Trek introduces Speed Concept time trial bikes

May 25th, 10.  Trek Bicycles launched their Speed Concept line of Trek time trial / triathlon bikes at the time trial stage of the Amgen Tour of California this week.

Trek 2011 Speed Concept ©Trek Bikes

From the Trek Bicycle press release

The new Trek Speed Concept comprises a new aerodynamic profile, a host of new integrated technologies, and the most adjustability of any bike designed for the race against the clock.

"This launch represents the culmination of more than three years of design, engineering, and development," said John Burke, President of Trek Bicycle at the launch.

"The Speed Concept project is the most technologically advanced endeavor Trek has ever undertaken, and I'm proud to say it's resulted in the most advanced bicycle we have ever made," said Burke.

Trek designed the Speed Concept line with three primary design parameters in mind.

"We set out to create the most aerodynamic bike ever designed, hide as much of the bike from the wind as possible, and make sure it fit the broadest range of athletes," said Trek Road and Tri Product Manager Tyler Pilger.

At the center of the Speed Concept's superior aerodynamics is Trek's revolutionary Kammtail tube shape.  The Kammtail Virtual Foil (KVF) is the fastest, most aerodynamic tube shape ever produced for a bicycle.

"Kammtail does three things for the bicycle," said Doug Cusack, Advanced Concepts Engineer at Trek.

"Basically, if you create a longer airfoil and truncate the trailing edge, it tricks the wind into thinking it is still full length, creating a virtual airfoil. The benefit is the virtual air foil effectively bends with crosswinds, maintaining its aerodynamic properties in all types of wind conditions."

"The Kammtail design also allows us to create a tube shape that is stiffer and lighter than traditional aero designs, giving the bike more stability and better cornering," added Cusack.

"This is by far the most aerodynamic bike the world has ever seen," he said.

Lance Armstrong rides the Speed Concept ©Graham Watson / Trek Bikes

"We didn't want to create a bike that was fast only in the wind tunnel under perfect conditions," said Pilger.

"We wanted a bike that had everything tucked neatly into the frame design that a rider needs to race Ironman. Hidden brakes, fully-internal cable routing, electronics, storage for fuel and flat repair, and even the skewer profile all create zero additional drag and an unprecedented aerodynamic profile."

In addition to aerodynamics, the Speed Concept line's versatility and adjustability are also industry leading. With five unique sizes, six different stems, and more adjustability than the typical road bike, the Speed Concept line blends unmatched aerodynamics with the perfect fit for nearly every athlete.

Trek will offer the Speed Concept in three unique platforms in 2010, for a total of 12 models in all. Speed Concept 9 Series models are manufactured in the USA from Trek's proprietary OCLV2 
Carbon and are completely customisable through Trek's custom bike program, Project One.

Speed Concept 7

To compliment the high-performance and fully-customisable Speed Concept 9 Series, Trek also introduced the Speed Concept 7 Series platform. Comprised of five models, the Speed Concept 7 Series incorporates the same revolutionary aerodynamic advantages of the 9 Series but is constructed using Trek's advanced TCT carbon.

"The only bike that measured faster in the wind tunnel than the Speed Concept 7 Series was the Speed Concept 9 Series," said Pilger. "The 7 Series offers amazing technology and an absolute best-in-class value."

Speed Concept 2 

Built with Kammtail tube shapes made out of hydroformed aluminum, the two model offerings included in the Speed Concept 2 Series round out Trek's new Speed Concept line and represent the most technologically advanced entry-level TT bikes on the market today.

"We really wanted to create a line of bikes with a model that's perfect for every rider," said Trek's Global Road and Triathlon Brand Manager Nick Howe.

"The introduction of the 2 Series really cements Trek's dedication to the sport and our commitment to making best-in-class products available to every cyclist."

More information in New Zealand

Cycle Sport NZ Managing Director Ron Cheatley told RoadCycling.co.nz he expects to have the first shipment in August, although Project One customised bikes can be bought online before then.

For more information on Trek's Speed Concept bikes, visit www.trekbikes.com/speedconcept.

Trek Bicycles are sold exclusively through Authorised Trek Retailers. To find the Trek Retailer nearest you, visit www.cyclesportnz.co.nz.