Cadex has officially released the Tri frameset, its new triathlon-specific bike with a design that goes back to the monocoque frames of the 1990s.
The new frame set module was developed in collaboration with world and Olympic triathlon champion Christian Blumenfelt, using extensive CFD (computational fluid dynamics) and wind tunnel testing.
A new set of triathlon-specific wheels has also been announced, including an all-carbon rear disc wheel and a set of four-spoke carbon wheels.
Blummenfelt is already using the new bike and wheels with good effect, winning the postponed Ironman 2021 World Championships on May 7, 2022 and finishing the first under seven-hour Ironman triathlon on June 5, 2022.
While the world of triathlon is not unknown to UCI-violating bikes, the Cadex Tri framework joins a select club of bikes, such as the Cervélo P5X and Ceepo Shadow. These bikes take their main design marks from the radical monocoque carbon frames of the 90s, such as the Lotus Sport 110.
Key features of the Cadex Tri frameset
- Triathlon-specific air module with monocoque and wide fork with double crown
- Price: £ 6,499 / € 6,999 / AU $ 8,999
- Displayed weight: 4,577 g (frame, fork, cockpit and internal storage system)
Aero durability
The Cadex Tri bike is approximately as far from UCI-compliant as you can get. Simon von Bromley / Our media
While the riding position is similar to that observed in time tests, the Cadex Tri set of frames completely ignores the scandalously restrictive technical regulations of the UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale, the cycling governing body).
Designed by a team led by aerodynamics expert Xavier Gergo, who previously worked with Giant (the mother of Cadex) for bicycles such as the Propel Advanced Disc and Trinity Advanced Pro, the most obvious features the UCI commissioner would oppose are the missing upper tube and a huge lower airfoil tube.
In addition to being aerodynamically efficient (as there is less material to interrupt airflow), the missing top tube is an ideal feature for a triathlon-specific bike because it facilitates access to the bike’s integrated storage systems in its massive bottom tube.
The integration of storage and hydration is a key focus of the bike. Simon von Bromley / Our media
To meet the demands of a 180-kilometer unsupported bicycle leg (as shown in the Ironman triathlons), the Cadex Tri frame set focuses heavily on the rider’s ability to carry and consume fuel and engine fluids in an aerodynamically optimized manner.
As such, the lower tube has an inner bubble for liquids ranging from 600 ml for the smallest frames to 1000 ml for the largest.
A straw passes internally through the frame, protruding between the armrests at the front of the bicycle. This allows the rider to drink without having to leave the aero position.
The bladder can also be recharged on the go through a small port at the top of the lower tube, using a standard bottle of water for cycling.
The lower tube also has a removable bento box, which has a capacity for up to 10 gels of 32 ml on the largest frame.
A tool box is also located above the lower bracket, with enough space for a multi-tool, tire levers, a CO2 pump and a spare inner tube.
Fork with double crown
The double crown fork is one of the outstanding features of the bike. Simon von Bromley / Our media
The fork uses a wide stand design, with the upper stands flowing directly into the main rod and armrests.
This design is said to provide the Cadex Tri frame set with “class-leading pedal stiffness and torsion” for improved power transmission and steering performance.
It is said that the legs with a wide stance smooth the air flow above 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 in a similar way, with the fork legs interrupting airflow over the rider’s legs.
The heavily dropped chains are then placed directly in line with the fork legs, which, Cadex claims, effectively hides them from the wind.
Combined with the huge tubular sections of the frame, Cadex claims that the set of three matches “the fastest triathlons that are not regulated by the UCI”, such as the Cervélo P5X and Canyon Speedmax CFR.
Perfect shape
Fit is critical to productivity. Simon von Bromley / Our media
As the rider is the main source of aerodynamic drag in the rider-plus-bike system, achieving an optimized position on a motorcycle for running time or triathlon is crucial.
With this in mind, Cadex has designed the Tri frameset cockpit in conjunction with Sync (a company that specializes in ergonomic duration and triathlon cockpits) so that it can be adjusted easily and simply with basic tools.
The cockpit is highly adjustable. Simon von Bromley / Our media
Based on a data set of 150 professional and amateur triathlons, Cadex offers a set of three frames in five different sizes (XXS to L).
Both the main bar and the stack and the range of the armrest can be adjusted in a wide range, as well as the angle and width of the armrest and the extension.
Like many triathlon bikes, the seat features an adjustable discount. Simon von Bromley / Our media
As a triathlon-specific bike designed for basic use in an aero position, the Cadex Tri frame kit gets an extremely steep seat angle of 76 to 80 degrees, with 70 mm adjustment between them.
Easy travel
The bike can be easily removed for travel. Simon von Bromley / Our media
Because triathlons are held around the world, cycling is a major concern for any dedicated triathlon.
Cadex says the Tri frameset design process “incorporates this into its overall design, minimizing the amount of disassembly and reassembly required.”
The frame set will come with its own special case, created in collaboration with Topeak, with a specially designed padding system and bicycle bags.
Each side of the main rod and extensions is also easily detached from the frame and fork by folding without the need to disconnect cables or hydraulic hoses.
An internal mounting system helps protect the bike in the case, but can also be removed for use as a “mini work stand” at your destination.
Prices and availability of the set of frames Cadex Tri
The Cadex Tri frame is priced at £ 6,499 / € 6,999 / AU $ 8,999, which includes a monocoque frame, wide fork and aeropilot, as well as a personalized Cadex travel case for the bike.
Cadex says the Tri frameset can be pre-ordered now, with delivery from 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-alloy wheel and four-spoke wheels, both of which Cadex says have been thoroughly tested in a wind tunnel.
In the wind tunnel, the Cadex uses a dynamic moving manikin to simulate the interaction between the rider and the wheel, which, combined with testing at multiple deflection angles (+/- 20 degrees) and wind speeds, resulted in optimized rim profiles.
Each is shaped with 18K carbon fiber, which is said to optimize hardness and strength, while the rims have a lightweight foam between the layers of carbon, which further supports the design.
An aero wheel with four spokes has also been launched. Simon von Bromley / Our media
The R3-C40 hubs have ceramic bearings, and the free hub features a new 40-tooth ratchet, which is said to reduce pedal friction by 33 percent and inertia friction by 31.5 percent compared to the previous R1-S30 design. .
The rims have a 22.4 mm inner rim width, which Cadex claims allows for a more rounded, more even tire profile and a wider, shorter contact patch. They are also without hooks and are ready for tubeless.
The four-spoke wheel system combines a front wheel with a depth of 50 mm with a rear wheel with a depth of 65 mm. Thanks to the 20-degree deflection test, Cadex says the wheels should offer maximum air efficiency while remaining controllable in crosswinds.
The disc, meanwhile, has an asymmetrical profile and is said to save the rider seven watts when paired with a special Cadex Aero tire (which will be released in the future) compared to “other popular Ironman wheel / tire systems”.
It also removes any foam filler, saves weight, and any structurally supporting spokes, thanks, says Cadex, to the power of 18K weaving.
It saves four watts compared to a 65 mm deep four-spoke wheel.
Prices and availability with four spokes and Cadex disc wheels
The new wheels are available now, with typical retail prices below.
- Tubeless front wheel Cadex Aero with 4 spokes: £ 1,499.99 / € 1,699 / AU $ 2,599
- Cadex Aero 4-spoke disc Tubeless rear wheel: £ 1,699.99 / € 2,899 / AU $ 1,899
- Cadex Aero Disc tubeless disc brake rear wheel: £ 2,199 / € 3,999 / AU $ 2,299
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