World’s Fastest Pedal-Powered Bicycle - To 110 Mph

wizehop

Chasing the Darkness
http://wonderfulengineering.com/man...powered-bicycle-that-can-speed-up-to-110-mph/

Man Builds World’s Fastest Pedal-Powered Bicycle That Can Speed Up To 110 Mph
View attachment 11716

BY UBER GEEK - JANUARY, 4TH 2014
Jason Rourke, a 42-year old bike shop owner, spent 10 days and £5,000 building a specialized mountain bike that can go over 110 mph. Commissioned by motorcycle racer, Guy Martin, Rourke built and then rode his bike straight into the record books at an astonishing speed of 112.94 mph.

View attachment 11717

The previous record for a pedal-powered bicycle was 83.13 mph, set by Dutch cyclist Sebastiaan Bowier in September 2013. The record shattering attempt took place at Pendine Sands in South Wales. Rourke was towed to a speed of 50 mph and then released, going on to a speed of over 112 mph on his own.

View attachment 11718

Jason runs Brian Rourke Cycles with his father whom the shop is named after, he tells the story in the following words, “The funny thing is, my dad Brian was contacted by the people who set the current world record asking if we could help to build the bike. Due to various work commitments we didn’t take it on, so when we got a call from the producers in February about another attempt to break the record, we couldn’t say no.”

View attachment 11719

The main priority, Rourke claims, was not making the bike lightweight but rather strong enough to handle the speed, which meant strengthening the frame. Thicker tires were also installed since more grip was needed. Most components were made specifically for the purpose of breaking the speed record making the bike not only unique but priceless.

View attachment 11720

Rourke says he got a call asking him if he knew anyone who owned a truck capable of 120 mph, had engineering experience and could drive the truck. Rourke said he was able to do all three and met up with Guy Martin to carry out the insane project. He says that he was fully aware of the risks involved, but it sounded fun and he enjoyed the challenge, which led him getting his name etched in history.

View attachment 11721
 

Attachments

  • rourke_bike-1-798x350.jpg
    rourke_bike-1-798x350.jpg
    53.4 KB · Views: 2,050
  • rourke_bike-4-610x340.jpg
    rourke_bike-4-610x340.jpg
    40.6 KB · Views: 1,194
  • rourke_bike-5-610x362.jpg
    rourke_bike-5-610x362.jpg
    54.8 KB · Views: 1,101
  • rourke_bike-3-610x442.jpg
    rourke_bike-3-610x442.jpg
    59.9 KB · Views: 1,017
  • rourke_bike-2-610x426.jpg
    rourke_bike-2-610x426.jpg
    55.2 KB · Views: 864
  • rourke_bike-6-610x365.jpg
    rourke_bike-6-610x365.jpg
    38.1 KB · Views: 774
pretty cool!! - surprised the wheels weren't different but the gearing is great!
 
found this 2 minute clip on youtube
To view this content we will need your consent to set third party cookies.
For more detailed information, see our cookies page.
 
Back
Top