Dan Bigham, a renowned aero innovator and former World Hour Record holder, has taken the world of cycling by storm with his latest creation: a Specialized Shiv TT frame fitted with custom drop handlebars. This bold move challenges the conventional wisdom of using time trial bikes in road races, sparking both awe and debate in the cycling community.
Bigham's decision to experiment with drop-bar TT bikes is driven by the changing landscape of road bike time trial regulations and the flat, motor-racing circuits around East Anglia where he races. He believes that for races like the Lotus Test Track in Norfolk, where averaging close to 50 km/h for an hour with minimal climbing is the norm, aero is everything. Drop bars offer a unique advantage in these scenarios, allowing riders to get away in a break and win through time trial ability.
The technical challenges of incorporating drop bars into a frame and fork designed for flat time-trial base bars and aero extensions were significant. Bigham, through his aero component and optimisation company, WattShop, designed and manufactured a wild-looking solution, turning this pipe dream into reality in a matter of months. This showcases his expertise and innovation in the field of aero bike design.
The implications of Bigham's creation extend beyond the technical aspects. It raises a deeper question about the future of road racing and the potential for aero bikes to become more versatile and adaptable. As the peloton continues to evolve, with faster times and marginal gains from conventional aero road bikes, the idea of using time trial bikes with drop bars in road races becomes more plausible.
In my opinion, Bigham's drop-bar Shiv TT is a fascinating development that challenges our understanding of aero bike design and the rules governing road racing. It highlights the potential for innovation and the importance of pushing boundaries in the pursuit of speed and performance. As the cycling world continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see if other riders and teams follow Bigham's lead and embrace this new approach to optimisation.
