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Superbike infographic
Graphic shows Lotus Engineering's superbike, on which Chris Boardman won the gold medal in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, which could soon be on sale for a price tag of £1,500.
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CYCLING

Boardman bike to go into production

February 10, 1993 - Lotus Engineering’s superbike on which Chris Boardman won Olympic Gold in Barcelona could soon be yours – if you can afford a price tag of around £1,500.

The Norfolk-based sports car maker has joined forces with SP Systems in the U.S. and British Eagle Cycles of Leeds, England to build and market the cycle.

The first company is SP Systems, a multinational manufacturer of advanced composite materials and components for the marine, military and aerospace industry. The second, British Eagle, a subsidiary of Casket plc, claims more than 20 per cent of the UK cycle market along with its other brands, Claud Butler, Falcon and Townsend. British Eagle will be distibuting the bike under the LotusSport brand.

The unique one-piece carbon monocoque frame will be manufactured at SP Systems aerospace factory in Camarillo, California and the bike will be assembled by Lotus at their Hethel facility in Norwich.

Lotus and SP Systems are jointly developing new technology to produce low-cost, high strength carbon fibre materials for mass-market bicycles and other high performance products.

Under the licensing agreement Lotus and British Eagle will also produce a range of LotusSport cycle accessories, including helmets and clothing. The cycle is due to be launched in March and a time-trials version, fitted with 14-16 gears, will be available in the UK and Europe by mid 1993. Other models will cater for road racing, pursuit and the leisure market.

Sources
PUBLISHED: 10/2/1993; STORY: Duncan Mil
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