Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Curved Tubes and Unique Features

I just had an interesting thought come up that falls in line with the evolution of the multi-disciplinary cyclist such as us here at Project-B. When I had my own bicycle renaissance in the realm of 700c, bikes of intrinsic value with curved tubes and unique features were high on my list of "wants". Years later, the desire for the curvy stylish bike continues, in a different way.

Exhibit A: Cyclops Time Trial bike.



Note the curved seat tube, among other oddities, and intrinsic value in the Canadian builder. This bike saw me through the three longest days I've ever done on a bike (220, 320, and 410km rides), all within a three week period. That's some history.

Since then, I have taken a beeline through an elite-level cyclocross bike and into the world of mountain bikes. Though they may at first seem unrelated, I just came to the realization that my new mountain bike also has curved tubes and unique features.

Exhibit B: The Banshee Wildcard.



The curved tubes come by way of hydroforming, and the unique features are designed on a computer, but the idea still stands and Banshee is a boutique company based in BC. My rides aren't as long these days but the fun factor is just as high.

Sure, the bikes have completely different purposes, but they can be appreciated for similarities, at least aesthetically. Let's leave that as an unfinished thought, unless someone wants to buy the Cyclops. I'm going to get back to an essay on "the imperial adventure novel" while dreaming of "the imperial adventure bike ride".

4 comments:

Nick said...

Did someone say "buy the Cyclops?"

58cm seat tube center-to-top though, no?

morgman said...

Haha, actually if it was 58 center-to-top of that massive dong it might fit you, short legs. However, it is in fact 58 c-c square, with a 185 head tube. No dice. I should do some photos up for Alan to put on WMD before I sell it.

gabrielamadeus said...

Really, 410km? That's ridiculous. I did 265km a few months ago and could possibly see riding farther, but my ass was so raw at that point, there was no way I could go further. How did you train your choad calluses?

morgman said...

Most importantly, bike fit, which is basically saddle and bar choice and positioning. Beyond that, conditioning. The more weight you can support with your legs, the less sore your ass gets. I'm not going to claim I didn't fight a numb crotch on any of those rides, but I did get through them. Also, a good quality chamois helps a lot.