LONDON: The second-generation Hope-Lotus track bike, unveiled Friday, has been designed to deliver improved track performance at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
Lotus Engineering has collaborated with the Great Britain Cycling Team (GBCT), Hope Technology, and Renishaw to develop the Tokyo 2020 track bike, which won seven Olympic medals.
The cockpit features a unique front fork and handlebar design, along with the Hope HBT Paris frame.
Renishaw provided support in wind tunnel design and production. GBCT has tested the bike on track and in a wind tunnel, with Richard Hill, chief aerodynamicist at Lotus, playing a key role.
Lotus has applied 75 years of vehicle dynamics knowledge to improve front-end feel and stiffness, enhancing rider confidence.
The patented wide element fork design, inspired by fighter jets, reduces drag and air flow in front of the rider. Customisable handlebars enhance aero position and reduce drag.
The composite fork is made from high-grade carbon fibre and single-cure manufacturing, ensuring lightweightness. Over 150 hours of wind tunnel testing and CFD simulation optimise aerodynamics, ergonomics, structural integrity, and lightweighting.
Lotus has a successful history in cycling through its Lotus Engineering division. Innovations include the early Lotus sports bikes used by cycling legend Chris Boardman in the nineties, the iconic Lotus type 108 in the noughties, through to the Hope-Lotus collaborations.
