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Best in Bikes 2015

From the 2015 Buyer’s Guide, this year’s best bikes.

Felt B2 series
Felt B2 series

Felt B2 series 2015 B2 $3,850

One of the original triathlon-specific bike companies, Felt continues their tradition of triathlon-ready bikes with the 2015 B2. The Ultegra Di2 shifters offer excellent electronic 11-speed shifting. The aero frame uses uhc Performance carbon fibre, while the customizable cockpit features Felt’s Bayonet 3 base bar and extensions. The B2 is also available with 650 c wheels, making it a great high-performance choice for smaller riders.

Garneau Gennix TR1 Elite
Garneau Gennix TR1 Elite

Garneau Gennix TR1 Elite $4,300

Since the rider accounts for about 75 per cent of total drag, the Gennix TR1 is designed to be highly adjustable so you can dial in the perfect aero position. In addition to all the adjustability, the Gennix TR1 is wind-cheating, featuring an extremely aerodynamic frame that provides excellent performance and comfort. Ultegra components offer durability and ease and the Zipp Vuka Alumina handlebars provide a customizable fit. Shimano WH-RS31 wheels round out the package – more serious racers will want to consider adding some aero wheels for race day.

SwiftCarbon Neurogen
SwiftCarbon Neurogen

SwiftCarbon Neurogen SRAM Red, $8,100; Dura Ace Di2, $11,800

Roll up to transition with the radically shaped SwiftCarbon Neurogen, and you’ll surely turn some heads. The Neurogen features a proprietary aerobar design, which smartly integrates into the frame at the top tube and head tube juncture, presenting a clean profile to the wind while offering impressive adjustability. But aerodynamics is just one facet of the speed equation to SwiftCarbon’s designers, handling and comfort were equally important. Hence the Neurogen feature geometry inspired by their road bike line up, and a carefully tuned carbon lay up to mute road buzz while maintaining stiffness. Just how fast is the Neurogen? Fast enough to carry Brent McMahon to his sub-8-h debut at Ironman Arizona last year.

Cervelo 2015 P5 Six bike
Cervelo 2015 P5 Six bike

Cervélo 2015 P5 Six $11,000

There’s a reason this Canadian company remains at the forefront of the triathlon world, routinely leading the bike count in Kona every year. The new P5 Six offers outstanding aerodynamic performance, along with a BBright bottom bracket for optimal power transfer and ComfortPly technology to reduce vibration and ensure a comfortable ride. Throw in Shimano’s Dura Ace Di2 11 speed gruppo and hed Jet 6 Plus clincher wheels, and you have a race-ready machine that is begging to be ridden fast.

Scott Plasma 20
Scott Plasma 20

Scott Plasma 20 $3,600

Using the latest Plasma 4 triathlon-specific frame, the Plasma 20 offers many of the features you’ll find in the high-end Plasma Team Issue at a much more affordable price point. The aerodynamic frame combines performance and comfort, and you’ll be able to dial in your fit thanks to the Profile T2 handlebars. Scott keeps the price down by including Shimano’s 105 derailleurs and Tektro brakes, which provide top-notch shifting and braking performance. The Syncros rims will get you through all your training and get the job done while racing, but as you get more serious you’ll want to enhance your race-day performance with some faster race wheels.

Specialized Shiv Expert 
Specialized Shiv Expert

Specialized Shiv Expert $4,390

The Shiv uses Specialized’s fact 10r carbon to create an aerodynamic frame that will cut through the wind whether it’s coming straight at you or from the side. The integrated hydration system provides yet another example of how Specialized has pulled out all the aerodynamic stops. There’s lots of adjustability options with the Shiv Hydroformed Alloy Aerobar, while Ultegra derailleurs will help you shift with ease. The Axis 2.0 wheels serve as great training wheels and are suitable for racing, but adding some deep-dish aero race wheels to this frame will make for an even more stealth ride.

Cannondale Slice Ultegra
Cannondale Slice Ultegra

Cannondale Slice Ultegra 6800 $4,120

Using the same carbon technology triathletes used to covet in Cannondale’s SuperSix evo frames, the newest Slice combines aerodynamics, performance and comfort in a super-light package. The ultra-thin seatstays and chainstays enhance the aerodynamics and deliver a comfortable ride, all the while transferring your effort into forward movement. Shimano’s Ultegra components and Mavic Aksium wheels round out this value-oriented version of the Slice.

Trek Speed Concept 9.5 WSD
Trek Speed Concept 9.5 WSD

Trek Speed Concept 9.5 WSD $6,700

The made-in-the-U.S. frame uses light and stiff Kammtail shaped frame sections that offer excellent aerodynamics even in cross winds. The aero features also include internal cable routing, hidden quick releases and built in brakes. Trek completes the package with a solid Ultegra gruppo, carbon TT bars and Bontrager Race Lite wheels. Trek’s Women’s Specific Design (wsd) considers the bike as a complete system, so frame geometry and gearing are sized to fit the female rider. The Speed Concept 9.5 is also available in the standard format.