Lotus is back on track, and it's weird

Elefantino · #1 10-31-2019, 06:30 AM

The new Lotus/Hope bike for the Brits on the track.

3D printed frame with ti bits. Wow.

unterhausen · #2 10-31-2019, 06:40 AM

I take it that's more aero and has been wind tunnel tested. But I also assume that a computer came up with that idea, because I would be really impressed if a person came up with that idea

makoti · #3 10-31-2019, 06:42 AM

You could probably get 35's on that.

charliedid · #4 10-31-2019, 06:44 AM

So much wind tunnel

Aaron O · #5 10-31-2019, 06:47 AM

I’m assuming someone bought the brand?

I’ll stick with mine:

ftf · #6 10-31-2019, 07:07 AM

Wow, it looks amazing.

Veloo · #7 10-31-2019, 07:07 AM

Lighting and shape makes it look like loose nylon webbing.

Blue Jays · #8 10-31-2019, 07:16 AM

They are opting for the big chainring.

nooneline · #9 10-31-2019, 07:21 AM

GB has experimented with wide forks before on their UKSI/Katsanis bikes (and, interestingly enough there seem to be some design elements from the Katsanis bikes that GB has been using for, what, 15-20 years, that have made their way into these bikes.

Given the failure of the Cervelos that they used for the Rio 2016 Olympics (they were delivered on the eve of the Olympics, several broke, widespread frustrations apparently), I'm not surprised that these bikes are coming out for the World Cup season prior to the Olympics. Especially with some interesting, delicate-looking, and very custom parts - they want to race test them before taking them to Tokyo.

Anyway - they look ugly. Except for the handlebars, which look like combination sprint/enduro handlebars that are very aero and accommodate a sphinx position - likely that those are in 34cm, making them basically my dream handlebar.

jamesau · #10 10-31-2019, 07:22 AM

I kinda like the look, especially the fork, but wonder if the UCI might object. That fork design might act as a fairing (for the rider's legs).

BdaGhisallo · #11 10-31-2019, 07:29 AM

I can see potential for some interesting happenings in sprint and keirin events with this frame. Riders often ride very close to each other and I can see a following rider getting their bars hooked in those chainstays.

Anyone know if there are any limits on how wide a bike frame can be for track use?

m_sasso · #12 10-31-2019, 07:34 AM

Lots of new stuff for Tokyo, some of the Japanese are using DA road cranks on their track bikes, using the BDop adaptor, see the first rider or custom rings.

https://bdopcycling.com/product/bdop...himano-5-bolt/

Or these new Aussie bars!

pdonk · #13 10-31-2019, 07:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BdaGhisallo

Anyone know if there are any limits on how wide a bike frame can be for track use?

See https://www.uci.org/docs/default-sou...sn=fd56e265_80)

for a copy of the "bike" rules, plus clarification notes.

The max width at the drop outs is 145 mm. The profiles and shape of tubes is also spelled out.

I have not been a commie for a long time, and mostly before this stuff really came into effect so am having a hard time interpreting what the rules actually mean. Gear inch /roll outs. saddle setback and angles of arms where relatively easy to understand and measure.

nooneline · #14 10-31-2019, 07:39 AM

whoa - that's the first i've seen of those aussie bars. where'd you get that image?

that Bridgestone is slick - it's been trickling out in bits and pieces over the last few years and I love the look. Very refined.

Elefantino · #15 10-31-2019, 07:41 AM

https://bikerumor.com/2019/10/31/hop...secret-weapon/