Here’s what I know about Bioracer. They are a Belgian company that is famous for 2 things: they were the first company to widely use a professional rider measurement rig to optimise riding position by exact positioning of seat post and stem etc. the frames were apparently often non-standard sizes, specific to the dimensions of the rider. Later on they developed a reputation for technical cycling clothing for pro riders, which they continue to offer today.
![img6792x[1]](https://stephenrochebikes.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/img6792x1.jpg)
Here’s a Bioracer that confirmed the origins of the Stephen Roche Cork EL OS Model (at least in terms of paint finish). Note the characteristic paint scheme. Did Bio Racer make the Stephen Roche Frames, or were they made by Carrera(Podium) and finished by Bio-Racer of Belgium?
This bike features the Mavic ZAP system (rear derailleur electronic gear change). ZAP was first offered in 1993/4 which I think dates the frame to around this time. In 1999 Mavic introduced Mektronik. Who said that Di2 was new!?
Specs:
Bio-Racer
Columbus Genius – TIG welded
55cm c-c / 58 c-t seattube
56cm c-c toptube
Cranks: Mavic ZAP 631 172.5mm
Brakes / Levers: Mavic ZAP 451
BB: Mavic ZAP 610
Hubs: Mavic ZAP 800
Headset: Mavic ZAP 305
Rear derailleur: Mavic ZAP 800 (new battery & working condition!)
Front derailleur / shifter: Shimano 105 / Suntour
Rims / Tires: Rigida SPH6 Ceramic / Continental Grand Prix 700×23
Saddle: Vetta SP Carbon
Seatpost: Suntour XC
Stem: 3TTT Pro-Light 120mm
Bar: 3TTT Forma SL 44cm c-c
Stephen Roche Classic Bike and Frame 
Hi
I live in Australia and have a Stephen Roche Bio Racer, i have been told the bike was brought out here by a pro rider and sold …i was wondering if i could send you pics?
Yes please do I have sent you my email address. Regards Fourthgrace
Thanks for the pics Rob. Now added this new Stephen Roche Bio-Racer to the 90’s models section.
Hi, I have one of these Stephen Roche Columbus Bio-Racers. I obtained it through a bike audit within my work place. It is the same coloured frame as robs but believe the forks are original. specs are:
Shimano RSX levers,brakes,crank, tiagra gear set, shimano Hubs, Gipiemme techno 724 rims and trans am saddle ( both made in Italy) michelin and Panaracer stradius elite tyres. Not sure about the head set and handle bars. Can you send me your email so I can send through some pics to gain your thoughts?. Also I am now wondering after reading your website as to what sort of price would be expected and also the best place to advertise if I was to sell the bike. I understand that the Shimano stuff is a quite sturdy but is not expensive gear. I would assume that interested parties would be more focused on the Roche frame. Your help is greatly appreciated! David
Hi David,
Thanks for the pics. I’ve now managed to identify the Bioracer from Australia as having Columbus Gara tubing as per your own. I have updated the website accordingly. Although the tubing isn’t high end, the fact that it has internal cable routing (top tube) shows its been well made. Good also to have a pic of what looks like the original fork. Good luck with its sale as we discussed!
Thanks for the pics and you are correct I can make out Gara on the frame.
I still enjoy hanging up the carbon frame and taking the Stephen Roche out for a spin …..there is nothing like riding a steel bike……..I’m curious as to what country David lives as I think my frame would one of….. if not the only in Australia of its type.
Rob Thompson
Hi Rob, it’s also in Oz! See Dave’s comments on the bio racer Gara model in the 90s section.