Training Bikes

Jez and David have between them, ridden hundreds of brands of bicycle, from custom made exotica to entry level mass market models and chose the Cayo from the Focus range specifically for its superb all round balance and comfort. Stiff enough to be efficient but relaxed enough to deal with regular 10-12 hour rides the Cayo has never put a foot wrong and is extremely durable.

Project 7 Racing covers up to 30,000 kilometres of training per year and each rider has customised their Focus Cayo to suit style, comfort and tandem position as closely as can be achieved.

The all year round choice of model is the Focus Cayo, suitably kitted out for big mileage.

Technical Specifications

David's Cayo is tweaked with lighter wheels during summer and the removal or SKS race blade mudguards but essentially standard with the exception of a Rotor self aligning bottom bracket and Aiglis chainset. This is fitted with 39/53 Rotor Q-rings set to medium cadence position. David has used Rotor rings successfully for the last 3 years and the early decision to adopt the elliptical system on Rocket 1 means that as stoker, David must train as well as race with them. Jez retains the standard round Ultegra chainset in compact guise.

As well as workhorse, the team's Focus Cayos have to be test mules and nowhere is this more vital than in testing of saddles and tyres. At present jez is running a San Marco Rolls whilst David uses Focus' own brand saddle as supplied on the bike as original spec. These are exactly the same saddles as used during record attempts.

Tyres are provided by German manufacturer Schwalbe for both solos and tandem.

Wheel sets are provided by sponsor Paligap with both riders using Power tap metering systems. This has totally changed the way the riders train providing huge insights for coach Colin Bachelor into where and when consistent power is being delivered during ultra long rides.

Much of the hard graft is done during winter and both riders live in harsh riding environments so safety is as important as comfort.

Lighting is vital on long winter rides and outstanding illumination is by Exposure lighting system courtesy of the integrated Toro front and Red-Eye rear lamps. A nice feature of the Exposure system is the remote dip switching for oncoming traffic that can be mounted anywhere on the bars, in David's case FSA shallow drop 42mm.