The new triathlon bike of Alistair Brownlee and Sebastian Kienle
Given that it should have been Kona week, it’s no surprise to see some new products hit the market around this time. No glitzy launch on Ali’i Drive for the brand new SCOTT Plasma 6 triathlon bike, but at first glance at least, it looks pretty stunning even without the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean.
When your top tier model is priced at 14.999 Euro (UK prices not confirmed as yet), you would expect something special, and SCOTT has been working on this for four years.
Here’s a first look at the new release which we will likely see raced for the first time next week by Alistair Brownlee at the SKODA Triqames in France, the PTO-supported middle distance event on the Cote d’Azur.
(Image Credits: Jochen Haar, Pushing Limits)
“We had one goal in mind when we started this project 4 years ago – to simply build the fastest bike the triathlon world has ever seen. The new Plasma 6 was specifically developed for the needs of triathletes and, in contrast to the Plasma 5, is not UCI compliant.”
Highlights:
Aerodynamic features
Aerodynamics as a key objective is influenced substantially by the position of the back wheel. The closer the tire is to the seat tube the more aero it is. In contrast to the front end the back wheel is always aligned with the seat tube. To give every rider the chance to ride the most aerodynamic position no matter the wheel or tire choice, you have 6 different wheel mount positions.
Down tube position
The most aerodynamic optimised position of the down tube would be exactly behind the front tire, but the slightest movement of the front wheel creates strong turbulence and significantly increases the drag. Extensive testing revealed that the second fastest position is to have a significant gap between the front tire and the down tube, which makes it then the fastest one in real world conditions.
Storage integration
The Plasma 5 was ahead of its competitors when it came to storage integration. The new Plasma 6 reaches an even higher level. Hydration, nutrition and storage integration have been considered as a cornerstone of the design from the first day. The hydration and nutrition systems, integrated into the frame and cockpit, allow the rider to drink and eat without leaving the aero position, plus it is easy to refill on the fly. Storage box and seatpost are designed as a unique airfoil, while also serving as an excellent spot for spare parts.
Hydration Bottle Gel Bottle 
Storage Box Seat Post Bottle Nutrition Box
Adjustability
Both the pedalling efficiency and aerodynamic performance hugely depend on the riding position of the rider. Our Syncros engineers focused on creating a complete system of base bars, extensions and saddle positioning to allow for a huge range of adjustability, perfectly matching the unique needs of each rider from Sebastian Kienle racing Ironman Kona to age groupers facing into their first 70.3.
PRICING AND SPECIFICATIONS
The All-New Plasma will be available in two different triathlon focussed specs and one frame set in stores by early december 2020: Plasma 6 Premium (14.999 Euro), Plasma 6 RC (8.999 Euro), Plasma 6 Frame set (6.999 Euro).
For that Premium option – in name and price – you will receive a SRAM RED eTap AXS 24-speed groupset (including crank-based power meter), Zipp 808 NSW carbon clinchers, Schwalbe PPRO ONE TT tryes and Syncros Belcarra 1.0 TRI saddle.
The Plasma 6 RC is supplied with Shimano Ultegra R8050 22-speed Di2 groupset, Syncros Capital 10 50mm wheelset, Schwalbe ONE Race-Guard tires and Syncros Belcarra 1.5 TRI saddle
Website: https://www.scott-sports.com/gb/en/plasma-6
“The Plasma 6 is made for the needs of triathletes with no compromises when it comes to nutrition or storage. Being able to stay on the aero bars during fuelling makes the system even faster. On top it‘s easier to travel with, it has a huge range of adjustment, it brakes far better and it‘s stiffer. In short, yes it is faster!”
Sebastian Kienle – 2014 IRONMAN World Champion
