Inventor Sam Pearce on why (and why not) re invent the bicycle wheel

Sam Pearce talks about his journey to invent his bicycle wheel Loopwheels at The Do Lectures 2013

What makes some one set out on a journey to re invent the wheel by adding integral suspension? And when the going is tough, why stick at it?

Just recently I had cause to think back six months to April 2013, when we had just launched our Kickstarter campaign.  I heard from the organisers of The Do Lectures that they had posted online a talk that Sam gave at the 2013 Do Lectures. It made me realise how far we have come in six months. The Do Lectures describe themselves as “a tiny event that started out in a quiet corner of West Wales that inspires you to go and do amazing things”. The 2013 event in Wales took place just 10 days after we had launched Loopwheels and our Kickstarter campaign. Sam felt hugely honoured to have been invited to speak, and though Sam is very uncomfortable with public speaking, he was determined to take part.

The whole “making and do-ing” philosophy of the Do Lectures is just what Sam is about. Talking about his long journey to reinvent the bicycle wheel and bring Loopwheels to market was a challenging and emotional experience for him, and that comes through very clearly. But if you want an insight into Sam’s journey, watch it. Sam nurtured and developed his idea for six years before he felt he had a product which was ready to be launched.

Sam took a couple of Loopwheels bikes with him to Wales. They got a lot of riding. The Do camp is not your typical commuter journey of roads, towpaths and pavements, as it’s a beautiful rural setting in West Wales, but the Loopwheels bikes didn’t mind. Sam didn’t take many photos, but here’s one, of two Loopwheels bikes looking a little bit lonely! Thanks to everyone at The Do Lectures for welcoming Sam (and the Loopwheels bikes).

 

loopwheels at the Do Lectures in Wales