Right this 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 Mission consists of an built-in ecosystem — or “panoply” — of motorcycle, footwear/pedals, helmet, and attire, all developed for optimum aerodynamic effectivity and velocity.
Van Rysel states that FTP^2 “is probably the most advanced challenge ever carried out by the staff, aiming to encourage most people, in addition to the bicycle business, to proceed pushing the boundaries to see what is feasible.” Whereas this idea bike and equipment is not going to be made obtainable to the general public, evidently Van Rysel’s aim is to push the bounds 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 fun of pro-level velocity.” Semantics apart, this daring challenge combines a Mahle M40-powered aero highway bike, a System 1-inspired cockpit and digital controls, a completely built-in, motorized shoe/pedal combo, a clip-on aero helmet shell, and a velocity go well with.
There’s so much to unpack right here, so let’s test all of it out.
Van Rysel FTP^2 Idea Bike
The FTP^2 Idea bike is not like the rest we’ve seen and actually, kinda what you would possibly count on when a bunch of engineers are given whole design freedom. In contrast to many idea bikes, Van Rysel tells us the FTP^2 is absolutely operational and meant to be ridden quite than simply displayed at commerce reveals.
Velocity by multiplied energy was one of many principal objectives 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 likely one of the strongest items in the marketplace, 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 velocity restrict and can help a rider to no matter velocity they’re prepared 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 probably the most visually putting component, however the whole body, together with the floating prime tube beam, is formed with NACA profiles to clean airflow. If you’re 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 really appears considerably harking back to an F1 steering wheel. Van Rysel handed on drop bars and as an alternative designed one thing a bit extra bullhorn-shaped with the entire 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 footwear.” You learn that proper, riders can regulate the strain of the FTP^2 footwear from the handlebar.
The super-deep Swiss Facet Hadron3 850 wheels will undoubtedly additionally assist this bike slice by 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 Pink 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 velocity.” The Idea bike is undoubtedly a novel design and engineering feat, however the FTP^2 Idea Footwear are simply as radical, if no more. In response to 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 aim is easy: remove all parasitic interfaces for absolute effectivity.”
The Idea Shoe is actually one thing to have a look at. Van Rysel basically 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 numerous 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 Know-how (patent 1)
Van Rysel tells us that the “No-Pedal know-how” is probably the most revolutionary design function. In response to the model, “the shoe not clips onto a pedal; it turns into the pedal.” The pedal axle/spindle integrates straight 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 power 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 footwear function the primary motorized tightening system we’re conscious of. This method is totally inside and powered by a SRAM AXS battery housed behind the heel. This eliminates all exterior dials or laces that would affect aerodynamics. Contained in the shoe, “a micromotor manages lace stress by way of an invisible winder,” which is managed by way of radio sign from buttons within the cockpit. Which means that riders can regulate the strain of their footwear 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 prime precedence within the design. Not solely does the motorized lacing system hold 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 response to Van Rysel, this lateral vent with inside fins “captures disturbed air to cut back drag, but additionally leverages these fins to drive an inside air flow system.” This method cools each the rider’s foot and the interior lacing motor.
These radical idea footwear with “No-Pedal” know-how are clearly an exploration, and Van Rysel says they are going to inform and affect the design of upcoming high-end footwear. We’re undoubtedly all in favour of seeing somebody get on and off the bike with the Idea Footwear because it isn’t fully 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: inside motorization (radio management on bar)
- Higher: built-in aero overshoe / high-speed textile
- Energy: detachable SRAM battery (heel)
- Sole: inside molded carbon layup
FTP^2 Aero Helmet
In response to Van Rysel, the Aero Helmet is “the quickest form on the earth.” Apparently, the FTP^2 helmet isn’t an entire helmet; quite, it’s a clip-on cowl that transforms an present helmet into an aerodynamic “weapon of pure velocity.” The model additionally states that this answer “solves the unimaginable equation between the lightness of highway 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 Facet — “the worldwide reference in aerodynamics” — Van Rysel sculpted the outer carbon shell with the aim of attaining the bottom drag coefficient. The model states that it’s thought-about to be one of many quickest shapes in the marketplace, “optimized to cut back drag and stabilize the rider’s head, thereby decreasing neck fatigue at excessive speeds.”
One of the crucial attention-grabbing parts of the design is the modularity. The aero shell clips straight onto the Van Rysel RCR-R highway helmet, which serves as the bottom of the system. In response to the model, “this modularity maintains the protection and luxury of a homologated, ventilated highway helmet whereas offering the air penetration efficiency of a record-breaking prototype.”
For added security, Van Rysel has built-in a rear mild into the tail of the aero shell to reinforce rider visibility on the highway. This mild just isn’t an add-on or afterthought; as an alternative, it’s a part of the design. Which means that being seen on the highway gained’t compromise aerodynamics and will have minimal affect on weight.
Maybe most significantly, this Idea Aero Helmet factors to a not-too-distant future through which a modular system like this may occasionally attain manufacturing. Moderately than proudly owning a number of race helmets, riders may doubtlessly change between basic and aero setups as wants change.
FTP^2 Aero Helmet Specs
- Know-how: X Clip Idea (patented system)
- Chassis base: VAN RYSEL RCR-R helmet (homologated)
- Aerodynamic design: Swiss Facet collaboration
- Shell materials: carbon fiber
- Visibility: built-in LED mild signature
- Weight: optimized (carbon/Lattice construction)
FTP^2 Velocity Swimsuit
Rounding out Van Rysel’s FTP^2 Mission 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 velocity.
One of many objectives of this go well with was to combine protecting parts into the design to show that padding doesn’t scale back efficiency or have an effect on aerodynamics. Based mostly on the restricted info supplied, it isn’t instantly clear the place the abrasion-resistant supplies or pads are positioned, though it’s truthful to imagine that they’re in areas which will show helpful 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 at present utilized by World Tour professionals.” Not solely does the textile glide simply by the air, nevertheless it covers the interior armor, making a “completely clean floor in opposition to the wind.”
Van Rysel labored with Jonathan & Fletcher engineering for the advanced textile structure. Recognized for its velocity textile engineering, Jonathan & Fletcher workshop contributed its experience, making it “attainable to materialize the ‘Bolero’ lower, a building 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 improvement: 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 building (shoulder/arm optimization)
Van Rysel FTP^2 Idea Mission
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, footwear, helmet, and velocity go well with, there’s actually no scarcity of out-of-the-box pondering and designs with the Van Rysel FTP^2 Mission. Whilst you can’t purchase it and we could by no means see any of it hit the market, a few of these ideas and improvements are certain to affect the design and efficiency of future merchandise. It’s basically a rolling laboratory.
“With Mission FTP^2, we intentionally stepped outdoors conventional biking business frameworks,” mentioned Wilm Van Hoecke, Mission Supervisor and Van Rysel E-Bike Product Supervisor. “Doubling the rider’s FTP, eradicating velocity limits, and creating our personal electronics, cockpit, and textiles allowed us to discover excessive efficiency in a managed and considerate approach.”
We’re actually intrigued. We’ll hold you posted if or once we study extra about it. Proper now, I believe we’re most all in favour of seeing somebody get out and in of these footwear…