The fastest bicycles in the cycling industry are manufactured in a classic way: the frame by one manufacturer, the wheels by another. Designing a racing bike as a whole, from spoke to stem, can significantly improve aerodynamics. An insight that Ridley Bikes an Scope Cycling want to capitalize on via CrossRoads2.

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Total approach

Thanks to hyper-specialization, the parts of the fastest bikes in the peleton are manutfactured separately from each other. A bicycle frame and an accompanying wheel set are manufactured by various manufacturers and only assembled afterwards into a full-fledged racing bicycle. Ridley an Scope want to break throuigh that pattern, with the support of CrossRoads2. They aim for a prototype in which they sketch, design and test all parts together, with special attention to aerodynamics. By adjusting the frame and wheels during that process, they aim streamlined, faster bike that saves time.

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There are many steps between the drawing board and the production line. Ridley and Scope first want to make a concept study and then work towards a prototype. With the expert help of Aero Performance Lab, the Flemish innovation center for the bicycle industry, they are putting that model to the test in their state-of-the-art wind tunnel. By meticulously adjusting the design based on adverse gas and wind currents, the racing bike should become the cream of the crop in aerodynamic terms. If the Aerodynamic Wheel-Frame Interaction project is successful, Ridley and Scope would like to market the developed fast bike.