PORTLAND, OR - After rigorous judging and a 51-mile field test, the winners of the Oregon Manifest Constructors Design Challenge were announced Saturday night, September 24, at an awards gala before a crowd of more than 1,000 onlookers. The one-of-a-kind American design and build competition brought together custom bike builders and leading design firms to redefine transportation for the everyday lifestyle cyclist. This year’s diverse line-up featured an exciting mix of seasoned frame builders and hopeful up-starts, along with six student teams from design schools and programs.

It’s a common perception, one that was heard this year from many world-class bike builders who took part in the Oregon Manifest Constructors Design Challenge: The bicycle is a mature design form. It was perfected a century ago with the double-diamond “safety bike” frame design, and it’s almost impossible to significantly improve on.

But it doesn’t appear that the Oregon Manifest builders had trouble coming up with innovations. Both the judges and the audience of this year’s competition were energized and animated, talking about individual innovations and game-changing design shifts, using phrases like “glimpse into the future,” “tremendous diversity of ideas” and “relentless innovation.”

Said Tinker Hatfield, the renowned Nike product designer and one of the judges for the competition: “We need to adjust our view of the cycling future.”

Awards for the Oregon Manifest Constructors Design Challenge went to:

First

Tony Pereira of Pereira Cycles of Portland with a $3,000 prize. Pereira won the first Manifest, in 2009.

Key Features

• Designed as a car replacement: an alternative for the 82% of under-5 mile trips made in the US each year.
• State of the art electric assist helps the rider get to destinations quickly, without over exertion.
• Lockable storage allows valuables to remain on the bike while rider steps away.
• Integrated sound system provides music safely without the need for headphones.
• Integrated lock system on top disables steering and stabilizes bike under load.
• Upright seating position for comfort and visibility when riding in traffic.

Second

Tsunehiro Cycles and Silas Beebe/ID +, both of Portland, with a $1,200 prize.

Key Features

• Retro-reflective powder coat makes entire bike frame reflective at night.
• Electro luminescence strips sewn into panniers for enhanced rear visibility at night.
• 360 degree visibility handlebar stem spacer ring lights further enhance visibility.
• Easily removable and detachable seat for passengers.

Third

Cielo by Chris King of Portland, with an $800 prize.

Key Features

• Twin top tube holds u-lock and pump
• Strutless fenders for simplicity and cleaner look.
• Universal light mount can accommodate any off-the-shelf light.
• Internal cable system protects saddle from theft.

Honorable Mentions

Cutter Design of San Luis Obisp, CA, and Frances Cycles of Santa Cruz, CA.

Student Category Winner

University of Oregon

Key Features

• Retractable kick-stand hidden inside the frame
• Customizable with removable frame inserts and matching grips and pedals