Description:

Elite track cyclists often race at speeds exceeding 80km/h, where even tenths of a second can determine victory. Sprint style track races range from 200m to 1000m, with athletes achieving top speeds and power outputs, making aerodynamic efficiency and power output critical. Winning can significantly affect media attention and funding for the sport.

However, maintaining aggressive aerodynamic positions is challenging, especially as athletes fatigue, leading to poor bike control and positioning. Existing bicycle products, designed in isolation, fail to address this. Velobike Innovation takes a user-led approach, evidenced by our Olympic medal equipment. We focus on creating an aerodynamic position for the rider rather than just the product itself being aerodynamic.

The Velobike Altias Sprint Handlebars are designed for a tight and narrow position, locking athletes in place, enhancing control and maintaining aerodynamics. Secondly, the handlebar-stem junction, often overlooked, is optimised through a multi-part system, blending seamlessly for optimal performance. Athletes can purchase both components together, or use the handlebars with any standard stem.

Our handlebars allow for various lengths and angles to suit different athletes' preferences, unlike single-component designs that limit customisation. The handlebar design promotes a tucked-in position with a horizontal forearm, reducing frontal area and airflow turbulence. The top surface flares assist in directing airflow around the athlete's upper body, enhancing aerodynamic performance.

Developed through a user-centric design approach, the handlebars underwent multiple prototype tests by elite athletes. Complying with the international body for cycling (UCI) rules, we maximised user comfort and aerodynamics. Using high-quality Japanese carbon fibre, we achieved a stiffness-to-weight ratio exceeding 200% of regulatory standards, essential for elite athletes' power outputs in Sprint events.

The handlebar design reflects speed and performance confidence, inspired by Velobike Innovation’s futuristic product range. Named after a star in the Draco constellation, the black-coloured handlebars are aesthetically compatible with any bicycle frames and national team colours. The FernMark symbolises their New Zealand design origin.

Already used in multiple World Championships, the handlebars have demonstrated a 7.93% aerodynamic performance gain over traditional designs in wind tunnel tests. They have been adopted by global cycling federations for the Paris 2024 Olympics. Velobike Innovation’s international market presence, with 90% export, enhances the reputation of both Velobike Innovation, and New Zealand design, in the global arena.