Aston Martin, the iconic British luxury car manufacturer, has joined forces with J.Laverack, a leader in titanium bicycle innovation, to introduce the Laverack Aston Martin .1R. This groundbreaking road bicycle represents a new echelon of bespoke design, advanced engineering, and meticulous craftsmanship, setting a new benchmark in the cycling world. Handcrafted in the UK, the .1R is more than just a bicycle; it’s a fusion of automotive hypercar design principles and cutting-edge cycling technology, designed to deliver an unparalleled riding experience.
A Collaboration of British Excellence: Aston Martin and J.Laverack Unite
The partnership between Aston Martin and J.Laverack is rooted in shared values of high performance, British heritage, and an unwavering commitment to innovation. Both brands embody a passion for pushing boundaries and creating products that are not only functional but also objects of beauty and desire. This collaboration has allowed for the cross-pollination of ideas and engineering expertise, resulting in the Laverack Aston Martin .1R, a bicycle that transcends conventional design and performance limitations. The historical connection to cycling within Aston Martin, with founders Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford meeting through their shared passion for bicycle racing over a century ago, adds a layer of heritage and authenticity to this exciting venture.
Introducing the .1R: A Masterpiece of Design and Engineering
The Laverack Aston Martin .1R is hailed as the most bespoke, advanced, and engineered bicycle ever conceived. Developed with insights from designers who have contributed to Aston Martin’s renowned sportscars and hypercars, the .1R showcases a revolutionary ‘visually boltless’ design. This seamless aesthetic is achieved through an innovative fusion of parametrically designed, 3D-printed titanium lugs and meticulously sculpted carbon fiber tubes. This construction not only provides exceptional responsiveness and ride comfort but also establishes a new paradigm of elegance in bicycle design. The smooth transitions between lugs and tubes, coupled with the impeccable herringboned carbon fiber weave, highlight the intricate manufacturing process and the obsessive attention to detail.
J.Laverack Aston Martin .1R showcasing its innovative frame design and seamless integration of components.
Oliver Laverack, Co-founder of J.Laverack Bicycles, emphasized the groundbreaking nature of this collaboration: “Working with the team at Aston Martin has unlocked new ideas and innovations, the application of which has created a bicycle more advanced than anything currently available on the market. We have not only taken our titanium bicycles to new heights but have also unlocked true innovation within the cycling industry.” This sentiment underscores the commitment to pushing technological boundaries and redefining what is possible in bicycle engineering.
The .1R boasts flawlessly clean lines, a departure from traditional bicycle designs where fixings are typically visible at the stem or seat post. The integrated four-piston brake calipers are a completely new design, necessitating the development of specialized testing equipment. This dedication to innovation results in a bicycle where no cables or hoses are exposed, contributing to its sleek and uncluttered appearance. Drawing inspiration from outside the conventional bicycle industry, the .1R incorporates solutions and design principles from high-performance automotive engineering, inheriting design mastery from Aston Martin’s supercar and hypercar programs. Marek Reichman, Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer at Aston Martin, aptly described the .1R as “essentially a titanium hypercar on two wheels,” highlighting the fusion of engineering advancements and performance-focused design.
Close-up view of the J.Laverack Aston Martin .1R's integrated handlebar and stem, highlighting the clean lines and hidden cable routing.
Unparalleled Bespoke Customization: Crafting Your Personal .1R
Understanding that true luxury lies in personalization, Aston Martin and J.Laverack have created an unprecedented level of customization for the .1R. Each owner is invited to Aston Martin’s headquarters in Gaydon for a personalized fitting session with the founders of J.Laverack. This exclusive experience allows for limitless customization, ensuring that each .1R is uniquely tailored to its owner. Customers can select from the full spectrum of color palettes and trim options available on Aston Martin’s luxury cars, offering the opportunity to perfectly match their bicycle to their vehicle.
For those unable to visit Gaydon in person, the dream of a personalized .1R is still attainable through Aston Martin’s award-winning online configurator. This digital tool, typically used to customize Aston Martin cars, has been adapted to allow users to specify every detail of their .1R. From the saddle and handlebar tape to the colors of the tubes, lugs, forks, stem, seat post, and handlebar drops, every element is customizable. The carbon fiber components can also be left bare to showcase the material’s natural beauty. Even accents like bottom bracket cups, brake calipers, and brake disc centers can be finished with a ceramic coating in bronze or black, further enhancing the bespoke nature of the bicycle.
Aston Martin and J.Laverack .1R showcasing the customizable paint options available through the online configurator, allowing for a personalized touch.
Upon delivery, owners will find that each .1R and its components, including hubs, cranks, and frame, are individually numbered, creating a permanent link between them as a cohesive unit. The bicycle is delivered in a custom case, available in aluminum or carbon, designed for both travel and display. Each case includes a matching track pump with Alcantara or leather-covered handles, ensuring that even the accessories are crafted to the highest standards of luxury and functionality.
Performance Engineered for the Discerning Rider
The Laverack Aston Martin .1R is not merely a showpiece; it is engineered for exceptional performance and an exhilarating riding experience. The integrated brakes, utilizing four pistons instead of the standard two, offer superior progression and feel through the levers, enhancing control and confidence. The frame construction, blending Ti 6Al/4V titanium and carbon fiber, is designed to provide both the lively responsiveness of titanium and the stiffness of carbon, making the .1R versatile enough to excel on varied terrains, from challenging cobblestones to demanding mountain climbs.
Detailed view of the J.Laverack Aston Martin .1R's advanced braking system, featuring four-piston calipers for enhanced performance.
The bespoke fitting process further underscores the performance focus of the .1R. Unlike typical made-to-measure bicycles, the .1R offers truly bespoke customization. The Sphyr stem, named after the hammerhead shark, is 3D-printed from titanium to the owner’s precise measurements, allowing for exact specifications of reach and width. Crank lengths can be specified down to fractions of a millimeter, thanks to bespoke 3D-printed titanium tips on the carbon crank arms. Saddle height adjustments are made using interchangeable bespoke titanium collars, and each bicycle includes a unique set of tools housed in a handcrafted wooden case.
Close-up of the J.Laverack Aston Martin .1R's custom titanium stem and integrated components, showcasing the meticulous engineering.
The .1R incorporates meticulously engineered details throughout. The metal badges, only 40 microns thin, utilize the same “lace wing” process as the Aston Martin Valkyrie badge. Miniature versions of the Valkyrie’s wheel design are reflected in the titanium piston caps of the brakes, and parallels to the Valkyrie’s central wheel nuts can be seen in the machined cups of the threaded bottom bracket. The pierced stem design subtly mirrors the side strake of the Aston Martin DB12, while still accommodating internal brake hose routing. Even the titanium thru axles are engineered with a wall thickness of just 0.7mm in certain areas, with hidden ends on the non-drive side, showcasing the extreme attention to detail.
J.Laverack Aston Martin .1R highlighting the intricate details like the pierced stem design and lightweight components.
Customers can choose from professional-grade 12-speed groupsets: Shimano Dura-Ace Di2, Campagnolo Super Record Wireless, or SRAM RED eTap AXS. Bespoke aluminum chainrings are machined to order, with owner-specified sizes. The AERA Components Æ|55 wheels are exclusive to the .1R, featuring 55mm deep carbon tubeless rims, Sapim CX-Ray spokes, and custom-machined hubs in a brevet black finish. Continental has developed a special 30mm stealth black version of its GP5000S TR tires specifically for the .1R, optimized for the carbon rims to provide an ideal balance of speed and comfort. The C13 saddle from Brooks, commissioned specifically for the .1R, can be trimmed in leather or Alcantara and finished with a titanium rivet, with matching material options available for the handlebar grips in the full range of Aston Martin colors.
J.Laverack Aston Martin .1R showcasing the high-performance AERA wheels and Continental tires, emphasizing the focus on ride quality.
A Legacy Reimagined
The J.Laverack Aston Martin .1R represents a harmonious blend of innovation and tradition, sublime aesthetics and precise functionality. Handcrafted in the UK, it is a testament to the collaborative spirit of two leading British companies. As a bicycle that Aston Martin founders Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford, with their own cycling heritage, would undoubtedly have admired, the .1R stands as the world’s most bespoke, advanced, and meticulously engineered road bicycle.
The Laverack Aston Martin .1R made its public debut at Rouleur Live in London on Thursday, November 2nd, marking the beginning of its journey into the hands of discerning cyclists who demand the ultimate in performance, luxury, and personalization.
Full side profile of the J.Laverack Aston Martin .1R, highlighting its elegant silhouette and aerodynamic design.
To explore the Laverack Aston Martin .1R and begin configuring your own bespoke masterpiece, please visit: https://astonmartin.jlaverack.co.uk
