Market: The Canyon Speedmax CF SLX is already one of the fastest triathlon bikes currently available. Now the direct seller from Koblenz has given its high-tech racing machine a comprehensive upgrade for 2016 - the new Speedmax CF SLX wants to break out of the boundaries of the term "bicycle" and be more: namely a complete triathlon system.
The new Canyon Speedmax CF SLX will celebrate its competition premiere this coming weekend, at the Ironman Hawaii in Kona. There, Canyon athletes Jan Frodeno, Nils Frommhold, Bas Diederen and Boris Stein will attack on the new triathlon machine and fight for victory. Frodeno has been riding a prototype of the new Speedmax for some time and was able to win the Ironman European Championship in Frankfurt with it, among other things.
The development department at Canyon worked hand in hand with the athletes, trusted their feedback from the competition and tried to implement the wishes as well as possible. Manufacturers and athletes benefit equally from this, as the newly crowned European Champion Frodeno knows: “Our feedback is very important for the developers and designers, especially when it comes to the bike’s responsiveness. I'm glad I was able to contribute my part to the development of the Speedmax CF SLX."
Canyon Speedmax CF SLX – system integration
The main focus of the new Canyon Speedmax CF SLX was to create a 'to make the fastest complete system of the fastest triathlon bikes,' as stated in Canyon's announcement. The new Speedmax wants to be more than just a bike, it should be a complete triathlon system for the athlete: Canyon means the integration of almost all required components and accessories into the overall concept of the bike.
To be more specific: For example, in the new gear box, which is located in the upper part of the frame triangle between the saddle tube and top tube, you will often find tools that are decisive for a race: Two CO² cartridges, two tire levers and a spare tube are in a neoprene bag, aerodynamically integrated into the frame and can be reached easily and quickly at any time thanks to the placement. Hydration and Nutrition Source take a similar line in the front area of the bike: The Nutrition Source is a box that is also framed in terms of design and aerodynamics, in which bars, gels and salt tablets can be stowed. Immediately to hand and always in view. So the energy supply during the competition is taken care of - but at Canyon they think one step further.
The Hydration Source is a drinking bottle integrated into the Speedmax CF SLX, which was developed together with the experts from Profile Design. It can be removed very easily and refilled in a matter of seconds, even during the race. Thanks to the large opening, cleaning should also be child's play. In the front area of the bottle there is also a Garmin mount that is perfectly placed in the field of vision, which not only ensures a clean cockpit, but also improves aerodynamics.
Canyon Speedmax CF SLX – Ergonomics
Furthermore, Canyon is extremely proud of the additionally optimized ergonomics of the triathlon racer. The athlete's points of contact with the cockpit were all designed and developed together with Ergon's experts. The new Extension Grips should offer noticeably more grip than before thanks to an improved mix of materials. The armrests were also reconsidered, given a new shape and better damping properties. More grip, improved cushioning and therefore significantly better ergonomics overall - this should also apply to the Base Bar Grips, which also come from Ergon.
In addition to the cockpit, the brake system also gets a comprehensive upgrade: a new concept was developed together with Tektro Racing Products (TRP), in which, among other things, the front brake moves forward from the back of the fork. The advantages of this new position are higher braking power, a more comfortable pressure point and Significantly simplified installation and maintenance thanks to better accessibility. The entire mechanism is hidden under a cover made of flexible material. The rear wheel brake is now located under the bottom bracket – not only does the pressure point noticeably benefit from the high rigidity in this area, but the brake is also much easier to adjust.
Canyon Speedmax CF SLX – aerodynamics and geometry
Of course, the aerodynamics of the new Speedmax have also been fine-tuned. On the one hand, CFD studies on the computer were used here, but on the other hand, a large number of tests were also carried out in the practical environment of a wind tunnel. The focus of the developers was optimal aerodynamic properties at a speed of around 50km/h.
Only a few detail improvements were made to the geometry. The long chainstays and the long wheelbase have been retained, as has the steep steering angle, and have only been minimally optimized. Slight changes in the fork bend should also ensure smoother running. Adjustment options on the saddle and on the arm pads also allow a much more compact seating position on the new Speedmax CF SLX than before, if desired.
After making its pro debut this coming weekend in Kona, the new Canyon Speedmax CF SLX will be available from December 2015 www.canyon.com to be available. Five models are planned for the beginning, for which no detailed information is currently available.
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