Kristian Blummenfelt’s super-bike officially launched – check out the Cadex Tri Frameset

Cadex releases tri-specific bike, aero disc and 4-spoke

Photo by: Cadex

Kevin Mackinnon June 29, 2022

It’s official! The bike that Kristian Blummenfelt rode to the Ironman World Championship in St. George and then used to shatter the 7 hour barrier at the Sub7 Project has finally been announced. The new Cadex Tri Frameset isn’t likely to appear at a bike store in Canada for a while, but it will soon be appearing at bike stores in Europe, the UK and Australia.

Kristian Blummenfelt rides the new Cadex Tri Frame at t he Ironman World Championship St. George. Photo: Kevin Mackinnon

We’ve reported a few times on the new Cadex bike, but now there are more details about the new frame, along with the 4-Spoke and disc wheels Blummenfelt has been using. Blummenfelt was very involved in the development of the new bike and wheels.

Not a conventional bike

The new frame makes no pretences at being UCI legal – this is a tri bike through and through. The frame uses a “radical monocoque design” in the hunt for optimal aerodynamics. The idea is to be able to access nutrition and hydration without ever leaving the aero position. The fork features “wide-spread legs and dual crown design … for a wing-like structure (that) directs air around the rider’s legs toward the rear of the bike.” The fork extends upwards to the cockpit to increase stiffness in the cockpit area. The horizontal rear seat stays are also very wide and minimize surface area.

The fork, with its wide-spread legs and dual-crown design,boosts performance. Its wing-like structure directs air around the rider’s legs toward the rear of the bike.The bladed legs extend upward to the cockpit area, which increases stiffness and minimizes flex in the base bar and extensions for improved handling.

Lots of fit options

We all know that fit is one of the most important components of a successful triathlon bike, and Cadex worked hard to make the bike versatile enough to dial in the perfect fit. The frame is available in XXS, XS, S, M and L. You can easily adjust stack and reach to make sure you’ll be both comfortable and aero.

It’s easy to adjust the cockpit – there’s up to 80 mm of stack height adjustment with eight different positions. The arm rests can be moved forward or back 90 mm and the extensions haver 90 mm of fore-aft adjustment, too. The arm rests can be set to 190 to 310 mm apart, and there’s lots of angle adjustment for the bars, too. The effective seat tube angle can easily be changed by adjusting the saddle setback position – anywhere from 76 to 80 degrees.

Aero performance

Cadex found the bike to be as aero as other non-UCI legal tri bikes like the Cervelo P5X and the Canyon Speedmax. For Blummenfelt, Cadex was able to find the optimal riding position that balanced comfort and aero performance. He moved the seat forward and used a high hands position (15 degrees) which saved him 7 watts at 47 kph.

The overall structure of the cockpit is integrated, but thesetups are independent. The arm extensions, designed incollaboration with SyncErgonomics, can be moved forward and backward, andthe angles can be changed without the hassle of removingany spacers.

The unique chassis of the CADEX Tri frameset features a massive down tube that houses a bento box, hydration system and toolbox, all cleanly integrated into the frameset.

Integration

Cadex engineers used the huge down tube to hide a bento box, hydration system and toolbox from the wing. The system is designed to allow a rider to access fuel and hydration without leaving the aero position. The removable bento box holds up to 10 32 ml gel packs (L frame). The removable bladder in the down tube varies in size depending on the frame – 600 ml in the XXS to 1,000 ml in the L. There’s a straw that extends from the aero cover on the head tube. There’s a refill port that makes it easy to dump more liquid on the go. There are bottle cage mounts on the seat tube, too, for training or extra hydration on race day. The toolbox comes with a multi-tool, tire lever and CO2 inflator.

Travel

The frameset comes with it’s own Topeak travel case. The base bar and extensions fold down easily and fit into the travel case without having to disassemble. The sturdy polycarbonate case comes with interior protection sleeves, a drivetrain cover and a frameset mounting system, which can be used as a mini work stand.

The Aero 4-Spoke WheelSystem, available in both front and rear wheel options. The 22.4mm wide (inner width) hookless rims create a seamless integration between the rim and tubeless tire for improved rolling resistances, increased sidewall support and cornering grip.

The Aero Disc WheelSystem, made for rear-wheel use, is constructed with superlight and stiff carbon rims that have an asymmetrical design. The new R3-C40 aero hub with ceramic bearings reduces pedaling and coasting friction by more than 30 percent compared to the previous generation.

Cadex Aero WheelSystems

There’s also new wheels to go along with the speedy frame – all used by Blummenfelt in St. George and at the Sub7 Project. The new Aero Disc and Aero 4-Spoke WheelSystems are designed for triathlon and time trial racing and are “the fastest wheels ever created by Cadex.”

Specifications

Frame CADEX Tri Frameset
Frame colors Silver Rush / Aurora Hologram
Fork CADEX Tri Aero Dual Crown Fork
Arm rest kit CADEX x Sync Ergonomics arm rest kit
Extension bars CADEX x Sync Ergonomics extension bars
Seatpost CADEX Tri Aero Post
Max tire clearance 28c Front & Rear
Max chainring size 55T
Weight 4576g (Size M)
Travel case CADEX x Topeak- Pakgo

Prices

CADEX Tri Frameset

EUR 6,999 €
GBP £6,499.99
AUD $8,999

CADEX 4-Spoke DB FW

EUR 1,599.90 €
GBP £1,499.99
AUD $2,599

CADEX 4-Spoke DB RW

EUR 1,799.90 €
GPB £1,699.99
AUD $2,899

CADEX Aero Disc DB RW

EUR 2,299,90 €
GBP £2,199.99
AUD $3,999