RollerRace

Description of a device which allows up to four cyclist to hold a roller race.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Bicycle
• Roller
• Race

[csc104]

I am building a printed circuit board to incorporate everything in the beige box. My initial order would be for 5 boards. I think that I could sell a working system for about $100-$200. This would include the electronics, four cables with sensors, USB cable, battery, and PC side software. The new version runs on Windows through a USB interface. You would need to provide the PC and a data project is a good idea.

[fpmesijr]

Very interesting, we justed talked about roller races not to long ago, so your timing is great, the system is really interesting, we use to race with speedo cable attached to little wheels connected to the roller band it was great since we had to rotating dials and we did 1000m sprints, best times were around 40 sec. any i hope to come down, are the saddle adjustible for leg length, cnn we bring our own bikes down, what is the gear limit. thanks

[csc104]

Glad you enjoyed. The mechanical pick-up is the weak point. Once the IR sensors are positioned correctly, they are rock solid. We run 48x15 fix geared bike with toe clips and straps. Best 500 meter times are around 22 seconds. Best 1000 meter times are around 48 seconds - ouch. If there is interest I could spin some PCBs. My prototype cost around $150. Finding the time is the biggest constraint.

[sterbaln]

Pretty damm cool. Good way to work out in the winter.

[csc104]

We set the system up the other day at my LBS and did some practice races. Keeping your bike steady at max speed on the rollers was a challenge as the bike wants to hop right off the rollers. The system is much more fun when people are competing on it. We are holding an event in Erie PA on Jan 25th and hope to see all the local riders come out.

[ftspaulmitchel]

thats awesome, but do you think youll make one for the mac platform?

[VeloTiger]

Chris - What is the status of this project. Do you have time to build another unit?

Thanks!

[rscopper6]

Nice, I made the same thing back in '06 and entered it into a Circuit Cellar contest.

[xMazzazz]

Chris! It's Tony Jr. I may just have to attend that event. It looks like a blast. I have been riding for a while now and I already feel I'm where I left off last year which is pretty exciting. Hope to see you there!