The Absurdly Lightweight Trek Emonda: Harry MacFarlane’s Wildly Modified Bike for British Hill Climb Nationals

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Overall Context:

This code snippet represents the HTML for a series of images displayed in an article. The images depict a hill climb bike belonging to someone named Harry mac. The article appears to be a detailed look at the components and setup of this bike.

Image Details (Based on the repeated structure):

Each image is presented within a <figure> element. This includes:

* <picture> element: This is a modern way to provide multiple image sources with different resolutions (using the <source> tag) to optimize for different screen sizes and potentially different image formats (like WebP).
* srcset attribute in <img> tag: this lists the different image files available, along with their widths (e.g., 1200w, 1024w, 970w, etc.). The browser will choose the most appropriate image based on the screen size and resolution.
* sizes attribute in <img> tag: This tells the browser how much space the image will take up on the screen. For example, (min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px) means:
* If the screen width is 1000px or greater, the image will be displayed at 970px wide.
* Otherwise,the image will take up the full viewport width (100vw) minus 40px of padding.
* loading="lazy" attribute: This tells the browser to only load the image when it’s near the viewport, improving page load performance.
* src attribute in <img> tag: This is the default image source if the browser doesn’t support the <picture> element or the srcset attribute.
* alt attribute: Provides choice text for the image (e.g., “Harry Mac’s hill climb bike”). Important for accessibility.
* <figcaption> element: This contains the caption for the image. It includes:
* caption-text: The actual caption text describing the image’s content (e.g., “As the bike uses SRAM Red eTap there’s no need for internal cable routing, so the ports have been blanked out.”).
* credit: The photographer/source of the image (e.g., “(Image credit: Will Jones)”).

Specific Image Descriptions (based on the captions):

1. First Image: Shows the overall bike, highlighting that the use of SRAM Red eTap means there is no need for internal cable routing. The cable ports are therefore blanked off.
2. Second Image: Focuses on the shifters, showing a small square of grip tape added to each paddle.This helps with finding the shifters during the intense exertion of hill climbing.
3. Third Image: More details that are not fully visible in the provided snippet.

Key Takeaways:

* Performance Optimization: The code uses the <picture> element and srcset and sizes attributes to deliver the optimal image size and format for the user’s device, improving page load speed.
* Accessibility: The alt attribute provides descriptive text for screen readers and users who can’t see the images.
* Detailed bike Build: The article is a technical look at a specialized bike and its component choices. It seems to focus on features and modifications made for hill climbing.
* Professional Photography: The images are credited to Will Jones.

If you want me to analyze something specific about this code, just let me know. for example, I can help you understand the responsive image sizing more deeply, or discuss the implications of using WebP images.

What specific weight-saving modifications were made to the drivetrain, and how did these choices impact performance during the hill climb?

Harry MacFarlane’s victory at the 2024 British National Hill climb Championships wasn’t just a testament to his incredible climbing prowess; it was a showcase for a meticulously crafted, unbelievably lightweight Trek Emonda.This wasn’t a stock bike. It was a project born from a relentless pursuit of marginal gains, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with a modern road bike. This article dives deep into the specifics of MacFarlane’s Emonda, exploring the components, modifications, and the ideology behind building a hill climb weapon. We’ll cover everything from frame selection to tire pressure, offering insights for cyclists interested in optimizing their own bikes for climbing performance.

The foundation: Trek Emonda & Lightweight Philosophy

The Trek Emonda is already known as Trek’s lightest platform, a key starting point for MacFarlane’s build. Choosing the Emonda SLR 9 frame was crucial. This isn’t simply about having a light bike; it’s about achieving the best power-to-weight ratio. Every gram saved translates to faster ascents, especially on the steep gradients of a hill climb.

* Emonda SLR 9 Frame Weight: Approximately 750-800 grams (depending on size).

* Carbon Fiber Construction: Trek’s 500 Series OCLV Carbon provides an excellent balance of stiffness and compliance.

* Internal cable Routing: Minimizes aerodynamic drag and contributes to a cleaner aesthetic.

MacFarlane’s approach wasn’t just about selecting a lightweight frame; it was about stripping away everything unnecessary. The goal was to build a bike that responded instantly to every pedal stroke, with minimal rotational weight.

component Breakdown: A Deep Dive into Weight savings

The modifications to MacFarlane’s Emonda went far beyond the frame. Every component was scrutinized for weight and performance.

Groupset: Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 – Optimized for Simplicity

While many riders opt for the latest 12-speed groupsets, MacFarlane’s Emonda utilizes a Shimano dura-Ace Di2 11-speed groupset.This wasn’t a backward step, but a calculated decision.

* Weight Reduction: 11-speed components are generally lighter than their 12-speed counterparts.

* Reliability: Dura-Ace Di2 is renowned for its precision and reliability, crucial in a demanding event like the National Hill Climb.

* Cassette Choice: A narrow-range cassette (11-28t) was selected to provide optimal gear spacing for the challenging climbs.

The front derailleur was removed entirely, converting the setup to a 1x drivetrain. This further reduced weight and simplified shifting, eliminating the possibility of chain drops on steep inclines.

Wheels: Lightweight Carbon – The Biggest Impact

the wheels are arguably the moast significant contributor to a bike’s weight and performance. MacFarlane’s Emonda featured a custom build utilizing lightweight carbon rims.

* Rim Depth: Shallow profile rims (around 25-30mm) were chosen for their aerodynamic efficiency and stability in crosswinds.

* Hubs: Lightweight hubs with ceramic bearings minimize friction and maximize efficiency.

* Tire Choice: Continental Competition ProVelo tires, known for their low rolling resistance and grip, were used.Tire pressure was meticulously adjusted for optimal performance on the course.

The total wheelset weight was estimated to be under 1200 grams – a ample saving compared to standard road wheels.

Cockpit & Finishing Kit: Minimalist Approach

Every component on the cockpit was selected with weight in mind.

* Handlebars & Stem: Lightweight carbon fiber components from brands like ENVE or Lightweight.

* Seatpost: Carbon fiber seatpost, further reducing weight and improving ride comfort.

* Saddle: A minimalist saddle, prioritizing