Hi guys,
Four years ago I posted here with questions for my first tri-bike purchase. And you all helped me a ton with my decision, which was amazing and actually got me started in the sport.
Four years of training later and with lots more information under my belt I decided to take the corona break to optimise what is left to be optimised…only to find out that it is (obviously) a whole lot. I am slowly turning more competitive, closing in on sub 4:30 or hopefully faster at 70.3 with long-term (!) hopes for a 70.3 qualification or a KQ. But I will clearly never turn pro, go sub 8 or anything like that, so I am very much an amateur and will (happily) stay that way.
I would love to tap into your wisdom again and would be very grateful for your input on my plans for my bike optimization. Since much of the stuff is about rather small gains I just want to stress that I am taking care of the more important stuff anyways: structured training with a coach, long-term planning, nutrition, proper bike fitting etc.
I made a long list of great stuff I could possibly do if I went fully overboard…only to figure out that optimizing it all would cost me about the same as a new superbike.
(I guess you guys will just roll your eyes and say “no surprise there, Sherlockâ€, but eye-opening for me nevertheless 
).
I have basically two key questions and would be very grateful for your input:
-
Which of the upgrades below do you think are actually worthwhile for an ambitious amateur? (I have some funds to spare but I am not someone who has bags of cash just sitting around). For instance: I heard skeptical statements about Ceramic Speed, especially for the price and some great stuff about new more integrated extensions like the anemoi but again little aero data besides anecdotal evidence. -
Do you believe the more aggressive geometry of the Speedmax SLX (longer reach) is worth enough to fully switch bikes from the SL? I am quite flexible and already put the extensions on my current bike as far forward as possible, but it still feels like I could make us of more reach. Does anybody have any insight as to whether the longer reach of the SLX might actually result in greater aero gains than all the integration I could put on my existing Speedmax SL?
Thank you all very much in advance!
All the best. J
**Status quo: **
Canyon Speedmax SL 9.0 (DI2), Reynolds SGL rims (60), Delta x-Lab hydration and an elite crono CX bottle in the front, canyon mount with gorilla cage at the back, I use a ryzon myth aero suite and a giro aerohead helmet
Option 1: Ideas for optimization of the existing Canyon Speedmax
· Better Cockpit integration:
o basically trying to replicate this but only better: https://www.tririg.com/articles/2018_09_Canyon_Speedmax_CF_SLX_Review/1500/2018_09_Canyon_Speedmax_CF_SLX_Review_2.jpg
o TriRig Alpha Bar + Delta Cover + Omega Brakes
o Wattshop Anemoi extensions: https://www.shopforwatts.co.uk/collections/anemoi/products/anemoi-extensions
o 3D printed Bottle: https://3ddesignstender.com/products/custom-hydro-kit-for-canyon-speedmax-cf
· Other aero optimization
o TriRig Styx aero skewers https://www.tririg.com/store.php?c=styx
o Wheels:
§ Local supplier (Leeze) for 80 rims in front and disc in the back
§ They tested extremely well recently and cost only 1800€ for a set
o Speedplay zero aero cleats
o Rotor Aero Spider Chain Ring
· Minimise friction
o Ceramic Speed Pulley and bottom brackets
**Option 2: Sell my old Canyon, switch to a Speedmax CF SLX 9.0 (5500 €) and possibly modify the following **
· Wattshop Anemoi extensions
· Other aero optimization
o TriRig Styx aero skewers https://www.tririg.com/store.php?c=styx
o Wheels:
§ Local German supplier for 80 rims in front and disc in the back
§ They tested extremely well recently and cost only 1800€ for a set
o Speedplay zero aero cleats
o Rotor Aero Spider Chain Ring
· Minimise friction
o Ceramic Speed Pulley and bottom brackets