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23rd August 2010
By David Weir
Which groupset - SRAM, Shimano or Campagnolo
TAGS: Cycling
Like all technologies, sports equipment has rapidly evolved and improved over the past decade to the point where consumer’s preferences will often depend on little more than the aesthetics of a product or the way it has been marketed. This is due to the fact that as technology advances, the margins for improvement are narrowing and often there is very little to choose between products in terms of performance.
So this begs the question, when a cyclist is faced with forking out thousands of pounds on a new group-set is there any difference between the three major brands (Campagnolo, SRAM and Shimano) or is it all just marketing spin? Well the good news is that although there’s little to choose from between the top-end brands in terms of weight and shifting performance, each of the top end groupsets have their own distinct characteristics. Over my next few blogs I will be looking at the main characteristics of the premium offerings of the big three brands in an effort to give some insight to budding cyclists making that all important investment in their first top end racing bike.
To hear our thoughts please click read more...
9th July 2010
A new article from our new editor - David Weir (Please read)
Tour tech: Wheels
TAGS: Cycling
This has been one of the most varied first weeks of any Tour de France for many a year and as a result the bike tech junkees have been saturated with all sorts of equipment flashing across their screens. In the space of 5 days has seen the world’s best cyclists tackle a flat prologue, the rolling hills of the Ardennes, the cobbled roads of northern France and Belgium, with a few rough and tumble sprint stages thrown in for good measure.
Whilst we have all undoubtedly enjoyed a break from the monotony of a first week packed full of bunch sprints punctuated by the odd break-away success, the team mechanics will have been working over-time to make sure the riders bikes have been kitted out with the best gear to tackle the unique challenges each stage has presented (some mechanics, like Saxo Bank will even have been working time and a half to put their bikes back together after the crash strewn stages 2 and 3!).
More often than not the fundamental consideration during a time trial is aerodynamics and Saturday’s prologue was no different. With the majority of riders choosing a rear disc wheel the only difference between riders selection was the depth of their front wheel rim. Typically the GC contenders and time trial specialists were aiming to shave as many seconds as possible by taking the deepest section possible (around 60mm) whereas the sprinters adopted a slightly less aero, but more stable front wheel, with around about 30-40mm depth. The benefit of such wheels is that the air flows over them much easier, thus requiring less power from the rider. The flip side of this, however is that the wind moves through them with less ease, meaning you will very rarely see a disc wheel or overly deep rims being used on time trial or road stages where cross winds are a factor.
The first stage was the first chance for the sprinters to stretch their legs and, as a result, the majority of the peloton had their deep section road wheels on. Most were riding on rims around 50mm deep as the finish was set to be a fast one and they would have been looking to gain as much aerodynamic performance as possible without compromising handling. Although watching the final corner might have had you thinking that Cavandish still had his time trialling wheels on! As well as cutting through the air easier in those crucial closing kilometres, deep section wheels also provide greater stiffness, a crucial factor when the big men start throwing their bike around the finishing straight.
Stage 2 posed a significantly more challenging proposition to the sprinters teams as they headed for the Ardennes and the first climbs of this year’s Tour. These were no ordinary climbs either, as the riders faced the prospect of three third category climbs in the last 50kms. This was the first time the riders would have to take into consideration their battle with gravity and as a result weight saving was very much the order of the day. The majority of riders abandoned their deep sections for lighter, shallower profile wheels, which would also offer them more of an advantage on the tight twisting roads which surround the fabled climbs which feature so prominently in the legendary Leige-Bastogne-Leige spring classic.
The day which demanded the most thought in terms of wheel selection was undoubtedly Stage 3 which took the peloton over the infamous cobbles of Paris-Roubaix. For this stage a lot of teams neglected Carbon rims, instead opting for more sturdy alloy rims. Whilst some riders, such as Lance Armstrong, kept faith with carbon rims, almost all of them deviated to a shallower 24-36mm rim. One thing the riders did have in common though was tyre choice. When it comes to racing over the cobbles the most important thing is avoiding crashes and punctures and whilst you can’t do much about the former, adopting a set of wider (24-27mm), tubular tyres will give you a much better chance of avoiding the latter.
10th June 2010 
Bike fitting in East Midlands/ Nottingham/ Leicester
TAGS: Cycling, Bike fitting
http://www.progressivesports.co.uk
As part of my sports design and research job with Progressive Sports Technologies Ltd., I have recently completed a SICI approved bike fitting course with Cyclefit London. Having read a number of cycling blogs, magazines and other online resources, I noticed that there was a lack of bike fitters within this region of East Midlands, Nottingham, Leicester and Loughborough.
Our company is one of the World's leading sports design and research consultancies and is based in the £15million Sports Technology Institute at Loughborough University. Our company has been involved with many major brands and professional teams including Nike, Umbro, Reebok, British Cycling and Rowing.
As a new company in this sector we are offering our bike fitting service to the first 50 customers at a reduced price.
Cleat alignment only per bike - £30 (per bike, lasting 30 minutes)
Basic existing road bike fitting no cleat assessment - £65 (per bike, lasting 1.5 hour)
Full existing road bike fitting - £80 (per bike, lasting 2 hours)
Cleat alignment only includes:
Basic bike fitting without cleat alignment includes:
Full bike fitting includes:
You will need your bike, your cycling clothes and information sheet which will be sent before the bike fitting process.
If you are looking for a bike fit or some sort of bike fitting service then please get in touch.
My email is: bryan@progressivesports.co.uk
Or telephone: 01509 564806
The certification I received was from SICI - Serotta International Cycling Institute and is a world-wide recognised body in bike fitting. For more information please visit their website:
http://www.serottacyclinginstitute.com/
12th Febuary 2010 
Article by Sian Slawson
Bern Watts helmet review
TAGS: Cycling, Snowsports
http://www.bernunlimited.com/2008/watts.html
So having signed and sealed my week in the alps this year, more specifically Tignes, it is time to purchase the essentials! Well the essentials I don’ already have!! This came down to two things, firstly a nice board bag to put my shiny Burton Custom in and secondly something that until this season I have gone without, a helmet. With a good friend out there doing a season I am hopeful of some off piste adventure, which means I am probably even more likely to take some comedy tumbles.
So what did I buy? Well I have just purchased and sent back the first helmet. I managed to pick up Bern Watts helmet, for under £60. Black shell, plaid liner, looked perfect. On arrival I had a few problems.
Firstly, and possibly a little vain, I found it far too big. Not the fit, which was incredibly snug, but the outer shell made my head look huge. With a couple of cm depth of polystyrene and a further 2cm of foam, plus the liner under the shell it stood a long way from where my head finished. Maybe that is more relevant for those of you with slightly petite heads/faces.
Secondly I found the liner restrictive, beautiful, but restrictive. Once I put on my jacket I found it and the hood were competing for space which made it difficult to turn my head with the freedom I really want cruising down the slopes.
Overall I would say Bern make some sweet looking gear and I have friends who are more than happy with their wares, but for me it just didn’t work. I guess the moral is try before you buy.
0 comments; want to add a comment?
1st February 2010
Win a bike worth £4500 by Ridley
http://data.ridley-bikes.com/contest/conditions-en.html
Ridley are offering one lucky designer the chance to win a £4500 state-of-the-art road bike, simply by customising the frame graphics
Not only do you get a great bike, but you also get it in the style that you want!!!
Download the graphics here:
-> DOWNLOAD DESIGN FILES FOR ILLUSTRATOR
-> DOWNLOAD DESIGN FILES FOR CORELDRAW
-> DOWNLOAD DESIGN FILES AS PDF
-> DOWNLOAD DESIGN FILES AS JPG
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15th January 2010
Win a high visibility jacket by ciompleting a short survey!
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/sportsclothing
Fancy contributing to sports garment design and science. Progressive Sports are developing a new high visibility garment for a major sports brand and would like your views on the design! If you complete the questionnaire, which should only take a few minutes, then you could win a new high visibility running top!!!
Please click the link above or below for your chance to win the running jacket below:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/sportsclothing
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9th December 2009
Bike fitting, position and posture
TAGS: Bike designs
I have been looking into bike fitting, position and posture recently and this very simple but informative video popped up from Bike Dynamics in the UK. The video explains the various mechanisms and procedures of bike fitting using a piece of software known as Dartfish. Bike Dynamics are a UK based bike fitting company who are SICI registered.
I aim to complete my SICI bike fitting course in two weeks time to offer a similar service for our company Progressive Sports Technologies Ltd. More info to follow, but enjoy the video.
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12th November 2009
Cool bike helmets - here are my top 5
Yakkay helmets are a great mix between traditional helmet protection with an interesting fashion exterior. A must see, these cool bike helmets are for the city urban cyclist with style.
http://urbanvelo.org/nyc-helmet/
The NYC Helmet is designed with every rider, every season, and a greener environment in mind. As unique and dynamic as the City of New York itself, the NYC Helmet is an innovative modular system consisting of two components: a protective polystyrene inner shell and a soft fabric outer cover with integrated straps. This design allows its owner to customize and personalize the outer cover, which easily separates from the protective shell for easy storage and cleaning.
http://www.bernunlimited.com/index.html
Bern helmets are stylish, practical, relatively inexpensive and a must have for any cyclist, snowboarder, skater or extreme sportsman. I actually wear this cool bike helmet so I have to say they are good!!
http://www.lazer.be/en/catalog/cycling-6/urban-edition-12/product/urbanize-n-light-636
Lazer have developed a unique fitting system called Rollsys®. Compared to the standard fit systems the Lazer Rollsys® system is a fully integrated mechanism which surrounds the head completely. By turning a smooth thumb wheel – situated on top of the helmet – the Rollsys® system permits an accurate and progressive peripheral sizing adjustment. The fit of the helmet will symmetrically be tightened up without any pressure points on the head. The Rollsys® system offers an innovative one hand use and is easy to handle even during riding!
The Burton RED Frequency Audex Motorola Bluetooth Helmet keeps you wirelessly connected toto your iPhone, Ipod or anything that is Bluetooth compatible. Although not a cool bike helmet it is definately worth a mention in this blog!
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November 2009
ScooterGirls Inc., introduces fashionable protective wear - its about time someone did it!!!!
http://www.scooter-girls.co.uk
TAGS: bike and cycling clothing
ScooterGirls, Inc., a Los Angeles-based apparel company is scooting into Atlanta to preview its innovative and exciting “GoGo Gear”, the first fashion forward, highly styled, protective gear for female scooter and motorcycle riders. Designed to appeal to today’s image conscious, contemporary scooter and motorcycle enthusiasts, GoGo Gear solves the age old problem of finding attractive and affordable protective wear.
November 2009
BAE systems laser technology keeps GB Cyclists on track
http://www.baesystems.com/Newsroom/NewsReleases/autoGen_10987145921.html
BAE Systems have developed a novel laser-timing technology, currently used for military application, to monitor GB cyclists performance on the track. This laser system outperforms the previous break-beam system in its identification of individual athletes.
According to BAE Systems website:
" Up to 30 cyclists will be able to train simultaneously with the new timing system, which uses a laser able to read a personalised code from a retro reflective tag attached to each bike. Installed at multiple points around the track, the system gives individual recordings for each cyclist with millisecond accuracy".
As if the GB cyclists needed any more help to win more medals - they are already at the top of their game.
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October 2009
Compression garments and socks allowed back into Ironman competition
http://www.slowtwitch.com/News/Compression_sock_ban_reversed_1009.html
TAGS: Swimming, bike and cycling clothing
In an interesting article published by Herbert Krabel of slowtwitch, the World Triahtlon Corporation was reportedly going to ban compression wear from Ironman competitions.
October 2009
Cool cycling and bike helmets by Canedo Studio - Gladiator helmet
TAGS: cycling and bike helmet designs
September 2009
ROCKTAPE Power taping technology
TAGS: bike and cycling clothing
ROCKTAPE power taping technology is an interesting product beginning to take hold of the fitness and recovery market. Used heavily in cycling and recently featured US Jr. National Cycling Championships, ROCKTAPE is similar to other kinesiology tapes that appeared in the Summer Olympics, but its unique patent-pending “Power Plow” pattern, tighter weave and stickier adhesive claims to make it more appropriate for high impact and endurance sports.
September 2009
Could bicycle helmet laws actually cost too much?
In an interesting article published by New Scientist magazine, an Australian mathematician calculated that the cost of introducing helmets are extortionate compared to potential healthcare savings. Piet de Jong estimates that the new laws cost the US $4.8 billion per year, Netherlands $1.9 billion, and the U.K $0.4 billion.
This is an interesting article worth a read. Please click the link above.
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September 2009
WATT bike
TAGS: cool bike designs
WATT bike is a great new invention that, according to its website (link above), "captures performance data up to 100 times per second across 29 parameters whilst its computer console delivers the kind of data that, until now, has only been available to the world’s most elite athletes. And because every bike gives comparable data and has software that grows as you do, it means you can compare your performance with the best".
August 2009
Di-cycle travels over land and water
The di-cycle, a concept bike at the design phase, claims to travel over land and water. Nice looking design but it will be a while before it hits the market.
TAGS: cool bike designs.
August 2009
Wheelu - will it become the new rage in cycling?
Tomer Zer Kavod has designed a new style of bicycle to be used on smooth pavement. The front wheel acts as a braking aid and the rear wheel assists turning via weight shifting.
TAGS: cool bike designs.
2009
Backpack Bicycle
Interesting design by Chang Ting Jen where the bicycle can be stored as a backpack when not in use. It weighs 5.5kg and can also double as a hand-cart.
TAGS: cool bike designs.
2009
Bike part vending machine
Trek Stop based in Madison, Wisconsin have installed a prototype vending machine stocked with parts and supplies for bicycles.
TAGS: cool bike parts.
2009
Rabbit concept bike
Felipe Tolomei has developed a three-wheeled concept bike with two electric engines. No special features as yet but looks distinctly different.
TAGS: cool bike designs.
2009
PUMA i-cycle
PUMA have just released a series of short films exploring bike culture. Produced by Daniel Leeb of Cinecyle Productions, The I-Cycle Film Series consists of five well made videos documenting five different influencers and the contributions they’ve made to the bike community. Each video is about 5 minutes long and explores the importance of biking and why these advocates personally love moving on two wheels.
TAGS: cool bike designs.
2009
Electric Bike Train - get people involved in fitness but look cool
Interesting concept by Jiang Qian to get a number of people involved in fitness. An "unlimited" number of these electric bikes can be attached.
TAGS: cool bike designs.
2009
Shimano develop custom-fit cycling shoes
Shimano have developed a fitting system that customises the shoe to an individuals foot. "Heat sensitive and moldable material is infused in the shoe upper. Air is withdrawn using a special vacuum device, eliminating spaces and irregular contact points".
TAGS: cool bike parts.
2009
Folding bike to solve storage problems
CUBE-BIKE have developed a folding bike that not only looks good but appears to fold with little effort. Watch the video on their home-page to see the slick design.
TAGS: cool bike designs.
2009
Revolutionary folding wheels
Duncan Fitzsimmons, a freelance industrial designer, has solved the space problems associated with folding bikes. The carbon fibre wheels are currently being considered by a number of major manufacturers.
TAGS: cool bike parts.
2009
PUMA glow rider
If there was ever a product that would help you be seen in the dark, then this is it.
TAGS: cool bike designs.
