Cytronex electric bike races professional cyclist on The Gadget Show
In 2009 British electric bike manufacturer Cytronex launched the world’s lightest electric bicycle, the Cytronex Powered Cannondale Capo, which at 13.6Kg weighs less than many unassisted bicycles. Towards the end of 2009 Cytronex were approached by Channel 5’s Gadget Show to build a bicycle for a race between one of their presenters (Ortis Deley) and a professional cyclist (winner of the Tour of Ireland – Russell Downing).
Cytronex was chosen by Gadget Show because it is fitted to existing bicycles with very little visual impact and without affecting the quality of ride – the water bottle battery provides effective disguise, the motor is about the same size as a hub dynamo and the system runs silently.
After consulting with Cannondale, Cytronex decided to electrify a Cannondale Super Six for the race. The resulting electric bike weighs in at just 12.9Kg – lighter even than the Capo. For Cytronex the object of the exercise was not to demonstrate that the system can transform us into professional cyclists, but to show that anyone can now enjoy cycling, and more to the point, that anyone can use a bicycle for effective transport. You can watch the race by clicking on the link below:
The Gadget Show hill climb challenge
Cytronex designer, Mark Searles comments “Time spent crawling to work in a car is dead time, part of your life being wasted that can add up to many weeks every year. It makes perfect sense for busy people to get the exercise they need on the way to work. It’s a whole lot more fun than the gym and Cytronex is designed to allow the rider to use as much, or as little effort as they wish. What’s more, many of our customers find that they can get to work faster than they ever did in the car!”
Mark has first hand knowledge of this because the company has been so busy in the last year that he has almost no time for sport. He is still using the company’s second ever prototype to cycle to work, although he does also have the new Cytronex Powered Cannondale Super Six model for days with fine weather.
Cytronex fit their system to a wide range of bicycles, from hybrid bikes and city single speed bikes like the Capo (available in flat bar or drop handlebar versions) right up to top of the range road racing bikes like the Super Six.
Cytronex Web site:
To buy a Cytronex Powered bicycle:
Cytronex Powered Cannondale Capo
Cytronex Powered Cannondale Super Six
leave a comment