Obree considering another hour record attempt

[fiamme red]

http://www.bikeradar.com/news/article/graeme-obree-bidding-for-hour-record-again-21712

As he did with his previous hour records, Obree has built his own bike for this attempt. It's made out of Reynolds 653 tubing and weighs over the UCI limit of 6.8 kilos. "I've built it within the limiting factors of the regulations," he said. "It's deliberately long so my arms are stretched onto the drops for the best aero position. It's also longer at the rear as this puts weight towards the front of the bike."

The bike also features another Obree trademark, a huge gear: 138 inches (67x13) to be exact. He's been pedaling this on his evening training sessions, which typically last between two and two-and-a-half hours.

The saddle and bars appear to be almost level, with riser stem and shallow-drop bars, but he still looks pretty aerodynamic.

[torquer]

http://cdn.mos.bikeradar.com/images/news/2009/05/21/1242915790854-24ut116prboi-798-75.jpg
What kind of cadence will he need with that kind of gearing?

[KJMUNC]

I love it......the guy is a total throwback and has a pure love for the sport.

Bummer that Sosenka got busted for doping. I took a pic of him at the '04 Worlds in Verona and emailed it to him via his personal website. About 6mo later I got a beat-up letter with about 20 post-marks all over it and inside he had hand-written a note thanking me for the picture and he included a bunch of autographed pictures of him with his hour record bike. Seemed like a classy guy.

btw, he used a 54x13. Obree is going with a 67x13. jeeeez. makes my knees hurt just looking at it.

[fiamme red]

What kind of cadence will he need with that kind of gearing?And how long will it take him to get up to speed?

Obree was always a big-gear masher. He used a 52x12 on his two successful hour record attempts. But at least that wasn't far from the norm.

[cp43]

What kind of cadence will he need with that kind of gearing?

According to Sheldon Brown's gear calculator, with that gear and 20mm 700c tires:

RPM MPH KPH
60 24 38.7
80 32.1 51.6
90 36.1 58.1
100 40.1 64.5


Based on the previous records for non aero bikes, I'd guess he'd be aiming for just under 80 RPM.

Chris

[GuyGadois]

Next to The Rider, The Flying Scotsman book that Obree wrote is one of my favorites. This would be an awesome attempt. Not sure he would be able to do it at 43 but just the thought of him building another bike and trying it is awesome.

If you haven't, read the book. It goes into much more detail - some good, some a bit disturbing.

-GG-

[LesMiner]

Obree needs to maintain 75.22 rpm to match the current record of 49.7 km in a hour. Or could anyone with a typical 53/12 gear ratio and standard 700C 23mm wide tires maintain 85.28 rpm?

[Sandy]

His gearing is an astonishing 138 gear inches (67X13). In the link given, it is stated that he does evening training using that gear for 2 to 2 1/2 hours. I think that is amazing. Just look at the photos at the size of the chainring and the rear cog. Wow!! Click onto the photo of him on the bike for a larger image. His legs don't look muscular or strong at all. Some cyclists exist in another world.


:banana: Superman Sandy :banana:

[roguedog]

I know. When I saw the bike and the gearing and then went to click on the picture of him, I expected to see like huge Thor quads or something.

I kept staring at the pic to make sure it just wasn't some odd angle thing...

Like you said.. WOW

[rdparadise]

Obree is definitely in a class by himself. He is an oddball, non-conformist with a lot of guts. I have to give him credit. His heart must be huge. Physically, he has got to be a freak, similar to Armstrong genetically. Just my 2 cents.

I read the book and recently watched the movie on demand. Interesting character.

I wish him the best of luck as it seems he's got a target date in mind to at least give it a shot.


Bob