The ‘Demo Days’ Ironman Expo, now in its third year, showcased products from 65 participating companies in the run up to the 2010 Ironman World Championships.
Some of the highlights noted by World Triathlon Corporation (WTC) came from Ironman sponsor companies Ceepo and K-Swiss.
Ceepo Climax
The latest frame from Ceepo on display in Kona was the Ceepo Climax. The ‘aerodynamic wonder’ features high modulus carbon throughout and has a fully adjustable integrated stem, making it somewhat unique in the super-aero tri frame world.
Only 200 of these frames will be available in 2011 (as it’s a 2012 model). The Ceepo Climax should be available in April 2011 and will come in a package that includes the frameset, Ceepo’s handlebars and Shimano Di2 electric shifting components. (As is becoming increasingly popular amongst bike manufacturers, such as the latest offerings from Pinarello and Giant, the Ceepo Climax has an aerodynamic compartment for the Shimano Di2 battery.)
K-Swiss Blade-Light Race
Building on the popularity of the K-Swiss K-Ona, the Blade-Light series manages to come in even lighter (8.9 oz) yet still provides cushioning and support.
Using anatomically placed K-EVA ‘blades’ that are aligned to the angle of impact and a micro layer of Superfoam under the sockliner, the Blade-Light shoes manage to provide an impressive amount of cushioning.
As comfortable as the Blade-Light Run version is, the Blade-Light Race takes things to a whole new level thanks to the mesh material on the top of the shoe that provides a sock-like feel. Add to all this the Velcro closure, and K-Swiss have certainly delivered a triathlon-specific race shoe.
Another product on show at the Demo Days event in Kona was the new 990 Aerobrake from SRAM. With an MSRP of US$125, SRAM’s 990 Aerobrake enables a swift switch from training wheels to race wheels.
Usually this requires some brake adjustment. However, SRAM has an innovative feature with the 990 Aerobrake, which sees the entire lever rotate for an easier adjustment of the brakes according to wheel type. SRAM’s 990 Aerobrake should be on retail shelves from early January 2011.
