Therehave been many attempts to create an all-plastic bike. However, most have n-组卷网

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There have been many attempts to create an all-plastic bike. However, most have never made it past the beginning stage. Igus, a Germany-based company of high-performance plastics, and Dutch start-up MTRL aim to change that with the igus:bike — the world’s first city bike crafted almost totally from recycled plastic.

Igus CEO Frank Blasé first got the idea while vacationing on a Florida beach. A conversation with workers at a rental company made him aware of the challenges of maintaining beach bicycles. The long-term exposure to sand, wind and saltwater caused the bikes to rust (生锈) rapidly. Many had to be replaced in as little as three months.

The igus: bike was uncovered at a German trade show. It can be left outdoors in all weathers and does not require lubricant oil to reduce friction (摩擦) between parts. Since it does not attract sand, dust or dirt, the bike can be cleaned with a garden water pipe in seconds. Currently, 90 percent of the igus:bike is made using plastic. This includes the bicycle’s hard but lightweight frame, bearings, pedals, and wheel rims.

The igus:bike will also help reduce the world’s plastic pollution. The company says a single adult bike gives new life to about 35 pounds of single-use plastic that would have entered our landfills or waterways. For example, the first prototypes were made from old fishing nets. MTRL says it is planning to set producing facilities near plastic landfills around the world.

“From ocean plastics to plastics from other sources, the igus:bike has what it takes to become a high-tech environmental product,” says MTRL co-founder Benjamin Alderse Baas.

The plastic bikes are expected to come onto the market in early 2023. An adult model, made from recycled plastic, will cost about €1,400. A slightly cheaper version made using new plastic and an electric bike are also in the works. Igus also plans on sharing its technology with other bicycle producers. “We want to enable the bicycle industry to produce plastic bikes,” says Blasé.

【小题1】How did Frank Blasé get the idea about the igus:bike?

A．By carrying out detailed research.

B．By following the advice from consumers.

C．By learning from other bicycle producers.

D．By chatting with some workers on the beach.

【小题2】What can we learn about the igus:bike?

A．It is difficult to clean.

B．It is made from plastic entirely.

C．It has no friction between parts.

D．It can improve the environment.

【小题3】Which of the following may Igus do in the future?

A．Cut the price of the igus:bike.