I'm hoping my participation in a FIST course some years ago qualifies me to post a question on bike design here to folks who understand fit and handling in finer detail perhaps than those on the wider Tri forum.
While working on a new Tri bike concept we've realised we could (in theory at least) turn the fit/prescribed bike equation on it's head.
What if you could take the rider fit coordinates and then develop the bike geometry (not solely size) according to those coordinates, allowing for optimisation of the front centre/wheelbase and so to rider weight distribution over the front wheel?
From experience I've seen pro triathletes who would not qualify as great bike handlers and who could certainly benefit from a more stable bike than may currently be on offer. That must be exacerbated within the age grouper ranks where bike handling experience is even more mixed. If, as suggested here on Slowtwitch (http://www.slowtwitch.com/..._Peak_Aero_6429.html), aero has peaked isn't the next performance area to consider handling?
We've done CFD with a scanned rider versus her usual mount of a P5. With her exact same P5 fit we can offer her a range of bikes with Front Centres from 564mm to 615mm. Her 51 P5 is 583.
I'd be interested in feedback on the merits (or not!) of the concept and could post a 'fit' chart to show the ranges of fit to FC we could hit if anybody is interested to have a play and give some feedback.
http://www.ku-cycle.com
While working on a new Tri bike concept we've realised we could (in theory at least) turn the fit/prescribed bike equation on it's head.
What if you could take the rider fit coordinates and then develop the bike geometry (not solely size) according to those coordinates, allowing for optimisation of the front centre/wheelbase and so to rider weight distribution over the front wheel?
From experience I've seen pro triathletes who would not qualify as great bike handlers and who could certainly benefit from a more stable bike than may currently be on offer. That must be exacerbated within the age grouper ranks where bike handling experience is even more mixed. If, as suggested here on Slowtwitch (http://www.slowtwitch.com/..._Peak_Aero_6429.html), aero has peaked isn't the next performance area to consider handling?
We've done CFD with a scanned rider versus her usual mount of a P5. With her exact same P5 fit we can offer her a range of bikes with Front Centres from 564mm to 615mm. Her 51 P5 is 583.
I'd be interested in feedback on the merits (or not!) of the concept and could post a 'fit' chart to show the ranges of fit to FC we could hit if anybody is interested to have a play and give some feedback.
http://www.ku-cycle.com