One of the things we are working on post launch is our version of a “skunkworks” type purchase-process where you can order a bike that is outside our current specs and tailored to what you want. This would be exactly for items like Ultegra on the TT bike, and/or a disc Zipp wheel in place of the spec’d 404/808. While the program isn’t formally launched yet, if you are interested in an Ultegra Tempus you can reach out to support and they can work with you on pricing and availability.
I’ll give you some background as to why we didn’t spec Ultegra in the first place. SRAM’s TT options from an OE perspective are superior, specifically with the front end and the 11sp/12sp hard-wired cockpit that Shimano still uses. That combined with the fact we are about 85/15 SRAM v. Shimano on sales meant that we needed to reduce some Shimano SKU’s until demand increases again.
One question about the hardwire comment… In my experience, it is very easy to make hidden or near hidden Shimano Di2 installation with the way most modern stems and TT handlebars are designed. How hidden can you make the wired installation with this cockpit?
I get the SRAM vs. Shimano bias. I’ve been told that Shimano did a lot of bike companies dirty (including Ventum) during the post-Covid shortages. And I absolutely LOVE my NS1 with AXS Red. It’s just that I really do like Di2 on a TT bike.
99% of our wheel sales are Zipp or Enve which both have moved to hookless. I don’t want to derail this thread, but we are fans of that system. However if you (or your friend) are interested in hooked rims, we may be able to source from DT Swiss or another OE. If they contact us we can can discuss further.
You can make Shimano or Sram (if you want still use a blipbox) completely hidden with the ASC Pro extension. If you use the stock ASC 52 (or 52A) extensions with Shimano you will see about 2cm of Di2 wire exit the back of the extension and then go into spacer stack. There are no other wires exposed on the front-end, even on Rival. Because the wire goes through the spacer stack into the base bar, the wireless blips are a much nicer option when getting fit or changing the stack of the aerobars.
A lot of companies struggled during COVID managing their supply chain, so I don’t want to fault anyone too heavily during those times. I will say that SRAM’s speed of deployment of new specs, addressing noted product problems head on, and the seamlessness/compatibility of their ecosystem has been a huge boon for them over the last 5 years, and that is reflected in the product mix we sell.
It’s extremely sleek with the ASC Pro extensions, there isn’t much presented to the wind on that bike in a normal config so the one piece extensions are the final part of an already solved puzzle.
Personal opinion : storage can easily be added with external components, which they can develop or let Xlab/PD…They can be made more efficient than internal
They need a UCI legal bike for other reasons, I much prefer they do one bike, keep development prices reasonable and pass that on to the consumer.
Hydration and flat kits are much better on the outside of the bike anyways.
For the love of sweet Jesus… Thank you This whole internal everything is just getting old on triathlon bikes… Just give me internal routing and an adjustable front end.
To each their own I guess. I like as little crap hanging off my bike as possible. And what happens to the 15 second aero gain mentioned in the article (I think? Sorry if I misread that) once you hang aftermarket boxes off it?
100%. That’s always been my issue with the Speed Concept. Super-fast frame but then you have no internal storage options and end up decorating it like a Christmas tree. I moved from the QR VPR to the VPR-i to get internal hydration and storage.
I saw the bike today in profile design booth. Agree, it is a perfect tt bike. The profile design product is gorgeous. Hats off to the leader in my space. I love the fork and seat stays. But, it couid have had some form of in frame storage added. There are aftermarket options, just feel it’s a missed opportunity. Otherwise cheers on a uci legal bike.
However if you (or your friend) are interested in hooked rims, we may be able to source from DT Swiss or another OE. If they contact us we can can discuss further.
