In a typically British tribute to the Bradley Wiggins record of 55.2 km, a London cyclist has managed to cover 31.2 km over ‘The Hour’ on a Boris Bike.
After riding Mont Ventoux on a Boris Bike, and then Mount Washington a New York Citibike, Rob Holden, Matt Winstone and Ian Laurie decided only The Hour remained.
The Hour on a Boris Bike
Rob Holden commented: “If you’ve never ridden a Boris bike; try it. It’s 50 lbs, 23 kg; it’s got fat tires, an upright un-aerodynamic position, and only 3 gears (the biggest of which is only 60”). Whilst it’s a perfect bike for cruising the streets of London, in truth it’s built for anything but speed. To reach the target speed of 30-32 kph (19-20 mph) I had to ride with a cadence of over 110 revs per minute. This means I needed to tape my feet to the pedals to stop them from moving around…something I didn’t think about when I came to stop”
“The goal? Since there is no existing record on a Boris Bike, and Wiggins’s ride was just a touch out of reach, it’s a case of how fast I can spin for an hour. So we just put the bike on the start line, and went for it.”
By contrast, Bradley Wiggins rode a Pinarello bike that weighed only 6.8 kg.
The Velodrome used for the attempt is Herne Hill; an historic outdoor track built in the 1890s and the only surviving venue still in use from the 1948 London Olympic Games; a fitting place to create our own small slice of cycling history. The track has a lovely smooth but as it’s outside, is exposed to gusting winds which added to the challenge of the ride.
Fully comp cycle insurance
For 25 years we have been providing straightforward, affordable bicycle insurance. Whether you use your bike to commute, shop, race or amble in the park, ETA Cycle Insurance has you covered.
Many cycle insurers offer very limited cover, charging extra for features we believe should come as standard – The ETA never devalues bikes no matter their age, allows you to buy your replacement bike wherever you like, replaces stolen quick release components and handles claims in-house. Can your insurance provider say the same?
Every cycle insurance policy you buy helps support the work of the ETA Trust, our charity campaigning for a cleaner, safer transport future.
0 Comments View now