Preston-based Franke Bearings Ltd (www.frankebearings.co.uk), which designs and manufactures bespoke rotary and linear bearings, has collaborated with inventors in Dorset to support the release of Cyclopic Ltd’s folding E-bike.

The prototype — recently unveiled at the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders in London — has a large front wheel and a smaller rear wheel (both without spokes); these snap together in 5sec for easy storage or carrying.

Franke has helped to develop a bearing solution tailored precisely to the needs of this six-speed bike, which has an electric drive system.

Managing director Phil Worden said: “It’s fantastic to work on such an innovative project, and wire race bearings are ideal for use in the Cyclopic prototype, as they can handle high speeds and high torque loads.

“They fit snuggly in even the tiniest mounting spaces, while their compact form and free material section of
mating structures permit the construction of lightweight designs.”

Cyclopic director Alan Rallings said: “The enthusiasm and generous technological support given by the Franke team inspired the R&D team at Cyclopic, and this had led to very positive feed-back on our folding E-bike concept.

“Potential customers have been reassured that the highest-quality and most technically advanced bearings on the market are at the core of the design.

“That has made possible unique design features that ensure reliability, value and customer satisfaction.”