The Fastest and Most Furious Bike From Trek – Trek Speed Concept SLR
The Trek Speed Concept is a bike like no other. A super aerodynamic, lightweight carbon frame, and ergonomically designed for a streamlined riding position, this is the only bike you need for triathlons and time trial races. It’s the fastest bike that Trek have tested in the wind tunnel, but how have they done it?
Family Is Everything
The Trek technology that’s been packed into such a sleek design is almost unbelievable. It’s not just about the aero tube shaping and lightweight 500 Series OCLV Carbon (although these are also really cool features), we’ve also got drag-reducing Kammtail Virtual Foil tube shapes which cut through the air, and disk brakes that only weigh 170 grams (when most are roughly 450g). Like a family, each feature works in tandem to become better than the sum of its parts.
Just Ask Tom (Store Manager and TT Racer, Ashford ACTIV Store)
This is a super aerodynamic bike which, as is usual for triathlon and time trial bikes, forgoes some features that you find on typical road bikes because they are just not necessary. Anything unnecessary weighs you down, and if you’re weighed down you are slower. Although I ride the TT mod, my favourite thing about this bike is on the triathlon version; there’s built in storage for gels and water for that boost of energy when you’re mid race. It’s simple yet genius because it gives you easy access without compromising your posture, and because it’s built in your aerodynamics aren’t compromised.
There isn’t much needed to upgrade this bike, other than swapping out the Ergo Bars and seat for comfort during fitting. The fully adjustable cockpit should suffice for most people. The only thing I would highly recommend is a Zipp Disc Wheel to help smooth side winds if necessary. Don’t forget to ensure your wheel and tyre combination is right if you replace your tyres to avoid buffeting and to optimise your aerodynamics.
By an Inch or a Mile, Winning is Winning
These bikes are ridden by world champions and if you want what they’ve got, go for the top range model, the SLR 9 Red Etap. It’s the lightest of them all, making it especially great on hilly TT’s. For an entry option try the Ultegra DI2, fantastic for training and beating your PB at every opportunity. For the best of both, the Speed Concept 7 gives you all the benefits but a little bit heavier, and if you’re not riding hills you can compromise with your kit to get the overall weight as light as you can.
Visit either our Ashford or Folkestone showrooms to check out this incredible speed machine, and if you want any advice just ask any of our friendly and experienced team.
