One of the World's top riders is testing a new chainring that could take cycle speedway by storm. International super-star Lukasz Nowacki is trialling a new ultra tough titanium after several more traditional chaimnrings faile dto live up to the rigours of the sport. Lukasz picks up the story.
"I'm always trying to improve my equipment, and have seen this shortage of chainrings suddenly. I have seen my team mates struggling with their chainrings desintegrating under those new halflink chains. Thats why I have contacted a company called Ceramikoat. They are known on the MTB and Road market for their quality and long lasting chainrings. Their products are coated in high grade ceramics for longevity" Lukasz told Spokesman in an exclusive interview.
"They have kindly supplied me with two 33t rings, for testing and so far they are doing very good. The one, that helped me to my last Premier League maximum, is made of titanium and can be made in different colours. They can be produced in all different sizes, and configurations (they will fit the well known and popular cranksets) and can be ordered from me personally. You can see their products on their facebook gallery http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=244386&id=187061700373#!/album.php?d=187061700373&aid=244386&s=20&hash=b8594ced5e31752e577ca07e50286714 or on their website http://ceramikoat.com/
CONCEPT BIKE PROVES A WINNER - posted 1 April 2010
Just thought I'd add something to your concept bike discussion. Here's a picture of an Archie I have converted to use a direct drive to the back wheel. As well as the obvious advantage of not needing a chain, the chance of a wheel spin at the gate in wet weather is almost impossible due to the weight distribution. In fact, my gating has improved dramatically as there is no transfer of power via a chain . Also, due to the shortened wheel base, cornering is far superior to that of a standard bike. I have had some interest from Duncan Bannantyne of Dragons Den fame to start producing these for the British Track Team in time for the 2012 Olympics. Watch this space.
Lee Lawrence
EXCITING CONCEPT BIKE LAUNCHED - posted 10 March 2010
Cycling enthusiast Andy Moody has unveiled a new concept cycle speedway bike. Andy explained the exciting innovation exclusively to spokesman-online.
"Following the recent debate about bike weights and utilising technology, here is my new-look track bike for 2010. It is based around a Polish alloy frame and incorporates a White Industries 22 tooth freewheel at the front and a 12 tooth at the back. The freewheel is attached to the right hand crank arm and the rear sprocket is fixed. The drive train still freewheels and is equivalent to 33/18 gearing.
"Also new and 'thinking outside the box' are the 24" bmx carbon cruiser forks. These took a lot of sourcing and questioning manufacturers to find forks of this kind that would take a 26 x 1.3/8 wheel. I could have gone for the smaller 26" mountain bike wheels, but the 1.3/8 wheels give me a 11.75 inch bottom bracket height. I am still using last season handlebars for now, but on order are some carbon bars and the bike will be as I want it.
"The pictures should hopefully explain a little better about the gearing!
NEW FRAMESETS TAKING THE SPORT BY STORM - posted 7 November 2009
The famous Archie Wilkinson framesets have undergone a fabulous new make-over, making them sexier and cooler than ever before. The beautifully finished frames were unveiled at British Grand Prix - and have set everyone talking! So Spokesman thought we would take a closer look and ask Karl Wilkinson all about the new "must-have" framesets.
"MOST TOP RIDERS NOW RIDE OUR FRAMES"
"Our alloy frames have proved to be very popular and are now ridden by most of the top riders in the sport" explained Karl.
"We decided that we needed to completely re-design the decals for the latest frame, so we enlisted the help of a top designer who has worked within the bicycle trade for several years. His task was to bring a much needed, dynamic new look to the frames and judging by the response from many people he has certainly succeeded.
"The frame geometry has not changed. The only differences are the width of the rear drop-outs which has been increased to 120mm. This gives us the opportunity to use better quality track hubs. We are also using an A-head fork system instead of the more conventional threaded fork. Again this is modernising the frame and giving the option of a better choice of handlebar stem. The price for the new frame is £260 including chrome forks, seat post and handlebar stem. They are available in white, black, blue, red and gold.
"We also have a new range of wheels. The rims have been made especially for us and are exceptionally strong. They are 30mm deep, double wall and are available in black or white. The price is £95 per pair with sealed bearing hubs and £70 per pair with standard hubs" said Karl.
Wilkinsons will be showing all of their new products at the Indoor Championships at Manchester at the end of November.
N - posted 14 May 2010
