So we just started getting these and building them up. Very unique. We will post more pics as we upload them but here is one that we just edited!
We call it the Forma Package- HED Blackdog aerobars, HED Stinger 9s, Dura Ace 7900. Enjoy!
That is an absolutely **gorgeous **build. Thanks for sharing.
One question about the bike, though- unless I’m mistaken, the bike is advertised as having the benefit of the downtube redirecting the air flow to the non-drivetrain side. How is this an actual benefit given that the downtube is above all of the components?
I don’t mean to hijack the thread or detract from the awesome build, just curious about this aspect of the machine.
more pics
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How about a head-on shot, Al?
That is sweet! Do you offer any firefighter discounts? Maybe 30% off frameset.
That is an absolutely **gorgeous **build. Thanks for sharing.
One question about the bike, though- unless I’m mistaken, the bike is advertised as having the benefit of the downtube redirecting the air flow to the non-drivetrain side. How is this an actual benefit given that the downtube is above all of the components?
I don’t mean to hijack the thread or detract from the awesome build, just curious about this aspect of the machine.
Are you confusing the downtube with the seattube?
If the CD of this frame is 0.1, what is the CD of the P3 and/or P4?
Great looking bike, what kind of brakes were used in the back? It will be interesting to see how popular this bike becomes, looks like they did all the right things to it to make it appealing.
To answer MdotD and jyeager, the down tube is offset toward the drive train. I love the questions and rationale that the components are below the down tube. This is the best question I think I’ve been asked in the few months that I’ve been showing this design. The reality is that all of the super-aero front wheels are opening and closing the air very efficiently. In addition to bringing the air back together nicely, there is a relatively brisk “upwash” of the closing air due to the spinning of the wheel. When tufting or using smoke, the airflow visually “bends” a bit behind the tire and across the frame. A conventional, centered down tube basically crashes into the converging air and directs 50% of the flow to the clean (non-drive) side of the bike and 50% to tumble through and across the dirty (drive) side. Depending on the yaw, I’m getting approximately 80% of the converging air to flow to the clean side of the bike. At zero degrees, I’m getting ‘drive side’ air 75mm from the centerline of the bike to flow cleanly down the non-drive side of the frame. It’s a fascinating technology that I’m continuing to study and develop further.
To answer the Cd comparison question: At 10°, the Cd0.1 actually measures 0.14 whereas the P3 is in the 0.15 range. The wattage translation is about a 5-6 watt difference. The even more fascinating differences are in standard deviation of data, and the side loads measured while tunnel testing. The Cd0.1 has an amazingly tight standard deviation which speaks for itself. However, I’m continuing to study what effect side loads might have in real world conditions. I feel that the stability is an entirely new area of study (other than drag) for us propeller heads. To give a stat, the side load on the Cd0.1 is 199 grams (0.44 pounds) less @ 10° than the P3 (which was actually 1cm smaller in size). We can easily calculate reduced drag into how many seconds we’ll gain over a given distance at an average speed. But what about side load and stability? This could mean more time than drag alone. Do any aero experts out there have any thoughts on this? I’ve consulted several at this point and all think that I’m onto something big. I’m very excited about what’s yet to be learned.
All of the testing was done with a D1 protocol so there is no way to cheat the test result via component adjustment. I hope to have a more complete data page up on the website (soon) in order to answer further questions.
Brad DeVaney
Hey Brad, you probably don’t remember me, we’ve met the past 2 years at Interbike. I’m a friend of Mac’s who used to sell some specialized FEA software for composites. Now I represent some other engineers in the industry who may have some of the experience and answers you seek. I know that one of them is a former Cervelo engineer who really does know his structural side (which would probably be the next evolutionary step for the Cd.1).
If you’d like to get some consulting time with him, just let me know. I’m sure we can arrange something 
~ Craig Preston
P.S. - you can either PM me here, or get my email from Mac
“friend” is a loose term Craig applies to anyone he’s ever tried to emulate in life.
Craig, I’ll be in San Diego this weekend. The restraining order is still in effect.
Am I the only one thinks the graphics on the bike makes it look really ugly?
Am I the only one thinks the graphics on the bike makes it look really ugly?
I agree.The CD0.1 has good lines and frame form and I’am sure runs great but the graphics is over done. Design 101 “less is more”
No, I agree the graphics are too much. Paint scheme is ugly too.
Intriguing.
I assume that you’ve tested this “off-set downtube redirecting airflow to save watts” idea works when one sticks a couple of unaerodynamic legs on either side of the bike and whirls them around at 70-100rpm?
Hi Brad
Great to see you are posting here again. This bike looks very interesting but frankly one of the things I would really like to know is what is the state of QR? I am not overly surprized or concerned to hear about the mnfg lay offs, since just about everybody is suffering these days. I would like to hear more of the strategic vision of the company and where the owners want to take it. It seems QR has been a bit adrift as of late and I wonder how passionate the ownership group is about the sport. Is there anything you are a marketing guy can share with us? I have a LS road bike and Lucero tri bike so definitely invested in your success. Good luck with the new design!
you should really get a normal background behind those pic because they honestly just look fake the way you have them like you did… it s not easy to look at them, not pleasant to the eyes… kind of like the bike company webpage…
bike porn is about real pic… with real background and good quality! Please, take pictures like you use to in your shop…those were great one…
I like the HED products. I’m building up my Transition like this!
Craig,
I do remember and thank you for the offer to connect me with your friend. Fortunately, I’m well beyond the structural analysis and development of the Cd0.1. I’m very happy with the process we’ve gone through on the structural elements of the new design. Don’t be surprised should I contact you in the future with other questions, though. Thanks again!
Raptor, Clutch, and Lil-Ring,
Thank you guys for the candid crit on the graphic scheme. I agree in that we may have ‘over-cooked’ it a bit. As always, some love it, and others don’t. We did want to be a bit different with the introduction of this design and push toward a racier look.
Neil_laing,
Testing with a pilot or mannequin yield a higher degree of variability and a bit more “noise” in the data. The same trends and degree of improvement are present with this design. This is one reason I like the D1 protocol so much. It removes much of the “noise” and ability to cheat within the variation. Any good test will remove all possible variables for that given study. As you well know, once a rider is introduced, you have the opportunity to make a mediocre road frame (adapted into a good TT fit/position) yield better results than the most refined TT bike with a poorly positioned pilot. I hope I’m answering and not opening up a debate on this topic. The data page should be up on our site soon and you’ll be able to visualze D1. It does include pertinent components. To answer your question: Yes, the design works just as well with rider on and spinning.
TriMike,
Thanks for asking (and caring) about our well being and state of the biz. We’ve been very open and honest about our staff reduction. Some haters have blown it out of proportion and damned us in the public eye a bit. QR hasn’t been affected in the same way Litespeed and Merlin have. In spite of no promotion, our custom business is good and hasn’t slowwed at the same rate as ti production. Our custom shop has stayed strong and capable. The production crew has been busy on more brands as we’ve just recently begun to pursue more OE business.
Your question was about QR. QR has benefited from a complete shift of focus. A year ago, marketing was trimmed back and product development was increased. Peter Hurley (our CEO and partner in ABG) took up triathlon and genuinely enjoys the sport. He’s not a poser. He’s active. Before stepping into the tri world, he’d been a recreational road cyclist for a number of years. For QR, his vision is that he wants to be our target customer and that the product should be developed to please he and his input group. I’ve been driving to that goal ever since. He’s instituted some fun, healthy activities within the company and swims most everyday during lunch. If not swimming, then running. And so are many more of us. I can honestly say that me and my co-workers have never been encouraged to swim, bike, or run during business hours until Peter took the reins. Those who know me are aware that I’m 20 pounds lighter and much healthier than two years ago and so is ABG and QR. Don’t let me BS you … cash is tight. However, we’re working hard to increase QR orders (to our suppliers) and expedite deliveries (good problems). Thanks so much to you and our other loyal supporters.
Jonnyo,
Thanks as well for the critique on the pics. This bike was hot out of the assembly stand. We and our dealers have been anxious to show it to you. I personally would like to see some shots of it racked in transition (I love those shots) or in the lava fields. I’m with you.
Lancetastic,
The HED’s do look wicked … I’ve been on the Ardennes and a set of Stinger6’s this past year and haven’t touched a single spoke. That’s pretty amazing when you factor in my size and love of diverting a good road ride down the local ‘fire roads’ (laughs). I need to call them and get the new graphics. Mine are mildly trashed and need to be re-graphic’d.
Thanks to all,
Brad
Hi Brad,
on a totally separate issue; what’s the latest with the Blade?
I was advised that there was some tweaking of the prototype going on and possibly production could be a few months off yet. Any update would be appreciated?
cheers
Shep