PremierBike has a mission with its 1.0 Tactical tri superbike. The company states that it ‘focuses on optimizing triathlete, bike frame and component aerodynamics – at reasonable costs based on who knows best – those that participate in the sport.’
PremierBike is based in Joliet, Illinois. The Tactical bike was launched at the end of 2016 ahead of the 2017 tri season. After extensive research, the company adds that… ‘finite element analysis (FEA), computational fluid dynamics (CFD), velodrome and wind tunnel testing, multiple frame, fairing and storage configurations were developed before finalizing the 2017 Tactical triathlon specific bike.’
Taking a direct-to-consumer model, and priced at US$5,500 plus shipping, the PremierBike Tactical includes Shimano Ultegra Di2, rear storage, a hard travel case, front and rear centre pull brakes, fully adjustable cockpit, race tyres, optimized race chain, Pioneer Powermeter, 88 mm front carbon clincher wheel and full carbon clincher disk wheel. All are included with the bike purchase, and this is all wrapped up with a 5 year bike warranty.
In addition, purchasers of the 2017 PremierBike Tactical receive cash towards a professional bike fit. As the company points out, ‘At PremierBike we believe that a profession bike fit is a great investment for improvement in both comfort and aerodynamic drag reduction. That’s why we will pay $200.00 toward a professional bike fit after you have received your Tactical triathlon bike.’
The rider is advised to ride the bike the way it is initially set-up based on pre-provided body measurements. PremierBike utilizes the F.I.S.T. System along with Static Fit Guidelines as outlined on Slowtwitch.com.
The rider is advised to trial the pre-set-up aero position for a few hundred miles. This gives the rider time to get used to the bike before getting the fit fine-tuned. The metrics used to set up the bike are based on the information provided by the purchaser. This can be shared with a professional fitter… ‘so he/she knows where we have base lined you. This will save time and give them a good idea of where to go next after hearing input from you.’
