home > news > news archive > 1 Apr 2009

BPCC News

Apollo Racing sign revolutionary spoke deal

New team, new deal, new spokes, new metal...
01 April 2009

New team Apollo Racing have signed a spoke sponsorship deal with a leading components manufacturer, which includes a unique opportunity to sample new development products before they reach market.

Wheel builder Antony Hawkins said, "This is a fantastic deal for us. Spokes aren't the cheapest thing when you need nearly 150 just to get the car rolling and another 150 sat in the pits as spares, for each car, so having a supplier on board is great.

"Better still, pedal car racing puts unique stresses and strains on spokes that most bicycle applications simply don't, so it's an ideal testing ground for new developments. Frustratingly we can't reveal the company name as some of these developments are still secret at this stage.

"Initially, we're most excited by a new material our supplier has developed, which is a revolutionary alloy of stainless steel and titanium. Called 'Litanium', it's no heavier than a steel spoke, but it's far, far, stronger, so we don't need to use as many to build a wheel that's just as strong as a normal 36-spoke.

"So far we've managed to get the required number of spokes down to 12, which is a 75% weight saving, but we're hoping future developments and a revised spoking pattern will allow us to drop at least another 3 spokes from the build by the time we get to Shenington.

Litanium spokes allow a 75% weight saving

Powered by Web Wiz Site News version 3.06
Copyright ©2001-2002 Web Wiz Guide

Need bike type stuff? Try our affiliates (What is this?):

- Site Terms and Conditions | Site sponsors | Contact us -

- Top of page -