AeroAddicts

CADEXTri

Triathlon20231st generation ↗Disc brakesNot UCI legal

CADEX's first frameset in decades is a triathlon-only design with no top tube: a huge aerofoil down tube carries a removable hydration bladder, a bento box and a tool box, while a wide dual-crown fork and horizontal seatstays steer air around the rider's legs. It grew out of Kristian Blummenfelt's Sub7 and Ironman World Championship bike and is sold as a frameset module with an adjustable integrated cockpit, aero seatpost and a Topeak travel case.

CADEX Tri frameset in Silver Rush, side view
© Giant Bicycle Co., Ltd.
From
€7,000$7,000£6,500
Builds
1
Sizes
5
Frame weight
—

Design sketch, generated from the manufacturer's photo

Our verdict

No overall score: there's no complete-bike price to rate

A no-compromise Ironman frameset: hydration, food and tools live inside the down tube, the cockpit adjusts widely without re-cabling, and a travel case is included. It is not UCI legal, uses many proprietary parts and is sold only as a frameset, and testers found the handling takes some getting used to.

Scored Oct 2026

  • + Integrated hydration and storage
  • + Aero-first design
  • + Wide fit adjustment

AI-drafted from the specs on this page and reviewed before publishing. Scores are relative to every bike in the catalog when they were given, so they drop as newer bikes and parts raise the bar.

Aero
88/100

Aero claims and front-end integration

Frame
86/100

Carbon grade, weight and warranty

Hydration & storage
94/100

Hydration and storage in the frame

Fit
88/100

Sizes and adjustment range

Practicality
66/100

Travel, standard parts, servicing

How each category is scored

Bike duel

Reviews

4 independent reviews of the CADEX Tri.

Frame & platform

What each race allows

Frame & fork

Frame material
Carbon (T1000)
Fork material
Carbon (dual-crown aero fork)
Frameset weight
4,576 g10.09 lb
Weight measured on
Frameset module, size M (frame, fork, cockpit, seatpost and storage)
Frame sizes
XXS, XS, S, M, L
Colours
Silver Rush, Aurora Hologram
UCI configuration
Not UCI legal: the frame has no top tube and an oversized aerofoil down tube. CADEX lists it as approved for World Triathlon non-drafting events.

Compatibility & standards

Wheel size
700c
Max tire width
28 mm
Max chainring
55T

Hydration & storage

Integrated hydration
Yes
Hydration volume
1,000 ml33.8 fl oz
Hydration details
Removable bladder inside the down tube, sized to the frame: 600 ml in XXS up to 1,000 ml in L. Drink through a straw that exits the head-tube cover; refill through a central port.
Integrated storage
Yes
Storage details
Removable bento box at the top of the down tube holds up to ten 32 ml gels (size L); a tool box near the bottom bracket, opened from the non-drive side, comes with a multi-tool, tyre lever and CO2 inflator.
Top tube bento box
Yes
Bottle mount locations
Front of the seat tube

Fit & adjustability

Aerobar system
Integrated CADEX cockpit with a dual-crown fork, CADEX x Sync Ergonomics armrests and extensions
Pad stack adjustment range
80 mm of armrest stack adjustment in eight positions; armrest angle adjustable 0-15° (e.g. size M 615-685 mm at 15°, 630-710 mm at 0°)
Pad reach adjustment range
90 mm armrest reach adjustment (e.g. size M 400-490 mm)
Pad width range
Armrest width 190-310 mm; extension width 110 or 190 mm
Seatpost type
CADEX Tri Aero Post with a rear clamp offering 70 mm of independent fore-aft saddle adjustment
Effective seat angle range
76-80°
Fit notes
CADEX quotes more than 1,000 fit configurations. Stack can be changed with quick-release spacers without moving the extensions or re-routing cables, and the base bar height is adjustable by 40 mm.

Aerodynamics

Manufacturer aero claims
CADEX says the wide-spread bladed fork and horizontal seatstays cut drag around the rider's legs; CADEX's product manager told Triathlete it saves 6-7 W over Giant's Trinity.
Testing method
CFD and wind-tunnel testing (AeroSystem Shaping Technology)

Travel, maintenance & warranty

Travel & packing
Supplied with a CADEX x Topeak PakGo hard travel case with wheels and a built-in work stand; the base bar and extensions fold down so they can be packed without taking them apart.
Fit kept when packed
Yes
Proprietary parts
Integrated cockpit, spacer kit, handlebar bridge, seatpost and clamps, hanger and front thru-axle are frame-specific (sold as CADEX Tri spare parts)
Sold via
CADEX online store with collection at Giant retailers, and Giant/CADEX dealers

Photos

CADEX Tri frameset in Silver Rush, side view
© Giant Bicycle Co., Ltd.
CADEX Tri frameset in Silver Rush, three-quarter front view
© Giant Bicycle Co., Ltd.
CADEX Tri frameset in Silver Rush, front view
© Giant Bicycle Co., Ltd.

Design sketches

Design sketch of the CADEX Tri, side view
Side view · Design sketch, generated from the manufacturer's photo
Design sketch of the CADEX Tri, three-quarter view
Three-quarter view · Design sketch, generated from the manufacturer's photo
Design sketch of the CADEX Tri, front view
Front view · Design sketch, generated from the manufacturer's photo

Builds & components

Highlighted rows differ between builds. Green marks the best value.

CADEX Tri builds
CADEX Tri Frameset
Overview
Price (MSRP)€7,000$7,000£6,500
Weight4.58 kg10.1 lb
Weight measured on sizeM
TypeFrameset
NotesFrame, dual-crown fork, integrated cockpit, aero seatpost, CADEX x Sync Ergonomics armrests and extensions, hydration bladder, bento box, tool box and Topeak travel case. EUR price from the Irish and Italian CADEX stores (€7,000); the Dutch store shows €6,999. In October 2026 the UK store had it on sale at £4,549.
Cockpit
Aerobar systemCADEX Tri integrated cockpit
Integrated with frameYes
ExtensionsCADEX CADEX x Sync Ergonomics extension bars
Arm pads / cupsCADEX CADEX x Sync Ergonomics arm rest kit
Saddle & seatpost
SeatpostCADEX Tri Aero Post
Saddle position range70 mm fore-aft (76-80° effective seat angle)
MaterialCarbon
Included extras
Hydration systemCADEX Tri down-tube hydration bladder
Volume1,000 ml33.8 fl oz
Notes600 ml (XXS) to 1,000 ml (L)
Storage / bentoCADEX Tri bento box and tool box

Tri price & value

Where it's cheapest

MSRPs converted at ECB reference rates of 2026-10-05 (1 EUR = 1.1204 USD = 0.8472 GBP). US prices exclude sales tax, so add your state's rate before comparing.

BuildMarketMSRPIn EURvs cheapest
CADEX Tri FramesetUSA (USD, excl. sales tax)$7,000€6,248cheapest
Europe (EUR, incl. VAT)€7,000€7,000+12%
UK (GBP, incl. VAT)£6,500€7,672+23%

Building up the CADEX Tri Frameset

Included: Aerobar system, Arm pads / cups, Extensions, Hydration system, Seatpost, Storage / bento.

Still to buy: Groupset, Crankset, Cassette, Chain, Brake calipers, Wheelset, Tires, Saddle, Pedals.

Spare & upgrade parts from CADEX

PartPart numberPrice
Spacer kit—£400£400£400
Evo bar extensions—£275£275£275
Handlebar bridge—£200£200£200
Tool box and tool—£100£100£100
Seatpost saddle clamp—£100£100£100
Headset—£45£45£45
Computer mount—£40£40£40
Hydration bag—£35£35£35
Front thru-axle—£25£25£25
Integrated seatpost clamp—£20£20£20
Derailleur hanger unit—£15£15£15
Top cap—£10£10£10

Real-world weight

Scale weights of the Tri from reviewers, next to CADEX's claim.

WhatMeasuredClaimedMeasured by
Complete bikeBuilt with SRAM Red eTap AXS 2x, hydration and storage fitted, CADEX Aero 4-spoke front and disc rear (22 lb 2 oz)10.04 kg22.1 lb—Triathlete2023-06

Comparing with the claim

Ownership checklist

1 of 1 known checks pass, 6 not published by CADEX. Why these checks

  • ?

    Threaded bottom bracket

  • ?

    UDH derailleur hanger

  • ?

    Standard 12×142 mm rear axle

  • ?

    Works with mechanical shifting

  • ?

    Fits third-party aerobars

    Integrated CADEX cockpit with a dual-crown fork, CADEX x Sync Ergonomics armrests and extensions

  • ?

    Rear disc wheel compatible

  • ✓

    Fit kept when packed

Tri geometry

CADEX Tri geometry
XXSXSSML
Rider height min150 cm4′11″156 cm5′1″164 cm5′5″172 cm5′8″180 cm5′11″
Rider height max162 cm5′4″168 cm5′6″176 cm5′9″186 cm6′1″195 cm6′5″
Stack483 mm19″513 mm20.2″534 mm21″555 mm21.9″579 mm22.8″
Reach390 mm15.4″405 mm15.9″426 mm16.8″452 mm17.8″478 mm18.8″
Pad stack min545 mm21.5″575 mm22.6″595 mm23.4″615 mm24.2″640 mm25.2″
Pad stack max615 mm24.2″645 mm25.4″665 mm26.2″685 mm27″710 mm28″
Pad reach min340 mm13.4″355 mm14″375 mm14.8″400 mm15.7″425 mm16.7″
Pad reach max430 mm16.9″445 mm17.5″465 mm18.3″490 mm19.3″515 mm20.3″
Seat angle min76°76°76°76°76°
Seat angle max80°80°80°80°80°
Head tube angle71°73°73°73°73°
Head tube length70 mm2.8″95 mm3.7″120 mm4.7″145 mm5.7″170 mm6.7″
Effective top tube475 mm18.7″495 mm19.5″520 mm20.5″550 mm21.7″580 mm22.8″
Seat tube length440 mm17.3″475 mm18.7″510 mm20.1″545 mm21.5″580 mm22.8″
Chainstay405 mm15.9″405 mm15.9″405 mm15.9″405 mm15.9″405 mm15.9″
Wheelbase968 mm38.1″976 mm38.4″1,005 mm39.6″1,039 mm40.9″1,072 mm42.2″
BB drop80 mm3.1″80 mm3.1″77 mm3″74 mm2.9″74 mm2.9″
Fork offset40 mm1.6″40 mm1.6″40 mm1.6″40 mm1.6″40 mm1.6″
Trail76.1 mm3″63.3 mm2.5″63.3 mm2.5″63.3 mm2.5″63.3 mm2.5″
Saddle height min540 mm21.3″580 mm22.8″620 mm24.4″660 mm26″700 mm27.6″
Saddle height max710 mm28″750 mm29.5″790 mm31.1″830 mm32.7″870 mm34.3″
Wheel size700c700c700c700c700c
Basebar width400 mm15.7″400 mm15.7″400 mm15.7″400 mm15.7″400 mm15.7″

Side view & pad range

Your positionYour position (optional)

Drawn to scale (how to read it).

CADEX Tri · S

How the geometry rides

The Tri in size S against the middle size of 14 other bikes: tendencies from geometry, not a ride review (how to read this).

  • Trail63.3 mm2.5″

    shortestlonger than 93% of 14 bikeslongest

    Longer trail than most: steering is steadier and less twitchy on the extensions.

  • Wheelbase1,005 mm39.6″

    shortestlonger than 74% of 42 bikeslongest

  • Chainstay405 mm15.9″

    shortestlonger than 48% of 53 bikeslongest

Compare on the stack & reach chart

Good to know

  • Design

    Triathlete reports CADEX's product manager traced the top-tube-less layout back to Giant's 1990s MCR concept.

    Source

  • Fit

    The armrest pads tilt between 0 and 15 degrees; CADEX publishes separate pad stack ranges for 0, 5, 10 and 15 degrees. The geometry table on this page uses the 15-degree values, which are the lowest.

    Source

  • History

    Kristian Blummenfelt raced prototypes in 2022, winning the Ironman World Championship in St. George and going 6:44:25 for the iron distance at the Sub7 project. The frameset went on pre-order at the end of June 2022 with deliveries from October 2022.

    Source

  • Versions

    CADEX also sells matching Aero 4-spoke and disc wheels for the bike; at launch they were £1,499.99 (front 4-spoke), £1,699.99 (rear 4-spoke) and £2,199 (disc).

    Source

Tri FAQ

Is the CADEX Tri UCI legal?+

No. The CADEX Tri is not UCI legal. That is fine for non-drafting triathlon, but it cannot be used in UCI-sanctioned time trials.

How much does the CADEX Tri cost?+

Manufacturer prices (MSRP): €7,000 / $7,000 / £6,500 across 1 listed build: CADEX Tri Frameset.

How much does the CADEX Tri weigh?+

The lightest complete build listed (CADEX Tri Frameset) weighs 4.58 kg (10.1 lb) in size M. The frameset weighs 4,576 g (10.09 lb).

What sizes does the CADEX Tri come in?+

5 sizes: XXS, XS, S, M and L. The manufacturer recommends them for riders from 150 cm (4′11″) to 195 cm (6′5″).

What pad stack and pad reach can the CADEX Tri reach?+

Across all sizes, pad stack ranges from 545 mm (21.5″) to 710 mm (28″), and pad reach from 340 mm (13.4″) to 515 mm (20.3″). Use the fit finder to check which size covers your position.

What seat angle does the CADEX Tri have?+

The effective seat tube angle can be set between 76° and 80°. 76-80°.

Does the CADEX Tri have integrated hydration?+

Yes, 1,000 ml (33.8 fl oz). Removable bladder inside the down tube, sized to the frame: 600 ml in XXS up to 1,000 ml in L. Drink through a straw that exits the head-tube cover; refill through a central port.

Does the CADEX Tri have integrated storage?+

Yes. Removable bento box at the top of the down tube holds up to ten 32 ml gels (size L); a tool box near the bottom bracket, opened from the non-drive side, comes with a multi-tool, tyre lever and CO2 inflator. A top tube bento box is integrated.

What is the tire clearance of the CADEX Tri?+

Up to 28 mm tires on 700c wheels.

Which groupsets are compatible with the CADEX Tri?+

The largest chainring that fits is 55T.

Is the CADEX Tri easy to travel with?+

Supplied with a CADEX x Topeak PakGo hard travel case with wheels and a built-in work stand; the base bar and extensions fold down so they can be packed without taking them apart.

Is the CADEX Tri aerodynamic?+

CADEX says the wide-spread bladed fork and horizontal seatstays cut drag around the rider's legs; CADEX's product manager told Triathlete it saves 6-7 W over Giant's Trinity. (CFD and wind-tunnel testing (AeroSystem Shaping Technology))

Sources

CADEX Tri data last updated · How the data is checked ·