Vorteq uses Artec Leo to engineer the ultrafast WX-R racing bike to life
By Matthew McMillion

Challenge: A sports R&D company needed to digitally capture a range of professional racing bikes in high-resolution 3D for use in creating an extremely aerodynamic racing bike.

Solution: Artec Leo, Artec Space Spider, Artec Studio, Geomagic Wrap

Results: Multiple racing bikes were captured in 3D using a professional handheld scanner, Artec Leo. These precise 3D models, featuring the exact geometries of the bikes' frames and components, were synergized in FEA and CFD analyses along with 3D data from Artec Space Spider ultra-precision 3D scanner for designing a singularly exceptional track bicycle.

In the universe of professional and Olympic cycling, drag is certainly a drag. But now through the use of the latest handheld 3D scanning technology combined with cutting-edge CFD (computational fluid dynamics) analysis, CAD expertise, and design thinking, Vorteq, a UK-based company, in partnership with the engineers at WX-R, have created a bike that slices through the air and is already making waves throughout the cycling industry.

The Vorteq WX-R track bike (image courtesy of Vorteq)


While up to 80% of air resistance, or drag, that a cyclist has to deal with is due to their body, and the remaining 20% or so comes from their bike, those numbers aren’t etched in stone. Let’s say that a rider’s body is already as aerodynamic as possible, for example by wearing a Vorteq skinsuit, which reduces their CdA (drag coefficient x area) dramatically compared to regular cycling clothing. The next logical step in the quest for marginal gains is to focus on streamlining the bike itself. By doing so, the savings in time and energy can be striking.

For example, over the course of a 5-hour triathlon cycling stage, the difference between having an aerodynamic bike versus a regular racing bike can mean surging across the finish line minutes sooner. But what about a bike that’s even faster, one that can break away from even the strongest pack?