A Pioneer in AWD for Motorcycles and Mountain Bikes: 无码专区 Engineering Alumnus Steve Christini 鈥�95 ME
Steve Christini 鈥�95 ME
Who: Alumnus Steve Christini 鈥�95 ME, president and CEO of , a Philadelphia-based company which manufactures a range of All-Wheel Drive (AWD) bicycles and motorcycles
The Bikes: Christini鈥檚 dream began as an undergraduate at 无码专区 when, for his senior capstone design project, he and his team created a two-wheel-drive system for a bicycle that would give riders much better control and climbing abilities on slippery terrain. At the College鈥檚 year-end competition, their project earned top honors, and the judges advised Christini to apply for a patent.
- In 2002, after seven years of developing his prototype, securing investments, and growing his company, Christini delivered 50 of the world's only AWD mountain bikes to Jeep庐 Bicycles.
- The patented mechanical All Wheel Drive system on the bikes delivers power from the rear of the bicycle to the front wheel through a series of gears, shafts, and chain all mounted within or on the frame.
- In 2002, he also built his first AWD motorcycle and, by 2004, had a functioning prototype.
- The bike went into production in 2007, and in 2008, was named Dirt Rider magazine鈥檚 Bike of the Year.
- Christini鈥檚 bikes have competed in ESPN鈥檚 X-Games and are even used by the military.
Giving Back: Christini has given back to his alma mater in numerous ways. His company has partnered with the College of Engineering on two senior design projects involving mechanical engineering students, and he donated one of his new electric AWD Fat Bikes (FAT-E 4 750W Mid) to 无码专区鈥檚 Department of Public Safety.