{"id":343343,"date":"2025-12-13T21:19:12","date_gmt":"2025-12-13T21:19:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/343343\/"},"modified":"2025-12-13T21:19:12","modified_gmt":"2025-12-13T21:19:12","slug":"could-this-open-source-tt-rider-model-transform-cycling-aerodynamics-plus-islabikes-makes-a-mini-comeback-4iiii-power-meters-now-come-fitted-on-numerous-cube-bikes-more","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/343343\/","title":{"rendered":"Could this open-source TT rider model transform cycling aerodynamics? Plus Islabikes makes a mini comeback, 4iiii power meters now come fitted on numerous Cube bikes + more"},"content":{"rendered":"

This week\u2019s tech round-up covers the latest in cycling innovation. A new open-source time-trial mannequin for aero research, Cube\u2019s 2026 bikes featuring 4iiii power meters, and Islabikes\u2019 limited bike release, which marks something of a comeback for the popular British kid’s bike brand. Plus, Geraint Thomas gets a collectible mini cyclist pack, Muc-Off opens its Girona Performance Lab, and SKS expands its urban bag range. Let’s take a closer look…<\/p>\n

Could this open-source time-trial cyclist model transform aero research?<\/p>\n

\"20262026 Generic Cyclist Model mannequin (credit: Wouter Terra LinkedIn)<\/p>\n

Cycling aerodynamics research often relies on rider mannequins, but most of them sit behind closed doors. Now, that could shift as aerodynamics researcher Wouter Terra and a multi-university team have released a fully open-source male cyclist mannequin in a time-trial position, known as the Generic Cyclist Model, “developed to support and advance aerodynamic research in cycling”.<\/p>\n

The project\u2019s aim is to introduce and openly share two anthropometrically realistic cyclist models, one in a time-trial position and one in a sprint position. More than a year after releasing the first version<\/a>, the team has now made the complete rider geometry publicly available.<\/a><\/p>\n

To create the model, 14 male elite cyclists were body-scanned, with their data averaged into a single geometry. This was then 3D-printed into a physical mannequin suitable for wind-tunnel use.<\/p>\n

\"20262026 Generic Cyclist Model mannequin TT and sprint position (credit: Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics)<\/p>\n

What\u2019s it useful for? Terra says the model can be used to build your own wind-tunnel mannequin, validate CFD simulations against wind-tunnel measurements, or adjust and modify rider posture to study aerodynamic effects, and the full dataset is free to download.<\/p>\n

While large brands likely have their own facilities, this open-source model gives smaller companies and independent teams a benchmark for testing equipment, accessories and clothing. In theory, you could even 3D-print your very own life-size mannequin in a TT position\u2026<\/p>\n

Cube adds 4iiii power meters to 2026 performance road, gravel and cyclocross bikes<\/p>\n

\"20262026 Cube Litening Aero C:68X race with 4iiii precision 3+ pro power meter (credit: Cube)<\/p>\n

4iiii and Cube have announced a new partnership that will see 4iiii power meters fitted as standard on several of Cube\u2019s 2026 performance bikes across road, gravel and cyclocross.<\/p>\n

Power meters<\/a> are no longer just for pros and have moved from niche tech to a widely adopted piece of kit, so this integration means riders will have access to training data straight out of the box.<\/p>\n

The 4iiii Precision is a crank-based power meter and the single-sided Precision 3+ will come on models including the Agree C:62 Race, Agree C:62 SLT, Nuroad C:62 Race, and Cross Race C:68X TE Teamline. The top-tier Litening Aero C:68X Race<\/a> will get the dual-sided Precision 3+ Pro. Both the Precision 3+ and 3+ Pro are rated to +\/-1% accuracy and feature Apple’s Find My integration.<\/a><\/p>\n

\"20262026 4iiii precision 3+ pro power meter (credit: Cube)<\/p>\n

Andy Sollfrank at Cube Bikes says, \u201cThis partnership brings together two brands with a
shared focus on performance and innovation. By integrating 4iiii power meters into our
flagship road bikes, we\u2019re combining CUBE\u2019s engineering heritage with 4iiii\u2019s expertise in power measurement. The result is a race-ready package that gives our riders access to precise, proven technology – further strengthening our commitment to delivering bikes that perform at the highest level.\u201d<\/p>\n

Head over to Cube’s website<\/a> for more information.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Is children’s bike manufacturer Islabikes making a comeback?\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"20262026 Islabikes Cnoc 16 bike (credit: Islabikes)<\/p>\n

At the end of 2023, much-loved children\u2019s bike manufacturer Islabikes ended sales and production after 18 years,<\/a> continuing only with spare parts. Now, there\u2019s a glimmer of a return as Islabikes has announced a limited release of brand-new Cnoc starter bikes in time for Christmas.<\/p>\n

Founder Isla Rowntree said \u201cOf all our bikes, our Cnoc learner bikes made the biggest difference to a young cyclist. Due to multiple interacting small design details, they are simply easier to learn on than anything else available.”<\/p>\n

\"20262026 Islabikes Cnoc 16 chainglide (credit: Islabikes)<\/p>\n

“Crucially, the least physically confident children benefit the most, making cycling accessible to more abilities. I\u2019ve refined the fit with this latest version, giving each child the benefits of the biggest possible wheel size”, she adds.<\/p>\n

Only limited numbers are available in three models designed for ages 3\u20135 and orders can be placed now at www.islabikes.co.uk.<\/a><\/p>\n

Celebrate Geraint Thomas\u2019 career with six mini collectibles for \u00a3125<\/p>\n

\"20262026 Cycling Souvenirs Geraint Thomas mini collectibles (credit: Cycling Souvenirs)<\/p>\n

Fans of Geraint Thomas can now commemorate his career with the Geraint Thomas Legacy Mini Cyclist Pack. The set includes six hand-painted figures representing key moments from his career – his Barloworld debut and victory at the 2014 Commonwealth Games for Wales, Team Sky British Road Race Championship, classic Team Sky jersey, Tour de France yellow jersey, and final season with Ineos Grenadiers – though\u00a0they seem to have left out his signature sunnies.<\/p>\n

\"20262026 Cycling Souvenirs Geraint Thomas mini collectibles (credit: Cycling Souvenirs)<\/p>\n

These miniatures are made from Zamak cast metal (a zinc alloy) and measure approximately 5 x 5 x 2cm. Originally created in France in the 1950s as part of a cycling game, they quickly became collector\u2019s items. Special edition sets like this one are hand-painted by UK artists.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re a true G fan, this set will cost you\u00a0\u00a3125<\/a> \u2013 or it could make a great last-minute Christmas gift.<\/p>\n

SKS expands urban range with new trunkbags for commuters<\/p>\n

\"20262026 SKS Infinity Urban Trunkbag (credit: SKS)<\/p>\n

SKS may be best known for its mudguards, but the German brand is expanding its urban range with two new commuter bags: the Infinity Urban Trunkbag (\u20ac79.99) and the expandable Trunkbag XL (\u20ac109.99).<\/p>\n

Both are made from water-repellent materials and are designed to fit onto the SKS Infinity Universal carrier<\/a>, while also being compatible with standard luggage racks.<\/p>\n

\"20262026 SKS Infinity Urban Trunkbag XL (credit: SKS)<\/p>\n

The Infinity Urban Trunkbag is designed for commuting or day-to-day city riding, while the Trunkbag XL offers added versatility with its main compartment and fold-out side pockets. \u201cOur aim was to combine functionality and flexibility,\u201d says Product Manager Nikolas Bosen. \u201cBoth bags are true all-rounders, ideal for the demands of modern urban mobility.\u201d<\/p>\n

The new trunk bags are available now from select retailers and through the SKS Germany OrangeStore.<\/a><\/p>\n

Muc-Off launches Performance Lab in the “go-to base for road and gravel riders”<\/p>\n

\"20262026 Muc-Off Performance Lab Girona (credit: Muc-Off)<\/p>\n

Described as the “house of speed”, Muc-Off has teamed up with Velodrom to launch its new Performance Lab in the centre of Girona, one of Europe’s cycling hotspots. The lab offers “high-performance bicycle servicing and precision bike maintenance”, including drivetrain cleaning, tubeless conversions and ceramic coatings.<\/p>\n

There’s also a retail corner stocked with a range of Muc-Off products. The Performance Lab is open now and the exact location is Carrer de l’Argenteria 9, 17004 Girona – handy to know if you\u2019re heading out for a training camp and need a quick fix or upgrade.<\/p>\n

In case you missed it:<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"This week\u2019s tech round-up covers the latest in cycling innovation. A new open-source time-trial mannequin for aero research,…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":343344,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[445],"tags":[49,48,635,82],"class_list":{"0":"post-343343","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-cycling","8":"tag-ca","9":"tag-canada","10":"tag-cycling","11":"tag-sports"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/343343","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=343343"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/343343\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/343344"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=343343"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=343343"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=343343"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}