Bikes to get fast change

A REVOLUTIONARY device allowing cyclists to change gears without pedalling is being developed at Deakin University in Waurn Ponds.

The device, which fits to a bike, is made from 3D-printed and laser-cut titanium and aluminium parts.

Developer Michael Williams, 24, said the device could be ready for a commercial rollout in April.

“The device is ticking boxes for weight, cost and adaptability,” he said.

Mr Williams, who completed a Bachelor of Civil Engineering at Deakin earlier this year, has received a $10,000 grant from the university to develop his product.

“In a professional environment we found a 4 per cent decrease in BMX lap time which is about seven seconds. That could be the difference between first and 30th,” he said.

“Hopefully in five to 10 years’ time it will be fitted to bikes found in all shops. It will make bike riding more efficient and require less energy.”

Mr Williams is using experience gained from competing at multiple BMX world championships to develop the CentreHub device.

“I’m coming at it from an elite athlete point of view,” he said. “It’s primarily targeted at mountain bike riders but I think it could be used on a wide variety of bikes”.

Mr Williams will spend the next six months developing his product using business mentoring, 3D printing and laser cutting made available through Deakin’s Spark program.

“I’ll use the next few months to develop seals for the bearings (in the device), which are made using a 3D printer.”

Spark manager Daizy Maan said the program was designed to develop creative talent and take ideas to market.

“It’s a great way to show our support for Deakin’s emerging start-up network and demonstrate what the Spark community is all about,” Ms Maan said.

She said the program provided $10,000 to six projects and supported them by provid- ing work space, connections, mentorship and industry expertise to accelerate the ideas.

“We want to invite everyone, teach the curious, empower the best, and create the future with Spark through a program designed for students, staff and alumni of Deakin University.

“(It is) a program with a strong focus on building connections with the entrepreneurial community outside of Deakin.”