#!markdown
We can definitely all agree the Aztec was born at the top of the ugly tree,
fell out, and hit every branch on the way down during its tortured conception.
(also, before I make the internet angry, I really don't think this thing is
Aztec levels of ugly, I just think its a boring uninspired design, with an
ugly paintjob doing it no favors)
I disagree with your interpretation of my initial statement about form vs.
function, however. It is relevant, as to me this bike is a bit of an 'Aztec',
and I'll stand by that statement. Let me explain.
The Aztec was (kind of) a rad car: smaller car based SUV with AWD features,
targeted at an audience that wants to do some of the stuff a 'real' body-on-
frame SUV could do, but w/o some of the drawbacks of a full size. Fuel
efficiency, PITA size, 'truck like' ride, etc.
Much in the same way, the Thunderbolt is a 'rad sled', in that its a bit
smaller than its #endurobro bigger siblings in a more fuel efficient package,
but the geometry and build kit make it a pretty capable bike in the right
hands. It might not win the race down, but I'll bet some people would be
pretty shocked where a short travel bike will get you. Much like the Aztec.
The 'its a pretty rad sled' is a direct reference to its function, not form.
In my eyes both are ugly, and that ruins the experience (for me), and will
color any further reading and review of the object in question - which brings
it back to you, the reviewer and why your opinion of its form matters.
You've hit the nail on the head with the problem; the same people who design
how something works should very rarely be the ones deciding what it looks
like. Well executed integration of design and engineering is nothing short of
high art and starts at day one of a project. In a truly great project, form
isn't greater than function, nor the other way around. Each begets the other.
As for the history lesson A) thanks (honestly, not sarcastically), interesting
info on the design brief for the Element, and B) god, how glad am I we don't
have to look at things like the 2008 Slayer anymore? And lets just not talk
about the RM7 (although maybe we should. It was some interesting, more 'out of
the box' ideas).
Your issue with Rocky is similar to my issue with Audi; they make some REALLY
good looking cars, but then just run them through a photocopier at different
sizes to make an A4 in to an A5, then A6, and then A7 and A8.
April 27, 2016, 2:03 p.m. - Cooper
#!markdown We can definitely all agree the Aztec was born at the top of the ugly tree, fell out, and hit every branch on the way down during its tortured conception. (also, before I make the internet angry, I really don't think this thing is Aztec levels of ugly, I just think its a boring uninspired design, with an ugly paintjob doing it no favors) I disagree with your interpretation of my initial statement about form vs. function, however. It is relevant, as to me this bike is a bit of an 'Aztec', and I'll stand by that statement. Let me explain. The Aztec was (kind of) a rad car: smaller car based SUV with AWD features, targeted at an audience that wants to do some of the stuff a 'real' body-on- frame SUV could do, but w/o some of the drawbacks of a full size. Fuel efficiency, PITA size, 'truck like' ride, etc. Much in the same way, the Thunderbolt is a 'rad sled', in that its a bit smaller than its #endurobro bigger siblings in a more fuel efficient package, but the geometry and build kit make it a pretty capable bike in the right hands. It might not win the race down, but I'll bet some people would be pretty shocked where a short travel bike will get you. Much like the Aztec. The 'its a pretty rad sled' is a direct reference to its function, not form. In my eyes both are ugly, and that ruins the experience (for me), and will color any further reading and review of the object in question - which brings it back to you, the reviewer and why your opinion of its form matters. You've hit the nail on the head with the problem; the same people who design how something works should very rarely be the ones deciding what it looks like. Well executed integration of design and engineering is nothing short of high art and starts at day one of a project. In a truly great project, form isn't greater than function, nor the other way around. Each begets the other. As for the history lesson A) thanks (honestly, not sarcastically), interesting info on the design brief for the Element, and B) god, how glad am I we don't have to look at things like the 2008 Slayer anymore? And lets just not talk about the RM7 (although maybe we should. It was some interesting, more 'out of the box' ideas). Your issue with Rocky is similar to my issue with Audi; they make some REALLY good looking cars, but then just run them through a photocopier at different sizes to make an A4 in to an A5, then A6, and then A7 and A8.