keirin motorbike 2012 Olympics

[steveindenmark]

Does anyone know where I can find details of the motorbike used in the Keirin during the olympics?

I know it is an odd request but I am into bikes and motorbikes.

Steve

 

[Cheddar George]

Google "Derny bike". This should get you what you want.

 

[Rob3rt]

You could also phone up the Velodrome and ask them for details of the Derny bike.

 

[fossyant]

Google. They are apparently horrible to ride !

 

[davefb]

now, if only I could rent one and the rider to drive in front of me, I reckon my commute range would extend

 

[deptfordmarmoset]

Google. They are apparently horrible to ride !

They're also a real pain when they refuse to start. As though cycling with your knees pointing out and your heels on the pedals wasn't enough, one poor chap had to do 2 laps of the Herne Hill velodrome this afternoon running and pushing it up the embankment, mounting and then using the descent to try to ''bump'' start his comedy moped, all in vain. Eventually another Derny rider took pity on him and pushed him back to the starting point. Not the best way of spending an 30 degree in the shade afternoon, especially when the track's in the sun.

 

[black'n'yellow]

it's basically a moped - and if you're a motorcycle fan, you would be better off steering clear..

 

[oldroadman]

Never ridden one, only followed. They are truly horrible when they won't play, even worse when they stop playing in the middle of a race (not a keirin, a proper "achter derny" race). They do work on a throttle, the massive fixed gear is to even the speed and make sure they don't "come back" at you too much, as you are only about 6-10 centimetres off the mudguard. Big motors (500-750cc with a roller on the back, pilot standing up) can be much more fun, but the speeds are so high and it's a very specialist occupation.

 

[wakou]

Why do they use these horrible things, they are pumping carbon monoxide directly in to the lungs of elite athletes, who are about to expend maximum effort in a sprint. Why not electric bikes?

 

[fossyant]

Probably a lot to do with tradition, and the mechanical thing in that they have to be very smooth. Dan_bo organised a session with one a year or so ago, and it's amazing fun - but you are hanging just off the bike at about 35-40 mph. They don't stink too bad.

 

[procel]

First one powerful enough, sez the manufacturer:
http://optibike.com/experience/velodrome-racing

 

[Black Sheep]

now, if only I could rent one and the rider to drive in front of me, I reckon my commute range would extend

I'd do it and provide the bike although my 125's exhaust is high so not pleasant for you following