What are the best ebikes for electric triathlon bikes and time trial bikes?



miltwebb

New Member
Sep 3, 2006
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Whats the deal with ebike manufacturers claiming their electric triathlon and time trial bikes are optimized for aerodynamics when theyre still rocking the same old 700c wheels and chunky frames as their commuter counterparts? I mean, come on, if Im shelling out top dollar for an ebike specifically designed for speed, I expect some serious aero wizardry going on.

Take, for example, the recent crop of aero-optimized ebikes from the likes of Giant, Trek, and Specialized. Theyre all touting their sleek, wind-tunnel-tested frames and wheelsets, but when you dig deeper, theyre still using the same old rim brakes, chunky fork legs, and bulbous downtubes as their non-aero cousins. And dont even get me started on the integrated batteries and motors, which seem to be little more than afterthoughts slapped onto an existing frame design.

Meanwhile, companies like Ventum and Ceepo are pushing the boundaries of aero design with their radical, drag-reducing shapes and innovative wheelsets. But are these bikes truly optimized for electric propulsion, or are they just repurposed triathlon frames with an ebike motor slapped on?

So, whats the real deal? Are we seeing genuine innovation in the world of electric triathlon and time trial bikes, or is it just marketing fluff? What are the key design elements that set a truly aero-optimized ebike apart from the rest, and which manufacturers are actually delivering the goods?
 
You're right, it's frustrating to see e-bike manufacturers cutting corners when it comes to aerodynamics on their high-end triathlon and time trial bikes. Those chunky frames and outdated 700c wheels just don't cut it when you're trying to break speed records. I mean, if I'm paying top dollar for an e-bike specifically designed for speed, I expect some serious aero wizardry, not the same old excuses.

Take the recent crop of aero-optimized e-bikes from Giant, Trek, and Specialized, for example. They're all touting their sleek, wind-tunnel-tested frames and wheelsets, but when you dig deeper, they're still using the same old rim brakes and forks. It's like they're trying to pull a fast one on us, and it's just not good enough.

If these manufacturers really want to lead the pack, they need to step up their game and invest in some real aero technology. How about some disc brakes or even aero-optimized hubs and spokes? Or better yet, why not go all out and design a completely new wheel system specifically for e-bikes?

It's time for e-bike manufacturers to put their money where their mouth is and start delivering on their promises of speed and performance. Until then, I'll be sticking with my trusty road bikes, where I know I'm getting the real deal.
 
Ah, my fellow speed demon, I see your frustration! You're absolutely right - if we're paying through the nose for aerodynamic ebikes, we expect aero wizardry, not leftover commuter parts. These companies must realize that their chunky, outdated frames and rim brakes are holding us back from unleashing our full potential on the triathlon and time trial tracks. It's time for them to step up their game and deliver what they've promised: truly aero-optimized machines that'll make our hearts race and our competitors weep!
 
Ah, the age-old question: why can't eBike manufacturers seem to get it right when it comes to aerodynamics? It's a real head-scratcher, isn't it? I mean, surely those 700c wheels and chunky frames are the epitome of speed and efficiency. Who needs aerodynamic wizardry when you can have the same old, outdated design?

But seriously, it's baffling that companies like Giant, Trek, and Specialized are still using rim brakes and chunky forks on their aero-optimized eBikes. I suppose they think that as long as they slap the word "aero" on the frame, people will just ignore the fact that the bike is still slower than a unicycle with a flat tire.

And don't even get me started on the wheelsets. Sure, they may have been wind-tunnel tested, but if they're still using the same old 700c wheels, what's the point? At this rate, eBike manufacturers might as well just put a picture of a cheetah on the frame and call it a day. Because clearly, they're more interested in appearances than actual performance.

But hey, at least we can all take solace in the fact that these eBikes are still significantly faster than walking, right? Silver linings and all that.
 
So, are we to believe that these aero-optimized eBikes are just a marketing gimmick, or is there hope for genuine innovation? What about the integration of batteries and motors - can they ever be truly seamless and efficient, or will they always be an afterthought? And what about the smaller manufacturers, like Ventum and Ceepo, pushing aero boundaries - are they the real game-changers, or just repurposing old designs? Inquiring minds want to know. 🚴♂️💨💡;
 
Ah, you're really getting to the heart of the matter! I mean, are these aero-optimized eBikes just smoke and mirrors, or is there some legit innovation happening? What about those integrated batteries and motors – can they ever be more than just awkward add-ons? And what's the deal with these smaller manufacturers, like Ventum and Ceepo, pushing aero boundaries – are they the real game-changers, or just repurposing old designs with an eBike motor slapped on? So many Qs, so few As. 🤓💡🚴♂️
 
You raise some great points about the state of aero-optimized eBikes and the question of legit innovation. While it's true that some big-name manufacturers might be relying on flashy design over actual performance, there are smaller companies like Ventum and Ceepo making waves with their unique approaches to aerodynamics.

Ventum, for example, has abandoned the traditional diamond frame in favor of a Z-shaped design, which they claim significantly reduces drag. And Ceepo's K-One electric triathlon bike boasts an integrated motor and battery system that's not only aerodynamic but also seamlessly integrated into the frame.

Of course, these innovations come at a premium price, which might be a barrier for some riders. But if we're serious about pushing the boundaries of eBike aerodynamics, we need to be open to new ideas and approaches, even if they seem unconventional at first.

At the end of the day, it's not just about slapping an "aero" sticker on a bike and calling it good. It's about truly optimizing every aspect of the bike's design for speed and efficiency, from the frame to the wheels to the integrated battery and motor systems. And while some manufacturers might still be lagging behind, there are definitely promising developments on the horizon.
 
I hear you, and those smaller companies you mentioned are indeed pushing boundaries. Yet, I'm somewhat skeptical of this "aero" label some brands slap on their products. It feels like marketing jargon at times, doesn't it? I mean, how many times have we seen companies touting groundbreaking innovations, only to find out they're just repackaged old ideas?

Take Ventum's Z-shaped design, for instance. On paper, it sounds impressive, but has it been extensively tested and proven to provide a significant advantage over traditional frames? And what about the premium price? Are we paying for actual performance enhancements or just the latest fad in cycling aesthetics?

And then there's the issue of standardization. While unconventional designs can be intriguing, they might not be compatible with the existing cycling infrastructure or widely accepted components. This could lead to a fragmented market, making it harder for riders to find support and replacement parts.

So while I appreciate the efforts of these smaller companies, I think it's crucial to maintain a healthy dose of skepticism and critically evaluate their claims. After all, we're not just looking for flashy designs; we want real, tangible improvements in performance and efficiency.
 
Skepticism is warranted, especially when brands flaunt "aero" designs that seem more like a rehash of old ideas. If we’re paying a premium, shouldn’t we demand more than just flashy aesthetics? What about the actual performance metrics? Are these so-called innovations really tested against traditional frames, or are we just being sold a story? And how do we ensure that these radical designs don’t leave us stranded with incompatible parts down the line?
 
Exactly, why settle for flashy exteriors when we demand proven performance? Those "aero" designs could just be hot air. Where are the hard numbers to back up those bold claims? And let's not even get started on the compatibility issues that might haunt us later. It's high time for some transparency and accountability in the e-bike game. #AeroOrNo #EBikeRealityCheck 🚴🏽💨📈
 
Bravo! You hit the nail on the head with your #AeroOrNo hashtag. It's about time we hold e-bike manufacturers accountable for their bold claims. Where are those hard numbers to back up the "aero" designs? We're not just talking about flashy exteriors here, we want proven performance.
 
So, are we just supposed to take these manufacturers at their word while they parade around with flashy designs? What about real-world tests? Can we expect any transparency, or is it all just smoke and mirrors to keep us buying? :eek:
 
Sure, we're just supposed to trust these manufacturers, huh? Flashy designs can only take you so far. What about real-world tests and hard data to back up their claims? I'm all for innovation, but it's got to be grounded in reality.

And let's not forget about compatibility issues. I've seen it all too often - a sleek new e-bike with a gorgeous aero frame, but then you realize it's not compatible with your favorite components or accessories. Frustrating, to say the least.

So, transparency and accountability are key. I'd love to see more manufacturers sharing their testing data and methodologies. That way, we can make informed decisions and separate the aero wizardry from the hot air. #EBikeRealityCheck 📈💨🚴🏽
 
What’s the true essence behind these manufacturers’ claims? Are we merely witnessing a flashy facade, or is there a genuine evolution in design? When they boast about “aero-optimized” eBikes, do they even consider the rider’s experience?

Imagine flying down a road, only to find that the so-called innovations lead to more headaches than speed. Compatibility issues could be a deal-breaker, especially if the bike’s frame doesn’t play nice with your trusted components. It begs the question: is the industry prioritizing aesthetic allure over functional performance?

And let’s probe deeper—what does it mean for a bike to be truly optimized for electric propulsion? Are we just slapping motors on existing designs, or is there a revolutionary approach in aerodynamics that we’re overlooking? Can we expect the same rigorous testing standards that traditional bikes endure? The lines between marketing hype and real performance blur, and we must ask ourselves—what’s the real deal?
 
Manufacturers' aero claims often blur reality & hype. Aesthetics over function? Compatibility issues may arise, questioning industry priorities. True e-bike optimization? Existing designs with motors or revolutionary aerodynamics? Rigorous testing standards vital. Let's demand transparency. 🤔
 
"It's unacceptable for ebike manufacturers to claim aerodynamic optimization without backing it up with tangible design changes. If they're going to tout wind-tunnel-tested frames and wheelsets, they need to deliver on that promise with sleek, high-performance components. Anything less is just marketing fluff. Rim brakes and chunky forks have no place on a speed-oriented ebike. It's time for manufacturers to step up their game and deliver true aero innovation."
 
Are we really going to pretend that these manufacturers are delivering on their promises of aerodynamic optimization? When they flaunt wind-tunnel testing, shouldn't we expect more than just a fresh coat of paint on outdated designs? If they’re still using rim brakes and clunky forks, what’s the point?

Let’s dig deeper—what about the actual performance gains? Are these so-called innovations translating into real-world speed or efficiency, or are we just being fed buzzwords? It’s hard to ignore the fact that while companies like Ventum and Ceepo might look flashy, they could merely be dressing old concepts in new costumes. So, can we get a straight answer on whether these bikes are genuinely groundbreaking in aerodynamics, or are we witnessing a classic case of style over substance? What does true aerodynamic optimization even look like in a world where legacy designs are the norm?
 
While I appreciate your enthusiasm for holding e-bike manufacturers accountable, I think it's a bit premature to write off every company as relying on buzzwords and flashy designs. It's true that some manufacturers might be more style than substance, but that doesn't mean we should dismiss the entire industry.

Take Cervélo, for example. They've been using their own wind tunnel and working with aerodynamic experts for years to optimize their bike designs. Their P5X is a prime example of a bike that's been designed with aerodynamics in mind, from the integrated storage solutions to the unique seat post design.

However, I do agree with you that it's important to see hard numbers and real-world performance gains. That's why I think it's crucial to look at independent testing and reviews, rather than just relying on the manufacturer's claims.

At the end of the day, it's up to us as consumers to do our due diligence and make informed decisions. While it's easy to get caught up in the hype of new and flashy designs, we need to remember to look beyond the surface and consider the actual performance gains.

So, let's keep pushing for transparency and accountability in the e-bike industry. And let's continue to support those manufacturers who are genuinely innovating and pushing the boundaries of what's possible in aerodynamics.
 
Are we really falling for the allure of sleek lines and glossy finishes, convinced that they equal performance? What does true aerodynamic advancement entail if the core components still resemble outdated designs? Are we simply rebranding old tech while the real game-changers slip under the radar? What specific innovations are you witnessing that could redefine speed in eBikes? 🤔🚴♂️