Skip to main content

Diamondback’s New Andean Is a Purpose-built Speed Demon

Diamondback Andean
Image used with permission by copyright holder
There are bikes, and then there are Bikes. For road cycling, mountain biking, and triathlon enthusiasts, a performance driven design can make a more comfortable ride, shave precious seconds off a race, or both. Yesterday Diamondback announced their all new Andean triathlon bike and it’s safe to say that this new design will define both podium times at the Ironman World Championships and the entire industry.
Andean

Related: Nutrition For Athletes: The Feed | The Leopard Smart Bike

Two years ago, Diamondback released their first aerodynamic bike, the time trial focused Serios. Because road cycle racing’s governing body has strict rules of design, they were limited in some of their options to innovate. However, by eschewing the road racing rules and focusing directly on the triathlon market, Diamondback was able to completely redefine aerodynamic bicycle design.

Diamondback Andean

They turned to Kevin Quan, a famed engineer and designer who’s bicycles have won races to across the globe. The first order of business was to shift the design process from frame-centric, to literally starting from the ground up by picking wheels first. The vast majority of bikes have a two triangle design. Quan and Diamondback focused on a more unibody design to fill in the wheelbase as much as possible. This decreases drag significantly, while also adding power response. Diamondback calls this AeroCore design.

Toolkit
A side effect of this focus on minimizing drag and air turbulence is an increase in storage. When you walk the rows of bikes at a big triathlon you’ll typically see saddle bags, bento boxes, and snacks literally taped to bike frames. The massive downtube on the Diamondback Andean has an internal storage bay that will fit an entire field repair kit, along with your phone, keys, and more. Along the top, a flip up box has partitions for gels, salt tabs, and other snacks and supplements. It isn’t out the question to expect that you could ride for an entire race completely self supported.

Food Storage
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The drivetrain and other components are likewise optimized for speed. The chain rings have a fairing in front of them to aid in decreasing air turbulence. The base model Diamondback Andean will even feature a single ring up front, dropping a front derailleur in favor of simplicity (other models will include the industry standard dual ring and even feature electronic shifting). Brakes are disc brakes, like many mountain and cyclo-cross bikes. This aids in stopping power and handling. For triathlon riders used to squirrelly bikes, this will add significant confidence on the road.

Andean Rider
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The Andean makes its official debut at the Ironman World Championships on October 8, 2016. In the meantime, you can pre-order a bike now on Diamondback’s website. They will start shipping in early December. Expect to see them dominating race day podiums soon after. We can’t wait to try one out for ourselves.

Austin Parker
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Austin Parker is a former contributor at The Manual Parker is a powder skier and sport climber and is no stranger hauling…
Apple just gave hikers, campers, skiers, and snowboarders a great reason to use Apple Maps and ditch Google Maps
Go anywhere and never get lost
Apple Maps update press release photo

Google Maps has long been a dominant player in navigation, known for its comprehensive data and ease of use. However, with the release of iOS 17, Apple has introduced a game-changing feature that's set to make Apple Maps the go-to choice for outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers. Apple is finally introducing offline maps, and it's a feature that will revolutionize the way hikers, campers, skiers, and snowboarders navigate the great outdoors.
iOS 17 unveils offline maps for Apple Maps
Apple Maps has come a long way since its initial launch, and it's continually striving to offer users a more robust and feature-rich experience. With the launch of iOS 17 on September 18, 2023, Apple is introducing offline maps, a feature that will be a game-changer for those who love outdoor activities.

Offline maps allow users to select specific areas to download to their phones. Once downloaded, these maps can be accessed and used without an internet connection. This makes it possible to enjoy turn-by-turn navigation and conduct searches even in remote areas where internet connectivity may be unreliable or nonexistent. It works similarly to Google Maps in the sense that you do need a WiFi connection to download the maps, but after that, you're good to go off the grid.
The perfect companion for outdoor adventures
For outdoor enthusiasts, this feature is a dream come true. Whether you're hiking in the wilderness, camping in a remote location, skiing down the slopes, or snowboarding in the mountains, having access to offline maps can be a lifesaver. Here's how this feature can benefit different adventure seekers:

Read more
Ultimate relaxation: This massage chair is $3,700 off until tomorrow
A woman sitting in the Sharper Image Revival Zero Gravity Massage Chair.

Relaxing at home is a much-underrated activity for many of us. That's why we had to highlight one of Best Buy's deals of the day which has a Sharper Image Revival Zero Gravity Massage Chair down to $1,799. It usually costs $5,499 so you're saving a spectacular $3,700 off the regular price. Whether you've had a long day at work or you've just got back from a hectic session at the gym, you need a great massage chair to relax into. Here's what we know about it while you decide whether to hit the buy button or not. Remember -- you've only got until the end of today to do so.

Why you should buy the Sharper Image Revival Zero Gravity Massage Chair
Arriving with no assembly required, the Sharper Image Revival Zero Gravity Massage Chair is far better than any of the best massage guns you may have been considering for your post-workout recovery. It offers the most beneficial position for you to sit with the least amount of pressure on your spine.

Read more
These are the 13 best Brad Pitt movies, ranked
Does your favorite Brad Pitt movie make the list?
Brad Pitt staring across the table

If you were to look up the word "superstar" in the dictionary, it wouldn't be surprising if Brad Pitt's visage was strewn across the page. When you hear his name, it’s hard not to think of his chiseled abs, effortless charm, and distinctively beautiful face. Many may even immediately think of all the media surrounding his romantic entanglements with Angelina Jolie and Jennifer Aniston, but we’re definitely not here to talk about that.

Today, we are here to talk about the many strides Brad Pitt has made in his film career; from war movies to heist comedies, he's taken his physical beauty and made the most of it. While he may not have the reputation of Tom Hanks or Al Pacino, Pitt has become a great performer in his own right. In addition to his prolific acting career, Pitt is also a producer with more than 60 credits to his name. Clearly, there is much more to him than just what meets the eye, which is part of what makes him such a compelling screen presence.

Read more