Welcome to a new week on the live blog with Simon MacMichael, Jack Sexty and the rest of the team.
Live blog: 3T launch Exploro Speed gravel bike, Pedal Me cargo bike taxi branded “delusional” in Dragons’ Den trailer, another quirky Planet X anti-sales pitch, Van Avermaet’s stunning new bike + more
All the news from the site and beyond as we start a new week
Mon, Jan 21, 2019 16:30
SUMMARY
21 January 2019, 16:30
Some stories you may have missed at the weekend
Glasgow could host first combined World Cycling Championships in 2023
Near Miss of the Day 239: Van driver tailgates and executes close pass
US amateur cyclist tests positive for five banned substances
Man trying to stop thief stealing his bike in New Mexico shot dead
Canterbury City Council to clamp down on “reckless” food delivery riders
21 January 2019, 16:30
Video: Take a look at Greg Van Avermaet's stunning new bike
Like Samuel Sanchez before him, Greg Van Avermaet isn’t shy about letting the world know he is the reigning Olympic road champion – clock those gold shades and helmet. Now, he’s even got a gold bike – in the shape of this Giant TCR Advanced SL. Here he is talking through it in this video.
21 January 2019, 16:30
How many TdF winners does it take to change a tyre?
An absolute belter from a few years back!
How many @LeTour winners does it take to change a tyre? @chrisfroome @GeraintThomas86 #cycling #cyclinglife #cyclist @TeamSky #teamsky #bike pic.twitter.com/D9lFB7kB7x
— Trans World Sport (@TransWorldSport) January 18, 2019
21 January 2019, 16:30
Elliptical chainrings are so last year...
21 January 2019, 16:30
Planet X are at it again
If you’re on the British bike retailer’s mailing list, you may have noticed some pretty unusual anti-sales pitches in the run up to Christmas – including some ‘For a Bob’ deals, flogging hats and chain cleaners for 5p with a photo of the late Bob Monkhouse alongside, and some further deals promoted by William Shakespeare. This time they didn’t get that far, simply using this text convo for their weekend newsletter instead…
21 January 2019, 16:30
The weekend’s big talking point 1: “They are always in the way” says Farmer who did close pass in tractor before throwing cyclist and bike to grass verge
Imagine if he had to drive his tractor around Central London… you can read the full report from Saturday here
21 January 2019, 16:30
The weekend’s big talking point 2: GPS computers of the pros… It’s not all Garmin any more
Liam has a look at what computers the pros have on their bars (you probably didn’t need a computer to work that bit out) – you can read the full rundown here
21 January 2019, 16:30
Another example of incredible Netherlands cycling infra
I love my country, where this is simply possible! Sint Michielsgestel, NL. pic.twitter.com/2RtyNnQlno
— Mark Wagenbuur (@BicycleDutch) January 20, 2019
We can dream!
21 January 2019, 16:30
Pedal Me cargo bike taxi firm called 'delusional' on upcoming episode of Dragon's Den
We’re on #dragonsden this Sunday…you might want to watch. Here’s a little teaser:https://t.co/grpwk8RLhh
— Pedal Me (@pedalmeapp) January 21, 2019
Why they’re promoting this we’re not so sure but Pedal Me, a London-based cargo bike taxi and delivery start-up, have revealed a teaser of their upcoming appearance on Dragon’s Den that will go out this Sunday on BBC Two. From the clip it appears their pitch didn’t go too well, with the Dragons berating the young entrepreneurs for their business model that they say is open to being hijacked by the likes of Uber. Pedal Me argue that such companies wouldn’t have the combined cargo bike, skills and tech knowledge to do it as well as them, to which they are branded “delusional” by fashion magnate Touker Suleyman.
We’ve noticed a pattern for Dragons getting it a bit wrong in the past when it comes to cycling/mobility/transport pitches in the Den; and from our point of view, why can’t there be more than one cargo bike taxi firm in London even if Uber were to muscle in? Their crowdfunding campaign was very successful, raising £350,000 in just a few days in October last year, so best of luck to them we say. Head over to Pedal Me’s website to find out more and download the app if you want a ride.
21 January 2019, 16:30
Blue Monday? Ride your bike!
Yes it’s bloody cold out, but on this the most depressing day of the year according to someone somewhere, going out for a ride and the endorphins released with it will cheers you up no end…
21 January 2019, 16:30
3T launch the Exploro Speed, complete with race-ready spec
3T’s Exploro gravel bike is sold as an all-rounder that can also be used on tarmac, and now the brand has introduced the Exploro Speed with a racier spec to satisfy those who want to use their Exploro to go fast. The frame is the same, but the Speed models are offered with carbon mid-depth wheels, optional Torno Ltd cranks and Sram Force 1x groupsets. Builds start from €5,200 for the Team build and go up to €7,200 for the Torno Ltd version. Head over to 3T’s website for more info.
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Simon joined road.cc as news editor in 2009 and is now the site’s community editor, acting as a link between the team producing the content and our readers. A law and languages graduate, published translator and former retail analyst, he has reported on issues as diverse as cycling-related court cases, anti-doping investigations, the latest developments in the bike industry and the sport’s biggest races. Now back in London full-time after 15 years living in Oxford and Cambridge, he loves cycling along the Thames but misses having his former riding buddy, Elodie the miniature schnauzer, in the basket in front of him.
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Latest Comments
mdavidford 2 hours ago
@eburtthebike You're just not folding and unfolding them vigorously enough.
mdavidford 2 hours ago
@eburtthebike Two groups? Or one group and a subset of that same group?
eburtthebike 3 hours ago
" The operator added they were open to further consultation discussing what led to the decision, but did not suggest they would be lifting their ban" Consultation only happens when the outcome has not been decided: this has been decided, it is not consultation. Basically, it's appalling British management refusing to discuss the unjustifiable decision they've made because they're too proud/arrogant. In my experience, much of British management is defined by their pride and arrogance. "The network has since been expanded through the creation of new stations, the electrification of existing lines, and the use of trains capable of running on battery power." (Wikipedia) What kind of batteries? We should be told. Edit: found it: "...the six one-tonne Lithium Titanate Oxide batteries...." Railmagazine. But "Lithium titanate oxide (LTO) batteries have a much lower fire and thermal runaway risk than standard lithium-ion batteries, but they can still vent, catch fire, or release toxic gases under extreme abuse or high states of charge." So if the non-folding bikes used lithium titanate oxide batteries, they'd be fine.
ktache 3 hours ago
@tomascjenkins less of a grease more of a liquid.
eburtthebike 3 hours ago
@Backladder Have you ever heard of a folding bike bursting into flames? No? I rest my case.
eburtthebike 3 hours ago
"The cycle lane has been criticised as a waste of money by local motorists and Reform UK supporters." With those two groups attacking it, the cycle lane is 100%, cast iron, guaranteed right. You couldn't ask for a more authoritative endorsement.
Davidb67 3 hours ago
Hmmmm, until this government manages to ban face coverings…..
tomascjenkins 4 hours ago
@hopster Hope advise to use silicone grease, not DOT or Min.
hopster 4 hours ago
Sram suggests not lubricating pistons for their brakes From the Brake Maintenance Guide "Tech tip: Do not lubricate the pistons. Lubricants reduce the friction between the pistons and the square seals that pull them back into the caliper for consistent pad retraction." I would check with each manufacturer before lubing the pistons.
FionaJJ 4 hours ago
@Backladder And I don't want to give them ideas, but are the batteries on mobility scooters and electric wheelchair any safer? Not to mention phones, laptops, and possibly the occasional golf trolley.
7 thoughts on “Live blog: 3T launch Exploro Speed gravel bike, Pedal Me cargo bike taxi branded “delusional” in Dragons’ Den trailer, another quirky Planet X anti-sales pitch, Van Avermaet’s stunning new bike + more”
That gold TCR is stunning!!
That gold TCR is stunning!!
I’m surprised BTBS hasn’t
I’m surprised BTBS hasn’t been by to say that Dutch bike path is actually very dangerous…
jacknorell wrote:
Its funny you mentioned them – I was only thinking that I hadn’t seen any posts from them for a while
brooksby wrote:
Its funny you mentioned them – I was only thinking that I hadn’t seen any posts from them for a while
— jacknorell
Because the Dutch always ride in a safe manner and there is never any risk of a low speed head impact where a helmet might prevent injury.
And helmets encourage dangerous riding of course.
OK – note to self – never
OK – note to self – never ever evere ever EVER let froome dog or thomas near any of my bikes.
leqin wrote:
That clip has the look of a piss-take. Of course they can change a tyre, they just grab the nearest mechanic.
I don’t imagine that the
I don’t imagine that the Dragon’s Den dragons ever ride a bike for transport – shiny high end motors and black cabs, I imagine are more their style…
No wonder their record on anything bike related isn’t so good…