creating the world's fastest road bike with McLaren F1

creating the world’s fastest road bike with McLaren F1
image © steve gallagher

bike manufacturer specialized have collaborated with formula one team McLaren to preview the sequel to ‘venge’, the world’s fastest UCI-legal road bike. requiring a new formula for light weight, stiffness, and aerodynamics, both teams applied their extensive knowledge to materials technology, and manufacturing methods normally reserved for different kinds of racing applications to create a bicycle with unparalleled speed. harnessing data from the wind tunnel, aerodynamic studies were conducted to translate lightweight elements found in the carbon fiber construction of F1 cars. developed using similar F1 simulations that collect telemetry and information with state-of-the art sensors, accelerometers have been attached to the bike provide data of how it rides in real life. mclaren’s virtual testing also helped specialized refine the seat-post for a more efficient design.

interview: jonathan heal, senior stress engineer, mclaren applied technologies
video courtesy specialized bicycles

interview: duncan bradley, design director, mclaren applied technologies
video courtesy specialized bicycles

aerodynamic studies
image courtesy mclaren applied technologies

the first iteration of the ‘specialized mclaren venge’
image courtesy mclaren applied technologies + specialized bicycles

side profile
image courtesy mclaren applied technologies + specialized bicycles

front 3/4 view
image courtesy mclaren applied technologies + specialized bicycles

rear 3/4 view
image courtesy mclaren applied technologies + specialized bicycles

interview: chris d’alusio, director of advanced research & design at specialized
video courtesy specialized bicycles

[h/t] wiredUK