Blackbird

Our hero is on the Proving Grounds with the new steed, Blackbird...

Zounds! Traffic ahead: a mix of pedestrians and roller-bladers, cluttered like bovines. Our hero sits upright and brakes quickly. Slowly gliding, winding his way through the mob, he sees broad daylight ahead: the flat, open path.

It is finally time to see what this thing can do. After selecting a good gear, he assumes the aero position and starts to work the pedals. The crank moves slowly at first but the bike is responsive. The fusion begins, with tendons and titanium joining together in an inorganic, Newtonian union. Before long, man and machine are one: the bike actually surges ahead with every downforce. Seconds later, the trees are a blur; startled birds flee; the murmuring, admiring voices of the mob fade as the wind roars.

At about 85% of max exertion, our hero glances down to check the speedo: 25 mph.

Easing back in the saddle, he coasts. "Not bad," he thinks, "not bad at all."