with the exception, perhaps of jurgen’s softride (which he would stay on for free, i think) and maybe natasha’s cheetah (which see seems similarly enamoured of) the pros seem to be OK riding whatever they’re paid to ride, provided it fits OK and can be at least semi tricked out. hell, the man did kona on a huffy.
BUT: over the years when “nearly there” pros without bike sponsorship have been able to take their picks, they usally end up on a hotta TT. these guys (larsen, reid) are usually sponsored by someone like nytro, who apparently know a thing or two choosing fast bikes for that course.
SO: cost (and corporate loyalties) no object, what would everyone be riding?
Columbine steel frame, with all the polished, engraved lugs. Campy Nuovo Record, with Simplex retrofriction levers. Mavic GL330, 32 spoke wheels. Clement tubulars.
cervelo p3, hed 3 up front, hed disc in the back, oval carbon aero bar, dura ace 10speed, look pedals, and a rolls-royce trent-800 turbofan jet engine.
Jason, that’s a sweet rig! I’ll race you to the beer tent on my Vitus Carbone9, set up with MavicSSC with simplex shifter , Campy super record hi-lo flange hubs laced to ambrosio formula20 rims, VeloFlex tires, and aerolite pedals. I leave the pedals on only because it’s so fun to screw with the Speedplay riders (me being one of them) who think that they are on the lightest pedal system. Try 88gm/pair! I think Tinley raced IMH in the mid-eighties on a vitus carbon and aerolites, but he was all tricked out with CLB brakes, Roval wheels, and a pair of super aero cowhorns. Old is new sometimes.
actually, i heard that Tinley was so in love with aerolites that he’s put them on all the bikes he’s been sponsored to ride, and has a crate of them in his garage squirrelled away. smart man. . .
The perfect bike for Kona, would be the same as the perfect bike for any course.
The bike that fits the rider so that it allows maximal power transfer in a very comfortable position that leaves the rider in a reasonably aerodynamic position.
