After a week long break for thanksgiving I'm back, first new post will be on Wednesday of this week. Be sure to check it out
Monday 30 November 2015
Wednesday 18 November 2015
Retro Tech: Lotus 110 Sport
Many iconic bikes stand the test of time, one of which is the Mike Burrows-designed Lotus Sport 110. The "Z" frame went against the conventional frames of the era. You'll notice the lack of seat tubes and down tube, the idea being to reduce wind resistance as well as reducing weight at the same time. The Lotus 110 also utilized carbon monocoque technology, still revolutionary for the time.
The design of the Lotus Sport 110 is so good it is still wickedly fast compared to today's modern time trial bikes as has inspired similar designs today. Take a look at the Falco time trial bike below.
It's a wonder why we don't see radical bikes like this today in the pro peloton. Well, the Lotus Sport 110 was arguably one o the bikes that caused the Lugano Charter in 1996 that would set guidelines for future time trial bike designs. The idea was to ensure race wins were decided by physical prowess oppose to technology. As such modern equivalents of the Lotus Sport 110 and the Pinarello Aspide will mainly be seen being used by triathletes instead of the pelotons.
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| 1996 Lotus Sport 110 |
The design of the Lotus Sport 110 is so good it is still wickedly fast compared to today's modern time trial bikes as has inspired similar designs today. Take a look at the Falco time trial bike below.
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| Falco V |
Friday 13 November 2015
The New Fold: Hummingbird
Ask cyclists in London to name a folding bike brand, most will say Brompton. Now here is a new folding bike that has the potential to be as iconic. The Hummingbird folding bike is a kickstarter project that you can help reach its 50,000 funding goal.
An every increasing number of commuters have taken to the bike within London. "They cycle to and from their offices, folding their bikes and getting on the tube or bus along the way." The Hummingbirds goal was to provide a simple solution to the common problems that can arise during an everyday commute. They wanted a to create folding bike with a simple fold, is compact but also lightweight.
The Hummingbird is claimed to weigh 6.5kg thats a claimed 3kg lighter than its nearest competitor. The Carbon fibre frame backs up this claim due to its low wieght, strength and comfort aiding abilities. Following onto the fold itself. It couldn't be simpler, rear wheels pivots under the frame, fold handlebar and drop seat post then you're good to go. Although it may not be the smallest bike once folded it will still comfortably fit in any train or tube and be easily carried from platform to platform.
Going into its features, you have the option of either 16in or 20in wheels, a choice of either single-speed or five-speed. The 6.5kg claim is the single-speed, 16in option. As for colour options, red, yellow and gloss black options, but the natural carbon finish may be too tempting not to choose. But what I really love is the design, it's an eye catching simple design that I can imagine being in any contempory home.
The Hummingbird will set you back between 1750 - 1850 depending on the spec you choose. It sounds like a lot but given that the next best alternative will cost you between 1400 - 1500 and is 3kg heavier the Hummingbird is pretty good value. The hummingbird is asuitable replacement for anyone who already owns a commuting bike but finds it lacking in certain areas or just wants to enjoy cycling. Plus it's built in Great Britain!
Want to learn more about the Hummingbird? Click here
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| The Hummingbird |
An every increasing number of commuters have taken to the bike within London. "They cycle to and from their offices, folding their bikes and getting on the tube or bus along the way." The Hummingbirds goal was to provide a simple solution to the common problems that can arise during an everyday commute. They wanted a to create folding bike with a simple fold, is compact but also lightweight.
The Hummingbird is claimed to weigh 6.5kg thats a claimed 3kg lighter than its nearest competitor. The Carbon fibre frame backs up this claim due to its low wieght, strength and comfort aiding abilities. Following onto the fold itself. It couldn't be simpler, rear wheels pivots under the frame, fold handlebar and drop seat post then you're good to go. Although it may not be the smallest bike once folded it will still comfortably fit in any train or tube and be easily carried from platform to platform.
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| The Fold |
Going into its features, you have the option of either 16in or 20in wheels, a choice of either single-speed or five-speed. The 6.5kg claim is the single-speed, 16in option. As for colour options, red, yellow and gloss black options, but the natural carbon finish may be too tempting not to choose. But what I really love is the design, it's an eye catching simple design that I can imagine being in any contempory home.
The Hummingbird will set you back between 1750 - 1850 depending on the spec you choose. It sounds like a lot but given that the next best alternative will cost you between 1400 - 1500 and is 3kg heavier the Hummingbird is pretty good value. The hummingbird is asuitable replacement for anyone who already owns a commuting bike but finds it lacking in certain areas or just wants to enjoy cycling. Plus it's built in Great Britain!
Want to learn more about the Hummingbird? Click here
Wednesday 11 November 2015
Retro Corner: Spinergy Rev X
Starting the first retro corner of the Human Engine, it's the Spinergy Rev-X Wheelset. The 90's was the era where designers were pushing the boundaries of cycling tech and design. The Spinergy Rev X comprised of 8 bladed carbon spokes, carbon fairing and aluminium rim. The wheels were said to be very aerodynamic for that time, however, came with two very big drawbacks.
Firstly they were heavy and lacking lateral stiffness not ideal when accelerating from the peloton or taking on a sprint finish. However, they were still widely used in the pro peloton for a good number of races.
But the real big drawback was they were a safety risk. The carbon spokes were liable to cracking and or breaking in the event of a crash essentially turning the blades into knives capable of cutting flesh. Paulo Bettini is noted to have cut his hand during a crash due to these wheels.
As such the Spinergy Rex X wheels were banned by the UCI in mass participation races and the wheels slowly died out over time. Funnily you can still find these wheels on eBay and the observant eye may catch a view of a front wheel on a fixie whilst on the road.
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| Mario Cipollini Using Spinergy Rev X |
But the real big drawback was they were a safety risk. The carbon spokes were liable to cracking and or breaking in the event of a crash essentially turning the blades into knives capable of cutting flesh. Paulo Bettini is noted to have cut his hand during a crash due to these wheels.
As such the Spinergy Rex X wheels were banned by the UCI in mass participation races and the wheels slowly died out over time. Funnily you can still find these wheels on eBay and the observant eye may catch a view of a front wheel on a fixie whilst on the road.
Friday 6 November 2015
UPDATE
Sorry I haven't been able to blog this week. Wifi has been out but no it's back, so I'm back too
Is The GPS Making Way For The Smartphone?
GPS computers and watches have long been the go-to device for any cyclist and runner for a long time. However since the invention of the smartphone the GPS market has become increasingly more competitive. It's not that GPS' are inferior in any way it's just that now a smartphone can do everything a GPS can. If we factor that the cheapest GPS on the market is no less than $150 at the very basic level. When you compare specs to a smartphone the bang for the buck you get on a smartphone is far greater than that on a GPS. Smart phones have all the capabilities and features of a GPS including being able to display power meter data which until a couple years ago was impossible.
Of course using a smartphone does have disadvantages. Firstly it's battery life, you can expect a smartphone with GPS and Bluetooth on to last up to 4 hours with factors such as screen brightness apps running in the background affecting battery life. A specific GPS can last up to 8 hours, good enough for even the longest of races and sportives.
Secondly its durability, GPS computers and watches are designed to be rugged and as such are highly water resistant if not waterproof and the screen very durable. So remember that your phone will need a phone case and bike mount to be used safely during a ride or a jacket pocket during a run. Or, if you're up to date with technology you'll be using a smart watch or a computer that syncs data from your phone and displays it on the computer so your phone can stay safe in a pocket.
I think for many of us, we're looking more at using our phones to record training data for our rides and runs. That still doesn't remove the need for the sport specific watches and computers, they're still very practical pieces of kit for the weekend warrior to racer an essential.
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