PHASE 01 // INITIAL DIRECTION
We were tasked to design Eminent Cycles first full suspension carbon fiber enduro mountain bike, based on their new concepts for a floating brake bracket and floating shock suspension. Most of the dimensions tube thicknesses and overall shape had already been somewhat worked out by the engineers at Eminent, and my role was to work closely with Mage Design and their crew presenting design directions and development of the frame aesthetics. The first concepts were presented in 2D without receiving any construction notes or a cad-base for fit and sizing. With that in mind, we knew that there would be some changes straight out of the gate. The overall initial design was approved, then Eminent’s development team and engineers produced a base cad as a starting point for me to build the selected concepts. This was to make sure we stayed within the construction confines and did not adjust the overall size, tolerances and system functionality which was the foundation for this frame.
PHASE 02 // EARLY FRAME IDEATION & DESIGN
The design direction chosen during the concept phase was a good starting point, but instead of doing a lot of re-designing in 2D we went straight to 3D and worked on rough and fast design solutions, to explore the different directions for each element. We went through countless revisions and iterations of each part, communicating efficiently with the development team at Eminent to stay within the design and spec requirements.
We started with a focus on the main triangle of the frame and translating the early 2D over to the transitions, tube sizes, overall thickness, surface details, neck and seat post.
PHASE 03 // FRAME ADJUSTMENTS
After focusing on the front triangle, we moved on to the seat and chain stay. These parts are vital and take up a lot of visual real-estate so the design has to be both functional and work with the frame design direction from the earlier phase. We also adjusted the drop out and shock mount at this point making sure to tie everything together as a cohesive collection and not as separate entities.
Once all the parts had been altered and adjusted to the correct spec and design direction, an all white 3D file of the parts was compiled. The frame was quickly rendered up and approved for further next part of development.
PHASE 04 // PARTS & SUB-COMPONENTS
All the parts have been carefully designed and intentionally compiled for the ultimate frame performance. The floating shock, with dual mounting locations that move together to eliminate shock binding and to improve overall performance. The bike has a longer seat stay/rocker arm that provides a 1:1 response rate, in other words a small hit will give small shock response, and a big hit, big shock response. This will result in a relentless response by the suspension keeping the rear tire on the ground. The floating brake bracket transfers brake force to the chain stay to free up rear wheel travel, unlike conventional disc brakes that drive forces up the seat stay, compressing the suspension and not allowing it to move.
PHASE 05 // FINAL CAD & GRAPHICS
The majority of our work was now complete, and this gave us some time to produce quick graphic directions and compile some fairly fast renderings of the fully assembled frame. Initially we rendered up some fast side views with the all white frames and used Photoshop and Illustrator to explore some different visuals for the frame.
The side views proved to be useful, but once we selected a direction it was beneficial to get some more views rendered out to get a more comprehensive view of the layout on the frame. Renderings were fast and not super polished, but enough to get the message across for further development and to get an initial read for production.
PHASE 06 // FRAME TESTING & REVISIONS
Fatigue and stress testing prototype carbon frames after the final cad construction was crucial, especially identifying areas that might be of concern and adjusting the design to make sure that it does not compromise the frame performance. 1:1 scale carbon fiber samples were produced through the manufacturer and was done in order to get the most accurate feedback of the material, construction and the quality of the frame. Since the communication was very open in the previous phases there were little issues to address, however some stress fractures were seen due to some sharp corners in the rear connection of the seat support to the lower bottom bracket. This was a running adjustment added to the manufacturing process and by increasing an internal fillet the issue was cleared up.
PHASE 07 // FINAL PRODUCTION
The final bike was unveiled 2018. The continual communication with the engineering team at Eminent allowed us to maintain the initial design intentions, while introducing a unique and progressive enduro MTB bike to the mix.
“The Haste frame is meant to look a little more radical than the subdued style that bikes are trending towards. Few bikes are this well-suited for taking big hits at high speed. But because you can build yours from the ground up the Haste will always be truly unique.” - Bike MAG
“If you like to attempt to break the sound barrier when descending, want your bike to tame the terrain, and aren’t afraid to grind back up for more laps, seriously consider the Eminent Haste. This is a specialty bike, designed by a rider to overcome many shortfalls he found in other choices available. During our test period, multiple personal records were set on trails we ride every day — and that is saying something.” - MTBR
Initial photo courtesy of Derek Diluzio of Pinkbike
Other production and ride photos from Eminent Cycles
All other renderings, sketches and presentation material are the property of Dan Torkehagen
Buy the Haste MTB frame at Eminent Cycles
