Malric 's world

HR700-18

2012-01-18T17:13:00.003+01:00

Et Hop! un autre High Racer carbone sur les routes. Voici le cadre n°18 équipé du nouveau guidon. Le prochain vélo sera en principe équipé d'un autre nouveau guidon plus bas, prévu pour les courses.

Carbon High racer

2012-01-09T18:20:00.002+01:00

Voici le petit dernier qui a été livré dans une couleur sur mesure. Gardé à l'origine pour nos essais, il a été finalement vendu à un coureur. Ce vélo est équipé d'une toute nouvelle potence angulée à 25deg.

La production rattrape son retard.

2011-11-04T12:08:00.003+01:00

La saison de course étant maintenant terminée, la production est passée à la vitesse supérieure pour réduire les délais. Nous en sommes au 25e cadre de High racer moulé. Si vous cherchez un cadeau de Noël, nous seront en mesure de vous livrer rapidement.
Nous avons également un cadre de Rapide en stock.

Carbon high racer

2011-11-04T12:03:00.004+01:00

Voici le petit dernier de la famille High racer.

Sur le HR15, le client a demandé un siège ventilé. Le siège XL pèse 440g.

Voici le HR700-15 en taille XL et équipé d'une seconde roulette latérale pour le retour de chaine.

Duo Nomand 2011

2011-09-20T09:06:00.003+02:00

Le Duo Normand est maintenant un rassemblement incontournable de la fin de saison des vélos couchés. La pluie s'est invitée cette année avec un peu de vent mais il n'y a aucune chute à déplorer dans notre catégorie. La distance est de 54,3Km dont les 30 premier Km sont favorables aux VH.
Geoffroy et Sébastien ont tout donné mais terminent 2e cette année en 1H22min 14s soit 39,62Km/h de moyenne. Le départ sans échauffement leur a coûté de précieuses secondes semble-t-il.
Geoffroy avait prévu ses protections en Kevlar pour une chute éventuelle.

Jean-Lou et Florence sur le tandem 'dos-dos' tration directe avant et propulsion directe arrière de toute beauté. Il est entièrement démontable pour le transport. Ils terminent 4e en 1H37min 45s soit 33,33Km/h de moyenne.

Annabelle et Manu à fond sous la pluie mais avec le sourire!

Laurent et Malric terminent 1er cette année en 1H21min 02s soit 40,21km/h de moyenne. Laurent avait de bonne jambes et moi j'étais à bloc à bloc à bloc!

Crédit photo: sébastien

Au final, il y a 6 Zockra dans les 3 premières équipes:

Laurent et Malric

Geoffroy et Sébastien

Eric et Laurent.

Nous sommes presque tous parti sans échauffement tellement il pleuvait au départ.

Les PRO terminent en 1H06min tout de même, les juniors en 1H15min, les 2e catégorie en 1H18 et les filles (sur 43Km) à plus de 40km/h donc aussi vite que les meilleurs VH. Il nous reste du travail.
Un grand merci à Geoffroy et ses parents pour l'accueil du WE.

Championnat de France piste FFC 2011

2011-09-15T20:11:00.004+02:00

Les Championnats de France FFC sur piste se sont tenus samedi 10 Septembre 2011 sur le vélodrome du Mans. Contraitement à l'année dernière, le temps était parfait et les performances ont été largement améliorée puis que Geoffroy améliore le record de la piste sur l'épreuve de la poursuite du 4000m en 4min48s et Robin améliore le record de la piste du 200m lancé.
Il y avait seulement une vingtaine de participants mais l'ambiance était très bonne et les luttes de toute beauté.

Philippe, Seb et Malric sur l'épreuve des 25Km.
Donc dans l'ordre, nous avons 1er Geoffroy Lelièvre ( Zockra KA),2e Robin (Optima Baron X-low), 3e Marc Lesourd (Zockra KA), 4e Malric Leborgne (Zockra HR700), 5e Sébastien Courteille (A-traction-Z). C'est un carton plein pour les traction directes puis que sur le 25Km, elles font 1,2 et 4. Il y a comme un truc.....

Sébastien Courteille à bloc sur son A-traction-Z équipé d'une pointe arrière M5. Zockra a fourni la partie arrière carbone de ce vélo. Seb a de bonnes jambes en ce moment et je pense qu'il fera un carton sur les gentlement de Septembre.
Marc Lesourd sur le KA 1er. Il gagne la course des 25Km avec brio. Il est pas un peu grand ton casque, dis?
Robin à pleine vitesse juste avant de devenir PAPA. Félicitation au Champion! (actuel Champion du monde des non carénés)
Ben, là, c'est moi et je fais ce que je peux. A bloc mais les jambes étaient fatiguées après Paris-Brest-Paris. Il manque tout de même une pointe pour trouver l'extra vitesse sur la piste.
Geoffroy Lelièvre qui prend le maillot de Champion de France cette année. Beaucoup de travail sur le vélo et sur l'homme. Merci à toi Geoffroy!

HR700-14

2011-09-15T15:54:00.003+02:00

Voici le HR700-14 qui roule dans la région lyonnaise. Le montage a été assuré par Serge Coutton de Cycloutil, notre revendeur ultra dynamique de Buis les Baronnies.

HR700-13

2011-09-15T15:46:00.004+02:00

Voici avec un peu de retard le HR700 N°13 équipé d'un guidon relevable et d'un protection de plateau aéro.
Here is a bit late the new HR700 #13 fitted with a tilting stem and an aero chain ring protection.

Traction Directe- Traction Z

2011-08-30T18:41:00.002+02:00

Vélo du Futur ou Futur du vélo?

Ce prototype est utilisé depuis 1 an et va donner naissance à un second prototype en Septembre avant de passer en série. Ce vélo est une combinaison de notre connaissance aquise avec les Kouign Amann et les HR700.
C'est un très bon grimpeur et il est possible de faire jeux égale avec les VD dans les bosses moyennes.
Dans cette version équipé des roues MAVIC Ultimate, le vélo complet pèse moins de 7.5Kg et il semble possible de passer sous la barre des 7Kg avec le vélo de série.

New Rapide

2011-06-21T10:33:00.002+02:00

Le Rapide n°15 est terminé et va partir aux US prochainement. Le serrage de la bome se fait maintenant par le dessous au moyen d'une vis unique comme sur le High Racer.

The Rapide #15 is now complete and will be shipped soon to the US. The boom clamp is now done by a single screw placed under the boom like on the high racer.

News:
-Un autre High racer 2 x 650 doit sortir également de nos ateliers cette semaine.
-Le Site internet www.zockra-factory est en maintenance pour quelques jours.
-Laurent Delcroix ira à Cyclevision le WE prochain.
-Le moule de la potence relevable est terminé et les premiers guidons devraient être produits d'ici quelques jours.
-Hervé Le Du ne fera finalement pas le Paris-Brest-Paris pour une raison de santé mais fera l'assistance partielle d'un membre de l'équipe Zockra.

Monza World Championship

2011-06-14T11:19:00.003+02:00

Nous revenons de Monza avec de bonnes performances à la clef pour le clan Français.
Ainsi Aurélien Bonneteau remporte le titre suprême des carénés, Robin Boucher celui des non carénés devant Malric Leborgne 2e et Laurent Delcroix 4e, Geoffroy Lelièvre termine 2e des semi carénés avec sa nouvelle pointe arrière très efficace au dire des coureurs Birk. Florence Kit termine 2e des non carénés et Olivier Cresson termine 3e des vieux non carénés.
Félicitations à tous!

En ce qui me concerne, j'ai eu la chance de prendre le bon groupe pendant la course des 3H et nous avons roulé à 48,5Km/h de moyenne pendant les 2 premières heures avant de jouer aux relances sauvages pour décrocher les moins résistants. Je termine avec 138,6Km en 2H58min soit 46,46Km/h de moyenne au compteur. Le lendemain, pour l'épeuve de l'heure, j'étais beaucoup moins frais...

2011-06-03T22:14:00.002+02:00

Kouign Amann R&D tailfairing

2011-06-03T12:35:00.003+02:00

La pointe arrière du Kouign Amann LD a été montée pour les premiers essais cette semaine. Nous avons choisi de la faire la plus enveloppante possible et très ronde sur l'avant pour réduire le risque de décrochement des fillets d'air. Il reste quelque améliorations à faire au niveau de la tête avant le Championnat du monde en Italie la semaine prochaine. Au niveau du gain d'un tel carénage, nous serons bientôt fixé lorsque Geoffroy aura fait les essais comparatifs avec son Powertap mais je peux dire qu'il est déjà extrêmement rapide. Nous avons en effet mesuré une vitesse de 75,4Km/h en faux plat descendant, là où je sature à 64Km/h avec le High Racer en sprint. The tail fairing has been fitted to the Kouign Amann LD to make the first road tests this week. We choose to make as round as possible in the forward part to reduce risk of air stream staling. A few improvements are still required near the head before the World Cup in Italy next week. Geoffroy will make comparative tests next week with his Powertap but I can say that he is already very fast. We have recorded 75,4Km./h on a little down hill road where I could only manage 64Km/h on the High racer.

HR650- N°10

2011-05-25T11:13:00.002+02:00

Le HR650- N°10 est sur ses roues. C'est le deuxième High Racer monté en 650 qui sort de nos ateliers. Le vélo nous semble tout petit lorsqu'il est a coté du HR700. C'est presque un Midracer.
The HR650- #10 is on its wheels. This is the second High racer fitted with 650 wheels that is built by our factory. This bike seems so small compared to the HR700. It is almost a Midracer.

DOS-RAs Extreme

2011-05-19T10:11:00.003+02:00

Félicitation à Aleksej Dolinsek qui vient de terminer le DOS-RAS Extreme en 2 jours 7 heures et 25 minutes pour 1138Km et seulement 10 minutes de sommeil!
Repose toi bien et rendez-vous pour Paris-Brest-Paris en Août.

Congratulation to Aleksej Dolinsek for completing DOS-RAS Extreme in 2 days 7 hours and 25 minutes for 1138km and only 10minutes of sleep!
Have a good rest and see you for Paris-Brest-Paris in August.

Link:www.ad-venture.si

HR700 n°9

2011-04-17T20:08:00.003+02:00

Le High racer n° 9 est maintenant terminé. Les stickers sont noir rétroréfléchissant et les roues MAVIc sont les dernière Rsys avec traitement noir mat de la jante.
The High racer #9 is now complete. Black letters are retro reflective at night. The bike is fitted with the new MAVIC Rsys total black finish.

Potence sur mesure / Custom Stem

2011-04-14T10:32:00.003+02:00

Voici la première potence 'classique' sur mesure. Le serrage se fait au moyen de 3 colliers externes pour ne pas 'noyer' d'insert en aluminium dans le carbone et éviter les problèmes de corrosion. La potence est volontairement haute et massive pour être très rigide en torsion. Les gaines passent dans la potence.

This is the first 'classic' custom made stem. Clamping is done using 3 aluminium collars to avoid corrosion of internal aluminium inserts. The stem is built massive on purpose to be stiff in torsion. Cable routings are internal.

HR700- n°8

2011-04-05T15:43:00.002+02:00

Cette fois-ci le HR700 se parre d'une robe blanche. Couleur adaptée au Sud de la France mais pas en Bretagne sauf si vous souhaitez passer des heures à le nettoyer. (Bon, je ne parle même pas de la Normandie.... :) )

Le HR9 est en montage...

Nouvelles images / New pictures

2011-03-25T14:35:00.003+01:00

Le temps est magnifique en Bretagne en ce moment et c'est l'occasion de faire quelques photos et de rouler.

The weather is wonderful in Brittany right now and we took the oportunity to shoot a few pictures and ride.

HR700 n°2

2011-03-21T17:56:00.004+01:00

Le HR700 n°2 sert de base pour nos différents essais de pièces et de modifications.
L'amélioration constante de nos produits est important pour progresser.
Une nouvelle fourche étroite dans la partie haute au niveau de la chaine est actuellement en évaluation Une nouvelle roulette produite en Allemagne est également en évaluation et donne satisfaction.
Un guidon relevable est prévu pour les prochaines semaines et devrait permettre une installation plus facile sur le vélo surtout pour les Brevets lorsque l'on a beaucoup de choses dans les poches ventrales.

2011-03-21T16:41:00.003+01:00

Le High Racer N°7 est maintenant sur ses roues. La fixation de l'appuie tête a été améliorée ainsi que le serrage de la bome. Le cadre comporte un trou oblong et la bome est percée à plusieurs endroits et taraudée.
The High racer #7 is on its wheels. The head rest bolting system has been improved so as the boom's clamping.The frame has a slot hole and boom has a couple of threaded holes.

High Racer 650

2011-03-02T17:31:00.002+01:00

Le premier High Racer 2 x 650 est terminé. Le siège est à 49cm du sol et il faut un entre jambe de 77cm minimum avec des manivelles de 170mm.

The first High Racer 2 x 650 is finished. The seat height is 49cm above base and a leg length of 77cm is required with 170mm crank.

HR700-N°6

2011-02-22T18:05:00.002+01:00

Ce nouveau vélo HR700-N°6 est destiné à Aleksej Dolinsek, coureur Slovène qui va participer au circuit d'endurance dont DOS Race around Slovenia et Paris-Brest-Paris. Le vélo sera équipé par la suite d'un U-bar qui a la préférence du coureur pour la longue distance.

This new bike HR700-#6 is for Aleksej Dolinsek, a Slovenian rider that will compete on the longue distance circuit, competing in DOS Race Around slovenia and Paris-Brest-Paris. The bike will be fitted with a U-bar later on as the rider prefers that solution for longue distance ride.

HR700-4

2011-02-19T13:25:00.004+01:00

Voici le High Racer 700 N°4 en finition UD et vernis mat. Les stickers sont noir retroréfléchissant et sont donc visible la nuit. Cette finition particulière a été faite à la demande du client.

HR700 N°3

2011-01-19T17:33:00.002+01:00

Le HR700 N°3 est sur le point d'être livré. La décoration n'est pas finale mais devrait s'en inspirer. La masse du kit cadre (cadre + bome + JDD+ fourche + guidon + idler+ siège + appuie tête + support de siège)est de 2940g.
The HR700 No. 3 is about to be delivered. The styling is not final but should be similar. The mass of the frameset (frame + fork + boom + idler + seat + bearing+ handlebar+ headrest + seat support) is 2940g

Carbon high Racer pictures

2010-12-11T01:15:00.004+01:00

Voici donc les premières photos du High Racer Zockra en 2 x 700. Il s'agit du deuxième modèle de pré-série qui accumule les Kms de validation. Le premier étant sous les fesses de Serge Coutton près du Mont Ventoux pour vérifier sa capacité à grimper.
Le siège est en position très couchée pour valider les performances à haute vitesse et le confort de l'appuie tête.
Les améliorations ont été nombreuses entre le premier vélo et le second mais le résultat est maintenant conforme à nos attentes.
Le cadre est brut de moulage et la décoration est en route pour la semaine prochaine.

Photos prises en Bretagne le 11 Décembre 2010. Bon Ok, on a attendu 20 jours qu'il arrête de pleuvoir et neiger pour sortir et faire cette photo. Autant dire que ma coupure hivernale est déjà faite! :)

Carbon High Racer

2010-12-09T21:28:00.005+01:00

La mise au point du High Racer carbone touche à sa fin. La présentation officielle se fera très prochainement. En attendant j'ai bien tiré la langue... de carbone.

The final tuning of the carbon High racer is nearly over. The official presentation will be done very soon. In the mean time, it was hard work and I now have a soar tongue.

Kitsurf sur eau mirroir

2010-11-07T22:48:00.000+01:00

Voici une vidéo fantastique:

Championnat France piste.

2010-10-24T11:53:00.004+02:00

L'AFB a coorganisé le Championnat de France piste au Mans avec la FFC et le club local. Cette date très tardive dans la saison a un peu limité le nombre de participants puisque nous étions seulement 20 mais c'était suffisant pour décerner un titre homme et femme et avoir des courses de qualité.
Les sprints du 200m lancé et du Km départ arrêté se sont déroulés le matin après avoir attendu que la piste sèche un peu. La piste n'est pas très inclinée et lorsque l'on aborde le virage à 60Km/h, il est relativement difficile de garder la corde. Il est par contre impératif que je modifie ma position pour être plus aéro car je déplace trop d'air actuellement et les copains sont bien content derrière moi!
Après un buffet froid, nous avons lancé la course des 25Km. La première poule était relevée et Aurélien Bonneteau a mené la course de bout en bout avec un allure de croisière de 49km/h qui était ma vitesse maximum pendant les 15 premiers tours seulement.
L'ambiance était très bonne comme toujours et nous avons donc nos deux Champions de France 2010:
Catégorie femme: Barbara Buatois
Catégorie homme: Robin Boucher.

Voici les photos de Laurent: http://www.beauxdebris.fr/photos/ChampF_LeMans_2010/

KA GDF

2010-10-08T14:36:00.004+02:00

Le nouveau Kouign Amann (3ème) est enfin sur ses roues après un très long moment de gestation. Il est pour 'Glace de Feu' et sera dans la région de Grenoble.

The new Kouign Amann (3rd) is finally on its wheels after a very long work of concept and construction. It is built for 'Ice of Fire' and will be in the Grenoble area.

Envie d'évasion....

2010-06-25T14:21:00.004+02:00

Un belle route se découvre au printemps pour le KA.
Merci à Cédric pour la photo.

HR700 en production - HR700 in production

2010-06-24T17:18:00.003+02:00

Après 5000Km d'essai (longue distance avec Hervé Le Du et Criterium avec Laurent Delcroix), la nouvelle version du High Racer Zockra HR700 entre en production.

Le siège est à 56cm du sol et il faut un entre jambe EJ > 80cm.
Nous avons également prévu une version HR650 en 2x650 pour les EJ <>
La bome est réglable pour s'ajuster à votre longueur de jambe.
Les premiers vélos seront livrés en Septembre et nous pratiquons le 'premier commandé = premier livré' donc vous pouvez vous inscrire dans notre liste de pré-commande dès aujourd'hui. (mail@zockra-factory.com)

Le prix du Kitcadre est identique à celui du Rapide soit 2790euros TTC.

Les vélos sont livrables sous forme de Kit ou monté.
Vous pouvez également passer par l'un des 3 revendeurs agréés pour commander votre HR700 et le faire monter.

After 5000Km of testing (Long distance with Hervé Le Du et Criterium with Laurent Delcroix), the new version of our Zockra High Racer HR700 is now produced.

The seat height is 56cm above ground and you need your X-seam > 80cm.
Our high Racer is also available with smaller wheels HR650 for X-seam <>
The boom is ajustable to fit your legs.

The first bikes will be delivered in September and we work as 'first to order = first to be served' so you can contact us to be on the pre-order list. (mail@zockra-factory.com)

The kit frame price is identical to 'Le Rapide' at 2790 euros inc VAT.
Bikes can be delivered in kit form or fully assembled.
You can also order the bike from our Dealers that can make the assembly for you.

Trottinette - Kick bike

2010-06-23T22:05:00.003+02:00

Une trottinette Zockra vient de voir le jour. Elle est montée en 2 x 700 pour simplifier la vie lors des longue distances. Le cadre pèse tout juste 2Kg et il sera possible par la suite de descendre facilement ce poids vers les 1.6Kg.

A Zockra Kick bike is born. It is fitted with 2 x 700 wheels to simplify life during longue distance events. The frame weights just 2Kg and it is possible to reduced it easily to 1.6Kg.

Améliorations

2010-06-17T19:52:00.006+02:00

Les améliorations des produits Zockra sont permanentes.

Le guidon complet possède maintenant des embouts en aluminium pour protéger le carbone en cas de chute. Le guidon complet fait 315g.

Les gaines passent dans la potence pour rendre l'ensemble plus aéro et plus propre.

Une version 100% carbone est à l'étude car il est possible de gagner beaucoup de poids sur cette pièce en supprimant les terminaisons en aluminium

La patte de dérailleur a également été changée pour une patte renforcée GIANT qui sera facile a trouver en cas de casse.

Le cadre est également renforcé par une bague en métal au niveau de l'axe de la roue arrière pour que celui-ci n'endommage pas le carbone si la roue bouge un peu.

Rennes-Nogent Le Roi- Rennes = 600Km

2010-06-14T22:11:00.002+02:00

Pour préparer Paris-Brest-Paris 2011, il faut faire des brevets cette année. J'ai donc commencé par le 300Km de La Baule puis celui de 600Km de Rennes-Nogent Le Roi- Rennes qui emprunte les routes du PBP. Je n'ai pas reconnu les routes car j'avais tout fait de nuit en 2007.
Nous étions 12 vélos couché sur 100 partants, c'est donc en augmentation par rapport à l'année dernière.
Je souhaitais vérifier le comportement du lowracer Rapide avec des bagages et surtout les roues équipées du moyeux ehub. Suite aux premiers essais prometteur réalisé par Hervé Le Du, j'ai choisi le moyeux avec le ressort le plus mou. La sensation est bizarre au début surtout lorsque l'on force sur le petit plateau. On a l'impression que la roue arrière patine et que l'on avance moins par à-coups. Après 600Km, je n'ai pas eu mal aux genoux et je pense que cela vient de ce moyeux qui réduit le 'point dur' du pédalage.que cela vient de ce moyeux qui réduit le 'point dur' du pédalage.

Voici les très belles photos de Marcel: http://picasaweb.google.fr/flauxmarcel/RennesNogentRennesVC?feat=directlink##

'Un championnat du monde VH au pays des 4x4'.

2010-06-04T10:09:00.004+02:00

Un constat: L'île de Jersey est envahie par les 4x4 de luxe et les très grosses voitures.

Laurent Delcroix gagne le citerium au Championnat du monde sur le prototype du High Racer. Le High Racer passe beaucoup mieux les ralentisseurs et s'avère plus stable sur route dégradée. Cette course était destructrice pour les vélos et beaucoup ont abandonné ou chuté.

Laurent termine 3e de la catégorie non caréné alors que je termine 4e.

Mondial 2010 Jersey

2010-05-22T18:31:00.004+02:00

Le Mondial des vélos couchés se tient le WE du 28/29 Mai 2010 sur lîle Anglo-Normande de Jersey. Nous seront présent avec quelques Rapides et le High Racer.

Jérôme Deloge fait le RPE (Raid Provence Extrême-600Km en Provence)sur un ancien prototype de Rapide au moment où je vous écris. Cette année, il roule en autonomie et devrait améliorer son temps de l'année dernière. Réponse dans quelques heures.....

Kidam 2010

2010-05-19T22:50:00.003+02:00

Le Kidam s'est tenu comme chaque année sur le velodrome de la Cipale à Paris. Geoffroy place le Kouign Amann sur la première marche du podium et Jéjon se classe deuxième sur un prototype de Rapide.
Photo de Stéphane Regnard
Marcel et moi-même à l'attaque.

La bicyclette bleue

2010-05-14T18:55:00.004+02:00

Le Kouign Amann Laurent Dechenne (KALD)de Geoffroy est maintenant monté avec le nouveau groupe Shimano électrique. Le gros avantage est de ne plus avoir les leviers de vitesse qui touchent les cuisses lorsque l'on monte les vitesses. Il reste encore quelques réglage mais ça marche déjà très bien. Nous avons également profité pour 'reconstruire' le bas de la pointe M5 qui avait été découpée pour mettre sur un VK2.
The Kouign Amann Lurent Dechenne (KALD) is now fitted with the new shimano electric gears. The levers are not touching the legs anymore when we change gears. A fine tuning is required but it already works very well. We also used the oportunity to 'rebuild' the lower part of the tail fairing that was trimed to fit a VK2.

Le Rapide N°14 destiné à notre revendeur de Lyon www.cyclociel.com est proche de sa livraison dans une livrée bleue. Le cadre rouge est le N°2 redécoré et il sera monté en 406 x 650.

The Rapide #14 built for our reseller in Lyon www.cyclociel.com is closed to delivery in blue. The red frame #2 has be resprayed in red and will be fitted with 406 x 650 wheels.

Zockra en Suisse

2010-05-07T21:49:00.004+02:00

Le premier Zockra Rapide avec bôme réglable est à présent disponible chez notre revendeur Suisse: BikeToTheFuture
La bôme réglable et son collier de serrage ajoutent 250g et le cadre fait donc maintenant +/-1900g selon la rigidité choisie.

The first Zockra Rapide with ajustable boom is now available at our Swiss retailer: BikeToTheFuture.
The boom and the clamp ads a mere 250g to bring the frame to +/-1900 depending on the desired stiffness.

Zockra au JEC 2010

2010-04-19T22:17:00.003+02:00

Notre fournisseur de carbone ACG a exposé un lowracer 'Le Rapide' sur son stand du JEC à Paris. Le vélo est celui de 'Pulsar Cycles' notre revendeur de la région Parisienne.

Un WAW était également exposé. Signe des temps qui changent, il y avait beaucoup moins de voitures exposées.

Modification Proto N°3

2010-04-02T13:23:00.002+02:00

Le proto N°3 est dans mon garage depuis des mois et il était temps de faire un peu de chirurgie. Le dédalier était trop bas et l'angle de la fourche n'était pas bon donc j'ai tout coupé pour modifier l'avant du vélo.
J'en ai profité pour lui faire une couleur et mettre un siège plus adapté. Le siège comporte maintenant des inserts latéraux pour mettre des portes bidons. Il est également possible de fixer une lampe sur la foruche arrière gauche.

The 3rd prototype has been in my garage for months and it was time to do some surgery. The crank was too low and the fork angle was wrong so I decided to cut everything to modify the front end of the bike.
I took the opportunity to make a new color and fit a more suitable seat. The seat has new side inserts to fit a bottle. It is also possible to fit a light on the rear left swing arm.

JEC composite Show Paris 13 to 15th April 2010

2010-04-01T11:24:00.003+02:00

Notre fournisseur de carbone Advanced Composite Group (ACG) exposera Hall 1 stand T50 un lowracer 'Le Rapide' sur leur stand du JEC à la porte de Versailles du 13 au 15 Avil 2010. Je serai également présent les deux premiers jours du salon. Vous pouvez me joindre sur mon portable au 06.26.79.86.07

Our carbon supplier Advanced Composite Group (ACG) will exhibit in Hall 1 stand T50 one of our lowracer 'Le Rapide' at JEC in porte de Versailles - 13th to 15th of April 2010. I will also visit the show the first two days. you can contact me on my mobile: 06.26.79.86.07

Nice ink: http://www.jeccomposites.com/composites-news/6960/composites-sports-and.html

Nouveau site

2010-03-26T11:25:00.002+01:00

Le nouveau site www.Zockra-factory.com a été entièrement refait en repartant d'une mise en page de Joomla. Ce site est temporaire et sera prochainement remplacé par une nouvelle version.

Un vent de changement souffle...

2010-03-10T14:38:00.003+01:00

2010 apporte son lot de changements.
Les sites internet http://www.zockrabikes.com/ , http://www.zockra.com/ et http://www.zockra.fr/ ne sont plus les sites Officiels de Zockra suite à un différent avec le Webmaster.
Vous pouvez désormais contacter Zockra au 02.97.43.93.92 (Vannes) et malric@constellation-composite.com. Un nouveau site est en création et sera disponible d'ici quelques semaines.

L'équipe sportive change également en 2010. Barbara Buatois ne fait plus partie de l'équipe Zockra et devra se trouver un autre fournisseur de cadre. C'est une occasion unique pour un sponsor de travailler avec une véritable Championne.

2010 brings a lot of changes.
The websites www.zockrabikes.com , www.zockra.com and www.zockra.fr are no longer the official websites of Zockra because of a disagreement with the Webmaster.
You can now contact Zockra on +33.2.97.43.93.92 (Vannes) or malric@constellation-composite.com .A new website is being created and will be available within a few weeks.

The sports team is also changing in 2010. Barbara Buatois no longer part of the team Zockra and should find another bike supplier . It is a unique opportunity for a sponsor to work with a true Champion.

Un 'Rapide' chez Cycles JV

2010-02-11T09:39:00.007+01:00

Un cadre 'Le Rapide' sera disponible chez notre revendeur Cycles JV ( http://cyclesjv.wifeo.com/) au Mans très prochainement.
Un kit cadre est livré pré-monté comme sur la photo. Les gaines sont déjà en place et il vous reste juste à monter l'équipement ou à le faire monter par un professionnel.

A framework of 'Le Rapide' will be available at our dealer Cycles JV (http://cyclesjv.wifeo.com/) at Le Mans in the near future.
A Kit frame comes pre-fitted as shown on the picture. The ducts are already in place and you'll just have to mount the equipment or ask a professional to do it for you.

Rapide N°9

2010-02-03T16:23:00.004+01:00

Cadre N°9

Nouveau tube de dérailleur profilé.

Le cadre N°9 est monté et sera exposé Jeudi 4 Février à Bordeaux lors du CYCLAB (Athénée Municipal- Place Sains Christoly) à partir de 10H. L'entrée est libre et vous pourrez voir une présentation de Barbara Buatois et Aurélien Bonneteau sur leur différents records du monde à partir de 12h15.

Frame #9 is assembled and will be exibited on the thrusday the 4th of February at bordeaux during CYCLAB (Athénée Municipal- Place Sains Christoly)from 10:00 am. Entry is free and you can see a presentation form Barbara Buatois and Aurélien Bonneteau on their different Worlds records from 12:15pm.

2010-01-17T17:28:00.003+01:00

Notre revendeur de région Parisienne Pulsar Cycles ( http://pulsarcycles.free.fr/ )propose une nouvelle roue carbone à pneu en 451 pour monter sur 'le Rapide'.

Our Parisian retailer Pulsar Cycles is proposing a new carbon front wheel 451 with tire to fit on 'Le Rapide'.

CNC Mould

2010-01-11T12:49:00.006+01:00

Un nouveau jeux de moule de guidon et potence a été usiné dans du LAB de chez Axson. Cela nous a permis de mettre en évidence des problèmes d'exportation de fichiers 3D vers la machine d'usinage. Lorsque la technique de moulage sera complètement validée alors nous ferons usiner des moules en aluminium.
Merci à Leïla Abdel Kader, Mr Poder,au Lycée Marcelin Berthelot et à Gilles de Watt's up pour leur aide et conseils.

A new set of moulds for the stem and handle bar have been CNC machined in a piece of LAB from Axson. This allowed us to highlight the problems to exports 3D files to the CNC machine. When the moulding technique will be fully validated then we will machine aluminium moulds.

Winter Wheel test

2009-12-16T14:39:00.005+01:00

Afin de proposer un vélo plus performant à nos clients,Peter Osterversnik de Ekstundo d.o.o. (Slovenie) nous a envoyé 4 roues pour essayer et comparer le nouveau moyeux Ehub (http://www.ehub.si/eng/)qui aide à passer le point mort. En effet, la cassette est montée sur un ressort interne au moyeux et permet de stocker l'énergie et de la restituée de façon plus linéaire.
Pour être certain de bien comparer la roue, Peter Osterversnik a envoyé une roue classique équipée de la même jante et du même nombre de rayons. Nous avons équipé les roues de pneus identiques et la couleur des pneus nous permet juste de différencier rapidement la dureté des ressorts qui varient selon la puissance des coureurs.

In order to provide better bikes to our clients, Peter Osterversnik of Ekstundo d.o.o. (Slovenia ) sent us 4 wheels for testing and comparing the new Ehub (http://www.ehub.si/eng/) that helps passing the neutral point. The cluster is mounted on an internal hub spring that can store energy and helps to deliver the power in a more linear manner.
To be sure to compare the wheel correctly, Peter Osterversnik also sent a classic reference wheel mounted with the same rim, same number of spokes. We fitted identical tires and the different colors allows us to quickly differentiate the spring stiffness which varies depending on the rider's power.

Scanner 3D

2009-12-02T14:37:00.004+01:00

L'entreprise KALLISTO (www.kallisto.net) a fait une démonstration de son scanner 3D sur notre siège aux formes difficiles à modéliser en 3D. L'idéal est d'avoir une pièce de couleur blanche donc notre forme noire a été recouverte de talque.
La tête laser passe en plusieurs fois sur la pièce et le programme informatique relie les nuages de points comme un puzzle. Des mires placées sur la pièce permettent de scanner l'autre coté et garder les surfaces parfaitement emboitées.

The company KALLISTO (www.kallisto.net) gave a demonstration of their 3D scanner on our complex seat that gives trouble while modeling in 3D. The ideal is to have a white part so our black form was covered with talc.
The lazer head goes several times on the piece and the computer program connects every bits like a puzzle. Reference points placed on the part allows to scan the other side and keeps the surfaces perfectly nested.

Le nuage de points est ensuite transformé en surface IGES mais l'opérateur a besoin de guider un peu le 'mesh' pour avoir une surface propre.

The cloud of points is then converted into IGES surface but the operator needs to guide a little bit the software to'mesh' properly to achieve a clean surface.

Réparation roue carbone - Carbon wheel repair

2009-11-27T21:30:00.008+01:00

L'avantage du carbone est qu'il est réparable dans pratiquement tout les cas. Après avoir réparé de nombreux cadres (Look, Kuota Karma, Scott CR1, Felino, Giant TCR,Canyon F10, Vitus, cobra etc...) c'est au tour des roues.

Vous pouvez aller sur mon site spécifique à la réparation des cadres et des roues en carbone sur: http://reparationcarbone.blogspot.com/

Ici la tête de rayon a été arrachée de la jante Corima Winnium suite à un choc. La jante est cassée et délaminée. Il faut tout retirer avant de se lancer dans la réparation sous peine de voir le problème revenir.

Après avoir retiré le carbone délaminé, la réparation a été faite à l'extérieur avec pas moins de 5 couches. A l'intérieur de la jante, le trou pour passer la tête de rayon a été agrandit légèrement (+3mm) pour pouvoir stratifier un renfort à l'intérieur.

Ici c'est au tour d'une Corima Aéro de venir en chirurgie réparatrice. Le coureur est tombé sur sa roue puis s'est fait roulé dessus par ses copain ce qui a entrainé quelques fissures sur la jantes. Il est tout de même rentré avec sa roue avant de la faire réparer!

La réparation est visible mais cela ne se sent presque pas au freinage. Il est effectivement difficile de réparer la piste de freinage en conservant la même largeur et le même état de surface.

Cette MAVIC Cosmic Ultimate CCU a été transpercée par une pierre alors que le coureur roulait en peloton. La roue n'a pas bougé et le coureur a terminé sa course.

La réparation a été réalisé par l'extérieur et reste assez discrète malgré la différence de trame du carbone.

J'ai également réparé deux Zipp 404 et une 808 fortement accidentées mais je ne retrouve plus les photos.

Cadre N°10- Frame #10

2009-11-26T16:26:00.002+01:00

Le cadre de Rapide N°10 est terminé et sera livré à Pulsar Cycle dans les prochains jours. Le tube supportant le dérailleur avant est maintenant profilé et plus léger.

The new Rapide Frame #10 is finished and will be delivered to Pulsar Cycle in the next few days. The front derailleur tube is now streamlined and lighter.

Belle vidéo/ Nice video

2009-11-22T18:45:00.002+01:00

Ah! si seulement nous pouvions faire une vidéo de promotion similaire pour les vélos couchés...

If only we could do such a promotional video fro recumbents....

Bôme télescopique/ adjustable boom

2009-11-20T17:01:00.003+01:00

Une bôme télescopique pour 'Le Rapide' est en développement. La forme en mousse a été usinée pour valider certains choix avant d'usiner un moule en résine LAB (Axson). Lorsque la R&D sera terminée sur cette pièce, un moule aluminium sera usiné par une boite locale. Le modèle 3D a été réalisé par Sylvain Camborde lors de son stage dans notre entreprise.

An adjustable boom for 'Le Rapide' is currently under development. A foam shape has been CNC machined to validate a few choices before machining a mould in Resin LAB (Axson). When the R&D will be finished on this part, an aluminium female mould will be CNC machined by a local company. 3D modeling is the work of Sylvain Camborde done during his internship.

Nouvelle roue arrière / New rear wheel

2009-11-18T15:55:00.003+01:00

Après deux essais de 30Km avec la Cosmic SLR, il est temps d'essayer la Ksyrium SL.
Pour information la Cosmic SLR fait 1460g complète (cassette 11/25 + pneu) et la Ksyrium SL fait 1380g complète (Casette 11/23 + pneu).

Je ferai un résumé dans les prochains jours mais je peux déjà dire que la Cosmic SLR offre un confort incroyable alors que je m'attendais exactement au contraire avec les rayons en carbone. Peut-être que la pression limitée à 8bars fausse la comparaison avec la Zipp 808 à boyau et gonflé à 9 bars?

After two 30Km test rides with the Cosmic SLR, it is time this week to test the Ksyrium SL.

For information, the Cosmic SLR weighs 1460g complete (Cassette 11/25 + tire) and the Ksyrium SL weighs 1380g complete (cassette 11/23 + tire).

I will prepare a report in the next few days but I can already say that the Cosmic SLR is incredibly confortable thus I was expecting exactely the opposit with the carbon spokes. Maybe by limiting the tire pressure to 8bars, the comparision is distorted with the tubular Zipp 808 inflated to 9 bars?

New parts under investigation

2009-11-16T12:07:00.004+01:00

The new 'Terracycle Sport Idler' is being tested this week. Supplied by Icletta ( http://www.icletta.com/ ), this new idler is lighter than the machined aluminium idler and should be quieter because it is entirely made of injected plastic.

La nouvelle roulette 'Terracycle Sport Idler' est en essai cette semaine. Forunie par Icletta ( http://www.icletta.com/ ), cette nouvelle roulette est plus légère que la roulette en aluminium usiné et devrait être plus silencieuse car elle est entièrement faite de plastique injecté.

We will also be testing the 'MAVIC Cosmic SLR' which is halfway between the high end 'Cosmic Ultimate' (full carbon 1.1Kg) and the classic 'Cosmic'. Spokes are made of carbon and can be changed while the rim remains aluminium to fit a tire and provide perfect braking surface. The rear wheel is only 200g heavier than my racing Zipp 808 wheel. The moderate rim depth will certainly reduce the side wing effect.

Nous allons également essayer la 'MAVIC Cosmic SLR' qui se trouve a mi-chemin entre l'excellente 'Cosmic Ultimate' (entièrement en carbone 1.1Kg) et la classqiue 'Cosmic'. Les rayons sont en carbone et peuvent être changés alors que la jante reste en aluminium pour mettre un pneu et procure une parfaite surface de freinage. La roue arrière est seulement 200g plus lourde que ma roue de course Zipp 808. La hauteur modérée de la jante réduira certainement l'effet du vent latéral.

Nouveau Record du monde/ New World record

2009-11-01T16:27:00.003+01:00

Le 31 Octobre 2009, Barbara Buatois a amélioré son propre record du monde de l'heure. Il est maintenant de 46.376Km. (à confirmer). Ce record dépasse également le record féminin des semi carénés.

Les conditions étaient loin d'être parfaites car Barbara a fait un semi marathon le WE dernier et la position était encore plus couchée que lors de son précédent record. Cette position permet de réduire la trainée au détriment du confort qui devra être amélioré pour 2010.

Barbara était équipé d'un cadre de série Zockra, de roues Corima (700c et 650), roulette Terracycle, Boyaux FMB, vêtement CRAFT.

On the 31st of October 2009, Barbara Buatois has improved her own World Hour record. It is now set at 46.376Km. (to be confirmed). This record also exceed the semi faired Hour record.

Condition were far from ideal because Barbara completed a semi marathon the previous WE and the new position is a lot more reclined. This position reduces the drag but also confort which must be improved for 2010.

Barbara was powered by a Zockra stock frame, a set of Corima wheels (700 and 650 front), Terracycle idler, FMB tires, CRAFT

Nouvelle tentative/ New attempt

2009-10-26T17:19:00.003+01:00

Barbara Buatois fera une nouvelle tentative de record sur l'épeuve de l'heure à Bordeaux le 31 Octobre à 18H. Vous êtes les bienvenu pour soutenir BB.

Barbara Buatois will make a new attempt on the World Hour record at Bordeaux On the 31st of October at 18:00. You are welcome to come and support BB.

Nouveau record

2009-10-17T22:08:00.005+02:00

Décidement, on n'arrête plus Barbara Buatois puisqu'elle vient d'établir un nouveau record de l'heure avec 46.048Km.
Elle était équipé d'un cadre de série Zockra 'Rapide' monté spécialement pour la piste et équipé de roues Corima.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FUFm6bq6I9o
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Auc4tU7a0Sw

Dimanche 18 Octobre: Un nouveau record du monde du 200m lancé non caréné pour Barbara : 56.63 km/h ! 12.71 secondes. Le record précédent était de 13.4 secondes par Ellen Van Vugt.

Nouveau record du monde du KM départ arrêté avec 1min15s741, elle bât Ellen Van Vugt qui détenait le record avec 1:19.97

Félicitations Barbara!

Nothing seems to stop Barbara Buatois as she has just set a new World speed record over the hour with 46.048Km.
She was riding a stock Zockra 'Rapide' bike fitted for track racing and Corima Wheels.

Sunday 18th October: New World record on the 200m flying start for Ba&rbara in non faired category 56.63Km/h! 12.71s. The previous record was held by Ellen Van Vugt with 13.4s

New KM standing start World record with 1min15s741, she beats Ellen Van Vugt's record of 1:19.97

Congratulations Barbara!

Salon du cycle -Paris 2009

2009-10-08T18:46:00.004+02:00

Les 4 jours du salon ont été intenses et riches en rencontres. Notre revendeurs de la région Parisienne Pulsar Cycles nous a permis de présenter enfin de façon officielle le premier vélo de série ainsi qu'un prototype de traction directe.
Quelques commandes ont été enregistrées ce qui nous permet de rentrer dans la phase active.
Barbara Buatois fera une tentative officielle sur l'épreuve de l'heure avec le cadre blanc monté pour la piste en pignon fixe. Corima (www.corima.com) sera partenaire en fournissant une roue arrière paraculaire et une roue avant 18' en carbone. Un casque spécifique sera également utilisé.

The 4-day show was intense and rich encounters. Our dealer near Paris Pulsar Cycles allowed us to present finally and officially the first production bike and a FWD (forward wheel drive)prototype.
Few orders have been signed which allows us to enter the active phase.
Barbara Buatois will make an official attempt on the Hour record on the white frame fitted with a fixed gear. Corima (www.corima.com) will supply a rear disc wheel and a 18'carbon front wheel. A special crash helmet will also be used.

Salon du cycles 2009 - Paris - 2 au 5 Octobre

2009-09-29T23:13:00.006+02:00

Les vélos Zockra seront exposés sur stand de Pulsar Cycles (Hall 3 - Allée F - Stand 579 )
Vous pouvez me rencontrer sur ce stand pendant toute la durée du salon.
Exposé: 1 Rapide complet, 1 Kouign Amann complet, 2 cadres Rapide
Au plaisir de vous renconter.

Zockra Bikes will be presented on Pulsar Cycles exhibition stand (Hall 3 - Allée F - Stand 579 )
You can meet me there during all the duration of the show.
Presented: 1 Rapide, 1 Kouign Amann, 2 Rapide frame only.
I am looking forward meeting you.

Paris show: http://www.mondial-deuxroues.fr/

Fiche de commande Kit cadre 'Zockra Rapide' Lowracer

2009-09-12T10:17:00.005+02:00

Le Lowracer 'Zockra Rapide' est à présent produit en série. Vous pouvez dès à présent passer commande en direct jusqu'au 2 Octobre.
Passé cette date, les commandes devront passer par les revendeurs Pulsar Cycles (Paris), Cyclociel (Lyon) ou BikeToTheFuture (Suisse) et les vélos devront être montés par les revendeurs.
Constellation Composite est le constructeur officiel des vélos Zockra.
Pour de plus amples informations, vous pouvez me contacter au 02.97.43.93.92
Malric Leborgne.

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Kouign Amann LD

2009-09-06T21:45:00.006+02:00

The new Kouign Amann LD (LD stands for Laurent Dechenne, the original designer of this geometry who passed away this summer after a climb fall) has been tested in the Mont Ventoux in the last week of August. After a couple of modifications, it was ready for painting.
The bike frame is lighter (built under vacuum), stiffer, more streamlined (new aérobar), adjustable. A tail fairing (M5) will be added soon to improve topspeed.

Le nouveau Kouign Amann LD (LD sont pour Laurent Dechenne, le concepteur originel de la géométrie qui est décédé cet été après une chute d'escalade) a été testé au Mont Ventoux la dernière semaine d'Août. Après quelques modifications, il était prêt pour la peinture.
Le cadre du vélo est plus léger (construit sous vide), plus rigide, plus profilé (nouveau guidon aéro), réglable. Une pointe arrière (M5) sera ajoutée prochainement pour améliorer la vitesse de pointe.

Première course et première chute dans le peloton de VD. Un gars a touché l'avant du vélode Geoffroy dans un virage et celui-ci n'a pu éviter la chute qui se solde par une belle pizza sur le coude et la fesse.
Prochaine course: Duo Normand le 20 Septembre.

Testing Week

2009-09-02T23:53:00.005+02:00

Team Zockra spent the last week of August near Mont Ventoux in Provence to test the latest Lowracer 'Rapide' and the new Kouign Amann FWD. The very bad news happened the week before when Hervé Ledu (our long distance rider) was hit sideways by an old lady at about 70K. He has 8 broken ribs, a proken pelvis, a few elongated tendon, a perforated pleura and massive bruises in the back and almost everywhere. After 3 weeks in hospital, he is feeling better and feels no more pain. He expects to walk again in 3 weeks. We started the week by a 24H race on a military base and the first client was very happy with the confort and the efficiency of his bike. He won the Team race with 789KM. Barbara Buatois was first solo rider with 662Km on a Zockra Mid racer Proto. The new Kouigh Amann is very promissing and faster than the first prototype according to Marc. The new handle bar is stiffer and offers a better aero position. The rest of the week has been used to ride the little road of Provence (perfect to test the realiability of your brakes!) and climb Mont Ventoux a few times to test the efficiency of various frame stiffness. Many beginners have tested the new Kouign Amann and I was surprised to see everybody riding without anyproblem. We need to finalise the bike now. I am now back in the work shop as I need to deliver the first orders. Patrick on his new bike. Impossible for me to catch-up Patrick in the Mont Ventoux climb. (1H45 from Bédouin) Happy riders!

Simple Kid bike

2009-06-10T10:14:00.006+02:00

For my son's 5th birthday, my father (Jacques, not me) built a front wheel recumbent bike. Kids are so quick to learn. My son was able to ride with one hand after only 5 minutes. He will need more practice to ride on a straight line when pushing hard on the pedals but he is so happy with his 'vélo couché'. Feel free to copy this bike for your kids if you. A second bike is undergoing surgery right now.

Raid Provence Extrême

2009-05-31T12:37:00.005+02:00

Barbara and Jérôme are riding Zockra bikes in the RPE (600Km in Provence mountains -10000m positive).
They started saturday at 11H and the first climb was the Mont Ventoux.
You can follow their GPS: www.gpspleinair.com/appli/validelogin.php?LANGUE=FR&ORG=GPA&USER=Jejon
Outils cartographique/extraction des trajectoires.

The full race map: www.openrunner.com/index.php?id=202838

At 12H30 on sunday, they completed 520Km and about 9000m positive. they managed to catch up a few rider even up-hill but they ride together to simply the assistance's work (1 van for two riders)

A few pictures: http://picasaweb.google.com/Olivier.Bricabraque/RPE2009?feat=directlink

Many recumbents rider joined the crazy riders on the way to support them.
CHEERS....

Kouign Amann is nearly ready

2009-05-09T19:56:00.002+02:00

The bike will be unveiled on the 22nd of May.

Marc Lesourd (the rider) crashed during the French Championship on the very wet and slippery road but managed to finished 3rd.
The following WE, he won the Classique Genevoise race in Swizerland. The first part of the race was flat and fast (60-62Km/h) and Marc was following a fully faired bike. He left alone in the first hill climb and the rest of the riders could not catch up. Marc won with 8min lead over the DF (ordinary diamond frame bikes).
Congratulation Marc!

New Rocket

2009-05-05T21:24:00.006+02:00

A new fairing has been built to fit a Lowracer Baron. A few large openings will be required to get onboard.
This is the fairing just after demoulding. I used as little gelcoat as possible.

After painting, the complete fairing weighs just under 10Kg.

Proposal for opening.
Side hatches required in way of feet.
As you can see the rider's knee are very close to the top shell. A rear gear hub will be required.

New High racer Clones

2009-02-14T00:12:00.008+01:00

Bruno has just posted his new bike that he built with my advises.

The bike weighs under 10Kg which is very good for a first bike.
Well done !

That is the second 'clone' of my red Highracer, the first one being built by Eric of Pontivy.
If my advise help you to build your bike, please send me a picture so we can share the result.

Zockra Bikes goes online

2009-02-13T00:25:00.005+01:00

I happy to annonce that Zockra web site is now online:
www.zockra-factory.com

Hope you will enjoy visiting this new site.

Carbon Kouign Amann (Speculos Evolution 1)

2008-12-29T22:40:00.022+01:00

14/02/09
Second day of testing. Geoffroy is much faster than yesterday. I gave up following him with my mountain bike and watched him turn and turn around the block. A smile on his face says it all, the bike is well born.

13/02/09
Geoffroy was the first one to test the bike. He is a front drive beginner but managed to ride without any problem. The front end is lighter and easier to steer and Marc's steel bike as expected. The balance seem good and it feels faster than a VK2 according to the rider. Well the bike weighs about 6.8Kg complete and that could explain the good up-hill speed also.
The frame behaves well on bad road and the back end looks a bit too stiff but it might just be a visual effect from the large seat.

07/02/09 If Batman had a bike, it would certainly look like that: I will now start the paint job and I have a surprise for my friend Black adder. The steering clamping system is not final. The frame feels stiff enough. This bike can be a SUB 7 with a lighter crank. My next bike which will be an evolution of this one should be much lighter. :) 27/01/09 The Shimano bar end shifters have been fitted. The 4th gear was missing so we decided to open it. Well that was a bad idea, it took 5 minute to open it and about 2H to reassemble it. The first spring was tricky to fit. It really looks like a Swiss watch inside. I am not convinced they need that many seal and gasket. Never mine! I also fitted a set of Tecktro levers. They are fitted facing backwards on purpose to keep the cable as long as possible in the handle bar. The crank has been drill at 150mm. The ends will be reduced later. This baby weight a tonne! I just bought a Broken stronglight carbon crank and I will try to reduce it soon. 16-01-09 The seat has been bonded to the frame so as the bottom bracket. I now need to reduce the crank length from 170mm to 150mm. 5th January 2009 The seat and handle bar need ajusting on the frame. The seat will be bonded on the frame to improve the side stiffness of the frame and save a bit of weight. The drawback is that it is impossible to adjust the bottom bracket length. Hope it will be OK.... The stem is now built and taped to the U handle bar. The stem is longer than necessary and will be trimmed to fit the rider's position. The handle bar is now fully covered with carbon. At this stage is weighs about 200g. It really looks like a Batman boomrang. The handle bar is made in a piece of foam and covered with two layers of carbon (300g at 0/90 and 400g at +/-45). The tubes are made over a PVC tube but this is not very accurate as the overlap creates a bump. A female mould would be a better idea to get the 22mm diameter. 29 December 2008 A friend of mine (Gilles) has decided to build a similar bike and he has started by a 3D drawing of the bike and it is a good exemple to show how accurate drawing can help to spot problems. The 'BEAST' is on wheels. I still need to increase the cut-outs in order to make the bike look lighter. I am now waiting for the bearings to arrive for the US and for the seat + handle bar drawings. The bike should be ready in a fortnight and I hope that stiffness will be ok. The front part of the frame has been built in a few hit. A male foam mould has been used to give the basic shape then volume has been added to increase stiffness. This might not be necessary but for the first frame it is safer. The next stage is to build the head tube with a female mould and a bladder. Well this is not easy and the result is 'just' acceptable because the bladder lost pressure. The front of the frame should weigh about 1.2Kg with paint. The rear frame is now complete and weighs 900g so it should be around 1.1Kg after painting. I made a carbon tube 1"1/8 to fit the headset bearings. I tried to keep the frame very narrow (35mm) between the legs because it can be painful if your legs wear on it for a long time. The back of the frame is built with my usaul method: foam core + carbon socks. I made a groove in the foam to fit a 9mm plastic tube to hide the rear brake cable. I am back on track for this new bike. The frame has been designed full scale on a sheet of MDF and I realised that the chain would not fit if the frame was to be built like my sketch. A clear film has been used to sketch possible modifications and improvements. A V-brake should fit the tight space between the crank arms. Chris King bearing will be used. I tried to enclose the wheel in the frame so it will be easy to fully fair the wheel for racing. Laurent Dechenne came last week to finalise the next bike for Marc Lesourd (Vipère). Marc is currently riding a 'speculos' made of steel by Laurent and this type of bike proved to be very very fast up-hill compared to a Baron so we decided to make a carbon version to give Marc an Edge for next year. The bike currently weighs about 12-13Kg and we should be able to make a much lighter bike at around 7.5Kg to 8Kg. Here is the result: Light weight carbon frame, semi faired front wheel, airfoild U handbar. The chainset will be enclosed in a box if we can. This drawing was produced about 3 years ago to show what could be done in carbone. The bike geometry was wrong but it opened a long discussion with Laurent Deschenne and a metal prototype was built.

New carbon low racer

2008-11-09T14:30:00.004+01:00

I completed my first Gentleman race yesterday and I finished 9th over 140 teams (of 2 riders) thanks to my powerfull mate Hervé Le Du. We complete the 27Km in 40min 07s and the road was not good for a recumbent.
Hervé was riding the white and red lowracer and I was riding the green bike. They are the same shape but different stiffness. We had no problem riding at 62 km/h on a slightly down hill part of the race and the bumps were not a problem. Hervé's slightly 'softer' frame was clearly dampering better the bad road.
The rear BORA wheel is stiff when inflated to 9 bars but it clearly does not like side wind.
The steering rake angle is now nearly good.
I plan to do a good testing session next week so I should publish more picture next week.
Very strange, after Red, then orange... we now have a green color... does that mean a Ok for production?

High racer is nearly finished!

2008-10-31T12:51:00.006+01:00

The latest Zockra High racer is nearly finished.
A couple of change are still required (front brake modification, cut carbon stem etc..)
Special thanks to DISTRI-CYCLE of Vannes for their help.
Bike is fitted with:
SRAM X0 08 rear derailleur, SRAM X9 twister, Jagwire cables, MAVIC R-sys wheels with carbon hollow spokes, Shimano 105 crank, Shimano Shimano dura ace front derailleur, Shimano Ultegra 6600 brakes, TerraCycle titanium idler, modified Ritchey stem.

Wind Rider 16 ' à vendre

2008-10-30T16:09:00.004+01:00

A vendre: Wind Rider 16'
Prix: 1000 euros
Visible: Vannes (56)
contact: malricleborgne@free.fr
Manque: bome, pédales de palonnier et support dorsal.

Les coques sont en bon état mais les poutres nécessitent une nouvelle peinture. La voile est très correcte et comporte des lattes verticales. Il est preférable d'être deux pour monter le bateau sur la plage.
Supplément de 350 euros pour la remorque.

Land Yacht

2008-10-23T15:14:00.004+02:00

Here is a project that I built with a couple of friends (Stéphane Level, Rémy Héquet, Cyril Lesourd, Olivier Hourquet) while stuying at Southampton Institute in 1993.
The plan was to create a machine that could go on water, land and ice. We built the machine during summer 1996 and we went to Weymouth speed week. (Main sponsor: MER CALME, Seagull landyacht, JPK Composite, FIN'S, High Modulus Europe)
As expected, the machine was finished very late and the real first test were done during the Speed Week. The machine recorded an official 1.9 knots on the wrong tack (Well done guys, all this fart for such a tinny speed!!) but one evening, the machine reached about 22-25knots in choppy water. (That was encouraging)
We found a couple of problems in the steering and plans were made to improove the machine but we never did due to a lack of funding.

Instead, we changed the machine to a land yacht and we reached about 100Km/h on the beach during the second test. That was very scarry for me to watch a friend going that fast with an untested machine.

The soft rig prooved to be very unstable so we decided to build a solid wing but the TEAM members found jobs all arround the planet and the wing was never tested. (sponsors: PRIMAGAZ and SICOMIN)

The machine is stored in a friend's garage in Cherbourg.

Low racer II

2008-10-19T18:40:00.003+02:00

After completing the first lowracer (white and REd- I am not talking about wine here!), it was obvious that a few modification were required before going into production.
A second prototype has been built with a slightly different lay-up of carbon fibre. The weight went up by 300g and the bike has a totaly different behaviour on the road.
The second frame has been built with STIFFNESS in mind and I must admit that we did not miss our target but riding confort is reduced.
As our supplier can only supply 451 carbon fork, we redesigned the frame to accomodate a larger wheel. For racing, we still wanted to use a 406 front wheel so we decided to use an adjustable fork angle to find the perfect angle that would suit the two wheel size.
After a couple of test, it appears to be very sensible but a few cables were missing on my handle so I can't make any final conclusion just yet.

I know for sure that the frame is stiff in bending and torsion, light, stable in the curves and the position is somewhere between a Baron and a VK2 when we use the 451 front wheel. It should be closer to the Baron with the 406 front wheel.

New High racer

2008-10-17T19:02:00.003+02:00

Here is my new High racer, built for a friend. The frame is entirely built with carbon fibre over a foam core.
I used for the first time intergrated steering bearings and it looks nice.
I will varnish the frame next WE before fitting out the frame.
I have also started a second lowracer with an adjustable fork angle because I was not convinced by the previous angle of 72deg. More pictures later.

Trifoiler Moulds for sale

2008-09-21T00:30:00.003+02:00

I have a complete set of female moulds for a Trifoiler for sale: main hull, floats (ama), L foils, T foil, sensors arm (not the small sensor float), main composite beam
+ every drilling templates (blue parts on the pictures)
These moulds have been built by KL Nautic when they tried to market the Trifoiler in France. The moulds are made of polyester with a couple of plywood frames, they are very heavy (guess 400Kg.)
The moulds have been stored in my garage so they are dry and they are in great condition.
If you are interrested, please make an offer on: 3foiler@free.fr
I already have 2 personns interrested but the moulds are not sold yet.

Nacira 650 XANLITE

2008-09-21T00:10:00.004+02:00

I engineered the hull shell and framing of the latest NACIRA 650 minitransat designed by Alexis Muratet and Corentin Douguet. The hull is made of multiaxial fabrics with a soric core. Evry bulkheads and shelves are made of double bias fabrics and PVC core. The hull is frame with three longitudinal girders to ensure a good panel stiffness as well as a good global bending stiffness.
This type of construction gives a good stiffness/cost ratio and the structure should age well. The fixed keel is locked in a wedges box.
A new yard called 'PIXIES' (Thomas Madrange) near La Rochelle built the boat and they have good a tremendous job for the first boat. They already received 5 orders and I bet they will get a lot more very soon.
Contact: nacira650@orange.fr

First road test

2008-09-07T16:23:00.003+02:00

My latest lowracer has been tested with success today. It weighs 8.4Kg complete (pedal included but no seat pad) and it dampers very well the bumps, much better than my previous lowracer.
The steering column is not 100% perfect but I can ride with NO hands but I can't pedal just yet. I will change that on the next bike.
I found a damaged Compagnon wheel for 150euros and after repair, it looks Ok and fast. I will soon compare it with a MAVIC CCU because it is much lighter.
Talking about light wheels, in a shop in Provence, I saw the LEW carbon wheels that have been crash tested by the UCI and I was suprised to see a layer of Kevlar in the rim, a stainless steel spoke and a couple of white strings that looked like PBO unbedded in the carbon spoke. The front wheel (700C) was only 300g and the rear wheel 500g. Where will they stop?

New stem and Handle bar

2008-08-22T21:49:00.002+02:00

Here is a picture of my new stem (312g)-350mm long based on an adjustable Ritchey stem. The handle bar (38g) is 300mm wide.
I built a female mould so I can build almost any length.

New Zockra Lowracer ' Swan'

2008-08-14T22:31:00.009+02:00

The paint is now finished and I need to dril the local inserts for the idler and for the seat. As the masking tape could not follow the curves I wanted then I changed the colors stripes to look like Barbara's bike.
ENJOY!

The painjob should look like that: (if I don't mess it again!

The new Zockra lowracer is nearly finished and the final paint job will be completed tomorrow. The frame weighs 1580g with the paint.
Second paint was worse... so I had to do it again. This time it is acceptable.

Well painting in the dark during a storm is a bad idea. Paint will need redoing. (Stupid, stupid, stupid!)

This is the frame directly after removing the vacuum bag and the peel ply. At this stage the frame weighs 1442g. It will now be faired and painted.

The frame is built under vacuum bag. (I built the first side with no vacuum but it adds 70g and the quality is lower.)

Zockra Kouign Amann 007

2008-08-08T22:40:00.004+02:00

Laurent Dechenne came last week to finalise the next bike for Marc Lesourd (Vipère). Marc is currently riding a 'speculos' made of steel by Laurent and this type of bike proved to be very very fast up-hill compared to a Baron so we decided to make a carbon version to give Marc an Edge for next year.
The bike currently weighs about 12-13Kg and we should be able to make a much lighter bike at around 7.5Kg to 8Kg.
Here is the result: Light weight carbon frame, semi faired front wheel, airfoild U handbar. The chainset will be enclosed in a box if we can.

NoCom Tailbox

2008-08-08T22:24:00.003+02:00

During the last Official FFC track championship, Philippe Dussard came with the new VK tailfairing and it gave wings to Philippe who won the championship. A few improvement are still required behing the neck but it fits very well on the VK NoCom.

Speed Speed Speed

2008-07-14T19:20:00.004+02:00

I organized a speed attempt on the CERAM track (North of Paris) and I am happy to announce that Francesco Russo has the new Swiss record with 75.1Km/h. (check his blog).
I crashed 3 times after bad launching but we finally found how to do it properly. I managed to complete my first hour in a fully faired recumbent at 49.95Km. The new canopy helps a lot to control the bike and the riding position is far better. (pictures soon) This is just a few Km/h faster than what I can do on a normal recumbent but I had no training what so ever because I was sick for six month after Paris Brest Paris. I started at 63Km/h then my speed was stable between 56 and 58Km/h for a few minutes then my legs said they had enough.(speed went down to 42Km/h with head wind) I talked to them (please please, let me finish, no stiffness please... etc...)and they said OK for 15 minutes then we get out. I finished the last few laps at 48-51Km/h and I just missed the 50Km mark by a few meters.
After Francesco's attempt, I tried the 200m sprint but my chain derailled twice and the rain reduced my visibility. I had to wipe the screen with one hand all the time while pedaling. My top speed was 67Km/h and I was just starting pushing hard when the chain derailed. I will now search for a quiet road to see if I can exceed 80Km/h.
Riding in a fully faired bike requires a lot of experience and hours to find the maximum performance. I am very far from Francesco or Damjan but I will try again and my only goal is to set a decent French speed record.

Zockra Speed bike with new canopy.

Ellen starts her 100Km attempt. (she had a slow puncture and stopped after 58minutes)

Close up on Ellen, well supported by ELAN experienced Team.

I went into the Varna fairing to check how small it is and I am now sure that my bigger fairing is better for learning. I was tight on the shoulders but the rest looked acceptable. Hans Wessel then let me fit in the White Hawk and it looks like a bus inside. Thank you to let me try and don't scare me again!

Zockra Bikes

2008-07-08T14:18:00.011+02:00

I am pleased to annonce that Carbon Custom Recumbent bikes are now available on: www.zockra-factory.com
Please contact Julme if you have any inquiry about what we can build for you.

Bordeaux-Paris Race

2008-06-23T17:32:00.002+02:00

Barbara Buatois has completed the Bordeaux to Paris Race (623Km- 4520m alt) in 21H51minutes on her Zockra mid racer. She improved her last performance done 2 years ago in a Velomobil Mango by 5H on a shorter and easier road.
Julius (Barbara's boyfriend) optimised the stops and that was a great help to save time. The lighter Zockra bike also allowed Barbara to follow the up-right in the hills.
She cycled in a group of up-right over the first 140Km (40Km/h most of the time) then she was solo almost all the way to the finish.
The weather was very hot and it rained only 3H.

Next adventure: RAAM?
She is seeking for a sponsorship to be the first female rider on a recumbent to complete the RAAM.

BMW GINA

2008-06-12T22:00:00.001+02:00

Tout simplement Génial:

News

2008-06-11T13:06:00.002+02:00

11-06-08
New pictures of the carbon Lowracer have been added further down the page.
The bike will be for sale soon so you can make an offer if you want it.

I am currently working with a friend of mine to produce more Custom carbon frame so watch out.

KIDAM 2008

2008-06-09T10:56:00.010+02:00

The French Racing association AFB has one again co-organised a track event in Paris on the 24th of May 2008.
As the weather was not reliable, a few good riders were missing but we managed to complete every races on saturday (1000m and 200m flying start)and sunday (1H).

Laurent Deschenne on his new bike. As usual, no time to paint and weight does not help anyway!

Start of the 1H race.

Everybody on the track for a little devil race. At each lap, the last person must stop. That was a very interesting race has everyone had a different tactic to avoid the last place. Jéjon won the race by 1m over Barbara Buatois. The last few laps were fast (45Km/h +)

Gilles (nickname:CrocoGilles) on his experimental 'face down' prone bike. I tried it but it needs some serious training to ride over 35Km/h. I felt that the pedal were too far high and the angle between the leg and the chest was too open resulting in a lack of power. Gilles has built his own prism gogles.

Jean-Lou Desbarbieux on his new 2x700 bike. I tried it and it works very well. The bike is stable and easy for beginners. The classic handle bar is also a very good solution.

Anne Hasler on her beautiful M5 tica fitted with a massive Zipp wheel. She has been knock down by a car last winter and she was just recovering. She came to train with the girls and will be ready for the track championship on the 28th of June. 6 girls will compete.

Jean-lou and Celine won the 'slow race' on the cargo bike.

Dinner in town with the crazy french squad.

First race First podium

2008-06-09T10:36:00.002+02:00

Congratulation to Barbara Buatois who managed to finish 3rd overall at the 2nd French National championship held in Chatellerault.
She completed the 79Km (600m alt) road race in 2h6min and 57s and she is just 6min behind the best male rider.
This is a tremendous achievement for such a little women.
She was riding her custom Zockra midracer which is originaly designed for long distance race.
She will now focus on Bordeaux-Paris race (21st June-619Km). Good luck to her.

KIDAM 2008

2008-05-26T08:56:00.005+02:00

26-05-08
There is a new speed bike in France and it is the result of hard work from the studiants of Annecy IUT.(Engineering school)
The fairing is pretty and very well finished. To improve reliability, they decided to use a highly modified TOXY bike. I had the opportunity to try the bike for 50minutes and I must admit that it is very fast. The chain system appears to work well with a massive chain ring and the fat tire designed for ultra low friction (Michelin says that it only has 50% friction compared to a normal tire) and usually used by the 'Eco Marathon Shell' cars. I had the feeling that the fat green tire from Michelin( inflated at 8 bars and mounted on a mountain bike rim-20'' custom made by MAVIC) were at least as good as tube inflated to 10-12bars but with a lot more side grip.
Baraba Buatois could not try the bike with the fairing due to a technical problem on the driving system.
The Studiants will join Francesco and Damjan on the SERAM track on the 12 of July for a full scale test of the bike.

The trail is very fine and the volume distribution looks perfect. The shape has been tested in a numerical wind tunnel by a partner. (ACE Engineering)

The first Carbon/Kevlar faring. The front canopy (2mm PTEG sheet supplied by PSI and thermo formed by the studient on the plug) will probably need changing as it is good enough in my opinion. Side view is perfect so they should have no problem will balancing.

The frame with its massive chainring.

Don't call me Baby!

2008-05-13T11:12:00.003+02:00

13-05-08
At last! Barbara is riding her new training bike. The frame is custom made on a foam former. The boom angle looks a bit strange but the bottom bracket is 50mm under her CoBRA ultralowracer's position.
The complete bike weighs about 8.5Kg and is quick up-hill.
Barbara is now training for the long distance Bordeaux-Paris (622Km)on the 21st of June.

It is becoming real!

2008-03-31T11:33:00.017+02:00

09-05-08
In order to complete the evolution of my speed bike, I am looking for a financial help to buy a powermeter like ERGOMO or SRM.
They are very useful to measure how much power you need to reach a given speed. This tool tells you immediately if the a wheel or a modification is better than before.
i am open to any proposition, even a long term rental.

07-05-08
More pictures added.

5-5-08
My DAD and me at the CERAM track.

WHAT A DAY!
My father and I left home at 2:00am to Paris. After 6H drive we arrived at the CERAM High speed track where we met everybody.
It took all morning to get ready, Damjan was ready first and set off for a couple of high speed tests and video shooting for his sponsorship AKRAPOVIC. He was cruising at 80Km/h+ and his maximum top speed recorded on his GPS was 96Km/h (!). The tarmac friction is acceptable but 3Km/h slower than the Nissan track for the same power output.(Sorry I don't have the exact numbers)
Then Francesco Russo went for his attempt. After a few minutes, he was obviously not confortable and stopped due to internal hear balance problem.
Good balance is very important when you lean a lot in a closed fairing.
Then it was my turn.
I only completed a small distance arround my house so it was the very first Open test. I had no problem to start without the canopy. Julius and Barbara lent me a Polar to record my speed, cadence and heart beats so we can analyse that later on. I could cruise at 46/48Km/h without the canopy and there was nothing wrong with the gears ( I will post a detailed picture later.). The chain was only noisy on the very small 11 tooth because chain side deformation. The chain is perfectely aligned only with the middle of the cassette and I could clearly feel (and hear) when the chain was not happy. After some recommendation from Francesco, we de-bent a few teeth of the intermediate cassette(14/22) to avoid any deraillement.
My father finished to taped the front window (home made):

Then I went for my first test with the canopy. After some last minute adjustements (my crash helmet was a bit too big so I borrowed Francesco's), I was taped in and ready to leave. Simone Russo assisted my launch with his rollers (very easy) and I went for the first time. Whouahhhhh! 250m later I crashed! The front visibility was very bad and I could only follow the yellow line but in the corners, the track is inclined and I was not ready for that. As my side visibility was inexitante, I could not see an other reference to keep my visual balance.
Back to the starting line. I was ready to make some major modifications to the bike to complete one hour on the track. To impove the front visibility, we decided to cut the front window to get a clear visibility (and more ventilation)and side windows. I managed to complete 2 laps like that but it the lack of visibility was scary for a beginner. In the last turn and in the straights, I could not see any thing over 200m. My speed and the shape of the fairing kept me vertical but it is a very bad experience when you loose the reference line. It is like pedaling blind. I decided to further open the side window.
Finaly, I was ready for my first real attempt.
Damjan launched me but I crashed after 10m(I will place my stickers elsewhere next time...)
My second launch was missed but I did not crash.
My thrird launch was a success but I crashed after 2 laps. (Hard to learn)
The side window was open even more. (I will ask for double glazing next time!)
Then I decided to make one more attempt.
Damjan launched me again and I managed not to fall. I started the first lap as a warming lap (47Km/h) then I decided to accelerate. I was was cruising between 48 and 58Km/h (the track is not perfectly flat)at 160/170 hart bits/min but the visiblity was a real problem. My head rest was shacking my head so much that it reminded me the movy about Appoplo 13. I also add a problem with my eyes, I could only see in front when my knees were down and by the side with only one eye this resulted in a crossing eye vision (loucher/squint)After 30minutes, it was worse and worse, I got some dust in my eyes, I was scarred to hit the Timing guy (Christian Dague) on the side of the track. I could see my friends on the side of the track but I could not hear a single information on the radio because the noise was too important.
After 34minutes,10 laps, 30Km at 52.64Km/h average I crashed once again, it was a dispointement but also a relief.
It took me about 1H to get a normal balance, I felt like being at sea for 4 days.

I did not achieve my goal but I learned a lot:
1- outside visibility is the most important aspect. If you don't feel that you are in control of the direction then you can't use all your power.
2- Cross wind can make your bike very instable. Above 15m/s you need some experience to drive. You can never relax.
3- Experience is valuable, the more you ride in the fairing, the more you learn.
4- You must be ready to make major modification to your concept.
5- You must have good friends!
6- A suspension is good idea on that track.

The bike is complete and ready to go.

Christian Dague (FFC Official time keeper) during Damjan's attempt. He stopped after a few laps because he felt that he was not fit enough to break his record. I must say that it was very windy (20m/s)and gusty during his attempt but he did a good job to stay up-right. He started too fast and could not keep-up the speed.

Result of a single side crash. I made the right decision to build a polyester shell to practice. Only the gelcoat was scratched. It will be easy to repair. I need a white paintjob anyway to reduce inside heat.

More pictures from Jean-Lou Desbarbieux:
http://beauxdebris.free.fr/RecordVPH_0508/index.html

This is the fairing without any scratch:

The breathing pipe is instaled in the bike. Julius thinks it is funny because it is a garden pipe:

I am taped in! Well a dark blue color is not a good idea when it is hot outside. It only took a few minutes to tape the two halves together but it was already too hot inside:

Perfect launch by Simone Russo. Thanks mate for your help.

Picture of the middle gear. My Dad machine an aluminum cassette support, the two bearing are placed side by side and the outside nut is coming form an old bottom bracket:

The middle gear ratio is assembled. The axle will be threaded then it will go diretely into the carbon frame with a little bit of epoxy glue (Araldite):

The axle is made of aluminium. The 22 chainring will be change for a small cranck chainring to avoid any deraillement:

3-05-08
As planned, I tried the bike and it clearly not finished but the chain path is far from perfect but it should work fine.
The steering angle is good at low speed, I will try the bike at higher speed tomorrow once the front brake is fitted.
We changed the derailleur lugg position twice and is now 50mm below the font wheel axle so my heels don't touch is anymore. When room is limited and you want to solve a problem then you create a new problem: we have very limited access for the cable.
I tried to fix an old polyester seat that I had in the garage but it is too high with the ribbs so changed for a natural fiber panel (plywood :) )
The very bad new is that I don't lean back enough and my head is touching the top fairing. I will need to change the rear wheel. Bummer!

2-05-08
Bike is complete à 90%.
I still need to fix the seat, build a small handle bar and build the canopy.
I will try the bike for the fist time tonight!
The first speed attempt is booked for Sunday on the CERAM track, North of Paris.
Francesco Russo and Damjan are joining me.
We have organised two IHPV observers, an official FFC time keeper.
The weather forecast is not perfect but good enough (no rain, no wind and mild temperature)

30-04-08
All the parts are now ready to be assembled tomorrow.
The lower part of the fairing (tub) weights a mere 10.5Kg without any bulhead. The top part weights 7.5Kg. Remember this is only a training fairing so there no plan to exceed 80Km/h with it (if I can!).

My Dad is machining the cassette support on his lathe for the intermediate gear ratio (14 x 22 teeth). We always start from an existing part that we machine. Machining a thread requires some experience.

The carbon frame is now complete but the bottom bracket appears to be to far away.
The fork is complete.
The fairing is complete but still need a couple of bulheads.
I still have about 20H of work.

I would like to say thank you to David of DistriCycle Vannes for the old bicyle parts needed to complete the bike.
I have done some preliminary calculations for the gear ratio and I believe I can reach 62 to 67Km/h at 85/90rev/min if I don't have any mechanical problem. I have no experience about what top speed I can reach in sprint(85Km/h?) and what gear ratio I will need. Calculation is one thing, reality is sometime different. If I don't feel confortable then I will not be able to deliver my maximum power. (well very small anyway due to the lack of training :( )

29-04-08
The female mould is finished and the fairing will be laminated today. I will demould tomorrow evening and start the assembly.
The bottom bracket support has been started and will be finished tonight.

28-04-08
I am late, late, very late.
A friend of mine is building the female mould today.
I tried to bend the 5mm cross linked PVC (HEREX C70.75) sheet to make the sandwich but it is very difficult so I will need to change to Linear PVC (AIREX R63.80) which is heat formable.
As time is running out quickly, I have decided to build a single skin polyester fairing with local coremat (SORIC core) reinforcement.
My carbon front wheel will not be ready so I will be using a normal 451 wheel for the time being.
The fork is finished, Thanks to my grumbling father in charge of the welding. :)
The frame is done at 70%, I only need to add the bottom bracket (tonight). I have just applyed a layer of Polyester resin to seal the surface. I will now wet sand it and spray a varnish.

The fairing should be demoulded on thrusday 1st of May and I will start final assembly during that bank holiday. (Hope I won't need anything from the DIY shop.)
I have two rear wheels and a spare tire for the front wheel. (Thanks to my racing mates)
My digital camera is working again so I will post more picture later.

10-04-08
The first layer of polyester filler has been applied with a brush. I tried with a gravity spray gun (2.5mm nozzle) but it did not work and there was many pin hole left behind. The weather is really good in Britanny at the moment so I need to rush to finish what needs to be done outside. (the polyester smell is not appreaciated by the rest of the familly!)

09-04-08
The plug is now covered with a layer of E-glass cloth 300g/m2 and I can start fairing it with a polyester filler. One side is already done and I need to do the second half tomorrow.
As time is running out, I changed my mind once again on the drive train and because the gap between my knees is limited. To keep it simple, I will only use a single iddler and a big chain ring. The chain will return diretely from the derailleur to the chain ring thus saving a diverting pulley. I tried a similar arrangement on Ali's blue bike during the KIDAM's races and it is pretty efficient at steady speed.

Down below, you can see the size of the fairing. It should be about 20mm wider and 40mm taller than Francesco's bike but I need more room to feel confortable.

The foam former of my streamliner is finished thanks to Steph Vallet ( ) for the 3D modeling and to Cedric Demaine (M-C-N) for the CNC machining.
The fairing is made of polyurethane foam 80Kg/m3.
I also received the carbon from SICOMIN and the PVC sheets to make the sandwich structure ( AIREX C70.75 - 5mm)

More pictures down below.

Carbon low racer

2008-03-09T18:57:00.005+01:00

11-06-08
The bike still needs a bit of work and cleaning.
The double idler works well.

The aluminium handle bar will need changing soon.

9-06-08
I am back from the French FFC championship held in Chatellerault and I got my worse result ever. (15th over 18 starters) My little training proved that a good and light bike is clearly not enough to follow the pack. I completed the 79Km (600m alt) in 2H29min and I felt naked.
I am now sure that the bottom bracket is too far down and the riding position is not good for racing. (Seat is to high by about 80mm and the angle between the leg and the chest must be smaller to produce more power)
I will need to build a new carbon frame soon and sell this one.

7-06-08
I changed the top bearing angle and there is less movement in the steering.
The frame had be trimmed localy to fit the front brake.
The front fork is now complete and it took me some time to figure out how to fit the wireless speedo.

The fork has been faired with an Epoxy filler (Resin + microsphere) and covered with a final layer of carbon to look nice. This is a 12K 'flat' woven fabric and it is very nice to use on simple and flat shapes. I will probably try it on my next frame.
As you can see, the final layer is the peel ply. It is used to remove the excess of resin and create a uniform surface.

14-04-08
The first track session is now finished and I have some mixed feelings about my bike.
The frame is stiff enough, the steering angle is wrong but it does not matter too much on the track, the tektro 725 capiler is a piece of Sh.t, my seat angle is too up-right and my leg/body angle is too open resulting in a loss of maximum power. My iddler needs adjusting but most of all: I need to train properly if I want to stay in the first group.

9-03-08

At last! My carbon low racer is near completion (see Carbon low racer construction page). I need to stiffen the forward part of the frame and hammer it down to see it is good for the 2008 championship.
The complete bike weighs 7.8Kg and need a few up-grades to be under 7Kg.

Carbon lowracer production test

2008-01-30T00:37:00.000+01:00

I made a couple of experiments last year to build (unsuccesfully) a carbon low racer. (A new high racer is on the way now)
I made the dummy frame out of MDF. This is easy to sand and easy to curve, very stable and cheap.

The MDF is then covered with a 125g/m2 CSM and polyester resin. A spray gun was then used to spay the polyester based filler (Gravispret). After some sanding and a final layer of paint, the frame was ready to make a female mould.

The final dummy frame can be seen below along the carbon layers required to make the frame. My first idea was to use carbon braids but my bladder pinched the braid in a couple of points and the first frame ended up with massive defects in way of the steering colomne.
I used Latex bicycle inner tube(green) for the first frame but it blew off when the resin attacked it. I then tried a nylon tube but I damaged it while slidding the wet socks over it and I never got more than 0.5bar of pressure in it. The last bladder was custom made but it was too short (my faut) and the valve was too short to fit a decent hose fitting. I need help to sort the bladder out.

The mould is ready to be closed (after folding the carbon covers). The inflatable bladder is visible. I used SICOMIN resin SR1700 and the frame has been cooked at 50degC. The resin was very runny and I hoped to get a better surface finish.

The frame is out of the mould. The excess of resin is visible where the mould splits.
This frame is strong enough but the surface quality is poor in a few area. After that third frame, I decided to make the next frame in prepreg and in three parts so if one part fails then the complete frame is not lost. I will only need a jig to bond everything together.

Old up-right frames

2008-01-29T23:37:00.000+01:00

This is my very first carbon frame, built in 1998. The frame is built over an expended polystyrene foam core (15Kg/m3) with a hot wire and a couple of template. The foam has been bonded to a steel bottom bracket and a steel colomne then every things has been 'locked in place' on a big plywood sheet to keep the correct angles and avoid any warp. Hand lamination has been used.
I must admit that the very first time I tried the frame, I felt that the rear wheel was not always following the front wheel. That was a terrible feeling but it did not break. A layer of 400g at +/-45deg solved the problem. Final weight of the frame is about 1.5Kg, which is not that bad with a couple of steel inserts.
The rear lugs are all carbon and the aft derailleur is taped directly into the carbon.
The complete bike weighs about 9.55Kg as shown on the picture.
The bike is stiff vertically but can twist a lot if you push the aft wheel side ways with your hand. I can't feel it on the road unless I hammer it down.
Wheels are very bad below 40km/h, sensible to side wind and innacurate in corners. Not my best option.

This track frame wheighs 1.3Kg and is heavily reinforced.
I used ACG VTM264 low temperature prepreg to build this frame on an extruded foam core. (styrodur). I also made the oven with a couple of Styrodur sheets and a modified bathroom heater (I removed the safety switch). I used a car thermo sensor to keep 85deg in the oven. The vacuum pump is a modified fridge compressor.
Low temperature prepreg was a very good solution as I could laminate the complete fore triangle in one shot.
Unfortunately, while curing the rear wishbone, the oven temperature reached 110deg, damaging my oven (but no the frame's core)and wrapped the fore triangle which was not supported by any template. My first cure was probably not enough and the resin system reached its Tg again. If I have the opportunity, I will use an other cure to straighten the frame but I have little hope about this method. Try and see!

Fully faired recumbent

2007-12-20T12:28:00.005+01:00

31-03-08
I should receive the fairing in less than a week and I am a bit nervous to see if it looks like what I have got in mind. If required, I will make minor adjustments on the basic shape. I wonder how much bigger it is compare to Francesco's speed bike.

Final assembly. It looks like a big tuna fish on its side.

After all the parts are machined, assembly can start.

After removing the dust, the fairing is clearly vissible. As the foam sheet was too small to make the fairing in one piece, the tail is machined in the middle.

The fairing starts to appear under the dust.

The machine has started its job. There is no way back!

31-03-08
The fairing is already in the foam, incredible if you think about it!
The 3 sheets of PU foam will be machined separately and then bonded together.

14-02-08

I have started the mock-up of the frame.
I redesigned the chain path because the derailleur is either too wide between my knees or too close to my heel. The cassette will be placed below the wheel hub. I still need to check the interaction with the steering.
Anybody tried that before? What was the result?

I shaped a block of foam to get a better view of the work to come. I have decided to subcontract the 3D modelling to a friend of mine so it can be used by the CNC machine. I will still do some hand work on the foam but it should be quicker and symetric!
I have also decided to reduce the canopy size so save a bit of money during the trial and error process.

17/01/08
After talking to my friend Francesco Russo, I realised that my preliminary fairing (based on the shape of EIVIE I, supplied by Damjan) was too tall and too narrow in way of the crank.
Francesco kindly supplied a couple of X-sections of his bike as a guide line. There is a mistery right now because he is taller than me but fits in a smaller fairing. I am currently using 170mm crank and I can reduce it but there is a danger of designing a fairing too small. I left 10mm gap between my shoes and the fairing.
I made a 3rd attempt to design the fairing in 3D and I can't get the shape I want. It is getting better but I am now tempted to shape it by hand instead of CNC machining the foam.
10/01/08
I changed my mind about the frame because I think it will be quicker to do everything myself in carbon. The carbon frame will be fitted to conical female boxes (similar to a windsurf board fin).
The crank will be on the left handside so a skirt can be used to seal the wheel exit on both sides.
Main dimensions:
Length: 2911mm
Wheel base: 1437mm
Max height : 843mm
Max width: 445mm
I still need to make a moke-up of the position with MDF to check the fairing voulume required. I want to make the fairing the right size.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I have been working for sometime now on a speed machine.
This is not an easy task but the joy to ride at 70Km/h with my own (little) leg power is pushing me.
A friend of mine will CNC machine the mould and I should start the fairing construction in February.
I am still looking for some help to build the metal frame (similar to a VARNA Diablo).
I will make an attempt in May and July 2008 to set new French records.
Here is the first pictures of the fairing.

BB Lowracer

2007-11-22T10:08:00.000+01:00

26-01-08
The frame is finally finished.
The varnish messed up the white paint a little bit but it is now too late to do anything. The derailleur lug has been added and I am now preparing the chain stoppers.
Final weight is 1650g as you see it.

The paint job is underway.

I have started the paint job. I used a polyester clear coat to get a nice finish then I used plastic electric tape as a masking tape for the spray can.
A friend will spray a gloss varnish soon.
The next stage will be bond the idler thread insert.
Stay tuned!

This is the new lowracer frame for Barbara Buatois, the current double world champion. This frame will be dedicated to road racing while her Cobra 'ultra'lowracer will only be used on tracks because it can't be used on bumpy roads.
The frame is build over a polystyrene foam core and covered with a couple of carbon socks (+/-45deg and 0deg). The bottom braket is coming from an old aluminium Mountain bike frame. The front derailleur post is kept for ease of construction and because there is less risk of being damaged by the clamp.
The current weight before painting is 1402g.
The final weight should be about 1500g.

More pictures soon.