Trek Speed Concept preview

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According to Trek, the Kamm tail truncated airfoil (second from right) behaves identically to a full 8:1 cross-section (far right) and markedly better than a 3:1 section (second from left), especially at higher yaw angles. And in spite of appearances, there is no additional stub mounted to the end of the Kamm section; the airflow just makes it look like there is.

According to Trek, the Kamm tail truncated airfoil (second from right) behaves identically to a full 8:1 cross-section (far right) and markedly better than a 3:1 section (second from left), especially at higher yaw angles. And in spite of appearances, there is no additional stub mounted to the end of the Kamm section; the airflow just makes it look like there is. (Image credit: James Huang)
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The bottom bracket area is particularly bulbous-looking from the front and features Trek's BB90 integrated bearing system.

The bottom bracket area is particularly bulbous-looking from the front and features Trek's BB90 integrated bearing system. (Image credit: James Huang)
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The Speed Concept's unique Kamm tail shaping uses an abruptly chopped tail for the back of the fork blades, down tube, seat tube and seat stays.

The Speed Concept's unique Kamm tail shaping uses an abruptly chopped tail for the back of the fork blades, down tube, seat tube and seat stays. (Image credit: James Huang)
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Time trial bikes are all about stiffness and aerodynamics so the Speed Concept is fitted with giant chain stays to help put the power down.

Time trial bikes are all about stiffness and aerodynamics so the Speed Concept is fitted with giant chain stays to help put the power down. (Image credit: James Huang)
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The small access port on the back of the down tube presumably facilitates installation of the internally routed cables.

The small access port on the back of the down tube presumably facilitates installation of the internally routed cables. (Image credit: James Huang)
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The integrated DuoTrap wireless transmitter picks up speed and cadence information with only a minimal effect on airflow.

The integrated DuoTrap wireless transmitter picks up speed and cadence information with only a minimal effect on airflow. (Image credit: James Huang)
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Cables run inside the handlebar and down through the stem directly into the frame.

Cables run inside the handlebar and down through the stem directly into the frame. (Image credit: James Huang)
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The rear brake is built right into the chain stays and the guts are tucked cleanly away behind an access plate.

The rear brake is built right into the chain stays and the guts are tucked cleanly away behind an access plate. (Image credit: James Huang)
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The compact rear triangle stiffens things up and also presents less frontal area.

The compact rear triangle stiffens things up and also presents less frontal area. (Image credit: James Huang)
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Cables exit only right where they're needed.

Cables exit only right where they're needed. (Image credit: James Huang)
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The carbon seatpost doesn't use the Kamm tail shaping but it's reversible for a wider range of positioning.

The carbon seatpost doesn't use the Kamm tail shaping but it's reversible for a wider range of positioning. (Image credit: James Huang)
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The seatpost clamp mechanism is virtually invisible.

The seatpost clamp mechanism is virtually invisible. (Image credit: James Huang)
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Think the Speed Concept is just a one-off? Think again. Yes, it's a team-only item at the moment but Trek definitely has plans to bring this market no later than the 2011 model year.

Think the Speed Concept is just a one-off? Think again. Yes, it's a team-only item at the moment but Trek definitely has plans to bring this market no later than the 2011 model year. (Image credit: James Huang)
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Integrating the rear brake into the chain stays makes for a much cleaner seat stay and seat tube junction.

Integrating the rear brake into the chain stays makes for a much cleaner seat stay and seat tube junction. (Image credit: James Huang)
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The entire top surface of the stem doubles as the bar clamp.

The entire top surface of the stem doubles as the bar clamp. (Image credit: James Huang)
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Clean lines are a recurring theme on the Trek Speed Concept.

Clean lines are a recurring theme on the Trek Speed Concept. (Image credit: James Huang)
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The relatively broad top tube helps keep the front triangle from twisting under load.

The relatively broad top tube helps keep the front triangle from twisting under load. (Image credit: James Huang)

Trek Bicycles has borrowed a page from automotive aerodynamic design for its latest Speed Concept time trial machine, first seen under Alberto Contador (Astana) at last month's Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré and soon to be used by teammates Lance Armstrong and Levi Leipheimer as well for the Tour de France start in Monaco. Just as the sharply squared-off trailing edges reduce drag on high-performance vehicles – and high-mileage ones like the Toyota Prius – Trek says the unconventional shape will make its new Speed Concept the slipperiest machine on the road.