For anyone who wants to come for a little paddle in my think tank, I thought I’d just run this up the flag pole and see who salutes.
STW, using their trade connections, get hold of two bikes, as near identical as possible, except that one is a 26er, the other is a 29er.
They fit a Powertap to the rear wheel of each.
They then do a number of test rides with different routes and riders to compare power outputs.
Now, here’s the good bit…
STW then lend the bikes to someone else to do the same.
This could be someone they trust to borrow two bikes, or it could be someone who has paid a deposit as security.
That person then does their own tests, and passes the bikes on to the next person.
The only condition is that everyone logs their ride by GPS and uploads the results.
So, lets assume STW have done their tests and I’m next on the list.
I send them £3000, or whatever, as security, they send me the bikes.
I ride a local 10 mile loop on one then the other.
I upload the GPS log of both rides to Endomondo or similar.
The next person on the list only lives 20 miles away, so I deliver the bikes to save on postage.
He sends £3000 to STW, I get a £2990 refund to allow for admin and wear & tear.
While I’m there, we both do a short loop on each bike and upload the GPS log.
He then goes on to do his own longer test, then passes the bikes on to the next person.
And so it goes on, gradually accumulating more data.
I’m just using the forum as an effective runway for project take off. We’re a long way from ringfencing the unicorn on this one, but I thought it would be best to bowl a few ideas your way to see if anyone hits a six..