Lecture will demonstrate the leading edge in cycling technology
17th March 2014
Sport engineers at Sheffield Hallam University are giving a public lecture on cycling technology on Wednesday 19 March, as part of the Institute of Engineering and Technology's Prestige lecture series.
Dr Simon Choppin, from the University's Centre for Sports Engineering Research, will demonstrate the 'balance of forces' in cycling - the power the cyclist produces compared to the forces pushing back. The demonstration will involve a comparison between a more traditional racing bike and the cutting edge in cycle design a Boardman Air TTE provided by British Olympic hero Chris Boardman. Dr Choppin will show how technological developments in tubing shape and size, brake positioning and cable routing have improved performance. Simon said: "The bicycle is a technology which brought liberty to millions but it wasn't long before bicycles were being used to test the strength, skill and endurance of athletes in a plethora of disciplines. As technology progressed and understanding increased, extraordinary feats of athleticism followed. "I will demonstrate the technology and science of bicycles, outlining some of the advances which have pushed on human achievement through time." Sports engineers will also demonstrate software they have developed which uses the Microsoft Kinect camera to measure a cyclist's frontal area automatically. The software allows two riders to be compared side by side, demonstrating the importance of rider position and the effect this has on speed. Audience members will be asked to 'race' on an old racing bike and the new time trial bike, provided by Boardman Bikes. Cycling for Speed: Technology Which has Changed the Bicycle takes place at 7pm on Wednesday 19 March in the University's Adsetts Centre, room 6620, City Campus. The event is part of the Sheffield Festival of Engineering and Science. For a full list of events visit www.scienceweeksy.co.uk For press information: contact Joe Field in the Sheffield Hallam University press office on 0114 225 2074 or email pressoffice@shu.ac.uk
