2013’s Ultimate Tri Gear

We walked the halls of the Eurobike tradeshow to find the tri gear that is advancing design and technology in the sport beyond the old standard and built a (fictional) bike showcasing the most progressive brand new 2013 gear.

Aerobar: Profile Design Aeria
Progression: clean structure, lots of fit adjustability

Combining fit adjustability and smooth integration is one of the ultimate goals of aerobar design. Profile Design has done just that with the Aeria. The extensions can be moved fore and aft dramatically; elbow pads can shift in and out; the extensions and pads can be lifted above the basebar in unison with risers as much as 7cm; pad fore-aft can be moved moderately; standard diameter extension clamps can fit practically any bar. And, its assembly is exceptionally clean. Brake grip reach is short, which creates a more compact fit when riding out of the aero position. Price is the major drawback. It retails for a robust $900.

Frame: Orbea Ordu
Progression: blending the best

No tri frame debuting at Eurobike introduced revolutionary design, but the Ordu blended proven features and geometry to create a well-fitting and highly functional bike.

Aerobars mount to the frame using a rotating integrated stem system similar to Felt’s Bayonet, creating a broad spectrum of fit. Frame geometry is truly tri-specific, closely mimicking the Cervelo P2. V-brakes hidden behind the fork and beneath the bottom bracket should be effective and reliable. For more detail about the 2013 Ordu, click here.

Wheels: Pro Textreme Disc
Progression: built with a light, stiffer carbon fiber

Now that true aero rim shapes are much more widespread than they were just a few years ago and many wheel makers have very similar rim shapes, the most progressive change to wheel technology on display at Eurobike was a new type of carbon. It’s a new carbon fiber weave called Textreme.

Standard carbon fiber weaves can be visualized like thick threads woven together attached by resin. As a thread passes over its neighbor, it creates a gap between the two that the resin fills. The threads make the weave stiff and the resin holds everything together but adds weight to the material without increasing stiffness.

Textreme increases the quantity of actual carbon fiber in a weave by minimizing the gaps, therefore increasing stiffness while reducing weight.

Instead of weaving thick strands together, Textreme uses thin tape-like segments of carbon fiber to create the weave. The result is a lighter, stiffer carbon fiber weave they call Spread Tow.

Several engineering-focused companies are experimenting with the material and two of them have a product ready to go. Felt’s new 29er mountain bike frame, the Nine, is one and Pro’s new lenticular disc simply called Textreme is the other.

The Pro Textreme disc isn’t just a materials’ experiment. With a 24mm-wide brake track and lenticular (concave lens-shaped) walls, it boasts aerodynamically validated shaping as well.

Available as a tubular only, this disc weighs just 957 grams a whopping 303 grams lighter than Pro’s standard disc constructed with standard weaves. Part of the weight difference is due to hub choice, however. The Textreme version uses a Dura-Ace hub and the standard version is built with an Ultegra version.

RELATED – 2012 Eurobike: Carbon Clincher Proliferation

Computer: Rotor Power
Progression: measuring power produced by each leg independently in a crank-based power meter

Rotor Power is a crank-based power meter that not only measures right/left leg power output, it can read the negative power-resistance each leg creates during the upstroke. Although completely eliminating negative resistance from a pedal stroke may not be the most efficient way to ride, tracking it on the road could potentially help.

Rotor Power uses ANT+ transmission, meaning it is compatible with Garmin and many other computers. None of these head units can yet display Rotor’s unit measuring positive vs. negative power called Torque Efficiency. A software update coming down the pipe will do the trick.

It will sell for about $2,000 without chainrings or a computer and measures power with competitive accuracy, although their testing isn’t yet complete.

RELATED – Eurobike 2012: Rotor Power

Saddle: ISM Attack
Progression: Anatomical tongs for the aero position, slender rear section for upright riding

ISM’s anatomical design has revolutionized triathlon saddles. They have been the solution to undercarriage discomfort for many triathletes, but they do have a drawback. The ultra-wide design can chaff some riders’ thighs, especially when pedaling out of the aerobars. The Attack was created to rectify that problem. The tongs are still very broad and ISM says they will stay that way. Narrow design will impair blood flow they say, but the rear section of the Attack is much narrower than their other models. This change may reduce or eliminate the most common criticism of these exceptionally comfortable triathlon saddles.

Shoes: Giro Empire
Progression: Brining back laces

Shoelaces on a road cycling shoe aren’t exactly new, but Giro’s lace-up shoes meet the performance needs of American cycling sensation Taylor Phinney, who raced in the Empire this summer. If they’re good enough for Phinney to race, they’re probably good enough for your Saturday group ride, and they look phenomenal. They’re sure to get attention and questions on group rides.

Components: Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 9000
Progression: The best shifting in a cleaner package

The electronic groupset with sublime shift performance gets an overhaul in 2013. Key upgrades over the current version include a cleaner, more simplistic wiring setup that also allows for easier addition or subtraction of extra shifters than the current version. Every aspect of the kit—braking power and modulation, front shift throw, chainring stiffness, weight and others—improve slightly and the kit jumps from 10 gears in the rear to 11.

Helmet: Giro Air Attack
Progression: Blending aero and road

It resembles a BMX helmet, but the Air Attack’s clever design strikes the mid-point between road helmets and full-on aero options. Giro says its aerodynamic performance splits between their fully vented Aeon road helmet and the nearly vent-less long-tail Selector. It’s a great way to buy some free speed on a group ride without looking like you’re trying too hard, or for hot races. If you’re only going to own one helmet for training and racing, this might be the one.