Nicky Hayden's custom bicycle raffled for memorial fund

Hayden rode Specialized bicycles as a key part of his training and was riding one in the fatal crash in May. The raffle bike is a fully custom build that was still in the works at the time of his death. Specialized Bicycle, Shimano American, and Road 2 Recovery partnered with the Hayden family for this fundraising event, which gives 100 percent of proceeds to help children in the Louisville area. 

Cycling plays a crucial role in cross-training for many motorcycle racers, and Nicky Hayden was among the most dedicated. His custom bicycle reflects that commitment, with Tour de France-class components and a Specialized S-Works Venge ViAS SE Peter Sagan World Champion frameset. The bike features Shimano Dura Ace Di2 R9170 electronic drivetrain and hydraulic disc brakes, plus Roval CLX 50 Limited Edition carbon fiber wheels. For the uninitiated, an electronic drivetrain means shifting is controlled by switches in the levers, in this case wirelessly. In other words, gear changes are fast and smooth, even under load. All in, the prize is worth about $10,000.

A single entry in the raffle starts at $5 and you can enter at the Nicky Hayden Memorial Fund raffle site. The raffle closes on Jan. 6.

Specialized notes that while the bike was built for Hayden, it could be made to fit riders ranging in height from approximately five feet, six inches to nearly six feet tall. "The Venge ViAS is a high-performance racing bicycle with servicing required by a mechanic who has undergone specified training protocols. Any desired fit adjustments should be performed by an authorized Specialized retailer, and any associated expenses are the responsibility of the raffle winner,” Specialized stated.

To learn more about the Nicky Hayden Memorial Fund, visit the website.