanMoof S3 (left) and the CityCross design (right)

The design process began by analyzing the current VanMoof S3 model and identifying opportunities to adapt it for more challenging urban environments. The concept sketches show how the frame geometry was modified to accommodate a more upright riding position, front suspension, and wider tires while maintaining the iconic VanMoof silhouette.

Detailed Features

Detailed breakdown of the CityCross features and innovations

The CityCross would be the new, more sporty addition to the already great lineup of bikes VanMoof have. This bike features bigger brakes for bigger adventures in and out the city, a straight handlebar for perfect control on every surface, and pedals with an astonishing grip.

The screen differs from the S3 version, as the CityCross features a Curved OLED touchscreen wrapped around the frame. This is especially useful to regulate the rigidity of the cutting edge electronic suspension on the front wheel.

3D Modeling Process

3D modeling process using Rhino and Autodesk Fusion 360

The bike has been designed almost entirely in Rhino. The 3D modeling process started with going around in Amsterdam looking for a VanMoof S3 to photograph. After pictures were taken, it was time to create a few bitmaps with sketches and start the model. It took around 30 hours to be completed (spread in 1 week).

To handle complex fillets (picture on the right), Autodesk Fusion 360 was used. The frame was modeled with straight intersections in Rhino and then applied fillets in Fusion. The top part of the seat has also been designed in Fusion, taking advantage of T-Splines, then imported in Rhino and completed.

Rendering Process

Rendering process in Keyshot with material graph development

The bike has been rendered in Keyshot. It's always a challenge to make black metal objects look good in Keyshot, therefore the approach was to create both environment and materials from scratch, depending on the product.

Given the complexity of the 3D model, a different environment was created for every camera set up in the file. This way, every angle is pixel-perfect. On the top left corner of the image, you can see how the Matte Coated aluminum frame material was created using the material graph.

Renderings have been then retouched and finalized in Adobe Photoshop.

Final Design

Final design render with VanMoof branding

Marketing concept with "Ride Confident" tagline

With an updated motor, automatic electronic gear shifting, bigger disks and an all new electronic suspension, the VanMoof CityCross is custom tuned for the ultimate riding experience. The final design maintains VanMoof's minimalist aesthetic while incorporating features that make it more versatile for challenging urban environments.

Materials & Technology

The CityCross features a lightweight aluminum frame with reinforced joints for added durability. The integrated battery is seamlessly housed within the frame, maintaining the clean aesthetic while providing power for the electric assist motor. The bike includes VanMoof's signature integrated display on the top tube, showing speed, battery level, and assist mode.

Smart technology features include automatic electronic gear shifting, integrated front and rear lights, and the VanMoof anti-theft system with location tracking and remote locking capabilities.

Outcome

The VanMoof CityCross concept demonstrates how the distinctive VanMoof design language can be adapted for different urban environments while maintaining the brand's core values of simplicity, functionality, and innovation. The concept explores how electric bikes can be made more versatile for global urban contexts beyond flat, bike-friendly cities like Amsterdam.

While this remains a concept project, it illustrates the potential for expanding VanMoof's product line to address the needs of urban cyclists in cities with more challenging infrastructure.