Ceepo puts it pretty bluntly. The fork on your bike is not aero. How can you make it more aerodynamic? Well, you can start by turning it on its side, sort of. More accurately, you can turn the fork into a sort of wheel shroud that features a horizontal main strut that holds the wheel in place.
That horizontal strut attaches to a carbon semi-circle on either end, which is tucked inline with the front tire for a more slippery profile.
The design is said to help eliminate leading edges from not just the fork but the rest of the frame thanks to the redirected wind. The orientation of the fork shelters the front hub as well which Ceepo claims improves the aero benefit further. While no wind tunnel test results or figures are provided, Ceepo does show some CFD images which seem to corroborate their claims at a visual level.
It also claims to have a ride comfort component since the wheel is fork is free to flex up and down more than a traditional road fork.
The SideFork as Ceepo calls it, is part of the integrated design of the new Shadow-R triathlon bike which is obviously not UCI legal.
From the top or the bottom, the Shadow-R still seems to have a fairly wide profile, but that’s mostly limited to the center section around the hubs and drivetrain. Based on the 1,450g weight of the fork alone, it sounds like it must have a lot of aero benefit to justify that much weight. Combined with the 40T high modulus carbon frame that clocks in at 2,230g, you have a 3,680g frame weight – although that does include an integrated tool and bento box. The frame is built to accommodate flat mount disc brakes, most drive trains, and also many stems and bars on the market. The Shadow-R will also be available in a non-SideFork version called the Shadow. Pricing and availability is TBA.
Specs
Compatible groupset:
- Shimano di2
- Sram E-Tap
- Sram 1By (cable or electric)
- FSA electric
- It will accept most stems and bars on the market. Oval front chainrings up to 56 all the way down to compact size due to our twin position front derailleur hanger.
Truncated Airfoil Tubes:
- Stiffer, lighter aero tubes.
Integrated Tool Box and Bento Box
Lowered BB:
- For improved high-speed stability and better overall aerodynamics
- BB EVO386.
Brakes:
- 12 mm thru axle Flat mount brakes Hydraulic or cable.
Max tire clearance:
- 28 tires with room to spare.
Reversible Seat Post:
- For a wide range of saddle adjustability.
Double seat clamp:
- Wedge and collar is designed to prevent slips and makes it easy to remove your seatpost without losing its position.
Removable front derailleur hanger:
- Hi and Lo position.
Head Set:
- 1-1/8” – 1-1/4”
Frame:
- 100% 40T high-modulus carbon frame
- 2,230g Frame (M size)
- 1,450g Fork
