REAP Bikes has launched its new triathlon bike, the Vulcan. Developed from REAP’s first bike, the aerodynamic Generation 1.0, the company notes that the next generation Vulcan is ‘defined by its holistic design approach and race readiness.’
The new bike features a proprietary cockpit and a hydration system tested for ‘T1 to T2 speed’… ‘that is, with refills included – versus misleading steady-state aerodynamics alone.’
The Vulcan name pays homage to Britain’s history of aerospace engineering and reflects a shared ambition. The Avro Vulcan was a pioneering strategic bomber introduced in 1956, the early jet era. It combined speed and range with a high payload and became an icon for its radical delta wing shape.
Key features of the ‘Vulcan Triathlon Hyperbike’
- REAP Ballistic Cockpit: The Vulcan is the first production bike to be supplied with forearm-hugging aero extensions as part of the vastly adjustable Ballistic cockpit. The aero extensions save drag, improve comfort and control, and make it easier to stay in your best position.
- British built: REAP Bikes are 100% designed, made, painted and assembled in the UK.
- Integrated BTA hydration: A BTA bottle mount with an aero fairing. Rapid bottle swaps make the rider faster from T1 to T2 versus refilling integrated systems.
- Proprietary rear storage: Carry two bottles, 8 gels and a toolbox behind the saddle and out of the wind.
- Added details: Rotary dropout adjusters; multi-position seatpost; aerodynamically shielded front derailleur with extended chainring capacity.
- Carbon fibre flight case included: Made by REAP in the UK, so that every Vulcan is delivered ready for fly-away races or training camps.
The British bike firm noted that REAP Generation 1.0 paved the way for the Vulcan, and its radical beam frame is carried over. The beam, or V-frame, design eliminates the seatstays and seat-tube and their associated drag.
While the overall concept has been seen in triathlon before, right back to the Zipp 2001 from 1992, REAP added that its development work with the UK’s leading computational fluid dynamics (CFD) expert, TotalSim, pushed performance to new heights.
Furthermore, REAP’s carbon fibre expertise gives the Vulcan a claimed ‘incredible ride quality, combining vertical compliance with immense torsional stiffness for precise handling and efficient power transfer.’
REAP Bikes founder and MD, Martin Meir, said “The Vulcan is the result of our tireless pursuit of total system perfection. Our first bike, the Generation 1.0, focused on aerodynamic performance and tested as the fastest bike in the world.
“The Vulcan is all about details – precise positioning, efficient storage, and the most advanced cockpit ever seen on a production bike. REAP is a small brand but we’re able to punch above our weight thanks to our engineering expertise, race experience, and close relationships with our athletes.”
Three top triathletes are already confirmed to be racing the REAP Vulcan in 2021: Elliot Smales, Fenella Langridge and Tom Bishop. Further signings are expected over the off-season.
REAP athlete Elliot Smales said “I cannot wait to race the Vulcan. I’ve loved competing on the super-fast Generation 1.0 bike and the developments made by REAP in the Vulcan look really exciting because everything is so athlete-focused. I was really happy to contribute some feedback to the development process and even happier about what REAP came up with. The Vulcan looks amazing.”
The Vulcan is available to order now, with deliveries starting in January 2021. Pricing is as follows:
£5500 Vulcan frame module: frame, fork, cockpit, brakes, storage systems
£8195 Vulcan Ultegra Di2, with Parcours Passista wheels
£9945 Vulcan Dura-Ace Di2, with ENVE 7.8 wheels
£9770 Vulcan Red eTap AXS, with ENVE 7.8 wheels
