Beru f1systems is taking F1 technology to bicycles. F1 technology in bikes is nothing new as Fondriest bikes actually employed former Minardi team members to develop their carbon bikes. The Ferrari/Colnago partnership brought about the highly coveted Colnagos that were the first to touch near the 10k price barrier that now seems almost commonplace. Now Beru f1systems is taking not only the carbon aspects but the telemtry and custom fitting features that truly separate F1 from other motor sports.
Multi-channel electronics package which provides unique ergonometric data collection, logging and analysis capabilities; can correlate biometric data from the rider, physical force data from the bike and environmental data; developed with feedback from professional athletes. Carbon ceramic brakes provide endless, exact braking performance at any temperature. Almost all original parts; key components designed and manufactured in-house from Formula One-grade materials. Fully integrated structure using BERU f1systems’ Wire-in-Composite patented technology; load sensors, wiring, batteries, sensors, control cables and lines for the hydraulic braking system are all fully integrated into the composite during construction, to give unparalleled efficiency and durability with a clean, uncluttered appearance. Twin-spar frame reduces sideways frame flex and preserves rider comfort. 8-spoke monocoque composite wheels deliver high lateral stiffness and robustness for everyday use. Bespoke made-to-measure frame (to within 1mm); each customer to experience Formula One-style ‘seat fit’ process.
With the new cleansheet development process coming from a totally different background, the Factor 001 brings about some interesting innovations. The integration of sensors to give feedback on load and flex and other data can add to the power meter crowd’s loads of data. The custom F1 seat process gives some builders an in to upselling custom fits again after a few years of off-the-shelf frames being the norm.
The only limiting factor is that this bike would be available to only the most affluent bike riders out there. With many bikes now regularly priced at an astounding $6k to $8k this bike tops at around $25 to $30k.
Via Gizmag and http://www.factor001.com/
Picture from dlisted.com
Hey, we all have bike lust. I’ve been know to drool on a very sexy top end Colnago, Cervelo, Pinarello or anything along those lines. There is a line that all cyclist don’t go beyond, and that it to keep your pants on. Apparently one cyclist just needed to show his bike the ultimate affection. No he did not upgrade any special components or clean it with a gentle cleanser or give it a tune up. He literally made love to his bike. Now people, bikes are expensive today, but please save some cash to spend on a real date. Also, I did not know it was illegal to have sex with a bike. Did the bike want to press charges after being abused? I won’t go into any jokes about what type of lube was used…sorry…
Mr Stewart was caught in the act with his bicycle by cleaners in his bedroom at the Aberley House Hostel in Ayr.
Gail Davidson, prosecuting, told Ayr Sheriff Court: “They knocked on the door several times and there was no reply.
“They used a master key to unlock the door and they then observed the accused wearing only a white t-shirt, naked from the waist down.
“The accused was holding the bike and moving his hips back and forth as if to simulate sex.”
Both cleaners, who were “extremely shocked”, told the hostel manager who called police.
Sheriff Colin Miller told Stewart: “In almost four decades in the law I thought I had come across every perversion known to mankind, but this is a new one on me. I have never heard of a ‘cycle-sexualist’.”
Stewart had denied the offence, claiming it was caused by a misunderstanding after he had too much to drink.
Dlisted
BBC News: Bike sex man placed on probation
Cyclingnews’ Italia Bici mini site is up and it offers some very cool insights into some Italian bike companies. The most stunning feature is the Pirana bike that was designed and built for Roberto Visentini who won the Giro D’Italia that year. Visentini who was a climber had to contend with powerful passista Francesco Moser and the dominating Bernard Hinault. Battaglin came up with a radical design that helped shave 3 second per kilometer. The radicallly bubbled front wheel was not the only oddity. The bike was one of the first carbon fibre monocoques created. Carbon development was still in it’s infancy for bikes, so the monocoque did not have the same weight savings and was very expensive.
Unfortunately, the Pirana was never pedalled in anger since the race jury deemed that Visentini would have an unfair advantage, so they had to nix the bike.
The article says that both the frame and fork are carbon, but that fork looks like a cromoly Columbus fork to me. Carbon doesn’t usually have a chrome finish. Plus a thin carbon fork circa 1985 would act much like a wet noodle.
The Pirana: Italia Bici
The winter days mean that there isn’t much light out if you do try and ride. Lighting systems are necessary, but some are expensive and do not look that cool.
Check out the tutorial below on setting up ground effects for your bike. Get the import rice-burner street rodder look that would make Vin Deisel in The Fast and The Furious jealous. Seriously, these lights will be sure to grab attention when you ride at night, how can you not be seen.
An easy DIY project to add ground effects lights to your bicycle or other means of conveyance, utilizing inexpensive and commonly available cold-cathode lights. They look cool, and really do increase your visibility at night. Since putting them on my tallbike everone is asking to take my picture.
Check out the instructions
Cycling and the automotive industry have always had an odd connection. Saturn, Mercury, Chevy (with LA Sherriffs), Ford, FIAT and Skoda are a few of the major brands sponsored all sorts of racing teams. Today I found a link to the Cadillac Bike Store which features various styles of bikes branded with the Cadillac Logo. The bike looks like it is made by Felt (maybe not?) with a Caddy logo on it. For $1,500 which is not that far off of similarly spec’d bikes, you can show your love for Detroit with this bike. Remember, this is the Cadillac of bikes…
Cadillac Road Limited Edition RLE1.8 Road Bike: Cadillac Bike Store
