Triathlon
These are triathlon’s hottest bikes right now
Maximum aero, maximum speed. Are these the bikes that’ll conquer the IRONMAN World Championship in 2019?
With the IRONMAN World Championship in Kailua-Kona on the horizon, we’re not only going to be wowed by the sheer talent of these incredible athletes, but also astounded by their equipment too.
With no UCI regulations to meet, these are some serious pieces of design with the aim of helping the athletes getting the very best out of their bike split. Here's six eye-catching bikes, that will either make you envious, or cause you to reach for your credit card. These bikes are not only fast in performance, but slick to the eye and will certainly be making a mark in Kona in 2019.
1. Canyon Speedmax
The Canyon Speedmax has an impressive resume. It’s been at the top of the Ironman World Championship podium for many years, as it was the winning bike of Jan Frodenoin 2015 and 2016, and Patrick Lange in 2017 and 2018. With these two among the favourites to take the title in 2019, it’s likely the Canyon Speedmax could once again take the top spot.
Jan Frodeno on his Canyon Speedmax
© Canyon
The third generation of the speedmax was the triathlon-specific bike, taking the TT bike and creating it into a triathlon bike, with fully integrated hydration and storage into the cockpit of the bike, as well as a spares storage option in the top tube by the seat tube. It’s really taken the triathlete into account. It was developed with the help of the top athletes, to make the systems functional, as well as keep the aerodynamics, particularly around the front hydration system. It’s a work of art with sleek, sharp, clean lines, making this bike stand out from the crowd.
Fully integrated hydration and storage in the cockpit of the bike
© Canyon
So what makes the bike so fast? According to Canyon engineer Wolfgang Kohl, it’s the prodigiously clean lines: “our aim wasn’t just to create the fastest bike, but the fastest-looking bike as well. When the Speedmax CF SLX is in the transition zone it almost looks incomplete because it’s so clean, but everything you need is there, exactly where you want it,” he says.
Is the Canyon Speedmax the fastest-looking bike?
© Canyon
He means it too, because the bike boasts an integrated tool compartment, hydration system, bento box, and integrated Garmin mount. It’s pretty much ready to race, to the highest level, right out of the box.
It’s the attention to detail and the level of service provided by Canyon, that perhaps is the key. Bikes are purchased directly from Canyon online and delivered right to your door. This means that it has the ability to pass on the savings to the customer, however it does mean there is no 'try before you buy' option. But if you are lucky enough to visit their factory, you may get a glimpse of the level of detail and the support that the pros receive.
The Speedmax has taken the triathlete into account
© Canyon
2. Pinarello Bolide TR+
Pinarello is an iconic brand in the world of cycling, with its heritage in the heartland of cycling, Italy. Pinarello is not a widely-ridden bike in triathlon and it's more usually associated with cycling, reaching global success with Team Sky (now Team Ineos partnership) in many wins at the Tour de France. Also, perhaps due to its air of exclusivity and quality, it's been out of reach on the cost front for the majority of athletes. In triathlon, it’s relying on Cameron Wurfto spread the word and he’s certainly doing that, taking out most bike course records (and now full race records) in any race he lines up in.
The Bolide TR+ is a piece of beauty, it’s simply a stunning bike. Clean curves give this bike a softer look to perhaps the Canyon Speedmax's sharp lines. Whilst it looks the business, sophisticated, aerodynamic, lightweight and fast Pinarello have worked to keep the bike simple and straightforward. They've considered the triathlete and the lifestyle we lead, whilst at the same time taking into account all the technology and engineering from cycling.
Pinarello Bolide TR+
© Pinarello
The Bolide TR+ also has disc brakes, cleaning up the front fork. There's also integrated storage, with a bento box along the top tube and a storage system fitted in the frame, between the down tube and seat tube. This perhaps does mean you have to think of an alternative for your drinks, but there's still plenty of space for that bottle on the aero bars or behind the saddle.
Last year Pinarello had just seven bikes in Kona and four the year before. This bike may never be a huge hitter on The Big Island, but what you will get is a unique and impressive bike that will feel very, very special to ride.
3. Factor SLiCK
Perhaps not a name as well-known as the big brands in the sport, but certainly on the up, the Factor SLiCK, is definitely slick by name and by nature – and watch out for the custom-painted Kona 2019 version this year in Hawaii!
Factor SLiCK in all its glory
© @jodywilsonphotography
The colour and level of detail on the frame is impressive and gives an indication of the level of detail of research and engineering that's gone into the bike. The design incorporates the feel of the island: Hawaiian flowers, spirits, volcanoes, even a Honu tucked away in there, as well as messages of Mahalo to the island.
“I told Factor that I need the spirits of the island on my side and that I want the Hawaiian Honu turtle as a sign of good luck on it. So, I hope to respect the island with this and have the spirits of the island on my side!” says SLiCK rider Jan Van Berkel.
Having the spirits of the island on side
© @jodywilsonphotography
The unique feature of the SLiCK is the Twin Vane EVO down tube. This feature, used in the Factor One road bike, is perhaps an unconventional approach, but it's been designed for aerodynamic efficiency and maximum frame stiffness. This is a brand that started with a collaboration with Aston Martin, so you can guarantee this bike oozes class and quality and has a 'wow factor' like no other, as well as an incredible amount of research that's gone into this brand and bike.
SLiCK is designed for aerodynamic efficiency and maximum frame stiffness
© @jodywilsonphotography
The wide stance seat stays allow the air to flow freely through, rather than around, the frame and rear wheel. The deep air foil seat tube contours and conforms to the rear wheel, nestling it away from the wind and the external fork features a hidden integrated brake and again wide stance, along with deep air foil profiled legs.
Hawaii themes all around
© @jodywilsonphotography
The bike has an aerodynamic storage box behind the seat post and uses 51Speedshop components for the aero bars. For 2020, Factor will be bringing out a disc version of the SLiCK. This TT bike is also one of the few UCI-legal bikes in triathlon, which means it’s easy to jump into a few time trial races over the year as well.
You won’t miss this bike in the IRONMAN World Championship, with the Kona 2019 custom paint work. Make the effort to take an extra look at the detail on the frame.
4. Felt IA FRD
The Felt IA also has a great record in Kona, winning the race an impressive six times, through Daniela Ryf and Miranda Carfrae, not to mention the World 70.3 IRONMAN titles it can add to its name. There’s a good chance that in 2019 the Felt IA may have another world title as well.
Daniela Ryf rides her Felt IA bike in the mountains
© James Mitchell
“There’s a lot to love," Mirinda Carfrae says. "Mostly it’s the feel of the bike when you ride it. It handles amazingly well on technical courses, is stiff and responsive and flies like you wouldn’t believe when you get it up to speed in a straight line."
The Felt is distinctive, too, as its frame has a much deeper or broader down tube and seat tube than most bikes on the market. It has integrated storage box behind the seat tube and an integrated bento box on the top tube. The latest version of the Felt IA is also a disc version.
Daniela Ryf powering away
© James Mitchell
Attention to detail in the design process is the name of the game here, with Felt claiming that a repetitive cycle of CFD and aero testing was carried out until both engineers and athletes were happy with the finished article.
Attention to detail from the beginning from Felt
© Felt
“The latest bikes boast features such as a box behind the seat tube for added storage room and the ‘VR’ seat post with very thin walls to absorb vibrations," Felt’s Martin Ohliger says. "On top of that we use a 3T DiffLock system in the seat post that offers additional comfort. This is especially important in events like Kona, where you spend long hours in the saddle,” he adds.
5. Scott Plasma
When an athlete such as Sebastian Kienle chooses to ride this brand you know it must be pretty special and have something about it and when Kienle has also been involved in the design and evolution of the Plasma, you know it’s going to be good.
“They listen to their athletes," Kienle says. "They constantly invest in development, they're good people. I like to work with them and they’ve provided me with the best equipment you can get. I'm sure that I had the fastest bike in transition in 95 percent of the races I‘ve competed in over the last five years."
Sebastian Kienle rides in Nice
© Kevin Sawyer / Red Bull Content Pool
The Scott Plasma mixes clean lines and curves, creating a unique frame shape, particularly around the seat post. A fully integrated front end, nose cone can be used (or removed), but of course is designed to enhance the aerodynamics of the bike, allowing the rider to access hydration and nutrition without coming out of the aero position.
“It‘s fast, that’s what I love most about it," Kienle says. "What makes it fast? Lots of R&D in first place, but then we never stop working on improving all the little details over the years. It’s important to feel that you’re in the right place when you sit on it,” he adds.
Scott prides itself on integration of the bike and the rider
© Kevin Sawyer / Red Bull Content Pool
Scott prides itself on integration of the bike and the rider, 'the aero-dynamic fusion between rider and the bike'. They talk about the aerodynamic frame design, but that takes into account the interaction between a moving rider and the bike. Scott take the extra steps to make the bike and rider be as one.
How it rides in slight crosswinds, together with the Zipp 858 wheels, it feels like you cut through the wind
Scott moved up one place on the Kona bike count in 2018 to seventh, with 110 bikes, up from 100 in 2017.
6. Specialized S-Works Shiv
IRONMAN world record holder Tim Don rides the Specialized Shiv, so you just know it’s one of the fastest machines out there. Aero R&D product manager Cameron Piper says: “The design of the bike was prioritised by three words: aero, fuel and fit. The adjustability and fit range of the bike allows riders to tune in their fit so they can maintain a comfortable position and save energy for the run.”
Aero, fuel and fit the S-Works Shiv Disc
© Specialized
The ‘Control Tower’ and adjustable stem and aerobar set-up ensures a rider can fine-tune their fit, while maintaining optimal aerodynamic efficiency and the bike also features the ‘Fuelselage’ hydration solution – all developed in the brilliantly-named ‘Win Tunnel’.
