The Canyon Speedmax CF SLX of Lionel Sanders. Photo: Corey Hollister
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After the disappointment of this year’s Ironman World Championship (where he finished 30th), Canadian Lionel Sanders declared that he would be making major changes for 2019 and beyond. One of those big changes was a switch in bike sponsor to Canyon Bicycles. After a big training block in Palm Springs, Sanders got to test his new Canyon CF SLX at Dec. 9’s Ironman 70.3 Indian Well—where he took the victory. After that win, Sanders headed to Canyon headquarters in Carlsbad for an event that showcased his new bike and featured a chat with legend Bob Babbitt.
We attended the event and captured these images of Sanders’ new green machine.
The Canyon Speedmax CF SLX of Lionel Sanders. Photo: Corey Hollister
Sanders runs a Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 electronic groupset, but uses CeramicSpeed’s OSPW oversized lower jockey for reduced chain resistance. Photo: Corey Hollister
Sanders uses a power meter from Stages Cycling. He’s been testing 172.5 cranks but will likely return to a shorter crankset as his fit (done by Ivan O’Gorman) evolves next season. Photo: Corey Hollister
Sanders rides on an ISM PN 3.0 saddle. Photo: Corey Hollister
Like many parts of his bike, Sanders’ cockpit continues to evolve. At the moment, he’s running unbadged Zipp Vuka Alumina EVO 110 alloy extensions. Photo: Corey Hollister
Sanders raced (and won) at Ironman 70.3 Indian Wells on Dec. 9 on the newly-released Continental GP 5000 tires. Photo: Corey Hollister
A head-on view of the green machine. Photo: Corey Hollister
Sanders has been working with Wahoo Fitness both on its indoor trainer, but also its computer, the Bolt. Photo: Corey Hollister
The Canyon Speedmax CF SLX integrates its water bottle into the frame construct, offering easy refill on-the-fly along with a clean aero profile. Photo: Corey Hollister
The Canyon Speedmax CF SLX integrates its water bottle into the frame construct, offering easy refill on-the-fly along with a clean aero profile. Photo: Corey Hollister
In case anyone in the transition area wonders who this green machine belongs to… Photo: Corey Hollister
Sanders has been using Speedplay’s Zero Aero, a one-sided pedal that incorporates golf ball-like dimples into its exposed platform, smoothing airflow across the underside of the pedal and shoe. Photo: Corey Hollister
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