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(New Product) S. Korean engineers develop ultra-light folding bicycle
SEOUL, March 26 (Yonhap) -- A state-run research institute said Friday that it has developed an ultra-light folding bicycle as part of the country's efforts to expand its homegrown bicycle industry.
The Korea Institute of Industrial Technology said its engineers, in collaboration with academic and industry professionals, developed the new carbon fiber-based bicycle that weighs in at 7 kilograms, some 3 to 6 kilograms lighter than aluminum-based conventional folding bicycles.
Carbon fiber, one-fourth the weight of steel but three times tougher, is also widely used in the construction of spaceships and airplanes.
The new bike model, which measures 1.42 meters in length and 1 meter in height, has 16-inch wheels and incorporates special design features enabling the bike to fold into a compact form convenient for transport or storage.
The institute has obtained a local patent for the new bicycle and plans to sell it for about 3 million won (US$2,630) per unit.
Sponsored by the Ministry of Knowledge Economy, the six-months of research that went into the project is part of government efforts to advance local bike building technologies.
graceoh@yna.co.kr
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