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USAT: Blue frames are unique because of their geometry. How does the build help triathletes while they ride and when they transition to the run?
MS: When we started the project that became the Triad, we were obviously concerned with aerodynamics but we were equally dedicated to creating a design that allowed the athlete to perform at their best once they transitioned to the run. I’m serious about that; we wanted a bike that can help you run faster. As a former elite-level USA Cycling coach, I had the opportunity to study pedaling mechanics in which the pedal forces were scientifically measured throughout the entire range of the pedaling circle.


Based on the results of research studies we reviewed, we concluded that the hamstring muscles were prematurely fatigued when the rider’s hip angle became too closed at the top of the pedal stroke. In other words, if the triathlete attempted to adopt the same position as an elite cyclist — a low and aggressive position — the hamstrings will take a beating during the entire bike leg. While flexibility will reduce this effect, it will never eliminate it because the hamstrings will never fully release before your quads kick in for the power portion of the pedal stroke. By adopting a slightly more upright riding position, like that used by recent winners at Kona, the rider finds that they have much fresher legs off the bike and overall race times are minutes faster.


USAT: How does Blue stay on the cutting edge of technology?
MS: In a word — research. Our design team is constantly looking at new material developments, manufacturing techniques, physiology studies and whatever other relevant information we can get our hands on to further our knowledge about what can make a bike — and the rider — faster. We also do our own testing and research on the road, in the lab and in the wind tunnel to confirm that what we think makes a design better actually achieves the desired result.


USAT: What is Blue’s philosophy regarding riders testing frames?
MS: It has always been our belief that the rider and the bike perform together as a system, not individually. Our goal is to create a bicycle that allows the athlete to perform at his or her best. The truth is, there are plenty of designs out there that profess to be the most aerodynamic but in the end, what really matters is which design is the most aerodynamically efficient for you. There are a number of popular frame models currently available that measure great when placed in the wind tunnel by themselves, but when you add spinning wheels and a rider pedaling at a cadence of 90 rpm, the clean airflow over the tubes gets disrupted and the drag goes way up. Suddenly, that frame falls way down in the rankings.


Our goal in designing the Triad was to create a bike for triathletes that would make the rider and the bike a package that together is as aerodynamically efficient as possible.


We chose that as our measure of success because that’s the only way it’s ever used in the real world. During our testing in the wind tunnel, we found just how important rider position is in making certain that airflow is properly directed over and around the bicycle/ rider system. To make sure our customers take full advantage of the Triad’s benefits, we set up a program to offer free wind tunnel time at the A2 Wind Tunnel to customers purchasing a complete Triad bicycle. It’s a program that has had great success with our customers who have made the effort to take advantage of it.


USAT: What drove you to develop three levels of the TRIAD?
MS: Price [MSRP for SL frame is $4,000; EX frame is $2,500 and SP complete build is $2,700]. We believe that the Triad SL is the best, most aerodynamically and mechanically efficient tri frame on the market today and it would be great if everyone who wanted one could afford to go out and make the investment. We realize that’s not realistic, so we decided to engineer the Triad to offer many of the same benefits that Triad SL owners enjoy at more modest price points. Thus we came up with the Triad EX and Triad SP to meet that demand.


USAT: How do you and the team at Blue unwind? You can’t talk/ ride/design bikes all the time, can you?
MS: Believe it or not, we actually do. We work so hard at creating the bikes we sell that we long for the opportunity to just get out for the sheer enjoyment of riding. On the weekends, you’ll find us out on group rides, riding solo in the mountains, training for a triathlon or just out cruising around with our kids. It’s all good when you’ve got a great bike to ride, and we’ve got the best.


USATRIATHLON.ORG USA TRIATHLON 75

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