The Evolution Of Electric Derny Bikes: Are They Electric?

The derny bike is a traditional gas-powered motorcycle used to pace cyclists in velodrome races. Derny bikes have been criticised for their air pollution, and electric derny bikes have been introduced as an alternative. However, electric derny bikes have also caused controversy, with some arguing that they go against tradition.

Electric derny bikes are replacing traditional petrol-driven pace machines

The derny is a traditional bike, and some people believe that electric motorbikes would be better. However, they are much more expensive, and given that all tracks have a fleet of perfectly healthy dernys, it would be silly to replace them.

The derny is used to pace riders. The pacing is done by feel, and everything needs to be very gradual. There is no speedometer on the derny.

The silent electric derny bike replaced the traditional petrol-driven pace machine in the London Track World Cup.

Electric derny bikes are more expensive than traditional derny bikes

The electric derny bike is a silent, powerful machine that can lead a pack of very fit cyclists. It eliminates the air pollution caused by gas-powered derny bikes. Despite these advantages, electric derny bikes are much more expensive than traditional derny bikes. Given that many tracks already have a fleet of healthy traditional derny bikes, it may not be cost-effective to replace them with electric derny bikes.

The electric derny bike is started differently from traditional derny bikes, which have no electric starter and must be bump-started by running along and leaning on the bike. The electric derny bike, on the other hand, is likely to have an electric starter, making it easier to operate.

Overall, while electric derny bikes offer some benefits over traditional derny bikes, their higher cost makes them less accessible to some cyclists and tracks.

Electric derny bikes are quieter than traditional derny bikes

The use of electric derny bikes has caused some controversy within the cycling community. While some people argue that electric motorbikes would be better for pacing, they are much more expensive than traditional derny bikes. Additionally, all tracks already have a fleet of healthy derny bikes, so it would be costly to replace them with electric alternatives.

Despite the controversy, electric derny bikes have been used in some competitions, such as the London Track World Cup, where the Elmoto HR-2 e-Derny was used. Electric derny bikes offer a more environmentally friendly and quieter alternative to traditional derny bikes, but the high cost of replacing existing fleets may slow their adoption.

Electric derny bikes are better for the environment than traditional derny bikes

The Optibike is one example of an electric derny bike that is powerful enough to lead a pack of cyclists and replace the traditional motorcycle derny. It was first used at the London Track World Cup, where it replaced the traditional petrol-driven pace machine.

While electric derny bikes are more expensive than traditional derny bikes, they offer a more sustainable option for cycling events. They are also safer for riders, as they do not produce the same level of air pollution as gas-powered bikes.

Some people may argue that traditional derny bikes are an integral part of the sport's tradition and should be preserved. However, it is important to prioritise the health and well-being of riders and spectators, as well as the environment. Electric derny bikes offer a more sustainable and healthier alternative to traditional derny bikes, and their use should be encouraged to reduce the environmental impact of cycling events.

Electric derny bikes are used by the GB track squad

The derny bike itself does not have an electric starter; it must be bump-started by running along, leaning on the bike to stop the back wheel from skipping, and then letting the clutch out. Pacing on a derny bike is done by feel rather than by a speedometer, and the rider must be careful not to give too much throttle and leave the cyclist behind.

The Optibike is one example of an electric derny bike that has been used in competitions. It is powerful enough to lead a pack of very fit cyclists and was featured in the London Track World Cup, where it replaced the traditional petrol-driven pace machine.

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