Interview with the TT King: Alf Engers was the fastest man in short UK time trials in the 70s and was the man to break the 50 minute barrier for the 25 mile distance. Ed Hood talks to the King about setting that record and the bike for the job.

Interview with the TT King: If you were involved in British cycling in the late 60s and through the 70s, you can't help but know the name Alf Engers. He was fast and innovative with his equipment.

The British have a great love of the idiosyncratic and this enthusiasm for the oddball has extended to bicycle racing. Before British Cycling conquered track racing and Grand Tours fell to British riders, the British had a warm enthusiasm for time trialling. And one of the biggest fishes in this tiny pond was Alf Engers, “The King.”

Ed's Rant: With the British Cycling team unveiling their new Lotus/Hope steed for the Tokyo Olympic Games next year, Ed Hood has had a look at this piece of art and at some of the other 'weird' bikes of the past. Aerodynamic and functional, but also damn nice to look at, what else do you want? Ah yes, UCI approval.

Book Review: Ed Hood's recent autumn break reading list has reawakened some of the best moments from his cycling youth. Like every true British fan, Ed loves time trialing and one of the most famous riders was Alf Engers. Ed offers his review of Paul Jones' book 'I LIKE ALF: 14 Lessons from the Life of Alf Engers' and the legend behind the fast-man.