One fateful day back in 1984, I read an article in Popular Science entitled “Pedal-power slingshot.” It was about a vehicle called the Cyclodyne, which was a recumbent human-powered tricycle enclosed in a full polyester-and-epoxy streamlined shell. The writer claimed that he had easily got the thing up to 30 mph (48 km/h), and that it was designed to reach 53 mph (85 km/h) on flat ground. Good Lord, how I wanted one. Its US$3,800 price tag ensured that it would never happen, but that didn’t stop me from obsessing. That article was my introduction to the world of velomobiles, which can pretty much be defined as aerodynamically-shelled recumbent tricycles … Details & Pictures
It’s no secret that as gas prices soar and battery technology evolves, electric bikes are fast becoming the next big two-wheeled thing. That trend is clearly evidenced by the strong showing ebikes are making at this year’s Eurobike trade show, currently taking place in Friedrichshafen, Germany. Over the next several days, we’ll be showing you a few examples that we’ve spotted at the show, but to start things off… well, let’s kick out the jams and go with the “Oh come on, you can’t be serious” ebike. It called the BlackTrail, and with a top speed of 100 km/h (62 mph), it’s officially the world’s fastest electric bicycle – and probably the most awesome-looking, to boot.
The BlackTrail is the result of a collaboration between two German companies, namely PG-Bikes and carbon fiber products developer UBC, which also designs parts for Formula 1 race cars and Porsche Carrera GTs … Details
Her jeans fit differently, she has discovered a penchant for blueberries on America’s East Coast and she has stopped toppling off her bike at traffic lights. Jaime Nielsen’s transition from international rower to international cyclist is complete.
The 24-year-old from Tamahere (between Hamilton and Cambridge) is in line to represent New Zealand at the Delhi Commonwealth Games next month in the 3000m individual pursuit and has an outside chance of taking part in the road race as her career blossoms after swapping oars for pedals last year … Details
Dan Lacey, a professional BMX rider, takes one of the Mayor of London’s new for-hire bikes for a spin around the capital.
The British rider, who has recently returned from the 2010 X-Games in Los Angeles, found the going tougher than he expected.
The design and, more significantly, the weight of the bike meant that he was not able to pull off the more spectacular tricks he is accustomed to performing at major events around the world.
His efforts were thwarted by a bicycle which he described as being “built like a tank”
JE James Cycles had their warehouse broken into on Sunday 22nd August between the hours of 1.40am and 4.00am. They are currently fixing the damage caused by the thieves, but in the burglary had nearly 100 bikes stolen.
Andy Liversidge of JE James Cycles sent us this press release:
After the trauma of Sunday evening, the damage caused by the thieves is being fixed and extra precautions are promptly being put into place to stop such criminal activity. The thieves stole 97 bikes in total, all of which were boxed and not built … Details
On the road, Lawson Craddock (Houston, Texas/Hot Tubes) won the King of the Mountains competition at Germany’s Regio Tour while riding for USA Cycling’s National Development Program junior squad. More USA Cycling juniors just arrived in Belgium for a European race trip while a USA Cycling BMX Junior Development Program Camp recently wrapped up on the Olympic Training Center’s Super Cross Track in Chula Vista, Calif. Additionally, USA Cycling is fielding a large contingent of development riders for the Mountain Bike World Cup finale at Windham Mountain, NY this weekend … Details
The bicycle at a Kentucky yard sale had two flat tires, broken pedals and carried a $5 price tag. That didn’t stop Greg Estes from buying the bike in hopes of flipping it for a small profit. He should get his wish, to the tune of a few thousand dollars.
It turns out the broken-down bicycle was originally owned by Floyd Landis, who rode it in a race in 2007. The bike was built especially for Landis, complete with … Details
