Hello all. I’m pro triathlete Justin Metzler (bigmetz). I’m heading into another year unsponsored for bikes. After parting ways with QR in 2023, I bought a Canyon Speedmax off craigslist. I really enjoyed riding it last year despite not having too many opportunities due to injury. This season, I’m hoping to make a big comeback post surgery. I’m looking to invest in a custom or semi-custom front end option for my Canyon. Somewhere in the $2000 price range would be ideal. As some may know, the Canyon is a little tricky when it comes to their bar/ mounting system so I’m curious if anyone out there has come up with a good integrated option similar to the one the Canyon-sponsored athletes are riding. Appreciate any leads in advance.
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No idea, but pulling for you and Jeanni to turn it around in 2025!
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I am curious what you want to get out of it. Speed ? Comfort ? …
$2k is a good chunk of change
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WELCOME!!!
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are you seeking more reach? what is the objective? Full arm support? Is fully custom the right path? My design is heavier but offers alot of adjustment and I’m happy to work out a deal to get you on it if you have interest.
It’s a few things for me. I do think I can increase front end stability and comfort. I’m currently using the TriRig scoops for elbow support with the standard Canyon extension (you have to run the canyon mono extension unless you go full custom). In addition to that I have a front BTA mount and a separate garmin mount. It feels like I could “clean things up” with a fully integrated option.
Additionally, even if it’s placebo, I like to get on the race course with the piece of mind that I’ve done everything I can from an equipment perspective to be competitive as possible. A $2000 investment just for that is worth it for me. I know with my Canyon that I bought + my Enve and Shimano sponsorships, I’m pretty sorted out in the other areas outside of cockpit.
thanks- I have a good feeling heading into this year. We’ve been treading water for 2 years but feels like we finally are coming out the other side. I’ve got a lot of optimism heading into next season
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Are you in boulder ?
If so, I think I met you on the side of the road, you were running, I was testing Chelsea or Trevor
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What are you trying to fix with your current setup that you think you need a custom front end?
Unless you have a glaring issue with your current setup, I would save your money.
Edit: just read your above post. You could spend $2k on a new front end and be no faster than you were. Maybe even slower. Custom front ends are the craze right now and people want one mostly because a bunch of high profile athletes are running them. Unless you have comfort issues or can’t quite achieve a specific fit, I wouldn’t go down the road.
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Just got a set from this company in Australia. Recently got a 20% holiday discount
Great bar!
It tested very fast and is quite configurable
FWIW I have found Evolve Aero (compatible with Trek but I don’t know for Canyon) and then this one:
One thing I think is typically lacking in a lot of these custom front ends is good padding. It seems most ignore or place less of a priority on padding. I question how comfortable these custom front ends truly are over the long haul due to the padding. I was less than impressed with the d2z .66 padding. After a few months, I could feel the cup bolts through the padding on my forearms. If you are paying a premium ($1k+ USD) for these solutions, I think they need to put more effort into the padding.
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Yes! I am in Boulder.
I second Evolve Aero. I recently got a set for my Speed Concept. They’re incredibly comfortable and fully integrated. I’d assume they’d be able to get a set done for a Speedmax. Would be worth reaching out to them.
Great point. Comfort is key
This can probably bring up a whole other thread, but I would bet a $2000 in a custom cockpit is not high on the ROI.
If you can, find a Canyon sponsored athlete that has tested and can speak openly. Sometimes there are reasons every single athlete on a brand ends up on identical setup.
I recently set a few people riding the Canyon Speedmax with the drag2zero 0.66. Easy to swap, easy to fit, good feedback so far.
I sent the list below to a few of the athletes I work with who ride the Speedmax.
- https://syncergonomics.com/aerobar-three-single-center-stack/ (not completely sold on this one for triathlon, for various reasons)
- https://www.aero-coach.co.uk/store/AeroCoach-Ascalon-carbon-aerobar-extensions-p216843958
- Anemoi Mk2 Extension System (Mono Riser Stack) – WattShop
- Drag2Zero .66 - Drag2Zero
- Potentially a solution from https://tetsuo.com/ but you’ll need to email them to confirm
- Prorok Carbon Fibre Tribar Extensions - Evolve Aero - High Performance Cycling Wheels and Aero Equipment for Cycling and Triathlon (should work with an adapter plate, I believe they have the ability to customize these, but email to confirm)
I hope you find a setup that works for you! If you have questions, feel free to DM me (I am a fitter in Vancouver, BC).
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wow!!! really appreciate all of the detail that went into this reply. it’s incredibly helpful and I’m going to take the time to look through/ research each. thanks very much!
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Can you elaborate on your hesitations for this one ? I have only used it in the context of TT so more knowledge is appreciated.