The Ventum One

   I don't often report on tri bikes since no one cares about them. This bike however is pretty cool and it's worth a look how tri bikes fit in the UCI rules. The Ventum One is a purpose built triathlon bike, with features you won't see on any other bike. The Ventum team is also sponsoring about 10 pro triathletes for the 2016 season.

Ventum One

   This frame looks pretty unconventional. A bike like this is only able to be used in triathlon events. In any other UCI regulated competition this style is illegal. The UCI has all sorts of rules regarding what you can ride, and one of them is that the frame must be built around a main triangle. 

Bicycle testing in action

   Since the Ventum One designed to be raced in triathlons, they can skirt a lot of the rules set out by the UCI. They can build a frame that has some (claimed) advantages over traditional designs. How does it stack up? Beats me, but here are some more pictures. 

Frameset

Frameset (2)

   You can't argue that the bike looks fast, even without wheels. The site claims 24% less drag than the closest competing bicycle tested, the Cervelo P5. 24% is about 1/4 of 100, that has to be good.

   The noticeable feature of the Ventum is the integrated water bottle. It sits on the top tube and holds about a liter and a half of water. 

Ventum water storage

   The on-frame water storage reminds me of a Specialized Shiv, with the water above the bottom bracket, and a longer straw to drink through. I don't know if I'd want to be sucking water through 4' of hose when I'm trying to ride fast. 

Shiv

   I would love to get two reps together and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of carrying your water higher or lower. Loser has to ride a recumbent home.
   Before you're hooked on the bike, sell your CX ride, get some sleeveless jerseys and start swimming, check out the price tag:

• Frameset: $6,250
• Full bike: $11,500 (Di2 Dura Ace, Zipp Firecrest 808 wheels)

   Holy hell that seems like a lot of money. The frame reminds me of the Lotus 110, a classic aero bike, one of which just sold for about $9k on eBay:

Lotus 110

   Maybe it isn't that overpriced after all.