A Look at the 2019 Ceepo Shadow-R

Triathlon bike geometry has transformed rapidly in the past few years, especially in the top-of-the-line models which have steadily moved further away from what we expect bikes to look like. Manufacturers have experimented with removing the seat tube, expanding the down tube, removing the down tube, and more. But none of them have been so bold as to re-engineer the bike’s fork.

… Until Ceepo did it with the Shadow-R, which will be making its racing debut in October in Kona at the Ironman World Championship. This week, we got an up close and personal look at the Shadow-R. Check it out below:

The Ceepo Shadow-R won the 2018 Eurobike Show Bike of the Year Award. No matter how you look at it this is a bike like you’ve never seen before. The most important part of the Shadow-R’s controversial design is its “SideFork”. The traditional fork sticks straight down from the head tube on either side of the front wheel, creating two long vertical leading edges that increase drag and turbulence as air travels from the front to the back of the bike. The “SideFork” turns the struts on their side and the whole assembly comes out of the head tube via a carbon semi-circle that follows the top profile of the wheel. This creates smoother airflow not only on the sides of the bike, but also redirects air resistance away from the front hub.

On a bike like this, it would seem as though the rider’s body would be the greatest hindrance to being aerodynamic!

The Shadow-R uses regular parts and screws, making it easy to assemble and service. It also accepts most stems and bars, and with its reversible seat post, you can make this bike fit however you like. The integrated bento box on the top tube keeps nutrition essentials out of sight but within reach (and the electronic shifting battery is also housed in this area). Bottle bosses on the downtube provide room for one bottle. A tool box compartment accessible near the bottom bracket keeps your tools out of sight until you need them. Lastly, the Ceepo Shadow-R ships with its own special bike box so you can keep this superbike safe and scratch-free when you travel to races.

The Ceepo Shadow-R is now available locally, at the following price points:

• Shadow-R Frameset – P300,000
• Shadow-R Whole Bike – P500,000

There is also a non-SideFork version called the Shadow.

• Shadow Frameset – P250,000
• Shadow Whole Bike – P450,000

Still too much bike for your more modest triathlon needs? Ceepo has also refreshed its range of bicycle frames; the 2019 models will be available from October onwards. Check out which one is right for you at ceepo.com.