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To mark this summer’s Tour de France, which for the first time breaks with tradition and starts in London, the Science Museum is hosting a three day event showcasing the very latest in cycling technology.
Visitors will be able to see a display of cutting-edge and world famous bikes which are allowing cyclists to ride faster than ever before including bikes officially banned from the Tour. Experts will also be on hand to explain the latest technology and gadgets. The event will take place in the Antenna science news gallery from Wednesday 25-Friday 27 July.
Featuring a series of bikes from the world’s top cycling manufacturers, highlights include a bike developed by the company Giant, which is being used in this year’s Tour by the T-Mobile team. The bike includes technical features such as carbon fibre frames, heart-rate monitors and 2-way radios, the latest clothing and electronic transponders which track the rider as they cross the finishing line.
Other bikes showcased in the event include a recumbent bike developed by the company Bachetta. Visitors will learn why this model, a popular alternative racing bike which positions the saddle at a reclining angle allowing users to travel faster, is banned from the Tour.
Visitors will also be able to see the famous Lotus racing bike, which lead Chris Boardman to an Olympic gold medal in 1992. Other highlights include an interactive bike developed by Sheffield Hallam University, which allows visitors to take part in a virtual race which is plotted out on a screen and lets them track their heart rate, speed and distance travelled.
Throughout the event, experts will also be on hand to explain how the latest advances in technology are allowing cycling to remain at the top of its game.
Dominique Driver, Exhibition Content Developer said, “Our aim is to hold a fun, family orientated event, which coincides with the start of the school summer holidays and the final week of the Tour de France. This year also marks the first time in 104 years that the Tour will have started anywhere in the United Kingdom so it will be a perfect time to tap into people’s enthusiasm for cycling.â€Â
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