Hailed to be the world's most advanced bicycle, the Factor 001 from motorsport engineering specialists, BERU f1systems, will be revealed at the launch of the London Science Museum's new exhibition "Fast Forward: 20 ways F1TM is changing our world" next week on March 11th. The Factor 001 uses technology and materials from Formula One where BERU f1systems is a supplier of various components such as electronics and composites to every team.
Weighing in at under 7kg or 15,4 lbs, the bike uses a carbon fibre monocoque structure and comes equipped with an on-board computer and performance monitoring system that incorporates various motorsport-grade sensors, a GPS and a radio transmitter integrated into the handlebars and throughout the bike, and even carbon ceramic brakes.
Factor 001 is available to order from BERU f1systems now with prices starting at under £20,000 (around $27,600 or €22,000 with the current exchange rates) for the basic model while the full version with the software package will cost in excess of £20,000.
- Multi-channel electronics package which provides unique ergonometric data collection, logging and analysis capabilities; can correlate biometric data from the rider, physical force data from the bike and environmental data; developed with feedback from professional athletes.
- Carbon ceramic brakes provide endless, exact braking performance at any temperature.
- Almost all original parts; key components designed and manufactured in-house from Formula One-grade materials.
- Fully integrated structure using BERU f1systems' Wire-in-Composite patented technology; load sensors, wiring, batteries, sensors, control cables and lines for the hydraulic braking system are all fully integrated into the composite during construction, to give unparalleled efficiency and durability with a clean, uncluttered appearance.
- Twin-spar frame reduces sideways frame flex and preserves rider comfort.
- 8-spoke monocoque composite wheels deliver high lateral stiffness and robustness for everyday use.
- Bespoke made-to-measure frame (to within 1mm); each customer to experience Formula One-style 'seat fit' process.
Google's famous street view mapping service that allows users to take a virtual walk on the roads of major cities is getting ready to extend its reach this summer with the launch of the Google Trike. In order to film areas of that are unreachable by its car fleet like famous landmarks or piers, Google has created the trike - a pedal-powered tricycle equipped with the same 360 degree camera mounted on the company's Street View cars. Not exactly the high-tech solution you'd expect from a company like Google, but on the other hand it's as environmentally friendly as it gets.
