July 13, 2005: A little bit of Discovery tech

Index to all entries

10 Questions with Scott Daubert, Trek's Team Liaison

SD: The Madone 5.9 usually comes in at 7.2 kilos/15.8 lbs. Lance's SSLx prototype climbing bike weighs just 6.8 kilos/14.96 lbs, the UCI minimum weight for a bike.

SD: On most days they usually run between 7-8 bar/103-118 PSI. On a rainy day they'll usually run 6-7 bar/88-103 PSI. Time Trial wheels usually run 9 bar/132 PSI.

6. Does the team really ride standard Trek bikes? Or are they made custom to the riders' dimensions?

SD: No, but we have consulted Steve on the Aeolus wheel. His knowledge and experience in the wind tunnel really helped us with the design, plus he's a member of the F-One design team.

8. Back in the day bike forks were mostly curved and now they're straight. What's the difference?

SD: The difference is primarily aesthetic but there is some substantial weight savings, too - and the strength increased. It should be noted that the fork offset - also called "rake" - has not changed from the curved to the straight bladed fork.

9. What's the standard cog set for the Discovery Channel team?

Thanks, Scott! That's all for now,

Cheers,
Chris.

Chris will be bringing us daily updates from within Discovery Channel HQ, getting the lowdown from team management. Discovery Channel is the team on everybody's lips at this year's Tour de France. Why? One name - Lance Armstrong. This network of riders and staff previously existed as the US Postal Service Pro Cycling Team, helping Lance win his six Tour de France crowns, and in 2005 they're gunning for a seventh title. Follow the progress of the team here on Cyclingnews.com from 'Behind the Blue Curtain' Australia UK USA