https://www.slowtwitch.com/Features/Kona_2019_Top_15_Men_Bike_Gear_7546.html
Thoughts, comments, interesting stuff that anyone spots or knows of from this?
First thing I noticed which is cool is what appears to be Tririg’s new prototype rim brake on Andy Pott’s bike.
Got a few remarks/questions/observations. Also replied on frontpage, but this might be a better place:
Nice work, lots to think about for my own set-up. Just a few annoying questions and additions if you don’t mind:
Do you know the gearing of Frodo (same as Sebi?) and his cranklenght?Are the wheels of Frodo and Sebi the same (both firecrest)?Is Timothy O’Donnell on tubs or tubeless?Guess Timothy O’Donnell is on AXS eTap as well (you mention AXS for Frodo, but not for Timothy O’Donnell) ?Isn’t it strange/striking that the top 3 (and the fastest rider, Wurff) does not use some kind of OSPW system? Can we conclude that OSPW is one of the last investments one should make?The same question for a special treated chain…Are Wurffs aerobars 3D printed titanium, or just his extensions (I think the latter)?Is Wurff on tubed tires (inner) or on tubs?Ben Hoffman is on a P3X, so no top contenders on a P5X. Can we conclude the P5X is obsolete?Skipper is on custom (Revolver I guess) cups?Why are the bars of Skipper not flat? No way to independently tilt the extensions? Doesn’t look aero (still rides fast).Currie: Tubeless or latex inner tube (think the first)?Currie: Special OSPW system with aero cage. Only one using this one. SLF?With Koutny you mention that he has no Visor, but in the photo he is using one (transparent)Koutny is on Bont (Zero+) shoes and uses Ceramic Speed OSPW systemAernouts, tubs or tubeless (why not on GP 5000?)?Aernouts, Ceramic Speed OSPW system and Tririg front brakeTim Reed: why no draft box?Tim Reed: small front ring compared to others?Tim Reed: Doesn’t seem to be a Oakley Sutro sunglass (Sutro has thinner legs)Weiss: 1) goddamn that bike is fugly, 2) he is wearing Oakley Sutro glasses and not the Aerohead visor (why would you do that, fear of overheating??)Potts: Wouldn’t he be faster with a better/other helmet (judging only from this pic). Also: tririg brakeDaniel Baekkegaard: do you think those wheels are slow(ish)? And do you agree that different coloured tires should lead to a DNF or at least a penalty? (pink-ish).Daniel Baekkegaard: why no bento?
Article says Jan Frodeno is on a Canyon SPEEDMAX XL. But only the cheap Speedmax’s are made in a XL version the more expensive ones are only S M L, so i guess he is on a L? Otherwise i want to know why the f* the XL high end speedmax is not in production?!
Many of your questions are interesting. For Sebi it says his wheels are “858 Firecrest”. Clearly they are 858. Interestingly, 858 tubeless are NOT commercially available and Zipp does not show a wheel called “858 Firecrest.” Clearly Frodo and Sebi have 858s that are not commercially available. Also, I would assume the two of them have the same wheels, but they are not labeled the same way in this article.
Isn’t it strange/striking that the top 3 (and the fastest rider, Wurff) does not use some kind of OSPW system? Can we conclude that OSPW is one of the last investments one should make?
Not super strange. Definitely the last investment someone should make on a bike. Manufacturers claim 2.4 watts. Though since manufacturers often arrange tests and comparisons in a way to make their stuff look good, maybe looking at just 1 watt? Many people are probably losing this much by using crappy lube or not cleaning their drivetrain
Isn’t it strange/striking that the top 3 (and the fastest rider, Wurff) does not use some kind of OSPW system? Can we conclude that OSPW is one of the last investments one should make?
Not super strange. Definitely the last investment someone should make on a bike. Manufacturers claim 2.4 watts. Though since manufacturers often arrange tests and comparisons in a way to make their stuff look good, maybe looking at just 1 watt? Many people are probably losing this much by using crappy lube or not cleaning their drivetrain
I understand that this goes for agegroupers, but the top 3 kona finishers and the best biker sure can miss 300-500 dollar (if not given to them). Even if only 1 watt: 1 watt is 1 watt.
I’d like Sebi or Frodo explain why they don’t use is. Bigger risk of failure, tested slower (bullshit or aero-loss), shittier shifting, etc. Don’t believe the money is a problem for top10 triathletes
You could ask the same question for multiple pieces of equipment. Per independent testing, Speedplay aero pedals save 3-5 watts over the regular speedplay zero pedals. Probably this much or more vs other pedal brands. They cost ‘just’ $250. So why don’t all pros use these?
Very likely sponsor constraints. Sram doesn’t want the image that their equipment isn’t good enough for the world champ. Less likely, but they could be concerned about the reliability of the derailleur cage. I could see a scenario where they don’t want to risk 1-2 watts on the chance the cage snaps. Not sure if that’s even a valid concern, but could see them thinking that way.
Isn’t it strange/striking that the top 3 (and the fastest rider, Wurff) does not use some kind of OSPW system? Can we conclude that OSPW is one of the last investments one should make?
Not super strange. Definitely the last investment someone should make on a bike. Manufacturers claim 2.4 watts. Though since manufacturers often arrange tests and comparisons in a way to make their stuff look good, maybe looking at just 1 watt? Many people are probably losing this much by using crappy lube or not cleaning their drivetrain
I understand that this goes for agegroupers, but the top 3 kona finishers and the best biker sure can miss 300-500 dollar (if not given to them). Even if only 1 watt: 1 watt is 1 watt.
I’d like Sebi or Frodo explain why they don’t use is. Bigger risk of failure, tested slower (bullshit or aero-loss), shittier shifting, etc. Don’t believe the money is a problem for top10 triathletes
It certainly isn’t a monetary issue with NOT using an OSPW system, it seems like it’s a sponsorship issue. The top 3 are all sponsored by SRAM and maybe they do not allow their athletes to use an OSPW system? This seems more likely than not wanting to spend $500.
#3 - I -think- Tim O uses tubulars. Probably the only pro using them?
#9 - don’t think Cervelo actually makes the P5X any longer, so yeah, I’d say its obsolete. Too bad in that it was pretty cool that it was made in the US by HED. Aside from not being made, makes no sense to use a bike 2 pounds heavier (or something like that) than the same shape PX/P3X.
You could ask the same question for multiple pieces of equipment. Per independent testing, Speedplay aero pedals save 3-5 watts over the regular speedplay zero pedals. Probably this much or more vs other pedal brands. They cost ‘just’ $250. So why don’t all pros use these?
I do not like Speedplay pedals but I tolerate them (and use them) because I do believe they are faster. For me it is comfort and confidence thing. Riding on Speedplay feels like I am skating on ice and that is not something I want when I take a turn, bombing down a descent, or cranking up a hill.
Thnx for all the replies, will edit my post later to fit in the definitive answers (and maybe the ones that are most certain as well) 
Maybe Slowman can merge this thread with his thread, better to find/follow if all is in 1 topic
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