Bike Build

12 Mar Bike Build

Posted at 15:08h in Blog, Video, World Record by

Over the course of the World Record attempt, there is no piece of equipment that I will spend more time with or that can influence the outcome of this endeavour more than the bike. Richard Walters, owner of Prima Velo, explains his approach to building the bike that will deliver me to the finish line as quickly as possible.

the body accounts for approximately 90% of aerodynamic drag

In the pursuit of a World Record, focus is on performance. While comfort is paramount in keeping Leigh cycling for long durations every day, the performance sacrifices of endurance orientated bikes bring too many disadvantages. The best approach for the Fastest Cycle Across Europe is to take a fast, aerodynamic bike and make it more comfortable. Building on the Cervelo S range, we can make maximum efficiency gains from the market leading frameset, while modifying the position with the correct selection of components, to increase comfort.

Of the body and bike combination, the body accounts for approximately 90% of the aerodynamic drag, for this reason it will be essential to offer Leigh “tucked” positions to minimise his wind resistance. To accomplish this, we will be reducing length of the bike, by offering a smaller size frame than Leigh would normally ride and fitting aero bars.

Having achieved a lower, more aggressive position on the bike, reducing the crank arm length allows a more open hip angle, preventing hip impingement and inefficient pedalling. The addition of a crank-based power meter allows greater analysis and control for the team’s scientific approach and permits greater regulation of cycling energy.

Leigh needs to remain comfortable in order to maintain a high average speed

Upgrading to the Di2 electronic based gear shifting platform enables multiple hand positions with remote shifters. Removing the need to move to change gears allows Leigh to stay in his most efficient or comfortable position for longer. Electronic shifting also reduces the exertion required to shift gear, which can become difficult on long rides when suffering fatigue in the hands. For the same reason, we will be employing hydraulic disc brakes, which also offer increased modulation and superior braking power in all weather conditions.

Finding the most efficient and comfortable set up will be an ongoing process of Leigh riding the product, and us refining and changing components to suit him. Ultimately, we need to look after Leigh, he needs to remain comfortable in order to maintain a high average speed and to break the World Record.

Throughout the preparation and the attempt, I will be bringing you weekly behind the scenes videos and blogs, documenting what it takes to prepare for a world record.

Follow my world record adventure now on my website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Linkedin.



  • The TEDxRNCM audience were utterly captured through Leigh’s account. This wasn’t just an account however, but an experience. Eloquently delivered but with real personality, Leigh gave inspiration, insight, enjoyment and even humour - a talk I won’t be forgetting for a long time

    Hayley Parkes, TEDx Event Organiser

  • Leigh delivered a fantastic presentation during our Global Health and Wellbeing day. We had a lot of positive feedback from his inspirational talk which definitely raised the profile of mental health within our organisation. Leigh is an inspiration to everyone

    David Wilson, Global Head of Health and Wellbeing, Victrex

  • It’s was a real honour to partner with Leigh, he’s such an inspirational person and a great business speaker. The aim of the session was for delegates to leave in a positive, can do frame of mind, feeling confident that they can use some of Leigh’s tips to bolster team spirit, harness potential and exceed expectations. This is something I’m confident the event achieved

    Mary Maguire, MD, Astute Recruitment

  • Leigh articulates his passion and learning so well that his enthusiasm and motivation transcends the world of sport and is relevant for physical, psychological and organisational wellness and performance. He is a truly phenomenal speaker and comes highly recommended

    Deputy Chief Constable, East Midlands Special Operations Unit

  • Leigh is a natural communicator, using humour and his modest personality, Leigh's account of his fascinating experiences was delivered in a completely natural way that immediately connected with both the students and the teachers.

    Claire Tresidder, Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School Ashbourne Academy

  • The young people of Kingsmead School are generally from disadvantaged backgrounds and have low aspirations for their future. Leigh held the attention of the young people superbly, he was entertaining and funny and the pupils engagement was not lost at all. I would heartily recommend Leigh and his inspirational story to anyone, it left pupils and staff inspired and awestruck.

    Huw Lloyd, Assistant Headteacher, Kingsmead School

  • Wow. Utterly, wow. Leigh certainly was inspirational and indeed such a breath of fresh air, he created such a buzz around the school. I was impressed by not only the attendance of staff and parents, but the volume of students who came along. Thank you – Leigh really has touched and motivated a lot of our students

    Roberta Keys, Deputy Headteacher, Malvern College

  • Leigh delivered one of the most professional and engaging talks at the festival this year. It was clear that Leigh had put a lot of thought into what he wanted to convey in his talk, carefully pulling out the key stories and themes from all his years on the road. Leigh's talk was engaging throughout and delivered with a real sense of humility.

    Laura Moss, Cycle Touring Festival Organiser

  • When we invited Leigh to present to our staff about his experiences in creating a support echo system and team to help him break a world record, we never imagined that it would have had such a positive impact on everyone who attended. Leigh influenced, motived and inspired our staff to be the better version of themselves and gave them guidance and the tools to achieve this individually and within a team environment

    Steve Reynolds, CEO, TBS Mobility


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