Twan van Gendt | Tokyo 2020 Olympic Bike Check
Photos Twan van Gendt
UCI World Champion, Twan van Gendt and Meybo Bikes have been cooking up something special for the impending Tokyo Olympics … the first Meybo HSX Carbon frame. The new frame is based on the current HSX aluminium frames geometry but its 30% stiffer! Plus, there’s the one big difference that nobody saw coming, it’s compatible with a derailleur! Twan, with the help of Shimano and of course Meybo, have been testing the possibility of adding a gear change option to the frame for some time now, and Twan is now so confident in the result that he will be the first rider to get on an Olympic gate with the ability to shift gears in the first turn …
Now, before someone cries ‘rules’ … the UCI BMX Rules clearly state that ‘Multiple speed gear systems are permitted’ (6.1.079 Version 01.01.2021). While the trio in this development triangle are the first to perfect reliable, race ready, gear shifting on BMX they are not the first to try, we remember both Barry Nobles and Liam Philips testing options in the past. If it works on the biggest stage of them all, expect to see gears become more prevelent in the sport …
While Twan will be the only Dutch rider to have a HSK Carbon Meybo in Tokyo, the new frame will be available to all on July 21st.
When you add the possibility of the gear change and his Red Bull replica Tokyo first straight, Twan may just have tilted the Olympic odds in his favour, maybe … we’ll find out pretty soon …
Meybo HSX Carbon Frame (Fixed Rear End)
SDx Carbon Forks
Shimano Ultegra Disc Brakes
Shimano DXR Cranks
Meybo HSX Carbon Frame (Fixed Rear End)
SDx Carbon Forks
Shimano Ultegra Disc Brakes
Shimano DXR Cranks
Box Components Carbon Seat/Post
SDx Carbon Rims
Vee Factory Ride V.1 Speed Boost Tyres
Box Components Carbon Seat/Post
SDx Carbon Rims
Vee Factory Ride V.1 Speed Boost Tyres
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