Made to give Michał Kwiatkowski (Poland), Magnus Sheffield (USA), reigning European Time Trial Champion Josh Tarling (Great Britain) and former World Time Trial Champions Tobias Foss (Norway) and Filippo Ganna (Italy) every advantage at the Paris Olympics’ Individual Time Trial, Pinarello has unveiled a new version of the Bolide F TT bike reduces drag by 2.28% over its predecessor.

The drag reduction comes from two design features – AirStream AeroNodes and AirFoil sections.

The AirStream AeroNodes were inspired by the tubercules found on humpback whale flippers. They’re integrated onto the seat tube and seat post to reduce the complex vortexes generated by riders’ leg movements to improve airflow.

AirFoil sections on the bottom bracket and wheel hubs are longer and slimmer to reduce the frontal area.

Pinarello says they found, counter to trends, adding space between the fork and tire didn’t improve aerodynamics more than keeping the total frontal area as slim as possible. So, they did increase fork crown width slightly, but only to increase tire clearance to fit 32mm tires, up from 28mm.

It also gets the small “fork flap chip” from the Dogma F, giving it little trailing edges behind the front axles for more incremental gains.

They made the fork legs and seatstays slimmer, too, reinforcing those sections to maintain stiffness for maximum power transfer.

The cockpit was optimized not just for its own aerodynamics, but for how it maximized rider-plus-bike aerodynamics.

Lastly, they revised the aero bottle, cage, and position to eke out a few more gains.

Each athlete will be riding a Bolide F TT in this special Luxter Red Gold and Luxter Blue colorway, with their nationalities on the seat tube. For everyone else, it’s available in four frame sizes and it should be available later this year with the “Games” spec of full Dura-Ace Di2. Price TBA.

Pinarello.com

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Prologo sent us a few images of Tadej Pogačar crushing it at the Tour de France on his customized Colnago TT1 time trial bike because he’s riding a unique new saddle with wings and a spoiler. But that new Prologo Time Trial Predator saddle is literally just the tip of the iceberg, with tons more custom bits and bobbles on his TT bike. How about we start off with a custom ultralight seatpost, a prototype ENVE wheel, and custom-fit aero bars? Then you still have to love his unique AeroCoach disc wheel, Carbon-Ti rings & rotors, AbsoluteBlack brakes and more…

Tadej Pogačar TT tricked-out Colnago TT1 time trial bike

The Tour may be over now, but the hits keep coming. Between a number of Pogačar’s UAE Team Emirates sponsors, the interesting tidbits keep trickling in.

Today, it’s a new saddle that gives you wings. No, we’re not talking about the newly RedBull-sponsored team. Instead, this all-new Prologo saddle – made just for Tadej Pogačar to race the Tour de France TTs – but now available to the public, too.

Well, sort of available.

Prologo Time Trial Predator saddle custom developed for Tadej Pogačar

Called the Time Trail Predator and officially for sale for 1200€ (but currently sold out), it’s a unique saddle design optimized for light weight and reduced aero drag.

Designed in CFD, the new Prologo Time Trial Predator aims to shake up saddle aerodynamics.

An integral element of the full carbon shell construction, carbon wings extend down on either side of the saddle’s flat padded top, to smooth airflow under the rider’s legs and to shelter the seatpost head and flat rails from the wind.

“The shape of the saddle is designed to facilitate maximum rotation of the athlete’s pelvis, allowing him to assume and maintain an even more aerodynamic position for longer.“

Three small openings allow airflow through the wings as they widen at the back of the saddle. And then, a small spoiler at the tail “channels [air] flows from the rider’s back parallel to the road”.

A key point not to overlook in that description is the use of a new proprietary carbon rail system…

A look under the shell reveals a mostly flat carbon rail system – now patented. It’s lower profile, so less exposure to the wind. And apparently laterally stiffer for better power transfer, without discomfort. But that also means that it needs its own proprietary seatpost clamping solution. For the Pogačar TT Tour Colnago TT1 time trial bike, the UAE team turned to ultralight carbon cockpit specialist Darimo, who’s been working with the team on customized carbon seatposts for several years.

The end result is a saddle claiming to weigh just 140g with full EVA padding and pressure relief channel. And it claims to be significantly more aerodynamic than conventional saddles.

Prologo.it

Pogačar’s 2024 Tour de France-winning Colnago TT1 Disc time trial bike

Pogačar’s Colnago TT1 Disc time trail bike itself is pretty much off-the-shelf, except for some tiny UAE decals and an upgrade to yellow Colnago logos. But, it’s the finishing kit and little details that set this speed weapon apart.

Pogačar TT Prototypes

Of course, to hold that new Prologo Time Trial Predator saddle in place, the Slovenian champ needed a seatpost with a custom head design. Darimo Carbon was up to the task and created a fixed 0 offset cradle with a 2-bolt alloy head clamp to secure the new flat carbon rails.

Although the rails are a Prologo patented shape, it looks like it was relatively straightforward for Darimo to create a modified cradle to support them. That bodes well for a chance that other seatpost makers could add similar compatibility if Prologo decides to put these rails on more aero saddles.

At the front of Pogačar’s bike on the flatter early Individual Time Trail stage was this unmarked front wheel. With a rim depth of around 90-100mm or so, it is rumored to be a new ENVE SES 10 wheel. On the more hilly final ITT stage into Nice though, Pogačar stuck with the current 60mm deep wheel from his regular SES 6.7 road setup.

Custom aerobar extensions shaped to the rider’s arms and optimized aero position are pretty much de rigueur for specialized time trialists and GC contenders these days. These narrow-set extensions are only minimally padded. But the deep wrap-around forearm cups and shaped handgrips should give Pogačar extra control while in his most aero tuck.

And just sick custom gear

Pogačar’s back wheel is the uniquely stepped and wavy AeroCoach Aeox Orbit disc wheel, which also claims to be the lightest tubeless disc TT wheel at just 980g (although Vision claims one a few grams lighter).

Drivetrain is similar to what we saw on Pogi’s yellow jersey-winning V4Rs road bikes yesterday. Shimano Dura-Ace Di2, direct mount hangers, and massive carbon Carbon-Ti chainrings.

On his TT bike is a huge 60T 1x chainring mounted to an SRM power meter crankset. And instead of a front derailleur and a little ring, there’s just a bolt-on upper chain guide and big legs to smash the pedals.

Colnago.com

The post Pogačar’s Colnago TT1 Bike, a Winged Prologo Saddle, Prototype Post, Wheel, Bars & More! appeared first on Bikerumor.

For another quick dose of Green Jersey love, and of Biniam Girmay himself, let’s take a closer look at the unique ERE Research Genus time trial wheels that were fitted to his TT bike for Stage 21’s finishing race against the clock into Nice. Check out that wild stepped profile in the time trial disc you can buy now!

Sure, Biniam is a sprinter who excels at racing the fastest for the last few hundreds of meters, so the 33.7km time trail wasn’t really going to be in his sights. But he still needed to finish to keep the Green Jersey as the leader of the 2024 Tour de France points competition. So, Ere had him and the Intermarché-Wanty covered when it came to going fast solo…

Custom green ERE Research Genus AE00-D & 92-D TT wheels for Biniam Girmay

Ultimately, Biniam was 135th on the 21st day of racing, 9 seconds behind his ‘idol’ Cavendish, and more than 9 minutes back from winner Tadej Pogačar.

But only 141/175 riders made it all the way to the finish in Nice, so that was still a solid accomplishment for the sprinter after 7 mountain stages and 4 hilly days.

Ere Research were happy to share the custom wheelset they made for Biniam… and to give us a good look at his Aerium TT bike setup, as well. These wheels were developed together with the Intermarché-Wanty over the past year, and got a soft rollout earlier this spring.

While the Ere Genus AE92-D is a relatively conventional deep-section front wheel, the Genus AE00-D disc wheel out back features some aerodynamic shaping unlike most everything else we’ve seen in TTs.

Ere partnered with Intermarché-Wanty for this season to supply time trial wheels, developed to shed weight and go faster vs. their regular wheel supplier Newmen (who made the new ultralight aero wheels on Biniam’s aero road bike).

And since Biniam was leading the Tour de France points classification into the closing individual time trial stage, Ere made up some shiny green decals.

Now, admittedly they are not at all the same green as Biniam’s Cube Aerium TT bike. But maybe they are far enough apart and shiny enough to just appreciate a bit of extra color.

ERE Research Genus AE00-D disc time trial rear wheel

The new ERE Genus disc wheel features a unique stepped flat profile that seems to mimic a conventional but extra-deep section rim, except with a closed central profile. ERE Research doesn’t give much background detail on how or why exactly they arrived at this very different shape, but the Intermarché-Wanty team talk about dramatic weight savings and improved stability when racing in variable wind conditions.

With a 21mm internal hooked tubeless bead, the rim quickly curves out to a max 38mm width not far from the tire. Then stays wide to a depth of ~120mm, before stepping back to a narrower width and transitioning to the hub. That’s said to keep the wheel stiff but narrow overall, yet could limit which TT frames would fit a wheel so wide, so close to the tire?

• 21mm internal hooked tubeless rim optimized for 24-28mm tires (32mm max)
• external rim width varies between 28-38mm
• 1150g with a max 130kg rider weight limit
• Centerlock disc and 12mm thru-axle
• Shimano HG or SRAM XDR freehub with 3-pawl internals
• UCI approved
• Lifetime warranty and lifetime crash replacement program

ERE Research AE92-D deep-section time trial front wheel

The Genus AE aero front wheel is much more conventional, but the shaping of the outer rim is quite similar.

Here the 92mm deep rim also gets a 21mm hooked tubeless internal, but grows to a maximum of 33mm wide on its flat sides. The deep time trial and triathlon disc wheel gets laced 2:1 to Ere’s standard Panama SL straight-pull centerlock disc brake hub with 21 Sapim CX-Ray spokes.

• 92mm deep x max 33mm external
• 21mm internal hooked tubeless rim optimized for 24-28mm tires (32mm max)
• 21 straight-pull Sapim CX bladed aero spokes
• 870g with a max 130kg rider weight limit
• Centerlock disc and 12mm thru-axle
• UCI approved
• Lifetime warranty and lifetime crash replacement program

Biniam’s Cube Aerium TT bike

Biniam Girmay’s custom green Cube Aerium TT C:68 shares the same crystalline paint job as his mainstay Cube Litening Aero road bike, just in a bit lighter and brighter green. Component-wise, it sticks with a similar complete Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 groupset including power meter cranks and a massive 58T big ring!

Since we last featured his TT bike, Biniam has also now opted for Cube’s own integrated aerobar extensiona and a new Prologo T-Gale Pas Nack time trial saddle.

ERE Genus AE00-D & AE92-D TT wheels – Pricing & availability

The parting bit of interesting info on these new Ere Genus time trial wheels is that they are actually available now in limited numbers. And they aren’t more expensive than other less-radical TT wheels.

The disc Genus AE00-D sells for 1700€ and is available now for Shimano builds (SRAM is on backorder). The 92mm deep front wheel is available separately for 900€.

That’s not exactly affordable, but it is the same price as Ere’s previous TT wheels. So at least you get a performance upgrade, without having to pay more than before.

EREresearch.com

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FFWD says time trialists and triathletes pretty much have 2 requirements from their disc wheels – lightweight & speed. And that’s what FFWD focused on for their new hollow full-carbon Falcon Disc rear wheel. Sure, they dialed weight down as low as 1040g and gave it an aero multi-curve lenticular shape for optimized aerodynamics. But, FFWD also made the Falcon Disc wider at 21mm internal, hooked tubeless for compatibility with most tire options, and even made both disc brake and rim brake versions so all racers could go faster against the clock…

FFWD Falcon Disc TT & Tri lightweight carbon disc wheel

Fast, Light, Wide, Hooked Tubeless, Ratchet Internals, Disc & Rim Brake Options.

The key talking points are that this is a versatile modern disc wheel for most time trial and triathlon racers out there. It isn’t the cheapest disc wheel out there, but when you factor in price, weight & tech details, this looks to be one of the best combinations you will find.

What makes it unique?

This new full carbon clincher hollow FFWD Falcon Disc wheel uses a new construction for the complex lenticular shape vs. the old foam core. You can get a sense of the shape from this cross-section drawing, where the mostly convex lenticular shape goes concave just below the tire (especially on the disc side) to smooth airflow over the outer edge of the wheel as it meets the tire.

Now the Falcon Disc features a hollow core, with the two carbon rim walls sandwiching a thinner polymethacrylimide inner structure for additional stiffness. FFWD saved 300g over their previous TT disc wheel. The rim brake wheel does add 85g back though to reinforce the braking surface and manage heat.

Tech details

• Rim internal width: 21mm hooked tubeless
• External width: widest 28mm just below the tire
• Tire compatibility: 23-30mm tubeless or tube-type (minimum 25mm recommended)
• Brake interface: Centerlock disc or rim brake
• Wheel weight: 1040g disc brake, 1125g rim brake (claimed +/-40g)
• Freehub: FFWD Ratchet 36T 10° engagement
• Max tire pressure: 8.38bar/120psi
• Max rider weight: 120kg/265lb

FFWD Falcon Disc – Pricing, availability & options

The hollow full carbon FFWD Falcon Disc TT & Tri sells for 2200€ and is available now. Pick from rim brakes with a QR axle, or disc brakes with a 12mm thru-axle. Either option gives you the choice of a Shimano, SRAM, or Campagnolo freehub. And each wheel comes with a protective padded wheelbag, alloy tubeless valve & 90° valve adapter, valve hole covers, with tubeless tape installed, and carbon-specific pads for the rim brake wheel.

FFWD triathlete Kenneth Vandendriessche already rode the new Falcon Disc to an IronMan Lanzarote victory (and course record) last May. Now you can get yours and go fast direct from FFWD.

FFWDwheels.com

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Developed in conjunction with the new SRAM RED group, the all-new Hammerhead Karoo finally gives them a companion app and makes it easier than ever to pair devices. Combine that with a better display, improved button layout, and their built-in keyboard, and it’s a proper contender.

Here’s everything you need to know…

More storage, brighter screens, better buttons

Hammerhead’s two main goals were to make it easier to pair and connect sensors, and to simplify workout and route syncing. But they also made it easier to control and see, too. And it looks better than ever, with a slightly longer, more angular appearance.

The new model is the third iteration of the Karoo, but rather than call it Karoo 3, it’s just “Karoo”.

Internally, it has 64GB storage, twice as much as before, with 4GB RAM to fit more of their free global maps. And it has more than 2x processing power over Karoo 2, with better efficiency, which helps it render maps and navigation faster while also lasting longer.

They claim up to 15 hours of battery life using all features, but there’s a battery-saving mode that’ll extend that.

It has a glossier Gorilla Glass screen, but with better glare reduction and an improved display with ambient light sensor with automatic brightness adjustment to make it easy to see in all light conditions.

There’s also now a dedicated power button on the bottom, and the side buttons are bigger and further apart with better haptics. This makes it much easier to use while riding, even with full-finger gloves. It’s also a touch screen, giving you multiple options for controlling it. Raining? Lock the screen so raindrops don’t mess with your display.

Lastly, if you’re upgrading from the Karoo 2, just log into your account and it’ll perform a quick sync during initial setup that automatically ports over all of your info, bikes, and modes, so you’re ready to roll in just a few minutes. There’s also a new Single Sign On option that marries your Karoo and AXS app accounts.

iOS companion app (Android, too!)

The Hammerhead products have always been (and still are) built on the Android operation system.They already have an Android companion app, but that OS had presented challenges iOS. Also, it was an internal resources issue, Hammerhead was a small company prior to SRAM’s acquisition.

Now, they finally have an iOS mobile companion app, but it’s not exactly what you think. Unlike Wahoo’s reliance on the app to customize the screens and data fields (which you do directly on the Karoo’s screen, and it’s very easy), the Karoo’s app is mainly there as a bridge to mobile data.

Meaning, once paired with your phone, you can add or sync routes and workouts while away from WiFi, regardless of whether you prefer robots or apples. However, it’s done a little differently than how it syncs over WiFi:

• Quick Navigation – Send a pin from Google Maps or Apple Maps to Karoo, so you can navigate to it or save it
as a Pin.

• Route File & Workout Importing – Share a Route File or a Workout File to your Karoo via the Companion App by using your phone’s native share feature, selecting the Hammerhead Companion App, and your route/workout will be made available on your Karoo.

The only trick with mobile route syncing is that you have to install the base map for the region where the route is over WiFi…so, be sure to download your area prior to leaving home. And, as nice as it is to have some mobile functionality, their browser-based dashboard is still where the heavy lifting is done if you want to create new routes with their free builder.

Strava, Training Peaks & other integrations

Using the Karoo or their browser-based dashboard, you can link your various accounts for automatic syncing and uploads.

For racers, Training Peaks and TrainerRoad integrations let you send workouts straight from those apps to the device, even when out on the road thanks to the new companion app.

Live Tracking (when connected to the mobile app) lets emergency contacts see your location, but also lets you share you location with others so you can meet up.

Strava Live Segments will show your position on the segment as you’re doing it, with a graphic that slides up from bottom. That bottom bar also slides up for navigation cues, workout cues, and their Climb display. Swipe down to hide it, or click on the tabs to switch between these data fields.

The new Karoo supports all ANT+ smart lights with controls, and all brands of rear-facing radars, including the new Trek CarBack. And it pairs with LEV-compatible e-bikes to show data like motor assist level, estimated range, motor output, and the bike’s battery level.

Routing & Navigation

The Karoo multi-band GNSS satellite reception pulling from GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, and BEIDOU satellites.

For stored routes or your current ride, you can select “ride in reverse” to mix it up or get home and it will reroute based on any one-way streets or other limitations without affecting the saved route file.

Choose your surface type preferences and it’ll help you create routes that prioritize those (road, gravel, or trail). Once a route is saved, it’ll then give you on-device alerts when the surface type is about to change. There’s also an easy POI capture while riding.

Instant pairing, setup, controls & notifications

Designed alongside the new RED group, it will automatically connect and pair all components on your bike. Which is great, but for many riders that’s a one-time affair. Or, at least, a very occasional need.

The real trick is that you can then set up those components, customize the controls, and see individual component battery levels directly from the Karoo. Even better, it also pushes low battery alerts to the app to remind you to charge batteries after a ride.

Set the new RED Bonus Buttons to swipe through the Karoo’s screens, turn multi-shift on or off, or even change what the shift paddles do if you want to reverse their pattern. You can even set short and long press controls to show different screens on the Karoo using the Bonus Buttons. Continuous software updates and product feature improvements.

Naturally, it has full AXS group integration to show gear selection, too. They say they’re working on getting Shimano Di2 integration re-added, but that’s up to Shimano (the Japanese brand pulled back that data access when SRAM acquired Hammerhead). No word on Campy EPS data sharing.

E-bike mode shows bike battery status, range estimation, battery burn rates, etc., and will also show that data in the Dashboard for post-ride analysis.

A better mount

The new Karoo comes with an updated 31.8mm bar mount with an adjustable mounting plate lets you extend or retract head unit by up to 10mm. A reinforced support arm holds extra weight, so you can use the included accessory adapter for lights or an action camera underneath.

The captured mounting bolt is hidden underneath the bar, keeping your cockpit clean without worrying about the bolt falling out during installation. Karoo’s unique mounting design is license-able (K-Edge already makes compatible mounts & adapters) so that 3rd party brands can offer them, too.

All computers also include a standard quarter-turn adapter that lets you mount it to your Garmin-style mount, too.

Pricing & Availability

The new Karoo will retail for $474.99 (€499.99 / £449.99). Weight is 118g (w/o mount), it’s IP67 waterproof, USB-rechargeable, and supports English, Spanish, French, German, and Italian out of the box.

Hammerhead.io

The post Hammerhead Karoo Reboots w/ Sleek Design, More Compatibility & Companion App appeared first on Bikerumor.

Yep, chalk up one more spaceship TT lid for the races against the clock with the all-new bell-shaped Limar Alien time trial helmet. This one – maybe more than most – seems to combine all of the latest features we’ve seen in aerodynamic time trial helmets. A wide bell-shaped frontal profile with an open lower half. A sculpted side profile to hug the rider’s shoulders. More (huge for TT) open ventilation. Plus of course, a full wrap-around integrated visor held in place with magnets.

But will that make it faster than the rest?

Limar Alien wide aerodynamic time trial helmet

Wide aero seems to be the way current time trial helmets are trending. The explanations seem to repeat the idea that they do a better job of spreading smooth airflow from the helmet onto the rider’s shoulders and over their back.

The new Limar Alien continues in this direction. Yet, it still smoothly transitions with a sculpted tail that curves over the rider’s back.

But from the top view, you can really see just how wide this TT helmet goes, and then how quickly it tapers back over the rider. It’s certainly a shorter tail than you used to see in old-school time trial and triathlon helmets.

Designed in CFD but validated in the Silverstone wind tunnel

Limar explains that much of their drag-reduction development and aerodynamic testing focused on improving performance across a wider range of conditions, as opposed to straight-on in the Silverstone wind tunnel.

“In addition to examinations under ideal conditions, we extended the tests to realistic scenarios, simulating wind conditions commonly encountered in time trial road races, with wind angles varying between 5 and 10 degrees. These tests revealed that “Alien” particularly excels in these real-world conditions, exceeding expectations and delivering even better performance than the results obtained in CFD and wind tunnel tests. This confirms that “Alien” is not only optimized for ideal laboratory conditions, but is truly adapted to the dynamic challenges of road cycling, offering cyclists an unrivaled aerodynamic advantage.”

The result is an aero helmet that claims to offer all the benefits of the ‘new school’ wide approach, and the ‘old school’ long and curvy approach.

“On the sides Alien is designed to generate an aerodynamic effect known as Outwash, also widely used in Formula One. This technique allows the air that hits the athlete to be deflected, moving it laterally relative to the figure and away from the shoulders.

The central part of the upper shell, on the other hand, is designed to create and maintain laminar flow along the rider’s back, thanks to the Coanda effect. This area works synergistically with the lower shell, which uses the same principle to reduce turbulence in the area between the helmet and shoulders, and by efficiently directing air above them, it feeds the flow generated by the upper shell.

The combination of these two phenomena directing airflow ensures reduced drag and optimal airflow around the cyclist’s body, improving aerodynamic performance. This reduces drag and improves aerodynamic efficiency, making “Alien” a truly innovative helmet in time trial cycling.”

In the end, Limar claims a full 10W drag reduction over their already conventionally-aero short Air King Evo time trial helmet. Allowing the racer to “maintain high speeds with less effort, optimizing race performance.”

Tech details

This new Limar Alien is pretty conventional when it comes to construction. It uses a standard in-mold EPS foam core with a polycarbonate shell over top. It’s just that the outer shell extends far below and behind that regular EPS.

Inside the 3 front vents connect through recessed channels to 2 top vents in the EPS core. Those link to the air scoop cut out of the tail of the Alien’s outer shell. Limar’s standard removable pads and Air Fit dial system offer plenty of adjustability. And an adjustable webbing straps and a magnetic clasp secure it in place.

The CE & CPSC-certified Alien is offered in three sizes: S (53-56cm), M (54-58cm), L (57-61cm). And claimed weights start at 438g (S), 438g (M), up to 468g (L).

Limar Alien – Not quite availability

Like the Wingdream we featured yesterday, this new Limar Alien time trial helmet isn’t quite available just yet. Only the Astana-Qazaqstan Team have them for the time being. But you can sign up on Limar’s Alien product page to be notified when they are ready to ship.

When it actually hits the market this coming August, we expect to see it in white or black versions like Limar’s current time trial Air King Evo helmet. The new Limar Alien will add a third overlapping size for more precise fits, although generally keeping about the same overall fit range.

Limar.com

The post Limar Alien is Out of This World: Another Wide Aero TT Helmet to Race Against the Clock appeared first on Bikerumor.

Over the weekend, the new Rudy Project Wingdream time trial helmet got its official rollout on the heads of Bahrain Victorious at the Giro d’Italia’s stage 7 TT. From the side, it looks downright normal for a time-trial helmet. But head-on, its bell-shaped flare cuts a unique profile that Rudy Project says will make you faster…

Rudy Project Wingdream time trial aero helmet

We already got a sneak peek at the new Rudy Project Wingdream in camo. Sneaking in back in the UCI aero helmet controversy at Tirreno-Adriatico over some of the many spaceship-inspired TT helmets. The sharp-edged Wingdream slipped pretty much under the radar. Plus, Rudy Project didn’t tack on any of the dubious extras, not focused on rider safety, that sparked the UCI’s ire.

Yet, Rudy Project says the helmet’s unique shape can save a rider “almost 10 watts compared to the previous Wing model, equivalent to 4 seconds per 10km, or more than a minute over an Ironman distance” (of 180km). At a constant 200W rider output for that full distance, Rudy Project says the new Wingdream would cut 5 minutes & 6 seconds off a rider’s time vs. a traditional road helmet.

The official Giro debut doesn’t really reveal too much detail – besides the riders getting the Team Bahrain Victorious colors. But there’s also a bit more backstory.

Aero TT helmet R&D

Bahrain Victorious has worked with Rudy Project since 2016. And the new Wingdream is the product of 2 years of R&D to improve over the short-tailed Wing.

The new helmet opts for a more open lower half of the shell. It gets straight edges compared to the previous curving shape meant to tuck against a rider’s shoulder and back. The result of the more open design is apparently even better direction of the turbulent airflow over the rider’s shoulders and back for “superior aerodynamic penetration”.

Rudy Project says rider safety is still the first concern with the new Wingdream – with conventional strap, buckle & dial retention.

But they also recognize that aero helmets must deliver ventilation to keep a racer from overheating – whether during a 40-minute TT or several hours in a triathlon. So it gets a single open front vent.

Rudy Project Wingdream – Not just yet availability

The pros have been racing in it all season, and the Giro saw its official release. But, the new Rudy Project Wingdream TT helmet won’t actually be available to consumers until October.

When it does come into grasp this coming autumn, the Wingdream will be offered in 2 sizes and in 2 color options.

RudyProject.com & RudyProjectNA.com

The post Rudy Project has a Dream, a Time Trialing WingDream Helmet Debuts at the Giro appeared first on Bikerumor.

Ergon is blasting into the Triathlon market with a forward (and mid) thinking saddle. The all-new SR Tri series is Ergon’s first triathlon-focused saddle, and they called in the big guns to make sure they got it right the first time. 

The Ergon SR Tri saddle series aims for maximum performance and comfort. The Ergon team developed the new saddle with Olympic, three-time Ironman World Champion Jan Frodeno and two-time Ironman European Champion Laura Philipp.

What is it? Ergon SR Tri Series for Triathletes

After many (many) miles of research rides, pressure mapping, and fit data, the team coined the Power Position Concept. Dividing all athletes into front or mid-seat types. I gravitate to the nose of the saddle no matter what the fit. The improvements (via Ergon research) showed less muscle fatigue, translating to better bike performance and a faster run time. 

The Ergon SR Tri Series introduces four saddles with the Power Position system, all dividing athletes into two sitting positions—front and mid sitters.

The overall idea is to reduce (or evenly distribute) the pressure between the rider and the saddle in the aero position. The design allows riders to make subtle changes while in the aero position.  This shaping allows for more evenly distributed pressure over longer rides and reduces muscle fatigue and discomfort.

The Power Position System

Ergon foregoes saddle widths and went purely for sit preference. The team deems the saddle width conversation “irrelevant in an aero position” because of the pelvic tilt and position of the rider in the TT position. 

The SR Tri Men Front and SR Tri Women Front saddles are designed for riders who significantly tilt their pelvis forward, while the SR Tri Mid saddles are for athletes with less forward pelvis tilt. The concept is similar to other manufacturers; Fizik comes to mind with the Bull, Chameleon, and Snake spine concepts. 

Men’s & Women’s Specific Designs

Ergon takes Ergonomics seriously—it’s part of its name. The design team felt the new SR Tri saddles needed a gender-specific design. The saddles are ergonomically adapted to male and female anatomy, giving more or less padding where the saddle hits in an aero position. 

The SR Tri saddles feature pressure-relieving Orthopedic Comfort Foam for maximum long-distance comfort, reducing genital numbness and creating homogenous pressure distribution. The SR Tri Women models incorporate 3D-printed inserts in the relief channel’s forward area, enhancing female athletes’ comfort.

From the Seat to the Feet

The compact saddle shapes of the SR Tri series allow for improved ergonomics when pedaling, and an open hip angle. This design helps promote efficient energy use for more power and endurance, especially when prepping for the run transition. 

Key Features – Ergon SR Tri

• Ergonomic optimization tailored to male and female anatomy in an aggressive aero position with a more tilted pelvis.
• Ergon Orthopedic Comfort Foam for maximum performance over long distances.
• TiNox rails for reduced weight and vibration absorption.
• 3D printed insert in both Women’s saddles for enhanced support and comfort.
• Reduced back fatigue and improved pedaling ergonomics.
• Improved transition to running through dynamic sitting and optimized pedaling ergonomics.
• Made in Europe

Ergon SR Tri Men Saddle Details

• Saddle Nose Width: Front 53mm, Mid 48mm.
• Length: Front 240mm, Mid 232mm.
• Weight: Front: 220g, Mid 205g.
• Pricing: $249.95, €249.95, £224.99.

Ergon SR Tri Women Details

• Saddle Nose Width: Front 54mm, Mid 49mm.
• Length: Front 240mm, Mid 233mm.
• Weight: Front 215g, Mid 230g.
• Pricing: $249.95, €249.95, £224.99.

First Ride Impressions – Ergon SR Tri saddle

The Ergon SR Tri samples arrived early enough for a ride and some brief impressions. We saw the saddle at Sea Otter Classic, under veiled booth access, which made it an excellent lure and aroused my curiosity. 

From looking at it in the package, the Ergon SR Tri appears to be a short-nosed, highly padded saddle. Once you move the saddle around in your hand and examine the side profile, you notice a unique shape in the nose and mid. This slight hump in the middle of the saddle is more pronounced on the mid but is still there on the front sitter saddle option. 

Ample Padding and Height

After weighing (242g for mid) and examining each Ergon SR Tri saddle – I landed on the Mid as my first ride. The nose of the saddle is slightly narrower than the front by about 5mm. This 48mm nose mimics the PRO Stealth I switched from. 

The padding on the Ergon SR Tri is plentiful, to say the least. It reminds me of the Wove saddle options we recently reviewed. The tall padding also allows for some independent movement and lots of support. 

Rail-wise, the Ergon SR Tri offers a large range of fore-aft adjustments. I found myself slammed slightly forward to get the position I wanted. Granted, this initial test ride was on my road bike, not a TT rig—yet. 

Power Production

Pedaling and riding-wise, the SR Tri offers many of the same sensations you’d expect from a TT and Tri-focused saddle. The pelvis feels the best when tilted forward, and the saddle “feels” like it is pushing into a more tucked position. 

I appreciated the padding and the slight hump in the middle of the saddle. The hump kept my hips in position. I can see this help riders dial in pelvis tilt desired, acting more like a hinge and a pivot point. 

Power-wise, I felt comfortable, and the sensation of an open hip and hip movement was quickly noted. It felt very similar to the sensation of the Wove saddle (with less support), and I could see the benefit when in the TT/Tri position. 

The saddle material feels standard to what Ergon offers but with a slightly more tactical feel. This grippier cover (when compared with most) keeps the rider in the power position without slipping or migrating from their optimum position. However, the Ergon SR Tri allows slight micro-adjustments when riding tucked and locked in. Adjustments are something that I find hard to perform on other aero-focused saddles, mainly when lots of pelvic pressure is applied. 

Full Review Coming Soon

Look for a full review with help from our TT and Tri friends. Until then, I have to say my impressions of the Ergon SR Tri (mid) were very favorable. I still need some more time to give a full review, but as of now, I enjoyed my time in the saddle. 

If you’re looking to purchase an Ergon SR Tri, they are available for purchase at:

 Ergonbike.com

The post Ergon SR Tri Series is Squarely For Power Production appeared first on Bikerumor.

VeloToze, renowned for its aero kit and waterproof accessories, is now expanding to cycling clothing. But fear not, they’re still making all the aero add-ons riders want. They’re adding the VeloToze touch to cycling kit, hoping to get an aerodynamic advantage, and easy on/off base layers for convenience.

VeloToze Aero Sock

My first experience with VeloToze was with the road waterproof shoe covers. I liked them, but sometimes they are hard to get on. Plus, they can heat up in the summer months. VeloToze feels the same and introduced a new combo shoe cover/sock. 

The Velotoze aero shoe cover is half the waterproof material we’re used to seeing from VeloToze, and the other half is a high-end aero sock. The sock portion boasts all the tech required for marginal gains, including aero-specific fabric packed with elastane and a dimpled cuff to give more slip in the wind.

The material combo is a better choice for the summer and is more practical for on/off. The new VeloToze Aero shoe covers will retail for $40.00.

VeloToze Cycling Kits 

Another new piece of gear at the VeloToze booth was full-on kits. Why kits? The design included a unique button enclosure to keep the kit in place and “aero.” This design is similar to the Cannondale Si kits a few years back, but it incorporates some other unique features. 

If you’re looking to shield the wind, there is a cover for that. Add the base layer to the buttons on the bib short, and you’re good. It also works as an excellent way to remove the base layer if you need to during the race if it gets too hot. 

The design overall looks promising, and the fabric is soft and seems high-quality. We didn’t see the short, so the chamois is still a mystery. However, we have high hopes for the kit and should have a review sample to chat about soon. 

VeloToze Gloves

The VeloToze TT received a slight update, but mostly to match other kits in the aero line. These TT gloves are the jumping-off point for the company’s new lightweight climbers glove.

The first we noticed was a super-lightweight “featherweight glove” This glove felt like air; there was minimal padding and a menial upper. The only natural resistance of a glove is the sticky gel-coated grip surface on the palm. When you turn the glove over, you can see through the material. The feather-weight glove will retail for $30.00

This is a favorite on super hot days and for those riders who like a very minimal glove experience. The gloves and other gear share a similar black and white color pallet, and graphics package.

Conversely, VeloToze has a knit, waterproof glove with a tech touch. These gloves are similar to SealSkin versions we’ve seen in the past but with more dexterity. The design and look are lovely, and the muted black pallet ensures they will match any kit. The waterproof knit glove will retail for $45.00

Look for a full review of the Aero Covers and Kit as we see them.

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Body Rocket debuts a prototype road bike version of their real-time aerodynamic drag force measurement system. This is their first working live aero drag tracking device specifically designed for road bikes. And it’s being used by Olympic & World triathlon champion Kristian Blummenfelt in his prep to defend his title at Paris 2024.

Body Rocket real-rime aero drag measurement road prototype

When we last caught up with the Body Rocket “world’s first real-time aerodynamic drag force measurement system” almost a year and a half ago, it was still very early in development. And what real parts we could see were all tailored specifically to time trial and triathlon bikes.

But the promise of all the benefits of wind tunnel that you can strap to a bike offer even more potential if you open up the much bigger pool of riders on conventional road bikes. And since triathlon at the Olympics follows the ‘draft-legal’ format, raced on road bikes with clip-on aerobars, Blummenfelt needs to reduce his aerodynamic drag on the road bike too!

OK, so what does the Body Rocket actually measure?

How Live Aero Drag measurement works?

Developed together with former hour record holder Alex Dowset, this comprehensive live aero drag tracking system seeks to provide more accurate real-time drag force data than anything that came before it. All in a compact solution that can be installed on regular bikes. The Body Rocket system employs multiple proprietary sensors to measure the real wind force pushing against the rider through all of your contact points, plus an out-front air pressure / wind speed sensor.

“The system measures, then transmits, rider CdA data directly into a Garmin head unit, giving live feedback on a rider’s aerodynamics and body position. Their AI-driven analysis software guides users through the process and helps them track their progress over time, without them needing to become aero experts.“

Compare the Body Rocket to much more basic clip-on trackers like the Notio, SwissSide, AeroPod & Velosense which simply compare air flow/pressure/speed with rider power & and current speed to estimate total CdA.

Kristian Blummenfelt’s Body Rocket-equipped Giant Propel road bike prototype

Body Rocket have kitted out one of Blummenfelt’s Giant Propel bikes with a prototype real-rime aerodynamic drag force measurement setup.

A key element to make that work is the custom-made prototype stem. It fits the same inline technology inside that was located in Body Rocket’s TT aerobar sensor.

The road prototype setup also required a custom seatpost clamp head to be compatible with the Propel’s integrated seat mast and seatpost.

Then, it keeps Body Rocket’s original pedal sensors.

And adds a more refined generation of Body Rocket’s out-front airspeed sensor pod. Mounted here to the GoPro tabs under Blummenfelt’s Garmin GPS. Body Rocket describes this new pod form as a “significant step toward their commercial product launch” of the complete system.

All the sensors are then connected together with a narrow prototype receiver box, mounted to a seatpost bottle cage adapter.

“This new road bike integration will allow Kristian Blummenfelt to benefit from 100s of hours of training to aero ahead of the Olympics, with no detriment to his regular training plan. Meanwhile other top competitors will likely only have access to a handful of hours of fixed-position wind tunnel testing, which requires a disruption to their on-bike training.“

Eric DeGolier, Founder of Body Rocket, said: “Aerodynamics is critical in every discipline of cycling, and road bikes have always been part of our plan. With the recent changes to handlebar and brake lever rules, and the new narrow bars made to address it, there is a lot to learn, and with this new prototype, nobody will have as much time to learn as Kristian.“

Body Rocket – Not-quite-yet availability

It’s still not quite ready for the mainstream. So you can’t buy your own Body Rocket real-rime aero drag measurement just yet. But Body Rocket is pre-registering financial backers via a Crowdcube crowdfunding campaign. That comes with an undefined promise of early access to their final consumer product as soon as it is ready.

BodyRocket.cc

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