Cadex has officially launched the Tri set of frames, its new specific triathlon bike with a design that dates back to the monocoque frames of the nineties.
The new set of modules was developed in conjunction with world and Olympic triathlon champion Kristian Blummenfelt, using extensive CFD (computational fluid dynamics) testing and wind tunnel testing.
A new set of specific triathlon and time trial wheels has also been announced, including a full carbon rear disc wheel and a set of four-spoke carbon wheels.
Blummenfelt has already used the bike and new wheels with good results, winning the delayed 2021 Ironman World Championship on May 7, 2022 and completing the first Ironman triathlon in less than seven hours on June 5, 2022.
While the world of triathlon is no stranger to bikes that violate UCI rules, the Cadex Tri picture set joins a select bike club, such as the Cervélo P5X and the Ceepo Shadow. These bikes take their main design cues from the radical monocoque carbon frames of the 90s, such as the Lotus Sport 110.
Key specifications of the Cadex Tri framework
- Triathlon-specific monocoque aerodynamic frame module with a double-crown fork and wide leg
- Price: £ 6,499 / € 6,999 / $ 8,999 AU
- Claimed weight: 4,577 g (frame, fork, cabin and internal storage system)
Aero resistance
The Cadex Tri bike is almost as far from meeting the ICU as you can get. Simon von Bromley / Our media
Although the riding position is similar to that seen in the time trial, the Cadex Tri set of frames completely ignores the infamously restrictive technical regulations of the UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale, governing body of cycling).
Designed by a team led by aerodynamics expert Xavier Gergaud, who previously worked with Giant (Cadex’s parent brand) on bikes such as the Propel Advanced Disc and the Trinity Advanced Pro, the most obvious features with which a commissioner of the ICU would have problems are the upper tube missing. and a huge aerodynamic downpipe.
In addition to being aerodynamically efficient (because there is less material to interrupt the flow of air), the missing top tube is an ideal feature for a specific triathlon bike, because it facilitates access to the integrated storage systems of the bike in its huge bottom tube.
Integrating storage and hydration is a key focus of the bike. Simon von Bromley / Our media
To meet the demands of an unsupported 180-kilometer bike leg (as presented in Ironman triathlons), the Cadex Tri frame set focuses heavily on the rider’s ability to transport and consume fuel and liquids on the bike. in an aerodynamically optimized manner.
As such, the bottom tube includes an internal bladder for liquids, ranging from 600 ml in the smaller frames to 1,000 ml in the larger ones.
A straw runs through the inside of the frame and comes out between the armrests on the front of the bike. This allows the pilot to drink without having to leave the aerodynamic position.
The bladder can also be filled in motion through a small port at the top of the bottom tube, using a standard cycling water bottle.
The bottom tube also includes a removable bento box, which holds up to 10 32ml gels in the largest frame.
There’s also a toolbox on top of the bottom bracket, with enough space for a multi-tool, tire levers, a CO2 inflator, and a spare camera.
Double crown fork
The double crown fork is one of the most outstanding features of the bike. Simon von Bromley / Our media
The fork uses a wide position design, with the upper supports flowing directly into the base bar and the armrest batteries.
This design is said to offer the Cadex Tri panel set “leading-in-class pedaling and torsional rigidity”, to improve power transfer and handling performance.
The wide-legged legs are said to soften the flow of air over the rider’s legs. Simon von Bromley / Our media
Although the fork legs are not as wide as those of the Hope HB.T, Cadex says the aerodynamic effect works similarly, with the fork legs breaking the airflow over the legs of the Hope. pilot.
The heavily dropped rods are then placed directly in line with the fork legs, which, according to Cadex, effectively hide them from the wind.
Combined with the huge aerodynamic tube sections of the frame, Cadex claims that the Tri frame set coincides with “the fastest UCI-unregulated triathlon bikes,” such as the Cervélo P5X and the Canyon Speedmax CFR.
Perfect fit
Adjustment is crucial to performance. Simon von Bromley / Our media
Because the rider is the main source of aerodynamic drag in the rider-plus-bike system, achieving an optimized position on a time trial or triathlon bike is crucial.
With this in mind, Cadex has designed the aerodynamic cabin of the Tri panel set together with Sync (a company specializing in the manufacture of ergonomic time trial and triathlon cabins), so that it is highly and easily adjustable with basic tools.
The cabin is highly adjustable. Simon von Bromley / Our media
Based on a data set of 150 professional and amateur triathletes, Cadex offers the Tri table set in five different sizes (XXS to L).
Both the base bar and the stack and range of the armrest can be adjusted in a wide range, as well as the angle and width of the armrest and extension.
Like many triathlon bikes, the seatpost has an adjustable recoil. Simon von Bromley / Our media
As a specific triathlon bike designed for main use in aerodynamic position, the Cadex Tri frame set achieves an extremely pronounced seating angle of 76 to 80 degrees, with 70 mm adjustment in between.
Easy travel
The bike can be easily packed for travel. Simon von Bromley / Our media
With triathlons taking place around the world, cycling is a key concern for any dedicated triathlete.
Cadex says the design process for the Tri panel set “took this into account in its overall design, minimizing the amount of disassembly and assembly required.”
The set of frames will be shipped with its own dedicated case, created in collaboration with Topeak, with a specially designed padding system and wheel bags.
Each side of the base bar and extensions can also be easily disassembled from the frame and fork, folding without the need to disconnect hydraulic cables or hoses.
An interior mounting system helps protect the bike inside the box, but it can also be removed for use as a “mini work support” at your destination.
Prices and availability of the Cadex Tri frame set
The Cadex Tri frame set is priced at £ 6,499 / € 6,999 / $ 8,999 AU, which includes the monocoque frame, wide fork and aerodynamic cab, and a custom Cadex brand travel case for the bike .
Cadex says the Tri frame set can be booked now, with delivery starting in October 2022.
Cadex disc wheel and four-spoke carbon wheels
A new disc wheel has been developed to complement the bike. Simon von Bromley / Our media
The brand is also launching a new carbon disc wheel and a four-spoke system, which Cadex says have been widely tested in the wind tunnel.
In the wind tunnel, Cadex used a dynamically moving manikin to simulate the interaction between the rider and the wheel which, combined with tests with multiple steering angles (+/- 20 degrees) and wind speeds, resulted in optimized rim profiles.
Each is made of 18K carbon fiber, which is said to optimize stiffness and strength, while the rims feature a lightweight foam plate between the carbon layers that further supports the design.
A four-spoke aerodynamic wheel has also been launched. Simon von Bromley / Our media
The R3-C40 buckets have ceramic bearings and the free vacuum includes a new 40-tooth ratchet system, which is said to reduce pedal friction by 33 percent and displacement friction by 31.5 percent in compared to the previous design R1-S30.
The rims have an internal width of 22.4 mm, which Cadex claims allows for a more round and uniform tire profile and a wider, shorter contact patch. They are also hookless and ready for tubeless.
The four-spoke wheel system combines a 50mm deep front wheel with a 65mm deep rear wheel. Thanks to 20-degree yaw angle tests, Cadex says the wheels should offer maximum aerodynamic efficiency while remaining controllable with crosswinds.
Meanwhile, the disc wheel has an asymmetrical profile and is said to save the rider seven watts when combined with a special Cadex Aero tire (which will be launched in the future), compared to “other popular Ironman wheel / tire systems” .
It also removes any foam padding, saving weight, as well as any radius of structural support, thanks, says Cadex, to the strength of the 18K fabric.
It saves four watts compared to the 65mm deep four-spoke wheel.
Prices and availability of disc wheels and four Cadex spokes
The new wheels are available now, with the usual selling prices below.
- Cadex Aero 4-spoke Tubeless Disc front wheel: £ 1,499.99 / € 1,699 / $ 2,599 AU
- Cadex Aero 4-Speke Tubeless Disc Rear Wheel: £ 1,699.99 / € 2,899 / $ 1,899 AU
- Cadex Aero Disc Tubeless Disc-Brake Rear Wheel: £ 2,199 / € 3,999 / $ 2,299 AU