2010 Trek Preview: TTX
Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app.
The design of the TTX remains unchanged, but there are a few new tweaks, the first being a new extra small size. Further, the WSD women’s line now has not one tri bike in the line, but three; two carbon offerings (the TTX 9.9 SSL and TTX 9.0) and the aluminum Equinox 7, in extra small, small and medium.
Of great interest (at least for us fashion/style slaves) is the fact that in 2010, the TTX joins the Madone as a platform for the Project One program, meaning you can get the neon green flowing gas design, flames, matching tires, housing, with your choice of groupset, saddle, bar tape, stem, everything. Like many auto websites like Mini, you can visually build a dream TTX online in the next few months (Trek is still ironing out the details) at trek.com/projectone.
We were up on one particular TTX in the line: the TTX 9.8SSL, a model Howe likened to the best competitor to the Cervelo P3. Why? It’s the top-end Red Carbon, it has the SSL cutouts to further lighten the bike (at the top of the seat mast, for example). With a frame integrated fork, Aeolus race wheels that are color-matched, a full SRAM Force groupset with no parts swaps, this bike at $4,799 is $1000 less than the same bike a year ago—and is in direct line with the P3. (and the bike can be spec’d for even less for those who want just a training wheelset instead, etc.) And, the TTX comes in four color options to boot, delivered within a week.
Howe was excited about the direction Trek has developed in the sport, going from a road and mountain brand to one respected among triathletes, because they have triathletes doing design of the bikes and incorporating their needs.
“We’re committed,” he said. “We have biggest dealerbase in the world, and we have the best-known brand to new cyclists, which is the gateway into triathlon, and it grows the sport itself.. As a triathlete, it’s pretty cool.”