Scope, the developer of the Atmoz system, argues that you can gain 30 watts by increasing or decreasing the tire pressure depending on whether you are driving on the asphalt or cobblestones. Can that make the difference between winning and losing?
“If the system works well and it doesn’t weigh too much, then it certainly can,” says José De Cauwer. “If you can increase the tire pressure after a cobblestone section, it will drive more smoothly anyway. Conversely, you also drive more smoothly on the cobblestones with lower pressure.”
“A disadvantage is that you have to drag the system for 250 kilometers. This is not about 30 grams or so, but a few 100 grams.”
“I am very curious, really looking forward to it. I had hoped to visit today to see how it works, but that is not possible at the moment. We also have to wait and see if they will actually work with it.” to ride.”
It is striking that new developments are often saved for Paris-Roubaix. “Actually, that’s not a good time to try something out. The product should be ready by then.”
“Just think of the “women’s bike” with which Museeuw and co once rode Roubaix. That was not the right choice.”
“In any case, special needs bicycles are already ridden in Roubaix: a longer wheelbase, a different angle for the front fork, larger tires with less pressure,… The weather also plays a role in the choice of materials.”
The system may prove its worth in Roubaix, but may not provide an advantage in every price. “But for cyclocross it could make a big difference in the future, for example if you drive through the sand.”
“But first we need to see how it works effectively. Is there enough air in the cartridges to constantly increase the pressure? I’m really curious!”
