AS both dung beetles and weightlifters know, leg muscles can push
much more weight upwards than downwards.
Which is one of the two reasons why cyclists on recumbent bicycles
can go faster for longer. (The other reason being that they are not expending
their energy to overcome as much wind resistance when lying almost flat on their
backs).
Recumbent bicycles have, however, not caught on in South Africa —
cyclists are not keen to lower their profiles to below that of a big dog while
they have to share roads with motorcar drivers who are largely oblivious to life
outside their cars.
This may all change with the line of Revolution speed bikes from
Munich’s TroyTec.
Silver medallion winner at last year’s World Championship race in
Leer, this laid-back bike is fast proving itself — and proving itself
fast.
The company was founded in 2009 by Tobias Albert and Dominik
Rodatus, who are both mechanical engineers with a passion for bicycles.
The Revolution line combines the monocoque of racing cars with
different axles.
The use of carbon fibre has the Revolution frame weigh in at 8 kg
and TroyTec said wind tunnel tests show their frame has 25% less wind resistance
than a racing bike, enabling speeds of up to 44 km/h with 250 watts of pedalling
power.
The company’s promotional video shows the test rider doing over
100 km/h.
The modular, F1-inspired design has a carbon monocoque frame that
provides the basis for easy transformation between four configurations.
Depending on the surface and traffic, riders can sit high, lay low,
go fast on rigid wheels or cruise slow on full suspension.
In its low setting, the rider’s back is angled at 24 degrees and
the seat distributes the rider’s weight over a large area — no more testicular
cancer from saddle rub. Different seat thicknesses and adjustable handlebars
ensure a custom ride. The pivot point for the suspension is located below the
centre of gravity and effectively absorbs impact for both wheels, with 75 mm of
travel and an adjustable spring rate.
Different forks up front and swing arms at the back bolt to wheels
to create two different bike profiles on either soft or hard suspension.
Best news for everyone who have had to flat-pack their bicycles for
the Cape Argus, the entire Revolution frame and wheels come pre-packed into a
large, flat case.
The Revolution is designed to be broken down and packed into a hard
travel case within about 10 minutes. Transforming the bike from one
configuration to another is more cumbersome, however, as it involves routing
brake and gear-shift cables through the frame and fork. A full re-configuration
takes two to three hours.
The revolutionary bicycle can take 26-inch or 28-inch wheels with
smooth or knobbly tyre thicknesses up to 35 mm.
The only thing that may prevent the Revolution catching on in SA is
its costs. At almost R70 000 before taxes (€4 690) and with a basic conversion
kit starting at R12 000, the Revolution is expensive even for the most ardent
mountain biker in SA.
TroyTec say they make each bike to order, delivery takes several
weeks and riders can order accessories like carriers and saddlebags.
