Louie Carballo’s CADEX Tri | In[FOCUS] Bike
We have the privilege of speaking with Louie Carballo, a prominent triathlete, about his experiences with the CADEX Tri bike. Known for its aerodynamic design and cutting-edge technology, the CADEX Tri has become a game-changer in the world of triathlon. In this interview, Louie shares his insights on the bike’s performance, adjustability, standout features, and more.
SBR.ph: Can you share with us your initial impressions of the CADEX Tri when you first laid eyes on it? What about the bike caught your attention?
Louie: Initially, the bike struck me as odd and unappealing. However, over time, I grew accustomed to its unique appearance and found it quite appealing. The absence of a top tube and the unconventional fork design were particularly noteworthy and immediately captured my attention. Interestingly, it bore a striking resemblance to the rental bikes found in BGC.
SBR.ph: The CADEX Tri is known for its aerodynamic design and cutting-edge technology. How has this bike contributed to your overall performance as a triathlete?
Louie: To date, I have only competed on the bike twice during the Davao 70.3 and Subit. Without a doubt, I found the bike to be remarkably quick; however, what stood out the most was the level of comfort it afforded while in the aero position.
SBR.ph: Describe your bike setup and where did you order and have it built?
Louie: Bike setup:
Groupset: sram red axs etap 12speed with hydraulic brakes.
Wheels: cadex 4 spoke front, cadex disc rear wheel
Tires: continental gp5000 str
Powermeter: quarq dzero
Gearing: 53/39 chainring 10-28 cassette
Saddle: specialized sitero 2
Bottom bracket: ceramic speed
SBR.ph: How is the bike for short and long distance races?
With its remarkable speed and unmatched comfort, the bike is ideally suited for both short and long-distance races. While I have yet to put it to the test in an Ironman event, I am confident that it will perform exceptionally well.
SBR.ph: How adjustable is the CADEX Tri when it comes to bike fitting?
Louie: Compared to all the bikes I have owned, this bike boasts one of the broadest adjustment ranges, making it highly customizable to my needs. Additionally, it is incredibly easy to configure and adjust, making it a breeze to fine-tune its performance.
SBR.ph: Did you feel any difference when you switched to a CADEX Tri frame compared to other traditional triathlon triangular frames?
Louie: In addition to its impressive speed, the lack of the toptube on this bike offers added benefits. For instance, accessing the downtube-mounted bento and frame-mounted water bottle is significantly easier. Furthermore, the absence of a toptube design simplifies executing a flying dismount during T2.
SBR.ph: Could you highlight any standout elements of the frame that have contributed significantly to your overall biking experience?
Louie: The most distinctive features of the bike include the top tube’s absence, as well as the inclusion of a bike case that resembles luggage.
SBR.ph: How does the CADEX Tri help optimize your speed and power output during both flat and hilly sections of the race?
Louie: Thanks to its superior comfort, I can effortlessly maintain my target power while in the aero position, whether I am cycling uphill or on a flat surface. Moreover, the bike’s disc brakes prove invaluable during descents, enabling me to maintain control even at high speeds.
SBR.ph: How much did you get the frame and the total build?
Louie: Frame 350k, wheels 180k plus other parts, total came in at about 750-800k.
SBR.ph: Finally, for aspiring triathletes looking to invest in a high-performance bike, what advice would you give them when considering the CADEX Tri as their choice?
Louie: Its one of the best i had. Fast, easy to pack, comes with a bike case, easy to build and adjust.
