A guy who goes by the name “Hambini” posted results of an aerodynamic cycling wheel study. FLO wheels performed poorly in that study. After the study published, FLO and many others had questions about Hambini’s testing protocol—primarily because of the details omitted from his post.
Hambini answered some questions but avoided others. A couple months later, out of nowhere, Hambini posted the following on his website:
Follow Up…Letters from Lawyers
Shortly after writing this blog post, I received a letter from a firm of solicitors representing FLO cycling which was addressed to the HR department of my employer. They complained this page depicted their wheels in a poor light, the test protocol was not openly published and they did not like the statement that they had a limited understanding of the aerodynamics of rotating objects. They wanted their power figures removed from the data along with threats of court action. Furthermore, they requested I was dismissed from my Engineering position for misuse of company resources.
It should be noted that FLO Cycling have a somewhat questionable strategy of paying prominent forum members in a number of popular cycling/tri forums to endorse their products. They usually do this under the premise of free or heavily discounted wheels.
FLO cycling’s behaviour has been disappointing as when the wheels were originally tested and an issue was found, FLO were contacted. This was 2 months prior to the data being uploaded. Once the data had been uploaded, they were first to comment and question every aspect of the testing in surgical detail.
The truth is, no one from FLO Cycling, nor anyone representing FLO Cycling, sent a letter to Hambini or his employer’s HR department.
After the above statement was posted on Hambini’s website, we contacted him to let him know that we did not send the letter. We figured an amicable conversation would resolve the issue. Unfortunately, it did not.
We informed Hambini that we were being falsely represented and requested a copy of the letter, so we could identify who sent it. Hambini has flat out refused to cooperate in any way.
What’s odd, is Hambini continues to insist we sent the letter but refuses to provide any proof the letter is real.
We’re not the only targets either. Michelle Arthurs-Brenna, a female journalist has been harassed by Hambini as well. We’ve shared her blog post about it here. Treatment of others like this is something we cannot support.