One for the bicycle tarts...

jimmypippa

I read about this in the engineer magazine, and when I did a google image search for it, found the image hosted by bikeradar.com:



I can't find the bikeradar article (yet 23rd March, 2009..) so here is what the engineer has to say about it:

The bike, which is made by F1 subcontractor Beru F1 Systems, probably takes the prize for the largest number of technologies packed into a single product. Called the Factor 001, its frame is a carbon fibre monocoque; more strikingly, so are the wheels, using a unidirectional carbon in the composite skin, surrounding a foam core. This, Beru claims, makes them stiff, strong and capable of coping with the conditions on normal roads. The brakes use a carbon-ceramic composite in a hydraulic disc system, which is as effective wet or dry. The brake hoses are housed in lightweight steel pipes built into the frame, minimising losses in power transfer from brake lever to disc.

<snip....>

With a price tag around the £20,000 mark, the Factor 001 is not for the average cyclist,

gtvlusso

Not available in Cambridge Blue though......:-(

fossyant

Too ugly.........

jimmypippa

It is isn't it.

What about hydraulic disc brakes on a road bike?

always_tyred

I don't think its any worse than a lot of the pseudo-engineered carbon gimic frames out there. The front fork is bad, though. At least you can see the point of all the design features.

Hydraulic brakes, discs? Great idea, get the mass near the hub, more effective and consistent braking. Loving the idea of carbon discs.

What I want to know is whether the shifting is hydraulic? IF not, why not? Great idea in theory.

mountainroadie

about time they got carbon discs into the mainstream . nothing worse than skreechy brakes when they are wet ,

wonder why the disc is on the opposite side though :?

always_tyred

mountainroadie wrote:

about time they got carbon discs into the mainstream . nothing worse than skreechy brakes when they are wet ,

wonder why the disc is on the opposite side though :?

Good spot. No idea. Something to do with balancing stresses when both the brakes are applied?

tardington

Yes yes yes. But what about the Bike to Work cycle-scheme?

always_tyred

tardie wrote:

Yes yes yes. But what about the Bike to Work cycle-scheme?

Yes, I think you could buy the brake discs on the btw scheme.

Dropzone-dog__

Valve caps present weight weenie fail.
Seat tube not really curved around the real wheel aerodynamic fail.

For 20 grand back to the drawing board lads :P

attica

What's going on with the minimalist bar tape?
It's not even white!

System_1

I think it's lovely.

jimmypippa

Ah ha, I found the bikeradar story:

http://www.bikeradar.com/news/article/formula-one-experts-use-car-technology-to-build-bike-20960

Stone Glider

Is it a rite of passage for engineers/designers at the high end of automotive/aeronautic/nautical technology to "knock out" a bike design?

I find it slightly sad that these talented individuals feel able to demonstrate their superiority by such measures. I presume that current cycle designers/engineers bow down in admiration and humble gratitude of their condescension.