At the moment, on the VeloFollies Commerce Present on the Kortrijk Xpo in Belgium, Van Rysel unveiled the FTP^2 Idea Bike. However that is greater than only a wild, experimental idea bike; the FTP^2 Venture consists of an built-in ecosystem — or “panoply” — of motorcycle, sneakers/pedals, helmet, and attire, all developed for max aerodynamic effectivity and pace.
Van Rysel states that FTP^2 “is essentially the most complicated challenge ever carried out by the staff, aiming to encourage most people, in addition to the bicycle trade, to proceed pushing the boundaries to see what is feasible.” Whereas this idea bike and equipment is not going to be made accessible to the general public, evidently Van Rysel’s purpose is to push the boundaries of design and integration to encourage future innovation.
Apparently, with the FTP^2 (FTP squared), the staff at Van Rysel states that this idea bike is designed to double a rider’s FTP (FTP x 2) “and introduce amateurs to the joys of pro-level pace.” Semantics apart, this daring challenge combines a Mahle M40-powered aero street bike, a Components 1-inspired cockpit and digital controls, a completely built-in, motorized shoe/pedal combo, a clip-on aero helmet shell, and a pace go well with.
There’s lots to unpack right here, so let’s test all of it out.
Van Rysel FTP^2 Idea Bike
The FTP^2 Idea bike is in contrast to anything we’ve seen and truthfully, kinda what you may anticipate when a bunch of engineers are given complete design freedom. Not like many idea bikes, Van Rysel tells us the FTP^2 is absolutely operational and meant to be ridden somewhat than simply displayed at commerce reveals.
Velocity by way of multiplied energy was one of many major targets of this challenge, and to that finish, Van Rysel designed the FTP^2 to combine seamlessly with the Mahle M40 pedal help drive unit. Initially designed for eMTBs, the mid-drive M40 is without doubt one of the strongest models available on the market, able to placing out as much as 105 Nm of torque and 850 watts of peak energy. Van Rysel says the motor is pushed by particular software program to optimize and handle it to be used on the tarmac so “the athlete transforms right into a superhuman engine.” We’re informed it has no pace restrict and can help a rider to no matter pace they’re keen to go.
With that energy multiplying the rider’s pedaling effort, Van Rysel says that aerodynamics is required to grasp such speeds and “turns into absolutely the assure of security.” A fast have a look at the body makes it abundantly clear the designers went all-in on aero. The 2-piece fork with aggressively bladed legs is arguably essentially the most visually placing aspect, however the complete body, together with the floating high tube beam, is formed with NACA profiles to clean airflow. In case you are unfamiliar, NACA refers to a set of standardized airfoil shapes initially developed by the Nationwide Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA).
Persevering with the aerodynamic focus is the F1-inspired cockpit that truly appears considerably harking back to an F1 steering wheel. Van Rysel handed on drop bars and as a substitute designed one thing a bit extra bullhorn-shaped with all the electronics and brake levers positioned for “flawless ergonomics.” This consists of controls for the AXS derailleur, pedal-assist modes, and even “micrometric tightening of the sneakers.” You learn that proper, riders can alter the stress of the FTP^2 sneakers from the handlebar.
The super-deep Swiss Aspect Hadron3 850 wheels will undoubtedly additionally assist this bike slice by way of the air and maximize aerodynamics — as will the aero seatpost and even the built-in laptop mount.
FTP^2 Idea Bike Specs
Body & Fork: FTP² carbon
Weight: 15kg (dimension M)
Electrical Help: Mahle M40
Drivetrain: SRAM Purple AXS / Praxis carbon cranks
Wheels: SWISS SIDE Hadron3 850
Cockpit: FTP² Carbon with built-in AXS / MAHLE / shoe tightening controls
Saddle: Fizik Argo Vento 00 Adaptive
Van Rysel FTP^2 Idea Shoe
“No pedal. No laces. Pure pace.” The Idea bike is undoubtedly a novel design and engineering feat, however the FTP^2 Idea Sneakers are simply as radical, if no more. In keeping with Van Rysel, the shoe “breaks free from UCI guidelines to discover new efficiency potential the place the shoe, pedal, and tightening system merge right into a single technological block. The purpose is straightforward: remove all parasitic interfaces for absolute effectivity.”
The Idea Shoe is de facto one thing to have a look at. Van Rysel primarily mixed the shoe and pedal right into a single unit, eliminating the shoe-to-pedal interface and the complexities that go together with it. On the identical time, they launched a lot of different patented applied sciences and designs, like an axle protruding from the shoe, electronics and a battery for motorized lacing, and a really aerodynamic NACA form.
No-Pedal Expertise (patent 1)
Van Rysel tells us that the “No-Pedal know-how” is essentially the most progressive design characteristic. In keeping with the model, “the shoe not clips onto a pedal; it turns into the pedal.” The pedal axle/spindle integrates instantly into the carbon sole of the shoe, rendering a separate pedal pointless. No pedal means no cleat, no {hardware}, and no shoe-pedal interface. This ends in an extremely low stack, which ought to assist to reduce vitality loss and make for very direct energy switch and pedaling effectivity.
Motorized Lacing (patent 2)
If an built-in shoe-and-pedal system wasn’t radical sufficient, the Idea sneakers characteristic the primary motorized tightening system we’re conscious of. This method is totally inner and powered by a SRAM AXS battery housed behind the heel. This eliminates all exterior dials or laces that might affect aerodynamics. Contained in the shoe, “a micromotor manages lace rigidity through an invisible winder,” which is managed through radio sign from buttons within the cockpit. Because of this riders can alter the stress of their sneakers on the fly with out letting go of the handlebar.
NACA Aerodynamics (patent 3)
Just like the bike, a fast have a look at the shoe reveals that aerodynamics was a high precedence within the design. Not solely does the motorized lacing system preserve the outside clean, however the outer shell has a NACA form that’s meant to imitate an airplane wing profile on its lateral aspect. In keeping with Van Rysel, this lateral vent with inner fins “captures disturbed air to scale back drag, but additionally leverages these fins to drive an inner air flow system.” This method cools each the rider’s foot and the inner lacing motor.
These radical idea sneakers with “No-Pedal” know-how are clearly an exploration, and Van Rysel says they may inform and affect the design of upcoming high-end sneakers. We’re undoubtedly curious about seeing somebody get on and off the bike with the Idea Sneakers because it isn’t completely clear how that works!
FTP^2 Idea Shoe Specs:
Weight: ~500g (full system with axle included)
Outer Shell: 3D printed / lateral NACA form
Pedal interface: built-in hub in sole (no-pedal tech)
Tightening: inner motorization (radio management on bar)
Higher: built-in aero overshoe / high-speed textile
Energy: detachable SRAM battery (heel)
Sole: inner molded carbon layup
FTP^2 Aero Helmet
In keeping with Van Rysel, the Aero Helmet is “the quickest form on this planet.” Apparently, the FTP^2 helmet isn’t an entire helmet; somewhat, it’s a clip-on cowl that transforms an present helmet into an aerodynamic “weapon of pure pace.” The model additionally states that this answer “solves the not possible equation between the lightness of street gear and the aerodynamics of a time-trial profile.”
The X Clip Idea (patented know-how)
With the X Clip, Van Rysel has created a modular aero helmet system. Working with Swiss Aspect — “the worldwide reference in aerodynamics” — Van Rysel sculpted the outer carbon shell with the purpose of attaining the bottom drag coefficient. The model states that it’s thought of to be one of many quickest shapes available on the market, “optimized to scale back drag and stabilize the rider’s head, thereby decreasing neck fatigue at excessive speeds.”
One of the fascinating parts of the design is the modularity. The aero shell clips instantly onto the Van Rysel RCR-R street helmet, which serves as the bottom of the system. In keeping with the model, “this modularity maintains the security and luxury of a homologated, ventilated street helmet whereas offering the air penetration efficiency of a record-breaking prototype.”
For added security, Van Rysel has built-in a rear gentle into the tail of the aero shell to reinforce rider visibility on the street. This gentle just isn’t an add-on or afterthought; as a substitute, it’s a part of the design. Because of this being seen on the street received’t compromise aerodynamics and will have minimal affect on weight.
Maybe most significantly, this Idea Aero Helmet factors to a not-too-distant future during which a modular system like this may increasingly attain manufacturing. Somewhat than proudly owning a number of race helmets, riders might probably change between traditional and aero setups as wants change.
FTP^2 Aero Helmet Specs
Expertise: X Clip Idea (patented system)
Chassis base: VAN RYSEL RCR-R helmet (homologated)
Aerodynamic design: Swiss Aspect collaboration
Shell materials: carbon fiber
Visibility: built-in LED gentle signature
Weight: optimized (carbon/Lattice construction)
FTP^2 Velocity Swimsuit
Rounding out Van Rysel’s FTP^2 Venture ecosystem is the Velocity Swimsuit. This isn’t your typical skinsuit — Van Rysel refers to it as “aerodynamic armor.” With this go well with, the model intends to make it in order that riders don’t have to decide on between security and pace.
One of many targets of this go well with was to combine protecting parts into the design to show that padding doesn’t cut back efficiency or have an effect on aerodynamics. Based mostly on the restricted data offered, it isn’t instantly clear the place the abrasion-resistant supplies or pads are positioned, though it’s honest to imagine that they’re in areas that will show useful within the occasion of a crash. Extra importantly, Van Rysel says the “pads create aerodynamic volumes to sculpt the physique and enhance airflow.”
The outer pores and skin, or seen layer, of the Velocity Swimsuit is “the precise one presently utilized by World Tour professionals.” Not solely does the textile glide simply by way of the air, but it surely covers the inner armor, making a “completely clean floor in opposition to the wind.”
Van Rysel labored with Jonathan & Fletcher engineering for the complicated textile structure. Identified for its pace textile engineering, Jonathan & Fletcher workshop contributed its experience, making it “attainable to materialize the ‘Bolero’ lower, a development that treats the higher physique as a single floor to make sure uninterrupted gliding in opposition to the wind.”
FTP^2 Velocity Swimsuit Specs
Structure: bi-layer system (underwear + go well with)
Textile growth: Jonathan & Fletcher partnership
Interior layer: anti-abrasion base layer with built-in safety pads
Safety: hyper-flexible pads (twin perform: security & aero)
Outer layer: professional WorldTour textile
Design: bolero development (shoulder/arm optimization)
Van Rysel FTP^2 Idea Venture
Taken on their very own and as an entire ecosystem, every of the idea merchandise described above consists of daring designs that push the boundaries, and that’s the entire level. With the bike, sneakers, helmet, and pace go well with, there’s actually no scarcity of out-of-the-box considering and designs with the Van Rysel FTP^2 Venture. When you can’t purchase it and we might by no means see any of it hit the market, a few of these ideas and improvements are positive to affect the design and efficiency of future merchandise. It’s primarily a rolling laboratory.
“With Venture FTP^2, we intentionally stepped exterior conventional biking trade frameworks,” mentioned Wilm Van Hoecke, Venture Supervisor and Van Rysel E-Bike Product Supervisor. “Doubling the rider’s FTP, eradicating pace limits, and growing our personal electronics, cockpit, and textiles allowed us to discover excessive efficiency in a managed and considerate means.”
We’re actually intrigued. We’ll preserve you posted if or after we study extra about it. Proper now, I believe we’re most curious about seeing somebody get out and in of these sneakers…
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