Whyte Bikes

Invention, design and creation of a unique device to measure the Centre Of Gravity of a bicycle

the brief

Whyte Bikes have been designing ground-breaking MTBs in the UK for 22 years. Borne out of an F1 heritage their machines are reknowned for their performance, based on the real world requirements of competitive and recreational riders. As part of their holistic Total Geometry ethos they asked Lamb Industries to create a unique device for measuring the Centre of Gravity (COG) of any bike.

the design

We started with the aim of creating an accurate, fully traceable test rig. A number of experiments and quick and dirty test rigs, led to the ‘Witch’s Hat’. Based on the principle of stability with 3 points of contact we worked backwards to create a reliable measurement device with load cells. Positioning an awkward shape like a bicycle accurately and repeatably was an important consideration. A custom calibration system and proprietary software means Whyte get the data they need to speed up their R&D and optimise their designs.

“What struck me about Lamb industries is that they took the time to really understand what we were trying to achieve. They were then meticulous in devising a solution. It’s had a profound affect on the way we verify our design principles”

Ed Culley - CEO Whyte Bikes

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