Bicycles

"World's fastest triathlon bike" comes from an unexpected source

"World's fastest triathlon bike" comes from an unexpected source
The fast and furiously-red Diamondback Andean
The fast and furiously-red Diamondback Andean
View 9 Images
The Andean has been in development for the past two years
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The Andean has been in development for the past two years
The Andean was created in partnership with Kevin Quan Studios
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The Andean was created in partnership with Kevin Quan Studios
Wind tunnel testing of the Andean was conducted at the University of Toronto Institute for Aerospace Studies
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Wind tunnel testing of the Andean was conducted at the University of Toronto Institute for Aerospace Studies
The Andean lacks seat stays
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The Andean lacks seat stays
The Andean can aerodynamically hold three water bottles
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The Andean can aerodynamically hold three water bottles
The Andean can also carry three energy bars and 10 gel packets, plus it has a trash compartment for their wrappers
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The Andean can also carry three energy bars and 10 gel packets, plus it has a trash compartment for their wrappers
Weight will vary with the component mix, although one of the mid-range Andean models is said to tip the scales at 20.5 lb (9.3 kg)
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Weight will vary with the component mix, although one of the mid-range Andean models is said to tip the scales at 20.5 lb (9.3 kg)
A lidded cubby hole located in front of the Andean's cranks holds roadside tools and a spare tube.
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A lidded cubby hole located in front of the Andean's cranks holds roadside tools and a spare tube.
The fast and furiously-red Diamondback Andean
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The fast and furiously-red Diamondback Andean
View gallery - 9 images

For many people, the name "Diamondback" brings BMX and mountain bikes to mind. In fact, though, the company has been expanding into the world of high-end road bikes in recent years. This week at the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii, that expansion is culminating in the unveiling of the Andean – reportedly the world's fastest triathlon bike. It will be ridden by Olympian and multiple-time Ironman winner Michael Weiss.

The Andean has been in development for the past two years. It was created in partnership with Kevin Quan Studios utilizing wind tunnel testing facilities at the University of Toronto Institute for Aerospace Studies, where it is claimed to have outperformed all other "competitive models."

As can be seen, its carbon fiber frame is quite … big. Known as an "Aero Core," this airfoil design is intended to minimize drag, as air passes relatively unimpeded from the front wheel, along either side, and off the back wheel. The idea is to fill up the empty space between the two wheels, minimizing turbulence.

The Andean has been in development for the past two years
The Andean has been in development for the past two years

There are also plenty of places to store things. Integrated compartments on top can carry three water bottles, three energy bars and 10 gel packets, while a lidded cubby hole located in front of the cranks holds roadside tools and a spare tube. Oh yes, and there's also a place behind the seat post, where the rider can stash their wallet.

Should you be interested in getting one, the Andean is available now for pre-order in five builds.

The base model, which features a SRAM Force X1 drivetrain and HED Ardennes Plus wheels, is priced at US$4,779.99. At the other end of the scale, a version equipped with a Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 drivetrain, Dura-Ace hydraulic disc brakes and HED Jet Black 9 wheels will set you back $8,069.99. Weight will vary with the component mix, although one of the mid-range builds is said to tip the scales at 20.5 lb (9.3 kg).

Sales will be by direct order only (so don't go looking for one in the stores), with deliveries expected to begin at the end of next January.

You can see the bike in motion, in the video below.

Source: Diamondback via BikeRadar

Diamondback Andean

View gallery - 9 images
7 comments
7 comments
Paul Anthony
I want to put batteries and a controller into those compartments and put a hub motor on there.
Timelord
Diamondback is not such an unlikely source if you know about their history. The current company is actually a consolidation of two sister brands, Diamond Back and Centurion. Before its name was eliminated, Centurion was well-known for its Ironman models, endorsed by Dave Scott, the most dominant triathlete of the 1980s.
Calson
Speed is a function of bike and rider wind resistance but more important is the stiffness so that pedal power is not wasted with frame or component flexing and also that the rider can stretch out and have the best use of their lungs and their legs. Triathalon bikes have had a more relaxed geometry so that a competitor can emerge from the long swim and with weakened arms not have to put much attention into keeping the bike going straight and with more extension of the torso their lungs can work more freely. This design ignores the other two important aspects of a good triathalon bicycle.
YouAre
This bike is heavily underpriced given its utility, design and the expected quality and compared to those many fancy designs piling up on this site.
Peter Kelly
"Fastest triathlon bike...roadside tools and spare tube...stash their wallet"?
The incongruity is stark. I could just see Alastair Brownlee doing a puncture repair by the roadside, then popping into the nearest shop for a sandwich!
Sorry, you can design for one thing, or the other, but this is just a sad effort at promoting benefits that aren't really there and cost way too much.
unklmurray
The only time that riding position is cool is in racing,Some of us NEVER RACE. I would never waste my money on such a Hunk-o-Junk.......That riding position went out in the 80's my back kant handle it.......put a nice 18in. pair of ''Ape Hangers'' let me sit more upright and you have a bike more people can / will love to ride!!.............LOL :-)
JohnSmith3964c42db8184587
Low wind resistance from the front - but when you're in a cross-wind all that frame surface area is going to blow that thing sideways.