F1 Engineers Build Super (Push) Bike

BERU f1 reveals Factor 001, the pedal equivalent of a McLaren F1

A trick carbon fibre bicycle designed and hand-built by Formula One engineers has been revealed by BERU f1 systems.

Described by its makers as the world's most exclusive and technologically advanced road bike, the Factor 001 has been designed without the constraints of racing regulations and thus, say its makers, is "optimised to offer maximum acceleration and stability".

Now, you may be asking what a push bike is doing on PistonHeads, but bear with us - BERU f1 supplies composite components to every F1 team, and 220 Triathlon magazine described Factor 001 as a 'rule-destroying speed machine', which sounds very PH to us...

"Every carbon composite component of the bike is crafted in-house drawing upon the same techniques used to produce Formula One components," says John Bailey, MD of BERU f1 systems. "Each model takes six highly skilled engineers a week to make. With only a limited number of bikes due to be built [just a few hundred], we expect Factor 001 to become a desirable collector's item."

The carbon monocoque bike is also intended as a sophisticated mobile training ystem, and can record up to 100 channels of biometric, environmental and physical force data. To measure this, the bike's frame contains sophisticated load sensors, wiring, batteries, control cables and lines for its hydraulic braking system, all of which are fully integrated into the composite during construction. Clever.

On top of this, each bike will be tailored to fit each individual customer.

Factor 001 is currently on display at the Science Museum in London and is on sale at Harrod's. And the price? Well, if you have to ask...