Hi!

We are a team of students from London South Bank University with one simple goal: to design, build, and race the fastest bicycle in the world. The current world record stands at 89.5mph; our analysis suggests that with the right combination of design, engineering, and athleticism, a speed of 93mph is theoretically achievable in a Human Powered Vehicle, or HPV.

Creating such a super-bike presents unique engineering and physiological challenges. The frame must be optimised for weight and stiffness, and tailored precisely to the individual rIder’s body and power delivery capability. The drivechain and components must operate with minimal friction and rolling resistance. The external shell of the vehicle must not only protect the rider and mechanical systems, but must also slip through the air with a minimum of aerodynamic drag. The rider must deliver power with precision to the second over a five mile course, whilst piloting this incredible machine from within a severely confined space, with limited vision, and limited oxygen, at a high altitude race venue.

All of these characteristics are put to the ultimate test each year in September at the World Human Powered Speed Challenge (WHPSC), which takes place on the world’s longest, flattest, straightest, high-altitude stretch of road at Battle Mountain, Nevada. Teams from around the world convene there each year to race each other, make their attempts at the record, and share ideas and common interests around this unique area of Engineering Design.

We have been working hard since September 2020, on top of our formal studies, to apply and develop our skills in the design and build of our bike. The LSBU School of Engineering have been hugely supportive of the project, but shipping the bike, rider, and the support team to the Nevada desert for a week of intensive racing is expensive, and we need to ask for additional help from the public towards the logistical costs of the trip. Your donations will enable us to reap the rewards of our labours, and see our vision become a reality. They are very gratefully recieved.

Thank you for helping us to achieve our goals. For more details of the project, and the latest updates, please visit our Aim93 Project Website.