Triathlon Bike Review: Trek Equinox TTX 9.9 SSL

Wow is the only word that will come to mind when you first see Trek's Equinox TTX 9.9 SSL for the first time. Ouch will be the second word as the salesman slaps your hand because you tried to touch it. With an MSRP of $8,249.99, the question isn't necessarily one of what else could they possibly put on this thing, but more of how much technology did Trek throw at this one? Far beyond the budget of the average rider, the Equinox TTX is a bike best suited for those athletes who have sponsors, or deep pockets. Everything about this bike simply screams money, from the OCLV Red Carbon (and light as a feather) frame, to the hidden cable routing system that promises to reduce drag.

The beauty of this bike is the fact that each and every part on it is designed not only to go fast, but also to weigh next to nothing. Extensive use of lightweight carbon in not only the frame and fork, but also in the wheels, seat post, and handlebars practically ensure the bike will be as light as possible, and use of lightweight alloys in all the remaining parts will leave you a believer. Not the best bike for a new triathlon rider, the Trek Equinox TTX 9.9 SSL is loaded with such components as the top of the line SRAM red shifters, front and rear derailleur, crank, and 10-speed cassette. Other components are handled by Bontrager's best race parts including Bontrager Aeolus 5.0 front, 6.5 rear carbon wheels, Bontrager Race X Lite pro TT tires, and Race XXX Lite TT carbon fork. The frameset is available in small, medium, and large size, and is composed entirely of OCLV Red Carbon. The stem, seat post, and handlebars are all Bontrager Race XXX Lite Carbon, and the saddle is a Bontrager Race Lite TT. The brakeset is a Bontrager Race Lite as well, and is controlled by Bontrager XXX Lite Aero levers.