I found this interesting because only a few years ago Triathlete magazine had an article which depicted the financial struggles of Caue Suplicy as a pro triathlete. Then Caue starts his bike company with off-the-shelf frames and sponsors some Brazillian ITU athletes. Now he’s able to sign uber-swimmer Sanson. I wonder what the terms of that sponsorship is (from an up and coming bike company)?
Signing bonus? Free bike only? Incentive $ for placing?
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Sanson rides a bike? I’ve only ever heard him referred to as a swimmer and all his swimming god-like status, nothing more.
LOL. I wonder if he was ever sponsored by Look or if he just rode one b/c it’s a Frenchie.
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$2200 for a frame you can get for $700 on eBay. Seems to me like Suplicy could do better with a different source factory in China though, that frame is a mess aerodynamically.
Chris
$2200 for a frame you can get for $700 on eBay. Seems to me like Suplicy could do better with a different source factory in China though, that frame is a mess aerodynamically.
Chris
Really, a “mess”? Looks like a Felt knock-off to me.
http://i42.tinypic.com/so47yd.jpg
Look at a cross section of the top and down tubes. They are absolutely atrocious. The back end isn’t ALL that bad, but they didn’t even attempt to hide the rear brake or do any of the things that Felt did right. I just bought my girlfriend a Felt, and I can tell you, that bike is a work of art. This is just terrible.
Chris
I’ve never ridden one, but for a $560 frame it seems somewhat reasonable. At least as reasonable as any frame in that price category. No way I would pay $2,200 for the frame tho.
How do you see the cross sections? I don’t think that frame looks bad.
H
Herbert please post photos of all of Sanson’s rides.
Plenty of pictures on ebay. It’s basically an off-center diamond, where the trailing edge is much too abrupt for proper air separation, and the leading edge isn’t blunted properly. That tube is worse aerodynamically than a round tube.
Chris
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Yes Ben was sponsored by LOOK. They sent over a deal for 2009 that was not very attractive so he went looking for something else to ride.
I was wondering when we were going to hear from you on this.
Look sent over something that wasn’t attractive and Suplicy, an underfunded, generic frame selling company beat it?
Bwa-ha-ha-ha-ha, I’ve heard some whoppers, but boy that’s a good one. Suplicy had a better offer…aw shucks kid, you’re killing me with the funny stuff.
What did Look want, for Sanson to pay for his frame because all does is get passed while riding it?
Bob
Bob you are pretty funny guy….amazing how you know everything.
Hey no problem man, I am here to make the world bask in the glow of happiness and humor…Much like we ask bask in Sanson’s awesomeness.
Wow…lots of HaterAde on this. Pro swap bikes all the time - and this ain’t the first time a pro has taken a risk on a “no-name” or “Up-and-comer” bike maker. It wasnt long ago that no one knew who Kuota was…
Ben is a quality guy, and a damn strong rider - granted, it does pale in comparison to his swim prowess, but I challenge you to even TRY to hang on his wheel.
p.s. in speakinnng to Ben after his first crack at Kona, he was very humbled by the experience…it was a damn hard day on all the pro’s, Ben included. When you think you are ready to stand “with” the big guns, and not just next to them in a picture, then take your cheap shots about their business decisions.
Sorry how dare I question the man best known for his swimming…and hair.
And, lest you forget, Kuota was around before Normahn, he only brought the notion of the company to the US. Suplicy was created because the guy couldn’t make ends meet as a triathlete.
Bob
…oh, please - dont forget his reputation with the ladies!
Anyway, I accept your implicit aplogies, and agree to disagree.
FWIW - i give props to Caue for taking the big risk, intead of getting a day job. When my trusty K-Factor gives it’s last Carbon Fiber gasp, I intend to support a local San Diego triathlete - failed or otherwise.
Good for you for supporting Caue. I’ve heard you referred to as a strong athletic supporter, or at least that’s what I think they meant. 