The year 1984, like its Orwellian namesake, ushered in what became a dystopian future for bicycle design. It started with Francesco Moser’s Hour record on 19 January in the wafer thin air of Mexico City. Here he would use every conceivable aerodynamic aid including aero bullhorn handlebars, shoe covers, a rubberised cycling cap, a weighted rear wheel to produce a flywheel effect and even had the track of the Agustín Melgar Olympic Velodrome specially varnished, to beat Eddy Merckx’s previously unassailable 1972 mark.
Then during the summer, the United States cycling team would end a 72-year drought to win nine medals at the Los Angeles Olympics. This transformation in fortunes was achieved largely through the ‘Racing System’ concept developed by US Cycling’s technical director Ed Burke and aerodynamicist Chester Kyle. Central to the success of this concept was the pooling of various aerodynamic specialists to build a series of bikes. One of the more noteworthy was the Raleigh-badged 100km team time trial bike which, if research and development costs were factored in, was calculated to have cost $40,000 per bike.
For the UCI, cycling was now making a far too radical departure from the performances of the individual, and placing too much emphasis on technology. It would respond in 1986 with meddlesome zeal and implement Article 49. This dictated that a bicycle frame must be composed of three main tubes with a maximum diameter of 35mm, or three main ovalised elements with a maximum of 75mm. The effects of this regressive rule would stifle development by banning the monocoque bikes that were on the cusp of making a breakthrough.
Esta historia es de la edición November 18, 2021 de CYCLING WEEKLY.
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Esta historia es de la edición November 18, 2021 de CYCLING WEEKLY.
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FRED WRIGHT TRUST THE OFF-SEASON PROCESS
This time of year is always my favourite, training wise.
Richardson hits the ground running in GB colours
Track sprinter wins two from two on opening night of Track Champions League
Claims against Wiggins's estate double to £2m
Briton’s efforts to pursue money through courts have been paused
Volunteers needed to revive UK scene
In the second part of our series on the domestic scene, we ask how a shortage of volunteers is impacting road races
CLASSIC BIKE BOB JACKSON TANDEM
Leeds legend's racing bicycle made for two
“I even tried hiding my power readout - it made no difference"
Watt's up? The Doc's stuck in a threshold rut
UK SCENE BARNES AND EEDY WIN IN EAST MIDLANDS
Hudson and Mills win North of England Championships in regionals weekend
WATT WORKS FOR ME ZOE BACKSTEDT
The youngest member of the storied racing family talks about her first pro victory and juggling the demands of road and cross
MAKING TIME! 14 WAYS TO SQUEEZE MAXIMUM GAS FROM MINIMUM TIME
Short on time for training? Rob Kemp shares smart hacks to stay razor-sharp on the bike while showing the schedule who's boss
SHIMANO RC703 SHOE
Mid-tier performance shoe that behaves like a contender