May 6 2012
Exclusive by Steve Smith
graeme obree Image 3
CYCLING hero Graeme Obree hopes to smash the bike speed record – on a 100mph machine made from a burnt-out saucepan.
The Flying Scotsman this week unveiled the bike he is building in his kitchen as he aims to become the world’s fastest pedal-powered human.
Obree – who famously clinched the world hour record in 1993 on a bike made from old washing machine parts – has again turned to the kitchen for inspiration.
He said: “I used an old pot that I had burned so I won’t miss it – it was ideal for what I needed.
“I wanted a light, flat surface for my shoulder supports and it was just sitting under my sink.”
The former 4000m world champion posted photos of the new frame online and told fans: “New bike coming on well.
“All built in the kitchen, even using some traditional kitchen stuff like a pot – recycling!”
Obree, 46, of Ayrshire, started building the machine in February but has refused to reveal the exact design or components in case an opponent steals his ideas.
But he hopes the radical design can power him to 100mph when he flies to the US for his record bid.
He added: “It’s back into the build for the record now. It’s time-consuming as many components are fabricated by hand.”
Obree became an international hero in the 1990s after smashing the world hour record with a revolutionary riding style on his homemade bike Old Faithful.
Some of his bikes are on display in Glasgow’s Riverside Museum and a film was made about his life – The Flying Scotsman starring Jonny Lee Miller.
Obree, who revealed he was gay last year, had battled depression throughout his life and even attempted suicide.
But he has bounced back and is raring to go on his latest cycling challenge.
He said: “My life is great now. I haven’t let my fitness go in the past few years so the record is well within my capabilities.”
Obree – who joked he will call his new machine Pie In The Sky – will fly to Nevada in September to take part in the World Human Powered Speed Challenge.
He hopes to smash the current record of 82.819mph
To read the whole story, visit here: http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/editors-choice/2012/05/06/flying-scotsman-graeme-obree-uses-old-saucepan-to-build-world-record-bid-bike-86908-23849885/
