A MOUNTAIN bike firm have helped a create a two-wheeled tribute to fast-living Hollywood legend Steve McQueen.

Hope Technology were approached by well-known British rider Sandy Plenty, who wanted a special machine inspired by McQueen’s famous Porsche 917 that the actor raced in 1971 film Le Mans.

And they came up with a number of parts to make the bike – complete with McQueen’s famous ‘Gulf’ logo and colour scheme – run like a dream.

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Co-owner Ian Weatherill said: “We provided the hubs, pedals and brakes for the bike, which was a fun project to be involved in.

“We had to come up with a new orange colour as part of the anodizing process, and we were so pleased with it we’ll be using it in future products.”

It’s not the first time Hope Technology, based at Hope Mill in Calf Hall Road, Barnoldswick, have been involved in a motor racing venture.

Their expertise and reputation in the cycling industry has led to fans of the sport being keen to use their technology in other fields.

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And that crossover is particularly strong in the Formula One racing.

Ian explained: “Everyone will have seen the jacks F1 teams use during their lightning-fast pit stops.

“Well, we have provided a specially-adapted brake system and the stem in the hydraulics for teams such as Red Bull and Mercedes after they approached us through their mechanics.”

Hope Tech also supply parts to the F1 teams for a more frivolous pursuit by kitting out the soapboxes they create and then launch down a steep hill at the annual Goodwood Festival of Speed.

The firm was set up in the 1980s by Ian and Simon Sharp, who realised the brake discs they were making for their own use would be popular with fellow mountain bike nuts.

They now manufacture hubs, brakes, headset, stems, bottom brackets and lights, which are exported to more than 40 countries worldwide.

Hope Tech also sponsored Scottish rider Danny MacAskill, who shot to fame through a YouTube video displaying his gravity-defying stunts that has been viewed over 36 millions times.