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 (yaw), 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."
While the Speed
Concept’s KVF tube shape is responsible for the majority of its superior aerodynamic properties, Trek’s engineering
team made sure to take all sources of aerodynamic drag into consideration during its design.
"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 an 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 its unparalleled aerodynamic advantage,
the Speed Concept line’s versatility and adjustability help set it apart from the competition. 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. As the pinnacle of triathlon performance, Speed Concept 9 Series models are manufactured
in the USA from Trek’s proprietary OCLV2
Carbon and are completely customizable through Trek’s
custom bike program, Project One.
To compliment the high-performance and fully-customizable Speed
Concept 9 Series, Trek also introduced the Speed Concept 7 Series platform. Comprised of five models with MSRPs ranging from
$2899 to $3799, 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."
Built with Kammtail tube shapes out of
hydroformed aluminum, the 2 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 triathlon bikes on the market today.
"We
really wanted to create a line of tri-specific 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."
For
more information on Trek’s all new Speed Concept line of bicycles, visit www.trekbikes.com/speedconcept
or Orchid Island Bikes and Kayaks at 1175 Commerce Ave. Vero Beach, FL 32960 772-299-1286 OIbikesandkayaks@bellsouth.net
