WorldTour 2017 Bikes: Tony Martin’s new Canyon Speedmax CF SLX time trial bike + video

Three-time world time trial champion Tony Martin has changed teams for 2017, moving from Etixx-QuickStep to the Katusha-Alpecin squad. Along with a change of jersey is the change of bike. After five years on a Specialized, the German powerhouse will now ride bikes from German brand Canyon. 

- WorldTour 2017 Bikes: Katusha’s Canyon Aeroad CF SLX with SRAM eTap

And here is the first photo of Tony Martin’s new Canyon Speedmax CF SLX. What do you think? Will it be as fast as his previous bike, the Specialized Shiv that he has ridden for the past few seasons? We presume he’s been using the off-season to get the new Speedmax set up to his requirements and log as many miles as possible before his first competitive outing. 

- Canyon unveils 2016 Speedmax CF SLX time trial bike

Martin will be riding the latest version of the Speedmax, first launched in 2012 but given a light refresh last year with an updated frame design and a new front brake. There were also some new integrated storage and hydration solutions but they only apply to the lawless world of triathlon and Ironman. 

Tony Martin looks comfortable on his new time trial bike for the 2017 season

While the rest of the Katusha ride the regular red race bikes, Martin’s Speedmax is draped in a stealthy black paint job and it’s completed with a loop of rainbow stripes running almost continuously around the front and rear triangle. Very smart. 

Like the road race bikes, the Speedmax is equipped with SRAM’s Red eTap wireless groupset. The Speedmax was only ever designed for an electronic groupset (it wasn’t compatible with mechanical groupsets) but installing a Shimano Di2 groupset took something like 6-8 hours, according to a Canyon representative during a factory visit a few years ago. With no wires attached, SRAM’s eTap will radically reduce the build time. 

Here's the Katusha team doing some time trial and aero prep:

- Review: SRAM Red eTap

Martin will be using a Quarq crank-based power meter this year (he was on Power2Max last year) as it’s part of the SRAM family of products. The regular chainring has been swapped out for a SRAM Aero Time Trial chainring setup, which combines a 55t big ring with a 42t inner ring. 

Wheels are from Zipp, an 808 on the front and a Super 9 Disc rear wheel, both shod with Continental Competition ProLtd tyres.  A stumpy Selle Italia saddle with ridged top section to prevent Martin slipping about on the saddle when tucked down in the extremely aerodynamic position. 

While Martin gets a black Speedmax, the rest of the team get these red bikes

The Speedmax’s integrated brakes have been overhauled since the bike was first launched. The front brake is now positioned at the front of the fork and the caliper has been developed in collaboration with TRP. Canyon says this change has resulted in a stiffer braking platform and feel has been improved. A cover maintains aerodynamics and protects the brake. The rear brake is still located underneath the chainstays.

The handlebars are Canyon’s own H26 base bar with extensions. They offer a huge range of height and width options and one change to the updated Speedmax is a focus on improving ergonomics. New Ergon base bar grips, elbow supports and extension grip tape are intended to provide more road vibration damping and better grip.

Canyon launches affordable time trial bike with new Speedmax CF

More bikes from the peloton soon...