Electric derny bike causes upset at Track World Cup

Silent electric derny bike replaced the traditional petrol-driven pace machine in London Track World Cup. Photos by Andy Jones

The keirin event was definitely lacking something at the UCI Track World Cup round in London at the weekend: the hum of the derny pace bike's motor and accompanying smell of exhaust fumes.

To the upset of many track purists, the UCI unveiled its new electric derny bike in the Lee Valley velodrome over the weekend. The virtually silent, zero-emissions bike marks a break in a decades-old tradition of petrol-engined pace bikes, and some detractors have said its absence in London changed the atmosphere of the keirin races completely.

Of course, the commonsense of using an ageing, fume-belching bike in an enclosed space doesn't sit well in a more health- and environmentally-conscious era - so in comes the German-made Elmoto HR-2 e-Derny bike.

Thankfully, one thing didn't change - the derny was still piloted by the experienced pacer Peter Deary in his traditional black uniform.

electric-derny-Electric-Derney-2

The Elmoto e-Derny is capable of going at 45kmh and has a range of 65km, and costs around £3800

electric-derny-Suspension-assembly

Double shocks on the rear provide suspension over the, er, pan-flat, dead smooth track

electric-derny-Suspension-Assembly-2

Battery compartment is a convenient place for the UCI logos

electric-derny-Rear-Disc-Brake

The motor is encased in the rear hub. Some riders have said they prefer them for training as they can communicate with the pilot more easily without the petrol engine noise

electric-derny-Front-disc

Mountain bike disc brakes

electric-derny-Electric-Derney

The bike looks half-way between a downhill mountain bike and a motocross bike

electric-derny-Display

Display gives you speed and battery level readouts, speed is adjusted via a motorbike-style twist throttle

electric-derny-Keirin-Final

The Elmoto HR-2 e-Derny in action in London at the hands of Peter Deary

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgiltH4U_Xs

Thank you for reading 10 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

Nigel Wynn
Former Associate Editor

Nigel Wynn worked as associate editor on CyclingWeekly.com, he worked almost single-handedly on the Cycling Weekly website in its early days. His passion for cycling, his writing and his creativity, as well as his hard work and dedication, were the original driving force behind the website’s success. Without him, CyclingWeekly.com would certainly not exist on the size and scale that it enjoys today. Nigel sadly passed away, following a brave battle with a cancer-related illness, in 2018. He was a highly valued colleague, and more importantly, n exceptional person to work with - his presence is sorely missed.