The TSpeed Bike Project

A former RACV EB participant is embarking on a quest to find out whether you could ride a HPV to work & to build Australia's (and hopefully the World's) fastest HPV.

The project is called the TSpeed Bike Project and is being led by future Product Design Engineer, Tristan Wright. Tristan wants your input to make sure this project has the 'Wright stuff' (sorry, we couldn't help ourselves).

About Tristan

Tristan was first introduced to human powered vehicles and the RACV Energy Breakthrough when he was in year 9 at the Woodleigh School. Woodleigh were enjoying a purple patch and the infectious nature of the design, construction and racing elements of the event caught him with both hands.

After school he joined the Trisled Racing Team and has enjoyed some great success including winning the Australian International Pedal Prix in Murray Bridge in 2003.

Tristan is now studying Product Design Engineering at Swinburne (Final Year), which he believes is a perfect course for people who want to go further down the path of HPV development
"I got into course because of of human powered vehicles, the RACV EB and an interest in design and engineering." Tristan said.

As part of his final year, Tristan is undertaking a research and design project looking at transportation, people's commuting habits and the feasibility of hpvs as everyday vehicles.

The project will also look at what elements - when combined - would create the fastest possible vehicle.
It will encompass the design requirements of

• 3 wheeled transport hpvs,
• 24Hr 3 wheeled hpvs, and
• 2 or 3 wheeled speed record hpvs.

Tristan has a deep knowledge of Speed Record vehicles and aims to have a speed bike prototype rolling by the completion of the project in November - just in time to show it off at the RACV EB.

Somewhat surprisingly, Tristan has enlisted someone else to do the 'fun part': the riding.
Steele Von Hoff - who blew away all comers at the start of the 2007 Casey Cycling Festival - will be suiting up when the speed bike is eventually race ready.

Timeline

Now - End of Semester 1: Consultation, research and inital vehicle concepts
Semester 2: Development of moulds and parts
November 2008: Fully designed on paper, possible prototype of speed bike completed.

We'll be keeping an eye on the TSpeed Bike project and wish Tristan and all involved the best of luck!

Consultation & Research Phase

The research and consultation phase aims to tap into the enormous bank of knowledge out there amongst HPV students, teachers, riders, parents and race organisers.
There a three ways you can contribute to the consultation phase:

1. Complete the Online Survey
   It's a quick and easy survey that takes under 10 minutes to complete and is really applicable to anyone who commutes - by bike, trike, car or public transport.
   
   
2. Contribute to the Online Forum
   Discussions cover design philosphies and recommendations and spaces to upload your drawings or photos.
   
   
3. Directly discuss the project with Tristan ( info[at]tspeedbike.com or 0401 858 662)
   

More Information
For full project info or to sign-up as a partner, advisor or sponsor, head to the TSpeed Bike website.

The TSpeed Bike site has been designed and developed by Duncan Wood - a former Berwick SC builder & racer who now volunteers for the Casey Cycling Festival and RACV EB.