About the J.Laverack Aston Martin .1R
J.Laverack Aston Martin .1R is not a bicycle simply to be gazed at - it has been purposefully designed with performance and riding experience at the core. For example, the integrated brakes are not merely attractive, the use of four pistons as opposed to the usual two gives greater progression and feel through the levers. The .1R's frame demonstrates a similar blend of form and function: By using a combination of Ti 6Al/4V titanium, which is known for its lively ride qualities, and carbon fibre to provide the requisite stiffness, the .1R has a responsiveness that will delight everywhere from the rough cobbles of Flanders to the soaring climbs of the Pyrenees.
Further evidence that the .1R has been designed for long, enjoyable days in the saddle is manifested in the unparalleled way in which each bike can be tailored to its owner. Although custom fitting isn't new in the world of bicycles, it is usually more in the realm of made to measure, whereas the J.Laverack Aston Martin .1R is truly bespoke. Typifying this philosophy, each Sphyr stem - named after the hammerhead shark (Sphyrna) - will be 3D printed from titanium to each owner's unique measurements. Reach and width can all be specified with absolute precision.
Continuing in this vein, while crank lengths are generally only available in increments of 2.5mm, the owner of a .1R will be able to specify his or her crank length down to fractions of a millimetre. This is thanks to bespoke, 3D printed titanium tips on the carbon crank arms. The saddle height will be adjusted using a set of beautiful bespoke titanium collars that can be interchanged. Each bicycle will also be supplied with a unique set of tools, that will sit alongside the collars, inside a beautifully handmade wooden tool case.
The phrase 'badge engineering' has often been associated with collaborative bicycle projects in the past, but the J.Laverack Aston Martin .1R brings a rather different meaning to the expression. Set under the lacquer, the metal badges on this bicycle have truly beautiful engineering behind them. Each one measures just 40 microns thin and employs the same process used on the Aston Martin Valkyrie's badge, which was dubbed the lace wing.
The hypercar's wheel design can be glimpsed in miniature in the titanium piston caps of the brakes on the bike, while if you inspect the beautifully machined cups on the threaded bottom bracket of the .1R and you will notice parallels with the central wheel nuts on an Aston Martin Valkyrie.
Other details include the pierced stem, which artfully mirrors the side strake on an Aston Martin DB12 yet still allows enough room for the internal routing of the brake hoses. The titanium thru axles are also a work of art, with a wall thickness of just 0.7mm in places. And, unlike other bicycles, the end of each axle is hidden on the non-drive side.
Customers will be able to choose from any of the three 12-speed groupsets used by professionals in the UCI World Tour. Whether there is a preference for, Shimano Dura-Ace Di2, Campagnolo Super Record Wireless or SRAM RED eTap AXS, the J.Laverack Aston Martin .1R can be built accordingly. The .1R's bespoke chainrings are machined from aluminium and the sizes can be specified by each owner.
The AERA Components Æ|55 wheels are also unique to the .1R, featuring 55mm deep carbon tubeless rims with an internal width of 22mm. They are laced with 28 Sapim CX-Ray spokes that continue a black colour scheme on the wheels, as do the hubs that have been designed specifically for the .1R and are machined to perfection from high strength aerospace aluminium before being finished in a custom brevet black colour way. Continental has even created a 30mm wide special stealth black version of its GP5000S TR tyres, which are the optimal width for the specially made carbon rims and offer a perfect blend of speed and comfort.
The C13 saddle from British company Brooks has been specifically commissioned for the .1R. Each saddle can be trimmed in the owners choice of leather or Alcantara, and is finished with a single titanium rivet. The same material choice is available for the handlebar grips, with the full suite of Aston Martin colours on offer.
Blend the innovative with the traditional, the sublime beauty and precise functionality of the J.Laverack Aston Martin .1R is something extremely special. Handcrafted in the UK it is a true collaboration between two companies that are at the forefront of their fields. Aston Martin's founders Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford were brought together through racing bicycles at London's historic Bath Road Club and there is little doubt that the .1R, the world's most bespoke, advanced and meticulously engineered bike, is something they would have been thrilled by.
The J.Laverack Aston Martin .1R will make its public debut at Rouleur Live in London on Thursday 2 November. A celebration of cycling culture, Rouleur Live is taking place at Truman Brewery, London from Thursday 2 November until Saturday 4 November.
