The Evolution of the Bike

EVENT INFORMATION

Humans Did Not Evolve To Ride Bikes. So Why Do We? And Can We Do It Better?

On a perfect day, with the right equipment, cycling a modern bicycle feels almost supra-natural. A fabulous contraption that alchemises staccato, discombobulated limbs into a jet stream of smooth forward motion.

But consider the modern human genome (you and me), is around a quarter of a million years old, and the modern ‘safety’ bicycle design, nearly one hundred and forty years old. The question remains therefore, is the apparent synergy between a caveman and Victorian invention providentially perfect? Or is bicycle design essentially flawed, and therefore only exists in a largely unchanged form, for other political reasons?

Phil Cavell is co-founder of Cyclefit, formed fifteen years ago, as one of the first organisations in the world devoted to researching and improving cycling biomechanics. Cyclefit works equally with World Champions, Tour de France winners and people who want to ride around the park or to work without their backs or knees hurting.

In this talk, Phil will discuss in some detail:

• How well the modern human genome and modern bicycle are adapted to each other?
• What we can all learn from professional cyclists and Team GB about cycling more efficiently?
• What does modern science tell us about the bike-human relationship
• Cyclefit’s Top Five CyclingTips

Cost: £5 members, £10 guests (all monies to our charity TACT, The Adolescent and Children’s Charity)

Time/Location: 7.00pm, Etruscan Room

Due to the popularity of our events, we are unable to offer refunds