Want to race like Norwegian powerhouse Kristian Blummenfelt? Who doesn’t! Okay that might be a stretch without a colossal set of lungs and a singular focus on triathlon, but as of today you can at least purchase the same bike as the global tri superstar.
In case you’ve missed it, the Olympic and World Triathlon champion has had one heck of a 2022, winning both the Ironman World Championship in St George in May and becoming the first triathlete to complete a full-distance triathlon in under seven hours at the Pho3nix Sub7 event in Germany.
The 28-year-old from Bergen completed the bike leg for both of those events on a head-turning prototype triathlon bike from Cadex. Head-turning because it had no top tube.
But the brand has today announced that Blummenfelt’s bike and accompanying wheelset is available as a production model.
The imaginatively named Cadex Tri is designed to be a “no-holds-barred triathlon machine” and has been developed to provide a more personalised fit, race-ready integration, “superior real-world aerodynamic performance” and maximum efficiency.
Cadex also claim that the Aero WheelSystem is the fastest they’ve ever created.
Aerodynamics for endurance
To win an Ironman race or set a new PB, a rider must be able to hold the most aero position for the entire 180km bike leg. A guiding philosophy behind the Cadex Tri frameset is that aero performance goes beyond wind-tunnel data. It’s about achievable gains for real-world racers.
Looking at the bike from the front, the most striking design element is the fork. The wide-spread legs have been designed to allow air to flow cleanly through and around the long, bladed legs, directing airflow past the rider’s legs toward the streamlined rear end of the bike.
According to Cadex, extensive wind-tunnel testing showed that this design reduces airflow blockage at the front of the bike and minimises the overall drag of the rider and bike.
Finding the perfect fit
Another key USP of the frameset, says Cadex, is its wide-ranging adjustability, “which makes it quick and easy to dial in over 1,000 different fit configurations. This allows triathletes of all heights and body dimensions to achieve a perfect fit and a comfortable, optimised position over long distances.”
“Triathletes are constantly looking for ways to improve aerodynamics, pedalling efficiency and of course comfort,” Blummenfelt said.
“Over the course of 180km, small changes add up. Sometimes what feels or tests fast in the wind tunnel doesn’t work as well out on the road. Having the ability to make these adjustments quickly and easily is a game-changer when you’re trying to optimise your riding position and fit.”
Cadex Tri storage solutions
Cadex has built a complete solution right into the frame in order to keep it away from the wind and boost the bike’s aero performance.
The unique design, with a lack of top tube and a large down tube allows for a new way to store and access your essentials on race day, all while remaining in an aero position on the bars.
A removable bento box is present in the top part of the down tube and is said to be able to house up 10 32ml energy gels (in size large). Cadex says the rubber cover holds the energy gels in place, while part of the gel will be poking out to allow for quicker access.
Further down the down tube you’ll find the hydration system with a refill point that can be topped up with a bidon. The reservoir volume varies by bike size, from 600ml for a size XXS to one litre for a size large.
A straw then travels through the down tube and appears out of an aero cover at the head tube, giving the rider access to their fluids without having to change position.
If more fluid is needed, there’s also bottle cage mounts on the front of the seat tube.
Meanwhile, an integrated toolbox is located near the bottom bracket, much like we’ve seen on the Argon 18 E119 Tri Disc, which can be accessed from the non-drive side. Essential tools such as a multi-tool, tyre lever and CO2 inflator come as standard.
Travel-ready
Recognising how much of a hassle it is to disassemble and pack up a bike for travel, Cadex has designed the Tri frameset to make things easier.
The base bar and extensions are said to fold down painlessly into a compact size that’ll allow you to load it into a case without having to disassemble it.
Purchase the Cadex Tri frameset and you’ll also get a Topeak case thrown in for free. The case is made with a polycarbonate shell, interior protection sleeves, a drivetrain cover and a mounting system to keep the frame secure. It’s said to comply with airline luggage restrictions and there’s wheels to help you move it around.
New wheelset for tri and TT
Along with the new Tri frame, Cadex also unveiled the new Aero Disc and Aero 4-Spoke WheelSystems for triathlon and time trial racing, which, they claim, are the fastest wheels they’ve ever created.
The Aero Disc is for rear-wheel use, and the Aero 4-Spoke is available in both front and rear.
How much does the Cadex Tri frameset cost?
The Cadex Tri frameset has an RRP of £6,499. This includes the frame, fork aero cockpit and the travel case. The brand says it’s available for pre-order now, with deliveries starting from October. Find out more on the Cadex website.
How much does the Cadex wheelset cost?
The Cadex Aero 4-Spoke Disc Tubeless front wheel is available for £1,499, the rear wheel is available for £1,699.99 and the Cadex Aero Disc Tubeless Disc-Brake rear wheel retails at £2,199.
All options are available now.