Speed Concept 9 Series

Sizes:

5 sizes: Extra Small, Small, Medium, Large and Extra Large

MSRP:

Starting at $5775

When Trek decided to improve upon the Equinox TTX, many in the company’s design studios knew they had a big job on their hands.  Didn’t the TTX carry Lance Armstrong and Levi Leipheimer to time trial wins in the Tour?  Didn’t it prove itself countless times in triathlon victories around the world?  How could it be surpassed?

The Speed Concept was born after the Trek aerodynamicists came across an aerofoil concept invented by Wunibald Kamm.  Many in the cycling community knew that a long-tail aerodynamic teardrop shape cut through a headwind nicely, but was heavy and frequently tossed around in crosswind situations.  Kamm realized when the aerodynamic teardrop shape was cut off near the back, the airstream still followed a clean line with minimal turbulence, almost as if the removed section was still there.  This was used to great effect in racing cars at events such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans.  There, the Mulsanne Straight used to be almost 3 miles long (!), and advanced aerodynamics ruled the race.  A car with heavy “longtail” bodywork wasn’t the best car since it was hard on the engine pulling out of slow corners and handled sluggishly. The Ford GT40 arrived in the late 60’s with a Kamm tail, winning from 1966-1969. Trek realized that a lighter, even more aerodynamic bike could be produced using this concept. Aerodynamic and light weight at the same time? The rocket scientists at Trek set to work.

The Trek team call the new aerodynamic concept the Kamm Virtual Foil, or KVF.  It is used on the trailing edges of the frame and fork to reduce the weight as well as produce the most efficient shape to cut through the air. They didn’t stop there.

The fork of the Speed Concept 9 Series was redesigned to hide the front brake calipers, while the rear calipers were hidden under the chainstays.  The head of the seat post can be reversed for the best and most comfortable bike fit.  Brake and shifter cables are almost entirely hidden within the aero bars and stem. The stems themselves come in 6 sizes (unlike Trek’s competition), and the aero bar has up to 14cm of height adjustment. Even the computer sensor is tucked away in a socket in the left-side chainstay for clutter-free aerodynamics.

The 9 Series Speed Concept is currently in stock in multiple sizes, and can be ordered through Trek’s Project One program.  Prices start at $5775 for an Ultegra-equipped bicycle with aluminum Bontrager Race X Lite wheels.