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Functional Kinetic Art
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MotorCycling Achievement in Design: Capricorn Cyclo-Works
David Morris
02/01/2007
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The unique, if esoteric, pleasure of watching gears whirr and mesh has long
been the province of lovers of grande complication watches. Motor-cyclists,
being kinetic art aficionados, can find similarly transcendental pleasure in
contemplating the unique workings of Involution, Capricorn Cyclo-Works’
planetary gear system motorcycle wheel. At rest or rolling speeds, its baroque
visual effects are nothing short of mesmerizing.
 Capricorn co-founder Ro
Lehew explains: “The wheel is, in fact, inspired by classic watch movements.
We’ve taken an existing engineering concept and applied it in a purely
decorative manner. The gears bear no load, so the performance of the wheel is
not impacted. Using high-grade aluminum and composites, we balance weight
and mass carefully, so the weight remains within normal parameters. In fact, the
entire system is safety-verified. If an object, such as a small stone,
introduces itself into the mechanism, the gears will continue to rotate with the
wheel.” (Click image to enlarge)
The South Carolina-based company can design systems for both front
and rear wheels, with either disc or perimeter braking, and proposes a virtually
limitless range of customization. Detail machining and plating options can all
be configured to create custom motorcycle wheels that mirror one’s favorite
watch. Enthusiasts pursuing their dream of ultimate personalization can rejoice,
and their Capricorn-shod mounts may well be the object of unprecedented
attention.
www.capricorncustomwheels.com
803.627.3888
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