McLaren Launches Pro Road Bike [Gallery]

Now we know most of you associate McLaren with their lengthy and successful history in Formula 1 racing – and recently with their MP12-4c sports car – but apparently the Woking based team has been fancying to be part of the cycling world as well. As of yesterday night, the British company is now active on this particular market, following the launch of the S-Works Venge bike.

Built in collaboration with American manufacturer Specialized, the racing road bicycle has been designed Chris D'Aluisio, Head of Research and Development for the latter company, and features an aerodynamic frame built entirely out of carbon fibre.

According to the preliminary specifications of the bike, the frame weighs only 950g (approximately 2.1 lbs), while the complete module (frame, fork, seatpost and crankset) tips the scales at 2.07 kg (4.5 lb). Additionally, the model benefits from an electronic gearshift.

The product will however be available in two specifications, namely the McLaren and the S-Works Venge. While the latter will be available for purchase in Great Britain as of April this year, the former will only make its market launch in September.

“We can optimise a bike to levels that have never been achieved before,” said McLaren Applied Technologies' design director Duncan Bradley at the bike's launch yesterday evening, at Woking.

The pro road bike will make its competition debut from as early as this Saturday's Milan-San Remo race, where it will be entered by Briton Mark Cavendish (HTC-Highroad). Additionally, the S-Works McLaren Venge will also be ridden by several drivers from the Astana and Saxo Bank-Sungard teams.

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