Japan Bike Technique 2019
Statistics of participating bicycle specifications

Japan Bike Technique 2019 (JBT2019)
Will explain the specification trends of the participating bicycles.

In addition to the large difference in altitude, each team had a bicycle that reflected various ideas and ideas in order to reliably run through the set route including the descent of rough roads.
There were many examples of adopting front singles and disc brakes.
In many cases, the dynamo was not adopted due to the improved performance of LED lights.
The electrically power assisted bicycle was disadvantageous in terms of weight, but it was advantageous in the climbing section and showed the possibility of a travel bicycle.

Participating team type

– Works
Make own frame (manufacturer)
– Constructor
Externally manufacture the frame and assemble (shop)
– Privateer
Making a bicycle as a side job or hobby (user)

Participating bicycle weight

About 30% of participating bicycles weighed less than 10 kg. On the other hand, most bicycles weigh more than 10 kg due to the influence of travel equipment.
Considering the road surface conditions, it seems that reliability was prioritized over weight. Electric-assisted bicycles were disadvantageous in terms of weight.

Frame material

The frame material used was steel except for one team.
One team (03 NAGARA) used carbon for the front triangle, while steel was used for the chain stay and seat stay.

Fork material

In contrast to the frame, carbon fiber is often used for the forks.
In particular, all bicycles that used disc brakes and through axles used carbon forks.

Brake type

More than half of the brakes used disc brakes. Half of the bicycles that use discs are hydraulic, while half are mechanical. It seems that reliability was taken into consideration.
On the other hand, except for one lightweight bicycle that weighs less than 10 kg, the caliper type was adopted. The team (17 Cycle Sports) that weighs less than 10 kg while adopting hydraulic discs is wonderful.

Shifter type

Most shifters are index type. Lightweight bicycles are often used with the W lever type. In addition, the adoption of electric type was also conspicuous.
On the other hand, applaud the fierce man (09 c-Speed) who participated in fixed gear (although it is not common).
There was also an example (07 Silk) that adopted a special index shifter because it disliked the weight increase of the shifter.

Chainsets Type

An example of adopting a single gear specification for the Chainsets (crankset) was conspicuous. It accounted for two-thirds of the participating bicycles. This seems to be the result of the multi-stage and wide ratio of the rear sprocket and the adoption of the rear derailleur that supports the huge rear sprocket.
It seems that omitting the front transmission mechanism (FD and inner gear of shifter and chain ring) is advantageous from the viewpoint of weight reduction and reliability.

Mudguard type

80% of the vehicles used mudguards. This seems to be the result of complying with the regulations. However, in some bicycles that adopted a full-size mudguard, the surface of the mudguard itself was covered with dirt.
There was also a bicycle that aimed for a substantial effect by combining a small mudguard and a bag.

Generator adoption status

Less than 20% of bicycles used a generator. In the background is the advancement of battery lights that use LEDs. Even if it is disadvantageous in scoring, it seems to be the result of emphasizing weight and reliability.
On the other hand, all bicycles equipped with a generator used the HUB dynamo.
The case (04 GrandBois) that utilized the eddy current generated by the rotation of the aluminum material rim attracted interest.

Wheel size

Wheel sizes are only 700c and 650b. There was no j-bicycle that adopted 26 inches (HE and 650A).
It seems that the tire choices that accompany the trend shift (26in → 650b) have an effect.
It seems that the spread of 700c gravel tires is also having an effect.