Factor launched a new tri bike last month and I don’t think the intention is for it to (yet) rival the P5 or the Speedmax. This is only the second iteration of the Slick, so this brand has just begun to fight in the tri space. Also, it does not enjoy a breadth of models across the price spectrum and this is a must if you want to sell in volume.

Still, the Factor Slick commands attention because of what it is and because of who is behind it. The “who” is Rob Gitelis, with whom I’ve had business dealings as a bike maker going back to 1995. He has had his own factories in Asia for most of that time and absolutely knows his way around. The head designer for Factor is Graham Shrive, who had that job at Cervelo during the post-Vroomen/White era. He didn’t just help Cervelo keep the doors open; he continued to move the brand forward with insightful design ideas. Then there’s one particular investor in Factor – Chris Froome – who was not just the world’s best cyclist in his era, but was an innovator in riding technique, notably in cadence and in descending.

What is the Slick? Think if it as Factor’s version of Cervelo’s P5D and I don’t think that’s an unfair statement for these reasons. First, it’s a World Tour TT bike dolled up with tri accessories and, if you think about Cervelo’s history over the past dozen years, that’s clearly what you all want. The Cervelo P3X was the bike specifically made by Cervelo for your use case if you’re an IRONMAN-style racer. Most of you chose the more conventional-looking bike. Why would Factor make an unconventional design when the last bike to do that successfully was Softride in the 1990s?

From a design motif, Cervelo’s experience has been instructive. Shrive was engineering project manager, and then head of engineering, at Cervelo from 2012 through 2019, formative years for the P5. It stands to reason he brought what he knew over to the Slick.

On the subject of geometry, here is the conundrum we all face today. The bike positions of the top triathlon pros have subtly changed over the last half-decade and, by my observation, the changes follow equipment. A full forearm rest serves as both a comfort feature and an aerodynamic advantage when it acts as a fairing. The rider hides behind the aerobar and this allows the bar to sit higher and tilt up. Some riders also appear to be sliding a bit forward into a pretty extreme hip position. The original tri bike, in 1989, did not invent a position; it placed a bike and a geometry where riders were already riding. The bike was “built from the bars back.”

Have we again reached a place where the bike geometry must be reimagined if these new aerobar styles inform a change in the way riders sit aboard their bikes? If what you need is a longer front center, and a higher aerobar, could you not just buy an existing tri bike in the next size up? Sure, if your position is dictated by the aerobar you use, and the bike underneath that aerobar happens to be a typical tri bike in a larger size.

Anyway, the conundrum for Factor and for Cervelo and all the brands like these is: tri bike geometries have not yet changed to match the positions dictated by these new aerobars; and the bikes built today generally don’t come spec’d with these bars. They are aftermarket purchases. It’s no different with the Factor Slick. You might even say that the OE aerobar is often a placeholder on bikes like the Slick that sell for $9,000 or more, because a purchase of this magnitude is destined to have a boutique, full-forearm armrest placed on it. So, which size do you buy? The size for the stock aerobar or the size that anticipates the use of an aftermarket bar you raise up and hide behind?

Bikes like Cervelo’s P5, and the Factor Slick – and Trek’s Speed Concept and so many other bikes – are hamstrung by their dual use cases. Aerobars and positions not necessarily legal in professional cycling are fully legal in tri. Fortunately, the Slick is designed with a standard round steerer that will accept just about any bar, because its designers knew that the bar on the bike is likely to be replaced. However the Slick is shipped with the Vision Metron TFA aerobar and, in my opinion, it’s too much bar – too much money for a bar – that isn’t full forearm. I’d rather see the bike shipped with a Drag 2 Zero or Sync or Aerocoach, or just outfit the Slick with the a cheap aerobar that everyone knows is going to be replaced.

The rest of the Slick’s details borrow from the work Shrive put into the Cervelos he made, such as generous top tube storage and hydration and additional down tube storage. It’s a well-designed and well-conceived bike served to you from an august design team that is, in every sense of the word, factory direct (not just a sales channel, but a fully-integrated, fully vertical “farm to table” bike brand).

The Slick will sell complete for US $9,200 or $10,400, and that’s with SRAM Force or RED equipped respectively (AXS electronic in each case). For only $1,200 more I’d take the RED because that groupset is a new design and its features (such as improved front derailleur shifting) haven’t yet flowed down to the other groupsets.

The post Factor’s Updated Slick first appeared on Slowtwitch News.

The first is a boon to both athletes and coaches who are using other systems to track or schedule their training. Velocity will now integrate with all major training platforms, like TrainingPeaks, and import structured workouts into the platform. That day’s scheduled workout of choice is then brought over into Velocity’s system and rideable. It’s a similar function to one used by other platforms — but, with Velocity’s enhanced data and video capabilities, there’s more for both athletes and coaches to be able to review post-session.

The second new feature, however, is cool functionality if you’re the kind of person that likes to watch a movie or binge a series while on the trainer. Velocity’s new Stream Mode feature allows the platform to overlay data onto your preferred streaming service. No more toggling between two displays, or screen windows. Instead, you can have your workout and data at your fingertips, all while watching whatever show or movie you’re deep into (for us, that’s Hilda on Netflix because, well, everything is dictated by the Tiny Tyrant).

Steaming Mode works like this:

• Create a free account on Velocity.
• Connect your training platform (e.g., TrainingPeaks, Final Surge).
• Automatically import your workouts into Velocity.
• Execute your workout while streaming your favorite media.

It now gives Velocity more options in addition to their coach-led, community-driven experience.

Robbie Ventura, CEO of Velocity, said, “While our primary mission is to support coaches in strengthening their communities, we also recognize the need for an engaging, data-rich platform for athletes completing non-coach-led workouts. Stream Mode bridges that gap.”

Velocity is available for a free 45 day trial membership. After the 45 days, Velocity will run you $4.99 per month.

The post Velocity Launches Updated Platform; New Stream Mode first appeared on Slowtwitch News.

This is part two of my Pillars of SPEED series. Click here to read Part One: Unlocking Speed on the Bike

I’m defining COMFORT as:

The ability to sustain your position for the duration of your event.

Notice I use the word “sustain“. I could also use the word “tolerate“. Regardless of whether you’re riding in the World Tour, an Ironman Champion, or a recreational cyclist, if you can’t hold your position because of discomfort, nothing else matters.

When you purchase a TT/Tri bike, you’re investing in speed via a bike that promotes a position that minimizes aerodynamic drag. However, achieving that speed depends on your ability as an athlete to stay in that position. While it won’t feel like lounging in a La-Z-Boy, it shouldn’t be so uncomfortable that it compromises your race execution—whether staying aero or running off the bike.

Comfort: Adaptability vs. Incompatibility

If you’re struggling to find comfort in the TT/Tri position, remember: it’s not a natural posture on the bike and requires time to adapt.

This article focuses on distinguishing between discomfort that requires adaptation and discomfort caused by incompatibility.

Here are a few common scenarios that most athletes will find themselves in during their time trial/triathlon journey:

• Purchasing your first TT/Tri bike.
• Making significant changes to your position or contact points.
• Returning to the TT/Tri position after a long break.

When working with athletes, I emphasize the importance of the adaptation phase. Overlooking this step leads to unhappy riders and poor fits. By setting clear expectations, I foster trust between the rider and fitter, ensuring the rider knows to reach out for guidance rather than abandoning the process when discomfort arises.

Why Comfort Matters

The human body is amazing—it can adapt to most stressors over time. This is why you’ll often see successful athletes achieve results despite suboptimal positions or techniques; their bodies have compensated and adapted. However, to save ourselves and our clients unnecessary headaches, it’s best to start with a solid foundation—bike position or technique—and make adjustments from there.

When it comes to the adaptation phase, it’s imperative to understand its importance—both for your own position and for the clients you work with. Failure to do so can result in several negative outcomes:

• The client may lose trust in the fitter, assuming incompetence after experiencing discomfort within the first 30 minutes of riding.
• They might lose faith in bike fitting altogether, attempting ill-informed adjustments to fix discomfort that would have resolved with time.
• The client could seek another fitter who simply explains the adaptation phase or makes unnecessary changes.
• Frustration might lead them to unfairly blame the bike brand for their discomfort.
• Ultimately, they may fall out of love with cycling, discouraged by persistent discomfort.

When riders know what to expect, they’re more likely to think: “This is normal—I just need to give it time.”

Common Areas of Discomfort

Saddle Discomfort

The saddle is the cornerstone of the TT/Tri position. Achieving an effective position requires anterior pelvic rotation, which pivots the rider forward and places pressure on sensitive soft tissue areas. To address this, manufacturers have designed TT/Tri-specific saddles that redirect pressure onto bony landmarks, such as the ischium or pubic rami. However, this shift often requires an adjustment period, as we’re not accustomed to bearing weight in these areas.

While a saddle may feel comfortable during a fitting session, discomfort can emerge on the road. I always inform clients that this is normal and advise allowing 1–3 weeks for bone and soft tissue to adapt.

If the saddle becomes intolerable or remains uncomfortable after this adaptation period, exploring alternative options is essential.

Saddle demo and return programs offered by most manufacturers or shops are invaluable in this process. While fitting tools and experience help narrow down choices, finding the ideal saddle ultimately relies on client feedback and trial-and-error once the rider takes to the road.

Shoulder Discomfort

The forward rotation of the TT/Tri position will place more weight on the front end of the bike than you’re used to. The lower the front end, the more weight you’ll need to support. The key here is supporting your weight skeletally, which is achieved through proper placement of your elbow on the arm cup, bar angulation, and fore/aft bar positioning. Even with a proper fit, we may experience shoulder discomfort during the initial adaptation phase.

Neck Discomfort

During our normal everyday lives, we walk around with what can be described as a neutral spine. To maintain a neutral spine when lowered into the TT/Tri position, we’d be looking straight down at the front wheel. To see where we are going, we must extend our necks in a very unfamiliar way to see up the road. By giving postural cues — setting a neutral spine then lifting the chin, versus lifting the entire head (a.k.a periscope head) — we can minimize the impact, but we must still adapt to this unnatural head and neck posture.

The Key Takeaway

The TT/Tri position is inherently unnatural, and some initial discomfort is expected. However, with persistence and time, the body adapts, and discomfort subsides.

Understanding this concept equips riders and fitters to navigate the adaptation phase confidently, knowing when to wait versus when to make adjustments. The result? Greater satisfaction, better TT positions, and increased confidence in the bike fit process.

-Mat

The post Pillars of Speed, Part 2: Comfort, The Foundation first appeared on Slowtwitch News.

Go big or go home they say. And Wahoo has gone biggest with the ELEMNT ACE.

Whats in the box? User manual, little cute safety strap, USB-c cable, massive (yet lighter) mount and, of course, the computer itself.

One, Two, Three is the current count now when it comes to bike computer options from Wahoo.

ELEMNT BOLT – ELEMNT ROAM- ELEMNT ACE

The above and below will give you an idea on size of the offerings

The new mount really breaks the “mold” and comes in metal instead of plastic.

Elemnt BOLT at 3.05″ x 1.86″ x .84″ with a 2.2 in display and 15 hour battery life.

ELEMNT ROAM with a 3.56″ x 2.34″ x 0.8″ and 2.7 in display and 17 hour battery life.

Now that you have a visual Idea on the size of this sucker the ELEMNT ACE, let’s dive in a little.

With a massive 3.8″, 3:2 aspect screen that comes in with a weight of 208g // 7.4 oz, Wahoo isn’t trying to attract the weight weenies with this new computer. Instead they are after the information-seeking geek that wants to not only see what’s going on, but also has buttons that make getting around the device as easy as possible. This thing even comes with a digital bell: a “ding ding, get out the way” sort of ring to it. This size and spec makes the ELEMNT ACE the largest bike computer on the market today. So what’s inside all of that space and what do we think about it?

WAHOO APP

One of coolest part of the new product offering for me is sort of misleading is the Product Name “ELEMNT ACE.” The reason it’s sort of misleading and exciting to me all at the same time is the this is first time that Wahoo has any of their bike computers sync with the Wahoo App, instead of the Elemnt App. Meaning they are going in the direction of a single app and that now I can pretty much have almost all of my stuff in one app instead of trying to remember what app I need to control my Wahoo tools. And being a triathlete that is entering winter and the pain cave months that is pretty nice to have. As Wahoo continues to consolidate the ELEMNT app into the main and single Wahoo App we will all benefit that’s for sure.

These are going to be all the tools I live by for the next 3-4 months and its nice to be able to see everything in one control center.

Massive Digital Display

First off the extra large screen is not only big but it’s touch screen. It’s not the first or only touch screen bike computer on the market but it is the largest touch screen. And when it comes to trying to mess with your computer while riding your bike ,sometimes having that larger field of play helps you get the touch point just right. Don’t get me wrong; this isn’t like playing around with your iPhone but the touch screen is pretty legit when it comes to moving from page to page. Sometimes buttons just get old. While the screen is larger then its competitor, the Garmin Edge 1050, it does have a smaller pixel count by 80; the Wahoo Ace coming in with 480×720 instead of Garmin’s 480 x 800 pixels. (That’s the photo geek in me.) What impresses me the most is the 30 hour+ battery life that this massive display allows. A lot of this is because of the way Wahoo designed the display using the transflective thin-film transistor (TFT) screen. It provides excellent anti-glare and anti-reflective properties and allows for not only the LED backlight but also the sun to power the device in regards to visiblity.

INTERGRATED WIND SENSOR

Wahoo is dubbing this a category first – and I have to agree that this is pretty freaking cool. Although way more of this will be in our follow up article, but for now does this mean we are going to be able to buy this device and skip the wind tunnel? Probably not. But will this tell you in real time you are getting a solid draft off your buddy that you are sitting behind? 100%. Just look at the 13 minutes I sat right on my buddy Ryan’s wheel going up the canyon while we had a head wind. Heavy airboost on! Don’t worry, I don’t need his wheel; I needed to test the product! What does this really mean? It means that if you are in a draft legal event (triathlon or otherwise), you start to use this tool to help you pace yourself in a pack. Maybe it can also help you figure out what the difference getting in the drops makes.

Using the front facing opening shown below, the ACE allows for riders to not only see real time data while in or in front of the pack,but also post ride ELEMNT ACE provides Wahoo Wind Dynamics (WWD) to the Wahoo App that can be used to analyze performance and to help understand wind speed and its impacts on performance.

Does the computer come with all the bells and whistles of the Air Sensor? Not yet, but the basics are live and the rest will come in the forthcoming updates, some of which are listed at the end of this article.

MAPS

Not only does the ACE support Google and Apple Maps, but the Turn by Turn navigation is now also audio enabled which allows for riders to explore safely. This is where screen size really comes into play. Riders can not only see the direction they need to go, but what is ahead of them with overlays of your desired data points and/or graphs. Nothing drives me more nuts then going on a ride and not knowing if I have a 4 mile climb coming up or not. I really like to explore but in my older age I want to be prepared for as much as possible too.

Using MAPBOX in the new userface really does an awesome job at allowing riders to dive into the what they just completed. Seeing everything in 3D and having mulitple viewing options not allows for riders to get a feel for things, but they can really start to see where they can improve as everyone is searching for KOM and QOM’s these days.

Adding routes from other platforms seems to be about as easy and I have seem. I sync’d this from Ride With GPS.

So if you’re getting maps from friends or your coach, connecting and creating routes is pretty seamless.

The post event data is just a whole new level as well. Everything a Slowtwitcher would want to see.

INITIAL THOUGHTS?

I sort of laughed when I got the package and opened it up. All I could think about was how big this thing was. Then I plugged it in, turned it on and started to use it. I’m not sure I would ever use it in an IRONMAN or a 70.3. I just don’t know if I need that much data and size for a “guided tour.” But I will 100% use it at every single gravel race or long training ride I do. (Assuming I can fit it between my aero bars.) It’s about time Wahoo finally started to consolidate it’s apps into one. That has been one of my only complaints with their eco-system to date. All in all, it’s not so much the idea that I can see a thousand data fields on my screen as much as I can actually see the data I want. I can be a little more safe while trying to navigate in places where I have never been. I can see a little more clearly if an important call, text or email comes in so I’m not reaching for my phone to check it. These are the things that I think are important to a lot of us who live really busy lives that are trying to stay healthy at the same time.

We will have another write up and full YouTube video in the next week or so. Mostly because some of these updates didn’t really come out until the last day or so so I just didn’t have enough time with the holiday to get out and test them the way they I needed to. Below is the latest spec sheet from WAHOO along with their planned updates.

PRICING

• USD $599.99
• CAD $849.99
• GBP £549
• EUR €599
• AUD $999
• JPY ¥99,000

Forthcoming Updates

• Planned December 2024 Updates
  • Strava Live Segments
  • Offline configuration support (to supplement cloud based architecture)
  • “Workout Profiles” rebrand to “Activity Profiles”
  • Additional UI/UX Refinement and bug fixes

• Planned January 2025 Updates
  • Enhanced LiveTrack

• Ongoing Updates 
  • Wahoo is committed to improving rider experience through regular software updates – much of this is from customer feedback, alongside a company mission to keep improving the functionality of our products. There will be regular software updates unlocking new features, levels of performance and data-driven insights.

The post The All New Wahoo ELEMNT ACE first appeared on Slowtwitch News.

Your bike fitter likely uses a range of metrics to dial in your fit with the goal of making you as efficient (and comfortable) as possible on the bike. Your bike fitter also likely teaches you how to pay attention to your body so that you can learn to feel what it is like to be moving optimally on the bike. This is not unlike what physical therapists refer to as neuro re-education. The process takes time, as you can likely attest to the adaptation phase after a new bike fit being correlated with how much your position changed.

The only problem is that as soon as the fitting session ends, you are left alone without the motion metrics and the bike fitter’s teaching to reinforce what you just learned about your body moving optimally with the new bike fit. Further, you become dependent on your bike fitter to set up each new bicycle you introduce to your stable.

Motion Tracking System

The team at 3D Wearable sets out to supplement that scenario by creating a system consisting of two motion sensors that communicate via Bluetooth to an app on your phone. The two motion sensors can map the baseline of any motion (i.e., pitch, yaw, roll, acceleration) on a landmark on the body and provide real-time audio feedback of that same motion within an adjustable tolerance.

The simplest use case is saddle height. One of the motion sensors can be placed on your sacrum to locate your ideal saddle height and hip angle while pedaling. This motion can then be recorded as the ideal baseline. Then, while you are out on a ride you can receive audio feedback – a chime coming from your mobile phone – when you are outside a set degree of variance from the ideal motion.

As we fatigue, our ideal motion form is susceptible to deterioration, especially when it is a motion we are still training our nervous system to enact unconsciously. We get fatigued on a long ride, and we tend to hunch our back and roll our hips back. This then leads to compensation and potential for injury. The audio feedback from the 3DWearable system can help us correct our posture on the bike and prevent injury. It can also be an indicator that it is time to stop.

Training the Nervous System

As co-founder and long-time bike fitter, Eddie O’Dea, explained, we are constantly training our nervous system through repetition. Ideally, our training is reinforcing our bodies and nervous system to maintain an ideal motion for longer and longer durations of efficiency. As soon as we are falling outside a set range of an ideal motion, we are not only no longer reinforcing the ideal motion but also reinforcing a less efficient motion. We get tired and our bike posture (and running form) gets sloppy.

There is a very good chance we are all reinforcing less than ideal motion when stuck indoors logging hours on the trainer. I bet you can relate to moving your hands from the hoods to the bar tops, hunching your back, and rolling your hips backward late into an indoor endurance ride. Pay attention to it next long indoor ride, then imagine having audio feedback to remind you of when your posture on the bike is getting lazy. And then, consider the over-use injuries from compensation you would be avoiding.

Eddie went on to explain that the neuro re-education phase is accelerated with the audio feedback from the sensors. The chimes from the 3DWearable app allow athletes to practice the motion outside the lab or fitting studio where many other variables are at play. Newcomers to a sport or activity benefit from a wider tolerance variation as they are making far greater adjustments to their motion toward the ideal. Highly specialized, veterans of a sport of activity benefit from a tighter tolerance variation as they are seeking out small margins of improvement on already very efficient motions.

Eddie O’Dea has been in the bike fitting game for a long time, and I trust him when he tells me that the 3DWearable system has changed the way he approaches bike fits. Eddie first fit me and my team in 2006 alongside 3DWearable co-founder Tom Coleman. And, Eddie was my go to bike fitter years later when I lived in Atlanta. Eddie and Tom are driven by the desire to get more people moving more efficiently and with less injury. They invented the 3DWearable system to both extend the value of the bike fit out on to the road in real-time training and to equip the end user with tools and knowledge to refine their own motion.

Increased Variables

Eddie went on to explain that the more sensors that are introduced to the system, the complexity of the number of motions and the relationships among them grows exponentially. Eddie foresees being able to map baseline motions for additional variables experienced outside on open roads. This means that the sensors on the body are not only tracking their relative position (i.e., pitch, yaw, roll) for hip angle and cadence (as examples), but also doing so in relationship to the speed of the bike and the angle of the bike on the road’s grade.

Eddie can imagine having an aero position motion mapped for when the bike is up to speed and the rider benefits from being in the aero bars, as well as having a climbing motion mapped when the bike is at a lower speed going uphill and the rider benefits from sitting upright in the bull horns. The 3DWearable system would know based on speed and grade which set of motions was ideal for each scenario and would cue the athlete to adjust to the ideal baseline motion for each scenario.

The possibilities are endless, and 3DWearable has identified several user groups that would benefit from their system, including golf; cycling; walking/running/hiking; strength training; target sports like archery and shooting; racket sports; and skiing.

Early Adopters

3DWearable is offering limited quantities of the system to early adopters at a reduced price. The 3DWearable team will be in close communication with the early adopters to coach them through how to apply the sensors and use the system to map and track motion. As the company scales the system and number of users, they intend on offering more instructional video content through their application.

The sensors have an 8-hour battery life and are rechargeable. The application is available for both Apple iOS and Android devices.

The introductory reduced price is $799 for two sensors, or $399 for a single sensor, and the app with no subscription fee for cloud storage for the first year. If you are interested, visit them at 3DWearable.org or e-mail them at info@3DWearable.org.

Eddie O’Dea will also answer your questions in the forum.

The post New Tech: 3DWearable Motion Tracking first appeared on Slowtwitch News.

While at the booth we did find some time to look at the expanded offerings Dimond is bringing to the space. Like most triathlon-focused bike companies, Dimond found they needed to offer more than just flagship triathlon-specific bikes. That’s especially true for companies, like Dimond, that only offer non-UCI approved versions. Those bikes are fast – probably some of the fastest on the market. Cervelo went down a similar route with the P5X and P3X series (yes, they still have the UCI-approved P5 and P-Series), but even that approach comes with a price. I’m not talking about the lack of weight savings. I’m talking about how expensive they are, and how hard they are to produce. In the end, bike molds are not cheap, and manufacturing at small scale isn’t either. The other hardship that these companies run into is providing the necessary customer service required for these specialty bikes. No matter what the size the customer base, they still have to have parts on hand, along with customer support staff that know what they are talking about.

What has been very different with the companies that are offering non-UCI approved bikes is the wide variety of pricing. Dimond, for example, offers $10,000 frames that end up at $21,905.21 for a full build. But, because they have been able to utilize a modular building process, they can still have a $3,500 offering for a fully-built beam bike. (I personally think you need to get your head checked for spending $22,000 on a bike for a triathlon, but we live in a world where people spend that sort of money just getting to the race. So, I guess, if you have it, why not?)

So, lets look at Dimond’s flagship offering.

THE MOGUL

Frame Weight: 1.8 ± 0.05 kg (Size IV)

Dimensions: 43 x 32 x 11 in

Size: I, II, III, IV, V

Build: Frameset, Custom

Compatibility: Shimano Di2, SRAM eTap, Mechanical (1x only)

BB Specification: PF30 (46 mm dia. x 68 mm w.)

S.H.I.S. Specification: IS 41 28.6 / IS 41 30.0

Material: Carbon Fiber

MONARCH BASE BAR

Basebar Width: 40 cm

Stem Length: 90 mm

Pad Reach: Max. 150 mm

Arm Tilt Adjustment Range: +/- 10°

Steer Tube Clamp Diameter: 1 1/8 in / 28.6 mm

51 SPEEDSHOP EXTENSIONS

• 15mm Offset
• 30 Degree grip angle

LUNCH BOX

Large enough to fit your whole lunch, and almost three times the size of most storage systems, the Lunch Box is an integrated bento that’s built in to the beam behind the stem. The volume is significant – size IV and V hold approximately 700mL, while the II and III sizes hold about 550mL.

Some examples of what will fit:

• 13 Gels
• 8 Cliff Block Sleeves
• 6 PowerBars
• 2 Gel Flasks

TOTES

Tools Or Technical Equipment Storage (TOTES) is designed specifically for your flat kit and multitool storage. The compartment is located above the BB cluster. The TOTES improves aerodynamics and will allow you to fix a flat on those long training, or race, days. Your significant other will be happy to hear they won’t have to pick you up (again) because you left your flat kit at home.

Suggested contents: 1 Tube, 2 Tire Levers, 2 CO2 Cartridges, 1 CO2 Inflater Adapter, 1 Small multitool.. (Or, if you’re sure your significant other really loves you and won’t leave you stranded, more snacks.)

AERO

The fully integrated internal cable routing on the front end is super clean.

TIRE CLEARENCE

While one could fit a 30 mm tire on the Mogul, the margin of error is pretty slim. Dimond recommends 28 mm tires, which are shown here.

FYI

Because of the way the Mogul is built, if you plan to use it on a smart trainer, you will need to purchase the Stationary Trainer Adapter to keep your warranty active.

My thoughts have always been consistent with regard to the look and feel of the Dimond beam bikes: they are beautiful with a rear disc wheel.. They look a little odd without a disc on the back, in my opinion.

According to the company’s website, here’s the current Dimond triathlon line up:

• MOGUL $10,000 (Frame only) $21,905.21+ decked out.
• IKON $8,499
• MARQUISE $7,499
• MARQUISE RIM $7,199
• TRILLUANT $4,999
• CARBONADO $3,500

One of the things Tollakson and I spent some time talking about was how much overlap our companies have in the endurnace market these days. At Slowtwitch, I continue to point out that, in the end, our community is more “Endurance Sports” driven than “Triathlon” driven. Over the years Tollakson has been forced to follow the path of this loyal triathlete customers, too. That’s why it’s not only been a success, but a need, for him to produce Road, Gravel and even get into the Mountain Bike scene. The company also does little kids’ “Balance Bikes,” but that’s mostly becuase of Tollakson’s passion for youth cycling, and, in my opinion, his joy of being a father who trying to keep his kids as active as he can.

Dimond has been able to innovate, not just because of the modular build process, but by also keeping high-dollar accessories in house through the launch of Red Crown Cycling, which does bars and wheels. That ensures Tollakson avoids having more items shipped from overseas, and ensures he can keep things spec’d the way that these bikes need to be.

The latest from the company is the new GRANITE Gravel frame. That bike was born from the desire to get a 2.2 Mountain bike tire between the seat stays, while still using a road BB. They did end up about .1 short of that goal, but, maybe if you’re like the great “Caveman” Conrad Stoltz, you can just shave that little bit extra off the tires and be just fine.

The Dimond Granite:

Max Tire Clearance: 700c x 50mm or 27.5 x 2.2″

BB Standard T47 (86.5mm)

Fork steerer tube 1.5 to 1.125 tapered

Internal Cable Routing

Internal storage allows for a all sorts of stuff including “lunch”

The FIDLOCK system they use to keep your goods in the frame is the best one I have seen to date.

TIRE CLEARENCE

45c is what is shown here

Mounting’s Galore

This bike is made to go the distance with over 11 mounting points outside of the top tube. This frame can probably hold enough gear for even the longest backpacking adventurer.

The Red Crown Cyling and Intergrated Front End.

Dimond was born out of Tollakson’s desire to go faster. His engineering mind would just never stop thinking about things. He was the first professional triathlete to use the high-hand position – which is now common. His elbow pads may have been a little extreme, but using them still tested faster, and he was clearly onto something.

Starting and owning a business is hard work. I have always admired Tollakson for doing what he does, and I certainly applaud him for still being in game. What he currently makes in the triathlon space may not be for everyone. If it is something you’re interested in, you should go check the Dimond bikes out. They are far from the standard, UCI-approved frames so many other company’s are offering. You can get more information at www.dimondbikes.com

The post Dimond Bikes Continues to Press Forward first appeared on Slowtwitch News.

Bike manufacturer Canyon has issued multiple stop ride notices this week, covering the triathlon, mountain, and e-bike categories.

The Speedmax CF sold with the V21 aero stem is one such bike. Owners of these bikes, sold by Canyon in the U.S. up through April of this year, should “immediately stop use of your bike and do not ride it until you have had your fork checked and fixed by a professional bike mechanic,” according to emails sent to owners.

According to the email sent by Canyon, “we discovered rare instances where the fork steerer tube can crack or break, leading to a detachment of the cockpit assembly (stem and handlebar), mostly after a harsh impact such as hitting a deep pothole or another similar stress event. This might lead to a fall or in severe cases also an injury depending on the situation and the environmental conditions you are riding in.”

The Speedmax CFR and CF SLX are unaffected by this notice, as are Speedmax CF bikes sold after April 2024 with the new, single piece carbon cockpit.

Owners should expect remedies to start being available in December, with Canyon stating that they will cover the cost of repair.

Canyon also has issued stop ride notices for their Spectral:ON CF and CFR bikes, as well as the Torque:ON CF, as the battery casing / housing could catch fire.

The post Canyon Issues Multiple Stop Ride Notices, Including Speedmax CF first appeared on Slowtwitch News.

It’s that fun time of year again when we get to count up the results of the Kona count, share the data, and put our opinions next to it.

Once again, Zipp owns the most significant piece of the wheel count pie. And they did it with very little help from others.

Here is the data for wheels from the 2024 Kona bike count.

This count gives us a total of 1972 wheels that were countable from our expert counters. The missing wheels are 100% non-identifiable wheels and the fifty-ish pros that we do not put into the count. I would like to note that the two superstar ladies who counted wheels are the best in the business. So if the two of them couldn’t figure out the wheel as it went by… well, it is what it is.

Now, with that disclaimer, we can all probably agree that with the law of averages, the count is what it is, and if you disagree. Please let me know if you would like to help next time we really do have a great time.

Here are my quick thoughts on the data. DT Swiss, who came in 2nd place, has made the intelligent choice to attach themselves to Canyon and others. These OEM partnerships paid huge dividends by putting wheels on bikes. But it also tells me that customers like the wheels, because as we know: the dudes spend big money on bikes. Just look at ZIPP. They have minimal OEM partnerships with Triathlon bike brands and continue to lead, so people continue replacing OEM specs with ZIPP wheels, although that lead is shrinking from years past.

HED had massive success with the count this year, and much of that is due to the continued success of the rear “Non-disc,” but almost a disc Hed Jet 180. The wheel was brought to life within 2 months of the 2022 two-day Kona race and, in 2024, there were 48 riders using the 180. That total alone is better than 17 of the wheel companies present. The wheel also set the new Kona Bike course record under Sam Laidlow in 3:57:22. Looking at this wheel, I’m starting to think the rule of no discs at Kona is time for a revisit.

Bontrager was in the mix in 4th, but it surprises me as we had 338 Treks, and considering they currently only spec Bontrager wheels and have for a while, this means the Speed Concepts are either older, many guys are jumping ship for other wheel brands, or they are buying frames alone and building up their own components.

ENVE rounded out the World Championship podium in 5th. The company lost a lot of its OEM business and volume numbers when it went into the bike manufacturer business years ago. However, it is on its way back to a healthy return to its roots in triathlon and rebuilding its D-to-C and OEM wheel business. We have more stories about that coming up. We shall see what happens with its efforts in the coming years. Having had many conversations with the brand, I can say that they are committed to the cause.

The biggest loser of the day was Shimano, which I find sad. Mainly because they genuinely have a better product than most people ahead of them. But when you turn your back on marketing to the people, sales, or the lack thereof, starts to follow. This also could be that Shimano has yet to bring wheels into the D to C market like most of these other companies, and with the triathlon market going heavily D to C, this may be something for them to really consider as dealers aren’t helping. Still, with all the nay sayers with hookless, they are one of the very few large companies making pure hooked carbon fiber wheels. It’s a little odd that a company with such a large market cap is neck and neck with Profile Design in the wheel department.

The post ZIPP Owns The Wheel Count of Kona 2024 first appeared on Slowtwitch News.

Canyon has won the Men’s Ironman World Championship bike count for the second year in a row. This shows that the company’s marketing engine doesn’t just reach Europe.

Photo Credit Talbot Cox

The post Canyon Wins Kona 2024 Bike Count first appeared on Slowtwitch News.

We stopped some of the top gravel pros before they ventured onto tomorrow’s race course for Life Time’s Big Sugar event.

ISABEL KING

Frame – Scott Addict Gravel RC

Drivetrain – Shimano GRX 2x 48/31

Wheels – Shimano GRX WH-RX880

Tires– 45 Panaracer X1 plus

Power – 4iii

Personal touch

Daily Reminders

CHASE WARK

Frame – Lauf Seigla

Tires – Continental Race Kings 2.2”

Cockpit – Vision Metron 5d ACR integrated 3k

Wheels – HED Emporia

Drivetrain – Sram Quarq 1x 48

HEATHER JACKSON

Frame – Canyon Grail CFR

Drivetrain – Shimano Mix Dura-ace 50-34 / GRX(wants the power)

Grips – Shimano GRX

Moto – Dirt Brigade

Cockpit – Canyon Grail custom

Tires – IRC Boken 45c

Alexey Vermeulen

Frame – Enve MOG

Drivetrain – Shimano Mix Dura-ace 50-34 / GRX(wants the power)

Grips – Shimano GRX

Tires – Kenda rush 2.2 up front, Kenda prototype 50mm rear

Cockpit – Enve SES AR One-Piece

Custom – #noflats

The post The Many Bikes of Big Sugar first appeared on Slowtwitch News.