Both Cervélo and BMC unveiled their latest triathlon bikes during this week’s Kona Ironman competition.
For Cervélo, the Canadian brand launched its far-flung P5X, adorned with SRAM’s wireless eTap groupset, deep-section ENVE wheels, hydraulic disc brakes and customizable storage compartments galore, which can house anything from water bottles, tools, food and spare apparel.
P5X lead designer David Killing said: “Whether training or racing, everything you need to support yourself, including nutrition, flat kit and cold weather gear, can be securely stowed in the exclusive Smartpak, Stealthbox and Speedcase components. With the added convenience of three round bottles placed exactly where you want them, performance will never be compromised.”
“The P5X was designed for the triathlete, not for a time triallist.”
“If the UCI were to change the rules to allow for more radical designs for TT machines, we will look to design a bike for that purpose in mind.”
The P5X’s frame was made in partnership with HED Cycling in Minnesota, using a tremendous amount of Computation Flow Dynamics (CFD) and wind tunnel testing.
In addition, the P5X is equipped with disc brakes and thru axles, as well as a PF30 bottom bracket that’s fitted to either ROTOR’s Flow BBRight aero or SRAM’s Red crankset depending on whether you choose SRAM RED eTap and Ultegra Di2 builds offered.
The P5X is available in four sizes (S, M, L, XL) and the eTap model comes equipped with Enve 7.8 wheels for $15,000, while the Shimano version has a Rotor crank and HED 6.9 wheels and carries a price tag of $11,000.
For BMC, the Belgian brand introduced its lesser-flung Timemachine tri-bike, which features a new V-shaped concept frame, an integrated, hinge fork and rear storage.
Far more mundane than the Cervélo P5X, the new Timemachine uses an articulable “flip” handlebar set-up, integrated caliper brakes and a range of groupset options to keep the price within the grasp of most triathletes.
According to Mart Otten, BMC Switzerland Road Product Manager, “The new Timemachine is the benchmark for time-trial bikes. In its development, instead of putting the time-trialist in focus like its predecessors, we gave priority to triathletes. We leveraged the Impec Lab to explore unique solutions that would not just meet triathletes’ needs, but go a step further and create a product that truly enhances their performance. We are looking forward to seeing this new aero machine break some Ironman and middle distance triathlon records!”
BMC has spent the last two years developing the bike and much of that time in the Sauber Engineering wind tunnel, revising its tube shapes at every point of the frame with re-engineered profiles, using the popular truncated airfoil shape.
“With continued legendary SubA aerodynamics performance, it’s recipe for success is clear – superior tube shaping, maximum component integration, and an extensive rider positioning system. For middle and long-distance triathlons or time trials, this is the must-have bike for races against the clock – like the one coming up this Saturday in Kona, Hawaii!,” says BMC.
The Timemachine’s a new 3rd generation hinge-fork design (which it first developed a decade ago), a smaller frontal surface area and more integration, with cables, seat clamp and brake calipers hidden from the wind. No disc brakes, though…
BMC also re-invented its Position-to-Perform (P2P) rider positioning system to provide improved adjustability and cater for a wider range of fits. One of the standout new features is the novel “V-Cockpit” split handlebar design that it says provides the most aerodynamic front-end position, especially for cyclists that require a higher stack. It also claims the forward offset position provides more vertical compliance. While the new V-Cockpit is supplied with all bikes, it’s completely optional – if you prefer a lower position, a regular handlebar can also be fitted, with a flippable base bar. Though it’s likely the V-Cockpit won’t fall within UCI guidelines.
The new BMC Timemachine will be available in six builds available ranging from Shimano 105 right up to SRAM Red eTap and Dura-Ace Di2, across two models – the Timemachine 01 or Timemachine 02.
You must be logged in to post a comment.
