A project for Specialized looking at a refresh on the Gravel bike line.
Using my existing bike knowledge, understanding of gravel trends and category (no extra research) , I decided to jump into a few sketches for gravel bikes and see where things led.
After some wide open sketching around, I chose to the limit of the exploration to be defined by the spectrum of Specialized’s Diverge (all round gravel bike) and Crux (fast cyclocross bike) models. I wanted to lean a little closer to the Crux ethos/ language so I decided not to drop the seat stays and keep a more traditional intersection, with a slightly racy geometry.
Comp 1
For the exploration I omitted the top tube bag from the sketch and explored the area around the top of the seat-stays to give a thicker / more robust feel. The fork also has extended tabs to allow a bit more trail with a racy more upright look. The area on the down-tube is to exemplify SWAT technology.
The tubing aesthetic and formation became a little more taught, with some picture frame reveals following a harder line trend in the industry. Note the fin drop on the chainstay.
a more classic Moss gravel colourway
Comp 2
The Diuxe Comp 2 harnesses an organic form and a racy lurching forward motion. The main expression of this design is around the seatpost intersection to imply some comfort or suspension, this might be enabled by ride science / carbon dynamics in frame design at the intersection, thinking along the lines of the STR paths of innovation. The curves of the junctions and seatpost could naturally lead to some rear mudguard integration / snap on.
The space at the the lower portion of frame would allow for SWAT storage, or a removable carry system.
Softer form and tubes with a satin topcoat, heavy intersection at fork crown. Detachable mud guard that plugs to frame.
Orange black and white colourway, glossy! with tubes tweaked a little to be a little squarer. Black stripe headtube badge.
Comp 3
This is probably the wildest feel of the concept range with a midframe brace adding a unique dynamic feel whilst driving functionality of carry over the rear wheel. The midframe brace could be floating at the seat tube to provide certain ride characteristics.
The original idea was to use the negative frame spaces for integrated accessory frame bags and balance the visual of the top feed bag. When working on the renderings I decided to remove the bags and explore the form. Structurally the horizontal strut (tube just below the saddle) to seatpost wouldn’t necessary be needed and could be another form adaptation with the original concept envisioning a bag in that space without an attachment to the back of seat-post.
JDB Design 