Range Rover Evoque bicycle – Click above for high-res image gallery
Automakers designing bicycles is nothing new. Sometimes they're radical departures on the age-old wheeled machine, and sometimes they're new takes on the same classic form. The latest appears to be the latter, but that doesn't make it any less desirable.
Designed by Land Rover's design team to compliment the Range Rover Evoque, this road bike consists of a carbon fiber frame crafted by Karbona using F1-derived technology. The aerodynamically-optimized frame is fitted with an integrated seat tube, alloy handle bars, a 20-gear Shimano Ultegra system, black chrome trim and leather saddle.
This truly is a Land Rover-badged vehicle with no hope of ever traveling off the beaten path.
What's more, the crossover used to transport it, naturally, comes extra. Details in the press release after the jump, with high-res images in the gallery below.
[Source: Land Rover]
NEW RANGE ROVER EVOQUE CONCEPT ROAD BIKE REVEALED AT GENEVA SHOW
•New Range Rover Evoque concept road bicycle
•Created by the Land Rover design team, under the direction of design director, Gerry McGovern
•Areodynamic and lightweight with Karbona carbon fibre monocoque frame
Geneva, 3 March 2011
Light, nimble and boasting a design that is clean, cool and utterly contemporary, the newest member of the Range Rover Evoque family breaks cover at the Geneva Motor Show. Created by the Land Rover design team, headed up by director, Gerry McGovern, the Evoque bike is a machine designed in every aspect to deliver fast, agile and secure road-racing performance.
The central element is a high modulus carbon fibre monocoque frame, crafted by Karbona using techniques derived from Formula 1. The oversized carbon fibre handlebar stem and aerospace alloy handle bars were specified to complement the rest of the bicycle, and are engineered to cope with the high torque developed by top-class sports cyclists and ensure safe control of the machine at high speeds.
The advanced composite construction allowed the seat tube section to be integrated into the frame, saving weight and extending the clean flow of the design. The steering components are colour-matched to the frame, which carries Range Rover and Evoque branding graphics. The transmission is a 20-gear Shimano Ultegra system.
The steering bearings are integrated into the head of the frame to reduce drag and the steering fork is also made of carbon fibre. Echoing the attention to luxury detailing that is fundamental to all Range Rover products, the drivetrain and braking systems are finished in matching black chrome and the saddle is upholstered in fine leather, with padded grip tape enhanced with silicone gel.
The wheels were specially commissioned for the Evoque project and have a strong visual impact. Formed from aero-profiled carbon fibre, they have a deep section designed to cut through the air quickly while maintaining stability.
Secure performance is further supported by the tyre tread, which is constructed from triple-density rubber compound with hard-wearing and high-grip qualities.
Gerry McGovern, Land Rover design director, a keen cyclist himself, said: "I wanted to create the ultimate accessory for the Range Rover Evoque – and what could be more perfect than an utterly contemporary, beautifully designed, bespoke Evoque bike. Like the Range Rover Evoque, the bike not only looks fantastic but is precision engineered for ultimate performance."
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