Ben Kanute’s Trek Speed Concept
US Olympian Ben Kanute spent the majority of the last few years training and racing on a Trek Madone road bike, as required on the draft-legal global circuit.
With his ticket to Rio in hand, Kanute had his professional non-draft debut at the iconic Escape from Alcatraz where he ultimately finished third.
We got a glimpse into what the post-Rio racing career could like for the 24-year old from Geneva, Illinois and a look at the Trek Speed Concept he rode in San Francisco last weekend.
All Photos by Timothy Carlson
Kanute rode to the 2nd-fastest bike split of the day over the hilly 18-mile route, past some of San Francisco’s famous sites.
Kanute took advantage of Trek’s Custom Project One program and got his Speed Concept painted with a Stars and Stripes theme.
The front end set up is clean, but accommodates everything needed for the Alcatraz bike course.
Kanute used the Bontrager Speed Concept Mono Bar Extension. Most pros opt to race Alcatraz on time-trial bikes, as the abundance of electronic shifting options on the aerobars and bullhorns also allows for better steering command.
Close up of the Bontrager Speed Concept water bottle cage and adapter used to mount Kanute’s Garmin computer.
Bontrager Aeolus 7 D3 matched with a Bontrager R4 320 tubular tire.
Kanute’s saddle choice is Bontrager’s Hilo RXL.
No doubt what bike we are working with here.
A flashy paint job on the Speed Box for additional storage. As the photo above shows, it is also a handy place for a race number sticker.
Kanute’s power meter choice is the Verve InfoCrank, which provides dual leg readings.
Like many pro cycling teams, Trek Factory Racing uses a HED disc rebadged with Bontrager logos.
Following Alcatraz, Kanute will put his Speed Concept into storage until after the Olympics. His post-Rio plans include a debut at an IRONMAN 70.3 in the fall.
