BIG RING ALERT!

[Andy E]

Some of the pointy hat brigade may already be familiar with this lunatic.. Here's Nick Bowdler in action at the National 50, with his 73 tooth chainring
[img]http://i38.tinypic.com/33oksua.jpg[/img]

It obviously works as he appears 3 times on this page of the fastest times (CTT website). 18 for a 20, 49 for a 25 and 1.39 for a 50
http://www.cyclingtimetrials.org.uk/...200801#Archive

[mrP(Boonen)VT]

He is awesome - he overtook me in the 50 when he did that 1:39 and I was doing 35mph at the time. What is strange is that because his legs are moving so slowly, he doesn't seem to be going fast
Guru P

[Andrew G]

A non-conformist . I thought he was up to a bigger (77 tooth) chainring but I'm probably wrong (or maybe it was a lumpy course ).

It has certainly worked for him this year as he is the BBAR (British Best All Rounder) with:
50 = 1:39:02
100 = 3:37:52
12hr = 289.84
An average speed in the competition of 27.329mph!!!

I was looking forward to seeing his big ring ( ) at the National 12hr but he was a DNS so I missed the chance .

[Daniel Gee]

How does he avoid sawing through the chainstay?

Does he have an extrawide BB; if yes how the hell does the chain stay on?

why isn't he wearing white socks?

[Andrew G]

How does he avoid sawing through the chainstay?
[color=#000080]Think he's had problems in the past but can't remember how he's solved it (was something on the TT forum ages ago). He has to join 2 chains together to get one long enough.[/color]
why isn't he wearing white socks?
[color=#000080]They must he hiding underneath his silver oversocks .[/color]
How long does it take him to get up to speed?
[color=#000080]Not long judging by the time he finishes with .[/color]
I read an explanation he gave on a forum once and his theory is something to do with bio-mechanics and natural preferred movement I think. Small slower rotational movements being more natural and efficient or something (think they're only 165 cranks too). Probably working in a similar way to Obree using a very narrow BB as the most natural position for your feet to be in when cycling. Whatever it is, it has certainly worked well for him.