Get ready for a wild ride as we dive into the world of cycling innovation! The Bike of the Year is here, and it's a game-changer! Each year, the cycling industry unveils a bike that pushes the boundaries of design and technology, and this year's contender is nothing short of extraordinary.
Last year, we witnessed the Factor One, a bike that turned heads at the Dauphiné with its unique fork and overall design. The year before, the Colnago Y1Rs leaked, showcasing a radical seat cluster. But this year, Van Rysel has made an early bid to steal the show with their FTP^2, a concept machine that challenges the status quo.
Dubbed the FTP^2, this e-assisted bike aims to double the rider's FTP and unlock unprecedented speeds. It's a striking machine, but it's more than just looks. This bike combines added power and aerodynamic efficiency, offering a glimpse into the future of cycling.
But here's where it gets controversial... The FTP^2 and its accompanying system of 'wireless shoes', a new skinsuit, and a modular aero helmet, all fall outside the UCI's technical regulations. This concept challenges the very rules that govern professional cycling, raising questions about innovation vs. regulation.
The bike itself is a sight to behold. With wide-set, deep legs on its forks, it follows in the footsteps of iconic designs like the Hope x Lotus track bike. The downtube is massive, housing the battery and motor assembly, and the cooling fins at the bottom bracket give a subtle hint that this is an e-bike.
But it's the cockpit that truly sets this bike apart. Inspired by the trend of riders seeking an aero advantage, the Van Rysel team has created a unique handlebar setup. It's a blend of a TT base bar, old-school bullhorns, and a PlayStation controller, allowing the rider to control gears, the motor, and even their shoes!
And this is the part most people miss... The FTP^2's wheels, with their fake UCI sticker and the word 'NO', are a subtle protest against the UCI's ruling on maximum rim depths. Van Rysel has chosen 85mm deep Swiss Side wheels, a brand that voiced its dissent through an open letter last year.
The FTP^2 is a heavy machine, weighing in at 15kg, but with all its added features, it's no surprise.
Now, let's talk about those wireless shoes. Van Rysel has developed a shoe that replaces both the pedal and the traditional shoe, aiming to improve aerodynamics. The sculpted body bolts directly to the cranks, making them a permanent fixture. Powered by an SRAM battery, the motor within the shoe tightens and loosens the lacing, controlled by the cockpit.
But here's a thought-provoking question: What happens in a crash? Or if you forget to charge your shoes? Van Rysel is working on a foot-release mechanism for safety, but it's a valid concern.
To complete the system, Van Rysel has paired the FTP^2 with a modular helmet and a full-body skinsuit. The helmet clips onto the brand's RCR-R road helmet, offering a unique aero fairing. The skinsuit, with its padding in impact-prone areas, aims to improve both aerodynamics and safety.
This concept bike isn't the first of its kind. Specialized's fUCI, released a decade ago, also challenged the UCI's rulebook with its e-assistance and unorthodox design. Much of what was deemed controversial then remains so today, highlighting the UCI's resistance to change.
I believe it's time for professional cyclists to have their own race machines, separate from commercial options. With bikes like the Factor One and Colnago Y1Rs, we're seeing the potential for better race bikes and better consumer bikes.
Concepts like the FTP^2 showcase the gap between what's possible and what's commercially viable due to UCI regulations. It's a fascinating glimpse into the future of cycling, and it leaves us wondering: What if the rules were different?
What are your thoughts on this innovative bike and its impact on the cycling world? Do you think the UCI should embrace more change to allow for such advancements, or is there a reason for their cautious approach? Let's discuss in the comments!
