I am Eli Braverman
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ProjectOak
Concept Gear Shifter
Spring 2025
8 Weeks


Framing | Conceptualize the next road bike shifter to help riders win more races
Focus | Appearance modeling, design for a brand
Tools | Rhino 8 Sub-Divisional modeling, 3D printer, modeling paint

How might the next generation of SRAM Red help riders win more races?

How do you win bike races?

Bike Tech

  • Light bikes climb faster
  • Low fricition chains and gears increase efficency
  • More gears for faster pedaling and climbing

Aerodynamics

  • High speeds means more aerodynamic drag
  • "Aero" bike and wheels slice through the air
  • Aerodynamic body positions cut through the air

Training

  • The strongest riders are able to pedal the fastest
  • Team strategy makes racing more effiecient
  • Testing equpment for comfort on long rides

AERODYNAMIC DRAG

Avid riders will travel at speeds where wind resistance is a significant force. They can reduce their drag by adopting the "aero hoods position" to more effectively cut through the air.
the Aero Hoods position

*example right

Speed v.s. Control

The aero hoods can reduce drag by 90 watts* at race speed compared to standard riding grips. The longer you can hold the physically demanding position, the more time can save over a race distance.

*SILKA

BRANDING ANALYSIS

DESIGN FOR A BRAND

SRAM, an American groupset* manufacturer, is constantly pushing the bleeding edge of bike tec. They were the first to indroduce wireless electronic shifting and twelve speed drivetrains for road bikes with the SRAM RED groupset.

SRAM is the best choice for a new shifter concept since they constantly push for improvements and new technolgy.
*GROUPSET: gears, shifter, and break components
The sram red groupset

CMF & Form

- Glossy carbon fiber
- Chrome and brushed metals
- Grit textured rubbers
- Matte black/grey plastics
‍
- Technical and sleek
- Precision and performance

User Research

pink foam - clay - 3d print

world tour riders

Pro racers adopt variations of the aero hoods position based on their preference and comfort.

no finger grip

+ Wrist strong in line
+ Push against shifter
+ Little strain
-  Least control  

one finger grip

+ Pinky reach shifting
+ Wrist in line
+ Easy switch to "no finger/two finger"
- Finger hot spot

two finger grip

+ Easy reach shifting/brake
+ Strong control
- Large fingers pinch
- Less in line
~ Medium support

three finger grip

-Pinched fingers
- Bent wrist
- Little support
- Fatiguing

avid riders

Avid bike riders still like to go fast. They can benefit from the aero hoods in racing, sport, and fun.

product market

Track cycling atracts investment into marginal aerodynamic tests.

Track grips

Custom grip by independent designer.

skat bar

Boutique track sprint handlebar targeting the race market.

Rapid Prototyping

pink foam - clay - 3d print

Old shifter used for research and appearance model parts.
Market reference
Competitor products
Designs that work
Consistent and repeatable forms are hard to extract from basic foam models.
Clay can be formed and tested at the same time. Measure size for CAD.
‍
Relaxed hands "flop" with an inward angle.
Cycling trends show riders angle shifters in for ergonomic hack and aero performance.
Sub-D modeling suppprts organic form design language.
Print orientation has a sigificant imapct on print quality and strenght.
Models in the hands of riders informed subtle ergonomic design decisions.
Spring and pivot simulates the lever action of bike brakes.

key design takeaways

Relaxed hands turn in - Texture influences grip - Pro & avid riders turn shifters in for comfort
introducing...

ProjectOAK

The next generation SRAM Red shifter concept that extends controle in the areo hoods position to help riders win more races.

inward angle

An inward rotation aligns with the natural position of a relaxed hand to promote a strong and comfortable grip.

The palm down position keeps the wrist in line.

key design takeaways

A plank like arm position allows the core support more bodyweight to relieve pressure on the hands.
AMPLE FINGER CLEARANCE

The long reach and geometry of the brake lever leaves clearance for fingers while squeezing the lever.

sram brand language

Distinctive facia geometry where the shift lever and hood meet.

Carbon fiber brake levers for lightweight and performance.

Chrome and grey gives the alure of speed and high performance design.

Bravo 1 ››
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