Colin Furze Builds Bike With Magnets Instead of Shocks

In a bid to rethink bicycle suspension, British inventor Colin Furze built a bike that uses magnets in place of conventional dampers. His goal is to deliver a smoother ride by leveraging magnetic repulsion to cushion bumps on city streets.

What the magnetic system does

He repurposed an old women's bicycle and fitted movable magnetic mounts on the frame so the magnets push apart, generating a lifting force that mimics traditional shock absorption. He tested the strength with a self built rig to fine tune the magnets to resemble the feel of standard suspension.

Field tests and findings

On a pump track filled with potholes, the setup performed below expectations. Large vertical movements occasionally caused parts of the frame to contact, reducing the suspension’s effectiveness. Despite this, he believes the concept could be practical for everyday city riding and light off road use.

The main advantage of magnetic suspension, Furze notes, is its low sensitivity to tiny irregularities the bike barely feels bumps, resulting in a smoother ride.

Expert opinion

Engineering expert: Magnetic systems can reduce friction and lower maintenance, but they may not absorb large impacts as well as traditional springs. For daily commuting, a hybrid setup often offers the best balance.

Short summary

In summary, Furze's magnetic bike project demonstrates a creative use of magnets in bicycle design. While not ideal for rough terrain, the concept shows how nontraditional components can influence ride quality. For urban cyclists, magnets might provide a noticeably smoother experience on normal streets.

Key insight: magnets can deliver a surprisingly smooth ride on city roads, but their performance under severe bumps remains a subject for testing.