Get ready to dive into the world of mountain biking innovation! Today, we're chatting with Cedric Eveleigh, the mastermind behind Lal Bikes and the revolutionary Supre Drive. In an era where mountain biking is embracing its wild roots, the Lal Katana stands out as a true game-changer.
Crafted with precision on the Sunshine Coast, the Katana showcases the unique Supre Drive drivetrain, a brainchild of Cedric and his talented team. After an exhilarating ride, we sat down with Cedric to uncover the story behind this groundbreaking invention.
The Birth of Supre Drive
Cedric's journey began with a simple yet powerful idea: to create a suspension system that would revolutionize the mountain biking experience. From concept to 3D design, and finally to a physical machine, the Katana embodies the cool cycle of innovation. But the Supre Drive didn't stop there; it found its way onto the Nicolai, a moment Cedric recalls as truly special.
Unveiling the Magic of Supre Drive
The Supre Drive isn't just about looks; it's a technological marvel. By moving the derailleur away from the ground, it becomes stronger, more durable, and less prone to breakage. But that's not all; it also reduces unsprung weight, shifting it to the bike's center for a smoother ride. The unique chain geometry further enhances stability, reducing chain slap and ensuring a quiet, composed ride.
A Moment of Learning
Working with Nicolai, Cedric learned something fascinating. The ability to swap out the swing arm and experiment with different drivetrains revealed an unexpected benefit. The Supre Drive not only offered increased durability but also improved handling, making the bike a joy to ride.
Challenging Tradition
But why challenge a century-old tradition? Cedric's drive to invent and question social norms led him to tackle the age-old issue of derailleur breakdowns. From high school tinkering to designing a pinion gearbox, his journey was fueled by a desire for a more reliable and efficient drivetrain.
The Future of Mountain Biking
With multiple innovations in the works, from belt-driven designs to improved drivetrains, the future of mountain biking looks bright. Cedric believes there's room for diverse designs, especially for downhill riding, where gearboxes and belts make perfect sense.
The Versatile Katana
Lal's first bike, the Katana, is a 130mm/150mm trail bike with a high pivot, offering the feel of a 140/150 or 150/150 in rough terrain. It's a versatile machine, capable of tackling gnarly trails and long-distance XC rides, all while being incredibly efficient.
A Team Effort
With just three members, the Lal Bikes team wears many hats. From designing and building the bike in-house to mastering steel and carbon fiber, they've got it all covered. Alex, the carbon fiber wizard, brings his unique background and expertise to the table, ensuring every aspect of the bike is top-notch.
The Sunshine Coast Advantage
Based on the Sunshine Coast, Lal Bikes enjoys the best of both worlds. While being close to industry hubs like Squamish and North Van, they also benefit from the loamy trails and peaceful waterfront areas. The ferry system keeps the trails in pristine condition, making it an ideal location for their operations.
A Sweeper Story
But Lal Bikes isn't just about mountain bikes; they've also developed an innovative bike lane sweeper. Inspired by a local cycling advocacy group, the sweeper aims to improve maintenance along bike lanes and highways. With its electrically powered brush, it's a cost-effective and eco-friendly solution, a true game-changer for municipalities.
The Future of Supre Drive
The Katana is more than just a bike; it's a showcase for the Supre Drive. Cedric's goal is to get as many Supre Drives out into the world, and he's open to collaborating with anyone who shares his vision. The Katana is the first step, a tool to demonstrate the drive's potential and pave the way for wider adoption.
