Longtermers: Simon Smythe's Hotta TT700 time trial bike

In the latest in our series that lifts the lid on Cycling Weekly staff members' own bikes, tech writer Simon Smythe explains why his Nineties Hotta is still outstanding in its field

Longtermers Hotta
(Image credit: Daniel Gould/Cycling Weekly)

A Nineties carbon monocoque superbike probably seems like an odd choice of trusty steed or longtermer, but this Hotta and I have been together for over a decade and a half. We’re growing old together, but one of us is ageing a lot better than the other.

The Hotta is just as black, streamlined and lightweight as it was the day I first set eyes on it. If anything, the further the ‘monocoque era’ recedes into the past, the more strikingly futuristic it looks. I’m not aware of any pictures in the attic (just old bikes, of course) or deals with the devil.

Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1